72nd tanks

[cthulhu77]

On MM, there is a group build going on for 72nd scale Shermans, so I picked up a few from the lhs, and started building. Neat thing, one of the members posted an article about a type of painting I hadn't run across. You start from a base of black, and lighten out.
Here is my first experiment:

[cthulhu77]

For the second tank, I am going to try prepainting the highlights.  Just love these experimental jobs!

[cthulhu77]

Here are the tutorials in pdf from the tank site:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47210/thread/1193057182/SVEN%27S+PDF+TUTORIALS

[cthulhu77]

1st of the wheel units:

[John Howling Mouse]

Uh, in 1:72, just how SMALL is that wheel unit?  How did you get such a believable weathered/grimy old steel look at that size?

[BlackOps]

I have seen figure painters use the dark to light method of painting. How do you like the technique? I'd never thought of applying it to anything other than figures.

[Brian da Basher]

Greg, I can only dream of achieving the results you get. Your paint work always amazes me.

Brian da Basher

[cthulhu77]

Thanks !  Painting the wheel units was actually fairly easy. I sprayed the entire sprue black, then airbrushed the centers of the wheels desert pink. Once that was dry, I used a black sharpie marker for the rubber wheel surrounds, and a silver sharpie on the upper roller, and to detail the rim of the main two wheels. Assemble the unit, and let it dry. Apply a sludge wash and blot as necessary.
The markers really speed things up.  As far as the technique goes, it is the easiest way to create really 3-D 72nd tanks. I am sure some will argue that it too cartoonish, in the same vein as panel lines on aircraft, but I dig the look.  The three I have done really stick out next to my wargaming pieces.

[cthulhu77]

Boy, the PE on these little things sure stretches your eyes...yikes. The little grab handles on the rear of the  turret are a real bugger to attach:

[BlackOps]

It's bad when your tweezers need tweezers!  Small parts are definately a test of patience.

[cthulhu77]

Had to make some spares from wire and lead foil for those pieces sacrificed to the carpet god. Starting on the flail system:

[Eddie M.]

Your work looks top notch!
   Eddie

[Captain Canada]

Wicked ! I love small scale armour....just so cool.

Great work so far, Greg !

[cthulhu77]

These are going to be used in a large diorama down the road. The airfix kit was actually just about as accurate at 4 bucks as the dragon kit at 14...

[BlackOps]

Came out great Greg!