RE: Special Rules for JUNE DANVILLE EVENT
Maybe my previous post didn't come across right either. I know there are several guys out there that would like more realistic type battles, stop and shoot for example. I was just suggesting that if y'all wanted to, you could possibly drum up enough tankers for that type of battle day. Plus, having more battle days in Danville is never a bad thing.
Posted on: 5/22/2013 5:42 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11519719

RE: Special Rules for JUNE DANVILLE EVENT
You know, I believe that anyone (or any club) can sponsor their own event at the museum. You just have to contact Doug and set up a date in advance. The responsibility is then yours to advertise, organize, make the rules and run the event.
Posted on: 5/22/2013 3:23 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11519602

RE: Finally started my Jagdpanther.
wwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee painting is fun. Looks great.
Posted on: 5/22/2013 3:20 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11519599

RE: What does weathering for us....
No problem, thanks for the compliments.
Posted on: 5/19/2013 7:29 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515954

RE: What does weathering for us....
[quote]ORIGINAL: pattoncommander Nice Panther Dave.....you might want to use an Exacto knife and trim off that mold seam on the mantlet. Paint chips are normal and come from water getting under the paint from extreme cold, also heat and from high pressure water hoses used to wash off the caked on mud. What was/is normally done is to use a hammer and chisel/screwdriver to get rid of the flakes and spot paint over it....if available. Chips also come from small rounds or schrapnel bouncing off the armor, so these are were constant PITA. (persicopes unfortunately don't chip and are NOT easy to remove once hit.) Very nice looking Tiger. Very realistic and looks like the typical weathering of a crew applied winter camo. KV looks like a typical Russian tank where funtionality took precidence over appearance. Strato50...thanks. Comes from years living in and working with 1;1 scale armor and later restoring my own. Books and museum artifacts do not portray everything. [/quote] Why would I wreck a detail that I paid good money for? This is the after market mantlet from schumo to replicate the casting line found on some G mantlets.
Posted on: 5/19/2013 6:04 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515902

RE: What does weathering for us....
I agree that weathering brings it to life. I also agree that is is a challenge to know when to say when and not over-do it. This panther was my first real attempt at weathering and chipping. I found painting all the little chips to be a zen-like meditative experience.
Posted on: 5/18/2013 5:05 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515477

RE: Tamiya PZIV overhaul + Brass Schurzen
Love the schurzen, it totally changes the look of the tank and makes it appear much more formidable. I would like to try this project also.
Posted on: 9/7/2012 3:38 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11220457

RE: Sept Battle Days in Danville
don't forget to mention the museum, you get a discount
Posted on: 9/6/2012 5:48 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11220095

RE: Buying a Tamiya tank
The Pershing was my first build, and a Panther was my second. I have not built a tiger, but want to. IMHO, the Pershing is a better overall runner for a few reasons... The road wheels are almost bullet proof, they are screwed together with 3 screws each and bolted to the suspension Excellent quality tracks right out of the box Easy to install and rugged suspension Built in gear-downs with the outdrive system which also keep dirt out of the transmission The upper and lower hull fit together perfectly and are held together with 4 screws It is a nicely detailed kit I have been battling my Pershing at Danville for a year, and have had NO problems. Yes it is tight inside, so you just need to be very neat when running the wires.
Posted on: 9/3/2012 7:12 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11215548

Sept Battle Days in Danville
September Battle Days<!StartFragment> September 7, 8 & 9 AAF Tank Museum, Danville, VA Hosted By: HEAT ARMOR Tamiya Frontal Armor (TFA) Rules in Effect For more info about TFA, here is a video produced by our C.O. Dana... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRxbLmF56Gs For more info about the Museum... http://www.aaftankmuseum.com/index.html Who's Comin? <!EndFragment>
Posted on: 9/1/2012 8:46 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213508

RE: T-34 Calliope (anyone have a good picture source ?)
I found this site a while back, he does great work.. http://www.tanksandtrolls.co.uk/shermanCalliope.htm
Posted on: 8/30/2012 11:04 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11211669

RE: Damaged Fenders
I bent the fenders of my Tamiya Panther G by heating them CAREFULLY with a 25 watt soldering iron. Then I filed/sanded them from underneath to thin them out.
Posted on: 8/24/2012 12:23 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204661

