(Login wally7506) Registered Users from IP address 65.27.220.119
Now that I have bought two dozen 1/48 armor kits, WHERE DO I START!!!
I am an experienced AIRCRAFT modeler. I detail cockpits first (engines, too -- if radial) and THEN build the rest of plane around that. My finishing steps include preshading, airbrushed camo (sometimes freehand), post-shading, washes, future, pastel chalk weatheering, etc. Decals have never been a problem for me.
But when it comes to armor I don't know when to stay with the instructions and when to deviate.
What I'm seeing on T48 is completed models without paint. HOW DO YOU PAINT THE TRACKS AND ROAD WHEELS?
I'm comfortable with PE and resin aftermarket. What I need help with is the basics of armor modeling ...
... and glazes. I've never done a glaze.
Maybe a tutorial here on T48 would help members like me AND passers by.
Hello Jon;
Welcome to our world. I am an occasional airplane builder myself. As far as armor goes, I believe it is actually "Easier" in the sense that if you screw something up you can cover it up with weathering, etc. Not so easy on an airplane; I believe you probably know this from experience. In general; You can pretty much build everthing; i.e. assemble the whole kit, and then paint it. Sounds to good to be true? Well, it has it's drawbacks but it's still the best/easiest method to do prior to painting. I find that, if there is an interior; such as with the M8 armored car, the M10 tank destroyer, etc, that this will complicate things a bit and you will have to take into consideration what you want visible in the interior, and of course what you want to paint of it, in conjunction with the overall construction/painting phase, etc. If you can get your hands on a "Military In Scale" mag, this June 08 issue covers our very own Pat Johnson's approach to finishing the Tamiya M10 TD..and it's in two parts. Next month will cover the interior/exterior painting. Both issues together will be real informative for anyone wanting to tackle the techniques involved in doing any armor model and in particular one with an interior. I highly recommend you get your hands on as many back issues of MIS as you can as alot of the quarter scale armor articles are done by some very talented gent's from this very site. Post your questions and be as specific as you need to be and I'm sure you will get all of the replies and info you need to get you started. Good Luck to you. Chris Schwach
Sorry Mate, I just now saw your email. Yipes!!! Anyway, I'll write you back later this evening.
About this build/paint thing, I really just kind of play it by ear, and although I loathe the idea of plugging myself, any one of my MiS articles describe my personal painting technique in far more detail than I could put here. And there are pictures of each step too, which is a far better guide for me than written description. But it's not as difficult as you might think, I have dabbled in the winged arena, and I find tanks/AFV's to be far more simple. The pictures you sent me of your kits say that you will have no problem whatsoever with picking up armour painting. I love the Y-wing fighter BTW!
Tank models are way more forgiving to blunders than aircraft. And your choice of the Crusader is a good one, too. It's a gem of a model, even built with no added detail.
I'll write you back later, if you've still got questions, I hope I can help you out a bit.
Cheers, Pat
P.S. I hope that M10 article looks OK, I still haven't seen it yet. P.
Hi Pat, picked up my copy today, and I must say it doesn't look bad for someone who uses his ears to paint with!! I'd have never have though of that....
Anyway, back the matter in hand! Tanks models are a bit more forgiving than aircraft, but I wouldn't want you to get the impression that anything goes. Realistic models come from accurate observation and skillful application, and if you just slap mud and paint chips all over, it will look wrong. Look at your model, half-close your eyes, and 'believe' that it is real, and if it works, you got it right. If somehow it still looks like a model, then something is giving it away! The trick is to spot these tell-tales and sort them out. Styles of modelling finishing come and go. I remember when Verlindens drybrushing and hyper-shading was all the rage, but I never liked it. It was a technique which resulted in an interesting model, but it wasn't realistic! Compare with the work of some of the modern masters, it looks, well, an identifiable 1980's 'style'.
But avoid styles anyway. Look at your subject, try to understand the mechanism for the wear, tear, dirt and dust and so on. Moving suspension will knock mud off, nosing into a stream will wet the front of the tank but not behind the turret, foot prints will only be where a trooper could stand, oil and fuel stains don't go up-hill, that sort of thing. It is the tiny things that can give it away; photo etched leaves can look excellent, but if they are left dead flat, they look completely unreal, for example!
Good luck, and let us see what you come up with. If you have some modelling experience anyway, I'm sure it will work for you!
If you do, as you say: "preshading, airbrushed camo (sometimes freehand), post-shading, washes, future, pastel chalk weatheering, etc. Decals have never been a problem for me." then 1/48 armor will be a doddle. I think going the other way from armor to aircraft is more difficult. You don't have any mud you can use to hide things on an aircraft. Also, on armour there are so many other things, like tools, stowage, crew members, etc., which will help with the overall picture. Aircraft are usually very clean with lots of open spaces where you'd pick up any errors or mistakes.
Welcome to the joyfull world of 1/48 armour modelling as well. I'm sure you'll like it.
Yes, but that may work in his favour, Nik! If he is used to modelling aircraft, then he must have the skills needed to deal with seams, lost panel lines, afixing clear plastic canopies, and the resultant masking involved with painting said canopies, etc. All useful to him in building AFV's. I can't speak from first-hand experience in seeing any of his aircraft, but the modeling club I belong to has quite a few of these chaps, and it staggers the mind to see lengthy fuselages with no evident seams and glue blotches. IMHO, if he brings only half the skill he had with aircraft to the AFV ring, he will find it very rewarding!
Hello all,
Do any of you know where I might be able to order the "Military In Scale" magazines online? I don't want a subscription just the issue on Pat's M-10. I am unable to locate the magazine locally and would love a copy of Pat's article. If anyone has a spare June 08 issue they wat to get rid of please let me know. I am in the the good old USA. Thanks,
Jim Root
At their website it says you can email them for back issues, but I never got any responses after multiple attempts in the past. Try and hit a local hobby store; sometimes in our one and only HobbytownUSA it has a copy. Wish you luck
Hi Jim! I will look up here at my local magazine store for the issue and get back to you. I live in Canada, so mailing shouldn't be that expensive, but I will let you know if I can get a hold of any.
Dave Reed (Login dave37167) Registered Users 68.53.41.180
MiS
June 15 2008, 7:49 PM
I live in Tennessee, and it is in Barnes & Noble, and Fastings....sometines in Borders, too. Check around if you are near a bigger retailer.....HTH, Dave
Thank you for checking on the magazine. I have checked at all my local hobby shops and books stores with no luck. If you do happen to find some for sale I would be more than happy to send you the money for it. Thanks again,
Jim Root
Jim...the bookstore says they won't be in until this Thursday or next. I have 2 reserved (one for you, one for me). If you find it before I get them, post and I'll cancel one. Otherwise, should be able to accommodate you!
