RE: What does weathering for us....
American tanks were made not to survive but to kill during the WWII. All us know that the best Sherman couldn’t resist a face to face with a Tiger, at least the Tiger's commander would be drunk LOL. The point to give weathering is for getting the "stuff" alive. Frankly most of the real tanks just had dust and mud, and all that covered other kind of damage. In fact real tanks didn't have "color modulation", "washes", "pigments" ( other than real dust), neither "dry brush" and if they had rust it was covered for all the dust and mud. What we do, in my humble opinion, is to bring the scale plastic to live, realizing lights and shadows. As bigger a scale tank is, less "weathering" shouldn't have.
Posted on: 5/20/2013 8:19 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11517086

RE: What does weathering for us....
[quote]ORIGINAL: Green Amphibian Yes the Shermans went all the way. After being repaired by welding up the holes, if they were salvageable, and washing out the blood while slapping another coat of paint over the spots. Herman [/quote] LOL LOL LOL, that's right LOL
Posted on: 5/19/2013 8:42 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11516676

RE: What does weathering for us....
[quote]ORIGINAL: YHR Respectfully I would like to suggest armor in WWII had a different life experience then armor at any other time. They were built, painted, shipped to action, and destroyed in a matter of months not years. For some the first chip on the paint was the round that destroyed it. [/quote] Hi Dan, I don't think so, just looking pictures in most of the WWII related books, you will see how they crossed Europe and got all what the weather can do. Just looking the Jumbo that broke the German’s line at Bastogne you will realize how battered those tanks were. Maybe what you say could be true for those in the beachhead at Normandy, but many Shermans went to Germany all the way.
Posted on: 5/19/2013 5:39 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11516491

RE: What does weathering for us....
Don't ask what your Panther can do for you but what you can do for your Panther LOL [:D] [quote]ORIGINAL: Panther F I'm still hard at my Panther. Hmmmm, someday. ~ Jeff [/quote]
Posted on: 5/19/2013 7:50 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515981

What does weathering for us....
What does weathering for us.... turret not worked yet. A reader asked me if really weathering is a must for military builders, as he only liked to build the kits. I don't think so really, I mean if you just want to build without painting is fine for you, finally modeling is to have fun. However the weathering makes military models bring to life. I have been building models during the last 50 years, seriously since 40, most of my builds were cars and motorcycles and when I used to build military didn't exist the weathering as we know nowadays. Verlinden was one of the guys that began all. Now I’m trying to build military models in the way they looks like real ones and now I’m just beginning to understand what weathering means, no matter the technique you use of where you choice goes.
Posted on: 5/18/2013 1:02 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515282

RE: Heng Long Turrent Rotation in Tamiya Panther
[quote]ORIGINAL: dlobmwm3 Has anyone ever put a HL turret motor in a Tamiya Panther? I want to see if it would fit before buying the motor. [/quote] I did for a Tamiya Sherman upper hull, as I had a HL lower hull and electrics, and was a lot of work, having in account you have an already working system. I love the HL way, never fail, however as was commented above I would let the Tamiya one with those modification.
Posted on: 5/15/2013 5:55 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512094

RE: 1/16 T34 all metal
[quote]ORIGINAL: YHR I agree, I don't mean to slag the effort at all, The thing can probably survive rounds from a 22. It is built from steel plate and is an awesome attempt, Scale guys are used to photo etching and plastic injection though so the effort is a little crude to todays expectations. Still doesn't take away from the effort that went into it though. [/quote] The same Jeff, it was interesting you shared it. I'm working in a WSN T34 and really would be nice to have a metal one, just pointed that didn't match quality and price. Anyway thanks for sharing.
Posted on: 5/15/2013 5:49 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512087

RE: 1/16 T34 all metal
for 2450 euros I would expect something better, honestly.
Posted on: 5/15/2013 5:45 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11511222

Sherman M51 / M4 spares left
Here some parts left from my projects.¨Please take a look to the picture. I WILL INCLUDE not showed. Parts for the Mato hull, as I have dissasembled it and the parts to complete the M4 turret, not showed. Shipping around US$35 worldwide. Make me an offer [link]http://www.modelersite.com/Mario/tankparts.jpg[/link] Please contact to my email (mario@modelersite.com) instead PM
Posted on: 7/3/2012 6:17 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11132925

RE: Sherman M51 / M4 spares left
Some interest here
Posted on: 7/3/2012 6:16 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141069

RE: New T-23 tank
Bill Looking great!!
Posted on: 7/1/2012 4:45 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11139023

RE: WIP 1/35 T-62 with bluetooth and simulated inertia
Oustanding works, congrats. I was wondering why we pay $900 and Tamiya and the guys couldn't add the inertia??????? and other features. How we modelers are pillaged.......
Posted on: 6/12/2012 1:02 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11115835

RE: flat coating for decals
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099740 http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11100113
Posted on: 6/10/2012 2:49 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11113536

