Armor/AFV: AA/AT/Artillery
For discussions about artillery and anti-aircraft or anti-tank guns.
Hosted by Darren Baker
1/35 Hobby Boss M4 18T HST WIP
redleg12
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Posted: Saturday, September 01, 2012 - 12:04 AM UTC
Roy - Thanks for the comments. Glad you are enjoying it. Hope to have another update after this weekend.

Rounds Complete!!
TRM5150
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Posted: Saturday, September 01, 2012 - 12:20 AM UTC
Some really nice work on this Mike!!! I have this in my stash and it has been staring at me... it might just jump off the shelf after seeing this!!
redleg12
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Posted: Saturday, September 01, 2012 - 02:16 PM UTC
Todd - Thanks for stopping in and for the comment. It is a neat vehicle and a classic in the US Army tractor series.

Rounds Complete!!
redleg12
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Posted: Sunday, September 02, 2012 - 01:43 PM UTC
It is Labor Day weekend and it was time to hit the bench.

First I needed to get the bumper markings for the vehicle. These are the markings of the 17th Field Artillery, one of 3 eights inch towed units in Korea. Using Archer Transfers, I created the bumper markings on clear decal sheet. After the letters and numbers are placed on the decal paper, the bumper decals were sprayed with Gloss Future. After drying overnight the decals are ready to be applied. After application, the decals are allowed to snug down overnight. After the decals are set, the bumper is over-sprayed with Dull Future.



To try to complete the ammunition container, I assembled 8 inch ammunition from the AFV 155mm/8inch ammunition kit. The projectiles and powder cans were painted with Tamiya OD. Once dry, the projectiles were masked and the rotating band was painted with Tamiya Flat Copper. After the paint was dry, the 8 inch projectile decals were applied and then the ammunition was loaded into the ammunition box



With the ammunition loaded, I created a tarp with aircraft tissue. After measuring and allowing an additional 1/8 inch on each edge, the edges are folded and sealed using landscape cement to create the tarp edge cuff. After the cement dries then the tarp was applied to the ammunition box with landscape cement. Then, the entire tarp is coated with landscape cement to seal the tissue. I applied the tarp with one side folded back where the crane will be attached.



After allowing the landscape cement to dry overnight, the tarp was painted with Vallejo OD and high edges shaded with Poly Scale OD



With the ammunition in the box and the tarp on the roof, the box was attached to the main frame.



Now I moved on to some pre weathering in the track area. To create some depth, I colored some Liquatex Ceramic Stucco with Tamiya NATO Brown. This was applied in the track area where mud would cake up. This was allowed to dry overnight.



Once dry I applied AK Earth Effects to the underside



Next up are some filters and then it is time to start applying tools and other details

As always all comments are welcome.

Rounds Complete!!


bat-213
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Posted: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 - 11:19 AM UTC
your mud and dirt look cool.all i use is white glue
coffe gronds and some paint.
redleg12
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Posted: Wednesday, September 05, 2012 - 01:04 PM UTC
Roy - Thanks...there are a lot of methods to make mud....including using mud!! Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!
redleg12
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Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2012 - 02:23 PM UTC
Well, getting close to the end, and made good progress this weekend.

Worked on the tracks. I used Fruile T-48 tracks. The M4 HST requires 68 links per side. The Fruile links are two parts, the pad and the metal link with end caps. First I painted the pads with my rubber mix, 50/50 NATO & Flat Black. Then I assembled the pads to the links followed by assembling groups of links. The exposed metal was coated with AK Track Wash



The 3 PE tool boxes make the PE set worth the purchase. After assembling the box, hinges, hasp, and lock chain. The boxes are painted the same as the vehicle with Poly Scale OD. The hasp, chain and edge wear is done with Alclad Steel.



Time for tools. The wood handles were painted with Tamiya OD. The wear areas on the handles are painted with Poly Scale Rust to simulate the bare wood. All the tool brackets are painted with Poly Scale OD. The metal parts are painted with Alclad Steel. The PE straps are Vallejo OD with Flat Black buckles. This includes the sledge, 2 axes, 2 shovels, 2 pick heads, 2 pick handles and a breaker bar.

