Ratch Posted March 24 Author Share Posted March 24 More work on the turret. One or two gaps required filling and detail painting was done. Reg had told me that the commander’s hatch was turned through 90o because in the original position, the hatch had to be fully open for the commander to look out. This exposed him to small arms fire. By turning the hatch, it was possible to crack it open and the commander effectively was protected by the hatch. I removed a small locating lug to allow the new position. I could then fit the remaining parts, stowage boxes, hatches, spotlight, aerial mast, gun sights, and vision port lids, to the turret. The figure I had originally selected, which was speaking into the microphone, does not fit through the commander’s hatch. Luckily, I found another which does, and will employ him. I couldn’t resist a little trial on the diorama base, to see where the figures might be placed. I then did the touch-ups to the paintwork and set the build aside to ensure the paint was fully dried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 25 Author Share Posted March 25 Decals are on. Reg said they didn't like the star on the turret because it gave the Germans a target to aim at, so the put it on the engine compartment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 26 Author Share Posted March 26 I applied a wash of Mig Productions 00425 Filter 1508 - Green for Allied Vehicles. I was not very impressed with the effect. When this was dry, I used a torn piece of sponge to sparingly apply some chipping on edges and around hatches. I then fixed the tools on the hull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 29 Author Share Posted March 29 I got back on the Cromwell today. Looking again at the applied wash, I can see an uneven sort of patina over the tank. I sprayed an overall coat with Vallejo 28.518 Matt Acrylic Varnish. This was followed by various Mig Pigments sprinkled over white spirit. I then brushed a little Mig Pigments P234 Rubbed Dust over Mig Pigments P249 Fixer. Plastic rod made the aerial. A final wash was laid down using Vallejo Game Color 73202 Pale Grey Wash mixed with 73203 Umber Wash. If I'm happy with this tomorrow, it will get a final matt varnish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 30 Author Share Posted March 30 I think I'm happy with it now. I airbrushed a final coat of matt varnish on her this morning. I will be adding it to the diorama base I've made, along with with a few figures, so stay tuned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 30 Author Share Posted March 30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tour de Airfix Posted March 30 Share Posted March 30 That’s a real Bocage scene 👌 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 Thanks, here are final pictures. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul71 Posted April 5 Share Posted April 5 another great build ratch the back story makes it very interesting to read (i am a bit behind with everything again), the diorama is great really sets it off and I'm liking the weathering you have done on it. paul 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted April 5 Author Share Posted April 5 Thanks very much for your feedback, Paul, I appreciate it 😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleD Posted April 6 Share Posted April 6 It really captures what the fighting must have been like in the narrow lanes of Normandy👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratch Posted April 6 Author Share Posted April 6 Cheers Dale 😃 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumps123 Posted April 6 Share Posted April 6 Impressive build, particularly like your step by step approach. The dio is excellent. 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tour de Airfix Posted April 25 Share Posted April 25 Ratch, inspired by your build I’ve decided to give mine a go. Having recently picked up this Bill Bellamy’s story of life as Cromwell Tank Commander with 7th Armoured Division, as is my way, I’m ready to immerse myself into his world! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tour de Airfix Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 On 17/03/2024 at 17:43, Ratch said: The instructions specify that 15 links are required around the drive sprocket, but I found that 13 were sufficient. Hey, @Ratch I’m just reading Bill Bellamy’s excellent account of being a Troop Leader and he talks of having to remove links on his tank as they stretch over the weeks of use. So it happened for real too 😉 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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