This is my completion of a kit started by a man who died before he could finish it. That was something of a habit for this guy to start a kit, get to some point, lose interest, then start another kit. He had scores of kits like this, ranging from barely started to nearly completed. This one fell into the later category, being roughly 90% complete, just needing the tracks, OVM tools, headlight lenses, and an antenna added, and some broken off grab handles replaced…. and then redoing the finish. AZ AMPS members bought up a bunch of this guys kits, and several of us finished up some of them to send them as a tribute collection at IPMS Nationals in a few weeks. I finished this Takom M3 Lee for my contribution to this task.
I don’t think this one will win any prizes, but it is a great addition to my 1/35 Red Army tank fleet…
But I told my sis to call my friends over after my demise, let them have anything they want, and bin the rest. It’s easier that way.
The thing is, all my model buddies have their own subjects of interest - 1/72 planes, cars, 1/700 waterline ships, Warhammer 40K minis, and girlie figures. We share some overlap, but not a lot.
But good on you Stik, for helping save a model from the dumpster. I am sure the previous owner is smiling from heaven.
Thanks Neal. This guy was in a unique predicament. Apparently he had no next of kin or immediate family, and was something of a loner. So it was up to his few friends to deal with his stash and builds. According to them, he had rooms full of these kits, and when they brought them into AMPS the first time, they filled up several tables. There are still boxes more of his stuff to go thru for disposal. His one request was that they be sold off and the proceeds donated to Wounded Warrior Foundation- he was a combat vet and former A-10 pilot. (yeah I see the irony in an A-10 pilot being an armor builder)
Ill have my kids sell off my stuff when I’m gone and split the proceeds… or take up the hobby if they feel like it… they all built models with me at one time when they were little…
Thanks on both points Gam! How is the Miniart Lee coming along? I’d love to see that build. Doesn’t it have a full interior?
And yes, finish something soon… You’ll feel better!
Yeah it’s a interior kit SP. Haven’t even started on it yet though…
I want a do a series of US tanks for our show at the National D-Day Memorial. So far I’ve got the M3, multiple M4s, M26, M46, M60, and a M1. It’s just a matter of getting them built now.
LOL, well about a half dozen M4s done, a M10, and a M36- I think I’ve posted most of them on the forum at one time or the other.
The M26, M46, M60, and M1 are all at various stages of construction and painting. They’re the ones I need to finish up.
The M3 hasn’t been started yet, I’m telling myself NO, NO START until I finish something else…
Then I need to start on US light tanks… sheeessshhhhhh…
As for motivation I just finished the wargame ‘Order of Battle’ campaigns: ‘Red Star, Red Steel, and Red Storm’- all about driving the Wehrmacht from the Soviet Union. So I’ve been on a bit of a Soviet/Russian obsession lately…
Rob, I would have built this kit in US markings if the US has taken this version to combat. And I sure do hope that the guys is looking down and liking what I did with his work
Gamera, you do need to get a few of those wrapped up before you start your Lee project… just don’t let it languish like those others!
Tiger, it is kinda fun to see a US or Brit tank in Soviet markings. A different twist on them.
Thanks Russ. How can one say no to such a request. The man left his stash to fellow builders, and every dollar made from selling it off went to wounded veterans, so Hell Yes I’m in. I’m glad that you saw the tribute to the man.
