Tamiya SU-76M Self-Propelled Gun

[vlpbruce]

Looks better every time Bill.

[wbill76]

Thanks Bruce! Just have to remember to take breaks to avoid hunchback syndrome.

[vlpbruce]

I am painfully aware of that Bill 

[Leon]

Excellent work Bill!

[wbill76]

Thanks Leon! Trying to make the most of the weekend for the final push.

[wouter]

The Final stretch, getting better each and every tiny step!

Cheers

[dierk]

I didn't notice the first time around...I can only put it down to blurry vision due to tears in my eyes because I was hitting my thumb with a hammer - but how likely would it have been for the sign-post to be in English? I think 'Warschau' and 'Moskau' might be more appropriate?

[martslay]

The closer to the finish, the better looks.  Good luck Bill!

[modsrule1976]

Looking really nice!

[martslay]

Apr 9, 2016 2:50:49 GMT -5 dierk said:

I didn't notice the first time around...I can only put it down to blurry vision due to tears in my eyes because I was hitting my thumb with a hammer - but how likely would it have been for the sign-post to be in English? I think 'Warschau' and 'Moskau' might be more appropriate?

I absolutely agree with Dierk. Or inscriptions in Russian:

[Deleted]

Lookin fine!

[wbill76]

Thanks guys for the comments, final push is under way!

Apr 9, 2016 2:50:49 GMT -5 dierk said:

I didn't notice the first time around...I can only put it down to blurry vision due to tears in my eyes because I was hitting my thumb with a hammer - but how likely would it have been for the sign-post to be in English? I think 'Warschau' and 'Moskau' might be more appropriate?

I had considered both Russian and German signs for authenticity but went with English for readability. Plus there was a size issue with the lettering in terms of scaling down in Photoshop as well as getting the fonts to look right with each other on the signs between the place names and the km distance. I spent about 3 hours fiddling with it all told before I got it to look right plus the customization needed for the distances. There are sets out there for authentic signs in both German and Russian but I went the DYI route for a little fun. It's a case of a little artistic license vs accuracy, so a wink and a nudge and say no more, say no more!

[bbrowniii]

Apr 9, 2016 10:49:12 GMT -5 wbill76 said:

Thanks guys for the comments, final push is under way!

Apr 9, 2016 2:50:49 GMT -5 dierk said:

I didn't notice the first time around...I can only put it down to blurry vision due to tears in my eyes because I was hitting my thumb with a hammer - but how likely would it have been for the sign-post to be in English? I think 'Warschau' and 'Moskau' might be more appropriate?

...so a wink and a nudge and say no more, say no more!

Your secret is safe with me, Bill. My lips are sealed.

[wing_nut]

Amazing how 1 color can come to life like that.

[wbill76]

Thanks Boyd, I knew I could count on you!

Marc, green has such a wide spectrum. All told, I've used 6 different shades to varying degrees from the start to give it depth and variation. Glad you like it!

[dierk]

"...say no more, say no more!"

[wbill76]

Put the final touches in on this project today. First order of business after making some minor adjustments to the dot filter and pin wash treatment was a dose of MM Lusterless Flat.



The pigment weathering objective was to get the tracks/suspension and hull to match up with the base, so to that end I applied some Mig Dark Mud pigments. I applied it as a wet mix using ordinary tap water as the carrier with a drop of liquid dish soap added to break the surface tension.



After it had air dried, I used a stiff bristled brush to remove the excess. I had to be careful not to be too harsh on the track runs, especially the top portions, and had to reattach a couple spots that came loose in this process.



More adjustments were done with a combination of wet and dry q-tips. For the tight spaces around the road wheels where the q-tip couldn't fit, I used a small round sable brush and clean water to make changes where needed.



The end result looks good, but the ultimate check was with the base.





That meant I could turn to the last couple of details remaining. I used some black artist pastels to add some more exhaust soot and staining to the right side of the hull.



The headlight finally got its clear lens as well. I installed it with liquid glue, then brushed a light coat of Future over the front. Once that was dry and protecting the clear part, I ran some thinned green around its edge so that it would look integrated with the rest of the housing.



So this one's a wrap! More finished pics are up in the Gallery thread: modelerssocialclub.proboards.com/thread/10925/wbill76s-2016-completions-gallery-added

[tonylee-Rest In Peace]

Not Bad Tex Not Bad At All

Tony lee

[wbill76]

Apr 9, 2016 17:12:20 GMT -5 tonylee-Rest In Peace said:

Not Bad Tex Not Bad At All

Tony lee

Thanks Tony! Even though you've already done the Miniart kit, I bet this one will find its way into your stash eventually as well. You know you can't resist...

[tonylee-Rest In Peace]

Don't think I haven't thought about it Bill.

I've got enough in the stash to last at least until the war is over.

Uncle Tony

[dierk]

Turned out lovely!

[bish]

Another great looking build Bill, really well done and a great base as well.

[wouter]

Nice result indeed...bench ready to be cleared now

Cheers

[Leon]

Nice results on the finishing touches Bill!

[Deleted]

[martslay]

Remarkably looks Bill!

[wing_nut]

Some major schwingage there brotha!

[afvfan]

Nice effort for your forage into the world of green, Bill.

[wbill76]

Dierk, Bish, Leon, Bruce, Martin, and Marc, thanks for the comments and support gents, much appreciated!

Bob, it's been a long time...the last time I did an all-green project like this was easily 10 years ago.

Wouts, the bench is in need of a serious cleaning and reorganizing for sure. It looks like a tornado has torn through it.

[reserve]

Excellent results brother. A base gives it much more life, no?

Regards,
Mark