Ken Abrams - Scale Models

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:44:00 +0000

Here’s another sporadic post on a platform that I really must try and utilize much better!

This is the AFV Club M16 MGMC, this kit was part of a selection of models my friend, the late MH Tserng, founder and president of AFV Club had sent me for use in various publications shortly before his untimely passing.

This build will be found in Inside The Armour Publications new book, dedicated to Mr. Tserng; Modeling AFV Club Armour.

This model was *loosely* based upon this photograph.

-basically just the ammo/radio layout and name on the side.

Refresher in Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 17:27:00 +0000

I needed something fast and simple. The Tamiya GPA kit was just the thing to get me back at it full speed like I used to when I was a kid. I spent maybe six hours on clean up and assembly. Another four to six on the base and groundwork so far and have onlt started with a rough base coat for the figure.

This is just going to be a small, simple vignette to get the cobwebs out. This is what I really love to do, small simple scenes with groundwork and figures to give a sense of scale and context.

First time spraying these new Mission Models paints. While I'm not so sure about the accuracy of his color selections and names, I did like the way the paint performed.

With a rough base coat on the figure a little pre-finish look at the basic layout of the scene. I can now start detail painting the figure and weathering the GPA. It's these quick little builds that really refuel the mojo tank. Another week or so and I should have this one done.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 14:23:00 +0000

Wednesday October 23 2013...

That was the last time I posted here. So many things changed since then. Does this still even work...

For me, forums eventually gave way to this blog. A quite place to share my passion I called it. Now it's Facebook that I find to be incredibly noisy. The constant flow of negative energy does nothing for my mojo, so I spend more time at my bench. Now I find myself lead back here once again to share what I do when I escape the noise and build my models.

First, I'll need to catch up and load some images here that have never been posted. Some of the completions I've had since '13, perhaps some of you have already seen them, that is if this thing is even on?

*tap tap*

This is the second half of the BAOR issue I spoke about back then, about two entries back. The model was completed shortly after typing that, yet I just up and never returned one day. How odd that seems to me looking back. This model ran along side the Fox in the first Military Modelcraft International, 'special, JAGdwerks issue'.

Sometime after that I began working on a Syrian technical using the Bronco GAZ 69M the old and long out of production MIG Prodcutions 106MM recoilless rifle, this model would transend a big change in my life both modeling industry related and personal life like, For a long time, I didn't really model too much and this model was my first completion coming back.

It would later find itself on a base and featured in Pla Editions Bear in the Sand book.

With this technical fresh in my mind and hot off my bench I went straight into what would be my contributions to JAGdwerks second special issue. Two technicals based on references and kit choices and my love for wheeled vehicles in war.

At this point I find myself feeling pressured by deadlines and overwhelmed with projects and even let a few fall away as my dwindling mojo begins to dry up and just the act of simply sitting at the bench is chore. I find my mind wandering about the hobby that I miss while at work yet coming home to the bench just never seems to kick start one of the pressing projects back into gear.

It isn't until I return to what I love most, groundwork and vignettes that I rekindle that love for painting miniature things to pass the time. I like to think of this as 'finding oneself while simultaneously losing oneself'. The focus needed to create things in small scale and paint and weather them is the perfect place where my mind, which is constantly on the go switches off and I can get lost in the project completely.

The third JAGdwerks special issue was an interesting theme called 2021, a sort of 'future war' scenario akin to WWIII what if type storyline but based alongside actual current events and plausible outcomes. I wasn't super keen on the idea but once again I did my part and completed two models that frankly, I wasn't very pleased with.

This is where it all started to come to a head and I realized if I didn't start doing what I wanted to do for me and not spend all of my bench time doing stuff for everyone else, I was going to get burned out. Fast.

Whenever I find myself speaking about my burnout or the pressures of deadlines it is always met with 'that's why I never turn my hobby into...' but it has nothing to do with that. I love documenting the build and paint steps with photography. I love writing about my experiences and thoughts on the kit, the build or the current climate of the hobby. I just need to do what I want at my own pace, it's merely the pressure of doing something I'm not really into for everyone else by a certain date that kills the joy for me.

