Here it is! Finally! This was an Armor Kit Build Out of Box (OOB) build for the Barbarosa Campaign, tracked armored vehicle with no aftermarket parts; with stretched sprue antenna. Overall I am happy with it. I can think of some things I would do different, but this being my very first model ever, and one that was completed within the campaign guidelines and deadline, I'm kind of proud of it. The rear unit designation decal on the right side near the back of the vehicle was a real pain to get on, and it was the last decal I applied. I applied first future, then applied the decal, then applied solvaset. All the others came out nice, but that last one, at some point when I have more time I'm going to at least muddy it up. The entire model was challenging. It was a good model by Tamiya and I did not have to modify any parts, the fit was good, very little flash, and no filling needed.

Be gentle now.

BTW - my next project I will be attempting to use the airbrush. The 222 below I handpainted everything.













If you want to see the entire build in progress, go to my barbarosa album on msn: http://groups.msn.com/armorama/pwbarbarosagroupbuildalbum.msnw?Page=1

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Lady Jean,

This is very nice for a first model. Very impressive.

Ms. El D something something aka "Choice Veal of Da Sty"

Jean---be proud here, this is well done and finished on time---Congrats! Your brush skills are very sound and the highlights smack of someone else's work I am familiar with.

When you get comfortable with the airbrush you might want to consider applying a bit of dusting/earth to the tires and lower body---I think it would take your fine model to another level.

Again, congratulations Jean, this build is very very sound and impressive for your first build. Wow!

Signed
Lord Horn

A lot better than my first kit Mrs El Diablo! No fingerprints and gluemarks. And brushpainted too!

Jean,

You have built a pretty little gem here. I can see that you have put a lot of effort for it. I have a little suggestion here is the ties are too clean. Anyway, this is your first model and looks really great.

Keep it up!

very nice, i like very much the painting
regards

Mylady, this is a wonderful first attempt! Congratulations and keep on going with AFVs. Another great entry for the campaign!!!
Ciao

Jean, I can't see any issues with decals. You have completed a nice clean build, and the paint is good. Now how about doing a stug!!!! #:-) Good Job STUG

Very nice first model. Good painting and construction. I'd add a little earth color drybrushing to the tires to bring out the sidewall detail.

In the circled areas above, it looks like you may have missed a couple mold parting seams.
But other than that, very good.

Very nice first model! amazing brush painting job :-) A little mud in the tires would go nicely.

Matt

very nice work Lady.congrats

Thank you for the praise, and thank you even more for the constructive advice.

Machu: Sel was telling me about working with pastel chalk for a mud/dirt effect, I can't remember who it was but someone in rivet review used pastel chalk and when I saw the pics I thought it was real mud!! So I plan on experimenting with chalk to work on my weathering skills. We didn't get the airbrush until the Barbarossa Build was almost over and with no experience, I did not want to just go right into using it for weathering effects. I do plan on practicing with it before I attempt to use it on an actual model.

WeWillHold: I know the model looked too clean, I realized that after I finished drybrushing, but seeing as it was so close to the deadline, I figured I'd add more weathering effects and experiment with it when I get some practice in, and spiff the little bugger up a bit. I really wanted to throw a patch of mud over the one decal. I forgot to work on that until after I took the pics and posted it for the deadline.

AJLaFleche: I noticed actually several areas on the model after the pics were posted that needed some sanding down to get rid of the seams and give it a smooth look. The fit was good though and Tamiya did a great job with the fitting and sizing. Very little was needed to have the pieces fit together snugly.

scoccia & stugiiif: Well, I have a little bit of each to decide to work on. I'm pulling out of the Age of Aces Campaign as I didn't want to work on two models at the same time and it was taking me too long to complete the 222. I have traded a model I was going to buy for myself with Sel for a Panther Tank so here's what I have on the list so far to possibly build next: Red Baron's Fokker DR. I Tri-Plane, BF109E Messerschmidt Plane, Panther Tank, and Babylon 5 Space Station.

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Very great job for your first kit Frau Selrach For your next armor kit try one with individual track links They are loads of fun #:-) #:-)

I hear that's how Sel lost his mind, individual track links, not to mention his eyesight. LOL
I think he's still looking for his mind. I'm not about to lose mine, at least not so soon after finishing the 222.

#:-)

She is "hooked" :-) :-) :-) :-)

Welcome to modeling Jean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve

you did a great job on this model but a little mud on the tracks n some more wearthing (++) (++)

That is a very good first model,an one of the better ones to cut your teeth on.I will say,it is easier to go back and add dirt,rather than try to lighten up a overly muddied vehicle.Granted,in Armor,there is no such thing as too much mud.Unless,of course,it covers mold seams form others..... (++) (++) (++) (++) (++) (++) (++) (++)
F'rinstance,this is the begining of heavily mudding up my entries.I am starting with the heaviest dirt,Hudson and Allen mud applied very heavily on seect areas.later,everything gets a lighter Airbrushing of a lighter mud color.



#:-)

outstanding Mrs. Sel !
I agree the tires and lower parts could use some earth colors, even just a dusting would do good. Those seams on the gun wouldn't be too bad to fix with a sanding stick and a little touchup paint.
Glad to see you're into modeling knee deep already!!! mmuuaahaaahaaahaaaa!!!! (++)