Thanks guys. I must admit I was a bit nervous venturing outside of my comfort zone. I usually build more idealized versions of my tanks, intact, with no damage and minimal weathering. I almost stopped before the pigments and was ready to finish it up right then and there, but I really wanted to learn how to use pigments to take my modeling to the next level.
I've always been fascinated with the filthy look of the Char B1 bis in wartime photos. I guess it boiled down to either the artistic (again, idealized view of the tank) or the realistic (what it looked like at the time of its final engagement). Tough decision to make, but very enjoyable! I may someday build another one with a more perfect appearance for aesthetic reasons to park next to my idealized Das Reich Tiger, Grossdeutschland Panther etc.
I really wanted to try to replicate that weathered look somehow, both as a skill building exercise and just to see if I could do it. Granted, I'm still a novice with pigments but man, talk about a fun learning exercise! The downside to wanting to replicate this look, as Fast Heinz mentioned, is that the camo is almost completely undiscernable on the flanks. (Thanks for making that point Fast Heinz, I was wondering when someone would bring that topic up. I had an internal debate about that very same thing my friend.) If you look at the photos I used for inspiration you'll see that the camo is even less discernable than it is on my build so the argument could be made that it needs even more! I'm still debating on whether or not to add a few darker streaks of simulated mud as you can see in the photos. The gears are turning.....
I have stayed away from using Future over my camo jobs for the last few builds after seeing some of Karl's (the Doog!) work and now prefer not to gloss coat my builds, even for decaling. It's mostly a matter of personal preference. I don't necessarily care for the over exaggerated look of pin washes over a gloss coat. Without the gloss coat I like how the washes still emphasize detail but also leave a bit of grubbiness behind on the flat surfaces, which in my opinion is a bit more realistic if that is the look you're trying to achieve.
I'm home sick again with this stupid cold, so I'm taking a break from the workbench for a day or two. Thanks again for the comments and interest gentlemen, I appreciate it! :)