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Russian Medium Tank T-54 B "The End"


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Hello all  🥳


As announced yesterday, I present my new project today.


This time it goes from North Africa directly to Southeast Asia 🌴🌴🌴
My scene is set at the end of the Vietnam War and shows the PAVN invasion of Saigon.
The main role is not played by Jackie Chan, even if the title of the post might suggest it, but by Takom's T54 B 😎
As one of my favorite tanks, building it is an absolute must for me-the kit is also highly recommended.
The older Russian technology has a special charm and just because represented in almost all conflicts, an endless topic for modelers.


The beginning make some pictures of the construction of the model, whereby I must say that this is already some time ago.
But to really show everything from A-Z, I do not want to withhold these steps 🤓
Have fun!
MD

 

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the plastic strips help to align the rollers correctly

you can even see the ball bearings-who needs a protective cap?

 

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the plastic tracks are very good with a little bit of sanding

 

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you don't always need complex PE fenders. A few simple aluminum strips suggest dented sheet metal

 

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also here with a dremel tool

 

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new holding clamps for the DSchK from a plastic sprue

 

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better 😁

 

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with russki in love 🥰

 

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ok, it probably won't work completely without PE and wire 😁

 

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some tools and a machete is a must in the jungle

 

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protective tubes for the rear light wiring

 

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also here

 

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new protective tube for the searchlight cabling

 

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the characteristic extra fuel tanks

 

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here I used another kind of wire mesh

 

See you!

 

 

Edited by THEscaleSHOW
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Brilliant,  I'll enjoy this, I've the Iraqi Type 69 boxing of the same kit here, think I'll park mine for now though....:whistle:

Really like what you've done with it so far, I'll probably pinch a few ideas too!

Who's barrel and pe set have you used?

 

Now stop hanging around and get some modelling done! :whip:

 

Atb

Darryl 

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One of my favorite tanks. You have done a good job with this one....

I like how you implemented damage to various handles, fender etc.

Looking forward to see this with paint. Will be following this closely.

Keep up the good work 👏

 

Mukund 

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6 hours ago, Jasper dog said:

Brilliant,  I'll enjoy this, I've the Iraqi Type 69 boxing of the same kit here, think I'll park mine for now though....:whistle:

Really like what you've done with it so far, I'll probably pinch a few ideas too!

Who's barrel and pe set have you used?

 

Now stop hanging around and get some modelling done! :whip:

 

Atb

Darryl 

Hi Darryl

Yep, the Iraqi version is also very cool 😎
Here are the accessories used:

 

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MD

 

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Hello all 🥳

 

First of all, thank you to everyone who wrote. I had already thought that this tank has some fans 😁
Yesterday evening I applied the primer (Tamiya from the bottle with Mr. Colorr Leveling Thinner) and got some components for building the vignette from my storage.
The tank must now dry well until tomorrow, during which time I will continue with the planned building.
Have fun and see you soon!
MD

 

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See you!

 

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Isn't this done yet! :whistle:

 

Nice little selection of accessories to compliment the T54, sure it will be as impressive as usual!

 

Thanks for the info re' the barrel and etch, I've the Voyager barrel for mine and some nice looking metal tracks, fruil type but from China with pins.

 

Hadn't planned on going much further with it but seeing yours has tempted me...:hmmm:

 

Good luck

Darryl 

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Hello all  🥳

 

First of all, many thanks to you for the comments 🙂 👍


Yesterday I made good progress with the construction of the building.
I first put everything together provisionally to check the fit.
Today I will continue with the painting of the tank - so I don't want to lose any time 😅

See you soon!
MD

 

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check the layout inside the frame

 

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then protect the edges (the plastic border will go there later)

 

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road and pavement (3mm XPS)

 

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the steps with PVA

 

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then the columns (test fit)

 

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Marking the kerbstones

 

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then make a slight incision with a blunt blade and engrave with a toothpick

 

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the pan lid as a template, because nothing is safe from model makers 😁

 

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test fit

 

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the facade stands

 

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like in Hollywood everything is just scenery 😎

 

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the proportions are right 🤓

 

See you!

 

 

 

 

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Hello all  🥳

 

Yesterday we continued with the painting.


