Trumpeter KV-85

[Iron Mike]

The barrel is shorter than the 75, I believe it's a 76 like what was used in the SU-76

I could be wrong. :idonno Doesn't matter, not using that gun anyhoo. :frantic

Going into the paint booth tomorrow for primer and base color on the hull. Thanks for coming by.

:drinks

 

[Iron Mike]

My poor little zaichik has been neglected of late, so I bring her into sunshine for moment. Fuel tanks must be improved, so we add weld bead!

Clamp in vise for third hand to hold steady. Use fine styrene rod and extra thin glue, wait a moment, texture with knife. Repeat.

Many apologies, Saul Garciaovich, too many knock out marks to clean up in plastic track, I admit defeat and order metal tracks from Friulmodel.

Dry fit of fenders and tanks, much joy!

Many thanks for visiting, comrades!

Dasvidaniya!

:drinks

 

[phantom II]

:drinks Well, someone had fun :coolio

Cheers, Christian B)

 

[moon puppy]

Nice.

 

[lupanzer]

Very good improvments!...

Luiz.

 

[errains]

Having that third hand is sooooo helpful...great progress!!
:v

 

[JSteinman]

 

[Sherman 18]

Good SBS there.

 

[Iron Mike]

Thanks guys! Having fun with the ol' Boris Badenov thing. :laugh:

 

[Rhino]

Otlichno, Tovarish!

:drinks

 

[Sharkmouth]

I do not know the source of the tracks Saul sent.

I believe they are from Tamiya...

Many apologies, Saul Garciaovich, too many knock out marks to clean up in plastic track, I admit defeat and order metal tracks from Friulmodel.

No problem at all with me as long as you complete the kit!

Regards,

 

[Duke Maddog]

Wow, brilliant idea on those fuel tanks. Way to go Mike!

 

[Iron Mike]

Thanks, my friends! I've pecked away at this build while other stuff on the bench was drying, but haven't posted any updates. Rhino got after me about my lack of build photos, so here's a few.

Saul was kind enough to send me a set of tracks, but it didn't take me long to decide I needed a set of Friuls (yes, that's spelled correctly). Assembly was easy and the link count matched what Trumpeter said. I blackened them with Uschi Track blackener and then added various shades of pigments.

After letting them dry completely, I hit the high spots with a sanding stick.

The effect is quick and effective.

I had shot some base coat on the lower hull so the tracks can be installed, but first, some dirt and grime.

Tracks are MUCH easier to install without the fenders in the way!

After the glue dries, I will proceed with my various shades of green and the final bits before the overall weathering.

Thanks for coming by, much more to come.

:drinks

 

[Rhino]

I like the scunge you apply to the hull behind the running gear. Like He's been somewhere and is going somewhere else in a hurry!
Outstanding!!
:drinks :java

 

[Iron Mike]

Thanks, brother! It's hard to get it back in there with tracks and fenders on, I'll add more when the paint is done.

 

[JSteinman]

Noice

 

[Skinny_Mike]

Looking good!
Pigments for the mud?

 

[Iron Mike]

Yep, I mix several colors as I go, looks like wetter and dried mud. Wet the surface with pigment fixer, acrylic thinner mixed with clear flat or alcohol, then tap your loaded brush with your finger to deposit the pigments. Let it dry and add more if need be. B)

 

[phantom II]

And the dirt goes on :coolio ....

Cheers, Christian B)

 

[moon puppy]

Thanks, my friends! I've pecked away at this build while other stuff on the bench was drying, but haven't posted any updates. Rhino got after me about my lack of build photos, so here's a few.

Saul was kind enough to send me a set of tracks, but it didn't take me long to decide I needed a set of Friuls (yes, that's spelled correctly). Assembly was easy and the link count matched what Trumpeter said. I blackened them with Uschi Track blackener and then added various shades of pigments.

After letting them dry completely, I hit the high spots with a sanding stick.

The effect is quick and effective.

I had shot some base coat on the lower hull so the tracks can be installed, but first, some dirt and grime.

Tracks are MUCH easier to install without the fenders in the way!

After the glue dries, I will proceed with my various shades of green and the final bits before the overall weathering.

Thanks for coming by, much more to come.

:drinks

Dirty!! :coolio

Looks great.