Bolt heads

Chris, the real trick is indeed "washes" and "drybrushing". You can see here on my Marder III this first picture was after a light colored wash to just fade the paint a bit and give it a dirty apperence.


Then I applied a dark pinpoint wash to the details on the model and this is the result of the dark wash.


(sorry i didn't have 2 of the same angle but you can see how the dark wash surrounds the details and creates "shadow" around them and makes them start to stand out.)

My next step will be to drybrush a lighter than original color of each color of the camo that will highlight the raised parts even more, make them look faded, and I'll also add some "scratches" and "rust" after that. Now don't take what I tell you as gospel as this is my first armor kit I've built (since I started painting models anyway ) and I'm working off lots of articles I've read and mostly the advice of Moses, Shermanfreak, and others on the forum who are offering suggestions and help on my techniques. I'll offer any advice I can and so will the others. This is a great bunch of guys and gals who are very helpful and quite talented.

Eric

rounded rivet heads can easily be made with dimensional fabric paint (such as made by Plaid), that you'll find in all colors (handy to see what you are doing!) in any craft stores or even in Walmart!

Apply with a toothpick. If not happy with what you have, scrape off with a toothpick. You may want to seal it with a bit of Future before you go any further.

theirs a company called 'grant line' or 'grand line', they make model railroad items and they have bolt heads that you could use to replace the ones on your kit, they also make bolts to go with the nuts, they are kind of tricky to use, i used them once about 4 or 5 years ago,didnt have much luck with them as there pretty small, but that was before i got glasses to? hope this helps.

You can highlight them by applying a distinctly colored wash around its base and dry brushing the topmost part with a lighter color than the tank body. Sometimes a rub pencil lead on the top surace also to simulate wear and exposed metal. This works for me but I am sure the other guys may have their own tricks on this one.

Good luck.