So the consensus is that the mud works... very good! I am gonna be using this on more builds! I love it!Thanks for the feedback guys. Redleg, you are oh so right about the memories... being 19 and getting paid to drive stuff in the mud!!! Among other fun things...

Karl, thanks for your critiques. I had considered the washes when you suggested them, but on my other builds where I had heavily weathered them, like I was planning here, they have tended to disappear, so aside from washes on the grill and muffler I opted not to use them here. But she is not done yet. There is still a bit more that I was planning to do. I do like your idea about some streaking though and I think I have some stuff that will will work for that. That thought had also crossed my mind and your suggestion sold me. I will have a go at that in later today after I get some sleep... As far as my pics go, right now due to the time of day and angle of the winter sun I did not have many options for the quick WIP shots before work today. I will see what I can come up with for the future. The completed shots will defintely be done with more care and set up.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

stikpusher

 

Karl, thanks for your critiques. I had considered the washes when you suggested them, but on my other builds where I had heavily weathered them, like I was planning here, they have tended to disappear, so aside from washes on the grill and muffler I opted not to use them here. But she is not done yet.

I outlined almost everything on my model, even down to straps on stowage and the like--all to simulate the subtle shadows that would naturally fall everywhere--even under straps and whatnot. It's that kind of diligent, patient thoroughness that I believe took my modeling "up a notch". It takes a bit longer, but the results can be really worth it!

Anyway, I hope I don't come off as too critical or pushy about that--just my two cents, and yours to take or leave!

Karl, I dont find your views on wash critical or pushy at all. I have done that on my last couple of armor builds. And I do agree that it accentuates all those shadow areas. And since this build is still a WIP, I will take it up for consideration. No feathers ruffled here. I very much appreciate critiques and feedback. And no matter what I do or do not do here, my next build will benefit. I will be hitting the bench here shortly to work on the final bits.

stikpusher

Karl, I dont find your views on wash critical or pushy at all. I have done that on my last couple of armor builds. And I do agree that it accentuates all those shadow areas. And since this build is still a WIP, I will take it up for consideration. No feathers ruffled here. I very much appreciate critiques and feedback. And no matter what I do or do not do here, my next build will benefit. I will be hitting the bench here shortly to work on the final bits.

Cool, man--I"ll be watching!

well with all the positive energy flowing earlier... I decided to do a few pin washes... I went with a more subtle color than my usual Burnt Umber. Instead I chose Model Master Flesh Shadow Tint, it falls somewhere between Raw Sienna and Raw Umber,being closer to the latter. It really does not show well in the pics here, but to the Mk I eyeball it is there, even under the final airbrushed dust coat. Thanks for the extra hint Karl

So after a long and often sidelined build, I present one moderately modified and corrected ESCI 1/35 LAV Command & Control Vehicle. With the Trumpeter kit of this same vehicle now out, there is no need to repeat this by anyone... Not a difficult vehicle to bring up to a more accurate replica, but references are not too easy to come by. Especially for the Desert Storm era which I chose to model.

Anyways, enough words...

Thanks for looking. Comments and Critiques welcome

Yup, I can see the subtle outlining around the hatches in those lower photos--that's definitely a nice improvement, and gives it a bit more pizzazz! Did I mention the great figures?

Good work on a really nice build! I'm sure your next one will be reflective of what you've done, and learned, here on this build and WIP!

Using a more subtle color for the wash was a good idea there Karl. And yes it was an improvement. Thanks for the push Two succesful experiments here in the end. Thank you for the compliments on the figures... Now on to the next one... so many models... so little time...

Hey Stikpusher very nice!

Love the weathering, the figures, and the storage- gives her a very much 'lived-in' look.

And I have to admire your work with all those antenna. I swear I'd have broken off each one about five times a piece.

Your LAV came out great especially the figures.   Bet it feels good to finish this one! 

Thanks Guys!

Gamera, I held off attaching the antennas until second to last avoid any mishaps there. The only thing I did after gluing them on was a final dust coat airbrushed on to tie everything together. Transport to AMPS Chapter meeting yesterday was successful without breaking any off Being an ex-commo guy I went to some extra effort on them to get them just right.

DP, after all the time and effort put in, it felt VERY GOOD to finish this one. It sat there teasing me to be completed for so long! Thanks for the kind words on the figures. They are a Verliden set,although I did swap out a head to give a second guy a bandanna- very required in desert driving in my experience. I think between them, the stowage, and the weathering, this little bugger really looks "alive" now.

This one slipped by me somehow but glad I was able to see the latest finish shots. Nice work on the figures, stowage, etc. Has a distinct "feel" to it as a result if you know what I mean.

In terms of taking photos of models, one of the best things you can have is a "light box" or "light tent". You don't have to spend money on getting one ready made if you don't mind a little DIY effort. See this link on how to make a cheap and effective light box for taking photos: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-inexpensive-light-tent 

It will make all the difference in the world and also remove your dependence on outside lighting.

Thank you sir. I am glad you like the finished LAV. I think I got the look that I was aiming for here.

My finished shots, unlike my WIP shots at the workbench, are done on my improvised photo area. A bedsheet over a couple chairs and a board with some overhead lighting and camera flash. Right now I have to make do with what I have on hand. It takes a few minutes to set up and break down and does ok. Hopefully when finances improve for my family I can work on a better set up.

Well, the long drawn out build and finish on this kit was appreciated by my peers here. Last nite she took 2nd place in the Master category at the local monthly IPMS Chapter meeting contest. Considering the competition there I was happy to have placed, let alone take second. (I don't think I will take a first place there unless a few members die, move, or stop entering builds )

Congrats on the award Stik!

Thank you sir! I am pretty jazzed ( I also picked up an AFV Club Deuce 1/2-minus the quad .50 turret- for $10) all in all a good nite

Congrats!  Am not surprised that it brought you home an award.  Work on figures was top notch too!