SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

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

61052 views
209 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, November 23, 2009 5:25 AM

Bill - Thanks for stopping by. Indy tracks look great but putting them togeather sure inhales. I am hoping tonights game will get me past the rest of parts cleanup!!.

Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Monday, November 23, 2009 12:58 PM
Look great Mike.  I find that doing tasks like those tracks is very relaxing.  You can really tune out the world and concentrate on the matter at hand. 

Marc  

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, November 23, 2009 1:16 PM

 wing_nut wrote:
Look great Mike.  I find that doing tasks like those tracks is very relaxing.  You can really tune out the world and concentrate on the matter at hand. 

Marc - Thanks, after the first 50 or so I just look forward to getting it done Sleepy [|)]...I have a method but....it seems to go on FOREVER Banged Head [banghead]. The good part is when you get to the end and see how nice indy track look!!! Wink [;)]

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 29, 2009 5:06 PM

Well it was time for washes and filters. First I did a dot wash using a mix of Winston oils, Olive Green, Van *** Brown, White and Yellow

After the dot wash had dried I pin washed the details with MIG Dark Wash and gave the model a final wash of MIG Wash for Dark Green. After everything had dried I sealed everything with a coat of clear flat.

Here is how it looks with the running wheel assemblies added

Front view shows the addition of a tow cable with kit ends and 16 gauge stranded wire painted with Alclad Steel. Also added the tool box on the right side.

Rear view of the washed model

Not shown are the gun, spade and deck assembles which were also were washed.

The tracks are finally assembled and cleaned up. They were primed with Tamiya Flat Black and painted with Alclad Steel. Here they are ready for weathering.

Lastly, began to get the model base ready. Off to the wood shop and cut a section of Oak. Then, over to the router table to put an edge on the base. A coat of red oak stain and two coats of polyurethane.

That's it for now. Next is mounting foam to the base to give depth and coating with sheet rock compound for the snow base.

On the model it is completing the assembly and begin 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
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, November 29, 2009 5:45 PM
Mike, this is really a shining example of a build, and a properly-done WIP, I must say. A vertable treasure trove of info and reference on this kit and vehicle! Excellently done!
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Syracuse, NY
Posted by lexesbenz on Sunday, November 29, 2009 5:51 PM
Nice job on the tracks. Every time I tried to clip one of those of the sprue they broke, so in the garbage they went.
The flying hamster of doom rains coconuts on your pitiful city!!!!
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, November 29, 2009 6:52 PM
Making good progress on this one Mike,  looking forward to the next installment! Thumbs Up [tup]
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Nashotah, WI
Posted by Glamdring on Sunday, November 29, 2009 7:05 PM
Simply fantastic!  Thanks for the inspiration and tips on this build.  Make a Toast [#toast]

Robert 

"I can't get ahead no matter how hard I try, I'm gettin' really good at barely gettin' by"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, November 29, 2009 7:22 PM

 the doog wrote:
Mike, this is really a shining example of a build, and a properly-done WIP, I must say. A vertable treasure trove of info and reference on this kit and vehicle! Excellently done!

Karl - I am humbled by the comment on this WIP, coming from the king of "toot". Thanks

 lexesbenz wrote:
Nice job on the tracks. Every time I tried to clip one of those of the sprue they broke, so in the garbage they went.

Lex - The AFV track parts are a PIA. To get them off the sprue without breaking, lie the sprue flat on the work bench (on side of the sprue sits flat). Then with a new sharp blade just chop them off the sprue. The I use a nail clipper to take off the nub.

In doing these track, I needed 158 tracks. I broke about 6 to get the 158. The set comes with 172 so I have a few to spare!!

 wbill76 wrote:
Making good progress on this one Mike,  looking forward to the next installment! Thumbs Up [tup]

Bill - Thanks, this one is getting near the endpoint......thank god

 Glamdring wrote:
Simply fantastic!  Thanks for the inspiration and tips on this build.  Make a Toast [#toast]

Robert - It makes all the work of posting worth while to hear the words inspiration!!. Thank you and I am glad you are enjoying it.

