Painting & Weathering Tamiya's New M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer!

[@andybtec]

Just started my first kit after a forty year gap and getting lots of useful tips and tricks. Thank you

[@statoilbensin2190]

I like that you are choosing to not over detail stuff like the stowage. You are painting this model in a way most of us modelers do. I belive that most of us dont have time to spend hours and hours just to add super many details, not because we dont know how but simply because we dont have time or want to use 100 hours into the wery same kit.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! I like to keep things relatively simple - works for me!

[@PilotPhotog]

I used to only build scale model aircraft, after watching your vids I’ve gotten into building AFVs, another great video!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh great! I'm so glad to hear - it's always fun to mix it up with the categories 😁 thanks for watching! 👍

[@SchmidtJim]

Thank you again, Hank! Just finished my Hellcat. Must have watched your M18 series a dozen times at least. I really feel like it’s my best armor in my 5 years of modeling. You are a huge part of that

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh that's fantastic! I'm so glad to hear it! It's a beautiful little kit - I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing 🍻

[@MartinKarsey]

I have been modelling since I was 7 yrs old and in a club but haven’t made models for about 8 years and have a table in the kitchen to do my models on now enjoyed your videos inspired me to come back to it again . Martin

[@bobstephen7943]

Just finished the full parts assembly. Awesome kit detail and the assembly has been the easiest I've come across in 15 years of adult builds!! I'll be using some of your techniques for painting and weathering this time around as I usually paint and assemble followed by the weathering effects. Again, great video, keep up the great work as it helps beginners as well the long-in-the=tooth builders as well!! Bob S.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - glad to hear you had a good experience as well! Happy building 👍

[@froilanreyes7393]

Wow. What a phenomenal build! I'm a sub-assembly builder so this a very good encouragement for an old school hobbyist.👏😉. Thanks Hank for the tutorial, a new approach for me.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I hear ya - sometimes sub-assemblies are the way to go... I often do that myself! This one just lent itself well to a full-build situation 👍

[@jameshorne9351]

As an owner of actual WWII us vehicles i have to say that most models are painted too dark as you said, that light OD is A LOT more like the proper WWII OD paint... It looks really good...

[@Daronor01]

Perfect! I currently build the Academy Hellcat and will use your Video to finish it - great timing and awesome build!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! Happy painting! 👍

[@shaunclark212]

Hi Hank, I bought this kit for myself for Christmas and just started putting it together today. I love the tips and the paintwork is awesome. It has given me something to aspire to. Than you

[@HermanBozenhardt]

Great Build - I just finished my M18 Hellcat Great inspiration from your video and I learned a lot. I have been using more Tamiya weathering kits and took your advice and bought stowage items from Valuegear. The result of you + ValueGear+ Tamiya made my build the best ever!- as to the stowage, i reviewed 9 WWII photos and all but one restricted the stowage to the turret, so I followed that approach. Thank You

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ah wonderful! I'm really glad to hear the video was helpful... and that you had a great build! Cheers my friend - happy building

[@stevebrown2201]

I’ve just started this kit and your Video will help me immensely. Very easy to watch and enjoyable. Thank you.

[@ada42klm]

Outstanding work my friend as always. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to seeing your next episode. Kudos...

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@jamesbednar8625]

Awesome video!!! Am currently building this very same kit. I also purchased the same barrel and stowage kits that you used. Was quite impressed on how the stowage racks fit perfectly along both sides of the turret - though I forgot about those handles along top edge of turret and had to remove them. Also, the read-deck stowage fit just as good and was also impressed that the bottom of the stowage had the fuel cap indentation to make positioning a lot better. Used too many Verliden and other stowage kits throughout the years and really did not care much for them, though they were useful in places. Definitely can tell that the manufacturer took their time and put their pride in creating this particular stowage kit.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And I totally agree - Steve over at Value Gear does a great job with the stowage sets, I've always had a great experience with them. Enjoy your build! 👍

[@scograham]

This is my favorite work of yours. Good work! I want to note that the fighting compartment floor would be olive. Surfaces seen from the air were painted this way in open topped vehicles.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And that's interesting - good to know! 👍

[@einsnullvier4091]

Looks awesome, what a beautiful tank and very well done

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much - I appreciate it!

[@multipl3]

Enjoying the build so far. Just a tip regarding the gun 'bag'. Normally this was strapped down where the barrel meets the canvas. So a thin strip of modelling tape was used so you dont see any nasty seams. Yours came out great though! Waiting for some Eureka XXL stowage to arrive soon. Cant wait :)

[@Pinegr0ve12]

This is helping me with my rc tanks with detailing thank you.

