Let's Build a T29E3 - American Heavy Tank (Takom 1/35) + Photoetch And Figures!

Whaaat? Making cast texture from superglue?? That's right my friends, tonight we're building M26 Pershing's chunkier brother, the T29E3 from Takom. Sit back and enjoy 30 minutes of cast steel textures, weld beads, battle damage, stowage and photo etch work!
Patreon: www.patreon.com/nightshiftmodeller
Instagram: nightshiftscalemodeller
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Timestamps
0:00 Kit overview
1:17 Basic construction
3:14 Turret and cast textures
11:18 Mantlet and barrel
13:30 Wheels and tracks
15:12 Hull texture and welds
16:28 Fenders and stowage bins
19:34 Photo etch
22:55 Track damage
24:14 Shell impacts
25:04 Stowage
27:10 Conclusion
Disclaimer: Most of the weathering products I use in my videos such as Ammo by Mig Jimenez, AK-Interactive, Wilder and VMS were sent to me for free, but with no obligations to promote them. I received a lot of them a long time ago, even before I started this channel. VMS is also one of my Patreon supporters. Being independent from big and exclusive sponsorship deals and showing you a wide variety of different brands and products was one of the founding ideas of this channel and I will always stand by this.
Music: Quincas Moreira - Scratch the Itch - KZbin Audio Library

[@crtzmo]

Last week I ran into a couple model-maker buddies, and greetings morphed into who could do the best “MAH FRIENDS” Uncle impression. It’s a thing.

[@notagoodsitrep]

I did a ton metalcasting in college and have a Materials Science and Engineering degree. I think the lumpy textures come from the original mold for the turret casting being extremely rough. Some of the sand could have fallen out during transport around the shop; maybe when the dummy was removed, it took some sand with it; the sand used for the mold may have been extremely coarse; or some sand was not packed right and cavities popped up on the mold's inner surface. Because a lumpy surface has little effect on a casting's strength and this casting was for a prototype where such errors would not be much of a manufacturing issue, the company was justified in letting these defects slide.

[@SomeGuyButNotThatGuy]

would you even see the textures at this scale is the question?

[@notagoodsitrep]

@@SomeGuyButNotThatGuy Possibly, yes. Molten steel is still steel and weighs the same hot as it is cold. With the amount of steel the manufacturer used in the turret, that is a ton of force being exerted on what is a glorified sandcastle. Those little imperfections in the mold can grow into larger imperfections as a result of the pressure that the molten metal exerts on the mold. Further, what we see on the turret may not be the full extent of the imperfections. We know that the manufacturer did a ton of machining on the turret. If the sand mold failed in certain spots, we could see sharp, tree branch-like bits of metal where the mold failure occured as a result of the metal seeping into the sand. However, the factory could have ground off these bits leaving only their bases. I can't 100% say what caused these bumps without the actual turret in front of me and/or documentation from the factory describing how the turret was made.

[@Pimentel-Kreations]

@@notagoodsitrep coarse sand coming loose when the master was extracted. Plus,I doudt the master was real smooth like they should be. Shifting of the cope and drag wouldn't do that,since that happens once they come together. It's steel casting,wich metals at around 3500° if I reckon,so that would have further disrupted loose sand. Can't expect any better from a prototype. For final production they would have used a core binder to make the molds. They are rock hard once you hit it with co2.

[@matthewjames2833]

Could it maybe have been castoff from the welding and cutting processes happening nearby in the same factory?

[@swaggyfarts5654]

It’s a Friday and uncle night shift has posted. *HEAVY BREATHING*

[@Normisity]

*HEAVY TANKING*

[@blurredputin1755]

FIRE! FIRE THE DAMN LIKE BUTTON!!! FIRE IT ALL!!!!!

[@flying.models1136]

YES I WAS RIGHT A T29!!! A REAL MONSTER

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

A real B I G C H U N G U S

[@flying.models1136]

@@NightShiftScaleModels TANKY B I G C H U N G U S

[@KentuckyFriedChildren]

@@NightShiftScaleModels T H I C C A S S P A N Z E R N I G H T M A R E

[@jacobhoekman6865]

Dang I was wrong I was guessing the t 28 he already has. I was so close.

[@_Sogo]

T30 was even bigger

[@sr20ser.]

