M1Marksman Posted February 7, 2009 Share #1 Posted February 7, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1Marksman Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share #2 Posted February 7, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Meatcan Posted February 7, 2009 Share #3 Posted February 7, 2009 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72newport Posted February 8, 2009 Share #4 Posted February 8, 2009 Very nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swag Posted February 8, 2009 Share #5 Posted February 8, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1Marksman Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted February 8, 2009 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1Marksman Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted February 8, 2009 Here's the right side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1Marksman Posted February 8, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted February 8, 2009 And the tank commander. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty S Posted February 9, 2009 Share #9 Posted February 9, 2009 Like the detailing. Very nice work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markfh Posted February 14, 2009 Share #10 Posted February 14, 2009 Nice kit and even better job with the detailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pmuranyi Posted July 17, 2009 Share #11 Posted July 17, 2009 Great job and good camera work too! My camera stinks at close ups! Good detail and steady hand! Thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Baker Posted January 14, 2010 Share #12 Posted January 14, 2010 Nice job on a classic kit. Try picture hanging wire for a tow cable. It looks good and you can get it anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobza Posted January 23, 2010 Share #13 Posted January 23, 2010 very nice details. Good job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USforaGI Posted January 23, 2010 Share #14 Posted January 23, 2010 Lovely Details! Good Job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpguy80/08 Posted January 24, 2010 Share #15 Posted January 24, 2010 Here's the right side. 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Meatcan Posted January 24, 2010 Share #16 Posted January 24, 2010 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! :thumbsup: Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1Marksman Posted January 31, 2010 Author Share #17 Posted January 31, 2010 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. Wayne 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Dentino Posted January 31, 2010 Share #18 Posted January 31, 2010 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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