Michael Smith

For ww2 ship modelers, here’s Texas still being repaired at Galveston but with a fresh coat of Navy Blue (5-N). It’s darker in person than a lot of images online which make it look light blue. Rides higher at the bow unloaded and current boot topping tracks that. #histscalemodels

Would that be “Semi” OOTB? If so, I am stealing the abbreviation. Very useful!

How it wasn’t named the Mailcat amazes me.

Oh yeah. I might move Benham to Enterprise later, but Hammann will stay with the Old Lady.

Finally, a 1/700 destroyer build that I'm proud of. putteringinthestudy.com/2025/11/29/u... #HistScaleModels

I feel seen.

Priming time for next project - a 1/72 M4A3E2 Sherman from our friends in Ukraine at UM for #FestiveTankChallenge2025 #HistScaleModels

Have to finish the railing on the bridge roof, add a few floater net baskets, and paint the flag, but then I think we’re ready for finish coat and decals. I tried railings and it looks way better without. #histscalemodels

I keep a broom and black dustpan handy and find all kinds of useful parts!

That’s it for tonight. Almost all plastic parts on. Started to add the PE parts - the bridge wing bracing and midships catwalks were not hard and look great. The one issue with the Tamiya kit is a lack of deckhouse detailing (hatches, etc). But adding PE hatches is easy. #HistScaleModels

Studying this picture all day trying to decipher the structures around the radar on the foremast - odd shape I could not figure out or find anything like on any other DDs. The I finally realized … it’s a sailor standing on the yardarm working on the base of the radar. Duh. #Histscalemodels

I like clearing the clutter out regularly, especially at the end of a build. But it never lasts long.

Okay, that’s way more patience than I have! I built an old Frog Ju88 last year, but went for aftermarket decals, so I didn’t pay much attention to how much the yellow bleached out. The ones that did were not as told, now that I think about it.

Very pleased with how Hammann is coming along. Good kit, with an assist from the excellent instructions from the TWW PE set.

I have had luck putting decals in the sun in a bright window for a few days to eliminate the yellowing.

Absolutely agree re: curated projects. I gave my local club four large boxes of kits I knew I didn’t “want” to finish. What’s left I at least want to, and I’m much more careful about purchases now.

Finally documenting the new floor, display case, and screen. putteringinthestudy.com/2025/11/23/m... #HistScaleModels

Started on the 1/700 Tamiya Hammann. Because it's a good kit I want to do a better job with the camo scheme. Airbrushed Deck Blue, Ocean G (lower hull) and Haze G (upper hull) and am adding camo as I assemble. Reason for 2-color is it's easier to put darker panels over lighter. #HistScaleModels

Forgot to tag - #histscalemodels

Finished my first Sherman - a 1/72 Revell kit. Had so much fun I've already ordered by second - a M4A3E2. #HistScaleModels putteringinthestudy.com/2025/11/19/1...

Give Guyton an oscar!

I am in. My tank fanatic son has helped pick out a 1/72 M4A3E2 with aftermarket duckbill tracks for a Cobra King at Bastogne. It’ll be my second Sherman (once I get the current one written up). #festivetankchallenge2025

About done with one more. #histscalemodels

Tanking tonight. Building a less than stellar Revell as my first Sherman. Markings are for a 3rd Armor Div 32nd arm Rgt M4A1 76(W). Can’t find any info on this unit so I’m using “In The Mood” for camo & markings guidance. More weathering and orange recognition panel yet to come. #HistScaleModels

Great job! I just did that one earlier this year - about to start on a Tamiya Hammann.

Progress on several projects. The Starfighter cockpit came in for the Stearman, the tracks and hull on the M4A1 Sherman are complete. And two days after “finishing” the 1/700 Benham, I redid the foremast to correct the height and add a radar & details. Everything not blue is new. #HistScaleModels

Just finished another little DD to escort my 1/700 carriers. putteringinthestudy.com/2025/11/09/1... #HistScaleModels

Plugging away on two projects today, first at the East Texas Modelers group build in Tyler and then this evening at home. Adding (and switching out) parts on the 1/700 Benham destroyer, and started on the 1/72 M4A1 76(W) Sherman. #Histscalemodels

No, it’s really good for prop tips. Used it on my recent B-17 and c-54 and I definitely like the result.