Peter van Bezu reviews Glenn Bartolotti's Step-By-Step Finishing German Armor" v. 33.



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Thanks!

I just bought this download, since I am working on the same kit for the current 1/48 scale campaign which ends in September, and I can use all the help that's out there. I found it helpful, but too brief, and for the subject matter chosen it has two significant oversights. The first is the author's decision to model the halftrack with a tarp cover.The finishing and weathering of the interior is not featured, so why choose a halftrack? I think that rendering the open troop compartment in a realistic and convincing way seems like a big part of the challenge and appeal of tackling this subject, and it's omission is significant. The second issue is the treatment of the wheels. The photos show the wheels on the fully assembled, unpainted kit going through primer, base coat, and weathering, without addressing the issue of overspray on the rubber surfaces. Judging from reference photos, it's clear that many paint schemes were applied as "field expedient," and that neatness was not always the priority of the day, but there are also reference photos showing rather careful application of base paint and subsequent camouflage paint over the wheels.

Steven, thanks for the "down in the trenches" look at the booklet.

You're very welcome Bill.I think Mr. Bartolotti does amazing work, and the methods featured in this mini-tutorial are sound, practical, and produce great results. My issue with it is that the information provided in it is less than is typically found in a capable modeler's build log,like the kind found right here on Armorama. I expected a bit more for $1.95, when so much great information is available free on sites such as this.

Having reviewed or edited about a 1/2 dozen of these SBS booklets, the techniques are usually generalized and covering something most modelers would like to know more about, in this case, putting a tarp on a half-track.

Detailing an interior probably would make a good SBS for the future, since it's very challenging. Several resin companies make "stowage" sets, though I have heard complaints that the Black Dog early sets, for example, cover up hatches or other parts that wouldn't be covered in the field.

Regarding camo, it's a topic that could fill volumes, whether factory-applied, field-applied, and how neat or sloppy it was. Hopefully Glenn is lurking and will take your points as guidance for a future edition.

These are great comments!
I know that I can improve these SBS and with your comments I will.
I do have a future SBS on painting interiors.
Thanks To all!
Glenn Bartolotti

Glad to see you lurking, Glenn. Your SBS series has been well-received and I find a lot of modelers like them.