1/35 Takom M60A1 with Reactive Armour

[Donkeywalloper]

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

Great job bud
Cheers!

Cheers Kaleb. I didn't have any views on the M60 per se, but this kit looked so interesting with all it angles and Reactive Armour, its now made me want to build a lot more M60's.
Thanks for nice comments,
Cheers DW

[Donkeywalloper]

So chaps, would you suggest that now I'm happy with the Paint job on Hull, Turret and Commanders Turret, I can lay down a few coats of Gloss Varnish?
DW

[Tomcat64]

Superb progress over a soggy weekend DW!

[Donkeywalloper]

It really was a very soggy weather weekend Neil. Ideal weather really for time spent ensconced in Man-Cave.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

More stuff for my Apex, that seemed a little down when I used it last (Sunday).
So apart from a new Nozzle last week from the great people at Ultimate.

I also treated the Apex to a new Spanner (as somehow, I seemed to have rounded the edges slightly on one side).
A new Head O-Ring (Couple of bubbles appeared around the O-Ring when spraying .
Plus a new Head.


So, basically the whole front end replaced.
Its not been damaged, but it does get an awful lot of use.
Like changing Tyres on car, it just keeps the equipment up to 100%
Should, I say should, be as good as new
All ready for spraying a couple of coats of Gloss Varnish. May lay down a coat tonight on Hull and Turret.
I did notice on Sunday, that I seemed to have neglected a few parts, i.e. the Wheels and Drive Sprockets. One very light misting of Desert Tan previously, put away to dry on a shelf, and no more work down on them.
Having dragged them from their shelf, and had a look, they do need another coat, then the long laborious job of painting Rubber Tyres
Cheers DW

[Kingdan]

It'll be like a new brush with all the spares but like you say keep,on top of it and it'll last forever

[Donkeywalloper]

It'll be like a new brush with all the spares but like you say keep,on top of it and it'll last forever

I probably could have got away with not buying these parts, but it does pay to keep on top of this, cuz what you' don't want, is mid spray, on your newly built pride and joy, either spattering or paint coming out of head and all down your hand, cuz you should have bought that O-Ring when you thought about it .
For the small price of these parts, at least the A/B is as good as new. Being a bit anal , I have made a little note in my diary, that changed Head, Nozzle and O-Ring last night, as always interesting to see how long it lasts.
I managed to lay down a light coat of Mr Hobby Superclear Gloss Varnish, straight out of the Rattle Can on the Hull, Turret and Commanders Turret last night. I always like to give Varnish a good 12 hours dry time, so it properly cures. I'll get a 2nd coat on tonight, along with a second coat of Desert Tan Shadow on the wheels and Drive Sprockets, and then the magic starts with the weathering and such. As this a Desert Tank, I'm gonna keep Weathering to minimum. Some chipping and lots of good old dust, but no mud .

[Kingdan]

It'll be like a new brush with all the spares but like you say keep,on top of it and it'll last forever

I probably could have got away with not buying these parts, but it does pay to keep on top of this, cuz what you' don't want, is mid spray, on your newly built pride and joy, either spattering or paint coming out of head and all down your hand, cuz you should have bought that O-Ring when you thought about it .
For the small price of these parts, at least the A/B is as good as new. Being a bit anal , I have made a little note in my diary, that changed Head, Nozzle and O-Ring last night, as always interesting to see how long it lasts.
I managed to lay down a light coat of Mr Hobby Superclear Gloss Varnish, straight out of the Rattle Can on the Hull, Turret and Commanders Turret last night. I always like to give Varnish a good 12 hours dry time, so it properly cures. I'll get a 2nd coat on tonight, along with a second coat of Desert Tan Shadow on the wheels and Drive Sprockets, and then the magic starts with the weathering and such. As this a Desert Tank, I'm gonna keep Weathering to minimum. Some chipping and lots of good old dust, but no mud .

