This is the Tamiya AAVP7A1 built OOtB. I added stowage items from both the Tamiya Modern gear set and various Verlinden items I had laying around. I decided to give my new airbrush a test ride and paint the vehicle in three-color NATO camo.

Any questions, comments, or criticisms are welcomed

Note: The flash on my camera causes the vehicle to look shiny. In reality though, it has been thoroughly dulled down.

http://gallery36338.fotopic.net/show_collection.php?id=94574

Well, I think you did a real good job with the airbrush and the camo scheme.

I would like to see the camo 'toned down' a bit. After you have the base color and the two camo colors applied, try loading up the airbrush with the base color (green in this case) and give the entire vehicle an overspray. Don't overdo it or you will have a green tank! Just allow the overspray to blend everything together.

But, if applied correctly (and it is easy!) you will have a very realistic paint job for the scale. You can then proceed to wash, pastel, and dry brush.

Also, think about weathering the running gear a bit more. Take a look at photos of vehicle in OIF. Even those just 'off the boat' are packed with dust and dirt.

Maybe even a bit more drybrushing too.

Once you weather a bit more, I think your stowage (and it is very well painted) will blend in much better to the finished vehicle.

Looks good.

Steve

Overall looks reall good, but I agree with the others, the colors are a little too bold, I am by no means a master modeler either but I just did one in the Nato colors, it is posted here, I know your acces. Look a thousand times better than mine, and I think we both need a little weathering on the lower hull, I also noticed that you missed some spots on the close up, IE the dispensers, you can see the Tamiya factory molded yellow there, But Still Looks Really good,

Nicely done on the camo scheme. I like the added gear too.
Couple points to make - I'd put a base coat down first and totally cover the model. You can see some missed spots, at the engine vents, smoke dispensers and inside the gaps around the turret. You can go back and touch these up with a brush if you want.
As you stated the flash really brightened the color so you have to judge on the overall color tone.
A wash may also help with bringing out the details a bit more (and filling in some of the gaps).

Thanks for the feedback! I too noticed a couple missed spots. One thing I noticed about this kit is that there are lots of little bits sticking out at tight angles for total coverage. I will go back and try to hit these areas with a brush.

As far as spraying a misting of the basecoat over the model, what's the reccomended recipe for this? Thinning ratio, psi, distance between AB and model, etc?

I just read another post you put in, Did you get that one for Christmas? if so that is really awesome work for such a short period of time. I to would like some help on the last question you just asked.

Just try thinning the paint a bit more than normal, nothing drastic, and keep the brush a bit fuurther from the model as you want an overall cover or mist.

No real recipe, just maybe a practice run on a test model or large scrap. You want the effect somewhat subtle. I think you will be very happy when you try it.

When you feel more comfortable, you may add some other paint to that base color, like some dark yellow, for effect. Experiment would be the key here.

Dont worry if you screw up, you can always repaint!

Steve

Overall good construction and nice paint application. I don't have a real problem with a clean model if that's what you're aiming for. Wash and drybrush, even very lightly, will enhance without dirttying.

Critique: Your two gun barrels are not aligned.

Suggestions:
1.) Add some clear acetate or use Micro Krystal Klear in the view port on the turret.
2.) Consider using your airbrush for touch up. using a regular brush willalmost certainly cause problems with your very nice finish. Lower the pressure and get in tight and close.
3.) Fore future reference: while planning out the model, look at any openings. Consider boxing them off to hide light coming through and paint any potentially visible plastic on interior surfaces that might even remotely be visible when you close it up.
4.) Consider drilling out your gun barrel, either with a small bit in a pin vice or with the end of a fresh #11 blade.

I agree on what the others said about your very nice model. What I can suggest is the application of a filter to tone down and better blend the camo scheme colours. It's not clear in the pic but I think you have to work a bit on the raodwheels too, to give them a bit more worn appearance. What you've done is absolutely very well done. Do the seams come with the kit or did you enhanced their look?
Ciao

Thanks for the suggestions! I will definitely be touching up the model, as well as adding a filter.

Herchealer - This is the same model.