Jump to content

1/35 Takom T29E3 "World of Tanks"


Recommended Posts

The build.

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235017273-135-takom-t29e3-what-if/&

 

Despite time becoming my enemy with this one, I managed to get it done in time for ValourCon 8 hosted by IPMS Winnipeg (Canada).

 

Here she is.

34104671721_3d4df9219d_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0158 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

33851129140_8564d59a49_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0150 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

Takom's new 1/35th scale T29E3. An American heavy tank which was conceived in 1944 but a prototype wasn't completed until after the end of the Second World War. The vehicle has since gained popularity among the online gaming community. It is featured in both War Thunder and World of Tanks games. After acquiring a T29E3 in World of Tanks (and falling in love with it's performance and imposing looks) I was thrilled to discover Takom had released a new series of kits based on the T29. I decided to build the model to represent the tank I own in the game.

 

A big thank you to Tiger Model Designs for supplying a large number of brand new resin upgrade parts. The replacement parts really took the model to the next level replacing many of the smaller and less refined kit parts.

34078344452_3325186240_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0108 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

34078338712_e29e66377e_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0110 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

34235045285_be60af6d94_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0117 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

The model was painted primarily in Tamiya and some Vallejo. Oils, acrylics and enamels were used for detail painting and weathering. A variety of Mig pigments were used for dust and rust.The pigments were applied over several applications. Some wet, some dry.

33393746164_be0dd34aba_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0126 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

This was my first ever attempt at using the hairspray technique. And I absolutely love it. The hairspray was decanted from the bottle and sprayed on via airbrush.

34078316632_3288671b7e_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0127 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

The figure is from Alpine with a blanket that was sculpted from Milliput. My T29 commander in World of Tanks is presently at the rank of First Sergeant, hence the rank on his sleeve. The decals on the figure are both from Alliance Modelworks. All the markings on the tank (well, all six) were airbrushed on using stencils. The national insignia stencils used on the turret are from DNmodels.

33851166560_60fd222369_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0133 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

In the game World of Tanks each nation has a different way of showing off how proficient the player is in each of their tanks. Players driving American tanks can earn up to three stars (called marks of excellence) based on the average amount of damage they cause. I've currently earned two marks of excellence and I made my own paint stencils to represent this. Since it takes a while to earn each star I weathered the stars differently to indicate passage of time.

 

I still have the stencil so if I do earn that third and final star you better believe I'll be adding it to my 1/35th scale T29!

33393726074_4b218a8586_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0141 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

Virtually all of the smaller detail parts (including hatches) on the turret were supplied by Tiger Model Designs. The two coax .50cal MG barrels were replaced with fine brass tube.

34104702781_341f9c6e20_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0142 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

The commander was painted using Vallejo and oils. The German looking medal on his chest is another nod to the game. Any significant achievements in the game (like a high number of kills in one match for example) are represented by medals that are based off of German medals from WWII. I had some photo etch medals left over from a Dragon Gen2 figure set.

33424571753_e355111b97_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0145 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

In the game the tank is most famous for it's extremely thick mantlet and frontal turret armour. If you can get it hull down with the enemy ahead, you can have enemy shells bouncing off you all day long. I sculpted four shell impacts. Two direct but non penetrating hits on the mantlet. And two ricochet off the turret top and side. The silver is good ol Testors silver.

34078283882_b824c010cf_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0148 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

33851119700_6c83059b38_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0157 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

 

34078258332_3063c8ab56_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0163 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

According to wiki the T29 could weigh around 64 tons. I think at this angle it certainly appears possible! She's a big girl!

33424535553_50848ea98f_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0174 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

Tiger Model Designs also supplied a new .30cal MG for the hull.

34078241672_401c04af66_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0176 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

34194692116_91e39529a8_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0181 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

One headlight lens is missing from battle damage. It certainly IS NOT missing because of the mad dash to get it all done and I dropped it on the floor somewhere. Nope, definitely battle damage.

33424510653_b460d55df2_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0184 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

In the game each tank can carry three "consumables" which can be used during battle. Examples are tool kits to repair damaged track or a first aid kit to heal wounded crew. Here you can see a fire extinguisher (great as American tanks in game have a habit of brewing up). And a case of Cola which for one mission can increase crew skills by 5%. I scratch built the case myself and my wonderfully talented mother painted the Cola text.

33851076270_8a05a96789_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0186 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

The tarps on either side of the hull also match in game stowage. These were made of rolled up lead foil and the straps are photo etch and Tamiya tape.

34234939515_7760153c8a_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0188 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

The antennas are carbon fibre and were sourced from Accurate Armor. I bought these probably over ten years ago. Totally forgot I had them. Yes, it is good I've tidied up my work bench! I've no idea if the antennas are the correct length and happily I don't care!

34234927955_0c0c75954e_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0189 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

Some of you may be wondering why there are no tow cables present. Well the in game model from WoT doesn't have them so neither does mine. Good thing as I didn't have time to add them anyway!

34234923295_2ab1e9f7ec_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0190 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

The mufflers stained in rust and small tears in the rubber side skirts were also modelled after how the tank looks in game.

33424476433_8b5d224591_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0197 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

A graphite pencil was rubbed along various edges and surfaces to give a metallic sheen.

