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DML Bison II Complete 04-28-12

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  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, April 1, 2012 11:08 AM

Thanks Rob and Karl! Glad you appreciate the coolness! Should have an update later today with the markings on if all goes according to plan today. Wink

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, April 1, 2012 4:54 PM

Not an April Fool's Day joke...I really do have an update!

Sealed up the entire vehicle with a coat of Future applied by airbrush and let that set up overnight. Decals were added and treated with a dose of Walther's Solvaset to insure they snugged down tight and didn't silver. Once the decals were dry, a second coat of Future was applied to seal in the decals and protect them from the weathering stages to come. Markings are fairly simple, just a set of balkenkreuze and the DAK insignias. The kit has the DAK insignia as multi-part pieces for the swastika portion and for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to align them to get the look right even after multiple attempts...so I went with the straight palm trees as-is instead.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: beacon falls , Ct.
Posted by treadwell on Sunday, April 1, 2012 5:44 PM

Super nice, Bill :  )     Swastica came in pieces ?  is it forbidden or bad taste to print one ?.... kinda weird to me 

any how in an earlier post to you I remarked about the camo job (like it very much) , but I couldn't put my finger on why it seemed familiar, yet those colors not seen together all that often...then earlier today I was on Missing Lynks site and there was a post about  Bovington tank museum and tank day (yesterday) and there were your camo colors right on Tiger 131.... now I remember !

cool build, Bill

treadCool

 

 

   

 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Jefferson City, MO
Posted by iraqiwildman on Sunday, April 1, 2012 9:39 PM

The Bison is looking great. I like the white crosses on the jerry cans with the leather straps. The camo is so cool. A lot of DAK models are just painted sand, so the camo is a good change.

Bill, I really like your website redesign. I never know you did reviews and I have already read a few. This will be very helpfull in the future. You're quit the busy guy not only writing these great build logs, but doing a full review with lots of photos. Keep up the good work.

 

Tim Wilding

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: San Francisco Bay Area
Posted by bufflehead on Sunday, April 1, 2012 11:10 PM

Looking good Bill!  Another lovely build coming together nicely!  Its funny how some decal makers won't actually depict swastikas on their decals, but WILL provide the add-on decals, on the same sheet no less, to make one!  Confused I know its all about being PC, but really.....the decals are soo tiny.

Ernest

Last Armor Build - 1/35 Dragon M-26A1, 1/35 Emhar Mk.IV Female

     

Last Aircraft Builds - Hobby Boss 1/72 F4F Wildcat & FW-190A8

     

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Sunday, April 1, 2012 11:19 PM

You nearly had me fooled!  Your Bison is really looking great! Yes Yes 

Andy

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Sunday, April 1, 2012 11:23 PM

You nearly had me fooled!  Your Bison is really looking great! Yes Yes 

Andy

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, April 2, 2012 5:15 AM

Bill....very nice, looking forward to the addition of the shoes!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, April 2, 2012 10:49 AM

Tread, yep the swastika is in pieces, probably to comply with EU laws about printing them and such. I tried 3 times to figure out how to get the little extra pieces (they provide 2 per emblem) to line up correctly but just couldn't puzzle it out. A minor defeat in the grand scheme of things. The Bovie Tiger is painted in the earlier Tropen scheme based on the actual paint that was on the vehicle when captured and is a good reference for anyone looking to see how it was applied. Thanks for the pics!

Tim, thanks for the comments, glad you like the camo and details. Thanks also for the kudos on the website face-lift...it was something I had been intending to do for some time but never got around to until recently. The reviews are a new addition...something I will be adding to from time to time based off the kits I have in the stash (I tend not to buy kits right at release as a rule since I have a sizable stash already) and for which I have a natural interest in. Glad they are of help!

Ernest, yes, it's a funny practice aimed at solely getting around publication laws for places like France and Germany...it's an even bigger issue for the AC guys who have much larger markings to deal with!

