forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Armour, Artillery, Vehicles, Ships => WW1 Armour, Artillery, Vehicles, dioramas, associated figures and Ships => Topic started by: Robin on September 07, 2019, 09:11:10 AM

Title: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 07, 2019, 09:11:10 AM
Hello guys and gals,

I'm building a cute little FT...well, since it's 1/16 scale it's actually a pretty big model. :)

It all starts with the engine. A 4 cilinder petrol engine with a whopping 39 HP!

(https://i.postimg.cc/02MzmHLf/68565033-917393351931130-3176875270334316544-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/d0B3wMyq/69431977-918692068467925-1206686004002422784-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/J4fGQ58W/69227797-920036288333503-5575803754294280192-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cLf6kt1t/69390867-920036298333502-2124578492921151488-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

More tomorrow, thanks for watching,

Robin
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Juan on September 07, 2019, 09:13:48 AM
Great start Robin, I can almost smell the grease and oil from where I sit.  ;)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Edo on September 07, 2019, 02:58:17 PM
beautiful engine!
you did a great job!
ciao
edo
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 07, 2019, 07:37:00 PM
Thanks. :)

A bit further...

(https://i.postimg.cc/ncJw66pR/68643880-920036445000154-9077336886728458240-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKxDZVqT/69380718-920036395000159-6102889536793083904-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/y86pNcJ0/69615839-920036378333494-1232453011754713088-n.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Uhm...okey, it's a dirty floor.

More soon,

Robin
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 07, 2019, 10:07:46 PM
Beautiful Engine. Your variance in color and Metal tones is outstanding! I Love the dirty floor!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: lcarroll on September 07, 2019, 11:14:03 PM
Robin,
   Outstanding work on the "dirty floor". As a great fan of "weathered" subjects it really caught my eye, great effect and very real looking.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 08, 2019, 07:16:04 AM
Thanks gentlemen,

I started this build while on vacation in France 3 weeks ago...at some point I forgot to take photo's, so we go fast forward to where I am now.
Back home...behind my beloved and always messy work bench. :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/0NCqnh3w/IMG-3226.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I modified the hinges with brass rods to keep the hatches workable. At least not all the work on the engine will be lost forever.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Cxk0BRsJ/IMG-3231.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The interior will still be visible with open (working) hatches...even more with the cupola ripped off. ::)
Note the removable canvas driver back rest and note the still missing ammo racks.
The ammo storage will be modified and filled with 3D printed shells...more about that later...working on it!

(https://i.postimg.cc/RCp4j501/IMG-3230.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Seen through the driver's hatch.

(https://i.postimg.cc/HsfHkwXV/IMG-3233.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Where I am now...it's all pre-weathering, so still a bit boring and bright.

More soon...thanks for watching,

Robin



Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Juan on September 08, 2019, 07:22:21 AM
Wow Robin, beautiful work (I blinked and you are almost done).  Cannot say enough about your artistry.
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 09, 2019, 09:48:34 AM
Thank you  :)

Worked a bit on the 3D printed shells today.
A hell of a job to clean (wax or whatever it is) 116 tiny shells and as many shellcases, but managed to get it done.
I painted and finished a small batch to see what they'll look like. Not a complete smooth surface, but they're ok I think.

(https://i.postimg.cc/3RJQcn5b/IMG-3227.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The holes in the trays (x8) are too small, so...work to do.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kjdk0XTb/IMG-3237b.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Not too bad. Perhaps some gloss varnish will make them look smoother. I'll try that.

(https://i.postimg.cc/59vRKxdQ/37mm.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Must look a bit like this....it's about the size of a large beer bottle.

Robin

Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 09, 2019, 09:27:13 PM
Beautiful work on the construction and initial painting...Not Boring at all. The shells are turning out quite Nicely! Looking forward to your progress!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: FokkerFodder on September 10, 2019, 06:33:55 PM
Great work - I really want to build one of these. Is this the 3 in 1 version? I can never quite tell what this option entails . Also did you spay the main colours and hand paint the black or is it possible to mask in this scale? Cheers Matt
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 10, 2019, 08:51:21 PM
Thanks guys,

Yes, it's the 3 in 1 kit (actually 4 in 1!). It has both the Berliet and the Girod turret with the 37 mm gun or the Hotchkiss machine gun.
In my humble opinion...it's a fantastic kit. Seems acurate and it goes together amazingly well.
Some like to replace the (not open) springs underneath the top wheels with a scratch build open spring, but I won't do that myself.
I only added spark plug cables and made the hinges stronger with brass wire...furthermore OOB.
I'm doing a 1918 scheme seen elsewhere, so not one of the 8 provided.

