It's taken a while, but I have finally finished my first model

I've been building Tamiya's old Sd.Kfz.222 (kit no. 35286) trying to learn as much about this modelling malarkey as possible before getting on to bigger and better kits. As a first build, I'm really pleased how it has come out, though there are some things I would do differently.

I built the model almost OOTB with no AM parts, though I did scratch up a few items including jerry can racks, sand tracks and a (mostly hidden) interior. Initial painting was completed with an AB and Tamiya acrylics with details picked out with Vallejo acrylics. I used a smattering of Mig pigments and some homemade rust to finish off the weathering.

Here are a couple of pictures of the finished article:






If you have any questions, let me know!

Thanks for reading,
Ian

I think you did a really nice job on this kit. Personally I would "tone down" the chipping, but that is my humble opinion.

Darryl

Nice build, it's fun to not have to worry about AM stuff once and while. I too think the chipping could be toned down just MHO

You have done justice to one of my all time favorite kits. Cant wait to see shots of your next build, keep up the good work.

Ian: As for myself,I don't think you've done to much of anything, fine job.
A few ding here and there gives it a used look and you've done that.

Good work so stay with it.
...Tony the Mutt...

Is this Tamiya version of the kit the one with the PE meshed top? The last one I made was plastic frame and nylon mesh affair. Very well done on the tyre painting and weathering, as for scratches that really boils down to personal preference. You have done a good job of this kit and I hope you enjoyed building it.

Looks good Ian.
I see you moved somethings around alittle.
I noticed the P.S.P. plating, something I would of never thought of.
The mirrors got reworked, or was that in the kit?

Darren, I think that 's the PE version, I've got the nylon version that you stated. I'm probably going to rework it.

Anyway, Good job Ian!!!

Fine Job on this build, one of my all time favorites. milvehfan

Thanks for your great feedback everyone

This is the version of the kit the one with the PE mesh top and turned barrel (Kit no. 35286) -- it is a really nice little kit (if a little old) and I really enjoyed the build. The instructions were very clear and it went together quite easily.

As it was the first model I tried painting I wasn't too sure what I was meant to be doing at each stage, so some of the results are not quite what I'd hoped for. The scratching is one of these. I have to admit I quite like the 'well used' look on certain models and decided I wanted to try and add some wear to the paintwork.

I used the 'masking fluid applied with a scotch pad' method for the chipping and while it came out OK-ish, it is not a method I'll use again. The problem is there isn't that much control of where the scratches go, and removing the mask can damage the rest of the paint. A much better approach is to hand paint on wear with a fine brush. I did this for a few additional chips by first applying a light colour to the chipped area, then mostly filling in the area with a darker colour (dark grey / brown).

While there was no AM parts for the kit, I did scratch up / add the following:

* A basic interior made from bits from the spares box and some evergreen strips
* Replacement Jerry can racks, made from wine bottle foil. I used the spare jarry cans that come with the kit for the side racks and also added a third at the rear of the vehicle.
* Antenna made from a length of guitar string
* P. S. P. plating / sand tracks made from evergreen strips
* Wire grab handles on the turret
* Tissue on the spare wheel cover and gun seats for additional texture
* Ammo box from the spares box for the front of the vehicle
* (the mirror was supplied as in the kit)

You can see the finished interior and the unpainted additional bits in the following photos:




Thanks again for your feedback, it makes it all worth while!

Cheers,
Ian

Very iinovative work

great work for a first time build and paint keep up the good work

Nicely done! Looks good for your first one, keep at it

Cheers -
Tim