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AFV M40 155mm SP Gun, WIP, 01-17-10, Finally Complete!!

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  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Saturday, November 7, 2009 5:31 AM

I just realized I don't have to wait ofr AMPS to see this.  I will see it in April...

RIGHT?Angry [:(!]

Marc  

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Saturday, November 7, 2009 6:02 AM
 wing_nut wrote:

I just realized I don't have to wait ofr AMPS to see this.  I will see it in April...

RIGHT?Angry [:(!]

Hey....right now it is on the calendar to open the show season for me.....so yes, you just might see it then. Shock [:O]

Rounds Complete!! 

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Schroon Lake, NY
Posted by SMJmodeler on Monday, November 9, 2009 11:30 AM
 redleg12 wrote:

Steve - Thanks...remember next year the theme is Korea!! This is the build of the never ending parts but getting close. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you got your answer on the howitzer....Roy is spot on. The M4 you bought is for either howitzer. The only other thin is if you want to show an ammo load in the M4. Then get the AFV 155mm/8inch rounds kit.

Hang in there Mike and keep pluggin' along...thanks for the info and I'll keep the Korea thing in mind!Thumbs Up [tup]

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:29 PM

Since I left off last I worked on the gun and carriage assembly.  I finished the barrel after a big OOPS. The next day after the last update, as I took the barrel to the paint booth for priming, I dropped it!!! The barrel broke cleanly right at one of the extensions. But after re-gluing and all new seam work...ARRRHHHH....all was well. The sled was also extended to match the extended barrel.

After priming with Tamiya Flat Black and base coat of Poly Scale OD, I mounted the barrel onto the carriage. It was quite a tight fit and required numerous attempts followed by sanding until I was finally able to get a nice snug fit.

The panoramic telescope was painted Poly Scale Tactical Green with Alclad Aluminum used for the mirror and the sight with Tamiya Flat Black for the reading scale.

I intended to show the breech cracked as the kit includes a nice breech assembly. The outside of the breech is panted with Alclad Steel while inside and inside the barrel was painted with Alclad Aluminum.

The front of the sled rails were painted with Alclad Dark Aluminum where they would ride on the track during recoil.

The only thing remaining is the shields. The left shield had the lumps removed for tie downs and PE was put in its place. The are currently drying in the paint booth and will be mounted tomorrow to finish the gun assembly

Here is the view of the right side with the panoramic telescope

Here is the overall view of the assembly from the left side

Here is a view of the breech area.

On the main assembly mostly details were remaining. The shovels, ax, pick handle, pick, sledge were done with Tamiya Flat Black for the metal parts with wear using #2 pencil. The wood parts were done with Tamiya Buff and then washed with MIG Dark Wash. The hold down clamps was done with Poly Scale OD and the straps with Tamiya OD. The breaker bar, wrench and crank were done with Alclad Steel and hold downs and straps were the same as above

The stowage box was re-done by removing all the molded details and adding PE details for the handles, strap, latch and stands.  The box and stands were painted with Poly Scale OD, the strap with Tamiya OD, The strap buckle Tamiya Flat Black and the handles and latch with Alclad Steel.

On the front are the spare tracks and holders. These are the kit supplied units and were painted with Alclad Steel and Poly Scale OD for the holders. I know.....humm there is some slight sink marks. The will be covered by some snow!!

In the rear compartment, more details were added, including the air filter assemblies, painted PS OD. Crew seats folded with the metal parts PS OD and the cushions painted Tamiya Khaki Drab. Lastly fuel cans painted Poly Scale Tactical Green with PS OD holder and Tamiya OD strap

On the rear also details added to include the tail lights, cable roller and pulley assembly for the spade. Metal parts were Alclad Steel, lights Tamiya Clear Red and Smoke and PS OD for the remaining.

With the exception of the tracks, all the assemblies are complete and base painted.

OK.....before I started on the markings, I am giving this "modulation" a bit of a try...sooooo using Tamiya OD which is darker and a bit more yellow than Poly Scale OD, I highlighted the edges and transitions.

Next up is the markings on the main hull followed by some final assembling and weathering.

 As always all comments are welcome and thanks for looking

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Cary, North Carolina
Posted by M1Carbine on Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:00 PM

Red, this is looking AWSOME!

 

Bob

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:18 PM
~Well the word is EPIC with this build isn't it Mr. Leg ?  Great job with this kit. Looks like a bunch 'a work, but then, rewriting War&Peace is suposed to be.Wink [;)]

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Eugene, Oregon
Posted by hughes2682 on Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:47 PM
When I read that the barrel met up with terra firma, I got sick to my stomach. It's nice to see you pulled it off. This is an outstanding build sir.
Cheers
Dave

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Aaronw/Groupbuilds/ClassicAviationGB2010bomb.jpg

With enough thrust, pigs fly just fine.

