ITALERI 1/72 Sherman Calliope - A Building Review

[SwissCheese707]

Very nice model! I like how you didn't over do the weathering, but its still very used looking!

[BasicModelling]

@SwissCheese707 Weathering is an art, which I'm yet to master.. but I believe in 'less is more'!! Also, it is more weathered than shows up on the photos, actually.. my light is not brilliant, where I take my photos! Had hoped to take my B-17 outside today for some daylight photography, but the rain has put a stop to that.. :P Still, at least the Tiger is doing well, started the pre-assembly painting yesterday and have glued the turret already.. :) I don't build inthe right 'order', always.. :)

[SwissCheese707]

@BasicModelling Ya, I agree. I build first what I see fit to, and cross out the step that I did, to avoid confusion.

[BasicModelling]

@SwissCheese707 Good method.. as used by the best... and me! :)

[ModellMeister]

You should hollow out the rocket tubes (if they arent already), then put in a simple 'match' rocket made by wrapping the head of a match in aluminium foil. then light it from the back and BAM! watch it fly in the night sky!

[dragonfire970]

Wich size of a tank is good? i have a 1/72 but i think its to small for me and its really enoying with small parts. I want a big tank but not to big. plz help me!!

[BasicModelling]

@dragonfire970 Tamiya has a good range ot tanks and vehicles in 1/48..they're bigger than 1/72 but not as big as 1/35.. :) :) Give it a try.. :)

[2002And]

Brilliant build :)... It looks like a very nice, detailed model :) :)

[BasicModelling]

@2002And Far better than the Katiusha... :)

[wammyburger]

brilliant model! very well detailed!

[BasicModelling]

@wammyburger Thank you very much... :)

[coventry1997]

who makes the best model kits italari revell airfix???

[BasicModelling]

@coventry1997 That depends.. Italeri makes some good small scale armour, but so does Revell.. but when it comes to aircraft, definetely Revell, I'd say.. but these days most manufacturers rebox each others toolings, so you may well end up with an Italeri kit in a Revell box, prime examples being the 1/72 Super Cobra or Saab JAS 39, which is also reboxed by Airfix.. Revell also reboxes a lot of Hasegawa kits, and they regulary reisue the old Matchbox kits..

[BasicModelling]

..so it's not really all that easy to specify a good make, as you don't know what is in the box until you open it.. :P

[UnityCZ]

I am quiet confused by "olive drab" paints. I have few model now, which could use that, but one guy told me that it's better to use standart green, other guy at modelshop showed me some greyish type of olive drab (it was from Valejjo), I'm just not able to find what i need. :) Damn colors! :)

[BasicModelling]

@UnityCZ Yes, there's plenty shades of 'olive drab', but I tend to paint most of my US armour in the standard Humbrol 155, then I just weather it more (or less) which alter the shade a bit, depending on what I want to achieve.. :)

[pudge789789]

fantastic base is perfect :)

[BasicModelling]

@pudge789789 Thank you.. it is one of my better ones!! Unfortunately I haven't been able to get my hands on any more trees and shrubs, so it will be difficult making another one as good.. :)

[drifter9398]

see now this is y italia suck. uve got to make every single detail

[BasicModelling]

@drifter9398 Looks fine to me.. when I get it back from displaying at the model shop, I will add some wired to the rocket tubes.. that's all.. :)

[wovelscotch]

That's legit son

[BasicModelling]

@wovelscotch Possibly, maybe.. definetely.. perhaps..

