Hi folks,

I had to open the Taska Firefly kit I have for a test fit of the new Resicast 17 pdr breech so I thought I'd build one of the options from the kit; C Sqn NZ 20th Armd Regt, 4 Armd Bde in Italy 1945. I got the NZ camo and markings book from ACG some time a go also with lots of good Sherman options.

Haven't built one of the Tasca Shermans before, but the kit looks good with different armoured radio boxes depending on your build.
Cheers

Al

Hi Alan,
In my humble opinion, Tasca make the best Sherman kits on the market. The fit and detail are pretty impressive! Enjoy the build and I look forward to seeing this build!!

Thanks Eric,

It's been quite a few years since I build one, so I'll have to re-read everything I've forgotten .

Cheers

Al

Nice start Al. You'll love this kit - literally falls together

Gary

Hi Matt,

No problem Eu 12.50.

Al

Nice start Al, and I am looking forward to seeing your NZ camo scheme!
Terry

Hi Terry,

Thanks, according to the book it just OD by April 45.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

This version didn't have the blanket box on the end of the armd radio box, rather a small rail around the top. As I satred on the turret I'll build down. I'll also add a No 19 radio to the kit.

I like the fact you get different radio boxes and muzzel breaks.





Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

A bit more porgress, the boggies and wheels are done, lower hull assembled, and a test fit of the top hull.

Does anyone know the measurement of the turret basket floor in 1/35 scale and how many fixings held it to the turret?

I'm going to put in a partial interior, drivers seat and ransmission. I believe the gunners seat was removed for extra ammo stowage.

Anyway a few updates.











Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

This particular vehicle had applique armour, and I've added that to the hull sides and turret.

The strips for the side come in PE format, so they will have to be added.

Also started on the transmission.

Al

Hi folks,

A bit more progress. Added the transmission and engine into the front. Fashioned a not very accurate basket to help fill the empty space and I used one of the Bronco radios. You'd need to file out the rear of the turret if you want to fit a radio, given the way the turret ring and turret connnect in the kit. I also added a 2" mortar and a few items to fill the turret a bit.

The stowage in the Firefly was different to that of a normal Sherman to cope with the 17pdr ammo so the interior won't be totally complete or accurate but more a space filler to give the illlusion of internals.

I have several Mk Vs to build and the Chrysler engine so I may try and do a more accurate version on the next build.













Cheers

Al

Coming along nicely Al

Gary

Love the work on your turret, maybe buy a Meng PE set for the radio to compliment the stellar detail of your Resicast parts? Lord knows I'd splurge on one of their interior sets however mucho expensive and they don't make one for the M4A3.

Hi Gary,

Thanks, first time I've worked with the Tasca kits, great detail but very delicate parts in places.

Hi Willem,

I used the Bronco radio as little will be seen and it's not complete or detailed enough to use elsewhere. I have both Formations and Resicast sets so will compliment it with some additional bits, but those sets I want to use with some radio trucks I have a mind to build.

Cheers

Al

kool. Is this the same kit that is in the new Tamiya Firefly kit? How many Firefly variants did Tasca make? Their new company Asuka lets you buy individual Tasca Sprues for all the kits they made...I think that is ace, however..most are sold out.
http://tasca-shop.ocnk.net/product-list/6

Actually, I think Asuka has plenty in stock. I think they aren't updating that particular page. Here's a link to their domestic sprue selling pages

http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/asukamodel-netshop/12f35a5b7a2.html

Click onto the base model and a page of the individual sprues comes up. Funny thing is they have options for overseas selling.

Thanks David. Hopefully it will trun out OK.

Al

Sadly the ones I want (M4A2) are out of stock when you try and order. I really hope they put the Sherman III back in production

Wow Alan,

Very nice work , keep them images rolling .

Thanks

Michael

Thanks for looking in Michael, I've been wanting to do a New Zealand Vehicle for a while now.

Cheers

Al

From the M4 Composite and others they only have partial kit content available from their kits

Hi folks,

A bit more progress. Added the drivers eat and controls and a bit of stowage on the front LHS. The gunners seat was removed and this area used for stowage of about 14 x 17 pdr rounds. The rounds sat in a box with a diamond lattice type top. I couldn't figure out a way to do this in plastic easily so I opted for some rounds just to fill that space althouh I have one idea that moght work!. Also amde a start on the engine deck by adding some of the fittings.

I also added the kit 17pdr barrel to the turret and joioned things up.

British Fireflys didn't carry the cleaning rods externally but it appears that the New Zealanders did. Anyway a few update pics.

Al

Nice work on that Asuka kit! May I offer these 2 tips?

Engine plate E31 was supposed to have weld seams on the rearmost and side edges. .


Another enhancement isthe thickening up the armor slabs at the front of the drivers’ hoods using putty. The M4A4’s hood front faces have distinct bulges created by the casting process with the right bulge being thicker as evidenced by a deeper shadow in all photos. I simply applied a thicker coat of putty on the right hood than the left hood. You may ignore this if you plan on using the applique armor slabs. But I thought you might want to know.

Thanks for the tips Roy,

Been a while shince I did a Sherman. This one is from Tasca, just been a while getting around to it. They are lovely kits and I'm glad the range got taken over.

Cheers

Al