Sherman M4A1

By: Ilya Cherkashnev

Manufacturer(s): Italeri

After-market parts: Goffy Modells

Description: France 1944 Painting: Zvezda , Weathering: CMK light Earth

Judge 1: The overall build is very nice! Nice photos. Parts seem to be cleaned-up nicely. There is some alignment problem though with the right-side track near the drive sprocket. The large canvass on the engine deck is nicely painted, but would have benefited from some carving with an X-acto blade at the bottom to make it less "rigid". Also make sure that any boxes are tied onto the tank (the box on the fender is not tied on). As for painting, the model is nicely painted (I only see some minor gloss and inconsistent finish between the turret and hull). The model paint finish would greatly benefit from contrast to make it stand out (more use of pre/post shading, and pin/area washes would help break-up the single-colour paint scheme). The dust and weathering are subtle and good but could improve with some more even application.
Judge 2: A solid build with a well applied base colour. More shading would improve the model, especially around the smaller details and a greater variety in the colours and tones to help break up the single colour.
Judge 3: Construction is ok even if could be more clean, in particular where it has been used the filler. The weathering on the base color is improvable. A selective wash can improve the contrast and some filter help to modify the monochromatic tone. Also the stowage could be improve; a little different tone or color can help to break the uniform look. I think that on the metallic part of the tracks could be put some rust color, also on the front welded pieces. I like too much the wood case on the left front side. Paolo Capitanio