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

[@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?

[@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 :)

[@สมาชพัฒนกุลเลิศ]

Niche

[@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.

[@pietro28h]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@jiwbink]

AS SOMEBODY NOT REALLY THIS DEEP INTO MODEL BUILDING.I WAS BLOWN AWAY TO LEARN THAT YOU PUNCHED THOSE TINY TINY DOTS FOR THE HINGES. TALK ABOUT ATTENTION TO DETAIL! WOW!

[@Torbert_]

Turn off caps lock dude

[@frankconrad8561]

*Looks like Frosty the Snowman.* ⛄️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@denner2222]

this man needs more subs he has great talent

[@denner2222]

No

[@misteraxeman2680]

And he's funny!

[@silverphantom9675]

Love it every time he says "My friends". But all jokes aside, amazing content and great videos.

[@benb.1273]

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

[@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!

[@user-bo1ej5im9t]

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

[@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

[@cx3264]

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

[@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!

[@phlyphan1083]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Joe125g20]

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

[@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!

[@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.😎

[@ishmaelpliskin8258]

damn those punching segments were so satisfying

[@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"

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@calebmcfarland8407]

This may possibly be your biggest and greatest build yet! Keep on the hard work Uncle, and please take your time if you must.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Slowly progressing towards that epic 2A3 Kondensator build :)

[@britishneko3906]

T29 is one of my favourite American heavy tank

[@АндрейХодик]

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!

[@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????????

[@verecion]

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

[@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!

[@andieb801]

love the little clink sound the punch makes

[@level98bearhuntingarmor]

I love how it has a rangefinder in the turret like its a warship

[@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 👍👍👌

[@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

[@Backoffridge]

It's tin foil last time I checked

[@jklew9486]

That whole line is my favorite in world of tanks. The is-7 also is kinda crazy looking

[@YOUPIMatin123]

Love when you punch bolt. Very soothing. Make a full video of you making bolt and start a ASMR Channel doing that

[@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!

[@jacobs_models995]

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

[@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.

[@Mikey__R]

I especially enjoyed the added sound effects!

[@radimziegler7079]

Those tankers look like absolute *chads*

[@thegoodearth7]

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

[@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..

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@crtzmo]

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

[@TheTrueSneaky]

What an absolute unit of a tank

[@msee383]

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

[@eddymarshall4014]

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

[@saminanajaf1717]

THE ONES WHO DISLIKED ONLY WERE JEALOUS OF SUCH A DETAILED AND TEMPTING BUILD. ONLY IF I COULD BUY THIS KIT.😪

[@garyparker2969]

WOWSERZZ 😲😲😲😲😲😲,,,,, I'm EXTREMELY LIKING This, Take Your Time UNS, We Don't Want You Getting Burnt Out. Have a Blessed Wknd Brother.

[@davidgolinsky]

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

[@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.

[@knallpistolen]

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

[@DaytonaRoadster]

My 120mm personal cannon is pleased with this video

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

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

[@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!

[@hplive7399]

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

[@Duececoupe]

It's always a good day, when you get a notification about a new Nightshift video! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@TK421-53]

This will be relevant for years!

[@ralphford4302]

I really get a lot from watching all your texturing explanations. Thanks for another great build

[@Obakedake]

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

[@donfrandsen7778]

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

[@seananthonyegan3395]

You have the patience of a saint a work of Art.

[@ariochiv]

I enjoyed the amusing sound effects in this video.

[@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!

[@mitchellsumpter4807]

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

[@bradm3a3]

At 5:07 you added the divot in the back bustle area of the turret, those divots are there to allow the driver and co-driver hatches to open when the turret is placed in stowed configuration with the gun in the travel lock over the back.

[@SmallSoldier]

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

[@karencopp5130]

It brings a smile to my face to see a new night shift video!

[@nielsferwerda7561]

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

[@Pimentel-Kreations]

Those dimples are eregularitys in the sand that happened when the master slid out,that,and them using coarse sand for the molds. Pattern maker foundry man here.

[@stonewalljackson5994]

tank shells hitting the tracks as well as heavy caliber small arms fire

[@franciszekniecz5189]

That’s a huge load of liberty right here

[@nopaallo1147]

30 minutes video.... I. SAY. YES.

[@xxnightdriverxx9576]

I really like the small funny sound edits that you made in this video, like at the beginning of the basic construction part or the hair edit at 6:02. It makes me (and presumably others) smile and laugh, it really gives the video a more funny note. So as long as you have the time to do them, I would love it if you would continue with it. Not on every step, that would be way too much, we are here for the model after all, but a few here and there like in this video.

[@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....

[@Z3kyTw0]

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

[@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

[@PpaStrmpf]

That build takes more time as a hand built Glashütte movement with all whistles and blows. But it looks freaking realistic and nice. You'll pull me back in this addiction of modelling.

[@maximinomorgado2150]

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

[@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.

[@ScottM]

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

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Uncle Martin .

[@aaron2709]

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

[@mohidh1954]

Damn that is a *BIG BOI*

[@mark_of_the_legion2346]

oh nice finally a build on a T29!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@raptorchild9344]

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