The spare tracks were painted with the tire mix on the pads, Poly Scale OD for the brackets and Alclad Steel for the pins. The PE set includes a barrel bracket for the M2 which was painted with Poly Scale OD. Lastly, the M2 tripod is painted with a parkerized color mix.



The front headlight bay was painted with Alclad Bright Aluminum and the clear lens applied. The windshields have the rubber edge gasket painted with the tire mix and their attaching pins to match the M4 OD



The rear headlights were done the same as the front headlights. The rear taillights were coated with Alclad Bright Aluminum and then Clear Red and Smoke (Clear Black).



The muffler and breather were painted with PolyScale OD. On the muffler to create a heat effect on the paint, I washed it with AK Track wash and mixed in some MIG Light Rust Pigment. The exhaust end is rings of MIG Dark Rust, Light Rust and then Smoke at the end and inside. The breather is coated with the AK Track Wash mixed with some MIG Light Rust Pigment. I still have to mount the open tool box but here is a look at the other items.



Lastly I mounted the road wheels, assembled and mounted the track. I still have to weather the track and road wheels, but here is the look with the “shoes on”.



Also started in the wood shop and started on the base. Next it is a matter of finishing the details and getting it mounted on the base. Need to finish up next week.

As always all comments are welcome.

Rounds Complete!!
HeavyArty
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Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2012 - 02:36 PM UTC
Looking great Mike. Almost there.
redleg12
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Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2012 - 11:05 PM UTC
Gino - Thanks...coming into the club house turn....hopefully by next week.

rounds Complete!!
pseudorealityx
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Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2012 - 11:54 PM UTC
Hey Mike,

Something looks a bit odd at the top of the drive sprocket. Tracks not fitting too well. Is there an fitment issue there, or do they just need to be pushed down?

I like how this thing came together. Nicely done.
redleg12
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Posted: Monday, September 17, 2012 - 01:47 PM UTC
Jesse - The track fit VERY tight. The picture was taken after just getting the tracks on. I need to CAREFULLY try to squeeze them down a bit more. Thank for the peek and the comment. The T-48 Fruiles fit very tight on the sprocket.

Rounds Complete!!
redleg12
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Posted: Sunday, September 23, 2012 - 12:53 PM UTC
Time to finish up some final details. In the rear, I mounted the PE light guards, using sail ship rope to make the winch cable and hook both painted with Alclad steel. Finally the rear door chain, painted with Alclad steel.



Here is another view of the rear. Here you can see two 8 inch projectiles on the ground. In the background the projectile rack leaning on the rear shackle.



Finally here is a close up of the crane. The chains and hook painted with Alclad steel. The roller on the boom also painted with Alclad steel while the top surface of the boom and the crane shaft dry brushed with steel to show wear.



In the front I created a mask for the wiper and dusted the window. Here you see the final result with the PE wiper mounted along with the headlight guard



On the side, here are the doors mounted. I added PE straps and tied them in the open position



Also here are the PE engine screen doors.



Going on top, I left one of the PE tool boxes open. Using some tools from an Italeri tool set, I tried to set a work in progress look.



Here is where I am at right now overall.



Still finishing the M2 .50 cal then some touch ups and light weathering and I will be done. Should be ready to go for AMPS East

As always all comments are welcome.

Rounds Complete!!

robw_uk
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Posted: Monday, September 24, 2012 - 12:24 AM UTC
very very nice progress... really like the tarp you have over the shell storage. you mention "landscape glue" - what is that? when I do my tarps (tissue paper rather than aircraft tissue) I use diluted PVA - is that the same thing?

I assume the aircraft tissue is stringer than normal tissue paper - may have to get some as want to do a tarp to cover the rear of a DMEAG 7 @ PaK 38 (ie a winter cover for the gun type thing)...
Joel_W
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AUTOMODELER
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Posted: Monday, September 24, 2012 - 02:47 AM UTC
Mike been following your build. Simply an outstanding effort for sure. Also picked up a few tips that will come in handy. Just to name a few, the plastic sheet to cover those pin marks (putty work often required much effort, time, and countless redues),and the model aircraft tissue for all sorts of uses.

Your pictures and explanations were both extremely well done, and very easy to follow for a newbie to armor like myself.

