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Jens Andrée
Upper hull is obviously rather bent and will require some attention before it's usable... Luckily the bottom hull is perfect.

Kurt Reichert
Watching!

Jens Andrée
I wasn't going to start this build yet but I couldn't keep my hands off it and I've just finished the engine! I skipped ahead in the build because I was really keen on getting started with things like the engine and other internal parts. They were the reason why I bought the kit in the first place, and it's very detailed!
I don't think it matters that I'm a beginner because as long as you do one step at a time, and you clean each part thoroughly before glue and assembly, it'll come out as good, or bad, as I deserve. If I rush something there's a chance I make mistakes so I take it easy and cut, trim, sand, scrape and test-fit each part before reaching for the glue. I'm not going to win any price with my models just yet - and that's not why I'm doing it - but I'm really enjoying it and it activates my brain and I feel really creative!!!

Anyhow, I hope you can find something I do interesting, and whilst I learn the whole art of scale modelling 🙂

Clint Mecham
Looking forward on how it comes together for you. I haven't done a Takom kit yet. Love to hear how they ar to build and the detail level.

Jens Andrée
...and there's the engine assembled and primed!
First time using MIG primer and it wasn't without problems... It's a bit thicker than the Tamiya + 25% thinner I'm used to so my airbrush kept clogging up for some reason? I need to experiment a bit more with MIG paints because this model will be painted with the MIG colours that they've developed for these German tanks, and I hope they won't play up like the primer did... I will use cellulose thinner though to thin them down so with a bit of luck my airbrush won't complain about that combo? Works great with Tamiya paints.

My first impression about the Takom King Tiger is that it's very detailed and beautiful, but some sprues have a distinct part-line and even some flashing... Sprue Q is one culprit so far, but nothing I can't fix with a bit of sanding and scraping. That's enough building for today/tonight I think.

Clint Mecham
Thanks for the feedback on the quality of the kit Jens. Great stuff so far!

Larry E
Hi Jens, I don't think you should worry about the upper hull. A friend had the same problem, but it all came together nicely once he attached the rear plate and engine hatch. All the best - Looking forward to the rest...

Jens Andrée
Thanks guys!!!

I figured the upper hull would sort itself out when the read plate was installed so it's not something I worry about. It's understandable why it has bent a bit since the part is pretty extreme. Thick and rigid in one end and thin and "flimsy" in the other end. Much worse for those who received a bent lower hull... Should've been picked up when they pack the kit, but perhaps they don't check for such anomalies?
Anyway, we're here to tinker and build a kit and a bit of TLC isn't a big problem in the end of the day.

Jens Andrée
I decided to build most of the turret basket tonight since the other bits need painting before I can continue, and it was sometimes borderline masochistic to be honest!!! Lot's of tiny bits that had to snake through other parts, and it required a steady hand and a fair bit of patience...😉
I'm pleased with the end results and all parts are where they should! I did discover that the camera shows tiny blemishes that my naked eyes can't catch. Not even with my glasses that I recently started wearing when reading small things and when I do surface mount soldering. More scraping and sanding is required. The cement leaves a shiny surface which I sometimes mistake for a blemish, but it's down to experience I guess, which I don't have too much of yet.

As must say though that building a model with full interior is really fun! It completes the build and make the model make sense in more than one way.
Also it gives you knowledge on how the tank (in this case) is built from an mechanical perspective, and you're learning stuff you didn't previously know!
Before a couple of days ago I didn't know much about the Maybach HL230 P30 engine. Now after spending a whole evening just researching it, and trying to find pictures of it - and then building it - it makes it even more fun to put it in the model!

Some people have made really nice cutouts of their King Tigers to showcase the interior. I won't do this because I don't dare to cut away half of the hull... Not on my first "full interior" tank anyway. I will however display the tank with the upper hull next to the bottom hull, and the turret next to the upper hull. This gives you some chance to view the interior and all the hard work you've put into the build! I've got a plan how to do it, and I will probably incorporate tiny LEDs as well. Probably. We'll see when it's getting closer to be finished how I make the display?
This tank will not receive a lot of weathering, that's for sure. It'll be displayed in near new condition so you can see all the details.
All of this is obviously subject to change since a lot can happen throughout the build... hehe😉

If you're a beginner like me and are afraid to take on a complex build like this - don't worry. If you've built a couple of tanks and have worked out the different steps, this isn't much harder. You just have to be patient and careful and don't rush anything. Plan ahead and take one step at a time. If not you're going to learn an awful lot whilst building it!

Happy tinkering!

Clint Mecham
Very cool! Thanks for the review! Look forward to seeing how your plans for displaying the model come together too.

Jens Andrée
Clint Mecham - Thanks for your kind words!!!
I started thinking about how to display it even before I bought it and it's going to have to be displayed in separate pieces so you can see some of the interior. Bottom hull, upper hull, turret basket (without the "lid" ) and the turret roof. That makes four pieces. They will be mounted on stands next to each other on a base. I might also cut a mirror and glue it to the base so you can see underneath the different sections.
This is how I think at the moment but it's obviously subject to change when I have the finished piece in my hands. I might add some subtle LED lights as well to illuminate the model? We'll see.
It's a beast of a kit and some sections take an awful long time, but it's all fun so it doesn't matter if it takes 100 hours! The weather is rather poorly anyway 😛

Andy Podmore
Looking good Jens. I've just watched the same kit built on YouTube on Andy's Hobby's channel and he did the same thing when it came to mounting each section side by side. Looked really cool. Looking forward to seeing more

Jens Andrée
I should add that the tank will not be heavily weathered - quite the opposite actually. Almost factory new, but with some mileage. It's more of a display of the beautiful complete tank (hopefully!?) and in an exploded view for viewing.

Some others have cut apart the hull and done a cutaway display. The ones I've seen were all awesome, but I'm not comfortable in cutting apart my first full interior tank, and one I'm really making an effort with.

I think we all have our own influences and dreams of beautiful dioramas we'd like to do with our scale models, but this particular one is best displayed in a way where you can see the interior detail. That's my view anyway.

Andy Podmore
Totally agree with you there. I'm totally new to the hobby again myself after 30 yrs and I've never built any armour kits but after watching YouTube vids I'm itching to give them a try.

Kerry COX
This looks to be an amazing kit Jens. 👍
The engine is a most impressive build all on it's own. great work there. 🙂
What will you end up doing with the motor. / will you have it displayed as a separate item mounted next to the Tiger or what. ?
I am impressed. 😉 👍

Clint Mecham
I am fascinated by the LED idea. I look forward to seeing how it works.

Jens Andrée
Kerry Cox - the motor will be installed in the engine bay. Sadly most of it will be hidden so to a certain extent all the work you're putting in will never be seen again, but we who built these models know what's inside them and how much work we put into it😉
In the future I might buy a similar King Tiger from Takom and do a cutaway display model? It must be easier to cut apart a second model I think?! Who knows...
Thanks for your kind comments!!! 🙂

Jens Andrée
Clint Mecham - as someone who also tinkers with electronics I've got a lot of smd components at hand. My smallest leds measure 2x1 mm and they can "easily" be mounted inside Bosch lamps etc if you want. I write "easily" though since it's a pain to wire up as you can imagine, but if you use slightly larger leds, 8x5 mm e.g. life is suddenly a lot easier.
In this model I'm thinking more down the line of lighting the interior of the model with hidden leds rather than making exterior lights work.
If you're really masochistic you can probably add backlight to dials etc, but now we're talking extreme stuff.

I don't want to make it into a disco or anything, just light up the interior so you both see it better and make it look interesting. I hope...😉

Jens Andrée
Just uploaded three pictures of my paint disaster. I'm old enough to plan first before doing something stupid, and I thought I'd planned properly - but I made a HUGE mistake thinking AMMO of Mig acrylics was the same as Tamiya acrylics. It turns out the term "acrylic" is used rather loosely and it can mean quite a few different things in real life.

To cut a long story short - DON'T use any other thinner than their own on AMMO of Mig paints!!! It'll turn into a disaster faster than you can blink an eye.
Also it's clogging up the airbrush the whole time throughout painting and it's horrible to clean. Cleaning my airbrush after using Tamiya + cellulose thinner takes seconds whereas it can take up to 10 minutes to clean the airbrush after it's had AMMO of Mig through it.

I know it can be made to work, and I've this morning found one process that leaves an acceptable finish on the model - but cleaning is terrible and dry time is far too slow. As it is right now I will finish the King Tiger with my AMMO of Mig paints as I've planned, but I won't do another model again with these paints - unless someone shows me a magical process that somehow makes it work in a similar fashion to Tamiya or Vallejo.

So sorry that I've got no build update but I spent all of last night - ALL of it - trying to salvage the situation and to figure out why it went so horribly wrong...
Tonight I've been getting my confidence back after yesterdays fiasco by painting a Tiger I with Tamiya paints and I'm glad I did that 🙂

Hopefully I've got more progress tomorrow to show you?!

Once again, thanks so much for all of your kind comments!!!

Kerry COX
Jens. If this may help in the paint department and getting good results, no matter what brand you use.
I personally like thinning ALL my paints, acrylic or enamel, with 'acetone'.
It is the 'thinner' used by all automotive spray painters for the reduction of viscosity in all paint types and is brilliant for dissolving all paints from a clogged air brush without damaging any of the internal plastic seals or 'o' rings.
By the way. 🙂 Your build has convinced me to buy the kit, and as it is not all THAT expensive, two will be needed, and, as you mentioned, if a 'cut away' display was to be achieved, it would not be a bad thing to have two going for you. 🙂
And everything you have done so far is being keenly and anxiously observed with great enthusiasm. 👍 👍 👍
There are some 'You tube 'builds' out there, but so rushed it is impossible to 'see' what is being done or the 'issues' and their rectification. 🙁

Cheers mate and good work. 🙂 👍

Jens Andrée
The project came to a stop for two reasons. First I needed Ammo by Mig thinner for the paint. This I discovered whilst learning to paint with AMMO acrylics, and also why the white paint on the engine looked like it did...
The second reason was that I accidentally glued the turret roof on in the spur of a moment whilst modelling away and not having my brain connected... I thought about cutting it open so you could see inside the turret but it wouldn't look right with the rest of the build. I also contemplated ordering new parts and redo the turret, but I felt that was too much hassle...
In the end I decided to live with the fact and write it off to learn by doing. I will try to put a small mirror under the turret in the display to showcase some of the interior. With a bit of luck it'll work, but it'll require interior LEDs to be installed but that's super easy.

