forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
The David Wilson Memorial Group Build 2024 => The David Wilson Memorial Group Build 2024 => Topic started by: AngryJazz on May 02, 2024, 09:51:48 PM
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My entry for the group build - the Copper State Models Minerva Armored Car 1/35.
I know its a aircraft focused forum, but i'm really in a armor building mood.
Since other subjects were allowed I thought this could be a good opportunity to go all out with an idea I had for a while.
Just a simple setting on a base, but I think it will work out nicely. I may need some extra accessories, but let's see.
The base is from Macone models and the figure is from a random Instagram raffle I won.
I'm not sure if the figure is British or maybe Russian crew - maybe one of you can help? It does not say on the package.
Also I bought a entry level DSLR Camera(second hand), so hopefully the picture quality will improve as I learn how to use it.
A final thing is the Gaahleri airbrush I got as a review sample. I look forward to trying it :)
(https://i.imgur.com/xHZJlIa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/d9MfzcG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zu2MGtA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IqrVnqO.jpg)
Best regards
Ben
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Personally I love armored cars (my Dad drove six-wheelers in WWII) so I'll be following this with great interest. Between this project and the Zeppelin-powered torpedo-boat the group build will have air/land/sea covered pretty thoroughly!
Also interested in seeing how the Gallheri a/b works for you, I've heard good things about them.
Dutch
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Great choice, I look forward to seeing this done as I have the CSM Peugeot nearing the top of my pile.
Also I bought a entry level DSLR Camera(second hand), so hopefully the picture quality will improve as I learn how to use it.
I also bought a second hand DX3300 (this was an upgrade to my ancient D50), it's a really good camera and I am very happy with the pictures I get.
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Thanks Dutch! Bet your dad could tell a few good stories :)
By first feel the airbrush seems solid built. It kind of mimic the way Harder & Stenbeck build their airbrush - very easy to disassemble and clean. No need for tools. True test is some paint!
@Nigel - It is indeed a Nikon D3300 with the kit lens. So far im still trying to figure out how to shoot correctly in manual mode. Maybe ill ask for a tip or two :)
I should get my tripod next week and will experiment with some image / focus stacking
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Great choice, I look forward to seeing this done as I have the CSM Peugeot nearing the top of my pile.
Also I bought a entry level DSLR Camera(second hand), so hopefully the picture quality will improve as I learn how to use it.
I also bought a second hand DX3300 (this was an upgrade to my ancient D50), it's a really good camera and I am very happy with the pictures I get.
I'll vouch for that Nigel ;D
Great project Ben - looking forward to seeing this one come together since I'm often tempted by these CSM armoured cars having seen the kits built up
Paul
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This looks as if it will be an awesome project. I look forward to your progress!
RAGIII
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A very cool subject - I have also occasionally been tempted by these 'ground based' subjects (targets, as some in my profession call them ;D ) - looking forward to seeing this one progress!
Cheers,
BC
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This has the potential to look really excellent. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the A.V. not to mention all the other things listed.
Alan.
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Thank you all for the motivation :D
The "ground target" have gotten a little paint and I will be weathering the interior next.
The engine is very nice! I only added a little wire for the spark plugs and drilled the exhaust. Wood elements were chipped back with chipping fluid to show a bit of wear.
Sorry the only pictures I have of the preshading is one I posted on IG as a bit of a review for Gaahleri.
(https://i.imgur.com/PrwEJk4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FOa4jvD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IWQu2QF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/su7rklf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UVNL48D.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xy7PqWI.jpg)
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Following with interest as I picked up the same kit with some figures at auction with a view to maybe sit beside a Coppens Camel - but I've no experience of building these. So thanks AJ, you're just what I need!
Sandy
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excellent start on your build. All is looking great, especially the chipping! What Fluid are you using?
RAGIII
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Thank you Sandy - you will not be disapointed. The kit goes together really well and the instructions are very easy to follow :)
Im taking a lot of inspiration from LPJ Models - his Minerva looks stunning! He also made a video of his diorama and build. Lots of great tips.
https://youtu.be/vZOgvrFK6i8?si=cOZ2HGZsWFdygWNR (https://youtu.be/vZOgvrFK6i8?si=cOZ2HGZsWFdygWNR)
I should note Im skipping a few of the painting steps on purpose. Some of the frame of the car + springs should be painted black. However after wheels are on and it has been weathered it's not too noticeable.
