Sherman Tanks

This is the last major production version of the Sherman tank used by the US Army.

The plastic tool set is clearly visible.

The spare track links are located in specific spots on each side on the top of the fenders.

There are two hatches on the roof of the turret.  One is the commanders cupola on the right (starboard) side.  The other is the small oval hatch.

The hatches on late war Shermans could come in several variations since the commanders cupola and the oval loaders hatch could be installed on older tanks.  The split hatch could be replaced by the commanders cupola in the field, and the oval loaders hatch was often installed when tanks or tank turrets, got a major rebuild.

The gun lock on the front of the hull.
 

Sherman Tank Parts

The Heiser Sherman EZ8 tank model with all the major parts laid out on a tray.

I don't use some of the little tiny bits, headlights and supports for the fenders.

For wargames models they are too fragile so I don't put them on the kits.

The main gun glued to the turret.  I stick the turret rear into a bit of modelling clay to hold the turret in position while the glue dried on the gun.

Here is a closeup of the turret and gun and clay.

The suspension bits include 12 road wheels, and 6 shock absorbers.

The outer road wheels get glued onto the inner road wheels.

The little wings are spare track links that go on top of the fenders.

Rear hull and engine vent with a plastic trailer hitch.  There is only hole that has to be drilled into the rear for the trailer hitch.

Plastic bow machine gun.
 

EZ 8

Building a Heiser Models M4A3E8 Sherman tank with 76mm gun and HVSS tracks.

I unpacked all the parts and trim off all the flash.

I keep the model in this little tray so the parts don't get lost.  The Sherman hull is one big piece that is very nicely made.

There is a bit of a mold seam along the edge of the hull and it is very easy to remove.

Put two parts of 5 minute quik cure epoxy on aluminum foil and mix with toothpick.

Made by Bob Smith Industries many hobby companies sell it with their own name on the bottles.
 

Ice Water Enclosure

Seal as aero-san arrives.

Aero-san in the north pole as polar bear greets him.

The Penguin and a penguin.

With the Penguin-Mobile.

Mr. Freeze and his Freeze-Mobile.

This bit of terrain has many possible uses.