Knocked out Sherman diorama - Tamiya 1/35 scale M4A3E8 Easy Eight

[@dougbrowne9890]

Your abilities are far beyond anything I ever achieved. My arthritis is so bad now that I can no longer build models. I thank those like you, who video your builds for us to see. I can at least enjoy others works. Thanks very much!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Doug for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I'm sorry you're no longer able to build models.

[@williamjohnson7963]

👍

[@benjordan1971]

Idk if this helps, but I have sjogerds which causes arthritis, it may be different for you. But I have found some compression gloves that provide temporary relief, long enough for me to paint minis at least

[@johndunbar5889]

Your an inspiration. It’s important to help us old timers that are newbies to the hobby to speck clear and saying that your not that good at figures is real talk. Thank you

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks

[@budphillips5968]

For all that mud, the soldiers are remarkably clean

[@ModelNerd]

Yes, so many weathering effects tone down during the process. I definitely should have made them muddier.

[@deabajo]

As is actually the superstructure of the tank... But the rubber tracks really puts diorama down...

[@brucethemodelnoob]

Beautiful result. I feel damp and cold just looking at it. You’ve really captured the atmosphere.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Bruce. Yes, I was going for a really cold, de-saturated look. Really happy with the way it turned out.

[@stevie65able]

Just outstanding, a superb setting and diorama. Beautiful finish on the tank and weathering.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you - much appreciated!

[@sickfarce6275]

Sweet. Glad you opted for the 30 minute format. The odd colors of these ground textures had me a bit worried but it came out good in the end. Will take this video into consideration as I'm also planning a diorama with a large muddy and bleak landscape without any plants or stuff like this. Not as easy as it might sound to get the textures and colors right and make it look interesting. Anyway, good stuff and a very subtle, but extremely dramatic and expressive scene.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate. Yes, I've started to look very closely at things if I don't feel they look right and consider scale, texture, colour, etc to try to find a fix.

[@jantimmer5558]

The groundwork is spot on!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you!

[@TheGV50]

Great job! Tamiya did an amazing job of engineering this kit I've built 3 to date and plan on building a few more!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you! Good luck with your builds!

[@ada42klm]

Outstanding work my friend and don't sell yourself short on your figures.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate - I appreciate the feedback

[@PatriotPopps77]

Super cool diorama,..your attention to detail is impressive !

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you

[@christianrudolph1138]

Good evening Modelcomrade. I feel the wet... 😊Nice work.. And realistic rain and muddy Terrain. Very good.. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wish you a nice Saturday evening 😊

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Christian, much appreciated. Have a good weekend!

[@herrlogan17]

It turned out really excellent and the final result is highly realistic. Great job!!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you very much :)

[@leesouter9627]

I wasn't 100% sure about the mud colours you chose but once you added the woodland scenics water they blended together really well, do more dioramas.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Lee - and thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated.

[@dinaylanzini6839]

Fffffffffvvvvf Elsa Elsa

[@tonysquires8207]

Loving the diorama build more than the tank but all round genius again 👏 I am really struggling with painting figures so a 5 hour video from you on this subject should be a start 😂

[@ModelNerd]

Haha, thanks Tony!

[@glynchivers9519]

Great job, as always, would like to have seen mud on the soldiers boots but that's me just nit picking. Well done, cant wait for the next one.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Glyn

[@JuergenGDB]

That is just Bad Ass! Bad to the Bone!! I have to admit I have learned so much from watching your videos and I keep pushing my techniques thanks to your wonderful and informative videos. Semper Fi and we appreciate your work!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate! I'm glad you liked it. I've been a bit slower on the videos recebtly because I'm making more bases and dioramas, but there are plenty more videos on their way!

[@paulhennessy5627]

Fantastic result yet again. Always find inspiration with your projects. Actually trying out some water/mud on a small test project that includes some of the figures youve used here.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Paul. I really like the Woodland Scenics stuff - no two part mixing and as long as it is poured in thin layers (and left to cure) it works really well.

[@MikeUSA67]

I always wanted to buy that figure set, but I couldn't come up with a good idea of a suitable setting. Now I know how it should be done - that is excellent work, my friend! 👏👏👏

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you - I'm glad you liked it. I find that a lot with figure sets too - I like them but can't work out what they should go with.

