WIP Tamiya Sturmgeschutz III Ausf.G Build Log

Nice progress on the paint work!

Hey AlterEcho, I just came across your build log and have got to say its great!  Interesting vehicle, I haven't any one build that one yet!  Both the kit and the blog are coming along nicely!    As some have said, a lot of the blogs have been buried in the GB section, but it seems there are more now in this forum.  Keep em coming!

A comment on the Iwata HP-CS.  I have one and absolutely love it!  I have 3 other ABs, but use the HP-CS almost exclusively except on larger models where I want faster coverage (so I don't have to keep refilling the cup).  No problems with different solvents either. 

Kudos to Bill for coming to the rescue on your missing return roller! 

Looking forward to the finished product!!

  While painting the wheels, I noticed that the overall tone looked green. So, I will have to repaint one side of the wheels. Don't know how that got past me...lol.

  Here are the wheels with the new tone...Once dry, I will finish fixing the paint that got past the mask.

Lookin good so far.  I use Flow-Aid too, its great stuff and a 4oz bottle lasts a long time since it only takes a drop or two.

Painted one side of the wheels. Once they are dry, I will touch up where the paint bled through. Then I will paint the other side and touch them up.

  Sorry Crash, I should have been more specific...I have been using Flow Aid.

  The reason I have not been posting a lot of pics is because I only had my iPad. I finally found batteries for my Canon (only a little Powershot), on the cheap. They arrived today and are charging, currently. Now, I can do a proper WIP. It was to much bother trying to snap pics with an iPad and worry about the case, etc...

  Here is a taste  :)

I'm guessing its either Liquitex Flo-Aid or Liquitex Airbrush Medium.

AlterEcho

Have started shading the Stug.

  I have started using Liquitex mixed with acrylic paint. This helps with the tip drying and frustration. Before that, a lot of tip cleaning and some splattering of paint.

Liquitex what?  Fluid Painting Medium?  Remember 'Liquitex' is a brand, not a product.  Thank you. 

Nice work, so far, especially the 'glass' work!

Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas

Got the PM, emergency replacements on the way.

That would be great...otherwise I have no idea where I can get one. I sent you my address.

Here is a pic of one...and thanks again,

They should be rubber Bill, as the Tamiya kit is an Early G.

Making good progress, the camo pattern looks good judging from the one pic. As for the missing return roller, are these the steel type or do they have rubber rims? If they are the rubber rim type, I have a 'retired' DML kit that I can pop a couple off of and shoot over to you to keep this one moving.

Camouflage, is pretty much done. And now time for painting the wheels and rubber.

Ran into a big problem. One of the return rollers (like in the pic) is missing. Not sure how I am going to overcome that one. Finished most of the shading for the body, though. Next will be the painting of the rollers...which is how I noticed the missing return roller.

  What a bummer  :(

I am working on the periscopes and tried using Mr Color Super Metallic. This stuff is awsome!

Have started shading the Stug.

  I have started using Liquitex mixed with acrylic paint. This helps with the tip drying and frustration. Before that, a lot of tip cleaning and some splattering of paint.

If you can try looking at yard sales for a compressor. I found a nice compressor at a Yard Sale for $30 that contains a nice size air reservoir that has a built in moisture trap. I can run Testors Model Master at 20-30 PSI Gunze Sangyo laqure paint at 40-80 PSI I believe I could probably run Tamiya at 30-40 PSI but I haven't tried it on Tamiya paint yet though. If you want to eliminate the leak try using the white thread tape at the connectors to "plug" the leaks or you can try using the bayonet connectors you use for air tools to connect your airbrush to your hose. That is how I am connecting my Badger 350 to my compressor and have no leaks at the connections.

garzonh

Starting to look nice.

Coat is even and layed down smoothly.

Yeah, I also bought an "inexpensive" compressor on ebay (used)  which I thought was a steal. But the hoses keep tangling and it does not fit very well with my Aztek airbrush, so I keep having this air leak between the connectors. Plus it does not has an air tank reservoir, and can't control air pressure flow at the outlet.

So, I will start saving to buy a top of the line comprressor but I need permission from Home CFO (spouse) they are from $200 to $400 USD....phew....

  Not sure if you can see it, but there are injection lines on the spare tracks (which get mounted to the hull). This model has a lot of these injection lines, which surprises me. I do not have a lot of experience with all of the manufacturers, but I did not expect this from Tamiya.

  Sorry about the pic, but I am using my iPad for my photography.

Thanks guys for the compliments.

  I got the Smart Jet, from Iwata, and have had no problems. Thank god I spent wisely, there. I love my HP-CS and thought anything with Iwata's name on it would be fine. Funny you mentioned the CR...that was the brush I was getting ready to order. But, the CS was at a great price and so far is doing great. Taught me a valuable lesson, though...

Looking good with the primer on. Always a challenge to get the right 'comfort fit' with your AB, go with what you know!

I use an HP-CS and a Revolution CR and spray anything and everything from water to lacquer thinner through them. Been using it for about 4 years now and have had no problems. Replaced the needle once due to my stupidity but that's it.  Shading looks great!

Starting to look nice.

Coat is even and layed down smoothly.

Yeah, I also bought an "inexpensive" compressor on ebay (used)  which I thought was a steal. But the hoses keep tangling and it does not fit very well with my Aztek airbrush, so I keep having this air leak between the connectors. Plus it does not has an air tank reservoir, and can't control air pressure flow at the outlet.

So, I will start saving to buy a top of the line comprressor but I need permission from Home CFO (spouse) they are from $200 to $400 USD....phew....

  Might be hard to see, but finished shading with black and white primers. I am trying to paint only with acrylics because of the smell. So far, Vallejo is meeting the challenge.

  On the airbrush front, I purchased an Iwata HP-CS for a little over $100.00. It is brand new and came with a moisture trap. I wanted something in the "High Performance" line, but the store did not stock them. The HP-CS is from the "Eclipse" line which is cheaper. My concern is whether it has Teflon packing to resist certain solvents. Otherwise, it sprays wonderfully...great ergonomics and no cramping.

  I have started priming most of the parts. The primer is Vallejo and really goes down smooth.

Quick note: I bought a Iwata Neo airbrush from Hobby Lobby. I figured for the price how bad could it be...especially since it had Iwata's name on it. After finishing this tank I will be packing it away. I am going to try to finish the tank with it...but do not be surprised if the HP-C Plus comes back out. The trigger is horrible and cramps my finger. So, I switched to using my thumb, which helped. I guess I am spoiled by the HP...and have started shopping for another Iwata.

 I have been experimenting with paint...I was given a tin of Humbrol Metalcote, from Michtoy (btw, a great bunch of guys at Michtoy.) to try. Not realizing that enamel on arcylic does not work so well. This created a small mess. Also, found out that the thinners I have, do not work with the Humbrol enamel.

 The whole goal is to make the periscope look metallic. So, the experiment continues...

 I have completed the storage box and a couple of other things...here is a quick pic...

Keep it coming. The Stug III Ausf. G is one of my favorite AFV's.

Another kit with a dog...

Not sure why Tamiya is putting dogs in the kits, and they are not portrayed in the box or instructions.

Mm...is it like some kind of prize or surprise box?

CharleyGnarlyP290

Looking good so far.

I have just recently gotten back into modelling, so I am having to re-hone my skills. I have just started my third kit since getting back into it, and planning on my fourth. I have really been leaning towards a Stug kit for my next project, so this WIP is quite timely.

Looking forward to following this one.

Forgot to quote who I was asking the question of...duh...

So what were the other three kits?

So what were the other three kits?

Take that...you bad ol' putty tat!