Thats a cracker Steve. Great job on the tank and the figures, but that base really gets full marks. Deffinetly going to be taking some ideas from that.

Bravo Steve! That is a trophy winner for sure mi amigo! Great job!

I missed the finished product till now. Good job bud. Everything looks great. Terrific scene. I love the base! A little elevation change really makes it pop. 

Great finish MC! You took the track break lemon, added tequila and salt, and turned this into a fine shooter! (much more enjoyable than lemonade)

Best of luck to you with this project at the contest! You really did a sweet job for adjusting away from your original vision.

Thanks M1 and Hunter. I got water down and desert somewhat, now I need to work on everything in between. 

Hello Mr. Steve,

Your build is amazing!! I can't get over all the details. I am not surprised that you produced yet another excellent dio. You are going to do well at your show contest.

Wonderful Job Friend!! 

P.S. - Don't forget to show a photo of your 1st place trophy!!

I think you've done great job on the whole project. It looks wonderful. Good luck at the contest.

Gam, PJ and Bish, thank you.

I completed the GIs last night. This build just kept going. From my first idea of just the tank by itself on a base, then wanting to add a desert scene, then breaking a track and having to show it tracked to what the final result is. This was a nice kit especially for its age. It begged for additional detail inside the turret and engine compartment. There is an engine for sale but I wasn't going to spend the money, backtrack and add it in.

Hopefully it will do well at the contest.

I hope you enjoyed this build and I will be starting another tank, either 1/72 or 1/35 soon. Maybe a SdKfz 9/18 halftrack towing a 105mm howitzer.

Coming on really well Steve.

Great progress Steve, almost there!

Lookin' good. Great to see you in the home stretch. 

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! 

Thank you acctingman,

You'll pick it up quicker than you think. I just keep adding until layers until I'm happy with it.

I started with a black base coat then sprayed a Vallejo sand color. I kept adding light coats so I didn't cover the black entirely. I then added some areas of Panzer Grey for chipping using a torn off piece of foam.

Using oils, I added small areas of oil stains and a small amount of rust (doesn’t rain much in the desert). Areas such as mechanical joints for oil stains and areas where there may be rust forming.

I then added the tarp, rags and such using tissue paper wetted with thinned PVA glue.

I then added pigments using a wetted brush and pulled the pigments down for streaking. Finally, I applied pigments for the dusting that would happen in the desert and sprayed everything with dull lacquer.

I pretty much play it by ear and add layers. Some time I thing I messed it up but going back after a time it actually looked alright.

I have really learned a lot form watching various YouTubers and incorporating some of their techniques with mine.

Hi modelcrazy

I come here often and I'm constantly amazed at the talent of all you pro's. Being a total noob myself and JUST starting out on a couple kits I'm just floored to see some of the weathering done here.

Your example here is breath taking. It begs me to "beg" you!

How did you do the weathering on this beauty? I'm trying to learn as much as I can from examples such as yours. I know it will take years of practice!

Thank you!

I've been a little sidetracked this week but have still been able toget some paint on the GIs. I have a few more things to do to them. I want to get everything done for our local contest in Sep.

CapnMac82

 

 

stikpusher

think of these guys...

 

 

 

That scene (rather a lot of the Tatoine scenes) were shot in Tunisia, whic makes screen shots like this ferrtile ground for those modeling the north African deserts.

(Just remember that there's only the one sun in the sky over the north African desert  )

 

 

 

that portion was filmed in Death Valley, CA. Tunisia was the location for Mos Eisly and the moisture farm locales.

stikpusher

think of these guys...

That scene (rather a lot of the Tatoine scenes) were shot in Tunisia, whic makes screen shots like this ferrtile ground for those modeling the north African deserts.

(Just remember that there's only the one sun in the sky over the north African desert  )

OK,  think of THESE guys..........

Save

Yeah, I think on one of the starting scenes in Patton, where the locals are looting the GI's at Kasserine and run away when Bradly arives.

MC, you are dead on target now! That looks perfect for a derelict vehicle that has been somewhat picked over...

think of these guys...

modelcrazy

Gam,

Yep, but it's the tied end of the bag. I knew that when I placed it but the vehicle has been there for a week or two, the site has been looted and the crew was working on it before they disappeared. So things may have shifted a bit, so I though what the heck....besides, it's hard now.

D,

Thanks, Stick is an invaluable source of info on just about anything I work on. Especially if you want to get it right.

