Since that StuG IV I threw together turned out alright (relatively speaking…) I figured it was time to now, on my second model, try some of the more complex techniques involved in the weathering and detailing process. Some turned out better than others but all things considered, I’m happy with the result.
I wasn’t too sure whether or not the chipping would be so extensive on a vehicle stationed in Africa but figured it would be good practice regardless. They ended up being a bit too big, obviously, but they look a hell of a lot better than they did on my StuG! I also put I don’t don’t how many brown washes and a couple of dot filters on the model but they all turned out like crap so I wiped them away.
Oddly enough, I went from dreading the possibility of having to paint figures when I got into the hobby to it being one of my favorite parts of the process. Once again I decided to keep them nice and simple, mostly because I realized after glueing them together how finicky it would be to paint them (I need to stop doing that…). A plethora of sources indicated that uniform colors throughout the DAK were all over the place so I took the opportunity to experiment with different color combinations and a brown wash. Next time around I wanna try and do more with highlights.
I added a couple of bullet holes to the shield of the MG and they look off, to say the least. You’ll also notice I had a bit of an issue with the width indicators…
Thats come out rather well, the effects on the wheels are very well done. And good job on the figures, your right about the uniforms. You have done a nice job on this old kit.
Thanks. I know one thing I really need to get my hands on is a pin vise to hold the figures, otherwise every one I paint will have terrible looking boots lol
I dril a small hole on one of the boot soles and insert some brass rod then put all the figures into some foam. If the figures are going onto the base i glue the rod in then use it to secure the figures. I make the rod a bit lnger than it will be once done and use it to hold the figures.
It looks like you have the basics down. Your construction and painting are fine. Your painting of the uniforms is a good start, but it leads to the next area- uniform types. Those figures are wearing the continental uniform and boots, which was seldom seen in Africa. Have fun learning and developing your skills. You’re off to a great start, and Tamiya‘s older kits like this are perfect for that sort of thing. Find their Panzer II F kit for a nice companion piece.
Give the figures a wash of a dark brown and then airbrush a clear flat coat. This will help tone down the toy look. There are some great videos on how to add highlights and shadow when painting figures using oil paints. This can further enhance what you have so far.
Also to get the decals to better match the weathering you have done, take the same base tan color you used to paint the vehicle, thin way down like 70/30. Shoot a dusting of the color over your decals. Go slow and build light layers. This will give the decals a faded look.
A great start. Keep it up. You will be a master modeler in no time.
I initially painted them that red brown because I was going to try and replicate the boots seen in several Osprey titles about the DAK. Of course, I eventually decided against it as I thought it would look unnatural since I doubt I’d be able to adequately replicate laces and such. I also noticed that the uniforms were uncommon for the DAK but the kit had decals for it and figured I might as well do what I can with the figures.
Unfortunately, I don’t have access to an airbrush. It’s the one thing I REALLY need to get my hands on. The more I read/watch about modelling the more apparent that becomes lol
I’m actually planning on trying some oil painting with the tankie that comes with the M3 I have on the way. I’m going to attempt to modify it into a Russian lend lease vehicle so an American tank commander isn’t of much use. Might as well use him to experiment.
Well, it is historically possible. The DAK units all received the Tropical uniforms. Also the occasionally wore Italian or captured Commonwealth uniform items like shirts or shorts when they could get ahold of such and it was best for the time. This was seen in the Libya & Egypt fighting. But units sent to Tunisia after the Torch landings often went in their continental Field Gray uniforms. Also terrain and vegetation of Tunisia in the winter and spring of 1942/1943 was more temperate, so the Europe uniforms were not out of place.
Thanks! As I said, I’m not sure happy with the chipping but I think they’re acceptable. I want to try and get a hang of the sponge technique. When I tried it on the rear doors it seemed to be far too much, though I admit I wasn’t exactly taking my time.