@RAGIII - Thank you! I like the Vallejo chipping fluid. It's a bit thick and sprays a little weird, but the results are always predictable for me(thin it with 40/60 with Vallejo airbrush thinner / chipping fluid). Very fine chipping, but sometimes i need a more coarse brush to get it going (like a toothbrush).
I have the Ammo Mig heavy chipping fluid also. It sprays great! But it produces larger areas of chipping - not as fine as Vallejo. I guess their name is fitting ;D
//Ben
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Sometimes it seems as though every model I look at on this forum is more impressive than the last... absolutely wonderful, Ben! I used to do a lot of armor modeling in my teens and this is bringing me dangerously close to starting again... and you're right, I grew up listening to my Dad's stories about his experiences in WWII. He spent the war in a tank destroyer unit and collected three Purple Hearts in Italy, France, and Austria (one resulting from being bombed by a JU-87, no less!).
Dutch
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Very nice progress, this is looking great. You are making me move my Peugeot build up to next in the queue after the Pfalz....
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Thank you guys! :)
Sorry for the long delay with a update on the kit. I had to travel to Serbia for work, so that set me back a week. Also just a lot of stuff going on at home, so bench time was limited.
However I finally got a bit of time to pull out the new camera and give it a go. Still lot of room for improvement! But hopefully the pictures are better than my phone ones.
Still need to dial in my settings, but small steps :)
Kit is mostly built - just needs some oil weathering and dirt before all parts get assembled.
(https://i.imgur.com/hcHl0cn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xiGuabe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wkFj2sH.jpg)
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That is an awesome Armored Car. Your base painting is fantastic, and I look forward to seeing the results of the oil weathering! It will look incredible on that base!
RAGIII
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That progressed quickly! Looks great!
Steve
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Superb work.....and fast!! I am retired and can't build this fast!!
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Craftsmanship and photography are both top-notch, AJ! How are you finding the Gaahleri airbrush to work with? My son Curt just bought us each one on sale on Amazon... I haven't tried it yet, but it feels quite substantial. He says he likes his very much, it compares well with his Badger.
Dutch
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Thank you RAGIII, Nigel, Steve and Dutch :)
The kit is very small so it's fairly fast to build. Also I got the new Dspiae circle cutter - it was great for making masks for the wheels.
@Dutch - I really like the airbrush! For this price im really impressed! It feels like a mix between a Iwata style spraying, but with the ease of a H&S for daily maintenance.
It may be my new go to when i need to do some fine work. The trigger feels softer on my fingers than my H&S Infiny so better for longer sessions.
However be aware - I've seen some Gaahleri airbrushes come with a rough looking noozle that affect the spraying. Mine was good, but maybe they had some quality / control issues in the beginning.
The mac valve I havent really used yet, but it feels well made. Not just a loose bit that can wiggle like my cheap Fengda airbrush ::)
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Well this part was one I did not look forward to.... The figure...
I have never done a real figure. I always cheated if there was a face... used a speedpaints. That's good enough for small fantasy figures where there's no real reference... but not in 1/35.
So all the figure techniques like layering, highlights, shadows etc... wow just overwhelming!
Think I should try to do a figure from time to time just for practice since I really think they add something to a build.
Im missing a varnish. Maybe it will help the blending a little.
Anyways enough talk, more pictures!
Next up is the base.
(https://i.imgur.com/SG44xye.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/STFmMao.jpg)
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Excellent work on the figure! Looking terrific!
RAGIII
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I think the figure looks terrific, especially as you aren't a figure painter. As a standalone figure you would probably want to do a lot more, but for a figure going in a vignette this would look really good. A coat of matt varnish will pull all the layers together (because they tend to have slightly different levels of sheen). The only thing I would suggest you work on is adding a few dark lines to define the edges of the jacket, around the base of the hat etc. You can even add some brighter edge highlights in one or two places (especially where the light is hitting the figure) but be subtle, don't do what t he 28mm guys do....
Getting serious with layering and highlighting takes a lot of practice and is only the start. You then need to know about colour wheels, complementary colours, desaturation and a whole load of other stuff. As I am finding out..... :o
This is a great effort though, well done!
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Thank you RAGIII
Thank you Nigel! I appreciate the feedback and tips! It was all a bit overwhelming for this first try, so was just stumbling ahead. Goal was to just have something look like a person from 30cm away ;D
I managed to varnish it, so hopefully i can add a few dark lines as suggested tonight - Thanks!
