This is uncharted territory for me…my first tank. Those who have followed my threads are aware I build mostly aircraft, but I was recently presented with this challenge. A WWI tank! It’s the male version of the British MK. V. My research showed that the 1/35 Meng kit was readily available, so I decided to use this kit.
A look at the parts showed it was very detailed. It has a complete interior, but I wonder if you will be able to see any of it once finished. I guess we will see. I decided I would paint up the interior, but not spend too much time detailing it out with washes and stuff. I’d rather not waste my time. Kind of how I feel about the interior of bombers…why bother? The exterior will be a different story. I have been spending some of my free time watching tank weathering videos on You Tube. I figure I’ll try using some of these techniques. I am intrigued by the AK Interactive stuff, particularly the enamel streaking washes.
I dove in. I decided to just follow the instructions. I built the engine and transmission.
The detail is fabulous. I must say I have been particularly annoyed by the lack of color call outs though. It’s vague at best and the call outs are only for a few pieces. What about the rest of it? I had no idea what color to paint the interior, so I used some pictures I found on the internet as reference. It seems everything was either white, black and some hull red here and there. First I painted everything XF-1 Flat Black then drybrushed with Model Master Chrome silver. There were some call outs for the hull red, so I used XF-64 for this color.
I then built the engine wall. As I said, I guess the interiors of these were painted white. I followed suit then added some grey to bring down the contrast and make it look dirty. I did give the engine “cage” a quick detailer wash (for the heck of it).
Seats and other stuff added. Nothing fancy…
I then built up the sprockets and gears for the drivetrain. These WWI tanks were sort of Steampunk yeah? I’m certainly enjoying this so far as everything fits beautifully. Too bad none of this will be seen once closed up. Again, this why I decided not to get too carried away with weathering. A bit of drybrushing practice does go a long way.
Time to start building all those wheels. Then I can start closing this turkey up. I hope to do that tonight.
I hope to be closing it up soon. Any input on exterior color scheme would be appreciated. I’ll be using Tamiya paints. I’m thinking XF-49 Khaki as a base color.
I built my first armor a short while back and am still working to finish the small base/diorama I want for it. I screwed up on some basic modeling details but was happy with the weathering I did. You, however, will have a ball doing an armor kit! Your attention to detail, weathering/painting skills, and your excellent ability to produce good looking bases/dioramas will be fascinating to follow.
Thanks guys. Instead of pink with blue polka dots (that would look sweet[t$t]), I continued with the painting the inner surfaces with my white concoction. I then assembled all 500 wheels and added them per the instructions. These were then sandwiched between the two “sides”, or whatever they are called. I had no issues.
I did do some detail painting, like the “6 pound” rounds in brass and the inner wall detail just in case some will be seen.
I finally get to put this together and it’s starting to look like a tank.
I then attached the two together. Fit was perfect.
I think I have to build the top next…
…or maybe I’ll get the tracks over with first…[^o)]
Love the work you’ve done on the engines and interior. I’m wondering if maybe you can leave the doors on the sides open to show the inside?
Not sure about the colours. I’ve heard someone say they were painted battleship grey (aka landships) but I don’t think there’s any real proof of what colour they were. Only definate thing is they were generally spattered with mud from bottom to top with the treads going around and dragging it all the way to the roof.
Beautiful work! Wow, what a detailed Kit! I’ve been wanting to build one of these, this will certainly be the one I get. The dry-brushing is spot-on. I agree, its a shame all of it will be hidden. Keep up the good Work! -Rudy
