Tanks Fine detail painting

NapierDogs · 13-06-2005

Could anyone advise me on how to get a black lined fine detailing on a model tank, to show detail that normal spraying or painting would not normally show. I have attached 3 pictures (I hope) to show what I mean.
At first I was told that the dark lines were just a lighting effect used to show the tanks at there best. But, you can see on the photo's that it is paint. espeacially when I have enlarged them.
Could it be a black (x-1) flat black (XF-1). semi gloss (X-18). or smoke(X-19) thinned down and sprayed over the tank, and at what ratio? as anyone heard of or tried anything like this themselves? This is the only way I can think of getting this effect?
I would be grateful of any help

NapierDogs.

duncan · 13-06-2005

Brush a very thinned down wash of a dark colour and let it accumulate in all the nooks and crannies before you start the subsequent finishing coats. Wipe off highlight areas and most flat surfaces before it goes dry.I presume you are using a spray-gun/airbrush for final coats. Practise on an old model first. Good technique for figures and pilot heads to get rid of the "doll-like" look. If it goes wrong...when did you last see a clean tank?

NapierDogs · 13-06-2005

Thank-you very much, That is a great help. I have often looked a these three pictures and wonderd how its done.
Cheers.

Mike

**Bluewavestudios** · 13-06-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan

when did you last see a clean tank?

Duncan, you took the words right out of my mouth !!! That's why my tank is sat there being allowed to gather dust quite naturally and coming on a treat too, looks nicely dirty now, if it needs any more I will sprinkle soil dust over it and blow away the excess after before fixing it down with a fine mist of matt spray varnish.

Dirty Tanks always look better...!!

Regards.........Mark

NapierDogs · 14-06-2005

I now know what I can say too the Dragon, when she is on the cleaning war-path, moaning about my dust collectors, I can tell her that "I am weathering the models"? if that fails.
I can now fall back on "Tracey my sweet, it was Mark, he told me to do it"

Mike.

**Bluewavestudios** · 14-06-2005

Just make sure she doesn't make your spitfires or whatever go into nosedives after colliding with her featherduster !!

Regards.......Mark

new to trains · 16-06-2005

toner dust from a photocopier is always very good for picking out fine detail, apply with an old shaving brush, when brushed into panel lines coat whole completed model with matt varnish, this will hold the very very fine dust in situ....