 

Awesome! When you referred to painting them I'd assumed they'd dried and after all that work I really didn't want to point out that to you! I'd hate to see you pry them up and try to move them now. All's well that ends well!   

Gam,

Yep, but it's the tied end of the bag. I knew that when I placed it but the vehicle has been there for a week or two, the site has been looted and the crew was working on it before they disappeared. So things may have shifted a bit, so I though what the heck....besides, it's hard now.

D,

Thanks, Stick is an invaluable source of info on just about anything I work on. Especially if you want to get it right.

That is looking GREAT.  It will be even better when you get the figures done.

I really appreciate when Stik lets me know that something "ain't quite right".  His level of knowledge is pretty remarkable.

Sounds like you are having fun with this dio.  I suspect there will be more 1/35 kits in your future.

D

Hey Steve, hate to say this- you can yell at me if you want here. But in the bottom photo the second sandbag from the left side of the tank looks like it's partly blocking the driver's vision slit. Unless the idea is the driver ran over the mine because he couldn't see where he was going you might want to try to smoosh the sandbag down a little if it's still wet.

Sorry.....   

Thanks Chris. We'll see how the sandbags turn out after some paint.

modelcrazy

I went with the welded on strap for the cans. I also hung a couple on the back as well as a bucket. I also hung some track on the left side of the turret and made brackets for the removed track on the right side. I made a few sandbags but not real happy with them. I think they are too big, but next to the GI figures they don't look too bad. They are my first try at making epoxy putty bags. I'll get better at it.

Tomorrow night I really need to get to the GIs as long as Stick dosn't point something else out LOL. I also need to work on something to toss in the create.

Seriously though, I want to thank you Stick for watching so closely and helping me to become a better armor modler 

 

With those little observations Stik pointed out your build is looking amazing. You have done a great job highlighting those items.

I went with the welded on strap for the cans. I also hung a couple on the back as well as a bucket. I also hung some track on the left side of the turret and made brackets for the removed track on the right side. I made a few sandbags but not real happy with them. I think they are too big, but next to the GI figures they don't look too bad. They are my first try at making epoxy putty bags. I'll get better at it.

Tomorrow night I really need to get to the GIs as long as Stick dosn't point something else out LOL. I also need to work on something to toss in the create.

Seriously though, I want to thank you Stick for watching so closely and helping me to become a better armor modler 

modelcrazy

I can move the cans no problem. They are only attached by the line and are hanging free. As far as the three handled ones there’s not much I can do baring scratching an extra handle. I'll leave them as they are for this build. There’s so much going on in the scene that most wouldn't notice. Do you have any ideas of what I can put in the create that would be left after looting?

 

Sandbags  I forgot sandbags! I bought some Milliput just for that. I'll make some tonight. I do have extra track I can slap on too.

 

Id say some ration cans and perhaps bottles, and magazines for the machine guns like in this photo... 

I can move the cans no problem. They are only attached by the line and are hanging free. As far as the three handled ones there’s not much I can do baring scratching an extra handle. I'll leave them as they are for this build. There’s so much going on in the scene that most wouldn't notice. Do you have any ideas of what I can put in the create that would be left after looting?

Sandbags  I forgot sandbags! I bought some Milliput just for that. I'll make some tonight. I do have extra track I can slap on too.

The base is looking super now! The additional scrub brush helps I think. I will add two critiques regarding the Jerry cans- 1, they need the third handle added between the two on the top, that old set does not have them molded in as they should... 2, if tied down to the side, the should run parallel to the tracks resting on top of the fenders, projecting out like that they are more likely to get damaged or knocked off. You could even add another few on the engine deck... and perhaps some sandbags to the frontal area

Steve - 

That little extra add on looks great Steve. And I agree with you, outdoor photos will definitely highlight your efforts. Awesome dio sir!

That looks great! I really need to try something like that instead of just another flat board for a base. 

After Stick's picture I HAD to go back and add some more color. I added some ground cover with some tiny yellow flowers, installed the tank and all the clutter around the vehicle. The crew either took off after being tracked due to being overrun or was captured. The site was looted since the event and is now being contested again.

I just need to work on the GIs and I think I need to add something in the create. It looks too empty.

The camera shows the color a little too yellow. Once I'm done I'll take some pics outside.

Steve

stikpusher

 

 

Got Plastic?

