Bill & Bill: Wow, you guys make grey and brown exciting!

 BaBill212: Are your dot filters acrylic? Wasn't sure if you meant that step are you using them for just a general wash. I've tried a few dot filters but I think mine turn out invisible  because I'm afriad of overdoing them.

Eric, thanks as always for the comments!

Rob, very nice work and finish on the Carrier. The figures are a nice touch and emphasize the small size (and accentuate the detail you've added as well IMHO). To answer your question, yes I'm using MK tracks for the build in place of the kit-supplied Magic tracks.

Andy, Happy New Year to you as well! MK tracks have become a staple in my builds...they are cheaper than Fruils while still providing the workable advantages and they are something I've gotten comfortable with as a result. Now whenever I add a new kit to the stash I have a "to buy" list of stuff and MK tracks always getted added to that list...once I have a large enough list together I will place an order and add them to the stash. I've got multiple sets of all the main types I work with so it's more a matter of stock replacement as I just pull one out of the existing stash and let the new order fill the gap down the road. My wife laughs and says I've got a virtual mini-hobby shop in my stash closet and she's not too far off in that regard I have to admit.

Bill, your Befehls Pz I is coming along nicely! IMHO about the sag it's too much for my taste but everyone is different in this regard. Because the Germans employed a dead track system with the only tension points being at the idler and the sprocket teeth, I would say you could remove 1 link and get a more realistic sag look. Either that or tension your idler further back (it's hard to tell in the last shot how far back it's positioned relative to the hull and fender) to remove some of the slack. As it stands now the sag is more appropriate for a damaged vehicle or one that's about to throw a track.

Rob: Beautiful job there! I think I said it before but the extra detail you added looks great in an open top vehicle like this. The shading makes the detail on the outside really pop and the figures round out the display. I like figures with any AFV to show off how large or in this case small the actual vehicle was.

And thanks guys, I think the tracks don't fit as well as they ought since when I glooped (is that a word?) the mud on the running gear I got some on the rear drive sprocket so they don't fit as tight as they should. I'll have to see about chipping some of the extra off. Must admit after all the work on the camo I hated to drench it all in mud and grime but I've seen very few photos they didn't have mud everywhere. I'm assuming the overhead track design carried the mud up and then dumped it over the sides.

Gamera,,   the Char B looks excellent. Wonderful job!

wBill,,   awesome IV....  Superb !        I'm going to ask for an opinion at the end of this post concerning track / sag

Rob,,    what a great build!         The carrier and figs turned out fantastic!     A++

I've been a bit slow with posts on the command pz I.....   here is where I am currently (sorry for the lengthy post) -

Primed, a bit of preshade, and MM pz grey

It's a little hard to see, but I wanted to put a small dent in the muffler screen PE cover. Wanting to keep it subtle, I took a tiny wood dowel, bent it backwards and let it fly, smacking the PE cover,,, resulting in a nice little dent.

I lightened / highlighted the overall pz grey with a mix of light grey and pz grey.

I added the disruptive camo and sealed with a glosscoat. The brown camo looks a bit lighter than what I anticipated, although I did a pantone match on a color sample and (originally) it looked pretty close. I still think it will work as weathering (on the real thing and in this build) will diffuse and blend the grey and brown.

Adding a few decals and a flat coat (not many markings on the little one). 4th Panzer Division

Now for some weathering....           I use a bit of a non-conventional approach. I like to use artist tube acrylics. They are easy to work with and very forgiving as water is your thinner. The drawback is after each of the phases you have to lightly seal the subject. 

I start out with a thinned wash of black and pinch of raw umber. A medium coating which is dabbed up a bit with a lint free cloth or paper towel. Again, using acrylics you can add or subtract very easily.

Slop it on and tab it off to effect.

(After a quick sealing)  then some dot filtering. I try to pick colors that will enhance the base color(s). After a few tests I came up with 5 choices (raw sienna, yellow ochre, sap green, cerulean blue and indian red).

(it ain't pretty, I know...............)

More blending.

This is followed overall.

