1/35 Takom M60A1 with Reactive Armour

[Donkeywalloper]

I’m not sure I believe you about having sunshine in the midlands pmsl looking good though mate a bit of a bugger about the paints but I’m sure it’ll not hold you back for long

Hi KD
It was the Sun, I saw it in the sky above our house, big shiny thing....honest Guv.
Emodels have emailed to say my paints are on the way, so hopefully, this will have all the bits in the pack so to speak .
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Afternoon all

Well my normal, regular Sunday morning routine, of sneaking off to M/C for coffee and R4 The Archers Omnibus, and a light amount of modelling.
So to recap, the Takom Turret, Hull, Commanders Turret and Wheels and all Accessories, Tamiya, Meng and some kit supplied, have been coated with Mr Surfacer 1500 Black Primer.
Beautiful coat and has really been a great coverer and key for further paints
So, plan is to highlight all the top surface detail, or all the surfaces facing the glaring Desert Sun
Vallejo Model Colour Off-White employed for this. Low Pressure and poured into A/B




Bit of spatter and Dry Needle Tip, but not that bad, as this is gonna be covered by light coats of Sand coloured paint.
Haven't mentioned Tracks much in this build. Here they are, having been cleaned of sprue additions. The tracks are secured with metal pins similar to Fruil and the details and feel of these tracks is quite brilliant.

Also, have had a further bit of time with the Miniart crew, great chaps
Bit of filling around waist sections (know how they feel), and a wipe of a moist Cotton Bud and a light sand, has left tummy sections looking good (shame a Cotton Bud is not a quick wipe and smooth down on my middle section).
Four Figures and the only other piece to be done, was a very fine drill in Headphones on one side and a hole in the Radio packs, so they can except Comms wires.


Really good facial expressions
The figures have all been primed today with trusty Halfords Grey Primer straight from a Rattle Can.

Wheely good shot of Wheels

The Dog is still there.

A lot of Accessories, a really lot of Accessories.

So, thats the lot so far.
Still awaiting the Meng Modern US Colours set from those trusty chaps at www.emodels.co.uk
Once that arrives, it should be full speed ahead.
So, this afternoon is a preliminary sortie to go and buy a new car / used. Looking at a little car to replace Ford Focus.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend,
DW

[Kingdan]

Great progress dw it's gonna look good with some paint on I'm liking the randomness your doing keep on truckin mate

[Hawkmoon]

All looking good and nice start on the painting

[Donkeywalloper]

Great progress dw it's gonna look good with some paint on I'm liking the randomness your doing keep on truckin mate

Cheers KD

[Donkeywalloper]

All looking good and nice start on the painting

Thank you Hawkmoon
DW

[Tomcat64]

Awesome progress on all fronts DW - this is coming together very nicely indeed!!

[Donkeywalloper]

Awesome progress on all fronts DW - this is coming together very nicely indeed!!

Cheers Neil, thank you for looking in.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Yay, finally, paint for getting some layers down on Takom M60A1

www.emodels.co.uk always spot on for delivery and service.
DW

[Hawkmoon]

Very nice and should go down well.

[Donkeywalloper]

Very nice and should go down well.

Hawkmoon, we'll see how it goes.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Well after a long day at work, and early finish (early start), and an hours drive home with mind interspersed with "What would I do if I won Lottery" to "Shall I lay down some colour on M60A1?"
Well as I'm not gonna win lottery, and the only other thing to think about, is what Compact Mini-Car to buy and get rid of Gas Guzzler?
Its feed the terrible two (Kittens), and a piece of toast, and off down to Man-Cave.
I switched on Air-Brush Booth and fired up Compressor
Shot a little Ultimate Thinner through trusty Apex, and loaded paint.

This was to be laid down on first two very thin coats. I did add some Ultimate Thinner and mixed it 80% Paint and 20% Thinner.

You'll probably notice, that the paint was a little on the thin side and pooled just slightly on bottom of Turret Reactive Armour Plates on L/H & R/H sides
Just a little, but not that much.

So having reloaded the feed bowl on Apex with neat Meng Paint and no Thinners, I sprayed very lightly over the Lower Hull.