33424467253_21e9461bc3_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0198 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

33393616914_2ff1fe64e1_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0204 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

33851033150_fb9ccf82aa_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0205 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

 

 

The model has it's flaws (99% caused by me). And rushing to get the kit done for the contest didn't help. But overall I'm satisfied-ish with the overall appearance.

34234901795_81d8b838f8_b.jpg20170422-MJS_0211 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

I think it's a pretty neat looking vehicle. Like a Pershing on steroids! And I'm glad to have been able to build the tank I adore so much in the game.

34234896355_ea18cf14e2_b.jpg20170423-MJS_0215 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

Here it is on the base I cobbled together. I'm already contemplating building another World of Tanks T29 or T30 only in the equally neat looking winter camo.

34234890425_4ce8233670_b.jpg20170423-MJS_0219 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

How'd she do at the contest which I worked so hard to enter in time? FYI there were only 30 minutes left to register when I showed up. Well, that's a lovely gold medal awarded to me from the fine judges at IPMS Winnipeg. That was a great surprise and the icing on the cake!

33393587684_db393af62b_b.jpg20170423-MJS_0230 by _m_sinclair, on Flickr

 

A little background into the medal design.

 

"IPMS Winnipeg adopted the name, THE VALOUR ROAD CHAPTER. The significance of this name is related to the street in Winnipeg called VALOUR ROAD, a street located close to the club's headquarters at the St. James Legion. In the British Commonwealth, the highest medal awarded for bravery in combat is the Victoria Cross. Winnipeg has the unique distinction of having the highest number of Victoria Crosses awarded to men from one city outside Great Britain proper. Valour Road, which used to be called Pine Street, had three soldiers from the same street awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War. Other Manitoba servicemen honoured with the Victoria Cross were Col Billy Barker, a First World War flying ace and Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski, a Second World War Lancaster crewman. IPMS Winnipeg recognizes this outstanding service by honouring these brave men with reference to Valour Road."

-Courtesy the IPMS Winnipeg home page. http://www.ipmswinnipeg.ca/index.htm

 

The three names on the outer ring of the medal are men who all lived on Pine Street and were awarded the Victoria Cross during World War I.

 

Thanks for looking!

 

-matt

 

 

Edited by M_Sinclair
  • Like 18
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Geez guys you're gonna make me blush. :blush:^_^

 

25 minutes ago, AndyRM101 said:

Absolutely amazing job Matt. One of the most distinctive builds I've seen in ages. Love all the little extras you added. They really help bring it to life.

 

Andy

Thank you very much sir.

 

Y'know I just realized that this is the first in depth tank build since I completed an Abrams back in... 2007. Damn. This was also the first 1/35 figure I've painted since 2007 too!

 

May I just say Andy that you're own work helped more than you think with the T29. While nearing the completion of the build as I was beginning weathering I was feeling pretty down about how everything was coming together. The model looked ok, but it needed... something! That little touch to help it pop.

 

Well I remembered this photo and I saw the light!

33056628485_ee572cfa14_b.jpgTIE Striker wip by Andy Moore, on Flickr

 

The dark shading you applied to a few of the panels here was just what I was looking for! So I started to scrub some dark brown oil paints around certain details like the turret hatches where dirt could accumulate. Suddenly the model looked much more three dimensional and I had that POP I was desperately searching for. It sounds like a tiny detail but to me it was a huge moment and the mental boost helped me push on.

 

So keep sharing your work Andy! That inspiration can feel monumental at times.

 

33 minutes ago, FrancisGL said:

A very complete post, everything is very detailed, despite everything you have done a magnificent job, and you have obtained a prize deserved. :goodjob:, cheers Matt

Oh I probably have some spelling errors to fix in the post somewhere still. ;)  Thanks Francis. I really didn't expect the gold so I was thrilled to receive it!

 

-matt

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great model and a well deserved Gold. I like the little bit of history also. People see names of different things, and never realise the significance behind it. Thanks for clarifying.

 

John.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's brilliant!! Looks like it brings the fun back into modelling! I really like the camo scheme & the weathering is excellent - & the commander looks like he's more than a little chilly!! Fantastic looking vehicle, & as I know very little about AFV's, if you hadn't said where it was from, I'd have thought it was a real one that served in Korea!

 

Tremendous work ! :thumbsup:

 

Keith

 

PS fascinating info on the gold medal too !

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a great model in its own right, and the effort you've made to re-create your WoT ride add something extra on top. Love it!

 

J.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2017-04-24 at 6:45 AM, keefr22 said:

That's brilliant!! Looks like it brings the fun back into modelling! I really like the camo scheme & the weathering is excellent - & the commander looks like he's more than a little chilly!! Fantastic looking vehicle, & as I know very little about AFV's, if you hadn't said where it was from, I'd have thought it was a real one that served in Korea!

 

Tremendous work ! :thumbsup:

 

Keith

 

PS fascinating info on the gold medal too !

 

Thank you very much everyone.

 

Keith, I had the same thought. Reminded me of photos of Pershings in Korea I suppose.

 

Happy to say that I just bought a display case from IKEA today so she should be much better protected from dust now!

 

-matt

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...