First, my apologies for the quality of photos. I've yet to get a digital camera (though have the Videocam for the Grandkids) and will make that a priority. So for now, it is "scanned" photos. This Tamiya Chieftain was strictly an OOB build that I did on vacation last Fall, and my first in over 15 yrs. It was fun and with only the kit, an x-acto knife, a couple bottles of paint, and one "rattle can" this was result. The foliage and mud were added later, but the build got me the "bug" again. Now with AGE 2 King Tiger submitted and next to get the learning again "washes and weathering" for it, I'll be focusing on my "Ardennes" diorama and "Tank Destroyer" Campaigns. More to come (with definite improvements I promise). Many thanks to this great site and especially the fantastic members for your patience and support. I'm "hooked" again!



In memoria - Garry Beebe, thanks so very much for your encouragement and support, you helped bring me "back to the fold". You'll be missed more than you could know.

Blade48mrd

That was also my first armor model.

Although the pics are grainy, I can see the model looking really great. I love the camouflage and the mud. Can't wait for it to be placed in a muddy diorama or vignette.

A couple of little things:

1) You can tone down the shine by spraying it with a flat overcoat.

2) You might want to "fade away" the mud. That means, drybrush a little mud color from the bottom of the armored plates towards the upper part of the plates. It will result in a subtle transition from heavy mud to light mud sprays

Speaking of mud, you can also do the toothbrush trick. Just load the bristles of an old toothbrush in mud collored paint, hold it close to the model, and flick the bristles. The mud colored paint will do a nice splatter on the model. But you might want to practice your aim on a scrap of plastic first to get the feel of it.

3) Ooops, you forgot to put the antenna.

It's a very nice build. 100 times better than my own Chieftain.

Angela

Angela -

Thanks for the feedback. My next investment will be two fold; a digital camera and airbrush. The "scanned" pictures came out more "glossy" then the Chieftain really is. When I work on the "mud" as you suggested, I'll get some more dull coat on it also. Yeah, left the antenna off for some reason, must be old age forgetfulness and I'll take care of that also. Aagin thanks for the support nad encouragement, I can only get better.

Blade48mrd