 

Stikpusher - 

 

Great photo....is that a Semovente 18 M41? That is such a great photo. Tunisia has a lot of history behind it. I remeber reading during the Roman period it went through a large developement. The economy increased due to the boom of agriculture and fertile soils. 

 

 

 

 

Yes, that is a Semovente. There are lots of good photos in the Life archives from the winter and spring of 1943 taken during the fighting there. Many of them in gorgeous color like that one. Tunisia is quite rich in history, from ancient times until today. And from what I can tell from photos (I've never been there but would love to visit one day) it has a wide variety of terrain. Barren flat desert, mountains and valleys, and fertile farming areas. 

 

That would be something if you could travel to that area. And you are absolutely correct about it being very rich in history. From the ruins of Carthage to their final independence in 1956 they have an immense history. I hope you can make it there one day.

Steve - 

I apologize for highjacking your build thread with this. I just got caught up with what Stik had brought to the conversation. I am sorry.

modelcrazy

What an awesome resource, thanks Stick

GP?, see what I mean?

 

Absolutely know what you mean. A lot of great knowledge and experience here. I am going to enjoy the builds and communicating about history and military history with everyone. I only served 4 years in the Army...but I enjoy reading and researching the history of militaries of the world. Looking forward to the final stages of your build/dio.

Stik - 

Thank you for the information on the Life archives. I will definitely be adding that to my library of research and information.

What an awesome resource, thanks Stick

GP?, see what I mean?

modelcrazy

  

Thanks SP. I've seen photos like that before and just assumed they were taken in Italy! 

  

Well it ain't the Alps in the Sound of Music but the defiantly is some color and veg there. I would really like to know where you find these pictures. I searched Tunis and Tunisia on Google and all I got was pictures of Tunis and Star Wars scenes.

 

 

Well Life has changed the access to their archives via google after the first few years, so half the trick is knowing which photo essay to look for. Usually they have a simple title Tunisia and Libya or El Guttar. So you do a google image search with the words "source:life" after your keyword(s).

tunisia source:life

http://images.google.com/hosted/life/ee4bc4e03860c5e7.html

Open the page where whatever photo interests you pops up and start paging thru... then you just enjoy the results. 

Got Plastic?

 

Stikpusher - 

 

Great photo....is that a Semovente 18 M41? That is such a great photo. Tunisia has a lot of history behind it. I remeber reading during the Roman period it went through a large developement. The economy increased due to the boom of agriculture and fertile soils. 

 

Yes, that is a Semovente. There are lots of good photos in the Life archives from the winter and spring of 1943 taken during the fighting there. Many of them in gorgeous color like that one. Tunisia is quite rich in history, from ancient times until today. And from what I can tell from photos (I've never been there but would love to visit one day) it has a wide variety of terrain. Barren flat desert, mountains and valleys, and fertile farming areas. 

Gamera

 

 

Got Plastic?

 

 

stikpusher

 

 

modelcrazy

 

 

Stick, thank you that is a great compliment. I added 2 little tuffs of dried brush to the base. I'm done with it so I don't overdo it, which I tend to do.

 

 

 

 

 

Tunisia has a climate like California. In the winter and spring months when the rains happen, (and in 1943 when the Allies and Axis fought there) it can get quite green actually.

 

 

 

 

Stikpusher - 

 

Great photo....is that a Semovente 18 M41? That is such a great photo. Tunisia has a lot of history behind it. I remeber reading during the Roman period it went through a large developement. The economy increased due to the boom of agriculture and fertile soils. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks SP. I've seen photos like that before and just assumed they were taken in Italy! 

 

Well it ain't the Alps in the Sound of Music but the defiantly is some color and veg there. I would really like to know where you find these pictures. I searched Tunis and Tunisia on Google and all I got was pictures of Tunis and Star Wars scenes.

Got Plastic?

 

 

stikpusher

 

 

modelcrazy

 

 

Stick, thank you that is a great compliment. I added 2 little tuffs of dried brush to the base. I'm done with it so I don't overdo it, which I tend to do.

 

 

 

 

 

Tunisia has a climate like California. In the winter and spring months when the rains happen, (and in 1943 when the Allies and Axis fought there) it can get quite green actually.

 

 

 

 

Stikpusher - 

 

Great photo....is that a Semovente 18 M41? That is such a great photo. Tunisia has a lot of history behind it. I remeber reading during the Roman period it went through a large developement. The economy increased due to the boom of agriculture and fertile soils. 

 

Thanks SP. I've seen photos like that before and just assumed they were taken in Italy! 

