PAGE 5-FINISHED PICS! The "MIG-nificent" DML King Tiger!

Mixael wrote:

Well, Doog and Satori, I find myself somewhat in flux between what you two have talked about.  I am a (beginning/returning) modeller that would like to work towards more "miniturist" work.  I'm not good at scratch building, but I'm doing more as I learn HOW and WHAT to do.  I've not used PE as, frankly, it scares me a bit   I've never used AM stuff, but do have some in the wings that have a bit of it.  One of those that is waiting has AM PE and RESIN!  All this to say that this is a great place to learn, and post, as there are so many differing ideas and philosophies.  I read these threads in the deepest hope of either learning something or being inspired, and it hasn't failed yet!  In fact, in the "old days" I would skip the interior if the vehicle was going to be closed up and you wouldn't see stuff.  Now, I not only install it, I even PAINT it, even if I'm the only one that knows it's there.  So, while there are "artist" builders and "rivet counter" builders, I feel I fit comfortably in the middle somewhere. Just my thoughts, now back to building! Michael

Mike - As you hang around here what you find, using a Doog's words, we are all artists..modelers yes, some miniturists...but all artists. But in art there are many different styles. The same here. Hell, I'm half way to the lepor colony since I only build US armor. But thats my thing. Doog is a Germaholic ....into German WWII armor. Manny build dios and great figures.

Anyway...we all learn tricks and concepts from each other yet we all forward our own style. As far AM items, using PE or resin....."you have nothing to fear but fear itself". Try everything, it will expand your mind.

Lasyly have fun.  

Doog....sorry to hijack the thread.....we now return to your regular Doog program!

Rounds Complete!!

Hi Guys,

Well, I'm at the painting stage. First, I painted the whole thing in a mix of Tamiya Flat Brown+Black. I'm not worried too much about getting an opaque coat--this is going to be followed by two or three more coats anyway.

And then a coat of Tamiya UN-lightened Dark Yellow. I actualy painted it without the spare tracks on it. The wheels all got a coating on the insides.

And then a lightened coat of nearly-white Dark Yellow...I also painted the highlighted coat WITH the spare tracks on the turret, so that the fresh base coat underneath would be visible when I model some of the tracks missing.

ANd then a camo coat of the Tamiya Red Brown and Tamiya Khahki Drab+Dark Green applied freehand...this was painted without the spare links, so that the missing links would show that the tank was painted without them on it, as one would expect.

Now, I really don't really consider this to be a start to the "weathering" yet, but I gave the top of the model a coat of AQUA NET Super Extra Heavy Duty Hold, and then started to apply the winter whitewash, using standard Apple Barrel White craft paint, thinned about 40%, and just slopped on, as it would have been.

Here it is, still drying...

Notice how the spare tracks areas are now showing the regular paint underneath...

Now, I started attacking the paint with a stiff-bristle brush, dissolving the hair spray underneath which carries off the paint on top of it....

...which is then dabbed away with a tissue...

The turret got the same treatment...

Then I used this pick to scrape and poke, and chip away some of the whitewash...

I also used an emery board to scrape the whitewash away from the top ridges of the zimmerit...

Here's what it looks like...

I then applied some decals -- I screwed up the first set of standard "300" when I got a phone call just after aplying the Solvaset, which crumpled them in my inattentiveness! So I applied some red ones, and then painted them over. I also have applied the tracks here, and they are solidifying. I have NOT attached the wheels yet, as I need to remove them to start the weathering.

King Tiger # 300 was part of "Operation South Wind"--the attack on the Soviet bridgehead on the western flank of the Gran RIver in Hungary. Jochen Peiper's 1st SS PanzerKorps led the attack. Here it was photographed 45 miles from Budapest.This photo is from the excellent J. Fedorowicz book "SS Armor on the Eastern Front" by Velimir Vuksic. You can see that it still has the AA ring around the commander's cupola--surprising, as I would have thought it to have been a "final model" KT. You can also see the base coat where the missing links are on the turret.

A few weeks ago, we had a thread going here about MIG pre-mixed washes and weathering products . It got strong opinions on both sides, and I had asked Adam Wilder and Rick Lawler exactly what would make a modeler buy their pre-mixed products when most people would  mix their own. 

To make a long story short, Adam Wilder contacted me a little later, and said that MIG Productions would like to send me some of their products to test out. So for the rest of this model's weatherin, I will be forgoing my "usual" routine of weathering products, and instead using the supplied MIG products exclusively. I am eager to see what results I can achieve here! A big "THANKS!!!" to Adam, RIck, and all at MIG Productions!

Stay tuned for some more updates after I make a little progress here! Now the fun begins!

Questions and comments welcomed!

