|
     
This is Tamiya's relatively new T-55A kit. I've been back modelling for over 3 years now and will say that this is the best kit I've ever built. Quite frankly I would advise chucking whatever kit you're building right now in the garbage (also you should probably dance around the garbage can a bit taunting it for being an inferior kit) and get one of these models right away. It is built almost straight from the box (which is almost like a sin to me) but I added some copper wire for the fuel lines. I also used Fruilmodel tracks and a shovel, pick and bag from the spares box.
As for the finish/weathering I pretty much followed the steps outlined in an article from AFV Modeller magazine. Also, I realize there should be turret numbers, but I had a mishap with the decals (I don't care for decals in the first place and think they were invented by the Devil or el Diablo for our Spanish speaking friends) and decided to just scrap them except for the national insignia.
The scene I was trying to depict was a Polish T-55 on training exercises during winter (obviously it is winter or least I hope it is obvious) on a field where fighting during WW2 took place. There are pieces of a Tiger I in the flooded trench (yes, it is a trench not a stream!). They are difficult to see because I added more ice, snow and slush than originally planned, but I feel it looks much better this way.
However, I will make a few comments on the landscape. The main component used to make the slush, snow and flooded trench (again that is a flooded trench not a stream!) was a polyester based clear resin. First I must say that it creates an awesome effect for water, but is nasty stuff and must be used with great care. It damages styrene, strips off paint and dissolves Styrofoam. So when using it learn from my mistakes, (my first attempt is still sitting in the garage and was a disaster) the second is on this site (my Elefant) went well but still had some leakage problems and this would be my third. The key things to note are any mold you pour it into has to be perfectly sealed or it will leak everywhere. If it dries on your work bench it is hard to remove. Make sure it is on a level surface or you will end up with an uneven body of water, which pretty much never happens in nature. The most important thing is YOU MUST WORK WITH IT IN A WELL VENTILATED ROOM! The fumes from this stuff are wicked!
As for the snow and ice I mixed the resin with Woodland Scenic snow in various ratios to get what looked like ice (mostly resin) to snow (mostly Woodland's snow). The grass is cut natural fiber rope and the plants are some weeds and roots I picked years ago and let dry in my garage. I added the snow and ice to the weeds by dripping an oil based gloss on them then sprinkling Woodland snow over that.
As always I'm happy to answer any question and eager to hear comments. Also, I would like to suggest next month's contest be "Best use of a Clear Polyester based resin in a winter scene featuring a post WW2 former Soviet block AFV made by Tamiya and a flooded trench". [View discussion] [Discuss my model]
|
