Attached to this posting are some photos of one that I had assembled on the shelf for the past four months. About four weeks ago I decided to finish it for an article. This model was a nice break from all of the large German Zimmerit subjects I have been painting.

This model represents one of the unfinished Hetzers taken from the factory by the fighters during the Czeck uprising in May 1945. There is controversy whether these Hetzers had a coat of primer red or not. The slogans and sand yellow panted components are also of interest and debate. I chose this Hetzer because I have the most photos, illustrations and information allowing me obtain a fairly accurate representation.



Here is another late photo of the same Hetzer after the slogans had been touched up and changed.



It took me a week of experimenting and requesting help from friends to learn the techniques I needed to finish this subject in the way I had envisioned. Once I learnt the techniques it was rather easy only taking me about three weeks to finish.

I would like to thank Michael Hairspry Rinaldi and Per Olav Lund along with a few others on the MP forums for explaining their ways of using the Hairspray technique. I needed to learn this technique to get the rust and chipped mill-scale effects I saw in my reference photos. An extensive posting with SBS photos by Michael Rinaldi was especially a great help for me. I owe you one pal. You are true asset to this hobby and I dont care what they wrote about you on the bathroom walls back in Vagus. Upon learning this technique I was able to mix it with the other painting methods I commonly use to obtain the finish in this unpainted Hetzer.

I would like to thank Jindrich Sterbacek of Modelar Magazine for helping me to research this unique subject.

I would also like to thank Jan Primer red Peters for helping me to get some of the parts during the build.

Your thoughts are welcome. I also attached some SBS photos that I took of the demo piece I did prior to painting the model.





















Here are a few photos that I took for the demo piece prior to painting the model.

A base-coat was applied then additional tones for colour variation where added using a mix of different oxide Tamiya paints thinned with lacquer thinner.



A sponge was then used to obtain more bits of different coloured rust.



I didnt like that large amounts of hairspray that my can was spraying into the model. I also wanted to only paint one steel ingot at a time. I sprayed the hairspray into a cup then poured it into my airbrush eliminating problems such as uneven coats of hairspray and lack of control with distribution.





I again mixed a light blue from Tamiya paints but this time thinned the tone with tap water. This layer represents mill scale. After a random coat was applied I removed the desired amounts using an old stiff brush and tap water.



After sealing the peace with three to four matt coats I blended different coloured enamels mixed with pigments onto the rusty areas for variation in the rust tones.







After the enamel rust graphite was added onto the mill scale to give it more of a metallic appearance contrasting nicely with the areas of matt rust.



I wanted to get a mild-steel appearance that is not too old but had yet been in storage outside for a bit. Although this technique might be limited for armour it has a lot of potential for diorama painting. Again, your thoughts are welcome.

Sorry about the long posting. Thank you in advance
ANPW

Great SBS....and Hetzer too.I'm not a huge fan of WWII stuff but I'm always impressed by the model and the general look.
Details are stunning like the color variation,rust effects,oils stains,discolored areas...what else I can say?!You are a Master my friend.
I can only hope that in a far future I can do thing like this...maybe it's a dream...maybe not.
Thanks again to share this with us.
Ciao Adam
Ciro

Very impressive rusting-style exercise

Unbelievable work Adam.

The right front wheel is the exact look I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to get for a while now. How did you do it....or do I have to wait for the article?

Anthony.

Thnx for taking the time to post Adam, your stuff is always inspirational but this is something else .....!!!!

 

cheers

Brent

GentlemansWargamesParlour
http://gwargamesp.18.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=21

Hello Adam,


that's once again very very very Wilder . Fantastic rustjob and nice thing to explain this part with the
hairspray. And it's good to hear that there still some thing which you need to learn too

What's about cleaning your airbrush from hairspray ?? It was a easy thing, with any thinner ?????

You want to hear some toughts of us !? I think there is nothing, without WOW, cool, fantastic....
I'm stunned....

best regards

Erik

Hi Adam
Very nice - love the tutorial too.
David

Great result. Appreciate the how-to guide.

David's Model Pages

Adam that is simply amazing.. Thank you so much for sharing the sequence of how you went about it. I'm usually not one to gush but honesty you're work along with Mike R's is some of the most inspiring out there, hands down!

