This is my first attempt at modelling so please go easy on me fellas
ive got to this stage but im unsure of what to do next..i dont want to go over the top and have it looking like a carnival float!

Andy,

First off, Welcome Good looking KV-1.
Next would be weathering. Adding some dirt, grass, grease marks, oil, fuel spills, bullet marks, chipping for the crew and Inf. climbing all over the place,the list is endless. Tanks are like kids, everything gets dirty.

That's the next level. The fun stuff.

Brian
thanks for the comments mate it was a well needed confidence boost!..im at the point where i need to take the plunge and start to add all the mentioned features..but i have a nagging voice in the back of my mind which keeps saying you'll mess it up!!..but i suppose if i dont try i'll never learn by my mistakes..i have well and truly got the model building bug but like every married man i have a wife who thinks my well earned cash could be better spent on DIY home improvements and her...

Welcome to Adult Hood,
I've got the same challenges and I'm sure weren't alone in the area these days. Mine would like a new sliding door, only because I had a hand in that one and I promised.

Anyways, If it looks overdone to you it may not look like it to others.

Great work!! Just as Brian says weathering and others is the next step. Nothing says that you have to go hog wild, but take it a section at a time. This probably won't be the only model you will ever do Right!!??? You just have to allow yourself the time to play around. As you go along you will feel more confident in the different techniques and such. It is only normal to feel wary of doing to much... but seems to me you have a good sense of that already!!

The one great thing with models is - if you don't like it re-do it...

Have fun!!!

Looks good Andy. I can only say what the others have posted. I'm always trying something new on my models. Every model is a practice model because your always doing something different each time. Nice to hear you've gotten bitten by the bug and welcome aboard. Please don't mention DIY,my house is 165 yrs old, thank god it's winter.LOL
I look forward to seeing more from you.

Rob

You've made a great start Andy keep it up and like the other guys have already said take your modelling one step at time "baby steps" you've got the building part down and you've managed to replicate the basic paint scheme the other techniques will come in time it's like every other task "practice makes perfect" just don't be afraid to try out new techniques if you're unsure have a browse at the different forums on here there's no shortage of useful info

Andy firstly welcome to the site, When starting to weather and aging your models start small and very light, when you apply you first lot make it very light and build up slowly. Don't forget tp put a protective coat between your base coat, decals, and weathering .

Guys..
im really encouraged by your kind comments..so much so that ive just ordered my next project off ebay..a 171 panther..cant wait till it arrives..this site is a wealth of information and there are a lot of really talented people on here.. at the moment im kinda like a giant sponge soaking up all the tecniques and info..only problem for me is that we dont have any good model/hobby shops close to where i live so i have to drive a number of miles and even then the stock of models they have is limited so i have to rely on ebay and the net at the moment...at least im safe in the knowledge that if i get stuck with something i wont habe any problems getting the answers
lyndon..what part of midlandshire are you from mate?

Hi Andy i'm actually from Staffordshire i put i was from the West Midlands on my profile because it was the closest of the options available if i'd have thought about it i should have just selected England without selecting a region my apologies for the confusion

Welcome to the site Andy,
Your first effort looks great so far.
I wish my first effort was half as good.
But back in those days we chipped them from rocks.
Everything in this hobby comes from practice, and trying new techniques,
and discovering what works for you, and what doesn't.
The main thing is to always enjoy your hobby, and use it as a relaxing part of life,
not make it a dreadful chore.

Guys..
spurred on by your encouragement i took the leap and started to add some weathering to the old girl ,ive used oil paints,pigments, and a black and burnt umber wash(not at the same time) the mud believe it or not is dust from the vaccum cleaner filter(very fine)mixed with white glue and a little water ...i have to keep looking at it because i cant believe its the same tank that i put together last week...i know its not up to the standard of the tanks on the site but i feel that im a few steps closer than i was !!!..





Good new today as well..i managed to procure a compressor and an airbrush..im well chuffed.No they are not stolen!
again many thanks to every one who has commented
Andy

Hey ! my airbrush and compressors taken!, the chap who nicked it was carrying a nicely weathered KV1 with Him.

Heh Nicely weathered Andy.great build too! keep it up!

Jimmy
cheers dude..one thing that is really doing my head in though is the damn decals..ive put them on but you can kind of see the film shining in a certain light which really lets it down...
Andy

ah thats silverng, to getrid of that on a kit, you paint, clear coat, then decals ten another clear coat:D

Ok..mmm..Ok..i would be missing a couple of clearcoats by the looks of it..DOH!!!!!
what do i use to clearcoat??..stupid question i know!!

i have nev really done it myself, so im not te best guy to describe it. although i tink peope use future acrylicfloor wax

Welcome aboard Andy! Its looking very, very nice!
Excellent work for a first effort!

Mark..
thanks for the welcome mate..i have noticed by your profile that you prefer ww2 armour ect..ive just posted on one of the other topics about what makes us choose a particular model of tank or ordinance to build...i also prefer ww2 armour, german and english tanks...and also russian as youv'e probably gathered by the photo's..i find the more recent tanks less appealing they don't have the same character as a matilda/churchill or a tiger/t34....