Miniart Stuart "Honey"

A great little kit.

I've replaced the kit link & length tracks with Modelkasten and added some bits from the BSK 3D set.

MG barrels are from Master Model, the other PE is included in the kit

To be finished in the Caunter scheme

 

Updated Pz III N

 I have returned to another previous build and updated the weathering.

I think this is about where I'm happy with the weathering process, dirty, dusty and some wear & tear without looking like it's been at the bottom of a swamp.

I just need to add back the tools and some other small items.

Pictures were taken outside under natural light which is why they look a bit raw

I will update to better pictures

 

Weathering updates

 Well, it's been a long time since I've had any interest in modelling which is why I've been absent from this page.

 I recently found a new motivation to return and decided I need to lift my weathering and finishing to a higher standard than I've done in the past.

 I have taken an older build and gone back and re weathered. My approach has always been to replicate the real thing as closely as possible, that's just the style I like, and I feel like I've come much closer to that this time around.

There were some breakages from the model rolling around in a drawer for a few years so I still have some repairs left to fix and some re painting of those bits and still need to add more weathering to the lower hull.

I will get some final pics when that's done but here are some in progress ones for now.

If you right click on any picture and open in a new tab you can enlarge to the original size.

 

1/16 DAK update

 Added the arms and refined the shading and highlights on the sandbags.

1/16 DAK Panzer Pionier

 I've been working on this 1/16 scale figure from Andrea.

This is the first figure I've painted in probably 15 years.

Some in progress pics of where I am at present

                                                        

 

Painting tracks

 I thought I would document my process for painting tracks.

These are for my current Pz IV build and are 3D printed from ET Models.

I use this method for metal tracks as well, rather than using blackening solution.

Assembly of the tracks, the pins were a bit loose so I put a spot of Mr Surfacer on each pin to secure them in place.

I use this primer for both metal and resin tracks, however it's too hot for use on plastic.

Lacquer paint for base color, I've experimented with different colors but I find this the best, it's a very dark brown towards the green side. I've found using a base color with red in it turns the tracks towards purple when the weathering is done.

I only use enamels for weathering tracks. I apply these by speckling and blending with a dry brush. In order from dark to light, Humbrol 170 Brown Bess, Humbrol 186  then Revell 382 

All are mixed to a wash consistency.

Next step for these tracks because this is a desert tank will be pigments.

My usual process is to add them as a slurry and remove the excess with thinners, however I'll leave these cure for a few days before I apply the pigments because I don't want to risk the thinners removing the enamels.

The tracks on my Sicily Panzer III were painted exactly like this so that shows the end result once the pigments are done 

Pz IV F2, Pz Rgt 8 DAK

 This is the Dragon kit with my usual minor improvements as follows.

I've replaced the stiffening ribs on the rear plate with 15thou card as I think the kit parts look just that bit thick.

The suspension bump stops are from Bitzkreig

The etched intake cover plates are from the kit with Modelkasten stoppers, also on the tool holders

New welds on the turret front join.

The jack block is 3D printed from Lithocraft, it's a superb little upgrade with correct style handle and strap. Now I don't have to scratch the handle and straps like I've done on my other builds.

The tools will be painted seperately

I still have the etch chains to add on the front tow points along with some other bits