AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Matthew Toms
1/72 TANK WHEEL PAINTING

Scouteyes

Joined: November 07, 2010
KitMaker: 247 posts
Armorama: 208 posts

Posted: Saturday, June 02, 2012 - 12:32 PM UTC
Are there wheel masks for 1/72 armor? If not, Are there any tips for painting those little rubber tire rims? I'm building the 1/72 Dragon Jagdpanther (early) kit # 7241.

imatanker

Joined: February 11, 2011
KitMaker: 1,654 posts
Armorama: 1,565 posts

Posted: Saturday, June 02, 2012 - 01:45 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Are there wheel masks for 1/72 armor? If not, Are there any tips for painting those little rubber tire rims? I'm building the 1/72 Dragon Jagdpanther (early) kit # 7241.
Steve... I'm just finishing up my second 1/76th Jagdpanther The wheels are tuff to do but I've figured out a system that works for me.Here it is.First I trim some toothpicks to get a tight fit and press the wheels onto them.Then stick em in a foam block that I have
This keeps them handy and gives me a place to put them to dry.
I do the base color with an airbrush and let them dry.When they are dry,I will pick my colors and paint the outer rims.I do this by hand.
Load your paint brush with whatever you are using for paint,Grab a wheel by the toothpick between your thumb and forefinger,resting both hands on your bench,slowly spin the wheel and apply the paint as you are turning the wheel.It may take you a few times to get the hang of it,but I find it works for Me.
I also wear a 3X magnifier to help these old eyes

You should end up with something like this
I used Vallejo 306 dark rubber and 864 natural steel for the edges.Hope this helps.Jeff T.

retiredyank

Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
Armorama: 7,843 posts

Posted: Saturday, June 02, 2012 - 02:35 PM UTC
You can pick up a circle template from your local crafts store. I've been cutting wheel masks for years, now and only just realized my folly. Spray the color for the rims, line up with appropriate circle, spray the color for the hubs. Done.

Scouteyes

Joined: November 07, 2010
KitMaker: 247 posts
Armorama: 208 posts

Posted: Saturday, June 02, 2012 - 11:59 PM UTC
Thanks for the input guys,I think I'm going to try both methods.
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