M2 Halftrack..left to ro

Dragon M4 HT converted back to an M2



After studying numerous reference photos of remaining American M2 - M4 halftracks, I decided I would build and paint one to depict an HT that has been left in the woods (!) to rot. I chose to use the Dragon M2 kit because I had gotten a good deal on a new kit, and it was much cheaper than getting the actual M2 kit. The M4 Kit contains all the parts needed to make the M2, and these are marked as "not used".

I started by following the instructions and began with the chassis. It was here that I decided I wanted to show the open motor area and motor. The required some scratchbuilding to add the missing details and also correct what was inaccurate in the kit. The following pics show the work that was done in this area.





With most of the motor done I turned my attention to the cab and firewall area, again some detailing was needed to impart that old neglected appearance. By removing panels and adding the needed details the look of the HT changes and one can imagine the vehicle out in the woods someplace , rotting away.





I also chose not to have the glass in the windscreen in order to add some character to the model. The rest of the kit was built minus a few parts so it would appear that parts had been removed from the HT at some point in time.





With the model built, it was time to move onto the painting. For this model I used Vallejo  OD Green surface primer. This is more towards a dark brown which is perfect for what I plan on doing with this model.





For the base rust color I went with my usual mix of Tamiya acrylic paints. I basically try to mix a rusty color that will resemble old rust.




After letting the primer and base rust color cure a couple of days, I then applied two light coats of hair spray (HS). this was done by pouring the HS from a pump bottle into the airbrush. I prefer the pump type HS for the simple reason that I can use my AB to apply the HS with it pooling on the model, an even coat. Using the acrylic Tamiya paints I then applied the vehicles old faded green paint.



I applied the base green color then mixed other colors to get the blotchy paint, this was then followed by some random yellow X's and blotches, just to add color and character.




The main body was set aside and work, the chipping and rusting, began with the chassis and especially the motor.I first had to touch the motor from the over spray and for this I used some Lifecolor acrylic paints. These rust color paints are in my opinion the best matches for rust on the market.



Next came some washes in the form of MIG 502 Abteilung oils, and also the lifecolor dark rust for touch ups and drybrushing.







I then added more weathering and rust effects using various products, including some of the new AK Interactive weathering products.




Further weathering of the motor and chassis using the new AK Int. slime green colors. I used both the light and dark on the motor. I applied these as a wash, and removed any excess with a thinner dampened brush.





6-10-11

Due to a pc virus I lost most of my pics of this and other builds.

The model and base are done and man what a blast it was doing this. I wanted to go for a really rusted up HT sitting in the woods near water so I could try out some of the AK Interactive slime green products. So to do this I had to venture into the world of diorama building. I normally like to make a simple base and ground work to show off my rusty models but for this one it required a lot more work.

While still in the chipping stage, I entered this build in a model show/contest and actually won a Silver medal....Thought that was too funny, but gladly took the chunk of medal home.

First off a couple of pics of the completed HT. I used mostly AK Interactive weathering products, such as the slime green effects seen on the inside and exterior of the HT.









The base and ground work, the water is made from clear resin bought at a craft store.

To make the algae seen on the surface of the water I simply mixed some plaster and slime green effects and stippled this on with an old stiff brush.










I will post some pics of the finished model soon.