Panther Cuckoo WIP

Next on the bench! 

Trying to replicate some of the damage on the Zimmerit based on reference. Not going for a perfect match, because the photos aren't that clear, but I want to show an indication of damage at least. 

Trying to replicate some of the damage on the Zimmerit based on reference. Not going for a perfect match, because the photos aren't that clear, but I want to show an indication of damage at least. 

First time using metal tracks. These R Model (???) tracks are great, but I still need to drill out the guide horns. I did glue the pins with CA because I couldn't get them to stay put without glue. Also worth noting Panther tracks are handed... 

First time doing complex photo etch folding, and first time soldering the joins. Extremely ugly, but it's on the inside, and it works. Just gluing the rear of the stowage bin before I attach it. 

Almost done with the build. Photo-etch is all from the box, but I replaced the plastic grab handles with copper wire of various thicknesses just for sturdiness. Aftermarket barrel fits well! 

Almost done with the build. Photo-etch is all from the box, but I replaced the plastic grab handles with copper wire of various thicknesses just for sturdiness. Aftermarket barrel fits well! 

Very happy to get the "final type" left rear stowage bin attached, one of those distinctive features of Cuckoo I really wanted to replicate. Then discovered the ribs are supposed to be protruding, not recessed, so I'm going to have to redo this one, sadly! 

Working from the idea that the SCC 15 Olive Drab was painted over Dunkelgelb, I wanted to see what it'd look like if I did chipping fluid over Dunkelgelb before spraying the green, and chipped some of the paint. Spoons and stowage box on the right are standard Dunkelgelb base under green, spoons on the left are RAL7028 Dunkelgelb III. I'm honestly not thrilled with the look of either, so I might just paint straight SCC 15 over primer. 

Re-did the left-hand rear stowage bin, much happier with this one. Finally time to prime the hull! 

Primed with Mr Surfacer 1000 mixed 1:1 with Mr Color Levelling Thinner and ready for base coat. I brushed some Mr Metal Primer-R over all the metal surfaces before priming, because last time I used a metal barrel I had all the paint peel off after masking. :/ 

This is considerably darker than Ammo's SCC 15 out of the bottle, but this is the darker base for the modulation. 

This is considerably darker than Ammo's SCC 15 out of the bottle, but this is the darker base for the modulation. This is easily the largest model I've ever sprayed a single colour, and it took *forever* with my 0.03mm airbrush! I desperately need to get a larger nozzle/needle airbrush before I base coat another model this size... 

Modulation complete, minus highlights. Layers are: 1) 1:1 SCC 15 & Satin Black, 2) Straight SCC 15, 3) 1:1 SCC 15 & FS33446 US Modern Vehicles. All colours are Ammo, thinned 1:1 with Mr Levelling Thinner. 

Modulation complete, minus highlights. Layers are: 1) 1:1 SCC 15 & Satin Black, 2) Straight SCC 15, 3) 1:1 SCC 15 & FS33446 US Modern Vehicles. All colours are Ammo, thinned 1:1 with Mr Levelling Thinner. 

Modulation complete, minus highlights. Layers are: 1) 1:1 SCC 15 & Satin Black, 2) Straight SCC 15, 3) 1:1 SCC 15 & FS33446 US Modern Vehicles. All colours are Ammo, thinned 1:1 with Mr Levelling Thinner. 

Modulation complete, minus highlights. Layers are: 1) 1:1 SCC 15 & Satin Black, 2) Straight SCC 15, 3) 1:1 SCC 15 & FS33446 US Modern Vehicles. All colours are Ammo, thinned 1:1 with Mr Levelling Thinner. 

Highlights done. Sketchy in places, but that'll pretty much disappear after the next few stages. 

Highlights done. Sketchy in places, but that'll pretty much disappear after the next few stages. 

Cuckoo finally has her name. On to weathering. 

First pass of oils on Cuckoo's hull 

Wasn't happy with the alignment of the star on this side, so I redid it with a stencil. Looks sketchier now but I like it better.