This build has a bit of firsts for me. First time using PE for more than just grills, first for using my new airbrush (omni 4000), and the second at trying to weather something.
The interior started
I think I got a bit carried away with the weathering on the interior. Most will not be seen when the upper hull is put on. I made a mistake on the PE set I chose. Ordered the set for the Super Hellcat. I can use most for the inside and the hull but I don’t think I’ll be able to use much for the turret. Oh well. All comments welcome and thanks for looking!
I’ve been working on this exact same kit, on and off, for about eight months, but that time frame included a major move, finding a new job (and still looking!), and lots of other things – so don’t let my time frame scare you!
I had some fit-issues which I hope are not apparent when I finish the beast (it’s about 85% done now), and I am enjoying it. Yours is looking very good!
Thanks Brumbles! I’ve been dinking around on mine since June. I don’t have much time to spare to bench time. As far as fit issues, I’ve dry fitted the upper hull to the lower and I think I’m going to have some problems there. Other than that it doesn’t seem too bad. Thanks again!
That’s exactly where I had problems. With a lot of putty and some careful sanding, I’m hoping it’s unnoticeable… but we’ll see! I hope to finish it soon – maybe this next week.
The interior is very nice – if yours is over-weathered, mine is a garbage dump!
I take back what I just said – I am now, officially, too close to done to add PE. Aside from some detail painting (tool handles, tail light lenses, etc.), marking and weathering, it’s done.
Next up … haven’t decided. Maybe the old Tamiya King Tiger … definitely in the mood for something German and easily-assembled into something decent-looking. Or maybe it’s time to rework that DML Panther A …
Don’t see too many of these get built-up, nice work on the interior details. The insides would tend to get pretty beat up depending, so I don’t think you’ve gone too far. Keep us posted on your progress.
Nice work so far, looks good. I’ve got the same kit in the stash, with the Friul tracks, waiting for a break in other stuff before I start. I truly like the look of your interion. Remember, seal and gasket technology was pretty basic back then so oil seepage and such was pretty common.
John nice job so far. I came close to picking this kit up over the weekend but opted for the DML M4A3E8 instead. And the interior weathering looks fine. I spent a lot of time at the Grafenwoer training area over in Germany and you should see what the inside of a tracked vehical looks like after just one week especially during the winter!
Hi ogrejohn!
Well I agree that the interior floor and all would get pretty beat up, so that looks fine to me. Where it hits me as a little too much is on the transmission housing and walls. You could just paint over it with white, do a wash, and then do very light chipping–it wouldn’t really be hard to fix. That’s what I would do, unless it really is going to be completely unnoticeable with the top on?
Other than that, so far it looks like it’s progressing nicely!
One thing that should be muddy and ain’t, is the seats… The seats are the first thing to get muddy in an AFV, since that’s the first thing your feet hit hit when you climb in. Any place where PVT Snuffy can put his big, dumb, size 13 combat boots will get covered… Heck, I’ve even had mud on the ceiling of my track…
Panzerguy, Thanks! It’s not what I’d call a bad kit, you ought to pick one up. Some fit issues coming up when I get ready to join the upper hull to the bottom. Still, not bad.
Brumbles, Looking forward to the pics!
Doog, Thanks! I’ve not decided if I’m going to tone it down much. Here are some pics with the upper hull and turret dry fitted on.
The hatches will be left open so there will be some viewing to the inside. Looking through the top of the turret will probably show the most. There are other parts and thingamabobs that will be in the turret so the view will still be restricted some. I might wait till I get further along before I decide whether to neaten up the inside.
Hans, Thanks! I hadn’t really thought about that much but you’re right! I might muck em up a bit before putting the upper hull on.
Nice work so far. Muck or not to muck, that is the question. I think they look fine or just a wash of dirt. After PVT sunffy sits in it awhile it tends to spread!!
