*UPDATED* HeloMiniatures commissioned Tamiya Hetzer WIP

Now it's starting to look like a used Hetzer Doog. Fantastic weathering... as always. The folks over at Helo should be dancing a jig over this one!

the doog wrote:

Well here's a few updated photos: I got the "dots" done, and the muffler painted; also got the pin washes finished; still have to "chip" it...it's gittin' DIRRRRRRTY now! Yeah!   I should have it done this weekend--all I need after the chipping is some pastels and then....THEN!........I have to say "bye bye"!!! WAAAAHHHH! I don't wanna give up my new Hetzerrrrrrr!!! LOL!! Hope ya all find it favorable! (sorry Manny--I just COULDN'T leave it "clean"!! ) Do ya think it'll sell some figures?!

jthurston wrote:

I'm not as sure about this one, it looks too...I dunno, too dark or something. I'm like everyone else in that I'm in awe of your weathering, but for some reason this one...maybe it's just still wet?

Oh well, I don't wany to sound like MM, but the only thing I can figure out is that 1., the pictures were taken with a flash at night instead of the usual daylight that I normally use--maybe the contrast is too high?,2., I didn't use my normal "white" background, opting for blue this time, or 3., that like I said before, it is just the fact that it's a German tank that's covered in 90% mostly green, whereas we're used to seeing them in a lighter ratio of DY. I can understand what you're saying though, cuz when I'd see color plates of a camo scheme like this my initial reaction is something along the same route. Here's the color plate that it was taken from...

...kinda looks dark even in the photo, dontcha think? 

Oh well, I'm stuck with it now!...I guess you can judge in the final pics; I'll try to shoot them the way I normally do and see if it looks lighter and brighter!

Thanks to Manny, s.a., pz88, and you too Ernest as well! I have to say that its a great thing to hear that you guys have realy been helped by that tutorial I did on the weathering of the last Hetzer! It lets me know that I'm "giving back" for all the excellent advice that I've received here in the forums! COOL!!

Flash photogrpahy may be doing you in doog...using a flash creates very harsh tones and color saturation out of proportion to the actual colors and hues of the finished item. It changes dramatically what your camera "sees" vs. the human eye under normal lighting. Combine that with the fact that weathering tends to darken a finish anyhow and the effects are coming through stronger in the photos than they would ordinarily.

On the other hand, it looks like it's well on the way towards the finish line and the layering is creating a good effect, something the camera IS picking up well in the last set of shots. Looking forward to seeing the finished item.

Guys, The Doog was sent the photo of the original Hetzer (and another machines from that unit from Nove Mesto at Czech from 1945) he will tell us, how it looks compared to original :-)

Shot on daylight would look totaly diferent.....

Thanks Ian, Bill and Petr--I believe Bill may be onto something. The flash photography is possibly the culprit; in any case, it is what it is; as I said before I will shoot the "final photos" in natural daylight.

The photos of the actual regiment's Hetzers show the camo to be very close to the patterns used by the bulk of these Hetzers assembled in a collection area--a big "THANKS"! to Petr for providing that! 

A couple guys have PM'd me about the dot method again; I thought I'd post a photo of the dot distribution and size here so you can see clearly how to place the oil dots--not too big, and not too many. Stay away from the darkest colors, and scrub away what ya got with lots of thinner until they're almost completely gone--and remember to dab the excess thinner away with a tissue! 

Dear friends, I´ve discussed this particular Hetzer from Nove Mesto. I was given better photos, I´ll share them with You.... The pictures vere taken few days after 8th May 1945 - German capitulation - on vehicle dump near Nove Mesto. My friend - Czech Hetzer expert - is 100% sure that Tamyia has got mistake in the marking. As you see, the number should 212 !!! It is realy the same vehicle - see the crosses position. So thats´s it...

Petr V. wrote:

Dear friends, I´ve discussed this particular Hetzer from Nove Mesto. I was given better photos, I´ll share them with You.... The pictures vere taken few days after 8th May 1945 - German capitulation - on vehicle dump near Nove Mesto. My friend - Czech Hetzer expert - is 100% sure that Tamyia has got mistake in the marking. As you see, the number should 212 !!! It is realy the same vehicle - see the crosses position. So thats´s it...

Tamiya actually got several things incorrect--first of all, that Hetzer is a "late" Hetzer--look at the muffler! Second, on their color chart they indicate the wheels as being painted; they obviously are in the base coat of DY here! You are correct of course about the markings--but even so, the fact that this is not a "mid production" at all shows that Tamiya's research is not just a little bit off but WAAAAY off! 

One thing is for sure--when I get my "late" Hetzer from either DML or Eduard, I will paint and mark it in the correct livery and markings! TOO COOOOOL!!! 

You're the MAN, PETR!!! THANK YOU!!!! 

IanIsBored2000 wrote:

Hey Doog, just wondering---have you tried the faded basecolor wash on any other colors?   For examble would it do anything on OD, or Russian Green?

Wow, theyre great photos Petr. All those Hetzers looking all sad and unloved...SACRILIGE. lol

...Guy

Last comment, here is the colour scheme of the Hetzer from Nove Mesto, Czechoslovakia, how it possibly should be in the Tamyia kit. Nothing against your great model Doog, I only want to make some historical connections clear...

Petr V. wrote:

Last comment, here is the colour scheme of the Hetzer from Nove Mesto, Czechoslovakia, how it possibly should be in the Tamyia kit. Nothing against your great model Doog, I only want to make some historical connections clear...

But seriously, thank you for posting the pics! I really, sincerely appreciate the information!