stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 3, 2023 19:33:39 GMT -5
So I’ve recently started rebuilding an old M3 Lee of mine, the Tamiya kit. It is the diesel powered variant, which was only once used in combat by US forces at Makin island in the Central Pacific in November 1943. The Brits & Soviets used them in combat a bit more. Here is my original build, many years after the fact  stripped of decals and parts added to represent how they were configured at Makin  and now under a fresh coat of Model Master Enamel Olive Drab #8  Next up is to replace the tracks with some T48 type, and get some new markings on there… |
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jul 3, 2023 20:45:20 GMT -5
Man.....you really brought this one to life with some tender love and care right there Carlos. It's always cool to see these old builds freshened up. What markings will you be going with?
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moparmadness
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May 11, 2023 20:39:35 GMT -5
May 11, 2023 20:39:35 GMT -5
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Post by moparmadness on Jul 3, 2023 20:58:20 GMT -5
That’s effectively a brand new kit now! 🍻
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 3, 2023 21:32:46 GMT -5
Joe & Chad, thank you.
Joe, on Makin, the 193rd Tank Battalion wore pretty basic markings, just stars and unit numbers on the turret. I have to look at photos to see if the WD serial numbers or any other markings were visible.
Chad it sure is. The basic build was pretty solid, it mainly just needed a repaint.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jul 5, 2023 7:17:36 GMT -5
What a huge transformation with just a new coat of paint!
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 5, 2023 10:51:43 GMT -5
What a huge transformation with just a new coat of paint! Right? Such a big improvement. I just wish I could find out why Tamiya went with the diesel engined variant as their US Lee, when the US barely used that type. They did the same thing with their original M3 Stuart kit as well. |
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 7, 2023 21:57:02 GMT -5
So I’ve made more progress on my Lee since the last update. I’ve removed the kit tracks and am ready to install the T48 tracks I’ve gotten for this one. Today was a gloss coat and decals. The 193rd Tank Battalion tanks on Makin Atoll carried minimal markings.   Now it’s just installing the new tracks, a flat coat, some detail item painting, and weathering. |
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Joe Rix
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Post by Joe Rix on Jul 7, 2023 23:37:22 GMT -5
Beautiful redo Stik. I agree that it is really cool to see your restore and redo projects.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jul 9, 2023 14:37:31 GMT -5
Looking great... looking forward to more!
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 9, 2023 14:58:55 GMT -5
Joe and Andy, I have several more of these overhauls/rebuilds ahead, so stay tuned for updates.
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m1keh
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Apr 9, 2023 23:03:02 GMT -5
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Post by m1keh on Jul 9, 2023 15:29:07 GMT -5
Joe and Andy, I have several more of these overhauls/rebuilds ahead, so stay tuned for updates. I for one will be looking forward to that. |
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 9, 2023 18:24:59 GMT -5
m1keh, I've got an M4A1 76mm and M5A1 undergoing overhaul right now as well. But those are both a bit more involved in their reworks. Once the Lee is completed, I'll get those up next as the main side projects.
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Post by rbaer on Jul 12, 2023 19:21:35 GMT -5
I still enjoy the old Tamiya kits, and confess to having a couple in my "gonna get to it one of these days" places, but yeah, it's fun to make them look good. Back way back when the earth was still cooling, the Tamiya Lee and Grant were the ticket. I've got a Lee in basic paint, lots of "corrections" done on it, but I stalled when it came time to do decals. Hmmm....
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 12, 2023 23:53:04 GMT -5
I still enjoy the old Tamiya kits, and confess to having a couple in my "gonna get to it one of these days" places, but yeah, it's fun to make them look good. Back way back when the earth was still cooling, the Tamiya Lee and Grant were the ticket. I've got a Lee in basic paint, lots of "corrections" done on it, but I stalled when it came time to do decals. Hmmm.... I think with all the other projects that you have going right now, you can find the time to get the markings on and wrap up that Lee 🤔 |
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rickc5
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Jul 14, 2023 8:52:02 GMT -5
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Post by rickc5 on Jul 17, 2023 9:17:03 GMT -5
Nice restoration! I look forward to seeing the final photo of the M3 with the new tracks. Those old Tamiya tracks are so funny with the end connectors being in the totally wrong place.
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jul 17, 2023 14:00:24 GMT -5
Nice restoration! I look forward to seeing the final photo of the M3 with the new tracks. Those old Tamiya tracks are so funny with the end connectors being in the totally wrong place. Thanks Rick. Yeah, Tamiya made the tracks kill that with the misplaced end connectors to ease their operation for the motorized kits. The new tracks will be a big improvement... in their own "little" way. But all the little things add up in the end. |
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