Better, much better.
So, all parts placed on sides to dry overnight.
Clean through of Apex A/B, what a breeze that Air-Brush is I hardly use my H&S Evolution anymore
Next paint to be laid down will be from the following,

Desert Tan MC-201
Happy days, so as Flash Gordon film plays on telly in background and Brian Blessed shouts "Gordon's alive?"
Criticism duly taken and praise even more.
DW

[Kingdan]

You'll smash it out mate It'll look the mutts

[Hawkmoon]

All looking good and nice start on the base coat

[digger303]

It's taking shape now and looking sharp

[Donkeywalloper]

You'll smash it out mate It'll look the mutts

Cheers KingDan, much appreciated.
John

[Donkeywalloper]

It's taking shape now and looking sharp

Cheers chap, much appreciated. I did get a bit annoyed at myself for "Pooling" paint, as to thin.
It'll sort itself over the next few coats. I, of course, cleaned up and finished stripping down and cleaning Apex, and turned around and notice all of the Wheels, Drive Sprockets and the tons and tons of Accessories.
Oh B&*$£R!
John

[Donkeywalloper]

All looking good and nice start on the base coat

Cheers Hawkmoon

[digger303]

It's taking shape now and looking sharp

Cheers chap, much appreciated. I did get a bit annoyed at myself for "Pooling" paint, as to thin.
It'll sort itself over the next few coats. I, of course, cleaned up and finished stripping down and cleaning Apex, and turned around and notice all of the Wheels, Drive Sprockets and the tons and tons of Accessories.
Oh B&*$£R!
John

thought I was the only one that did that.....many times now

[CygnusX1]

Looking really good there chap - great build so far and looking like it's going to be great looking when it's done.
Those Meng paints look like they've settled down really well - like them and would buy again?

[Donkeywalloper]

Looking really good there chap - great build so far and looking like it's going to be great looking when it's done.
Those Meng paints look like they've settled down really well - like them and would buy again?

Well be honest old chap, this was the first time I have used Meng paints. I've got a few tubs in stock plus the new set, they seem pretty good, I did and have picked up, they are pretty ready to go from the jar and don't need thinning.
This weekend is the next layers to go on.
We'll see how it goes.
DW

[Hawkmoon]

There actually AK paint boxed for a Meng kit.

[Donkeywalloper]

There actually AK paint boxed for a Meng kit.

Ahhhh! get it. They don't seem to need any thinning at all. I'm hoping with all the wet weather scheduled this weekend in the UK, gonna get some more layers down on this unit.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Here we go, normal Saturday night, Mrs DW watching Strictly Dancing, and me uploading pictures from this afternoons Man-Cave session.
What a weekend so far.
As a die hard Leicester City Supporter , last night was absolutely awesome result, 0 - 9, who would have predicted that.
Then, then, England Rugby this morning.
Wow, wow and thrice wow. What a team. So chuffed my heart is gonna burst.
Anyhoo, back to the mundane
So a short walk to Man-Cave in heavy UK drizzle, and heater on. Lights on and Compressor fired up, here we go.....
My plan today, was a soft coat of Meng MC-201 US Desert Tan

over the Commander Turret, Main Turret and Lower Hull. Neat from bottle, no thinning, and thankfully no "Pooling" this time.
The Black Mr Surface Primer is still giving nice shadow after these two "Soft" coats.

Looks good to me? What do you chaps think?
I then moved on to giving the Tracks a coat of paint from this set.

I used A MIG 035 Dark Tracks, again no thinning and sprayed direct from Apex A/B (Such a versatile brush and so easy to use).
I remembered to spray the wheels this time
This then lead me to start on first coats of colour on some of the many accessories required.
So, Tamiya Flat Blue XF-8 shot through A/B, again no thinning on these items.

So, we have three Liquid Containers from the Meng US Vehicle accessories set.

The Ice-Box was sprayed with same XF-8, but masked top part so I can spray that with a white top, to give some contrast.
Then on to the Tamiya US Modern Military Equipment Set
I used Meng Olive Green from the Meng US Modern Vehicles set.

