I can’t believe it’s been something like three weeks since I posted the last Achilles build report. Where does the time go? Work on the Achilles did slow down somewhat while I polished off the Mosquito NF Mk.II, but now it’s roaring ahead full steam. In this build report, a bit more assembly, then paint….
Category: 1/35
AFV Club Achilles Build Report 1: Not Like All the Other Tanks
I’ve built enough tanks to have a feel for the overall process. Much like aircraft, armor kits have a broadly similar buildup, that goes something like this: Wheels/suspension Lower hull Upper hull Turret Detail pieces, accessories, etc. Tracks So I was a bit thrown when the Achilles kicked off inside the hull. At first, I…
On the Bench: 1/35 AFV Club Achilles Mk.IIc
After Tamiya’s M4 Sherman Early Production, I was itching to dig into another armor build, but my stash presented me with too many interesting choices. To help things along, I took the decision out of my hands and opened it up to a poll. Well, the results are in, and the Achilles crushed the competition…
Help Me Choose My Next Armor Build
I had a great deal of fun building Tamiya’s M4 Sherman. So much fun, in fact, that I’m chomping at the bit to get cracking on another AFV (armored fighting vehicle). The problem is choosing. I’ve got a few armor kits in the stash, but I’m having trouble deciding which one to build next, so…
Tamiya M4 Sherman Build Report 4: Weathering, Part II
This is it. The home stretch. With the Sherman drybrushed, filtered and streaked, it’s time to move on to dirtying up the lower hull, suspension and tracks. A Little Somethin’ Somthin’ When I was weathering this Sherman, the idea I held in my mind was of a tank racing across Sicily as part of Patton’s…
Tamiya M4 Sherman Build Report 3: Weathering, Part I
In the last build report, the Sherman got its paint and markings. Now, it’s time for the good stuff – weathering! My past experience with weathering tanks is minimal. I probably built ten or so armor kits growing up, but I don’t really remember weathering them. If I did it was the simplest of drybrushing….
Techniques: Drybrushing
As an aircraft modeler, I’ve been acquainted with drybrushing for a good long time. It’s one of those techniques that I employ on almost every build, particularly as a way to add detail to cockpits, or subtle paint chipping to propellers, the leading edges of wings, and other bits where aircraft usually exhibit wear. But…
Tamiya M4 Sherman Build Report 2: Base Paint and Markings
It’s been the better part of a month since I provided any sort of an update on the Sherman. Never fear, I haven’t abandoned it. Rather, it’s just been the second priority on my bench, so I’ve only been getting to it in between the P-47 and now the Eduard Bf 109E-7. Nevertheless, progress continues….
Tamiya M4 Sherman Build Report 1: Main Assembly
Building models as a kid, I mostly stuck with aircraft, though I occasionally ventured out and build a few ships, figures, and yes, armor. I remember enjoying the armor kits, but hating the tracks with a passion. Assembling the individual track links was a skill that was, at the time, way out of my reach….