1/35 Challenger II - Questions about what next?

[JudgeDredd]

Just joined the site - so I thought I would lead off with this...

My Challenger is almost complete...a few touches (sort the main gun out which I screwed up when my semi gloss seemed to turn into 200% gloss!). I'm debating the skirts.

Now - I was "toying" with the idea of changing the colour...what do people think? Clearly it's way too light (not enough yellow?). I wasn't (am not?) really into mixing colours - so always tended to go with as near as I could get out the pot. I don't particularly mind the colour as is.

This is hand painted with Humbrol enamels...the reason I was toying with changing the colour is because I just bought myself a spray gun and compressor and have stocked up on Tamiya acrylics. So I thought I could give it a prime, pre-shading, base coats, clear cover, markings, clear cover and then weather.

Obviously I'm new to ALL of that stuff (I've done some simple weathering with Flory weathering solution) - so could screw this up. Am I bothered? I don't know. On the one hand I'm pleased with my very first AFV build. On the other, it's not what it should be (missing a few bits, wrong colour etc).

Anyway I'd be interested in peoples opinions on these specifics...
1. Should I prime and repaint?
2. Regardless of yes or no, what stages are next? I'm guessing here...
a. Clear solution
b. Decals
c. Clear solution
d. Weathering
e. Clear solution


Thanks for the advice.

[UKguyInUSA]

to ISM, Judge!

[Ozzie21]

Judge. Welcome to ISM As regards your Challie II build the choice is yours.

Ozzie21

"Keep the CA off the fingers"

[JudgeDredd]

Hi Ozzie and UKguyInUSA (tells a story!)

Well, I've decided not to repaint the Challenger II.

Instead, I finished off the little bits over the weekend and gave it a flat coat to prepare it for the decals...then another flat coat will ensue before I attempt some weathering (which I've been putting off for some time.

I know it's the wrong colour, but it's my first armour build and hand painted and I'm rather proud of it, so I didn't want to use it as a test for using my airbrush. I did use the airbrush for the clear coat - and it made me realise why people use little spray booths!

(I don't know what's going on with the little "romantic" blurring here from my camera!)

[Ozzie21]

Judge, lookin good matey. Just a word on decals. Best to decal over a gloss clear finish. The decals will adhere better, to many lumps and bumps in a flat cote. You can also a get a decal setting solution that aids in getting the decal to sit down flat to the surface and adhere better. The gloss finish also helps hide the edge of the carrier film. After the decals have fully dried then apply the flat coat and that will help seal the decal so it doesn't come off over time.

Ozzie21

"Keep the CA off the fingers"

[Polly]

looking good JD just started air brushing myself so i know what you mean ref fumes
I'd go along with Ozzie21 on the decals as for the rest a multitude of info on this site
Oh and to ISM

[JudgeDredd]

Thx Ozzie21 and Polly

Decals on and flat coat applied ( did this today, before reading your advice)

Weathering next and oh, how I am dreading screwing this up!

[Polly]

If you can get old of Ultimate washes they are water based so if you make a mess just wash off.
Hope this helps and as long as you have sealed in the decals you can always correct any major FUps

[JudgeDredd]

Hi all

Well, I eventually plucked up the courage to weather this. I put it off for ages and I wasn't doing any other models because I didn't class this as finished, so I thought "What the hell". If I screw it up, at least I can get on with the job of making more.

So here's the finished article. I used Flory Models Dark Dirt Wash and a touch of Humbrol Rust Weathering Powder. I have to say I've very impressed with the Flory Wash and the effect it gives. It's basically just rubbed on with a brush and either dabbed off or wiped, giving a pretty dirty, used look.

I'm rather pleased with the outcome but, more importantly, I can move on to other models. I have 2xMe262, P-47D Thunderbolt, a P-51 and a A6M5 Zero in 1:72 scale WWII aircraft and a 1:48 scale Sea Harrier and Arado to be getting on with

This is the Challenger II as I left it...


And this is it "complete"...