Here is my Tamiya 1/48 Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind, that I finished a few months ago. No airbrush used, all handpainted. Any questions, comments, and/or tips are welcome.
I like the camo, but the silver tools and stuff are a big no-no, easy targets!! Are the track links on the front painted or is that bare styrene??
painted
Thnx for posting and requesting comments. One thing to consider is the nature of military equipment. Like the other poster said, the silver is definitely unrealistic. Also, this particular version had all steel return rollers (the upper wheels) so there shouldn’t be a black “rubber” rim. For your next project, reconsider the color of your tracks too.
Also, try to look at some of the dedicated AFV modelling magazines and other websites for more info on form and function of AFVs. A great book for starting armor modellers is Kalmbach Publishing’s “How to Build Realistc Tanks and Artillery” which should be at your local hobby shop.
Best of luck to you
[%-)]If realism is your goal, you’ve got some opportunity improving your future armor. However, if you are not concerned about it, your build is “shiny pretty”, which went out of style in the 60’s. [:D]
There are plenty of tutorials around the sight that contain tips on weathering. Do a forum search, or PM the Doog, he has some great blogs on the subject.You are at somewhat of a handicap if you don’t have an airbrush. My suggestion would be to save up and get one, and a whole new world will open up to you.
You obviously have talent, that is evident by your brushwork. It takes a lot of effort to brush paint, and you’ve certainly put in some effort here. Put that talent to use and master the airbrush, you have the ability to use one and your models will take a step up if you get one.
BTW…How in the world did you manage to fit three figures in that turret? amazing!
regards,
Steve
You have some raw talent…as the others have said you just need to do a little research into some basic armor modeling techniques…drilling out the barrels instead of painting the ends black is one example of these techniques…another is that camo rarely (if ever) extended onto Mk IV roadwheels as you have depicted…keep 'em coming!
As a matter of fact I have an airbrush, but I never got around to taking it out of the box.[:D] Plus, I wanted this armor to look fresh, like it was just off the Nazi production line, but now that you mention it could use a layer of mud.[:D]
Really it’s not so much the lack of mud that will help anything, mg; that’s only going to try to “hide” the glaring, bright tools and high-gloss shiny wheels. I’d really go in to try to correct those first. There are plenty of good examples on these forums to take hints from.
Your track seems to be too long; it looks like you treid to simulate “sag” perhaps, and in gluing down the tracks you may have “squashed” them a bit too much–see how it comes off the tension idler on the rear? And why is that idler wheel half-painted?
Your painting is nicely done as far as the camo goes, but I’d have to say that from what you said in your post about having an airbrush but “never taking it out of the box”, perhaps the best advice I could give you is to make an effort to learn your basic techniques a little better, and learn to use that airbrush. Also, brush up on the methods of simulating bare metal, and remember, your BEST friend is PATIENCE!
Your brush work is nothing to be ashamed about, but for me personally, nothing improved the look of my models more than an AB. Reason 1: you won’t get brush marks, 2: you get a much thinner application, and 3: they can be used for weathering too. It’s my favorite tool.
Overall you got some good things going and some helpful tips, now crack open that AB and use it. You won’t regret it.