First build for almost 30 yrs

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sat Apr 02, 2016 8:14 pm

Yep the build has started

I'm building Tamiya's M4A3E8, plus Fruil tracks, Aber photoetch & barrel kits, Verlinden Fury stowage kit (in bound from the US) and SK miniatures figures. I'm aiming for a Fury diorama not quite sure what yet but it will be based on some part of the film.

As promised here are a few shots of the progress

I'll keep you posted.

OneSmallStep1966 · Post by **OneSmallStep1966** » Sat Apr 02, 2016 9:28 pm

Straight in at the deep end then

. I'm looking forward to seeing it come together.

flundstrom2 · Post by **flundstrom2** » Sat Apr 02, 2016 9:45 pm

Amazingly brave for a first in 30! I've almost completed my first one in the same timespan, but I opted for a really simple one; 1:72 Spitfire.. Pics to come!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 9:39 am

I used to model a lot back when so I've got the basic they just need a good refreshing. I did do some airbrushing but as I said elsewhere it was all a bit of a black art art back then with limited choice of kit and very, very expensive for anything like the kit you can now buy for around £50, compressor at home in miniature

no chance certainly beyond what budget I had at the time.

It was aerosol canisters and the plastic Revel airbrush (remember them!) with the jar on the bottom of the airbrush and all enamel very messy all very hit and miss well it was for me! Photoetch will be a first as that wasn't commonly available back then, like much of the kit I've recently bought. I'm now beginning to seriously think just how long ago it been since I made a AVF and it's 33yrs

I have made 1/72 aircraft and cars with my lads over the years but this is my first real serious build I'm really looking forward to it with the benefit of better kit more patience, space etc it should be an enjoyable experience......................fingers crossed

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 9:47 am

Go big or go home, that should be a great build

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:53 pm

Paul wrote:Go big or go home, that should be a great build

Cheers Paul

Could I have the benefit of your experience on this please
http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 10&t=17437

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Apr 04, 2016 9:07 pm

Had a bit of time this evening

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 05, 2016 8:19 pm

A bit further, this PE is fiddly stuff but I think I'm getting the hang of it.......same about the CA glue its a right pain

GuyMac · Post by **GuyMac** » Tue Apr 05, 2016 8:39 pm

My first build after a 20 year break also was a small 1:72 cheap kit to get it back in the fingers

By the look of this, It's hard to believe you didn't build for 30 years. Looks too good compared to my 1/72 one

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 05, 2016 8:47 pm

I am pleased with how it's going I have to say but it is 33yrs since I built an AVF I've helped my lads build the odd car and plane over the years but they were all simple kits and the last time I did that was at least 10yrs. I was well into modelling years back and really loved doing it, I'm hoping it's like riding a bike

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:09 am

Managed to get sometime on the beach yesterday

Not too long now and the painting will start

digger303 · Post by **digger303** » Tue Apr 12, 2016 11:29 am

seems you do your best work on the "beach" ....lucky devil....

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Tue Apr 12, 2016 11:29 am

Kev, Sweet result on the build so far mate. The hull hatches came out awesome. Looking forward to seeing the end result as I'm now building my first diorama in a good 20 odd years. Like Paul already said go big or go home, is the approach there to. Good kits and aftermarket all the way...

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Apr 13, 2016 8:34 pm

Think I'm slowly getting the hang of this photoetch now

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Wed Apr 13, 2016 9:35 pm

nice result on the .50 cal. It does look like your getting back in your stride mate

Mylightweight · Post by **Mylightweight** » Wed Apr 13, 2016 9:44 pm

This is looking really nice. Must get me one of these to build

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 11:18 am

Very fine work Kev. For all of it's criticism that's not too bad of a kit, and with all the goodies that you have there it won't matter in the end.
You've got everything you need to fix the booboos and it looks like you have it well in hand.
That .50 looks excellent, I'd say PE is agreeing with you.

SergioSolo · Post by **SergioSolo** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 11:55 am

Great detailing. PE looks fantastic, and that metal barrel is a thing of beauty!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 2:47 pm

Vleugelmoer wrote:nice result on the .50 cal. It does look like your getting back in your stride mate

Many thanks mate, I've not done PE before but was a very very keen modeller in my teens.........how long ago was that!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 2:51 pm

Mylightweight wrote:This is looking really nice. Must get me one of these to build

It a nice kit, lots of fiddly bits though have a look at my other post http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 59&t=17549 there's certainly two version of this kit, possibly more.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 3:21 pm

Coen wrote:Very fine work Kev. For all of it's criticism that's not too bad of a kit, and with all the goodies that you have there it won't matter in the end.
You've got everything you need to fix the booboos and it looks like you have it well in hand.
That .50 looks excellent, I'd say PE is agreeing with you.

