Introduction

And, here we go with yet another of HobbyBoss' series based on the T-26 chassis. Released late in 2013 you get quite a bit for your donation to plastic heaven.

A reasonable sized box (A4 size and about 2" deep) packed with several hundreds of parts, most of which is TRACK! there are 660 parts to make just for the 2 runs of track with individual links and 2 track pins per link). You do get quite a few spares of links & pins as well.

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The Build

About 30-40 minutes into the build and the main part is done! I know, and it looks really crude too but it's down to the plastic - it's kinda semi opaque but, the parts go together well.

At first I thought, 'this is a Zvezda kit in another box, but NO!

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Ah, I've fitted the 76.2mm PS-3 Gun, it doesn't elevate in the kit form. the round hole to the left is for the 7.62mm DT Tank Machine Gun.

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Here we have a general arrangement picture showing the 2 large compartment hatches. These can be posed open but there are no interior details in the kit except for the DT machine gun.

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These little suspension units look like something from a Sci-fi movie - speeder bike if you will - but they're quite a nifty piece if kit. The wheel stations are articulated

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As you can see here, the bogie units are in a left/right arrangement and evenly spaced. The actual wheels are fixed by way of a pin pushed through the outer, wheel and inner section.

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You can see the vehicle in 'closed down' form with hatches in place. These are not glued at this stage.

The kit still looks a bit scruffy at this stage but do not despair, it does get better - when you cover it all up!!! It is an ugly little brute (I'm using that phrase a lot lately - but they are!)

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You also get a reasonable amount of PE with this kit which comprises the rear air intake and the bracket for the track guards.

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Aaaargh! - The Track!

Whilst all this has been going on, I have been assembling the 2 track runs. A daunting prospect with so many parts you may say.

Well, Yes, it was, but at about 2 hours per side and in the Model Kasten style it wasn't so bad - and Oh yes, they do work!

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And, to paint

After the grey undercoat I've put a single mist coat of Vallejo Model Air 71014 Russian Green. You can see that some immediate shading has occurred which is all part of my cunning plan!

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I know it doesn't seem that this is a second coat but it is. The depth of colour is more noticeable and ready for a light weathering.

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After a further top coat I have added the road wheels - painted black. I have however forgotten completely to do any painting to the return rollers - Doh!

I got the model finished just before the East Midlands Model Show 2014 so I was able to have it on display.

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Weathering - Old School!

Just the basics, I am using Windsor and Newton Oil Paint - [29] Naples Yellow. I have place a really tiny amount onto a piece of card and worked it in with a brush to a smoother paste.

Sometime ago I purchased a fan-brush at 'The Works' which I am using for this. Dip the tip of the brush into the paint and then wipe it off on some tissue - keep doing this until you can't see any more paint. You are now ready to dry-brush!

Gently brush across the model top to bottom - remember from which direction the light is coming - and you will see all the high-points becoming visible from what was a fairly bland finish.