The build in on again but I have to admit that the AMMO paints are much harder to use than Tamiya acrylics and honestly I don't know if I'll ever use the AMMO paints again for this very reason. I know they're trying to be "100% acrylic and non-toxic" but there's a limit what you can take when there are so much better products on the market - and in my own collection. Another lesson learned I guess😉

Kerry COX
Jens. I admire your honesty and determination in the face of what you have had to deal with. 👍
I have really looked closely at what you have posted and for such a so called 'well engineered' kit, I was not happy to see such large gaps on the joins, especially the breach mechanism of the gun. !!
Your recovery was a treat to see, well done.
If I may ask a question about your surface prepping for the paint application. :-O
I have seen that 'separation' you spoke of, that looks like the 'orange peel' effect, with some of my attempts with various paints, and my fault was that I had NOT given all the parts a wash with a tooth brush, prior to assembly, in tepid water with some gentle dish washing detergent. !
There are oils that will come out of plastics that is really hard to overcome and will show up when paints are applied, a real bummer, and just a bit annoying to remedy.
Having said all that. I am most impressed with all your showing and describing as you go. 👍
Something I will be coming back to as I proceed with mine, once it gets here. :-~
A slow job I will be doing now I have read your advice on some of the minor 'annoyances' mate.
Thanks for the heads up on what I may have to deal with.
I love your work. 🙂
Cheers. 👍 🙂 🙂 🙂

Jens Andrée
Thanks for your kind words Kerry!!! 🙂
I'm a firm believer in "learn by doing" and admitting your faults helps you to remember them then next time. Also it could benefit others from doing the same mistakes so why not share the failures as well as the successes?!

I also initially thought that the problem I had with the AMMO paint was due to unclean surfaces but I had cleaned them and when testing the paint on various plastic items after the failure this turned out to not be the case. The problem with AMMO by Mig paints is that they're "proper" acrylic paints, i.e. no solvents in them like Tamiya acrylics. Tamiya paint you can almost pour on with a spoon and it still looks great when it dries but that's not how AMMO works. You have to spray it on in super fine layers - many layers! - and thus building up the paint. If you try to spray the next layer before it's completely dry you get the orange peel effect, and god forbid that you try to cover the piece with just one spray because that'll really ruin the day...

I should've watched a few instructional videos on AMMO paint beforehand but if you don't know about the problem, how are you going to search for the solution?

I've since learned how to use the AMMO by Mig paint and I get an acceptable result, but you can forget the smoothness that you get from Tamiya acrylics thinned with cellulose thinner and if that's the cost then I will live with things being a bit smelly. Tamiya + thinner also dries in a matter of minutes whereas the AMMO paint requires many many hours, unless you're creative with a hairdryer - which I don't have one due to not having that much hair 😉

What I do like about the AMMO acrylics is that their colours scale really well with regards to reflections etc, and they've made excellent mixes for the historical colours I wanted for this build. Tamiya isn't that far behind and I'm capable to mix my own paint so this is probably the first - and only - time I will use the AMMO paint.
I've also tried to use the AMMO paint with brushes on figures and you have the same problem. It just doesn't bite into the plastic so it pools in small tiny droplets which gives you an orange peel effect.

Could be great if painting 1945 Wehrmacht combat camo oranges but I don't think they were that common to be honest... hehe... 😛

Cheers,
Jens

Jens Andrée
Kerry, your observations about the poor fit on some details are correct and almost made me lose the spirit at first because I thought this was going to be "the perfect" kit...
Don't get me wrong because in most areas it is a fantastic and well designed kit with almost perfect fit - but all that goes out the window when you find some parts that just doesn't fit and/or have terrible seams that needs filling.
I don't mind going all the way in trying to fix everything that's not perfect, and to a certain extent it's part of the hobby - but the parts must fit if you ask me, otherwise it's like going back to the 80's and the wonky kits we had back then...

I've read about other problems with these King Tiger kits where some have had major problems getting the road wheels aligned correctly and others with warped hulls. I've had to ream out the holes on the right side of the lower hull in order for the suspension arms to fit properly and that was down to the right side "scale armour" piece not fitting 100% properly down into the hull (which I didn't see) and it was too late to correct after the cement had dried. It was easy to fix when knowing what the fault was but if you don't see it and just push the suspension arms into the hull you're at risk of having slightly skewed road wheels.

If I'm going to add more complaints I have to bring up the build instructions too. Being used to Tamiya style instructions this was not a pleasant surprise because all they've done is to export 3D rendered black & white (mostly just white) images that are really hard to follow since sometimes it's a guesswork to figure out where some parts goes - and with a full interior kit one single error has dramatic consequences - which you won't be able to recover from! This is partly why this kit is taking so long time to build - together with the fact that you have to paint sub assemblies all the time, with paint that needs to dry overnight - for every layer.

I still think it's a fantastic kit and I will build more Takom kits in the future. Perhaps even with full interior again. They do require a whole different kind of planning and execution and it's not a kit you tinker with whilst watching TV for example because you have to be 100% focused on what you're doing.
I only hope that my vision for this tank is something I can pull off in the end of the day because done right it can look awesome - but it only takes one thing wrong for the whole kit to look wonky, and it's only down to me putting it together so it's going to take some time before I'm finished - but it's a great journey and the sub assemblies are looking great - even though putty was involved.

I've also mixed some Tamiya basic putty in a bottle of Tamiya fast cement (which was half empty) so I have a more "liquid" cement to apply with the internal brush in the bottle, and that's something they should sell because it really floats into badly joined parts, it dries a lot quicker - and it dries a lot harder! Makes sanding much easier and application is a breeze! I don't know if it'll go off in the bottle or not, but putty from the tube isn't super easy to work with on small details, and I like to fill all the tiny cracks and joints that aren't perfect. Also having putty ready without any mess in an instant is a nice feature too!

I'm finally getting the AMMO thinner tomorrow so I can get the paint sorted and after that there should be regular updates again on this build!

Cheers,
Jens

Kerry COX
Jens. Your vivid description of the pit falls have me wondering IF my kit will be the same. (worried).
In the 'reviews' I have watched on Youtube, there has not really been any mentioned of the misfits and extra work needed doing if the suspension and road wheel alignment is to turn out well. Mmmmm !
The thinning out of the Tamiya putty with the liquid glue is a brilliant way to get that 'flow in' to the recess ability you talked about. I AM impressed and will give that a definite thumbs up for ingenuity mate. Very smart application and a great result. 👍
The paint effect you mentioned with having to do MANY layers is something I have had a problem with too, being so used to just lay up what you like with Tamiya but be a bit more controlled with paints I am yet to understand their peculiarities. :-~
For the size of the model the price was what stunned me a bit. But now I have seen the drop in price here, I have cancelled my order with "Luckymodels" from Hong Kong and will see what is on offer at the competition this year at the Queensland Model and Hobby Expo, and I am wanting the "Voyager" brass PE for the 'to scale ' skirts and fenders. But I am wanting the Takom one, as it has been well presented in their sales pitch, but for the right price. Grrrrr 🙁
Thank you for a most informative post Jens. I will be looking out for all the issues you highlighted when I tackle mine. So now you have all of us fascinated by what your doing. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Cheers mate. 👍

Jens Andrée
Kerry, after I encountered my first problem with the Takom King Tiger I searched the net for any issues with those kits to see if there were any common and usual problems with the kit, and although many had a few minor issues, few had any bigger issues. This is what I found out from searching anyway.
Some people might not admit that they'd run into problems and some might've caused the problems themselves - which isn't hard to do with all those parts, but a bad kit it ain't if you are careful - but there will be a couple of minor things you are going to have to correct.

I don't think I'm responsible for putting any parts in the wrong place and therefore causing issues further down the road, but I've sure taken my sweet time with every piece and sub-assembly to get them right because the instructions are sometimes unclear.
I wish they could've released a pdf of the instructions so you could zoom in on some details (and the printed instruction clearly demonstrate that it is a digital instruction) but I've searched high and low without finding it...

Apart from a few minor issues - and one big one on the gun breach, it's been pure joy to build this King Tiger! I wish I hadn't glued the roof on but modelling is a moment when you can sit down and clear your thoughts and when you have to change the order of some steps because of unforeseen things you can miss something you'd previously planned. This was an error on my part but I'll live with it.

I've found building all the interior details very entertaining and it gives a whole new depth and perspective to the mechanical wonders we try to recreate, and from a "bang for the buck" perspective it is a cheap model if you look at all the hours you get out of it compared to a simple kit - but 100% perfect it isn't and with all of the marketing they've done that's what I, and everybody else expected, hence the critique...

I still think you should go for the kit because it is a beautiful kit - certainly the best King Tiger out there that I know of, but "some putty required" sadly.

I don't care that some, or most, of the details are hidden when you're done because I want them to be as perfect as I can because that's why I'm doing this build. It's for my enjoyment and not anything else - and I would know if I'd cheated somewhere and that's not a path I'm going to take. Perhaps I will skip certain steps in future "full interior" builds, but not on this one.

My biggest recommendation is to not go for the AMMO by Mig paint unless you're already using them because this has been the biggest headache. Some people are using them and obviously made it work so there's not reason why I shouldn't either - but damn how much better the Tamiya paints are!!!

I hope Mr. Postman has my package with the AMMO thinner this afternoon so I can start using it tonight!

Cheers,
Jens

Kerry COX
Jens. 🙂 Once again. A superb essay in what this hobby is all about.👍.
You have a gift with words I am happy to read and accordingly, I gain a better perspective of what lays ahead for me. 🙂
I too have search high and wide for a set of instruction that would show a clearer definition of what to do and when, but like you, nothing as yet, but I am sure something will crop up somewhere. (x)
So, in the meantime, as I patiently wait for the one weekend I live for, I will watch all the videos again and based on what you have posted, work out some sort of plan for showing off all it's attributes. 🙂
I am sorely tempted to buy two just for the hell of it, as it is something I do with all the models I build is buy two. Maybe and maybe not, a bad thing, but as I have just me and my hobby, I do spoil myself a LOT. hahahahahaha L0L
Are you going to get the working track kit or go with the boxed units.?
Besides, My son said he would gladly have all my works when I move to the other side, and with the passion he has for the hobby too, I know that my legacy will not end up on some rubbish tip.
😉

Jens Andrée
Thank you! 🙂

I would love to buy two of each and earlier this year I bought some extra kits for the kids to try but they found them a bit too complicated. Well, perhaps not complicated but they took way too long time to complete - and their only influence was their dad who spent hours upon hours just sanding the damn road wheels!?!? 😛

It'll come with time I think because they're still only 11 and 13 years old - but when I found a place that was dumping all of their "Lego" tanks (the brand was COBI) for next to nothing, I bought almost 30 tanks for us to build together and even the 13 year old - who according to himself is "too old for LEGO" - was building LEGO like never before!!! 😄
I payed less than $200 for all that LEGO so it was a fantastic deal, and we're now building a huge diorama together - and I think in time they both will have another go at scale modelling for sure.
The COBI tanks and airplanes are actually really well made and they were a joy to build because they were way more complicated than the usual LEGO kits. Perfect for both kids and dads to build because honestly, you're never too old for LEGO! 😉

For tracks I bought Friulmodel ATL-16 since this was going to be a special build with all the bells and whistles, and it was a gamble since I've never used them before, but they are now assembled and looking fantastic.
I've obviously yet to mount them on a tank but they have a really realistic sag due to the weight - but they were a bit on the expensive side when you factor in shipping...

