I can agree with the above comments but still say,once again,every single thing I see you post gets better and better in some way,big or small. Cool. You are making me try to improve.
J

Hey Gerry. I hope you don't feel bad from my continuous criticisms. I, and just about every other modeler here, are guilty of the same errors in our early work.

Shall I nit-pik? You've got SS camo pattern on the helmets, but the crew are wearing regular army style collar patches. The rust on the exhaust isn't bad, but whatever you used for texture is a little coarse. The straps for the respirator cases look too long. There are still molding seams visible on the figs. ( If you can find them, Tristar makes an excellent Marder crew set in action). On the plus side, you've done some very fine painting on the shoulder strap details and collar patches - you've got a fine eye and steady hand.

I can agree with the above comments but still say,once again,every single thing I see you post gets better and better in some way,big or small. Cool. You are making me try to improve.
J

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I can agree with the above comments but still say,once again,every single thing I see you post gets better and better in some way,big or small. Cool. You are making me try to improve.
J

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Hi Gerry,

d'accord with the other gentlemen!! You have a steady hand, although I suspect the shoulder straps to be decals!?!?



Your weathering of the Marder looks promising indeed!! You are getting better no doubt!

The major mishaps are very hard to understand though....just why should a vehicle crew have camoed helmets?? And then they don't match the uniforms!!???

And that poor exhaust, got the pox somewhere..! Take 5 mins and look at the real thing. You have that possibility, use it!!

Don't forget that tanks are tearing into the soil, so there is always a rest of dirt/soil lodged in the tracks, even if (you are right!) the top side/edge can be quite shiny!

And while we are at it...take a quick look at your terrain and "measure" the length/colour of the grass blades in both variants...not realistic! More unrevelled hemp in bigger clumps in shorter lengths towards the outside, not (necessarily) in light cream colour. They blend in much easier, and the whole thing suddenly looks convincing, not like a Zen garden!
Static grass is always sold in an unnatural bright green colour mix. Take an old toothbrush and some cheap water colour and sprinkle it on. It's done in no time and it looks great. Try it, you'll like it!!
Improvement in including both small rocks AND tree stumps/parts though!!

Now if you think we want to annoy/discourage you....you should hear me criticize my own former efforts!! Every tiny bit that's not convincing is pointed out! And I always find things, believe me!

Keep posting!!

Cheers

Romain

Like unshaven face. Good work..

Hey Gerry. I hope you don't feel bad from my continuous criticisms. I, and just about every other modeler here, are guilty of the same errors in our early work.

GHarley,
Nice model. You have the construction and (as far as I can tell under the netting) the painting down. Most of the critiques thus far are exceedingly 'fixable' through research and technique - such as the SS camo on the helmets, 'crunchy' rust and the long straps on the gasmask canisters. Overall, a very nice build that is easily tweaked into a truly good build. I agree on the question of the long vs. short grass. Whenever I am planning a scene with natural groundwork, I go to the best research material out there - Mother Nature. Take a walk down a country road or in the woods or a park. Really look at the way the grass grows and how it changes in height, color, density, etc. Second best, look at images online. My one comment on the build, in terms of what stood out to me, are the two different camo nets. The one over the gun looks good and blends in well with the model. The one on the gunshield is quite bright green for my tastes, but that may be the result of the photos.

All in all, a very good 'base' model and starting groundwork. Like many have said, we have all made these kind of research andor 'scale' errors. I would say to make note of these and keep them in mind on your next build!

Stephen (Minas-Ithil)

A 1/35 vignette of a German Marder tank destroyer.

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A 1/35 vignette of a German Marder tank destroyer.

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Despite the criticism, look at it this way; if you're happy with your efforts and you're not entered into a modeling competition, who cares if the helmets aren't correct?

Gerry-- nice job on the tool set. What paints did you use to get the wood effect?
thanks
DJ