Tamiya M4A3 Sherman 105 mm Howitzer Tank

After seeing all these great Military builds, thought I'd add my current project on here. A few of us at The Sherman Shop are all doing a Group build on the Tamiya M4A3 Sherman. They made about 6 different models of it over the years. I chose to build the 1987 version of the 105 mm Howitzer Sherman. Also scored a couple of PE sets, 105 mm aluminum barrel and brass antenna to go with it. The kit has pretty good details, but lacks other details, like the rear of the bogie wheels and under the sponsons or fenders. This is very similar to Pauls build, but a little different.


Allot of the photo etch parts will sit flush on the surface, so started by drilling out the mount holes and filling with stretched sprue. Allot of holes...

Then cut them off and sanded.


The deck handles were shaved off, drilled and new ones made of bent wire. You can also use the PE ones in the Aber kit.

Accidentally cut off a couple of bolt heads, so replaced them with hex styrene rod.

Here's what I meant about the sponsons were missing.

So, cut strips of styrene and enclosed them, as well as the rear engine compartment.



Right now, working on cleaning up all the wheels and bogies, then paint.
Thanks for lookin. 

Very nice Bruce. glad to see you doing this. I always learn more tricks watching the non-automotive genres being built.

Thanks for showing us this, Bruce.  Since I built mine box-stock, I can now see it built up with the extras.

 

Great start Bruce. I like your idea for filling the holes!

I thought the Sherman was discontinued in the mid fifties!!

Nice beginnings brother will keep an eye out

Regards,
Mark

All those holes makes it look like a range target. The variations on the Sherman theme are enough to do your head in too!

She's looking good Bruce.

Nice work, i love building Sherman and their variants.

this looks to be coming together as something special !!!

keep us updated

Looking good Bruce.

It's coming together very nicely Bruce.   

Cool, for certain! The interesting stretched sprue filler idea I wouldn't have thought of. With your skill and the P.E. parts it'll be a "killer" project. We'll see if you plan on weathering and/or battle damaging it. Best o' luck!

Some good progress pics thanks for showing. I saw the hull of a Sherman near the water in Guadalcanal when I was there 30 years ago. They were everywhere.