My First Armor Build

D

Dminor9

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Apr 3, 2023
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I just finished my first armor build. A Tamiya 1/35 Sherman Easy Eight. While it turned out fairly decent, I cannot say I really enjoyed the build. I found there were way too many tiny and fragile parts. I am amazed that I did not lose any to the tweezer catapult or the rug parts eating monster. I also did not break any of the fragile parts cutting them off the sprue or cleaning them up. This was a first for me. I always seem to lose or break at least a couple parts per model. I found cleaning the parts was a major pain in the ass. But somehow I managed to do it. I have never actually used any figure that came with a kit. I used this figure because my grandson wanted me to. I made a major mistake right off the bat by putting the figure together before painting it. But somehow managed to make it look presentable. This was OOTB all the way. I do not weather, panel line, or use washes. I was strictly using dry brushing for this kit. Don't know if I will do another armor piece. It is just not my favorite subject to buildIMG_0829.jpgIMG_0833.jpgIMG_0833.jpgIMG_0834.jpgIMG_0835.jpgIMG_0836.jpgIMG_0837.jpgIMG_0839.jpg. My next build already on the bench is a Tamiya 1/12 Honda CBR1000 Fireblade SP. I really enjoy motorcycle builds. Here are some pics of the Sherman Easy Eight.
 
Despite your misgivings, the model has come out pretty nicely, IMHO. Was it this kit?

Tamiya 35346.jpg

This is not Tamiya's worst kit, but I thought it could have been better than it actually is, in terms of ease of construction. The suspension especially was rather loose for my taste, and if you're used to big motorcycles then I can easily see why you think there are too many small parts in this kit :)
 
Jakko said:
Despite your misgivings, the model has come out pretty nicely, IMHO. Was it this kit?

View attachment 128710

This is not Tamiya's worst kit, but I thought it could have been better than it actually is, in terms of ease of construction. The suspension especially was rather loose for my taste, and if you're used to big motorcycles then I can easily see why you think there are too many small parts in this kit :)
Click to expand...
Yes it was that kit. I picked it for several reasons. My 7 yr old grandson wanted me to build it, I wanted a Sherman to remind me of the movie "Fury" (one of the best WWII movies ever), and it had rubber band treads. It seemed like it was a bit over-engineered a bit, but it turned out ok. Back to motorcycles for me. Thanks for looking and responding to the thread. I appreciate it.
 
Dminor9 said:
I just finished my first armor build. A Tamiya 1/35 Sherman Easy Eight. While it turned out fairly decent, I cannot say I really enjoyed the build. I found there were way too many tiny and fragile parts. I am amazed that I did not lose any to the tweezer catapult or the rug parts eating monster. I also did not break any of the fragile parts cutting them off the sprue or cleaning them up. This was a first for me. I always seem to lose or break at least a couple parts per model. I found cleaning the parts was a major pain in the ass. But somehow I managed to do it. I have never actually used any figure that came with a kit. I used this figure because my grandson wanted me to. I made a major mistake right off the bat by putting the figure together before painting it. But somehow managed to make it look presentable. This was OOTB all the way. I do not weather, panel line, or use washes. I was strictly using dry brushing for this kit. Don't know if I will do another armor piece. It is just not my favorite subject to buildView attachment 128688View attachment 128689View attachment 128689View attachment 128690View attachment 128691View attachment 128692View attachment 128693View attachment 128694. My next build already on the bench is a Tamiya 1/12 Honda CBR1000 Fireblade SP. I really enjoy motorcycle builds. Here are some pics of the Sherman Easy Eight.
Click to expand...
Looks great!
 
You did good. Nice job.

Weathering or a wash would make it 'pop'. It's just little paint, a bit of water (if using acrylic), and experiment. It is fast and pretty easy. But you could ruin the whole she-bang too. LOL. Use flat colors, of course, they will take away the sheen.

Anyway.

Kuddo's to you for doing the figure for your grandson! It looks good!!!

