1/35 Takom M60A1 with Reactive Armour

[Donkeywalloper]

That really is looking awesome DW - especially with it manned by the Blue Man Group

Looking forward to seeing you build up the dio now - the guys at Dio Depot have always provided me with great service too

Dio Depot really do have some awesome products and great service and fast shipping.
I have some other bits and bobs arriving from them, so hoping to crack on with Dio this weekend.
DW

[alextheblue]

Loving your thread DW and your making excellent progress. Waiting with bated breath for the next update!

[Kingdan]

That stowage and them tarps are spot on mate once matted down and some dust there gonna look the bomb nice work mate hurry up with the dio

[Donkeywalloper]

Loving your thread DW and your making excellent progress. Waiting with bated breath for the next update!

Thank you Alex, waiting on a couple of dio additions from DioDump, and a base for said dio, then on we go.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

That stowage and them tarps are spot on mate once matted down and some dust there gonna look the bomb nice work mate hurry up with the dio

Cheers KD, yup, Matt Varnish and dust required and I feel quite chuffed with overall look.
I really should do a OOB build, I really overdo it at times.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

More bits and bobs for Dio.
So I have a wall with Saddam on it.

Some rubble.

Some Posters.

An Arab Farmer, couple of pallets and a hulking M60A1.


Plus, the BlueMen
Can you see what it is now.
DW

[digger303]

More bits and bobs for Dio.
So I have a wall with Saddam on it.

Some rubble.

Some Posters.

An Arab Farmer, couple of pallets and a hulking M60A1.


Plus, the BlueMen
Can you see what it is now.
DW

The dio is going to rock !

[Donkeywalloper]

More bits and bobs for Dio.
So I have a wall with Saddam on it.

Some rubble.

Some Posters.

An Arab Farmer, couple of pallets and a hulking M60A1.


Plus, the BlueMen
Can you see what it is now.
DW

The dio is going to rock !

I do hope so Digger me old mucka, it would be rubbish to balls it up now .
I really need a base now, as this weekend, Mrs DW is at work, and I would like to get on with some Dio construction .
I have all the ballast, sand and stuff (yup, a generic term in modelling), for the Dio in my head. I can't really do anymore work on the M60A1 as I need to apply Pigments, Dust and such with tank in place.
Big ideas and no time to fulfil.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

I managed yesterday, to skive off work and disappear into town to The Range (difficult to describe The Range to our overseas buddies.................. ).
I walked in, and straight away on shelves of Picture Frames, was the perfect sized frame for creating a base for Dio.
I also bought some useful plastic trays for Work-Bench.
I now have all the parts of the Dio puzzle, and just need the time and dexterity to get it started.
This weekend, as normal, Mrs DW is at work. So apart from a trip on Sunday morning to a Butchers, to pick up Turkey Crown, its a packed weekend of modelling.
Photo's will follow, now I have signed up to Flickr.
Whatever you're up to, have a great one.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

So, Saturday arrives.
Mrs DW off to work, and what of myself?
Full of Head-Cold. Feels exactly like a Hangover, except I have had no drink.
Really banging head and full of it. But, the world goes on.
So after Coffee and some toast, its in the car, and off down the A38, to a place called Barton Marina (Barton-on-Needwood), where an excellent Butchers sits in the Marina there, its called The Butcher, Baker and Ice Cream Maker.
I was first in this morning and the friendly staff helped me pick a Turkey Rolled Roast for eight. Then a Gammon, beautiful Traditional Sausages, Loin Chops and a couple of the best homemade Pork Pies.

Quite a selection.
Following another coffee on my return, and now feeling like Death Warmed up , I couldn't do anything other than have a sleep. Following a restorative sleep a trip to the Man-Cave.
Remember in my previous post, I mentioned that I had gone and bought a Picture Frame for the base of the Diorama. Here it is.....

Having removed the packing cellophane, and the reverse stand, the glass was removed and the whole frame flipped over, a nice recess for materials is available now.


These are the two plastic trays I bought in The Range for the modelling desk. Haven't decided on what to put in them yet, but fancy one will be for Baby-Buds / Q-Tips.

About a month ago, I ordered some Foam for building Dioramas. Its come all the way from here.


Quite some journey. Its a dense Foam thats easily cut with a sharp knife or Hot Wire.


