Korean War GB: 1/35 Tamiya Big Shot M40
Artillery was literally the big gun in the Korean war. Without heavy artillery and skilled forward observers laying down high ex on Chinese and North Korean infiltration/human wave attacks along what would eventually be the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) during 1952-1953, the thinned ranks of United Nations troops would have had quite a more difficult time than they endured.
The M40 Big Shot 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer was produced for late WW2, but ended up being the main Self Propelled (SP) howitzer of the US Army during the very hot Korean War as only 311 in total were produced.
The Tamiya Big Shot kit is a remarkable kit worth its MRSP in my opinion because it was one of the easiest armor kits I ever put together despite it being quite complex. I also used the metal barrel/Photo Etched Grills set produced by Tamiya along with assorted weathering tricks/skills I learned/borrowed from such folks as Charles King.
I am very happy how things turned out. One day I might use the troops and shells to make a diorama of this vehicle.
I used Mr Color Aqueous H80 OD2 as the base as well as various shades of tan, brown, Khaki and green to fade it.
@dbdlee, Very nice work indeed Dan! ? I'm still an armor novice but that looks great to my old eyes! ?
Thanks. I really did enjoy the build and especially the weathering.
Nicely done! Is the barrel rifled?
Thanks. The metal barrel is rifled. Nice touch by Tamiya.
Very nice armor, Dan @dbdlee
Great extras and beautiful weathering.
Thanks very much John.
Amazing result, Dan! Lost of words for weathering!
Thanks Spiros!
That is very nicely done! Give 'm commies hell @dbdlee!
Merci beaucoup!
That looks very realistic Dan. Nice work!
Thanks very much Tom.