Hi Coen

Thank you. The kit it's self is good just I it's not really for my kit (see link in above post) and this isn't made plain, I've had to doctor a fair bit to make things fit, which is part of the fun I guess

It's just a shame some of the larger parts that don't fit from the 35A 34, the .05 is from the 35 032 kit which again is not really for the E8 the majority of the bits are for the the former M4's including the Firefly and Jumbo. Although as shown in the link about 35A 34 and different kits, many parts could well be different, the .50 cal in my kit is different and some parts supplied would not fit without major conversion work of the standard moulding. The parts you see fitted required me to fabricate parts and not use those supplied they simple wouldn't fit the main MG carriage for one.

The periscopes aren't fitted correctly they should be cut out and poke through slightly, this I discovered by looking at pictures of the kit applied, that isn't mentioned or clear from the instructions, I was toying with doing just that. But the on the E8 certainly on this kit the commanders cupola periscope is bigger than the drivers/MG gunners but the unit supplied is the same size it would look all wrong in the standard moulding. I'm learning a lot and will do things differently on my next build which will be a Tiger 1 mid/late.

Sergiotron wrote:Great detailing. PE looks fantastic, and that metal barrel is a thing of beauty!

Yes this is very nice and straight forward to build.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:15 pm

Had a bit more time on the bench today, it's almost fully assembled now and ready to start painting

I decided to fit the wheels in the end and paint while attached, the hull mounted tools, MG's will be painted separately and added before weathering, the tracks need to be build yet and weathered.

I've also got the Verlinden Fury set to sort out which is resin, something else I've never worked with.

Looking at the parts within in the kit there's lots of cleaning up to do and I'm going to need to read up on the "how to do's" on working with resin all advice gratefully received. I have made a start with the M1919 MG which is mounted in front of the commanders cupola but I'm not too impressed with the moulding. The ammo box/feed tray are moulded as one the MG body isn't long enough to attach it!

I'll post something later about this.

So to the painting, not new but haven't done it for yep.... 30yrs and with old Revel airbrush been practising so I'm confidant things will workout ok.

Now a question if I may do I go black or gray primer?

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 9:18 pm

Kev, the Sherman is looking real nice.

I've seen you talk about the photo etch used for the .50. I know for a fact that Aber also do a pe update for the .50 call itself (I know because I have it in the stash 35 L 080, For the .50 call Browning M2, And this also includes the correct mounting cradle). Some nice additions to this set would be 35 A047 (.30 and .50 ammo belts) and 35 A058 (U.S. WWII Ammo cans) but the you have a gun that worth close to 30 Euro in PE alone

Ad to that the Academy U.S. Machine Gun Set # 1384 (some say the best set ever made) at around 6 euro and the detailing cost are really starting to add up..

As to your question about primer color. From what I've seen and read so far on armer modeling (not really my cup of tea) is that they usually go for a rust or hull red primer as this will aid in the weathering later on.

In aircraft it is the new trend to black primer and not to pre-shading. However I do beleave that this trend has not skipped camps as of yet to the armour scene so grey and black panel lines are stil "allowed"

I know the older Revell airbrush kits where actually Bagger 150's or Thayer and Chandler veda (now also owned by Bagger) Airbrushes. So if treated right they are pretty bullet proof. An added bonus is that spares for these airbrushes are readily available.

Already looking forward to your next installment on this build

AS always best regards and happy modeling

Paul

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Apr 14, 2016 11:14 pm

Hi Paul

Yes you're right about the PE expense it does all start to add up

The barrel was around 24€ add the to the other PE, the stowage set and figures I've doubled the price of the kit easily. I just like things to be as accurate as I can get them plus it will provide many many hours of relaxation and fun.

This is all a big learning curve for me, next time I'll do a lot more research into what PE kit supplies what. I'm not overly happy with Aber I feel they're trying to make one of their kits fit too many other kits. Which isn't going to work not in fine detail like MGs as a Tamiya M1919 is not the same as a Dragon yet the kit says it's for both. Bit too much of a trade off I think.

