Post by Mark Aldrich on Feb 10, 2017 21:19:36 GMT -5
Well, there is a set of Shermans in the Independence Day parade of 1949 that sport Disney characters above the registration number. In all there were 2 Mickeys, 1 Minnie, and Pluto. I think they did it because they (the 82nd Armored Battalion) knew they were being disbanded because there were too many Machals (Non-Israeli volunteers) in the Armor Force. It was their act of defiance! It is basically the 105mm kit with a M2/M3 gun, barrel, shield and mantlet taken off a Dragon Sherman Mk. III kit. I had originally purchased a CMK barrel and mantlet but it looks too wrong in so many ways. The barrel actually looks like a 105mm (short and stubby). Luckily, my Sherman graveyard yielded the parts I needed.
Nicely done, Mark! Dr. Manasherob's decals, I presume? And what was your choice of paint? To me, this really captures the brownish-OD tone of early IDF armor.
Greg
"You could probably use some armor. A Sherman can give you a very nice...edge!"
Post by Mark Aldrich on Feb 14, 2017 12:22:30 GMT -5
Greg, The Decals are SabingaMarin. I made my own early IDF green by mixing MM OD and MM Red Brown. I was worried that the red would be too much but was pleased with the way it came out. Really wish someone could find color pics of the early years. Of course, I am just happy they have the pics in B&W.
Yeah, it's possible that some of Dr. Robert's trove includes color shots, but the format of his serials to date has used color only for artwork and images of preserved tanks to show details. Eventually he may run out of detail topics that require exterior color photo coverage, leaving room to print period color images, but who knows. I've noted your colors for the early OD for future reference. I haven't built an early M50 or other IDF Sherman from the period in over a decade, and the one I built then was, I have learned, much too green.
"You could probably use some armor. A Sherman can give you a very nice...edge!"
Post by Mark Aldrich on Feb 14, 2017 13:59:06 GMT -5
Like Dr. Robert himself states "Locally Produced" so I believe anything is possible. I am debating doing a IDF semi gloss turret/Flat hull or a early Sand Grey with yours. Contemplating the bellows fabrication. Definitely want to mix up roadwheels (I have tons thanks to Steve), Mid production Bogies, Composite hull.
The dust cover bellows is pretty easy, really. Lay in some epoxy putty, wait about an hour, and sculpt it as it begins to set up. The beauty of how I engineered that turret is that you can set the gun elevation as you like and sculpt the cover accordingly.
"You could probably use some armor. A Sherman can give you a very nice...edge!"