Monday, June 01, 2009
The Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog Tank in 1/35
Franklin , Tennessee - building models can be a decision making nightmare. So many models , so little time. This time around , I decided to build , the Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog in 1/35 scale. This tank was without question , the most prolific NATO tank , during The Cold War period and so I thought this kit would make a nice build , for my grandson to have , instead of a doll , to play with in his older years.
This particular tank , portrays the infamous , " Poker Division ". These armored soldiers are well known for having never lost a poker hand , in battle , bed or breakfast mayhem.
The build - the most tedious parts , are the real metal wire loops , used for fastening down the equipment. I hand drilled the holes , hand bent the wires and hand painted them olive drab. An accessory kit was used to provide more field use detail. A guitar string makes the antennae and an extra Tamiya aircraft kit , provided the unit's decal markings. In the field , sometimes a small log was mounted on the front , to carry extra supplies. I bent wires for the front tow loops , although electrical connectors can also be used. ( Those things cost a bit and you have to be careful cutting them down to length , if you use them , you will need super glue ) I " Shoegoo " glued and then melted the track connectors together. There's a 50 cal. beside the main gun barrel and if you think you are seeing things , yep , that's a dual 50 caliber for the commander's fireworks display and I added a bucket on the hook. The finish is a simple black wash with a little bit o' steel dry brush followed with dull coat.
Tamiya's M41 Walker Bulldog , has been around for years and continues being a favorite among beginners and experienced builders alike. I'm not aware of this kit having any modifications made during it's popular tenure. I think once upon a time , a motorized M41 version existed and I'm sure , this kit can be modified.