Well, getting close to the end, and made good progress this weekend.
Worked on the tracks. I used Fruile T-48 tracks. The M4 HST requires 68 links per side. The Fruile links are two parts, the pad and the metal link with end caps. First I painted the pads with my rubber mix, 50/50 NATO & Flat Black. Then I assembled the pads to the links followed by assembling groups of links. The exposed metal was coated with AK Track Wash
The 3 PE tool boxes make the PE set worth the purchase. After assembling the box, hinges, hasp, and lock chain. The boxes are painted the same as the vehicle with Poly Scale OD. The hasp, chain and edge wear is done with Alclad Steel.
Time for tools. The wood handles were painted with Tamiya OD. The wear areas on the handles are painted with Poly Scale Rust to simulate the bare wood. All the tool brackets are painted with Poly Scale OD. The metal parts are painted with Alclad Steel. The PE straps are Vallejo OD with Flat Black buckles. This includes the sledge, 2 axes, 2 shovels, 2 pick heads, 2 pick handles and a breaker bar.
The spare tracks were painted with the tire mix on the pads, Poly Scale OD for the brackets and Alclad Steel for the pins. The PE set includes a barrel bracket for the M2 which was painted with Poly Scale OD. Lastly, the M2 tripod is painted with a parkerized color mix.
The front headlight bay was painted with Alclad Bright Aluminum and the clear lens applied. The windshields have the rubber edge gasket painted with the tire mix and their attaching pins to match the M4 OD
The rear headlights were done the same as the front headlights. The rear taillights were coated with Alclad Bright Aluminum and then Clear Red and Smoke (Clear Black).
The muffler and breather were painted with PolyScale OD. On the muffler to create a heat effect on the paint, I washed it with AK Track wash and mixed in some MIG Light Rust Pigment. The exhaust end is rings of MIG Dark Rust, Light Rust and then Smoke at the end and inside. The breather is coated with the AK Track Wash mixed with some MIG Light Rust Pigment. I still have to mount the open tool box but here is a look at the other items.
Lastly I mounted the road wheels, assembled and mounted the track. I still have to weather the track and road wheels, but here is the look with the “shoes on”.
Also started in the wood shop and started on the base. Next it is a matter of finishing the details and getting it mounted on the base. Need to finish up next week.
As always all comments are welcome.
Rounds Complete!!