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

Sicily Panzer - some further progress

Picked this one back up recently and made some further progress, almost there with just some minor stuff left to complete.

 

 

 

USMC M60A1 - Desert Storm 91

 Not many updates lately but here are a few in progress pics . This is the Takom kit and I've used the AFV Club tracks. The non-slip was done with the Ammo acrylic paste and I think it gives a great result for the US style of non slip.

My thoughts on the Takom kit, Fantastic! Detail, fit, surface textures, are all excellent, the only thing it needs are welds on the shocker mountings and around the bump stops which I have yet to add, and of course the non slip.

Stug III G - Hermann Göring - Sicily

 The original Dragon smart kit 6320

Ready for painting apart from a set of tracks that I'm waiting on.

Based on pictures from Dennis Oliver/ Claude Gillono's book, Hermann Göring Pz Div in Sicily.

Pz III M Sicily

 Just picked up on the weathering on this one. A heavy coat of dust, photos show that Sicily was dry and dusty during the time of the Allied invasion.

The numbers are Archer rub downs which were the only available option for the Pz III's of HG Division. I still have to paint the infill in white. There is nothing available with a black outline/ white infill in this style of number and the required height.

I've only weathered the outside of the skirts in order to get the transfers to stick, the rest of the turret is still to come.