The next model I completed was just that, something I had longed to do and quietly did in my spare time behind the scenes. I think it really shows the difference in my projects when it's something I love versus something I have to do. I was really pleased with how this one came out (well except for the firing ports I left in the side because the references I found showing otherwise came far too late)

It did eventually end up featured in Inside the Armour's giant book, Soviet Armour in Foreign Wars but the project was well on the way and nearly complete when the deal was struck. No pressure. No looming deadline. Just peace and quiet in one of my favorite places.

(my head)

My most current completions that are coming out next month in Military Modelcraft International's fourth JAGdwerks special issue aren't even my most current completions. These two projects languished behind the scenes as part of a large book project focusing on USMC armor and softs kins throughout the years. It originally featured nine models by the three of us but after jumping from publisher to publisher and miscommunication after miscommunication it ended up being downsized to six models and sent in to MMI.

This book project no doubt played a huge role in my despair through the same years the other projects suffered. Spreading myself out too thin and making too many promises while watching these models, which I put tons of time and effort into sat idle in the shadows. With them now in print (well, I've seen the pre-print .pdf proofs) there is a huge weight lifted and a sense of relief and accomplishment which has now allowed me to do what I want at my own pace for my own reasons.

If you did follow me back in '13 you may remember all the talk about the SMA magazine I was working with. Issue three was probably the last issue I built a model for (although it's been so long I may have had something in 4 or 5 and don't remember) Needless to say that project was also a huge part of the disappointment in modeling for me. I need to refrain from getting into that though, there is still a very fresh and sore open wound there and I needn't put my thoughts to print just yet for fear of saying some things I just shouldn't say in a public forum.

At least, not yet.

I can't guarantee I'll be back here regularly, or say when my next post will be but I have a feeling I will be spending much more time here over in my quiet little corner of the internet. Facebook and it's incessant political arguing and doom and gloom forecasters have just about done my head in. As always, enjoy your hobby. Build what you like, like what you build.

Frozen Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:06:00 +0000

Here's a little something I did recently for a little exercise in melting snow and ice.

The Miniart BA-64 is tiny kit that falls together fairly easily and the figures are Dragon with a few little tweaks. Anyway, here's a few pictures of what it looks like.

Accurate Armour Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Here's a couple photos of my latest completion, one of a couple BAOR subjects I have been working on. It was a fairly quick build with very little fuss and no major hurdles. This model was based on a few photos in a Tankograd book showing the Fox in a similar manner.

I'll be posting another BAOR subject soon as it's nearly complete. It's not quite as cool as the Fox, but it's a neat little oddity that caught my eye.

After that, I'm going back to WWII for a while, at least that's the plan.

Enjoy

Muddy StuG

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:23:00 +0000

Here's a little something I painted and weathered up on the sly for Military Modelcraft International. It's an old Imperial Series kit I believe, I got it long ago for a club group build, had long since started it and when I was about 90% with the assembly, I lost interest and stuck it back in the box.

About three years ago.Yup.

So I finally uh, got around to finishing it the other day. I rock at procrastination, something I do fairly well.

Peep it.

*Yes, I've been told a million times that StuG's didn't use blue numbers or something, but honestly I couldn't fill the head of a sewing needle with the fucks I gave about that with this model, they were spares in the drawer and all I had. I don't do much German stuff, and care even less about most of the rest of it.

Sorry, I bleed olive drab.

Summer just flies by!

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:56:00 +0000

I can't believe how long it's been since my last update, sorry for that. Of course with the warmer weather and longer days, this tends to happen. Personal life has been pretty hectic on top of that but this place is about modeling so I wont bore you with those details. In stead, here are some photos of my last two finished projects.

The first, is the Italeri rally car build. I love the square, boxy shape of this older Fiat and the color splash is just what I needed for a change of pace. This vehicle will be part of my 'Old School-Part Duex' builds in issue three of Scale Model Addict magazine.

This next model is also part of the same, 'old school' build series and will wrap up that series for me for some time to come. This is the limited production run from the new kid on the block, AMG and represents the ADGZ Heavy Armored Car. The kit is a little rough in turns of fit but it was perfect for the project, reminiscent of the kits of yesteryear.

I'm also currently involved in a pretty exciting special issue of a popular UK based magazine, once we get down to the wire, I'll post up some pictures of those models. Until then, this is all I've got. Thanks for following and be well.

K~

All Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:38:00 +0000

At least here on my blog it has been, real life however has been incredibly hectic. I apologize for being so absent and not updating here.

