Tamiya 1/35 Comet Cruiser Tank.

[Stokesy44]

With the Archer now finished and the Hellcat moving into decals it was time to get started on some new armour.

This is Tamiya's new tool Comet tank.



Wiki Blurb

The Comet tank or Tank, Cruiser, Comet I (A34) was a British cruiser tank that first saw use near the end of the Second World War, during the Western Allied invasion of Germany. The Comet was developed from the earlier Cromwell tank with a lower profile, partly-cast turret which mounted the new 77 mm HV gun. This was a smaller version of the 17 pounder anti-tank gun firing the same 76.2 mm (3") projectiles, albeit with a lighter charge, and was effective against late-war German tanks, including the Panther and Tiger.

The Comet rendered the Cruiser Mk VIII Challenger obsolete and was an interim solution until the completely new design Centurion tank was available. When firing APDS rounds, the 77 mm HV was superior in armour penetration capability to the 75 mm KwK 42 gun of the equivalent Axis tank, the Panther.

The Comet entered active service in January 1945 and remained in British service until 1958. In some cases, Comets sold to other countries continued to operate into the 1980s.

Here's the kit









There are two of these for the running gear and tracks. Link and length for the tracks - NICE.



Hope to get started tomorrow at the weekly Leicester model group build session.

[digger303]

[Stokesy44]

I attended the Tuesday build group and got started on the Comet.

First impressions are its classic Tamiya. Great engineering, the parts are all crisp and flash free. The fit is superb and the build just flies along.

It was a 3 hour session, interrupted by good banter, coffee and muffins. Cant knock that!

Its a very boxey hull but it all sits together nicely. I've left the outer wheels off so they can be painted separately.







I've left the vision hatch for the driver half open to add some detail. It shows how thick the frontal plate is.





Very happy with the progress so far.

[Portman]

That looks very nice indeed Stokesy, I've been thinking about getting this kit for a while so I'll be watching with interest.

The club meet sounds fun.

[Stokesy44]

That looks very nice indeed Stokesy, I've been thinking about getting this kit for a while so I'll be watching with interest.

The club meet sounds fun.

So far I would recommend the kit 100%. If you like Tamiya, you'll like this. Simples.

As for the club meet, it is good fun. You can talk as much or as little as you want. Some of the guys don't really say very much, others will jump into any discussion being had. The great thing is they all have the same mindset when it comes to rivet counting. Its very much a case of 'your kit, your rules'. I don't tell you how to build it as I didn't pay for it. There's a very low tolerance to BS and most are scathing of know it alls and a-holes in general.

I missed nearly 2 months of Tuesdays due to one illness or another but I turned up yesterday and there was no cross examination. Only the host asked me about my health privately and that was fine as we had discusses it previously.

It looks like we will soon be starting to meet on fortnightly Saturdays too, more good fun to be had.

[digger303]

Yeah I think I would join a club if there was one somewhere in the area,ATM I occasionality drop in to see a fellow modeller in Gero and have a impromptu session of where he's at with his big build in his shed lubricated with a couple of light beers.

[Stokesy44]

Yeah I think I would join a club if there was one somewhere in the area,ATM I occasionality drop in to see a fellow modeller in Gero and have a impromptu session of where he's at with his big build in his shed lubricated with a couple of light beers.

Sounds like a nice way to spend a few hours.

[Stokesy44]

Link and length tracks done today.

Nice and straight forward and they look pretty good.

I've left the outer wheels off so they'll be easier to paint (as will the tracks as a result).







.

Next up are the sponsons and all the hull greeblies. Test match starts tomorrow so not sure if I'll get to the bench or not

[digger303]

Bring the bench to the tv

[cor]

The meet n build sounds like a great way to socialise inside a rather non-sociable hobby.

[Portman]

Like the others have said that does sound like a very nice club - you're lucky to have it near you.

The Comet sounds and looks excellent - yes that might have to be a kit I get.

[Stokesy44]

The meet n build sounds like a great way to socialise inside a rather non-sociable hobby.

It is a good way to socialize the hobby. Its appears to be popular among the members too as the boss is looking into having fortnightly Saturday afternoon sessions too.

Its a very low pressure environment, some are more chatty than others, some just build their kits and don't say too much. The guy to my left on Tuesday took a break and just chatted for a while, joining in with whatever was being said around the table. All very chilled.

I count myself lucky that I have now found 2 similar environments for the hobby. Here on the forum and now with the local group. Quite rare given the rep the hobby has for know it alls and rivet counters.

