M247 Sergeant York (Takom 1/35)

[Philipp Gross]

I guess L&L tracks would be a viable alternative when it comes to modern multi-part tank tracks

The completed hull with all the fine sharp details is really a sight to behold, nice work Looking forward to the turret!

Philipp

[Adam Durrant]

I am extremely impressed with the degree of detail. Takom has taken things to the next level with their latest kit offerings, the build quality of Tamiya but with lots of fine detail. No need for aftermarket PE here!

[Adam Durrant]

Steps 17-19
This is the start of the turret. I would not recommend following the instructions too closely otherwise things don’t line up so well due to the lack of locating pins for some parts.

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Suggestion
- step 17 goes together easily just make sure you get the vision blocks the right way round (short end up)
- glue parts M1 and M2, the front armour, to the main turret part (P). Then add parts R76 and R77 to P and let the glue set up firmly before adding R1/R2 and R22/23 as these bits need to line up perfectly.
- assemble R6, R3 and R71 before adding to the turret, again this allows it to all line up.
- same for R44 and R60.

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I would normally replace the kit grab handles with wire, but the supplied ones are nice and there is very little clean up.

[Adam Durrant]

Step 20
More turret stuff, 32 parts later we have this;

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Lots of tiny parts but Takom has included close ups of some areas so you can get the orientation correct.

The equipment rails on the side are best cleaned up on the sprue. I cut the “rail” section off the main sprue then created a sprue “handle” by leaving the mounts attached to a sprue section. This gave the rails enough rigidity to clean off the mould line.

[Vincent Power]

Looking good Adam. You are making quick work of this one

Vincent

[Adam Durrant]

Looking good Adam. You are making quick work of this one

Vincent

A couple of free weekends where work or domestic bliss hasn’t intruded!

[Adam Durrant]

Step 21-23
Most of this is building and installing the tracking radar. It’s a small kit unto itself. It rotates and swivels, but you have to decide if you want it stowed or deployed as the hydraulic system for this is fixed.

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I was hoping to leave the armour panel covering it off till the end, but it’s not easy to do so will just have to endure a fiddly paint job….

[Adam Durrant]

Steps 24-26
Basically more details to the posterior aspect of the turret as well as the search radar.

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The Ammo bins are PE but can be shaped around the Ammo cans to a degree. All PE in this build was glued with Ammo of Migs “Ultra Glue” (A.Mig 2031).

I drilled out the antenna mounts (parts G16 x2) and glued the rear hatch closed as there is no turret interior and the workable hinges are very fragile.

The side stowage tray is a pain to build, 18 small PE loops need to be added to the sides. There are 9 per side and no indication of location or spacing so you need to wing it a bit.

The base of the search radar has two side panels that are obviously quick detach in real life. The issue is Takom only provides you with 4 of the fasteners, parts G13 and you need 5 as one is on the tracking radar. They also only show two being attached in strep 26, but reference photos show all 4 and there are locating holes for 4. I’ve added a scratch built one to the tracking radar as it’s less visible.

[Adam Durrant]

Steps 27-29
Basically the armament. No dramas here, dry fit everything as the fit is very tight. I had to sand down the pivot points on the gun mount “barrel” (N5 and 6) to enable it to move in N2 and N3.

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The top and bottom of the turret have a very tight fit. Mine needed a bit of fettling to get them together.

[Adam Durrant]

…and I’m done.

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This thing is fugly.

I have screwed up a touch, I’ve slotted the axels for the front idler swing arms in wrong so will have to cut them off, drill ‘‘em out and redo with some brass rod to strengthen the joint.