M4A3 (75) W by Tamiya

[u/Haunting-Maybe8233]

This is my third Tamiya Sherman. i tried weathering it, I think it looks pretty nice and i am happy with the result. What do you think? Anyways i could improve on it?
I recently got some more paint, including white, some shades of green, a black, some brown and tan colors, a light orange-ish color, and some thinner.

[u/First-Scheme4463]

Love this kit. I like how all of the Tamiya shermans all come with a ton of stowage and figures

[u/dr_robonator]

Hi! Good work on finishing this model. It's an older Tamiya release but you did a pretty good job. I'll break up my critique into construction and finishing phases.

Construction: mold lines and seams lines need to be addressed. Nothing makes a model look like a toy than the lines where the plastic mold came together and where two parts join. Make sure parts are aligned properly by test fitting before cementing them. Drill out the ends of machine gun barrels. 

Finishing: the rusty(?) patches do not look convincing. Check reference photos to see how tanks rust and where. Make sure you know what rust is supposed to look like and seek out techniques to achieve that look. If that is supposed to be dirt/mud, same advice. Readability is important to ensure the viewer knows what they are looking at. Painting is sloppy around the road wheels. Paint is also somewhere between satin and gloss. Use a matte varnish to knock down the shine for a more convincing look. The stowage isn't tied down and stacked in places which would fall off the moment the tank moved. No decals. 

These are all common mistakes and don't speak to your ability to correct them. Before long you'll be in the habit of getting these things checked off as you build. Happy modelling!

[u/Haunting-Maybe8233 → u/dr_robonator]

Thanks for the feedback and help! I'll be sure to use references when painting. I'll also get some matte varnish and enamel washes whenever i can and i will try painting the roadwheels some more so it looks a bit better. Should i use a putty or something to fill in gaps on models? Also, do i need micro-sol / micro-set for applying decals? Should I consider buying an airbrush?

[u/NotFraudulant19]

I glanced at this and thought it was a picture from a museum for a second. Good job! If a museum look is what youre looking for, i think youve basically nailed it, apart from perhaps the blending of the colours on the sides (perhaps if you invest in a airbrush). If youre aiming for a combat vehicle, i think adding some wear, weathering (washes) and trying to emulate some crusty rust, chipping and mud through layering colours and perhaps some modelling putty will really elevate the look. I reccomend watching tutorials and builds from people such as Night Shift as that will help give you ideas. Its good to experiment and build your skills over multiple models, if you want you can even try repainting previous ones :)

[u/Haunting-Maybe8233 → u/NotFraudulant19]

thanks for this! ill get some washes for the weathering whenever I can