Indeed...I airbrushed the 3 colours and handpainted the black border lines.
Masking in between is time consuming and you need a hell of a lot masking tape.  ::)
Good thing...you don't need to tape perfect edges...the black line goes over and you can play with that.

Hand painting the black lines is really easy...specially the jagged (thorny branch) lines I do.

(https://i.postimg.cc/K8GjH2ND/IMG-3238.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
After the 3 colours...without the black lines

(https://i.postimg.cc/4xWyCS2k/IMG-3240.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And with them. (a dry fit...I keep these things off until I finished weathering. Easier I think).

Thanks for watching,

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 10, 2019, 09:05:13 PM
Ow...the green looks weird on these photo's. I guess that's because of the lighting. :(

This is more like how the colours look...
(https://i.postimg.cc/y8rJ3Nqr/IMG-3242.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Robin

Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Edo on September 11, 2019, 02:57:18 PM
those black lines look amazing!
how did you do that?
ciao
edo
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: FokkerFodder on September 11, 2019, 06:22:49 PM
Thanks for the info Robin - definitely on the Xmas list now I know its really a 3 in 1! Cheers Matt
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 11, 2019, 10:30:57 PM
Looking Outstanding! Your hand painted black lines are fantastic!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 12, 2019, 01:13:42 AM
Thanks again guys,
The black lines are really...really easy to paint.
I first painted a thin line between the colours, ignoring masking tape "corners".
After that I made it wider, jagged and added the "thorns" with a somewhat larger brush.
All done in a flowing la-di-da-dom-di-dom fashion. Think it took me maybe 10 minutes. :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fyW3r9Zv/IMG-3245.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Now busy with enamel washes (Ammo Mig) to kick some life into it.
This is the first time I use enamel washes (and oils later on) and I must say...fantastic stuff!
Being able to blend the washes with thinner is great. Much nicer than acrylic (Vallejo) washes.

Found a nice tiny chain to make chains to retain the pins for the towing eyes. And suitable wood to make wooden handles for the spade, pick axe and sledgehammer.

But, for now the washes and oils will keep me busy...oh and those darn shells and ammo trays. :o

More soon,

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Edo on September 12, 2019, 02:56:25 PM
thank you Robin!
keep up the great work!
ciao
edo
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 13, 2019, 06:56:56 AM
Thanks Edo,

Far more challenging is the paint chipping. :o
What makes it very difficult is...it's a tiny tank (IRL), the model has the size of a "regular sized" 1/35 scale model, but it is 1/16 scale.
Painting the chips the right size and the right amount is outright weird.
I do these things underneath a magnifying lamp, but I have to hold it away from me and see the bigger picture to see what's right (or wrong).

Started with the "wheel pods"....these things see the most wear and tear, but I hate to overdo it.
This is what I see close up....and I think it looks over the top. Scary!
(https://i.postimg.cc/JzvQVW1S/IMG-3254.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

But this is the same....on the kit (dry fit)...
(https://i.postimg.cc/yNRy7rxx/IMG-3252.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Now it looks like a very moderate chipping. Small tank...large scale.

Very odd.

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 16, 2019, 02:58:59 AM
I do a lot of small, but time consuming stuff right now...

(https://i.postimg.cc/T1Kn9Y9d/IMG-3260.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Made the small chains for the towing eye pins (dry fit...need touching up)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kGLKh31x/IMG-3270.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/y6GmNc1k/IMG-3273.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Replaced the plastic tool handles with wood...not weathered yet.

(https://i.postimg.cc/4NhzHyyw/IMG-3268.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
And started working on the track links.
Each link is made of 3 parts, because of all the little corners I thought it was best to paint the parts on the sprue before construction.
I removed as many tabs as possible to minimize paint damage later on. Will give it another coat of paint after I put the tracks together. Plus weathering of course.

