Yet another Hybrid

[88-bait]

Having admired a few builds here earlier, I am encouraged to post up my work in progress. I have built a 1C hybrid before, which has moved on since. Having missed the ol gal, I am building another but in the traditional way this time, using the Mato front and the HL rear hull using the M4 deck; lower hull is also Mato. For me, the Mato lower chassis is the better of the two, mostly for the track pattern and rubber tyres/tires.

Most of the parts are from Dave/Forgebear, with a few other bits like BB capable barrel and the radio box (on order) from Andrew Haya/Ding-dingUK. Its nearly ready for the top coat but which do I pick? US Olive Drab or Khaki Drill? I'm also not sure whether to use the black camo or not? I have a few bits to buy yet to finish it, mostly electrical components, and small finishing items, but I do need a crew (frank )

[pebblemonkey73]

Beautiful tank!

[Dr Phibes]

Love the rough casting finish/effect you have acheived on this tank!

[88-bait]

I can't say I have used that casting effect before, but I try new things all the time. Its also applied to the front hull too and the transmission cover. Under the red primer there is a layer of filler primer applied with a brush and when this is going off, its dabbed with a sponge. That way you can avoid the non-cast items. The red primer goes over the lot. I feel the effect is not too heavy and it could be sanded down if it was.

The radio box arrived this morning, and after that is fitted its camo time! I will give it a bit of thought first. I'm a relative newbie at this scale, but my 1/35th scale 'trade' stands me in good stead. Thanks for the encouragement lads.

[silversurfer1947]

Great result. What is the filler primer you use? A quick search gives dozens of aerosols but nothing that's brushable.

[HERMAN BIX]

Can see this is going to be an award winner when its done

[Dr Phibes]

Great result. What is the filler primer you use? A quick search gives dozens of aerosols but nothing that's brushable.

I was wondering the same - whether it was Mr Surfacer (this comes as an aerosol or brushable - I have both but I found the latter difficult to get on with tbh), or something similar. I'm always interested to know of any new (to me) products and/or techniques and the results here look very good.

[43rdRecceReg]

The measure of a well built tank would appear to be: the closer you look- the better it gets'. That's certainly true of Imcq11 (Louis)'s superb offerings, and your latest certainly fits that bill! I'll look forward to seeing what level you take it to next..

[88-bait]

Thank you lads, I appreciated the support. To answer a few questions, I have to keep the costs down with my model building as I have another hobby which absorbs money at an alarming rate, so I use materials common to both. I collect (and repair) stoneware bottles for my sins. The UK lads will recognise the products as Halfords filler primer, the one with the yellow top. You will find the red primer on the same shelf. Being acrylic, they are kind to plastic and have a lot of uses. I spray the filler in the can top and let it go off a bit before I use it. For the overseas lads, this is a car repair paint from the local motor factors. Make sure its acrylic and NOT cellulose based

As far as award winning, well that's a nice thought, but when I read some of the post here, I realise I have a long way to go, although I do strive for a high benchmark. I've cheated a bit with the mantlet; i'm sure you can see what it is, but its close and accepts the BB barrel with a bit of work. I was hoping to get the hull machine gun in there, but you guys might know my curse is fitting electrics

Mark Heyward's book 'Sherman Firefly' shows what I'm after on page 121 as the firefly there has the small loaders hatch; Its a bit less work, I guess. I will probably go for a Guards Armoured Division example when its painted. So far, I'm enjoying it.

[frankie]

...any good for you bud?....