Nothing wrong with keeping on top of things mate it's how I roll these days not like the old days i always couldn't be bothered lol not tried the mr hobby gloss I've always used Aqua gloss pretty good for a bulletproof gloss and yes definitely lots of dust, if you've got some Ultimate sand wash try spraying it on the lower half of the tank to make it look like it actually drove through the desert, also you can dry the Ultimate washes out and use the clay pigment as a final dust flicked on with a brush

[Donkeywalloper]

It'll be like a new brush with all the spares but like you say keep,on top of it and it'll last forever

I probably could have got away with not buying these parts, but it does pay to keep on top of this, cuz what you' don't want, is mid spray, on your newly built pride and joy, either spattering or paint coming out of head and all down your hand, cuz you should have bought that O-Ring when you thought about it .
For the small price of these parts, at least the A/B is as good as new. Being a bit anal , I have made a little note in my diary, that changed Head, Nozzle and O-Ring last night, as always interesting to see how long it lasts.
I managed to lay down a light coat of Mr Hobby Superclear Gloss Varnish, straight out of the Rattle Can on the Hull, Turret and Commanders Turret last night. I always like to give Varnish a good 12 hours dry time, so it properly cures. I'll get a 2nd coat on tonight, along with a second coat of Desert Tan Shadow on the wheels and Drive Sprockets, and then the magic starts with the weathering and such. As this a Desert Tank, I'm gonna keep Weathering to minimum. Some chipping and lots of good old dust, but no mud .

Nothing wrong with keeping on top of things mate it's how I roll these days not like the old days i always couldn't be bothered lol not tried the mr hobby gloss I've always used Aqua gloss pretty good for a bulletproof gloss and yes definitely lots of dust, if you've got some Ultimate sand wash try spraying it on the lower half of the tank to make it look like it actually drove through the desert, also you can dry the Ultimate washes out and use the clay pigment as a final dust flicked on with a brush

Morning KD
Are you looking further into my pictures I just happen to have a small bottle of the Ultimate Sand Wash, thats a great tip, thank you.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

What a damp, nay, wet evening it was last night. With Mrs DW working late on a Christmas Spa Package launch at her works till 22:00, I had an excuse to meander through the soggy grass to my cosy Man-Cave, and settle down to a evening of listening to R4EX which consisted of some Hancock Half Hour re-runs
I wanted to get a 2nd coat of Mr Hobby Superclear on the Turret, Commanders Turret and Hull, and that I did.


Its straight out of the Rattle Can and as long as its misted it really covers very well.
So, now, we have the Tracks painted and Pads painted AK Rubber & tyres.
Hull is ready for weathering.
Turret ditto, and Commanders Turret is glossed and ready to go.
I gave all of the Accessories a coat of gloss and they look good

The next step will be to add Decals to Ammunition Boxes and Vehicle.
I also gave the Wheels and Drive Sprockets a coat of Meng / AK Desert Shadow for a darker effect under the fenders and tracks. The laborious task of painting the Rubber parts starts this weekend I know their is simpler ways of doing it, ie. with masks and spray wheels black, then colouring the insides after
I think I prefer the more laborious way, I suppose.
I also want to start some Shadows on my Figures.
Seems, that a simple build may have been made harder by myself. Im obviously the only one to blame here
Till the next time chaps, PS: watched some Vids on YT of the most talented builder of AFV, I have ever seen. One build was a Tamiya LRDG Truck and the other is a 1/35 Matilda also by Tamiya. He's called the Inner Nerd. He really has given me some amazing techniques for working on Accessories, and his use of colours and oils is exceptional. Watch you'll be amazed. I also found the Marbelling effect he used for the LRDG Truck exceptional. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_8iN ... KAv85UwIcg
Adios, DW

[digger303]

Thanks that is very good video ref.

[Donkeywalloper]

Thanks that is very good video ref.

I sat with a good whiskey (Jura) and loved his work, especially his skills on the LRDG Truck. Really sublime and his brush work on straps and buckles, well, I can never hold that Hairy Brush so steady.
DW

[Tomcat64]

Yep thanks for sharing that link DW - watched the LRDG build and have the Matilda cued up for my next break

[Donkeywalloper]

Yep thanks for sharing that link DW - watched the LRDG build and have the Matilda cued up for my next break

Neil
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

I'll show you all some photos of the Kit supplied Towing Cables.
Everything about this Takom kit has been sublime till now, but the plastic parts for the Towing cable ends are frankly atrocious I will post some pictures up of the pieces but I think it will embarrass me to post them
I have to save my embarrassment on this lovely build so far, have ordered a set of Eureka XXL Towing cables for the Abrams. I could not for the life of me, find a M60 style Towing Cable. The only Resin cast ones were Not Available.
Paypal to the rescue, and Abrams will have been used by crews / US / REME to tow tanks out of Wadis.

DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Hey Ho.

Well a morning of listening on Radio, and for the first time in many, many years, not attending the local Rememberance Parade in Burton upon Trent, due to a very heavy head cold.
Bit down about that, but its still a moment, even if not in company of the Old, Bold and nay swift anymore.
I sat instead, in my own thoughts in Man-Cave, and remembered those who gave their precious lives for the country and to give those who spout such rubbish now, on Social Media, the ability to talk crap. As an Ex Infantry (Never Ex, just resting), of one of Her Majesty's finest Regiments of Foot, I understand that from losing a few of my old Mates in Operation Granby, how time does not erase the memory of these fallen. OAFAAF
Anyhoo, I spent most of this morning tinkering with the figures for the M60A1, and as not a happy painter of Figures, I'm not going to post photos yet
I did want to though, post some photos of my attempts at a bit of super detailing of figures.
I needed some Mic Radio Leads, spirally things and another lead for the lanyard for the Crew Weapons Pistol.
So, when our Electrician was on site at work, I spent some time picking up some off cuts of Electrical Cable and slipping them in my pocket .
Having stripped the plastic sleeve off, then untangled the wires into their separate constituents.
One is placed into the Chuck Vice and another thinner piece of wire was also nipped into vice.

This then was wound spirally around thicker wire to give this effect.

So, there we have it.
Not much to show but proud of the look.
Have a great evening all,
DW

[Kingdan]

Great idea and your helping to save the world by recycling mate so well done

[Donkeywalloper]

Great idea and your helping to save the world by recycling mate so well done

Cheers KD, didn't think of the re-cycling angle, but your right about the upcycling.
Saw this done on the go to Encyclopedia i.e. YouTube.
Seems to produce some quite lifelike twirly wires.
Once painted and Dry-Brushed, they should look good.
Hopefully.......
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Hey up (bit Northern that )

So took delivery today of these,

I couldn't find any After-Market M60 or M60A1 specific Towing Cables to replace these horrors supplied.


Simply awful, for such a lovely kit.
Yes, the replacements are Abrams but 1. They are better than kit supplied horrors , 2. I'm going with this Tank has damaged its Towing Cables and the Engineers have supplied these. My kit and I'm going with it
A bit more super detailing tonight, the Miniart Kit supplied Radio Mics were horrible .
I drilled a hole in the figures headsets, and with some copper wire, I fashioned a mic boom, then the mic itself was fashioned from some spare sprue, drilled and glued on the end with C/A. Looks a lot better than supplied part.

Slow progress, as I dont particularly like painting figures, but they do add scale and some life to Armour.
I shall keep doing my thing, the next step is the Archer Eye Transfers.
Till then, Love and Peace.
DW

[digger303]

Those supplied towing cables do look a bit naf ( hope I used that correctly ). The more I look at them though and it is almost like a small sleeve ( tube) should be slide over the top of them to hide the join and to keep the cable aliened .

[Donkeywalloper]

Those supplied towing cables do look a bit naf ( hope I used that correctly ). The more I look at them though and it is almost like a small sleeve ( tube) should be slide over the top of them to hide the join and to keep the cable aliened .

Must admit Digger, not inexperienced in Tow Cables in plastic, and having released the plastic parts from the sprue, I couldn't even find a locating hole. The plastic was so brittle, and If I had drilled into the plastic receiving end, the wire was thicker than the diameter of the plastic.
I had a search through the box for something I was missing, but it appears not.
By the way, congrats on Promotion.
DW

[digger303]

Those supplied towing cables do look a bit naf ( hope I used that correctly ). The more I look at them though and it is almost like a small sleeve ( tube) should be slide over the top of them to hide the join and to keep the cable aliened .

