RE: Nov DAK Battle 2009
Reminder for our happening fun time. Weather is supposed to be 75 degrees and perfect. It is a potluck so please bring what you like and wish to share. We have some new vehicles and combat debuts for all to see. Bring it!
Posted on: 11/20/2009 10:10 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268891

RE: Tiger 1 Div. GroBdeutschland Winter 43-44
Where's the apple?
Posted on: 11/20/2009 9:00 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268718

RE: Tiger 1 Div. GroBdeutschland Winter 43-44
When are you painting it Olive Drab?
Posted on: 11/20/2009 8:18 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9268613

RE: My Sherman's First Field Test
Global Warming is a myth? Ducks that far north in November? When I was a kid they were already down in New Jersey by Halloween!
Posted on: 11/20/2009 3:54 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9267998

RE: KV -85 tank
RSEA, If you make it to the battle this saturday you might find some more Russkie stuff to play with.
Posted on: 11/18/2009 1:35 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9262048

RE: Nov DAK Battle 2009
Just an FYI to those of you who may be coming to the event, we have a few tanks that are "available". Check our site or email me for more info. SEE YOU ON THE FIELD!
Posted on: 11/17/2009 2:07 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260407

RE: NEW 1/16 M36 Jackson Turret Kit- NEW UPDATES 11/15/09
Is this a new version of this tank with a new upper hull? It looks like it is the M4 I wanted it to be in the first place! Not like my Hull!
Posted on: 11/17/2009 3:54 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9259591

RE: N.J. Tankers sound off!!
I grew up in Ridgewood so I will join your club in Spirit. As per Hobby Shops, you guys ever been to HiWayHobby? Its way up Route17 in Ramsey but I spend many days of my youth there and they actually had many of the Tamiya tanks on the shelves in the '80s. http://www.hiwayhobby.com/index.html
Posted on: 11/16/2009 1:09 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9257820

Allied Paint Schemes in a day...
The topic of US paint schemes has been tossed about lately and as the Mato M4A1 is a canvas upon which we can paint a limited number of schemes I thought I would share a simple day in my paint shop. Now this kit is a 1/35 scale Academy M10 but some wishful thinking may see this as a Mato release down the road and for the most part the techniques are the same. I began this model a few years back and it has been a "Shelf Queen" for a while but tonight I got the itch after ModelZona 2009, our local IPMS model contest, to paint something new. http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/DAK_Events/DAK_EVENT_GALLERY/Pages/MODELZONA_2009.html Step one, primer coat. Once again I tried the old Tamiya Nato Brown thinned with Tamiya Airbrush thinner. I use a ratio of about 40%-60% Paint/Thinner and my Iwata Eclipse will run all day like that. I used about one full color cup to finish this step. Step two, base coat. Testor's Acrylic OD. Thinned with Testor's acrylic thinner. A subtle hint is to always thin with the products own thinner. I let each coat dry for about one half of a football game. (it is Sunday) Step three, scratches. On trick I have adopted lately is to do a sequence of scratches while the paint still has some time to cure. It usually goes down to the original primer and looks really convincing if you ask me. Use a finger nail, sanding stick or small screw driver to make scratches in hight traffic areas, around hatches, corners, maintenance panels. Step three, sealer. Now is when i usually use a clear coat or dull coat to seal the model and prepare for decals. Today I am using dry transfers and water slide. Step four, I use Archer Dry Transfer markings and some waterslide decals from my Pershing (yes, 1/16). I trim all the carrie from the stars and they settle down with micro sol almost like they are painted on. Step Five, I overspray the tank with Tamiya Flat Black as they did in the ETO. Step Six, Lightly mist Tamiya Earth brown over the lower hull for mud and use it lightly on the upper surfaces as a filter to blend the colors. All this was done this afternoon and was a nice change of pace. I love this hobby. http://web.me.com/ethandunsford/AMPS_ARIZONA/ETO_M10.html
Posted on: 11/16/2009 1:43 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9256934

RE: Nov DAK Battle 2009
Just a friendly reminder, the upcoming battle is still scheduled for the 21st at "Grapentine Field" in Phoenix. Reports of new Shermans and some AXIS targets abound. Hope to see you on the field.
Posted on: 11/13/2009 5:54 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251697