Great job there on the desert dio Steve. Really looking forward to seeing everything brought together. 

Well, you got me there! As an ex- Californian, I'm appalled by what has happened there since I left 15 years ago. Worked at Rockwell/ Boeing in Anaheim for 14 years, 'til 1999.

stikpusher

 

 

modelcrazy

 

 

Stick, thank you that is a great compliment. I added 2 little tuffs of dried brush to the base. I'm done with it so I don't overdo it, which I tend to do.

 

 

 

 

 

Tunisia has a climate like California. In the winter and spring months when the rains happen, (and in 1943 when the Allies and Axis fought there) it can get quite green actually.

 

Great photo....is that a Semovente 18 M41? That is such a great photo. Tunisia has a lot of history behind it. I remeber reading during the Roman period it went through a large developement. The economy increased due to the boom of agriculture and fertile soils. 

M1GarandFan

Funny you should mention Tunisia and The Peoples Republik of Kalifornia together. I thought California had already turned into Tunisia!

 

Not yet... I think they have less government in Tunisia than here.

Funny you should mention Tunisia and The Peoples Republik of Kalifornia together. I thought California had already turned into Tunisia!

modelcrazy

 

 

Stick, thank you that is a great compliment. I added 2 little tuffs of dried brush to the base. I'm done with it so I don't overdo it, which I tend to do.

 

Tunisia has a climate like Southern California. In the winter and spring months when the rains happen, (and in 1943 when the Allies and Axis fought there) it can get quite green actually.

Thanks Chris, I'll let you know when I get to the water. The members here have be waiting for one for a while so I guess I beter git on it.

modelcrazy

Thanks guys.

GP?, I have a channel now but it only has 2 vids on it and since I'm still a nube at it they are just cheesy slideshows with background music. One of a 1/72 F-8 and the other is the CMK AM deck guns for the 1/72 Type IX U-boat. My next one will be an actual talking vid if I can get my set up (cell phone) to work.

If you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNf65XKSQH82FDg2ukSREg

Stick, thank you that is a great compliment. I added 2 little tuffs of dried brush to the base. I'm done with it so I don't overdo it, which I tend to do.

I'll be working on the guys and stowage now.

 

Thank you for the link to your videos, and I enjoyed watching both of them. The black wash and rusting effect is something I'll be working on. Keep them coming.

Thanks guys.

GP?, I have a channel now but it only has 2 vids on it and since I'm still a nube at it they are just cheesy slideshows with background music. One of a 1/72 F-8 and the other is the CMK AM deck guns for the 1/72 Type IX U-boat. My next one will be an actual talking vid if I can get my set up (cell phone) to work.

If you're interested:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNf65XKSQH82FDg2ukSREg

Stick, thank you that is a great compliment. I added 2 little tuffs of dried brush to the base. I'm done with it so I don't overdo it, which I tend to do.

I'll be working on the guys and stowage now.

modelcrazy

Thanks Stick,

I applied some tonal variation but still have a little more work to do.

While looking at pictures of the desert around Tunis, I found out that the first Star Wars was filmed there 

 

Yes it was. The moisture farm and Mos Eisley scenes were filmed in Tunisia. But the "Dune Sea" sequence was filmed in Glamis California and the rocky canyon scenes where Artoo was captured and where they later meet Obi Wan was filmed in Anza Borego California.

BTW, very nice work on the base.

modelcrazy

Thank you again Chris. I hope my WIP explanations are understandable an helpful. Some molders like to hold their secrets close to the chest, I guess in fear that someone will be better than them. I want others to learn from my mistakes and trials and hopefully we all get better. That's what I really like about these forums. Most of the members are more than willing to teach and share their techniques freely.
My next build will be of a 1/700 Slava class cruiser and hope to put a video of my water technique on YouTube.

BTW the resin on the Rufe started to shrink away from float. I think that is because I added too much hardener due to impatience. I want to try another using the same technique....maybe in 1/72 LOL.

 

"If you film it....they will watch" lol

Thank you again Chris. I hope my WIP explanations are understandable an helpful. Some molders like to hold their secrets close to the chest, I guess in fear that someone will be better than them. I want others to learn from my mistakes and trials and hopefully we all get better. That's what I really like about these forums. Most of the members are more than willing to teach and share their techniques freely.
My next build will be of a 1/700 Slava class cruiser and hope to put a video of my water technique on YouTube.

