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--- blog:military:models_sherman_m4a4_firefly [2025/05/18 17:19] – [Dragon 1/72 Sherman M4A4 VC 'Firefly'] john
+++ blog:military:models_sherman_m4a4_firefly [2025/05/25 16:33] (current) – [Painting] john
@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250515140915.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250515140931.jpg?500|}}
-==== In Progress Images ====
-==== Completed Images ====
+**[16th May 2025]** Building up the parts for the upper hull and turret. I think I have hit the limit in what I can actually handle with my not-so-young-anymore hands and eyes... some of the photoetch brass parts are beyond my ability to use effectively. I decide to only use the parts which are not too small for me to see or handle - this means there are a small number of details not added, as well as a few more details which remain in plastic (and not cut/replaced with the brass). Even so, this is a very detailed kit for 1:72 scale.
+This is an example part - it's a cage which fits over various vision blocks on the tank... and it's absolutely **tiny**. And there are about half a dozen of them, there are some //even smaller// handles to replace cast-in plastic ones from the frame, and they can be no more than about 1.5 x 2mm (part number #14 on the brass sprue)... I just couldn't work with them!
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250516185514.jpg?500|}}
+Adding the photoetch parts that I //can// handle to the upper hull:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250516195249.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250516195257.jpg?500|}}
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250516195318.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250516195328.jpg?500|}}
+Test fit the two hull sections to ensure they go together without any major issues, and they do:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250516214125.jpg?500|}}
+Brass parts for rear mudguards:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517121045.jpg?500|}}
+Final parts added to turret:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517121055.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517121106.jpg?500|}}
+Adding extra stowage kit from a big bag of random bags, canvas, crates, fuel cans, helmets etc:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517182012.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517182021.jpg?500|}}
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517182027.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250517182034.jpg?500|}}
+All extra pieces in place:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250518163950.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250518163956.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250518164002.jpg?500|}}
+==== Comparisons ====
+Comparing with the [[:blog:military:models_sherman_m4a2|Heller 1:72 M4A2 Sherman]] which I built a couple of days after this Dragon kit:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a2_leclerc:img20250518164034.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a2_leclerc:img20250518164040.jpg?500|}}
+The Dragon kit is //lovely// - just look at the texture of the cast turret, the weld details etc. Plus there's all that brass detail... //if your eyes and hands are capable of using it all!//
+However, the regular Heller Sherman is still a very nice kit - especially if you don't want or need the M4A4 Firefly variant.
+==== Painting ====
+=== Base Colours ===
+Prime in light green:
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250518192140.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250518205952.jpg?500|}}
+Pre-shading and highlights:
+   * Vallejo Model Air - Nato Black
+   * Mig Ammo - Cold Grey
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250524130123.jpg?500|}}
+Olive drab and stowage parts painted:
+   * Vallejo Model - N41 Dark Olive Drab
+   * Stowage parts painted in various browns, greens - mixture of flat colours and washes, speed colours, inks etc.
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a2_leclerc:img20250524132608.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a2_leclerc:img20250524132627.jpg?500|}}
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250524190630.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250524190637.jpg?500|}}
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250525090133.jpg?500|}}
+=== Decals ===
+The kit has several schemes, but none of them have much in the way of markings.
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250525102921.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250525102930.jpg?500|}}
+=== Chipping / Rust ===
+Colours in lightest (outer edge of rust) to darkest (inner rust patch):
+   * Vallejo Model Colour - Pastel Green
+   * Vallejo Model Colour - Russian WWII Uniform Green
+   * Vallejo Model Colour - Chocolate Brown
+Actual rust streaks from these patches will be added later.
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250525113056.jpg?500|}} {{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250525113112.jpg?500|}}
+{{:blog:models:sherman_m4a4_firefly:img20250525113120.jpg?500|}}
+===== Completed Images =====
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