Italaerei Semovente |
| By Michael Bedard |
| Started: | Jul 4, 2008 | | Updated: | Aug 26, 2008 |
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I'm doing this a bit backwards by submitting the finished model first to the gallery and then doing the BLOG. I assume this will appear on TL6 when it is up.
I actually started the kit back in the late 1980s. It has sat in a box started for about 20 years. I finally started finishing this kit back in 1999. What really got it getting finished was the purchase of the Model Victoria update that I bought after I built the Model Victoria Topolino.
So here goes, a BLOG on the Italaerei Semovente. |
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| Last Chapter: Weathering the Mufflers | Aug 26, 2008 |
| As with the rest of the vehicle I weather the mufflers in a similar fashion but heavier because of the extreme heat ranges created by the engine exhaust. At one time I used to just paint mufflers rusted. My preferred current method is to paint the exhaust the same color as the vehicle and then weather... more |
| Worn Metal Areas | Aug 25, 2008 |
| Tracks on tanks wear on various suspension components. To show this wear that exposes and burnishes metal surfaces I use a 2-step process. Before using this technique I study the tracks how the touch the various components to figure out where to work. First step as illustrated in this picture is to paint... more |
| Tow Cable | Aug 20, 2008 |
| Model Victoria provides some excellent tow cable ends. I added Emporium rusted cable for the actual tow cable. The end was twisted using .006 brass wire. Emporium is no longer in business but there are several other sources for cable material. |
| Weathering | Aug 16, 2008 |
| After the painting the fun part is weathering. My first step is to add appropriate scratches and chips in the paint. I have restrained how many I have added compared to when I first started adding this weathering technique. I also use a far less contrast in color with the paint. I currently use Vallejo... more |
| Tank Tools | Aug 13, 2008 |
| Model Victoria provides an excellent set of mounted tools. Here Alclad steel has been painted onto the tools. |
| Fruilmodel Tracks | Aug 11, 2008 |
| Fruilmodel tracks were used to replace the kit tracks. I have really become fond of these tracks despite the cost. Here they are assembled prior to painting. |
| Markings | Aug 10, 2008 |
| I made these markings on my Apple computer and printed them out onto decal paper. I used research from the Squadron book on Italian tanks. |
| Painting the Suspension | Aug 9, 2008 |
| I have come to prefer to paint suspension pieces while still on the sprue. This way I can get to all the hidden places not accessible with an airbrush. Here the suspension has been painted and a wash using Winsor/Newton raw umber mixed with Turpenoid. |
| Painting the Hull | Aug 7, 2008 |
| PollyScale Italian Camouflage Yellow 2 was used for the base color. |
| Assembled Hull | Aug 6, 2008 |
| Here the Model Victoria parts are added to the Italaerei lower hull. The gray p[arts are th resin parts. Metal sprocket is from the Fruilmodel track set. A new side step is added using Eduard photo-etch parts and brass rod. |
| Completed lower hull interior | Jul 24, 2008 |
| Model Victoria replaces most of the Italaerie interior and the resin pieces are some of the best detail I have ever seen. I added electrical wires using solder. Internal bracing and rivet bolts were accomplished using evergreen styrene strips and a hexagon punch & die set. The reference photos sent... more |
| Inside Upper Hull | Jul 21, 2008 |
| Model Victoria supplies an entire upper hull for the Semovente conversion. This picture shows the upper hull with all the Model Victoria parts. I've added electrical lines using solder wire and brass rod handle. |
| Interior Parts | Jul 6, 2008 |
| I tried looking to see if I had any photos in progress prior to using the Model Victoria set but to no avail. I started this project about 1987. I know this because it was prior to buying my home. It sat around in a box until 1999 when I put it on my 'priority' list. What really got it going... more |
| Here it is | Jul 4, 2008 |
| Well, here is the finished model. I will show how I got to this point with this BLOG. |
