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Binge Build: Takom T-55s
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 - 10:24 PM UTC
Update on my East German T-55 AM2B, I've basically given up on the Black and White technique. I applied Ammo of Mig paint MIG-083, ZASHCHITNIY ZELENO (RUSSIAN POSTWAR GREEN) and here are the resulting pictures.







It looks strange to me, I thought it would be a little more on the dark side, but it almost look Apple Green to me. Here are some more pictures.



Along with a couple of close up shots.




I will be testing out applying highlights and shadows. I am hoping to emulate modulation technique. We shall see.

Thanks,

Joseph
sgtreef
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Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2018 - 06:02 PM UTC
All looking good Joseph, a nice display of the T-55 series.

Can't wait to see more.

Cheers
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Friday, May 18, 2018 - 02:05 AM UTC

Quoted Text

All looking good Joseph, a nice display of the T-55 series.

Can't wait to see more.

Cheers



Thanks very much, Jeff.

Here are progress shots for the T-55AMV AU. I have applied the following base colors: Tamiya NATO Green overall, AK Interactive Dark Tracks for the tracks and fuel drum and Panzer Aces Old Wood for the un-ditching log.






Per the TheModellingNews build log, he applied highlights and shadows on the NATO Green. Even though he said that most of it will be covered by UN White, he said it would make good practice. I might do the same. I have not done something like that before so, might as well.

Till next update.

-Joseph

BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - 03:37 AM UTC
Here's the latest on the Type 69-II, I have completed applying primer. I used Badger's Stynlyrez. This is the first time I've used it. I was impressed that no thinner is needed. Although, the instruction recommended using a 0.5mm airbrush. So, I got to use my Tamiya trigger handled airbrush.


The primer was easy to use. Great coverage and no clogs. Here's a close up of the turret.


And here are the rest of the parts plus some more closeups.






After application, it was a breeze to clean up the airbrush. I highly recommend this primer. It is up there now with Mission Models as among my favorite primers.

Next step for the Type 69-II is to apply a base color using AK Interactive's Real Color RC104 Iraqi Army Desert Sand.

Thanks as always,

-Joseph
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Monday, June 04, 2018 - 05:34 AM UTC
Here's the latest on my tanks so far:

For the T-55 AM2B, I attempted to apply some highlights and shading. I think the color variation is a little too subtle. But, at least, the overall monotone look has been improved. I'm thinking of maybe applying some more shades and highlights.




In my opinion, this looks better than just the plain base color.


For the T-55AMV, I practiced applying post shading and highlights. I think it is still too subtle that it is barely visible. Just as in the T-55 AM2B, the monotone look has slightly been improved.



Lastly, for the Type 69-II, I used for the first time, AK Interactive's Real Color RC104, "Iraqi Army Desert Sand". I used this with Tamiya's Yellow Thinner. I am pretty happy with the result.






I pretty much used up the whole bottle for this tank.

Next step is detail painting and then sealing.

Thanks,

Joseph
RobinNilsson
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Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2018 - 10:13 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Here's the latest on my tanks so far:

For the T-55 AM2B, I attempted to apply some highlights and shading. I think the color variation is a little too subtle. But, at least, the overall monotone look has been improved. I'm thinking of maybe applying some more shades and highlights.




In my opinion, this looks better than just the plain base color.


For the T-55AMV, I practiced applying post shading and highlights. I think it is still too subtle that it is barely visible. Just as in the T-55 AM2B, the monotone look has slightly been improved.



Lastly, for the Type 69-II, I used for the first time, AK Interactive's Real Color RC104, "Iraqi Army Desert Sand". I used this with Tamiya's Yellow Thinner. I am pretty happy with the result.






I pretty much used up the whole bottle for this tank.

Next step is detail painting and then sealing.

