...after I was about to give up on her.

After an initial basecoat and camo and some chipping I really wasn't happy with her:





Filters washes, and some chipping:





But with some encouragement from friends I have continued the quest with this critter:





Build log over at Planet Armor:

http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=661

Comments, criticisms welcome!

Maby if you do the tracks a lot way better, it will be beauty! If you paint the tools will be it a lot more different.
And maby a little more drybrush.

The only thing I would say is: the tank is a bit glossy.
Or is it just me??

Can't wait to see it finished!!

Greetz Hilbert

Great !
Too bad you didn't choose the french version...
Your camo lookks great to me and the filters worked great to add depth.
It's a bit glossy and I find this normal : it's steel and it's often a bit glossy !
my only criticism : the scratches are a bit too big to my taste... but that's realy just a matter of taste !

Good work !

Hi Stuke. For this stage of the paint job, I think its looking great. The camo is nicely faded, and the texture came through perfectly.
I think when the pioneer tools are painted and some stowage is added, it will break up the camo colour. Then with tracks, and the usual lower hull heavy weathering, the tank as a whole, will take on a new appearance. Even the addition of the decals has already shown this.
You´re not the first to have some reservations at this stage. The build is nice and the paint job is nice, so the final result is still on par. Stick with it ... Im confident you will have a little stunner when finished. Good luck.

I agree with what Frank says. Once you have weathered the lower hull and painted the tools it should be a real stunning model. Don't forget to chip up the boggies a bit. They are all steel and could be a bit scuffed up. Can't wait to see the final stages.

Nice looking H-39 Stuke. I really like how you did the camo scheme. I think once you get the tracks on it, and weather it up, it will look alot better. Maybe some #'s on the turret ? The choice Balkenkruez is really cool.

Is this the newer release Trumpeter kit, or Bronco Model kit ? Looks alot better then the older Heller kit.

Cheers !!

Alpen

Thanks to everyone for the words of advice and encouragement!!

Here is an update for everyone:









The tank was a bit glossy, although from my experience on these beasts you will find that they take on all different finishes. You can go from dead flat to satin to a wet glossy all within three square feet! Anyway the powders killed some of the gloss and I think this looks better.

The scratches are in my opinion too large as well, I need more practice.

The tools getting painted did really help the overall look.

My biggest problem right now is the tracks. They are painted and weathered up, but when attempting to place them I found that there is very little room between the fender and the sprocket and return rollers. In my attempt to get them on I broke off a sprocket and two bogey assemblies!!

Now I am left to figure out how to get those nasty things on there.....

Oh, this is the Trumpeter kit. If you are wanting to build this thing I would advise you to wait for the Bronco kit as it looks much nicer....