I'm getting back into the hobby after +8 years, and never really having tried anything such as scratch-builds or modifications. My first build is actually the same kit on the way now. This will be extremely helpful and I can't wait to get started. I already have a bunch of stupid questions so please enlighten me. Maybe you can even point me in the direction of more detailed instructions or videos.

My first question is.. did you paint the lower half with the wheels on or off? I'm assuming for the sake of less photos you painted the road wheels separately and just included then installed for 1 picture?

Also did you paint the rubber onto the suspension wheels? I can't tell from the picture. Or where they painted the standard drab and then black was dry brushed to give a worn look?

My last dumb question atm is the grab handles. I have never made my own and would like to give that a shot. Any tips and tools on how to help me successful create those? Not sure what size wire to use. BTW..you sherman is beautiful. I can only hope to ever get close your to level of detail and painting ability.

templar1099

Exemplary.

 

Thank you!

Exemplary.

M. Brindos

O.O WOW.

Overall that's a 10/10 in my book. Those figures carry this one to the perfect finish.

Like icing on the cake. ;)

 

Thanks Mike!

O.O WOW.

Overall that's a 10/10 in my book. Those figures carry this one to the perfect finish.

Like icing on the cake. ;)

ridleusmc

Awesome work.  I'm expecting that thing to start its Ford GAA and drive right off of your bench.

 

 

Thanks!

Awesome work.  I'm expecting that thing to start its Ford GAA and drive right off of your bench.

Thanks guys!

I'm only halfway through the thread MrT but it looks amazing!  

Also, great work on that .50 MG !

RX7850

Ive recently been able to look at your builds posted here. I must say that your approach to your paint finish and final presentation is exemplary. Though it can add depth and realism , lean toward avoiding heavy use of mud and dust affects so as to achieve a finish much like yours. Please continue to explain your painting approach and technique with each of your builds , they are inspiring and insightful.

 

Thank you!  While I'm not opposed to heavy weathering I do think it tends to be over done in a lot of cases.  In diorama situations this type of heavy weathering is called for.  You wouldn't want a mud free tank moving through a muddy field.  Likewise a dust free thank in the desert would strange indeed, but for just displaying the tank by it's self I think a more subtle approach is better.  I can achieve a weathered and well worn look by using different colors of oil pin washes while still being able to see the detail of the piece.  In the end weathering is still a matter of personal taste and the how the model is to be displayed.  Thank you for your interest and I will try to better explain my methods.

Terry

SprueOne

Great paint work on this project.

 

 

Thank you!

Ive recently been able to look at your builds posted here. I must say that your approach to your paint finish and final presentation is exemplary. Though it can add depth and realism , l lean toward avoiding heavy use of mud and dust affects so as to achieve a finish much like yours. Please continue to explain your painting approach and technique with each of your builds , they are inspiring and insightful.

Great paint work on this project.

ManCityFan

That model is crazy good! As a newbie, seeing this kind of quality is kind of intimidating, but gives me something to shoot for. Thanks for the inspiration. Now if I could just get some bench time (seems a lot harder than I thought it would be).

 

Well thank you!  I like your attitude because I'm not doing anything you can't just keep at it.

modelcrazy

 

MrT

Do you mean paint wise?

 

 

Yes

 

Depending on how dark you want the wood I will base coat with anywhere from flat flesh to Khaki and then add a oil wash of a mixture of raw umber and burnt seinna.

MrT

Do you mean paint wise?

Yes

modelcrazy

Graet looking work MrT!!

What did you use on the storage boxes and tool handles?

 

Do you mean paint wise?

Graet looking work MrT!!

What did you use on the storage boxes and tool handles?

Here are some additional views.

Thanks for following along.

Gamera

Awesome!!!

 

Thanks!

Awesome!!!

Ok I'm calling this one done for now.  I have added a second crew figure and another piece of stowage. I have added the last few parts (headlight lens, tail lights, and antenna.  Did some paint touch up here and there.  Now I will set it aside and look at it for a while and try and see any errors.  But in the mean time here are the finished pictures.  Thanks for following along.

Thanks for the comments guys!

Fantastic work on the TC! Everything else looks top notch as well! 

That's a fine looking Sherman, Terry.

One thing about bad weather it allows for bench time.  I have started to paint the crew figures and I am still adding stowage here and there.  I'm nearing the finish line on this one.

I have been working on the 50 cal today. I replaced the Tamiya one with one from a Hobby Boss kit. Even so there are some things you can do to make it look better. The simple thing to do is drill out some of things like the barrel, the forward site, and the cooling sleeve. Painted it Model Master Exhaust first.  Dry brushed with Model Master Gunmetal and silver.  Didn't turn out too bad.

Gamera

She's looking fantastic, love the fabric look you've got going on the storage bags.  

 

Thanks! and thanks for stopping by.