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Northern Va
Posted by psstoff995's lbro on Saturday, November 14, 2009 11:51 PM
That looks great! Can't wait to see her all built up and weathered.
-Will young modeler Test fit master
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, November 15, 2009 6:47 AM

Bob - Thanks for the comments

Indy - Yep, when your working on an intricate kit, it is like watching Ben Hur....at least the chariot race is over!!Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Hoping to be wraped up by the end of the month....maybe

Dave - Thanks for the comments. That's what I get for having the garage tiles in the bench room. They are great for finding parts but bad on delicate drops!!

Lbro - Thanks....me too!!

Rounds Complete!!

 

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Sunday, November 15, 2009 6:55 AM
Mike the gun looks great.  Looks nicely detailed. Going to look real nice when it all ocmes together.

Marc  

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: beacon falls , Ct.
Posted by treadwell on Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:51 PM

Mike Big Smile [:D]

This is way to cool of a build--Another notch in your belt and more pics for my reference. love the open breech--- sorry it took me so long to check in on this.

ya still owe me a drink--lol

Maybe next year I hope!!

tread

   

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:10 PM

Tread - My man, great to have you stop in and thanks for the comment.

As far as the drink....it was lonely at the bar without you Sad [:(]...hope you make it next year....drinks are on me!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    February 2009
  • From: mass,USA
Posted by scratchmod on Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:22 PM

Mike this is coming along nicely. I wasn't sure about some of the interior pics, I first thought they were interior photos of an actual vehicle. Outstanding work buddy.

 

Rob

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Monday, November 16, 2009 12:54 AM

Hey Michael!

Quit taking pictures of real world dissassembled Artillery pieces and trying to pass them off as your models!!!

Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

Very cool work my friend it does look real.  That's why the call us modelers I suppose!

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, November 16, 2009 5:37 AM

Edmund - I thank you for your kind comment. Wink [;)]....Yep, we are modelers Shock [:O]

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, November 16, 2009 5:57 AM
She is coming along great.  Looking more realistic w/each post.  Can't wait to see the snow on it.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, November 16, 2009 9:20 AM
This update slipped by me Mike but glad I caught up to it! Nice work on the details, looking sharp and glad to hear the gravity-induced adventure with the barrel worked out ok in the end. Wink [;)]
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, November 16, 2009 9:29 AM

WOW, Mike--you are setting a standard here for this kit! I have it in the stash, and now that I see the work you're doing to it, I'm more reluctant to start it, as I watch the tremendous amount of work you're putting into it. I'm just not sure I could do it the justice that you're giving it here!

Looking fine, looking fine!

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: S.W. Missouri
Posted by Pvt Mutt on Monday, November 16, 2009 10:46 AM

Mike getting back to the Alclad for a minute, I see Steel, Aluminum and Dark Aluminum used. Is there any others that you recommend that I need to get?

Thanks                                                                                                                                     Tony Lee

Shoot Low Boys They're Ridin Ponys

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, November 16, 2009 11:21 AM

 HeavyArty wrote:
She is coming along great.  Looking more realistic w/each post.  Can't wait to see the snow on it.

Gino - Brrrrr...I feel the weather changing!! Thanks for stopping in.

 wbill76 wrote:
This update slipped by me Mike but glad I caught up to it! Nice work on the details, looking sharp and glad to hear the gravity-induced adventure with the barrel worked out ok in the end. Wink [;)]

Bill - There is no gravity...the earth inhales! Trust me, the adventure included a number of colorful metaphors before I was back to normal!!

Thanks for the comments on the details

 the doog wrote:

WOW, Mike--you are setting a standard here for this kit! I have it in the stash, and now that I see the work you're doing to it, I'm more reluctant to start it, as I watch the tremendous amount of work you're putting into it. I'm just not sure I could do it the justice that you're giving it here!

Looking fine, looking fine!

Karl - You have got to be kidding me!!! You not do it justice!! I will agree, this is no snap tight kit and requires work. Also I am a detail freak when it comes to artillery but....???

You will be just fine....it's just not a one month bang out (that will be my next build). You among all have the patience for details....you humble me

Thanks for the comments

 Pvt Mutt wrote:

Mike getting back to the Alclad for a minute, I see Steel, Aluminum and Dark Aluminum used. Is there any others that you recommend that I need to get?