Thanks,

Joseph



Washes and dirt would also help break up the monotone colour.
Shading and highlights only adds what the eye expects to be there on a monotone surface which isn't completely flat. As soon as there is some kind of surface structure (and there is plenty of that on a tank) the brain will expect shadows and highlights.
Washes and dirt adds a tonal variation which is not connected to shadows and highlights. Oil and fuel stains, dirt from crew moving around on the tank. Be careful with chipped and worn down paint. Dust and dirt from the geography, possibly rain stains or dust washed away in streaks or collected in corners,
It is easier if there is a camouflage pattern since that already provides some variation.
/ Robin
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 09:30 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Washes and dirt would also help break up the monotone colour.
Shading and highlights only adds what the eye expects to be there on a monotone surface which isn't completely flat. As soon as there is some kind of surface structure (and there is plenty of that on a tank) the brain will expect shadows and highlights.
Washes and dirt adds a tonal variation which is not connected to shadows and highlights. Oil and fuel stains, dirt from crew moving around on the tank. Be careful with chipped and worn down paint. Dust and dirt from the geography, possibly rain stains or dust washed away in streaks or collected in corners,
It is easier if there is a camouflage pattern since that already provides some variation.
/ Robin



Thanks for the tips, Robin. I am letting the filter that I have applied to completely dry for the T-55 AM2B. Washes and dirt are the next steps . I will apply very minimal or next to nothing as far as chipping is concerned.

In the meantime, I have painted the road wheels for all three tanks. I used AK Interactive's AK-720, Old Rubber Tire.


I have also recently bought Ammo of Mig's Camouflage Masking Putty. I applied the masking putty on to my Type-69 II.


I sprayed Ammo of Mig's Russian Base.


End result after removing the masking.


I am sold.This stuff really works. I highly recommend it.

Thanks,

Joseph
Removed by original poster on 06/18/18 - 21:44:10 (GMT).
RobinNilsson
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 09:50 AM UTC
That masking putty looks like some alien organism trying to eat a tank
/ Robin
panamadan
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 10:51 AM UTC
have you tried silly putty?
Dan
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 11:02 AM UTC

Quoted Text

have you tried silly putty?
Dan


Yes, they don't come close to this one. This is high quality. I'd never go back to silly putty for masking.
KoSprueOne
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 12:13 PM UTC
MIG's Masking Putty, huh? If you're saying it's HUGELY better and different than silly-putty then I'll have to look into this and maybe pick up a kit.




WXerock
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 12:28 PM UTC
KoSprueOne, there is a product available on Amazon called Theraputty. It is the same type of product as both Silly Putty and Ammo by MIG. It comes in different colors which are different firmnesses. They sell a kit that has a sample of all colors for a good price. I've read that the black putty is exactly the same product as Ammo's. I have some of the black and it is much firmer and more controllable than Silly Putty. A six ounce container is less than ten US dollars.

Regards,

Eric
KoSprueOne
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Posted: Monday, June 18, 2018 - 02:00 PM UTC
I'll have to look into this, Theraputty too. Thanks for the info, Eric. And for 10 bucks, it's worth a try.




BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Monday, July 16, 2018 - 04:24 AM UTC
Hello everyone,

I'm back. I was only able to take one WIP picture. Here is how I applied the "AU" insignia. Following the step in the blog, I traced the AU symbol on to masking tape. I then airbrushed dark gray.


I was not able to take pictures after I applied the white scheme over the green base. At this point, I am now in the middle of weathering this vehicle. Here are the latest pictures of the T-55 AMV AU.






I'll post some more detail shots later.

Thanks,

Joseph
griffontech
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Posted: Monday, July 16, 2018 - 04:47 AM UTC
Still amazed at the work Joseph.
I had to put my builds on hold due to the move. I'm almost settled in and the new model room is coming along. Will hopefully continue on my T-55 builds in the next couple weeks.
Keep up the awesome work!
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 - 05:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Still amazed at the work Joseph.
I had to put my builds on hold due to the move. I'm almost settled in and the new model room is coming along. Will hopefully continue on my T-55 builds in the next couple weeks.
Keep up the awesome work!