Again, shot through the Apex with no Thinner. Mostly used on the crew Bergens and a couple of Tarps.


A few other pieces of the crew accessories from the same set, were sprayed with Tamiya Dark Yellow XF-60


Last loving shot of the tracks after 1st coat of Dark Tracks.

Good overnight dry for paints and parts sprayed, Tomorrow will be some more works on crew accessories.
Hope you all have a wonderful evening.
Cheers DW

[Kingdan]

Solid work so far by the time all the weathering is done that colour is gonna look goooooooood

[Donkeywalloper]

Solid work so far by the time all the weathering is done that colour is gonna look goooooooood

Thank you chap, just get ready to venture forth to Shed for ritual morning of The Archers and some work on this kit.
DW

[alextheblue]

Solid work so far by the time all the weathering is done that colour is gonna look goooooooood

Thank you chap, just get ready to venture forth to Shed for ritual morning of The Archers and some work on this kit.
DW

Fantastic progress John. Looking forward to a post-Archers update!

Do you think our overseas brothers and sisters have the first clue what the Archers is?? A tale of Robin Hood and his merry band perhaps!?

[Quax]

How is Nelson Gabriel these days?
The tracks are excellent as are the shadows on the hull

Paul

[Donkeywalloper]

Good afternoon all

So with Omnibus Archers on, and listening in to Wales v SA, time for the morning Shed experience.
Real cold this morning in Staffordshire countryside, I have heater on full, and in no time at all, shed is toasty .
The first job this morning, is to unpick the Tamiya Masking Tape from the two Ice-Boxes to check how the blue went down? Pretty damn good .
Now to mask the large proportion of box to lay down some white.
So for the white, I'm using good old Vallejo 71.001 White

Then quick spray for this result.

and this,

Then, Apex cleaned through for next colour.
One part to spray, in Tamiya X-32 Titanium Silver, to spray the inner wheel of this accessory kit.

I wasn't gonna use this part, and still might not, but it would be a nice piece to add, a spare 4 x 4 Tyre.

Clean out Apex again and then next colour loaded.

Tamiya XF-14 J. A. Grey for a touch of colour to a couple of the Water Jerry-Cans.

Clean out again , and then back to the M60A1 Commanders Turret, Turret and Hull.
So from the Meng set, I'm using the MC-252 US Desert Tan Light, to highlight top areas such as panelling and R/A sections.
So with pressure down, and A/B close, taking time and slowly going over each of the raised areas. I used a Post-it-Note to mask sharp areas when spraying.










So, what do you think?
I also used the US Desert Tan Shadow, MC-251 to shadow under the fenders and panels that are out of sunlight.
Also, turned over the tracks sprayed yesterday, and did the opposite side with AK A MIG 035 Dark Tracks.
I will be using the following to paint the Rubber Track Pads once Dark Tracks is dried fully.

With all the parts that I required to spray this morning done. They all need to dry fully overnight.
So with kettle reboiled, and another coffee available, I thought I would crack on with some Figure painting
Now, I'm not the best Figure painter. Its though a definite need for this tank to get some figures on.
Out comes my metal mixing plate and a Rosemary & Co 3/0 Brush and some Panzer Aces VA US Army Tank Green.
The Miniart figures show the Tank Crew in Modern Grey Camo.

I'm gonna go for, having seen reference photos of US Tank Crew in Desert Storm, in more Greener shades of kit.
So, say hello to figure A.

Nice wash of colour over pants, and then I'm gonna do Jacket in O/D. I'm not great on eyes and faces, so luckily this chap has a Balaclava on and I have the Archers Eye Transfers to fall back on.
Well, that seems about it for today.
I was rooting for Wales to win so it would be a Home Nations World Cup final, but sadly not to be.
Have a great afternoon all,
Cheers DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Solid work so far by the time all the weathering is done that colour is gonna look goooooooood

Thank you chap, just get ready to venture forth to Shed for ritual morning of The Archers and some work on this kit.
DW

Fantastic progress John. Looking forward to a post-Archers update!