Must admit Digger, not inexperienced in Tow Cables in plastic, and having released the plastic parts from the sprue, I couldn't even find a locating hole. The plastic was so brittle, and If I had drilled into the plastic receiving end, the wire was thicker than the diameter of the plastic.
I had a search through the box for something I was missing, but it appears not.
By the way, congrats on Promotion.
DW

promotion.... I has to think for a minute then I realised what you meant.....yeah I don't have a life

[Donkeywalloper]

Those supplied towing cables do look a bit naf ( hope I used that correctly ). The more I look at them though and it is almost like a small sleeve ( tube) should be slide over the top of them to hide the join and to keep the cable aliened .

Must admit Digger, not inexperienced in Tow Cables in plastic, and having released the plastic parts from the sprue, I couldn't even find a locating hole. The plastic was so brittle, and If I had drilled into the plastic receiving end, the wire was thicker than the diameter of the plastic.
I had a search through the box for something I was missing, but it appears not.
By the way, congrats on Promotion.
DW

promotion.... I has to think for a minute then I realised what you meant.....yeah I don't have a life

Yeah, you do have a life Sir
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Whilst Mrs DW was asleep this afternoon (were having a week off together, and although staying at home, were doing the thing we do on holiday, our mantra, eat when hungry, sleep when tired and do what we want at other times.
So whilst Mrs DW catches some well deserved ZZZZZ's, I sloped off to Man/Cave in the appalling weather to carry on with build.
Postie sent me these three items this morning from www.emodels.com

The two green oils are for weathering the Tamiya US Modern Accessories.
The pencils, are just to try out, as I have seen them but know nothing of their potential.
I concentrated on weathering the multiple accessories, with various Green Oils
I also worked on the three figures I'm using on the vehicle,

When I was leaving the Man-Cave, I thought I would take some photos of the Man-Cave for your perusal.
Here's where the magic / B@"$s ups occur





So, for now.
Lots of love chaps,
DW

[Kingdan]

That's a great space mate and as long as it suits your needs it's perfect nice and cosy

[Donkeywalloper]

That's a great space mate and as long as it suits your needs it's perfect nice and cosy

Cheers KD, not on a par with your awesome M/C
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Hi chaps

Well, Mrs DW watching Strictly Dancing and me posting this next dirge.
So, this afternoon, I set my goal on working on the Accessories for this vehicle.
A bit of Decaling on the Ammo Boxes (usual procedure of warm water to shift Decals then on with MicroSol, then a roll down with as Baby Bud and a slather of MicroSet ) .


Then moved on to some chipping, using the sponge method on the Water and Fuel Containers. Vallejo Black for chipping.



Bit more work on washes on Tarps and Bedding Rolls.




These are the Eureka XXL Towing Cables, that I was chatting about earlier in my posts, as the replacements for the kit supplied Towing Cables, which ended up in the bin .


Far superior, and after being assembled, given them a spray of Halfords Grey Primer from the Rattle Can.
Tomorrow, will be starting work on the Turret and Hull.
Gonna apply a Desert Yellow Filter from Mig to even out the overall look.

Lets hope this stage goes well
Have a great evening,
DW

[digger303]

The builds not missing a beat, looks to be going very well.
Those new tow cables look so much better. The kit ones look rather anemic.

[Hawkmoon]

All looking good and those tow cables are an improvement on the kit dross

[Donkeywalloper]

The builds not missing a beat, looks to be going very well.
Those new tow cables look so much better. The kit ones look rather anemic.

They definitely are a far improvement on the kit supplies. The kit up till that point was a superior piece of work, minimal flash or ejector marks, and the fit was wonderful......then the Tow Cables.
Bit of a Friday evening or Monday morning job .
Thank you for support through build.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

All looking good and those tow cables are an improvement on the kit dross

Cheers Hawkmoon. Kit supplied Tow Cables in bin.