[Stokesy44]

Got a little bit more done yesterday. Sponsons and track guards









The mess on the left fender isnt glue by the way, its fluff, which I missed when I took the photo





Greeblies are next although there may be a delay because I want to get on with the decals on the F6 Hellcat

[Portman]

Looking really good Stokesy. You've got an interesting method of construction/painting - with the tracks and road wheel on. Is that something you normally do? I only ask as I'm relatively new to armour modelling, and I'm still working out the best methods of doing things.

[Stokesy44]

Looking really good Stokesy. You've got an interesting method of construction/painting - with the tracks and road wheel on. Is that something you normally do? I only ask as I'm relatively new to armour modelling, and I'm still working out the best methods of doing things.

Afternoon mate. It all depends on the type of track and how the hull comes together.

With link and length tracks I tend to attach them and paint them on the vehicle as I dont like the idea of building them and having to take them off once they have hardened in shape. With this kit, you have to put the tracks on as without the tracks you cant add the sponsons. Once the sponsons are on there's no room to put the tracks on. The tracks will get primed along with the rest of the kit then I will brush paint and weather them before adding the outer wheels.

If the kit had workable tracks I would leave them off and feed them on once the kit was nearing completion. Even then, that would require the guards at both ends of the sponsons to be left off. The running gear can also be painted separately in this scenario.

If it was a kit like a Panther or Tiger II, I would put the wheels and tracks on at the end provided the upper hull was the sandwich type and could be glued on right at the end.

Variety is the spice of life

[Portman]

Variety is the spice of life

LOL! This is very true - and that all makes sense to be honest. I've mostly gone for the wheel and tracks off method so far, but then the types I've done that was probably the best thing to do.

[digger303]

Variety is the spice of life

LOL! This is very true - and that all makes sense to be honest. I've mostly gone for the wheel and tracks off method so far, but then the types I've done that was probably the best thing to do.

I prefer that method too when the kit allows it.

[Stokesy44]

Front and rear greeblies done. All straight forward. Tow cables needed a tiny bit of filler in the join but other than that, a little sanding and it was Tamiya as usual









The turret is up next and I'll save that for the Tuesday build group this afternoon

[digger303]

[Portman]

That's nice that is!

[Stokesy44]

I put the turret together today.

I've got a new toy for the bench. I've been noticing more and more that I'm not picking up small details in the plastic when I work. Specifically seams and incomplete sprue gate cleanups were getting past me. Figures were also getting to be really hit or miss in terms of building AND painting

I was finding I had to take my glasses off and hold the parts right up close to my eyes in order to pick out details since I couldn't focus on parts close up while I had my glasses on.

So I did some research and bought a set of magnifiers as below. They come with multiple lenses an can be worn over my glasses.





The forward section which holds the lenses pivots upwards so you can wear the visor for the whole session and drop the lenses into position just when you need them. The tilt of the lenses is also adjustable so they can be set at the angle most comfortable for where you would normally hold the part while working on it. I'm pleased with the results so far as I'm definitely seeing things much clearer for detail work.

Anyway, enough of that, here's the completed turret.















Just a few bits left then I'll put the 2 crew figures together prior to priming

[digger303]

I have been wondering if you had made a decision on which magnifier to with.
Comet is almost done and looks good even for a older kit.
Not sure if I like what Tamiya did with the canvas mantlet cover. What do you think ?

[Stokesy44]

I have been wondering if you had made a decision on which magnifier to with.
Comet is almost done and looks good even for a older kit.
Not sure if I like what Tamiya did with the canvas mantlet cover. What do you think ?

The kit is a 2022 new tool and it goes together beautifully.

As for the mantlet cover, I think I would have liked to have had the choice. There are plenty of old photos which show the cover being used so I'm not bothered by it. Also, anything that breaks up the good old allied green works for me!

On we go with the kit. Finished off the build phase (I love armor, especially tanks, because you open the box and just BUILD till its finished. I love the linear nature of it) with the turret hatches and the 2 crewmen.

The hatches are nice in that they come with the internal leather cushioning pads which will look good under paint.



The crew figures are nicely detailed and I like the poses, almost like they're inpatient to get going from the start line of an operation.

And I have no idea what's happening with the color! Bloody phone camera











Priming will be Ultimate Black which I hope to do over the weekend

[digger303]

I must have missed Tamiya releasing that one....sorry about that. Still looks good.

[Stokesy44]

I must have missed Tamiya releasing that one....sorry about that. Still looks good.

You know me. I'm a sucker for a new tool kit.

[Stokesy44]

Black Primer from Ultimate applied.









All very straight forward although I had a fair amount of tip dry. I think my air brush may be on the way out

[digger303]

Got a few goobers too. I had a bad day with the AB as well, no tip dry however there were goobers.