After pre-shading the corners and edges, I sprayed the tracks, then the rollers and finally the first layer for the base in darkened green (for shadow effects).
It is not easy to paint every corner of a completely finished model. Although you save the assembly of rollers and tracks afterwards, you have to do acrobatic contortions with the airbrush when painting.
The advantage is that the primer is cast in one piece and you don't see any glue spots.
For beginners and those with weak nerves, I recommend painting everything separately 🤪😩

As for the accessories, I ordered a tank crew today. The manufacturer comes from... tata: Vietnam-could it be better?


Have fun!
MD

 

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50/50 for pre Shading w. 70% thinner

 

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Track mix as a basecoat

 

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first basecoat for shadows. The Mix: 2x dark green, 4x deep green, 2x red, 1x black

 

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I am curious how the sculpting is 🧐

 

See you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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First off I missed the part that you have done with your Diorama, that look's amazing, will watch this with interest to see how you do this. It's nice to see that you have shown the steps that you have taken to do this, It's really interesting to see. The pre-shading and base coat look great, with lots of nice tones to build on. well done...

 

Ed

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23 hours ago, edjbartos said:

First off I missed the part that you have done with your Diorama, that look's amazing, will watch this with interest to see how you do this. It's nice to see that you have shown the steps that you have taken to do this, It's really interesting to see. The pre-shading and base coat look great, with lots of nice tones to build on. well done...

 

Ed

Hello Ed
Thanks a lot - I'm happy you like it!

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Hello all  🥳

 

After yesterday's 6-hour painting marathon, I would like to present the finished colour to you today 😅
I based the tone on pictures from the internet. In my opinion, the green shown has a slight yellow component, at least in the highlights.
Maybe my pictures seem a bit too bright, but weathering (filter, washing etc) still follows and the scale effect should also be taken into account.
As already written, I try to document every step of the construction for those who are interested 🤓
The next step is the painting of the details in acrylic and a filter.
Have fun!
MD

 

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the first step of the base coat

 

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on one side too light-on the other side too dark 🤔

 

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now a few highlights with stencils

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contrasts are important and bring volume and 3D dimensionality 🤓

I swear-there is no lamp shining on the model 😎

 

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my highlight mix 3-1

 

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wheel masking w. an old cap

 

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to dampen the light effect somewhat, apply a highly diluted base colour (90%) again and some shadow colour

 

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some details

 

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top view

 

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and a small walkaround...

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Hands up! 🤠

 

See you!

 

 

 

 

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Just catching up with your build, superb!

For me you can keep the step by step approach to the build going, so much to learn from it, not only the T54 but the base too! :like:

What is the material you are constructing the building from, looks really handy?

 

Great paintwork to the T54 too btw.

 

Cheers 

Darryl 

 

 

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20 hours ago, Jasper dog said:

Just catching up with your build, superb!

For me you can keep the step by step approach to the build going, so much to learn from it, not only the T54 but the base too! :like:

What is the material you are constructing the building from, looks really handy?

 

Great paintwork to the T54 too btw.

 

Cheers 

Darryl 

 

 

Hi Darryl

 

For my buildings, walls, etc. I always use XPS boards.
You may know it from the hardware store as insulation material.
Unfortunately, there are usually only plates from 20mm and that would mean a lot of cutting work.
Of course there is the material also from AK, but as so often in my opinion much too expensive 🤑
I buy all at an online store for architects needs (with which they build their models). In addition to a large selection (from 1.5mm) also good prices and very fine material with top quality. Since even the smallest scratches can be made very easily.
BTW: it is the same with Burnishing Fluid for metal tracks. I have once researched and tested an alternative ones.
Can be ordered in stores for Tiffany glass and is absolutely the same result - only much cheaper.

MD

 

for comparison:

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8 hours ago, THEscaleSHOW said:

Can be ordered in stores for Tiffany glass and is absolutely the same result - only much cheaper.

Modeling compared to fishing is a cheap hobby, and alternative materials are even cheaper.

