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.....

                                       

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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.
  
                                                      

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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

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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.