Whew! ... that just made my day! Thank you!

—mike

I agree. I am not a fan of overly chipped models. I admire the technique but not the realism?
The work you just did on that flag is very nice. Way better. Nice tie downs. Plus you know I love that bucket!
J

Hi Mike, first, your builds look great! Second, I'll echo the words of others, that your restraint with weathering looks like field use, and not a demonstration in vehicle decrepitude! That is, they look real!!! I've been swamped with work for the last few weeks, so, I haven't had much time on my builds, or checking out everybody else's! Keep up the great work and posting!!

Cheers
Nick

Hi Mike,

I can only join the other gentlemen in their praise for your weathering talents.

Everything else over reg email as usual!

Cheers m8!!

Romain

Continues to look great Mike! I like the details, like the flapping in the wind straps. Your restraint in the weathering of the vehicles is well worth it.

Great job. I've always like the desert theme...

Dave

Thanks for the kind words Gents!

Restraint from vehicle over-abuse has indeed been a challenge for me. Here's my process:

No Chipping Solution. I've had only limited success with it, so for the most part I'm done with that method as it adds an additional (thick) layer which can clog precious details.

1. Scrape, pick, pull, shave, sand with whatever tools I have in reach directly on the base coat leaving some of the flakes in place as I go. I often go right down to the plastic using its color to my advantage. Here's the real trick I've learned: Walk away! This way I don't get too crazy with the process.

2. Paintbrush worn areas and their edges with Vallejo Dark Rust (70.302) — doesn't really look like rust but it seems to cause some sort of chemical reaction between the base coat, primer and/or plastic. ... Walk away!

3. Return. If it seems that I've caused excessive wear, I'll paintbrush over suspect areas with the base coat mix. ... Walk away!

4. In this case, I applied Vallejo Brown Wash (76.513) via AB and some paintbrush detailing to tone down the base coat. At this stage, things can go bad very quickly! ... Here is where I really need to walk away!

5. The final step is AB application of Vallejo Matt Varnish (70.520) thinned with Airbrush Thinner (71.161). This dulls down the finish and seems to leave a nice dust effect.

In short ... This is all probably known as "Old School!"

6. Lastly: Post images, dress in camo and lay in wait for commentary — in this case favorable!!! ... Walk away and go have a beer!

—mike

Another update.

I did some more painting on the figures. Also, I added headphone/voice mic wires to the Tank Commander and added binoculars w/flapping strap to his right hand.









Another perspective shot.


Some more figure touchup and more Sd.Kfz.10 stowage is needed. And I'll try to get a steeper angle on the Pak 38 barrel as seen in the original photo. Hopefully, I'll be starting the base soon.

—mike

Hi Mike - one word: cool!!!

Keep building and posting! Looking forward to seeing what you do for the base

Cheers
Nick