"WHITE TIGER"

[billpe]

Filters are great - they given real depth to colours and set the tone for the model. Something to experiment with first before you put directly onto a model though.

[HERMAN BIX]

Rolled the dice & got on with the red brown patches.
Used straight XF64 thinned 40-50%
Again, tried to stick to the "neo-comtempoary/minimalist " style of less-is -more
It has toned down the stark yellow which is better, but its still not got that instanlty gratifying look about it.
its fair to say this pattern was an expediant for this unit and these late arrivals into preparation for the scrap at this time, and the more regulation Gelb base would soon follow with the more usual cam patterning. Well that is untill the winter set in and everthing had but one hue.........
From the research and info available, it is very likely '100' had this pattern-or close enough to it at the time, through Zitadelle and into its first winter where my subject picture was taken.
I know for certain some DR and GD unit machines wore only an all-grey cover for the entire duration of the Kursk battle, so Im happy with the historic representation.
I just need to make it more realistic.

I got so into the big things that I discovered that Id missed the two sets of main tow cable clamp top plates from the paint process(the others are blue-tacked in position) but brush touching and the WW will sort them easy.

[Markocaster]

this is looking great Herman, love the camo, and once you start weathering it, things should really look fantastic

[ALPHA]

Now you've gone and done it Herman... added another color ....Now she's looking even better

Keep up the good work

ALPHA

[HERMAN BIX]

Thanks Lads
Can now set about toning it down a few levels & geting a bit of basic weathering on.
Then its tools, tow cables, track pull cables , unditching pole , helmets, etc & white wash.
In amongst that lot there should be decals, but the jury is out on how effective these would be under any reasonable white covering. There are no visible markings on the subject picture, but realistically there must have been some at one time.

I will trawl about for 1/16th scale transfer numbers & put the 100 on if possible.

[Markocaster]

How are you going to whitewash it Herman? Airbrush thinned white or dab it on etc?
Seriously looking super

[HERMAN BIX]

The 505th at this stage of entering the first winter had what can be described as full white covering. That being good supply of product and access to facilities & support to apply it.
Mine will reflect this to a degree, while trying to keep in the theme of the subject picture.
I have been doing a bit of researching on the famous Hairspray Technique.
This seems to be the in thing, and dont get me wrong - its a hell of an effective method, but I think it might be to worn/weathered/rough for this one. The picture is fairly well covered, but is showing signs of thinning and the under colours showing through.
If its not the hairspary method, it will be brushed on, heavily thinned Tamiya white, with perhaps an addition of grout colouring added to get that 'chalky' effect.
In real life the WW would have been applied over the top of the surface regardless of the condition, but these unit vehicles with the proer support might have had the luxury of having a rudimentry clean of some sort prior to application. That is supposition on my behalf.
Mud/snow & the usual worn areas around crew access and fueling & engine hatches etc etc will be expected, but not much rust if any.
I have the tracks to 'blue' as yet, and the tracks will be dirtied up as required .

[billpe]

The hairspray method doesn't have to have severe results - a light spray followed by a heavier coat and some careful brushing ends up with a worn look but nothing drastic like some examples out there. Also what you scrub it with changes the effect. Using a paint brush will give fine detail where as scrubbing with a toothbrush will give bigger chips. Also using a toothpick for scratches gives a nice look.

If you do experiment with it, get one of the solutions like AK, Ammo or Mig chipping fluid. Its much easier to work with than actual hairspray, gives more consistent results. You can get about 4 entire tanks done with 1 bottle.

[ALPHA]

I'm sure you have this in mind already Herman... practice on a piece of non porous cardboard on plastic first... apply the same colors you have on your tank and try different techniques if you must ...that way if something should go amiss... it would be a complete do over

HAPPY TANKING SIR

ALPHA

[tomhugill]

The hairspray method doesn't have to have severe results - a light spray followed by a heavier coat and some careful brushing ends up with a worn look but nothing drastic like some examples out there. Also what you scrub it with changes the effect. Using a paint brush will give fine detail where as scrubbing with a toothbrush will give bigger chips. Also using a toothpick for scratches gives a nice look.

If you do experiment with it, get one of the solutions like AK, Ammo or Mig chipping fluid. Its much easier to work with than actual hairspray, gives more consistent results. You can get about 4 entire tanks done with 1 bottle.

Definitely agree here, on my Tunisian tiger and sturm I used hairspray both times but with different levels of chipping, the tiger quite light (as it's depicting a fairly new tank).

I'll have to give the ak stuff a go though!