A-20

By: Vladimir Yakubov

Manufacturer(s): Dragon Conversion

Modifications: Model is practically scratchbuilt. Compared to T-34 the tank is shorter and narrower so the details were resized and all of the angles on the armor, the side grilles were modified and the rear grille was scratchbuilt, the the fenders were scratchbuilt. The turret was modified to make it smaller as in the real prototype. The wheels were modified with caps and Master Club bolts. The tracks where narrower than the regular T-34 tracks and were completely flat without any ribs, so I took UM's plastic tracks and modified them. The machine guns are scratchbuilt. All of the small details were scratchbuilt.

After-market parts: OKB Grigorov T-34 engine deck and grilles, ARMO 45mm turned barrel, Master Club nuts and bolts

Description: Painted with Model Master enamels and weathered with pastels.

Judge 1: Beautiful scratchbuilding and construction workmanship! The in-build shots are very good and show the extent of your work. The finished photos however do not have enough lighting to adequately see your painting (e.g., cannot see the wheel details due to the lighting). The painting is good and just needs more highlights and shadows to complement all that hardwork in building. Try to also use more washes (in particular "pin-washes"). Avoid use of harsh colors such as black on your weathering (at least from the photos it appears to be black). Use more dark browns instead. Add a bit more drybrushing for the high details. Otherwise very good scratch project!
Judge 2: As you say, this is as much a scratchbuild as a conversion, showing very creative use of kit parts to achieve an excellent representation of an unusual subject. The camo looks good colourwise, but is somewhat lacking in shading. Your tracks look very dark and not terribly metallic, a rub with some graphite might liven them up a little. Weathering looks a little strange, with prominent use of drybrushed grey for staining. This is not terribly convincing and better results might be achieved by building up the stains gradually using heavily thinned oils.
Judge 3: Although this is not a photographic competition photos are all we have to judge your model. If the photos aren’t great it makes it harder for us to see and reward your hard work. Read our photo tips section for a few ideas on how to improve your photographs. I admire your scratch building work, it’s first rate. I have to agree with the other judges the finish lacks depth and complexity. Weathering effects work best when they are built up with many light layers, practicing this will certainly improve your modelling experience and take your work onto the next level.