I am new to this and would like to know how to add mud to a tank. I have been building models for years but I like what I see with the realism added to the kits. I will probably have many more questions to come. (:-) [email protected]

Hi,
Welcome.There is a product I use,by Hudson & Allen,called

MUD.
It is a powder,which can be used as a pastel type weathering agent,or mixed with a small amount of water,which causes it to be as thick as

MUD.
If you have modelling putty,you can use that in spots for the TEXTURE of mud,and paint those spots with your favorite mud color.
I think.

I mix up some white glue, fine sand/dust, static grass, some baking powder/baby powder, and an earthy brown acrylic paint. To put it on thick I use an old paint brush, or thin it down with water and using an old toothbrush, splatter it on by pulling on the bristles.
As its only one colour, I dab different earthy tones on with paint or pastels or both!
If you are depicting fresh mud blow some fresh static grass onto it when it is in place!
If you want it to look dry, use a lighter shade. If you want it to look wet use a darker shade and give a light wash with gloss varnish! Both look good together!

You will probably find 1001 different ways to make mud!

One thing I suggest is to do a search of the forums and you will find lots of great info.

My method is pretty straightforward:

1) I get some very cheap earth color acry paints from Wal-Mart or a craft store. Big bottles will only be a few bucks and last forever. I get some plain old white glue - Elmers. I get some Cellu Clay or its equivelent. I get a bit of fine dirt, sand, very small stones. I get a bit of static grass if I feel it's appropriate. I get a bit of water.

2) In a small bowl I dump in a bit of dry Cellu Clay, add some of the dirt, and static grass. To this I add a bunch of the earth colored paint. I then add a liberal amount of white glue and a bit of water if the mud is not yet 'wet' enough. I don't want it too runny, it's not going to be soup. I want it to be like, well like, thick mud.

3) With a brush or toothpick or whatever else is handy, I will add this to the running gear, tracks, and lower hull of the model. This will stick very well and dry super hard.

4) Final steps will be further painting, wash, drybrush, etc.

If you want thinner mud, skip the Cellu Clay.

I will add my mud when the model has its base coat and any camo scheme added. So it will all be weathered together. i don't worry too much about the initial color of the mud because it will change during the weathering steps.

Most important is to look at reference photos and maybe local construction equipment. Also, try to blend in the mud with the finished vehicle. Mud that is just splashed on as a final step will look very obvious.

Steve