My First Armor Build

[Deleted member 21002]

I just finished my first armor build. A Tamiya 1/35 Sherman Easy Eight. While it turned out fairly decent, I cannot say I really enjoyed the build. I found there were way too many tiny and fragile parts. I am amazed that I did not lose any to the tweezer catapult or the rug parts eating monster. I also did not break any of the fragile parts cutting them off the sprue or cleaning them up. This was a first for me. I always seem to lose or break at least a couple parts per model. I found cleaning the parts was a major pain in the ass. But somehow I managed to do it. I have never actually used any figure that came with a kit. I used this figure because my grandson wanted me to. I made a major mistake right off the bat by putting the figure together before painting it. But somehow managed to make it look presentable. This was OOTB all the way. I do not weather, panel line, or use washes. I was strictly using dry brushing for this kit. Don't know if I will do another armor piece. It is just not my favorite subject to build

. My next build already on the bench is a Tamiya 1/12 Honda CBR1000 Fireblade SP. I really enjoy motorcycle builds. Here are some pics of the Sherman Easy Eight.

 

[JOHN R]

A pity you don't want to do the weathering as the build has come out well .

 

[scottie]

Looking good especially for a first build.

 

[Deleted member 21002]

A pity you don't want to do the weathering as the build has come out well .

I have no desire to do weathering. It just isn't my cup of tea so to speak. I would much rather have the showroom look to my models. To each his own. Thanks for the comment though.

 

[Deleted member 21002]

Looking good especially for a first build.

Thank you for the kind words. This is only my first armor build, not my first build overall. I build mostly motorcycle kits and a few aircraft kits.

 

[Jakko]

Despite your misgivings, the model has come out pretty nicely, IMHO. Was it this kit?

This is not Tamiya's worst kit, but I thought it could have been better than it actually is, in terms of ease of construction. The suspension especially was rather loose for my taste, and if you're used to big motorcycles then I can easily see why you think there are too many small parts in this kit

 

[Deleted member 21002]

Despite your misgivings, the model has come out pretty nicely, IMHO. Was it this kit?

View attachment 128710

This is not Tamiya's worst kit, but I thought it could have been better than it actually is, in terms of ease of construction. The suspension especially was rather loose for my taste, and if you're used to big motorcycles then I can easily see why you think there are too many small parts in this kit

Yes it was that kit. I picked it for several reasons. My 7 yr old grandson wanted me to build it, I wanted a Sherman to remind me of the movie "Fury" (one of the best WWII movies ever), and it had rubber band treads. It seemed like it was a bit over-engineered a bit, but it turned out ok. Back to motorcycles for me. Thanks for looking and responding to the thread. I appreciate it.

 

[GaryG64]

I just finished my first armor build. A Tamiya 1/35 Sherman Easy Eight. While it turned out fairly decent, I cannot say I really enjoyed the build. I found there were way too many tiny and fragile parts. I am amazed that I did not lose any to the tweezer catapult or the rug parts eating monster. I also did not break any of the fragile parts cutting them off the sprue or cleaning them up. This was a first for me. I always seem to lose or break at least a couple parts per model. I found cleaning the parts was a major pain in the ass. But somehow I managed to do it. I have never actually used any figure that came with a kit. I used this figure because my grandson wanted me to. I made a major mistake right off the bat by putting the figure together before painting it. But somehow managed to make it look presentable. This was OOTB all the way. I do not weather, panel line, or use washes. I was strictly using dry brushing for this kit. Don't know if I will do another armor piece. It is just not my favorite subject to buildView attachment 128688View attachment 128689View attachment 128689View attachment 128690View attachment 128691View attachment 128692View attachment 128693View attachment 128694. My next build already on the bench is a Tamiya 1/12 Honda CBR1000 Fireblade SP. I really enjoy motorcycle builds. Here are some pics of the Sherman Easy Eight.

Looks great!

 

[wjbrandel]

Did a good job on the model

 

[OldManModeler]

You did good. Nice job.