DW

[Donkeywalloper]

This mornings normal Sunday morning routine, of lots of hot coffee and The Archers Omnibus, was filled with a great step forward (watched Mrs DW though Man-Cave window, battling the rear Garden / Wind / Rain, to remove dead leaves).
Decals!
At first having selected the Marine Unit I wanted (I have forgotten the unit number as I write, apologies).
THe Decals were going well.
Quick soak in tepid to warm water .
A dash of MicroSol on the position to be placed .
Tweezers and Cocktail stick to position .
Baby Bud / Q-Tip to roll into place and then a good soak of MicroSet and leave alone to let them adhere to position.
Well, all was going well, until these two decals.
Would they detach from paper, would they hell

The Air ID Logo would not detach at all, even being soaked in a bit hotter water than normal. It got slathered in MicroSol as well.
The Gun Barrel "Hits / Kills" decal was the same, still adhering to paper for grim death. I felt sure it would rip

Finally,

I had previously missed the Black Tip of the Gun Barrel, but a bit of Tamiya Masking Tape and some Vallejo Flat Black, had that covered.
Well, after a lovely week off with Mrs DW, doing nothing but a few trips out and some much needed little jobs around house, its back to work Monday.
The commute tomorrow, is in a Courtesy Car (Kia Picanto), as Toyota IQ is still having Clutch replaced.
Have a good evening and a safe week all,
DW

[Kevthemodeller]

The barrel is looking very nice

[Kingdan]

Nice bang stick

[Donkeywalloper]

Nice bang stick

Love it, Bang Stick
DW

[jmurphy18]

Ditto on the "Bang Stick". Awesome job there DW!! Excellent work.

[Donkeywalloper]

JM
Nothing to show picture wise, but did a little job thats been bugging me for a while.
Ran some Black (Vallejo) paint around the small idler wheels x 6 and finished off 2nd coat of AK Rubber on all wheels.
DW

[Tomcat64]

Great progress mate - the stowage looks really good, and it's amazing what a difference a few decals make in bringing the whole thing to life!

[Donkeywalloper]

Great progress mate - the stowage looks really good, and it's amazing what a difference a few decals make in bringing the whole thing to life!

The decals do maketh the model Neil,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

I wasn't gonna do any modelling tonight, after a long drive home, and an even longer day at work.
But.....the call of the Plastic, TET and Paint is like a Siren on the Rocks
Well, it would be rude not to push on a do a bit more .
So, I had a look at the Decals and how they settled over rivets and nooks and crannies, and added a bit more MicroSet to them.
Thats really worked well
Another anomaly has appeared in this kit
The vehicle I'm depicting is from the 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 8th Tank Battalion, USMC, Desert Storm, 1991

The one decal I haven't added so far, is the decal No 24.

Its, I suppose, mounted on a board that says "Marine Parking - Only"

The problem is, no board is supplied to stick decal on
I rechecked the instructions to check if I had missed anything. You sure can't add this decal to the wire mesh of the Turret Basket.

Nope!
So, with a scrap piece of PE Brass, which I have given a bash with the end of tweezers to simulate wear and tear.

This is then given its top ridge a bend to curl around top of Turret Basket.
Sprayed with Halfords Grey Primer from Rattle Tin.
Quite happy with that
Once dried, i'll give it coat of Sand Yellow and then apply the decal, with a lot of MicroSet & Sol to settle it to contours.
Final little job was to add the wheels and Drive Sprockets. Sort of looks like a Tank suddenly .

Thats enough for tonight, time to turn off power to M/C, turn off lights and lock the door for the night.
Have a great evening chaps,
DW

[digger303]

Yes a good choice with the sign and those decals too echo everyone else's sentiment....Do look or make the model look far more realistic. They just have the right amount of fading incorporated.

[KalebB]

Those Decals did indeed look like they were a pain in the butt, so small and thin-like.

I love what you choose to do regarding the Parking only sign, denting it up like that is great!

[Hawkmoon]

All looking good and nicely done

[Donkeywalloper]

Yes a good choice with the sign and those decals too echo everyone else's sentiment....Do look or make the model look far more realistic. They just have the right amount of fading incorporated.

cheers Digger
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Those Decals did indeed look like they were a pain in the butt, so small and thin-like.

I love what you choose to do regarding the Parking only sign, denting it up like that is great!

