1/48 Tamiya AB41

[dupes]

Short build log for a "quickie" that's currently flying across my bench. Don't have a ton of experience in this scale, if anyone has any pointers for alterations to weathering that need to happen, please let me know!

Managed to pick this kit up for 4 dollars(!) with the caveat that it had been "slightly started". Not a problem, just some hull work, but the previous owner was very heavy-handed with the putty. Not even sure what type it was to deal with it more effectively, so I just gave it as much sanding and smoothing as I could. Here's the kit as I received it -


Didn't take long to finish up the rest of the build once that was taken care of. I have to say that this kit may be in a Tamiya box, but it's definitely an Italeri kit! There's a difference - fit and precision are not nearly the same.


After a quick spray session with Tamiya acrylics using the kit supplied mixture:


And not long after spraying both camouflage colors using highly thinned Tam acrylics:


That's where she is so far. Need to paint the tires a dark gray (far too much contrast), put on both decals, and do all the detail painting before launching into the weathering!

[eastrock]

looks good and fast, dupes!!

[wbill76]

The 1/35 version of this kit required a lot of putty along all the hull joins because of the "panel" design that Italeri chose for it...which is complicated by the fact that all those joins also have rivet detail! Can only imagine what that would be like scaled down to 1/48 but looks like you've nailed it Dupes! Very nice work on the camo.

[martyncrowther.]

Nice one Dupes, you will enjoy this scale and nice job so far!

[dupes]

Thanks, guys!

Bill - re: rivet detail, this one is now officially missing many of them. It's a wonder the armored plates don't fall off...!

Martyn - I've built a couple afvs in 1/48 before, with pretty good luck. This is probably the most "finicky" of all of them. Heh. Let me see if I still have pics in my photobucket.

Apparently it's been a while...had to go pretty far back in the list!

Tamiya Hetzer:

Hobby Boss Sherman:

Tamiya Tiger:


Seem to remember one more build in 48th in my case, but not finding pics. Odd.

[Mence]

I really enjoyed my AB when I built it, great to see you building in the best scale!

[danb.]

There is some awesome work there my friend i want to build a AB at some point.

Dan B

[martyncrowther.]

Nice collection there Dupes!

[dupes]

Alright, I'm going to call this one done! Second build finished this month (with more to come as I wrap up a slew of shelf queens!)...guess I'm on a roll. ;D





Tried to follow Mig's "Weathering in an hour" dvd on this one...he makes it look AWFULLY EASY!

[spud]

very nice finish even if ya tried to do it in a hour ;D i would have added more dust but thats just a personal touch, iv often been tempted by this armreed car

[TRM]

Great work on this little guy!! Nice bit o'weathering!!!

[robbo]

Nice dupes, very nice and quick too

[dupes]

Thanks guys!

I agree - I think my choice of color for the mud was a bit too dark - it doesn't show very well, especially on some of the camo spots. I may have to go back and do a bit more dusting with a lighter more..."dusty" color.

[deafpanzer]

Definitely a nice collection of 1/48 especially the Tiger! I really dig your stone base... mind you telling us where did you find that stone slab? Thanks!

[robbo]

You can get these in tile shops

[wbill76]

Nice work on the 1/48 paint finish Dupes...you've done her proud!

[406 Silverado]

I hear you about the shelf queens, I fell behind on quite a few and am catching up now. Nice work on those Marc.

[multicam]

Looks great Dupes! love the other pics too! nice work:)

[bbd468]

Well done on all of them Dupes! The Hetzer, BAD ASS!!!

Gary

[martyncrowther.]

Great finish Dupes I particularly like the paint scheme on her

Martyn