So, with a sharp knife, and a Mitre Square, a block of Foam has been split lengthways to produce a layer for the base. I used about 3/4 of one block (eight blocks in the delivery), to produce this base area. Before the foam was added, I protected the edges and sides with Blue Masking Tape.


So, having protected the edges, I mixed up a solution of 75% PVA and 25% Water. This was then brushed over all inner surfaces.
Having brushed a liberal amount of PVA solution around the base, the Foam was pressed into the frame.


Any gaps and holes were filled with a neat solution of PVA. The whole thing was then set aside to dry O/N.

I don't think I took any images of the DioDump "Saddam" wall. It came in two parts. A small block base part was C/A'd to the main wall last Sunday, so this has had a week to dry and cure.


Even unpainted, its an impressive structure and will look amazing on the Dio. Not blowing my own trumpet, honest, it really is a very wonderful moulding and casting.
I also, whilst letting Dio dry, added another thin wash of 75% Vallejo Sunny Skintone mixed with 25% Vallejo Khaki (to give that tanned effect), and a lot of Demineralised Water to the AK Arab figure. I then added a very loose wash of Vallejo White to the Head-Dress.

An afternoon of very productive work.
See you all tomorrow,
DW

[KalebB]

Looks like that picture frame is going to make an excellent base for the Dio!

Looks like you got quite a bit done bud

[Donkeywalloper]

Looks like that picture frame is going to make an excellent base for the Dio!

Looks like you got quite a bit done bud

Thank you Kaleb, much appreciated
DW

[Kingdan]

Nice start mate I expect most of it finished tomorrow Lol

[Donkeywalloper]

Nice start mate I expect most of it finished tomorrow Lol

KD you expect to much.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Well good afternoon all

Unfortunately, Head-Cold (Man-Flue), call it what you wish, has taken a toll of Mr Donkeywalloper.
Head is banging and nose is dripping, Sinuses are full of gunk .
Sorry if you're having tea
I ensconced myself in a warm M/C with Drugs and Coffee, and checked on the previous days works with Foam and PVA.
Nice solid base.

I used this product to cover the Foam, with a nice medium depth cover. Used the back of a Teaspoon and wet fingers to texturise areas.

Nothing more to do with this then other than sit M60A1 all over the wet AK to add Track marks.

The Saddam Wall has had two coats of Halfords Grey Primer from Rattle Can, to give some base for paints and weathering.
I'll be adding the supplied Saddam Poster on one side, and a couple of the DioDump 1/35 Iraqi supplied Posters.

Not sure which yet.
The Rubble and Bricks also from DioDump also to be used in and around Wall.
Cold has beaten me, so off to snuggle down with Hot Toddy and R&R.
DW

[KalebB]

That Saddam wall is going to look absolutely great.

Also nice work on the Dio, still getting some quality work done while knock out by the cold, good on you, I would have just wrapped myself up in a blanket until the flu worked itself out

[Kingdan]

Nice start mate I expect most of it finished tomorrow Lol

KD you expect to much.
DW

Pmsl I just like yanking people's chains your doing a fine job mate ignore me I'm just being a jackass a great start to the dio mate

[Tomcat64]

Great start to that base in the picture frame DW.

Hope you're feeling better soon mate

[Donkeywalloper]

That Saddam wall is going to look absolutely great.

Also nice work on the Dio, still getting some quality work done while knock out by the cold, good on you, I would have just wrapped myself up in a blanket until the flu worked itself out

I completely agree Kaleb. I should have dosed myself up and left M/C shut till felt better
I could have made a right balls up then felt even worse, in reality.
Anyhoo, glad I did a bit.
Keeps the creative juices flowing.
Have a great Christmas mate, take care.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Nice start mate I expect most of it finished tomorrow Lol

KD you expect to much.
DW

Pmsl I just like yanking people's chains your doing a fine job mate ignore me I'm just being a jackass a great start to the dio mate

I love a bit of Chain Yanking, by the way, the Cave is superb mate.
Happy Christmas chap and have a great one.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Great start to that base in the picture frame DW.

Hope you're feeling better soon mate

Cheers Neil. Just a Head Cold and sympathy is short from the female fraternity in my life who think Im a malinger.
Man size Head Cold v Childbirth = Man Flu beats hands down........
Have a great Christmas chap, and hope Santa brings you every piece of plastic you desire.
DW

[Tomcat64]

Great start to that base in the picture frame DW.

