I have recently returned to 1/35th scale model building after a 25+ year absence. I started this return by painting a Tamiya German Assault Infantryman - the one that is jumping out of the Hanomag 251/1. The little fellow did not turn out too bad. I am pleased with the face and eyes. It is also nice to see that I can still paint legible cuff titles on SS troopers. One can indeed read 'Das Reich' on my little guy's cuff band - despite the fact that my left eye has been turning blurry of late. The problem?
I still need to figure out how to do simple shadows using wash techniques. When I left 1/35th model building, such was not too common of a practice. Today, it seems to be standard. I guess I'll have to work at it. I'm a die-hard oil paint man (yep - I like testors and mix them a lot, so sue me) and have too much money invested in them to turn to acrylics. I refuse to spend a ridiculous amount of time on figures - it cuts into my vehicle plans too much. I shall be looking for tips on using oils for simple schemes applied to WW 2 German, U.S. and Russian Infantry and other troops - in that order. Most of my plans for the next year will be with German troops and vehicles. I am currently working on a Tamiya Kubelwagen that I have had since the 1970s. I am gutting it for the third time, and the detail I'm putting into it will rival anything I've ever done before.
Of course, the difficulty of turning this model into something realistic is 80% of the challenge. When I get a camera that'll connect to my computer, I'll let you all see the results. I also hope to subscribe in a couple of months, as I used to get the magazine all the time back in the 70s (or was that just 'Scale Modeler'? - Yes, it was - well maybe they're the same ;-D ). I just have to sort out a thing or two in the meantime.
My last serious effort in model building involved Sailing Ships, which I have more than a passing interest in. I prefer large scale - 1/96th - 1/100th are my favorites, though HO for smaller vessels are great for combination land/sea scenes and gaming. This little jaunt ended in the mid-90s. I have since moved on to other things, and do not see myself returning to it in more than a research capacity. The First US Frigates and the Georgian Navy from about 1725-1820 are subjects that I have an extensive knowledge of and gobs of reference for, if anyone needs information on it. Anyway...Happy Modeling! EStrongblade