JSU-152 Figures Complete

I've now finished off both figures, each took about 4 hours to complete. I'm very pleased and think they will work perfectly with the tank on a small dio base. Which is now my next task. 

Soviet Tank Crew Painting

Well I have now made a start on the figures beginning with the tank crewman. As ever the casting and detail is superb with these Alpine figures and it is painting up a treat. I also do like the pale coveralls which will give a nice contrast next to the tank.  

Tamiya JSU-152 Complete

Here is the model all finished after adding a bit more dust effects on the road wheels and weathering the tracks. I've also added the stowage and finished off the exhaust outlets with plenty of soot pigments. I'm really pleased with how this has come out, I think its weathered just right. So next I'll be painting the figures and working out a base idea.

Tamiya JSU-152 Tarps, Dust & Rubble

A couple of small tarps/blankets have been made up from magic sculpt and also a bit of rubble and bricks added to the rear fender. Once all painted up I then have added heavily thinned tamiya buff to the hull to start adding some dusty effects. Note also the model has not yet had a matt varnish coat, it still has the last coat of satin I gave it after the white stripe was added. 

JSU-152 Progress & A Trip Out

I've been concentrating on the accessories i want to add to the model including some stowage over the last few days. Firstly I made up a suitcase from some foam board and plastic card, suitably battered and painted it looks just the job. The rest of the gear comes from the spares box, some even from old builds. I do need to get some more clear bottles as well and make up some tarps for the back deck. 

Also today, in some torrential rain I might add, myself and Brian went down to the Tank Museum in Bovington for a trip out. Almost straight away we bumped into our good mate Terry who volunteers at the museum. After a quick catch up we proceeded to have a good look around to see what was new. 

We worked out it must be at least 5 years since our last joint visit. We did like the way the museum flows now and particularly liked the displays around the modelling area and the small display of Action Man and Dinky Toy stuff. Very nice to see them encouraging modelling to youngsters. A nice PLA Type 59 caught my eye as well and a cracking Ferret which had seen most of its service in Northern Ireland.  

So a quick cup of coffee and another nice chat with Terry before a whistle stop tour of the museum shop, and it was off to the Anvil pub at Pimperne for a nice lunch over a pint talking yet more modelling bollocks! Yet another great day out I'm sure you will agree.

This is about the size of kit Brian now needs after breaking his optivisor!

Tamiya JSU-152 Weathering Begins

I've now started adding worn effects and some filters and pin washes to the model. First up a bit of chipping using a light green applied with a sponge and fine brush followed by a dark rust colour. The white stripes had some paint runs added and then a very light white filter to add some highlights to the faded white. 

Next a neutral filter followed by two pin washes using a black brown oil mixture. So far so good, more needs to be added including some dust effects but first I will add the stowage and then some debris such as broken bricks and rubble. By adding the stowage next I can then ensure it all blends together during the final weathering stages.   

Tamiya JSU-152 Markings

Today I put some decals on the model using the kit supplied ones but changed to a different number. The white stripe, seen on vehicles involed in the battle for Berlin was sprayed on over a layer of chipping fluid. Once the white had dried it was moistened and a stiff brush was used to add some wear. finally another satin coat went on to protect the decals and stripes. 

I also added a bare metal finish to all the road wheel and return roller contact surfaces with an AK marker pen. Bloody brilliant what would have been a tricky and time consuming job too just a few minutes!