[@Davshady]

A really great set of build/painting videos. Love this kit, I’m halfway in and it’s really great! You are really an inspiration.

[@jmc7034]

Tamiya kits are lovely to make

[@SpruesNBrews]

Indeed they are!

[@pauls3616]

Nice. Lots of techniques to try out. Looks great. Thanks for the video.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it 👍

[@theTutenstien]

I will definetly build this after finishing 1/48 tamiya f-35, just came in the mailbox today :D

[@blackfisktackle]

You’re about to get this fly tyer into model building. Superb content dude!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Talk about transferable skills! Thank you - welcome aboard 👍🎣

[@romulusmare]

Finally, thank you!

[@SpruesNBrews]

You got it!

[@ada42klm]

Hi Hank! Again, outstanding work on the weathering, stowage, tracks, etc. Great techniques and thank you for sharing. Kudos to you.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much!

[@13bravo72]

That M18 came out 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😁 👌 👍🏻 GREAT! Currently building this kit and painting as I go. One suggestion I would make is add an orange aerial identification on top of the rear stowage.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I thought about it for sure, but I don't have a great orange paint on hand, so I went without it 👍

[@setoredan]

Holy geez, that is beautiful!

[@modelsbyhand]

I just won this kit in a raffle. I'm really looking forward to building it! Nice finish work.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! That's great, congratulations - enjoy your build! 👍

[@frocka]

Absolutely fantastic Hank! I bought the kit based on your build video. Now I'mm excited to get to the paint stage.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Enjoy & happy building! 👍

[@erikfoulk862]

Nice work! I’m about 80% done working on mine. Sprayed some fading on the base coat this evening. Overall I think the only negative with this kit is the solid grab handles which seem to be a Tamiya trademark! Lol. Overwise, I think this may be the most enjoyable 1/35 kit I’ve ever worked on!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Very nice! Yeah you can't win them all haha - enjoy & happy building! 👍

[@RedFeatherHunter]

Video was much appreciated! Managed to make this kit even easier and it turned out great!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh awesome! So glad to hear 👍

[@frederickthompson8686]

Amazing kit, super build. Bravo!

[@corocota71]

Very nice snow white dish hehe, excellent video, a very nice model, greetings from Spain

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha it's my go-to decal bowl! It's become a tradition! Thanks & cheers friend 🍻

[@corocota71]

Thank you very much my friend, your channel is excellent, you are a nice guy, a hug

[@Subzero2151]

Outstanding work, great kit, i got 2 of them, hope to start it this weekend !!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! Enjoy! 👍

[@josecesar8657]

Really very nice job with everything.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I really appreciate it!

[@andyrodrii1495]

Exelente trabajo felicidades 👏👏😁👍🇲🇽

[@davidharrington1133]

Looks fantastic, definitely on my list.

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's a great kit!

[@Robuster13]

I wish i could do it but im just a 10 year old so yea but great work!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@adamcohen1118]

Extraordinary paint job. I particularly like your leather contrast. Adds greater character to your work. Awesome modeller.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I really appreciate it!

[@the51project]

Just bought one of these kits. Looks great.

[@motoerhead1990]

really nice video. I have the Tamiya Hellcat build and didnt get to paint it yet but now I´m motivated. However I thought the most important aspect of this kit wasnt really talked about, mainly the interieur, how you paint it, when you paint it etc. That is basically the only thing that make that kit stand out to a usual tank kit where you cant look inside.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks - and fair point! I painted the interior after the full kit was assembled, just carefully spraying into the fighting compartment with the airbrush. Wasn't too bad!

[@bjw4859]

I have just come across a box of my old models from when I was a teen back in the 80's, mainly WW2 war birds & they need a bit of TLC. I have only just started looking at modern builds & ageing techniques & am a bit overwhelmed, they are just so detailed, just out of curiosity, why did you not paint while you assembled ?, i'm guessing time was a factor, but well done, you must be very proud.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I appreciate it! And that's great - very cool that you still had them tucked away & that they're still in one piece! My philosophy is to do the vast majority of the assembly before painting - I find that cementing painted pieces into place tends to be a messy proposition & everything looks a bit more uniform when you paint it all at once 👍

[@darrinhelfers3349]

Amazing build and tutorial. Fantastic job Hank!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!! 😁

[@jerrypickard1709]

Got this video saved in my playlist for when I'm ready to paint and weather. I do have a question about where to get finely detailed 1/35 US and German weapons. The ones I bought from Tamiya were disappointing. I've looked all over and I need some help!