BTW the resin on the Rufe started to shrink away from float. I think that is because I added too much hardener due to impatience. I want to try another using the same technique....maybe in 1/72 LOL.

modelcrazy

Thank you Chris. I read a post of yours that you were new to the hobby? Just stick to the forums. 3 years ago my builds looked like a 5th grader built them (no offence to 5th graders, some of them can do better than a lot of us now). I followed the advice of several members and just tried a few things. Now I'm polishing a few techniques and working on improving my figures. 

 

Thank you Chris. I read a post of yours that you were new to the hobby? Just stick to the forums. 3 years ago my builds looked like a 5th grader built them (no offence to 5th graders, some of them can do better than a lot of us now). I followed the advice of several members and just tried a few things. Now I'm polishing a few techniques and working on improving my figures. 

Steve - 

Excellent work sir. Your base and build are looking great. I like how you deceided to position the crew in a fighting stance. If memory serves me correctly....this tank replaced the Fiat L3 and the L6/40. What I have seen and read in the forums is accurate. You guys are great modelers'. Beautiful work Steve.

Thanks Steve. Trying to get more interest in my bases is my main aim ATM. I really like that one, next DAK build i do, i'll be trying that.

Thanks Bish,

The camera makes everything look a tad more yellow than it is. Yes, thinned white glue holds the sand. The small rocks were made from a pinch of dirt and rocks from of our local construction site. I secured everything with a flat lacquer coat. I will be dry brushing tonight followed by adding a couple plants.

Then on to the GIs and finishing up the stowage.

I love that base. have you just used white glue to hold the sand down.

The hole in the ground where Luke lived is actually a hotel designed in the same way as the homes of the local Berber people.

LOL thanks DM 

modelcrazy

While looking at pictures of the desert around Tunis, I found out that the first Star Wars was filmed there 

       YEP!

Thanks Stick,

I applied some tonal variation but still have a little more work to do.

While looking at pictures of the desert around Tunis, I found out that the first Star Wars was filmed there 

Looking good. Just as an FYI, be aware that sand can have quite a bit of tonal variation depending upon the area, whites, grays, blacks, yellows, pink or even reddish hues can be found in various areas. It all depends upon the geology of the area and the original source of the sand. 

I finally made it to the Hobby Town today. I knew I saw this there so I snagged it up. Now to work on the stowage.

Steve

you don't have to go plum crazy scratching an interior. I have a knocked out T34 that I opened up the hatches and did minimal scratching like the gun breach and a few more thingies here and there along with some junk I threw in there which made it look busy. The T34 has done very well in shows including the Nats. Goes to show that a hint of detail may be enough in certain applications.

That could work, track broken, being closed in on, as good a scenario as what I came up with. 

I need to get some German storage this weekend, or order some.

Another theory for a lot of stowage. Maybe they surrendered? That could be the most probable senario. Late in the North African campaign. Been getting beat up for 3 years and trudging back and forth in the desert. Then the friendly faces of American G.I.s and a free trip to New Jersey.

Griffin25

 

 

disastermaster

 

Here's some stowage ideas.....

                                       

Save

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would they leave stowage on the tank if they had abandoned it? I guess if they were under fire or in a hurry that would make sense. 

 

Yes, they are just gonna take the most important items that they need immediately. They really have no need for tarps, fuel, etc. maybe 1 or 2 water cans...

modelcrazy

Griffin25

Would they leave stowage on the tank if they had abandoned it? I guess if they were under fire or in a hurry that would make sense. 

 

 Probably not, but that picture does give me a good idea for hanging ropes or nets and it gave me the thought of an open crate somewhere.

 

               

That's what it's all about.
Glad to help.
  
                                                      

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Griffin25

Would they leave stowage on the tank if they had abandoned it? I guess if they were under fire or in a hurry that would make sense. 

Probably not, but that picture does give me a good idea for hanging ropes or nets and it gave me the thougt of an open create somewhere.

disastermaster

 

Here's some stowage ideas.....

                                       

Save

 

 

 

Would they leave stowage on the tank if they had abandoned it? I guess if they were under fire or in a hurry that would make sense. 

Here's some stowage ideas.....

Save

Thank you MM

Nice looking piece of Italian armor!

Like where your going with that Steve, looking good.

It's looking great Steve. I know your skills and this one will be another great piece.

