I actually started building the IDF Machbet several years ago, using the old Italeri kit as a base model and the Verlinden conversion kit.  Realizing shortly after my start that the Quality of both wasn’t what I was really looking for, the project became a shelfqueen.  In 2019 I found the Academy M-163 available again as well as the Legend Machbet conversion set.  This was what I was looking for and the shelfqueen now came back onto my workbench.  Once I started building the Machbet it took me about 3 months to complete the Model.  I always try to use a real vehicle as a reference when I build, and there a lot of reference pictures of the Machbet available. I started by building the base M-163 with the Legend conversion planned into the building instructions, I tend to use a highlighter to indicate what parts are being replaced by what conversion or accessory set in the building instructions.  Using accessory and conversion sets from several different manufactures, like Eduard, Legend, Eureka XXL, Master, Fruil, SKP Models and Leopard Club, my instruction sheet looked very colorful.  My color of choice for this model was Mission Models MMP-037 IDF Sandgrey Version 1.  I always start of with a base color of MIG Matt Black, then the actual vehicle color is airbrushed in layers to ensure that I maintain the dark areas and intensify the color for the lighter shades.  In this case I used a black wash made from Mars Black and turpentine, I prefer to mix my own washes as I find that most of the model washes are too rich in color.  Dry brushing was done using Winsor Newton Naples Yellow, it’s a very soft color to use and it really brings out the detail.  All the sandbags and accessories were hand painted and washed with different shades of browns.  Dusting is always done with many different pigments; I don’t have a preference as I purchase a lot of my pigments from the local Art store where I also purchase my oil paints.  I use an old Model box for my dusting, so after time the pigments become mixed and this gives me a wide variety of shades to use when I do my dusting. For this particular model I used no pigment fixers, as I want to represent dust and not mud.  

I hope you enjoy the model. 

Cheers 

Andy