More soon, thanks for watching,

Robin  :)


Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Juan on September 16, 2019, 03:16:10 AM
Impressive detailing Robin, looks fantastic.
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 16, 2019, 03:42:49 AM
Chains, tools, and the other details look awesome!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: drdave on September 16, 2019, 06:06:03 AM
Terrific build log! I must get mine done next year, perhaps when I feel "rigged out"!
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 16, 2019, 06:16:42 AM
Thanks gentlemen.  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: coyotemagic on September 16, 2019, 06:41:34 AM
Robin, the work you are doing on this tank is spectacular!  I have the 1/35 version and will use yours as a guide when I get around to building mine.
Cheers,
Bud
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 16, 2019, 08:57:23 AM
Thanks a lot Bud.  :)

Last update for today...

About the pick axe and those wedges.
I made the handle with the top end wider, but when I dropped the axe in...not wide enough at the end.
Since it was a pesky job to shape that handle, I fixed it instead of starting again.
Split the wood with the axe in place, so the splitting won't continue too far...and inserted some hardwood wedges to widen the top.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9MWmdjSg/IMG-3274.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The other 2 tools were easy.

Finished half a track lenght...
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzQf4zCb/IMG-3278.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/63Y9zmxW/IMG-3277.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Was a bit of a puzzle to get it right, but when you're on your way...not too much trouble.
I'm glad I painted the parts before assembling...a final run with the airbrush will do now.

More next weekend I guess. Showing more track links and (those darn) shells and ammo trays will be more of the same.

And maybe......maybe....I start with one of my stash planes after this. Maybe not. ;D

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 16, 2019, 10:45:56 PM
Really looking Fantastic! Nice work on the links!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 19, 2019, 03:14:54 AM
Thanks!  :)

I found some time and finished the tracks, tool brackets and gave the tank an oil dot filter.

(https://i.postimg.cc/pLHNWxK6/IMG-3288.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Again...all still a dry fit.
I'll remove the tracks for weathering.
I'm still making up my mind about weathering, but I think I keep it light. A dusty look will do....not gonna plaster it with mud for sure.

More soon,

Robin  :)

Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 19, 2019, 07:50:24 AM
Continuing to look awesome! Glad to hear you will not cover the Beautiful painting with Mud, even if that would be "true to a tank in service". Love your work!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 20, 2019, 09:05:48 AM
Thank you  :)

Tracks got an enamel "tracks wash" and need to dry before I continue with them.
Meanwhile...did the last paint chips on the hull...mainly around hatches and places where "stuff happens"...but also some random scratches.

(https://i.postimg.cc/FKy2jkmv/IMG-3293.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Started with a lighter colour. paint damage.

(https://i.postimg.cc/QtjvSNxT/IMG-3297.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Finished with where the paint left the building completely. ::)
Note the small chain in place and the towing chain.

More soon...and oh...I couldn't resist...

(https://i.postimg.cc/XYCMYDzp/005.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Together with the Hannover CL.II/III... my favorite WWI plane.
Now checking out the Aviattic lozenge and stipple decals...and must ask Bob about what I need...and a nice wooden prop....and...oh dear. :-\

New challenge on the horizon!
Had some rigging practise...but not a plane...

(https://i.postimg.cc/QxPGsrS2/bireme1.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Well...argh!

Robin  ;D



Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 22, 2019, 06:08:11 AM
Finished the tracks...

(https://i.postimg.cc/nhH9fWVt/IMG-3307.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bNf23JKr/IMG-3310.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9QJRmBzw/IMG-3319.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/150VTSQH/IMG-3320.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Nrxt will be the weathering of the rest of the tank.

More soon,

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 23, 2019, 12:24:18 AM
The tracks look awesome! I am looking forward to your weathering of the rest!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 24, 2019, 09:23:09 PM
Thanks!

In the midst of it now, but it's a slow process. Did more filters and the grease/fuel/oil and water streaks.

(https://i.postimg.cc/FzjQFprt/IMG-3322.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

I can now add dust and earth where needed.

Also busy with replacing or modifying the leather tool straps and finally found a suitable rope towing cable.

(https://i.postimg.cc/WbvvWB8s/IMG-3324.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

The roasting cord found in a kitchen drawer....perfect! ...apart from the colours.  :(
But, with some paint..

(https://i.postimg.cc/j2VbrmrQ/IMG-3325.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fWXsvzxH/IMG-3332.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Not too bad. :)
On this photo...the new leather straps for the hammer.
Still need to replace the underwhelming straps on the jack box...and make complete new ones to secure the rope.
And on the other side...for the spade and pick axe.

Robin  :)



Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 25, 2019, 03:15:53 AM
The weathering...this is what it is....

