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Modeller Build Logs
Tasca Sherman Firefly Vc |
| By James Wechsler | | Started: | Dec 1, 2006 | | Updated: | Apr 29, 2007 |
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OK, I’ll admit it, when I got the opportunity to do a blog using Tasca’s new Firefly kit I was giddy with excitement. I’ve got Tasca’s Pz. II Luchs, and I’ve built about three of their Sherman suspension sets, and two of their 0.050 cal MG sets. Tasca has yet to disappoint.
Now as a total Shermanaholic, I’ll admit that the thought of building a Sherman model that requires only a little bit of extra work is hard to fathom. I mean what is Sherman modeling without a bucket of aftermarket resin parts, replacement tracks, and a huge photoetch sheet? It’s … like modeling German armor (noooo don’t say it’s true)! There, I’ve said it. 2006 has been an allied modeler’s dream and Tasca’s Firefly is the grand finally of the fireworks show.
But in many ways I’m glad to be doing a blog using a great kit. My last two blogs involved extensive use of resin conversion and scratch built parts to make unusual Shermans. So they were heavily focused on construction tasks. Yet I’ve noticed that most of the comments I receive when I post photos of my models are requests for more information on how I do my painting, weathering, and groundwork. So for this blog I will spend less time on the construction tasks and more time on the painting, finishing and techniques for making simple ground work.
Up Next: The Construction Starts.
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| Streaking | Feb 12, 2007 |
No, I’m not talking about running naked across a sports stadium (but that would make for an interesting blog chapter wouldn’t it?). The intent of adding some streaks to the sloped and vertical surfaces of a model is to represent the effects of rain mixed with dirt and dust.
I didn’t want make this model too dirty so I’m only adding a bit of streaking but the same methods can be used to represent a heavily weathered vehicle as well.
To represent streaks, I’ve found that using a small amount of oil paint is an easy and controllable process. For this model I used three colors, Raw Umber, White, and a Tan made by mixing the two. I put a series of very small dots at the top of the where the streaking is to begin. For large surfaces like the hull sides, the spacing and color pattern are kept as random as possible. On other areas where there are attachments such as lifting rings, headlights, etc., I’ll also add a small dot of Raw Umber right under that feature.
To cause the streak, I then use a wide flat brush dipped in turpeniod. The brush is then drawn downward over the dot which causes it to streak. The intensity of the streak can be controlled by the number of times you draw the brush down. More strokes will dilute the streak.
As mentioned, the goal for this model was to get a bit of a color change and some noticeable streaking but not to get a series of heavy streaks as might be seen in a vehicle that had been in service for a long time.
Up Next: Fuel Strains |
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