Not used Takoms Decals before but they were positively translucent and wispy thin.
Anyway, they are on.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

All looking good and nicely done

Cheers chap, getting there.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Hi chaps

I work as a Facilities Manager at two schools here in the Midlands, and as part of the Summer works (Class-Rooms being moved, enlarged and used for different faculties), this unit,

became not required by school.
I offered the school £50, but then it had to be officially "Written Off".
Just found out this morning, this has been written off .
Its mine all mine (much rubbing of hands together ).
Now, need to download instructions (its Oil Lubricated, but annually serviced and Pressure Tested).
Is it worth the money?
Was this a shrewd move?
Will I be able to run my Apex A/B off this?

DW

[digger303]

Hi chaps

I work as a Facilities Manager at two schools here in the Midlands, and as part of the Summer works (Class-Rooms being moved, enlarged and used for different faculties), this unit,

became not required by school.
I offered the school £50, but then it had to be officially "Written Off".
Just found out this morning, this has been written off .
Its mine all mine (much rubbing of hands together ).
Now, need to download instructions (its Oil Lubricated, but annually serviced and Pressure Tested).
Is it worth the money?
Was this a shrewd move?
Will I be able to run my Apex A/B off this?

DW

Your a thieving beggar ( in jest ) this is a steal. I wouldn't worry too much about the service side of things they don't need much.
As long as the oil is half way up the sight glass. Drain the tank as often as is prudent...your own judgement is needed here...how much water gets caught in the tank over a certain period.
You could run multiple AB's at the same time. Capacity isn't going to be a issue.
Sit it on a rubber mat maybe a good idea to stop vibrations echoing and marking the floor.

[Donkeywalloper]

Hi chaps

I work as a Facilities Manager at two schools here in the Midlands, and as part of the Summer works (Class-Rooms being moved, enlarged and used for different faculties), this unit,

became not required by school.
I offered the school £50, but then it had to be officially "Written Off".
Just found out this morning, this has been written off .
Its mine all mine (much rubbing of hands together ).
Now, need to download instructions (its Oil Lubricated, but annually serviced and Pressure Tested).
Is it worth the money?
Was this a shrewd move?
Will I be able to run my Apex A/B off this?

DW

Your a thieving beggar ( in jest ) this is a steal. I wouldn't worry too much about the service side of things they don't need much.
As long as the oil is half way up the sight glass. Drain the tank as often as is prudent...your own judgement is needed here...how much water gets caught in the tank over a certain period.
You could run multiple AB's at the same time. Capacity isn't going to be a issue.
Sit it on a rubber mat maybe a good idea to stop vibrations echoing and marking the floor.

You are spot on, I am a thieving little begger
I'm always chatting to people in the trade, and keeping my ears to the ground for a bargain.
When this came up in conversation, and the room it was in was going to be used for, shall we say, the naughtier pupils (can't have the naughty chaps blowing each other with Air ).. It was also realised, that every year it was Pressure Tested and Serviced (what servicing, I still cannot work out) and the price for those two tests was deemed to much for an item never used. It was then thought surplus to requirements. To my horror, I was told it was going to be scrapped.
No way Jose
Straight in with a offer of cash, and of course had to wait till it freed itself from the Schools Asset Register.
Bambi have sent me this morning the Instruction Pamphlet and various bumf associated with it. It runs very quietly and although old (2001), its not been used more than three or four times in that period.
So its in the car it goes for a travel home, and then its into the M/C. I have a well sprung wooden Shed floor, that was covered with Ply when floor was laid, then Carpet Tiles on top of that, so a few more tiles under the feet of Compressor, will hopefully keep vibration to minimum.
I will need an adaptor for the hose, as the outlet has no brass valve other than the thread inside it to attach a adaptor.
My Chinese Compressor that I have used for the past three years, is still good but will be used as a spare, once this gets set up.
All very happy days,
DW

[KalebB]

Hi chaps

I work as a Facilities Manager at two schools here in the Midlands, and as part of the Summer works (Class-Rooms being moved, enlarged and used for different faculties), this unit,

became not required by school.
I offered the school £50, but then it had to be officially "Written Off".
Just found out this morning, this has been written off .
Its mine all mine (much rubbing of hands together ).
Now, need to download instructions (its Oil Lubricated, but annually serviced and Pressure Tested).
Is it worth the money?
Was this a shrewd move?
Will I be able to run my Apex A/B off this?

DW

Oh boy I'm filled with Envy!

I've heard so many great things about that compressor.