Saipan. June 1944 - 75 years later......

[spanner570]

I need a quick diversion from Pete's G.B and that awful brush!
I've been wanting to have a crack at this for quite some time. So this afternoon I made a start on what I would call a 'vinegarett'.

After the Battle for Saipan in 1944, armour and vehicles littered the beaches and the shallows.
This will be one of them - I hope!
I found this built 1/72 Sherman tank in a drawer. Not quite what I wanted as I would have liked the cast hull, not the welded.

First job, a coat of rust.



Then by sheer luck I came across a second and already built 1/72 Sherman hiding in another drawer. Cast hull, opening hatches - and an engine. Bingo! The above went back in its dark drawer.

Here is the cast hull version.

I made a start by sprinkling the PVA polystyrene base with sand.
I embedded the tank (which like the above I'd brush painted with Vallejo Model Air 'Rust') into the base using silicone.

I then tipped a load of barnacles (More sand) onto it. Then sprinkled some filler powder over the turret where I don't want the surface too rough.






Once this all hardens I will add some colour.

A nice little bit of therapy..... :thumb2:

Cheers.
Ron

[Neil Merryweather]

you really crack them out, don't you Ron?

[scottie3158]

Ron,
I really like where you get your ideas from. Doing builds like this never even occur to me.

[spanner570]

Neil - don't forget, the tanks were ready made. To get to this stage only took an hour. Sprinkle sprinkle! I should also write that being retired kind'a helps too..... :thumb2:

Paul - I've had it in my mind for some time, I'm doing the build now to calm down from 'That Brush'

Cheers boys.
Ron

[Guest]

A snow scene in Saipan.I think you are losing the plot:tongue-out3:.Looking forward to more of this Ron.

[spanner570]

A snow scene in Saipan.I think you are losing the plot:tongue-out3:

Climate Change

[Gern]

Climate Change

I keep tellin' folks you got a plaster for everything!

[Mickc1440]

Just checked and there is no recognised phobia when it comes to a brush Ron. Another great idea, i'll get the sun tan lotion and sit on the beach with this one.

[Jim R]

Hi Ron
What would you do without sand - rust, barnacles etc. Looking good.
Jim

[papa 695]

Nice start Ron I did one of these some time ago.

[spanner570]

Thanks for the most excellent and humorous comments chaps. Much appreciated... :thumb2:

The snow has melted and everything has dried out nicely overnight so I've started brushing on some marine life. For this kind of application I use cheap acrylics not my 'good stuff'

I've also turned the turret slightly to add a bit more interest.





Thanks for looking.
Ron

[Guest]

Looks super Ron :smiling3:.

[papa 695]

Coming along nicely Ron

[spanner570]

Thanks for sticking with it boys.... :thumb2:

I've added a bit of tropical colour to the sand.


Next some 'water'
Cheers.
Ron

[Guest]

Nice colour Ron :smiling3:.