I've seen your posts & your projects, and I know I'm in the right place. I've been building kits my whole life, but I'm seldom happy with the results.
I'm new to trying to build Dioramas, weathered, damaged, worn, and generally realistic 1/35 WW 2 Armor (my favorite). I've (mostly) completed over 70 kits, and 150 troops (completed) in this area. I can build expertly (?), and even manufacture accessories (apron armor, extra armor, hedge choppers & the like).
The problem is that they all look "factory fresh", and generally out of place in a battlefield diorama. I've tried to cover my vehicles with backpacks, helmets, ammo boxes, gas cans, sandbags, nets, extra bogies, buckets, tarps, yada yada yada. They're still missing believeability. I think they need scratches/scrapes, dents/bends, hits, burns, and missing pieces.
How is this done without going "Over-Board"? I realize that this is subjective to the weather/location. My big picture is to build 4 Dioramas with my 3 Country troops/vehicles (Russian, German, American). I eventually intend to have "Bulge", "Berlin","Kursk", and "Hedgerow" scenarios each measuring 4' X 4" (in 2' X 2') sections for storage.
Ambitious, I know (and years off). Reality is what I'm missing, and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

i think some light weathering is in order.
look at actual photos for weathering patterns and what areas show wear.
you can also look at the work of other modelers,study their weather patterns

Welcome aboard. Do a search here on Armorama. There are a multitude of threads here that should help you get started along that path. Then of course, any other questions will be happily answered by the experts here.

Welcome aboard M4A3E3 (I capped it for ya)...nice name BTW!!! :-)

As to your problems of factory-fresh vehicles on a battlefield and how to make them look war torn, there are so many methods for each of the differing types of weathering that it would be best if you start off by asking for one specific type first.

Such as mud and or dirt, dust, paint chips, rusting effects, grease or oil spills and smears, dents, exhaust blackening, fadeing paint, etc...
Fire away when ready.

Hi,

Welcome M4A3E3

A starting point could be Weathering Heresies by Paul A. Owen here at ArmoramA.

HTH

Welcome aboard!

Actually I think we all need professional advice....

"Hi my name is Brian, I'm....I'm a Armoramaholic"

Hi M4 - It sounds as if when you say your lacking believability, what it
actually comes down to is "depth ".
And right now that is all I can give you. The only way to be honest,
and helpful to your situation, is if you can post some photo's of
your work. Otherwise I don't think it would be fair to you, to just
give you blind advise. It really would be much better to have a visual
in order to help you along and point out exactly what techniques for
you to use to enhance your models.
You definitely sound like you have good skill's & talent.
If you can post some pic's or if you prefer you can email me some
photo's.
As you can see any of us here at ArmoramA, are alway's willing and
eager to pass on what we have learned ourselves
- ralph

I've found that a light grey is one of the best all-around colors to use for weathering. Dry-brushing a light grey over the vehicle's raised details really gives it a nice worn look. This works with most base colors - green, brown, dark grey, etc. Dry-brushing with a contrasting darker color - rust, brown (like mud or dirt) or a color a few shades darker than the main color - really helps as well. And dont forget to dry-brush over the decals to make them look old and faded.
Also, one of the biggest problems I used to have was trying to make the paint job perfect. Don't do this, allow yourself to make a few "mistakes" along the way. Paint the vehicle in a darker base coat, then leave it showing through the main coat in few cases.
Oh yeah, and don't forget the muddy-up the treads and suspension!