Beneath the fenders I add a nice dousing of burnt umber as well.

More blending until it all works together. A few water dampened brush strokes here and there will offer some additional subtle streaking effects as well.

 After another light seal I begin on the highlighting and detail painting.

Here is where I would ask (all you fine gents) for opinion(s). When I originally assembled the Friuls they seemed to match up nicely; length / sag. BUT, I put one side on, buttoned it up and it seems to have a bit too much play. I have researched a load of images whereas some pz I's do show more sag than others.

What is your opinion, if you don't mind?

Leave as is or remove and repair?

All comments welcome (sag or otherwise.......)

Thanks guys

Bill

Gamera- Looking great!!! Thanks for the warning about the tracks.  Can't wait to start mine maybe in a month.  I better hurry...

Bill- Tracks look great!  You and ModelKasten tracks are very close, huh?  I still dig the camo job!  Happy New Year!

Rob- What can I say?  That carrier kit is very old but you turned it into a museum masterpiece with your modeling skill.    Nice work on the figures! 

I love the grass and I want to lay on it but I am afraid somebody may run over me with the carrier.  What did you use to make the grass?  Only thing missing is the damaged grass behind the carrier but I have to remember it is not that heavy so it may not damage the grass when the ground is dry and solid?

                                  Very nicely done PanzerWaffe, the little carrier and crew looks as if all has halted for a spot of tea.

                                                            Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

Been all quite on the Western Front lately, hope all is enjoying there holiday time.

CLIFF - Nice looking B1   Think your amount of mud is fine on the running gear.  Filter came out fine also.  Strange about the tracks?  Seems you could take a link out but you said you tried?

WBILL - Nice tracks.  Not sure if you already said, are these MK or magic tracks?

OK, I'm calling mine done.  The only addition not shown in these pictures is the antenna.  It has now been added while waiting for the pics to upload.  Much paint detail does not show in pics, will try to take some outside and maybe get a better quality of pictures but that will have to wait for the weather here to clear up.  So I now present the MK 1A Universal Carrier.

Figures came out OK but see there is room for improvement.  Do think they add to the display and happy they are there.  Will keep practicing on figures when I pick up some acrylic paint and see if that makes things easier?

This one is going to wrap up my builds for this GB.  There is a war going on in the Pacific that I must give some attention to but I will keep following along to see all of your progress.  Has been a pleasure building with everyone and thanks to all for the comments and help along the way.

Cliff, I missed the Cahr. Lovely. I really dig that camo.

Bill, perfect sag on the tracks.

I've been enjoying the holiday break and unfortunately that meant not much time at the bench...but I did get some time in today and made some additional progress. I used small amounts of poster blue tack putty to position the drive sprockets and also test mounted the idler wheels and their mounts in preparation for determining the required length on the MK tracks assembled earlier. The idlers are tension-able so after some careful adjustments, the length came to 100 links on both sides. I also detailed the sprockets and idlers with some MM metalizer Steel for their bare metal wear contact surfaces followed by dry-brushing MM enamel Burnt Umber. Small strips of masking tape hold the links together until they are installed later on.

The hull and turret also received a coat of Future in preparation for applying the decals and sealing in the base coat. That will dry overnight and then the markings will get added so the weathering stages are inching ever closer!

Hi Guys just popping in to check out the progress. Eric the hotchkiss looks great well done on the finish.

Rob that little carrier just looks better everytime I drop in.

Bill the Mk. IV is coming along exactly as I imagined it would, just beautiful.

Boyd the 222 looks cool, a lot of work on a very old kit, nice reference shot from Bill. I got the Bronco 223 and as a kit its first class and beautifully detailed but as a radio vehicle its useless as none is provided in the kit.

Gamera nice Char B, i don't understand the problem with the track, mine is not painted yet but it fits perfect.

Happy New Year to every body.

Terry.

Eric: Oh, what I meant was just build something simple and classic like a Sherman or Tiger as Rob said it wouldn't have to be part of this GB or any GB for that matter. Just something to recharge your batteries.

