A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Sunday, March 05, 2017 - 06:01 AM UTC
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Florida, United States
Joined: July 19, 2014
KitMaker: 249 posts
Armorama: 249 posts
Posted: Monday, March 06, 2017 - 12:38 AM UTC
Hello Mark, excellent idea and looks like you have a good collection of kits to start the initial phase of your project. During my 11 years of service in the US ARMY I encountered various such missions. Note that these types of missions were conducted by our Civil Affair units whom rolled into safe zone areas with security presence. The CA units conducted various missions to increase relations with locals to include but not limited to clean running water source, medical facilities and supplies, food, and so on... Keep those thoughts in mind as you work on your project. I recommend you find a C.A. unit patch and a infantry division patch to properly assemble your troops on the ground. Looking forward to your continued work, happy modeling!
JGphins
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Monday, March 06, 2017 - 02:30 AM UTC
Thanks for the heads up. I'll look for that next time I have a day off.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Monday, March 06, 2017 - 03:24 AM UTC
I am assuming that you are building these figures as US Marines based on the camo pattern, coyote brown IBAS vests, and the inclusion of the LAV-25 (only used by the USMC). If so, they would not have any CA patch and only a couple Marine units wear MARDIV (MARine DIVision) patches. What JGphins is describing is US Army Civil Affairs.
Additionally, the uniforms look off to me. It looks like you are replicating desert MARPAT (MARine PATtern) camo, but it looks too green and grey. It should be sand with brown digital patches on it.
Desert MARPAT. You can also see the coyote brown IBAS vests and ammo pouches, no patches, etc.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Monday, March 06, 2017 - 04:12 AM UTC
It does look a little green to me too, I was going by the painting directions that came with the men.
Also, here's the gunner that'll go with the HUMVEE.
It still has a little green tint to it, but with the wash and flat coat it knocks down the green a bit. Also they don't look as green as the pictures show. I think a lot of it is my poor lighting and garbage camera.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 09, 2017 - 02:23 AM UTC
Gino P. Quintiliani
I finally had a day off, and took a look at what you were talking about. You were right, they weren't the right colors, so I decided to re paint them.
This is what I ended up with.
Here he is next to one I didn't paint.
And here's the HUMVEE driver.
I appreciate the help, they were much to gray and green. I think this is a lot better.
Once I clear coat and give them a wash the tans will show up much better. I'll see if I can get the rest of them done tomorrow some time.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 09, 2017 - 03:00 AM UTC
Good work. The colors do look better.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 09, 2017 - 04:03 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Good work. The colors do look better.
Thanks. I'm hoping to get the rest of the men done tomorrow, as long as life doesn't throw a curve.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Florida, United States
Joined: May 14, 2012
KitMaker: 730 posts
Armorama: 624 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 09, 2017 - 04:11 AM UTC
Mark, Great start with your project, and kudos also for the inspiration for it. I'll be following along.
Regards
Dave
"No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity.
But I know none, and therefore am no beast."
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 09, 2017 - 11:13 PM UTC
Last night I was able to re paint Cpl. O'flanagan.
I have a little touch up, but all in all I am very happy with the new colors and the overall look of the camo.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
#429
Massachusetts, United States
Joined: October 14, 2003
KitMaker: 1,086 posts
Armorama: 964 posts
Posted: Friday, March 10, 2017 - 02:03 AM UTC
Mark,
You could go the Civil Affairs route and use Marines, we had USMC civil affairs units with my units on both tours. They were created from scratch and used Reservists who had necessary civilian acquired skills, they pulled a doc from my unit to go with 3rd CAG.
Doc Ski
HM1(ret.) USN
"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under a just God, cannot long retain it." Abraham Lincoln
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Friday, March 10, 2017 - 05:37 AM UTC
I like the Civil Affairs idea, I'll have to do some research.
I was able to finish re painting the men today before the grand-kids got here.
Here's Pvt. Walker.
And lastly PFC Giuseppe
Tomorrow before the kids get up I'll give everyone a clear coat.
Then Sunday I'll give them all a wash and start the civilians.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2017 - 03:00 AM UTC
Last night I couldn't sleep to save my life, so after an hour of starring at the ceiling I decided to do some work on the dio.
I started by giving all the Marines a clear coat.
As you can see in the last picture I was able to get the huge gaps filled in the dog and get him painted.
Then it was time to start the family. Mom had a few large gaps that needed attention. I filled them and started painting her face.
The oldest daughter fit very well, and I got her face painted as well.
Then I moved on to the boys faces. I think I was tired when I got to these, because I thought they looked better than this.
I'll re do them next time I go down stairs.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
California, United States
Joined: April 26, 2016
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 285 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2017 - 09:43 PM UTC
Hi Mark, what kind of sticky tape is on your clothespin? I use that blue tacky stuff on the top a pill bottle, however, I am open to new things. Thanks
"Gonna start blastin"
...Stumpy
Rio Bravo 1959
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Saturday, March 11, 2017 - 10:17 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Mark, what kind of sticky tape is on your clothespin? I use that blue tacky stuff on the top a pill bottle, however, I am open to new things. Thanks
I've never had any luck with the blue tacky stuff, so I use 3M foam tape that comes in a roll. I just cut off what I need and stick it to the clothespins. That way I have a handle and I just use toothpicks or cut skewers to balance them when I'm not working on them.
