Quick update,
Been having some airbrush issues lately so progress has been slow, but the issues seem to be fixed (we hope). Managed to get most of the stowage base coated, gloss coated and last night 1st oil washes. Once the oil wash is dry I will begin mounting all of it and then proceed to see where any other washes are needed, if any. I am hoping that by the end of the week I can have a clear (flat) coat on everything and begin final stages of assembly and weathering. I know that dusting with chalks will be a lengthy process with this as it needs to look DUSTY. Will try and get some photos taken tonight or tomorrow if time permits. Cheers.

2/15 Update













Hoping to get some of this put on the turret today. Cheers.

Managed to get much of the stowage on today, with some challenges. I still have a few pieces that I want to add like track blocks (added a coat of future on two sets today, so waiting for those to dry), I am also making a "tarp" out of tissue and that is drying and forming right now. Once dry it will be painted and then set in place. Still need to make another center guide for the let side road wheel as well. . . .
So here are a couple of quick shots while things are setting up and drying. Cheers.

Very impressive build.

So I am having some stowage issues right now and this is hindering my progress. I find that because of my lack of experience finishing any build that I have ever started, that getting towards the end I am hesitant to move forward too quickly for fear of missing something or screwing something up. And I am sure with good reason, as I have found a few items on this build that I failed to accomplish earlier and have had to finish before moving on.
Right now I am making a "tarp" for the left rear corner of the bustle and am trying to make up some more stowage before I set it in place. To me the bustle does not look 'full enough' but other may think differently, but this is my build so its my call. Took these last night to just get some reference shots and hopefully inspire some better ideas and solutions.
I am also in the process of making some newer tow cables to add to the front as the kit ones are kinda jacked up and do not allow for easy placement. Just a quick note, there is no place in the instructions that show where to place or even TO place the two cables that come with the kit. Gotta love it. Any comments are appreciated. Cheers.

I have been working on making some tow cables for this the last few days as well as trying to finish up the stowage. I added two sets of two tracks to the bustle and managed to get the trap finished and set in place. I think it looks good, but not great. My guess is that lead foil will work better in the future. I am still planning on adding some IDF MRE's of the era once I can copy some off. I am toying with the idea of leaving the .50 cal ammo load off as I am not sure that I really like the look of the kit part.
The biggest news is that the tow cables are done and in place. Even managed to make some foil brackets for the ends on the fenders. I need to add the antennas and the boxes and then final touches. As it is right now it is just about ready for the dull coat, which might happen in just a bit. . . cheers.

It's definitely got "the look". Congrats on sticking with it.

So I am gonna call this one done, here and now. I may still tweak it a bit in the next few days but, it is basically finished right now.

So on Friday night I managed to get most of the dry brushing done that I wanted to do. With some Tamiya Khaki Drab and Flat aluminum I went at it and did my chipping and stuff. Its all very subtle but I think that the look I achieved, was what I was going for. I also add some black pastel to the engine deck area and around the muzzle and the rear area to simulate that "burnt carbon" look. Again, I think I got it pretty close.

Today I tackled the rest of the pastel dusting that I wanted to do and in short order I again, think that I achieved what I set out to do. I would still like to add some MRE type boxes of the era but need to get some copied and cut tomorrow and then we'll add them in. I may still add some more dusting to the running gear as well, but again, there is always time to tinker. . . .

My ultimate goal for this kit is to add a few figures and make up a small dio for this with the crew catching up with some personal maintenance and such, but that is for the future. . . .

So here are the photos, please feel free to comment. Cheers.

I like the paint and weathering. All the added detail and storage items bring it to life.

Thanks Caveman, really appreciate the kind words. Cheers.

HI Damon.
The idf m60 looks mighty fine to me!!!.Glad you put my verlinden etch to good use.
Great work,all the best from Richard

Thanks Richard, didn't get to use too much of it, but I have another one that I will be utilizing it on for sure. Thanks again.

Created a quick base for this the past two weeks based upon the teachings of "Keenan". Still need to add some debris and "junk" to it, but let me know what you think. Cheers.

Hi Damon. I love how this turned out. The detail and weathering you achieved on this model is fantastic. I love the busy look of this tank. Really nice.

Thanks Dave. Still need to finish the base and mount it, but the kudos are appreciated none the less. Cheers.

Man it's bean some time uh well I love the work you did on your tracks as well as you weather work. I got my hands on an Academy M60A1 Blazer. So some of the things you used to make your project look grate, I'll use on my project.