Tamiya M-41 Bulldog

[Dragline]

I honestly don't remember ever building a tank model in my life. I remember getting one as a very young boy and what happened is anyone's guess. But they fascinate me. More to the point is the people who build them. I've met a great many who enjoy my shiny paint jobs but when asked if they would ever model of say their own car, the answer seemed to be always 'Are you kidding?" I didn't ask to take out their 17 year old daughter mind you. Just if they would build something shiny. I truly enjoy well built Military. I've been to my share of IPMS shows and that type tends to dominate the show and vendors area.

 

So when I was at Hobby Lobby picking up paint 2 weeks ago I stumbled upon this kit. At 11.00 [w/coupon] it was a no brainer. I have a selection of Vallejo paints that would enable me to try it out. I bought a can of Testors green Military enamel for the project and went back to work. When I got home I pried it open and just dug in straight away. I just finished a MAJOR customer project and had a 10 day window, so I set out to see what i could do.

 

I watched a TON of YouTube vids. There are so many out there for just a single kit that i was amazed. I did only cursory recon on the actual vehicle and went to work.

 

 

Will this turn me into a Military modeler? I have my doubts but I have had the most fun building for myself than i have in years. And THAT is what building models is all about.

 

 

Thanks for looking.....

 

 

EDIT... OOOPS I have to make antennae that broke. I also need to finish the crew and maybe make a vignette. But that's for another time.

Edited November 20, 2016 by Dragline

[Jim B]

That M41 looks great.

[Snake45]

Very nice, especially for a first effort! Model on!

[Misha]

Having had built targets, I mean armour, before, I would say you have achieved an excellent build of the M-41! Actually there are a lot of armour techniques and bits & pieces that can be adapted to automotive subjects, especially in terms of weathering.

Once again, congrats on a great build.

Cheers Misha

[Dragline]

Thanks guys. I just followed what I saw on YouTube and my own instincts.  I have a few more subjects in my stash including Ma.K so I should be able to build a few in the near future. It is a side of modeling I am finding very attractive.

 

It actually photographed better than I could have hoped for.

[Rider]

Very nice weathering work, great looking build. 

You are not alone in the transitioning from auto to Military building, many a builder has made the switch. I have a good friend who was an avid auto builder (hundreds of completed builds) who now seems to only build military and mini dio projects.

Perhaps it is the freedom and creativity one has with all the weathering and derailing options. 

[Dragline]

Thanks Lloyd. I'm not certain I'll be transitioning, but i am getting a real taste for what it takes to pull off a decent armor build. I ordered a couple of Dragon kits for myself that I will build during the winter months. I also got the PE kits for them so I can really go to town detail wise. I also ordered some MIG items like chipping fluids and various other paints. I have oil paint for washes, so this winter will find me busy making a vignette for this build and starting on the others.

 

It's strange how you basically build the kit before any paint goes anywhere near plastic. Seemed counter intuitive but I will get used to that also. My airbrush is going to get some kind of workout.

[Randy D]

Hi Bob,   I really like the 'Bulldog' !!!   I like to build a little of everything myself.

Randy