Being new to this forum and just recently getting back into modeling I have noticed that most people here tend toward “hyper realism”, by that I mean having your models turn out exactly like the real thing. I am wondering does anyone try anything that is completely off the wall? For example a T55 in a swedish zig zag scheme or an M1 in a Vietnam tiger stripe pattern.
Having to look at plain green all day I would like to try something different, maybe there are more out there like me.
There was a very funny diorama in the FSM reader’s gallery a few months ago. Someone had done up a few tanks as a NASCAR grid, with sponsorship logos and gloss paint jobs!
I suppose the main thing that deters much experimentation is the cost of doing something goofy with half-decent kits [:D]
For me, I do a lot of research before the build begins. Since most photos are in black and white, it’s sometimes hard to get a scheme absolutely correct.
When I do a camo scheme, I have a basic idea in mind but, I let my imagination take over (as if I were part of the tank crew and how I would want my tank to be painted) I never have it set in my mind that, this zig is going here and that zag is going there. Mostly just freestyle with my airbrush.
As for something totally off the wall (like a Glossy Metallic Pea tank for instance) I agree with U-96’s statement. I wouldn’t want to experiment with a $45 Tamiya kit.
Actually, I have an M1 tank with an M247 Sgt. York turret on it. Sort of a what if the York was put into service and subsequently updated and mated to the M1 chassis. I am painting it in Desert Storm sand colors with an overspray look that gives the appearance that it was in a NATO scheme and then repainted.
I have a Sea Cobra that I would like to do as if it served as an Army bird, overall helo drab.
I knew I couldn’t be the only one out there. I am doing two right now a Leopard 2A5 and a Gepard, still trying to figure out how to paint them. Thinking of a white/olive sort of deal for the Leopard. Still thinking about the Gepard. Some kind of disruptive pattern.
I think it depends on what you’re doing and who you’re doing it for. If your interested in doing historical representations then you paint and build for historical accuracy, but who’s to say that you can’t get just as much enjoyment at painting an Abrahms orange with black tiger stripes (works pretty well for tigers) and mount a vulcan on the turrett? Or mount a battle ship turret on a tank. The fun should be the build. The pics that Ron posted from Wonderfest in the General Discussion did some great Dinosaurs, but he also did some fantastic fantasy pieces as well. The paint job was just as good and the pieces were well detailed and assembled. I appreciate it all the more if the builder spent as much time and effort and did so with the same care for the fantasy piece as he does for the historical. Both can be appreciated for their technical excellence and overall aesthetic.
Mike
Sean,
I have seen a “pink” M-41 with chrome running gear… But my general idea is to build the model to my satisfaction… Sometimes people get too involved with building and become “rivet counters”… If I ever get to that point, I 'll quit building models…
Though I haven’t done any off the wall (I happen to like O.D.). I get as big a laugh as anyone when I see someone do the Nascar Tanks or something like that. There’s someone here in Red Deer who has as series of armour done in Canadian National Railway colours and markings. They are great !
Erock68 sorry to change the subject "but where did you get those two cool pictures " at the bottom of your message…
Isn’t that in the site with the review of those ultra tiny RC tanks? If it is, then that pink m41 is a Tamiya 1/16 RC tank. The color of it really stands out. “Make-up drawer camo!”