Hi All
I've not been about much recently to keep up with everyone's builds, sorry people. I've been in a serious modelling rut for a while and have grown tired (for now) of photo etch, resin and scratch-building. I needed a quick and relatively easy 'out of the box' subject to put the fun back into the hobby.
Now I like to build something a little bit different, so this Stuart couldn't just be one of the more familiar US or British/Commonwealth versions. I finally settled upon a version for one of the Cavalry Regiments of the Royal Netherlands Army. The Dutch Stuarts were used during the 4 year long conflict for Indonesian Independence. If this build goes well, I plan to build a Nederlands Korps Mariniers (Dutch Marines) Sherman M4A3 105mm HVSS from the same conflict.
After finding some reference images I discovered that a small amount of converting/scratch-building would be needed after all, there are a few subtle differences between Academy's kit and the actual subject. The rear of the engine deck required reshaping and a storage bin also needed to be built. I also have to find a pair of British late style smoke launchers. The only concession to an aftermarket item was the addition of a decal sheet for this very subject produced by Black Lion Decals.
The Academy kit builds up quite quickly, so I hope to have another update very soon.
Dave.
I've not been about much recently to keep up with everyone's builds, sorry people. I've been in a serious modelling rut for a while and have grown tired (for now) of photo etch, resin and scratch-building. I needed a quick and relatively easy 'out of the box' subject to put the fun back into the hobby.
Now I like to build something a little bit different, so this Stuart couldn't just be one of the more familiar US or British/Commonwealth versions. I finally settled upon a version for one of the Cavalry Regiments of the Royal Netherlands Army. The Dutch Stuarts were used during the 4 year long conflict for Indonesian Independence. If this build goes well, I plan to build a Nederlands Korps Mariniers (Dutch Marines) Sherman M4A3 105mm HVSS from the same conflict.
After finding some reference images I discovered that a small amount of converting/scratch-building would be needed after all, there are a few subtle differences between Academy's kit and the actual subject. The rear of the engine deck required reshaping and a storage bin also needed to be built. I also have to find a pair of British late style smoke launchers. The only concession to an aftermarket item was the addition of a decal sheet for this very subject produced by Black Lion Decals.
The Academy kit builds up quite quickly, so I hope to have another update very soon.
Dave.
