I am new to armor modeling. I have been a Radio Control modeler for many years. My question is, when do you paint the model? Do you leave the wheels and tracks off and then paint, or do you mask the tracks off before painting?
Thanks in advance
Painting in sub assemblies (wheels & tracks) is my preferred approach to tanks. Its easier to get accurate paint on with less chance of stray ‘dabs’ marring your work. If you plan on heavy weathering this is labor in vain as the ‘mud’ covers the undercarriage anyways. Just be sure to dry fit the tracks & wheels before deciding on what will work best, if assembly is difficult at this stage its best to paint after its together. [2cnts]
I am sure you will get several differant answers to this question. Some guys even build the whole thing, including wheels tracks and tools and then paint. As for me, i leave everything off that isn’t the same colour as the vehicle or might get in the way. I usually paint the wheels while still on the sprue and even leave the turret off and paint it seperate from the hull.
Bish,
Being in the southern hemisphere isn’t the Falkland Islands in mid-winter right now? Brr…yet I do appreciate your sense of humor! Regardless wear sun screen & keep warm!
Good point made about keeping fiddly bits off until last. Also saving parts of different color till then as well. (shovels, jerry cans ect)