M13/40 Carro Armato

[phil57]

I have just finished a Tamiya M13/40 that I have been working on for a little while.  I don't like to over complicate my builds and without exception (so far), all my projects are straight out of the box.  What I love about this hobby is the painting of the vehicle when it is complete and I am a devotee of making them look well used....probably more than I should, but that is how I like to look at them.  This little vignette shows a well used tank looking for water somewhere in Tunisia.
The base I constructed from 4cm foam backed by 3 ply, shaped and various bits and pieces inserted into the foam before a covering of thin plaster.  White glue, sand and small rocks completed the build then painting.  This is the first time I have used crackle paint and whilst I liked it, the colour was no good so I had to subdue to it a trifle with earth browns and light grey.  Not perfect but better.
Whenever I complete a project I always look at it and find where I could have improved it.  For example a couple of small rocks in the dried out mud would have looked better and I am thinking now, I should have used more Orange based tones for the terrain.  Still, overall I am happy with it.  Thanks for looking and no I didn't spell the word colour wrong!!!!

[floki]

Excellent build. Really like the atmosphere of this.

[handiabled]

The weathering really makes the details of this stand out. Very well done sir! I really like the terrain you created in this vignette

[phil57]

Thanks floki and handiabled for your comments. Much appreciated.

[406 Silverado]

I'm no terrain expert but it looks like you got everything right to me and your work on getting a well-used tracked vehicle is spot on. I've often pondered armor building and have one in the stash that I may indeed tackle but builds like this spur me on to move it up in the build que. Excellent work Phil.

[phil57]

Sept 20, 2023 4:08:07 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

I'm no terrain expert but it looks like you got everything right to me and your work on getting a well-used tracked vehicle is spot on. I've often pondered armor building and have one in the stash that I may indeed tackle but builds like this spur me on to move it up in the build que. Excellent work Phil.

Thanks mate.  Nice of you to say that.

[Leon]

Your weathering and ground work really bring this to life Phil!

[ogrejohn]

That is just beautiful work! Love the setting and wear and tear.

[stikpusher]

Very sharp looking work on the vehicle, base, and figures! Everything is tied/blended together well.

[phil57]

Many thanks Leon, Ogrejohn and Stikpusher. Much appreciated.

[deafpanzer]

Your work on the small base left my jaw hanging low... beautiful work there! What did you use to create the big rocks?

[bradley25mm]

That is stunning!!!. Love the scene.
Thanks for sharing.

Chris

[kyledehart5]

Super cool build, Phil. Another great result.

[Tobi]

Very atmospheric. Looking at the scene makes thirsty! :-)

[phil57]

Thanks guys and deafpanzer, the rocks are pieces of broken driftwood I found on a local beach. I just liked the shape of them and thought they might work as some weathered rock outcrops. I am a real collector of bits and pieces. I have a few boxes filled with plant roots, pieces of wood and several jars of various sand grades and small pebbles. You just never know when you might need them.

[deafpanzer]

I would have never guessed them as driftwood! Thanks for taking your time to answer our questions.

[buddho]

An incredible setting, with armor, figures and groundwork. Exceptional in all phases, just a pleasure to view and enjoy.

[phil57]

Sept 24, 2023 16:03:21 GMT -5 buddho said:

An incredible setting, with armor, figures and groundwork. Exceptional in all phases, just a pleasure to view and enjoy.

Thank you buddho.  Very much appreciated.

[Tojo72]

Fantastic job on the little Italian death trap,those things must have been scary to be in.

[m1keh]

"Straight out of the box." "And well used" just the way I like to build them also Phil. And as is your usual, a fantastic job!

[chromdome35]

Beautiful build and display! I love the overall ambiance of it. You did justice to this kit.

[phil57]

Thanks Mike and Chromedome. I enjoyed making this kit and as you say Mike, straight out the box.

[moparmadness]

That little vignette looks the business! Congratulations on a wonderful build.

[castelnuovo]

Super work!! Don't see Italians very often