M5A1 Stuart

[digger303]

M5A1 Stuart by AFV Club an early build kit number AF35S60
Kinda got carried away with the build and neglected to post anything. Sorry guys.


The kit is quite good although most parts need some clean up then they go together very well. No clear parts provided which is a shame and definitely a let down given there are 4 view slots. Choice of 3 wheel sets are provided along with a partial interior with radio and a second turret.
I added a RB barrel ,workable tracks from AFV, some rivets to the screens on the engine deck ( slightly over scale, it's all I had ), chopped of the 30 cal mg barrels and reinstated a ABER version where you roll the cooling jacket yourself and wire grab handles.
A couple of little bits to clean up then it's prime time.
thanks guys

[Stokesy44]

Nice. Extras look good too. Get the paint on Sir!

[Hawkmoon]

Looks good to me and nice work there sir

[RangerNeil]

Nice looking Stuart The extras really help make it!

There is a firm here in the UK that bought several M5's from a South American state back in the early 2000's - I think Brazil or Chile - and had them shipped over in ISO's. I was down there at the time checking on the progress of some work on my Stalwart when the last batch arrived. Spectacularly... The truck carrying the ISO with one of them in reversed into the yard and for some reason stopped hard. The M5 hadn't been chained down properly and had come loose. All we heard was rumble- CRASH - as the doors of the ISO went flying and the M5 shot out of the back. Don't think I ever saw the fitters - or the owner of the business move so fast!!
Just to add icing to the cake I heard later one of the others apparently had a blocked barrel so they used a rammer to clear the obstruction - and rapidly wished they hadn't as it was a hornets nest and the hornets got rather p*ss*d at being disturbed so rudely...

[BigWall]

It's looking nice.

[digger303]

Nice. Extras look good too. Get the paint on Sir!

It's looking nice.

Nice looking Stuart The extras really help make it!

There is a firm here in the UK that bought several M5's from a South American state back in the early 2000's - I think Brazil or Chile - and had them shipped over in ISO's. I was down there at the time checking on the progress of some work on my Stalwart when the last batch arrived. Spectacularly... The truck carrying the ISO with one of them in reversed into the yard and for some reason stopped hard. The M5 hadn't been chained down properly and had come loose. All we heard was rumble- CRASH - as the doors of the ISO went flying and the M5 shot out of the back. Don't think I ever saw the fitters - or the owner of the business move so fast!!
Just to add icing to the cake I heard later one of the others apparently had a blocked barrel so they used a rammer to clear the obstruction - and rapidly wished they hadn't as it was a hornets nest and the hornets got rather p*ss*d at being disturbed so rudely...

Looks good to me and nice work there sir

Thanks guys much appreciated.

[Tomcat64]

Looks great so far mate - really looking forward to seeing it in primer & paint

[digger303]

Looks great so far mate - really looking forward to seeing it in primer & paint

Thanks TC.
err painting......dreary drawn out process. Not my favorite bit as you might ascertain. Ahemm ...I shall try to look on the bright side....another build coming up.... YAE

[Tomcat64]

Looks great so far mate - really looking forward to seeing it in primer & paint

Thanks TC.
err painting......dreary drawn out process. Not my favorite bit as you might ascertain. Ahemm ...I shall try to look on the bright side....another build coming up.... YAE

Same here - I'm definitely a builder (or bodger) rather than a painter

[Stokesy44]

Looks great so far mate - really looking forward to seeing it in primer & paint

Thanks TC.
err painting......dreary drawn out process. Not my favorite bit as you might ascertain. Ahemm ...I shall try to look on the bright side....another build coming up.... YAE

Same here - I'm definitely a builder (or bodger) rather than a painter

I'm half and half, I love the build (if it goes well) but I really love the painting. Jack of all trades me! Master of None!

[robwuk]

Nice work... do like the M5A1 vehicle

[Bdiddy]

Looks great so far mate - really looking forward to seeing it in primer & paint

Thanks TC.
err painting......dreary drawn out process. Not my favorite bit as you might ascertain. Ahemm ...I shall try to look on the bright side....another build coming up.... YAE

Dig you should have a crack at using SMS paints on it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised

[digger303]

Looks great so far mate - really looking forward to seeing it in primer & paint

Thanks TC.
err painting......dreary drawn out process. Not my favorite bit as you might ascertain. Ahemm ...I shall try to look on the bright side....another build coming up.... YAE

Dig you should have a crack at using SMS paints on it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised

Not against the idea, it's just I have 2 and a bit sets of paints now and I am going to use all the Tamiya I have now and go to Mr Hobby which I have too. Once I do that I may have some shelf space of course 2-1 the bottles won't fit the shelf.