If I could I would put working tracks on all of my scale models because of several reasons, but some of the rigid "link by link" plastic tracks are looking as good. Just way more work making them look good and zero chance of changing them, or the look, afterwards.

I also want to build a bigger tank in the future. 1/16 at least - and I was really keen on the new Tamiya Jagdpanther they just released!!! Sadly when I had a look at the kit I was disappointed because it's just a gutted R/C kit - and there's not a whole lot to build apart from the suspension. The rest are just ready ready made pieces, but the end results are fantastic. Too much money though for just sitting on a shelf... or is it?
I do prefer to build the whole kit and not just screw three large pieces together and call it "done".

There are some bigger kits but I've got more than a few tanks waiting to be built so perhaps next year?
Larger scale should mean even more higher quality and detail?

Anyhow, many thanks for your kind words Kerry! I hope you do get your own Takom King Tiger soon and then know what you're doing for quite a few weeks ahead 😉

Cheers and take care!
Jens

Trez
Next time less bluster and more build

Mr James
That's a lot of added detail👍 and the figures are superb. Well done on the faces especially the eyes 👌

5sHHH1rrrr03
Thx !

Pepe
Looking

Neuling
Very promising pictures .........

Pietro De Angelis
Amazing details and figures!

Simon Nagorsnik
Oh yes, really nice paintjob on the miniatures!

gorby
Fantastic work!

Rui S
Looking Great 👍

Guy Rump
Looking good, following. 👍

Michael Kohl
Me too

Ben M
Beautiful and intricate. The figures are excellent.

Neuling
Same as Ben. 👍👍👍

Mr James
Up there with the best figure painting I've seen on this site. Amazing work all round.

5sHHH1rrrr03
thanks for all ur comments ^^

Lex Jassies
A real beauty! What did you use for the tanker goggles glas?

Antony Merigot
What techniques do you use for your figure painting? Those are some of the best figures I have ever seen.

5sHHH1rrrr03
@Lex Jassies the googles are from tamiya kits in recent years, they are clear parts.
@Antony Merigot , I learnt figure painting from youtube , you can search guide video there. Many people making guidance are way better than me.

Spanjaard
excellent paint job and details added

Chris Derksen
One of the nicest finishes I've seen in a while. Weathering is awesome and really looks good up close and gives a great ambience overall to it.

David Taylor
Congrats on a fantastic build.

Michael Kohl
Chis put it in a nutshell. Asks for a little dio

Spanjaard
screams for it...! 🙂 picture 29 with a terrain and background would look like a reference foto.....

Rui S
Excellent result 👍

5sHHH1rrrr03
Thanks guys，I'll add a little more highlight and rust then take the real finished photo.

Robert Podkoński
That's a great idea!

Spanjaard
interesting, I am in

Skyhiker
Ok that all for tonight. Pretty good for one day.

Trez
Amazing

Thomas Haberl - TH SCALE MODELS
That is art! I have to take a first row seat here and see the progress. Very impressive 👍

Spanjaard
certainly not going to miss thus master class

Dave Flitton
Wow, watching!!

Skyhiker
Right on!

Greg Baker
Oh, sign me up. I'd watch F_IV do the laundry.

Robert Podkoński
I will follow this talent show with pleasure.

gorby
Lovely work.

Michael Kohl
Surely another build that will leave me speechless and striving to come closer to this level.

William Adair
Omg thanks everyone. You guys are the best! I'm interested to see how this one comes out. I'll add more progress soon. 🤞

Ludvík Kružík
I like old planes from the early days of aviation. Your scrathbuild is fantastic. I admire how you can render all the little details in this scale. I wish you continued success in building this model and look forward to the sequel.

Bruce Huxtable
Your talents are beyond my comprehension.... Totally amazing scratch building 🙂 This little gem is already gorgeous🙂

Shar Dipree
Great work so far! 👍👍👍👍

bughunter
Another great little bird in that microscopic scale 👍

William Adair
Added a new pic. Starting on the cockpit details 👌

Bruce Huxtable
More micro-perfection. Astonishing 🙂

Michael Kohl
By the way: will your book be available in Telford in November?

William Adair
Hi Michael, I'm not sure. It should be out by then but I don't know if any sellers will be stocking it. I live in Australia unfortunately, so Telford is well outside my maximum range 😢

William Adair
Added the large control wheel to the pilot's cockpit from soldered wire and heat curved sprue. I like the little brass hub in the middle 🙂

Skyhiker
You seem to have really good control over your soldering. What tools do you have? That control wheel is impressive.

gorby
The many years training to be a jeweler probably helps. 😄

William Adair
@Skyhiker I have an inexpensive soldering iron from an electronics store. It is nothing special, but the best thing I have is liquid soldering flux. Using that allows the solder to grab the surface and stick without requiring too much heat or flooding the area with solder.

@gorby Being a jeweller helped at first. But now I am finding that the modelmaking is helping me be a better jeweller! 👍

Alec K
Outstanding work! The book is on order 👍

William Adair
Wow, thank you Alec! Hopefully it will be in your mailbox soon 🙏
I added a few more pics. Test fitting the undercarriage and one of the prototype wheels.

Christian Bruer
Outstanding craftsmanship. I really like your tiny scratch built projects 👍

Michael Kohl
Me too.
But obviously he doesn't show how he did the wheels to prevent us from fainting. 😉

Skyhiker
I just don't get how its possible. Really man, you need to get a life or something. This shit is just way too good!

Mr D
Wow, what scale👌, l struggle to build a 1:72 without breaking of a tail wheel or antenna 🤣.
Really nice n interesting subject 👍👍

Skyhiker
Where do you get your blueprints?

William Adair
@Michael Kohl, I made an album about the wheel back in January, showing the stages of construction. Spoked wheel test, 1/144 | Album by F_IV
@Skyhiker, Windsock Datafiles provide the best drawings. I also use the 3-view drawings from the Wingnut Wings kit for some areas.

Zbynek Honzik
A masterpiece is being created here!!! Scratchbuild at this scale and this quality! Unbelievable! Bravo! 👏👏👏

bughunter
Great progress 👍
I have a kit in 1:48, but your build looks much better and has more details!

William Adair
Thank you, it's slowly coming along. Adding more details now that the main components are painted. It's always my favourite part of a build. 🙂

Mr D
Great " Little" project this one, brilliant work 👍👍

Ludvík Kružík
That's beyond me. How can you make such perfect little things in this mini scale? You have my great admiration. 👍

Alec K
Same here! Paint looks superb 👍

Łukasz Gliński
Can't agree more w/Ludvik, my Eyeballs Mk.I woudln't allow that. What Mark are you using? 😉

William Adair
Lol, my eyesight is rubbish these days. I'm using +6 reader glasses from ebay to compensate 😉
Added a picture of the new seatbelts, made from .1mm wire and painted cigarette paper. 👍🏿

Alec K
Wow, those seatbelts! My copy of your book is finally shipping, can't wait. And I empathize with your eyesight woes: i am +3 on glasses plus +2 on optivisor 😢

Bruce Huxtable
Beyond astonishing! If ever I need a Brain Surgeon....

William Adair
Added the surface texture to the cowling using a sharp Pearl-grey pencil and an aqueous satin clear coat to seal it 👍

Roland Sachsenhofer
Boah! This is the best thing I've seen so far - thank you for this pleasure! I will definitely follow it.

Michael Kohl
Surface textures as this are rarly seen done convincingly. Yours is an excellent one.

Robert Podkoński
You're a wizard, William... this is all far beyond my sight abilities, not only my skills...

Ludvík Kružík
Phenomenal project! What you are doing here in this mini scale is amazing. 👍 You don't see this kind of detail work too often even on larger models.
I suppose giving fleas horseshoes isn't a challenge for you. 😉

Alec K
Excellent progress. I have finally received, and am about halfway through reading, William's excellent book. To those interested in how he does what you see in this album, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I am certainly planning to incorporate many of his techniques into my own scratchbuilt projects. How he does what he does in 1:144 scale is still a mystery to me (although the book supplies hints 😉), but they are applicable across any scale really. Well done!

fonthill.media/en-us..H8pwXYRicTk5zfkw0RWx

Ben M
Good to see this one come up again. The "giraffe" finish on the metal nose is perfect.

Spanjaard
Here you have the link, without tracking part.... fonthill.media/colle..roducts/ww1-in-scale

Christian Bruer
This is such an amazing work. I much admire you skills doing such a crips and fine work in scale onefourfour 👍

William Adair
Thanks guys for the very kind words. It's been a huge challenge but it is slowly getting there!
@Alec, I'm so happy that you are enjoying the book. I just got my copy the other day too 🙂

Mr D
The scalpel blade really shows the scale, be no good for my chunky hands, l stick to 144 to my small scale 🤣🤣
Good quality for it's size., No reason to run out of room Building at this scale 👌😁👍

Greg Baker
I always blink twice when I see William's builds... tiny little beauties! As a 1/144 scale fan, they warm my heart.

Zbynek Honzik
I just keep looking fascinated at the next procedure and say BRAVO! 👏👏👏
This defies the normal laws of physics...

Matthew A
My copy of your book just arrived. Wow! One question - where do you get your two foot long matchsticks from? 😋

William Adair
Lol, right across the road from Giant Coin World 😛
Hoping to be ready to start the rigging in a few more weeks (if all goes well). Added a new header pic, showing where it started, versus where it is now .

Erik Off
Speechless.
How do you hold/fix such tiny parts to work on them?
Wow, just wow. Oo

Michael Kohl
Truly amazing.

William Adair
Hi Erik, cheers! Sometimes I just use a tiny dab of water to hold parts while I am test fitting them or getting ready to glue. The capillary action holds the parts while I'm swapping hands from tweezers to glue. Since I started doing that, I've spent 75% less time on the floor looking for lost parts. Other times I make a simple holding jig from scrap plastic to align parts. It saves a ton of time and frustration.

Mike Szwarc
Amazing tiny work! Beautiful!!