Stick, PJ, Bish and Gam thanks. Here's my solution. I damaged one of the road wheels like Stick suggested, opened the side hatch slightly enough where you really can’t see in and have one of the commanders hatched jammed open slightly with a rag. I would really like to open both of the commander’s hatches but without an interior that's not happening and I don't want to scratch one. The tarp on the back is blowing in the wind, the tools will be scattered and the stores were removed long ago. The rag jamming the commander's hatch ajar will be oil stained.

I started the rock hill and it looks terrible now but I will be adding real sand between the rocks and dio sand on top of that to fill the gaps.

I also threw in the half built GIs for show.

I know what you mean, it does seem odd that the crew would close the hatches after evacuating the tank but if there's no interior you kinda have to. Or at least that's what I do... 

Thats coming along really well Steve, some nice weathering there.

Hi Steve

Your tank is looking great. Spot on with the paint and weathe ring.

I have to build some armor too for a change.

Damage a road wheel near the broken track like it hit a mine...

Thanks guys,

Griffin, I was thinking about that yesterday. I was installing the tracks when one of them broke while installing it, so OK, I'll show it tracked and abandoned by the crew. But why would the crew flee after they politely closing all the hatches. After all they weren't born in a barn. Hmmm.

I decided to crack the side hatches, where they closed slightly after a dust storm or something. I can't open them much since any interior I scratch will be rudimentary at best. Like most of my builds, I just can't do OOB anymore.

The lack of any other damage? I dono, maybe something broke, tracked it and there wasn't time to repair, but apparently time enough to close most of the hatches LOL 

Excellent recovery. Like a quick shirt change and a new tie.

I like the little history lesson in this thread as well

Since it is an abandoned or knocked out tank maybe one of the hatches should be open. Just a thought. The tank looks superb btw.

modelcrazy

looking

             good........                                                          

Save

Lol Steve, I think I would have just left the 'roo' in place and put some Aussie 'diggers' with her.

Still nice recovery there, I just hate redoing stuff.

You are doing a great job on this tank!  Painting and weathering look just right.  Looking forward to the dio.  I am enjoying watching this unfold.

stikpusher

The first really decent tanks that the British had in North Africa were American made, the Grant and the Stuart. 

I've been watching some documentaries on YouTube about the Lee/Grant and Stuart. The seemed to be fair and a good stop gap, although tall. The 75mm on the Lee/Grant could penetrate the German armor but had to get out of their hull down to get it to fire.
I know you know all this I'm just stoked I do now.

Here is the M-13, with the new decals. I still have some fiddly bits and storage (more like tarps blowing around) to add to the tank, work on the base and assemble the guys. The base will not be level like this.

modelcrazy

Exactly, but my GI's will be in a shooting position.

I removed the Roos from the turret, repainted it and put on proper markings. The instructions are in Italian so I didn't read they were Aussie markings LOL. 

That's a great picture, lots of ideas.

I don't know why they would want that piece of junk though. The thing had no power and the gun couldn't penetrate anything.

 

Well, when the Aussies captured them in 1940, they had no tanks of their own for the most part. So they could continue with no armor, or use captured mediocre tanks. Automotively, the engine was decent, probably more reliable than many British tanks, and the armor was no better or worse than most British tanks of the time, except the Matilda. The gun was actually more useful than the 2 pounder standard on British tanks because it had both AP and HE rounds. Unlike the 2 pounder, which had no HE rounds, only solid AP shot. The first really decent tanks that the British had in North Africa were American made, the Grant and the Stuart. 

Exactly, but my GI's will be in a shooting position.

I removed the Roos from the turret, repainted it and put on proper markings. The instructions are in Italian so I didn't read they were Aussie markings LOL. 

That's a great picture, lots of ideas.

I don't know why they would want that piece of junk though. The thing had no power and the gun couldn't penetrate anything.

modelcrazy

Thanks D,

I'm going to use the ground figures from my Walker Bulldog kit. They are inaccurate for the Korean War but hopefully will fit for 1942. The tank will be abandoned and they are using it for cover. I'm waiting for some materials to make a mold of the figures before I assemble them although I started on the base.

 

Something like this?

Lol! Anytime! Welcome to the Dark Side!

Well dang it! That's what a ship guy gets for venturing into the realm of armor LOL. Not a problem, I can replace the markings easily enough. You pulled my butt out of the fire again Stick, thanks.

modelcrazy

Yeah, I don't know why the Italians used a Roo for rhat particular chemical. 