Hope you're feeling better soon mate

Cheers Neil. Just a Head Cold and sympathy is short from the female fraternity in my life who think Im a malinger.
Man size Head Cold v Childbirth = Man Flu beats hands down........
Have a great Christmas chap, and hope Santa brings you every piece of plastic you desire.
DW

Cheers mate you too

Found this for you

[Quax]

[/quote]
I love a bit of Chain Yanking, by the way, the Cave is superb mate.
Happy Christmas chap and have a great one.
DW
[/quote]

I would have thought you were flushed enough without anymore chain yanking! I hope you're feeling better before the big guy comes and fills your stockings...

Great progress with the dio DW looking forward to seeing the final thing!

Paul

[Kingdan]

KD you expect to much.
DW

Pmsl I just like yanking people's chains your doing a fine job mate ignore me I'm just being a jackass a great start to the dio mate

I love a bit of Chain Yanking, by the way, the Cave is superb mate.
Happy Christmas chap and have a great one.
DW

Cheers marra and merry Christmas and a happy new year too you too mate

[Donkeywalloper]

I love a bit of Chain Yanking, by the way, the Cave is superb mate.
Happy Christmas chap and have a great one.
DW
[/quote]

I would have thought you were flushed enough without anymore chain yanking! I hope you're feeling better before the big guy comes and fills your stockings...

Great progress with the dio DW looking forward to seeing the final thing!

Paul
[/quote]
Cheers Paul, much appreciated.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Pmsl I just like yanking people's chains your doing a fine job mate ignore me I'm just being a jackass a great start to the dio mate

I love a bit of Chain Yanking, by the way, the Cave is superb mate.
Happy Christmas chap and have a great one.
DW

Cheers marra and merry Christmas and a happy new year too you too mate

You to KD, have a great one.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Evening all

Well, Boxing Day come and gone. A bloody awful night of TV in UK, so relented to eyes on the Live Footie (my Team Leicester playing against a seriously good side of Liverpool, and 0 - 1 down).
A lovely quiet day of just me and Mrs DW. Whilst Mrs DW spent the morning wrapped up in super warm Duck-Down quilt, it was time for me to venture down to the M/C for some Boxing Day fun with the 1/35, Takom, M60A1 .
First things first, after assembling the "Saddam" Wall, and priming it the other day, and giving it 48hrs to dry, it was time to lay down shades of Brown .
I went with five colours from the Tamiya XF range, and a little Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver

and a spot of Ultimate Thinner. Also used a touch of Vallejo White to Highlight the top areas of the wall.

I used, XF-60, XF-78, XF-72 & XF-57, like I said a little drop of Flow Improver and a drop of Ultimate THinner and away we go .


This application of four colours, left a nice weathered and faded look to the wall, especially across the top, where the sun would bleach the top areas.

Using these four colours, I also passed the A/B over the base from L/H Bottom corner to top R/H corner with a few darker shades, keeping lighter shades to the back edges.


I then placed the Saddam wall on the base, in the desired position, and drew around the bottom edge of the walls plinth with pencil.
The knife was then run around pencil-line, and I hatched out the inner part of the area, before being gouged out the inner foam area, and to create a hole for the wall.

Having placed the vehicle in the desired position, I used a good amount of Jarvis Thick C/A to bond the vehicle in its position, pushing down the track into small divots and ridges so the track formed to the terrain.

Then, out with the Pigments.

I have gone with the following pigments, Mig Productions Light European Earth (P415), Gulf War Sand (P037) and Mig Golan Earth, and these are applied over the Tracks, Running Gear and lower Glacis. I then used a wife's old Blusher Brush , to work the Light European Earth over the top surfaces including the figures.
The whole vehicle was then A/B'd with Pigment Fixer. Working at low pressure so as not to knock off all the dusts / pigments.
We're left with the following,






I have shown you this Brick Rubble from DioDump in the packet, but not close up. Absolutely stonking scale detail.

A little A/B work also carried out on the Resin Pallets. Using light shades of Vallejo Old Wood, lightened with Vallejo White, light, thin coats added to Pallets. These, after drying, have been coated with Mr Hobby Gloss from Rattle Can.



To finish off this afternoons work, I added some colour to the Arab Farmers Smock using Tamiya XF-72 Brown.