RE: CAN-AM Battleday July 21/12
Bob(TheCommander) truly is a great ambassador for the Hobby. Since it is the political season, I am officially nominating him for Mayor of Tank Town.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 9:47 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196895

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
Thanks guys. This was really the first time I tried this chipped paint look, and was afraid I over did it in places. I tried hard to think of how the crew would use it and where it would wear. It was a meticulous and time consuming process, which probably helped me stay within a reasonable amount. There are 4 layers of enamel painted with a 00 brush to create each area of chipped paint.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 9:37 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196880

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
A few more pics taken outside.
Posted on: 8/16/2012 7:00 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196339

RE: Sherman DD
I have bought magnets here. They pretty much every shape and size you could want. I am not sure about international sales. http://www.kjmagnetics.com/
Posted on: 8/13/2012 1:04 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11191920

RE: Need Help with radio hookup to Tamiya M26
This may be a dumb suggestion, but did you release the safety? The pershing is unique in that you have to first pull the forward/reverse trim all the way back, then pull backwards on the stick briefly. You will hear the engine change from running to idle. Then it will run normally.
Posted on: 8/13/2012 6:10 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11191435

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
There are 2 projects I have been thinking most about. Tiger I (late) so many aftermarket parts! Panzer IV J w/ schurzen, I've been sketching a few ideas about how to attach the skirts with magnets But for now, I am out of time and money so they will have to wait.
Posted on: 8/12/2012 12:14 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190547

RE: To Lacquer or not to Lacquer?
I used Tammy primer and Acrylic paints for basecoat and cammo. Then I airbrushed a coat of Testors Acryl before I washed, chipped and weathered. Then I put on 2 more coats after. I did not have good luck previously airbrushing tammy varnish. But I probably should have mixed in some Tammy gloss into my base coat instead of the testors, like Yellowshaker said. Like a new car, it's always painful to get your first scratch.
Posted on: 8/12/2012 11:59 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190535

To Lacquer or not to Lacquer?
So, I just finished my Panther G and was running it around a bit. Of course, I bumped into a few things which caused some minor paint chipping. I have not used lacquer dull coat on it yet. I have put several coats of Testors Matte Acryl Varnish. I chose this because it seemed to alter the look of the finish less than laquer (Dull Coat). But, it does not seem to be as durable as lacquer. On the other hand, I find that the dull coat darkens the finish, and I lose some of the weathering details. I used both semi gloss and dull coat lacquer on my Pershing (which I have battled for a year), and appears to be more durable. So, here in lies my dilemma. Lacquer is more durable but will change the finish. I am currently happy with the way the finish looks, and am afraid to screw it up. This was not built as a shelf queen and will be battled. Of course I expect damage to occur, but it seems too fragile at the moment. Y'all have any experience or advice with this?
Posted on: 8/12/2012 8:39 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190360

RE: FIRST TANK...RC OR STATIC?
Like most of us, I started with 1/35 as a kid, which ended when I was about 12. Fast forward 20 years. About 10 years ago I was browsing a military bookstore when I came across a Japanese Armour Modeling Magazine. I was amazed that the level of detail, and became determined to build a tank of that caliber. However, I quickly discovered that the teeny tiny details and photo etch parts of 1/35 was just too damn small for my sausage fingers. So I never actually finished building or painting anything. (At the time, I had my eye on a Tammy Tiger 1 kit at my local hobby shop but could not afford the $1,000 price tag.) Fast forward 10 years. Last summer I visited the AAF Tank Museum in Danville to see the collection and the R/C battle field. The guys in HEAT were very open about the hobby and eager to share. So much so, that James Stewart Newman and Bob Held (TheCommander) let me borrow a tank and battle. I was hooked. I stayed for the rest of the weekend, and left with a Pershing Kit. I just finished my second build, a Panther G.
Posted on: 8/12/2012 8:24 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190352

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
Thanks Eggman. I totally feel the same way sometimes. The feeling that there is ALWAYS a builder/modeller who's work is humbling. I am a graphic designer and studio artist, so I am constantly torn between finding another's work to be inspiring and/or discouraging. Honestly, I have always wanted to detail a model like this, but it took me 10 years to build up the courage. I say courage because a build like this is such a commitment of time and money that there is a risk involved. There is always the chance that in the end, I would not be satisfied with the result. Luckily for me I had time this summer and I won the Tamiya kit, radio, and battle system at the AAF Tank Museum raffle, so the cost was within reason. So, ultimately, my satisfaction comes within the process of making and the challenge of trying something new. Did you mean a video of the tank running or of build techniques?
Posted on: 8/12/2012 8:05 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190323

