Dragon T-34/76 1942 Mod. with assault troops (COMPLETED!)

[mrversatile]

Hi all, after a ship and two cars completed I am back to the dark side of Armor Modeling. This will end up being a vignette of a T-34/76 1942mod. with riding assault troops (Tamiya) disembarking onto the plain after Kursk in the fall of 1943. I am using Masterclub tracks for the first time and finishing it in K4 paints. (Btw, these are now available through a US distributer). I am not adding much to the tank itself so it will mostly be OOB and operating with all hatches closed while in assault mode. The focus will be on the presentation of the action along with some weathering techniques. Because the Tamiya figures are mostly attired in colder weather gear I may opt for a later scene or white camo but I will decide that later.

[Leon]

Looks like a great project Gil! I'll be following along.
I have the same K4 paints but haven't had a chance to use them yet.

[dierk]

It's a T-34, how can I say no?
Are you using metal or resin Masterclub tracks?
Not sure if you've done one of these before, but don't glue the idler wheel in place until you've got the track length sorted out.

[mrversatile]

These are the metal tracks provided to me by Martin at a very reasonable price. Thanks for the tip, It looked like that was the best way to do it with the track length.

[maschinenkrueger]

Nice project. I have a set of the 35023s waiting for me this weekend. I've assembled one set before and they are very easy to work with. Usually the little pour nibs can be left and it won't interfere with the fit. Some holes need drilling both otherwise one of the easiest sets I've ever worked with.

This may be one of those Dragon releases where they included the wrong style of PE radiator exhaust mesh. I think the solid plastic version is correct but check your references.

[mrversatile]

Hmmm, thanks for the tip. I will check it. Hope that's not the case, though. I would much rather use the PE.

[dupes]

Going to do the full set of figs? Always looks impressive with a whole squad of dudes climbing around on the back deck of Sov armor.

[mrversatile]

If not all then most, Dupes. I agree, the more the merrier.

[tobias5555]

Nice Project.

[mrversatile]

I have been plugging along with the building process and have nearly reached the priming stage. I added some weld beads on the front fascia and used most of the photo etch provided in the kit. I plan to add a piece of timber and a rolled tarp along with additional spare track links. The wheels were primed with Walmart primer and then the rubber painted with Tamiya "NATO" black.

[Leon]

Coming along nicely Gil!

[mrversatile]

I had a chance to get some painting done on this project. I started by priming with Tamiya gray primer then followed up with a pre-shade of Vallejo black primer. I chose to modulate the color in this manner rather than post shading. I like the variation it created thus far and I think I may only highlight the highest areas after this with a drybrushing or oil rendering. I also painted the wheels and constructed one run of the Masterclub tracks. They certainly are tedious. It would be easier if they had resin pins with heads for both sides or at least included straight resin pins that didn't have to be trimmed further to fit. As it is, the resin pins with heads fit perfectly the straight pins don't and are a chore.

Before:

After:





Wheels

[Leon]

Nice work on the primer and base coat Gil!

[dupes]

Greeeeeeeeeeeeeen

[mrversatile]

Well, I think the tank thingy part of this is done. Added a log and Tamiya bundle, but other than that and the Masterclub tracks it is OOB.

[Leon]

Looking really good Gil! Nice work on the weathering.

[mrversatile]

Thanks, I just noticed I didn't put the lens in the headlamp! Ok almost done.

[adt70hk]

Gil

Sorry I missed this earlier. The finish is very nice indeed and the 'log' down the side is a nice little touch! 

When are the riders likely to make an appearance?

Andrew

[mrversatile]

Thanks, and funny you ask, I have nearly finished the base coating of all 12 figures and will post pics soon before the shading and highlighting starts. Faces are almost complete as well.

[mrversatile]

Well, the figures are base-coated with the accessories added. Vallejo acrylics are being used for the uniforms with oils used for the flesh areas. The pics are of the primed figures and then the updated base-coated pics. As mentioned earlier, the heads are almost finished and I will post some close ups when they are attached. As an aside, I threw this on the table at Baycon and surprisingly finished second in a crowded "Allied" category, so I am encouraged. So without further ado:

[Tojo72]

Dragon makes a nice T-34 and that gang with it will look great.

[Leon]

Nice start on the figure painting Gil!

[Deano]

Looking terrific !!! gonna be mega busy with all those figures

[deafpanzer]

T-34 really looks great especially the tracks... looking forward to the completed figures!

[wbill76]

Looks like the rider gang is coming along nicely Gil, should make for an awesome crew setup.

[TRM]

I had to catch up to this at some point Gil! Fine looking T-34!! Love the lower end especially! Nice pile of figs too!!

[mrversatile]

Finally got the squad done. (Still working on weapons with fabricated slings). They were very labor intensive but ended up being worth it. The detail really pops with patience. I have also started the base and will be showing that shortly. I decided to go with a fall meadow with flowers and the troops assaulting an abandoned German machine gun nest and Observation Post.

Here are the updated pics of the finished figures.

[Leon]

Great finish on the figures Gil!

[Tojo72]

Very nice !!

[deafpanzer]

Great work on the figures!