The eye area has been whitened with Vallejo White prior to use of Archers Eye-Ball Transfer.
All in all, a very productive afternoon of modelling.
Thank you for looking in chaps ,
DW

[Kingdan]

Wow mate at this rate it'll be done before January lol in all seriousness your doin a great job the dio is starting to look the part now great work marra

[Donkeywalloper]

Wow mate at this rate it'll be done before January lol in all seriousness your doin a great job the dio is starting to look the part now great work marra

You know, I could have this done by end of January at least.
Gonna push on with a bit more today. By the way, the M/C, Wow, bloody Wow
Dw

[KalebB]

The Saddam wall looks fantastic bud. Great color modulation on that!

And the tank really melds into it's environment now. Looks positively perfect in my opinion.

Great job bud

[Kevthemodeller]

Just when you think he can't make it any better, he does

[Donkeywalloper]

The Saddam wall looks fantastic bud. Great color modulation on that!

And the tank really melds into it's environment now. Looks positively perfect in my opinion.

Great job bud

To kind Sir, to kind.
Just a amatuer having a go.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Just a quickie this morning (watched to much Carry On this week on TV, Oooooh Missus).
Mrs DW off to work, so coffee, and off to Cave for a bit more work on M60A1 dio .
So, we have done some distressing to to the DioDump supplied Saddam Poster.
This distressing is simply, sandpaper and ripping. Even added some Bullet-Holes and tears to surface.

Then with a liberal amount of PVA, the whole trimmed Saddam is positioned in aperture in wall.
This shot, misses the slogan supplied with kit that goes along the bottom.

I have another Propaganda Poster to go on the rear of wall, this has also received a goodly amount of distressing, rips and tears.
The Pallets have been sealed with Gloss varnish and treated to washes of Sienna and Grey Oils.

I thought I would then carry on with the Arab Farmer (I sent an Whatsapp to Mrs DW whilst allowing washes to dry, she said what had Jesus to do with this Dio ).
I'm working with Vallejo Colours and this is my pallet. I'm not a great figure painter (no go on DW, you surprise me )

I try to keep the layers of paint as thin as possible, using mostly Distilled Water with the colour. In Between coats and to speed up progress, I dry them with a cheap Hair Dryer (Boots).
So, have not gone with Archers Eye-Ball Transfers, mainly, because I can't find them in my M/C
This is the Framer so far.


Once he's dried naturally O/N, I'll lay on a coat of Gloss Varnish.
For today, so far, thats all. Back to boiling Hams..............
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Two post in a day. Whatever next.
I thought I'd start by showing you the Saddam Wall with Legend added, and secondary Propaganda Poster on rear. All sealed with two coats of Gloss Varnish from Rattle Can. Then a fine Oil Wash with Sienna Oil across wall.


These are the two resin Staffs / Sticks for Arab Farmer, painted in Vallejo Wood.

Here added to figure.

Now, with some Modge Podge, I started to add the Brick and Rubble from DioDump. This product is amazing . No painting its absolutely perfect. Little bricks.

I wanted to add little piles of rubble to break up the foreground. Simply added Modge Podge, then added 1/35 Bricks and Rubble with Tweezers.


Some at rear of Tank.

Then the Pallets were added to wall to depict them as used to climb up wall to add Graffiti and damage Poster ) I added some Hand-Drawn Graffiti with the words USMC & Semper Fi.




Ariel Whips added and Drinking Bottles, then the Vallejo Mask was removed from Vision Blocks / Periscopes.

Farmer added.


Plus a Spare 4 x 4 Wheel.

All that is required now, is the Clear Lenses to front Headlights, and a couple of coats of Matt Varnish. A final light dust of whole scene with Tamiya Desert Yellow through AB on Low Pressure, that will be done.
Have a great weekend chaps,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Just when you think he can't make it any better, he does

Cheers Kev, much appreciated,
DW

[digger303]

Wow starting to see the vision now....

[Donkeywalloper]

Wow starting to see the vision now....

Good God man, you can't be telling everybody whats going on in my noggin chap.
Thanks for the encouragements though,
DW

[Quax]

I can think of only one word to sum this up:
Thatsanamazingdioramayouveputtogetherwelldone!

Paul

[Donkeywalloper]

Hey up all

Are we all full of Chrimbo yet? Are we all full of food? Should imagine so
So, this morning, being a Sunday, and Mrs DW full of Head Cold that I think I may have been shared around by me, staying in bed.
I sloped off to the Man-Cave on a very warm, UK day.
Just a few little bits to finish on the Takom 1/35 M60A1 and Dio .
I laid down yesterday evening, a coat of Alclad Clear Lacquers, Klear Kote Matte, diluted with a little Tamiya Lacquers Thinners.
Left O/N to dry .
This morning, I gave the whole Dio and Vehicle a mist coat of Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow, mixed with a drop or two of Vallejo Flow Retarder, and some Ultimate Thinner.

