Over the last couple of months I assembled three older Tamiya kits so that could practice painting and weathering techniques and try out a few new ones.
Here are the three Stuart based kits that I’ll be practicing on…As you can see these are quick Out-Of-the-Box builds with only minimal additions for stowage. I did have to scratch build two gun tubes as the originals where lost somewhere.
I primed the kit with a flat black rattle can picked up from my local Hobby Lobby. This stuff is actually really nice and self-levels. Just had to make sure not to flood the surface with the paint.
Next up I laid down a base color with Mission Models OD. After letting it dry for about an hour I did some lite chipping with water and a brush. The chipping looks more like paint rub which is how OD reacts so I was generally happy with the effect.
Your approach with the water used for chipping (w/o magical chipping fluid) is really good. I wonder if similar technique would work using MiG, Vallejo, Gunze or AK acrylics.
Nice result so far, waiting for your next uploads.
@Armor_Buff: Thanks Sir… …I see what you did there.
@Agriamodeling: Thanks sir but I can’t take credit for coming up with the use of water that goes to Master Mike Rinaldi. Not sure if this will work with other brands but it might…results may vary.
I think that is for Mission Models. Many club members have talked about MM paint lift off applying decals if they are coated or not. Only adding their binder did it prevent water lift off. Hairspray and water can be used to create chips.
Did a bit more work on my Practice Stuart. Repainted the upper hull and turret a 4BOish color then added a slogan and little red star for affect. Applied a pinwash using a couple of Ture-Earth products. Then started the oil rendering on the turret top.
Such a clean, tidy and organized work space- I always end up working on a tiny corner that isn’t covered in tools, paint, plastic and any number of other bits and pieces!
I have to say I really like the weathering work you’ve done on this- the green has a lovely hue and the pin-wash has brought out the details beautifully. It should look ace with the oil rendering.
Eric @Armored_Sprue , your little Suart looks very convinceing, the thing that caught my eye though is your model stand, I need to get one and the one your using looks like the one I want, where’d you get it from or what brand is it if you’ve got a moment?
@Karl187; Thanks Sir…but it doesn’t always stay that nice and tidy
@KoSprueone; Nice work on your slogan, it look better then mine
@joepanzer; I wouldn’t be surprised if what I used wasn’t correct. “For Russia” makes more sense.
@agincajun Thanks Sir! As for the “model stand” it’s a Panavise. They have several options so you can configure one for your needs. Not overly cheap product or cost wise but will worth it in my opinion. I’ve had mine for about 8years and love it also use it during construction as well.
Yeah, that’s the ticket . . . I remember this company from a catalogue at work years ago, umm perhaps overkill for my needs but definitely customizeable.
Thanks for the link.
Thanks Sir!!
I think I could do the same effects with less stuff and that’s the goal for the next Practice kit. Going to focus heavily on the bacon on weathering…Oils!!
That’s a Honey of a collection:)
…I see what you did there. 
It could for all I know but I use this to pick the slogan
