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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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| Pigments | Feb 27, 2007 |
Boy are pigments a nice addition to the modeler’s arsenal of weathering tools. They can be used dry, mixed with a little thinner, or even for coloring gels and other mediums. Personally, I find that I most often use them dry since I really like the dusty look you get.
One thing about pigments, less is more. Adding a lot of pigments will fuzz out the details on the model and detract from the overall look. That’s one of the reasons I used the dust process noted in the last chapter.
But for the lower hull and suspension, pigments are a great way to represent the dust build up in these areas. For this model, I use MIG Pigments ‘European Dust’ since this vehicle is in service in NW Europe.
One of my favorite ways to apply pigments is with a woman’s eye mascara sponge. These are little sponges on a stick and can be bought for little cost at most drug stores. After I apply the pigments to a surface, I’ll use my thumb to rub the area to both rub in the pigment in some areas and rub it away in others. If I can’t reach an area with my finger, then I’ll use a fresh mascara sponge to get the same effect. This method works well for the lower hull, rear hull, and the suspension.
I use a different method on the upper hull. In this case, I really don’t want to get that much pigment on the model so I use a small, cut down paint brush (almost always an old worn out one because I’m cheap). I them apply the pigments just to the areas where I want them. In this case, the sand skirt mounting brackets, the house boat fittings, and the rear stowage box. Then I’ll still go back with my finger or a sponge and rub off the excess. The idea is to show the dust build up in the cracks and steps on the model.
Up Next: Reverse Dry Brushing |
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