Hey guys, new update, it's a biggie!
Decals are on, this particular Churchill is 'ICENI' from 2 Platoon, A Squadron, 9 Battalion RTR, 31 Tank Brigade.
These guys came ashore at Juno Beach on 19th June '44. Helping to expand the beachhead at Normandy.
26th June saw them take part in Op Epsom, a battle that lasted til 30th June. Followed by Op Jupiter, the battle for Caen, and Hill 112, known as 'the key to Normandy'.
I'll take this opportunity to crowbar in some history of the Mk VII Churchill, lol!
Churchill Mk VII (A22F)
The second major redesign from previous models, the VII used the 75 mm gun, was wider and had much more armour. It is sometimes called the Heavy Churchill. This version of the Churchill first saw service in the Battle of Normandy, and was re-designated A42 in 1945.
It is important to note that, despite its weaknesses, the Churchill had a significant advantage that was apparent throughout its career. Due to its multiple bogie suspension, it could cross terrain obstacles that most other tanks of its era could not. This feat served well, especially during the fighting in Normandy particularly the capture of Hill 309 between the 30 and 31 July 1944 in operation Bluecoat conducted by VIII Corps.
The Churchill saw action throughout Europe and also in Africa. It was a Churchill that disabled the Tiger that is on display at Bovington. Churchills were even used successfully in Korea! Gaining high praise from the American and British infantry.
After sealing the decals, I started with a wash of dark green. My first time using Humbrols enamel washes. They're quite thick, next time I'll thin them a bit, but I'm very happy with them and they're much easier (for me) to find in local shops than other brands.
These are the other ones I got yesterday.
Here she is after the wash
Added a bit of pastel dust on the exhaust. Looking at this, I'm not sure about the 'luminous' decal at bottom right?! Weathering should tone that down a bit.
Added a few streak marks, using AK streaking grime for Panzer Grey, lol!
Tracks were painted dark grey, then a rust wash, then a track wash, then earth pigments added, followed by graphite pencil on the worn surfaces. Phew! This pic doesn't show any of this very well, lol!
It does look better in the light, honest!
Some yellow oil was dotted around then brushed with thinners to give a bit more variety. Running gear and lower hull were lightly sprayed with sand, brown and dark dirt water based clay washes.
Gloss oil stain wash was applied over pigment at the drive sprocket and axle to give it a 'caked on mud and grease' look.
And that's pretty much it finished. Added a few antennas from thin wire, not very happy with these, but I can't find my carbon fibre antennas anywhere! I'll replace these when they turn up.
I'll post some more pics in the reveal section.
Thanks for looking, and for all the supportive comments, much appreciated.
How much did that babe cost anyways 
I'm waiting to see some more from yours first! Ha ha! 
. The barrel comes in two halves, but fit is good. 
I've no PE for this, but I have a cunning plan!