Alexander Grivonev
Work of art

Pepe
😳😳😳😳

Bruce Huxtable
Pure jewelry 😍

Mr D
Been an inspiration and learning experience watching.
I like the odd 1:144 but this is next level X2 🤣
Great well done 👍👍

Rui S
Excellent 👍

Spanjaard
breathtaking, wow....

Bernhard Schrock
No longer „just model making" but model building art! Chapeau!

Shar Dipree
Great! 👍

Mr D
It's very cleaver build, you would make a good watch maker 🤣
Can't believe how small, lm working on a 1:144 and this would fit on the wing 😲🤣
Brilliant 😁👍

William Adair
Hey thanks! Looking forward to getting it finished. Added some more details to the engine. Working on the spoked wheels now.

LucLuke B
Splendid work.

William Adair
Made a set of spoked wheels in 1/144. Might split some atoms later, IDK...

Alexander Grivonev
You sir are a freking madman. This level of detail at this scale....insane👍 How the hell did you make those spokes?

Alexander Grivonev
Okay, found the how to do album. Madness...

Rui S
Yap. Unbelievable 👍

U1 PLAMO
This is truly a wonderful piece of work! I'm happy to see the works I liked on X here!

Robert Podkoński
I am speechless...

Roland Sachsenhofer
Just am able to say: as well-speechless.....!!

Mr D
😮😯😲 Outstanding 👍

Neuling
I can only say: speechless too!

bughunter
William, I remember our discussion after my spoked wheels on the Aviatik - I'm glad that you worked out finally a way to do this in 1:144! As I said years ago, if someone can do this in this little scale than it's you! 😉

Skyhiker
I think I can speak for all of us... We are amazed.

Alec K
Let's talk about the diameter of that spoked little wonder… 👍

Alex K
👀

Alec K
Great to see you posting here! Following 👍

Ben M
👀

Michael Kohl
How did it go together?

David Henyk
Michael: pretty well. It has few parts only. I have experience with many of their kits and this one is in their standard.

Michael Kohl
Fine to hear. I built a Whitney Miles from them. Looks like the Standard is high throughout their range.

Moreno Baruffini
👀

Robert Podkoński
A little late, but joining the party!

Robert Podkoński
I am not a specialist, but for me she looks like one of TinTin's planes. (and I have just ordered one 😉 )

David Henyk
Robert: Indeed, I had the same thought 🙂 I'm not a big fan of Civil machines, more into military stuff, but everytime SBS releases something like this, I can not resist.

Robert Podkoński
I cannot resist purchasing the SBS models too...

Skyhiker
👀

David Henyk
Additional info you will find on our blog 72insight.com/en/farman-f-231-1-72-sbs-model/

Rui S
Excellent work & great photos too 👍

Ondrej Skarka
Perfektní Davide, jako vždy!

bughunter
Wonderfully done 👍

Robert Podkoński
Beautiful! And fantastic photos too!

Alec K
Agreed, excellent work.

Moreno Baruffini
Really excellent!

Nicolas
Great result. 👍

Michael Kohl
Beautiful color, beautiful details, beautiful build.

Marko
congratulations on the great result. Superbly built model of a beautiful aircraft from the golden era of civil aviation.👍

Ctirad B
Very nice plane and beautifully built. Cool

Clement
This is a really lovely result, congratulations!

Alex K
All above praises are well deserved... congratulations 👍

Spanjaard
fantastic job

Alex K
I like this very much 👍

Spanjaard
maybe you could be a bit more specific 😉

Trez
You mean pass on my research? Radio op seat facing the wrong way - no where to put legs - it's stupid
The ammo boxes are the wrong type etc etc
Now you can go do your own investigation

Guido
Following 😃

Guido
Following 🙋🏼‍♂️

George Williams
Nicely done.

Rui S
A Beauty 👍

Guido
Looks great 👍🏻

Rui S
Excellent Paintjob 👍

Neuling
Good small scale builds!

Rui S
Nice collection 👍

Sven Doe
Realy nice project. Where did you got the printfiles? By yourself?

Ben M
👀

Przemyslaw Sroczynski
I've bought the tanks on ebay. Doesn't have 3d printer

Rui S
A new Brand for me...

Wim van der Luijt
good to see you got out of work mode! count me in for this project.....

Rui S
Hi My Friend, yes I'm out of it (unfortunately).
So Welcome aboard😉
I'm hopping to start this one now.

EnsignExpendabl
Yup, that definitely looks like a Mirage repack. Be careful, those track links can be really brittle.

Rui S
Hi EnsignExpendabl.
I know Mirage have a lot of T26 and Vickers models. I don't know if this are the same moulds.
Thank you for the Heads up.
Normally I use a new blade and a lot of careful for cutting those. I hope that they resist.

EnsignExpendabl
I have photos of a Mirage T-26 here, you can compare the sprues: earlesspierre.livejournal.com/27349.html

Rui S
Some sprues LIKE THE under hull and SIDES, FENDER, springs and road wheels, ETC seem the same, but other sprues look different

Bart Goesaert
Looks like a nice kit, and interesting to see it in Finnish colors. When looking for references I can recommend the movies Tali Ihantala and Talvisotta about the winter war

Rui S
Hello Bart.
Thank you for the advise. I will try to find those videos in the net.
I think its a nice kit a little bit of flash in some pieces, so some clean up to do.
I've been researching in my library and I see that I will have to do some alterations to the kits config.
The Plan is not to do it in finish colours but to depict what was the first part of the Winter war at the invasion (end of 1939).
And I thought the best way to interpreted that invasion is to do a destroyed/immobilized soviet tank because I don't have any figures to put with it.
I've upload some plates with the intended model. It will be the T26 - 1935.
So for example piece B2 will not be fitted because it existed only in later models.

Bart Goesaert
There 's a nice scene in which they stop a T-26 by putting a log between the track and the driving wheel... Maybe a bit of inspiration for the haphazard way of fighting in the beginning of that war in a war...

Rui S
Yap I've seen that seen in a History Chanel movie about that war. I've also a photo with a followed tree used as guerrilla warfare by the Fins. I'm posting it...

Rui S
Another image with a tactical interesting point...

Rui S
As usual, some more colour plates and external details.
I hope that you find them interesting😢
Next I will start the build😎

Rui S
First build progress and fit impressions😎
Bad engineered and lousy instructions 👎

Rui S
Some more progress in the lower hull😎

EnsignExpendabl
Wow, those gaps are enormous! I hope you are making a welded hull T-26 so you don't have to remake the rivets.

Markus Kutsch The Plastic Bench
Great work,Mate 👍

Bart Goesaert
splendid work... need to make work of my Maquette Zis-30... it's somewhere in the same league....

Rui S
Hello, mates,
Thank you for stopping by and for your nice comments. Much Appreciated 🙂

@ EnsignExpendabl, again thank you for Yes, the gaps are gigantic if you don't sand and cut a lot, but I've deal with it and many of the photos are still just dry fittings. I think I'm not going to do it entirely welded, as in reality some T-26 had mixed versions of welded and riveted parts.
I've now done the turret and I was positively surprised with the fit. I was expecting again huge gaps but it was ok with the roof top. Nevertheless not the same with the gun mount, that needed a lot of study and precision cutting and sanding in small but important areas to achieve the correct spacing. I will post some photos later.
I'm now sure that the lower hull in this kit was for a Polish 7TP and not for a Russian T26.
@ Markus, coming for such a talented modeller as you are your comment is very important to me. Thanks again🙂
@ Bart, Thank you a lot for your nice compliment.
I have some Maquette kits in stash and I just hope that they will be a lot better than this one, both in the instructions and in the provided plastic pieces. 🤔
I can hardly believe in what TOM Modellbau did in this kit, for me its a no winning situation, and I will think thoroughly before buying another kit from them. 👍
What you really need in this leagues is to have a lot of reference material and study the info with attention.

EnsignExpendabl
Yeah, RPM shares sprues between their Vickers family kits. I built a few Maquette kits and have a few in my stash, don't expect miracles. It was the only way to get a Valentine for under $70 for me, though, so I will grit my teeth and deal with it though.

Urban Gardini
Nice progress with this bad kit, following with interest!

Rui S
@ EnsignExpendabl, That's the way to deal with this kind of kits. "Grab the bull by the horns" hehehe 😄
I'm not expecting nothing major, but long sessions of enhancing bad plastic with Maquette kits.😉
That's one way to deal with this hobby, buy cheap and expect a lot of work. I like it. I think $70 for a RPM/Maquette Valentine is way to expensive I bought a MiniArt one much cheaper.
@ Hi Urban, I'm glad to see you aboard following with interest. Thank you Mate.
At the moment I'm struggling with turret detailing. Very interesting...😎
Later on, I will upload some more progress photos, I hope you find the time to see and comment.
Cheers

EnsignExpendabl
My local store had the MiniArt and Bronco for $70+ and the Maquette for $35, so I had to settle. Later I bought the Bronco anyway, but I think I was too inexperienced to handle it. I recently bought a Bronco Cruiser Mk.III on the cheap, so let's see if my skills are up for it now.

C Marques de Sá
Interesting. I had similar problems. The photo-etch parts are very nice, do they come with the kit?

Rui S
OK, as said I've uploaded some more photos. Mainly the work in the turret.
I still have to cut and glue the antenna holders and a little piece of PE under the gun.
Then glue the hull accessories and put some weight to it.
To finish I must tackle the tracks😉

Rui S
@ C Marques de Sá, Olá Mate. Sim o frete PE, vem com o kit como podes ver na foto 6.
No entanto as peças G8 (puxadores PE - foto 4) estão mal dimensionadas para o fim a que se destinam (acabei por utilizar as peças de plástico), por isso utilizei as de PE, para outros fins.😉

Rui S
Now, while the glue is drying, just some more detail work.
Next steps, more accessories and the tracks😎

Ingo F
Looks good Rui. 👍

Rui S
Thank you for your nice words, Mate. Much appreciated. 🙂
I'm "praying" not to have the same problems that you had with your Trumpeter tracks, on my tracks, and also that they can be cut without breaking (like the antenna holders). 🤔

Rui S
Ready for paint.
I closed it with some weight inside, tackled all the gaps, added some extra tools, the starter and chain - I had to make the hooks to fix it.
Also added some bullet chips on the turret and a penetration on the left side.
Still cleaning the 112 individual tracks links attached in 3 places to the sprues (it will take a while). Careful use of a new cutter blade here is mandatory😎

EnsignExpendabl
The turret looks a lot darker than in your previous photos, did you get a new one?

Rui S
Hi EnsignExpendabl,
Nop. it must be because of the contrasting white hull and light grey.
In the previous photos it was just the turret.

Bart Goesaert
how is this one coming along?