[Bdiddy]

Thanks TC.
err painting......dreary drawn out process. Not my favorite bit as you might ascertain. Ahemm ...I shall try to look on the bright side....another build coming up.... YAE

Dig you should have a crack at using SMS paints on it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised

Not against the idea, it's just I have 2 and a bit sets of paints now and I am going to use all the Tamiya I have now and go to Mr Hobby which I have too. Once I do that I may have some shelf space of course 2-1 the bottles won't fit the shelf.

You’ll be right mate, just get another shelf

[digger303]

Dig you should have a crack at using SMS paints on it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised

Not against the idea, it's just I have 2 and a bit sets of paints now and I am going to use all the Tamiya I have now and go to Mr Hobby which I have too. Once I do that I may have some shelf space of course 2-1 the bottles won't fit the shelf.

You’ll be right mate, just get another shelf

I''ll need another wall

[Bdiddy]

Not against the idea, it's just I have 2 and a bit sets of paints now and I am going to use all the Tamiya I have now and go to Mr Hobby which I have too. Once I do that I may have some shelf space of course 2-1 the bottles won't fit the shelf.

You’ll be right mate, just get another shelf

I''ll need another wall

Well you better cracking

[digger303]

Primed base coated then noticed the rear idler was leaning like a drunken sailor. So after these pics I'v hacked it off cause luckly enough this kit comes with 2 spares of that part....damn unusual, but not looking a gift horse where I shouldn't be. What a mess though trying to get it off.


My very rough attempt at painting rubber blocks and trying to paint the connectors and guides a different shade...needs work.


Thanks guys...and you too Stokesy

[Stokesy44]

Nice paintwork there mate.

Try Vallejo Metal Coats for the tracks. Brushes on beautifully (because its so thin) and perfect for painting the metal parts of tracks like these.

[jchrisf]

I finally found one of your builds digger. Really awesome!

[digger303]

Nice paintwork there mate.

Try Vallejo Metal Coats for the tracks. Brushes on beautifully (because its so thin) and perfect for painting the metal parts of tracks like these.

Thanks Stokesy. I shall have to buy some as have none. Only life color, Mr hobby, Tamiya, AK extreme, Vallejo panzer ace color set, Vallejo face set, plus a AK tank accessories color set. I'm deficient

Thanks Chris



Not feeling right about being deficient I'v dipped my toe into another paint pond and ordered 3 of the ones in the 32ml bottle...hope that was the right one. All kidding aside I appreciate the help Stokesy

[digger303]

Still waiting for my Metal paint to arrive Stokesy. Being a bit impatient I pressed on with what I had.
Not sure what happened here , but the rear idler was way off line and had to come off. It required a lot of hacking as it was glued into a recess and a support. Luckly the kit actually comes with spare set of idler mounts.

Pressing on the idler was repaired,attached and the tracks assembled. As I said I had to used what paint I had, so I used Mr Hobby h-38 "Steel red" and found it did a pretty good job of replicating the look of newly cast parts consisting of cast iron. All the high points had a nice shine as in reality.

Then I thought as a last minute decision lets muddier her up a quite a bit as it was looking a little uninteresting.

Just a comment on those tracks which are advertised as workable. They are the AFV Club AF35019 which are made for this kit and you can tell because they fit like a glove. The tracks as you can see look tight as a live track should be and they have great detail. They however are not workable as intended I had to cement very pin and connector because they just kept falling apart. That makes it a real pain to paint, mask and weather off the tank. Once it's on it's great and I love the look. Oh and I should mention that clean up was a PIA the rubber blocks all needed sanding due to sink marks, both sides needed sanding,molding line removed on them and the connectors needed work too.
Cheers thanks for looking in.

[BigWall]

Very nice! You're doing a great job on the beast!

[SMAddict66]

Nice recovery with the idler and the weathering of the tracks look great.

Looking forward to the next steps.

[Stokesy44]

Nice work on the tracks and the mud.

[LWWales]

I just love seeing weathering, and you've done a great job here!

[Tomcat64]

Somehow I managed to miss this turning green!