Do you think our overseas brothers and sisters have the first clue what the Archers is?? A tale of Robin Hood and his merry band perhaps!?

IHi Alex

I know when I write this rubbish, that our fellow Glue users across the pond have no idea, what the hell I'm talking about.
I do wonder why I even mention it. I hope it injects some feel of what goes on in Middle England on a Sunday.
Cheers
John

[Donkeywalloper]

How is Nelson Gabriel these days?
The tracks are excellent as are the shadows on the hull

Paul

I'm afraid Nelson is long Brown Bread (Dead).
Thanks for comments, as I'm trying to deliberately go for less is best and not over egg this one. Lets be honest, the amount of accessories on the side, will definitely over egg this tank
John

[Donkeywalloper]

Thank you chap, just get ready to venture forth to Shed for ritual morning of The Archers and some work on this kit.
DW

Fantastic progress John. Looking forward to a post-Archers update!

Do you think our overseas brothers and sisters have the first clue what the Archers is?? A tale of Robin Hood and his merry band perhaps!?

Hi Alex

I know when I write this rubbish, that our fellow Glue users across the pond have no idea, what the hell I'm talking about.
I do wonder why I even mention it. I hope it injects some feel of what goes on in Middle England on a Sunday.
Cheers
John

[Donkeywalloper]

Bit more painting tonight on Figures.
Mixing Uniform up with Tamiya Olive Drab and washes of Panzer Ace colour in photo.
Whilst pallet loaded, have painted the Commanders Periscopes in Panzer Ace Periscope Blue.
At least had a solid hand and looks great.
May add a drop or two of Glass Varnish fro depth
Thats all now, awaiting Mrs DW from work, and need to get tea on.
DW

[digger303]

Fantastic progress John. Looking forward to a post-Archers update!

Do you think our overseas brothers and sisters have the first clue what the Archers is?? A tale of Robin Hood and his merry band perhaps!?

Hi Alex

I know when I write this rubbish, that our fellow Glue users across the pond have no idea, what the hell I'm talking about.
I do wonder why I even mention it. I hope it injects some feel of what goes on in Middle England on a Sunday.
Cheers
John

I know the animated series "Archer" and watch it every week. A private high level security firm with lots of inappropriate behavior...I love it.

[digger303]

Bit more painting tonight on Figures.
Mixing Uniform up with Tamiya Olive Drab and washes of Panzer Ace colour in photo.
Whilst pallet loaded, have painted the Commanders Periscopes in Panzer Ace Periscope Blue.
At least had a solid hand and looks great.
May add a drop or two of Glass Varnish fro depth
Thats all now, awaiting Mrs DW from work, and need to get tea on.
DW

Whats the glass varnish you refer to ?

[Donkeywalloper]

Bit more painting tonight on Figures.
Mixing Uniform up with Tamiya Olive Drab and washes of Panzer Ace colour in photo.
Whilst pallet loaded, have painted the Commanders Periscopes in Panzer Ace Periscope Blue.
At least had a solid hand and looks great.
May add a drop or two of Glass Varnish fro depth
Thats all now, awaiting Mrs DW from work, and need to get tea on.
DW

Whats the glass varnish you refer to ?

Typo, typo, typo, should read Gloss Varnish for Depth.
I was typing in the gloom,
DW

[digger303]

Bit more painting tonight on Figures.
Mixing Uniform up with Tamiya Olive Drab and washes of Panzer Ace colour in photo.
Whilst pallet loaded, have painted the Commanders Periscopes in Panzer Ace Periscope Blue.
At least had a solid hand and looks great.
May add a drop or two of Glass Varnish fro depth
Thats all now, awaiting Mrs DW from work, and need to get tea on.
DW

Whats the glass varnish you refer to ?

Typo, typo, typo, should read Gloss Varnish for Depth.
I was typing in the gloom,
DW

Ok your excused....done that trying to read or do something in the dark and messed it up. Thought I had missed a important development in glass management.....