Without seeing the actual defects in the turret, the "bumps" are formed from bad casting molds. Look up cast "swells" and "drops." When the sand mold is weak (not rammed enough or bad sand/oil mix), it will allow the molten metal to push out on the mold, giving you swells. If the sand mold is weak, sand can fall from the mold into the steel, leaving bumps or lumps.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

That's interesting, thanks for the input!

[@Pimentel-Kreations]

Or,a bad master along with real coarse sand. It's the norm for a prototype pull. The sand,no matter how compacted will pull off once the master is released,plus,not shaking off the molds of loose sand adds a plus, again, common for a prototype. Were it final production,they would have used a co2,or oven baked core binder for the molds.

[@R.Daneel]

If they're as regular as mentioned - perhaps they're marks from a manual tamping tool. Such a tool would be a rod handle with a "foot" for tamping. If you did a sloppy job attaching the tamping foot to the handle, or the foot wasn't robust enough and the handle was denting a a lump into it, it'd leave regular marks as you tamped. And you wouldn't care... it's a tank.

[@shuhratkessikbayev8886]

Man's really called the tank crew, anime protagonists lmao

[@KentuckyFriedChildren]

Well the tank definitely has a tragic backstory.

[@sofielee4122]

@@KentuckyFriedChildren oh? What happened to it?

[@flying.models1136]

Heelloo fuze

[@ishmaelpliskin8258]

he just called his modeling session an anime

[@themumfortofflying6415]

@@ishmaelpliskin8258 Is his modeling session not an animie????????

[@benthompson4672]

When your tank is deemed 'obsolete' and it hasn't even gone through testing yet. ;c

[@samuelleal6149]

epic post ww2 moment

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

FV214 Conqueror could tell you a lot about that

[@ScottKenny1978]

Went from T29 heavy to T32 to T34 and finally type classified as the M103.

[@captainramius5047]

@Night Shift the Conqueror was in service for over 10 years. Seeing service in west Germany

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

@@captainramius5047 Yes, but the Conqueror was very quickly deemed obsolete as a heavy gun platform by the lighter and more nimble Chieftain

[@youtubedislikebutton6031]

Looking through these comments I love how the modeling world is connected,nightshift fans watch plasma and shop and Andy’s hhq myself included it’s just great

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

We're simply a niche community, everyone knows everyone and all that :)

[@user-jf8tw8qe2f]

Niche

[@benb.1273]

Looking forward to seeing the character development of the anime protagonists!

[@conwayplays6610]

I really wanted to build this model but I went to Andy's Hobby Headquarters and they only had the Hobby Boss version. I'm so excited to see this kit built as I would like to build it too!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

HB actually seems like a better kit, it has individual link tracks which means you can make the running gear "move" on a scenic base!

[@conwayplays6610]

@@NightShiftScaleModels sadly it just doesn't have that cool rangefinder

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

@@conwayplays6610 ah, right :( The cool rangefinder is why I like the E3 the most.

[@davidgolinsky]

Another "MEDIOCRE" modeler lol 😜

[@juliofg4599]

It seems like hobbyboss actually produced a t29e3 version, maybe you should try to hunt it down... www.scalemates.com/es/kits/hobbyboss-84511-us-t29e3-heavy-tank--1021833

[@KJ-kn8pg]

And here I am ending my 2nd tank in 1/35 and it all started because of you :). A Stug III in 1/35 from you would be epic. Cheers.

[@pietro28h]

This is the best day because night shift uploaded and coneofark found the panzer of the lake best day ever

[@denner2222]

this man needs more subs he has great talent

[@denner2222]

No

[@misteraxeman2680]

And he's funny!

[@beardedwonderstudios]

I specialize in painting large scale figures (1/6th, typically) but your videos have inspired me to try out armor modeling! The photoetch has me nervous but I'll get through it... eventually, lolol It's honestly hard to say which is more well-made: the models or your instructional videos. Thanks for all the work you do!

[@silverdragontm9548]

Jagdtiger: Boy he thicc! T29: Bitch hold my beer! Btw, you said tin foil again 😉 but we all know it’s puter 🤪

[@onelastdawn9991]

T50 guess what

[@phlyphan1083]

oh wow this is a whole new level of detailing, can't wait to see you add weathering to all the texture

[@sheldonborb3593]

"Uhmm the last two models were nice but I prefer previous ones... It's me or he's becoming laz--OH MY GOD THAT'S CRAZY I LOVE IT"

[@Mike_C_64]

The "goose bumps" were impressions of nail heads on the sand mold. Sheet metal was used to reinforce/repair the sand mold if it got damaged when the pattern was removed.

