Saturday, July 27, 2013

Molding Track

Ever had the issue of getting track to look weighted down, especially across the top.  Here is a little tip that might help.  When using individual links, like Dragon's Magic Track I apply a little force while the glue dries.  With Magic Track, after assembling two sections per side, then applying Testor Liquid Cement I wait about 20 minutes then put the track on the tank.  Once I am happy with the fit, I stuff a little tissue in the top to press down on the tracks to ensure the return track looks weighted down on the return rollers.

Here is an example on the T-34 that is currently on my bench.



I will get the track overnight for the glue to set hard, then remove and paint.  When the track goes back on it will look like the weight of the return track is resting on the wheels, like the real thing.  Sometimes the "spring action will keep it up after, but a little CA will solve that.

Happy Tanking.



Sunday, July 7, 2013

Off the Bench: Canadian Leopard C1

The latest to leave my bench is a Canadian Leopard C1.  This model was build from the MBK kit, which is just a remold of the old Italeri Leopard 1A4.  Added to the kit was the TrackJam Models Leopard C1 conversion set, which contains the required turret and a few other bits to really make it Canadian.  I also used the Perfect Scale barrel, the Real Model photo-etched update and tracks from Hong Kong Creations Workshop.

While the resin turret took a little work, the rest of the model came together very well.





To match the Canadian (NATO) green I used Vallejo Air Dark Camo Green, while weathering was done using a combination of Mig pigments and True Earth effects.

Give a conversion a try sometime, it is fun.