This was meant to be built for the Gulf War group build which ended ages ago but life got in the way as it usually does.
The kit has some minor issues to watch out for but I thoroughly enjoyed building it.
I attempted to fade the Nato Green base colour using Tamiya Buff (enamel) thinned with white spirits applied like a heavy wash/filter. (Wanted to try the dot method but chickened out at the last minute)
Used up and down strokes on the sides to attempt to simulate rain and water etc.
Not sure if I’m happy with the result.
Used Tamiya’s Weathering Set A, Light Sand all over the kit to highlight and give a dusty appearance.
Still need to practice my lower hull weathering I think.
That is a nicely rendered monochromatic scheme. Not always easy to pull off but, you did it! Those kinds of schemes give me fits. Hmmmm, which means I’ll need to do one! Thank you for the inspiration.
This kit was good practice if I ever get hold of Trumpeter’s new Chally 2 Enhanced Armour kit or ever get all the parts to build one of the overall forest green tanks on the Echelone USMC decal sheet.
Indy, must be honest I don’t know all that much about the actual tank. My wife is Italian so I built it for her (I might even be allowed to display this one in the lounge, keep your fingers crossed)
What I do know is it went into service in 1995 to replace the M60’s Italy was fielding. Manufactured by a consortium, CIO Iveco Fiat - Oto Melara Società Consortile, who also make the Centauro.
According to their site, they are also involved in the Pzh2000, under license I assume?
As for service history, they were deployed to Iraq in 2004 and the modular armour/“up-armoured” was introduced in 2005.
As for the markings, have no idea but it looks arabic and I’m guessing it’s a warning message similiar to what the US vehicles carry on them.
Perhaps someone on the forums has seen one in person and can elaborate further.
