ESCI 1/35 Leopard 2A3

[stikpusher]

I built this one in Spring 2021 for the So.Cal AMPS 12 Hour Challenge Online GB. Three once a month four hour sessions with the basic challenge to build a kit from start to finish within the 12 hour time limit. I was able to complete the kit, but it was a bit rough around the edges. I chose to make it Dutch with the different loaders AA MG, and smoke grenade launchers. One of these days I’ll go back and add a camo net like I had on the example photos, as well as some tow cables. Kit has a few additional items added, and I used AK Real Colors paints for the Gelb Oliv scheme, along with the kit decals.









Between this kit and the Italeri Leopard 2A4 that I built ages ago, the Italeri boxing is superior in detail and fit. Although I do prefer the link & length tracks of this kit, compared to the Italeri single length vinyl tracks.

[406 Silverado]

Waidaminute!! You built this in............. 12 hours??!! Nawwwwwwwwwwwww man. No way!!

I frickin' give UP...

It'd take me every bit of 6 months to get a tracked build to turn out like that. I mean......I hear what you're saying about it being a little rough around the edges and all but that aint half bad for the short amount of time that it took you to build it Carlos.

[stikpusher]

Thanks Joe. The decal silvering on some bothers me the most. But there is no time for gloss coat to dry, then decals, and then a flat coat. At least not on a build so complex. Now dry transfers would counter that, but I didn’t go that route. And since Archer has closed up shop, that’s not really an option anymore.
But yeah, planning to get it all done in three four hour bites is key. And kit choice. This year I’m doing an Eastern Express B-4203mm Howitzer, and that thing is a beast… gonna be tight for session 3… but at least no decals on it.

[406 Silverado]

Jun 1, 2023 21:49:59 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Thanks Joe. The decal silvering on some bothers me the most. But there is no time for gloss coat to dry, then decals, and then a flat coat. At least not on a build so complex. Now dry transfers would counter that, but I didn’t go that route. And since Archer has closed up shop, that’s not really an option anymore.
But yeah, planning to get it all done in three four hour bites is key. And kit choice. This year I’m doing an Eastern Express B-4203mm Howitzer, and that thing is a beast… gonna be tight for session 3… but at least no decals on it.

Ya know you'll have to do whatever kind of a thread you can do on that and then show the results.

[stikpusher]

I’ll post it when finished after session 3, and show my progress levels after sessions 1 and 2.

[deafpanzer]

12 hours?!?!? Impressive! That would never happen to me. I usually spend 3 hours cleaning the bench, an hour just looking for lost parts and at least 4 hours checking FB and now MSC!

[Tobi]

A 12 hour challenge? With paint?
I'm with Andy. Unthinkable. In 12 hours I can build and paint a 1/35 figure, not a complete tank.

[stikpusher]

Lol! At my usual build pace, I’m with you guys. But these GBs are a great way to break a case of modelers block.

Andy, I usually spend several hours before hand cleaning and organizing my bench for everything that will be needed. I guess a good analogy would be like a hospital operating room. Not so much for cleanliness, but for all items needed, and organize. No time to waste rummaging around looking for something.

Tobi, Thank goodness acrylic paints dry so quickly! They may not be cured, but at least they are able to receive decals shortly after being airbrushed on. Gunze Aqueous are great in this case since their military colors are usually semi gloss and reduce the chance of decal silvering.