Hi all,
Recently relapsed armour modeller (after spending a decade or so in the minature wargaming sphere), and have just finished my first 1:35 kit since I was a teen - and have firmly caught the bug again!
Kit is the Tamiya one with Voyager etch, Master club tracks, some Value Gear stowage and Alpine figures.
Looking forward to getting involved in the forums and learning from all the talented modellers here!
Very very nice job, hard to believe it’s your first -despite your previous warhammer experience.
I guess most of us have to learn from you 
Welcome aboard Dan. That is an exceptional build. Your wargaming time was not wasted.
Welcome along Dan!
That is some piece for a first go- the patina of the paint is superbly realistic- you’ve captured the look of the painted metal to a fine degree.
I see your wargaming has evidently taught you some serious figure chops! Those are a pair to be proud of and they show off the size of the beast too.
Your staging and groundwork (not to mention the studious weathering on the ISU) sets the whole thing off with that slight angle, the elevation and the tree with just a few leaves still hanging on.
Beautiful!
Dan that is a stunning build there! The finish is beautiful as well as the battle damage and weathering. Your figures are finished to a very high standard! Outstanding all around.
Can you tell us what paints and techniques you used ?
Oh yeah - your ground work is fantastic too !!
I’m speechless. In a good way.
Stunning work!
Really nice composition and execution. Beautiful work on one of my favorite WW2 vehicles
Hi Dan. Welcome! That is a really nice build! It’s got the lot! Nicely done tree too
Very nicely done!
Thanks everyone for the incredibly warm welcome and kind words!
@varanusk @Tank_1812 @Karl187 You guys are definitely right that warhammer/wargaming helps - and means that figures are much more in the normal comfort zone for me. Although learning to keep things more subtle & realistic is a fun challenge!
@metalhead85 Thanks mate - Paint’s are mainly MRP and Tamiya for base colours, then AK Acrylics for figures and their oils and enamels for weathering, both on the ISU and the groundwork. What really got me back into historical was (perhaps unsurprisingly) watching Night Shift over the past few years, so as this was my first foray back into 1:35 I followed along with much of his IS-2 build for the basic approach and techniques, but then went in a more autumnal/muddy direction for weathering and the diorama.
@SamS Cheers Sam - if I’m honest the tree has become one of my favourite parts, seemed super daunting to tackle at first but was a really enjoyable. There’s just so much texture that acrylic and oil washes do so much of the heavy lifting it almost felt like cheating. And then the green of the moss helps tie it into the groundwork and grass I think. Before adding that it felt like I’d just stuck a big grey twig on the hill!
Dan, this is really an incredible build overall! Great entry into the “real” world! I cannot wait to see what you have got in your sleeve next!
Welcome again Dan and thank you for the explanation on your build. I’m a huge fan of Night Shift and his methods. Your work is outstanding and we look forward to seeing more.
I love the fact that the scene is so simple but beautifully done! Excellent workmanship!
You’ll find many excellent modelers here with vast knowledge, so enjoy!
Hey Dan and welcome to Armorama! That’s one hell of a premiere! What a beautiful piece. A stunning model, and the figures are fantastic. Your detailing and finishing are superb. You’re going to fit right in here.
Thats an excellent entry into a 1/35 build and finish and dio !! Nice work
Great job! Lovely colours
Welcome from across the pond. That is one stunning introduction.
Welcome to the forum as others have said!
That’s a fantastic looking build!
