Firefly Vc

1
May 22, 2024
Here we go!
2
May 22, 2024
The kit includes a good number of runners, PE, metal and 3D printed parts.
3
May 22, 2024
There are no less than 3 runners just for the tracks.
4
May 22, 2024
The wheels are always the time consuming bit on tanks!
5
May 22, 2024
Loving the way the wheels build.
6
May 22, 2024
The detail here is beautiful.
7
May 22, 2024
Wheels ready for fitting look like little motorbikes
8
May 22, 2024
Having built dozens of these over the years it’s amazing how familiar the Sherman is to me. This is very fortunate as Dragon Models instructions are somewhat questionable, with important bits and steps overlooked, incorrectly numbered parts and a distinct lack of clear guidance on where some pieces even go!
9
May 23, 2024
The main elements of the Firefly are now together ready for painting.
I still have the tracks of which there look to be over 100 pieces, but that’s for later!
10
May 23, 2024
I know I should probably have just gone with Olive Green but I want this to look 100% British and thus US Sherman colours are out. I've, therefore, gone for AK11373 Khaki Green No.3. This is the green that the British Army used during WW2.
11
May 24, 2024
Time for the tracks. These are the most detailed I have ever attempted and there are no flexible track alternatives!
12
May 24, 2024
I first made up the tracks in batches of 5 sections made of 13 parts.
13
May 24, 2024
164 parts and this is just one side!
14
May 30, 2024
Day 3 on these tracks and the build goes on!
15
May 30, 2024
I have never known anything like these from Dragon models. I’ve not counted all the bits needed but I can’t think there will be less than 300.
16
May 30, 2024
It took around 500 pieces over 5 days to construct these tracks. While, I’m all for adding a bit more realism, I think Dragon Models lost the plot here. ?‍♂️

The instructions were less than helpful and eventual fitting around the rear and forward drive wheels appears all wrong.
17
May 30, 2024
Well, I couldn’t leave those tracks looking like that after all ?‍♂️
18
May 30, 2024
Another couple of hours stripping them down and using fuse wire, superglue and a lot of trimming I’ve created a more realistic look.
19
May 30, 2024
I’ve also interviewed a 3DGizmo figure for the tank commander role. The Dragon Models figure is built, but I’m not sure he’s going to make the grade. Will see how both shape up as the build continues.
20
May 30, 2024
Decals applied and next, the fun weathering bit.
21
May 31, 2024
Finally! Dragon Models 1:35 scale British Sherman Firefly Vc in the markings of 13/18th Royal Hussars, 27th Armoured Brigade, Normandy 1944.
22
May 31, 2024
3DGizmo figure
23
May 31, 2024
24
May 31, 2024
Using Vallejo and AK Acrylics, Abteilung 502 oils, MIG Pigments, 3DGizmo figure and scratch built camo netting, apart from the 500 piece track design, this has been a joy to build!
25
May 31, 2024
26
May 31, 2024
27
May 31, 2024
I think that camo netting works ?
28
May 31, 2024
This completes my 1:35 scale D-Day80 AFV model collection … what next ?

18 22 May, 13:25

Carlos Cisneros
When standard Sherman's were rebuilt into Fireflies in British workshops, they would have been repainted into the British Olive Drab SCC 15.

24 May, 02:38

Jonathan Read-Bone
It looks like my workshop only had tins of the Khaki Green available 🤷‍♂️. Ive not come across British Olive Drab. How did it compare to the US Army's version? Then again, I note that my bottle of Vallejo Olive Green has no nationality. Either way, I'm so far liking the different look and feel of this Khaki tone and when sat alongside a US Sherman it will stand out as being a little different which is definitely what I want 😊

24 May, 07:56

Carlos Cisneros
The British version is greener in color compared to the US shade. I know that lighting will change how it looks.
AK makes Olive Drab SCC 15 in both their Real Color and 3rd Gen lines, as does Mig Ammo. But yes, it should certainly look different next to a US Sherman in color. What paints are you using? You mentioned tins…. Humbrol? Revell? Xtracolor?
I must add that your Firefly is looking real good so far!

24 May, 15:49

Jonathan Read-Bone
Thanks Carlos. My go to paints are Vallejo, but for the khaki green, I've found a WW2 set of AK paints which have sprayed really nicely.

24 May, 18:04

Carlos Cisneros
I've been looking at trying those AK acrylics when I can find some. Nice to hear some firsthand feedback on them. Their Real Color line is fabulous for airbrushing when thinned with Mr Leveling Thinner.

24 May, 20:31