Hello fellow modelers --
This is my first post here in the armor section. I usually build aircraft, but I won this kit at a raffle so I decided to build it. I used to build armor as my main focus, but this was my first armor project in decades.
This is my rendition of Panzer 631, 6th Kompanie, 1st-SS Pz. Rgt, LSSAH, which took part in Kampfgruppe Peiper's assault during the Ardennes offensive in December 1944.
I built it mostly out of the box with the addition of Eduard's exterior detail kit, Quicktracks, and various scratchbuilt items such as bolts, tow cable, handles, clips, hinges and other doodads.
I found the subject via Echelon decals. They were nice enough to email me some photos of the actual tank that they used for the painting guide in the decal package.
I spent quite a bit of time researching the various configurations of Panzer IV J's (early, mid, late, etc.) as well as learning the latest techniques for painting tracks, creating rust effects, and general armor weathering.
AK Real Colors paints were used for the main camo after priming with Mr. Surfacer Primer. The details (tools, etc.) were painted with Mission Models and Tamiya acrylics.
I applied some clear gloss only in the areas where the Echelon decals were applied. These went on with no problem using Microset, Microsol and Solvaset. A clear satin coat went on after the decals were dry.
Weathering was applied with various oil washes, AK weathering pencils, and pigments.
The Quicktracks went together with no issues and look pretty good I think. My sequence for painting and weathering was primer, panzer grey paint, black oil wash, tamiya buff airbrushed in a random pattern, brown oil wash, pigments, Tamiya gunmetal drybrushed.
It was a fun project and a good change of pace. I'll probably mix some more armor builds into my future builds. I have a Panzer III in the stash.
Thanks for looking. Comments and critiques are more than welcome.