Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: Madhatter on July 14, 2018, 10:08:47 AM

Title: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on July 14, 2018, 10:08:47 AM
hi guys
Yes, I know I posted this on the other site as well, but I need all the expertise I can find.

I have been plugging away at this for a couple of weeks now and am thoroughly enjoying building some armour for a change.
I love the Merkava's streamlined, quite futuristic profile but the barrel seems a bit ... meh
So I scoured the net for inspiration and found something pretty cool so I went with that but with some mods.
I have kept the kit part that mates to the barrel base but everything else is scratch built (not that it was terribly hard to do mind you)
The design lends itself to being a good base point for some other sci-fi tank stuff I have in mind for another day. I have tried to keep this one within the realms of today's technology

What I am struggling on though is the paint work. I am not going to paint this in that sand colour of olive green as that's just boring. I was thinking either a 3 tone Grey splinter/shard camo or a regular camo pattern in 3 tone grey?
Other colour combo ideas I have are Medium Grey, NATO green and NATO black, or just NATO black all over.
Which one would you recommend?
I know a lot of this choice would be decided on where it's being stationed, which leads me to wonder if this tank type is equally as capable in the forest as it is the Jungle, or even an urban setting? Bear in mind that I also chose all steel wheels (why I don't know but that's what I ended up with)

Anyway, I took a couple of pics of the barrel to show:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1828/29523369118_82b50a4a87_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LYSZ4u)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/913/42677332654_d24a873c54_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/282fu9f)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/43393747251_fa19c311cb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/297yif4)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/833/43346000252_393ec6184d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/293kzHW)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/919/28524410997_741a71e238_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KsB4BB)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1789/41585638320_6a103b2ac3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26mMgs9)

That's it as far as pics goes until the end. It still has a lot of work to do, but it's getting there.  I am very keen to hear your thoughts on a paint job.
Thanks in advance
Simon
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Old Wombat on July 14, 2018, 03:53:25 PM
I'd go for a 3-tone grey-green-brown (of your choice) but, as that's pretty close to what I'll be painting my more modern RAM builds (they'll be 4-tone), you may not want to go with it. ;)

The 3-tone greys would be my second option. :smiley:
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Gingie on July 14, 2018, 10:38:59 PM
Neutral grey with orange highlights, like colonial viper, or, district 9 white with light blue accents.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Buzzbomb on July 15, 2018, 06:27:21 PM
Any colour you like, I am just loving the way it looks
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Old Wombat on July 15, 2018, 08:30:46 PM
You could also paint it all white with UN markings. ;)
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on July 16, 2018, 02:05:04 AM
@ Madhatter - Is this main gun to be conventional with regular ammunition or will you be attempting to create some kind of rail gun? 
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on July 16, 2018, 08:04:50 AM
Hi Jeffry
Its not a rail gun, although it would make a good start. Its meant to be regular ammo
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on July 17, 2018, 06:25:57 PM
So I did a test paint using the side panels as testers and these are the results:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1809/42748394364_ab2756b73a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/288wGj9)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/913/41657236690_59069b2096_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26t7e9N)

So, what do you think? I'm in 2 minds as to using the 2 greens and NATO black or should I use another 2 tones of grey?
The way it is now reminds me of the SAAB Viggen - not that this was my intention - far from it, but that's how it came out.
I also don't think there's enough contrast between the colours.
I'm going to try build the Friulmodel tracks, that arrived today, tonight and sleep on the scheme.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Old Wombat on July 17, 2018, 08:11:17 PM
Oh, gods! Fruilmodel tracks almost killed me! :o

However, although they're not on the RAM M41AS yet (Plug! Plug!), painted up they look awesome! :smiley:


The camo depends on where you want your Merkava to be fighting;

Jungle: I'd change the dark green for a darker green,
Temperate: I'd swap out the pale green for dark earth or NATO brown,
Desert: the greys could work for some regions, or I'd go sand/dark earth/NATO black, or even more complex with sand/dark earth/green (either)/slivers of NATO black, or
General: I'd try something like the Australian camo colours but in your splinter scheme.

