Suggestions for articles in the FSM magazine ?

Yeah I was always wanting to build a few tanks that were unique but was afraid of the single track issue.  Most oddball companies make some interesting tanks but the tracks are usually individual.   Now it doesn't seem so scary since I have a technique to follow. :)

Always happy to help, Cody! I hope it gets you where you need to be with your modeling! :)

GOLD!  Thank you Doog!  That track tutorial is PERFECTO!  Needed that!

JayF

Just a few off the top of my head : 

Weathering on a budget, using common household items and easy to get stuff from craft stores;

Easy installation of individual track links for tracked vehicles, with how to make an universal jig;

Kitbash and scratchbuild a “what-if” vehicle just for fun, using kits you won't use anyway;

How to do convincing damage, from a small dent in the fuselage to a huge hole made by a 155mm shell;

I may have more if I think a bit harder ! 

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/t/157928.aspx

Now, as far as "common household items" for weathering, my best advice is "DON'T!!"!  You can honestly get yourself into some NASTY consequences there that won't even show up for weeks,months,or years, depending on how chemically-active or reactive the stuff you're using may be.Do yourself a favor and read through this thread:

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/19/t/163671.aspx

...about bad results and mishaps from using household products in modeling. The truth is, there are a lot of good products out there that are specially formulated to be inert, and not to react with your solvents and carriers present in the paints and washes. I know some of them are pricey, but if you're serious about your modeling, you can pick up a half-dozen or more decent ones for the price of a new kit.

About the only thing I could recommend is UN0scented talcum powder, as it's basically just ground rock. I have used it for snow, but it does show age after a few years. You really have to secure it with spray lacquer from a distance, and over time, that will yellow a tiny bit. The other thing you can use for sure is pounded dirt. Find a construction site entrance or something like that, even a parking lot, where the dirt has been pounded into inert, dead dust, and get yourself some sandwich bags full of that.That can be used for (duh?!) dirt, and even rust. Other than that, I can't think of anything else I'd chance.

JayF

Smallish bump ...

Besides CodyJ, I am wondering if my ideas are interesting or not, of if this is the proper place to put them.

Smallish bump ...

Besides CodyJ, I am wondering if my ideas are interesting or not, of if this is the proper place to put them.

All of those are really good ideas.  I would be interested in those definitely as well.  Especially the idv track links.  I did a Tiger w/ indv track links but that was easy because of the size.  I have a few obscure little armors that I have no idea where to begin.  

As far as weathering I tend to mix my own washes sometimes which can keep the price down.  While AK, MIG, and Vallejo are expensive I love their products.  I have seen people use putty and Spackle, mix with paint/dirt/sand and use that instead.  I havent tried that yet.

Convincing damage is also a great Idea for an article!  GREAT IDEA!  The only things I have done are heating the parts and "Denting" them.  It looks good but I don't even know where to begin with shrapnel and stuff.

Just a few off the top of my head : 

Weathering on a budget, using common household items and easy to get stuff from craft stores;

Easy installation of individual track links for tracked vehicles, with how to make an universal jig;

Kitbash and scratchbuild a “what-if” vehicle just for fun, using kits you won't use anyway;

How to do convincing damage, from a small dent in the fuselage to a huge hole made by a 155mm shell;

I may have more if I think a bit harder ! 

Yeah you have the right area.  I'd like to know what your suggestions are.  Just out of curiosity!