Track is on and base painted, started some preliminary weathering on the lower suspension:
Filters tomorrow as well as tools etc…
Tell me what you think…
Steve
Looking sharp steve, I’d never guess that those were vinyl tracks. Does the kit include clear lenses for the head lights? (sorry, too lazy to dig out the one I’ve got to check [:D]). Looking forward to the next set of progress shots. [tup]
Hi Bill,
Yes, the kit includes the clear lenses, but I’m going to use MV’s. The tracks are incredible for vinyl. The material is very different from let’s say, Tamiya, in its feel and texture. It doesn’t have that “slick” quality to it, paint adheres to it quite well. I’m sure if these were offered as an AM item they would be very popular.
I see a couple of places that I will have to address, I missed the welds on the re-inforcement plates around the fuel caps, and there are the two (seemingly giant) ejector pin marks on the vision block(s). I have a couple of Alpine figures for the build.
Thanks for lookin’ buddy
regards,
Steve
I agree that the tracks do look very realistic. It seems that no matter what I do, my vinyl ones still have a bit of an annoying sheen to them.
I also like the OD paint job. You shading gives it a great scale realism - like I am looking at the real thing.
Russ
Steve
Great build. The paint is spot on! It should be a real masterpiece when you’re done.
Cheers;
Gregory
Paint and weathering so far look great as do the vinyl tracks! Makes me want to build another Sherman. Maybe DML’s Tarawa built up like “Doris” at Okinawa since my grandpa was there and I have pics of it! Great build !
I was watching “Sands of IWo Jima” yesterday, and there are some great news reel battle shots of Shermies in action cut into the movie. I was quite suprised at the elaborate cammo patterns on these Marine tanks. I would love to do a Pacific Shermie.
Steve
Looks real good Steve.
But I’m wondering … where’s the zimmerit : )
Larry
Lookin’ good! I’m still battling with the indy tracks (and they’re winning[}:)])
Looking good. I think that kit is one I’ll be starting next.
I believe the Brits had a word for it…Smashing!
I concur with the other comments. Very cool.
Dragon actually has some painting friendly vinyl tracks for their Tiger (P) kit. Works for the Elefant too, though not as nice as their difficult indy tracks.
Hey great work so far. Just echoing what others have already mentioned but the tracks looks good. Can you share with us how you got that look?
I will be glad to. Two parts Tamiya acrylic red brown to one part Tamiya Panzer Gray, thinned with a small adition of Polyscale flat coat.
Tracks were assembled then sprayed off model. The drive sprockets were left unsecured to ensure easy removal and installation.
Steve
I don’t get it, how did you do that ageing or used effect on your tank, doesn’t work on mine.
Also whats the trick installing the seperate tracks?[img]
Hey T,
My technique involves priming the whole finished assembly (less tools and stowage) in flat black. Then, with acrylic OD green of choice ( in this case Tamiya IJA green), going back over the model with light mist layers panel by panel, leaving the “pre-shaded” areas like edges, welds, radiused areas (that would naturally be shadowed at 1:1 scale in natural light) with less paint. This allows the black/green to give the visual “used/faded” trick on the eye in 1/35th scale.
Then I supplement this with point washes, stains and some careful application of MIG pigment (faded OD Green) dry brushed into the base coat, in strategic areas to add even more contrast:
Here is the transformation in chronological order…
regards,
Steve