[@felippejonsson6078]

Love your videos and tutorials, makes me want to take the step into model armor

[@SpruesNBrews]

Go for it! 😁

[@felippejonsson6078]

@@SpruesNBrews I sure will 😀

[@VillainsKillHeroes]

Found your channel recently. My guy, I am a huge fan. You make it look so simple, yet come out with such killer work! Please keep it up!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words - welcome aboard & thanks for watching! 👍

[@waynecoulter6761]

Just a heads up on the buckles used on WWII Straps and bags... The buckles themselves are black painted brass buckles... As the paint gets knicked or thinned, the brass will show through with a dulled patina.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Right! Yeah I just like the silver - artistic choice 👍

[@3414mercury]

Very nice video! So relaxing watching you paint. As a complete beginner, I appreciate the time you put into your channel.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I'm glad you're enjoying!

[@peghead]

The steel 'anti-skid' is generally referred to as "diamond plate".

[@bigroryhollar5023]

😎🍻🇺🇸🍻🦾thank you learn something all the time ...🍻🍻

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad to hear it! Thanks 👍

[@davegiles2344]

Thank you? I have this kit in my stash and these videos have been a great help👍👍👍👍

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! I'm glad to help out - happy building! 👍

[@davegiles2344]

Hank. Question. I have a set of 1/35 US Infantry wearing rain capes. Have you any suggestions as to what I can do to make their capes look wet as if they have been walking in rain? Thanks Dave

[@chrisstorch1337]

Terrific demonstration… in a perfect world you should get in closer with your video… great job in all other respects

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks!

[@pieterdegieter4986]

Beautiful work!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I really appreciate it! 👍

[@seiji5705]

Cheers to your wonderful work !

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much!

[@Jack24396]

Recent subscriber and really enjoying your videos. I’m building my Hellcat now was wondering how you made the straps that are securing the stowage. Thanks!

[@williamfotiou7577]

Hey Hank, thanks for a great build. This series was awesome. I just finished my build and I’m going to paint this coming week. The oils you used were, yellow, green, brown, correct? Thank you again!

[@chrisstorch1337]

Really very good

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! 👍

[@keithfletcher6103]

Diamond plate - corrigated iron

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh yes!

[@davidcole333]

Watch a few Night Shift videos and you'll be able to kick it up a few notches.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh I've seen my fair share of Night Shift videos - he's one hell of a builder for sure

[@samirdjukic8666]

Wow... Excellent work... Specially on little details... Great... And after good work, like that... what else?! Cheers, with cold,cold beer 🍻🍻🍻... 🙌 ... 🔥🤘🔥 ... 🖤🐺🖤

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And I hear ya... cheers to that! 🍻

[@SchmidtJim]

Splendid video and a work of art! Have you always painted tools and stowage on the AFV? Not sure I have the courage 😬 do you see a disadvantage to painting separate then adding? Risk of glue bomb? Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! And yes, I always paint my stowage on the kit... just my personal preference, I think it's easier to prime and paint in place - but I know a lot of folks paint stowage separately! 👍

[@davebrown6877]

Nice build! You going to do anymore of those videos showing others builds?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And yes, I'd like to start the Scale Model Showcase series again soon, but I've had to pause for a bit to deal with some personal matters. I'll be sure to let everyone know when it's starting up again!

[@BrettG64]

Really great video. The TD is looking splendid, and the stowage makes it look really busy... lots of variety and appropriate colors to break it up. Question: Do you add anything to your Micro Sol to keep it from beading up? Yours seems to go on nice and even with no beading.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I haven't had any issues with the micro sol - I think it responds really well to the AK Gauzy gloss varnish that I use, so maybe that helps 👍

[@rickbarg3980]

60 MPH it’s fast

[@jlpicardUSS1701e]

Not to be a party pooper here, but some things must be specified, and therefore, may I remind some of the modellers here of one simple fact? While it looks great to fill your tank or tank destroyer with loads of tarps, baggage, ammo boxes and what have you, making it look "lived in", if you look carefully at WWII pictures, you may notice that only tanks or tank destroyers "in transit" had them. Therefore only while traveling from point A to point B. Just before an actual battle engagement they unloaded them while camped in an assembly compound, as could even easily be seen in a movie such as "Fury". The only actual things then, hanging either on the sides of the chassis, on the turret or in front of the glacis, were for protection against German, or in general, hostile anti-tank weapons. Usually represented by either chained or roped logs, or again stacked sand bags or other repelling/protecting material such as additional spare tracks, road wheels and the like. The only thing the crew took in battle were their personal side arms or machine guns and enough K-rations to sustain them. All the rest was left behind. Why? Because of weight and because of maneuverability problems that might arise, both for the tank itself, but also to allow the turret to be swung more easily towards a target.A practice that even German tank commanders used to apply to their own panzers. Therefore, if you want a realistic depiction of your tank/TD then you must also consider these points I have mentioned. But I am sure that while building your own jewel you will also take inspiration from real photos of that era and therefore notice such differences and apply them as needed. Happy modelling everyone and first of all, have fun with it.

