Meng 1/35 British Mk.V tank

[ModelCellar]

Hi Gary,

Amazing work as usual.  Can't wait to see the finished product.

Paul

[NigelR]

More nice work on the figures Gary. I don't recall having any issues with assembling the tracks when I built the female version of this one, although they were a bit droopy and have to be glued in several places to get them looking ok. But this seems to be coming together nicely.

[gedmundson]

Thanks Paul & Nigel!

I don't recall having any issues with assembling the tracks when I built the female version of this one, although they were a bit droopy and have to be glued in several places to get them looking ok.

Nigel - I am thinking that it's the way I finish my track runs that is causing the breakage problems. I've had issues with solvent washes on certain types of plastic causing the structure to weaken. An Italeri M-47 tank had the wheels fall off their mounts when applied a solvent/oil paint wash to the running gear (many years ago) and had to pin it all back together since the tracks were the rubber-band type that pull tension on everything. Perhaps all that pastel powder also causes problems (??). I may have to re-think how I do these runs...and rescind my previously stated method on this thread 

So I have just put the final touches on my Mk.V tank and added the figures & motorcycle to the base. I have much praise for the Meng kit for its parts fit, detail and assembly. I opened up as many hatches as possible to show the comprehensive interior which was fun to put together and paint up. The crib mounted on top and the red & white identification markings make this indicative of the late allied push starting in August of 1918.

The CSM figures and motorbike add a touch of interest to the scene as two of them chat while another adjusts his bike by the parked tank. For the display I chose not to add clumps of turf to the tracks - I've seen it done but didn't figure I could pull it off effectively...so kept it simple.

Cheers and thanks for looking in on the build.

DSC_3081c_01 by Gary Edmundson, on Flickr

DSC_3052c_01 by Gary Edmundson, on Flickr

DSC_3058c_01 by Gary Edmundson, on Flickr

DSC_3083c_01 by Gary Edmundson, on Flickr

DSC_3087c_01 by Gary Edmundson, on Flickr
Cheers!
Gary

[NigelR]

That's turned out really well, the tank looks fantastic and the figures and bike all bring the scene to life. I particularly like the weathering of the tank - the mud splashes are very realistic and very like the way these tanks appeared in 1918, because they mostly weren't operating in really muddy conditions.

For the display I chose not to add clumps of turf to the tracks - I've seen it done but didn't figure I could pull it off effectively...so kept it simple.

You kept it simple but also very realistic - if you look at photos of Mark Vs in 1918, most do not have mud and grass stuck to the tracks or piled all over the sponsons, because they were operating in more open country and in less muddy conditions. So this appeals to the rivet counter in me!

[ModelCellar]

Gary,

WOW.  Spectacular as usual. 

Paul

[Dirigible-Al]

I agree with the comments so far. A really superb job.
Alan.

[gedmundson]

Nigel, Paul & Alan - thanks so much for your kind comments. This build was immense fun.
Cheers,
Gary

[DaddyO]

Well that's another beautiful and well considered scene Gary. Love the overall relaxed atmosphere and the wear and tear on the tank which, as Nigel mentions, is much more appropriate for the time setting. The overall patina on the vehicles is first class and a lesson in subdued weathering that I'll use as a reference if I get around to another vehicle build

Congrats
Paul

[KiwiZac]

Beautiful work all round, Gary. This is the standard I visualise when thinking about doing a tank or other armour model. Thanks for providing such in-depth WIP posts and explanations as well as the lovely final photos.