This has been a difficult build in terms of paint and weathering in particular, no least because I wanted to retain the detail of so many features that are often seen to be lost or missing in the field of action but at the same time aiming to capture the war-weary and battered condition evident in images from that period. 
Regardless, I am reasonably happy with my new addition. It doesn't have the innovation I attempted with my Chieftain or M36 but I just like these tanks for their place in history and the sheer attitude they seem to me to exude - or perhaps I am just beyond help, who knows?
Using Ammo's 4BO modulation here I found quite difficult, in some light there appears to much colour, in a different light too little. In the end I just had to trust instinct and hope I could compensate later if necessary during the weathering stages
. Just for anyone that might want to know, I using chipping fluid between the top coat and a rust colour layer directly beneath and on top of the primer, the start of chipping process can be seen here too
. The rest will follow (click to enlarge):
This was a naughty departure from historical/technical fact simply because I want to use the access the louvre removal created as an easy means of topping up the smoke fluid reservoir and lubricating the gearboxes if and when needed. It works well and makes is easier to make sure the smoke tubes are in place as well, so I can live with this departure. I attached the louvres to the underside of the cover simply because it looks better from above when the cover is closed;
The weathering and wear and tear on it are perfect! I love the surface effect of the turret! Top notch all the way! 
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