Heng long Abrams m1a2 sep 2 build, nato camo all done

[Mr tank a lot]

Hi all

I’ve stared the painting proper, my black and white method.
I first learned about this from a book in my secondary school library that was published in the early 1980 when the was at school in the 90s!
I still have the photocopy’s I made of most of the book, it’s funny how “new” techniques have been around for ages, it’s very cyclic modelmaking, dry brushing has been frowned upon for ages, now Mig has released dry brushing paint! I guess it’s what you find a pleasing as a modeller, you should go for it because it’s on your shelf!
This all looks a bit stark at the mo, but with layers and filters it should get depth.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I agree with you: I think the black-and-white pre-shading method makes good sense and is easier than mixing multiple shades and less expensive than buying paint kits sold for shading. However, I like paint to cover well, so I end up with an even tone. Drat! I also remember discussing shading with an often-published, frequent IPMS champion modeler (not me, for sure). He contends that shading effects are being overdone. I will be interested to see your results.

[Mr tank a lot]

Hi!

Here’s a vid on how I did the pre shading, and here’s a pic of post shading, vid on the way.
Sorry it’s been a while, needed a break between the build and paint.

https://youtu.be/O3nWvZltlRU

[HERMAN BIX]

Thats some schmick work there Mr A-lot, I hope Mr Barry c(the Alien!) is watching, he'll be next

Its quite refreshing to see an M1 in green for a change.

[BarryC]

Always Herman

Very nice finish sir, the paint looks great!

Barry

[Mr tank a lot]

Hi both

I’m going to disappoint you Herman, it’s going to be 3 tone nato camo, because in migs m1a2 book there’s one with ‘Darth helmet’ written on the barrel!.
I post shade the first coat so I can see where the light falls for the other colours.
With the nato filter on it really will blend it all…. Hopefully

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Well done: the shading is subtle, as I believe it should be. What is more, you've got nice antennae, baby!
(PS: I've had an HL M1 for some years: I weathered one M1 in desert camo and gave it to a veteran; I kept the NATO camo one, as it's what I preferred.)

[HERMAN BIX]

Hi both

I’m going to disappoint you Herman, it’s going to be 3 tone nato camo, because in migs m1a2 book there’s one with ‘Darth helmet’ written on the barrel!.
I post shade the first coat so I can see where the light falls for the other colours.
With the nato filter on it really will blend it all…. Hopefully

NATO tri tone is still a better change than Sand !
It’s going to turn out great

[Meter rat]

Thank you. I will use some of the tips on painting, from what is a very informative video.

[Mr tank a lot]

Hi all!

Thanks, and I’m glad the video was helpful, and not mind numbing boring!

Here’s how I painted over the pre shading, and airbrush distance to stop too much coverage.

https://youtu.be/rOXNsKqDMnQ