[@wimhertogen5979]

Have you considered buying styrene rods to use to "slice off" rivets and bolts? Faster, less wasteful and come in many diameters, can be as thin or as thick as you like. Beautiful detailing!

[@jacobakana5649]

Next time I recommend carving the turret out of a block of marble. But in all seriousness, you did a great job making the turret, keep it up!

[@Joe125g20]

Yay! I get to be the lowly GI grunt in Uncle's diorama!

[@ishmaelpliskin8258]

damn those punching segments were so satisfying

[@michaljuk6033]

I am a simple man I see Nighshift's video I leave a like and watch it PS. This montage is pretty cool with this modelling ASMR of scribing and punching. Also these sound effects are cool too :D

[@kennethrich2107]

Your modeling skills are only surpassed by your Oratory. Its always a treat to watch...and listen.

[@Verithiell]

I dont do any modeling, but this is top-notch entertainment. When I found your channel I binge-watched quite a few episodes. Such excellent craftsmanship is so enjoyable to watch!

[@alanlahay8693]

Maybe the "goose bumps" are for measuring the thickness of the armor, and were just painted over so you can't tell now

[@michaelw.6957]

That would make a lot of sense for a prototype. Drill a bunch of small holes to check thickness of the casting and 'fill' them with a tack weld after measuring for cosmetic purposes.. cool idea!

[@Daniel-wy2kx]

That doesn’t make sense to me at least. Why would they drill holes when they probably already had the armor thickness down

[@alanlahay8693]

@@Daniel-wy2kx On cast parts of a vehicle it's very difficult to know the true thickness throughout the part, especially if it's an oddly shaped turret or hull.

[@jacobs_models995]

One more thing to add to my bucket list to build😂

[@Mikey__R]

I especially enjoyed the added sound effects!

[@hussar1681]

To say I'm dying from anticipation for an actual diorama instead of a simple stand would be an understatement. And with such an interesting kit to boot!

[@cx3264]

You add a sense of unique humor to the modeling world plus your top notch work

[@j.s.connolly8579]

Martin... I JUST Got back into "Armor Modeling" and I LOVE Your Videos! I LOVE Your Dialogue and Comments! Just GREAT FUN STUFF! What I've been doing is purchasing "USED" and "DAMAGED/HURT" 1/32 Scale "Forces of Valor" and "21st. Century/Ultimate Solider" Tanks that are missing or have broken parts, and refurbishing them AND adding my OWN "Details" to make them more realistic and interesting and YOUR Vidz have helped LOT! Even my Girlfriend Jill, who is NOT a Modeler Likes your videos! She love the way you comment on things and chuckle about it! PLEASE keep doing MORE of these!

[@BOEING--mh6xm]

I wish WWII went in longer but there would be no death but like seeing the engineering with these tanks and planes and possibly helicopters being used would be cool to see the stuff and how they preformed against each other

[@nonamesplease6288]

"Muh friends" LOL. That will never get old! I had forgotten that it was Friday until I heard that. Thanks for reminding me, Uncle NS!

[@verecion]

I am building a time machine so can binge watch all your new episodes...with appropriate chipping...

[@gregrandolph]

Such a fantastic start, Martin! The armor texture and all the little details you've added look incredible. Thank you again for sharing your craft with us!

[@timwing4379]

Regarding missing duck-bill end connectors: end connectors just fall off, over time, no matter how many times you have your loader check and tighten the end connector bolts. So, when a duck bill falls off, you just replace it with whatever end connectors you have on hand, duck bill or otherwise. The number of missing duck bill end connectors present is directly proportional to how hard and often the TC beats his loader.

[@bruvaasmodai5250]

Being a British modeller is a double edged sword. We have some very pretty (and some unusual) tanks but...rarely do we get such gnarly casting texture to replicate on them

[@oliviermoncla1559]

Always showing and explaining a lot, always experiencing new technics, always giving tips, always sharing. Thank you so much for that ! Thx Thx Thx 👍👍👌

[@ScottM]

Great build with a lot of tips and directions. Always love when your videos show these steps. Looking forward to the next one.

[@LiamReg]

Ever thought of doing a Warhammer 40,000 tank? I love your videos and process you do and it would be pretty cool to see a fictional tank have your take on it with your realism and detail.

