AK Interactive has become one of the standards for scale model finishing and weathering products. This new set intended to provide the materials to weather the panzer gray painted finishes of early war German vehicles continues in the same vein as their early releases. I had an opportunity to try them out on the newish Cyber-Hobby kit of the German early 3 ton 4 X 2 Cargo truck.
the set
The weathering set consists of three generously sized 35 ml. bottles of enamel material. The first bottle is the so called 'filter' of blue which gives a nice tone to your gray finish invigorating it with a bit more 'life'. This filter material is a bit thick and seemed to work best when it had been thinned a bit, I used a 50/50 ratio with turpenoid when I first used it. I used a large, soft brush for the application but I'm betting that an airbrush would be just as effective.
The second bottle in the set (I'm calling it the second bottle because that's the order I used them in) was the enamel brown blue wash. I thought it also was a bit on the thick side, certainly thicker than what I normally use for a wash, but thin it down a bit and your good to go. I appreciate that it is a bit on the thick side, it allows the modeler to control how thick you want to lay it on and it makes the bottle last just that much longer. It went on without any problems at all, a bit more blue than brown but that seems to work best with the early war grays.
The final bottle was the 'Streaking Grime' for panzer gray. I really like this stuff, it worked exactly as advertised. I used a toothpick with a bit of the grime on it which I pulled straight down trying to use a bit of logic and knowledge of how good old gravity would work. I let it dry for 15 minutes or so, then used a clean brush dipped in turpenoid and pulled it down, or stumped it, to leave that subtle look of unwashed grime and moisture.
The three are packed in a sturdy blister pack that allows for storage once you are finished with your project. And that is just where I find myself, finished with my project. The 3 ton truck turned out as well as, if not better than, I had hoped, something of a rarity for my work space! The three materials from AK Interactive had a big hand in turning my monochromatic finish into something with a lot more interest.
conclusion
This product should find itself on the shelf of lots of modelers, and not just those who are fans of the early panzers. The three weathering products should have uses beyond just those gray monsters, I particularly like the streaking grime and plan to use it on many projects in the future. If you snag this one off the shelf of your local hobby store I can promise you'll be glad you did.
SUMMARY
Highs: Really gives life to an otherwise 'flat' finish. Generous amounts that will last through dozens of projects. Lows: Would be nice if they included a bottle of their turpentine product in each of the sets that they market. Verdict: I really like this, I have been impressed with all of their products and this one is no exception.
Our Thanks to AK Interactive! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Rick Cooper (clovis899) FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
I have been modeling for about 30 years now. Once upon a time in another century I owned my own hobby shop; way more work than it was worth. I tip my opti-visor to those who make a real living at it. Mainly build armor these days but I keep working at figures, planes and the occasional ship.
Having used some of the AK interactive products I have to say on the whole that I like them, and that they seem to have been thinking about ease of use while deciding on what the product should be like. These products as with everything are not going to make you a grand master overnight but they do have a high learning curve, with better results being achieved sooner rather than later.
Rick- nice review, good to see one of their filters in use, I haven't tried them yet.
I agree with Darren here too, these won't make you a master overnight but they do make convincing application of certain techniques a whole lot easier and as with everything in modelling, practice is the key.
All the AK products I have are simply amazing. I like to say there's a little magic in each bottle because it's insanely easy to get master - level results in an afternoon. They are nearly goof-proof.
pretty much,they are both enamel products,both supporters will say one is better then the other,and others will say that you can mix your own,but it probably is a matter of choice and selection.
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