1944 M36 B1 Tank Destroyer

[PainlessWolf]

Good evening, Gentlemen,
43rd R&R! I am of a mind that if a fellow spends lots of hours and dollars on a tank build, he can damme' well do what he wishes to adorn it. There are lots of Nosferatu figures out there for you to borrow a head from to transplant it onto a Panzer Commander figure. I'd like to see the result.
Carl! Thanks for dropping in, my Friend. Anything new to show us today?
Tonight, I scratched up a roadwheel mount for the M36BI then threw together an American helmet net for Herman. I'll need to see how he likes it. Pics:

[HERMAN BIX]

YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh
Thats EXACTLY what I was hoping to see.
Finally a U.S. helmet with net cover
Nice turn out mate.............so ?
How did you do it and what was used ?

Really nice touch, and the chinstrap was an added bonus.
Tell me you aren't getting around with a 'shit-eating-grin' (its a term here folks-not a statement)after such a simple but well done detail.?

[Ecam]

That is a great detail on that helmet.

[c.rainford73]

That helmet is spectacular my friend! So impressive. Do spill the beans on your approach to this masterpiece

[PainlessWolf]

Good afternoon and Happy Fourth of July to all from the General!
Herman, I'm glad you like that one. It was simple to make. As follows: Select the plastic helmet, acquire a roll of black lace from a 'Doll House' store ( make sure that the materials mesh is suitably small and thin ) and pull out your Tamiya thin cement. Cut a square of the lace mesh an inch or so larger all around than your helmet then drape the mesh over, pulling it tight with a twist at the bottom. Glue the mesh to the helmet using several coats of the thin cement. After it's dry, snip the mesh' excess off at the bottom and fold whats left up into the helmet gluing it into place with the cement of your choice. ( I used my LocTite Ultragel ) Measure a strip of the 3M clear double sided tape and cut to size. Drape it over the mesh and let it adhere. Paint it 'leather' then add your PE 'buckle' with a little more LocTite. Helmet: Complete.
Eric! Happy Fourth of July! Thank you! I'll probably make more and look a little further into how to make unique helmets to add to my builds.
Carl! There you go, my Friend! I'll look forward to seeing some helmets decorating your builds as well.
regards,
Painless

[Soeren]

Now that we know how to net, Mr Bix has to Show his way of doing the German helmets, or did he already describe it?

[Dr Phibes]

Mr Painless, the developments and additions since I last dropped in are brilliant (especially stowage and that helmet - what an excellent idea that is ) So, many features and ideas to help guide and improve my own build when I get to it, things I would never have thought of (e.g. the artillery stakes). Must be nearing completion now, and some trial runs? Well done, as always, inspirational work.

[PainlessWolf]

Good morning, Gentlemen,
S.O.A.G. Thank you very much, sir. I've learned a lot from this build. Due to the delivery time issue with Schumo, I've had space to do a lot more scratch detailing than with other Sherman builds.
Doc Phibes! I'm glad to see you drop in. I've been wondering what has been going on with that superlative M36B1 build of yours? Mine is ( has been ) near to being done. I'm looking forward to weathering and a small video to show it off.
regards,
Painless

[PainlessWolf]

Today was a very good day. The Schumo kit came in so I spent an enjoyable few hours after work putting the last pieces on the M36B1. As it stands tonight, I have painted rope and chain drying so tomorrow will see both front and rear stowage roped and chained into place. I did get the front stowage securely mounted using the 3M tape. It is one block and can be removed all at once by pulling out the board it is mounted to. This is for when you want to easily remove the upper. More fun with flats and weathering coming then on to a Show Off thread and video. Pics:

[PainlessWolf]

Good morning, S.O.A.G.,
It was all I could do not to call into work today and rather, spend the day finishing up this TD. I'll probably do some fine detail paint cleanup over lunch *chuckles*
Thank you and regards,
Painless