[@dirtpotato8788]

Fastest click in the west

[@nathanhamilton3857]

Damn i thought I was first

[@dirtpotato8788]

I thought it would be the Wolverine or the tortoise but I was met with a great surprise

[@michaelshort7297]

I've watched this several times, I'm an aircraft modeler and have just recently switched to armor and I'm loving it. You sir are quite talented and very funny by the way. I hope that your leg is healing well that video was painful to watch no pun intended seriously. Please keep up the good work and as Mrs Winchester always said keep building.

[@samuraifool912]

Everytime I watch one of your builds, 2 things happen. 1. I learn 'Shite Loads of Tips and Techniques.' 2. Every model, I've ever made before watching your work. I want to hide them Away or Throw them in a Bin..! Your work is Absolutely Stunning. Impressive doesn't cover it. You are surely the Rembrandt of model making. I am now gunna hide away in a Deep Hole in Utter Shame..! Thx for your work and Efforts to bring these works of Art to us..! Now where is my Spade.? I need to Dig a Deep Hole. Cheers kim in Oz.😎

[@mitchellsumpter4807]

Fabulous attention to the most minute details! I totally enjoy watching you work. And, your commentary is great!

[@hanssmidt12]

New tank 😋🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@Rube7361]

Really looking forward to this build. Your ability to assemble this kit is excellent and your patience with photoetch is clearly better then mine! Good work! I appreciate when you do kits in 1/35 scale..

[@kykevin1179]

I love your way of conveying valuable information about techniques and information about the subject in a fun and entertaining manner. Your channel is awesome!

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Talking about missing details on Shermans... I noticed one thing I hadn't known before; the removable periscopes in the hatches are ok from the outside, many manufacturers give you the little armoured covers, but if people have the hatches open, this is when the periscopes would have been removed, as they get in the way. I've never noticed anyone recreating the thin steel sleeve that the 'scopes slid into. These are represented on the 'scopes in the kits, they have a slot in the back that a knob on the 'scope slides into, but I've never seen them as separate parts on PE sets or plastic kits. I just made some from thick paper, and once primed they are quite convincing. Thanks for getting me to take more account of tiny details.

[@Scalecat171]

such a plessure to watch your build every time! looks fantastic

[@user-bo1ej5im9t]

This Guy singlehandedly Combined 2 things into one and made it 2 times Better

[@TheRyatt]

Fantastic build. Loads of hits and tips and techniques. Loved it!

[@donfrandsen7778]

Thank you Mr. Nightshift Really enjoyed this build!!!! Bravo!!!! Looking forward to the paint and dio This rocks!!!!!!

[@mayakaini9472]

Great work chief! Don't forget that the most important thing about modeling and running this yt channel is that you are enjoying the process. We won't die for waiting one more week for painting video. Looking forward to watch Q&A!

[@areyoumad]

Your building videos are always my favourite ones, and this one is especially enjoyable! Cheers from France!

[@user-uv5mn4dl6w]

Sometimes I am lazy, tired, and as soon as I watch your video, inspiration and zeal for modeling immediately rolls in. Keep up the good work!

[@davidvarettoni6857]

I had the privilege of seeing the realy one . It was sitting next to a t-30 and they both massive vehicles!! Great work love your videos

[@raptorchild9344]

I'm 10 minutes in and it already looks amazing. Can't wait to see how it turns out!!

[@knallpistolen]

The level of details is just insane, very well made.

[@jilthunder2276]

What a fantastic project you chose! Thank you so much for building this great vehicle! I love those big prototype mammoths :D

[@ericka.3291]

This is gonna be a good one

[@DoktorSEBMAX]

Extremaly good work!! Can't wait to see it painted.

[@sekytwo]

Bro this build is incredible. Your steps to further add more detail is impressive!!

[@That_Guy5575]

Wow, this is just phenomenal! I've never done a model, but dadgum this is such a sexy build! The T29E3 is my favorite-looking tank of all-time, and I'm very glad this popped up in my recommended!

[@OtterMusician]

I love these so much. Thank you for continuing to make more videos!

[@SmallSoldier]

That's one massive vehicle! Textures look great, very impressive Martin.

[@Obakedake]

The quality of your modeling and video making skills keeps growing! Amazing !!

[@thegoodearth7]

Just when I think I am viewing a plateau, you up the game and amaze me afresh! Well done, M'Friend!!