When I'm ready to mount them to the base I'll drill a hole in the foot and pin them. This worked great when I did the flight deck for my friend.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Sunday, March 12, 2017 - 04:31 PM UTC
A quick update on a lot of work.
I have the dog clear coated, and the children painted. This took most of last night to get done. I'll sleep tomorrow.
Again, thanks for looking.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Arkansas, United States
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
Armorama: 7,843 posts
Posted: Sunday, March 12, 2017 - 06:06 PM UTC
Welcome to large scale armor. You are progressing quickly. One of the first rules for figures is to never paint the whites of the eyes white. I find Testors tan works well. Testors light tan works well for lips. Another tip is to paint the entire eye black, first. Follow that, with a gloss coat. Then, apply the white. Remove the white paint from the area you wish to depict the iris/pupil.
Ideals are peaceful. History is violent.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2017 - 04:29 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Welcome to large scale armor. You are progressing quickly. One of the first rules for figures is to never paint the whites of the eyes white. I find Testors tan works well. Testors light tan works well for lips. Another tip is to paint the entire eye black, first. Follow that, with a gloss coat. Then, apply the white. Remove the white paint from the area you wish to depict the iris/pupil.
Thanks for the tips, I'll have to give them a try. I use white because when I do my wash it darkens to a more acceptable color.
My hands aren't as steady anymore, and eyes are tough.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 - 04:08 AM UTC
Need some help here.
I'm strictly a Tamiya paint user, it's what I'm use to and what I can readily get around here. I've tried spraying MM, but never had good luck. Anyhow with that being said, I'm going to be starting the HUMVEE, and am not sure what color I can get away with. I was told XF-57 Buff, or XF-59 Desert Yellow.
To me it seems like neither one of them are light enough or yellow enough.
Is there a formula that I can use with the Tamiya paints that will get me into the acceptable category, or are the above colors good enough?
Thanks again for all the help.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 09:49 PM UTC
After work, the grand kids, and a bout with a cold, I had some time to get a little more done.
Here's the family. I'll let them dry overnight, and give them a clear coat tomorrow.
Once that drys I can give all the figures a wash and flat coat.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Wojewodztwo Slaskie, Poland
Joined: February 18, 2007
KitMaker: 978 posts
Armorama: 977 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 10:05 PM UTC
Isn't the color of the skin too dark?
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 06:07 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Isn't the color of the skin too dark?
Yes it is. That'll be addressed after I clear coat everything.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 05:03 PM UTC
I did my facial wash this morning. Lightning the faces and taking the neon white out of the eyes. After that I mixed 1 drop of XF-15 Flat Flesh with 1 drop X-7 Red and highlighted the lips. Lastly I finished with the dog.
Then I arranged the figures to get an idea of the layout. It will be turned 90` counter clockwise with the LAV-25 in the back and the HUMVEE to the left of it.
Don't know why the family looks so dark in the picture, but if you look at the last picture you can see how much lighter they are.
Now everything needs to harden so I can give the family and the dog a clear coat and wash. Then I can start on the LAV and HUMVEE.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
Distrito Federal, Mexico
Joined: May 31, 2013
KitMaker: 1,457 posts
Armorama: 1,440 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 09:43 PM UTC
If I may make a suggestion, for easy, decent looking faces, you might do the following: Overall coat of basic skin tone; followed by a wash of darker skin tone (Vallejo fleshtone shade wash works great) not very heavy; Then dry brush the basic skin tone to blend the shadows; then add a touch of white to the basic skin tone and lightly dry brush some highlights. Lastly, paint eyes , lips, and hair. You are done. With practice this method gives you very decent heads without having to go to oils and all that. Simple and effective.
Ohio, United States
Joined: February 27, 2017
KitMaker: 110 posts
Armorama: 107 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 10:01 PM UTC
Quoted Text
If I may make a suggestion, for easy, decent looking faces, you might do the following: Overall coat of basic skin tone; followed by a wash of darker skin tone (Vallejo fleshtone shade wash works great) not very heavy; Then dry brush the basic skin tone to blend the shadows; then add a touch of white to the basic skin tone and lightly dry brush some highlights. Lastly, paint eyes , lips, and hair. You are done. With practice this method gives you very decent heads without having to go to oils and all that. Simple and effective.
The way my hand shakes anymore I am forced to paint the eyes first. Next I do a base color coat for dark or light complexion. I then paint the hair. Next I do a quick clear coat so I don't mess up the eyes. Then I do the skin color. Another clear coat to protect that. Then I do an oil wash over the whole figure for highlighting and contrasts. Lastly a flat coat and a dusting with pastels. Not the best process, but it's the way I've done things for a while now. The bad thing is my eyes and hands just don't talk to each other as well as they use to.
When you can’t run you crawl, and when you can’t crawl, when you can’t do that, you find someone to carry you.