Doog, you are really, REALLY good at this.  Not just the flawless and inventive builds, but you have a knack for teaching how you do what you do.  

I bought some Mig dark wash, and used it on the running gear of the E-100, but I found it to be VERY dark, and it seemed easier to use "your" Windsor and Newton washes on the top surfaces.  I will be watching this thread very carefully, as I have some Mig products that I would like to use.

Really a very nice build.  This coming from someone who is just starting to grasp how difficult it is to do what you make look so easy.  

the doog wrote:

A WORD OF THANKS TO MIG PRODUCTIONS   A few weeks ago, we had a thread going here about MIG pre-mixed washes and weathering products . It got strong opinions on both sides, and I had asked Adam Wilder and Rick Lawler exactly what would make a modeler buy their pre-mixed products when most people would  mix their own.  To make a long story short, Adam Wilder contacted me a little later, and said that MIG Productions would like to send me some of their products to test out. So for the rest of this model's weatherin, I will be forgoing my "usual" routine of weathering products, and instead using the supplied MIG products exclusively. I am eager to see what results I can achieve here! A big "THANKS!!!" to Adam, RIck, and all at MIG Productions! Stay tuned for some more updates after I make a little progress here! Now the fun begins! Questions and comments welcomed!

Hey Karl,

I missed the build updates, sorry...but you seem to have matter well in hand.  I really like the reference vehicle that you've chosen to portray. 

On behalf of Mig, Adam, and MIG Productions I would like to say that you are very welcome, we hope that you enjoy the goodies.

".....using the supplied MIG products exclusively"

You're hard core, Doog, I don't even do that!  This will be fun, I'm looking forward to your updates.

Best,

Rick

http://ricklawler.blogspot.com/

    Doog, it's always a pleasure to watch you work.

        Kind of irks me that Dragon would get the mounting brackets in the wrong place.     Especially with all the documentation on this vehicle.       

She's looking good!!!

LOL...just ribbin' 'ya, but the MiG thing made me think of "selling out"...sorta like a rock band doing an American Express commercial... lol...tell me it 'aint so, doog!

 Thanks, Robert! Lucky, indeed! I'll havea review soon here for you!

Thanks too, Scott--planning the painting of this taken as much thought as the build! 

Blll, glad you're learning from this as well. I'm using the "Neutral Wash" over the white camo, and it's pretty convincingly grimy! Watch for the review soon!

Rick, again; Thank You! I'm in the middle of using the products as I write this, and I have to say I am impressed! I'll be posting a review here really soon. I want to get a little bit of experience with them here before I post--and the idea of using them exclusively is a bit of a challenge, but I think it will be a great benefit to the former debate, to give a balanced review of them from someone who is normally a "heavy" weatherer! 

Thanks too, for commenting, Marc, Bill, and David! 

Steve--yeah, it's a bummer about the brackets--they apparently completely discounted the idea that someone might build the model without side skirts. In that case, it would be an impossible fix to make! 

Mansteins revenge wrote:

She's looking good!!! LOL...just ribbin' 'ya, but the MiG thing made me think of "selling out"...sorta like a rock band doing an American Express commercial... lol...tell me it 'aint so, doog!

Besides, I've already used MIG Powders to a great degree--one my Hetzer, my E-100, my other builds. So these are just another product which I might have purchased anyway in time.I see it as no differently than a guitar cable or string company giving me something to use for free--it's a benefit to both parties--unless the product is really lousy. But I have to say, the products in this case are really surprisingly good!

I'll be posting a review and update soon! Thanks again, all, for posting! 

the doog wrote:

Thanks, Robert! Lucky, indeed! I'll havea review soon here for you! Thanks too, Scott--planning the painting of this taken as much thought as the build!  Blll, glad you're learning from this as well. I'm using the "Neutral Wash" over the white camo, and it's pretty convincingly grimy! Watch for the review soon! Rick, again; Thank You! I'm in the middle of using the products as I write this, and I have to say I am impressed! I'll be posting a review here really soon. I want to get a little bit of experience with them here before I post--and the idea of using them exclusively is a bit of a challenge, but I think it will be a great benefit to the former debate, to give a balanced review of them from someone who is normally a "heavy" weatherer!  Thanks too, for commenting, Marc, Bill, and David!  Steve--yeah, it's a bummer about the brackets--they apparently completely discounted the idea that someone might build the model without side skirts. In that case, it would be an impossible fix to make!   Mansteins revenge wrote: She's looking good!!! LOL...just ribbin' 'ya, but the MiG thing made me think of "selling out"...sorta like a rock band doing an American Express commercial... lol...tell me it 'aint so, doog! Manny, LOL! Don't worry, I won't be doing any credit card commercials any time soon, LOL!--but think of it this way. For MIG Productions, it was a smart business move. I'm a three-time published author, and a prominent poster here on the site. It was a smart move to send me some eamples to test and try--especislly when their products really are some darned good  products! Besides, I've already used MIG Powders to a great degree--one my Hetzer, my E-100, my other builds. So these are just another product which I might have purchased anyway in time.I see it as no differently than a guitar cable or string company giving me something to use for free--it's a benefit to both parties--unless the product is really lousy. But I have to say, the products in this case are really surprisingly good! I'll be posting a review and update soon! Thanks again, all, for posting!

