Can't get a Winter Sherman? Make your own!

[Warbuff26]

I've seen a lot of talk about the winter sherman...or lack of winter shermans. Well with the new BA series....I think I needed one and didn't feel like paying thousands of dollars for a old one. So I took an extra "Easy Eight" and handpainted it white. It took some time and a steady hand but it turned out great and looks fantastic with the Battle of the Bulge series! Take a look! :)

[jazzeum]

I'm not sure I would do that to a retired vehicle but I guess to each his own.

[gk5717]

Warbuff, nice job, but you have to realize some people, which I am one, do not have the talent to do that.
But hey you made me feel good when you said instead of paying thousands of dollars for an origional winter sherman, because I got one.
Gary

[Alexdakar]

I'd be scared too. So thats why I used an HJB halftrack for my Afrika series. Not finished yet but here is what I have so far:

http://images4.fotopic.net/?iid=y8kbbv&outx=722&quality=70

[Warbuff26]

I understand how some might not want to take the risk...I was scared too but happy with the result and it is still K&C...just with a personal touch. I have also handpainted a Desert Panzer III & IV into ETO colors for Bill Moore which turned out very nice as well. It's a good way to round out what Andy currently does not have availible in production....and also makes for a good conversation piece when people see it.

[Alexdakar]

What did you use for the snow ground cover or is it painted? Looks really good.

[Warbuff26]

It's Woodland Scenics Snow. It's the best material to use. I also then shave sticks and cut up the pieces to use as ground clutter so its not too "white". Take a look :)

[Alexdakar]

Excellent. That is a great idea about the shavings. I need tips like that. Please send me pics of your work. Thanks

[Flammenpanzer]

I am not crazy :p I bought a German Afrika Korp 222 loose and want to paint it either camo or panzer gray. I thought you all would think it is sacrilege to paint it.

[Warbuff26]

Yes....some "K&C purests" may cringe at the thought of repainting a piece. I however don't. If you need a piece to make your collection look good and have the ability to do it...I say go for it! Like I said...it's still K&C...but now you have a one of a kind piece...done by you!

I dont know why Andy makes a piece like the long barrel panzer IV only in desert colors....why not make it in ETO colors at the same time and give collectors the option to buy which one fits their needs. I'd be willing to bet a lot of us "fanactics" would buy both!

[Dragoon]

Warbuff, That is a nice job you did on that Sherman. What type of paint do you like to use on your K&C conversions, hobby enamels like Humbrel or acrylics like Vallejo? I do similar things myself and have always used enamels. The problem is that I end up doing it for hours, breathing in alot of fumes. Seriously thinking of switching to waterbase paints but don't know their quality.

[Warbuff26]

Dragoon I use Testor's Model Master FS Enamels. The FS Enamels are guaranteed to match corresponding U.S. Government Federal Standard (FS) military colors. It is the most complete system of authentic military paints available today. I used flat white, flat black and rust colors on my Sherman. The black and rust were used to show wear and tear of usage on the tank. It takes a steady hand because you have to paint around all of the "extras" that are on the tank. Have fun! :)

[Alexdakar]

I use Tamiya's acrylic paints which work great when airbrushing but not so great with a paint brush.