[Donkeywalloper]

Well, whats a chap to do, when you get in a wee bit earlier than normal, and the Mrs is still at work?
Well it would be rude not to go down to M/C, and even though a tad cold in there, the heater soon takes the nip in the air off (The heater is now on a timer for a 30min of heat, morning and evening).
I fired up the Compressor and grabbed the Apex, and poured this lovely colour into the cup.

Model Colour Flat Red
Tiny bit of Ultimate Thinner, and give it a good stir and shot through A/B, et voila,

Its a vibrant Red and White Ice-Box.
Here's the Blue & White Ice-Box.

They have come out really nice. The Blue Ice-Box needs a wee bit of touch-up with Blue where White bled under the Masking Tape, but its so minimal.
A nice wash and these will look spanking with the plastic 1/35 bottles .
Till next time,
DW

[Kingdan]

I hope you’ve got some small ice packs for them lol

[KalebB]

I thoroughly enjoy all the little touches like that


Ice Chests painted the classic red and blue colors and are gonna be stocked with little plastic bottles.

Awesome build so far bud!

[digger303]

Its a vibrant Red and White Ice-Box.
Here's the Blue & White Ice-Box.
[
DW

It's called a ESKY ......

[Hawkmoon]

All looking good and nicely done

[Donkeywalloper]

I thoroughly enjoy all the little touches like that


Ice Chests painted the classic red and blue colors and are gonna be stocked with little plastic bottles.

Awesome build so far bud!

Cheers Kaleb
I do have some 1/35 Plastic Bottles but just need some labels for them.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

All looking good and nicely done

Cheers Hawkmoon.
DW

[Kevthemodeller]

Oh yes the colour is going on looking good

[Donkeywalloper]

Good afternoon all

Well, well, well, all the build up, and we fell from grace, and were well beaten by such a better side on the day.
So, well done Boks
So the UK has had quite the washout of a day, well anyway in the Midlands. What a dreary day.
So after the Rugby, and not able to do my normal Saturday routine due to weather, whats a man to do, but head off to the M/C for a bit of me time .
Firstly, big thank you to Paul & Lee for the super fast delivery from Ultimate Modelling.
I ordered a new inner nozzle for the Apex as the end of the original nozzle seems a little rough
Ordered online and delivered speedily within a few days.

Its the lovely touches from Paul, like the Haribo sweets and the handwritten note from Hanna and James and the ISM LIve sticker.

So lovely and greatly appreciated.
I also ordered a single A/B holder for my Apex, instead of always relying on my A/B Iwata brush pot.

Lovely, lovely, lovely
So, a little more work on M60A1.
A second coat of Panzer Aces Periscope colour added to Commanders Turret. Once dry, I shall add a little Gloss Varnish to highlight Periscopes.
Also painted the Commanders 50cal with Tamiya Gun Metal. Once dry, this will be Dry Brushed with Black to highlight details.

Then little details added to Hull, in the form of Black and White paint to Headlamp inserts.

Then lots more work on figures, lots of shades of Greens and Sand Yellow added to torsos. I want a mix of Uniform colours as pictures of crew in Desert Storm show a mish mash of uniform colours.



I have added some Vallejo Sunny Skintone as a base for the figures faces.
So, not much more to add, other than, a bit more work tomorrow.
Best wishes all,
DW

[Kingdan]

Nice progress mate it's coming along nicely

[Donkeywalloper]

KD

[KalebB]

Cannot wait to see this complete. The M60 is one my favorite American pieces of armor.

Great job bud
Cheers!

[Donkeywalloper]

Well another Sunday come and gone,
Routine of Sunday morning and coffee and this time Bagels, and a wander in the crisp air down to the Man Cave.
Not totally in the right frame of mind this morning, but a quiet morning on my own, whilst Mrs DW snuggles with Ctas in bed, is good.
I recoated some accessories with a light dusting of Meng Desert Yellow.
Then a bit more work on figures.


Turret looks good and ready for a coat of Gloss Varnish.

Same for Hull.

Worked on Tracks as well, by adding Mig Rubber Tyres and Track Pad colour.


Thats all folks for this weekend, whatever your up to, hope its going well and stay safe and warm.
DW