discussion Comet-ed

[Andy T]

Managed to sneak some time in the shed so both tanks got some pre-shading.



I then set about number 1 with the Mr Color OD modulation set. A few light coats of the main shade were added all over, then the shadow coat went on under the skirts, around details, panel lines etc. I then went over with the first highlight shade picking things out.

I usually tint my own shades but this set just made the process quicker. I didn't bother with the second highlight as I'm not going for a super faded look since these tanks weren't in service for very long I believe.




I'm also not one for super accuracy but the colour was still more brown than I'd like for these late war tanks so I gave it a few filter coats of XF61 to add a bit more green. It also toned the stark contrast down a bit.



More contrast than I normally go for but then I often lose the effect with later weathering so I'm trying it a bit heavier this time.


Then a gloss coat of GX100. I know there's debate on whether gloss coats are needed before decals but there's a tricky Allied star for the roof that'll probably need my strongest solutions, so a bit of extra protection won't hurt.



Much more work to come obviously but I think it's a good foundation.

 

[Waspie]

Can you tell me more about pre shading Andy. The method and why?
Cheers, Doug

 

[scottie3158]

Andy,
Very nicely done mate.

 

[The Smythe Meister]

Yep,gotta agree with Scottie here...
.... that's look great Andy,I think the last coat of Gloss has tied it all together nicely already.
... AND,the stowage is going to make a great addition.

 

[Andy T]

Cheers Paul, it's a good start I think.

Doug, pretty much what you see. By adding the squiggly white coat then putting fairly transparent coats of colour over, some of that shows through and breaks up what would otherwise be a solid block of colour. Tends to be used more in aircraft but I do it on everything.

To be honest the camera doesn't pick it up that well, and I've also used post shading (adding different shades on top of the main colour) but the idea is to add variation into each layer which will eventually lead to a more interesting surface than a single shade all over.

My execution still isn't great but I'll only get better by practicing.

And thanks Andy. I'm planning to play around with oil paints on top of this once the decals are sealed in, so hopefully this is just the start.

 

[Andy T]

Up the Owls!

In other news, the decals went down well. Even the tricky star with it's 4 parts and a bit of paint as recommended by the instructions came out fairly well. With a coat of satin varnish to seal them in they've all but disappeared. Even though the camera picks up a small outline, you can't see it with the naked eye. Not bad for Tamiya decals.







I've also highlighted every bolt & rivet, and had a go at a bit of chipping. Not my forte but doesn't look too horrendous. Will try and refine it a bit tomorrow as there are a few areas I've missed that would get wear, like the gun travel lock. Didn't bother doing the areas that will be underneath stowage.

 

[yak face]

Lovely work andy , the decals look excellent , maybe Tamiya decals arent as bad as everyone makes out ? Cheers tony

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Tony.

I seem to do more tamiya kits than anything else so have gotten used to taming their thick decals.

 

[Jim R]

Lovely paint job.To my eyes certainly not too contrasty. Excellent taming of the decals.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Jim, much appreciated.

I'm now debating with myself whether to weather or whether to not :smiling5:

It probably makes more sense to get the other tank up to this stage first and do them together. At least I'll have a chance of getting them similar then (although not exactly the same), since they'll have both been through similar environments & situations.

 

[Allen Dewire]

Go for it Andy!!! You have been doing an excellent job so far and that base is great. Like you said, it might be better to do them together, instead of individually. The carrier came out tops Sir!!!...

Prost
Allen

 

[Andy T]

Thanks for the kind words Allen.

Im still enjoying myself so will keep at it :smiling3:

 

[Guest]

Keep it going Andy , it's looking mighty good .

 

[Andy T]

Thanks John, I'm chuffed that you approve.

I'm still very much in the learning phase of this hobby so always trying new things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but as long as it doesn't look too awful it stays :tears-of-joy:

 

[Guest]

I’ve been doing this modelling thing for about forty years and still have that attitude towards it

 

[Guest]

Thanks John, I'm chuffed that you approve.

I'm still very much in the learning phase of this hobby so always trying new things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but as long as it doesn't look too awful it stays :tears-of-joy:

Andy .approve I do, esp your paint work, that is of course brilliant.
Think that's a great attitude with trying new things, it's the only way to find what you really like and enjoy . Top class Andy , love the whole idea.
As Ron 570 would say" it's your model " So although we all would feel crushed if others found fault if you like it fair enough.
At least this forum doesn't have any rivet counters .

 

[Ian M]

all looking mighty fine. I love the Universal.

 

[adt70hk]

Andy,

Coming on very nicely indeed!!

Very well done.

Andrew

 

[scottie3158]

Andy,
Looking very good mate, bring on the weathering.

 

[Andy T]

Thank you all, I really appreciate the great feedback.

There's still a long way to go with this one but it's keeping me entertained.