After 10 Minutes, a last coat of Alclad Clear Lacquers, Klear Kote Matte mixed with a little Tamiya Lacquers Thinners was applied.
The kit supplied Clear Lenses were added to the Front Headlights with some Canopy Glue .
I then applied a final dab here and there of Mig Productions, Pigments, Gulf War Sand (P037)) .

So, thats it really, I removed the Masking Tape from the Frame Surround, really its down to the images now and your sympathetic comments .
Do you're worse chaps,



















Now, what do we do when we finish our project?
We put everything away, wash our brushes out in Brush Cleaner and the A/B has been stripped, and parts placed in Sonic Cleaner, reassembled and bit of A/B lube added to needle.
Strip the Work-Bench (well I do), and give the worktop a clean (bit of Wood Polish for mine, as its a reclaimed Teachers Desk), and the protective desk-top Old Towel gets a Washing Machine Wash and Dry. Empty the bin and new liner put in Bin. Man-Cave hoovered, ready to go

Then everything goes back on desk ready for new project

To increase MoJo, I feel a need to take a few days off, then a launch into a project I haven't completed in 35 Years, a Winged thing. I'll need some advice on this one. My research tells me its a good kit and as its got lots of extras, i'll be building OOTB.

Hope you have enjoyed the whole journey with me.
Thank you so much for kind words and wonderful comments from all of you.
Blimey, I even finished it before end of 2019.
Love and Best Wishes to all of you for 2020, may all your dreams and Projects come to fruition and your Health, Happiness and Prosperity, multiply in abundance.
DW

[KalebB]

Absolutely amazing bud.

The distressing you did on the Saddam wall is top notch. All together that is one great build

Excited to see your next

[Donkeywalloper]

Absolutely amazing bud.

The distressing you did on the Saddam wall is top notch. All together that is one great build

Excited to see your next

Thank you Kaleb for kind words now and through build.
Your input is great inspiration.
Thanks Kaleb and here's to the 2020 builds,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

I can think of only one word to sum this up:
Thatsanamazingdioramayouveputtogetherwelldone!

Paul

Much appreciated Paul, enjoyable build and as always the inspiration from yourselves makes it worth it.
Thank you and have a great 20202.
DW

[KalebB]

Absolutely amazing bud.

The distressing you did on the Saddam wall is top notch. All together that is one great build

Excited to see your next

Thank you Kaleb for kind words now and through build.
Your input is great inspiration.
Thanks Kaleb and here's to the 2020 builds,
DW

Absolutely! Can't wait to see your threads through 2020

[Kingdan]

Really enjoyed watching this come together from day one I new you was gonna nail it it looks awesome mate one to be proud of great work

[Tomcat64]

That is just bloody awesome DW - stunning result and great to follow along as you brought it all together mate

All the best for 2020 - looking forward to riding along for the next project

[Donkeywalloper]

Really enjoyed watching this come together from day one I new you was gonna nail it it looks awesome mate one to be proud of great work

Hi KD

Firstly, Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad I got this Vehicle and Dio boxed off jest before the NY kicked in. I planned to have it done before, rightttttttt
It really came out well, and I'm tempted to stick it in a modelling comp if I can find one nearby.
Best wishes,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

That is just bloody awesome DW - stunning result and great to follow along as you brought it all together mate

All the best for 2020 - looking forward to riding along for the next project

Cheers Neil, came out much better that I thought it would. The Dio bits from DioDump really were the icing on the cake. Have a great New Year chap and have a great year modelling. Thanks for the plaudits and it pulls me through the tougher times.
Best wishes,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

So the end has come of this build and the Dio.
I want to thank everyone who has viewed and commentated. Without the comments and encouragements I could not have finished this Model and everything associated, without you Plastic Lovers.
Love you all,
DW
PS: For the first time in 35 Years, I am going over to the Dark Arts. You,ll find me on the Aircraft site Next build is an Eduard, 1/48 Profipack (whatever thats supposed to be ), BF109 G-6.
As I go on my bended knees for guidance, and wondering where the tracks attach

[KalebB]

Loved the build bud!

Awesome to see the completion of it.

[Oddball007]

Great build, thanks for sharing.