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Modeller Build Logs
M-12 155mm GMC |
| By Hans Haase | | Started: | Mar 1, 2007 | | Updated: | Sep 2, 2007 |
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The M-12 is, in allied terms, a somewhat rare vehicle. 100 of these self propelled artillery pieces were built in 1942 and 1943 for the purpose of training and were based on M3 medium tank chassis, with the then-standard M1917/M1918M1 155mm gun of French design.
As the actual invasion of Europe got closer, it was decided that the standard 105mm M7 self-propelled howitzer may be too small for dealing with stronger fixed emplacements, and a number of M-12's were modernized and upgraded for combat use. These became the largest self-propelled US artillery deployed in Europe and saw heavy use throughout the European campaign.
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| Base Colour | Jul 23, 2007 |
So, here she is in the base color. I've been experimenting lately with various styles of pre-shading, and have been steering toward a layered color approach. Every time I try it, things get a little bit better. I'm finding it's all about the proper ratio of thinner, but also the correct color choices in the right order.
For US armor in OD, I'm finding that a medium brown tends to work best as a good base color. For British armor in SCC15, I am leaning toward an emerald green. This will be followed by a very highly thinned Tamiya OD green.
I also can't stress enough how much it helps my model work to do various types of models. I can't tell you how many folks have complained that they cannot do masking work, or they just hate it. But for interiors, it's pretty much a mandatory skill. This is where being an aircraft builder comes in handy, as much of the paint work, cockpits, canopies and such are done via various forms of masking.
In this case, I very gently filled the interior spaces with tissue paper, then used strips cut from the instructions of the kit to block the holes. The tissue helps hold the paper strips up against the backside of the opening. Then just a little tape to hold it all together. When I'm done, I just pluck it all out. |
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