Here are some WIP pics of my Trumpeter KV-1. I tried mud for the first time (Bragdon Powder mixed with Windex) and I would like to have expert opinions on the look so far. As I said its WIP, so things can still be corrected to some extend. Thanks in advance
Joe
From what I can see, the basic effect looks good. The main detriment is that there looks to be too sharp a demarcation between the dried mud and the clean tank.
I wouldn’t expect that level of mud woud get to the upper part of the hull and just stop, particularly where it rounds over to the upper surface of the glacis, and onto the rear deck and upper fenders.
What I think looks really good about it is the scale. The clumps and texture seem to be plausible 1/35 scale.
Hello Joe,
“I would like to have expert opinions on the look so far…”
I am still on the learning curve as well, so I am far from an “expert”, but I have spent some time working with pigments. I do believe that you have a nice “start” with your pigments. I found a couple of things important to keep in mind when learning to use pigments;
to think of them basically as a paint, and as such, any texture you wish to portray must be added via plaster, real dirt, etc.
I found that I achieved better results by using many thin applications, always keeping in mind to vary the color mix slightly to create depth and interest.
Here are a few examples which I hope will explain…
In this first photo I am applying my first layer of color and texture. The mix in the cup contains a light slurry of plaster, Tamiya Earth, and a little of the MIG Pigments. This layer is simply a base upon which I will continue to add pigments for the final effects…
This photo shows the same vehicle upon completion. You will notice that I have attempted to create depth and interest by using a number of pigment colors. I generally apply my pigments “wet”, having thinned them considerably in turpenoid.
Another example, this time my T-34 will be integrated within its base so a lot of texture has been added to the vehicle’s surface (broken plaster and plaster dust) using white glue. This is followed by numerous applications of pigments (again wet) keeping in mind that these colors will need to tie together with the base.
And here is a quick look at the final piece. As you can see I payed special attention to match both the texture and colors of the base to the vehicle.
As I said, I believe that you have a good “start”. It’s been my experience and observation that many modelers stop too soon in the process before the miracles happen.
Keep up the good work,
Rick
Thanks guys, much appreciated. As I said its my first attempt and still WIP.
Rick, your kits look great. I am more than happy if I ever get my tanks look have as good as yours.
Thanks Joe.
Like I said, you have a very good beginning, just keep playing with it. After a little bit of practice you’ll get the hang of them and the results you are looking for.
take care,
rick
Rick that T34 dio’ is superb, good photo as well, any more?..sorry didn’t mean to go off thread there
Fantastic builds Rick.
Thank guys for the kind remarks on my examples. At this time I’m unable to share any more photos of these builds here on the forum, but the build photos and companion article for the T34 is scheduled to appear in issue #45 (next issue) of MMiR, while the PzIV is scheduled for a following issue.
Thanks again,
Rick
I agree, it’s a good start, next, I would try to blend the mud-covered areas into the more general weathered upper areas of the hull.
I did the same sort of thing as you’re doing, but using chalk pastels for the pigment. I added a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and a drop or two of water, stirred with a toothpick, just enough to make a sludge, then applied it. That was in a smaller scale, on a 1/72 halftrack, but the effect was the same. You can add more powder to the sludge and make it lumpy, like clumps of thick mud, or thin it out a little bit more, like mud from puddles and ruts.
Regards,
Brad