Thank you Dave, hope to see progress on your T-55s soon.

As mentioned, here are some more pictures on my T-55AMV AU. Please keep in mind that I am still not done with the weathering process. You can tell which side I have worked on.





And now, for some close up shots. Caveat, camera lens is never forgiving. They enhance flaws that you would not normally notice with the naked eye.









Thanks as always.

-Joseph
retiredyank
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Posted: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - 02:10 AM UTC
Your weathering looks spot on. I felt a tacky spot, on my turret. I'm hoping the humidity doesn't stall my build. Next up, I think I will build the AM2B. Just have to put some tracks, on a jagdpanzer.
ivanhoe6
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Posted: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - 05:37 AM UTC
Joseph, a big THANK YOU for such an enjoyable build log ! The Etchmate track tip and the rubber part of the road wheels painting tip, a BIG time saver also. Mucho thanks for that too !
Any ideas on your next project ????
Thanks again !
Tom
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Friday, July 20, 2018 - 04:31 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Your weathering looks spot on. I felt a tacky spot, on my turret. I'm hoping the humidity doesn't stall my build. Next up, I think I will build the AM2B. Just have to put some tracks, on a jagdpanzer.



Thanks Matthew. I hope your build continues. I'm lucky I don't have to contend with humidity but it sure does get hot around here in Los Angeles too. I had to wear a sweat band under my optivisor. Tracks are not my favorite to deal with but it must be done!
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Friday, July 20, 2018 - 04:40 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Joseph, a big THANK YOU for such an enjoyable build log ! The Etchmate track tip and the rubber part of the road wheels painting tip, a BIG time saver also. Mucho thanks for that too !
Any ideas on your next project ????
Thanks again !
Tom



Very welcome, Tom! I'm glad I am able to provide tips. Believe me, I have received more tips than I have given. Thanks to selfless modelers on this and other sites. Along with excellent publications from Meng AFV, AK Interactive, Abrams Squad and modeler Youtubers! My skill has greatly improved because of them.

Regarding next projects. I have a couple in mind. I have numerous BTRs and rocket launchers in my stash. I want to make a dent on my un-built kit collection.
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Friday, July 20, 2018 - 04:45 AM UTC
Here are the latest pictures of my East German T-55 AM2B.











I found out to late that the East German logo should have been centered between the two details on the Breshnev eyebrows armor. Oh well.

I will post some detail shots later so as not to further bombard this already photo intensive post.

Thanks,

Joseph
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Monday, July 23, 2018 - 06:50 AM UTC
Here are the close-up shots of the T-55 AM2B.






I'm pretty happy about how the green turned out after application of filter and washes. I did some more work on this last night and it is nearing completion. All parts that have been dry fitted are now permanently glued.

Thanks,

Joseph

retiredyank
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Posted: Monday, July 23, 2018 - 09:17 AM UTC
Exceptional work! What brand/color did you use for your top coat? I'm looking forward to starting mine. Just a few more hours, on the AMV and a wingy thing for a break.
BravoTwoZero
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Posted: Monday, July 23, 2018 - 10:55 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Exceptional work! What brand/color did you use for your top coat? I'm looking forward to starting mine. Just a few more hours, on the AMV and a wingy thing for a break.



Hi there Matthew,

Thanks for chiming in and thanks for the compliment. For the base color, I applied Ammo of Mig paint MIG-083, ZASHCHITNIY ZELENO (RUSSIAN POSTWAR GREEN). I was surprised on how bright a green color it was.

Here are the succeeding steps that I did:
- I sprayed some shadows and highlights, this darkened it a bit.
- I applied a Mig Productions filter for bright green.
- After I installed the decals, I coated it with Gunze gloss coat.
- I applied Wilder's Dark Brown Wash.
- I sprayed Testor's Flat coat
- I applied various earth colored pigments.

Hope this helps.

-Joseph