1/35 Tamiya Char Bis

This truly is a brilliant kit, as would be expected of Tamiya. All parts fit perfectly together with no gaps that would need filler, as well as including a French Tank Crewman figure and set of fully workable tracks requiring absolutely zero cleanup save for tiny injection points on the links (Something which in my opinion doesnt need removed). I must admit that very little time or effort was put into the painting of this kit and was done as more of a side project. The mud is also, in my opinion, terrible and will hopefully receive some attention in the near future.

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Once built, I started off with a priming of Halford's Matt Black followed by a base of Vallejo Russian Green. This set a tone upon which successive lighter layers would be visible.
These took the form of multiple variations on Panzer Aces XXXXXX to attain a highly faded look. However, some panels and a sprocket were given a coat of light sand to introduce a degree of contrast, adding to the eventual interest. This concluded air brushing for now and made way for the subsequent decals and weathering.

Decals were from a 1/72 Dutch aircraft and old dry rub set.

As usual, modulation was first up and was applied to all rivets, hinges etc. This, I feel, aids in creating a visually complex model fairly easily.

Chipping was nect and took the form of a lightened base colour filled in by dark brown/black. I find that thinning the paint a wee bit makes for easier and more controlled application at such a precise stage. (Chipping on the sprocket was done in a slightly less careful manner than the hull due to its impending reception of mud washes)

I next made up a pallet of oils on a piece or cardboard and left it for a few hours, this helps absorb linseed oil from the paint making for a more matt finish. Once prepared, I dabbed a stiff brush in the paint and drybrushed it onto a bit of kitchen role until leaving almost no marks. I then worked , quite firmly, in a circular motion on horizontal panel corners to build up a patch of filthy paint work. To my eye, this looks very pleasing and is simple enough that even I can do it :D

To create an equally dirty look on vertical surfaces, I used AK Interactive's Track Wash to provide a streaking effect on areas like the turret. This was followed by pin washes using thinned Van Gogh oils all round.

Black oils were the implemented to suggest a sooty/grimy appearance for the large vent (left hand side). This was the same technique used for creating dirty panel corners.

Some rust and oil streaks were also placed to offer ad aura of age. Abteilung oils were used for this and their application was simply just dotting and streaking down with a dampened brush.

Finally the exhausts. I didnt want these to simply be kit standard and so proceeded to fabricate an unual support for the right hand side where a section of fender is missing. The supplied shield was also replaced by a bent piece of metal foil allowing for realistic bending and damage.
The exhausts themselves were stippled with Games WorkShop's Liquid Green Stuff in order to simulate a rough, decaying texture. A base coat of orange acrylic was then followed by a dark orange oil wash. This set a rusty tone and made way for application of paint flecks yet to come off. I sponged/ painted on tiny patches of green paint to suggest these areas were yet to peel off.
The actual shield received the same treatment as the actual tank except with a greater emphasis on rust.

I will not go through the rigmarole of explaining my mud. I feel everyone has a method that works for them and am not entirely pleased with my outcome this time.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed this wee post. Have loads more coming soon :)