The Revel airbrush I had was the type with the jar mounted underneath made of red plastic you had to turn the nozzle to adjust paint flow.

Nothing like what I've got now I'm really looking forward to using it. All I've got to do is make up my mind as to what primer to use! I've set myself a target for tomorrow and that is get it primed.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sat Apr 16, 2016 2:04 pm

Did a bit more yesterday hit a few issues with the airbrushing see here http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 10&t=17651
All sorted now

here's the results.

Still a long way to go but I'm loving it

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 6:34 pm

A very busy weekend doing this and that with family, but I managed to get time on the bench

Got the chipping coats on

It's Ammo Mig went for the scratches rather than heavy chipping, it's odd stuff and made the surface rough not too bad but certainly not smooth. I thinned it as it wouldn't spray properly while testing I thinned about 20% and increased the air to about 28psi to get it too spray on the test, I think it needs more thinning though as it left a rougher surface any views?

Then the base colour, I'm using http://www.migjimenez.com/en/starter-se ... -set-.html for the model. You can see the roughing effect the chipping coat has had, look on the hull sides and the front glacis plate, the lower front casting is supposed to be rough. I had the thin the base coat about 20% as well. Almost had a disaster, I noticed little bits in the base on the track guards, I think they were elements of the chipping coat still left in the airbrush

god this stuff is tricky. Strip down and thorough clean of the needle/nozzle and all well, it could also have been fibres from the kitchen roll but that good quality stuff but you never know. The areas near the top idle wheels where you can see the primer have been sorted, I'm little puzzled though as olive drab base is slightly silk not hard matt, not sure why?

On to the back cam, had no issues with this thinned again by 20%, having no issues I think is due to gaining experience using the airbrush I even airbrushed the rubber on the main wheels

not quite up to standard but not bad for a .04 airbrush if I don't say my self

Detail painting next, then chipping, decals and clear coat, onwards and upwards

Overall a good weekend on the bench, learnt loads and confidence growing.

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 8:31 pm

Looking good Kev,

Depending on the tools you are going to be using for the scratching and chipping, you might want to swap the detail painting and chipping steps..

Keep spraying paint.

Paul

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 8:56 pm

Hi Paul

Yes I think you've got a point there

As you know this is based on the movie tank I'm going to base it on a scene form the earlier part on the film but that will depend on me getting the last two crewman, I'm using SK miniatures still waiting on http://www.fieldsofglorymodels.co.uk/13 ... -409-p.asp if I can't get them I'll have to rethink. Anyway there not that much in the way of chips or battle damage in the early part from the stills I've seen plus for a first build in years I don't want to be over ambitious, I've still got so much to learn.

I've been looking for somewhere to get decals as the one's in the kit obviously don't have the correct hull numbers etc, the other thing I'm searching for is some kind of thread to simulate the rope that ties down the storage.

Smiffy · Post by **Smiffy** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 9:02 pm

A very nice looking Fury so far Kev

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 9:22 pm

Kev, Nice resin figures did a bit of digging for ya found a supplier in Belgium that has stock on all B6 Fury figures check out www.domino.be as these figures will most likely be limited edition bet get while the getting is good..

have a nice one,

Paul

OliveDrab · Post by **OliveDrab** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 1:39 am

Holy smokin' Shermans she's looking fabulous

SergioSolo · Post by **SergioSolo** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 2:09 am

You're doing a fantastic job on her!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 7:58 am

Vleugelmoer wrote:Kev, Nice resin figures did a bit of digging for ya found a supplier in Belgium that has stock on all B6 Fury figures check out http://www.domino.be as these figures will most likely be limited edition bet get while the getting is good..

have a nice one,

Paul

Cheers mate just ordered them.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 8:01 am

OliveDrab wrote:Holy smokin' Shermans she's looking fabulous

Sergiotron wrote:You're doing a fantastic job on her!

Thanks guys there's still a long way to go yet but I'm enjoying every minute

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 9:25 am

Your welcome mate, there is nothing more frustrating than having a build stall because you are missing bits

..

ForTheWatch · Post by **ForTheWatch** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 11:56 am

Mate, i did the same "dive" with my Tiger build a few months ago - first kit after 20 years (in sig) and I am super happy I did. Such a relaxing experience to take off pressures of daily job etc.

