robw_uk Posted September 1, 2020 Share Posted September 1, 2020 Everything else is heading to decals & weathering so time to start he next kit. Going with the Hobby Boss M4 HST (most likely in straight OD). It may eventually have something to tow (thinking a captured 88mm AA unit). Usual box art/sprue shot to start 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullbasket Posted September 1, 2020 Share Posted September 1, 2020 I have this very kit, but have never got around to starting it, so I'll keep an eye on this to see if there are any pitfalls. John. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longbow Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 I’ve never seen one of those. The idea of the 88 being towed sounds excellent !! Looking forward to the build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper dog Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 Hi Rob, nice choice! Fancied one of these but.....the old excuse too many kits to little time, will have to enjoy watching yours come together instead. Hope it works out ok and good luck! Darryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamden Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 Interesting looking project Rob, I'll follow along if you don't mind? Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 the more the merrier.... I may try a new modulation technique I saw (youtube I believe)... so paint the highlight colour first then, using a green pan scourer (the thin ones), tease its strands apart to create a "mask" and then spray the normal OD base... should give a random patina to the fading (thinking of using that over the decals too to show them fading).... of course, my trusty test subject (Airfix "goose" seaplane with 18 layers of paint on it) will get the proof of concept work.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckw Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 2 minutes ago, robw_uk said: tease its strands apart to create a "mask" Suggest you give your mask a dose of hairspray before using otherwise your mask may add tiny fragments of scouring pad to your model (unless of course that's the effect you're after 🙂). Steel wool works as well. Cheers, Colin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share Posted September 2, 2020 1 minute ago, ckw said: Suggest you give your mask a dose of hairspray before using otherwise your mask may add tiny fragments of scouring pad to your model (unless of course that's the effect you're after 🙂). Steel wool works as well. Cheers, Colin if it is clean and unused it might not give fragments... but will experiment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckw Posted September 2, 2020 Share Posted September 2, 2020 I think the pulling apart can cause little bits to break off 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 thanks all for the comments... Not started with the plastic as yet but have done some initial research. I always try to add a little something "extra" and have found a photo with a wooden box (or perhaps tarp covered "tray") on the rear along with a spare wheel (by the looks of it from something like an M3A1 scout car. If I can source 1 wheel (building the M3A1 now but it needs all its wheels) I may do that along with the box. Have also found reference of issues with the instructions so will make sure I double check everything (and that thread) while building and mention of serious casting marks that will need to be addressed. Hope to get fettling over the weekend so will start posting photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 4, 2020 Author Share Posted September 4, 2020 So the first cuts of plastic have happened - phase 1 are the wheels... Making good progress with the first "update" - the springs have small holes in either end (shown in the box art but not in casting). Also done some damage to the rubber wheels (actually a first for me). 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 6, 2020 Author Share Posted September 6, 2020 So a good couple of sessions over the weekend. Started on the main cab units (including using silver foil to "pad" the seats). And then moved to the winch and the power unit. Like the engine and, using documentation on the engine, added a few extra pipes (not exact but add that little extra detail). and on to the extractor fan and upper framework. All the rear components are loose to allow for easier painting (even though it is predominantly green)... For the seat, 1) cut some kitchen foil to the rough size of the part you want to cover: 2) with super glue, affix it to the main area and the smooth over the sides (if needs be, add super glue on the sides as well 3) neaten up, this should give some texture which, once painted and weathered, should add a little bit of variation to plain plastic seats 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper dog Posted September 7, 2020 Share Posted September 7, 2020 Nice progress there Rob, getting some interior practice in before the big one! Nice touches too, like the seat. Should be a really interesting project. Atb Darryl 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 7, 2020 Author Share Posted September 7, 2020 1 minute ago, Jasper dog said: Nice progress there Rob, getting some interior practice in before the big one! Nice touches too, like the seat. Should be a really interesting project. Atb Darryl Darryl, thanks - and yes... practicing ahead of 2 interior kits (T-54-2 and SU-122 ;-)).. so building, painting & weathering individual components as I go 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartH Posted September 7, 2020 Share Posted September 7, 2020 That's coming along nicely. I really like the damage to the wheels and the pipework on the engine has been done incredibly well. Love the tip about the foil..never heard of that. Top modelling 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 7, 2020 Author Share Posted September 7, 2020 2 hours ago, StuartH said: That's coming along nicely. I really like the damage to the wheels and the pipework on the engine has been done incredibly well. Love the tip about the foil..never heard of that. Top modelling 👍 cheers Stuart... on another forum it was pointed out to me that the seat pads in the M4 HST were individual (bench seating was a restoration choice) made up with zipped bags filled with crew blankets/soft stowage so removed the kit provided one as started on 3 replacements. Benches in place, cushions will be made from milliput at some point. Will also look at the seat backs (plus in some photos there are pads on the side walls too).... 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M3talpig Posted September 7, 2020 Share Posted September 7, 2020 Adding some nice touches to this Rob...an interesting and unusual subject ......and refreshing if you see what i mean .....great stuff mate looking forward to seeing this finished. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 12, 2020 Author Share Posted September 12, 2020 more time today than expected (parents are visiting the area). Managed to get the cab mostly done and the roof to the engine compartment. There are a hell of a lot of sink marks on the interior which means a lot of filling or covering with thin styrene sheet. Still need to make all the seat pads out of miliput and then attack the rear storage box. Everything still placed in place 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M3talpig Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 Getting there mate....how are you planning on painting the interior ..looks a tight squeeze ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 12, 2020 Author Share Posted September 12, 2020 1 hour ago, M3talpig said: Getting there mate....how are you planning on painting the interior ..looks a tight squeeze ....... yeah... leaving it loose which will help, and then a small brush for the smaller details... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick4350 Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 On 9/2/2020 at 12:27 PM, Longbow said: I’ve never seen one of those. The idea of the 88 being towed sounds excellent !! Looking forward to the build. The picture that shows the M4 pulling the '88 gun is a late version with a class B ammunition box for 155mm/240mm rounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robw_uk Posted September 12, 2020 Author Share Posted September 12, 2020 26 minutes ago, Mick4350 said: The picture that shows the M4 pulling the '88 gun is a late version with a class B ammunition box for 155mm/240mm rounds. did wonder - but if this can tow a 90mm gun can't it tow an 88mm? Know the weight is the governing factor . I think the image with the wheel on the rear is the updated vehicle is as well but still going to try it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 Looks good already, the idea of it towing something captured is intriguing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick4350 Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 25 minutes ago, robw_uk said: did wonder - but if this can tow a 90mm gun can't it tow an 88mm? Know the weight is the governing factor . I think the image with the wheel on the rear is the updated vehicle is as well but still going to try it In the Squadron Signal book on the 155mm Long Tom gun, it says that the M4 had a maximum towed load of 38700 pounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper dog Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 The M4 would have little trouble towing the 88mm, crack on, get after it! Doing some really nice work here Rob. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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