Firefly completed at last

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:58 pm

I have finally gone as far as want to go at the moment with the Firefly, but I doubt if any models like these are really completed. The tank runs really well and I am pleased with it. I learnt a lot of things building the early Tiger which I incorporated in this build, leading to better accessability and easier maintenance. The whole of the top deck lifts off without needing to undo any screws. Lots of pictures but I've tried to show the details I've been working on. The biggest job was cutting the rear of the hull to get the angle right and fitting a closed rear deck with the hinged radiator cover . This was closely followed by all the work on the rear to fit the engine doors. Then came the turret, cutting the loaders hatch, much modification of the mantlet and making the long barrel gun which recoils when fired, and finally the radio box on the rear. I couldn't resist the 50 cal which I think is a superb model by Armorpax.

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:30 pm

That's a stunning looking Sherman, Allan.

There are so many little details on there - it's good to see that it's not only the Panthers and Tigers which can get the super-detailing treatment

Adrian.

Jeffrey Goff · Post by **Jeffrey Goff** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:15 pm

Hi Allan, that one great looking Sherman, and the detailing looks authentic, a tank to be proud of
regards Jeff

Tim Bowman · Post by **Tim Bowman** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:25 pm

Hi Allan

It is great to have your tank back! That is simply FANTASTIC! Would love to have it in my small collection to battle with the Panther.

Excellent job and a super build to follow.

Best regards
Tim

Antony Rowley · Post by **Antony Rowley** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:18 pm

Hi Allan,

Quality build, conversion and superb paint job

Well done Allan

I'll keep my Panther well away from that nasty little 17 pounder

Thanks for sharing,

Antony

Robert E Morey · Post by **Robert E Morey** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:24 pm

Allan,
Absolutely awesome firefly! It came out perfect. Excellent details all around - great work making all the parts, tools, and fittings from all kinds of materials. Its a joy to see finished. Fantastic job.
Bob

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:00 pm

Thanks for the very positive replies. I must admit I really enjoyed making this model and doing the conversion, its kept me busy for 21/2 years!! I'm dissapointed at only 5 replies but I think that many people that view the forum only go to the topics they are interested in.

simon_manning · Post by **simon_manning** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:08 pm

i was going to post the same day alan,but i looked and i had about 5 posts on already on other subjects,the firefly does look good and worth the effort,the tools really caught my eye,thanks alan for putting the photos on, simon manning

Jeffrey Goff · Post by **Jeffrey Goff** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 8:39 pm

Hi Allan, don't be disappointed, you have a great tank to show for your efforts, and you have also shared the build with the forum, if you look at how many registered users there are, it is only a small percentage that make regular contributions, it might be that those of us that like to detail our models, put off the new builders from posting their out of the box builds; in the beginning when someone made a modification to a model the forum buzzed, today it is a matter of course, I think most of us build for our own satisfaction, perhaps the open day would be a better way to display our models
regards
Jeff

Allan Richards · Post by **Allan Richards** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:29 pm

Jeff,

I was suggesting the possibility that many people who visit the forum only go to the sections that interest them most, so they don't look at the complete forum. I looked at the membership list and see that there are over tree hundred members but on a fraction of that are what I would call regular posters, with even fewer being avid posters. This said I do find the forum very interesting, and the detail build fascinating to follow. I hope that people who do build straight from the box don't feel intimidated. These models are very spectacular as a straight build, and anyone who critisises someones model is way out of order.

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:16 pm

Hello Alan.

Late rsponse from me i have been in Scotland mate in the rain

.
Must say you have done a really great job on the Sherman looks very realistic have you taken any black and white pics of it? i bet they would fool a few people

Cheers Paul

Stewart Ashton · Post by **Stewart Ashton** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:36 pm

Allan at long last finished

A beautiful looking build, Black and white pictures would look fabulous.

Regards Stewart