Military Illustrated Modeller – August 2019

AFV Edition 

The decals chosen were a

combination of ones from the kit,

the spares box and from Mec

Models (www.mecmodels.com)

who offer some great markings

for US armour in Vietnam

To replicate the heavily scratched belly

armour plate, it was first painted in a

suitable titanium colour. Then some AK

Interactive 'Heavy Chipping Fluid' was

airbrushed on, prior to applying the

camouflage colour. Once the camo colour

was dry, a stiff brush dampened in tap

water was used to create the heavy

scoring and scratches

The Friulmodel metal tracks were airbrushed

using Tamiya XF-84 Dark Iron, followed by

some drybrushing using Mr Metal Color Iron

Mr Metal Color works in the same way as the old Humbrol Metalcote and can

be painted on and buffed to a realistic, polished metal finish. Or in this case a

brush loaded Mr Metal Color that’s been allowed to dry, then scrubbed over

the surface of the tracks.

WEATHERING
I experimented with dusty effects weathering, using
acrylics that were airbrushed onto the model, but
masking off certain sections to create distinctive
demarcations. I found that the acrylics could be
removed using a brush dampened in white-spirit,
which helped to break up the uniform effect.
Once happy with this initial treatment, I used
more traditional oil paint washes, mixed to match
the colour of the acrylics. This can be selectively
‘washed’ around raised details and along panel
lines etc. It can also be used to create vertical
streaking down the hull sides.