Anyway here are a few photos of the Char B1. Please excuse the clutter. She still needs another coat of matt finish and a few other things. I'll see about posting a photo of the crew when I get their eyes painted a little better! And those darn tracks, they're too loose, but if I take a link out they don't fit, I think I may have slathered a little too much mud on the running gear...

Well maybe you can break it in on the Semper Fi G.B.  Rob ..........................

Ha!  Was wondering if you would recognize that jack.  Thats where it's from.  I did cut off and then cut down the length of the cylinder then glued it back on.  Thought it was way to high up for being in stowage.

No, still have not tried the AB.  Was going to but figured would use some patience and finish this Carrier up first.  Afraid if I take the AB out and set up, could led to wanting to spray something like a new hull or something like that   Been wanting that AB since have seen all the reviews some time back but will try to wait....it's hard too...must try....

Rob , i'm in agreement ,reat loooking stowage and tools .

That hydraulic jack looks familiar ...............................like one in the Italeri field work shop kit maybe ?

Had time to try out the new A.B. yet ?

JACK - Thanks, will try the layers for now.  Understand what you are explaining but will have to see if can put it in a good working practice.  Will pick up or order some acrylic paints as soon as I can.

BILL212, CLIFF - Thanks guys, much appreciated

ERIC - If you feel like doing something big that Pershing or Tiger sounds good to me.  I think Pershing.  Don't start something just for this GB and have to struggle through it.  Your very well done H39 can easily hold your place for this GB.  Thats my opinion anyway.

Gamera

Hey guys, Merry Christmas to you one and all!

Rob, I know I keep saying the same thing - but really sharp work there!

Eric: Maybe pull out a 'comfort zone' kit - something mainstream and simple like a Sherman or Tiger? You said you don't have any Allied tanks but something in that area - just something simple and straight forward.

I have a Pershing, but it wouldn't work for this GB.

I do have a Tiger I and I was thinking of doing it next. I also looked at the Semovente and thought it might be cool, but I'm having trouble finding a AM barrel.

Hey guys, Merry Christmas to you one and all!

Rob, I know I keep saying the same thing - but really sharp work there!

Eric: Maybe pull out a 'comfort zone' kit - something mainstream and simple like a Sherman or Tiger? You said you don't have any Allied tanks but something in that area - just something simple and straight forward.

Rob,,   those tools and stowage look great. You certainly have a knack.      I'll be looking forward to the walk-around photos....                 Nice airbrush too,,,   you have to be on the "nice" list my friend..... 

Speaking of nice,, I hope everyone has a nice day.

Not to belabor a point,   but, Merry Christmas to you All

Rob - stunning work on that little carrier.

Enamels you say for figures - it's no wonder you are having problems.   Acrylics are very  popular for figure painting because they are more forgiving, less smell, particularly as they can be thinned and brushes cleaned with plain water when changing colours.  They do dry quick (as do enamels) so some still prefer oils for skin tones.

If you have some kind of desert colour in acrylic, this can be laid down as a base coat for the enamels.  Although not the go to technique, both enamels and acrylics can be blended, but it has to be done quick and with the fewest of brush strokes as you do risk lifting the previous layer.  Washes work well with acrylics, but often disasterous with enamels. 

The method of obtaining a tonel change, for a given colour, is to apply successive layers of paint that gradually get lighter or darker.  Best visual I can think of something like a contour map.  The edges are not blended into one another.  Instead the human eye compensates for this and sees it as a gradual change in tone.   Hope this helps.

-Merry Christmas everyone-

regards,
Jack

Actually, I don't have much. Nothing Allied and maybe just a Pz II. I need big tracks after that little H-39.

Would really like too see you build another   You must have something in the stash?  Still have two months to finish one, plenty of time.

You to have a very Merry Christmas Eric

Keep pressing on Rob. She's gorgeous.

Man, I need to get back to building. I never finish a GB so quickly. Perhaps after the New Year. Yeah, need to break open a kit, just don't know whcih one.

Merry Christmas Rob and to all in the GB.

