Tamiya M60 A3 Tank - M48 A3 Patton Tank in Vietnam

[TheTroyster]

Going to put two build threads on this, as they are both related - sort of...

First up the M60A3:
I built this a few months ago, primed it and put it into a box - just no motivation to continue. Well yesterday I had some extra time and did the basic paint base.

I don't have any pics of the build - it's a Tamiya kit so the build was easy and problem free. So the base undercoat is a mix of Tamiya Buff 35 drops, and Grey 5 drops thinned 50%, for the camouflage pattern I used silly putty, and used XF 5 green 35 drops, and XF13 JN grey 5 drops (looks like a perfect Russian green - fyi), thinned 50%. Masked some small patterns and painted NATO Black.

I normally like to use a red-brown on these tracks to get that rust look - but this time I just used a rust wash - not trying to be a kiss ass here, but to be honest the results of the Ultimate Rust wash is my best to date, and it took five minutes and not an hour like painting.

I am going to follow one of the techniques in Tank Art 3 by M. Rinaldi - the T 72 tank for those of you with the book.
Okay enough babbling lets get some starting pics:

[arkbuilder2012]

Looks like you're off to a good start.

[TheTroyster]

Since I I didn't use hairspray I had to use X20A by Tamiya to chip the model.

I then painted those canvas gun covers.

Threw on a few white camouflage strips.

Not looking to build a derelict here, but maybe something a little neglected. No diorama in mind yet.

Thought about adding markings - but I just want to put only a number on the turret - so I'll just hold off for now until I decide what will look good.

[RonBurgundy]

Looking awesome for now, keep up the good work

[TheTroyster]

Okay whacked off one of the rear fenders. Applied markings on the turret. Rust washes, then rust chipping with sponge. Will let this dry overnight, then I'll deal with a dull coat in the morning and later opr paint fading.

[Sturm]

Love the camo. Keep it up.

[TheTroyster]

Oils to fade the paint in areas, let this dry and see how it looks in a few hours.

[TheTroyster]

Added pigments, optics, some stowage. On a generic base diorama which I use only for pictures:

























And this model finishes my M60 project - I built all versions:

Next up in this gem - the last of all my Patton tank builds - from the M46, M47, M48A2, M48A3 (this model) and all three M60s 1,2, & 3 - this is the last one left.

[OliveDrab]

Superb M60 Troy, the weathering and especially the dirt and mud is outstanding

[TheTroyster]

Superb M60 Troy, the weathering and especially the dirt and mud is outstanding

It's good to know someone reads my dribble. Thanks. I am currently working on mastering the pigments - by the way I really liked your T34 - the figures are especially awesome.

[AlansModelMaking]

Evening Troy, this project turned out beautifully, the M60 great! Also, I was wondering if you were going to correct the Tamiya suspension, the Tamiya kit has its suspension too high; to the extent that the tank looks much different, will you be attempting to correct this? Paul Budzik did a correction on this if you want specific measurements, etc. http://paulbudzik.com/tools-techniques/ ... ction.html
Looking forward to this next build!

[TheTroyster]

Evening Troy, this project turned out beautifully, the M60 great! Also, I was wondering if you were going to correct the Tamiya suspension, the Tamiya kit has its suspension too high; to the extent that the tank looks much different, will you be attempting to correct this? Paul Budzik did a correction on this if you want specific measurements, etc. http://paulbudzik.com/tools-techniques/ ... ction.html
Looking forward to this next build!

I did not know this - I always thought it sat too high. Well, I'll take a look at that link and see what's involved.

Thanks for this - this is great information.

Update: okay just went to that link - made my head dizzy - that is way above my current skill level, or interest level for this tank. Sadly I have already put together the suspension - so that is out of the question. There's the issue of the front of the tank - but it maybe too minor to matter for me - I will be thinning out the fenders (or, most likely, just removing them altogether) the thinned down lights makes sense, making a new basket for the rear - looks awesome but too big of PITA to my taste so going to pass - throw on a blanket or tarp and that problem is solved. I'll just hide everything with paint, junk, and then use some mirrors and this should be good to go...

[TommyKillander]

Excellent work!

Paul Budziks scratchbuilding skills are awesome. Every time I watch his videos I feel intimidated and inspired at the same, if that makes any sense...


Tommy

[TheTroyster]

I had to fill in many gaps, and thin down the front fenders, and the light brackets. I had to attach the lower hull and the upper hull - which I don't like to do until near the end as it makes getting the tracks on much easier, but this is a little tricky and needed to be attached first to get everything to fit right.

So one of the first tanks I ever built was the monogram version of this tank - if you've only built that then I'd recommend this kit or maybe even more the Dragon - like a different tank - kind of a cool looking tank.

Base color is a dark olive drab by Tamiya XF 67 (?) then I went back over with some lifecolor olive drab 005 mixed with weathered olive drab 003 and the resulting color is great - it's olive drab but lighter than normal - more faded.



Threw a couple of tarps on there- see how they turn out.


I worked on the diorama a little today but no pictures, I'll get some tomarrow.

[TheTroyster]

Kind of get an idea of my diorama here, Vietnam one of those village huts in a wet/flooded area a little bridge over the mud. Have some pot head...err bad asses showing up and a few Civilians. Was going to put a sampan but just too big. But this gives me the opportunity to work on painting figures, mud, moss, slime, and water.



Painted the canvas around the gun, painted the tarps, added markings, filter spray over entire model, and the a Matt varnish on top of it all.

[TheTroyster]

Worked on the swamp house: I have a great idea for the roof - just need to locate the right tree.


Did some work on the tank, kind of loosing my interest in building models though... Think I did the optic lenses and put the rusted tracks on, oh yea painted the wheels.



I took those rear fenders off for this diorama:



Now that I am building a quasi proper M48 - just loving the look of this tank - going to order the Dragon kit later this week.

[TheTroyster]

A slight opr - still waiting for figures to show up

[TheTroyster]

So 99% finished with the M48 here - couple minor touch up parts left. Going to work on the diorama next, and am waiting for some figures to come in - slight pause then on this build. Added pigments here.

[TommyKillander]

It looks absolutely stunning

Looking forward to see that dio come together, bet it will be awesome as well


Tommy

[TheTroyster]

Thanks Tommy - now I am really under pressure.

Went out and gathered up your basic pine needles, and I cut them down, used white glue, and make the thatched roof - I'll trim in down later to make it somewhat more balanced.


And here is the mock up diorama with roofed house.

[TheTroyster]

Started in earnest on the diorama- started with the water, got a bridge- some ground cover - that tank is a stand in for the main event. Cat tails in water, bamboo as well.

[TheTroyster]

My water finally set up, and my figures arrived.













See the old man in the house?






And sitting on shelf:

[Skullfish]

Excellent work Troyster, will follow your progress on the next leg.
Jase