I chose this model for a couple of different reasons. First off it is 1/35 scale. I haven't done any models in this scale so it is a good choice to look at. Also, this is one of the most popular plastic models on amazon. It has over 100 reviews. (It is also quite inexpensive)

The 1/35 scale is also very nice for beginners. The pieces, and the tank itself are of a larger and more manageable size.

I also have a video of this build at the bottom ofthe page.

Will has a youtube channel with over 700 videos on projects you can make. Check it out right here

So, if you are a beginner to plastic model making this is a good choice for starting. You will get a good sense of what model building is all about and it isn't too difficult of a build. Most the common model building techniques are used here with one addition.

This build has rubber tank tracks and they rotate freely. To seal the tracks and fit them on the tank you actually melt the rubber. This is a different technique that I haven't shown in other builds.

I purchased this model on amazon. This is the exact one: Walker Bulldog M41 Tank in 1/35 scale

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Tools and Materials Used:

• The plastic model Kit: 1/35 US M41 Walker Bulldog
• X-ACTO #1 Knife, Z Series With Safety Cap
• Tamiya Extra thin cement
• Testors Plastic Cement
• Paints: Green, Black for the tank, Various colors for the soldiers like Olive drab, flesh,silver brown and black, small paintbrushes
• I also use a magnifier headgear. Here is the one I use
• Emory board, nail file or sandpaper to clean up burrs and cuts on plastic
• A pair of tweezers to handle/place small parts.

Note about the two different types of cement. One is like a gel for all purpose use. The other is very thin and I use it for small and detailed parts.

Here is a picture of the instructions that come with the kit. Isn't this great? Stuff like this really gets me excited. There is some great background information about the M41 tank and then there are those assembly instructions. It is just so fascinating. If you are the curious type you are going to love this.

Here is the box.

And here are the parts inside the box. In the upper right of the picture you can see a blue sheet of paper. That is the decal sheet. Among the parts you can see the body of the tank, the parts of the turret, the various wheel parts and the two tracks for the tank.

Of special note is the small sprue of black parts in the upper right. That is a series of rubber pieces for the wheels. These act as bushings so the wheels and tracks can turn freely. More on that later.

In the above picture I have laid all the parts on paper towels.

Once you open the box you should inspect all the parts. Make sure you have everything and nothing is damaged. Then wash and rinse all the plastic parts in mild soapy water.

After that you lay the parts on paper towels to dry. Do not try to hand dry them. You could damage or lose some of the smaller parts. Just let them air dry.

Okay, all the introductory stuff is done. Let's start building this model

Watch The Video Here:

Resources, Tools and More

1/35 US M41 Walker Bulldog - This is the exact model that I bought on amazon for this tutorial.

X-ACTO #1 Knife, Z Series With Safety Cap

Make precise, fine cuts every time with the X-ACTO #1 Z-Series Knife with Safety Cap. This knife features a #11 fine point zirconium nitride-coated blade for sharpness and strength, and the lightweight aluminum handle enables you to make agile cuts with ease. This X-ACTO knife cuts through a wide variety of materials including paper, plastic, balsa wood, and thin metal. An easy-change blade system lets you swap blades quickly to meet the needs of any project, and the included safety cap offers easy portability.

Tamiya Extra thin cement

Testors Plastic Cement - Testers is made in America, quality since 1929 Testers plastic cement is used for DIY projects, model kit building and craft projects The value pack includes two tubes of cement with 4 precision glue tips.