I am posting this in progress build about midway through the build. I tend to build only 1/48th scale, in part so my entire collection is in the same scale. I like it because you get to judge the relative size of things together. I also like the ability to build with a relative high degree of detail but not take up acres of space on shelves and in boxes. Still especially in the armor area I take lessons from the masters of armor in 1/35th scale. It is fun to apply them to my builds and help me to create better and more interesting models.

So here in 1/48 is the Tamiya Jagdpanther, and at the point that it is basically completely built. If you can follow directions then you can get to this point. The one thing though that I would recommend and have seen missed by here is following basic constructions skills. Before parts are put together all molding seams are cleaned up, ejection pin marks where visible are filled so not to show later. For IPMS judging and well just eye esthetics it can make all the difference in the world. Seams and marks just distract from all the rest of the hard work you put into the model.

The first coat of paint is to paint the entire model black. I learned this from someone, it shadows in the areas that will be hard to reach later with color and helps with any shading of the color you may want to do.

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Hi Walt, indeed, a dark base color adds "shadow". Also - when the top color is faint - you get a nice color modulation effect that makes the vehicle more interesting to watch. Good one on this post!

Starts to look beastie! First camo is never decisive, don't worry. After weathering, all is "blended in" and in the end, you don't see much of the initial layout anymore, I find. Great work, do keep us all posted Walt!

Started Picking out the details and painting them, few more to do along with the road wheels. The tracks were painted black before I painted the camo, and when I painted the tank I tried to avoid the tracks. Now I hit the tracks with Floquil Roof Brown not trying to paint them just brushing it on giving variance to the black and covering the over spray. I will go in an touch up the road wheels next and finish some of the other details. Then a coat of future for decals and start making it look like a tank.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

You are right @luftwaffe-birdman, the camera is unforgiving! I often think how my builds look, then I realise the camera is able to get rather close, and all in all it looks OK to the eye. It is a great route you have chosen though to check via a picture - and are prepared to make adjustments from that.
Anyway - your jagdpanther is coming along nicely, thank you for sharing!