Joel
redleg12
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Posted: Monday, September 24, 2012 - 11:48 AM UTC
Bob - OK, on your questions, Landscape cement is essentially watered down PVA, so that will work fine.

Aircraft tissues or as it is known Jap tissue is used by the RC modelers on a balsa wood frame. It is actually very fine paper, no string and especially no fuzz. The fiber lines in the paper lend well to cloth texture. A standard sheet, about 36 inches by 36 inches costs about a dollar here in the US and will last you forever!!

Joel - Glad to have been of help and glad you are enjoying my explanations.

Thanks to both of you for your look and for your comments.

Rounds Complete!!
redleg12
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Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 01:41 PM UTC
Well, it’s the night before the show, time for the final update.

First was to complete the canvas cover with some PE straps. Here is the straps on the side that is still connected to the vehicle.



An open canvas has to have some loose straps



Then I need to add Ma…the old Ma Duce. I used a Tasca M2 for this build. It is painted with my parkerized mix. The handles are Poly Scale rust. The ammo box is Poly Scale Dark Tactical Green.



And from the other side



Then some final weathering using AK Earth Wash, a mix of MIG Pigments including Light Rust, VN Earth and European Soil. Lastly was Floquil Oil for fuel and oil spills. So with that, here is the finished M4 18 ton HST

Passenger view



Rear View



Front View



Drivers View



As always all comments are welcome. Thanks for dropping by this build. Next up onto the bench, the M1009 CUCV

Rounds Complete!!

EOM!!

pseudorealityx
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Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 03:54 PM UTC
Mike!

The .50 cal barrel isn't fully seated. gotta push it back more... it's possible you used the 'full size' Tasca barrel, which is meant to be used as a spare. There's a shorter one on the sprue that is for using with the assembled MG.

Check Terry's photos: http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tasca/tasca35-l9.htm

It's also sitting too high on the mount... should look like this:



Good luck at AMPS east!

bat-213
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Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 06:53 PM UTC
Mike,aowsome job on the build.
redleg12
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Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 11:09 PM UTC
Jesse - Thanks, being in a rush to finish I thought it looked a bit long.

Roy - Thanks for the comment.

Rounds Complete!!
PantherF
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Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 11:40 PM UTC
I love it Mike. The shells, the winch, and the wiper pattern on the windows... excellant work.

One I will save for future reference work.









~ Jeff
PantherF
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Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 11:48 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I've got two 90mms in the collection and I'm hoping to at least do a rough kit in 35th. I've been using the old Adams 120mm as a basis for some parts and while the scales are different, the difference in size actually makes them match up fairly nicely. I've got a Pershing barrel for it (still haven't figured out what to do with the threaded muzzle, but I'll get there...) and the rest will be Evergreen styrene and cast resin. We'll see...

Anyhow, here's a dozen pics of our M4 to further inspire you. Let me know if you need more!

Jon










Does anyone offer these tracks shown here? That would make an interesting variant for a future a M4 build.








~ Jeff
redleg12
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Posted: Thursday, September 27, 2012 - 09:46 AM UTC
Jeff - Thanks for the comments and for stopping by. Glad you can use it for reference in the future.

Rounds Complete!!
robw_uk
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Posted: Monday, September 07, 2020 - 07:45 AM UTC
just stumbled across this build as I am working on 3in version. Some interesting ideas (I am stealing the individual seats - had already replaced the kit ones with the benches, just need to make the pads). Think I will need some aircraft tissue (good for tarps to cover stowage etc as well I see)....
jon_a_its
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Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 03:17 AM UTC

Quoted Text

just stumbled across this build as I am working on 3in version. Some interesting ideas (I am stealing the individual seats - had already replaced the kit ones with the benches, just need to make the pads). Think I will need some aircraft tissue (good for tarps to cover stowage etc as well I see)....



try using the tissue paper you get in shoes, or used to with shirts,I've even got some in black
robw_uk
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Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 04:49 AM UTC
resurrecting this as building the 90mm version.. anyone know if the T48 tracks are suitable for BOTH variants (HobbyBoss tracks falling apart no matter what glue and pins not long enough for the heat treatment that works with Tamiya)

thanks