Milicast 1/76 Sexton II (mid-prod.) 25-pdr SPG **Finished**

[ntrocket88]

Next project...


Not many parts, but the detailing is superb. The clean-up does not look too bad either, however I will have to get the hairdryer out to straighten the upper superstructure side and a the cage parts around the engine deck.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Those are some really thin compartment walls - they'll look good !!
You are correct, it appears to be well detailed and molded.

[Stevehnz]

I've got most of what I need to convert one of these from the Airfix Grant but seeing this.........
Steve.

[JamesPerrin]

Looks amazing even before its built. Is the running train moulded to the hull, as looks a bit tricky to paint as is?

[ntrocket88]

I've got most of what I need to convert one of these from the Airfix Grant but seeing this...

I think this one is a Sexton II, based on the Grizzly (Canadian Sherman) rather than the earlier version on the Ram (Lee/Grant). Milicast do a late production version as well.

...Is the running train moulded to the hull, as looks a bit tricky to paint as is?

Yes to both! It isn't too bad to get at the track top under the hull overhang, but it is difficult to get at the inner track between the bogies. Still, at least the tracks can't disintegrate like Nitto/Fujimi ones...

It may not look like much progress, but I have spent a quite few hours on cleanup over the last couple of days, mostly between the wheels and tracks. Of course, some of the track guides broke off in the process, so I have to fix those. Still more filling, filing and sanding to go as well...

[ShaunW]

Oh wow, that is a superb looking kit Neil with some excellent looking detail (I reckon that you're going to need a fine brush and a steadier hand than mine to paint some of it though ). I can imagine that the cleanup process will be tricky and time consuming but will be well worth the effort. The cage/railings around the engine deck are a great piece of moulding!

[Ratch]

A nice bit of kit

[ntrocket88]

A little more progress. After yet more clean up, I sprayed Humbrol Primer. This is essential for resin kits, as regular paint doesn't stick well otherwise.



And it also shows up where I still need to do more cleanup! For example, I missed the trench in front of the floor ammo boxes.

[ShaunW]

It's a very sharp looking kit Neil. Missing stuff is easy during the preparation cycle and it's often a shock when the primer or paint reveals the error of one's ways

[ntrocket88]

OK, I am finally get back to this after a long break! I never though I would ever get so distracted by a TV show...

Base coat of SCC2 applied (50/50 mix of Humbrol 29 & 98):


I also spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out how to orient the sight/elevation/traverse mechanisms ready to stick on the LHS trunnion. I also replaces the seat support rod with one made from brass, as I did not believe the resin one would last more than 30 seconds...

[Clashcityrocker]

Very nice.

Nigel

[DavidJ]

Good to see some progress on your Sexton Neil.

I'll make a note about the orientation of the sight/elevation/traverse mechanisms

Cheers

David

[ntrocket88]

Slow progress is better than no progress, I suppose...

I have completed the black disruptive camo, painted the tires and started painting the tracks. Sexton seem to have used Canadian style all-metal tracks, so I will be following my usual approach for rust, mud and polished wear surfaces. The gun is just lying on top of the trunnion, not fitted yet to allow easy access for the detail painting.





The camo scheme I am trying to imitate is based on two color photos I found on the web, taken in Holland in September 1944. I found them through a WW2 forum where a heated debate was raging over the colors (shocking I know...). To me, the Sexton is looks to be painted in SCC2 brown with an SCC14 black over-spray (not intended to start another debate, just my personal opinion!!!). The camo is a rough freehand pattern, rather than the hard-edge 'Mickey Mouse' pattern often seen on softskins of the period. Anyway, check out the photos and let me know if you think I came close!

Edit: Unfortunately hyperlinks to the images do not work. To view them and other 4 Brit Armd Bde images on the Beeldbank WO2 site go to http://www.beeldbankwo2.nl/index.jsp then go to the search tab and enter in the Author/Photographer field - J.A.H. de Haan for the full set or Image Numbers 199635 and 199636 for the Sexton photos.

[Dazzled]

Nice paintwork. It really brings out the detail.

[Ratch]

Looks convincing to me