[@Pickledog2005]

Just got back into armor modeling, exited to pick this one up Edit: do you know how you could do the base coating and airbrush bits with rattle cans?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Yes! You could give it a go with rattle cans no problem - you'll have a little less control, but it's definitely do-able (many of my early builds were all painted with Tamiya rattle cans) 👍 Enjoy & happy painting!

[@rickchandler4046]

The fighting compartment should be od not white . The driver, a driver and final drive compartment were white , lastly the spare tracks were metal and were issued painted od green . Nice build though.

[@JimbagJimster94]

7:30 chequer plate

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh, thank you!

[@leslietarkin5705]

I've not used pigments before. Should you seal them so they don't come off?

[@christophervanmeier1648]

Like what you did with the initial air brush work. How so you address the underskirt area behind the road wheels?

[@hammyhamster01]

Great work hank, I built up mine and was going to wait to paint it until you did, I didn't know if you would paint the interior of the turret white or not so I waited. I also decided to get the value gear M18 stowage set, still waiting on that but I can't wait to paint this thing up.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And honestly it could go either way on the turret interior... I've seen some modern restorations with the fighting compartment painted white and others where it's in OD. It's also white in War Thunder, but take that with a grain of salt 😁 Enjoy & happy building!

[@d_squared6942]

FYI.....by regulation all interior portions of an American afv during WWII that would be visible from the air were to be painted in the exterior color. This would include the underside of hatches, the open turret interiors for TDs (tank turrets were closed and so painted white inside) and the hull interior in the fighting compartment area. The driver's/transmission section was not visible through the turret and so would be white (though again, the driver and asst driver hatches would have OD undersides). Always beware of modern restorations. Some are excellent, and some are 💩 . The more you know.....😊🍻 Great model as always....good to see the videos back!

[@hammyhamster01]

@@d_squared6942 thanks!!

[@d_squared6942]

@@hammyhamster01 😀👍

[@xenocephalus]

Do you think it would be easier for a (not complete) beginner to paint some of the stowage gear separately before attaching to the tank? I'm a bit older and a bit shakier with the hands. 🙂

[@SpruesNBrews]

Whatever works best for you, honestly! I just prefer to paint everything attached, but it's really up to personal preference 👍

[@fredbogs3792]

Why did you put stowage on the exhaust?? Good way to start a fire if it was an actual vehicle.

[@jeffturnbull9661]

Is there any advantage to maybe painting stowage elements prior to attachment to a vehicle?

[@spencergregory8049]

Hey, did you use the stars, numbers in the kit and just omit the yellow blocks from the Italian front ones? I like you would like to build this as a NW European project. France or Germany

[@TheJimyyy]

m18 hellcat interior are also green color

[@SpruesNBrews]

I've seen both, so I wasn't sure!

[@TheMassivemuscles]

Looks great. Do you put a final coat of anything as the final step? To protect..

[@guysmith6039]

Hi Sprews. When you brush paint using the Valejo are you adding thinner or retarder.?

[@paulsawyer2326]

Great build and excellent job on the details and weathering! I have 2 questions...First, what kind of airbrush you used on this build? What brand are the brushes you used for the detail painting? Look forward to seeing your next build!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! I have a video on "Best Gear for Beginners" where I talk about my airbrush setup & my favorite paint brushes! Two birds with one stone if you want to check it out 😁

[@brindlereo5972]

Diamond Plate

[@SpruesNBrews]

THAT'S IT - thank you!! 😂

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the algorithm

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@jonp3619]

Great tutorial Hank. I can’t seem to find the link for the oil paints, did you include it? Entirely possible I just missed it. Thanks!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I didn't include the oil paints in the link section because I haven't been able to find the same ones I use online anywhere (I picked them up at an art store years ago), but any artists oil paints will work just fine for this purpose! Thanks for watching 👍

[@francopasta3704]

How’s that Master airbrush to work with…??

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's been great for me! Not super flashy, but it's a workhorse at a great price

[@billconnolly5896]

Being renewed to scale modeling after 55 years, could you tell me why you don’t prime and base coat BEFORE assembling?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Sure thing! While it seems like that might save some time in the long run, I think you'd end up spending a lot more time going back & repainting areas where you've had to do some cleanup on the pieces or cement has damaged the paint layer. If you build the whole kit up before painting, you can catch any imperfections or areas that need work. Hope that helps & welcome back to the hobby! 👍

[@jimbosgonefishing3442]

Do you varnish over the pigments at the end?

