Steve Jones' M1A2 SEP Main Battle Tank, Flyhawk 1/72

[JR]

Steve.
Sorry you have been struck with a form of Matronisis, very common with modellers of a certain age .
When I read the first page with those pretty colours I was worried to see " Welding " written, thoughts of you waving a welding mask and shouting as the plastic melted.
Sorry I'm a bit late but I had to get off the roof.
Your doing well , I can offer no advice re tracks other than mud and lots of it .

Press on mate .

John .

 

[Jim R]

Hi Steve
Well for a while I thought everything was going swimmingly and then the problem tracks appeared - they truly are rather rough. All your add ons/improvements look great. I am sure the tracks will be sorted one way or another.
Jim

 

[Mini Me]

Steve, I'm with Jim, seems a shame that the rest of the model is so nice that the tracks would not come close to the same standard is unforgivable.
The good news is you have options of course. My humble opinion, bin the tracks and get some "good 'uns".
Cheers Rick H.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Great build so far Steve, those PE numbers!

Had you thought about emailing the manufacturer about the tracks?

 

[papa 695]

Cracking start Steve

 

[Steve Jones]

Hi Everyone

JR -" thoughts of you waving a welding mask and shouting as the plastic melted" I do have the photos if you want them
Thanks for the vote of confidence Jim. I think the track situation will be ongoing for a while. The good thing is I paint everything and put the tracks on last so time is on my side at the moment
I was tempted Rick to buy AM. I have put an order in but still awaiting conformation so I will use this as a fall back option
I did actually send them an email earlier Bob. They have been very helpful and wanted to send me out a spare set. However the postage was too high so they are putting me in contact with a model shop in Dorking who might be able to help. So I will keep you updated. Many thanks
Not as good as you Ian but I'm getting there

 

[Jim R]

Hi Steve
Honestly run out of superlatives for your research and skills. A great blog to follow. Are you sure you're not related to Simon T.
Jim

 

[Deleted member 4539]

I am with Jim.
Excellent work..

 

[Fernando N]

Great work Steve, if one wouldn’t know the scale, you’re busy modifying a simple 1/35th kit.
As for the periscopes colour my reference pics have it look a green/dark green with gloss surface (as seen in Modern U.S. Tanks and Afv’s Green and Stewart MBI)
Maybe a green on the back covered with Tammie smoke and a gloss on the front will give the desired look.

Looking forward to see the next update.
ps. Having bought a Trumpie M1A1 for this GB I’ll be watching extra carefully from now on to see how it’s done….

 

[Mini Me]

Indeed it is great work Steve.
Cheers, Rick H.

 

[JR]

Steve .
Nice to read that they are looking in to the track issue, hope you can get it sorted
As to Jim's remark about you being related to Simon of the North. Matron is booked to take a blood test, if you have any with a strange glow it will confirm you are indeed related to He.
JR

 

[scottie3158]

Steve,
Cracking work with some excellent additions and subtractions.

 

[Steve Jones]

Hi Everyone

Cheers Ralph
The tinting came out well as you will see later. Many thanks Fernando
Thanks Rick
Apparently I am easily found in the dark due to my green Ready Brek glow JR
Nearly as good as your build Scottie

 

[JR]

Steve.
The results you have achieved with the small added parts are great . Oh to have 2 eyes like yours .
Yes there is a resemblance to Mr T, will you have to call him Dad from now on ?
JR

 

[SimonT]

 

[Steve Jones]

Hi Everyone

I dont fancy calling Simon "Who's the daddy?!" John
It's all good fun Mr T

 

[SimonT]

Hi Steve,
Looks like the armour plate is welded onto the hatch

Cupola

The photos show two slight variations depending on Mk of the tank

 

[Si Benson]

Looking good Mr Jones

 

[Steve Jones]

.

 

[Steve Jones]

Hi Everyone

Si - Cheers mate. Do you have anything on the bench at the moment?