Well the M60A1 is finished, now for something different.



I'll be using the Tamiya kit #35329, the Orochi Track set with rubber road pads, the DEF Models #35007 Basic Pe. set & DEF Models Excellent # 35033 120mm Main Gun Set.

Road Wheel arms are installed


Def gives you a Resin & Pe. rear sensor.

Here is a close up.

Now to start the hull assembly.

Very nice detailing.

The edges are beveled and fit precisely .


That's all for now.
Donald

E.T.Model has a set for the engine grills, but also duplicates the turret bustle mesh.
Link included FYI only:
http://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/data/4zdu8u6s05nkxt6ob5uh.html

Thanks for the Info.
I'll be using the screens that come with the DEF set.
Not much of the engine deck is visible once the turret is in place.
Donald

Now to the Turret, the smoke launchers go inside the front of the turret. Kind of strange setup I think.

Be sure to install the Gun mounts before gluing the top and bottom halves together.

While that is setting up I figured I would work on the Gun.
Here is both the kiut gun & DEF Models Gun.

The DEF Models Gun looks really nice, they also give you a Pe . set for the tie down clips for inside the turret basket.

Donald

Don, looking forward to following your build.

Tom

Have the Turret shell together the fit is excellent .
DEF gives you a Pe. ring to go where the Gun Barrel goes.
You cant see much of it, but it is noticeable .



Here is the bottom front of the Turret.


I'm working on the Turret fittings now.
Donald

Hi Donald,

I have the same combo, but not started yet.
I was not happy with the turret detail, so ordered Adler's Nest` hooks as well
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10233820

A little Pe. detail on the commanders Mg mount.



I'll leave the sights loose so I can add the lenses with the IR coating after painting.


The top of the Hatches.


The inside.


I'm working on the Turret Basket next.
Donald

I have the Turret Baskets assembled.


The Basket Tie downs come with the DEF Models Gun Barrel .





I'll be installing the fittings to the Turret next.
Donald

Interesting work so far.

Installed the Baskets & temporarily the sights.

The Antenna are from RB Models.





I'll be working on the commanders Mg. next.
Donald

Awesome work so far. I did the Type 90, replaced the kit barrel with a metal barrel. And used photo etch. The machine gun and mount took me an hour!

Here is the Commanders Mg.






The Gun Barrel & Grips are from RB Models the main Pe. is from DEF Models.
I'm starting the painting now it might be a while before more posts.
Donald

Still working on it, have the Camo. painted

Donald

Looking good! I have the same kit in the stash and seeing your build makes me want to take it out!

What paints did you use for the camo?

I used Tamiya XF 72 JGSDF Brown & XF 73 JGSDF D- Green, thinned with a little lacquer thinner to make it easier to air brush.
Donald

I have the wheels assembled and installed.


here are the Head light assemblies with the DEF Models lenses and Pe. mesh guards.The Tamiya lenses are just Od colored plastic.



The Head lights installed in the front assembly.


This unit will be used later to lock the top and bottom hull parts together.

Working on the track next.
Donald

Here is how I assembled the Orochi track.


first off I chose this tract because I wanted to build this kit with the rubber blocks , not a bare metal track. If you want the bare metal track , stick with the kit track. This one is a lot of work.

First I connected all the center connectors to the track shoes, it doesn't matter which edge you choose as long as they are all the same.

Trim the burr off after removal from the Sprue .

It's easier if you do them all first .

The end connectors have a recess molded on the outside end this go to the outside , so each one will have to be removed from the sprue before use. The material is a medium soft flexible plastic

The small bolt head goes to the inside.

This track doesn't fit the sprockets to good, you will have to trim the inside of the sprocket teeth to get it to fit.


Assembling the track, I did it in sections of 10

You will need about 79 Track Shoes depending on how you adjust the idler.

The Orochi & Tamiya track.

The end connectors compared

Finally for today I trimmed the small tab off the Idler mount to make it easier to adjust the track tension.


Now to paint it.
Donald

I have the Tracks installed.
It's a tight fit for the road wheels fitting over the track guide horns, I just pressed the wheels onto the track & idler wheel.
The white part was used to hold the Idler in position until the glue dried .


The Track is directional , this is a view of the top of the track.
The longer curved cleat goes to the front.


Now I have to add the road pads.
Donald

Here are the road pads, I lightly sanded them to give a used look.
The plastic is a dark Black / Grey color, this will save having to paint them.




That's all for now.
Donald