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

Me and my granddad have been building models since I was 8 and they are looking like yours! Which Is PERFECT For A Model So Small And Big ( small is my type of model unless you do small models too! )

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Bryan. I've got a couple of 1/76 tanks somewhere, but mostly 1/35 :)

[@bryanmeyer-cunningham3171]

@@ModelNerd thanks I've built a few 1/35 scale tanks and planes like the b17s and stuff

[@khanthtetzaw5212]

our layer styles is and the knocked out M4A3E8 Easy Eight is which remind me of the Korean War. Nice One man.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you

[@robertyetsko80]

VERY FASCINATING..EXCELLENT WORK LOVE THE DETAILS

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Robert

[@longlance67]

That is a beautiful diorama you created mate. Has a really capturing mood! Awesome work!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate! And thank you for the air identification flag tutorial :)

[@longlance67]

@@ModelNerd no worries at all mate! You really nailed it!

[@dennismeyers9576]

Nice work and a great video. Thanks for sharing the process. I too find that dio projects can take a long time.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Dennis. Yes, sometimes I find I just lose the desire to work on them for a bit and then find myself drawn back towards them.

[@Marley-k2i]

MD, the results turned out superbly! I have to admit, I find myself frustrated finding that right look too. I have heard great things about the VMS product line regarding the effect you were looking for. It might be worth a try so that you don’t have to fight to get the end result. They have some need tutorial videos that show how to get that wet look! Thanks for the video and the sharing of your techniques!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Marley, I will check them out

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

Nice, the few oversights you mentioned. Are easily fixable. And I agree, the tank should be filled up or dirty. And with the hole, you might consider burn marks on the inside of the hatches. Over all looks great. 👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks George, I appreciate the feedback.

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

@@ModelNerd I really like building armor. Here's one of mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/opipdZpsdqp1fbs

[@lesthiele4921]

Fantastic diorama there sir, I thought the ground work was excellent it looked like a really wet muddy WWII scene, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia 👍👍👍👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Les, much appreciated mate

[@alancolenso1254]

That turned out really really good, I like it heaps ....if this was the movie 'fury' tank , that movie would be over in under a hour! ha!... ( seeing how its knocked out)... one hatch open, maybe the same young tanker might have survived... I wonder how long other movies would go for if 'Hollywood" didnt make them into super indestructible vehicles... all good, keep on doing what your doing, its great.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Alan. I read a bit about hits like this and apparently a lot of them were not survivable at all for the crews dur to the explosion in the confined space.

[@philRminiatures]

Impressive work on the mud...and wonderful looking dio!👏👏

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Phil!

[@darrenhillman8396]

Nice job, Sir! You are a master of your art and I have learned some new techniques from watching your videos, which is what it is all about. Best wishes from Wirral!

[@ModelNerd]

Much appreciated Darren - I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@thehobbyshop5306]

Tamiya receives constant praise for their reputation of easy builds, but I'm finding some of their newer kits like this one to be slightly toy like. It's hard to believe they would allow something like the solid blobs on the engine hatches to pose as grab handles. Those are very easy to mold separately in this scale. The other thing that caught my eye were the large gaps between the towing pintle bracket and the molded on weld beads. Surely they can be more accurate than that. Regardless, all fixable with some copper wire, putty etc. In fact I just bought their new 1/35 Comet and have a load of other Tamiya kits in the closet behind me. But their M4A3E8 just doesn't say scale model to me.

[@ModelNerd]

Interesting points, thank you for commenting. I guess they are aiming at a different market and would rather keep items like the ones you describe as they are rather than push the parts count too high. At the other end of the spectrum we have some kits like those from Miniart which have the detail but personally I find much harder to build to a good standard because of the sheer volume of parts when just one or two would surely have sufficed.

[@thehobbyshop5306]

@@ModelNerd Absolutely agree. Fewer part counts are perfect for newer modelers or those who prefer the painting/weathering aspect. I'm just finishing up the Dragon M7 Priest and many of the howitzer assemblies make no sense whatsoever with instructions that are just kind of a suggestion. 😅 I'm looking forward to the Tamiya Comet or Hellcat after that one. Enjoy your videos.