Weathering or a wash would make it 'pop'. It's just little paint, a bit of water (if using acrylic), and experiment. It is fast and pretty easy. But you could ruin the whole she-bang too. LOL. Use flat colors, of course, they will take away the sheen.

Anyway.

Kuddo's to you for doing the figure for your grandson! It looks good!!!

Maybe watch the movie again with your grandson. Get some flat white and a small brush and freehand "FURY" on the barrel sides.

Or, leave it alone. Good job.

 

[Deleted member 21002]

Thanks all for looking and for the compliments!

 

[Jakko]

I wanted a Sherman to remind me of the movie "Fury" (one of the best WWII movies ever)

Eh … let's say we'll differ in opinion on that

and it had rubber band treads.

Funny, those were not the first thing I decided to replace, but they moved up the list as soon as I took a good look at them But then, I build armoured vehicles and little else — if I were to build a motorbike I probably wouldn't tinker either with things that you are bound to improve or replace.

 

[Deleted member 21002]

Eh … let's say we'll differ in opinion on that


Funny, those were not the first thing I decided to replace, but they moved up the list as soon as I took a good look at them But then, I build armoured vehicles and little else — if I were to build a motorbike I probably wouldn't tinker either with things that you are bound to improve or replace.

If we all had the same opinion, it would be a very boring world for sure. I build straight of the box. I do not buy extras to replace parts that came in the box because I am on a fixed income. I do not model all the time as I have other interests and hobbies. So modeling is a part time thing for me. A couple models a year is plenty for me. I do enjoy the hobby, but not to the point of having to do it all the time. I never have more than a single kit at a time and do not have a separate room as a modeling space. It might take 4 months or so to complete one, but I do enjoy the final product to display and look at. For me, that is enough to satisfy me. Guess that is what it is all about anyway, enjoying it.

 

[Jakko]

Oh, I have plenty of other stuff I do too — but also too big a stash of kits I intend to build. Worse, even though I could spend more time building models than I do, and I actually want to, I don't actually do so But IMHO, the only thing that counts is if you're enjoying it. If not, build something else — you didn't overly enjoy this Sherman, by the looks of it, but hey, plenty of other subjects you can do instead

 

[Jim62]

Thanks all for looking and for the compliments!

I've been doing may most recent aircraft builds without weathering. It isn't needed if you don't care to do it. It's all a matter of personal choice. It looks good to me. You mentioned cleaning the parts. I never bother with that and it's never been an issue. That's pretty much old school from models molded long ago. Not needed anymore unless you just feel the need.

 

[TimM63]

I think this looks fantastic. I also build out of the box (mostly). If I could offer one small critique, I would hit it with a coat of clear matte to tone down the shine. That's just me and MHO.
Like I always tell my kids, "you do you and don't let others dictate who you are or what you do."

 

[Deleted member 21002]

I've been doing may most recent aircraft builds without weathering. It isn't needed if you don't care to do it. It's all a matter of personal choice. It looks good to me. You mentioned cleaning the parts. I never bother with that and it's never been an issue. That's pretty much old school from models molded long ago. Not needed anymore unless you just feel the need.

By "cleaning the parts" I meant when I clip it off the sprue, I file off any leftover nub on the part. I do not clean as in wash the parts. Never have.

 

[Deleted member 21002]

I think this looks fantastic. I also build out of the box (mostly). If I could offer one small critique, I would hit it with a coat of clear matte to tone down the shine. That's just me and MHO.
Like I always tell my kids, "you do you and don't let others dictate who you are or what you do."

Yea I probably should do a flat or matte clear coat, but probably won't. Lol

 

[Deleted member 21002]

TimM63 and Jim62,
Thanks for the positive comments! I appreciate them!

 

[Deleted member 21002]

I've been doing may most recent aircraft builds without weathering. It isn't needed if you don't care to do it. It's all a matter of personal choice. It looks good to me. You mentioned cleaning the parts. I never bother with that and it's never been an issue. That's pretty much old school from models molded long ago. Not needed anymore unless you just feel the need.

