I wanted a severely sun bleached paint effect for this vehicle. This was achieved with Tamiya pastels rubbed over the already light sand yellow paint.
Mr. Mark Softener really does a good job in getting decals to conform to complex surfaces. Just make sure it's where you want it when you "set" it. The decal will appear to melt and crinkle, but don't fuss with it, when it dries, it will be drawn tight again.
To depict the late production version, I needed to delete a vision block on the right rear of the upper hull. You can see a slight shadow from the putty.
Some damage over the lifetime of the vehicle is depicted by the dented engine intake covers and fenders.
Note the many flat head screws used for mounting equipment on the interior of the turret and upper hull. This is a welcome, but inconsistent detail that DML is known for.
I added some Tasca jerry cans to the engine deck. The white striping indicates these cans contain water. The chipped paint is simulated by rubbing the flat part of a 6B pencil over the "edges" of the can.
Two items to be added for the late production version are the deflector plates for the air intakes. These are made from Carnation creamer foil seals.
