Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8T (Sd.Kfz.7) Holzpritsche (Dragon)

[tcoat]

Mar 28, 2023 10:31:04 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Mar 28, 2023 9:51:15 GMT -5 losboz said:

I have had a hard time finding Tresemme fine mist online in single cans. Where do you get it?

I just use whatever the wife has on hand at that point in time. As long as it is an aerosol I haven't had one that didn't work yet. The liquid sprays never work right though.

[Whiterook]

Mar 28, 2023 12:03:26 GMT -5 tcoat said:

Mar 28, 2023 10:31:04 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I have had a hard time finding Tresemme fine mist online in single cans. Where do you get it?

I just use whatever the wife has on hand at that point in time. As long as it is an aerosol I haven't had one that didn't work yet. The liquid sprays never work right though.

Ahhhh, the old, “…honey, I need to borrow your hairspray” line… that doesn’t always end well

[tcoat]

Mar 30, 2023 15:18:28 GMT -5 Whiterook said:

Mar 28, 2023 12:03:26 GMT -5 tcoat said:

I just use whatever the wife has on hand at that point in time. As long as it is an aerosol I haven't had one that didn't work yet. The liquid sprays never work right though.

Ahhhh, the old, “…honey, I need to borrow your hairspray” line… that doesn’t always end well

Just never, ever, EVER use the end of it without first confirming there is more! NEVER

[losboz]

Not much progress to report over the last few weeks due to the bunny bank holiday and family life but I managed a few sessions over the last few days. Dragon for some unfathomable reason do not supply any instrument decals in their Sd.Kfz.7 kits (at least in all the ones I’ve purchased) so I have had to wait a while whilst a set from Alliance Model Works arrived from Asia. So, the decals are down and sealed and work has started on the faded whitewash.

Although a generic set, the Alliance instrument details worked out fine and the kit's licence plate and weight stencil laid down nicely too. The individual letters and numbers are a great idea and although they can be a little fiddly to apply you can easily replicate a desired vehicle as I have. My only gripe was my spacing on the rear plate went a little wonky so that the last few numbers are too spaced out. Not the end of the world but annoying. I poked myself in the eyes to remind me not to let it happen again

With all previous work now sealed in, I decided that the faded whitewash, would show a more recent addition, so the wash was not as faded out. Before I started, I masked out the area the windscreen frame would cover and,  because it was likely that the cab canvas and tilt cover would have been in operation at the time the whitewash was applied, the uppermost portion of the cab sides and cargo sides was also masked. The engine bay was covered with the simple addition of the kit side panels. I didn’t bother masking the licence plates or the weight stencil and will rely on the chipping fluid on removing any access.

Before I started, I conducted a few tests on some plastic card with slight variations in both hairspray and chipping fluid and paint mixes and quantities. The piece that seemed to create the effect I was after had two fine coats of chipping fluid along with Tamiya acrylics mixed with water. What I was after was random bright remnants of whitewash which would contrast with areas completely void of any at all. Where the two areas met, unlike the trailer, I was after more of a chipped paint effect than a blended-out wash.

Unfortunately, although both the chipping fluid and the whitewash mix appeared to airbrush perfectly the resulting chipping was anything but. For some reason, no matter how much the surface was dampened and agitated I could not remove the whitewash at all in places! It could not have been a more distictly opposite result than my test piece! If I hadn’t spent so much time adding effects to the base coat I wouldn’t be so bothered, but all that work had now all but vanished in places, especially on the bonnet!

So what went so wrong? I sat scratching my head for a while and realised that a varnish coat was not present on the test piece. This had to have had some bearing. After sealing it was left for 24hrs but maybe it hadn’t had time to fully cure and created a bond to the paint or made the chipping fluid less effective? Whatever the reason it needed fixing.

Before exploring more drastic solutions I would give another round of chipping a chance. Only this time a more aggressive scrubbing action with a stubbier brush would be required. The effects I was initially after were simply not going to materialise, and although this second round improved the effect in places, mainly on the wooden portions of the vehicle it remained as stubborn as before on the bonnet/hood.

My next option will be to dampen a brush with a smidgen of thinner and attempt to dry brush the surface. Wish me luck...............

Progress so far

 

[chromdome35]

Oh man, what a tough setback. What brand of chipping fluid did you use?

I hope you can salvage it to your satisfaction.

[`Boots`]

Mar 28, 2023 9:51:15 GMT -5 losboz said:

Mar 28, 2023 9:29:48 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

This is serious top-quality work, I'm totally impressed.

How long did this model take to complete?

Do you use hairspray or one of the chipping fluids?