[@stevenarmer8245]

Amazing job. Very realistic. Great attention to the details. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. 🇺🇸

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Steven

[@colinkavanagh7625]

Excellent Diorama.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Colin

[@140289EP]

Absolutely stunning work, I am in awe

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you for your kind words

[@fotomakr]

That came out nicely. I agree and am mixed on whether the tank is too glossy also - perhaps some streaking effects to highlight the rain/wetness. The only suggestion I abbe to this great duo is add some "weight" to the rifle slings - they look a bit too Mattel. Perhaps lead foil (or lead wire rolled flat) or my favorite, Kimwipe soaked in PVA-water mix and shaped (I use it for rags with mechanics).

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Bryan, and thank you for the suggestions. I always end up tearing foil, but I agree that it looks a lot better.

[@johndunbar5889]

Thank you mang.

[@Paepercuts]

Fantastic work as always! Enjoyed the video!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you! Yes, I was really pleased with this one.

[@steve1315]

Always good work and in two workshops as well 🎩🎩👍👍,interesting to see you get sponsons with this version I got the frontline breakthrough without .

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Steve. Yes, the Sherman I converted into the Pacific version was that old tool. Still good quality kit though.

[@lappin6482]

Awesome work!!!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you!

[@military-vehicles]

beautiful, well done! 👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks

[@t.j.w3561]

Great build, MN! Love the figure poses and the story the diorama could tell. Nice!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks T.J! Glad you enjoyed the diorama. It took long enough for me to complete it!

[@eddherring4972]

Two constrictive criticisms. 1) the tank track on the road side appears to be weightless due to the way it rests high rather than draped low over the return wheels. 2) there is no evidence of the tank arriving where it is, assuming the vehicle was driven off the road then slid the last yard or so there is no sign of this happening in the terrain.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Edd, I appreciate your ideas. I did try to go for slide marks in the beginning but somehow they got lost in the process.

[@charleshultquist9233]

The puddles look great! Maybe some charred stains around the hatches would have been proper.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks, that's a good suggestion.

[@russhoffman6301]

Fantastic work!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Russ

[@prowlingfrost5588]

Really nice. Needs a lot of practice and artistic vision I believe.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you. It's good to have an idea of what you want, definitely...and practice helps too. But everything is practice for the next one...

[@DarksouIjah]

Amazing. I was hoping you would give some wet effects on the miniatures so I can see your technique but either way. Great job.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. Yes, I was considering that but I got to the point where I didn't want to ruin it or make it too glossy.

[@scalemodelinc.6077]

That turned out really nice! I really like this. I’m working on these same figures soon!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. They have nice poses don't they?

[@dvdw_graphics_crafts]

18:20 it's always a headache to trim the edges X) Nice muddy terrain!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks!

[@ljscalemodels526]

Absolutely fantastic work, thanks for sharing

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you LJ

[@the-primered-thumb]

I like those figures, thanks for sharing 😉👌

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks for watching Tim - glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThisTheBreaks]

Came out really nice.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate. Yeah, I was really happy with it

[@marcosaugustosoares]

Your work is always an inspiration. Amazing job!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you for your kind words Marcos

[@christopherevans6752]

I'm no expert but i don't think theres anything wrong with this build. I think it looks amazing.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Christopher - I'm glad you liked it.

[@DeanFromTexas]

What colors did you use for the black camo? It looks like black with a dab of white. It looks very good!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. To be honest I can't remember now! It might have been Tamiya XF-69 Nato black or maybe AK Real Colours SCC14 blue black.

[@glizzymcguire4849]

My feet feel heavy just looking at all of that mud. I may have missed it but what’s the orange panel marker for?

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. It's for aerial recognition to avoid friendly fire.

[@scottbuennemeyer8924]

Would white ash weathering powder be a good addition to show burnout areas? I’ve used that on knocked out tank models. I brush it on and seal it in place with binders or hair spray. Just an idea.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Scott, that's a good idea

[@danielporada8417]

Beautiful build, and you’ve inspired me to try my hand at this model as well! Do you happen to have a list of the specific paints and effects products that you’ve used for this build? I’ve looked in the description and didn’t see one there. Thank you in advance!

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you. I don't have a specific list but I show the paints and products at various points in the video (example when starting the mud effects). Good luck with your model!

[@danielporada8417]

@@ModelNerd Thank you! In honesty, I was just being lazy, but I will go through the video and get the products from there. My diorama is going to be based on the Ardennes offensive, so I’ll probably take inspiration from your half-track in the snow video as well.

[@Mohamedsalah-official]

That looks sick

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks

[@ScaleMilitaryModels]

Awesome work! Love the groundwork!

