M4A2 Pacific Theatre

By: urdan

Manufacturer(s): Trumpeter

Modifications: This model was made of two Trumpeter kits; the Sherman M4 early (turret) and the Sherman M4A3 (76) (hull and chassis). The additional armour on the sides of hull and chassis has been made of polystyrene sheet. Tracks on the turret and glacis plate have been taken from Italeri Sherman M4A1 kit.

After-market parts: For this model photo-etched headlight guards from Dragon Sherman kit have been used.

Description: Sherman M4A2 Marine corps with additional armour during Okinava company. Painting: XF-51+XF-2. Weathering: Tamiya "A" "light sand".

Judge 1: The overall build is good, but lacks colour and contrast. It is hard to tell from the photos what colour the tank is. The conversion with added armour palting is well done. The decals appear to have carrier film around the decal. Suggestion is to apply the decals over a gloss finish and re-cost over with a final Clear Falt finish. The mode would look even more realistic with more weathering around the tracks and bogies. Tank details need more 3d effect either by replacing them entirely or scribing around them or just using pin washes.
Judge 2: Good construction, all part from different kit was put together very well. No gap from parts exist. Base color is ok while weathering could be better. It seems that no washing and drybrush was performed; your weathering is, let me say, little confused. We can see the brush trace and there is no a logic direction of dirty. Personally I think that before put the light sand dirty, you had to make a wash or lining and some filter to change the monochromatic tone. There is also at least one decal that is glossy and we can see the border. Paolo Capitanio
Judge 3: A good build of an interesting subject. The finish is nice and dusty, although the dust accentuates the decal carrier film a little. More depth and shadow would help make the finish more interesting and realistic.