Rui S
Hello Bart,
Thank you for your interest. Very kind of you.
Currently I'm in Holidays in Sagres (Algarve) also gathering some nice natural stuff to bring back to Lisbon. and pick up my airbrush (finally). I have a lot of painting to do, in several unfinished projects. 🤔

Kerry COX
I just looked at the date this was posted and I must say, I missed a great build while you were happily putting it all together. As always. Great work mate. 👍

Rui S
Hi Mate,
Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated.
I've to pick my airbrush once for all... and finish this vignette and some other dios like the Marder II D one Marder II D_16 Inf Mot Div_Rasputitsa_Kalmykiya | Album by mig (1:35)

Kerry COX
The brand you have chosen is what.? I use an Iwata SP. Had it 5 years and the key to it being so good all the time is good but careful maintainance.

Rui S
My parents offered me a Badger 200 (single action) ages ago, and I've bought another Badger (2nd hand) 150 (double actin) not long ago, (I've just used it once or twice).
The 200 eats everything and spit it all hehehe without cleaning it all the time.
IMHO, It's a good airbrush but with a compressor without pressure regulator it limits a lot when you want to go soft.
I don't even know the pressure it is doing, but any way, with care you can make some thin lines also.
I've yet to study and practice with the (second hand) 150. I suspect that the Teflon ring or the needle point are wasted. But still have to confirm that 🙁

Rui S
Happy to say that I've finally put my Badger 150 to work.
Black "primer" done.😎

Wim van der Luijt
Hi Rui, is that 200 gravity fed or does it have a side cup? Looking for a simple unit to lay down primer coats.....my Harder & Steenbeck has a .20mm nozzle, better suited for fine work...need a workhorse too

Rui S
Hi Wim,
No Gravity feed. Both the 200 and the 150 have small bottle or cap that are fixed under, and both are reliable airbrush and easy to work with.

Rui S
I've done some Pré-shading using Tamiya XF-49.
I've never painted a 1/35 Russian tank, and I don't have any green acrylics to paint it, but I've a lot of Humbrol enamel greens.
I planed to use them as washes and filters to get a convincing Russian green. I hope I can achive it 🤔
First layer of Humbrol enamel (76 - Matt Uniform Green + a bit of synthetic diluent) layed...

Bart Goesaert
Looking good so far

Kim Branders
Paintjob 👍

Rui S
@ Bart, Kim, Thx for your support, much appreciated.
I'm going to add some more enamel green shades to it before I start detail painting and weathering.
I think the M76 is to bright??? So I will try next, a more darker greyish green??
I know I'm going to struggle with this, because when it gets to the oils application, the turpentine/white spirit will attack this green layers... 🤔
Anyway I'm hopping not to mess it to a point of no return...

Wim van der Luijt
seal the enamel with a acrylic gloss varnish and then apply oils....works for me...washes flow very smoothly on a gloss coat

Rui S
Hi Wim,
Yes you are right, Mate, That's what I intend to do, but I think I must go soft on the turpentine/white spirit, otherwise it also messes with the clear acrylic gloss.
It has happen to me before with the Elephant Outono / Autumn 1944 | Album by mig (1:35)
and the 1Ton Sd.Kfz.10/4 half-track Esci sdkfz 10/4. On Hold | Album by mig (1:35)
And I think in the latter I put a lot of it, to seal it conveniently, but...
Maybe the brand, is not the best for this kind of job?

Rui S
A splash & dash of a heavily thinned enamel Humbrol Matt 80 Grass Green applied.
followed by another one, but yes, this time a more darker greyish tone. Humbrol enamel Matt 114, applied.😎
I think it's ok now (the green it's not so vivid) to go back with a soft application of acrylic Tamiya XF-49, for high light again, and it will be ready for the clear seal coat of acrylic varnish, and starting weathering process, oils, etc.
At least, this is the plan hehehe 😄

C Marques de Sá
Que verniz acrilico utilizas? e como o utilizas? Onde arranjas humbrol 114? foi descontinuada, eu ainda tenho um pote antigo com um restinho mas nunca mais encontrei à venda. Aplicaste o enamel com aerografo? Obrigado

Rui S
Olá, C Marques de Sá.
Tenho usado um verniz brilhante da Winsor & Newton, com aérografo directamente do frasco, imediatamente antes de aplicar os decalques e os óleos para o envelhecimento.
Quanto à Humbrol tenho n guardadas algumas à milénios. A 114, não é mt antiga mas infelizmente não sei precisar onde a arranjei. Talvez no Clube do Colecionador perto do Zoo de Lisboa comprei lá muitas ,mas este também já fechou.
Normalmente vai tudo a aérografo, menos a pintura de alguns detalhes, a aplicação de óleos e pasteis e as técnicas de desgaste.

C Marques de Sá
Olá Rui S.,
Obrigado pela sua resposta. Desculpe ter disparado as perguntas, mas vernizes é uma das coisas que me traz alguma frustração. Eu tenho humbrol satin e gloss. Já consegui bons resultados mas também já tive verdadeiros desastres. Mais ou menos 50-50. O satin já apliquei com sucesso com aerografo uma ou duas vezes, mas das outras fica branco. O gloss só dá para brilho, e para verniz de brilho muitas vezes uso uma marca de produto de por no chão. Também tenho vallejo, mas ainda não usei muito. Parece um pouco melhor. Um dos problemas é aplicar com aerografo ou com pincel. Ambos os métodos têm desvantagens (para mim). Há muitos anos atrás experimentei vernizes para enamel da humbrol e da revell - não gostei de nenhum deles - não usei mais, tive péssimos resultados. Também tenho x-22 da tamiya, mas como li que não era propriamente um verniz tenho receio de utilizar, e além disso as tintas tamiya geralmente só funcionam bem com outras tintas tamiya e não misturam bem com outras. Vou experimentar Winsor & Newton quando tiver oportunidade. Recomenda? Qual o preço médio? Acho que a maior dificuldade é com vernizes mate. Humbrol 114 já foi descontinuada há mais de dez anos (assim como outras cores) e é uma pena porque não encontro na gama deles outra tinta igual (nem de nenhuma outra marca). Ás vezes usava para pintar tanques escala 1:72. É pena as lojas físicas fecharem porque não é a mesma coisa comprar na internet. Sou do Porto e não conheci esse Clube do colecionador. Embora geralmente use o aerografo, por vezes ainda gosto de voltar ao pincel, porque acho que tem mais controle.

Rui S
Olá C Marques de Sá,
Desde já não há por que pedir desculpa por fazer perguntas, o scalemates tb serve mesmo para isso.

Até hoje os únicos vernizes que me lembro ter utilizado foram: o enamel Matt da Humbrol e o referido acrílico gloss da Winsor & Newton. Posso recomendar ambos pois nunca tive o problema de esbranquiçarem e o Winsor & Newton nem é caro, custou-me 3,59€ (75ml) no corte ingles, mas há que o deixar secar bem, pois demora bastante mais que o excelente enamel Matt da Humbrol.

Qual é a marca do produto de por no chão que usa?
Tenho ainda enamal satin e gloss da Humbrol mas não me lembro se já os utilizei.
Há pouco tempo comprei o acrilico Matt quer da Winsor & Newton quer da Humbrol para testar, mas tb ainda não arrisquei usar. Só de olhar para a cor branca do da Winsor & Newton me faz recuar.

Quanto às tinta tamiya utilizo-as sempre em conjunto com as enamel da Humbrol sem problemas qd aplicadas a airbrush. Com pincel já a história é diferente. têm comportamentos destintos mediante a sequência da aplicação. Há que as deixar secar muito bem e mesmo assim...

A unica vantagem de comprar na internet é que normalmente conseguem-se melhores preços, sendo a oferta exponencial, há mais concorrência mas é preciso tempo para procurar ou esperar pelas melhores oportunidades.

Hoje em dia há aerografos que fazem linhas tão finas como um pincel. è preciso ter um bom aerografo com ponta fina e um regulador de pressão no compressor. Infelizmente não tenho nenhum dos dois 😄 mas estão muito mais baratos hoje do que antes.

C Marques de Sá
Moro no Brasil e o produto que uso chama-se brilho fácil. Deve haver similar da johnson ou outro aí em Portugal. É uma questão de procurar no supermercado. Na embalagem vai dizer cera (ou verniz) acrílica para chão, é isso que se quer. No fundo é quase o mesmo que o material para modelismo, apenas leva um componente extra para dar cheiro. Procure o que tenha composição mais simples e faça experiências. Uma garrafa grande custa o mesmo que uma garrafinha pequena de modelismo. O contra é que apenas vai encontrar verniz "gloss" brilhante, nunca satin ou matt. O brilho fácil é branco mas quando seca fica completamente transparente. Os ingleses e americanos usam produtos semelhantes chamados klear ou pledge (da johnson). Vou experimentar comprar o da winsor e newton quando for aí no natal. Já os vernizes satin e matt tanto os da humbrol como os da vallejo são esbranquiçados e se a aplicação for ligeiramente exagerada secam dando uma névoa (efeito horrível). A dificuldade do aerografo para mim não é o tamanho da linha, mas a pressão. O meu compressor é muito simples e não permite grande controlo, além do mais as condições climatéricas aqui tornam difícil obter a consistência correcta da tinta. E depois, como já disse a outro "mate" aqui, penso que algumas pessoas são mais artísticas que outras e têm mais naturalidade a manejar os instrumentos. A minha fase preferida é a construção. Neste momento estou a pintar dois a aerografo e um a pincel. Pincel é bom para enamel. Acho que hoje em dia há demasiado preconceito contra o pincel, a não ser que claro queiramos ser "profissionais" do modelismo, mas eu identifico-me mais com o rob basic modelling.
Já agora qual o melhor branco mate e qual o melhor branco gloss? Já experimentei tamiya, revell, humbrol, vallejo. Ainda não estou satisfeito...

Rui S
Olá C Marques de Sá,
Sim, por aqui há várias ceras acrilicas brilhantes de limpeza, mas nunca arrisquei utilizá-las. Axo porque têm todas um aspecto leitoso de várias cores, mt diferente da Future ou Pledge.
Os Winsor & Newton deverá encontrar por aí nas lojas de artigos para artistas e pintores.
Eu uso o branco matt enamel da humbrol e um acrilico de pintura tipo Robbialac ou Barbot normal das lojas de tintas que são bem mais baratos e com maior quantidade.

C Marques de Sá
Boa ideia robbialac... mas não danifica o plástico? Das ceras não se preocupe com a cor branca, veja se tem composiçao simples, depois experimente num pedaço de plástico transparente, ao secar o branco desaparece. A minha é branca e acontece isso, eu uso para dar brilho a canopies. Aqui não deve ter o winsor e se tiver é muito mais caro que em Portugal.

