Hello all, I was wondering if someone could tell me an easy way to simulate the dust and sand that accumulates on an AFV operating in desert conditions, such as Iraq? I'm trying to model a USMC M1A1HA in the 3-color NATO scheme during the early stages of OIF and would like to know how to simulate the sand and dust the tank would likely be covered with. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS; Garyj36, please email me at [email protected] so we can discuss the bustle rack extension, since the private messages here seem to be rather flaky and unreliable.

Try to apply some pigments, such as the Mig ones, with a brush and no thinner etc!
Click here to see the result on my T-34, on which I also added mud by using pigments+matt varnish!

Hey Chris,
Just last month I used pastel chalks for the very first time. I have to say I was very pleased with the results. I was a bit comprehensive at first, but in the end I was pleased. I bought the chalks at a local art shop, the Earth Tone set. To use I just took my hobby knife with the no#11 blade and scraped into a Cool-Whip cover, then using a soft brush I dipped into the powder and lightly brushed onto the model rubbing in. You just have to play around till you get the look your after, it’s easy.



Here is what I was able to achieve using pastel chalks.

Chris,
Giacomo suggested Mig and shoed you what can be done. Mothers suggestion is great also. Here is what I did whit Mig Powders as well and since you asked specifically for Iraq region, thought this would help you out. I used Migs Sand Powder, but they do have an Iraqi Sand Powder available.

Hi Chris

Ive been experimenting with pin washes using a very light sand colour and this
looks like sand and dust accumulating in nookes and crannies.
I also agree with using pigments straight out of the jar but at the final stage as handling the kit will rub some of the pigment off , I find that womens very soft good quality make up brushes are great for applying and blending in pigments BTW But dont tell the other half


Ian

Hi,

On this topic, once the pigments are applied, what keeps them in place. Is the model then sprayed with matt finish? Thanks,

Charles

Try This, MIG Powders Just as examples on how to use them and what to watch out for.
I also use childrens side walk chalk.

Have fun,
Bob

Charles,
Like the article Bob linked and what Ian said about handleing the model after applying powders, you really don't want to touch after you have applied the powders.

Pigments are issentailly the gunk at the bottom of paint bottles just in powder form, so they stick pretty good, but is the last thing you wnat to do to your model. Appling a dullcoat or fixative does tend to erase/ hide the powders.

Just beat me to it Pete regarding the flat coat :-)

Ian

Mix a thin batch of heavily thinned paint.. 80% thinner 20% paint.. increase the pressure on the comp to about 30 PSI.. Hold your A/B about a foot away from your model and apply thin coats with the main focus on the lower portions of your kit..


Dave

Hey Joe, what tire set do you have on that Big Foot guntruck?...I've never seen it.

Ive hear that misting your model with Tamiya Buff Colored paint creates a dusty effect. Ive read that somewhere, but never tried it.

Gday Chris
This M1A1 is the main US tank yeah? (Sorry, WWII for me...)
Not sure on the surface texture, but if there is any sort of 'grain' (for want of a better word) you can appy to the sideskirts etc. with your finger, and really grind it in... Then with a clean finger go over again lightly, removing the dust from the higher detail leaving the recesses... Have done it on a M4A1, as it is a cast hull, and has a 'pitted' surface...
Best of luck
Cheers
Brad