El Alamein Sherman - 1/35 Dragon No. 6447

[jbellos1]

I started this about three weeks ago...updates to follow this initial posting. This was my first Dragon armor kit ever. Really went together quite well. The PE sand-shields are very fiddly and had to resort to some new tactics for it, which I will cover in the updates. Kit is highly recommended for experienced modelers.

Introduction

This variation represents the early-production version, which had direct-vision ports for the driver and bow gunner, cast three-piece differential cover and early M3 style Vertical Volute Suspension System (VVSS). The markings provided are for British tanks used during the battles at El Alamein in North Africa during the autumn of 1942. Parts specific to this version, such as sand-shields, Sunshield frames, blanket box and other bits are provided. No flimsies.


The Kit

6447, El Alamein Sherman Smart Kit. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 329 styrene parts (including 22 clear), two DS100 soft styrene track lengths, one length of braided metal wire, one etched brass fret, nine decal marking schemes and six pages of instructions in 11 steps.

Here's what you get in the box -

[Joesdad]

Wow! Exhaustive intro Jon, mightily scary for an aircraft bloke to boot.
Fabulous...

[Tiger131]

Was looking at getting this kit today looks a cracker

[Nev]

Nice will be watching this one

[jbellos1]

UPDATE #1



OK - so I started in September, not three weeks, just a bit longer.

Without further ado -














































Big jump here...sorry.


















Now - to complete the sand-shields, soldering was used. With a bit of practice, I am pleased with the results.

[martin57]

nice looking kit , great job on the sand sheilds best of luck with the rest .

[Paul]

Nice work Jonathon, great build log too

[AchtungPanzer]

not too much pics at once ? ..Parts of this model in v.Good quality and good work mate at this stage . Keep it up

[JayCub]

Looking superb Jon, almost too good for paint, the pe worked out a real treat and im already looking forward to the next update
Tom

[Donkeywalloper]

Jon ace job.
Your pictures are so clear.
The "Welding Job" on the Sand Shields is the Boss.
John

[jbellos1]

Huge update to the final reveal...

Turret getting painted up













Tracks...







Side skirts...











Hull in to the paint...



















Details...





Aftermarket .50 cal. Academy US Machine Gun Set - absolutely lovely.









And the decals...























Weathering and some stowage

[jbellos1]

FINAL REVEAL










































Tada.

Hope you like. This kit was a pleasure to build - even the sand skirts. Highly recommend to all intermediate and above modelers.

[Donkeywalloper]

outstanding job Jon.
Credits all round.

John

[gustavlekstal]

A dust monster. Great work

[FishBowlMan]

Great stuff, Jon. Enjoyed catching up with this thread. Love the soldering work on the fenders and think the dusty finish is superb.

Must get myself one of those .50 cal mg. I have a Dragon Sherman III in my stash. No mg supplied with it.

[Nige99]

That's a great kit Jon and your stages and pics are awesome mate. Your build and painting are spot on.

[localjedi]

Great model!!! Excellent job, mate! Looks like the kit is worth the money, too. D'you agree?