1/48 Tamiya Su-122 Self-Propelled Howitzer

 

Depicted as a vehicle from the Red Army 1944.

This was built for upcoming 2022 NSW Scale Model Show’s “Panzer Tracks” trophy.  It was built straight from the box bar a metal barrel from Finemolds.  This wasn't really needed but I had it so I figured it may as well use it.

On this model I wanted to try a winter white wash scheme. 

The Kit

• 1/48 Russian Tank Destroyer SU-122 Kit No. 32527 

The Build

Construction wise these 48 scale Tamiya Armour kits are about as simple as build as you can get. 

I did bash the plastic up a bit with a burr in the Master Tools rotary tool. I probably over did in this scale but there are several coats of paint to come that should tome this down. I added some stowage from various sources. 

First paint coat was the rust tones, which are just Tamia mixes. This was sealed with a semi-gloss clear coat.

Next was hairspray then the first lighter green tone. This was Mr Hobby H340 Field Green.

Now some chipping.  I deliberately over do this stage as it's getting covered with another green coat.

This process was repeated with a darker green, using Mr Hobby H405 Olive green and then with Tamiya XF2 white. Decals were then applied over chipped white coat.

Here’s what I use for the chipping.

Some detail painting, then a gloss coat was followed by a pin wash.  I have also toned down some of the chips by applying a very watered down coat of white acyclic paint over parts of the surface.

I have started tacking these kits together with white glue so I can remove the parts that cover the screws later.  That way I can do much of the weathering  before dissembling it attaching the tracks.

The rest of this build was about the base.  It was made from insulation foam lined with Balsa.  Artists Texture paste was used for the base. At this stage I attached the lower hull. Once dry it was coloured with some enamel mud effects paints from AK Interactive. 

At this stage I attached the lower hull.  The enamel mud effects was used on the tracks. Some texture paste was used for mud on the wheels and tracks, this was painted with same paints as before.

I attached some tufts and then moved on to the “snow”.  I did have a bottle of Tamiya Texture Paint – snow but it was solid.  Not wanting to wait (patience isn’t my strong suit) I decided to use talc for the snow with a bit of texture paste thrown in.

Once I was I happy with the lower hull and base I attached the upper hull and speckled some of the enamel mud affects.

I sort of lost my way on this build as I wasn’t really sure what I was trying to achieve.  That said I am happy enough with the final result.

The Figure

He was from the Tamiya WWII Russian Infantry & Tank Crew Figure Set. He was based coated as per the instructions and then Vallejo Acrylics were used to for the details . A wash was used for the facial features. 

The Photos