Firefly Vc

By: Richard

Manufacturer(s): Dragon 7303

Modifications: added ammo box and some pieces under brezent from Legend kit, Brezent made from simply toilet paper. also made cabel from simply String. painted with Tamiya Olive drab and Nato green acryle added pointed wash with oil paint.

After-market parts: all parts from same box included PE set. just some updates...

Description: this tank was used by 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade during The Invasion of Normandy in Summer 1944. the model made from original picture.

Judge 1: Construction: good, from these photos (quite distant...) seems that building phase are ok. Coloration and decals: base color is done good, I think model seems too flat and too much "monochrome". Could be the photo but, for istance, I think that tow cable is the same color of the tank. On the visible decals I see clearly the glossy support, probably no glossy varnish would done before decals application. Wheatering: I would add some dust overall and more contrast to show up all beautiful details. Some filter and wash would be better. More dust and mud on the tracks & wheels zone; also some metal finished on the tracks as I have seen on many hystorical photos. Conclusion: a good model that could be improve with few effort.
Judge 2: I can't see any major problem in the construction stage. One missing thing, what i think is useful also in case of an OOTB build is to drill the MG. The base colors seem to be very dark. Of course the photos are dark as well, so I suggest you reading out photo guide. You can improve your painting skills by paying more attention on little details, like no silvering under the decals, metal wear on the tracs ect. Your work could be also much more spectacular by using a light base color, and some dark washes, intensive filters, and fine scratches, chipping. So, I think the build job is very good, a good base for a nice paint. Just pay attention on little details, and use light colors!
Judge 3: Construction is mostly good but the join between the upper and lower turret halves needs some work, the PE engine grill looks to sit up and the tow cable is over scale. It makes it hard to judge your hard work when the photo's are so dark, investing in a couple of lamps would certainly be a cheap way to improve them. There is a bit of dust in or on the paint work which shouldn't be there and there are quite noticeable brush marks in the white camouflage on the barrel. White is a difficult colour to work with but building the colour up with many thin coats should do the trick. More time spent on the basics will certianly help move you up to the next level, good work.