By cleaning the parts, I did not mean actual washing them. I have never done that. I meant after clipping the part off the sprue, sanding or filing the leftover nub or mark on the part. When it is a really small part or fragile part, it is a difficult process. Thanks for the positive remarks!

 

[Jim62]

By cleaning the parts, I did not mean actual washing them. I have never done that. I meant after clipping the part off the sprue, sanding or filing the leftover nub or mark on the part. When it is a really small part or fragile part, it is a difficult process. Thanks for the positive remarks!

thanks for letting me know and what you are talking about is a real pain for sure.

 

[Jakko]

Yea I probably should do a flat or matte clear coat, but probably won't. Lol

I recognise that The model is done in your mind, and somebody points out something else that really kind of needs doing … I built a Tyrrell P.34 earlier this year, and when I was done, somebody pointed out that I had the mesh over the air intake the wrong way round (I had it with the angled part at the front when that should be at the back), and even though all I need to do is put a knife under it to pop the superglue loose and stick it back on the other way round, I still haven't

 

[Edbert]

I think your Sherman looks great, even moreso as your 1st armor. I do not have any pics of my first, but I can tell you it was crap compared to yours!

One thing I did not realize until recently is that not all sprue-snips are the same. Obviously that is true for ALL tools, but what I mean is I was wrong in thinking that metal snips would have no issues cutting plastic, so cheap is fine.

I was making extra work for myself by using cheap (Hobby Lobby 1990s I think) snippers. I would carefully snip the part and sometimes it would break, or cause a crack on clear bits. Until I bought a high quality set from Ruitool. They actually have a single side that cuts so it is not a "pinch" thing. Yes they cost more, but it saves a lot of time of cleanup and a ton of frustration with broken part repairs.

 

[Deleted member 21002]

I recognise that The model is done in your mind, and somebody points out something else that really kind of needs doing … I built a Tyrrell P.34 earlier this year, and when I was done, somebody pointed out that I had the mesh over the air intake the wrong way round (I had it with the angled part at the front when that should be at the back), and even though all I need to do is put a knife under it to pop the superglue loose and stick it back on the other way round, I still haven't

The thing about it is that most people looking at the P.34 would never notice the mesh was on the wrong way around. There are purists out there who would call out the wrong shade of colors used, etc. I never worry about such things. I don't build to please other people, I build to satisfy myself. That doesn't mean I am happy with every build I have done, because I am not. But for the most part I am satisfied with the few I have built.

 

[Edbert]

I don't build to please other people, I build to satisfy myself.

This is the key to a long and happy life.

I do not always succeed, but I try to apply that mentality to most aspects of modern living, might not work when trying to keep the boss happy (actual boss not SWMBO), but it is good advice in general!

 

[OldManModeler]

I could be wrong, and I am old school. On a kit that matters to me, before I start the build, I will first carefully wash the sprues with dish soap and warm water and let dry. Simply to remove any mold release from them. I believe that the paint sticks better, and the glue sets firmer.

I could be wrong. But it has worked for me.

 

[Jakko]

most people looking at the P.34 would never notice the mesh was on the wrong way around.

I know I didn't, even though I had the instructions in front of me Neither did anybody else who saw photos of the model comment on it, except one person who apparently mainly builds F1 cars.

There are purists out there who would call out the wrong shade of colors used, etc. I never worry about such things. I don't build to please other people, I build to satisfy myself.

These are not necessarily opposites of each other, though. I want to build accurate models, as far as my skills allow me to, so one of the things that satisfies me is when I succeed at that — like correcting mistakes that the kit's manufacturer made.

The good thing about modelbuilding is that, as we've been saying, that you don't really have to please anyone but yourself (unless you plan to enter the model in a competition, anyway). However, the other side of this coin is that if you post photos of your work online, be prepared for people to point out things you could have done better. You sometimes come across people who take that kind of thing too personally when it's not meant like that at all, and react accordingly. Before you know it, you get hurt feelings on both sides when that was completely avoidable.