Thanks                                                                                                                                     Tony Lee

Tony - Alclad paint is not the cheapest, so it depends how far you want to go. I picked up a mixture of many of their colors on e-bay. If you go the e-bay route, the more the merrier. If you are buying it in the LHS, it's expensive so if you are minimizing you purchase...

  • Steel - A must have for armor
  • Aluminum or Polished Aluminum - Good for high shine or polished areas like the block
  • Dark Aluminum - I use it for wear items exposed to the elements, darker than Aluminum and it is my personal preference to use it, but you could use Aluminum in its place.
  • Burnt Metal - Speaks for itself

Remember, these are thinned to air brush. You need to put a black primer coat under these paints, I use Tamiya Flat Black, it still has shine but not "chrome like". You can touch up with a brush but does not brush paint well....looks like metallic paint. Lastly it is a lacquer, you will need to ventilate real well!!

Thanks for stopping by

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 2:02 PM
 redleg12 wrote:

Mike, have you made room for your 2010 AMPS Gold for this guy yet? Bow [bow]

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:16 PM

Marc - Like I always say...a model contest is like a dog show....right now I only count on being there...thank you, I am humbled

Wayne - Hummm....my comments are cathing on!! Thanks. Details for me are fun. This build has been a bit loooooong and looking forward to the final assembly!!

Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    June 2009
Posted by Guney on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 5:51 PM
Fine works....Will be very good model....:)
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:51 PM

Guney - Thanks for stopping in and for your comments

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, November 22, 2009 6:15 PM

A week before turkey day and this build is taking longer than I thought. First, the agony and the ecstasy.

Looking over the markings, I try never to use star decals. So after making star masks with painters tape they were applied and some paper towel used to protect for the overspray. Then the stars were painted with Tamiya Flat White.

After the masking was removed...

Ok...so far so good....now a coat of future and let dry overnight. On to the decals!! After getting all set up, I dipped the first one waited, waited then tried to slide into place. Now the agony begins, the decal shattered!!.

Well, I had another M40 on the shelf (to kit bash for into M43), let me check out those decals. Hummmm, look the same...without taking anymore chances I cut out what I needed and pulled out the old rattle can of Testors Decal Bonder.

After letting them dry for a day, I set up to try again...this time ecstasy...

Now the prayers...after additional coating I and praying once they are dry and I spray on a future seal coat that they do not show!!

On the other front, are the tracks. After cutting off the sprue and cleaning up a 100 or so tracks and guide pins, I began.

First making bundles of 4 tracks, using the glass to keep them flat but give an edge for the side pin installation

OK now with the pins on one side, I can grab the four and squeeze together and install the opposite side pins.

Each track has 79 cleats in it so after assembling 19 packs of 4 and 1 of 3, I began assembling the track. I would install a single pin on one side between a pack of four and install a center guide pin. The using a 90 degree tweezers I would squeeze the two packs together and use the needle tweezers to install the opposite pin and lock the tow together.

And so on and so on...until.

Those two groups are for 1 track (keeping in two sections for now for ease of handling). You are looking at a total of 316 assembled parts and about 8 hours of work. Now I have to do it again!!

That's it for now. I will be working on the other track and after sealing the decals, begin pinwashing

As always all comments are welcome and thanks for looking

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: N.H.
Posted by panzerguy on Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:49 PM

   Mike I've been a little under the last week so I'm just getting caught up around here.

 Just want to say that this is turning out great! Using the stencils for the stars is a nice touch and they look perfect. Looking forward to seeing your next update.

 

 

 

"Happiness is a belt fed weapon"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:54 PM

Steve - Sorry to hear you were ill. Hope all is better now. Just a couple of days and then you can have some turkey soup!!

Thanks for stopping by and for the comments.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Sunday, November 22, 2009 8:13 PM

Hey0 ~ Yep 1st class job on the STARS ! you've got that down.

The tracks......ahh, just came by to share your pain.  Dead [xx(]I'm sure you'll say something like it's worth it when it's over. Sign - Dots [#dots]I'll just enjoy watching your build, this item is NOT on my to-be-built list.(so many others are........so many.......

Lookin good though, please carry on !

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, November 22, 2009 8:34 PM

Adam - I know its worth it...I know its worth it...I know it's....a PIA. I'm one of those indy links kinda guys. Works great with Sun and Mon night football!!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing the pain!!Shock [:O]

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, November 22, 2009 10:04 PM
Markings look great Mike and the method with the tracks looks like a winner! I usually assemble my tracks in front of the TV as well to help with the monotony of it all...football games (doesn't matter who's playing!) are perfect background noise! Thumbs Up [tup]
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