Decals that disintegrated, paint that just refused to behave like paint, a compressor that died on me, the preshading for some reason just disappearing into the void, and enamel washes that also just refused to behave like enamel washes.
Pretty much nothing went right with this one, and it more than shows, I think.
It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it’s far from good
I think if any company comes out with a new Cromwell MK.IV or V, I’ll take another stab at it.
Meanwhile I really need to take some time and re-practive air brushing, for some reason lately all my preshading just disappears under the main colour coat. I must be doing something wrong.
That’s all, any and all thoughts, criticism, feedbacks, or anything at all are welcome!
And if not, that’s okay too!
I really wish to get back into this hobby, but ugh, life got so busy DX
Try thinning the color coat and applying in thin layers slowly building up the color. Give you more control and allows you to better see how much of the preshade shows.
From the photos it looks OK despite the challenges. But it’s shiny and clean - it could use some weathering! At least a very thinned spray of Earth or similar on the running gear, and maybe some faint drybrushing on the upper hull & turret? Don’t forget to hit the track cleats with steel after adding the dirt, as these tended to polish up nice and bright when running!
I think most of us have experienced a build where nothing goes right- the temptation to give up and do something else is strong. But kudos to you for keeping going until it was finished.
I tried that, I tried so many different ratios, first I tried the one that everyone always says, “like skim milk”, and that’s what I used here
Any thinner than that, and it’s basically just water being sprayed on, and it behaves like water.
I’m genuinely so lost, I’m starting to think maybe the pain I use just suck!
But well guess I’ll try again, different ratios, try to find the sweet spot….
Thank you very much!
Well I already have two scrap tanks to abuse haha, I put this Cromwell on display, for now at least, until a replacement comes along!
Thank you!
Well, I don’t like to over-weather, I try to go for an “outside museum” look, mostly pin washes to highlight the small details, and sludge washes on canvas and fabric. No dust or mud and stuff, mucking up the running gear for me
Just my own personal preference!
But thank you for saying it still looks ok XD
Yeah this one was just wall after wall… It’s kind of incredible how almost everything went wrong!
I was mostly motivated by “everything will magically come together and look great when it’s finished, for sure, trust”, but even though it didn’t, I’m still glad I finished it!
It’s good to be your own worst critic… therein lies the true path to improvement. However, IMO, that’s fairly respectable work. Don’t be too hard on yourself, especially since you worked through all the problems.
Finding and applying solutions to problems also improves performance. You have not only learned a solution and have practical experience applying it, but you also learn something that might help anticipate and spot future similar problems. Maybe with this new knowledge, you can take mitigating actions before they actually manifest themselves in a significant manner.
I find pre-shading vehicles that will be a darker shade to be a waste of time. It requires very very thin paint and is still normally lost after the application of weathering. I generally post shade working from a dark base layer applying lighter and lighter highlights. This does still get knocked back by weathering but stands out more then pre-shading. Here is an M8 I did using progressively lighter shades of OD to create fake shadows and depth
I think you are being a bit too harsh on your self. There are those projects when nothing seems to go right. But hey, s**t happened and you still finished it! And it looks like a Cromwell. On to the next build.
If you thin it you also have to dial back the pressure. What brands paint do you use? Been using this technique with Tamiya for years without any problems. You can also go the post shade route. Good luck.
These are the colors I use for my airbrushing. maybe they’re just not good…?
For my primers, I use Vallejo’s black acrylic primer, then for shading, I use Vallejo’s white acrylic primer (which is always so watery!!!)
Oh that’s a really good work on that M8!
I am simply way too scared to do post shading, I don’t quite think I am able to that just yet…
But maybe it’s something I need to practice!
Thank you for the encouragement! Maybe it’s not so bad, but at the very least it’s not as good as it could be! But, yeah, so long as it’s recognizable as a Cromwell… XD
On to the next indeed!
I airbrush my paints at 15 PSI, per recommendations
As I said in another reply, the paint brands I use are Ammo mig for my paints, and Vallejo for my primers!
Let’s hope some Ammo users chime in with their thinning ratios! I use Tamiya acrylics for spraying, so that won’t help you. (Vallejo I use for brush-painting, but never could get it to go through the AB…)
