M-26 Pershing

by: Garfield Ingram

This is the magnificent M-26 kit by Tamiya. I use this term as it bulds easily and has dimensions and proportions that look bang-on to me. As usual, I started from the bottom-up and completed the road wheels and tracks before adding the upper hull. The kit was built with the addition of the Hauler photo-etch set but I admit I used only a small proportion of it. MR Productions was the source for the stowage that appears on the back. Like the Hauler set, there is far more stuff included in the package than I have patience to use. The straps on the set are a bit week and so I chose to add new ones with the use of lead foil. The fit of the resin parts is excellent but will require a bit of sanding here and then to remove the fingerprints of the person who made the masters!

The model was painted with Tamiya acrylic o.d. which is waaay too dark. A series of Mig washes and pigments were used to tone down the colour whilst adding the much needed weathering. A final rub with my finger tip polished up the areas that the crew slid across whilst getting in and out. I hate to say it but the side of my nose was the source for the polish used for this step. YEEEEEE-UK! (Mig, can you add 'Sweaty Nose Grime' to your line?)

All in all, a fun build which is a challange to make interesting because of the monotonous overall green. Many thanks to Lu and Pat for all the inspiration they give in their articles.