I delayed the paint stage for a bit more scratchbuilding. I wanted to see if I could replicate the intake trunks. The real ones weren't that neat and precise so I didn't have many worries.
Now that I have a few days off it's time for paint. I made the decision to spray the basecoat of Olive Drab, then brush paint the camo pattern. The real tanks were painted that way plus this model has way to many fragile parts. I was afraid of masking over them.
That's Tamiya OD lightened a bit with Tamiya "Desert Yellow" It'll have a faded appearence when weathered. I'm going to use Vallejo for the brush painting.
I weathered the piece based on period photos. There is no paint chipping and minimal rust. These M4A3's were collected from the supply point, modified and painted just before the invasion. They were on the island a month or two at most. The last thing I will do is dust the whole thing up. Vehicles on Iwo Jima became covered with a grayish pumice dust in no time.
Okay, did a lot of cleaning in the "Mission Room" yesterday and dusted off the ole Sherman, found the Verlinden box so NO new kits 'till I finish this. New out look on life, the new "Fury" movie (which I haven't scene yet) to provide all the encouragement I need.
The batteries died in my camera so I couldn't even do ONE picture last night but the RB barrel is mounted and will work on the turret and T34 launcher tonight.