Holger Kranich
Hey Rui,

how the hell have i missed this superb build? Nice to see how much Patience and ellbow grease you invested. Even the kit does not seem to be bad! Hang in there, it will be a stunning model right from your bench!👍 😄

Rui S
@ C Marques de Sá, até hoje não tive problemas. Utilizei esmalte da Gama Advance 100% acrílicos, numa embalagem de 250ml.

@ Hi Holger. hehehe,😄
Thank you for stopping by, nice comment and support.
I've done a little more on it: some detail painting and a bit of dry brushing.
I will post some more photos later on.😉

Rui S
@ C Marques de Sá, Viva.

Verifiquei agora que no " OLX ", estão à venda várias latas Humbrol já descontinuadas, incluíndo a Humbrol 114.

Julgo mesmo, tratar-se do propriétario do ex Clube do Colecionador. Se está mesmo interessado em adquirir essa tinta será concerteza possivel encomendar.

Deixo o Link:

olx.pt/anuncio/tinta..DOka.html#5a28045059

C Marques de Sá
Olá Rui! Obrigado pelo link!

Rui S
👍

potez452
Fine paint job on your T26 ! I like how rich are the shades of green.

Michel Wingard
Nice looking forword to more.

David Thor
Excellent build and paintjob so far. And an excellent documentation of your project! Keep it up! 🙂

Rui S
Hello Michel and David,
Thank you for your nice comments, much appreciated.
I had to stop this project, when my Badger compressor started a rattling, horrible sound.
I had to buy a new one and lost the mojo, but I'm starting to recover it, and your messages sure helps.
So, thanks a lot again, mates.

Rui S
Finally I've restarted this one. Some progress in the base😉

Kim Branders
In for the finnish 🙂

Urban Gardini
Getting better and better mate!

Rui S
@ Kim, I hope so hehehe. Well come back, Mate. 🙂
@ Urban, Thank you for your encouraging words, Mate.
Much appreciated.

Rui S
Handling the single (n link 😛 )tracks.

Ingo F
Cleaning and assembling the single track links is the best work around. 😄
Keep fighting mate. 🙂

Dietmar Bogatzki
great Job again, Rui and the B/W Photo perfect 🙂

Rui S
@Ingo, thx for your support. That work it's so good that made me defenitly decide that the next kit Will be for sure with wheels or even a plane 😄
@ Dietmar, Thank you, I apreciate. I'm glad you like it, but there is still a lot of work to do on the tank and figure/s?. The black and white photo was an inspiration. I like it very much and I think it was taken at night with flash???🤔 IMHO it has a great definition for that time.

Rui S
After tackle 2x112 track links (puff ... 😠 ), This is now about, the all important adaptation to the terrain.

Archibaldd Haddock
Just...love it! 😄

Rui S
Thx a Lot My friend, Ainda falta muita coisa (e tenho de ganhar coragem para o cobrir com alguma neve). Mas o mais importante é que está a evoluir.
Tudo bem? Mantém-te em segurança😉

gorby
Fantastic work so far, on what looks like a really awkward kit.

Rui S
Thank you for your kind comment, gorbygould. Yes, this is some kind of reboxing with lousy instructions and some updates???
But the smal PE fret, alternative road wheels and individual track links where a very nice surprise😉

Kerry COX
I will be keeping an eye on your efforts here Rui. 😉
No doubt, you will make a silk purse out of a pig's ear mate. 😉

Ben M
Amazing work with a challenging kit. I agree the prototype pic is really cool

Rui S
@Kezza, thx for your encouraging words.(Nice expression, btw. I'm always learning) I'm Counting on you for some honest opinions, so please use your magnifying lens 😄
Ben, thx a lot for your Nice comments. I'm really glad you like what you see. Much appreciated.

Archibaldd Haddock
Concordo com a opinião de muitos, a tua evolução é fantástica! Que bom poder acompanhar-te neste nosso mui amado hobby. Cheers mate
Hope to see you soon

Rui S
Mate, obrigado por partilhares a tua opinião. Faz-se os possíveis e a experiencia vai ajudando 🙂
Espero que quando o caçula crescer, tenhas tempo para partilhar aqui alguns trabalhos😉
Esperemos que esta trampa de virus desapareça o mais depressa possível, para conheceres a cave.
Abraço

Archibaldd Haddock
Bem sobre o caçula crescer... outro vêm a caminho! 😄 Vou ter que arranjar tempo para tudo. Anseio por essa visita! 😄
Abraço mate
Fica bem

Rui S
Hehehe grande notícia, Mate. Família a crescer. Parabéns e Felicidades, aquele abraço 👍

Archibaldd Haddock
😄

Ben M
Hi Rui, I like the subtle streaking you did on the surface of the tank. How did you accomplish this?

gorby
That's a fantastic result!

Tim Heimer
Looking good as usual!

Rui S
Thank you mates, realy glad you like and comment it.
@Spanjaard, I sure hope so 😄
@ gorbygould, I apreciate your kind words. But I'm not done yet😎
@Tim, well I'm always trying to improve with new experiences 🙂

Tim Heimer
Rui, that's how we get better! Keep up the good work and keep on trying mate!

Pawel W
How do you make snow like this?

Rui S
@Ben M, Sorry for missing a reply on your comment. I apologise. Thank you for your kind words. I achieve the streaking with well diluted acrylic Paint. I Will upload some photos of the brand I used ASP.
@Tim,, thx again mate. I Will do my best, as usual.
@Pawel, I use sodium bicarbonate and two other specific produts. I Will post some photos ASP.
@ To others mates that liked the work, but I can't see who the are, I Thank you all.

Rui S
@ Ben and Pawel, as refered, I've uploaded the materials images.

Ben M
Thank you Rui! Your tank in the snow is great. You just thin your acrylics to a wash and paint streaks with a brush? The weathering work you did is so good.

Rui S
Thank you Ben. Yes, I heavly dilute it with water (wash/filter) and aplied over the Humbrol enamel green with a fine brush with a small amount of paint for each stroke.
The problem I encounter was, once you aplied it, you have very litle time or almost none to correct anything. (If you apply water to soon, you take all the paint away if you take to long, you can't correct it).
This time I didn't use gloss varnish because for the first time I didn't apply any decals and also no oils.
I'm very glad you like it. Thx.

Ben M
Yes I normally weather with oil washes as you have a lot longer to work with them. When I've done acrylic panel line washes for instance over enamel paint I have observed that it is very hard to make a correction

Rui S
Yap, that's it. But this time I wanted to try something diferent. The last time I used my oils dots, it didn't work as usual, so acrilics it was 😄 and I was quite happy with the result, that I think I've over done it in some spots. But as they say, I can live with it 😉

Ben M
What I liked about it was that it was pretty subtle and realistic, not overdone at all!

Rui S
Well I think on the turret I could have stoped earlier, but it you like it, thx mate I'm happy.
I've also noted that the original tank has a Shine that I could'nt replicate. Normaly I like my tanks completly matte, but in this case... I don't know.

Dietmar Bogatzki
Nice work again, Rui ang good to see on the Photos how you build up the Dio 👍

Alexander Grivonev
Amazing project👍

Could you maybe go a little into detail how you combine the three products to make the snow? Looks very realistic!

Asking for a friend....😛

gorby
That looks amazing Rui - the snow looks very natural.
I wonder if the gloss shine in the original photo is from a flash when they took the photo?

Rui S
@ Dietmar, Thank you very much. I'm glad you like it Mate. for this build I had lot's of time and I wanted to share all the info & details about the kit.

@ Alexander, Your work is Exceptional, so I'm very flattered that you find this work worthy of those nice comments.
As to the snow aplication: The 2 specific snow products are water based and the bicarbonate can be mixed with white wood glue directly from the container or diluted.
However, I only mixed the materials during their application.
I spread white glue and baking soda by brush in certain areas where the snow is thicker. Where I wanted little accumulation I applied the white glue very diluted with a sprinkler / sparger and sprinkled the bicarbonate with a small bottle with a thin cone cap.
In other areas I applied by brush, the foam snow (it is a very thick paint, but easy to spread).
The kristall schnee paste, is a paste that I applied with a brush (not easy to spread convincingly), and that has a lot of very bright "dots". (if you do not add water it dry's white and shiny, but if you put water on top with a brush, it will have a more milky and dull finish).
Before it dries in places, I wet and sprinkle it again with baking soda to hide the excess of sparkles.
I hope I managed to explain in an understandable way.

@ gorbygould, Thank you for your supporting words Mate, much apreciated as you know. Yes, it might shine more because of the flash but my black and white photo was also taken with flash on my phone😉 😄

I also want to thank two new mattes that liked the album, but I can't find out who did it 👍

Time to start the figure😉

Alexander Grivonev
Thx a lot Rui, going to do a few test runs I guess to get the result I want

Rui S
Np. Glad that I could help... your friend?😄
I'm sure you will achieve the result you are looking for.

Jean-Michel Tilquin
I really like the atmosphere here, so dark and cold...

Alexander Grivonev
What I worry about using Sodium Bicarbonate is that it is prone to discoloration over the years and even attracting bugs! You want to have a lively diorama I suppose but not like that, lol. Heared and read that many times, even if you google it it comes up.

Rui S
Thank you very much Jean-Michel, I'm glad you like it. Apreciated.
I am sure that the Finnish figure, will be prepared for that temperature 😄😉

Rui S
@ Alexander, sorry for the late reply.
Yap, I've also heard that it can turn "yellowish"? That's why I bought one that says "Purissimo" (very pure), so I'm hoping that with the diluted white glue and that, may keep both problems away.😉
In my first base for the dio "My very first - project", I've used peper to simulate sand and in my dio "9 SS Panzerdivision" and again in the dio "Outono / Autumn 1944" I've used coffe grounds, without any problems to this day (except the respective smell that took some time to disappear 😄) so, I'm hopeful that this one will be ok too. 😄
But hey, thx for the heads up 👍

John Smith
Beautiful, beautiful work! A labor of love, to be sure. Anyone who can model snow convincingly as you have has my respect. Thanks for sharing your techniques with us.

Archibaldd Haddock
Top...! 😄

Rui S
@ John, those are very kind words, Thank you very much, and yes I always enjoy the modelling work. I Guess this time I was more lucky with the Snow. My first atempt in the panther dio wasn't so good.
@ Mate, obrigado, agora falta o figurino e mais um ou outro detalhe.

Ingo F
Turned out really great! 👍

James C
That's awesome and the snow looks very convincing 👍

Tini Hendriks
In real I hate snow. I love yours! Great job!

Jim J
Nice effect with the snow on the tank. Well done!

