Asuka M4A1 "Henry III"

[kaktus]

Jumping from one project to another, this time it's a sherman.   This was mostly build some time ago, but now it's ready for paint. .30cal barrels are from Master and antennas are T-rex studio. 

Some scratch building with lead foil and copper wire.

[chromdome35]

It looks really good, I love the scratch-made tool clamps. Excellent work.

[stikpusher]

Nice start!

Here is a photo of the real tank if you need a reference photo

[kaktus]

Thanks. It will be a fun to achieve that dirty look. A lot of effects to play with. Sadly that is the only known photo of the vehicle.

[406 Silverado]

DYAAAAAAAAAAANG!! Now THAT is looking GREAT already Jukka!!  

[deafpanzer]

Hey man!!! I am so glad you are back. The texture on the Sherman looks great and the home made clasps look GREAT!!!

[kaktus]

Thanks! 

One (or actually two) detail before painting. Electric wire for siren and also towing cable can be seen in the backround.

[kyledehart5]

Off to a really wonderful start here!

[406 Silverado]

Keepin' on with the realism Jukka. Way to go brother.

[handiabled]

Great looking scratch details added to this!

[kaktus]

Did some paintwork today. Mister hobby od as a base, some post shading and a light airbrushed filter to gain back more greenish shade.

[406 Silverado]

Dec 4, 2023 14:52:15 GMT -5 kaktus said:

Did some paintwork today. Mister hobby od as a base, some post shading and a light airbrushed filter to gain back more greenish shade.

Your processes with the paint and weathering are most certainly up there with the best in terms of outcome Jukka. I've never used the Mr. Hobby paint before but you're sure selling me on it! 

[kaktus]

Thanks! This was also first time for me to use those, and have to say that those are good. I have also a few paints of their laquer line and those can be even better.

This was all the shades I used. From shadows to all highlights, mixed together without any problems. Every mix also got a few drops of clear varnish.


Saved a little surprise to reveal here. After the black basecoat, I painted all tools to their correct colors and then started to paint olive drab. Now with the help of laquer thinner, I could chip those to show some worn paint.



Thank you for watching. 

[keavdog]

Paint looks fantastic!

[deafpanzer]

Excellent paint modulation work there!!!

[Tojo72]

Great job on the OD

[Steve Zuleski]

Looking great from here!

[moparmadness]

How well did the kit go together? I’ve got my eye on their Firefly.

[kaktus]

Dec 10, 2023 18:12:01 GMT -5 moparmadness said:

How well did the kit go together? I’ve got my eye on their Firefly.

Nothing bad to say, almost like tamiya, only much more detailed.   

[jeaton01]

Master Class in painting!

[george]

Great details and paintwork.

[brandonk]

I agree. The extra details added and the texturing look fantastic. The paint work is top notch. Looking forward to seeing this complete. Keep it coming.

[kaktus]

Thank you a lot guys!

[stikpusher]

For a little historical context on the lifespan of the actual tank.... The actual tank did not last 90 days in combat.

“Henry” was a M3 Lee which was destroyed on 2 December 1942, “Henry II” was destroyed on 17 February 1943, and “Henry III” was destroyed on 6 May 1943.

From the Mikes Blogspot webpage. 

Kasserine Pass Page

[kaktus]

Decals are on. We don't know the serial number, but it's my best quess according to reference.

This time I'm using panzerart t-41 tracks. They fit perfectly on asuka sprocket.

[kaktus]

Time for some dust weathering. This time I tried going a little different way than usually I do, but I'm happy that I tried. Normally I would add dust effects in last step, but then they tend to cover earlier stages too much. So now I started with dust and add other stains etc over it. 

After a few enamel dust layers, I was happy with the base. Enough dust, but too monotone. Used ak and ammo washes here.



Then to add some contrast with oils. It starts to look better now.

[deafpanzer]

Love those dusty streaks! I am tempted to write ‘Wash me’ on it too.

[thug626]

I espescially like the rear 3/4 shot! All of the weathering effects are amazing!

[lyle]

Terrific detailing and paint work

[Medicman71]

Wow! It's really looking great!