[Tom Houlihan]

Originally Posted by Geek44

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.

Just remember to use white glue on those! There is something out there supposedly made for clear parts, but it's probably just expensive Elmer's Glue!

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...

There's a way to do that, but I can't remember specifically where/when I read it. Basically, it involves putting liquid glue on the plastic itself to soften it up, then using a hard brush, or something similar to 'stipple' or otherwise add the texture to the "metal." Once it dries, it's hard, and presents the right texture. If you do it right.

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.

Okay, while I understand the value of "test models," since I'm broke and/or cheap, I'll share the first thought that came into my brain housing group.

Instead of mucking up a $30 kit, why not just buy a few sheets of styrene plastic? Work up your techniques on those! Do you think cabinet makers practice on Teak? Don't ruin a good kit! Ruin a cheap sheet of plastic!!

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'm not sure what made me think of it, but I tried something for heavy rust, and I kinda like it. Toner. I filled an empty paint jar with the remnants from a photocopier one time. What I have should last me forever. I coat the part with glue, then either jam it into the jar, or just pour the toner all over it. When dry, I paint it orange, then heavily wash it with black. Not perfect, but looks pretty good, with a lot of texture!