[Kevthemodeller]

You're off to a flying start here mate

I've been looking at this kit for a while now. I've got the Bronco version in the stash, should I add this one do you think?

[Stokesy44]

You're off to a flying start here mate

I've been looking at this kit for a while now. I've got the Bronco version in the stash, should I add this one do you think?

If you like new tool Tamiya armor then definitely go for it. It goes together really nicely and there's no mucking around with fancy engineering. Its a great kit.

[RangerNeil]

Build & paint look excellent so far. Will you create the canvas mantlet out of suitable materials?

What make/model did you go for with the visor & magnifiers after all? I hate admitting it but I fear I may need such a thing, last couple of builds have been hard on my eyes.

[Stokesy44]

Build & paint look excellent so far. Will you create the canvas mantlet out of suitable materials?

What make/model did you go for with the visor & magnifiers after all? I hate admitting it but I fear I may need such a thing, last couple of builds have been hard on my eyes.

Good morning Sir.

The canvas mantlet cover is already on the turret. The kit comes with it molded on so you have to show it.

As for the visor Its by Vision Aid. I wanted something I could wear that had the option of being able to flick the lenses up and out of the way without taking the visor off. The lens bracket pivots up and down and the visor sits comfortably over my glasses as it has a strap that can be used instead of the visor's removable arms.

For some reason the I cant post the link here but of you go on to Amazon and search 'Vision Aid Magnifier' itsa the one in the blue case with the 5 lenses for £32.99

[digger303]

Build & paint look excellent so far. Will you create the canvas mantlet out of suitable materials?

What make/model did you go for with the visor & magnifiers after all? I hate admitting it but I fear I may need such a thing, last couple of builds have been hard on my eyes.

Good morning Sir.

The canvas mantlet cover is already on the turret. The kit comes with it molded on so you have to show it.

As for the visor Its by Vision Aid. I wanted something I could wear that had the option of being able to flick the lenses up and out of the way without taking the visor off. The lens bracket pivots up and down and the visor sits comfortably over my glasses as it has a strap that can be used instead of the visor's removable arms.

For some reason the I cant post the link here but of you go on to Amazon and search 'Vision Aid Magnifier' itsa the one in the blue case with the 5 lenses for £32.99

Are the lenses good quality.....no headaches or eyes ?

[Stokesy44]

Are the lenses good quality.....no headaches or eyes ?

Each lens is basically a stereo magnifying glass in the shape of a mini pilot's pulldown visor. Given the size of the lens and the distance from the eyes it only gives you a limited area in which to look. I have the lens as low as possible so I am looking down into an area about 6-8 inches away. This is where the the object being viewed is both magnified and in perfect focus.

The 5 lenses came in a box and were perfectly clean and unblemished. I doubt they have any sort of protective coating on them so I will be careful when cleaning.

I've worn the visor for 3 or 4 decent length sessions now and have had zero problems with my eyes. I think the key is when I dont need them I flick the lens holder up and resort to my normal vision. I would assume that is helping with not putting too much strain on my eyes.

After a bit of trial and error in picking the optimal lens and the best way to work in terms of distance and posture I am really chuffed with the result. There are few things better than taking a chance on a product and finding it does what it says it does.

[digger303]

Are the lenses good quality.....no headaches or eyes ?

Each lens is basically a stereo magnifying glass in the shape of a mini pilot's pulldown visor. Given the size of the lens and the distance from the eyes it only gives you a limited area in which to look. I have the lens as low as possible so I am looking down into an area about 6-8 inches away. This is where the the object being viewed is both magnified and in perfect focus.

The 5 lenses came in a box and were perfectly clean and unblemished. I doubt they have any sort of protective coating on them so I will be careful when cleaning.

I've worn the visor for 3 or 4 decent length sessions now and have had zero problems with my eyes. I think the key is when I dont need them I flick the lens holder up and resort to my normal vision. I would assume that is helping with not putting too much strain on my eyes.

After a bit of trial and error in picking the optimal lens and the best way to work in terms of distance and posture I am really chuffed with the result. There are few things better than taking a chance on a product and finding it does what it says it does.

AMEN to that.

[Portman]

Interesting headset you've got there - it's a good idea. I do something similar in that I put a pair of reading glasses on over my normal glasses - I guess it works in much the same way.

The Comet it looking excellent.

[Stokesy44]

Interesting headset you've got there - it's a good idea. I do something similar in that I put a pair of reading glasses on over my normal glasses - I guess it works in much the same way.

The Comet it looking excellent.

Now THAT is a clever idea!

[Portman]

Interesting headset you've got there - it's a good idea. I do something similar in that I put a pair of reading glasses on over my normal glasses - I guess it works in much the same way.

The Comet it looking excellent.