Cheers again

As you can see, I like my 8T halftracks   I am currently working my way through quite a few of them. I’ve completed (recently posted on here) the Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 Flak 43, the Sd.Kfz.7 Holzpritsche and I am currently working on this. I have Dragon kit 6794 started and almost 100% built. Kit 6918 is yet to be opened and the ancient and venerable Tamiya kit 35148 is also a WIP. Updated with Modelkasten wheels and tracks, a huge fret of PE and some resin wheels it should make an interesting comparison with all the mid 2000 offerings.

This kit is still a work in progress. As per the thread the kit was almost 100% fully built in 2015 and I reckon took maybe 28hrs to build (at my pace ) The paintwork started at the beginning of March this year and I've probably got another 25% to go including the little vignette they will sit on.

I use both hairspray (Tresemme fine mist is my go-to) and chipping fluid. Straight out of the can for full cover and decanted or chipping fluid through the airbrush for individual areas.

Hope that helps.

Los

I`m still working my way thru a single FAMO that i started over a year ago

That is stunning work los

[losboz]

Apr 19, 2023 21:17:36 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Oh man, what a tough setback. What brand of chipping fluid did you use?

I hope you can salvage it to your satisfaction.

Unlike my normal go to Tresemme Fine Mist I went with chipping fluid. Not my best decision

[losboz]

Apr 20, 2023 16:30:00 GMT -5 `Boots` said:

Mar 28, 2023 9:51:15 GMT -5 losboz said:

Cheers again

As you can see, I like my 8T halftracks   I am currently working my way through quite a few of them. I’ve completed (recently posted on here) the Trumpeter Sd.Kfz.7 Flak 43, the Sd.Kfz.7 Holzpritsche and I am currently working on this. I have Dragon kit 6794 started and almost 100% built. Kit 6918 is yet to be opened and the ancient and venerable Tamiya kit 35148 is also a WIP. Updated with Modelkasten wheels and tracks, a huge fret of PE and some resin wheels it should make an interesting comparison with all the mid 2000 offerings.

This kit is still a work in progress. As per the thread the kit was almost 100% fully built in 2015 and I reckon took maybe 28hrs to build (at my pace ) The paintwork started at the beginning of March this year and I've probably got another 25% to go including the little vignette they will sit on.

I use both hairspray (Tresemme fine mist is my go-to) and chipping fluid. Straight out of the can for full cover and decanted or chipping fluid through the airbrush for individual areas.

Hope that helps.

Los

I`m still working my way thru a single FAMO that i started over a year ago

That is stunning work los

Thanks buddy

I have yet to embark on my FAMO journey. I have the kit and trailer and a 3D resin set for the 'late' version so I'm hoping to do it justice at some point in the future.

[losboz]

I had limited success with my third round of 'chipping' back the whitewash and I only had to resort to thinners in a few select areas.  I then added a pin wash with MIG Neutral enamels.

Ive not been at the bench for almost a week now and with a fresh look over it I actually think I might have gotten rid of too much of the whitewash now

This first image has the contrast turned right up to highlight how much of the white paint had remained.  I've also started removing the drivers side glass as per the vehicle I am recreating. The frame will be repainted once completed.

To aoid re-applying more whitewash colour through the airbrush and repeating the process of chipping and then pin washing a further time I figured I will map the surface with diluted white enamel to accentuate areas that would have retained the most white paint. Much like a pin wash but just in selected areas. In the next session I will also apply a little strategic whitewash streaking.

[406 Silverado]

May 5, 2023 6:27:48 GMT -5 losboz said:

Apr 19, 2023 21:17:36 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

Oh man, what a tough setback. What brand of chipping fluid did you use?

I hope you can salvage it to your satisfaction.

Unlike my normal go to Tresemme Fine Mist I went with chipping fluid. Not my best decision

I always look forward to your updates on these lifelike projects of yours Los. You really bring alot to the table in the realm of skill and this build is no exception to that rule. Glad to see you hanging back around and posting these updates.

[Steve Zuleski]

It can be frustrating to come this far having to deal with unwanted results. Keeping the sequence in check has been my weak spot. Looking over my trak-bike, it's obvious. I've resulted to writing it down, but that doesn't always work either. I get too involved and want to keep rolling, and end up paying for it in the end, lol. Looks like you're recovering it well. When time comes to blend into the base tones most of this won't be so noticeable, IMHO. Just remember that lil guy, SUCCESS!

Ruck On, Bby!

P.S. The in-depth explanation of your process is awesome, very much appreciated.

