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1/12 dark wash

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  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: NJ 07073
1/12 dark wash
Posted by archangel571 on Sunday, June 12, 2005 3:54 AM
Hey,

Now I come from a long period of armor modeling where darkwashes is worshipped for detailing the tanks. (blah blah) However, after going through a bunch of really good sites for 1/12 bike models, I hardly ever see the wash being done on frames or rear fork or even the aluminum engine block for shadowing, though the gloss coats and other details were awesome with the CF decals and all. Everyone seems to just spray on their Alclad II and life is apparently happy. Well, so I am wondering if the wash is really needed or should I simply let the natural lighting do its work since the scale is still, slightly large in comparison to others. If it should be done, how dark should the tint be before it starts look a little unrealisticly over-shadowed? Help would be appreciated as I am moving on to painting some interior parts for the nsr500.
-=Ryan=- Too many kits... so little free time. MadDocWorks
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: NSW, Australia
Posted by pingtang on Sunday, June 12, 2005 8:34 AM
I always do washes on my 1/12 bike kits. Maybe not so much on the frame, because that looks a bit un-realistic to me. But definitely on the engine block and chain etc...... Usually I use the base colour and just add some black to it to make a wash from. Then a bit of dry-brushing helps the detail pop out nicely. I don't think the wash should be too much darker than the base colour, just enough to to enhance the detail.
-Daniel
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Washington State
Posted by leemitcheltree on Monday, June 13, 2005 9:49 PM
Ryan,
I always use a wash on almost everything - even if it's a severely "subdued", very light one....just to add a little depth. They never end up dirty or "used" looking (with the exception of the tires and the rims) like armor or aircraft.
Remember that these bikes are million dollar (plus) prototypes that receive lavish attention by the mechanics. With the budgets of the larger teams, anything at all that looks a little second hand gets replaced and then destroyed.
I've been in the pits at a 500cc GP race at Philip Island here in Australia - and believe me, these bikes are bloody spotless.
So definately use a wash - just remember it's not a war weary Sherman.

Cheers, LeeTree
Remember, Safety Fast!!!

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • From: NJ 07073
Posted by archangel571 on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 1:17 AM
Ah... now i get it. I was thinking of some minor grease stains, oil leaks, n stuff, pain in the neck to clean them off my own car's engine block, but yea I didn't think of the fact that they get time between the races to clean them. How neglectful. okay, that's great to know. Thanks a lot, fellas.

I also did notice the the stainless steel exhaust pipes don't bronze as much on these bikes, which i guess now should be explained as that they don't really get that much mileage. I had my "luck" of trying to repolished a half year old bronzed 4-1 header for my car through wetsanding, and man, that thing was practically brown the entire way.
-=Ryan=- Too many kits... so little free time. MadDocWorks
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: west springfield,mass
Posted by rudedog on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 5:44 PM
Motor fins,brake components & chains are definately gratious recipients of black washes.Your instincts are right on target. Semper fi

"...That's an order,not a debate topic , Sergeant Rudzik..."

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Washington State
Posted by leemitcheltree on Saturday, June 18, 2005 7:01 AM
Ryan,
Don't worry about oil leaks or stains on the engine.......if there's even the smallest leak, that means there's somethings wrong and the entire assembly gets inspected then disassembled and inspected - and the leak repaired - period.
Rudedog is right - cooling fins, brakes, chain, welds and nearly everything else can benefit from a little wash to pop out the detail and add depth.
Just don't go for the "weathered" look....it just doesn't happen in real life.

Cheers, LeeTree
Remember, Safety Fast!!!

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, June 18, 2005 10:56 AM
One of the most important tool for GP mechanics is the wax and brake cleaner. They use almost dozen of brake cleaner to clean every parts after each session of outing. Its part of Motor racing ritual. Its just to show to the world how serious motor racing is and image of this sports where sponsor pouring in millions bucks to get as much airtime as possible. No photographer would like to snap a dirty and unattractive looking racing machine. To me ,the hardest part to make it looks real is always the exhaust. I haven't come across one great looking exhaust yet.
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