RE: M4A1E8 on way
[quote]ORIGINAL: Panther F So you said it will be an Israelian M4A1E8? I am not well versed in those so what color will it be? I've always wanted a Sherman and the Centurion in the gray they used. THAT is way too cool. ~ Jeff [/quote] Before the M50 they bought M4A1E8 to France, and the color is French OD ( as written in the Lioness & Lions book)
Posted on: 6/8/2012 8:41 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11111257

RE: M4A1E8 on way
[quote]ORIGINAL: strong622 Does Nick have a website to see his products? Thanks, Danny [/quote] Nick made few Sherman hull, M4A1 and early M4A3 and some turrets, T23. low bustle 75....etc. I think he made a Jackson turret in some time in the past also. Contact him is a very nice people and you will enjoy all the parts he includes with the hulls and turrets.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 1:21 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110328

RE: M4A1E8 on way
[quote]ORIGINAL: Panther F Oh, I was just kiddin', and Nick would know that too. [/quote] I know that Jeff I was pushed ( I hate to be pushed, always cost money!) for your build I save the pictures as I liked very much, so why not to complete the Israeli "task force" with the M4A1E8 but the version France sold to Israel, I need the coom box from the M26, I asked the the sprue to my friends at Japan. I only would like to buid a M1, but the wallet said STOP LOL..... I answered.. for the time being LOL LOL.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 1:18 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110324

RE: M4A1E8 on way
[quote]ORIGINAL: Panther F Wow, am I doing something wrong? I must put out a magazine to get free parts? Especially Nicks! Just about better than Tamiya's and in resin too! (did I suck up enough?) [:D] ~ Jeff [/quote] LOL Hi Jeff Believe me is more expensive to keep the magazine running than to pay parts. I published one large article ( and there is other coming), which had more than 50K visits and just Nick pushing me to build other sending for free some parts, that's all. I don't use to ask for samples, at least not for me. Take care
Posted on: 6/7/2012 9:27 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110086

M4A1E8 on way
The M4A1E8 is on its way. The last upgrade of the venerable M4A1, over again thanks to Nick Aguilar ( ndaguilar@grandecom.net ) to contribute with a free hull and turret. Soon an article in the magazine.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 8:14 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11109991

RE: Asking a favor of an American member!
Having shipped overseas during years I recommned you to get a new part which cost about US$150-180 and will save all the shipping and "person time" then you could use the damaged for other project. Or to use a servo assisted recoil.
Posted on: 6/1/2012 11:16 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102660

RE: What product do you use for the final dull coat?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Pershing101 Hello, I am looking for a good tip for a product to finish up my tank projects. I use acrylics (Tamiya and the like) exclusively and have have good success spraying them out of my badger 200 and Iwata airbushes. After this I spray ''Future'' acrylic to seal the paint and gloss the surface a little before applying decals and weathering. What would be an appropriate product to finish up with to give the model its final matt / dull coat? I have tried testors dullcoat but this is for enamels and has to be used VERY carefully or the acylics will be damaged. I also had the bright idea that Tamiya flat base, X-21, thinned a lot, and sprayed on would do the trick. All it did was frost the model and turn it white. [X(] Turns out this product is used only as an additive to paint. [8|] So is there another choice? Chris [/quote] Chris I think that if you are painting with a Badger then doesn’t make sense to use spray cans, will leave an orange peel that you tried to avoid when airbrushed. I used Tamiya acrylics since many years ago and 15% X21 on X22 ( clear) to get the matt varnish. However being a 1/16 tank a big boy under many stress contrary to a static model, I recommend a hard paint, for example Model Master, that is a hard enamel. I use to mix Model Master with some Tamiya enamel to get the good properties Tamiya have. For example two bottles of Model Master OD with 3 of Tamiya OD. For the gloss base I only plaint the area where I will apply the decal, then I mix X21 + X22 in a way that match perfectly the dull surface. Remember that for weathering you need a flat surface, in contrary what some people say. The gloss surface is useful to apply oils in model cars and 1/48 airplanes, however tanks needs a flat surface to get a realistic weathering. Just my sight on this.
Posted on: 5/30/2012 6:34 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099740

RE: My next project a rare avis
[quote]ORIGINAL: Panther F Well thanks so much! I am humbled as I do not see many favorable comments come my way. [:D] At least about my finished projects. ~ Jeff [/quote] Jeff I have been a model car builder since I remember, however I built airplanes and military of course, and the old Tamiya Sherman 30 years ago. Lately I’m back to 1/16 and all the good threads have inspired me very much. Talking about the workbench... I'm an old fox, however I respect the good work others do, and many..... many years ago I realized that there are thousands of better modelers than me ( other needs the whole life), so why not to say.... “yours is terrific better than mine�, and then to build in the best way I can do it, but giving the appreciation to those modelers I got inspiration from. I did that with Nick Aguilar, in the article I wrote for the magazine. The article is not the best, just my sight about what can be done, I'm sure others will build the same better ( in fact already is done), but the magazine gives me the opportunity to show what I did and I'm very grateful for that. I want to give a BIG thanks to all the modelers that with their talent inspire all of us.
Posted on: 5/22/2012 8:21 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090368

