building order?

Welcome to armor,I put the wheels and tracks on after I paint and weather the hull and turret.I usually paint the stowage and tools off the tank,and weather them on,but that being said not all the time.It's a matter of prefrence.You will get plenty of folks who do it both ways with tools and stowage,but I think the majority leave the wheels and tracks off.

I do the same as Tojo72.  I will build the tank as complete as possible; only leaving off the road wheels, tracks, stowage, and any other items that get painted a different color than the main hull color(s).  I paint these separately and then add them before weathering.  I then weather the whole thing as one to blend it all together.

Always try to think of it in terms of what makes life easier in terms of accessibility for painting versus maximum assembly to ensure solid joints in the glue department. Once something's attached, it becomes harder to paint it a different color if required. Also remember that depending on the glue and paint types you're using, it can become harder to attach stuff once the vehicle is painted. There's always trade-offs to be made depending on your particular circumstances.

HeavyArty

I do the same as Tojo72.  I will build the tank as complete as possible; only leaving off the road wheels, tracks, stowage, and any other items that get painted a different color than the main hull color(s).  I paint these separately and then add them before weathering.  I then weather the whole thing as one to blend it all together.

The only time I glue the wheels to the hull is if they don't have rubber tires. All steel.

thanks guys, that helps clear things up.

I do have a question about the tracks, (rubber band type, I think is the term). I primed them towards the beginning of the build with black enamel from a spray can but when test fitting and seeing how things fit together, some paint started flaking off. Does this mean Id be best suited to paint teh tracks after they are in position on the model?

No, I also paint vinyl tracks off the the model.  Just be careful putting them back on and then touch up any areas that may chip off.  I find that cheap, flat black spray paint from Wal-Mart is the best primer for tracks and tends to not chip off vinyl tracks.

That's good to know Gino, I usually use Testors.

I used testors too. Normally I don't have problems with their spray cans.

What is the exact brand of these walmart spray cans you use?

wbill76

Always try to think of it in terms of what makes life easier in terms of accessibility for painting versus maximum assembly to ensure solid joints in the glue department. Once something's attached, it becomes harder to paint it a different color if required. Also remember that depending on the glue and paint types you're using, it can become harder to attach stuff once the vehicle is painted. There's always trade-offs to be made depending on your particular circumstances.

I tend to agree with Bill. I build and paint in sub assemblies. You need to study the directions and construct in an order that works best for you.

Rounds Complete!!

What is the exact brand of these walmart spray cans you use?

They are Wal-Mart's own Color Place brand and go for about $1 a can.  It has a blue label that says Spray Paint in white letters and the cap color indicates the paint color.

Just about any cheap, store brand will do though.  I think the cheap ones have more lacquer or something, which gives them more bite.

Good advice from the guys here for what its worth that's pretty much the way I do things also. One detail...for the pre painting phase of construction I use liquid plastic cement, great bonds, not much mess. Once the base color is on and no more airbrushing will be done I attatch the small stuff (pioneer tools, etc) with slow set CA. I must look foolish sitting there with a blob of the stuff on some cardboard and a length of stretched sprue for an applicator but hey it works for me.

Also, welcome to Armor Modeling and welcome to the forums be sure to post a pic of that M41 so we can enjoy it also.

Regards,

Mark

thanks for the replies and tips!

Ill post photos for sure, no worries!

I know i am a bit late, but i am the same as most people here. I assemble the hull and turret and only add items that are the same colour, leaving off the running gear. I am alsways amazed when i see builds with everything on before a drop of paint has touched it.

Look forward to seeing the photos.