I've completed the GAZ 69 and have turned the article in to Military Modelcraft International. Here's a look at the final layout.

I've also been very busy with the feature of Scale Model Addict magazine issue two. This Tiger early was weathered completely by 'old school' methods using artist oils and pastels.

I hope to be able to update more often in the coming months as I have a pretty cool project with some really talented modelers in the works.

Thanks for your patience, hope to see you all again soon!

Bronco GAZ-69 (2P26) 'Baby Carriage' Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Well, I am about 80-90% with this little gem. Many parts are merely dry fit for the photos, there is still a bit to do before gluing it all up.

There will be a full build article in Military Modelcraft International at some point in the near future and I should be done with the rest of the work on this in the next week.

Enjoy

...and autumn settling in.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:36:00 +0000

my bench time is increasing. I love this time of year for many reasons, like the cooler weather and approaching holiday seasons but most of all, the increased modeling time.

Along with the previously posted kit, I have a few more things on the bench. First off, Mengs' 'technical' which is pretty sweet little kit. I can't wait to give this thing a random paint job and some busted up windows, disabled and abandoned in the sand.

Forgive the white on white photos... I was a bit lazy today.

Next up, an Italeri rally car. It never really dawned on me how much you can weather and beat these things up, regardless of how many times I've watched them race, until I spent the day killing time with my good buddy Iain Hamilton in the hobby shop. Expect a filthy pig and some broken stuff on this one as well.

A kit I am most into at the moment, is Revells' Ho 229. I've always loved this aircraft and it's a sharp little kit at 1/72 scale. I've only just started the decals and have many more to go before weathering. Painted all in Lifecolor acrylics.

Before I go, I'd like to post a little shameless plug, one that I am pretty happy about. My *totally fictional GAZ with Bofors made it to the cover of Military Modelcraft International. I just hope the full article lives up to it.

*just in case any of the historically accurate forum police have tracked me here.

As always, build how you like and like what you build. The day you stop doing that is the day your hobby becomes a chore. Peace and be well.

best,
Ken Abrams

With summer almost ending...

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:56:00 +0000

I thought I'd peek in and see how long it had been since my last post.

Wow, sorry 'bout that.

As always, with the warmer weather and the longer daylight, most time is spent outside. I wouldn't say I didn't model at all, just not nearly as much. I've worked on a few projects when time permits and have quite a few built models that just need to be painted. This summer has been very humid so I didn't use the airbrush much at all, just spent most of my free time either assembling kits, or weathering something that had been painted last winter.

With Autumn arriving in about one months time, I will be spending much more time behind the bench and will try to create some more interesting models for those of you who follow along. My last project pictured below has served me very well. It will be featured in Military Modelcraft Internationals' November issue, won a gold at AMPS Nationals and was actually sold to someone at that very show. If I could do that with every model...

anyway, I'll just put up a photo of what I tend to finish off tonight.

Be well. See you all soon.

Minart GAZ AAA

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:56:00 +0000

...with a big gun. Too big probably but that's okay, I had a blast making this one. Not much to say about this one, which was my entry at AMPS nationals in Auburn other than maybe that it was a little rushed. I was actually working on it in hotel rooms in both Chicago and Auburn in the days prior to the show.

These are just some quick photos, they're kinda crap too. I had a long week and I'm still recovering from a total lack of sleep.

Enjoy.

Raw steel anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:50:00 +0000

This is where the Bofors will mount into the bed of of the GAZ. This is simply two pieces of styrene sheet stock, stretched sprue welds and Calibre35 resin bolt heads.

I was amazed at how ridiculously easy this effect is to achieve. I wont get in depth here but will save it for the finished article. I just wanted to share the photo.

What is he up to now?

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:10:00 +0000

This is just a sly hint at one of my current projects. I'm trying to have it completed for AMPS Nationals in less than three weeks. I hope to have something worth posting here by the first of May.

See you then.

Long gone two.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:22:00 +0000

This is the second thing I was doing in that quiet spell, the Ma.K. Panzer Kampf Anzug Ausf K-4 'KETZER'.

This is the second armored suit I've built in the series and I am growing very fond of them. They are fast builds which allow me to get right to the part I like best, the finish. Being of fictional nature, they allow a very open interpretation of how to paint and weather them etc. so you can really go to town. Not too much else to say other than enjoy the pictures

Too long gone

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:23:00 +0000

Sorry for such a long absence, I've actually been very busy with non modeling stuff but have managed some time at the bench every so often. I have completed the Miniart Harley and apologize for not having put up more in progress shots, especially of the Celticwerks base but here are a few pics of the final scene.

