Venezuelan AMX 13/75

Most of the vehicle has been built up without bigger issues. Yet there still are some imperfections as one can expect from short-run kits. 

The AMX 13 has a really distinct outscaling turret. While there is a canvas protection in the kit, I ledt that off to show the two turret halfes. 

Most of the tools are nicely detailedand should look nice when painted apropriately. 

There is some photoetch included in the kit which immensly helps to better replicate bush guards and grilles around the vehicle. Yet some modifications where necessary as there weren´t any grab handles included. I quickly added them with wire, as their postions are premarked on the surface 

Base coat is done, I used four shades of amix from green and nato green from tamiya 

Highlights were made from the basecoat and buff 

I might use a green filter to further change the tone of the paintjob later on... 

... on the other hand, it is good to leave small scale models a little lighter... got to think about it :/ 

Tracks were primed in gray and I brushed on a little colour-variation with acrylics. If any of that is noticeable remains to be seen. 

I did some painting on the tools. The light gray spots on the metal parts will later give their surface a more "worn" look when combined with a wash 

Next step will be adding the decals. 

Made some progress with varnishing and some highlighting 

A dark wash was also added after the decals were sealed. I weathered the lower hull with light dust and earth as I want the vehicle to not get even darker by adding dark brown mud in large amounts. 

Suprisingly enough the tracks went on not too bad, altough they are not a 10/10... Treatment was the same that was applied to the lower hull and the wheels. 

Did some chipping as the urge to do so overcame me .... 

The (differently colored) jerrycan was also chipped 

Next came a bunch of washes to simulate all kinds of dirt, grease, rust etc. 

The spare track link on the front received a rather prominent treatment with light rust. 

I found that a wash made for rainmarks also works really well for very faint dust and dirt stains on areas where the crew frequently walks over 

Some very subtle oil spills were added around the turret ring. I could have gone more heavy there, as the base colour is rather dark here 

Some more or less subtle polishing was among the last finishing touches 

The finished result 🙂