RE: Weathering Techniques and Detailing
I confess the registration is from the Tamiya sheet and is only enhanced with the W from a dry transfer sheet
Posted on: 11/13/2009 5:35 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251657

RE: Weathering Techniques and Detailing
Nothing beats wood like real wood!
Posted on: 11/13/2009 3:38 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9251385

RE: Nov DAK Battle 2009
PZJGR I am impressed. If I did a Panther those are the mods and Zimm I would do! I will enjoy shooting hole in you!
Posted on: 11/4/2009 2:21 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9227906

RE: Panzerkampfwagen M4A1(76)W - Review
Questions. Did your tank come with the reversed Bogie or it that a goof? My FOV Sherman came that way. Is there a differential cover underneath the sprocket? Or is it plain like Tamiya? On the turret, is there anything inside the gunner's sight brush guard? In your opinion can that suspension be grafted to a Tamiya aluminum hull? From what I have seen, some surgery is due.
Posted on: 11/2/2009 12:30 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9221692

RE: Tamiya M4A3 Sherman conversions
PZJGR, I exaggerated a wee bit. I painted the tank over a period of a whole day, not so much one night.... I did the base coat in the morning, OD in mid afternoon, Tamiya clear lacquer after dinner, and decals around 2AM. Painting is not an exact science. There is no exact time table for every stage but a general rule is the longer duration between coats, the more likely it is to be completely cured. When manufactured, Sherman tanks were painted with spray guns and dried under heat lamps. They were usually completely dry in under 4 minutes. In Arizona, the low humidity and warm weather usually completely cures some finishes in hours. Sometimes the paint dries before it hits the model and created that "marbleing effect". I wanted to get stage one done and get the tank to the "almost new" stage before I went on Vacation to let it cure for a week. Ironically, all paint used was from the box of stuff you gave me last year! Tamiya Clear lacquer sprayed overall and Stock Tamiya Decals used to make the base scheme for my Grand-Uncle's unit, the 7th AD, 40th Tank Battalion, Charlie company. Micro Sol used to soften Decals over my "texture" During this stage I placed the tools in their brackets and made straps from gaffers tape.
Posted on: 11/2/2009 12:22 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9221680

RE: Tamiya M4A3 Sherman conversions
At some point you have to stop adding things to you tank and just move forward. Tonight I primed and painted my newest tank. Tamiya Nato Brown for the primer and base coat. Testor's Acryl OD for first "green coat". This tank will get stars and markings later tonight after a Tamiya clear coat. I left lower portions of the tank relatively unpainted in preparation for the VVSS conversion I plan to do. After 1st coat I did some maintenance and began mounting my tools.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 1:12 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219169

RE: Sherman from Mato or Tamiya??
More to add.... Tamiya is first a model, second an RC vehicle. Tamiya is a kit that requires assembly, MAto is Plug in and play. I like the kit form better as it allows you to make something unique.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 1:01 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219151

RE: Central Florida Check in
I visit the family in Clermont (West of Orlando) and my Uncle is a member of a live steamer club. They have a few acres of space and might be a good place to meet. This is all a suggestion and Idea and I would visit to battle. http://www.ridgeclub.org/
Posted on: 10/30/2009 9:58 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9216499

RE: Tamiya M4A3 Sherman conversions
The Tamiya turret needs a few more cosmetic changes to get it where we want and one such change is to improve the pistol port. I have a simple solution and a complex one. You could "borrow" the port from a 21st century toys tank and super glue it to the turret, (my USMC Sherman) or use it as a master template and scratch a new one. I cut the Tamiya part on my chopper and lengthened the sides with angle stock and Tamiya putty. I made a new flap with sheet stock and tube stock cut to length and sanded into place. This one will not open but looks the part. I faired it in with Tamiya putty and sanded it to shape. I like the look. I will probably cast my master eventually for later projects.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 4:04 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209765