RE: My next project a rare avis
Hi Jeff, yes is that, in fact I was inspired for your build, as I downloaded all the pictyres from the old post. Good job!
Posted on: 5/22/2012 7:15 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11090285

RE: My next project a rare avis
The one I'm showing is not a M51. I built the M51, you can read the article in Modelersite.com. This one is M4A1 later so M4A1E8. France sold many M4A1E8 to Israel before the M50. the M4A1E8 was basically a M4A1 with HVSS suspension and T23 turret 76mm.
Posted on: 5/21/2012 8:36 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089800

RE: My next project a rare avis
No Bill M50 had not a T23 turret
Posted on: 5/21/2012 5:04 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089465

RE: My next project a rare avis
No Chilean, I dond't know if they had it but I don't think so. This one will have T23 turret and cast hull but is not a M4A1. Some help will have a muzzle break in the 76mm gun
Posted on: 5/21/2012 5:02 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089463

My next project a rare avis
Well I'm collecting parts for my new project, other Sherman and the LAST one!!!!!!! I swear.... at least for the 2012. I got a Mato hull but after studying I realized is really bad in terms of accuracy,...etc, so I back to the big Nick. the resin hul he cast is not easy to work with but after all the job the result is terrific. Do you guess which Sherman will be???? NOT a..... M4A1
Posted on: 5/21/2012 2:25 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089260

RE: M50 Sherman... finished!
[quote]ORIGINAL: pattoncommander Mazel Tov Mario..really looks fantastic. Uniform sand color was not an issue into the mid 60s, with many M-50s retaining the French light OD for a long time. Guess that Tammy turret saved a lot of work but still needed that extension in front. Nice job. [/quote] Hi Bill, I didn't use the Tamiya M51 turret but the M4 one, as IDF really did. You make me feel better with the colour, I really wanted a green M50 and VVSS was not an option as involved a Mato Sherman.... etc. Your advice about the Tamiya Panther gun was a big help, I have not resources to make or ask for a turned gun and although I knew the French gun was developed ( copied) from the german Panther, I didn't realize I could use the Tamiya's... foolish LOL. The worst was the mantlet and shield with the interior and elevation mechanism, regarding the angle...etc, I didn't understand how worked.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 10:54 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069445

M50 Sherman... finished!
This is like a dream, I was thinking about this for almost 4 years and now, with the new Tamiya kit, good aftermarket and a lot of scratch and love I finished the M50. It's a Mk2 based in a early M4A3, so the chassis is short. This should be painted IDF sand like my M51, but I always wanted a M50 green. Mk1s were green, but knowing the IDF I guess some green would have been running out there.
Posted on: 5/5/2012 10:04 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11069412

RE: M51 finally online
[quote]ORIGINAL: pattoncommander Tamiya=mistakes.. correct. What Tamiya did was retrofit the old M-4 105 model to offer a ''new'' model. What they did NOT do was research the Isreali models to see the many differences. Read my letter to Tamiya and positive response from them which I posted on War Room. I have been using Tamiya 1;35 models for years for museum work and have always regarded Tamiya as one of the tops, but regarding the ''Super Sherman'' farce....they totally screwed up. [:'(] Yes, on the Pershing, the lifting handles on the rear armor are in the wrong place....they belong on the grill doors, not the armor plate on which they rest. The grille doors are opened by lifting them off the armor plate, not by lifting the armor plate around them.[&:] [/quote] HI Bill What's amazing is that people ask for details and "how to" most of the members want to know how to build their models in a decent way, then when something positive is posted, immediately some members burn up the thread with USELESS comments. All us are grown people, I guess we have little time for modelling and one should spend that time building and showing models instead lost time in USELESS comments. I'm not a rivet counter at all, in fact my models are plenty of imperfections, however I have spent many time researching to make my models and I appreciate when a guy like Bill help me with constructive comments. I'm an old guy and time taught me that when you have nothing to say is better to close the mouth....in this case don't use the keyboard LOL LOL LOL :-) I'm really laughing LOL LOL
Posted on: 4/30/2012 9:04 PM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11060032

RE: Thinking about a t32 build..NEED MORE PICS!
[quote]ORIGINAL: pattoncommander Good luck...it'll be an awesome and huge tank when you get it done. I wanted to do a T-30, but that rear deck is just too much. Just getting my T-23 ready to roll. Swapping the Pershing's torsion bar suspension with VVSS was a lot more work than I had anticipated, but I finally got things mounted and lined up. Now ready to get with Don to get the interrior hooked up. Took it outside to see how it looked off my bench. Seems more guys are getting into early prototypes...lotsa work, but worth the effort. Looking close, the rear deck is about the same as M-46-47 and T-30 series, and does not look like Pershing grills. That would present a big obstacle. Either way, good luck. [/quote] Hi Bill, I see you finally got the T30 finsihed, could you send me some pictures with more details, looks really nice...and odd
Posted on: 4/30/2012 11:59 AM by Author "mcovalsk" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11062791