Quote:
Originally Posted by Whiterook
Looking at this one again (I think it's such a cool build!), I have a couple questions maybe you all can shed some light on:
The headlamps...do you think the clear plastic was part of the kit, or made from cratch? I'm talking the clear "Glass".
The texture on the hull...specifically the turret...do you think that was achieved with paint, or did he apply some sort of texturing medium to rough it up, like a thin coat of putty?
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Even Tamiya have clear plastic lenses for their headlamps in some of their kits. Having said that, I can't remember if my Pz. IV kit (Dragon) does or not. I didn't put 'em in. Better kits will have them hopefully.
As for turret texture...better kits will have it moulded in. Especially on Soviet vehicles because that rough casting is where much of the character of Soviet vehicle lies. Bulky weld seams too. You've opened a can of worms here Em. Here's the short version...
Some folks go to the trouble of replicating the texture apparent on the rolled plates of German armour too. It's a more subtle 'look' but when done well really aids the illusion of metal. From what I've seen, people attack their pristine Panther turrets with the motor tool and then 'soften' the effect by coating it with Tamiya putty thinned with liquid glue (works well but cures very quickly. Has many other applications too). When hard, this is then sanded back a bit to soften further. I've only tried this once on my test model and wasn't happy with my results. Until I get better at it, my Panther turrets will remain perfectly smooth.
BTW, the thinning Tam. putty with liquid glue can be used wherever one needs texture. I have coated my Pz. IV's exhaust with this gunk to suggest textured/heated/burnt/rusted metal. It has one coat of Humbrol (why?!?!?!) paint on it and I'm agonizing about how to proceed. I'm thinking of giving it a shot with Tamiya 'Smoke' to get an acrylic basis for further weathering. I used the Humbrol on it because the colour is great for burnt metal...I just got lazy and created work for myself down the track.