Actually I really like the miniature painting videos on YouTube. Many talented painters and wonderful colors. I wouldn't mind learning more and adding it to my skill set. Thought about buying a box or two for practice.
May I ask how long it took you to build up your skills @Nigel? The figures with your latest build looked stunning!
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May I ask how long it took you to build up your skills @Nigel?
The worrying answer is well over 50 years, but that's not really the whole story. I first started figure painting in the 1970s/80s with Historex and various other 54mms. But then I shifted more to wargaming and wargames figures and then drifted away from modelling for many years. I got back into making WWI aircraft in the late 90s.
However, it was only in 2014 that I really started painting figures again, primarily for a centennial display the Great War SIG did at Telford. I would say my figures from 10 years ago look very similar to the one you just did, maybe just a little more refined in some areas. When I retired six years ago I set myself a goal to try and get my figure painting to a higher standard, so I have been steadily working away. But I don't paint enough figures, because I spend a lot of time building aircraft and other WWI subjects.
I've always been interested in figure painting so I guess that has helped. I go to quite a lot of model shows so I have kept up with how the figure painting world is developing. I think the most helpful thing for me recently has been talking to expert figure painters. I run a lot of displays for the Great War SIG and we have two top level figure painters that often display with us, Paul Seeley (DaddyO on here) and David Lane. Looking at their figures up close and talking to them about how they approach figure painting has been really helpful. I would advise doing the same if you have access to any shows and good painters in your region.....
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Looking great - it’s a lovely little kit and it should look great in the diorama with the figure (a Stalingrad German tanker figure i believe). I could look at the work of figure painters all day - I purchased a bunch of beautiful 75mm resin figures being sold cheap a few years ago (Russian producers that the dealer could no longer source so he was getting rid of his stock) but I’m too scared to start on them!
Cheers
Matt
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That's a fair few years of modeling experience @Nigel ;)
I find it fascinating how we get our motivation and inspiration as modelers. Thank you very much for sharing!
It's nice to know improvements can be accomplished if we set our mind to it. I would love to be able to paint figures like that one day. I'm "only" turning 39 this year, so hopefully I can get to the level I want eventually ;D
I build a few kits as a kid, but only really got into the hobby 4 years ago. It was suggested to me as therapy while I was recovering from a severe case of work related stress. It's been a wonderful hobby for this.
Unfortunately there's not really any model shows or clubs in Denmark, so most of the interaction is online. I can imagine seeing stuff and asking questions would be great for learning. I really like the work of David Lane - I often look at his work for inspiration. Maybe I have to stalk DaddyO also for some nuggets of wisdom 8)
Thanks Matt - I think you are right! I won it in a raffle and did not know the producer.
Give the figures a go! Worst case is having to strip the paint and starting over. I did actually enjoy the challenge, maybe you will too ;)
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this is inspiring!
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Great work! I highly recommend Mike Butler's book on WWI figure painting. Available on Amazon.
Steve
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Thanks both of you! I will look up the book :)
The project have stalled a bit with the base. I mounted the resin on a foam board, but my cuts were a bit rough.
I used some wall filler to patch up the sides, but it is taking forever to dry and I had to apply it 3 times to hopefully get the result I want ::)
In the meantime I started a 1/48 Draken Jet. In a few days I can continue the Minerva.
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Finally the base is dry and could be sanded. Still not entirely happy with the finish, but also want to move on. Lessons learned for next time. :)
Minerva is done and all bits and pieces are attached. Figure is placed to get an idea of the direction of the scene. Think it will work nicely!
Base got 2 rounds of diluted pva glue on the sides to make it ready for primer and color.
(https://i.imgur.com/GQ1a7q3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CBrAGTU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Qi47Dnk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uYKZviK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GZcDp9E.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/z8bonXO.jpg)
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That is looking really good, a very nice little scene.
I have taken to cladding the edges of my foam-based vignettes with thin veneer attached with double-sided tape (the same as Night Shift does on his channel). This gives a much neater finish and is surprisingly easy to do.....
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The car and figure look outstanding! I am sure they will look even better once the base is underway and then completed!
RAGIII
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Beautiful, just beautifil...
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Thank you very much Nigel, RAGIII and PrzemoL :)
I have some veneer, so maybe ill give it a shot! Thanks!
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What a beauty! Your figure painting is an inspiration.
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Really like this dio
Currently we are doing some PE sets (roof) and other resin 3d printed items
Also I was thinking to add some new figures in early type uniform, should be 2 Belgians (or 3) during a hot battle, using their MG and one young german officer is sneaking from the front of the car.
