Winter Warriors GB 2008

Thanks guys for the positive comments, makes me feel like I had success in my attempt here. Dupes, all I really did was apply the whitewash just enough so the camo was still somewhat visible, lighter in some areas and heavier in others , tried to keep it kind of random, and also tried to make it lighter in areas where the whitewash would be worn off quicker. Then I drybrushed some of the base colors over it and dabbed the brush here and there with the base color to show some little bare spots. I tried using the sponge method with the base color, but the results didn't really show, but I did use it with some burnt umber on some the edges(can be seen in the pics). Then used some burnt umber artist oil paint thinned down, I smeared or brushed all over the outside to achieve a rough coat then I quickly rubbed off with a paper towel. I did this in sections so the paint could be wiped off without any problems. I didn't plan on this technique, I just kind of discovered it by accident. I was just trying to use the artist oil to make some streaks and then I messed up because I didn't thin the oil pant down enough so I had a thick little glob on the side of my model, so I stuck the brush in the thinner and applied the thinner to the little glob and then proceeded to whipe it off and achieved that nice faded but blended look, so I went with it and did it to the rest of the model.   Basically a burnt umber wash using artist oils. Guess I should of said that in the beginning. I like the results, might sacrifice another kit to see if this really works or if it was just a REAL LUCKYbreak on my part. Should have the finished pics soon. Great group build by the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dupes & plastic_cross,

Thanks, I am still working out the "wash" I use Tamiya paints and have not found a sealer that I like to protect the paint I have a few practice models but I think this one is going to get some dry brushing and Tamiya weathing powders, a touch of snow and call it a day

 

Ok, I'm throwing in the towel.  Here is my 1/48 ICM Bf-109F-4 in the markings of Hauptmann Hans Philipp, JG 54, Russian front '42, completely OOB.

I'll start with what when wrong.  The cowl MG's are MIA after I ripped out the engine due to the poor fit of the cowlings over the engine.  I missed a couple of seams (always a couple, aren't there?).  I didn't trust my instincts and took the whitewash a step too far, which looks more stark and even in the photos than it actually is due to my inept photography and lighting efforts.  The ICM decals were crud with the kill markings crumbling before my eyes, hence the tail surface with no kill markings.

Now what went right.  There are seams I didn't miss .  And I did have a lot of fun trying this whitewash process out (great idea dupes! ).  She looks like a 109 Freidrich which was missing from my collection, and while not a gem like some of the builds on this forum, I'm okay with how it came out.  No, really, I am.

Oh, for those really into weathering, I'm not.

Cheers to dupes for a great idea and the opportunity to participate in it.      

  

Arki30 I think that your 109 looks good especially after all obstacles that were thrown your way.I probably would of given up, but kudos to you for sticking it out, actually a big kudos is deserved. I can personally appreciate a clean build, sometimes it takes a real lot of effort to get that clean build. nice job in my opinion

Really nice work going on guys.

Arki30, sorry to hear about all the trouble the 109 gave you, I second the kudos from Panzer88. You kept with it and turned out a nice looking 109, even if it is a little too "clean"

 

 

Couple pics of the weathering on the Tiger for an update. Tried some close in shots, but the photo "booth" is still being adjusted for light, camera settings, and the like so bear with me please. The tracks and wheels haven't been worked over yet so their going to look a little "off". Been focused on the hull...

Dale

 

Wow! What a night of updates! Where to start...

Arki - amazed that you had one decal shatter, and yet had all the other ones come out so sharp. I'd consider it a "fresh winter paint job" - maybe right before the airmarshal came out for inspection. Love it! Be sure to grab your A/C Winter Warriors badge (the first one, even!).

Larry - progress is very good on the Priest! Looking forward to finished pics!

Panzer 88 - same with you about the finished pics! Interesting oil technique there - I may have to take a stab at that...certainly dig the overall effect. Hmmm.

Dostacos - I generally use Future as my sealer coat - have you given that a try? Seems to protect pretty well versus oil/enamel washes for me.

Ruddratt - no problem changing kits. Front page is updated. Have at it! 

Dale - seriously, I think you've got a better build going here than you might even think. So many ref pics I have of a "tired" winter whitewash scheme on many tigers look JUST like yours. That top shot especially - the turret roof is spot on!

Keep it up fellas! We're nearing the halfway point of this one!

 

Thanks, gents.  Too clean, sheesh.   You armor guys need to step away from the fumes occassionally.

Actually, dupes, the Geschwader markings shattered as well, but since it turns into 2 vertical bars and a chevron they were easy to move around and salvage.  I'll get the badge up pronto.

Thanks Dupes, I really appreciate it. Might you be able to post a couple of the reference pics you've got? I'm close to the mud and dirt build up and am kinda unsure of how far to go with it. And I think I went too far already with the wash on the front of the hull, so plan to retouch that a bit. Starting on the tracks and wheels now, day off project This ought to be complete over the weekend I think.

Dale 

Dale - sure I can post some. Will have to be tomorrow, though, don't have any with me here at work. I'll be sure to bring some with me. Some of them may be Panther pics, but they'll be highly indicative of the wear-level you're looking for.

Arki - that badge is pretty swanky. Heh.

Perfect Dupes, can't thank you enough for that.

Dale 

Wow, there is deffo some awesome stuff coming out of this GB. Top marks too all.

...Guy

Ok Dupes, your gonna hang me over the amount of pics in here but this 'ol Tiger is done I think.

You wouldn't believe how I've enjoyed this GB, thanks again for putting it together.

Hope you enjoy 

Dale

 

 

Slightly Altered wrote:

Ok Dupes, your gonna hang me over the amount of pics in here but this 'ol Tiger is done I think.

