Hi guys

Just about to start building my first model, a Tamiya Bradley M2. I can't believe the amount of information on this site, I'm actually getting quite confused (not hard). I think I've decided which route I'm going to go down with reguards to painting, would appreciate it if someone can tell me if I'm barking up the wrong tree please.

I've decided to go for the olive drab paint scheme as it's the simplest. What I'm thinking of doing is a black undercoat before I spray the OD. I'm going to use a buff wash all over and a darker wash here and there eg wheels. Will this work or is there anything else that will work better, I dont want it to look too clean. Can I do all this using my Tamiya acrylics? Do I spray Future/ Clear before or after the wash?

I think thats it for now. I'll tackle dry brushing when I'm happy with this lot!!

Thanks im advance

Tim.

Do you mean a buff overspray to tone down the OD? A lighter than base wash will likely disappear. For OD, rather than black, consider burnt umber or Van Dyke brown. These will compliment the color better while black may be too stark.
A wash is hard to do with acrylics, especially Tamiya whose pigments are relatively large. You'd have to use a thinning agent other that water since the surface tension will be problematic.
Since you'll be adding at least some decals, you need to apply gloss anyway. Apply any wash after the decals.
Also, IMHO, you should apply a wash in panel lines and at the base of raised details using a very fine brush rather than the so called sludge wash where you cover everything and try to remove the excess.

Thanks Al

Thats great advice. So by a buff overspray do you mean just a light covering of buff over the OD? And do I cover the whole model with this?

I'll definately try using one of the other undercoats you recommend.

Thanks again.

Yes, it's not something I do, but others do this. The buff is misted on very lightly. The original color remains but has been toned down.

i've tried a using a buff overspray using tamiya buff. i put a little paint and lots of thinner (almost like a wash actually) then misted it on from at least a foot away. it works better to let it dry and check after each coat. that way there's less risk of overdoing it. its not very noticeable at first. but after the few coats it tones down the base color and gives the model a dusty/dirty appearance even without using pastels for weathering.

Thanks Rovic

I'll give that a go, I'm quite looking forward to having a play!

Are there any more suggestions of easy ways for a novice to 'dirty things up a little' as I'm keen to start experimenting.

Thanks again

Tim.

You can use pastels or pigments to "dust" your track when you have applied the last dull coat. There are lots of nice techniques in the feature section

Erik