[tankman13p66]

Аt one point in future I will do a Calliope M4A1 Sherman from wood! And I will upload video for responce of this! :) 5/5

[BasicModelling]

@tankman13p66 Sounds good.. :) :) I'm curious how you're going to make the rocket tubes.. :) :)

[tankman13p66]

@BasicModelling very easy from tooth stics or match stics! :)

[BasicModelling]

@tankman13p66 Of'course.. as long as they're round.. :)

[Legodevil12345678]

Subbed,I paint 1/72 figures but half of my paint is acryl and my main color

(Tan since I currently paint modern US infantry from ceasars mini's)is very thin and I have to coat it about 4 to 5 times and I dont have the steadiest arm :(

[BasicModelling]

I mainly use 'LifeColor' and 'Valejo' paints.. acrylics both, but they tend to work quite well on figures.. :) Thanks for the sub.. :)

[BasicModelling]

Thank you... then you only have another 146 video left to watch... :) :)

[OperationThrax]

I LOVE THE DETAILING of the calliope, i use them alot when i play company of heroes

[BasicModelling]

It is my favourite western Allied tank, and I hope to build a few more.. :) Thank you.. :)

[BasicRevell]

I love italeri models they look great!

[BasicModelling]

They do indeed.. I have a nice little Italeri Panzer I to build, when I get back into building mood.. :)

[DoctorTankEngine]

I'm really loving your videos mate. Very much enjoyed seeing how you made the base, and make it your own way.

The model looks superb. Certainly is inspiring my scenic work on my layout :-)

Tom

[BasicModelling]

I have to confess to using railway scenic stuff for the base.. Shock, horror!! :) :)

[grummeper]

5 *****

[BasicModelling]

Thank you! I may have a nice little WWII Stalin Organ (Katiusha) coming up soon, or so I hope..!! Got any good footage?? :) :)

Mind you, I have been thinking of building that kit for years..

[grummeper]

@BasicModelling

I can sent you when you say you ready.

[BasicModelling]

It should hopefully be in the near future.. Thank you.. :)

[trainfart]

Very good, very good! =)

[BasicModelling]

Thank you, thank you.. :)

[CTspeedshop]

Awesome Build!!! Great Vid 2!!! Love The Detail!!!

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. I like the nItaleri 1/72 scale armour.. they have some brilliant stuff! :)

[gonkdroid229]

cool

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. :)

[BerndenLivien]

And that is the sherman Calliolope?

I think, it is a tank with a wc and rain-pipe's!

[BasicModelling]

Very handy on a wet day out... :)

[NaturalTwentyFilms]

A superb job on both the build and the paint job! A nice work cutting those trees down to size. Very nice!

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. I'll need to get him to order some more of those trees.. they're half price to the rest of the Hornby stuff, and so sell out very quickly.. :)

[GerbilEssences]

Any multiple rocket launcher is cause for excitement. I will reply in full when I get time.

Love that inside detail. It is quite bizarre to realise the american tanks had radial engines :) I believe the Stuart had similar.

[BasicModelling]

Yes, now you need to manufacture a working replica.. :) And I need to get going on my little 1/76 scale Katyusha.. what a shame the Katyusha isn't really 1/72 as stated on the box, or they would have compared nicely for size.. :0)

[GerbilEssences]

1/76? Is this the ICM kit?!

[BasicModelling]

Yes, that's the one.. it says 1/72.. but it isn't.. :P

[fehquig]

I thought the model was a lot bigger from the level of detail shown until I saw you painting it ;0

[BasicModelling]

These days you get as much detail (almost) on the small kits as you do on the larger ones.. they just take up a lot less space... :)

[ArtistNR]

You did a great job on this one! 5*

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. some models sort turn out bettr than others, and this was one of them.. :)

[Akademee]

wow, that is a very small model, I just have a few questions, 1) Did you leave the staples in the treads? 2) I'm surprised you hand painted it, any advantages to humbrol paints like leavening properties? 3) just to know, is Oasis another name for that green styrofoam, or am I thinking of something else?

very good model though, I'm impressed by the detail versus the size!

[BasicModelling]

I prefer small kits, they save a lot of space but still have the detail.. :) Yes, the staples stay in, but I only staple if no other method works, and I can hide the staples so they don't show.. Hombrol paints are better than Revell, in my opinion, as they flow easier and when brushed on leaves no brush strokes.. :) Yes, I think Oasis is the same as green styrofoam.. or at least it's very similar, I would imagine! It''s easy to cut and shape, and gets a realistic structure when painted.. :)

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. :)

[Gott0300]

Man, you can paint really fast!!! ;)

Serious now, awesome Job, 5*!