[@ModelNerd]

Many thanks!

[@kregetors]

Widać ze czołg dopiero co zaczął z fabryki na pole bitwy jechać bo tylko zdążył umaracić koła ,chyba nie miał zadnej wprawy w bitwie,a tak to fajne

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks :)

[@allanrichards3752]

This looks good and you have certainly captured the wet ground. The E8 came to WW2 in Dec 1944 so you could have made a Battle of the Bulge winter diorama. I guess this would have been later with the thaw in early 1945. When I first saw the film Fury I thought they had got it wrong with the E8 but I guess Brad Pitt would have to have the latest kit.

[@ModelNerd]

Haha, good point indeed. I'd forgotten the E8 came out so late in 1944.

[@taylorbrain8023]

It’s not an E8 that designation refers solely to the horizontal suspension system. This is an M4A3 76 (w) HVSS.

[@allanrichards3752]

@@taylorbrain8023 I bow to your better knowledge on this. I am not that "up" on the designation of these vehicles. I was just going by the title on the box at the very beginning of the video.

[@megandarling2215]

@@taylorbrain8023it says E8 on the box 🤷

[@michaelhewitt258]

That's Awesome 👍😎

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Michael

[@modellingseb]

this looks really good, in my opinion you could have made the figures a little more dirty and applied some heavier rust on the tank. but as always mate great job 👏🏻👏🏻

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Seb. Yes, I think you're right about the extra dirt.

[@ModeliteDiorama]

Love this Diorama! 😊

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@Soviet20]

The only issue I have is that the tank/men look too brand/painted new, now with some chipping/paint wear where crew would usually climb or stand on to move up/around the tank, same as the shell impact area being too clean some charred sides with washed sepia oil. Pasting some acumulative mud on the back and sides, and some on the infantry boots and legs would really "sell me more" the overall feeling. Tamiya models are so crisp and clean, you really have to put in some ground work before even painting the model. Still Top notch work.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks for the suggestions and comments

[@LuckyOrange-yq9ms]

Excellent video, nice result ! Just a question, how did you do this hole on the side of this Sherman ? (I will kill to have the same diorama in my saloon, by the way).

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you :) I used a regular electric drill to make the hole.

[@LuckyOrange-yq9ms]

Okay, and what is the site where you find those magnificent tanks ?

[@ModelNerd]

I bought mine from my local hobby shop but this Tamiya kit is really quite common and should be available from most online retailers.

[@arnegreve1019]

Really good work! Maybe the figures could be a little more dirty. The Helmets are to clean, I would say. But the whole diorama looks really nice!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. Yes, I think you're right. Sometimes we work on these projects so long we can't see the obvious. The helmets should be a bit scuffed up or chipped and then dirtied up too, I think. Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@claytonmcclain182]

Very nice 👍those figures look like they were made for this diorama 😅 . I have a few Sherman's I could make I to derelict's forsure. Anyway fantastic build. Looking forward to your next video. 😁God bless

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Clayton - much appreciated

[@Jake_The_Bake]

Cool video, interesting to see 😊

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks mate

[@Nahuel_Luna]

wow! excellent work :D

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you

[@durangodave]

im new to this hobby, do i need to prime it first before painting?

[@ModelNerd]

You don't need to, but it helps the paint stick to the plastic and make it more resistant to scratches etc. Enjoy!

[@korypo303]

BRAVO! My only question is: wouldn't there be scorch marks from the explosion around the hatches and entry hole? Thanks for sharing!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. I looked at a few photos and some showed huge destruction as you describe, while others showed very clean entry points. I do have a plan to do a massively damaged, burnt out vehicle in the near future though!

[@korypo303]

Can't wait to see it! Nicely done my friend!

[@muhamadsalihin496]

For artisan oil paint, what thinner did you used??

[@ModelNerd]

Odourless thinner from Abteilung 502 (many companies sell it)

[@calumclark1719]

Am that is quality the puddles where just the ultimate finishing touch

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Calum. Yes - always a bit unnerving adding the water like that but the Woodlands Scenics stuff is pretty good.

[@ArmourEmpire]

Very nice enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate, glad you enjoyed it

[@durangodave]

what is the putty stuff called again that you used for the black spots? something tack?

[@ModelNerd]

@@durangodave BluTack in the uk. Poster tack is the generic name I believe.

