Shock and Awe

I actually built and nearly completed a model this month - shocking to all involved. This is the new DML 105mm Howitzer M2A1. This is a very detailed kit - very strong detail, crisp molding with good definition. I do recommend the kit with the forewarning that is it quite fragile and requires s good amount of skill to assemble correctly.

• Be wary of the gun cradle - it can cant and the attachment points are not very solid. Also the cradle has a seam that I filled with a thin styrene strip.
• Metal barrel not true 90deg - needed some easy filing to sit flush
  
• Wheels, always wary of wheels to make sure they are straight in all axises
• Elevation will be fixed, early in assembly as will towed/firing position.
  
• No markings supplied, not sure what there could be... oh Archer....

The kit was finished with Vallejo Model Air series olive drab mixed with dark yellow and 25% white. A 30-40% white mix was used for highlights. Chipped with black grey and sponge. Washes with Winton oils in mineral spirits over Testors gloss, flat coat. Pigments by Mig airbrushed in 80:20 EtOH and distilled water. Mig pigment fixer and final flat coat. Minimal dry brushing with yellow and olive oils for highlights. I do need to finish painting the sights and their details. Otherwise - DONE! I would like to think about putting this one in a North Africa setting hence the chipped paint - not a normal part of my models.


































Update: marines pending final face paints and flat coating and satin finishes.