Good luck, may the best one win... :)

[BasicModelling]

Best man?? That won't be me then... ha ha ha ha..

[Gott0300]

Ah, come on, don't belittle yourself.. :)

[BasicModelling]

Ok.. I'm brilliant in every way.. absolutely superduper fantastic.. but it won't help!! I never win competitions.. even if I'm the only entry!! :)

[Gott0300]

Oh, that sucks indeed!

Shall I build a shitty model on purpose to better your chances?? ;)

Nah, I won't do that... But for me it's not about winning or losing, it's for the fun of it..

Again, I wish you luck, mate! :)

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. and yes, it's all about the fun.. :) :) And to get people building..

..not that I have a problem in that department, I probably build too much.. :) I guess my chance is as good as any.. and I may enter another model yet, Kasper said we could do more than one.. mind you, the deadline for posting a picture of an unweathered model is tomorrow.. but I'm sure Kasper can, and will be, flexible..

[Gott0300]

I've already posted my subscription to the contest, but thanks!! :)

[Blargaldalien]

Wonderful job.

I keep forgetting the small size of 1/72nd. i model mostly in 35th,though currently I am building the Tamiya M26 Pershing in 1/16th. Weathering that will be more involved!

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much!! 1/16th.. Don't know what I would do with anything that big, apart from driving it around the garden.. :) And that's another reason why I prefer the smaller scales, as they save on paint and weathering materials, as well as saving on space.. :) You should really create a modelling channel too... :)

[Blargaldalien]

Actually,I have a blogtv channel where I do live builds, from time to time.

Tankcarl on blogtv. Might do something this weekend.

[BasicModelling]

Where did my reply go?

[Blargaldalien]

Just above this, in the see all comments area.

[Maus5000]

great as always! Keep it up!

[BasicModelling]

Will do for sure.. Thank you.. :)

[CapLAGOS]

wow...looks awesome....good job Rob!

5/5 DELUXE

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. it was great fun.. :)

[SkyFitsHeaven24]

Cool model : )

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much.. :)

[U48]

that tamiya weathering stuff is quite expensive, i have 2 of the "stick pens" that they do which i used on the tiger tank... but nice model rob, good to see a base making a return :)

[BasicModelling]

I think the little 'make up'boxes are about £6.. but I get a small discount.. :) Only thing is that with the room being warm the powder dries out before it's even stuck to the model, which made it a bit more difficult.. but I worked my way around that problem too.. :) Neccesity is after all the mother of invention.. :)

[luccaopa]

very good performance. The model would also fit well into my collection.

[BasicModelling]

It sure fits nicely into mine.. :)

[thedefiantrebel]

its tiny!!

its a nice little model tho!! 5* :)

[BasicModelling]

I haven't got the space for anythjing larger.. I rather build small kits, so I can fit in three or four for one of a larger scale.. :)

[thedefiantrebel]

its still awsome!!

[BasicModelling]

1/72 scale armour is just as detailed these days, as the larger scale kits... just smaller.. :)

(Which saves on the filler, paints, weathering powders and building time, plus the afformentioned space.. )

[holtrax2009]

nice one great diorama with it.

[BasicModelling]

Planes are fine on their own, but a tank nearly always need a little bit of 'something around it'.. :)

[ECWoriginal95]

great job like it very mutch

[BasicModelling]

Thank you... :)

[dangerousprimate]

very nice.. and guess what, i HAV'NT made this one before he he : )

[BasicModelling]

In that case I recommend you do one... now!! :) :)

[dangerousprimate]

i might just do it...where do you store all of your builds i f you dont mind me asking?