But that's me & I can screw up camo as well as anyone, like this;

(http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq311/GPlachy/Challenger%201/IMG_0791.jpg)

(http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq311/GPlachy/Challenger%201/IMG_0793.jpg)
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on July 17, 2018, 10:08:13 PM
I don't think that's all that bad. The demarcation is awesome!
I'm going to try it in 2 tone grey and NATO black. The current one was best described as Swedish and not really what I was going for. I also don't think the colours would suit this particular tank
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Dr. YoKai on July 17, 2018, 11:30:45 PM
When I first started reading, the first thing that popped into my head was "Swedish Splinter!" I think it would look terrific. The gun barrel and shroud are really nice - and it goes well with the rest of the tank.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on July 20, 2018, 02:33:53 PM
Take 2:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/848/42804204564_501e0ca639_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28dsJJY)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/855/28634059757_0b2b83df84_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KCi3nt)

thoughts? Personally, I think it looks alright but I'm thinking I may throw in some brick red to the mix
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Gingie on July 21, 2018, 10:34:00 PM
^ that looks really good. I'd leave it as is.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on August 11, 2018, 10:45:23 AM
Thought I'd show you the end result - although the model isn't actually fully finished yet. However, due to my focus being on another project, this one is going to be taking a back seat for quite a while. I also had the camera out today so I thought I's nap a few shots while I had the time

Tell me what you think - good or bad. I'm on pull ups. I'm a big boy now  ;D

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1796/43252945544_2c57d5f6b9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28U7DNq)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1816/43066101965_ef92cc3960_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28BB2Hp)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/848/43971589641_ca9c4af512_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZBTDT)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1779/43066086745_c89e6cd3d2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28BAXbZ)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/942/30102926838_3c8b61842b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MS6nnY)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/43923136082_16ac3bd190_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29Vky6G)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1839/43066123055_af495e6b3c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28BB8Z2)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1792/30102940038_cf22dda1fa_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MS6riy)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1775/29033429557_0b02e18fd1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LezV6F)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/930/43971624511_7d3ed9b5f9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29ZC526)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1814/43253017204_364e0ac2bf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28U826W)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/849/43253030094_126a641959_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28U85Wb)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1800/43066159735_bfbfd70119_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28BBjTr)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1780/42162722430_57d50a9060_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27eLYsb)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1776/42162742000_0f9417dba7_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27eM5gA)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1839/43923187402_ac86727b48_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29VkPmw)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1799/43253061584_b108fa573a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28U8fi7)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/936/42162771610_7350ab4865_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27eMe57)

There's still a lot of paint touch ups to do and weathering the wheels, tracks and so on. I will get it done, I just don't know when.
Thanks everyone for the discussion. I found it very useful
Thanks for looking
Si
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: elmayerle on August 11, 2018, 01:21:33 PM
[I\Tres wicked!![/I]  That one really looks the business.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Volkodav on August 11, 2018, 02:36:42 PM
Oh wow!
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Old Wombat on August 11, 2018, 04:19:44 PM
Brilliant! 8)

Awesomely fantastic, even! :D

The colours give it a sci-fi edginess that suits the overall look of the Merkava & your advanced gun-system barrel perfectly. :smiley:
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: ysi_maniac on August 11, 2018, 08:56:31 PM
Oh wow!

I agree! ;) :smiley:
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: apophenia on August 12, 2018, 04:04:10 AM
That is gorgeous! Very Stridsvagn  :D
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Gingie on August 12, 2018, 04:09:01 AM
Oh yeah!!!  :icon_ninja:
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on August 12, 2018, 05:27:46 PM
Thanks guys

I will finish this off and post pics but this won't be for a while. I don't have much left to do, but my time is being directed elsewhere (my Star Destroyer)
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: LemonJello on August 13, 2018, 04:45:08 AM
There is nothing about this that I don't find beautiful.  All-around amazing, inspirational, even.  Thanks for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 15, 2018, 03:28:06 AM
Well tidy indeed!

I really like the paintwork. That would turn heads at any show!

Great stuff.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Frank3k on August 15, 2018, 04:45:12 AM
Amazing! The masking alone must have taken hours.
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Themoff on September 14, 2018, 09:31:31 AM
Mate that is awesome!
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Madhatter on September 15, 2018, 08:07:32 AM
cheers guys

I haven't finished it yet, but there isn't much left to do. I really should just get it done and dusted, so I'll get into it again when I get back from holidays

To start with, the masking was easy to do as I had some vinyl masks that I had bought ages ago and never found a use for until this. They were OK, but became pretty useless after the 2nd colour so I had to make my own ones after that
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Antonio Sobral on December 02, 2018, 04:30:51 AM
Somehow I had missed this one. Shame on me :)

The splinter scheme is fantastic!!!
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: Kerick on December 02, 2018, 06:17:26 AM
Ditto!!!
That splinter is mind grabbing! Love it!
Title: Re: Meng Merkava MK-3D with experimental barrel
Post by: tanktastic43 on December 07, 2018, 07:58:58 PM
Fantastic!

Great paint!

Well done.

tt43.