In Progress

The full kit 

Treads......how to assemble? 

Answer: track fixture. Copied a commercial design but added a top-clamp so I can press the links together without them moving.  

Tracks going on. Not super easy but not nearly as difficult as I thought. The glue keeps them together pretty well and there's a decent amount of time to tweak everything.  

Tracks completed and top deck dry fit 

Removed the wheels and tracks for the next steps. Will re-mount once painted. First of the PE is on, also built some stowage.  

Tread guards and fuel barrels glued together. Also the tricky headlight cage. Filled in the ERD mounting spots on the turret. Got this kit on a discount and would rather have an older style without the ERD armor. Going to leave the side skirts off so can see the treads better. Wish I had a DsHK to mount on the turret but havn't had luck finding a standalone kit. 

Turret mostly completed and test fit 

First test fit. Going with a more generic tank look instead of the ERD armor. 

Tamiya fine primer 

Burnt umber, should have been more red but good enough for a chipping base layer. 

Did a layer of hairspray then JA Green. Chipped the paint with brush and wooden dowl. Good to see the kit in green finally. 

Turret detail 

Wheels. I only cut 3 circle masks and swapped them around the paint the rims. Would have been much easier to paint before mounting the tires. 

Black wash applied. Love how the details are starting to pop. 

Burnt umber pin wash.  

Brown, green and khaki dry brush layers applied. 

Treads painted with a rust wash and then light tan pastel for dirt. Might have gotten a little carried away with the dust, will add a matte layer to lock it in and darken it up a bit. Then a final dry brush with metal to imitate wear. 

Treads dry fit. Might be ok actally once the wheels and body are weathered