At last after more than a year out I have started a model in my new workshop. I have been surprised, or maybe not, how my skills have diminished after the extended time out. The model is an Italian Autoblinda AB41 one of Italys more useful vehicles that made a name for itself in North Africa. So far the running gear and hull have gone together with no bother or fit problems.

Good to have you on line.

Is this the Italeri in 1/48 scale Francis?

Yes Dave, the very one purchased when I called to see you at Croppers last June.

A bit more progress today, turret built and fitted after a little bit of filing. Entire vehicle under coated and given a coat of 'steel' for later distressing.

Quick stuff.

Looking good, interested in how your distressing will work.

Welcome aboard

Roger

Hi Kiwichappers,

looking forward to your 'distressing' on this model. Think I will learn something from a quality modeller on this build.
Cheers,
Bigkev

Now then Kev,
There are no 'quality modellers' on this project, just a man in a shed having a bit of fun.

About this distressing, wear and tear, that lived in look or whatever phrase suits you. It seems sensible to me to duplicate what happens in reality rather than applying 'wear' on top of a finish. By undercoating with a metallic finish, in this case 'steel' then applying the service colours over that one can then abrade through the colour coat back to the 'steel' to replicate wear such as scuffing etc. That's the theory, we'll see how it turns out I reality.

A bit more done today. The armoured car needs some work to tone down the weathering but for the moment I am on with the figures.

Looking very smart.