I have been trying to catch up on my 'Shelf Queens' lately, lots of them due to being rendered 'hors de combat' last year due to health issues. I fished out this Hummel, it is the Dragon Early version and is built mostly OOB, only a few little additions in the fighting compartment and a metal barrel. I got it to the camouflage stage before activities were curtailed and this is where I pick it up from...

The painted model...













I then applied the decals prior to the 'Hairspray Technique'. The tactical symbol below the Battery letter is an old Almark decal and must be at least 40 years old!!! It performed perfectly and looks really good. It has been stored in an airtight box for most of the time, so that might have helped keep it in good condition.







This photo shows the excellent OKB-Grigorov tracks and how well they fit the model, they really are a wonderful addition to the after-market mix...



Next up was airbrushing the hairspray on the upper part of the model, best done outside if, like me, you don't have the unscented variety of hairspray. I use my trusty old Aztec for this purpose, if I ruin a nozzle doing this it is easily rectified, not so with my Iwata. I then made up an off white colour with Tamyia White and Dark Rubber and sprayed this on the superstructure. I used some pure White to dust over the raised areas. Once this was done I set to with some warm water and various types of brush to remove the white coat. Once I was satisfied I then used a very thin wash of Vallejo White, brushed with a 1/2" one stroke brush, on the superstructure. This was to replicate the whitewash running down the sides as it dissolved with the damp. I then did a few rust runs, very restrained as I don't think they would be that apparent on a vehicle still in use. Finally I gave it all a wash of MiG Neutral Wash, this darkened the white and I wasn't sure if it would work at first, but I have looked at it for a long time and do like it now. The gun was added and details painted, which meant that another 'Shelf Queen' has bitten the dust. I will put it on a base eventually, with a figure, but that project will have to wait for a little while. Here are the pictures...

















Well that is it for now, thanks for looking, all comments welcome.

All the best,

Paul

Looks cold!
Only thing would be that it looks a little odd that there isn't a spot of paint on the barrel.
Otherwise, looks awesome!

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the comment, as to the barrel, in the photo of the vehicle I was basing this on the barrel was not winter whitewashed and appeared to be still in its camouflage colours, no hint of paint. I also found a print showing the same effect, I can only assume that the crew felt the gun didn't need camouflaging or didn't want to spend time cleaning it off the barrel. Whatever the reason the gun wasn't painted at all. I think this is why I wanted to model it, that and the winterketten.

All the best,

Paul

Looks good. Is the scale 1/35 or 1/72? The photo of the rear shows you left off the red and white ranging rods - did you add them in a later step or did you leave them off for a reason? If the latter then you should attach the retaining bars that would hold them. You might also consider adding an antenna to complete your excellent build.

Hi Kevin,

It is 1/72 scale, the ranging rods are awaiting their paint job and I will be adding an aerial as well, thank you for your input, much appreciated.

All the best,

Paul