I know this Pershing is a great kit. When it first came out I built one OOB. I'd like to go further and was looking for advice.
Anyone have views on what to buy aftermarket for this kit?
Or does anyone know of a tweak list?

Vinnie

Gunnie's M45 Pershing

Vinnie - I really had fun with this kit. It really doesn't scream out for a lot of extra detailing. I mentioned some things I used on mine in the link above, and the aftermarket track set I used. I've seen others (straight Pershings) displayed here before. Everyone seemed to really like their models too without a whole lot of extra detailing called for.

Gunnie

VLS do a nice mantlet update set and real models have recently brought out a stowage set for it

I'm building this kit right now and I must say I love it .....I'm still waiting for some parts to arrive ....but I did alot of the details scratch ..I added alot of casting numbers ....oil plugs an the fial drive....missing bolts on the fenders (front and back) I did use the Eduard P/E but I was dissapointed in it ...other than the head light and horn guards and the guards to protect the vision ports. I bought the WWII Production tracks ..great stuff worth every penny and that was quite a few pennies!! I'm going to add the Traxk mantlet if I ever get it and I do have their stowage set which fits like a glove...I also have the Royal model set ordered but have been waiting since December ...guess I'll use it on the next one ...also bought the Verlinden set ..waste of money unless you really want to show off the engine and I don't even know if that fits...Maybe on the next one too...I took some pictures about a month ago if you want to see them they are here....
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/24274&page=1

hope they help you out
and if you need any info just ask it will be my pleasure to help out if I can .

Rick

Thanks Rick, I was surprised you thought the Eduard etch wasn't much good for this kit? I would be grateful if you could answer some questions for me?
What did you mean by 'two squares of styrene to support the back engine hatches'? I can't see these from your picture?
Also, is there any chance you could list where you added casting numbers, and were they researched, and made up of a particular combination of numbers, letters etc.?

Vinnie

If you can get a hold of the latest Tamiya magazine issue, (# 103 Feb/Mar 04) there's a terrific build of the Super Pershing using AA's SP conversion set, AA's etched brass tie downs, Armoured Brigade's commander's hatch, Verlinden's engine and detail set, Eduard's PE set, WWII Production's T81 resin tracks, and Collectors Brass .50cal.

I'm thinking since you have one OOTB already, why not try something a bit different....

http://www.accurate-armour.com/aaproducts.cfm?CFID=151918&CFTOKEN=72340214&navlevel=1" TARGET="_blank"> http://www.accurate-armour.com/aaproducts.cfm?CFID=151918&CFTOKEN=72340214&navlevel=1

This is the Super Pershing Kencelot's talking about.... If i was experienced with aftermarket conversions, I'd get this fast! I mean, look at the SIZE of that gun!!! Not sure how easy or difficult this conversion is, though, but you gotta admit, that's gonna look pretty cool in your display cabinet!

If you look at the second picture, if you look at the last hinges on the engine deck you will notice the two squares added on top of these hinges ... I used part of the sprue from the kit and added weld beads from stretch sprue. As for the cast numbers I added them to the final drives , muffler(up side down) front lower hull ,and the gun mantlet...well I didn't go as far as to make sure the numbers were accurate but I tried to use the same combination of numbers and letters as seen on real Pershings...

Rick