You said there was an article coming? Which mag?

Kenneth

more than ... inspiring....

Adam, this is truly great and I will for sure take inspiration for a couple of subject laying on my "to be painted" shelf...

Hope to see you in HdG and have some more talks on it...

My personal taste just does not like that much the heavy mudding on tracks but that s personal taste..

Ciao!

Fabio

Adam, what a great piece of armor you have created. I think that it is stunning and I myself believe that all of your work is phenominal. Your rust technique is on the mark. Keep on turning out these great works, I personally enjoy looking at them and also trying to duplicate techniques that you use.

Mike

Really outstanding, Adam - you're a master.

That's inspirational.

Or should I say, TOTALLY believable? Adam, once again you have raised the realism bar with this piece, it's just impossible to believe that the model is just plain old styrene underneath. Completely awesome, I could stare at this model for hours just to take in the textures, patterns, changes of the colour and microscopic attention to detail that make it so perfect. You have a supernatural talent for creating realism in miniature, it's a skill I wish I possessed. Brilliant!
Cheers,
Marcus
TMMI

Hello

I am currntly on lunck break. I will try to answer as much as I can now and return this eveing. Sorry.

Ciro I have just been doing this for a long time now. this is nothing that most people cannot do after devoting a lot of hours. Hope to see more of that T-55 soon.

Thank you Yvan, Cheers!!!!!

Anthony, are you asking about the wheel with the green under the sand? I painted the wheel sand to start. After I added large green chips around the circumference using a sponge. Next I used a fine pointy 5/0 brush to touch up the chipping. After I applied a few coats of satin varnish and started adding washes. After the washes had set for a few days I added the earth tones. Does this help you?

Hello Brent, thank you!!!!!!

Erik, the hairspray can be cleaned from the airbrush with tap water or alcohol. You do not need to thin the hairspray. Try it its a lot of fun. Thanks

Good to talk to you again Dave and Dave. Thanks once again.

Kenneth man good to see you still around. Mike R contributed to this one. he is a fun guy good to pick on also. I spoke to AFVM about this awhile back. Thanks for asking. Talk to ya.

Fabio, you have had a busy year also. Sorry, long week, what is H&G? I have found that a lot of people feel like you in regards to the thick mud on the tracks. I just go by what I see in photos. How about I keep my tracks cleaner on the next one? I will at least try to keep the mud less thick. You can let me know your thoughts. Cheers

Hello Mike, thank you very much!!!! Very humbling post. Please send me some photos of your resent stuff when you get a moment. I would really be happy to see it. Thanks!!!!!

Hello Jerrold and thank you!!!!! Have a great week.

Marcus, how are you? You are one of my biggest influences today yourself. I have always enjoyed your armour and sci-fi projects as well in TMMI. I got your letter and was very surprised. I will respond to you tonight. We need to talk. See ys then.

I need to get back to the office. I will respond to the rest of you tonight. Sorry about he wait.

ANPW

Adam,
Very cool effect. I like the oxidized finish on the Hetzer and how the rust dust is muted on the top and sides from the crew climbing in and out. My only comments would be to add a bit more yellowish rust for the oxidized dusty color and though I like the idea of the bolted on components being yellow, I'm not sure if the smaller items like the side tie-down loops and grab handles would be pre-painted before getting welded on. I think they would more likely be just in primer red and welded on and then show some discoloration around the welds. Just something to think about, still a great piece.

Jim Guld

I always like to see something different.

....is here in your work. The Panther F was absolutely incredible but this takes it a step further.

My interest in modelling has waned so much of late but yesterday I picked up at 1970 Barrucuda to "Road Warrior" out and was wondering how to do a faded, rusted paintjob. Then to be greeted by this? The Modelling Gods are smiling upon me today.

Thank you so much for sharing!

Stuke

... I watching this masterpiece over MIG forum but lost the final piece, so here it is unvealed.

But Adam you are making me getting back to an armchair hobby, yep I am starting collecting stamps again ; )

PROSIT Adam but this tank cries for an insurgent.

Ivan

Hi Adam,

That´s really great, great stuff. Unbelievable realistic. I love the exhaust in particular, which looks just like raw steel! Incredible. And I love the rust, the scratches, the painted areas...everything. My hat is off!

