Hi pals,
A new kit to build, in this case the Takom M46 Patton.
I hope it’s a simple OOB kit, without major problems.
From what I know on the box, it seems that way; there aren’t any complicated parts and PEs sers, and the tracks are quite easy to assemble in theory.
I think it will be a nice-looking and high-quality model once finished.
Thanks for watch and comments.
Cheers
Francis 
Hi JayJHCruz,
many thanks for your interest and support, I think so, it looks like a great kit, without many complications, like the previous one I posted on Armorama, a Tamiya T34 76 mod.42, although this one was an oldie, and only comparable for not having PEs and its ease of assembly.
Of course, your model is gorgeous, I hope to make something at least like that, I love your metallic brute.
Cheers
Francis
Thanks for the kind words, it is appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your model progress.
UPDATE 01:
Hi Pals,
First progress with the kit, starting with the suspension arms. Good fit, and keep in mind that some parts are very similar, so it’s highly recommended to keep things organized…
Moving on to the wheels… quite a few, but no problem once again…
The upper part of the hull is a single piece, great, and it already has many details incorporated, and others, very small, like rings on the engine covers, which look great when added.
In my opinion, the texture shown in the kit is rough enough, so I’m not going to add any texture; I think it looks very realistic…
Continuing with the exhaust silencers, several pieces, and the fenders, with some pieces already added.
Everything fits together very well, with the closures on the individual spare parts boxes, and the handles, which are very delicate; I’ve already broken some… in the end I think I’ll have to replace them with wire… until the next update.
Thanks for watcha and comment.
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 01:
Hi Pals,
First progress with the kit, starting with the suspension arms. Good fit, and keep in mind that some parts are very similar, so it’s highly recommended to keep things organized…
Moving on to the wheels… quite a few, but no problem once again…
The upper part of the hull is a single piece, great, and it already has many details incorporated, and others, very small, like rings on the engine covers, which look great when added.
In my opinion, the texture shown in the kit is rough enough, so I’m not going to add any texture; I think it looks very realistic…
Continuing with the exhaust silencers, several pieces, and the fenders, with some pieces already added.
Everything fits together very well, with the closures on the individual spare parts boxes, and the handles, which are very delicate; I’ve already broken some… in the end I think I’ll have to replace them with wire… until the next update.
Thanks for watcha and comment.
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 02:
Hi Pals,
Some more progress with the kit. I’ve already put the running gear in position, and now it’s time for the tracks. Interestingly, the kit includes two types of tracks… incredible! It seems Takom has really gone all out. It includes two types of tracks, and they’re not super complicated, but quite simple to assemble. I’m going to go for the metallic chevron ones, which I like better and give a more rugged and vintage look. I think I’ll be able to paint everything once it’s assembled. It won’t be easy, but it’s not the first time I’ve done it. A little patience and checking from all visible angles to make sure nothing is left unpainted.
I’ve already joined the two halves of the hull, and it’s taking shape. It’s starting to look like a tank and not a crab/beetle on its back…lol
In the photos, you can see the detail of the numbering on the hatch cover, cool! I decided to replace the tiny springs with copper wire ones. Once they’re painted, I don’t think you’ll notice, but it’s quick and easy to do and looks better.
I also ended up breaking the machine gun barrel, which is in a super exposed position, so far forward, that it’s very easy to break… And the handholds, which I was tired of fixing, I’ve replaced with wire ones…problem solved!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Cheers,
Francis
Coming together nicely, Francis.
Very nice finish on that one. What colour OD did you use for the main body and turret. It looks great,
Hi Terry,
many thanks for your kind comment, i’m glad you like it.
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 03:
Hi Pals,
Some more progress with the kit! I’ve finished the turret. Initially, I chose the mantlet with the fabric cover, although I hope to achieve a good result with the paint so it looks like “fabric.” Otherwise, I have the other “metal” one… There were no major problems during assembly; everything fits together well. Here you can see the parts that still need to be added, some ready, others on sprues so they don’t get lost or broken in the meantime. I used Mr. Metal Primer to protect the wires I used to replace some parts, because no matter how many times I prime them, they always end up peeling in places. With this primer, they withstand handling quite well, with a few spots that need touching up at the end.
The hull has already received its black base coat.
Thanks for watch and comment for always.
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 03:
Hi Pals,
Some more progress with the kit! I’ve finished the turret. Initially, I chose the mantlet with the fabric cover, although I hope to achieve a good result with the paint so it looks like “fabric.” Otherwise, I have the other “metal” one… There were no major problems during assembly; everything fits together well. Here you can see the parts that still need to be added, some ready, others on sprues so they don’t get lost or broken in the meantime. I used Mr. Metal Primer to protect the wires I used to replace some parts, because no matter how many times I prime them, they always end up peeling in places. With this primer, they withstand handling quite well, with a few spots that need touching up at the end.
The hull has already received its black base coat.
Thanks for watch and comment for always.
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 04:
Hi Pals,
Some progress on the model. I’ve started spraying some green over the base black, trying to create a three-stage modulation to lighten the color. Later, with weathering, the tone will definitely change, possibly becoming darker.
Once dry, I’ll do some dry brushing to highlight details, followed by pin washes over recesses and highlights to harmonize them.
Many thanks for watch and comments.
Cheers
Francis
That paint is looking great!
Hi barkingdigger,
many thanks for your reaction and kind comment, i’m glad you like it.
Cheers
Francis
Loving the paint. I’ve used similar methods on some of my stuff. You are nailing it on this one!
Hi Terry,
many thanks for your reaction and kind comments, appreciated,
I’m glad you like it.
I think that even though each modeler has “their own school” or “method,” we’ll always find common ground with other modelers, which is nice, because it means we must be doing something right…lol
cheers
Francis
Really really nice work so far!!!
Hi FlyEaglesFly,
many thanks for your reaction and kind comment, i’m glad you like it.
Taking shape little by little
Cheers
Francis
Hi FlyEaglesFly,
many thanks for your reaction and kind comment, i’m glad you like it.
Taking shape little by little
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 05:
Hi Pals,
Another update on the model! Once the oil washes were completely dry, I continued by accentuating some details and toning down others.
I tried to depict the wear on the exhaust pipes, both the visible and hidden ones.
Time to apply the decals. I had to repaint the front star because I ruined it.
Then I applied varnish and effects to blend with the paint, and added some more weathering, trying to be subtle.
I started working on the running gear with oil washes, and for the tracks, I sprayed a base coat to weather them. It was a bit difficult to reach everywhere, but not impossible. I used a round, not-too-thick brush with very long bristles for the inside of the tracks and the edges. It works very well with a bit of skill and patience.
Thanks for watch and comments
Cheers
Francis
UPDATE 06:
Hi Pals,
A new push with the model. This time, the hull is practically finished.
A few drops of spilled fuel in the tanks.
I continued with the tracks, all done with a brush. Once they had their base color of burnt sand, I painted the teeth silver, and the outer edges of the tracks. The wheels had their rims in black and a layer of dust.
Once dry, I weathered the inside of the links, and then the metal part of the tread with silver again.
For the underside, once it was painted and dusted, I added pigments in certain areas.
Later on, I’ll continue weathering the tracks and outlining anything I missed with the brush.
Thanks for watch and comment.
Cheers
Francis
Excellent work, it’s really starting to get there!
