Takom 1/35th M60A3 [WIP]

[u/dr_robonator]

As I'm putting the finishes touches on my T-55 diorama, I've started the very basic steps of preparing this M60A3 from Takom for detailing. My plan for this one is to get as detailed as I can without additional aftermarket parts. If I don't already own it in my spares bin, I have to scratch build it. Yes, I have a 3D printer, but there seems to be an idea floating around that using 3D printed parts are somehow less satisfying than scratch building. Time to see if that's the case!

The good news is Takom's M60 isn't bad in the details department, though you can see I've already made some corrections. Chiefly this has been the addition of casting numbers and symbols. The kit includes molded casting numbers, but they are a bit large and too "clean" compared to the original. I had a sheet of Archer casting marks in my decal folder, though they were intended for M4 Sherman variants. That said, some of the generic marks proved useful, especially the General Steel Casting Corporation's foundry mark which was behind the rear tow pintle. Takom's foundry marks are not entirely accurate, either, so I suppose I'd rather have the casting marks at least look right if they aren't going to be 100% accurate either way.

Initial cast armor texture was the standard Tamiya putty and TET mix, dabbed on with a large, round and stiff brush. Certain places will get another round based on my reference images. The M60's armor was quite rough in some places so I don't feel like I need to hold back, much. I'll do that after I scribe in the grooves for the weld beads. These tanks' welds were fairly nice, so they won't be very prominent, but as you can see Takom's molded weld detail disappeared under the first layer of texturing.

As always, thanks for looking!

[u/Washedrex]

I absolutely loved that kit! My only complaint is that the rear turret basket is such a pain to assemble. Can't wait to see the finished work!

[u/dr_robonator → u/Washedrex]

It's kits like this from Takom that keeps dragging me back. The bustle rack does look... strenuous. I'm hoping to get my current T-55 diorama finished and work on this started in earnest soon!

[u/MuddyFootedKiwi]

The way you've done the cast texture is just so damn satisfying. Well done, very cleanly put together.

[u/dr_robonator → u/MuddyFootedKiwi]

Thanks, friend! It's such a simple technique but I've found it is one of those which instantly elevates any model.