Best regards,

Robert

Hi Adam!

This is outstanding! I haven't caught up with colur modulation yet, now the boundaries have been stretched even further!
Your work continues to amaze and inspire me.

Best regards,

Nick

Another fantastic model for your collection. You always make it look so simple.
Deffinitely the eye catcher- this one.

Siara

http://u-552.blogspot.com/

Oh well Adam....

what else can be said, apart from saying that I wish that I would have painted that Hetzer ?

This is your most spectacular and most realistic finish.

Just great man....just great !!

Looking forward seeing this in the flesh at Torrent. This time you do not need to peal off the yellow stickers from other models

Congratulations pal !
Sven

Hi Adam
I find the information regarding the hairspray method very usefull and could be used for winter camouflage or vehicles with old and new camouflage applied over eachother I guess?!
So thanks again as I guess i might do a winter tank soon and I did not know that the hairspray goes down in the airbrush.
Regards
Ebbe

Bravo Adam, Bravo!

Hi Adam,

Most spectacular painting skills you show us here. Congratulations,
Hope he (and you) will be in Torrent!
See you then,

Staf Snyers

I tip my hat to you, a very brave and superbly executed project. Like nothing I've ever seen before, and it looks like those late hours paid off. Take care, get some deserved rest and we'll talk soon.

Very, very impressive...

Best,

Mike

ps - I still get calls from that Vegas, um... referral.

...I remember first learning about armor-modeling when verlinden was still something of a high-priest of modeling. If I have to compare a piece like this with the first time I saw an armor model,the difference would be something like humans teleporting to another solar system. This model breathes reality, whether it is the rusted effects, oil stains or the bare metal on various parts...it hits the spot (you mus'be quite the junkyard-dawg ter know how ter git 'dems steel-looky-thangs raight ). The roadwheels really do take the cake though: there is excellent hemogeny there, while each wheel is a masterpiece of it's own. You get kudo's for the offbeat subject too.

'pologies for the grovely post,but I just fely it needed saying. What will be next out of pandora's box?

Cheers

Great dang good and a good reference.
Beautiful rust effect.
Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

That is just...canät find the right words here! Very very very inspiring, thank you Adam! Only question now is: When does Loreal or other start selling hair spry in jars?

BR,
Niko

What everyone else said...

Brilliant as usual Adam.

Adam

_________________________
http://www.idf-in-scale.com

Hi Adam,

Great Work...!
like to see your model,you can try and used difference way to finished the model.
congratulation!




William Sum

Adam,

I am trying to think of a funny response to your Hetzer posting, but I just can't think of any at the moment, that hasn't been posted by any of the other members.
The Hetzer looks excellent...about two years ago the G13 of the Overloon museum here in Holland, basically looked the same as yours, but since then it has been painted and missing parts have been either sourced or built from scratch. I guess that what I am trying to say is that your looks very similar to the 1:1 subject!
I like the right hand side armor and rear plate the most....terrific how you have replicated the way the plates have been stach onto eachother, before being turned into a armoured vehicle. The wheels are also a joy to look at!

Alex van de Wetering, The Netherlands

Hi Adam!


This Hetzer is great! You did a very fine job on the bare metal painting!
Can not belive that this is plastic !!!

The various metal plates are looking magnificent together!

One of my new favourites from you!


Cheers,
Aron

Hello and sorry about the wait.

Hello James, great thoughts. Let me explain a bit. In my reference photos I noticed that the faint yellowish dust only appeared on lighter gage mild steel in dusty looking limited amounts. A did add this yellowish rust to the thinner top and rear plates of the supper structure and a few of the side skirts. A lot of it is now difficult to see after the weathering. If you look in the first photo at the very top of the posting you will see the tie-down loops where painted. You can see it at the top of the hull on the right side next to the painted cover over the periscopes. I think that they where painted after they were welded and I do not know why. Thanks again for the thoughtful posting. theyt make me think. Hope to talk to you again soon.

Thanks again Mr Keen. Hope all is good.

Hello again Stuke. The Road Warrior is one of my favourites. Great chase scenes!!!! Thanks for the nice words. Cheers

Armchair hobby Ivan!!!!! We cant be doing that now. Well, its good to still see you hanging around. Have a great week.