RE: Just a plain old M-4
Well this projects has turned in a different direction than intended but I still plan to add this tank to the collection. Progress lately has been slow but I have added some work to the drivers' hoods. I added some stock to the front of the hoods to depict a more accurate depth of the driver periscopes. I will be adding the ETO improvements, including applique armor to the front of the hoods.
Posted on: 10/28/2009 3:56 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9209740

RE: Tamiya Spare Parts
PZ IV manual available as pdf on the Tamiya site. http://www.tamiyausa.com/pdf/manuals/56026ml.pdf
Posted on: 10/26/2009 2:45 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9203467

RE: Progress on my M4A1E8 Sherman Build
Well done, you know how I feel about all Shermans but this one was made with a little extra love. Let's see it in battle before too long!
Posted on: 10/25/2009 9:47 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201832

RE: weathering shermans
can O worms! As Always, I recommend the DAK site. For example: http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/M4A3%28W%2976_HVSS.html#36 http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/Pacific_Sherman.html#65 http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/Hybrid_Firefly_Ic_.html#73 http://web.mac.com/ethandunsford/DAK_PROJECTS/Hybrid_Firefly_Ic_.html#73 In about a week I will begin painting the M4A3. Stay Tuned!
Posted on: 10/25/2009 7:14 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9201416

RE: Just a plain old M-4
Did some more research and it seems my Grand Uncle actually died April 18, 1945. The information was in the Cheboygen county vets records from his home state of Wisconsin. Seems I have to re think the version of his tank as most 2AD tanks from that period were M4A3s. Might have to re-name and repurpose my current M4A3 build. Oh well, maybe I will do his vehicle from earlier in the campaign. Just requested his service record. Lets see what happens.
Posted on: 10/25/2009 5:24 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9200087

RE: Heng Long recoil in Sherman turret
Did you get the rotor shield? I see on installed and if so, what do you think?
Posted on: 10/24/2009 7:43 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9199196

RE: Heng Long recoil in Sherman turret
You have found the elusive DD Drive Shermans with the 75mm and late hatches. Also of note, the grousers on the rear deck turned backward and High Bustle turret with Cheek armor. These were a rare breed and I believe only in commonwealth service.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 11:31 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197487

RE: Heng Long recoil in Sherman turret
All the low bustle turrets I have seen had one hatch. The exception is the british Firefly that had a loader's hatch added. I have seen a few late model low bustle turrets retro-fitted with the oval loaders hatch and the FOV sherman actually has a low bustle turret on it with a loaders hatch. Maybe some other Sherman-aholics know more but my references also point out very few late cast hull M4A1's had the 75mm Turret. Late model is identified by the angled oval hatches. I am told a few late M4A1's may have had the 75mm but that would be very rare.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 4:42 AM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195375

RE: Heng Long recoil in Sherman turret
Mato's offering has the T-23 turret. It has the 76mm gun, split hatch/commanders cupola configuration, and the bigger drivers hatches that came with the "wet storage" hulls. Earlier M4A1's had 75mm turrets and the smaller drivers hatches. My M4's early turret is in the commander's hatch only config and low bustle rear. That was common all the way through the M4A3.
Posted on: 10/22/2009 11:18 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194990

RE: Heng Long recoil in Sherman turret
It's the Mail! I figured out the customs thing and managed to get it out last friday. They told me 5 days I guess that was conservative! I'm curious if it works. The lack of room made me try the old "t34 trick" as I call it. Static recoil, pivot and race....
Posted on: 10/22/2009 9:26 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194687

RE: Just a plain old M-4
I am trying to get his records from the DoD to determine a unit. For now my tank will be a 2A-66A Platoon Commander's vehicle, maybe a C-31 or some likeness. I will probably name it "Dorothy" after my Grams. At the time, I have read the 2AD had a mix of M4A1 (w) 76mm and M4 75mm but as we know, replacements came from what ever batch was available. Many units tried to match engine types to simplify the supply and maintenance. I haven't built an early M4 yet so it felt right. I do have: M4A1 (W) 76 FireFly IC Hybrid M4A2 (W) 75 M4A3 (W) 75 M4A3 (W) 76 HVSS M4A3E2 JUMBO
Posted on: 10/22/2009 9:18 PM by Author "edoubleaz" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194664