A full build article will be featured in a future issue of Military In Scale.

Enjoy.

Current projects on the bench

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:05:00 +0000

Wont get too in depth here, just a brief update to keep things fresh. I have a few things going on and I figured I might share a couple.

First up is a little wonder of engineering, the MiniArt 1/35 WLA Harley Davidson. Not a kit for the faint of heart, half the parts are smaller than the sprue gate they are attached to. Seriously finicky work, especially those photo etch spokes. I have it painted and just started pin washes and filters, gonna make her dirty though, I have some neat photos of filthy bikes I'm using as reference. More to come.

Here's a little update just for Geo and Eryk, I've been slacking on 'the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy' but it's a huge undertaking and I get burnt out quick. I thought I'd share just a few shots of what it currently looks like, I have a long way to go yet. I hope to get back to it and get the red, yellow and dark gray panels done so I can start beating her up. 'till then, this is all I have at the moment. Check out the highlights and shading on the individual panels. The guys at ILM never thought of that eh?

Hobby Boss M3A1 Scout Car

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:16:00 +0000

This is a project I have been working on behind the scenes for Military Modelcraft International and will be featured in a future issue. The photos posted here were not submitted to the magazine, so I thought I would share them with my followers.

The resin display base is a Celticwerks base and can be found on their products page, number CWS005. The foliage is from the Silflor range and while fairly expensive, looks the part when it comes to live plants. The figure is made up of some older Verlinden airborne soldier parts taken from the spares box.

The build was loosely based upon a photo in a Steve Zaloga book, showing a camouflaged scout car providing support to the 82nd airborne in Italy, found on page 29 of Concords, US Tank Battles- in North Africa and Italy 1943-45.

Darius Miniatures - Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:56:00 +0000

Well, I apologize for the long wait but I have been distracted with many other things outside modeling. Enough of the excuses though, lets get right to it.

Since my last update I finished the wooden box on the front bumper with some dark brown oil paint and attached the figure in place and applied some Wet Effects to his boot. I painted the two signs to represent some of the areas in the no famous 'Battle of the Bulge' and added a bit on snow on the sign tops and the half track itself.

I received some advanced releases from a new company offering diorama plants and accessories, at the time of this posting, their website is still under construction and I have no word as to any sort of time frame for it's opening. The various dried plants and ground cover items are sourced from nature and appear both in scale and quite realistic, especially in context of a fall/winter setting. These items are delicate and somewhat small but are easily assembled into clusters and applied with ordinary white PVA glue.

All that was left now was to create a simple wooden base, paint it black and attach the finished vignette to it in order to complete the project. I can only try to express just how much I enjoyed working with this resin vignette from Darius Miniatures, not only does it simplify the whole process of creating a well balanced scene but it also keeps it contained to a small area on the shelf once completed. I can foresee many more of these in my future, as long as they continue to produce Allied topics that is.

*and preferably, some that aren't just knocked out vehicles.*

Darius Minatures - part three

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:06:00 +0000

So I've been a bit distracted with a few other things over the last few days but work continues on this project. I am thoroughly enjoying how quickly these come together and while I don't see myself giving up on full sized dioramas with complete vehicles and several figures, it is very refreshing to get so far, in such short time. I can guarantee a few more of these in my near future

After applying some filters to the half track I began adding some Dark Earth pigments to the base. I have applied these to represent the dirt on the ground but I have also applied them in a thin wash like mixture to a few areas on the vehicle. I suspend the pigments in the fixer to the effect of say, dirty water. Feathering this in around a few areas will help to tie the two together and set the scene. I assume this half track was pushed up and out of the way to clear a path for the passing armor. Considering this, I assume the dirt would have been thrown up onto the vehicle a bit.

In this next photo we can see the effect of the pigments on the fender and grill and along the lower section of the hood. It has made an impression without overpowering the surface, this should be the goal: subtlety.

Once the pigments were set, I used a little AK Interactive Engine Oil to further support the idea of a disabled and abandoned half track. Perhaps the oil pan was tore open as it got pushed up onto the bank. Once the first coat absorbed into the pigments I applied a second coat, closer to the center and then later a third, slowly building up the color of fresh oil and also allowing the impression of it soaking into the surrounding earth.