 

The Italians did not. The Kangaroo markings were applied by Australian troops to Italian tanks that they captured at Tobruk and pressed into service by the Aussies. If you are planning on putting GIs with the M13, that would be in Tunisia or Sicily and the markings would be standard Italian.

Wow, that is coming along nicely.  The weathering you have done so far looks great.

Can't wait to see what you come up with for a dio.

D

Yeah, I don't know why the Italians used a Roo for rhat particular chemical. 

modelcrazy

Not sure, I was thinking of just the tank itself but I'll look in my parts box for some figures. They won't be Italian though.

 

Well with the Aussie markings, you need some Aussies with it... Or some other Commonwealth troops.

That is really shaping up nicely now!

Not sure, I was thinking of just the tank itself but I'll look in my parts box for some figures. They won't be Italian though.

That looks great! What is the diorama going to consist of? Italians recapturing their own tank?

Thanks Stick,

I added some weathering and chipping. I still need to add the fidely bits that break off and some gear as well as pastels.
I will also be making a desert dio.

Very nice progress so far! That sand color looks like a good starting point.

Thanks D, I'm getting excited about the weathering. I really like the Pz II, III and IV, I need to add those to the stash although I do have a III in 1/72.

That tank is looking pretty good for an old kit.  I black based my DAK Panzer II, and liked the result. 

Thanks for posting.  This is another tank I would like to add to the stash.

D 

Hmmm, never used black for the undercoat for a sandy yellow paint scheme, I always use a medium brown. Like your results though, I may have to give that a whirl. 

Very cool! 

Thanks Gam, it's just better oil wash techniques than I have done previously. I also black based it but I think I went over it too much with the sand. There are some highlights though. I also added some scratches to where the tools will be and will be adding some chipping later. I cooked for the M13/40 engine and it looks like the top of the radiator would have been seen in the grills so I added a piece of styrene to simulate that.

I will be starting on the oil wash after I apply a gloss coat.

Steve: Nice work! Curious about your 'something different' since I tend to get in a rut and always do stuff the same way. 

In hindsight this might not work so well if you've already closed up the hull.

modelcrazy

I really need mental help.

 

Bish

I would go the kit route as wel. Even though i have painted the inside of my Pz II black, its still evidant looking through the grills that there is nothing in there, so i will put some kit on there. I use ship rigging rope for tieing down equipment, 0.5mm seems about the right size to me.

                                   

                            

                                                          

Now that I'm done with the Zero I'm continuing on with the M-13. I seem to be scaling back to only working on one at a time like many other members, or at least while I can keep moving on one baring drying times.

I sprayed the tank flat black and will be adding the sand coat tonight. I would typically just go for the sand after a prime coat but I'm trying something different again.

I would go the kit route as wel. Even though i have painted the inside of my Pz II black, its still evidant looking through the grills that there is nothing in there, so i will put some kit on there. I use ship rigging rope for tieing down equipment, 0.5mm seems about the right size to me.

Giving it some thought I will probably make some tarp rolls and place them between the grills with ropes or something tied to the grills to secure them.

That's one of the great things about armor, you can always cover a missing or damaged piece 

Nice work there on the bogies. 

Yeah, I think I'd probably just throw a tarp over the missing piece as long as it won't cover the air intakes. 

I can try that. It may take another 12 weeks though like the Hurricane. I may order it and go ahead and finish it for now. I wanted to show it in this years local IPMS contest....If it turned out OK that is.

It's the same mold as the kit that Italeri sells today. Track down the current kit number and the part number and you can try requesting the list part from their customer service. 

Now that is an oldie. lets hope theres no fit issues, might not be so easy to get a replacment part. Will be watching.

Honestly, Italeri kits were much better then similar old Tamiya kits. I do agree that the tracks are the weakest link, but they are at least detailed on both sides, unlike said Tamiya kit.

Thanks Gam and Ernest,

Ernest, yes it has the vinyl tracks. Armor is probably my weakest link in model building so I can use all the help you guys are willing to give. It may be some time before I'm as good as y'all in this area.

It does look like a quick fun little kit.

Oooh yeaah!!  For an oldie its not a bad kit.  Detail is pretty good and with some TLC it actually can be quite nice.  Does it still come with the hard vinyl tracks?  If so, those are probably the only downside of the kit.

Oh you should have fun with this Steve!

My first 1/35th tank was an Italeri Panzer IV late model back in the late '80s.

Yes, nothing fancy.

Sweet! I'd like to see how your 60's M13 turns out. Straight outa the box?