Hang Long M4A3 Sherman Pro

[AlfonsoM4A3]

Recently purchased this tank. I want to do some weathering on it especially the tracks. Would airbrushing Tamiya black or Vallejo paints work? Thanks

[DavidN]

Recently purchased this tank. I want to do some weathering on it especially the tracks. Would airbrushing Tamiya black or Vallejo paints work? Thanks

So if it is a pro version, then the tracks must be metal. Do you plan to ride it outdoor? If you do, I don't think you should spend the expensive paint to airbrush it. Do you just want to paint it black and then ride it so the metal parts will break out from the black eventually? For me, I just get those $1.00- $1.49 spray can of flat black from Home Depot or Walmart and paint them. Then I ride them for a good 20 minutes on my backyard concrete surface. That's my input. Welcome to our forum!

[AlfonsoM4A3]

Thank you. Sounds good.

[Rubicon99]

Recently purchased this tank. I want to do some weathering on it especially the tracks. Would airbrushing Tamiya black or Vallejo paints work? Thanks

A good base black is to use “Gun Blue” . It basically adds a black/gray rust to the tracks. It’s the same stuff used to “blue” gun steel. It can be found at any sporting goods store or gun shop.

All paints and “blueing” will wear off over time some faster then others. What you will have left is usually the nooks and crannies that retain the applied “weathering”.

Running the tank outdoors will add the best weathering to the tracks. Here are some examples with blueing, paint a mix of both and then letting natural wear take effect. As you can see they all end up looking similar.

[AlfonsoM4A3]

So you would apply a coat of Gun Blue which I have then paint over that with black spray paint? Let dry and cure then take it outside for wear and tear affect? Thanks

[sclui56]

So you would apply a coat of Gun Blue which I have then paint over that with black spray paint? Let dry and cure then take it outside for wear and tear affect? Thanks

Either blue or paint, no need to do both.

[Rob1970]

I've done the gun blue paste on my Sherman's track with Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste, and one quick run around the garden turned them pretty realistic-like. Just be careful with that stuff, it's pretty caustic.

[Rubicon99]

I've done the gun blue paste on my Sherman's track with Birchwood Casey Perma Blue Paste, and one quick run around the garden turned them pretty realistic-like. Just be careful with that stuff, it's pretty caustic.

On tracks the I find the liquid Birchwood in the blue bottle works best. It soaks into the nooks and cracks effortlessly. It is also easier to work with (not as strong as the paste) and after “blackening” is completed simply wash the tracks in hot water to remove residue (if any) that hasn’t evaporated.

I would recommend wearing a pair of safety glasses during the process. The liquid even if it gets on you skin will not burn or cause injury (at least it has never on me) if you wash it off in short order. I would although not want to get any in the eyes.

[AlfonsoM4A3]

I just unboxed the Tank Finally. Merry Christmas! How do you take off the metal tracks to piant them? Also, have others here weathered the tank itself? What about weathering the wheels? Same idea using either metal blue or black spray piant? Thanks

[SoCalBobS]

Look at the picture gallery thread.

You can remove the tracks by unscrewing the idler wheel with a long thin phillips screwdriver.