I mixed some Woodland Scenics snow with the AK Interactive Wet Effects and applied it in various areas, in an attempt to portray slushy piles of melting snow. I reapplied the Wet Effects in areas where the pigments absorbed it, dulling the gloss effect and will continue to do so as the product dries until I am happy with the outcome. Often times one application of something doesn't always produce the desired effects and depending on the surrounding elements, reapplications are needed.

Lastly for today even though not complete, I will share just a sneak peak at the figure simply standing in place. I just wanted to see where I was heading and show it here to anyone interested as well.

I think in the end, the figure will help to tell the story and is a very important part of the setting. I am by no means a figure painter but I think at least one is needed on this small scene and I make do with what meager ability's I have.

Darius Minatures - part two

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Moving right along this morning I started with some sponge 'chipping' using Model Flex Weathered Black and once it was dry went over it all with one light pass of AK Interactive filter to darken the star a bit and tie the whole surface together. The filter bottle says 'NATO tanks' but as with all products, these labels are guides to where they are best used but it doesn't mean you can apply them elsewhere. Olive drab is very similar to the green in NATO camouflage and this filter works very well for my taste.

Then I used some of AK's new chipping effects, poured straight into the airbrush and misted on in two coats, the second after the first had dried completely. This seemed to behave quite nicely in the airbrush and sprayed rather smooth and trouble free. Much easier than decanting the wife's hairspray after sneaking it out of the bathroom cupboard.

I followed this up with a random coat of Model Flex Antique White, I sprayed it heavier into the nooks and crannies where it would receive the least amount of wear and made sure to remain random in the larger areas. I tried to let some of the surface color below bleed through over the whole model, heavier in some areas, less in others. This will help to gauge the thickness of paint and where it will chip off easier than other spots when I begin chipping.

Using ordinary tap water, I began slowly picking my way around the vehicle with a small brush and a toothpick. Just as I had planned, the paint came off easiest where it was thinnest, and required more work where it was heaviest.

Next up, Mapping.

This is one of many techniques that somewhere along the line, was given a fancy name by a modeler and has been bounced around from time to time. What does it mean exactly, and why is it called mapping is anyone's guess I suppose but names notwithstanding, this is another technique that has it's merit and when combined together with other subtle effects, produce finishes that are more richer and interesting to the eye IMO.

Mapping seems to get just as much negative press as any other 'modern' painting/finishing technique and I'm not sure why. Is it simply because we don't like change? We don't understand it, or have difficulty applying it ourselves that causes us to simply dismiss it with a wave of the hand a la "these aren't the droids you are looking for"?

When considering a winter white wash in WWII we might want to consider it's properties, it's application method and it's lifespan. Whitewash was usually a low grade finish applied in the field under not the greatest of conditions, that was easily worn of and/or washed off by the rain/weather etc. The result could be several layers of applied, worn off and re-applied mixtures, all varying in tone and shade and all having different levels of dirt and wear. Some layers might be bright white, while other layers may be dingy gray.

While the chipping method alone does look great, it is merely one shade and one layer. What if this vehicle had been white washed before some rain, then redone after a new snowfall and then saw action, wouldn't there be some variation in the shades of white due to this action?

Anyway, enough talk, on to some photos.

I mix up a few different shades of white oil paints with some other colors to 'dirty' them up a bit and then, I do the same with some acrylic paint. I go back and forth between the two mediums with a fine brush, using the acrylics fast drying time as well as the slowness of the oils to my advantage to created different effects

The effects should be very subtle, almost invisible at a quick glance. It's when layers of all these subtle changes come together in the end that makes the difference. I have posted a photo of three separate photos assembled side by side so the subtle shift of tones and layers becomes apparent and easier to notice. This subtle change doesn't always strike the viewer as a very important step and perhaps that is why it is so easily disregarded, in the end however it plays an important role in my whole layering process.

Even in the above collage, the effect is very light and subtle but that's what I'm shooting for. I don't want stark contrasts in color, just slight variations that isn't achievable with just one coat of white. Once the scene is finished it may even fade even further into the background and barely catch the viewers attention but it is none the less, an important step of the process for me which gives the model in the end, a depth not possible without it.

