This session will have me add all the details to the turret. Starting with the hatches and attaching the gun to the turret.

The mantlet is installed to the front of the turret.

Next the barrel is inserted in place into the mantlet. Fit is snug and sets properly in place.

Next the gunners hatch is attached.

The commanders hatch and cupola is next up to install. Hatch will be assembled closed.

Every little detail adds character to the turret, next is the shell ejector hatch that mounts on the LH rear side of the turret.

Next more details to attach to the turret.

The first part I think is an antenna base mount. Which will attach just aft of the loaders hatch.

The jack, lifting point and a vent are next to attach to the turret.

The jack mounts on the LH side of the turret. A bit forward of the ejector hatch. The lift point mounts just aft of the ejector hatch.

The vent sits on top of the turret forward of the loaders hatch,

The browning .50 cal mount is assembled.

Then attaches in front of the commanders cupola.

next up the final bits to the turret, racks, lifting points.

More to follow...

The turret looks superb, my friend @uscusn!

Last day of May and getting close to that moment in July as combat operations cease In the Korean peninsula. Next is to finish up the final details on the turret.

The .50 cal mount post is first attached to the upper turret, no extra gun was provided to attach to this mount.

Next the spare track mount bracket is attached to the LH side of the turret.

Next a lifting eye, a bracket to keep the loaders hatch from striking the top of the turret, and a bracket that holds the spare tracks onto the side bracket.

Next the details on the RH side of the turret.

The rear stowage support bracket and a pair of brackets are attached to the rear of thje turret.

The RH side storage racks are then installed to the RH side of the turret.

With the turret done for now before painting, it is placed on the tank chassis.

Next time to apply the OD scheme over the turret and other detail components,

more to follow.

Beautiful work on the turret, Chuck @uscusn

Now to paint the bare plastic USMC OD.

A mist of faded OD is then applied over the top of the tank and turret.

Star Decal set 35C-1167 will provide markings for a Marine 1st Tank Battalian, M46 in 1952-53. In overall Olive Drab.

Decals are thin, they can be hit or miss despite the proper steps to apply them. They are sturdy but can get sticky if the surface is not wet enough to allow to float into place and then set. Using the Microscale method to apply the decals using Microset, Microsol solutions. And Solva Set for the stubborn ones. Not very many to apply for this scheme.

Once set, then Vallejo Flat Clear was applied to seal the decals and retain the very flat finish.

Now to attach the Browning .50, first after Vallejo Gun Metal, the grips are Red Brown, the pintle mount is OD as well as the support bracket.

The ammo container is also OD, then attached to the MG. Then installed in place on the turret mount.

Next are final details, weathering.

More to follow

1 additional image. Click to enlarge.

Looks perfect this way, Chuck @uscusn
Nice work done.

Thanks Spiros, one thing about armor not much in decals.
Thanks John, still need to add some fading aspects and a bit more weathering.
Thanks Louis, tanks are impressive at this point.