Yeah, well, luckily for you the quality of the build is... OUTSTANDING!!! 100% worth the wait. Ohhh man, you're killing me here. EVERYTHING is good - build is completely solid, paint job is great, weathering is spectacular, the base is great, even your pics are fabulous! Only thing you need is a few patches of snow in your backyard (I know, I know, it's Texas) and I would feel like I was somewhere in the Ardennes...if I had a third thumb, this would rate:!

Quite honestly, I know I have a thing for Tigers, but this really falls into my top 10 builds of all time that I've seen on this site. Something about it, just the whole package,...wow. You have certainly captured "THE LOOK" of a weather-beaten tank that managed to survive the winter. Bravo!
 

Slightly Altered wrote:

You wouldn't believe how I've enjoyed this GB, thanks again for putting it together.

Hey - you aren't the only one! Trust me, there will be more! Especially if I can expect to see stuff like this...

PLEASE be sure to grab your badge - and wear it proudly! 

I don't really know what to say Dupes, except to sincerely thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate it.

The base was sort of borrowed from my Sherman build, figured it would set right on it for the pics. Snow I'm at a loss for. Couldn't afford to coat the background, lol. This 'ol Tiger is destined for the IPMS "Modelmania" contest come April 5th. Going to see some stiff competition in that one I'm sure. She ought to maybe turn some heads though.  Soon as I can figure out the badge placement it'll be there. And proudly.

Honored to be a part of your Group Build Dupes. 

Dale 

Very nice work there altered. Really looks like shes seen some action. Nice job fella.

...Guy

Stellar!!!  You captured the intimidating look of the tiger as well as the late winter look.  Everything from the camo to the weathering is spot-on! 

all i can say is these guys better get busy scrubbin because they really stand out in that there texas out back,did i say texas. oh and since i cant pat you on the back myself,please do,niiiice looking build

Slightly Altered: WOW,  Fantastic Build!!!  Extremely well done, the weathering is all-around superb.  I especially like the side view picture taken outside.  That work around the missing fender is unbelievable, VERY convincing!  Your rust work is some of the best I've seen.  The tracks, spare tracks, fenders, tow cables are all top notch.  The white is a little sparse IMO, but the look you were trying to get was pulled off with perfection.  Not sure what else to say, except congrats, and thanks for sharing!...Did you say this was your first GB?  It's mine too, I liked it so much I'm in two others and "announcing" my own idea soon...would be proud to have you join, be lookin' for the "Urban Arbor" official post soon. 

 

Dale-Stellar job on the Tiger.  Looks real in the outdoor setting.  A build to be proud of indeed. 

Again Gentlemen I'm at a loss for words, thank you for the comments and for taking the time to reply. It is really appreciated.

Always an honor sharing with the caliber of builders on here.   This is the first GB I've been in SMJ, Tigermans "The Tank Hunter's" GB will be the second. I'll keep an eye out for the "Urban Armor" GB for sure.

sincerely, Thanks everyone

Dale 

Dale, you really should post this guy in the Armor forum. Be a shame not to let the other guys take a look at her!

dupes wrote:

Dale, you really should post this guy in the Armor forum. Be a shame not to let the other guys take a look at her!

 

Thought you may say something like that Dupes, and did yesterday.   Dedicated it to your GB with the first line too with "Built for Dupes' Winter Warriors GB" Since it was your idea that turned this 'ol Tiger into reality.

Dale 

Gaaah! I must have missed it. Heading over thataways right now.

I also wanted to post this in your GB before anything else too Dupes, sent the pics of the Tiger I to Finescale Mag and they are going to run one of the pics in their "readers" section. Not sure of when yet, but I'll keep ya up to date.

All because of your GB Dupes!!!!!! 

Dale 

SA: Congrats!!!, it'll be nice to say "I knew that build when..." as I read FSM when it's published. 

dupes:  May I suggest you start a new thread for completed builds for this GB?  Make SURE you title it so it includes *FINISHED BUILDS ONLY,NO COMMENTARY PLEASE*  Townsy11 did this for the Modern Armor GB.  It gives all the participants and interested viewers a chance to scroll down and see a multitude of builds without "commercial interuptions".  Your call, being the GB "author" of WWGB, I know for sure that "The Kursk" and "Hunters" GB's would benefit us all if they had such a thread...I think they do have separate threads, but not ones without commentaries.

Slightly Altered wrote:

... sent the pics of the Tiger I to Finescale Mag and they are going to run one of the pics in their "readers" section.

Get out! That's awesome! Which one did you send them? 

SMJ - I had actually thought about the "finished" thread, but didn't want to exclude the aircraft-building portion of the group...although, so far, it's only Arki. Hmmm. Have to see what happens. Let me think about this some more. 

Sent 'em every pic I had posted in here Dupes. don't know which one they will choose to run though.  I just hope they mention the GB it was built for. I made sure to include the details in the description sent with the pics.

Dale 

I disagree with the separate thread idea for completed builds.  It just creates one more thread to keep track of and further clutters up an already cluttered forum.  Reading or skipping through the commentary doesn't take that much extra time.

BTW, although I'm not an armor guy, IMHO the Tiger is really well done Slightly Altered.  And although I have a strong opinion on weathering, what you gents do to your armor never ceases to amaze me.  Hat's off.

arki30:  How about two posts of the finished builds?.. In this GB and a separate finished builds thread? I see what you mean about the extra threads, but a gallery of finished projects, especially for those who weren't involved, is really a good reference/ resource.  The extra commentary adds more pages and is harder to follow and refer back to. 

By the way, I saw your plane, nice change of pace for this GB, excellent work sir!!!  I don't even try aircraft because of those  cockpits, I'd switch to knitting before trying that level of detail...maybe we could sew a quilt together...you commented after seeing one of my builds, that you were going to quit and take up knitting too...