Tamiya 1/35 M41 Walker Bulldog

[SimpleScaleModels]

Here is my first post. This is my M41 walker bulldog i just completed and loved the results. It is only my second time using the airbrush so i had some issues but overall am happy with the overall result i got. Please tell me what i can do to improve it or make it better!

Thanks guys!

-Charlie

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[DRUMS01]

Overall I think you have a very clean modeling technique and your M41 looks very nice! As for suggestions for "improving " any model, it is in the eye of the beholder. What I may suggest could be something others would not agree with, and most importantly... you. Have you looked on-line at images of real M41's? This might give your eagle eye some ideas on what you would do to add additional accuracy or details. With that said, after looking at and riding in the real thing, I noticed a few items you could do if you wanted to add greater detail to the kit:

- The various periscope glass windows on the commanders cupola should look like a dark pieces of glass; they normally have periscope lens blocks inside the turret to limit any light reflecting outside of the tank unless they were being used.
- Those canvas straps holding down the gas/water cans on the current should look more like fabric (surgical tape painted OD green then cut to width and length would work).
- The drivers and gunners hatches should have a "grab" handle on the outside.
- All pioneer tools (shovel, sledge, etc.) are normally painted flat black. Nothing shiny metallic to reflect and give away your position.
- Most M41's also have a wire cage over the loaders periscope cover on top the turret.
- Most of the later M41's had a canvas cover over the gun mantlet. This is not a mandatory, just an idea.
- The side of the center sponson boxes had ribs in an "X" pattern to reinforce the stamped steel. An easy fix to correct the kit is to use sprue or sheet plastic, cut to length, glued to the sides and sanded to round their shape (see life photos of the actual tank for scale and accuracy).
- The metal over the muffler (exhaust) is normally showing rust and paint pealing if the vehicle has any age to it (very common).
- the front fenders normally have angle iron bracing to give them strength.
- The barrel stowage bracket when not being used actually goes all the way down to the rear fender, but the model mold did not produce it that way. An easy fix would be to cut down the plastic under the stowage bracket to allow it to properly fall to the correct angle.
- just as there is rust on the tracks, there is also bare metal on the contact surfaces (sprockets, teeth, etc.
- All vehicles of this nature had very limited space to haul personal gear (clothes, sleeping bags, toiletries, etc.). Most of that stuff was stowed on the various points around the outside of the current or in the enclosed bustle rack.
- Basically, it is up to you to determine how far you want to go in detailing any model kit.

As previously said, your modeling looks very clean and well done for what the kit had to offer. My suggestions are nothing more than my view to add further detail to your already nicely done model.

[SimpleScaleModels]

Thanks for the tips! i really appreciate it and i will incorporate these on my upcoming panther build! : )

[Kevthemodeller]

Mate you've done a cracking job very well done.

My advice don't try too hard just keep building and you'll improve as you master all the basic techniques and your skill develops. Some like to go into extreme detail, forums are full of modellers debating even at times arguing over this and that or telling others they've got it wrong. As you build more you will find where you want to take your modelling and develop your skills to take you in that direction, most important thing in my opinion is to bear in mind you're building for you not others or a forum.

ISM is very friendly and full of modellers with great skill who're more than happy to help and encourage you, many have certainly helped me

[SimpleScaleModels]

Hey thanks! i really appreciate feedback and will use this, thanks!

[DRUMS01]

SimpleScale Models;

It appears that one of my forum friends was put off by my comments. I want to apologize to both of you as it was not my intention to down play your excellent work. You asked for suggestions, so I provided some. I mentioned that your skills and work were first rate, and it is. I was simply following your queue to provide suggestions. If you took it for anything more than that, then I am very sorry.

Kev,

I was not trying to be a smart a#$, only provided some insight that he requested. As I mentioned in my post, "As for suggestions for "improving " any model, it is in the eye of the beholder. What I may suggest could be something others would not agree with, and most importantly... you". "As previously said, your modeling looks very clean and well done. My suggestions are nothing more than my view to add further detail to your already nicely done model". My apologies to you if you took my comments the wrong way.....

[SimpleScaleModels]

SimpleScale Models;

It appears that one of my forum friends was put off by my comments. I want to apologize to both of you as it was not my intention to down play your excellent work. You asked for suggestions, so I provided some. I mentioned that your skills and work were first rate, and it is. I was simply following your queue to provide suggestions. If you took it for anything more than that, then I am very sorry.

Kev,

I was not trying to be a smart a#$, only provided some insight that he requested. As I mentioned in my post, "As for suggestions for "improving " any model, it is in the eye of the beholder. What I may suggest could be something others would not agree with, and most importantly... you". "As previously said, your modeling looks very clean and well done. My suggestions are nothing more than my view to add further detail to your already nicely done model". My apologies to you if you took my comments the wrong way.....

I am slightly confused......I was really happy that the feedback was given and i really appreciate it! don't worry about it

[Kevthemodeller]

SimpleScale Models;

It appears that one of my forum friends was put off by my comments. I want to apologize to both of you as it was not my intention to down play your excellent work. You asked for suggestions, so I provided some. I mentioned that your skills and work were first rate, and it is. I was simply following your queue to provide suggestions. If you took it for anything more than that, then I am very sorry.

Kev,

I was not trying to be a smart a#$, only provided some insight that he requested. As I mentioned in my post, "As for suggestions for "improving " any model, it is in the eye of the beholder. What I may suggest could be something others would not agree with, and most importantly... you". "As previously said, your modeling looks very clean and well done. My suggestions are nothing more than my view to add further detail to your already nicely done model". My apologies to you if you took my comments the wrong way.....

Sorry mate I've missed this somehow. Please don't think I was having a pop at you, I wasn't. I just thought the points you made although correct could have been delivered slightly better and was trying to soften the blow a little.

No apology needed my friend