[BasicModelling]

Most of them are stored in a chest of drawers by my bed (overflowing), some are stored in boxes in the loft, rady for shows et.c.. (changed annualy), quite a few are on display at the local model shop (changed when he nags me for something new) but the majority of my old stuff are in storage courtesy of the Town Council.. wherever the nearest land fill is.. :)

[BasicModelling]

.. and of'course on some shelves by my bed too.. as shown in my video '51 Models'.. :) But I swap tem over from time to time, to redistibute the dust.. :)

[dangerousprimate]

mmm, now im trying to think where i could put a new chest of drawers. thanks, looking forward to your next build !

[BasicModelling]

Which more than likely will be a German 'Schnellboot'.. with a complimentary magnifying glass.. it's in 1/350 scale.. :) 50 % built already, and would have been done by tonight, but alas I'm busy doing house chores.. :)

[dangerousprimate]

ill look forward to seeing that 'schnellboot', but hey chores need to be done unfortunately : (

[BasicModelling]

Yes, especially if the wife and son are on their way home.. and I don't want to get an earful... :)

[dangerousprimate]

nnnooooooooo! ; )

[BasicModelling]

That's ok, I rather have them home than stuck in a London hospital.. :0

[dangerousprimate]

you have a point now get on with your chores : ) send me friend invite if you like, speak some other time yeah?

[BasicModelling]

Thought we were friends already.. :)

[dangerousprimate]

yes i suppose we are arent we.

[aguyfromsweden]

nice och föresten spiten är färdig! jag kommer att läga up en videon. med du vilken typ av färg använde du för att måla oasisen?

[BasicModelling]

Tack.. bara vanlig Humbrol enamel i olika nyanser av gront o brunt.... men man far vara forsiktig da oasisen smular sig mycket latt.. men det ar bara bra for det ger en mer naturlig yta .. :)

[BasicModelling]

I guess it was ok hidden in amongst some trees.. but my base was too small for that, so I had to make some 'shrubs' instead.. but yes, it sure would have stuck out! Still, they only ever made a few of these things.. unlike the Russian Katyusha.. :)

[tankman13p66]

5/5 NICE MODEL MAN!!!

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much.. glad a 'tankman' appreciated it.. :)

[Bikim1996]

Classic tank of WW2. Nice weathering and base.I add this one to my favorites:)

music tooo !

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much.. :) The music is American and military, so I thought it would fit nicely.. :)

[Zjwaamseliedjes]

Cool, great job ..

Greetings...

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much.. I like doing tanks, as a change to all the planes.. and I guess I will be doing plenty more.. :)

[BradThunder]

Nice little build Rob. Loved the weathering and the diorama! There's a forest nearby I take the dog to and there is an endless supply of that fungus stuff they use for bushes, so will be erm, 'harvesting' some of that! I'm enjoying the weathering aspect of the Tamiya Spit at the moment, dirtying up the cockpit!

[BasicModelling]

I probably would get a fine if I tried that in the local country park... :) Most of the stuff you buy in the shops is coloured 'fungus' or lichen, but if you can make it yourself, then that's worth doing..

I'm really REALLY looking forward to seeing that Spit of yours, I'm drooling already..in excited anticipation.. :)

[MrRandomWritings]

does drool work for weathering?

[BasicModelling]

No, but it's excellent for small pools and puddles an any diorama... :)

[MrRandomWritings]

[uh oh just realized I slipped up with that comment and left it open to a punistic reply - before BradThunder returns I had better get the obvious answer in]

I suppose weathering attempts have their highs and lows and you are reaching for Weathering Heights!

Whew he could have trumped me there!

[MrRandomWritings]

and I hate being Trumped on!

[BasicModelling]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.. and ha ha! My mind isn't set for puns and killer comments right now (if it ever is) but yes, no doubt you could have been in for some severe pun-ishment..

[slugbucket]

cool

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much.. :)

[MrRandomWritings]

yep the shrubs definitely looked German to me!

