Upgrading Paint On Ancient Valdor Tank Hunter

I've had one of my earliest Forgeworld purchases sitting in my display cabinet awaiting a bath of Simple Green for years now. Needless to say, my painting has changed a lot over the last decade. I don't know when this tank was purchased, but it was so old that it had developed a thick coating of dust. Rather than get my hands all goopy paint stripping the thing, I decided instead to practice some weathering on it. So, in order to upgrade the tired paint scheme, I added enamel pin washes, a light brown filter, streaking, weathering powders, and a new headlight lens.

So, yes it works. Weathering can save a vehicle from the dreaded orange smelling green solvent bath. I might even add some stowage and push the vehicle further along. On the other hand, I have a FW Thunderhawk to build.

DKoK Lightening Completed

I think I've 'finished' this model a couple of time, but this time it is really done. To counteract more of enamel problems, I dusted the entire model with a 1/10 mixture of Buff color. This dusted the model and provide a similar effect to a filter. The only real difference is that when I normally apply filters I don't let them get into the recesses of the model. By spraying buff, it became an all over filter. I also painted all of the missing lenses, and the pilot.

The base is not done, but I am still thrilled to move this model off of my desk and into the cabinet. The base is a separate and probably more enjoyable task.

I guess it is time to paint something bigger...

DKoK Lightening Mostly Done

I just realized I forgot to paint the lenses and the pilot! So, mostly done it is. It seems that every other post, I realize that a model isn't really completed. What would my stuff look like if I didn't post? I bet it would look unfinished.

I hope the smoke and chipping hides the lacquer problems I had. I think it does. I used a photo of a Japanese ww2 Zero for the aluminum chipping inspiration. I suppose I should dust the whole model using a sand colored filter now. I had intended to use an enamel for my filter, but after the lacquer incident that wasn't doable. Overall, this model is close to what I envisioned. It just lacks the realism I like.

Death Korps Lightening WIP 2

*EDIT additional photos added with better natural lighting.

I had intended this model to be a display piece, but an unfortunate incident with Model Master Semi-Gloss lacquer ended that option. Once on the model, lacquer normally forms a protective barrier to allow enamel pin washes and oil work. This lacquer bonded with the enamels and made is exceedingly difficult to remove the excess. I literally scrubbed the model with towels, and stippling brushes to remove as much as I could. In doing so I rubbed off layers of paint, and imparted fingerprints into the model. Lesson learned. Model Master paints are garbage. I won't touch them with a ten foot poll.

So where do I go from here? I'd like to make the model more presentable, so I'm going to have to weather more than I had originally intended. I'll use aluminum colored paint chipping to distract from tide lines. I intend to overspray some of the original yellow to tone down those areas and clean them up a bit. Finally, I'll add smoke streaking to the kit. That will add visual interest and hide some of the fingerprints in harder to touch up places. I love the model, but I don't think I want to strip it and start over. I expected an easier finish to this kit, and have been getting ready for my next challenge.

Death Korps Lightening Fighter Masking

When the lightening came out I ran out and purchased one, which has until now sat beneath my desk gathering dust. (years worth of dust) One of the things that kept me from painting this model, was the annoying cockpit canopy. I don't enjoy painting them in general and especially if they are cast poorly. However this time around, I was able to use Micro Mask successfully and had a very easy time of it.  I'm really happy with it. I think the cool green of the interior showing through is really useful in making the model pop.

So, did I borrow a color scheme from the DAK? Yes. However, I think once all of the Imperial iconography is on the fighter that it will look different enough to be acceptable. It pairs really well with my Death Korps, which are based on dusty desert looking rock.

Step 1: Mask exterior using three coats of Micro Mask

Step 2: Paint the exterior using the interior color. This color will show through from the outside as a person looks through the canopy.

 Step 3: Heavy coat of primer. This should help form a sturdy surface for painting.

Step 4: Remove mask.

Death Korps of Krieg Medusa

I had some fun with this kit after the initial construction issues. However at this point I am not sure where I want to go with it, which is why the top is not glued on yet. I may return to it later to add detail and clean up parts of the model, or I may put this on the shelf and call it done. I'm ready for something new right now.

One of the things I had not expected after resuming painting after a break, was how difficult it would be to relearn photography. I think it took a hundred photos before the tank looked right.

So does anyone want to tell me how much of a nightmare this model is on the battlefield, or has this tank been overcome by newer more dangerous ordinance?

Play Adept Magazine & Beer Cans

I realize the DKoK are supposed to be extraordinarily disciplined, but I wanted to give the Medusa a lived in feel. The Base layers and some oils have been completed, and I decided to make a little girly magazine and some beer cans to add to the interior. I'll be adding additional stowage, so the placement isn't finalized. I just wanted to see what people thought of my beer cans. I have not been able to paint any meaningful design on them without deforming them, so they would remain blue. Anyone have a source for 1/56 beer cans? I used aluminum foil wrapped around a cocktail straw to make these.

Ancient Imperial Guard Griffon Mortar Reborn

I think this model came out in mid nineties, and it has been in my collection for at least twenty years. This model is old. It is so old that the tracks still have road wheels hidden away out of sight. Somehow after all these years, this old AFV called to me. In this third incarnation the tank is painted to match my DKoK force. At least that is what I had intended. I should have looked at my DKoK before painting, as I exaggerated the modulation a bit much here. But no matter that, I'm happy this old mortar tractor is back in business. It can now sit on my shelf. Again.

Since I don't play 40k these days, but plan to do so when the new edition drops, does this model even exist in current 40k? If there is at least an existing model there might be some hope of there being rules for it. If I can't find rules, I can always pop the mortar out, and use the vehicle as an open topped Ogryn transport or something.