[`Boots`]

That is simply amazing work fella........i like the colour idea of the inside of the head lights, my current build doesn`t really require lenses but i need to create that abandonded look, the idea of going with the darker colour never crossed my mind......i was simply gonna dirty up some silver

As for the FAMO..........yeah i have a trailer for it as well but no room for both , was thinking of just doing the trailer as a stand alone build instead

[losboz]

Cheers fellas. I'm still beavering away at this. I have finished boring out the driver’s glass screen, added the three canopy retaining pins to the top then re-painted the frame and added a pin wash to it.



I’m slowly working my way through a long list of small things to do. Paint the width indicator white ball: tick.



Paint the rubber hose between the foil retaining bands on the air cleaner hose: tick.




Add some shadows to the engine rags: tick.




Improve the heated rust effects on the manifold: tick.




Added a shadow coat to the bench rag and rope and chipped back the base coat of both the gas mask and canteen lid: tick.

Tidied up a nick down to plastic on the passenger side fender front near the headlight by adding some Lifecolour Base Coat Rust to replicate a fresh scratch: tick.



Tidied up the paint on the cargo bay rags, tarps and accessories ready for highlights and shadows with oils: tick.



Started mapping out the surface of the whitewash with Abtielung white oils using different methods including dry oil dot and then blend, fine streaking (washing out) and selectively adding a more diluted mix round small detail like bolt heads.  Still a long way to go

[406 Silverado]

This is just waaaaaaaaaaaaay off the charts Los. Every little thing that gets done on this masterpiece just adds to the overall look of realism. Where did you learn all of this stuff from again? I may have to start watching you tube to pick up the basics and take off from there.

[losboz]

May 9, 2023 5:21:41 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

This is just waaaaaaaaaaaaay off the charts Los. Every little thing that gets done on this masterpiece just adds to the overall look of realism. Where did you learn all of this stuff from again? I may have to start watching you tube to pick up the basics and take off from there.

Cheers man, glad you like it. Its only the second whitewash I've done and the first ever over a Dark Yellow base so I'm learning on the job! Amongst many other works I'm taking inspiration from Mike Rinaldi's many tank art series of books where he explains in great depth the how's and why's of applying a whitewash.

I'm not intirely happy with how the chipping of the airbrushed acrylic coats of whitewash went but I've just got to suck it up and improve the effect with oils. I'm sure I'll do a better job on my next attempt so it's all good practice.

Thanks for following👍

[robbo]

Now that chipping is some of the best I've ever seen, master class

[chromdome35]

Excellent progress! You did a great job of recovering from the chipping problem.

Looking forward to seeing this when you're done!

[406 Silverado]

May 9, 2023 4:47:32 GMT -5 losboz said:

Cheers fellas. I'm still beavering away at this. I have finished boring out the driver’s glass screen, added the three canopy retaining pins to the top then re-painted the frame and added a pin wash to it.



I’m slowly working my way through a long list of small things to do. Paint the width indicator white ball: tick.



Paint the rubber hose between the foil retaining bands on the air cleaner hose: tick.




Add some shadows to the engine rags: tick.




Improve the heated rust effects on the manifold: tick.




Added a shadow coat to the bench rag and rope and chipped back the base coat of both the gas mask and canteen lid: tick.

Tidied up a nick down to plastic on the passenger side fender front near the headlight by adding some Lifecolour Base Coat Rust to replicate a fresh scratch: tick.

 Got any more updates on this one Los? This thing is looking SWELL so far. 

[losboz]

It’s been quite some time since I last posted, so this build is well overdue an update on progress.

Apologies about some of the cropped images. My camera phone was playing up

Weathering the tracks

Conscious the vehicle I was representing had not moved for some time, the tracks were only given a light weathering. As I was using the kit’s plastic tracks, I decided to stay clear of Enamel products. There are plenty of alternatives these days and Uncle Nightshift has a fantastic, dedicated video on how to achieve excellent results with only acrylic products…. Well, almost exclusively   check his vid out

 

Whilst I didn’t have all the products that Martin uses, I did however have the most excellent Lifecolor rust set. As the rubber pads would obviously not rust, I had to pay particular attention to keeping them free of paint. This meant being a little more precise on the outer face rather than slapping it all over. Much like the video I added very diluted coats of the two lighter shades with a brush. I then speckling the same colours taking care to clean the pads after each pass. Once completely dry I just speckled the third rust shade and again had a brush moistened with tap water handy to clean up the rubber pad surface. Once happy with the rust tones I proceeded to add some dirt and dust build up. First up I carefully applied AK Groundwork paste to a few selected areas. Diluted with water it was kept well away from the moveable portions. Once dry I articulated every link to ensure none had been clogged with either the AK mud or indeed a build-up of acrylic paint.