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
Thanks Karen!
Posted on: 8/11/2012 3:26 PM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11189662

RE: ETO project for the summer
Excellent work. You always have interesting projects in the works and I always enjoy reading your posts. Have you tried any of the DVD's from AK? I was tempted, but I had already blown my budget on my last project.
Posted on: 8/7/2012 6:21 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184058

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
It was a really interesting find. My first thought was it would make perfect shrubs in a HO or G scale train layout. All I did to it was break it apart and straighten it out a bit. It grew in tight little bunches that were curled in on each other. In my humble opinion, as scale foliage, it appears more lifelike than the common lichen used in modeling. It has a trunk-like stem, branches and tiny leaves. What you say about it being dormant makes total sense, as it was rather rugged and did not completely fall to pieces as I broke it apart. And I picked it off the tree 2 months ago. Thanks for the info.
Posted on: 8/5/2012 10:50 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11181695

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
It is a long list of aftermarket details... Schumo Kits: rear track holders Tow cables Towing pintle Small cable holder Jack block and bracket Gun Mantlet Arial Base Sprocket wheel hub Periscopes Aber: Tow Shackles Clamps * edit - bow mg 34 Daryl Turner: Gear box Brace Gun elevation arm Impact: Metal Tracks Metal Sprocket wheel guide Extra Tracks Verlinden Productions: Stowage Crates
Posted on: 8/5/2012 7:32 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11180103

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
Tanks again for the kind words... Pzjgr I learned so much on this project. Most of the techniques I've "borrowed" from the pros like Mig Jimenez and others. Take a look at the AK Interactive sight, I just saw that they have a "Weathering" Magazine! I have not used their products yet, but have heard many good things on this site. Anyway about washes... In my opinion, a few important things to remember: Use good materials - paints, brushes, thinner Be patient - don't try to do the whole thing at once Do one section at a time Focus on the details It is better to build up slowly with several coats It is a give and take process - painting it on, and wiping it off Use different colors in different areas (brown/rust around welds vs black around the engine deck) Practice/test on scraps before applying to tank Use your imagination, try to think where more dirt/grime/rust would accumulate The materials I used are Windsor Newton Winton oil paints (student grade) and grumbacher white spirit. After I sprayed the base coat and cammo pattern, I airbrushed a light coat of Testors Semi gloss varnish thinned 2:1 (thinner:varnish), to seal it. First, I do one light overall wash, a mix of mostly burnt umber and a little lamp black. This wash is very thin, and I use a #8 round brush. I brush it on (under control), and let it sit for a bit and wipe most of it off before it dries. The only place I let it "puddle" is in the recesses, Oil paint is forgiving, it has slow drying time, and can be wiped off easily. I use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off, it is absorbent and does not leave fuzz behind. I also use a lot of Q tips to dab clean any extra little bits. I wipe in the direction of gravity. I leave any streaks that I think look good. For example on the front glacis, i wipe straight down. On the wheels I wiped from the center outwards, again leaving a few streaks behind. After I let that dry over night, I go back and add more to the details and recesses. This wash is a bit darker, and I use a # 0 round brush. On recesses (like welded joints), I load the brush and touch inside the groove and let it capillary along. On raised details (Like nuts and bolts), I lightly load the brush and barely touch the detail and let it capillary around. On the cupola I did an overall wash and wiped. Then added darker washes in the welds and joints. I also did a mostly brown wash around the base of the cupola, again barely loading the brush and letting it flow around. Sorry if this is too much information.
Posted on: 8/5/2012 6:51 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11181499

RE: Panther Camo Question
I used a Paasche VL double action on my panther. But I found the smallest nozzle to be more trouble than it was worth. Too much splattering. Also my compressor has seen better days, and does not give consistent pressure. Luckily the weathering covered the splatters.
Posted on: 8/4/2012 7:25 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11180630

RE: Panther Camo Question
Very nice airbrush work, and brave too. All those little free hand swirls must have been nerve racking.
Posted on: 8/4/2012 6:38 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11180600

RE: Panther G (Finally) Finished
Chiefsonn Here's a (slightly) better/closer pic of the netting.
Posted on: 8/4/2012 5:31 AM by Author "DaveBcool" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11180548