How lucky I am that I don’t like fish... :D

 

Vytautas

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22 hours ago, THEscaleSHOW said:

Hi Darryl

 

For my buildings, walls, etc. I always use XPS boards.
You may know it from the hardware store as insulation material.
Unfortunately, there are usually only plates from 20mm and that would mean a lot of cutting work.
Of course there is the material also from AK, but as so often in my opinion much too expensive 🤑
I buy all at an online store for architects needs (with which they build their models). In addition to a large selection (from 1.5mm) also good prices and very fine material with top quality. Since even the smallest scratches can be made very easily.
BTW: it is the same with Burnishing Fluid for metal tracks. I have once researched and tested an alternative ones.
Can be ordered in stores for Tiffany glass and is absolutely the same result - only much cheaper.

MD

 

 

 

Great suggestions, I've had a quick look on Amazon and the insulation boards are available along with the black patina fluid. (Probably available elsewhere too but it's the easiest place to look!)

Really need a bigger workshop just to store everything!

Thanks again, really appreciated. 

 

Cheers

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Hello all 🥳

 

Today a small update on the T54.
I painted details and highlights with acrylic and then applied a filter with Vallejo.
As preparation for the decals I like to use Smoke from Tamiya, because there is already the appropriate gloss and so the unsightly silvering is prevented.
The decals are not from Takom, but from a Trumpeter kit. Why ever, but with the Takom decals I have only problems (very thick and difficult to remove).
After the decals I apply a protective layer of Tamiya silk matt from the can.
On the building I also continued.
Here I built the advertising board and a (fantasy) support construction for the facade.  I also added texture and cobblestones to the street.
As you can see on the last picture, the paint has become much darker. Of course, this is also due to the clear coat, so always choose lighter colours in advance.
I think I've got the colour right-what do you think?
Have fun!
MD

 

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some brushwork

 

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a filter

 

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some details

 

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waiting for the decals (before smoke w. 90% thinner)

 

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a protective cover is a must for slow drying colours

 

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the decals look good, but have a small edge. this can be removed with wet sandpaper

 

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a last protective coat before weathering

 

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now a little construction work

 

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with the help of this old bending tool, it is ensured that all drill holes are exactly at the same height 🧐

 

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See you!

 

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hello all 🥳

 

There has been a lot to do at work lately, so my new post took a little longer.
Today I would like to show you the progress of the building, which has received the basic weathering and the T54, also with basic colours.
As for the colours of the building, I took typical tones of the 1950-60 years as seen in Asia (even today) according to references.
The chipping is deliberately very strong, as no paint can withstand the high humidity for long.
Here, everything starts to flake and mould shortly after completion - I also know this from my last holiday in Cuba.
As for the T54, I applied the first colour variations with oil paints.
This doesn't have much to do with the actual weathering yet, it's more about creating more volume-it's just supposed to look more interesting.

Compared to the last test fit, I'm satisfied - the more details I add now, the better it will (hopefully) look.
I will work on the figures at the weekend. The loading gunner from Paracel is already ready for that.
Have fun!
MD

 

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black primer in acryl

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Shades of grey for the concrete - but no 50 😏

 

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ready for chipping

 

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my blue mix

 

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first chipping is done

 

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now yellow

 

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my oils are green, white, yellow and red

 

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in addition, I applied 2 shades of green (oilbrusher light and dark) as a variation

 

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fortunately no nasty silvering on the decals 😅

 

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The Miniart electricity poles are highly recommended.

Very cleanly made and only a little Mr. Surfacer 500 for the concrete structure is needed for the final touch

 

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not alpine or Panzerart, but usable

 

See you!

 

 

 

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Hello all 🥳

 

I continue with the vignette of the T54.
Today again a few pictures of the construction of the building and the weathering of the tank.
The main painting work is finished and now the real fun begins - the details.
It will take time again, but you don't want to rush things.
All right, that's enough - have fun!
MD

 

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let's make roofing felt

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if you don't have any thread at hand, use a tea bag and dipping in PVA with black paint 😋

 

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glued

 

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the tar welds

 

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let's build a wall cover out of sheet metal

 

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the roof is done

 

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street sanding

 

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the street markings

 

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the neon lights for the façade

 

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chipping details with 000 brush in acryl (green, brown, red)

 

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different shades of green and chipping colours

 

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the entrance doors and advertising boards are in progress

 

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a comparison with last time

 

See you!

 

 

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