Andy and Mike thanks as always for the continuing support. Beer

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, April 9, 2012 11:08 AM

Just when I thought I was getting back into the groove of regular weekly updates, the Easter holiday intervened as did the urge to revamp my website www.bpmodels.net (something I've been needing to do for a while) and give it some more depth. So while the Bison II didn't get any "bench time" I did spend quite a bit of time at the computer working on model-related stuff...just of the web page variety! The last major overhaul of the page happened in 2006 and I got my hands on Dreamweaver CS5.5 (a VERY powerful piece of software) and had to learn how to drive the thing. Still learning how to use some of its advanced features so I expect more changes will be forthcoming in the future. Hope everyone had a Happy Easter! Beer

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 9, 2012 11:36 AM

I love this Bison...and want to shoot if from a railcar and then skin it, leaving its carcass to waste in the plains sun...

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Monday, April 9, 2012 12:00 PM

Your website looks GREAT now!!! Yes  You see?  Studying for MBA is paying off already. Wink  That's something I should try to start one day but definitely not within two years since I can barely find time to build models. 

 

Andy

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, April 9, 2012 7:14 PM

Manny, that's one solutiong...but Bison burgers are awful tasty on the grill!

Andy, I hear you about finding time for models...I figured I better do it now while I still had some time left on my break from classes or I'd never get to it. Classes start up again on the 19th so I'm  hurrying to do a lot in the time still left! Glad you like the overhaul. Wink

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Michigan
Posted by ps1scw on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 11:15 AM

Manstein's revenge

I love this Bison...and want to shoot if from a railcar and then skin it, leaving its carcass to waste in the plains sun...

Well yeah...I think we'd all like to do that Marshall. 

There is a small local supermarket chain in upper Michigan that owns a hurd of Buffalo.  They sell thier meat in thier stores.  It is actually very good and much better for you than cow.

Another great looking model sir.  I enjoy your builds!

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 6:20 PM

Thanks ps1! I remember a great place up in Minnesota south of Minneapolis that had some great "wild" game...including bison steaks. Can't recall the name but I do remember the meal! Wink

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by PANZERWAFFE on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 9:06 PM

I hope the swastika thing will not be the normal for the Dragon kits to come.  Your probably right about doing it for the sales in Europe but just hope they do not do it in all of the kits here.

Your site looks really well laid, nice and easy to use Yes  I and sure many others really appreciate you putting it together as for it makes an excellent references and is enjoyable to see what you do.  Thanks much! 

Rob

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 9:22 PM

The website upgrade looks great, Bill! Man, I wish I had the time to maintain one! It's really a nice site--easy to navigate, simple layout. Just like it should be! Smile

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 9:56 AM

Rob Unfortunately, that is the normal practice...they can't print the swastika on the instruction sheet, include it on the box art, or show it in any form to comply with the necessary laws. Rather than create "separate" product lines for Asia, US, Europe, etc., they make them all the same. Since they use Cartograf (based in Italy) to print all their decals, that may also be a factor. Thanks for the feedback on the site overhaul, much appreciated!

BeerKarl, thanks as well for the site feedback, glad to hear it's user-friendly as that was the main goal I had in mind in the redesign. Yes

 

  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: GERMANY
Posted by Melchior on Thursday, April 12, 2012 3:42 PM

For those who know me ... I'm still here.

However concerning "svastika" or better said "Hakenkreuz" for German and "Hakaristi" for Finish AFV of WW II.

The use of such symbols isn't forbidden by law and order for whole Europe. It's strictly forbidden to be shown (except originals in museums) and printed in Germany, i.e. laid down in law: §§ 86 and 86a StGB. Therefore no decal, no box' cover are allowed to show this. By the way same procedures for the typical sign of "SS" as named "Sigrune" or "Doppelsigrune" (=twice S) .

Therefore producers of kits have to decide on how they would managed ist. As seen here at the Bison it isn't a total svastika and therefore not forbidden to show. But if you will complete it and you're living in Germany you aren't allowed to show it to other persons - even within your own house or appartment. Sorry, it is so even if my German fellows won't believe it. It isn't forbidden to have those decals for your own, but showing or presenting is a "no go" !

Big problem for importersalso. The customs office will reject all items, send back when and whereever they will find it.

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Schroon Lake, NY
Posted by SMJmodeler on Friday, April 13, 2012 9:17 AM

Bill:  I just spent a while following how you built this one...thanks for the step-by-step descriptions and such pleasant photography.   It was a nice refresher course!

I don't know why but for some reason I have it stuck in my mind that tools and accessories should be added as part of the build process versus painting them separately and then gluing them on like you do.  I really like your techniqueYes...the tools look fantastic!

