Well, I don't really post much, as I don't have usually too much to say - as you folks' work always leaves me a little speechless.. Anyway - this is a build that I've been working on "off and on" for about six months - and frankly - it's been more "off" than "on"... In fact - I started this kit - got really frustrated with it.. Put it away for a while - then started it - got frustrated.. Well - you know.. As a new guy, this is not a great kit to "learn the ropes on"...

Anyway - about six months later - I'm back "on" this kit again And this time - I will probably get it finished!!! OK - here we go - the pics below are a span of time.....

1) Finally got the hull together and started the very basic color work.. It was rough at this stage:




2) Some engine compartment detail and base colors. Later pics will show where I took it from here:



3) The upper get's almost finished - there are a couple of issues you will see - and I fixed a fe later



4) Some time later - how the interior details are coming along:





5) The inside of the turret - is finally joined together and some detail starts to take shape (the interior bit are complete at this time)



6) Some time later - the final weathering of the engine compartment..



7) And the almost final of the front of the compartment. I did a bit more after this picture:



8) FINALLY - a darker shade of Russian Green is on as a base.. As you'll see - I tried to add/weather lighter shades from some posts/suggestions on this site - and those pictures are shown a few more down from this picture:



9) AHHH - HAAAA!! After working for a while - the step-coloring and weathering starts to come out. The decals have not been matted at this point - so they are lighter. (see comments below). Also - I wanted to keep the "hand-painted" look of the white lines - so all white lines were airbrushed - slightly edge faded while the paint was wet and the top line edges re-painted by a tine brush to give an uneven look..



10) Next step... A few more weathering shades/steps are added...




and



I'm guessing I'm about 85-90% there... Next steps will be to matt varnish - and complete the weathering. Add mud/dust.. Also - I'm thinking of leaving the main components unglued.. Why? Just in case I want to remind myself how many parts and hours are in this thing

My best to all...

John

Very nice,I like the roughed up texture on the turret,oily finish looks great.I say leave it unglued to show off the detail.

My sincerest thanks! When it's finally done - I'll post. As well - I just noticed I have less than 10 posts in almost a year of being registered??? Hopefully - I'll finish it faster than I post..??!! Hah!!!



My thanks again!!

John

Lookin' good, John!

I understand your frustration; I put my HB T34/85 back in the box a while ago. You've gotten a LOT farther than I did.

Hi Bret..! My thanks!! Actaully - I was slow in replying - because... Well, I was working on this model... As I wait for it to dry down, I sort of like the effect.. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow, if I like how I think it's turning out at this point, OK? As well - since I'm just getting back into this - any and all comments/critiques are more than welcome and appreciated...

Anyway - my thanks!

John

Last pics - about done... My thanks for your comments above!

John

What a great build! What did you use for doing the cast texture??

Hi Greg!

My thanks!! I really enjoyed doing this - and I can say that - as, after six months, I've been looking forward to saying it for about 5 of those 6 months (See my first post )

Anyway - I used Liquitex flexible modeling paste on the turret. The "seam" was added with a very fine brush using the same material. I used a very thin coat, and after it dries, it does dry hard. As well, I was worried whether it would adhere well when dry, but it was just fine and stayed put as I handled it during the build....

Also a couple of notes..

If you look at the handles for the side tanks - they are incorrect, as the instructions are reversed. Anyway - if you have this kit, watch out to orient the handles properly on the build of the side-tanks!

Also - after the pics, I noticed the final mud effect didn't get into the rear fuel tank ends given the seam around the top. I fixed that, as well as the green overspray inside the top hatch, which is now the correct weathered white....

Anyway - my sincerest thanks again - and I hope this helps!

John

That just looks great. excellent work. Better late than never!

Isn't that for sure!!! Anyway - my thanks!! I'm trying to figure what my next build might be, but, I can say for certain - it won't be this same kit!!!

My thanks again for your comments!

John

Wow, that looks like a fine kit and a great build! Haven't tried any of the hobby boss kits yet but it sure looks tasty!

Cheers
Stef