The turret was not correct and it required a lot of modifications. Two part putty was used to increase the bulk of the turret. The commander copula was removed and a plastic ring was added as a support. I used Surfacer 500 to add texture the turret. Casting numbers were added to the front and sides of the turret. A weld bead was added too.
The transmission cover was also bulked up using two part putty. Surfacer 500 was used again to add texture.
Next, I worked on the road wheels and bogies. Most M4A3E2's used a weld spoked road wheel, so I cut inserts from 0.005 sheet styrene. There are 12 road wheels and each wheel needed 5 inserts - that's 60 inserts. The effect looks good.
The bogies were detailed with mounting holes and bolts. Bolts were also added where the transmission cover meets the hull. To remove the seam lines on the road wheels, I mounted the wheel on a drill and sanded the wheel until the seam was gone.
I detailed the hatches. The periscope holders were fabricated from sheet embossing aluminum. Pads and handles were added.
This a close up of the details added. There are the casting numbers on the turret, the weld beads on the added front and side armor. Sand rails were added and putty was added for the welds.