Now THAT is a clever idea!

I don't know about clever - I'm just cheap!

[Stokesy44]

Base colour done today. Tamiya Olive green.

Then I painted the wheel rims for the overspray, the machine guns, the mantlet cover and the hatch cushions.







I tried to add some texture to the hatch cushions and mantlet by brush panting the colour on and stippling it to add depth.

On the hull I painted the tracks for overspray and the rubbers on the return rollers. This was all made a whole lot easier by leaving the outer wheels off.









I'll glue the outer wheels on once I have weathered the tracks.

I did have a mask set with all different diameter circular holes but as usual the closest ones were too small or too big. I ended up cleaning up the rims by hand using Vallejo black after the air brush session.



Next up are decals then weathering. I may add a darker green filter as it looks just a touch light to me. You cant assess the problem by looking at the photos as my iphone has a mind of its own when reproducing colours.

[digger303]

Would it help if your changed the exposure a couple of degree's.
What do you think of Tamiya's rendition of the mantlet cover ?
I just noticed the rough casting surface on said cast parts and it looks very good and I can almost imagine how good this is going to look once done.

[Stokesy44]

Would it help if your changed the exposure a couple of degree's.
What do you think of Tamiya's rendition of the mantlet cover ?
I just noticed the rough casting surface on said cast parts and it looks very good and I can almost imagine how good this is going to look once done.


[/quote

Thanks mate.

I've looked at the camera settings on the phone and nothing in the controls seems to help. It seems to be triggered by whatever is in the background or the colour of the surface the subject is sitting on. I'm getting a new phone soon so hopefully that will solve the problem. If not I will have to start using my digital SLR if I want accurately toned pictures.

As for the mantlet cover, its a little disappointing to be honest and I'm surprised Tamiya have opted for it without any alternative. It looks ok compared to photos I've seen so I can't really complain about it but if this was a Dragon kit there would be a choice of 4 mantlets and 6 rain guard covers!

[digger303]

Would it help if your changed the exposure a couple of degree's.
What do you think of Tamiya's rendition of the mantlet cover ?
I just noticed the rough casting surface on said cast parts and it looks very good and I can almost imagine how good this is going to look once done.


[/quote

Thanks mate.

I've looked at the camera settings on the phone and nothing in the controls seems to help. It seems to be triggered by whatever is in the background or the colour of the surface the subject is sitting on. I'm getting a new phone soon so hopefully that will solve the problem. If not I will have to start using my digital SLR if I want accurately toned pictures.

As for the mantlet cover, its a little disappointing to be honest and I'm surprised Tamiya have opted for it without any alternative. It looks ok compared to photos I've seen so I can't really complain about it but if this was a Dragon kit there would be a choice of 4 mantlets and 6 rain guard covers!

AND no indication of what version they were for.

I had a proper digital SLR camera and for no particular reason the lcd screen started to go a bit weird then eventually the colours and lighting started to deteriorate. It wasn't abused , left in the sun or dropped. It was like a built in obsolescence kicking in.

[Stokesy44]

I had a proper digital SLR camera and for no particular reason the lcd screen started to go a bit weird then eventually the colours and lighting started to deteriorate. It wasn't abused , left in the sun or dropped. It was like a built in obsolescence kicking in.

I haven't touched my SLR in years so I may be about to experience the same.

Built in obsolescence sounds like something out of Blade Runner with the longevity of the replicants

[Stokesy44]

As mentioned previously, the base colour needs darkening. I applied an olive drab filter yesterday and photographed the kit in natural light with the bench lights switched off. Kit looks much better now.







I'll gloss the kit next up for the decals then its weathering time.

[Portman]

That's looking very nice indeed!

[digger303]

Looking like another gem.

[Stokesy44]

I'm in full kit juggling mode at the moment, trying to keep all my current builds progressing. This is a new experience for me because I dont tend to have multiple kits on the go at once.

Joining the Tuesday build group has made this a necessity so I need to keep those plates spinning.

Did some work on the Comet today. Sprayed with Alclad Aqua Gloss then applied the decals.

Its an ongoing argument in the community when it comes to glossing for decals. Some swear by it, others say its the smoothness of the paintwork that counts. For me the jury's out. Glossing seems to make application easier and it does seem to give better results with regard to silvering. I also find the gloss protects the finish from getting marked or lifted by decal solvents.

At the end of the day it could be down to the quality of the decals and nothing to do with the paintwork!

Back to kit after the waffle. I'm much happier with the colour now I darkened it down with Olive Drab. Especially under the gloss.











I'm almost tempted to leave it like this in a museum style finish. I still need to dry brush and weather the tracks so I'll make the decision then.