Sure looks like a good start!

demarcation · Post by **demarcation** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 9:32 pm

Awesome work mate!!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 9:33 am

Got a couple hours in yesterday evening, my first attempt at chipping. It's very light but on all the pictures I can find there's not lot on the real thing, I think it works and will improve when all the weathering is added.

InitialProduction1 · Post by **InitialProduction1** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 12:03 pm

Awesome build Kev, cool chipping affects,

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 1:52 pm

InitialProduction1 wrote:Awesome build Kev, cool chipping affects,

Thanks mate it's going well thus far with the odd "Oh bugger" as you do

I'll be putting the tools and other hull accessories back on later, I PVA them to prime them you can see the missing spaces in the pictures. I would have liked to have clear coated so I could start on the decals and weathering but I forgot to order gloss varnish when I kitted myself out, that should arrive today/tomorrow with luck. I made a start on the Friul tracks last night chasing out the holes and tidying them up, hopefully get the burnished today and start their assembly/weathering tomorrow after clear coating while it dries.

It's slowly coming together

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 2:45 pm

Kev we all stil have the "Oh bugger or the odd get in there you ... peace of plastic" moments are part of the charm of our hobby

The paint job and chipping came out nice, not bad at all for a first venture back after a 30 year sabbatical

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 3:13 pm

Cheers Paul

I'm sort of happy with it I'll see what happens over the next stages.

ForTheWatch · Post by **ForTheWatch** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 1:17 pm

I like how random and varied chipping is. This is the way to go. Well done!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 5:07 pm

ForTheWatch wrote:I like how random and varied chipping is. This is the way to go. Well done!

Many thanks, I've been working on the tracks last few days I'll be dropping back on the hull/turret to do, decals, pin washes and weathering.

Vleugelmoer · Post by **Vleugelmoer** » Thu Apr 21, 2016 10:38 pm

Kev, how are the friul tracks working out for you any way??

TheTroyster · Post by **TheTroyster** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 2:32 am

I'd say you're back in the hobby again with this build!

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 8:17 am

Paul the tracks are a great deal of work. The burnishing was straightforward but the fit of the links isn't brilliant. By that I mean they don't fit or are very tight when put together. That's before the link wire has been put in the wire it's self doesn't help either because being coiled means each bit you cut is also bowed. I also found chasing through the link pin holes preburnishing a waste of time as many became blocked with a fine powder and needed redoing.

All that said they still look great.

Eusi · Post by **Eusi** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 4:58 pm

Really like how this build is coming together. The camo looks great and the subtle chipping adds some great contrast. Can't wait to see how it looks once you start putting the weathering on. Kind of makes me want to try my hand at some US armor. May have to pick something up eventually.

Kevthemodeller · Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 7:42 pm

Eusi wrote:Really like how this build is coming together. The camo looks great and the subtle chipping adds some great contrast. Can't wait to see how it looks once you start putting the weathering on. Kind of makes me want to try my hand at some US armor. May have to pick something up eventually.

Thanks for your kind comments I'm pleased with how things are going so far.

I've been working on the friul tracks last couple days, bench time has been hard to find this week

As I mentioned earlier

Kevthemodeller wrote:Paul the tracks are a great deal of work. The burnishing was straightforward but the fit of the links isn't brilliant. By that I mean they don't fit or are very tight when put together. That's before the link wire has been put in the wire it's self doesn't help either because being coiled means each bit you cut is also bowed. I also found chasing through the link pin holes pre-burnishing a waste of time as many became blocked with a fine powder and needed redoing. All that said they still look great.

Here's what I mean just about every single link has been the same and I've only just completed one side so far

As you can see they don't fit too well, I wasn't expecting this based on what I'd seen in videos on line I have to say, the odd one certainly but not just about all. It's been a very slow process taking much longer than I was anticipating, whether it just this pattern or it effects all types I don't know I've got them on order for my Tiger so when they arrive I'll let you know.

But I think worth it, pictures when they're all finished.

ForTheWatch · Post by **ForTheWatch** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 8:24 pm

May I ask why you picked Tamiya Easy 8 to build Fury if there is an Italeri Fury edition out? Is Italeri stuff a lot worse and inaccurate? I see both in a shop atm and wondering which to take. thoughts? I mean you bought a ton of extra stuff for yours so obviously Tamiya isnt up to standard it seems.