(https://i.postimg.cc/x8dRfZsZ/IMG-3337.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JnxxW8QJ/IMG-3341.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Dust effect with dry pigment...Mig Industrial city dirt. Lightly brushed on the upper half.

Earth / dried mud with Mig Earth nature effects (enamel) mixed with Mig Europe earth dry pigment.
Blended and cleaned with enamel thinner. Lower half and anything "inside the tracks".

To do: the ammo racks and some leather straps, so almost done.
Thinking about a base. No man's land with barbed wire.....lots of it. Not just a strand or two.

I need space on the bench for the WNW Halberstadt pretty soon. :)

Robin
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Juan on September 25, 2019, 06:14:55 AM
Wow Robin, looking spectacular.  Really enjoying the details and your journey.
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 27, 2019, 11:14:18 PM
You are really doing Awesome work on this one! The tow rope and tool attachments as well as the weathering are spectacular!
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Borsos on September 27, 2019, 11:31:10 PM
This is really looking great!
Andreas
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 28, 2019, 04:02:55 AM
Thanks guys,

Busy with the last bits and pieces....

(https://i.postimg.cc/fyCqq06p/IMG-3346.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Done the straps

(https://i.postimg.cc/Zn4DLLD6/IMG-3347.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Working on one of the ammo racks.
Had to widen the holes in the top trays and scratch build the lower trays.

(https://i.postimg.cc/C1jQD2JF/IMG-3348.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Another batch of shells and shell cases. About halfway now. :o

More on sunday I guess...
Oh and the WNW Halberstadt arrived, the aftermarket stuff starts to trickle in also now. :)

Robin
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: bobs_buckles on September 28, 2019, 07:40:08 AM
Superb work on the Renault, Robin  ;)

Which brand of paint do you use for all your metal coats?

Cheers,
Bob
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 28, 2019, 08:04:02 AM
Thanks Bob,

I only use Vallejo at the moment. Mostly the "Metal Color Airbrush" range, but also the regular metalics in their range.
Bare metal on the tracks and chips: Metal dry pigment, lead pencil and graphite sticks.
The chips themselves are painted with a mix of black, dark grey and a touch of red brown. For tracks I also use this homemade mix. ::)

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 29, 2019, 09:21:00 AM
Haz ammo now.  :P

(https://i.postimg.cc/ZqtHsDBX/IMG-3354.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/1tyHsnKH/IMG-3357.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/vmrzJL5T/IMG-3363.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

One of those jobs where I proudly show my wife what I've done...and get slammed back to earth.
"Nice...never to be seen again, right?....idiot".

Meh! :-[
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: FokkerFodder on September 29, 2019, 06:03:13 PM
Love what you’ve done with this! Will use your build as a reference when I get around to building one of these. Cheers Matt
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on September 29, 2019, 08:03:41 PM
Thanks,

I think it's a very good kit. Seems accurate (including armour thickness), goes together really well, no flash, few push marks...most on places where it doesn't matter.
Easy to build fun kit. Good price. Can build 4 versions with the 3 in 1 kit. The Hotchkiss machine gun can also be used in the Berliet turret without the need to modify anything. Silly they didn't call it 4 in 1.

Some of the (few) PE parts make little sense, like the driver back rest. Could be done in plastic with much nicer details. I regret I didn't do that.
Missing: Wire cutter and fire extinguisher in the driver compartment....that's a pitty. Sadly no figure in the 3 in 1 kit.
One side of the hull (one part) was slightly warped. Because of the thickness, just bending wasn't enough. Solved with hot water.

Overall....easy and fun. Recommended.
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: RAGIII on September 30, 2019, 12:55:16 AM
The shells and rack, as well as the rest are Fantastic!! Your wife sounds a lot like Mine  8)
RAGIII
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Benji on October 08, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Those shells are outstanding!  Did you make them yourself, or are they available on shapeways?  I have the same kit to build soon.  RCing mine, and found a way to hide all the motors and equipment whilst still having the engine and interior.
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Robin on October 08, 2019, 05:36:07 PM
Thanks they're indeed from Shapeways. Be warned...it's a hell of a job to clean, paint and put them together. :o
RC...that's awesome...and a challenge!

Robin  :)
Title: Re: Takom 1/16 Renault FT. Berliet turret with 37mm Puteaux gun.
Post by: Borsos on October 08, 2019, 08:38:26 PM
Thumps up for that great Ft-17!
Andreas