Colin M's 1:76 Matchbox A-34 Mk 1 Comet

[colin m]

So here we are. I tend to build things with wings. However, that wasn't really Simon's thing, so here's my small attempt at a bit of armour. I did say small, it's 1:76

Here's some bits I'll be using. As it's a tiny tank, I'll make some sort of base for it.


The contents, including a nice bit of real estate.


And we're off. Wheels. Tanks have loads of them, but I suppose you all knew that.


And the end of a evenings work. I don't think this build thread is going to be a long one.

 

[adt70hk]

Fantastic Colin. I built two of these on my youf and so this has real memories for me. Will try and keep and eye on this one in amongst everything else that's going on.

ATB

Andrew

 

[Lee Drennen]

Colin. Nice choice I’ll be dropping in watching. Simon once said he really liked these two color kits

 

[papa 695]

Nice one Colin, and a nice start.

 

[Jakko]

Wow, an original Matchbox kit rather than a Revell re-issue. How have the tracks held up? The Revell ones get either oily and sticky or brittle, and I’ve been wondering whether Matchbox’s really do differ or if my memory is wrong

 

[Jim R]

Hi Colin
An old Matchbox kit. Simon would have loved it. He would probably have thrown half the parts away and not finished it but he'd have had fun.
Jim

 

[Richard48]

Wow this takes me back Colin.I loved Matchbox as a youngster in late 70s.Loved the tanks and little dioramas.Memories fllooding back.Never made this kit.Watching with the guys.
Rich.

 

[colin m]

How have the tracks held up?

Spot on. no problem with them at all.

He would probably have thrown half the parts away

I know what you mean. As a sort of homage to Simon, I have added a few little handles here and there, and some other bits, just because, there's no way he would have left it standard.

So, I've been spending quite a bit of time on Youtube looking at Tanks and dioramas. I've picked a lot of tips up on there before, but that was all for aircraft stuff - this is all a bit different for me. I've dabbled in the past in both areas, but this time, I'm making a bit more of an effort.

It doesn't take long to build one of these tiny tanks, but as you can see, there are a few little extras on the 'hull' can we call it that in armour world ?

Oh yes, wheels, how many wheels does a flippin' tank need. Heaven's above.



This tank will be mounted on this little box. F & M Turkish delight, the contents, now long gone, was absolutely mediocre. Save your money. Don't be fooled by the depth of the box, you get one layer.



I need a tree. YT once again provided me with the necessary know how to build one. However, the chap in the video did use copper wire. I couldn't find any of about the right gauge, so used solder. DON'T use solder. Even twisted branches will sag under their own weight - as I found out later.



Moving along.


And there he is, sort of big bush, small tree. Later on, I sprayed a few different greens to tone down the bright green.



So, back to tiny tank. All built up, no drama, and this is a rough idea of my final layout.


Tiny tank then got a touch of paint.




Now for a bit of weathering. I've seen some great tutorials on YT, but many refer to 1:35 armour. Using those methods in 1:76 might present a few problems. But hey, lets have a go.

 

[papa 695]

Looking very good Colin, and a very nice tree.

 

[adt70hk]

Spot on. no problem with them at all.

I know what you mean. As a sort of homage to Simon, I have added a few little handles here and there, and some other bits, just because, there's no way he would have left it standard.

So, I've been spending quite a bit of time on Youtube looking at Tanks and dioramas. I've picked a lot of tips up on there before, but that was all for aircraft stuff - this is all a bit different for me. I've dabbled in the past in both areas, but this time, I'm making a bit more of an effort.

It doesn't take long to build one of these tiny tanks, but as you can see, there are a few little extras on the 'hull' can we call it that in armour world ?

Oh yes, wheels, how many wheels does a flippin' tank need. Heaven's above.
View attachment 404695


This tank will be mounted on this little box. F & M Turkish delight, the contents, now long gone, was absolutely mediocre. Save your money. Don't be fooled by the depth of the box, you get one layer.
View attachment 404696


I need a tree. YT once again provided me with the necessary know how to build one. However, the chap in the video did use copper wire. I couldn't find any of about the right gauge, so used solder. DON'T use solder. Even twisted branches will sag under their own weight - as I found out later.
View attachment 404697


Moving along.
View attachment 404698

And there he is, sort of big bush, small tree. Later on, I sprayed a few different greens to tone down the bright green.
View attachment 404699


So, back to tiny tank. All built up, no drama, and this is a rough idea of my final layout.
View attachment 404700

Tiny tank then got a touch of paint.
View attachment 404701
View attachment 404703
View attachment 404704

Now for a bit of weathering. I've seen some great tutorials on YT, but many refer to 1:35 armour. Using those methods in 1:76 might present a few problems. But hey, lets have a go.

Colin

Looking really good. Well done and thanks for naming it after me!!

ATB

Andrew

 

[spanner570]

......and thanks for naming it after me!!
ATB
Andrew

Can't be. It reads 'Saint'

Nice, neat work Colin.

 

[adt70hk]

Can't be. It reads 'Saint'

Nice, neat work Colin.

Harsh!!

 

[Lee Drennen]

Colin. Very nice turnout

 

[Jim R]

Hi Colin
That little tank looks great. I do like the tree.
Jim

 

[Richard48]

Amazing Colin.Really like this,Some excellent modelling.
Rich

 

[JR]

Brilliant Colin, very nice indeed, loving the tree and the paint job.

 

[Fernando N]

Love the original Matchbox kit Colin, brings back memories
Neat paintwork and tree for the base

 

[Neil Merryweather]

very nice indeed ,Colin

 

[colin m]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I’m actually liking this armour thing.
Anyway, tiny tank is done. Antennas courtesy of the wife.

 

[papa 695]

Great work Colin, you wouldn’t think it’s 1/76th.