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Building DML’s SiG 33B

Painting and Finishing

All of the paints used are Model Master enamels and the process begins with a primer coat of Flat Black to insure even coverage of the light gray styrene and as a way to check for any missed mold or putty seams from the construction phase. This was followed with multiple thin coats of Rust to build up a simulated red oxide finish before applying additional multiple thin coats of Dunkelgelb to create variation and a pre-shade effect in desired places. The road wheels were given similar treatment using a circle template to protect the black rims for the rubber tires and set off to the side.

The base coats were allowed to cure up overnight before the camouflage pattern was applied. Since this is a non-Stalingrad vehicle, I opted for a three tone blotchy pattern using a mix of Russian Armor Green with Panzer Schwarzgrau to produce my green color and a mix of Military Brown and Leather for the brown. These were sprayed free hand to produce the desired pattern, with the green applied first followed by the brown, always keeping the mental picture of a crewman with a spray-gun applying this and how the limitations of access to various places would dictate the pattern. Once done, I mixed up some lightened Dunkelgelb by adding Light Gray and applied it first around the color blotches to introduce some fading/shading and then from about 12” distance a very light misting applied all over the whole model.

Once all of the airbrush work was completed, the wheels were mounted and details painted such as the exhausts, hull MG, convoy and brake lights, and the spare wheel mounted on the left side along with the pioneer axe. The tracks were also painted at this time using Non-buffing Metalizer Gunmetal followed by dry brushed Steel and a wash of Raw Umber. The underside of the hull received some dry brushed Burnt Umber and the tracks were installed with the sprockets and idlers fixed into place for the desired amount of track sag.

The entire model was then sealed with a coat of Future in preparation for the markings and final weathering. The kit decals were used only for the G 4 numbers with the balkenkreuze replaced with spares from a previous build. A second coat of Future was applied and allowed to cure and was then followed by spot filters of lightened Dunkelgelb, Raw Umber, and Gunmetal blended together with a thinner dampened brush to produce fading, streaking, and color variation. This was followed up by a pin wash of Burnt Umber for the panel lines and raised areas capped off by dry brushed lightened Dunkelgelb on the high points and various areas as needed. The finish was sealed with a spray can coat of Dullcoat and allowed to sit overnight.

Final weathering took the form of a mix of Mig pigments Dry Mud and Europe Dust mixed in two different water-based ratios/shades, with the darker shade applied to the undersides of the hull and suspension and the lighter shade to the wheels and tracks. Once air dried, moistened Q-tips were used to remove the excess and blend it together. As a last touch, the track high points were dry brushed with Steel to simulate wear and use and the finish was complete.