Iron Mike
Master At Arms And Resident Curmudgeon
Well, in the interest of my sanity, I decided to break out a "less complicated" build. I've always liked the brutish look of Soviet/Russian armor and came across the Cyber Hobby version of the venerable ISU-152 at our local hobby shop a few months ago, so naturally it "followed" me home. I understand this kit has it's flaws and compared to the Tamiya issue, it is lacking, but it gave me a chance to try some new stuff!
The kit is pretty straightforward, 3 build options and several color schemes and markings. I intended to do a 3 tone scheme, but didn't like the color combo after the initial painting was complete.
After reading Glen's (Cheyenne) tip about workable tracks using the "Booger Method", I just HAD to try it! The kit Magic Tracks didn't need much clean up and using a straight pin to apply the "booger's worth" of rubber cement to each link, I quickly had a length of track that really works! I primed and painted them, using Model Master Tread Brown over Flat Black.
I made hold down rings from copper wire and reworked the fuel drums, adding handles made from flattened .015 solder. Sprue Brothers supplied the Eduard gun tube, which required a little improvisation to coax into place. Texture was added to the hull with Mr Surfacer 500, stippled on with an old paint brush, followed by Tamiya grey primer. I shadowed the edges with Nato black, then shot the entire vehicle with XF 73, thinned with Tamiya lacquer thinner.
The tracks were drybrushed with Citadel Colors Mithril Silver, the road wheels with Chainmail, also by Citadel. These paints work quite well for brush painting and cleanup with water. I have not airbrushed them yet, but am impressed with the drybrush effects they produce.
Time for a seal coat, decals and more sealer, and on to the weathering :woohoo:
Comment, suggestions, questions, general ribbing always welcome!
:peace
The kit is pretty straightforward, 3 build options and several color schemes and markings. I intended to do a 3 tone scheme, but didn't like the color combo after the initial painting was complete.
After reading Glen's (Cheyenne) tip about workable tracks using the "Booger Method", I just HAD to try it! The kit Magic Tracks didn't need much clean up and using a straight pin to apply the "booger's worth" of rubber cement to each link, I quickly had a length of track that really works! I primed and painted them, using Model Master Tread Brown over Flat Black.
I made hold down rings from copper wire and reworked the fuel drums, adding handles made from flattened .015 solder. Sprue Brothers supplied the Eduard gun tube, which required a little improvisation to coax into place. Texture was added to the hull with Mr Surfacer 500, stippled on with an old paint brush, followed by Tamiya grey primer. I shadowed the edges with Nato black, then shot the entire vehicle with XF 73, thinned with Tamiya lacquer thinner.
The tracks were drybrushed with Citadel Colors Mithril Silver, the road wheels with Chainmail, also by Citadel. These paints work quite well for brush painting and cleanup with water. I have not airbrushed them yet, but am impressed with the drybrush effects they produce.
Time for a seal coat, decals and more sealer, and on to the weathering :woohoo:
Comment, suggestions, questions, general ribbing always welcome!
:peace