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Syracuse, NY
Posted by lexesbenz on Sunday, November 29, 2009 9:50 PM
Thanks I'll try that when I get around to working on my second pair lol.
The flying hamster of doom rains coconuts on your pitiful city!!!!
  • Member since
    January 2012
Posted by I make stuff on Monday, November 30, 2009 12:28 AM

Looking amazing, very nice effects to age the paint, I like how this one it turning out...so much that I nearly bought this kit today at a LHS, thinking of how well yours is looking.

Maybe next week..

THanks for a great photographed, explanatory WIP in case I do get one.

Bill

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Monday, November 30, 2009 1:22 AM
Looking great Michael!!!
"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 30, 2009 5:27 AM
 Citadelgrad87 wrote:

Looking amazing, very nice effects to age the paint, I like how this one it turning out...so much that I nearly bought this kit today at a LHS, thinking of how well yours is looking.

Maybe next week..

THanks for a great photographed, explanatory WIP in case I do get one.

Bill

Bill - Overall it is a great kit...and you get your monies worth. As far as the WIP...thank you for looking...that is what the forum is about, learning, teaching, sharing but most of all having fun.

Edmund - Thanks for stopping in and for your comments.

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: N.H.
Posted by panzerguy on Monday, November 30, 2009 4:09 PM

   Mike I think I'm getting gun envyWhistling [:-^]! This just gets better and better every time I see it! Great job my friendThumbs Up [tup].

          Say it with me...BEST AMERICAN VEHICLE 2010...

"Happiness is a belt fed weapon"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, November 30, 2009 8:52 PM
 panzerguy wrote:

   Mike I think I'm getting gun envyWhistling [:-^]! This just gets better and better every time I see it! Great job my friendThumbs Up [tup].

          Say it with me...BEST AMERICAN VEHICLE 2010...

Steve - I can understand a fellow redleg having "gun envy" I know....we all like having the big tubeShock [:O]

Thanks for the comments....as far as 2010....I will be happy just to be there and display it. Whatever else happens is gravy, especially after spending a day......no next year two days with you and all the other guys.

Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 5:57 AM
Looks great Mike.  Did you find the complete bumper numbers for Big Bruiser?  I don't remember exactly what the issue with the kit ones were, maybe they were incomplete.  But, while I was doing mine, I found the bumper numbers to be 8A 937F  B 11.  I found pics of Bruiser on a website by a Korean War vet who was a gunner in the 937th FA.  Of course, I can't find the site now.  Keep the masterpiece coming.  She's loooking great.

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 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 12:14 PM

Gino - Thanks for the look see. Yep....I misfired...forgot the bumper number....had them on the list but....no problem, I will follow misfire procedures and get them on now. Better now than when weathered....too many details..so little time!

Thanks....see the bumper on the next go around

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, December 13, 2009 4:13 PM

It’s been a few weeks and the holidays are making a dent in the bench time…..humbug!

After making the base and sealing it, I cut a ¼ inch thick foam sheet about a ¼ inch smaller on all sides. I masked all the stained wood areas to keep them clean and using spray foam contact cement, glued the foam to the base.

After it dried, I positioned the model on the base and found where the rear spade would end up. I cut ~1/4 inch hole in the foam the width of the spade. This will allow the spade to be dug in.

I used sheetrock taping compound for the snow. This needs to be built up in layers to avoid cracking. First was a thin coat to encapsulate the foam. Then with the model in place I marked out where the tracks would be and using painters tape and wide popsicle sticks, created a mask.

Two more thin coats of the taping compound were added to build up the height. After applying the last coat, I used an old figure to create footprints around the weapon. Here is the bases after the last coat with the mask still in place.

On the model…first I rectified the missing bumper numbers. There are other pictures of this weapon with barrel art but the photo at the top of this thread shows a weapon without art. With all the barrel changes this unit saw, I’m sure the “blank” barrel is also correct.

