What is the best way to paint modern AFV vinyl tracks like the ones that come in Tamiya Chally 2, Abrams, Lep 2A6 etc? I just can’t figure out the best way to do this to keep the track pads black and the rest of the tracks weathered a bit.
I usually paint the tracks with various colors of rust (predominant color), silver and black washes. Then I go back in and paint the track pads last (by hand)
Depends on where the vehicle will be depicted as operating.
For desert environs, where tracks don’t rust much and tend to get polished by the sand, I first spray them overall flat black. Next, I lightly drybrush with a little rust. Then drybrush the metal parts with some gunmetal. Touch up the track pads with some flat black. Dulcote them overall. Next, go over the metal parts with a #2 pencil to highlight the heavily worn areas. Lastly, drybrush with a dusty color and go over them with some pastel chalk to blend it all together.
For temperate environs, where tracks tend to rust more, I again start with a flat black overall spray. Next, do a heavy wash of a rusty color. The rest is pretty much the same as above. Drybrush the metal parts with some gunmetal. Touch up the track pads with some flat black. Dulcote them overall. Next, go over the metal parts with a #2 pencil to highlight the heavily worn areas. Lastly, drybrush with a dusty or muddy color and go over them with some pastel chalk to blend it all together.
I don’t know if this will help but here is a photo of the tracks on an AS90. It might give you an idea of the colours to choose.