Just think, when all of you wake there will be new fresh sprue under the tree just waiting for you

Did little work on the rear stowage.  Thought would show a close up of these parts before they were buried.

Jack

Wood planks, 2 x 4

Now some of the gear put in place

Also got that other Vickers mounted in the front.  Pics soon to come.

Thanks Rob you havea good one also my friend

Looks like your off to a good start for some your Christmas with the new air brush getting there today .

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone

JACK - Again great information and will try my best to put those eye techniques to use specially on my next upcoming build My next build plan on having 10 - 15 figures and your info will be very valuable. Believe to master these eyes it will just be a "practice makes perfect" approach. Now the problem with the skin tone. Am using enamels for the whole process of painting and blending the colors is the problem. Trying to wash / blend the colors with any type of thinner is only resulting in removing all the paint in spots. Is there a good way of blending the colors using enamels? Would like to get a set of the Vallejo paints to do figures with.  These paints seem to be the way to go with figures from looking at everyone's work here on the forums.  That may be awhile to get the paints, recovering after the holidays but they are on my next to get list.

I think you may be on to something with the gas detection paint being on the inside of the Carriers, never thought of that.  Had a nice link showing the Canadian markings / locations on vehicles.  It also went over the gas detection paint, color, and location.  For the detection paint on the Carriers though, it did not show.  Was trying to find what I did with the link but cannot find it now  Believe I will leave this detail off.  If I would have thought about putting it on the inside when the Carrier was still in pieces, would have put it on.  OH well.  Great idea though for the next time I build one of these Carriers (will be building a MK II in future).

BILL212 - Thanks my friend.  The walk around is not much further off.  Have finally found a jack for it so that may be the last piece before final weathering...maybe.

WBILL - Thanks for that nice complement.  Tell you, with this one much of the time was sitting scratching the head trying to figure "what next"?

Wanted to show what the last MG looked like before tucking it down in place inside the Carrier.  As y'all can see, gave it a different mount and a T&E.

Could of had the MG installed in the Carrier by now but there was a very nice interruption.  There was a knock at the door and there was the mailman handing me this

Looks better than I could imagine but have not tried it out yet.  Just been sitting here holding it

BaBill212

{{{ Boing! }}}      absolutely right Bill,, not sure what I was thinking....   pz IV (had to correct the post too),,

 

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas,,  and kit filled New Year too!

Thanks Bill and Merry Christmas to you and the rest of our model building friends .

{{{ Boing! }}}      absolutely right Bill,, not sure what I was thinking....   pz IV (had to correct the post too),,

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas,,  and kit filled New Year too!

Rob, adding all the details is making this little carrier really come alive. You've outdone yourself on this one!

BaBill, thanks for the kind words, much appreciated! Just a minor correction, it's a Pz IV and not a III...I have the III-E in the stash and contemplated doing it but the IV-C won out instead. My pleasure on the 222 info.

Hi guys,,   have been "post-non-emous" for a few days,, but have been peekin in as much as possible. I'll get some pics up of the pz command this week (have the whole week off,,,  ahhhhh,,,,).   It is actually coming along ok for the time being.

Eric,,  you did a smashing job on the Hotchkiss. Speaking of smashing,,  to think you had that in mind for a while with it!!         You did an excellent job on it     A+

Terry,,  will be watching for the B1

Greg,, the pz II is coming right along....  great kit / great choice

Wbill,,  your updates are always great reads,,,  a veritable "how-to" of the build. The pz IV is looking sweet. Oh and thanks for the 222 info,,   will keep that in the library.

Kveld,,    super job on the details. Will be watching for more.

Boyd,,  the 222 is looking good. One of my favorite kits,,,  Your details are vunderbar,,   can't imagine being jammed in there in a combat situation,, yikes!      As far as details go,  ,   I would have never guessed left side or right side.  

Rob,,,  that carrier is awesome. You certainly have applied a generous "detail-dousing" on it. I am really looking forward to a photo walkaround on it. I want to see all the bits on the inside too.   ....    Seriously, an excellent job!

Jack,, thanks for the info on that one too,,  more info for the library.