Bodge wrote:

Bodge: YEAH BABY!!!  Those plates are AWESOME!  I read a few of the replies and they seem to be a real hit with the guys...and I agree!  In fact (contrary to wbill76's sledge hammer mark fix comment) I'd beat 'em up some more!!!  The rust is SUPERB, but based on the amount of wear depicted on the whole tank, I suspect they would have been subject to some real abuse by now.  A bent corner or two (read below), some scratches, both fresh to metal and old with heavy rust, would be in order.  I'd bet the crew used these flat plates to pound things straight, knock dirt off shovels and heck, maybe even as a hot plate and table to heat & eat food on.  They might have even scratched and banged-up their shins on the corners so darn much that they had at them with the sledge hammer and/or grinded the corners smooth.  That's such a unique detail, exploit it for all its worth!

The sledge hammer handle is a bit too clean, IMO...it seems a bit yellow too, maybe that's the photo.

Looking spectacular Bodge!...It's a real pleasure to view and critique modelers that prefer the weathered look like me...I feel more at home...so-to-speak...

---

Hey guys thanks and all remarks are whirling around my head now. As for the sledge ,he,s done as is some more weathering and heck ive even started on the tracks. I think i may dent up some of the plates a bit Steve cheers for the input.Whell here,s some more. Im really trying to perfect the metal look at the moment as well and im happy with how its turning out. A few pics are showing shine on the zim this is only because i took pics before the wash had dried in a couple of places.

I'd say you'd captured the look you were after perfectly Andy...details are looking sharp with the added attention and weathering.

agentg wrote:

Just why were the plates mounted over the engine grills?

Wayne, the plates were added as a field-mod to protect the vulnerable engine compertments from strafing Jabos. The Panther and JP had a nasty habit of catching fire if a shell fragment or bullet made its way into the compartment and cut/damaged the fuel lines, fuel tanks, or just created enough of a spark to ignite the oil/lubricants, etc. in the compartment.

Andy, it has been always fun and interesting to follow your builds!  I see that you have painted the tracks brown first which is interesting but it makes better sense.  I'd love to see your WIP how to paint the tracks especially for this kit so I can do as GOOD as you one day!  Keep modeling!

Thanks... Andy

How much is great squared??? That's what this is. Love the weathering look.

Rounds Complete!!

wbill76 wrote:

I'd say you'd captured the look you were after perfectly Andy...details are looking sharp with the added attention and weathering.  agentg wrote: Just why were the plates mounted over the engine grills? Wayne, the plates were added as a field-mod to protect the vulnerable engine compertments from strafing Jabos. The Panther and JP had a nasty habit of catching fire if a shell fragment or bullet made its way into the compartment and cut/damaged the fuel lines, fuel tanks, or just created enough of a spark to ignite the oil/lubricants, etc. in the compartment.

Ok thanks, searching references for my Panther I came across a remark made by Guderian regarding the Panther being "flammable".

Now I get it!

That's another reason I was a grunt...............................................................

---

Oh no you did what I told you to do, why?
Lasci la pistola. Porti le cannoli.

Thanks Bill, i want to do a small base for this one when its done and add a figure or two so in that respect there is still some way to go yet but as long as i finnish the other side before i get bored as i allways want to start the next build before this one finnishes (terrible for that) . But ive gotta be more strict with myself and finnish one before i start another. Saying that though i have got a famo half done a RSO half built, various 72 scale stuff buit but not painted a Char B built waiting for paint and a Scwimwagon ready for paint. SMJ i have bent up one plate on the back and started to do another but it was starting to crack the paint effect so im leaving be now, next time i will have to do before paint and im sure i will do another Panther with these as i have three Dragon Panthers in the stash and another PE anti aircraft set aswell.Here,s a pic of maybe my next project.