Archibaldd Haddock
Thank you mate, for share your talent! Love it 😄

Rui S
Thank you very much for your kind comments mates, I apreciate them.
@Ingo, not finished yet, I planing to start the figures and some more details this weekend.
@ James, I'm glad you like it, as you know I like your great work and collection too.
@ Tini, Well, In Portugal we seldom see snow, so I also like it real 😉 and I'm more glad that you like this imitation.
@ Jim, I was lucky this time 😉
@ Paulo, My pleasure Mate.

Rui S
My first ICM kit ever. Nice mould, very very thin seam lines almost nonexistent, nice fit. The plastic is for the soft side, like Italeri.

Bob Hall
Oh Look ! It's Aimo Koivvnen with out his head ! LOL ! Love the subject, a commonly forgotten bit of history !

Rui S
😄😄😄, Thank You Bob. I apreciate your ironic and true coment and I'm glad you like the subject.
It's the first time I'm using this technique to paint a face. Many medelers use it, so this time I'm going to try it.😎

Stefan Schacht
very nice so far, count me in

Rui S
Thank you Stefan. Welcome aboard.

Bart Goesaert
Very nice work so far.. a well fought kit to assemble, but looks like you've beat it into submission. Kuddo's for that

Rui S
Thnak you for your nice comment Bart, I apreciate it. Yap, not the best quality kit, but I've done my best to get a decent finish, and I'm happy.
Now I'm doing some work, in the final details of the dio.

Bart Goesaert
Simo Häyhä? the figure? What primer did you use?

Rui S
Could be Bart, but I've too find a scope to put in his rifle 😉
I don't use real primer, I use the paint in the photo 129. It was a bit pasty so unadvisedly I throw isopropanol alchool in it. Dumb 🙁
I'm also worried with the figure. I've to see how I'm going to solve this issue.

Urban Gardini
The figure is way too big for Simo as he was quite short. But if you want it to be Simo you won't need a scope for his rifle as Simo only used iron sights.

Rui S
Thx, Urban, ofcourse you are right.

Ben M
m91/30 scopes are dirt simple - you just need a bit of tubing, Rui: m9130.info/pu-sniper-scopes

Rui S
Thx Ben, but not doing it, this time. 🤔

Bart Goesaert
What is the problem with the figure?

Rui S
Not sure yet, but I've airbrush it with the some paint mixture, so it may be like the Maxim? 🤔

Rui S
FINALY DONE.
I'VE UPLOADED THE FINAL DIO PHOTOS IN COLOR; CLOSE-UPS AND B/W.
HOPE YOU ENJOY THEM, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPORT 🙂

Rui S
Thank you for your words, Spanjaard. As you said in your previous comment "lots of work, but it will pay off at the end", you where right, I guess, at least I'm quite happy with the outcome.

Ben M
The diorama is great - the skier came out great also

Rui S
Thank you very much Ben, glad you like it. The problem with the "primer"/base paint I used, shows more on the figure than in the maxim, Machine gun, but I can live with it. Lesson learned, I hope.
Time to think about the next One.

James C
The snow effects look fantastic, very nicely done Rui 👍

Kerry COX
If your not hunted down by some war museum in Europe to replicate the history of these wars for the world to see, then shame on them, as you truly are the master of your 'hobby'. 👍
Sorry I failed to comment earlier Rui, but wow!. Just stunning from all angles. 🙂 🙂

Peppy
Makes my teeth chatter with the cold.
Rui, very excellent work. I've thumbed through this album a couple times. A new favorite.

Neuling
Darkness falls in Northern winters ......were it not for the white snow shining in the twilight. The photos reflect this atmosphere in a perfect way. Great little diorama! 👍

Rui S
woh, I'm radiant Mates.

Opening scalemates in expectation of matte analysis and receiving sympathetic comments is always good, but receiving them from masters and experts in this hobby, feels even better.

Your comments make up for all the work and effort put into this kit and small diorama.

Thank you all. I already won my day.

@ James, Thank you, one day you will try a dio ok? You should Mate. The litle ones don't need much space 😉

@ Kezza, As always, your kind comments melt me. You no I'm ages / centuries, from your skils and yet, you always succeed in using the nicest words. Thank you YODA 😄

@ Dave, Well that realy is a great comment. In this case I can say that I'm glad you feel like that 😉 It's a loonnngggg álbum I'm very happy to know that you managed to go through it in full. You've gain my respect too 😄

and last but sure not the least:

@ Neuling, The dio master that always surprises us with your excelente Dioramas is here and again with wise words. Thank you again. Yes Mate, the real Photo 2, that triggered this dio, was taken at night and I am pretty sure that much of the Winter War was practiced in the dead of night. This time, I also like the scenery photos.

Urban Gardini
Looking great mate but you forgot a small detail, the top part of the rifle sling over the shoulder.

David Taylor
Exellent

Lenny V
That's an awesome build! Congrats on finishing it Rui, it looks stunning!

Rui S
Thank you for your comments David and Lenny. I apreciate it and I'm really glad you like it.
@ Urban, Thank you. But no, I didn't forget it. The top part of the sling that you mention is over the backpack betwen it and the back of the figure. It cames Over the left shoulder looking from the back and ends up in the rifle. You can have a glance of it in photo 226; 227 or 230 🙂

Mathieu
Dare I say with a bit of shame I'm catching up late on this one. But after having enjoyed the 255 pictures I am happy to have found it at last.
I really liked your toothpick system to get the tracks looking so right.
The snowy environment made me feel cold watching them. That's terrific.
Winter war is not my area but I'd like to dig a bit more into it. Thanks for that.
With much respect.
Mathieu

Rui S
Hi Mathieu, Thank you for your interest and stamina to scroll all this long album. I Respect that and your kind words.
If you felt cold, I've achieved the goal 😉
Winter war is a very interesting period, and you will find some diferent planes to replicate with your excellent skills 😄

Jean-Michel Tilquin
Patience and application pay off, it seems! Nice work again Rui!

David Taylor
Black and white shots looks like you photo shopped real pics.

Robin (WhiteGlint)
That's some great diorama, Rui.
Love the small details and the snow 👍.

Rui S
Thank you very much for your kind words mates. I'm really pleased that you like and comment my work.
@ Jean-Michel, judging by your excellent dios, I'm sure your wise words are aplied in their execution 🙂
@ David, you can't imagine how I would like that your words were true. I would LOOVVVEEEE to know how to work with Photoshop, but unfortunatly I don't 🙁
@ WhiteGlint, the details take their time, but I think they are always important in a dio. You can alaways had some more interest with them 😉

Vytautas
Everything looks very realistic. Really super job!

Rui S
Thank you very much for your kind comment, Vytautas.
Very much apreciated, as you know how much I Respect your skill and work.

Phil M
superb

Rui S
Thank you for your comment Phil, much apreciated.

Sebastian Spluszka
Inspiring work, very nice!!

Nelson Paulo
Awsome!

Simon Nagorsnik
looks cold 🥶 but good😁

Rui S
Thank you very much for stopping by and for the kind comments, mates. Apreciated a lot.
@ Simon, the Fin soldier has an almost white face, so it must be under 0° 😉

Olivier
It came out very nice.

Rui S
Thank you Olivier, glad you comment and like it. Apreciated.

Viacheslav
realistic, super)

Rui S
Thank you Viacheslav, coming from such a talented modeler as you are, its a great praise.

Markus Yliaho
Very nice dio of the David vs Goliath war. The dio also speaks to me on a personal note since my granfather served on the finnish frontline. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Guy Rump
Great dio and modelling, very realistic 👍

Dominik Weitzer
Amazing. Excellent!

John Thomas
Man that look's cold

Andrew dyson
Very nice winter effects. It looks cold. Great job

Rui S
Thank you Very much, mates and Sorry for the late reply.
@Markus, Yap, a lesson to us all. I'm really glad to read your comment, it makes me fell happy, Thank you.
@Guy, I'm glad you like this One.
@Dominik, you are to kind mate.
@John, just like the season, yes? 😄
@Andrew, I always thought about a winter Dio, so I had to do it and I hope to do some more 😉 always trying and learning.

MS K
Very impressive snowy scene.
When I used the snow effect, it turned yellow after a few days of time.

Rui S
Thank you MS K, I'm glad you like it, stoped by and comment this one.
Mine is in the living room in a IKEA shelf and stay's pure white until now.
P.S. I explain above in this thread, what i've used to do it.
I also want to thank all the mates that liked this one. Much Apreciated, thank you all.

Richard Cheals
Definitely a masterpiece, Rui 👏👏

Also, plenty of good tips for my future dios!! 👍

Michael Kohl
Seen it the first time. Great dio in every aspect.

Rui S
Thank you my friends, your comments are sincerally apreciated.
@Richard, I'm glad you like it that much and that you can also see some use in my álbum. I'm always glad to share what I manage to do.
@Michael, Nice of you to stop by. There are so many great álbuns in scalemates newsfeed, that it's easy to miss some that we like. It also happens too me.

Finn
Excellent, a gem!

Holger Kranich
Hey Rui, outstanding as always!

Bruce Huxtable
Here, here! Calm after the storm... Superb in all respects, and inspiring too 🙂👍

Rui S
@ Finn, thank you for your comment, I'm very glad you like my David against golias.
@ Holger, I mate, long time no see. Hope your Ok. Thanks for your kind comment and for stoping by.
@ Bruce, your right mate. And storm is back, unfortunately. Thank you for your kind comment. Apreciated.

Phil M
look like real, superb photo

Rui S
Thank you a lot Phil, for stopping by and comment, apreciated.
Unfortunately I don't know how to work with Photoshop so I found an alternative way with a big monitor with selected images on the background 😉
Also thank you all mates for the new likes.

Kerry COX
I am waiting for the snow to melt. 🙂

Rui S
Hehehe. Hi my friend, hope everything is ok with you.
Well unfortunately, with the global warming, even there everything will melt sooner or later 🙁

Rui S
Thank you Tom Harris (MHBeergeek) for the 124 like in my album
Much Apreciated

René K
omg how beautiful is that! stunning skills!

Dominik Weitzer
wow, that is awesome! Great Dio!

John Thomas
Very nice work

Scott Dutton
Great work, you've got plenty of snow on the vehicle but it isn't hidden. Abundance with moderation, well done

Kyle DeHart
What an awesome soo. Very cool

Rui S
@ R K, Thank you for your kind comment and like. Apreciated.
@ Dominik, Thanks for stoping by and for the nice comment. Yap, I liked a lot doing it 😉
@John, Thank you, I'm glad you like it.
@ Scott, comming from a master, I realy apreciate you stoping by and comment. Thank´s a lot for your comment.
@ Kyle, Thank you for your words. Apreciated.
And also thx for all the new likes. I wish you Mates, a Great & Happy New Year 👍

Kerry COX
Happy new year big fella. ! 😉

Rui S
Thx Kezza, Happy 2023, to you and all my mates 👍

Mathias Decommere
Lovely project about a forgotten part of the WW2 conflict. Very well executed and nice atmosphere creation. Congratulations!
Hope you'll like my version when I finnish my project on this subject.

