What to do with those crappy early models you built? M4A2 reclaim.

[TheTroyster]

If you're like me you have a shelf, or a thousand, full of models you built in a galaxy a long time ago. If, like myself, you just don't have the heart to throw them out right? But, can they be saved - tuned up to your current skill levels? Maybe?

That's what I am doing here, I have a Sherman M4A2 (wet) that was on lend lease to the Soviet Union - I built the model about as good as one can - and the results, well lets be honest here - it looks just like a model - in other words boring as hell and I can hardly stand to even look at it. So I am going to see if I can reclaim this future shooting target/trash can destined model into something much better.


Here are the starting pics of the unit in question:


gosh I just want to vomit when I look at this shinny POS!



Lower part of the tank doesn't look too bad? Minor work to bring it up to speed.




The plan: Winter wash the unit, add some stowage, and place on a simple diorama. First up - I tape off the tracks/wheels, and give the model two coats of hairspray and then Ill paint it flat white with some tan mixed in to add some interest.

All that next time...

[panzerdodge]

Will be watching the transformation. I to have a few left from long ago that I can't even look at lol.

[TheTroyster]

I didnt get all this done in a day, actually been working on this project for about a week. So I painted the upper part of the model in flat white and mixed in a 10% mix on Deck Tan.





I then let it sit for a few hours and chipped off the white. Using water and a couple of different brushes.

Here is where I stand now: Which is actually something I can look out with out puking. Trying to take photos all from the same angles.

[TheTroyster]

Next I do an oil paint DOT , it looks crazy, but can give some cool results - remember this is a model destined for the trash can so there is no wrong move here, what the hell, I say go for it!



Okay here is the oil paint rendering (opr) so I take white oil paint and I place it around the edges (those ares less likely to be worn away) and with a flat fan brush I fade it away from the edge, as it adds some great depth to the tank's overall look. Now it's looking like something I am currently building. Oh, what do you know I don't have the urge to vomit when I look at this now.

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Okay that's it for now, I'll let the oil paint dry a few days, I'll order the stowage - so that's two week out, or I'll just make my own. I'll go back and do an pin wash, and maybe apply a filter. We will see.

[TheTroyster]

I decided to just make my own stowage with clay. I have another Sherman in my stash so I used the upper hull to fit the stowage. Should be dry today and I'll paint.

[TheTroyster]

Rather than ordering some stowage I just made my own, painted it a kaki brown mixed with a field grey and then used some winter streaking grim for shadows. A few more steps and I'll be done.

[TheTroyster]

Finished - if you want to see it on the diorama you can view that under the Members Profiles:
Here is the starting point:


Now here is the same unit:





Thanks

[Homerlovesbeer]

Lol what a cool project! I might add that I'm a bit scared to even attempt armour after your distaste of the original model.

Its far better than what I could do!

[Oper8or]

That is fantastic! I love what you did with the tank. Taking an old one and making it look like that is really cool. Much better work than I can do.

[TheTroyster]

Thanks guys. I am confident that both of you can do every bit as good as this, or better.

[hansolo]

Very nice! You brought that puppy back to life.
That's exactly what I did with a lot of my 20 year old models from the days of yor!
I say never throw out old models. You clan always revive them.

[wookiee76]

Great transformation, may have to go back to some of my earlier builds although i susoect a bath in acetone for a month might be the best place!