Darius Miniatures

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:25:00 +0000

I received one of these really cool Darius Miniatures 'wedgies' from my good friend Iain Hamilton of AK Interactive USA to play with today and couldn't help but dive right in. There are only a few parts that make up the scene but they are superbly cast and all of the wedgies consist of very cool subjects.

After assembling the few parts of this particular wedgie I gave it a primer coat of black, set it aside and dug out an old Verlinden figure to set the scene. It's a German soldier in winter gear so that means dead, brown plant life, frozen ground and snow and some chipped up white wash on the half track.

I then moved on to painting this morning and have been taking photos as I go. My main objective for this project here, is to showcase the Darius product, some new AK products I just received and while I'm at it I figured I would attempt to paint as much as I can using Badger Model Flex paint sets that I won in the SMA Big Spring Contest.

First up was painting the half track. Being an almost strict builder of mainly olive drab subjects, I've grown accustom to my own personal preference of what I think the color should look like. I wasn't too keen on the Model Flex Olive Drab right out of the bottle as it seemed too green for my taste, but I mixed it with some of their Field Drab and arrived at something I could accept. For some highlights, I simply added a bit of their Antique White to the mix. All this was done with my Badger Renegade Velocity

While that dried, I used a photo etch mask and some blue painters tape and made a stencil in my usual way. These usually last me a few models but they get pretty beat up after a few uses. The trick in painting for me is very, very thin coats, as flooding the surface will only cause a ridge when the mask is removed. I sprayed a very fine mist using my trusty old Badger 100SG and when I peeled the tape there wasn't any ridge to be seen and I set that aside to dry for a bit.

Lastly for now I began mixing up various colors using Model Flex Olive Drab, Field Drab and Earth to get a few different shades for the canvas items. These paints are bright and dry with a bit of a sheen when brush painted, (which by the way took at least four coats due to their airbrush ready thinned state) but this will all be knocked down later with a dull coat and the subsequent weathering.

As always, right clicking and selecting 'open in new window' will allow much larger photos for better views of the details.

Thanks for following along, comments, questions and critiques always welcome.

Stay on target... almost there...

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:25:00 +0000

at the finish line that is, not the ray shielded thermal exhaust port that's only two meters wide that leads directly to the reactor system, which by the way will set of a chain reaction after a direct hit from proton torpedoes.

I apologize for the Star Wars reference if you are not a fan. It's still a bit early here for a Sunday morning, I'm half way through my first cup of coffee and it's all I could come up with after watching the trilogy yesterday with my son.

So, yeah. This little monster of crazy small detail is just about complete. I've added some headlight lenses, painted the pick axe, glued the flexible hose in between the tankette and the trailer. I've added a bit of darker pigments in some areas to represent the older, ground in grime and attached it to a quick base I threw together with some sand and pigments. I'll add some small desert like plant life later but for all intents and purposes, this build is done appearing on the blog. Not sure what I'll post here next, I have multiple builds going on (as always) but not all of them will be seen on the internet.

Thanks for checking in, enjoy your day. It's a cool, Sunday morning, Autumn is just around the corner and we are going apple picking.

Enjoy.

Left field progess

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:37:00 +0000

I'm not sure what else to do to this besides the missing headlights and then painting of the pick-axe handle in wood grain and the head in a steel color. To be perfectly honest, the weathering appears to be missing a little something but I'm not sure what. Due to the size, I feel a little out of my element, as well as the fact that it's a desert vehicle so there's no really need for the big swaths of mud and such.

I will give this one a rest for now and go back to other projects that need my attention. For now I think I'm good, perhaps whatever it is that I feel is lacking will hit me over the next week or so. I might want to take this one to AMPS East.

Somewhere, outa' left field...

noreply@blogger.com (Ken Abrams) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:32:00 +0000

this thing shows it's face.

This is Bronco models' little flame thrower tankette. This thing redefines small but don't let that fool you, there is some amazing detail packed into this kit.

It's a shame that I had to button it up as the interior and engine is an amazingly detailed group of sub assemblies but this is just a little something I'm doing on the side, strictly out of the box and have little time to get involved in too much. If someone really wanted to go to town on an interior, this kit is perfect for it. Tiny, but perfect.

I'll post more photos when done, this is just the initial stages but once complete, I'll make sure and post a good photo showing just how small this thing is.