[@roccozocco9630]

Im not so sure about the workings of the heavy MG on the top of the tank, but wouldn't the heavier part of the MG point downwards like the main gun does? Great work on the model anyways! thumbs up.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. I'm not sure. I think there is a certain amount of resistance in them so they don't automatically fall down.

[@Jay-gz4xz]

Absolutely beautiful

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Jay

[@patricebroquaire8811]

AMAZING !!!

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks

[@roberth5767]

Very nice. You did not mention putting extra foot prints -- boot prints in the mud. I know, a nit-picking point.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. Not nit picking at all. I think I mentioned it at the end as something I definitely should have added.

[@tangocharlie1521]

I'm a bit late to the party but....that is outstanding.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you mate! Yes, one of my favourites :)

[@alexvermeulen1031]

It looks like you dont use glue, how do you do that?

[@ModelNerd]

I just show the dry fitting of the parts. I use the glue off camera :)

[@ramb0nat0r]

omg its so good! I want it

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you

[@ModelNerd]

Haha, thank you

[@TheScaleModeler]

Turned out really wet. Your figures are considerably better than mine so don’t beat yourself up as they look alright

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. I really enjoyed your Arma Wildcat recently - I'm still holding hope that they will bring out more 1:48 kits (my preferred scale) but I might have to give in and go for a 1:72 :)

[@TheScaleModeler]

@@ModelNerd you’re too kind. Very enjoyable kit though. Yes I prefer 1/48 but got a lot of 1/72 in the stash and just gone from a 1/32 to a 1/72 which feels just mad. Keep up the videos and good work 👍

[@secondbreakfast3802]

Very nice.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@charleypower6330]

Where do you buy ya diorama kit from bud

[@ModelNerd]

Various stores, both online and physical, in the UK (although I haven't found a UK source of Sculptamold yet). Hobbycraft carry quite a lot of diorama related materials.

[@HankC9174]

all that detail and then covered up ;)

[@ModelNerd]

Yep, but we know it's there :)

[@Dragon_Werks]

Very good choice not painting any "rubber blocks" on the tracks, as those are T66 All Steel tracks, and have no rubber blocks.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks - that's good to know! Somewhere in the back of my mind I must have unconsciously known that :)

[@dnbpianist]

Awesome.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks

[@markfergerson2145]

The tank looks to me like it's just been rained on, it's just glossy enough. The absent footprints bother me just a bit too, but not too much. Overall this is one of your dirtiest models ever, just as it should be. Having driven a few non-armor real world vehicles through mud, I pronounce the bottom mud absolutely convincing.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks Mark

[@mingxuanzhang98]

I made exactly same one, nice.

[@ModelNerd]

Nice - it's a great little kit, isn't it

[@mingxuanzhang98]

@@ModelNerd yep

[@olafwustehoff2648]

Daumen hoch klasse ✨️💯👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks!

[@sergiobarbosavieira6676]

Parabéns pelo ótimo trabalho! 😃💯💢👍

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks!

[@kimberlywertz3839]

Your diorama looks great so don't sell yourself short.

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you Kimberly

[@bjw4859]

Great build, however if that tank had really been knocked out & not just bogged the machine guns & all the not nailed down equipment would have been stripped off it long ago, but it does look better with it still on.

[@ModelNerd]

Thanks. Yes, I guess it depends on how long it has been there.

[@ВикторВржесинский]

It's a pity that this brave and well made Sherman is made as abandoned and "dead". It's way to roll to Berlin or another German town. Now I have Riefield's M4A3E8 to make it in the same camo color, rolling that way! Primo Victoria! Semper Fi )

[@ModelNerd]

Good luck!

[@ВикторВржесинский]

@@ModelNerd Anyway, your diorama is awesome! Thank you for the tutorial!

[@berndhasselmann887]

awesome

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you

[@HankC9174]

no fire from the hit ?

[@ModelNerd]

Nope - direct knock out shot that killed the crew.

[@murphs-fk5pv]

was this brushpainted

[@ModelNerd]

The Sherman was airbrushed - the terrain effects with brush applied.

[@nitrorrat8190]

There was nothing wrong with the movie it was bad ass can't people just wactch a movie and enjoy it

[@foreverplastickits138]

*What a lovely dirty, muddy diorama, i don't want to be with the soldiers as the mud is awful! Very realistic MN!*

[@ModelNerd]

Thank you, much appreciated!