I've had this kit since I was about 14, but didn't get around to building it until recently. I haven't done much to it since my son was born 2 years ago. At the same time I bought this (around 1975), I also bought the Sherman "Hedgehog", also by Monogram & also in 1/32nd scale. I fully intend to build both tanks eventually, but started on the "Calliope" first. After doing tons of exhaustive research, I noticed just about all of the rocket launcher tanks were M-4 or M-4A3 types with the welded hull instead of the cast hull. Both of these kits also had the earlier features; such as: direct vision slots in the driver & co-driver positions & rear air intakes without filter boxes. The "Hedgehog" had the correct earlier narrow gun mantlet, so after swithing turrets & adding some applique armor, I started in earnest on the M4A1. It's still a work in progress, but I've done alot so far. the hatches had no periscope or taillightguards or handles, so I fabricated some with brass rod, paper clips & small staples.

The turret & hull were relatively smooth, so I added some putty & heavily globbed paint to reproduce a cast iron effect. I plan on adding alot more detail; such as: decals/markings, stowage, personal items, tools, etc. A work in progress, don't forget.

1975? you must have one helluva kit-stash!
looks like you're doing pretty nicely with that classic old kit.
Keep us posted with more of your progress pix please.
Terry

Very nice!

Man, I wasn't even old enough to sniff glue in 1975 let alone buy a model kit. Nice looking Sherman, can't wait to see the end result.

Probably around the same time (1975-ish), I bought an M4 A1 76W made by Italeri. It's 1/35th scale along with a bunch of others I built around that time, also. I detailed the commander with an armored division patch on his left shoulder & Sergeant stripes. The turret was smooth, so I roughed it up some & re-contoured the shell ejection port & the step on the barrel which didn't belong (not visible in these pics, since work had not been done yet). My first attempt at weathering an armored vehicle & I added a tow cable I made from crocheting thread.

Here's the right side.

And the tank commander.

Like the detailing. Very nice work

Nice kit and even better job with the detailing.

Great job and good camera work too! My camera stinks at close ups! Good detail and steady hand!
Thanks
Paul

Nice job on a classic kit.

Try picture hanging wire for a tow cable. It looks good and you can get it anywhere.

very nice details. Good job

Lovely Details!
Good Job!

Nice... I also note the Monogram M-29C weasel in the back ground. For all the years of looking, thats the only kit of the M-29 I've been able to find. It was a pretty prominent vehicle late in the war... I'm surprised Dragon or Tamiya haven't done one yet...

Wayne

Wayne, if there was a Weasel beutepanzer version, you can bet Dragon would be selling it!
Terry

Yes, it is a Monogram Weasel & I have another that is unbuilt. I bought both around the same time as the "Calliope" & "Hedgehog" kits. I've since reconstructed the Weasel driver so as not to look like he had a stiff neck, looking up at the sky. Eventually I'll incorporate both weasels into a USMC Pacific Theater diorama.

Outstanding models! I love the details and all the extra hand crafted items you modelers add to these to give them a more realistic look. Just outstanding. Put it on a display with some battlefield "stuff" and you have one heck of a showpiece. Very nice. I love what you guys do with these models. I only wish that I had the talent, time, and most important......patience to do these things. All you modelers are just awersome, I only wish I had the talent to do these things that you guys do. Thanks for sharing yours with us!