Hello armor mavens. Here’s my second attempt at something without wings. WWI Steampunk! I built a Mk. V tank a few years ago and was quite happy with it. I’m having a go at another Meng tank, this time the Mk. A Whippet. Research revealed it was fast for a tank of the time, about 8 miles per hour, the equivalent to a man running. It was apparently meant to replace or supplement calvary.
Going with “Firefly”, B Company 6th Battalion in May of 1918.
So I dove right in. There is no interior on this kit, so it was a matter building it. I got the body done in a few hours.
I followed the directions and built the sponsons (Not sure if that’s what these are called).
Ready for assembly…
Fit was perfect. Like their Mk. V, the detail is wonderful.
First I covered it with XF-69 NATO Black as primer. I liked the camo color on the box, a greyish green, so I sought to replicate it. I didn’t want another khaki brown tank, like the MK. V . I mixed about half XF-13 IJA Green and half XF-19 Sky Grey.
I added some XF-2 White for streaking and fading. You can see where I was checking the color on the box. I think I’m close.
I switch to painting the red and white stripes. I put down AK Interactive worn effects fluid before spraying the white and red. An old Testors paint brush (dampened) was then used to wear it off. I was pleased with the effect.
I sprayed it with Alclad Aqua gloss then found that I had pebbling. I should just stick with the Tamiya clear/Mr.Leveling thinner. Alot less headaches. I added all six decals. I had an issue with the “IX” decals and for some reason the Micro Sol reacted with the Aqua Gloss. I suspect humidity issues, or lack thereof, in my basement. I decided to strip the area and paint these in. I think the red is too dark. I may do it again but brighter…or I might say good enough. I doubt these were perfect on the real thing.
Time to get going on the tracks, all 86,000 links…
Bringing your aircraft techniques to this worked out great!!! Fantastic job!!
And I wouldn’t worry too much about the paint. I don’t expect paint back in 1917 was all that great and it was probably applied by some guy with a brush.
The dark red color of “IX” was bugging me, so I went back and re-painted it to match the red on the stripes. I’m much happier with it now. I also hit the tank with some 600 grit paper to remove the pebbling from the Aqua Gloss then went back with X-22 and Mr. Leveling Thinner. Smooth like glass now.
Much better, and now the correct thickness as well. (I eyeballed the last masks).
Done! Boy this was fun. I’m starting to enjoy armor and I must say I like these Meng armor kits. I chose “Firefly” of B Company 6th Battalion in May of 1918, which was one of the kit options. Other than the IX decal hiccup, It was a painless build. The track links were tedious but went together well, but don’t confuse that with staying together. For some reason some would not stay linked. My solution was a thin strip of masking tape on the inside (middle) which held them linked long enough for me to superglue them onto the tank. I gave them a wash and a drybrush to simulate use, which is the same technique I used on the Mk. V. I’m happy with them.
On another note, I’m still trying to find the best way to simulate mud. I’ve watched numerous videos, which involved everything from pastel sludges to white glue mixed with real dirt, but I’m still up in the air on which I want to try. I have the Tamiya Sherman in the stash which will get some love soon, I’m going to try mudding that up a bit.
Even with the constant mud on Great War battlefields it’d be a shame to cover up any of your work with it. Personally IMHO she’s perfect the way she is… [ht]
Super nice work, Joe. Just the right amount of grime on her. Realistically these were a mess, but I prefer the look you gave it. It shows your skills superbly.
