Just a small update here.
Future-decals-more future(on the turret) followed by an initial "detail" oil wash in the crooks n crannies to define some of the detail and start to dirty it up a bit.

Next step will be a dull coat on everything before I start on the filters and fading and scuffs and scrapes and.... well, you know


Only had time to snap a few pics, but only one came out well enough to see lol.

So here it is.


Comments and criticism welcome.
Thanks for looking,

Clint

Good work CLint, don't forget to paint the periscopes on the cupola.

Mirko

Thanks Mirko!
Don't worry, they are painted and ready to go. They're just masked off. I'm waiting till the very end to peel it off.

Glad to hear. The Panther is one of my all-time favorites, although I'm no expert on details either.

I love the way the tracks came out, what did you use to "condition" them?

I like how you are keeping the weathering and such to a minimum, it suits the vehicle well. Looks like you'll be done with just a little more work?

Very nice build and camo job Clint. I also like the base colour on the tracks as well. Good luck with the weathering.

Hey Jeremy, thanks for the comments.

The tracks were done with blacken it. I dipped them in it, rinsed them off with water, then they got a scrub in vinegar followed by another brief soak in blacken it. I don't like doing it all in one go as it seems to keep things a little to uniform. So I do it twice.

The weather isn't nearly where I want it just yet. Mainly because I need to get rid of the awful brightness/contrast of the colors with the help of some filters. After that, I'm just gonna do a little at a time till I see something that I think looks "right".


Hey Frank, thanks for stopping by!
Your comments are very much appreciated.



Clint

Hi all! A little more progress so far. A small amount of chips here and there a couple of fairly thin filters before I proceed with the rest of the weathering.


A couple of shots right after the chips. I did these before any real "weathering" as I wanted the appearance of older bumps and bruises. Chips were done with a 00 brush and Vallejo rust + black





And here's a few after the filters. Both filters were Windsor and Newton Naples Yellow + Titanium White.




More to come in the near future. I think I'm right in the middle of my favorite part!

Comments always appreciated,

Clint

Hi all, time for the next update.
I think I can see the end of this one nearing. It's almost time for some dusty pigment fun! Still a few minor details to add/touch up/fix... etc.

I haven't decided if I want to do a base for this one or not. they never were my strongest point(and neither are figures).

I admit the rust does look quite strong in the pics but I assure you it isn't nearly that strong. Some will be somewhat covered up by dust and dirt (i.e. front fender)
The spare side skirt still needs some attention before I decid if I want to keep it on there. Any thoughts on that? Actually, looking at the pics, I just noticed it's only in one. Not a very good shot of it either. I'll get some shots of it after it's had some more work. Then maybe I can get some imformed opinions on it.

Anyways, not finished but getting close. Heres several shots of it I just took. Enjoy!

This is starting to look really nice!

Thanks David! Glad you like it!
I should have some (mostly) final photos in a few days. I'm not sure I'm completely happy with it, but hey, it's a learning game right?


Clint

This is a tad late though I suspect that the info would be appreciated. I usually cut future 50% with alcohol, this reduces the surface tension which will allow it to flow better and stop the small island/puddle effect of the future. I usually build a/c with armour tossed in for a break. Working on a few panthers, panther f conversion and a collien conversion. Using an old tamyia kit and a nichimo kit for the chassis.

Thanks Trevor, always better late than not at all! I might give that a try on my next build. Either that, or just by a new bottle of future. Not sure if the stuff can "go bad" or not. I've had the same bottle for several years and it's still half full!


Clint

Awesome work Clint! The paint finish and weathering are just superb. I had been watching this thread for a while and since I saw another DML panther (6106) quite cheap, I was inspired by your build to pick that up.

Keep up the good work!

Thanks! It's greatly appreciated! In my opinion (however biased it may be)
I think the same thing. I'm relatively happy with the paint and weathering. I think I've just put a little more dirt and mud on the running gear than I originally wanted. Pics to come some and I'll let everyone judge for themselves.


Clint

Ok, I'm calling this one done. Overall I'm fairly happy with it considering the number of "first time I've tried that" 's. Some things I can do differently next time to make things easier, some things I that need to be improved upon. Lesson learned. So enough with the typing. Here's the last set of pics on this kitty. tell me what you think!















Thanks for all of your feedback folks! Until next time,

Clint

Hi Clint.

i think your big cat looks great! i have this kit myself and will refer to your build for inspiration as well as references. i love that it is not an over done chip & mud fest. great job Chris!

Gary

Thanks Gary!
It was a lot of fun and I learned alot of new things on this one. Now I just have to apply those things on the next build and make them even better!


Clint

Well done Clint, this build just kept getting better each time I dropped by. Looking forward to your next project!
Cheers

Jeremy

Hi Clint,

That's a great model you have created and isn't this a wonderful kit to build - I enjoyed every minute of it when I built mine a couple of years ago.

In particular, I think the way you have tackled the running gear is spot-on.

Well done and thanks for an informative and first-rate article.

Gary

Jeremy, thanks for your comments and support. I had a lot of fun with this one. The next project will be cmoing very soon! Might even get a start on it today!

Gary, thanks for the kind words! It was a great and fun kit to build. I appreciate your comment on the running even though I think it was the worst part of the finish!


Thanks,
Clint

clint your panther looks great realy nice weathering and chipping thanks for sharing

Thanks chicane.
I didn't want this one to be too terribly beat up, although I think I still went a little too far with the eathering. Overall I'm quite happy with it being my first completed build in a few years.


Clint