Great subject Bill and I love the camo'...superb interior work too!

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Friday, April 13, 2012 9:52 AM

Thanks Steve, appreciate the comments. Different builders handle tools in a variety of ways, that's the beauty of the hobby, there's no "one true way" of doing things. For example there are some who prefer to attach the tracks and paint and weather them integrated with the suspension and produce beautiful results in the proces...something I've not been able to do myself and had to come up with a different approach that worked for me. To each his own, if you find something works for you go for it! Wink

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Friday, April 13, 2012 6:25 PM

The model is really coming to life now Bill,  it's been a long journey but the finish line is definitely close.

Regards,

Terry.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Friday, April 13, 2012 7:03 PM

Thanks Terry! The MBA classes start up again for me next Thursday and don't stop until March 2013 so this weekend needs a big push to keep this one moving. Expect to have an update on Sunday if things cooperate this weekend. Wink

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, April 15, 2012 5:07 PM

Made some good progress with the Bison II this weekend, enough to justify an update at any rate!

The weathering process is always one that tends to go a bit slower, mostly because the stages require a good amount of time to complete and layer properly. First up was the application of an overall wash of 90/10 thinner/MM Raw Umber. This provides some "grime" to work with in the next step of the weathering process.

Once that was on, the next step was the application of some dot filters to fade the paint work and add a "dusty" look to the finish since this is a desert theater vehicle. I chose MM enamel Light Gray, Armor Sand, and Raw Sienna for the dots. Working in small sections at a time, small dots are applied and then blended together with a square tipped blender brush lightly dampened with clean thinner until the desired result is achieved. I wear a paint breather mask throughout this process due to the thinner fumes involved.

This shot of the glacis gives you a kind of before/after look...the area on the right has already been filtered while the area on the left has the dots applied but not yet blended together.

After a few hours of patient work, the result is achieved.

In order to bring out some of the detail and provide some depth to the finish, the next step involves applying a pin wash of 90/10 thinner/MM Burnt Umber with a 10/0 pointed brush.

The wash will "bloom" a bit in places, so after hitting all the areas, I came back with the same 10/0 brush and clean thinner and removed/adjusted the excess wash where needed.

Will let that sit overnight and take a look at it again with fresh eyes to see if any more adjustments are needed before sealing it up in preparation for the pigment treatment.

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Sunday, April 15, 2012 6:22 PM

Always looking great especially when you use your family recipe! Wink  You are almost there.  Good luck with rest of your MBA study! Yes 

Andy

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by PANZERWAFFE on Sunday, April 15, 2012 7:51 PM

Excellent beginnings on the weathering Yes Have always liked that overall faded look you get with the dot filtering.  It really ties things together and also really blends the decal / markings into the build making everything look more natural.  My next build I am going to try your approach being that we both always use the same paints.  I just have still not been able to talk myself into spraying my whole build with Future but I will on my next build.  Your Bison is coming along just beautifully and I cant wait until the next update Yes

Rob

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, April 15, 2012 8:02 PM

Thanks Andy! Classes start up again on Thursday so I have to hit the books once again starting tomorrow. My 6 weeks of blissful free time are at an end. Propeller

Rob, thanks for the comments as well. The dot filter method (if you're doing it over enamels) absolutely must have the Future coat to avoid disaster. The key to the Future application is spray it on as a light mist coat from a distance and do multiple passes...that way it won't build up heavy/thick but still gets in all the little tight places you need it to go. Give it a whirl, I think you'll be happy with it! Appreciate the encouragement as always. Beer

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Uppsala, Sweden
Posted by bultenibo on Monday, April 16, 2012 8:08 AM

Looks great Bill!!!

I'm really impressed by tyour subtle dot filtering. I havn't learned to "control" the paint that good yet. Need some practice, I guess.

Have you any plans to add a figure or two?

 

/Tony

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, April 16, 2012 7:35 PM

Tony,

No plans for figures...I don't typically put my finished models on bases or in dios so figures are usually not part of the equation. Keep practicing on the dot filtering...it's a very versatile technique to have in the arsenal for sure! Thanks for the comments. Beer

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Monday, April 16, 2012 7:49 PM

Outstanding work as usual! Love the weathering stage!Yes

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

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