Great looking build so far.

What is the deal with the track pad numbers? I have 4, 32, 37, 38 and blank on the photos posted. Doesn't seem to be a pattern as to which has it or not.

No idea yet, At first looks like the number of tracks for each side, but then, appear evidence of multiples numbers, even names, so I think is more a marking in some to indicate some sort of counting for statistics purpose or something similar.

I'm still thinking in what colors & nation I would paint this fella.

I'm Between a Polish Version I found named "Janka"


or a postwar option in Japan under testing. (type 79 Kogata)

For this one I was thinking to make the wheels in bare wood, and Kanji marking like the one done in militar weapons on that era.



With this Legend I can decifer the type of Equipment . For example here in the gun sight means " Type 44"

More evidence that this fella at some stage of production was used with unpainted wooden wheels.



And another good reference for the Japanese version. Look at the Kanji at the side of the hull.

Just a small update.

I remove the numbers from a sprue using a new blade and here is the result after applying it to the track.

I just received the last piece I needed for this work, the resin wheels simulating wood. Thanks Todd!



Starting the painting with a white primer, pieces are loose, just put it in position for the picture.

WOW! Great wood wheel castings!

You're doing a fantastic job here Pedro! Love the extra work you're putting into those tracks! Giving a little credit where credit is due...the wheel was from Inside the Armour...Chris Meddings did absolute fantastic job on the FT upgrades. Sadly these are not available anymore...but this is one of those special instance where the donation of the part to a project like this is worth it. Keep up the great work my friend!

Where did you get the resin idler?
Dan

Following my previous work on a Sherman howitzer, I wanted to start the kit in Black & White too. This help me a lot to know were I'm going with the painting and weathering of the kit.





Here is the First Step of the Black & White process, started in white, then black for deep shadows, they will soften on the next steps, more to come.

I ordered the resin to cast the wheels, but while waiting I wanted to experiment a bit painting the wood grain and see the results.

Started imitating the lines using a fine brush and Tamiya Linoneum deck brown xf-79,


Then I sealed using satin varnish so I can start with the first wash using black very diluted.



Here I experiment using filters of yellow and brown applied by brush, then another thinned black wash, and painted the metal parts.

For the base color I was looking for a inital color use in japanese war machines, Steven Zaloga have some articles about the theme, and also found some more inf here (http://matadormodels.co.uk/tank_museum/xcamo_ww2japan.htm)

So after a research I decided to go with a very light Olive Drab. So I use the Color Modulation set from AMMO for the task.

Here the results using the Basic Highlight Olive Drab.

Here some practice of the Kanji before applying it. Some retouches to the wheels, installed as well but not glued, only for fitting purposes. Also painted with a tamiya flat earth xf-52 the tracks to initiate a more weathered look.

Starting the initial dust using a mix of Tamiya Buff, Deck Tan and Flat earth. Still a long way to go.

Detailing of the layers of dust, dry and wet mud in process using the whole line of Dust & Mud from Ammo.

here is the progress on the tracks too, still in half-stage of weathering process, more details to come.






Also the side with the Kanji

Hi! I'm back with a new update on the FT-17. I just finished the main weathering of the tracks & wheels, so I attached it to the hull. Some oils and wet mud also added, but I'm with mixed feelings, probably I make some minor changes to the actual mud effect. More to come!

Now 2 pictures of the full kit, still in progress, but almost done. Need some micro-detailing here and there and the base.

Well the kit is finally done, only the wooden base is pending. I present you my version of the Japanese FT-17 Trainer tank during the 1929-1940 period more or less, using the Takom 1/16 FT-17 Renault. Hope you have enjoy the ride like I did.

For the base I used a native wood base donated by one artisan last year.






For the final touch, a Rising Sun flag printed in high quality paper, cut and trimmed.




And here the final result!