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More info on the "real" gun(s) at Tanks-Encyclopedia.com

M3 LEE (early)

This is the Takom M3 LEE kit in 1/35 scale.  I have built it pretty much straight from the box except for stowage which came from Value Gear.

I used Ammo by MIG acrylic paints with pre-shading done with darker colors and some modulation with both lighter shades of the base color and oils.

This project went smoothly (for a change). My weakest skill set is weathering.  It kind of scares me at times.  I consider my self a decent fabricator as well as an OK painter.  When it gets to weathering I freeze-up.  On this kit I decided to just let go and try a bunch of different products and techniques.  In the pics I see the warts and some stuff I got to fix, but I'm happy with the end result.

I'm working on a base with a few figures (another weak spot in my skills - but getting a bit better). 

I read an article in an art magazine that stressed the importance of creative people finishing projects even if there are warts and mistakes.  I have to admit it does feel good to claim something (the kit) as done.

Thanks for looking
George

TAMIYA MERKAVA MK I

 This is Tamiya's Merkava MK I in 1/35.

 Kit was built right out of the box with the addition of a Legends IDF Stowage set, and donated chain.

 Vehicle was painted with Vallejo Sinai Grey. It was given a pin wash and weathered with Vallejo pigments.

 The figure came with the kit.

 I built this model back in the early 2000's and gave it away, so I decided to get a new one and give it another shot.

 The kit was typical Tamiya, and it is possible to build in a few days. The detail is nice, but it could use some enhancements.

All in all, I am pleased with the way she came out. Building Tamiya kits is a pleasure and this one was no different.

Trumpeter BMP-2D

This the Trumpeter BMP-2D in 1/35. Back when I was getting into this hobby in the 1980's, there was a distinct lack of mid and late Cold War subjects to model. This is no longer the case, so I was excited to acquire and build this piece as it was one of my favorite vehicles.

 This kit is finely molded with plenty of details and a complete interior. I decided to only build the interiors at the Drivers position, and the turret since this would require minimal effort. This kit contains 470+ parts, and many of them are quite small.

 The Driver figure is from Verlinden and was painted with Vallejo acryllics.

The model was painted with Tamiya acryllics, and weathered with Vallejo pigments and a pin wash, with the addition of some Vallejo thick Brown mud.

The antennas are from RB models and worked out quite nicely.

Here is a quick view of the turret interior. I have yet to "weather" it, but will probably do so in the next couple of days.

Syrian T-55A

Well, the hits keep coming. Here is a quick build.  I needed a break from the scratch build projects, so of course I go to my Tamiya shelf.  Finished this one in 2 weeks, not that I was trying, just that there wasn't a stopping point. It all worked out so well. The kit I bought used and included a completed set of Fruil tracks. I only needed to cut off the pin heads. This really gave it some weight.

Though the kit was intended to be Russian version, I wanted to make it 60's Syrian so tried to use the options provided for the various configurations. It didn't matter much as the vids I found on these tanks were so beat up, I could have done just about anything to it.

The camo pattern was custom mixed Modelmaster enamels. I certainly didn't beat up the tank, but allowed for enough wear and tear without ripping off the stowage bars or fenders.  I did need to add in the fuel lines and light cables as well as some appropriate stowage. I also had some leftover decals that were appropriate.

Well that makes 27 completed projects this year, 20 of them Armor related. 

Vince B.  6-11-20

Russian Ball Tank

This is the 1/35 scale Miniart Kit. I am not a big fan of Miniart, but just had to see what this was all about. It is hypothetical and could never have practically operated in this configuration. Though it is set up for a crew of 5, barely 2 people could fit. The weapons and engine etc were definitely from 1/35 scale kits, but the seats seem to be for 1/48 scale figures.

Though the solid cast ball halves would have been welded to the interior frame, there was too much interior detail to let go unseen, so I decided to pose the model in a split hull configuration.

As much fidley bit details as there were, I thought of a few more which could be added if I decide to do other version of this kit.

I decided to have some fun with the camo pattern which I free hand airbrushed.

Vince B.  6-10-20

Meng Magach6b Gal Batash Final

 Been a bit out of pocket. So I have painted and added the figures, and finally got the best mounted to the base.

 Since the suspension actually works, I need to find a base that would show off that feature without too much trouble.

The figures are resin by Valkyrie. They are very nicely molded and come with extra heads; they have been painted with a combination of Tamiya and Vallejo Acryllics. I very much enjoyed working on this project and being able to compare the two kits with Vince.