PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf.E/F from Trumpeter

This is my first armor kit in over 12 years. In the past I built 4 tanks in all using a simple single action airbrush with a can propellant. I didn’t have access to the internet and all the great threads we see today on forums, so my only sources on how-to’s were two books that I bought at a local hobby store – and they weren’t focused in airbrushing, but general assembly/painting/weathering.

Since then, the WWW became accessible to more people and we started to see a lot of reference documentation online.

Hence, for this model, I will try to use some of the techniques I found on Military Modelling, using different pictures for reference purposes.

Assembling the model and the indy tracks. It’s my first time working with these kinds of tracks. I used Plastruct Bondene to join the tracks together, about 10 at a time and mounting them accordingly on the wheels trying to create a natural sag.

When I assembled the main gun, I wanted to practice painting it with a brush, even though it practically won’t be visible from the outside… I used Humbrol enamels, made a wash, and dry-brushed with enamels mixed with white oils. The finished result isn’t really to my liking. The wash made a blotchy job…

Edited By Darek on 20/11/2011 17:56:14

Bill even explained the pressure and distance he used for different layers, which helped me a lot since I have no bloody idea how to use an airbrush

Edited By Darek on 20/11/2011 17:57:53

As a base coat I used Humbrol Tank Grey (#67). Then I airbrushed US Dark Grey (#125) in an irregular pattern to have different hues. Finally, I mixed the US Dark Grey with some white and tried airbrushing only the middle of panels to simulate faded paint and add some effects.

For the final light coat, I also used Mac McConnell’s pictures to try and recreate similar patterns http://www.militarymodelling.com/forums/postings.asp?th=57171&p=3. I hope you understand that I don’t want to copy someone else’s work – this is strictly for practicing purposes

Mind you, this is my first ever attempt of painting an armor model using these airbrushing techniques. All in all, I think the final light coat is just a little too light IMO…

I already learned a lot with this first paint job. I realized that the airbrush can be VERY sensitive when painting from up close. You can notice the back of the turret where I pulled back a little too much on the trigger in one spot

Before I continue, all critics are welcome along with suggestions you may have. It’s the only way to learn!

Edited By Darek on 20/11/2011 18:00:38