SUBOTA / Scale Modeler 1:35

The final part

New painting update for my competition display build — the 2A3 “Condenser” by Trumpeter in 1/35! 🎨🏆 After applying the basecoat (4BO) and doing color modulation, I worked on chipping using the substrate technique: lighter chips first, then darker, and finally rust tones for realism. 🪛🟨🟫 The model was then sealed with glossy varnish and given a wash to bring out the details. ✨🧴 I also painted some small bits, like the control cabin parts. More weathering and final touches to come — stay tuned! 📸🔍

The first major painting stage is done! I’ve laid down the base color using 4BO and applied the initial round of color modulation to establish the primary volumes.

I know it looks a bit garish and overly contrasty right now—that is completely intentional. The harsh transitions are supposed to look exaggerated at this stage.

Next Steps:

· Proceed with fine brushwork to pick out the smaller details using even brighter highlights.

· Tone down the harsh jumps with subsequent filters and oil dot rendering to blend everything together smoothly.

The goal is to retain the depth of the modulation while achieving a more organic, weathered finish. Stay tuned for the rendering phase! 🎨

We’ve officially passed the primer & pre-shading stage for this 1:35 scale Soviet monster. It might look like a mess of black and white right now, but trust the process—this is where the magic starts! 🎨

Here’s the workflow for today’s session:

1️⃣ Degreasing: A thorough wash to remove all dust and oils from the resin and plastic. Clean surface = perfect adhesion. 🧼

2️⃣ Selective Priming: Hit the metal barrel and photo-etch parts with a specialized Metal Primer first—gotta protect that delicate PE! Then, laid down the main uniform primer coat over the entire chassis. 🔩

3️⃣ The Pre-shade: Using pure White and Black, I’ve started mapping out the highlights and shadows. The goal is to create that massive 3D volume effect before the base color even touches the plastic.

4️⃣ The Next Step: I’m going to refine the pre-shading even further with a brush for ultimate precision, and then it's finally time to lay down the actual base color! 🖌️

I’m loving how the barrel and the breech are looking so far. This 406mm giant is going to pop!

Stay tuned for the color coat! What do you think—Soviet Green or something more faded? 🤔💬

🏗️ Assembly complete! My 2A3 "Kondensator" (Trumpeter, 1/35) is now fully built.

Here are 8 photos of the finished self‑propelled gun – the whole vehicle, not just the turret. Everything is in one piece and ready for paint.

I didn't film the track assembly or the tiniest details (like the wiring harnesses) this time – those micro‑parts were too fiddly to stop and shoot! 😅

But the main construction is 100% done, and the model is solid.

Next up: painting and weathering. Stay tuned for the messy part! 🎨🖌️

Finally reached the finish line of the build! 🎉 The model is basically fully assembled — only the tracks are left and just 2–3 tiny parts to add. A few pieces are still unglued because I’ll paint them separately. Sending it for review — here’s how it looks assembled. I put in a lot of work and I’m really happy with how it turned out. Next up: primer and painting! 🧩🛠️🎨🖌️📸

Another section of the 2A3 “Kondensator” build is done — the project is almost finished! Added lots of small details, including many photo-etched parts 🧩🔩. Filled some gaps with putty but haven’t sanded them yet — will sand soon 🪚✨. Next up: assemble the tracks and finish the tiny details, then it’ll be ready for primer 🚧🎨. I really love how the model looks so far 😍 — I’ll order a separate wooden base for it 🪵🛠️. I’ll also paint the cab separately to fully show off its detailing 🎯.

Almost at the finish line with my 1:35 2A3 "Kondensator"! ✨🛠️

• Running gear is done — only the tracks left to assemble. 🧩🔧

• A few photo-etched parts and the handrails remain. I’m wondering if I should swap the plastic handrails for metal ones — would you replace them? 🤔🪛

• Installed the shell-transfer crane — with the photo-etch details it looks way more interesting than the plastic version. 🔩📸

I’ll finish the small bits next, then move to primer and paint the cabin. 🎨🚧

Entering this into a modeling contest — wish me luck! 🍀 Comments and tips are very welcome!

Hey everyone! 👋 New stage reached in assembling the Trompeter 2А3 "Condenser" for a modelling contest. 🛠️ I'm not happy with the road wheels that come in the kit — they're too thick — so I bought resin road wheels from EVM. The photos show the two wheels I ordered: one resin and one plastic. 📸 One catch: the 2А3 Condenser is based on the T-10, and the real T-10 has one fewer road wheel than the kit I bought, so I can't replace all wheels with resin. The setup will be mixed — most wheels will be resin, but two will remain the plastic ones from the kit. More updates soon! 🚧🎉

Hello, dear modelers! 👋 Continuing the build of the 2А3 condenser — I’ve almost finished the whole shell‑lifting mechanism for the gun 🛠️🔩. Tons of work with delicate photo‑etched parts — thin, beautiful pieces that really bring the prototype to life ✨🔬. Right now my city is sweltering with catastrophic heat 🔥🥵, so working is tough, but I’m still happily sitting at the bench, enjoying every minute and creating an accurate full replica of my prototype 📸🧩. Entering this into an international modeling contest — your likes, comments and support mean a lot! 👍🏆 Follow for updates and close‑ups.