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Something different before I start on a very special Late TIger 1 build in the next couple of weeks. Looks like that will be having a full interior or the best part of one at least!

I very recently acquired this scratch built early cruiser, beautifully put together using Armortek Comet tracks and sprockets.

I really just need to ad the exterior detailing and fine tune the motion control and sound system.

I have made a start on the turret rivets of which there are many.

Please note that I do have Armorteks blessing to post this one off model in the off topic section.

A very quick video of the cruiser systems proving trials, before workshop refurbishment.

As it's so quiet on the forum today a little progress on the turret detailing. I'm using as many Armortek parts as I can.

Finally finished the turret detailing. Now to the hull although I have made a start on the scale hex head bolt change out and the fitting of scale Allied tow shackles.

I think the wheels now have enough detail, m 2.5 hex heads throughout. Next job the front deck plate hatches and the drivers armoured "pill box"
I want to portray this vehicle as one of the survivors of the ill fated early battle for France, maybe one that made it to North Africa, so a nice British desert yellow with some nice contrasting weathering showing through to the dark green, with plenty of desert sand erosion and active service chipping.

Been working on the front plates, see if you recognise the hinges that I have used for the front access hatches.

Those hinges look just like the Tiger 1 turret upper spare track holders that I have.

Vince

You are doing a cracking job on this Cruiser Phil. Once you weather it up it will really come alive!

Nearly done now maybe just another day of detailing then onto painting

Amazing!
What a transformation!

As it's so quiet a few words reference the cruiser sand shields, well the removal of. It looks so much better when the track and idler are showing. I am searching for a pair of Armortek Comet idlers at present and may have found some, other than that it's a new pair from Monique.

A quick update on the idler situation, I have turned these interim replacements that will be fine for now until some comet examples come along. There are a few photos of the Christie suspension to for those that are interested in that innovative system

All ready, I think, for top coat tomorrow!

Well other than decals and endless weathering that's about it.
Reference painting, using an air brush I used 6 x 10ml of a standard desert colour and mixed 3x buff to lighten ( all tamiya) to cover the majority of the tank, then around another 40 ml a shade darker for the lower hull, then a very diluted black wash for the mucky areas, the shading was a darker desert, dry brushing to follow once its cured for 24 hrs and possible highlights for the rivets with a bit of chipping.
Oh and the paint was diluted adding suitable thinners by as much as 100% . So that's around 130 mls in total.

All done but for a video out in the dust, if anyone would like this cruiser (I'm not asking to much for her) contact me via my email. Comes complete with new charger, TX and charger, and spare track, the tank has all the usual functions including fully proportionate smoke, head lights, flood light, turret light, gun elevation/depression, mg with led, Thomas Benedini sounds, turret traverse, Christie suspension, shipping in the UK preferred but can ship World wide at cost. Please note this model is big being larger than 1/6th scale

A big thank you to Armortek for allowing me to share this detailing log with you guys.

Just need to clean up the workshop and start laying out the Late Tiger 1!