Maybe watch the movie again with your grandson. Get some flat white and a small brush and freehand "FURY" on the barrel sides.

Or, leave it alone. Good job.
 
Dminor9 said:
I wanted a Sherman to remind me of the movie "Fury" (one of the best WWII movies ever)
Click to expand...
Eh … let's say we'll differ in opinion on that :)

Dminor9 said:
and it had rubber band treads.
Click to expand...
Funny, those were not the first thing I decided to replace, but they moved up the list as soon as I took a good look at them :) But then, I build armoured vehicles and little else — if I were to build a motorbike I probably wouldn't tinker either with things that you are bound to improve or replace.
 
Jakko said:
Eh … let's say we'll differ in opinion on that :)


Funny, those were not the first thing I decided to replace, but they moved up the list as soon as I took a good look at them :) But then, I build armoured vehicles and little else — if I were to build a motorbike I probably wouldn't tinker either with things that you are bound to improve or replace.
Click to expand...
If we all had the same opinion, it would be a very boring world for sure. I build straight of the box. I do not buy extras to replace parts that came in the box because I am on a fixed income. I do not model all the time as I have other interests and hobbies. So modeling is a part time thing for me. A couple models a year is plenty for me. I do enjoy the hobby, but not to the point of having to do it all the time. I never have more than a single kit at a time and do not have a separate room as a modeling space. It might take 4 months or so to complete one, but I do enjoy the final product to display and look at. For me, that is enough to satisfy me. Guess that is what it is all about anyway, enjoying it.
 
Oh, I have plenty of other stuff I do too — but also too big a stash of kits I intend to build. Worse, even though I could spend more time building models than I do, and I actually want to, I don't actually do so :( But IMHO, the only thing that counts is if you're enjoying it. If not, build something else — you didn't overly enjoy this Sherman, by the looks of it, but hey, plenty of other subjects you can do instead :)
 
Dminor9 said:
Thanks all for looking and for the compliments!
Click to expand...
I've been doing may most recent aircraft builds without weathering. It isn't needed if you don't care to do it. It's all a matter of personal choice. It looks good to me. You mentioned cleaning the parts. I never bother with that and it's never been an issue. That's pretty much old school from models molded long ago. Not needed anymore unless you just feel the need.
 
I think this looks fantastic. I also build out of the box (mostly). If I could offer one small critique, I would hit it with a coat of clear matte to tone down the shine. That's just me and MHO.
Like I always tell my kids, "you do you and don't let others dictate who you are or what you do."
 
Jim62 said:
I've been doing may most recent aircraft builds without weathering. It isn't needed if you don't care to do it. It's all a matter of personal choice. It looks good to me. You mentioned cleaning the parts. I never bother with that and it's never been an issue. That's pretty much old school from models molded long ago. Not needed anymore unless you just feel the need.
Click to expand...
By "cleaning the parts" I meant when I clip it off the sprue, I file off any leftover nub on the part. I do not clean as in wash the parts. Never have.
 
TimM63 said:
I think this looks fantastic. I also build out of the box (mostly). If I could offer one small critique, I would hit it with a coat of clear matte to tone down the shine. That's just me and MHO.
Like I always tell my kids, "you do you and don't let others dictate who you are or what you do."
Click to expand...
Yea I probably should do a flat or matte clear coat, but probably won't. Lol
 
Jim62 said:
I've been doing may most recent aircraft builds without weathering. It isn't needed if you don't care to do it. It's all a matter of personal choice. It looks good to me. You mentioned cleaning the parts. I never bother with that and it's never been an issue. That's pretty much old school from models molded long ago. Not needed anymore unless you just feel the need.
Click to expand...
By cleaning the parts, I did not mean actual washing them. I have never done that. I meant after clipping the part off the sprue, sanding or filing the leftover nub or mark on the part. When it is a really small part or fragile part, it is a difficult process. Thanks for the positive remarks!
 

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