Help me finish this model!!

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

OK armor guys, let’s take a look at my german tracked vehicle, and give me some good points on enhancing the overall finish on it. I have assembled and painted it! now, it needs that special touch that you guys can help me with. in fact if it comes out alright, we’ll call it a group build!!. this is one of the best jobs I have achieved with indy treads, but if you see room for improvement let me know. semper fi, mike [img]http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v284/yw18mc/2004_0101Image0005.jpg[img] [img]http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v284/yw18mc/2004_0101Image0006.jpg

2

Well, how about a wash and a bit of drybrushing?

Overall, looks very good man. keep it up!

3

Other than wash and dry brushing , may be a bit of dirt and pastels. Looks great though.

4

Good points Shmodeler, I’m not sure if I should wash first, or if I should put a clear coat on the entire model first. also what would be a proper color to use in a wash? and what would be the recommended mix of the wash in parts paint, per parts thinner? thanks anyone who can answer that one for me. semper fi, mike

5

Please accept my ignorance, but what is “semper fi”. I think I remember it from the film “Animal House” but don`t know Latin.

6

Well applying a clear coat is good in giving protection to the paint. Many like it that way.

As for me however, as long as the paint has set and cured fully, I just apply the wash without the clear coat. This takes away the need for a dull coat later. (I am very inexperienced when it comes to dullcoating that’s why I don’t like to do it.)

Before you apply a wash, decide first as to what type of weathering you want to simulate, light and subtle or heavy and beat-up. This will also be the basis on the thickness of the wash you need to mix.

Before the wash also try to simulate paint chipping by say using a gun metal paint on a very pointed brush on some areas where chipping is likely to occur. When you apply the wash it will soak the gun metal paint and makes it really look good.

If you like, you can add some rust colored paint on items that are likely to rust (mufflers, bolts, weld seams, etc.)

At first I don’t like heavy weathering but when I tried my first one…I told myself…well it doesn’t look bad afterall. Here is a sample of a beat up vehicle I did. (Nevermind the figures…they were among my first try and not properly shaded. Also they are too glossy.)

7

Do a deep wash in the recesses only. Do not do a blanket wash. I’d use WinTon Artist Oils for this. Top is off with a very light almost white drybrush.

8

shmodeler, lizardqing, dwight ta-ala, gdrue, and davesh. I had to take a little nap guys, so, I’m just now getting back to you. It sounds like the next step on this little project will be a wash. should I use a black wash to accomplish that task? I’ll post another picture after I have completed the wash. I probabaly won’t get to do it till after the 12th of july as I’m going to my old marine outfit reunion. some of you have heard of “popasmoke”. we’re meeting in reno nv next week. while on that subject! davash, “semper fi” is the latin word for “always faithful”. it is part of the marine corps credo. semper fi guys, mike

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Mike a dark brown colored wash is advisable as compared to pure black. Others use a sephia colored wash which has a crimson tone in it but not totally black.

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Mike,
Semper Fidelis…Always Faithful, for some reason the marines shortened it to Fi, I guess it was easier and rolled off the tounge more fluidly than trying to say “semper fidelis, mac…”

The build looks good. You got some great work going there. Are you airbrushing your camo or using a rattle can?

When you do your wash, alot of your detail will pop up and will really make this piece stand out. I reccomend a small plain display base when its all finished. Unless you are going to put it in a diorama. A good picture should be framed and this is certainly a good one.

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Dwight, and Renarts, thank you both for the tip on washing! I really wasn’t sure about a color, but, both your suggestions more then make sense. wish I could do it before we go on our vacation but, it’s going to have to wait. Renarts, you are right on about “semper fidelis”, you’d think being a former marine I would have explained the meaning a little better. thanks for making it clear. guess I’ll get mess duty for screwing that one up. take it easy guys. semper fidelis, mike

12

How 'bout some figures? That would really give life to the model.

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Looks good so far, and it looks like your questions have been answered, Mike. [;)]

Regards, Dan

14

Looks good!
And you’ve already gotten some great advice on washes and drybrushing.
The only other thing I can see that needs addressing is that in the picture of the left side, you can see some bare plastic on the inner road wheels (towards the front). Take care of that, and you’re good to go!

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Murderdogg, Boybuddho, and J-hulk, thanks for the feedback guys. I like the idea of possibly throwing some figures in just to give it that lived in look. I;ll give that more thought after I finish the basic model. Dan, who in my opinion has the best job in the world! you can share my pup tent anytime. I really respect anything you contribute to our forum. Brian, same goes for you buddy. you guys are very proactive, and I’m the benificary of a great deal of it. thanks alot. semper fi, mike

16

There isn’t much more I can say. Everyone has everything covered. I love the paint job, your camouflage is excellent! One technique to consider, dry brush some silver on the hubs of the front wheels, and on the screen behind the gun where it might have been scuffed by the crew. Othewrwise, fantastic build there Mike.

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overall i like how it looks, the paint scheme is blended in very nicely.