July 29, 2011

1/35 Tamiya Panther (Part IV)

Well, the main paint job is complete. This old kit honestly looks pretty good: the camouflage paint scheme makes this panther really shine. I need to blacken the business end of the turret, rust up the exhausts, then add additional track to the sides of the panther (they used the sides for storage) as well as some steel frames for holding various equipment. Something tells me I should have painted those spare track pieces when I had the rust in my paintbrush. I plan on painting most of the spare track pieces rust, but one or two will be left a dark gray. This is to simulate the tank crew picking up new pieces at one of many tank outposts, and to show it still has old pieces on the tank.

The rust and brown really made the tracks stand out. This thing looks like it has seen some use down there, but recently got a good paint job. I am thinking about pastel work after a top coat, just to simulate some wear down in the wheels. Always remember that top coat likes to eat away at pastel work.

Positives of this kit: nice amount of detail for the price. Rust tracks and exhausts look great with Model Master Enamels. Paint application not difficult. Brass as engine exhausts saved the kit from laughter.

Negatives of this kit: tracks are VERY tight, and may break the main sprockets down the road as a constant pressure is applied to them. Detail is not super. Turret barrel a pain in the arse to prepare properly. Hideous engine exhausts.

Would I recommend this thing? Sure. I am not a nazi (pun intended) when it comes to super detailing models. Even in its current state I am happy with the tank in my panzer collection. I won't go crazy if it doesn't have the "latest" photo etch. I am happy with the way it is- it is just at 90% completion. Someone remind me to go get jewelry chain for this guy and paint it...

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