A short story ( not a real one)
"In the thick of a scorching August afternoon, the battlefield was ablaze with chaos and fury. Smoke and dust filled the air, mingling with the sharp tang of gunpowder. Amidst this bedlam, a Minerva armoured car, one of Belgium’s finest, stood resolute, its steel plating reflecting the relentless sun. Inside, three soldiers of the Belgian Army manned their posts with unwavering determination. They were Sergeant Louis Dupont, Corporal Henri Leclerc, and Private Emil De Wilde.
Their mission was clear: hold their position and delay the German advance until reinforcements arrived. Positioned behind their armoured car, they fired relentlessly towards the rear, where the bulk of the enemy forces advanced. Their machine gun roared, spitting hot lead into the approaching waves of German soldiers.
"Henri, keep the ammo coming! Emil, watch our flanks!" Louis barked, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of battle.
Henri fed the clip of ammunition into the machine gun, his hands steady despite the turmoil. Emil scanned their surroundings, his rifle ready, but the intensity of the rear assault demanded their full attention, leaving the front of the car dangerously exposed.
Unbeknownst to them, a young German officer, Lieutenant Karl Müller, had crawled his way through the tall grass, using the Minerva as cover. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat a drumroll of anticipation. He had spotted a gap in the Belgians' defense and knew this was his chance to strike a decisive blow.
Karl crept closer, his pistol drawn, eyes fixed on the Belgian crew who remained focused on the rear. He could hear their voices, their commands, their determination. They had no idea he was there.
Just as Karl prepared to spring his attack, Emil caught a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye. "Louis, someone's coming from the front!" he yelled, spinning around.
But Karl was already in motion. He lunged from his hiding spot, firing his pistol. The shots rang out, and Henri crumpled, a bullet striking his shoulder. Emil and Louis reacted instantly, swiveling the machine gun around, but Karl was too close. Emil threw himself at Karl, knocking the pistol from his hand. The two young men grappled fiercely, each fighting for their lives.
Louis, torn between helping Emil and continuing to fend off the Germans at their rear, made a split-second decision. "Emil, hold him off! I’ve got the rear!" he shouted, resuming his position behind the machine gun.
Emil and Karl rolled in the dust, punches and shouts filling the air. Emil managed to pin Karl to the ground, wrenching his arm behind his back. "I’ve got him, Louis!" he called out, his voice strained.
With Emil keeping Karl subdued, Louis turned his full attention to the German forces. His machine gun roared back to life, cutting down the advancing soldiers with grim precision. Henri, despite his wound, crawled over to help, feeding ammunition to Louis with one good arm.
Reinforcements finally arrived, their arrival heralded by the thunderous roar of artillery and the rallying cry of fresh troops. The Belgian forces surged forward, pushing back the Germans who began to retreat under the renewed assault.
The battlefield fell silent as the last of the Germans fled. Karl Müller, now a prisoner, looked at the Belgian soldiers with a mixture of respect and defeat. They had fought valiantly, their courage and determination undeniable.
Louis, Emil, and Henri stood together, battered but unbroken, as they watched the enemy retreat. They had held their ground against overwhelming odds, their bravery and tenacity turning the tide of battle. In the midst of chaos, they had found their heroism, their names forever etched in the annals of history."
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Thank you Zac and thank you very much Edgar - it means a lot :)
The story really captured a action filled moment for the Belgians and the Minerva. I really enjoyed it, thank you! It would make for a interesting diorama ;D
CSM makes some great kits and accesories, i'm definitely saving up for a few more things for future projects ;)
As for the base I'm working on the colors. It really is a trust the process.... I hope! I wanted to separate the elements a bit using different color tones.
After painting the brick I will add some variation using a sponge, drybrush and finally some ink / oils. It should pull the colors together ;D
Or so I hope - this is something entirely new for me.
Lastly some sand and dust to fill up the gaps in the stones / brick.
(https://i.imgur.com/cDfvEuy.jpg)
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The Paint work, colors, on the Road and sidewalk is Stunning! Very well done!
RAGIII
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Good start on the base, Nightshift has some great examples of how to do this kind of base on his channel if you haven't seen them.
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Thanks RAGIII and Nigel :)
I'm trying to follow the builds from NightShift, but as always he makes it look so simple!
I had some time to paint the bricks and the grass / ground. The bricks are not as well defined / sculpted as the pavement, so painting them was a bit of a headache. The colors are still too bright after a ink wash, so need to fill the gaps with sand before a dust wash.
