Sorry I haven’t posted any updated pics on my project lately. I’m kind of in a slump due to a small setback on assembly. I applied my camo paint job which came out not quite the way I would have liked but, I figured I’d move onto the wash phase and see it that would make a difference? Well!! I’m not impressed, and plan to show those pics, but not just yet. I can always repaint this project, but my real problem, is that I have begun the building of the individual treads, and for some reason I have come up one link short on my first side!!. This is very disheartening as I have been very patient with this build and have actually done a very nice job building the tracks. Seems there is no provision for extra links, so I’m now going to try and squeeze a link out of the other side as I build it up. Not sure I will suceed, but we’ll just have to hope so. By the way this is an Italeria kit I’m building for those new to this build. Anyhow here are a couple of pics after the camo. Like I said I’m not getting the results I wanted on camo detail. Afraid my Aztec has just not worked out for me on this build!!. 
Feel free to let me have it! I will fix everything one way or the other, your input appreciated. semper fi, mike
I would post pics of the wash and treack buildup but I haven’t taken any new pics yet. sorry.
Back to the old “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” speach. Sorry you don’t like it, I think is looks good. I repainted my Panther 4 times! That’s how picky I can get. Since I don’t have refs for that vehicle all I can say is pat on the back. If I were to do it,(just my taste) I might want to try those really fine lines that you sort of see swished all about on some German armor. Hey, that is just me though. Stay with it Mike.
I couldn’t agree more with you Eric! I actually was hopping to get just that affect with the long swiggly thin lines. Problem is my darn airbrush is so tempormental that pretty much does what it wants to. Sometimes I can get the most beautiful fine lines, and other times it just gushes out paint like there is no tomarrow. You might be getting a new pak40 for Christmas, but I’m going to get a new airbrush it’s at the top of my gotta have list. semper fi, mike
Mike,
Which tip are you using, thinned ration, psi, acrylic vs. enamel? How far away from the model were you spraying? I had a hard time with my Aztek doing fine detail until I fiddled around with these settings and found what worked best with my particular lashup. If you’ve already tried these things and no success it might be worth replacing.
I’m with Eric though. However it’s ultimately your kit and if you aren’t happy with it nothing else matters. Are you planning to detail the interior floorbed of the cargo area?
Mike, I had an Aztek, junked it. It had good days and bad days. I now have a Badger and wouldn’t look at anything else. I know many like Iwatas and Paasches, ask lots of questions first. I’m wondering if maybe you used to much air when doing the lines, you have to turn down the pressure quite a bit (at least I do). Good luck, it looks great so far.
Bill (Wbill76). I’ve used the fine tip, which I believe is the beige colored one. In the beginning it didn’t seem to be a problem, but after using it a few times they seem to just not give the fine line one would expect to get. I’m using about 20PSI. anything under that and I can’t get paint to flow. I’m mixing at about 50/50 enamel and thinner, which seems like it would flow nicely, but then I have the problem of it flowing to nicely, to the point of running out of the tip. I just obtained a second aztec airbrush that is slightly used, and I’m going to try operating with it and see how things go. As to your second question regarding detail of the interior bed, I’ll most likely add some misc items, as I plan to attach a PAK40 field gun to the rear of the vehicle just to give it some character. Got to finish my track building first, which as you may have read has me concerned due to a lack of links to make the tracks sag properly. It’ll all come around somehow just have to be a little more patient with myself. I’ll be throwing somemore pics up in a day or two. It will give a better idea of where I’m at. Just wanted you guys to know that I have been working on my halftrack. “ERIC” caught your response after I had written this , so just wanted to say I’m sure air pressure is one of my problems with detail . We’ll see how this other airbrush I picked up for free will workout. That doesn’t change a thing though, I’m going for a new airbrush, the “EMPRESS”, has already given me the green light. thanks for the feedback guys. Appreciate the interest and the comaraderie. semper fi, mike
You have a very understanding “Empress” Mike. [tup]
Mike,
Glad to hear you have the green light to upgrade! When doing fine detail work, I use the gray tip on the Aztek, thin 50/50 just like you did, but adjust the psi down to around 10-12. I have a very small compressor built specifically for airbrush usage and this may be the key difference along with the tip, I dunno. I also work very lightly on the double action trigger controlling paintflow and spatter that way. If you have paint running out the tip of your Aztek, that’s usually a sign that either the retaining collar on the inside is damaged or your tip isn’t tightened in far enough.
Either way, it sounds like you get to expand your equipment set! [tup]
Just wanted to let everybody know that I’m back in business on this build! I recieved additional track links to allow me to complete the buildup of my tracks from Testors Corp today. Man what great customer service. Also got my new Iwata airbrush from Dixieart today also. Man what great customer service. No more excuses got to get this project completed. Coming to your neighborhood soon, completed pictures. semper fi, mike
Glad it worked out for you Mike! Sounds like you got a nice haul from the delivery man today, now you have no more excuses for finishing that puppy. [:D]
Looking good, Mike. Love the way you painted the wood portions. Looks realistic to me.
Keep us posted.
I’ve heard many good things about Iwata, lets see what you do with it.
mike i must say your work with an airbrush makes mine look amateaurish. someday i will have to get a real airbrush and a real compressor. keep us posted.
joe
Thanks for the yell back guys. Maybe I should have kept my trap shut about a new airbrush! Now I’ll never get another nice thing said to me about my painting? I’m going to try and post a couple of what I call my frustration pics tomarrow, so keep an eye out for them. they’ll be on this thread. Good tidings to all. semper fi, mike
Keep us posted on your progress Mike, it’s been fun watching it so far. Just be sure to psych yourself up for that new piece of painting hardware and let 'er rip!
Mike I think your halftrack is looking good and that you my want to try shading it.Then weathering it.If you do this I think that your halftrack will look awsome.Digger
Here are a couple of shots after I put a wash on the complete model, and started mt track buildup before I came up short of links. Don’t pay any attention to the crazy fool sitting at the table. He’s part of the reason this project is not completed yet. Were back at work on this build, so I hope to finish it inthe next few days barring no unscheduled setbacks. It should take on a much more appealing look once completed. Will post next pictures when done. Now, for your viewing pleasure, and any hits you feel like throwing my way. It’s all good. semper fi, mike 
Looking good mike! Very nice job on weathering the open cab and the detail to the wood panels as well. As for the maniac at the table, it’s interesting to note that I’m not the only one who works barefoot and your choice of magnifier just adds to the look of dedication. [:D]
Shoot Bill, You know how many models you can buy for the price of a pair of shoes? Besides, the way I work, I can always use an extra pair of feet/hands just for holding stuff when I’m gluing. Those are my glasses on my head Bill? Can’t see a thing without them. There’s also a shiney new Iwata airbrush sitting on the table the “Empress” broke down and let me buy. Oh! also my extra track links Testors Corp sent me. Shoot I’m gonna ride this gravey train for all it’ll bear. Anyhow I’m sure “Tigerman” will be hitting me some more on my new airbrush for some results!!. better get to work on that mess sitting on dining room table before the “Empress” mistakes it for some of my junk I’m so famous for leaving all over. Good talking at ya’ll, and I’ll try to wrap up this project soon. semper fi, mike