Rui S
@ Mathias Sorry for the late reply and thank you for your kind comment.
I'm following your album with great curiosity and see the great progress your getting.

Mr James
Amazing job with the snow effect, Its beautifully done. I'm going to use a winter dio for my Tiger I'm building. I have bought the precision ice and snow kit. I hope it looks have as a good as this.

Mathias Decommere
No problem Rui, thank you for your curiosity, I must admit I'm using your work as inspiration 😉. Thinking also to put a log between the wheels after seeiing the movie I mentioned in my album and your diorama.

Rui S
Hi Mr James, Thank you for your kind comment. I'm glad you like this one and I'm sure that with what I see from your albums and talent, you will make a better work than this.

@ Mathias, yah those brave Fins would do everything to stop the clay-footed giant 😉, a bit like the brave Ukrainians today.

Dominik Weitzer
Like it a lot! the winter in your black&white photography looks real. thats great!

Rui S
Thank you very much for stopping by and comment this one Dominik. I'm really glad you like it, but I hope you noticed that one Black & white photo it's the reall deal that inspired this work 😄

Mathias Decommere
Haha I didn't 😁

Rui S
Naahhh you did. 😎 🤔

Thomas E.
Indeed very inspiring: the snow, the vegetation, the cold ... winter war! Very finnish 👍👍👍

Doubtingmango
Great work Rui! That is not an easy kit

J35J
Great work and dio! Congrats 👍🏻

Randy Kriegel
Beautiful work

Rui S
Sorry for the late reply mates, but as I have been away from the hobby, I preferred not to respond right away and wait until I returned.
@Thomas E. Thank you very much for yourkind comment. I'm really glad you find it inspiring. Makes me proud.
@ Doubtingmango, Thank you Mate, Apreciated and yes, it was and oldie all warped but as I like the T-26, it ended up being a pleasure to build it and learn a bit more.
@J35J Thank you, for Comment, i'm glad you like this one.
@ Randy, Thank you for stoping bye and comment, the feedback is really Apreciated.

MS K
The snow looks so real it must be cold.👍
I used Tamiya texture effects before but when it dried it turned ivory so I ended up having to paint it white and then put pearl on top. Does powder not change color?

Rui S
Hi MS K, thank you for your kind comment. Much appreciated.
I'm happy to say that the products I used, after almost 3 years, are still completely white.

Lebloge
Great work on the snow... 😲 and everything else obviously 😬

Andy
love it! I can feel the cold winter too 😄

Rui S
@ Lebloge, Thank you for stoping by and comment. Makes me very happy. The snow was made with the materials shown in photo 184 (@ MS K).
@ Andy. Thank you very much Mate. I´m glad you comment it & like this one. Appreciated.
Also, I take the opportunity for a big Thx to All mates for the new Likes.

Alec K
Good to see this one pop up! Very atmospheric, as usual 👍

Rui S
Thank you a lot for your words. Alec K. I'm glad you comment this one. Apreciated.

Juergen Klinglhuber
Good to see that older builds submerge from time to time. Well done dio!! 👍

Rui S
Thank you Juergen, I'm glad you think so and that you like this one.

Mr D
Very nice.... Definitely looks cold n wintery 👌👍 great job.

Rui S
Thank you for your kind comment Mr D. Very apreciated. I'm really glad you enjoy this one too. It felt great making it and the building log too.

Aleksander Kopec
Winter scenes are my favorite! There's something incredibly mesmerizing about them, and you've captured everything perfectly in this diorama.

Rui S
Thank you very much for your nice comment. Apreciated a lot.
Yap, I also like snow scenes, but again, I also like desert scenes 🙂

Kerry COX
I have looked and looked for your build in all the recent comp videos on Etube, as I imagine you have attended one or two of them. ! GOLD. !!!

Urban Gardini
And here's me, living in northern Sweden at the latitude 64 (Yes the discgolf discs with the same name is made here in town). I'm more or less buried in snow at the moment, I hate showeling it, I hate the cold as my injured body aches more during autumn/winter. Well in short, I know it all about winter and my favourite modelling subjects is as far as possible from my life situation as I prefer desert subjects when I build...

Spanjaard
looking like a promising start. what is your opinion about the quality of the aftermarket? looks good, I was thinking on getting some from them

Przemyslaw Sroczynski
They are great
Exellent fitting, amazing details
Highly recomended

Spanjaard
thanks!

Maciej Bellos
Following!

Ricardo Reis
Welcome Maciej.

Nathan Dempsey
Following 👀

Ricardo Reis
Welcome Nathan

Maciej Bellos
Ricardo, imagine this same grainy surface on the 72nd edition of this kit. I took a closeup of the wing and it looked, well, hideous!!!

Ricardo Reis
Yes... and the fit is also not... perfect... 🙂

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Coming along nicely. 👀

Ricardo Reis
Yes, the plane is very nice, although I got some nasty gaps on the fuselage joint on some point - not sure if it's the kit or if it was me...

Jos Jansen
Iam in Ricardo...promising start!

Robin (WhiteGlint)
I think it is the kit. I built the 1:72 scale version from Zvezda and faced pretty much the problems you did.

Ricardo Reis
Thanks mates; @WhiteGlint, thank you for you feedback - always comforting to know it probably wasn't my bad modeling that caused the bad alignment! 🙂

Maciej Bellos
It's the kit... As WhiteGlint, I am working on the 72nd kit, whose basic engineering was used in 48th scale kit and I see the same problems. My intakes look hideous so I will just finish it without much of a fuss.

Ricardo Reis
Yes, a lot of Perfect Plastic Putty to remedy this; the fuselage (front to wings comparison) is also a little crooked, but only I can see it! 🙂

Ricardo Reis
Progressing now with the painting, slowly

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Super clean paintjob!

Ricardo Reis
Thank you @WhiteGlint - the dirty part will come after, with some restrained weathering made with oils

Gidge
Nice! I've been inveterate in this kit for a while. How is it to work on?

Ricardo Reis
Thanks. It has some fitting problems between upper and lower halves; apart from that, it's ok, although not very accurate: a lot of missing panels and venting grid due to over-simplification; for example, the grids below the intakes are decals!

Ricardo Reis
Decalling complete, now moving to panel line pin washes...

Ricardo Reis
This on is complete; final photos of the model in this album -> Su-57 "The President" | Album by RReis (1:48)

Spanjaard
quite a tutorial in masking. amazing job. she looks gorgeous!

Ricardo Reis
Thank you @Spanjaard

Samko222954
what color did you use on the nose of the plane? @Ricardo Reis

Ricardo Reis
Hello @Samko222954, I'm sorry but I can't remember, probably one FS paint that looked ok to me (I never mix paints).

Samko222954
and you wouldn't be able to see which one it is?

Ricardo Reis
Sorry, I have no idea and I no longer have the model with me - offered it to a friend.

Cristian A
Very nice work, congrats

Ricardo Reis
Thank you Cristian

Marc .
Looks great!

J35J
Great build & weathering!👍🏻

Michael Kohl
Absolutely

Andreas
Thanks guys!

Patrick Hagelstein
Oh, this is so cool! Cool subject and masterfully built, painted and weathered! 👍

Patrick Hagelstein
Quick question; how did you fabricate that broom on the headlight brush guard? That looks really realistic!

Andreas
Thanks Patrick!
The broom is 3d-printed, a guy here in Sweden that prints a lot of these small useful things. I once did one from scratch (for my Centurion tank) and it almost made me crazy…

It's common practice here in Sweden to use these brooms on APC/IFV and tanks to get rid of the worst of the mud and dirt before climbing down the hole.

Patrick Hagelstein
Thanks Andreas!
I've seen those brooms a lot on modern Scandinavian vehicles and I like to recreate those cool details on a couple of future Scandinavian projects as well. Good to know it's a 3D print. I might find something similar as well somewhere instead of joining you getting crazy doing some scratchbuilding myself. 🤪

Markus Antonius
Great! I think, this is the first time i ever saw this Tank as a model built up! Only knew it from an old card game.

Andreas
Patrick - the creator of this is called SSR Models, don't know if and where the products are sold outside Sweden. The store I bought from is model-craft.se/, don't know if the do international shipping but you could always ask them.

Andreas
Thanks Markus!
They are something of an odd bird, but they were in service from mid seventies to 2002.

Michael Kohl
Moritz used a convincing technique to create a broom in 35 on one of his tank builds too:
Quote:
@Michael it is a down-sanded toothpick and a bit of balsawood for the handle. Then I painted the top of a brush with red color, added superglue to the balsawood and fixed the bristles before I cut them from the brush in the required length

Bundeswehr Leopard 2A5 | Album by Fetzi85 (1:35)

Spanjaard
you forgot to weather the broom 😉

Spanjaard
excellent work 🙂

Patrick Hagelstein
Thanks Andreas and Michael for the info! 👍🏼

Patrick Hagelstein
Very cool series! 🤩

Hister Farjas
Good

Cristian A
Great Felon ! 👍

Nathan Dempsey
Following 👀

Landlubber Mike
Glad to have you along!

Rui S
I'm in 😎

Landlubber Mike
Welcome aboard Rui!

Nathan Dempsey
Looks like some nice progress.

Landlubber Mike
Thanks Nathan! Slowly but surely coming along. I need to get this and the other Hs 129 done by the end of the year for a group build on LSM - might be cutting it close if I start early on the egg nog...

Alberto
Promising build 👍

Landlubber Mike
Thanks Alberto! Fingers crossed the rest goes well.

gorby
Looks an amazing project.

Landlubber Mike
Thanks gorby! So far so good. The Hasegawa/Hobby 2000 kit goes together really really well. It's been a pleasant surprise after some of the last kits I've worked on with fit issues.

Rui S
Interesting project 👍 I'm in 😎

"Sparky"
Great subject matter.

Doubtingmango
Watching

Landlubber Mike
Thanks for following along guys! Progress is a little slow as I'm working on a parallel Hs 129 build that involves a lot of CMK and Aires aftermarket, along with Taurus engines. Once the wings are on though, I should be able to move the two builds along fairly quickly.

Guy Rump
Following with interest. 👍

Landlubber Mike
Thanks Guy! Welcome aboard!

Desert Marlin
Henshel... looks great so far!

Alec K
Super, Following as well 👍

Landlubber Mike
Thanks guys!

Rui S
Great work allround 👍

Spanjaard
wonderful spitfire. is the figure included with the kit?

Daniel H
Fantastic!

Spanjaard
nice