1/16 RC M-113A1 ACAV - Converting the Takom/Andy's HHQ kit to RC

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Louis, as always, your modeling skills and successes humble me. I cannot even approach the stunning quality of your work, and this latest M113 demonstrates yet more and more. In fact, I sent the link to your M113 build to a friend who was USMC in 'Nam: he replied: "I bookmarked it!"

I hope I show honor and respect to your build with this modest suggestion now that Pavel has taken the lead ("For complete realism I would have stained the "jungles": The guys are clearly not from the barracks.") I would take just a few extra steps on the figures.

1) I would take the color closest to the skin nearest the eyes and reduce the roundness of the eyes by covering the bottoms and tops of the eyeballs just a bit. These soldiers are in full sun and would practically be squinting.
2) I would next protect all that good painting with a clear flat, lacquer or acrylic.
3) I would use a burnt sienna oil, thinned a great deal settle into the folds in the cloth uniforms, around equipment, and in a thin tint over exposed skin. I would start very light and add slowly allowing drying time between each coat, until the figures look a bit more weathered.

Step three is a heck of a lot less sophisticated than one can find on YouTube and even demonstrated here on RCTW, but it's my "go to" easy way to add a "veteran" look to figures.

[Dongskie]

Unbelievable details!!!