[@SpruesNBrews]

The varnish will kind of blend them together a bit... I find that doing my final matte varnish coat prior to pigment work is best for me 👍

[@rezzen3328]

I know it might sound dumb but, how do you guys go about brush painting and get it to look that clean and smooth. When I go about it its always too thick or I get very visible brush strokes even after thinning the paint. So if you guys have any tip I would be grateful. Thanks

[@SpruesNBrews]

No dumb questions at all! Brush painting can be very tricky, especially on larger surfaces. When I first started, I brush painted my kits entirely, which always left some visible streaks. The best way to solve for that is to invest in an airbrush or try to pick up some Tamiya rattle/spray paint cans - spraying paint is the best way to avoid those brush marks! 👍

[@kiethpederson7558]

What brand and model airbrush

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's a Master Airbrush G233 👍

[@Real_Chie_Satonaka]

Hey can you review the busy please I have the M41model how long does it take to make a model!?

[@SpruesNBrews]

It totally depends! I haven't build up the Tamiya M41 personally, but I think it's a relatively straight-forward kit. I would expect it'll take you at least 5 or 6 hours of working time... but go slow & enjoy it! The process is the best part of this hobby 👍

[@billconnolly5896]

While coming back to scale modeling after a 55 year hiatus, could you recommend an airbrush and related system? I’ve never used one. Going to try to make this Hellcat like the one at The AHM in Hudson.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh very nice! Sounds like a great project - I've got a video on my channel about "Best gear for beginners" that goes into some detail about a few airbrush/compressor options that have worked for me if you'd like to check it out 👍

[@billconnolly5896]

@@SpruesNBrews thanks very much

[@kevin.reible]

Do you thin these Ammo by Mig colors? And if so, to what ratio?

[@SpruesNBrews]

The AMMO colors are good-to-go right out of the bottle! 👍

[@kevin.reible]

@@SpruesNBrews Thanks for your answer!

[@ungurdani8346]

Salut my friend super Tank super video subscribe subscribe ...

[@danielbritton8588]

There is a flat earth debunker on KZbin that could be your brother or doppelganger.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh my! Well I guess I'm glad he's a debunker then! 😅

[@jonjenkins5253]

The overall end result is very nice indeed. For me however, your choice of colour for the mantlet cover leaves a lot to be desired. It’s too ‘in your face’ when compared to everything else, and serves as a distraction.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fair enough! I tend to push the contrast a bit with my fabrics (whether it's for a rain cover or just on the stowage) to add a little depth & interest to the build - in reality, the cover would have been a more muted OD or Khaki, but I wanted to pop it a little extra. Just an artistic choice 👍

[@statoilbensin2190]

Mr Sprues and brews do you thinn the Vallejo model color for brush painting? Or are you just using water or thinners on your brush?

[@SpruesNBrews]

I don't thin the vallejo colors, no! I just use them straight off a wet palette, which really helps to keep the paint moist while you're working with it. If they prove to be too thick, a little water will do the trick 👍

[@statoilbensin2190]

@@SpruesNBrews Is it Modelcolor or model air?

[@keithfletcher6103]

White.

[@SpruesNBrews]

White?

[@adamg7984]

Your videos are super helpful and informative for beginners especially. You keep it simple and easily followed while providing a great deal of realism. Love your stuff, buddy. Keep up the great work!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much - that's great to hear! I appreciate it - thank you for watching 👍

[@mede082]

WHY DOES EVERYONE SAY “STOWAGE” its “Storage”

[@keithfletcher6103]

Cream weiss is the wrong color. Usually American armor was factory colored with no primer easier to paint over the blood.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I think the interiors were white to help identify oil & lubricant leaks - I know cremeweiss technically isn't correct, but it gets the job done! 👍

[@AgentK34]

Tank Destroyers with open turrets usually painted the turret floor (visible from above parts anyway), with OD so that it didn't standout from aerial attack. The sponsons where ammo went would have been white, as well as the drivers compartment (none with this kit though).

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

Any buckles would be black Never would be silver or aluminum only black I have a military Surplus store never ever have I seen any US buckles aluminum or steel I have still lots of ww2 gear left

[@SpruesNBrews]

Yeah like I mentioned in the video, not historically accurate, but I think the aluminum looks a little better at this scale & helps break up all the neutral tones. A little artistic license!

[@MrJoeGarner]

Let's talk about weathering: I see far too many tanks on one website, that are far too weathered. OVER DONE! I build all of mine to be museum pieces.