The pavement got some diluted black ink and I filled the gaps with sand and VMS ballast freeze. Dust and some varnish and it's getting closer :)
(https://i.imgur.com/Xm1u2Sz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6Hjqf2g.jpg)
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The painting continues to look great as more layers are added! Love the grass also!
RAGIII
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Sorry to chime in late here - just saw this and have to say you've done a stellar job on the whole project so far. Absolutely brilliant work.
Cheers,
Gary
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Excellent work, this is looking really good and coming together nicely.
I'm trying to follow the builds from NightShift, but as always he makes it look so simple!
He does indeed, but he has lots of good ideas. I see you are using black ink........
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Thank you all for the nice comments :)
And yes the ink is a great tool! I just got it, but its interesting to use as a way of texturing / staining / shading. Also like how fast it dries ;D
I finally completed the base! Tried to add a few more details and push myself a bit.
The groundwork gave me some trouble. I had the perfect color etc using real dirt... But the fixer completely dissolved the look. Built it back up with oils, pigment and more texture.
Hopefully I can setup and take the final pictures tonight or tomorrow ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/Hf9hBEI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RHx6KD6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LpAB3Ne.jpg)
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All looks great!! Looking forward to the final composition.
Steve
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Thank you Steve ;D
Im working on the pictures. Have to resize them because Imgur can't handle the size of the images. However it is getting late.
A small teaser for now ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/y0QV7Z6.jpg)
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Awesome Teaser!
RAGIII
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Looking good! I really like the base, great work. Hurry up with those final pictures.....
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First off - thank you all for the warm comments and motivation during this build! It was nice to be allowed to build a armored car on a WW1 plane focused forum ;D
This was really a milestone project for me! I had to learn so many new things to make it all come together in the end. First figure, learning to paint bricks, stone and using natural materials to blend it into a real scene / diorama (?).
It was a fairly simple scene I had in mind when starting the project. Just a little thing that lets the viewer imagine / make up a story.
Im pleased I got pretty close to the image I had in my mind :)
Hope you enjoy.
(https://i.imgur.com/Vch8907.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5XiRAcu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7RJ3tnA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R1k9JjT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/otfwWB6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MDuikae.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KgLgpiL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/g8jeWro.jpg)
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Close up shots
(https://i.imgur.com/y0QV7Z6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WRv9LQ1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/e8j2SVW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/27qxZYD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yPoFy48.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/k8ryY3S.jpg)
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Stunning results! The brick work and stone road are fabulous examples of painting and weathering. The car and figure are Awesome!
RAGIII
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Superb! That's turned out really well, you need to have no fear about painting figures from now on. Or bricks, or groundwork. More dioramas in future please...... ;)
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Thank you very much RAGIII and Nigel ;D
I could very well see myself trying more projects like this one! Now it does not see quite that scary anymore and I feel like there's much potential to progress and learn
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Stunning results! The brick work and stone road are fabulous examples of painting and weathering. The car and figure are Awesome!
RAGIII
Yep. Exactly what he said!
Sandy
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I agree with all the other comments. Incredible work and a pleasure to follow.
Alan.
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Thank you Alan and Sandy :)
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Cracking job all round. Really enjoyed following along the thread as well - more please ;D
Paul
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Thank you Paul :)
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The paintwork is outstanding! I especially like the painting of the larger steel plates, they really come thanks to your use of subtle chipping, flecks of paint and different shades of colour.
/Fredrik
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Stunning results! The brick work and stone road are fabulous examples of painting and weathering. The car and figure are Awesome!
RAGIII
Ditto my Amigo's comments !
Ed
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Bravo Ben, what a stunning result!
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Thank you for the kind words Fredrik, Ed and Zac ;D
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Excellent, especially your first foray with the brickwork etc,
Mike
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Thank you Mike :)
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Not sure how I missed the completion of this build, but you did an amazing job on it, Ben... it's one of the nicest vignettes I've ever seen, in fact! Love everything about it...
All best,
Dutch
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Thank you Dutch - very kind of you :)
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I am trying to catch up with this GB and have been reading through various threads. This is so different - an armoured car and a brick walliron railings background. What is there not to like in this?
I think that this is one of the best scenes that I have seen modelled for some time. A simple setting with so much opportunity to use the imagination. The finish of the base and model is outstanding and well beyond my skill for painting. Wonderful.
Stephen.
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Thank you very much Stephen - nice of you :)