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. then I have succeeded... :) :)

[MrRandomWritings]

Well I like it weather or not you win but I hope you do.

[BasicModelling]

It's a bit of fun.. I was building the tank anyway, it was just a bit of luck as I don't know how to weather a plane even if my life depended on it... :) :)

But I would never admit to that... :)

[myhuxpo]

I expected seats and the all shibang, but a near-complete interior then.. And an aeroplane engine. You really can't get away from planes for good in one build, can you?? ;)

The weathering is absolutely gorgeous.. And here is one very important note when it comes to weathering; Less is more.

Your tank is very, very nice looking, little decals (such as numbers) but that's not your fault! :) I do disagree with the colour of tracks however.

And gorgeous base! Just if I could!!

Great job!!!

[BasicModelling]

Wel, had I built it as 'just' a Sherman, I could have scratched some seats et.c.. and made them visible through the open hatches..

My father-in-law bought me a book on Shermans as a delayed Christmas gift when we were in London last time, as he happened to be there as well.. It's not a large book, but it has some good photos and interesting facts!

[BasicModelling]

Just a shame the moneygrabbing authors didn't include the 'Firefly' in the book, so that you have to spend even more money buying a book about that version separately.. :(

As for the colour of the tracks, if a tank has been driving through a muddy field, then the tracks would Be MUD and EARTH coloured.. I would have been surprised at anything else!!

I guess Italeri just made a model of a non-specific Calliope, hence the very basic decals supplied.. Up to the builder to research, possibly!!

[BasicModelling]

Glad you liked the base too, it was done by very simple means, to say the least.. Just wish I had some figures like a couple of soldiers to place there, but like you said,sometimes less is more.. so I'll probably leave it as it is now.. :) I will however buy some more HORNBY trees, when he's stocked up on some of the cheap 'Eco' versions. :) They're very handy for all sorts of dioramas...

[myhuxpo]

Well, if it would drive trough mud, wouldn't it also have clump of mud there too? ;)

I usually basecoat in mud, have a heavy drybrush of black and a very light drybrush of silver. Exactly perfect!

I must also say thanks alot for the footage. Really, really nice!

The trees were indeed some nice ones :)

[BasicModelling]

There are some small clumps of mud on the tracks, applied using the Tamiya weathering pen and a toothpick.. :) But not too much.. Had it been a larger kit, like a 1/35 scale version I would most likely done something similar to what you described.. as it definetely would show up more... :) :)

[EmCSpiteri1]

Very nice kit and beautifully finished.

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much, young man.. :)

[stumpythumper]

Excellent Job!

The weathering looks nice:)

And the dioramic base really apeals to my eye.

But she needs a name on her:)

[BasicModelling]

I jsut call it 'Calliope'.. not very original, I know!! :) Glad you like the base, I think this model will definetely go to the club competition in February.. No point in taking it this month, as the competition this time will be pt.2 of the Christmas competition from December.. i.e showing the completed model we drew in the mystery swap. In my case the 1/48 Spitfire Lf.VIII... :)

[PuppyZwolle]

I expected to see some rust. ;^)

It looks absolutely authentic. Nice job.

[BasicModelling]

I don't think they had a chance to become very rusty at all... :) :) Thank you..

[MrSinAfterSin]

Very nice job. Excellent as always.

[BasicModelling]

Thank you very much.. I enjoy weathering tanks.. but not aeroplanes, they're much more difficult.. :)

[svinehunden]

btw wasn't the cannon on the tank a dummy?

[BasicModelling]

Nix.. It's the real deal, but on the early Calliopes the rockets were fitted in such a way the canon could not be used! They did it different on some of the later versions, to make sure it was safe to use the canon too.. :)

[svinehunden]

great... i'm very impressed with the engine details for such a small kit :) nice diorama :)

[BasicModelling]

Thank you.. it's just such a shame the engine can't be seen.. but I hope to get my hands on the ordinary Italeri Sherman, and display it with most hatches open.. :)