Ukrainian dio components...

[Jeeves]

Bob asked about my technique on the weathering...its really for me on this one taking my sweet time and working in small sectors. I got in contact with the photojournalist from the UK who took the reference photo I first posted on Instagram.

He sent me links to higher def photos that I could zoom into. Between that and Saúl's help I've got a good boost. Been reading some old weathering articles from Chris Meddings as well. So far, its mostly the Lifecolor Rust paint set and then a mix of Wilder and Mig rust pigments. The bit of ash I've started here is from a mix of Doc O'Brien powders I bought when I was first trying out weathering.

Before I go too much further, I need to start on the base. Found some good stuff from Scenic Factory and was pleased to see the guy lives 20 minutes away from me so I'll save on shipping.

 

[Steve Ski]

Ruck On, Buddy, this is looking good!

 

[moon puppy]

You've come a long way with your pigment work Mike, well done!

 

[Jeeves]

Thanks Steve and Bob!

Yeah this one for some reason is really calling to me this summer. For the surface rust and ash, less is definitely best. When I get to the lower parts, I plan on using what I've learned from Mike Rinaldi's books as best I can. I love the pigments set with the Tamiya thinner he does- looks really caked on where it should.

 

[Jeeves]

Got the terrain materials in from the Scenic Factory today- turns out the owner lives local so I saved $8 on shipping and he dropped it off today...

 

[moon puppy]

Nice one, you get to meet the owner?

 

[Jeeves]

Yes...good guy. Hoping to maybe start reviewing some of his products. He already has some good tutorials on YouTube

 

[Jeeves]

Running into some fit issues with the Das Werk StuG so happy to get working on the base-- waiting on some green pine boughs from the Scenic Factory for the back side as seen in my original reference photo. Using some dead boughs and pine needles to start things out. Much more ash and debris to add. The bigger space to the side is where the figures will be...need to paint them still but I will add them in roughly soon to get a grasp of things.

 

[Jeeves]

I used the AMMO Lock 'N Load pencil to write the Wolverines on the barrel as seen in the reference photo- didn't turn out too bad. I think it will show up a bit better when the turret is up on top of the hull. Also got the custom decal of the bird in and added it to the side where the figures will be posed...it silvered a bit but after the weathering it should be ok...

 

[moon puppy]

Mike you bee practicing!!

 

[Jeeves]

Just taking my time on this one...

 

[Heavens Eagle]

I have solved silvering in an applied decal by taking a new sharp #11 blade and lightly pecking micro holes all across the silvered area. The holes just need to pierce the decal and usually when done right can't be seen especially once the flat coat is applied.
Then I will take some Solvaset and apply it starting at one side and work my way across the silvered area. What causes the silvering is that the decal didn't attach and has air under it. The Solvaset not only is a softener, but is a setting agent and will flow under the decal and bond it down. I don't slather it on, I just apply enough to help it flow under the decal.

 

[Jeeves]

Ok...Scenic Factory stuff came in. Turret is attached (shifted a little to avoid the barrel overhanging the edge of the base). Opinions wanted on the base- is the greenery in the back too much? Got to put the finishing touches on the figures and add them in. For all the gear Master Box included, I apparently need to create the cell phone for the dude taking the photo...should be interesting.

 

[moon puppy]

I don't think you can have too much greenery, that thing burned out a while ago so things would have grown back.

 

[centaur567]

Very nice!! That's a really big gun and I agree with MP on the greenery. Gary S.

 

[Jeeves]

Thanks guys...more to come to be sure

 

[Jeeves]

Figures are by no means my strong point- Calvin Tan I ain't sadly. But here are three of the 4 after my attempt at digital camo, a wash of Citadel Nuln Wash, and some Dullcote. Gotta head for touching up...
Bent over guy will be looking into the burnt out T-72 turret...and the other two will be posing in front. Camera guy's wash is still drying. And I noticed the Aussie hairs just now as I was editing the photos...luckily easy to pull off

 

[Rhino]

Ok...Scenic Factory stuff came in. Turret is attached (shifted a little to avoid the barrel overhanging the edge of the base). Opinions wanted on the base- is the greenery in the back too much? Got to put the finishing touches on the figures and add them in. For all the gear Master Box included, I apparently need to create the cell phone for the dude taking the photo...should be interesting.
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With everything else scorched black, the greenery seems a bit out of place. What if the grass was growing back as well?

 

[Jeeves]

Going from the reference photo, I think the tank has been sitting there a while. The trees nearby are scorched black, as is the ground immediately around it, but you can see greenery making its way back from the rear...might take some of the moss away...

 

[Jeeves]

Heading to a build day with some fellow modelers, but worked on the soldier taking the selfie. Phone might be a tad overscale but I've seen some phones my students have had in the past that were huge, and I wanted something big enough to see what he was taking a photo of...so maybe its a tablet.