Great save sorting out the idler mate, and those tracks were well worth the effort as they definitely look the part!

[Quax]

Great job on the tracks Digger but they sound an absolute mare!

Paul

[digger303]

Very nice! You're doing a great job on the beast!

Very kind words...thank you

Nice recovery with the idler and the weathering of the tracks look great.

Looking forward to the next steps.

Thank you I appreciate it....

Nice work on the tracks and the mud.

cheers mate

I just love seeing weathering, and you've done a great job here!

We shall see if I can stuff it up there is still time

Somehow I managed to miss this turning green!
Great save sorting out the idler mate, and those tracks were well worth the effort as they definitely look the part!

You blinked and missed it..
That was just luck that a replacement part was supplied, could have just as easily ended up in the bin. Now the tracks are installed I would agree, but before then a fair amount of colorful language could be heard from the MC...

Great job on the tracks Digger but they sound an absolute mare!
Paul

A lot of patience, sore fingers and a lot of praying to the floor gods was involved.

I got the tools on and bit more weathering and fresh rust applied.

Thanks everyone for taking a peek.

[Stokesy44]

Nice greeblies!

[digger303]

Nice greeblies!

Thanks mate, going for the used look.

[Donkeywalloper]

Lovely work on a revived tank from your collection, very pleasant to see a master at his bench
DW

[digger303]

Lovely work on a revived tank from your collection, very pleasant to see a master at his bench
DW

Steady on old chap....It's the fumes from the floor coating....open a door and a window...
Very kind words, but no where near master status......alas I just get a lucky break sometimes Plus I'v been watching you guys..

[Donkeywalloper]

Lovely work on a revived tank from your collection, very pleasant to see a master at his bench
DW

Steady on old chap....It's the fumes from the floor coating....open a door and a window...
Very kind words, but no where near master status......alas I just get a lucky break sometimes Plus I'v been watching you guys..

Remarkably clear headed, as all water based and slightly perfumed, rather pleasant in fact. I do think you're a rather good modeller (note rather, is still in my mind Master status ). I love a model that's hung on a shelf for a while and is resurrected.
Hope you're well?
DW

[digger303]

Lovely work on a revived tank from your collection, very pleasant to see a master at his bench
DW

Steady on old chap....It's the fumes from the floor coating....open a door and a window...
Very kind words, but no where near master status......alas I just get a lucky break sometimes Plus I'v been watching you guys..

Remarkably clear headed, as all water based and slightly perfumed, rather pleasant in fact. I do think you're a rather good modeller (note rather, is still in my mind Master status ). I love a model that's hung on a shelf for a while and is resurrected.
Hope you're well?
DW

Your very kind I shall aspire to your earn your lofty accreditation's... The kit wasn't actually sitting on the shelf, but a new one I started about a month ago. Just forgot to post anything at the beginning ... As it started as a companion build to a friend I know in Perth ( he builds in VN era mostly )then thought I had better post a couple of pic's here.

[Tomcat64]

Yep really nice work on the tools!

That's one of the details I never seem to get right to my satisfaction so any tips around how you did them - or is that secret arcane knowledge passed down through the generations?

[digger303]

Yep really nice work on the tools!

That's one of the details I never seem to get right to my satisfaction so any tips around how you did them - or is that secret arcane knowledge passed down through the generations?

Nothing really amazing.
PRIMED with mr hobby 1200
base coated with Life color warm wood shade 2
then a couple of dark streaks with Life color russet brown as fine as I could get which wasn't very fine.
Lastly a wash with AK engine grime

[robwuk]

very nice work on the Stuart... Quick one, how do you paint your tools - its one part I tend to struggle

[Gary30]

He should be good at tools really shouldn't he, just look at his forum name!

[digger303]

very nice work on the Stuart... Quick one, how do you paint your tools - its one part I tend to struggle

Shovel
Wood handles
PRIMED with mr hobby 1200
base coated with Life color warm wood shade 2
then a couple of dark streaks with Life color russet brown ( Redish brown )as fine as I could get which wasn't very fine.
Lastly a wash with AK engine grime

Metal of the Shovel
Primed as above and coat of H-452 ( rubber black )from Mr Hobby and the bottom part of the spade where the paint wears of My Hobby h-38 Steel Red.
Wash of AK engine grime.
All painted off the model and added last.

