Takom Whippet

[Vincent Power]

I started this in January and finally finished it. It's a well engineered kit that fits well and needs minimal clean up. The tracks are a dream and just click together easily.

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I was looking for a quick build when I started it so there are not a lot of in progress pics.
The build went together easily with perhaps the only area needing care being the superstructure. It's made up of several separate plates that need to be aligned carefully for a neat fit.

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Based on a museum example I added some texture to some panels on the upper hull.

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Originally I was going to build the Freikorps version because I like the look of the skulls painted on the tank. After looking at several well know images I found online, as well as several provided by Philipp, I saw there were some modifications needed. The storage boxes were rebuilt as simple frames, the left side supporting bar being repositioned lower down and the view port was cut off leaving a simple vision slit remaining. Eventually, I decided on the three colour camo version as it appears during trials at a German proving ground. After deciding to build this version I realised I had to add some supporting bars on the front and rear of the sponsons. The exact purpose of these bars is uncertain. On a separate note, the colour of the Freikorps version is not gray as shown in the instructions. Careful study of the available pictures reveals the same camo as the Proven Ground version.
Finally, after adding these modifications, I applied some primer.

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[Vincent Power]

I carefully painted the three colour camo scheme staying as true to the pics I had as possible. The instructions are not accurate as far as the pattern is concerned. I finished it off with a pin wash which really made the rivets pop.

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The fun part of building a WW1 tank is the weathering opportunities. Looking at the pics of my particular Whippet it seems to be quite clean. I decided to give mine a decent coat of dirt and dust as if it had just completed some tests at the proving ground.

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I took some close ups at the start of the process but quickly forgot to document any other steps as I was enjoying myself too much.

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[Vincent Power]

I wanted to add a figure and purchased a Model Cellar WW1 appropriate, German fellow.

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These wonderful figures are cast in resin, have barely any flash or mould lines and fit positively. I am very impressed with the quality and will definately buy more from these guys.

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Without much effort I ended up with this.

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A coat of primer shows the crisp details.

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Using Ammo German WW2 camo colours to mix more appropriate WW1 colours, I spent an afternoon to finish him up.

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I don't know why these pics appear so big. My apologies if this creates any issues.

[Vincent Power]

I felt a base would be a good idea so I set about making one. I used a wooden oval base and added air dry clay for the groundwork. As it dried I pressed a crumpled foil ball for texture along with some pebbles and twigs from my garden. Finally I pushed the tank tracks into the ground similar to how they appeared in my reference pics.

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The cracks in the base are mostly hidden by the tank however I ended up filling them and touching them up with paint.
Unfortunately, I think I need much more practice at building bases.

[Vincent Power]

Finally it was time to put everything together and finish this project up.

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I'll send more pics to Philipp for the Gallery.
Thanks for looking.

Cheers,
Vincent

[Bryan Krueger]

That's a great finish Vincent. I like the muted colors. The figure is a nice addition and goes to show how small the fighting compartment is.

[Vincent Power]

Thanks Bryan. I'm happy with how it turned out

Vincent

[Philipp Gross]

You've achieved a wonderful result, the muted camo scheme is spot on! Glad to have been of help with the photos

Gallery post is up!

Philipp

[Vincent Power]

Thanks Philipp. I think the camo pattern and colours caused me the most grief in the whole build. The photos you provided made that aspect much clearer which was appreciated.

Vincent

[Swiftnbold]

Love what you've done with this kit Vincent, I recently purchased one myself and look forward to tackling it.
Top work as usual sir.