[@marceldekerpel1003]

I very recently got the T30/34 model from Takom. Beautiful model, so this is awesome to see. And the gaps on the turret are from Takom. It takes a good bit of sanding and filling to correct it.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Ah so it wasn't just my clumsiness!

[@animalyze7120]

Wow what an amazing pre paint detail job. Love your Work!

[@broodicus1]

Just absolutely WOW!!! Amazing work keep it up!!!

[@nielsferwerda7561]

WOW ??!! Another winner in the making, beautyfull work so far !!!

[@andieb801]

love the little clink sound the punch makes

[@aaron2709]

This is the most exquisite build video you've done yet!

[@hplive7399]

Omg i just bought a t29 today! At least i know where to take inspiration from!

[@crtzmo]

I’m just going to go ahead and like it right away. OF COURSE this is gonna rock.

[@britishneko3906]

T29 is one of my favourite American heavy tank

[@VintageSprue]

What an amazing and impressive work !!!! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your technics 👍✨

[@good2us1]

Thank you for posting videos. I enjoyed this one so much I watched it twice, thank you!

[@MaschinenKrueger]

Great timing, I just started the Takom T30/34 with Voyager PE. I also noticed those pimples all over the turret casting. CA seems like a neat trick to add those.

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

Outstanding job!! Your work is truly amazing.

[@Lightman0359]

Have you ever experimented with "sprue goo"? Its a concoction I recently found out about and have been screwing around with. Its kinda like your putty/glue mixture: you take a bottle of brushable plastic cement [I use plastic magic cut with Games Workshop plastic glue, because Its easier for me to find] and dissolve chunks of old sprue into it until it has the consistency you want [I go for the consistency of oil paint]. Thinner blends function like gap-filling glue, thicker functions like your putty/glue. The benefit of it is the details you make with it can be built up in layers and become part of the model as you are essentially painting fresh plastic. The textures also respond to paint the same as the base model because they are laminated plastic. I'm in the process of building a hood for a chainsaw maniac, using some electrical tape [which also responds to plastic glue] as the skeleton. I'm making it as a separate bit so it hangs loose from the model's body instead of being part of her [Adepta Sororitas Sister Repentia is the model I'm making, this one gets a nun's habit because she's special]

[@garylawless3608]

Just beautiful Uncle! Looking forward to the paint job.

[@TK-221]

Wow! So much details, great work

[@davidgolinsky]

"Muh friends", lol 😆 Another AWESOME build. One day I'll have the guts to do what you do. Rock On Martin! 👍

[@stonecaton7569]

Cant wait to see the paint job. You've done a fantastic job on this buddy

[@teamfishbikeclub4160]

Great build! As regards the heavily beat-up track connectors; its a what-if out of the box, so looks good to me!

[@eddymarshall4014]

Dude... Love your work...! Inspirational... I'm heading to my local hobby shop straight after this vid..!!

[@radimziegler7079]

Those tankers look like absolute *chads*

[@slipperysquid]

I've just started my first Armour kit...I'm a figure painter usually. I can only say you have more patience then I could ever have in two lifetimes :D

[@panzer-meister]

Absolutely fine detailing as usual.

[@neiswestnij]

Always a joy to watch your videos

[@JohnCurtinmadrid]

Looking really great! An idea... when I`m bending plastic I usually heat up the pliers using a lighter. It avoids cracking and makes the plastic more maleable. Hope that helps.

[@Sl4n3]

Another great model! The attention to details you've added is simply stunning! All those imperfections, stowage and minor damage - already it paints a picture of a rustic tank with a rich history. Can't wait to see it painted! Also, just as a suggestion - you really should give this tank a name!

[@pontuswendt2486]

AMAZINGNES!!! Nice sound effects!

[@Straswa]

Great vid Night Shift! Once more you do amazing work.

[@AndieArbeit]

omg... amazing work man... i enjoyed watching the process

[@TheLightLOD]

For those wondering about the default fitment of the turret panels, they align and fit decently. At most you're looking at a gap of 0.1mm or so, which is still visible thus a bit of filling/custom weldbeads are desireable. That reminds me, i still haven't chosen the color/camo scheme for mine....

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

It was my favorite Tier VII tank! Just get hull down and watch the shells bounce off your turret armor. Fun times.

[@maximinomorgado2150]

Recently found you, so blessed to see your videos, enjoy your hobby! Because im doing so!

[@msee383]

It’s awesome… what a model, I hope there is more of this model including a diorama.