I used the Lionroar PE stencil set and painted the numbers onto the front and rear. Here is a view of the finished numbers.

With the numbers in place I used MIG powders, Dried Mud, Light Rust and European Dirt mixed to create a coat of dust and dirt in the track area with some splatter just above.

Once that all dried it was time for the snow!!. To get the taping compound to stick and stay on the model and also not to be brittle, I made a 70/30 mix of taping compound and white glue which mixes into a nice paste

I did not want to cover the bottom with snow but have it on the wheels from rotation, fender bergs front and rear and some placed clumps from splatter.

Besides the paste, I keep a cup of water and a stiff brush nearby. If the paste gets somewhere I do not want it to go, the wet stiff brush will clean it. To apply the paste I use an angled dental spatula which works well on placement of small amounts.

Here is one side with the wheels, fender bergs and splatter

On the top, snow would not accumulate as the engine would be run periodically in the cold to keep it ready and thus the engine deck would be warmed along with the crew area. The snow would accumulate in areas that would not be heated and have a “nook” to hold some snow. Here is what I did where the fenders join to the body. I still have to put some on the spare tracks and a couple of other small spots.

That is where I am at. I have to finish up all the snow on the hull then, I am ready to install the tracks, install on the base and begin the final assembly of all the sub- assemblies.

I am hoping to make good progress during the holidays to finish this build.  

As always all comments are welcome and thanks for looking

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Sunday, December 13, 2009 5:38 PM

Its looking nice and cold on that gun my friend.  Good job so far.  Keep up the wintery work.

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
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Sunday, December 13, 2009 6:17 PM

It might be slow Mike but its well worth the wait, just brilliant.

Terry.

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, December 13, 2009 7:03 PM

Cool beans, Mike! That's the way to do it!

Good to see "NO" baking soda being MIS-used, lol!

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, December 13, 2009 7:07 PM

Starting to get chills just looking at it Mike, looking forward to the next round of winterization!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, December 13, 2009 7:07 PM

Gino - Thanks....I just keep trying to remember standing in the cold steel plate and it gets me in the mood!! Thanks for the catch on those bumper numbers!!

Terry -  Thanks....I keep telling myself that.....when you are this close, I wish I had a couple of days to spend from morning to bed at the bench ( hummm maybe move the old army cot into the bench room even) and get this one done

Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, December 13, 2009 7:11 PM

Karl - Baking Soda...Surprise....you have to remember I am a Chemical engineer......I love inert!!!

Thanks my friend.

Bill - Trying to put the Brrrrrrrrrr in the model. Thanks for stopping by and for the comments

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Monday, December 14, 2009 11:11 AM

You musta had too much Artillery Punch on St. Barbara's Day, Mike... Yikes..

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Monday, December 14, 2009 11:34 AM

Thanks alot!  I grew up in Buffalo... by looking at your pictures it brought me back the winter nightmares of the winters in Buffalo.  You did it PERFECTLY with the snow! Yes

Andy

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Monday, December 14, 2009 11:49 AM

Awesome Mike!  I really like this effect and I would bookmark this for later reference but due to recent experience here on FSM I created a Word doc instead of your technique.  Thank you very much for your detailed WIP it has been very informative and entertaining. I'm glad you found some time to share this with us!

Happy Holidays,

"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
    June 2009
Posted by Guney on Monday, December 14, 2009 6:00 PM

Good process....Can't wait....:)

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, December 14, 2009 6:38 PM

Hans - It's the ladies stocking in the punch that does it to me every time!!Wink

Deafpanzer- Brrrrr....Buffalo....Thanks.....now thats cold Cool

Schnobs - I am glad you like it. Even with the problems, it is always good to create your own virtual reference. Remember....you are the best person to depend on!!

Guney - Your nore than welcome and thanks for stopping by

Thanks guys for stopping by and for your comments

Rounds Complete!!

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

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 3:11 PM

Looks great, Mike...very interested to see how your snow-paste works out. Yes

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.