Step 1
Windows fixed, smoke box masked and painted. Although the masking looks as though it was accurately placed it is not necessary to be over fussy as there is plenty of opportunity to cover mistakes etc later.
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Windows and numbers masked and a coat of light grey airbrushed. This can be directed at the main bodywork but it does not matter if it strays off target a bit. A coat of Mig engine grease has been sprayed over the rods and running gear. I have painted the buffers to look used. A light coat of silver was blended into the centre of each buffer followed by a greasy brown mix.
The complex of pipes around the cab I made with brass rod offered up and bent to shape. The cluster on the end of it I made up from lead wire and plastic scraps from the spares box. It is not 100% accurate but it does the trick. Well, I think it does! It was attached using epoxy to areas out of sight.
Likewise the doors on the cab were made from plastic scrap and some bolts I cut from parts of an unmade tank (military!) These were weathered and fixed in position with epoxy as well.
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