Here’s the 3rd and final installment of the completed M1A1 Abrams Tank kit
Just in case you missed it, here’s PART 1 and PART 2 of the work-in-progress for this M1A1 Abrams Tank 1:35 model kit project.
Last week, I stopped the post right after the rust effects. There are only 3 stages left to do; Sand/mud effects, dusting and then the final flat coat.
Sand and Mud
This effect will be applied mostly to the tank wheels and threads. After spraying the wheels with the base color (desert yellow), I handbrush each with Tamiya Flat Black… which is pretty useless since this will all be caked in Iraqi sand later. Oh well, so much for my being OC.
Here are the wheels…
For the sanding effect, here’s the reference photo:
The Iraqi desert is surely unforgiving. To mimic this effect, here’s a nice technique I learned from my online research - Baby powder!
The dust/sand concoction is a mixure of Tamiya Buff (XF-57), White (X-2), baby powder and denatured alchohol. Once you get the consistency of thick milk, you can then apply this to wheels and threads with a medium-sized brush.
Here’s what you get if done properly…
Cool! Just like real desert sand!
Meanwhile, it’s time to put in the threads and then the side armor plating…
Looking good!
Dusting
For more weathering, I just thinned my sand mixture above and lightly mist-spray it on the tank. The dust settles mostly on the sides, front and rear as per my reference photos.
Here it is…
Before applying the dust, I masked the exhaust. I wouldn’t want to waste all the nice exhaust paint I did earlier…
Here it is with the masking below, both in tape and sticky tack for the tail lights.
Once that dried, I painted and did some final detailing on the machine guns… some scratches here and there, and dry brushing effects again…
I let everything dry for 72 hours and gave the entire tank a couple of coats of Tamiya Flat Clear.
Now, let’s see the final kit with the best light source for photography - natural sunlight;
That was a great build. Hope you guys learned a thing or two. Feel free to shoot your questions via the comments below
In case you missed it here’s
