Tamiya 1/48 Zeke - trying out a new pre-shading method

[Nikola]

Hi gents,


This is my work in progress on Tamiya's older, somewhat simpler Zeke and my first 1/48 model. I am building it OOB with a closed canopy so not much excitement there.
However, I am trying out a new technique for pre-shading, which I borrowed from my experience in art, painting and colour theory, and which I call COMPLEMENTARY PRE-SHADING for now,
I used complementary colours of the base colour to pre-shade, aiming at more interesting colour variation and contrast. The base colour in this case is IJN Ash Gray, so the complementary colour for pre-shading is purple, Tamiya X-16 to be precise. I also primed the model in Vallejo Dark Yellow primer, this being the complementary of the pre-shading color.

This is more of an artistic than realistic approach, but I like to try and balance both in my models. The colors are much better in reality, but you all know that excuse, haha. Will have to wait for "proper" photos in the end.

Below are the results. I like it so far, looks promising.
You be the judges.

Maybe someone has done this before and if so, please share your experience.

Also, I could use some tips on weathering "Zekes" so those are more than welcome.


Thanks in advance guys!


Cheers,
Nikola

[Nikola]

You can even go further when doing a "virtual light source" method (I don't know the proper name ) and introduce "warm" colours for pre-shading "cold" base colors in areas which will be in shade and vice versa, "cold" pre-shading for "warm" ones. This is done in painting.

Will try that as well one day.

Best,
Nikola

[MrBowcat]

Very nice. I did something similar recently on a F-14 Tomcat. Grey primer, black over the panel lines, then mottled blue in places finished off with the top coat of grey. It added some very nice variations.

[Nikola]

Very nice. I did something similar recently on a F-14 Tomcat. Grey primer, black over the panel lines, then mottled blue in places finished off with the top coat of grey. It added some very nice variations.

Hi MrBowcat,

Thanks for your reply. Got any photos of the bird? Would like to see how it turned out

Thanks in advance!

Best,
Nikola

[MrBowcat]

Hi Nikola,

It's still a work in progress, but this is it after the preshading



After the top coat



And how it is now after a clay wash.

[Nikola]

Hi Nikola,

It's still a work in progress, but this is it after the preshading



After the top coat



And how it is now after a clay wash.

Hi MrBowcat,

Hey, that looks good! Thanks for sharing. Is it 1/48?
What is a clay wash?

Cheers,
Nikola

[MrBowcat]

Cheers Nikola, yes a 1/48.

I used a Flory Models wash, which has a clay base. I believe the Ultimate washes are also clay based. Basically they allow you to coat the model with a wash, then when dry the excess can be removed with a moist paper towel or cloth. If sprayed or brushed over a matt or semi-matt finish (as I did) it not only stays in the panel lines but can also be used for dirt deposits on panels.

[Nikola]

Cheers Nikola, yes a 1/48.

I used a Flory Models wash, which has a clay base. I believe the Ultimate washes are also clay based. Basically they allow you to coat the model with a wash, then when dry the excess can be removed with a moist paper towel or cloth. If sprayed or brushed over a matt or semi-matt finish (as I did) it not only stays in the panel lines but can also be used for dirt deposits on panels.

Thank you very much for the info MrBowcat! Much appreciated.

Best,
Nikola

[Kevthemodeller]

Very nice shadowing and panel detail.

[Nikola]

Very nice shadowing and panel detail.

Thanks Kev!

How's the Fortress coming? I have the same one on the shelf waiting for me to have some more free time, haha.
Any ''heads up'' or advice on this bird?
Thanks in advance.

Best,
Nikola

[Nikola]

Hi gents,


This is my work in progress on Tamiya's older, somewhat simpler Zeke and my first 1/48 model. I am building it OOB with a closed canopy so not much excitement there.
However, I am trying out a new technique for pre-shading, which I borrowed from my experience in art, painting and colour theory, and which I call COMPLEMENTARY PRE-SHADING for now,
I used complementary colours of the base colour to pre-shade, aiming at more interesting colour variation and contrast. The base colour in this case is IJN Ash Gray, so the complementary colour for pre-shading is purple, Tamiya X-16 to be precise. I also primed the model in Vallejo Dark Yellow primer, this being the complementary of the pre-shading color.

This is more of an artistic than realistic approach, but I like to try and balance both in my models. The colors are much better in reality, but you all know that excuse, haha. Will have to wait for "proper" photos in the end.

Below are the results. I like it so far, looks promising.
You be the judges.

Maybe someone has done this before and if so, please share your experience.

Also, I could use some tips on weathering "Zekes" so those are more than welcome.


Thanks in advance guys!


Cheers,
Nikola

Hi gents,

Just an update on the Zeke.
Almost finished. I decided to try and paint some of the markings instead of using decals. Turned out reasonably OK.
Need to finish the landing gear, the prop and the canopy, and Das Is It.
Again, my phone photos are terrible Also, I didn't remove the liquid masks from the wheel wells so they are visible.

The model needs some touch ups overall, but it turned out OK.

Thanks for looking!


Best,

Nikola

[Nikola]

Hi guys,

Finally, here is the link to the finished model:

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=27908&p=340768#p340768

Thanks for looking!

Best,
Nikola