beginner needs help

hello everyone
im new to building models,i have built a 1/35 italeri tiger 1 ,i got a aztek 407 and a ripmax compressor and have under coated and basecoated the model with tamiya arcrillics.im wondering about the next step , should i paint the wheels and tracks and and the shovels piping etc,apply the decals ,then drybrush up the detail,then weather it ,or weather it and then drybrush it .any tips would be most welcome

Hey Maddog

Next step for me would be to paint the tracks, road wheels, tools and any other details. Following this I would apply my decals and then seal everything with a dullcote. Next would be the application of any washes, dry brushing or pastel weathering that I choose to apply.
This is a very simplified step by step and any weathering must be practiced to achieve the desired effect.

H.M. & G.B.
Shermanfreak

hello shermanfreak
thanks for a quick reply ,i have started work on the tracks and wheels and then i will move on the tools and other details.thanks again mate for the reply

If you’ve used just tamiya paints on your model you can save the dull coat till after you’ve finished your wash. If in the future you decide to you enamel paints then seal it with Krylon Mattt Ackrilic clear coat. THis will protect the base paint from the thinner in the washes. Also if your interested in a neat trick, try thinning black oil paint till it has the consestincy of thinner. This i use to outline my wheels. After it drys i can then paint the rest of the wheel rubber black. Also if some gets on the raised surface then you can use a sharp #11 blade and carefuly scrape it off. Good luck, Happy Bill

cheers crossracer
igot the wheels and and tracks done ,i was wondering about painting the finer deataild like the wire ropes and stuff ,should i try to paint it with the airbrush or use enamels and paint it with a fine brush.

Use a fine brush Maddog or you’ll drive yourself loony trying to airbrush those details.

H.M. & G.B.
Shermanfreak

Keep in mind for the sake of authenticity that quite a bit of the tanks would be hand painted. Camo schemes would be changed or modified to suit weather and terrain. Don’t get too dependent on the airbrush. Also learn how to tear-up and bend things especially fenders. As an ex-tanker we were forever smashing into trees and smacking other vehicles. Too many guys build showroom floor tanks. And while I love my airbrush, there is still a lot of hand painting to be done. Enjoy the hobby