Global Scale Modeller

If you're like me you have a shelf, or a thousand, full of models you built in a galaxy a long time ago. If, like myself, you just don't have the heart to throw them out right? But, can they be saved - tuned up to your current skill levels? Maybe?

That's what I am doing here, I have a Sherman M4A2 (wet) that was on lend lease to the Soviet Union - I built the model about as good as one can - and the results, well lets be honest here - it looks just like a model - in other words boring as hell and I can hardly stand to even look at it. So I am going to see if I can reclaim this future shooting target/trash can destined model into something much better.


Here are the starting pics of the unit in question:


gosh I just want to vomit when I look at this shinny POS!



Lower part of the tank doesn't look too bad? Minor work to bring it up to speed.




The plan: Winter wash the unit, add some stowage, and place on a simple diorama. First up - I tape off the tracks/wheels, and give the model two coats of hairspray and then Ill paint it flat white with some tan mixed in to add some interest.

All that next time...

Will be watching the transformation. I to have a few left from long ago that I can't even look at lol.

I didnt get all this done in a day, actually been working on this project for about a week. So I painted the upper part of the model in flat white and mixed in a 10% mix on Deck Tan.





I then let it sit for a few hours and chipped off the white. Using water and a couple of different brushes.

Here is where I stand now: Which is actually something I can look out with out puking. Trying to take photos all from the same angles.

Next I do an oil paint DOT , it looks crazy, but can give some cool results - remember this is a model destined for the trash can so there is no wrong move here, what the hell, I say go for it!



Okay here is the oil paint rendering (opr) so I take white oil paint and I place it around the edges (those ares less likely to be worn away) and with a flat fan brush I fade it away from the edge, as it adds some great depth to the tank's overall look. Now it's looking like something I am currently building. Oh, what do you know I don't have the urge to vomit when I look at this now.

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Okay that's it for now, I'll let the oil paint dry a few days, I'll order the stowage - so that's two week out, or I'll just make my own. I'll go back and do an pin wash, and maybe apply a filter. We will see.

I decided to just make my own stowage with clay. I have another Sherman in my stash so I used the upper hull to fit the stowage. Should be dry today and I'll paint.

Rather than ordering some stowage I just made my own, painted it a kaki brown mixed with a field grey and then used some winter streaking grim for shadows. A few more steps and I'll be done.

Finished - if you want to see it on the diorama you can view that under the Members Profiles:
Here is the starting point:


Now here is the same unit:





Thanks

Lol what a cool project! I might add that I'm a bit scared to even attempt armour after your distaste of the original model.

Its far better than what I could do!

That is fantastic! I love what you did with the tank. Taking an old one and making it look like that is really cool. Much better work than I can do.

Thanks guys. I am confident that both of you can do every bit as good as this, or better.

Very nice! You brought that puppy back to life.
That's exactly what I did with a lot of my 20 year old models from the days of yor!
I say never throw out old models. You clan always revive them.

Great transformation, may have to go back to some of my earlier builds although i susoect a bath in acetone for a month might be the best place!