In fact, I'm begining to wonder when the big announcement is gonna come that you don't start doing this full-time and start you own "Verlinden" or MiG" company. I have had the pleasure of seen you evolve in a very short time from a prolific poster to an on-line mentor, with all the creds to back you up (published, etc.) ..of course your biggest product would be your techniques and your ability (and willingness) to document and explain them.

In the '80's it was the "Verlinden Way'; maybe next it will be "Doog's Way"...I don't think it is too far-fetched an idea...I have bought modeling "how to" books from Kalmbach Publishing in the past that featured guys with a fraction of the talent you have demonstrated (no exagerration)...

the doog wrote:

but my loyalty willalways be right here, to this great forum, and the friends I have here!

doog,

You say the nicest things... gonna make me just a little....

This thread is a gas! Huge info, lots of fun....doog, you gotta do the Monty Python captions for the rest of it, please!

BTW, I always knew you'd make the "show".....

OK, guys-here we go with a weathering update.

As I stated before, I'm committed to using MIG Products exclusively for the weathering of this beast, where applicable. But for the first step, of bringing out some detail here on the whels, I've mixed up a blend of craft paints to drybrush the wheels--Folk Art Clay Beige, and Craft SmartMustard Yellow. I drybrushed this over the wheels, to bring out a little detail. 

I then applied some washes of MIG's "502 Abteilung" oils, of 093 Basic Earth, 080 Wash Brown, and 001 Snow White, and set them aside to dry.

I also used some thinned white craft paint with a dab of dishwashing liquid to thin it and help it flow over the sprayed-on Tamiya mixture that I used on the hull.

OK, now turning to the hull. I first washes the whole hull in MIG's "Neutral Wash". This actually is an enamel wash, and goes on somewhat dark, but it's a perfect, grimy gray-brown color for white finishes. It flows perfectly, and is easily thinned by either regular mineral spirits or MIG's own "Thinner for Washes". I then painted the hull chippped zimm sections in 502 oil color # 120 Primer Red. This is a somewhat brighter color than I'm used to, but pretty close to what I've seen in person in the unrestored Fort Knox StuG IIIG interior, of which I had the pleasure to crawl around inside.

I then took some of the 502 oils--the Wash Brown, Basic Earth, 010 Luftwaffe Yellow, 040 Faded Green, White, and 035 Buff, and started "Color Modulating". I admit; I stole some of this idea from Adam Wilder--if you haven't seen some of his finishes using this subtle technique, you're really missing out!

I applied small "spot filters" here and there, in different shades of white, tan, green, etc--just going for different shades of the basic colors, adding subtle layers on top of the basic base coat. The difficulty of this technique was magnified, I believe, by the desire to NOT cover up some of the effects of the "Hairspray" technique. OH well--this build is an experiment and a learning experience for me, so I fearlessly soldier on!

To tone down the bright red primer, I applied some powder--037 Gulf War Sand--to the still-wet oil, and then drybrushed--no; more "stippled" a always-varying combination of acrylic craft paint in tan/yellow/white, just going for various shades. I just kept monkeying with it, adding some, stepping back, looking at it again....

Here's where I am so far...long way to go yet...

I applied some of the Basic Earth oil to the rear to simulate mud on the hull.

And I wish I could change this--I chipped too much here. Before I decided to actually model #300, I chipped this big chip; I wish I could change it back. I'm thinking that I will whitewash it, over the bulletholes which I put un there to justify the chipping in this area. That way it will look like it was a pre-winter wound, and not be so glaring. Notice how the paint shows through where the track links were; I like this effect! 

An overall side view so far...

Well, I stil have a long way to go. A lot of detail painting, and I still haven't even started pin washes. The tracks and wheels will be a powdering challenge--lots of mud to be mixed up! 

By the way--anyone doubting the "accuracy" of the primer red showing through like that, check out these two color photos-one of a PZ IV in Italy, and the other a Panther recovered from the Demyansk pocket...posted here for reference only; thanks to Nico Frenzel for use of this photo.

So let's hear it with the critiques or questions!All opinions welcomed!

You are so good it's sick.. 

