1/35 Tamiya US M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" - European Theater

[aur0ra145]

Like the title says, this is a 1/35 Tamiya US M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" - European Theater.

This kit goes together super easily! No complaints here. Aftermarket barrel is from Aber. Just an all around good kit.

Kit was primed in Ultimate Black.

Thanks for looking!













Extra tracks for the outside of the tank.

[Nev]

Looking good dude

[aur0ra145]

Got everything painted in XF-62 Olive Drab. Chipping and accessories to come next!

Not pictured; but, using a circle template to paint the road wheels was the best idea I've ever gleaned from here. Saved me hours of painting time.

[TommyKillander]

Excellent!

This is a wonderful kit, good luck with the rest and keep up the good work, buddy


Tommy

[aur0ra145]

Got a few bits done. Completely forgot to paint the return rollers. So I've been priming and painting those. Dry brushed the tracks and extra links too.

I really like using XF-64 Red Brown over my MM Wood color. It just looks a lot better on the tools.

I left the clear plastic bits out of the cupula for now. It's only taped down from the inside. I don't know if to install now and to do all weathering over them, or to wait. I think in the end, either choice will be correct.

[aur0ra145]

Did a bit of chiping/wear. Then sprayed an aquagloss coat over it all. Tomorrow will be decals. This will end up being a cleaner build. But in the past, if I've sprayed a dullcote over paint/chipping, it dulls the chipping effect incredibly. So, I'm hoping that going with a clear coat first might mitigate that issue. We shall see.

[aur0ra145]

Gloss coat and decals applied!

[digger303]

A real sharpish crisp build...lovely

[Andypod71]

Beautiful build and looks a stunning kit. Having never built armour before, certainly given me food for thought as to what armour to build 1st

Andy

[aur0ra145]

Thanks for the nice words guys!

Tried an oil streaking wash/thing for the first time. It's way easier than expected. I'm quite pleased with my modest results. I need some more oil colors; but, these will suffice for this kit. Camera fidelity isn't the best unless I put the model in my light box. But I reserve that for the reveal.

I'm a bit worried that the dullcoat may further mute the oils, like the problems I've had with dry-brushing chipping effects. I use Testors Dullcote for the dullcoat. I wonder if that may be the root of the issue. By all regards I've heard that it's wonderful and I have used it to great affect in the past.

I plan on weathering in the following timeline (have been completed):

• Clear coat to seal decals

• Oil streaking/pin wash

• Put on tracks

• Buff filters (multiple)

• Testors Dullcote (or alternative)

• Place all clear parts for lights and cupula

• Pigments/dusting

• Vallejo weather effects, European Mud, Splash Mud

Thanks for looking! Any tips on weathering timeline would be appreciated!

[Stokesy44]

Looks really good. Like the weathering plan too.

Only thing I would suggest is finishing with pigments for dusting after the mud effects. I find dusting with pigments is the very last thing I do.

Just a thought since you obviously know what you're doing Sir.

[aur0ra145]

Looks really good. Like the weathering plan too.

Only thing I would suggest is finishing with pigments for dusting after the mud effects. I find dusting with pigments is the very last thing I do.

Just a thought since you obviously know what you're doing Sir.

I went with your suggestion of pigments last. I really like the results! Thanks for the pointer!

Anywho, finished up this one. I'm very pleased with the result. Never did put in the clear plastic pieces. I may revisit it, probably not though.

Thanks for everyone who offered kind words throughout the build!
Cheers!

[Topcat]

Supberb paint tone, nice.