I managed to get some pre-shading on the model over the weekend. I was too lazy to switch out the wide airbrush tip, so the paintwork is very sloppy. But that’s okay, as the color coats will refine the look. That was all that could be done, as it was getting late and the cats wanted the patio back!
I also got around to cutting down some Gundam type rocket bells to use for the headlight reflectors. I had set the LEDs too far back in the housing, so I needed something shiny up front to suggest the reflectors. Some Alclad chrome finished them off nicely.
The kit windshield is not very clear, so a new one was cut from Squadron “thermaform” sheet. My sample always fogged up when heated, so I was never able to use it in its intended way. Anyway, the improvement in clarity is terrific. Too bad I plan on painting out the backside to conceal the empty interior.
I have selected Testors MM Green Drab for the overall color. Painting will commence after dinner tonight. Stay tuned!
Thank you for showing us this! What a wonderful build. You say that you’re the measure once - cut twice kind of builder? So am I!!! That’s MY creedo! Just look at my four foot X-wing. Wait - you can’t! I keep making mistakes, and having to correct them over, and over again. There’s no instruction manual, or directions for scratch building, so all is trial and error.
“What are we going to do - use harsh language?!” This is one of my favourite movies too. That’s MY reaction when something doesn’t go right. I hate having to do things the hard way as well, but sometimes you have to things yourself to get them right! Don’t feel bad as I’ve had to go over my own work to many times just to get the correct overall shape, or design correct. Well, it’s late, and I’m tired, and I need to get back to work tomorrow. Bed time for Bonzo - not Bitburg. I’ll keep watching this thread to see how this comes out. I’ve thought about making a tank (kit) like this in 1/6th scale, but after doing the four foot beast everything else would be cake! It’s got me burning out on building since balsa is so damned soft, and breaks so easily! At least you have solid plastic although brittle it won’t simply crumble in your hand when you touch it with a little bit of force. Good night, and good luck on your project, Sir. It’s looking good, and the steering idea is great! I love doing small alterations that add that special little something to a model for more realism, and detail.
Cobra Chris, thanks for the kind words! I have also attempted scratchbuilt projects in the past, but had few successes. My remedy is time - like 20 years, to learn new tricks. The problem with that method is that I can’t afford to wait another 20 years to finish my current projects!
The weather tonight is gusty with hissy rain, so no painting out in the patio! I think I’ll go and check out your X-Wing build instead…
Well, Sir I’ve done just about everything that you can think of to destroy a model! I’ve also done just about everything that you can think of to fix it. I’m floundering with the X-wing kit at the moment wondering what I’m doing. The blue makes your tank look extra special - like moon dust instead of mud. My grandmother isn’t doing too well, but I don’t want to clutter your thread with that. I might not be on for a while since it looks like she might not make it this time. I’ll check in from time to time to see what else you have going on. Thanks for sharing this with us, and have a great week!
SternO, I actually haven’t been keeping current, as I cannot log in via computer due to the site revamp glitch. I’m too stupid to post photos from my phone, and I can’t use the transmitter on the APC because it’s wasted! Maybe I’d better put Newt in charge, because she survived longer than 17 days without weapons OR training!
Weathering has commenced though. Hopefully more photos soon.
The kit decals (all TWO of them) took a long time to loosen from their backing sheet, and whitish, flaky stuff started floating off the paper when the decals could move. The flakes were rinsed off, then the decals were applied over some Future brushed on only where needed.
Some Mr. Mark Softer was brushed in around the edges of the decals after application to eliminate any silvering.
Weathering has now commenced, I started paint chipping with a thinned black-grey-raw umber mix applied with a piece of sponge, followed by some burnt sepia mixed in with leftover paint from the previois mix. I applied less of the second mix within the first to get a layered effect.
Bring the dirt G! I hope this was not addressed in your WIP, but does the top torrent have a working track it moves in to stow on rear or just a two position deal? I see where it was damaged, just wondered if it really worked. Thanks
SternO, the kit design allows the turret to slide up and down. I replaced the pins that go in the tracks with metal wire to give it more strength, which was verified when the pins smashed through the tracks! Fortunately I was able to piece and patch the rails back together, so the turret can still slide up and down. I did add a polycap in the turret base to hold it when in the stowed position. Out of the box, the turret will tend to rotate with guns pointing down due to the weight up front.
Roger that G, thank you, im sure you explained it perfectly in the post…I just missed something…sorry you had to repeat. …your extra work makes it that much more incredible!
[/url]APC-84 by N.T. Izumi, on Flickr
[/url]APC-85 by N.T. Izumi, on Flickr
[/url]APC-86 by N.T. Izumi, on Flickr
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