Robert my friend, thanks for stopping in. You are one of the only ones whom has mentioned the exhaust. It is also my favourite detail on the piece. It just adds one more type of texture. Looking forward to your next. Another 1/16? I hope not for your sake man. See ya

Hello Nick, I will be resorting back to the colour modulation on the next few projects. Thanks man.

Thanks Siara, cheers!!!!!

Dear Sven, how are you? Very funny comment about those yellow stickers. I need to tell that one to MIG. All of the bases on the display cabinets have some of those on them. So who are you coming to Torrent with this year? Going to be a great time ey. See you in two weeks and dont forget those beers.

Edde, here is a link to the discussion that finally got me underway with this technique.http://www.migproductionsforums.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3293&sid=c6a3311dd070381052daddbd4816dfe1 These guys are the masters of this. There is a lot that you can do with it. Chipping the camo over a base-coat is a very good idea. Thanks again.

Thanks again for the support Bob. It is good to see you around.

Staf.. all right man!!!!!! Youre going to Torrent!!!!!!!! No way!!!!!! Ey, saw your bouncy comment on FaceBook. So my age-old nick-name has found me in Europe. Only you pal. See you in a few weeks.

Hello Mike, we did it ey Not bad for being a few days late. It always seems to take longer then we anticipate as you know. Well, thanks again for everything. Now on to that Ferdinand. Talk to you in a bit.

Benjamin de Groot, awesome groovy post man. I was a welder on large structures for a number of years. I also studied the therapy of welding for almost four years. Subjects like this are a love of mine. Nice to meet you and thanks for taking a moment. Hope to speak to you again.

Thanks Jeff, I cant wait to see either. I stop to do my own personal subjects like this once or twice a year. Now it is back to the book and a few others I have promised people. Thanks again.

Ey Niko, great thinking!!!!! I will send an email to Loreal this evening. I will keep you informed. Thanks

Thanks again Adam. It is always good to see you around. Have a great week.

Thanks William, it is always good to see you around here as well. Anything new coming? Cheers

Hello again Alex, thank you for the nice comments. I also like the rear plate. It is funny because that was one that put the least amount of thought into. It is in the rear and I thought no one would care. Funny how these things happen. Talk to you soon.

Hello Aron, I got your email in the office. I will reply to it in the morning. Looking forward to more on your Panther. Thank you.

I really appreciate all of this guys. ML continues to be a great place to hang out.

Sincerely
ANPW

WHat more to say?

As good as it gets- nah that does not do it justice- way bette rthan anything I have seen....ever!

Absolutely amazing. groundbreaking ideas that one cannot view without taking something away from it.

Makes me want to build a model- I can tell you that!

great, great stuff Adam. I cant wait for the article(s) to come as I know I have a lot of ideas for this stuff!


Fine work-

and thanks for posting such a great, in depth showing of the techniques so far-

JD

Hello James

It is nice to see you around. Thank you for all of your postings here on ML as well. Thank you also for the very nice posting.

Have a great day and talk to you soon.

ANPW

Adam,
Glen Martin from Virginia here. I've have several questions about how you did this. I'll list them below if you don't mind:

1) What name brand hairspray did you use for this?
2) I'm assuming that you sealed the base coat of paint up with a sealer before you applied the hairspray? If so, what sealing agent did you use?
3) After you "rubbed" off the blue color, did you seal what you did?

I ask these questions because I am interested in how forgiving the hairspray is to handling, sealing and the application of solvents, in particular to water.

If you can give us some of that data, I'm sure there would be a lot of thankful guys in this thread.

This is an awesome job. The weathering representation is beyond believeable. You should rightly receive every accolade you have coming to you on this one. You definately pushed the envelope on this project.

Thanks!
Glen Martin

Hi Adam,
your models are always very good stuff for discussion - many innovative and new methods used on your models are very inspirative. To build something with czech or slovak slogans is for native englishman a great hazzard - you have some grammar mistakes in slogans - ...NEMĚCKÝM... (wrong) - ...NĚMECKÝM... (correct) and ...ZA NAE PADLE (wrong) - ...ZA NAE PADLÉ (correct). That´s all - your model is as usual very, very nice!!!
Regards
Marek

as I see, some puntuation characters is not possible write here - ****.
Cheers
Marek

awesome work Adam!