Review of the Tamiya Challenger 1 model tank
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I just love this model and it was a nightmare to track one down in the model shops! This Tamiya kit was great to build and they had put alot of detail into the parts to build, especially to the rear and sides of the turret.
My favorite three points of this model are the aerials I made, the cannon brace at the front for whilst it is being transported (I actually really like the look of it when the cannon is in the brace and keep it in my collection in this position) and finally are the turret baskets.
I love building cages with the netting but normally don’t get it right so approach them with a certain fear, but these were perfect to build and a joy for once! I’m extremely pleased with how they have come out, as well as the whole model in general.
I painted this model in June 2008. I airbrushed Tamiya XF-61 (dark green) on to the hull and turret and then used Tamiya wide masking tape to mark out the black camouflage areas, which I then airbrushed with Tamiya XF-1 (black). I brushed on XF-64 (red brown) on to the tracks and then Humbrol enamel matt 33 (black) on to the pads.
I also used that paint on the crewman & straps around the thermal sleeve of the main cannon and then used Humbrol enamel 11 (metal) for the muzzle of the main cannon, shovel and the side towropes. I used Humbrol acrylic 61 for the skin colour on the crewman. I used Revell enamel 752 (blue) for the sights and 30 & 31 for the indicators and brake lights.
