To test
whether a satin varnish would be first required to aid a good pin wash
application, a diluted mix of Wash Brown Abtielung oil paint and their own
Odourless turps was added to the fuel tank and sprockets. The MRP lacquer had dried silky and
smooth so capillary action had worked on the oil paint application perfectly. A varnish coat was not required.
All the sub-assemblies and various parts then received different brown and black toned oil paint pin washes. When nearly dry the wash was blended into the paintwork in a few select places. The seat colour was blocked in first with Vallejo gloss black and then with a further application of black oil paint. A few highlights to represent wear will be added once the oil coat has dried.
After leaving the oil paints to cure for 48hrs everything was then airbrushed with a matt varnish to seal for the next weathering stages.
Whilst all the sub assemblies were still apart a light application of enamel dust and dirt effects were added to areas that would be hard to access once the chassis top was hidden. A final mix of various coloured oil paints mixed with white spirit (for faster drying) were added to specific areas to add some variation and contrast. A case in point being the radiator housing where a darker wash was required to highlight the gaps in the slats. Dry brushing with a highlighted tone of the base colour will sharpen up the detail even further.
The heaviest areas of wash were deliberately added to the wheels. These lower areas are still to receive an airbrushed coat of dust colours so adding more contrast now should make the raised detail stand out.
Before closing the two cab-assemblies, the floor was weathered with various enamel dust tones and the tread plate dry brushed with some dark oil paints to simulate light wear. The steering wheel was then added before both sub-assemblies were finally fixed together.
I must admit I gave up on filling the sprocket's bevelled groves. No matter how many coats of diluted Tamiya putty I ran round the face the material just kept shrinking! The hub covers have yet to be added although I might leave one or even both off as they will hide all that lovely bolt head detail. The photo-etch step ring connection point will be positioned hidden at the bottom when attaching the sprockets to the chassis. The tracks and wheels then received a light enamel dust wash and were test fitted, along with the wheels onto the chassis.
Test fitting of the painted and weathered parts. The track runs remain loose. The unpainted track pad is where the final connection will be made
Once happy that all painted parts fitted back on to the chassis the basic engine and fuel tank were fixed in place followed by the track wheels. Having kept the stub axles to chassis connection free of glue and the inner and outer pairs seperate until now, made this a much easier process.
The tracks then received more weathering including a light speckling of dusty enamel tones. The track teeth and sprocket rollers were burnished with a pencil before fitting.
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