Crowbar.....H-452 ( rubber black )from Mr Hobby..Wash of AK engine grime.
Matock head...H-452 ( rubber black )from Mr Hobby....Mig extreme Rust wash...Wash of AK engine grime.
Hammer......H-28 Metal Black...Wash of AK engine grime.

[digger303]

He should be good at tools really shouldn't he, just look at his forum name!

hmmm....and you know what a 303 is..

[robwuk]

very nice work on the Stuart... Quick one, how do you paint your tools - its one part I tend to struggle

Shovel
Wood handles
PRIMED with mr hobby 1200
base coated with Life color warm wood shade 2
then a couple of dark streaks with Life color russet brown ( Redish brown )as fine as I could get which wasn't very fine.
Lastly a wash with AK engine grime

Metal of the Shovel
Primed as above and coat of H-452 ( rubber black )from Mr Hobby and the bottom part of the spade where the paint wears of My Hobby h-38 Steel Red.
Wash of AK engine grime.
All painted off the model and added last.

Crowbar.....H-452 ( rubber black )from Mr Hobby..Wash of AK engine grime.
Matock head...H-452 ( rubber black )from Mr Hobby....Mig extreme Rust wash...Wash of AK engine grime.
Hammer......H-28 Metal Black...Wash of AK engine grime.

thanks.. for the M3A1 I did primed black, base of MiG Aged Wood then wash of dark brown wash also from MiG - waited a bit to drag brush over to add "grain"

for metal, rubber black (AK Interactive) then dry-brush of oily steel. Could wash with engine if too bright BUT they will be white-washed with the rest of the vehicle so should tone down

[RangerNeil]

He should be good at tools really shouldn't he, just look at his forum name!

hmmm....and you know what a 303 is..

According to Sir Terry Pratchett - the fastest known bookworm on the face of the Disc....... And the reason there is so much brass in libraries....

Or perhaps you mean Breaker Morants Rule 303 - since updated by a committee of experts (drunken squaddies) to Rule 7.62??

[digger303]

He should be good at tools really shouldn't he, just look at his forum name!

hmmm....and you know what a 303 is..

According to Sir Terry Pratchett - the fastest known bookworm on the face of the Disc....... And the reason there is so much brass in libraries....

Or perhaps you mean Breaker Morants Rule 303 - since updated by a committee of experts (drunken squaddies) to Rule 7.62??

AND the most important accompanied rule to BM 303 .........don't get caught..

[Stokesy44]

Or perhaps you mean Breaker Morants Rule 303 - since updated by a committee of experts (drunken squaddies) to Rule 7.62??

AND the most important accompanied rule to BM 303 .........don't get caught..
[/quote]

I had to look it up but it does seem appropriate. I assume its the same as:

Rule 5.56
Rule 0.50
Rule 20 mike mike
Rule Reaper

[RangerNeil]

hmmm....and you know what a 303 is..

According to Sir Terry Pratchett - the fastest known bookworm on the face of the Disc....... And the reason there is so much brass in libraries....

Or perhaps you mean Breaker Morants Rule 303 - since updated by a committee of experts (drunken squaddies) to Rule 7.62??

AND the most important accompanied rule to BM 303 .........don't get caught..

Precisely why - the now - Rule 7.62 should be delivered from around 1 Km away....

[Hawkmoon]

All looking good and very nice work

[digger303]

All looking good and very nice work

Thanks Hawky

According to Sir Terry Pratchett - the fastest known bookworm on the face of the Disc....... And the reason there is so much brass in libraries....

Or perhaps you mean Breaker Morants Rule 303 - since updated by a committee of experts (drunken squaddies) to Rule 7.62??

AND the most important accompanied rule to BM 303 .........don't get caught..

Precisely why - the now - Rule 7.62 should be delivered from around 1 Km away....

...

[Tomcat64]

Thanks for the info on the tools mate - I'll have a fiddle about with some of that next time around

[digger303]

Thanks for the info on the tools mate - I'll have a fiddle about with some of that next time around

Your very welcome TC.

[digger303]

Ok guys I need a constructive critque on my my oil weathering fading . First time I'v tried it and know it isn't 100% so I need some professional help. What can I do to improve it.












I know I have to fix the pin wash and the decals are too bright and the lower hull and upper don't look right because one has a matte finish and the other a gloss. It's mainly getting the hull paint surface right that I'm concerned about.
Thanks guys and I promise not to bite anyone's head off.