Taking another tip from Martin’s video I concocted my own acrylic ‘rain wash’ mix using similar tones and washed down both track runs. The last step in Martin's video is to speckle enamel rust wash but I chose to use two diluted mixes of both an oil mix and an oil pigment mix instead. First up a diluted Abtielung light earth and buff oil wash followed by a speckling of Abtielung light rust oil and MIG pigment rubble dust. (A great mix for manifolds and dry dusty exhausts incidentally) My very last step was to treat the guide teeth to a rustier tone using Lifecolour acrylics. More dust and dirt layers on the lower track run will be added to match the groundworks after final placement.

Weathering the chassis and wheels

Before the tracks and wheels could be attached a small application of dust and dirt was added to the visible portions of the chassis and the undersides of the cab metalwork. This was carried out first with airbrushed buff-coloured acrylics and then with AK groundwork paste as used on the tracks. This was added in small amounts to simulate where dirt would have naturally accumulated. The effects were then enhanced with the oil and pigment mixes used on the tracks finishing off with some speckling.

AK Groundwork light mud paste diluted with water for some texture

 

Once dry oils and pigments can be added

 

I know very little of the underside of the cargo bed or the top areas of the chassis will be visible but it’s all good practice  

As the vehicle in the image looked to have been stationary for a while, I figured rainwater would have removed most exposed surface mud, so in the next session I will give the vertical portions of the chassis some streaking effects and the wheels will receive a much lighter application of the same products and effects as the chassis. In addition a few select areas will receive some clumped dry mud (AK groundwork paste and sea grass) which I will ensure sit at the bottom of the wheel when attached. I will then finish them off with the same oil mixes and effects. I know both front wheels are missing in the image but I'm going to add a single wheel on the passenger side. This will be weathered in the same way and then attached to the axle.

Critique and comments always welcome

Los

[losboz]

Some clearer pics

Drivers side awaiting rain streaks to vertical surfaces of the chassis

Abtielung light rust oil and MIG pigments rubble dust mix also added to the manifold to enhance the dry surface. Some very light speckling can be seen on the top of the bulkhead, fenders and track guards

Passenger side awaiting more oil effects to the chassis. The same dry rust mix of oils and pigments were also added to the leafsprings, exhaust, sprocket rollers and the outer edges of the front wheel spokes.

Underside of the cargo bed receiving more oil washes and speckling

Only a fraction of the underside of the vehicle will be visible but I still added the effects so as to harmonise with the overall appearance

Adding a first layer of oil washes to the AK mud effects under the fenders and track guards

[406 Silverado]

Over.......the .........TOP losboz. Where am I supposed to start with a response to THAT??!! All the dirt/ mud and weathering processes are simply outSTANDING with this thing. Thank you so much for sharing the processes as well as the materials used with us. That video will be a MUST WATCH for me coming up tomorrow.

Kickin' this build in the TAIL man!!

P.S. +1 Karma to you bro.

[losboz]

Jul 4, 2023 20:36:05 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Over.......the .........TOP losboz . Where am I supposed to start with a response to THAT??!! All the dirt/ mud and weathering processes are simply outSTANDING with this thing. Thank you so much for sharing the processes as well as the materials used with us. That video will be a MUST WATCH for me coming up tomorrow.

Kickin' this build in the TAIL man!!

P.S. +1 Karma to you bro.

Cheers buddy.  That vid is a must watch. the guy makes it look sooooo easy and it is invaluable advice for weatthering plastic tracks.

Not had much time at the bench over the last few months. June was scorchio in the UK so now the temps have dropped to a more satisfactory 'UK norm' I'm hoping to get more time on it.

 in the UK

[Whiterook]

I’ve been so blown away by this thread and found so much inspiration all around! Subject and execution are amazing. It makes me want to step up my game, but also see similarities to tell me I’m on the right track. Bravo and Thank You!

[chromdome35]

I somehow missed your update on this.

I feel like I have a front-row seat to the build of something I would see in a magazine. That is simply awesome weathering work. The subtleness of the color fades and transitions are perfect.

[406 Silverado]

Jul 28, 2023 18:27:28 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

I somehow missed your update on this.

I feel like I have a front-row seat to the build of something I would see in a magazine. That is simply awesome weathering work. The subtleness of the color fades and transitions are perfect.

Man.....this guy is just off the charts as far as building skills go. Looking forward to another update on this one.

[losboz]

Cheers buddy. Really appreciate your feedback

[losboz]

Thank you, its appreciated

[losboz]

Thanks for the kind words buddy

[losboz]

Thanks man

[losboz]

Jul 28, 2023 17:39:42 GMT -5 Whiterook said:

I’ve been so blown away by this thread and found so much inspiration all around! Subject and execution are amazing. It makes me want to step up my game, but also see similarities to tell me I’m on the right track. Bravo and Thank You!

Thanks for the feedback, its appreciated