Looking VERY good.. Very, very good.. way better than what  could get off with anything...   You are so good I'm speechless...  

Truly impressive, doog.  I was a little nervous when I first saw that red, but you toned it down nicely.  The stuff you did on the wheels is really great as well.

As a suggestion: maybe in the pics that you have specifically used the Mig stuff, you could include the 'stuff' you used in the pic, like you did with the folkart acrylics in the first pic.  I know you write what you used, but some of us are visual learners...

I don't think your filters were a cover up of the hairspray tech. As the whitwash would fade these "filters would show. Nice.

I have used the MIG powders and live them. I have not used their washes and have stayed with oils. I am interested if you eloborate more on the washes. Your feelings pro and con compared to the oils.

The work no matter who's stuff you are using is your usual top shelf.

Hey.....if you open up your own Verdooglin, I'm willing to partner to keep you honest. I'll work on the decals and US offerings. This way it's not pronounced only in German!

Rounds Complete!!

smokinguns3 wrote:

Are these the powderd MIG pigments or are they some new kind?

Thanks, Bill, and  Huxy (you flatter me! )

Boyd, I will try to remember to paste a photo of the materials I'm using. When I'm "in my mode" weathering, I'm almost possessed, and I almost forget to even snap a picture of what I'm doing, so, I think that way at least you'll be able to see what I'm using! 

Mike, --"Verdooglin"--LOL! it sounds like something I've been doing to Jenn in the dark, but I can't get into that here... LOL!

The washes by MIG are in a bottle, and you should shake them up before using them. They have a label warning "When using this wash, your model MUST (MIG's emphasis) be painted with acrylic paints. We recommend Tamiya or Vallejo colored acrylics".

The instruct you to use the wash in the "holes and details", let sit for 15 minutes, and then to clean off the excess with a paint brush "humidified with MIG thinner". (gotta love the Spanish/English transliterations! ) I just used mine like an overall wash, as a deliberate partof the process I was going fo--I wanted to tint the finish darker, and then add some brighter whites to layer the color. But the wash really does lay down very similar to oils; it's also pretty consistent color, and easy to manipulate.I have et to try the actual "filters"--I probably should have used those first, come to think of it. Oh well; I'll get to trying some of them soon, I'm sure. Hope this help you out! 

Looking good Doog..

The unrestored Stug at Knox has red primer showing all over it where the zim has been knocked off... 

KC

WOW Great work Doog!!!!

damn doog, that is lookin mighty awesome. really love what ya do with those kits, and so many.. so fast.

great is all i can say..

but something springs to mind, when i starter to post here,  you where an all 1/72 builder.. what happend?? got sucked up by all the greater detail of 1/35? 

cheers

I have the name for your line of pre-mixed washes..."Doog Dew"   Just make sure it smells good  I'll try'em.  

I really like the way the weathering is builing up.  The color photos of the primer surely must have stopped any typing a comments in their tracks.

Only one thing if I may point out.  The pattern of the machine gun fire wouldn't be in a line like that.  This is something discussed in aircraft forums on and off. Maybe because their battle damage is more often machine gun fire than the heavy stuff that knocks out tanks.  I like the look of the dmage, maybe a bit more of a pock mark around the hole,  but it should be more random.  if you look at a plane that is ripped up there isn't a line of holes like in the movies.

This will look killer when it's done.

Thanks, K-dawg and stick man! 

Thanks, too, Rob! I stil do 1/72, but I used to use the smaller kits as a diversion from the "full commitment" of a dedicated 1/35 build; recenetly, I had diverged inot some car models as a break from Armor, and so I'm just itching toget back to the "big" tanks. I started a 1/72 just before this build--an "ACE" Waffentrager--and the whole kit was such a piece of crap that I just trashed it--UGH! So there went my 1/72 itch for the month!I do have more 1/35th planned though, so it'll be a while before I get back to the little tanks!

wing_nut wrote:

Only one thing if I may point out.  The pattern of the machine gun fire wouldn't be in a line like that.

Doog, I looked again and it COULD be primer, but to me it still looks more like heat-oxidation---who knows for sure? Point is, you found one, possibly two pics, that back up your assertion. Very cool pics indeed. It may even be possible that the front bolt-on armor and sprockets were replacements that were added to a repaired Mk IV and not properly painted w/ camo...it is obvious that the tank is knocked out...

Also, some good views of what the three primary late-war colors should look like---as I have always suspected (as do you), German dark yellow is more khaki in shade than most people model it.

As far as build issues with the KT, yes there were the same as you encountered and the remedy was to either eyeball some of the tool placements or do some rouch calculation for the spare track hangers--the Tamiya KT is a good ref for this since it already has the marks (as you pointed out)...all in all, however, it wan't too bad a build...