In this video, we take on the Dragon 1/35 scale M4A2 76 Sherman, one of the American-built Shermans supplied to the Soviet Union through Lend-Lease during World War Two. I picked this kit up for about 20 Canadian dollars, with some larger parts already removed from the sprues.

Before the build, we look at the history behind the Lend-Lease Sherman. We cover the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, the development of the American Lend-Lease effort, and the growing flow of military equipment to the Red Army. We also look at how these Shermans traveled through Allied supply routes to Soviet units on the Eastern Front.

The 76-millimeter gun offered improved armor-piercing capability compared with the earlier 75-millimeter gun, becoming increasingly useful as German forces fielded heavily armored vehicles such as the Panther and Tiger. The Soviet Union received diesel-powered M4A2 Shermans, which served alongside Soviet designs such as the T-34.

Once the history is covered, we get into the model itself. The painting process starts with red oxide primer applied across the exterior. The primer gives the paint a good surface to grip and provides a base for later chipping.

I then add black pre-shading over the panel lines, raised details, and recessed areas. This creates tonal variation beneath the main color. Chipping medium is also applied at this stage so we can later remove portions of the olive drab and reveal the red oxide underneath.

The main color is an olive drab base coat thinned approximately 60/40. It is applied in controlled layers so some of the darker pre-shading remains visible. I also add highlights by mixing a couple of drops of light gray into the olive drab, creating subtle variation across the green.

With the base color established, we move into the chipping process. Using a stiff brush and a small amount of water, I reactivate the chipping medium and gently remove portions of the olive drab. The goal is realistic wear without going overboard.

The smaller details come next. I use the AK Real Color marker set to add different colors to the tools carried on the Sherman. The different tones help break up the olive drab and add visual interest. The road wheels receive a rubber color.

The exhaust receives sponge chipping and pigments for a worn, sooty appearance. We then move onto the tracks. The Lend-Lease Sherman is represented with all-metal tracks, so I concentrate on areas that would contact the ground and become polished. Rust washes are added to the recessed areas for additional variation.

Before applying the markings, the Sherman receives a gloss clear coat for a smooth decal surface. Micro Set and Micro Sol are used to help the decals adhere and conform to the surface details. Another gloss coat seals them in and prepares the model for oil weathering.

The weathering starts by placing oil paints on a piece of cardboard to draw out some of the excess linseed oil. I then use an enamel panel liner to pick out the panel lines and recessed details. After that, an oil dot filter is applied using small dots of different oil colors, which are blended across the surface with a flat brush lightly dampened with mineral spirits. This subtly varies the olive drab and adds depth. A matte varnish is then applied to remove the remaining gloss and restore a natural finish.

Next, the lower portions of the Sherman receive Vallejo Weathering Effects Thick Mud in Russian Mud. This is worked around the lower hull, suspension, and areas where mud would naturally accumulate. I use old brushes for this stage because the thick mud effects can be extremely hard on brushes. I avoid massive chunks, since large unsupported buildups would eventually break away from a real vehicle, and blend the mud into the surrounding areas.

After the mud effects are established, I add two pigments for additional variation. The areas are dampened with odorless mineral spirits, then the pigments are lightly sprinkled onto the surface. After about 24 hours, I return with a brush and remove buildup where necessary, giving me more control while keeping the darker mud visible.

The final detail is the machine gun mounted on the turret. Tamiya Weathering Master in light gunmetal is applied over the black base coat to give the metal portions a worn appearance. The olive drab portions are painted using the same colors as the rest of the Sherman before assembling and mounting it on the turret.

With the final details installed, the Dragon 1/35 Red Army 76 Sherman is complete. The finished model combines olive drab, red oxide primer, black pre-shading, paint chipping, metallic track wear, oils, pigments, and Russian mud to create a heavily used but believable appearance.

Thanks for watching this complete Dragon 1/35 scale M4A2 76 Sherman Lend-Lease build. If you enjoy scale modeling, WWII armor, Sherman tanks, painting, weathering, and full model builds, there will be plenty more projects coming up.