Completed 1/16 British Tank Crew

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Thanks Nigel. I think I might just have the belts to add, although I realised today that I didn't do the epaulettes before I did the collars. Maybe these overalls didn't have them (they are a right pain in a tank anyway, always getting caught on stuff).

 

[Helm]

This guy's 1:6 isn't he?

I think so, it was one of Gordon's from RDG if I remember right, done as a presentation piece in rather a hurry hence the bronzing.

 

[Briggsy]

I know the feeling, my youngest 2 are 5 and boomarang from 'youre the best Dad in the world' to 'I'm not talking to you' from time to time.

On the bright side I had an inspiration - I've made a 3d model of the cap badge I need and then I've used that to make a mould which I can stuff with putty to get the shape and then add texture etc by hand. I'll see how both work over the weekend.

Of course a press mold makes life easier, I was thinking in my scale where such a thing would probably be more trouble than it's worth. Also once done it'll be handy for future projects.

Cheers Simon

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

I think so, it was one of Gordon's from RDG if I remember right, done as a presentation piece in rather a hurry hence the bronzing.

It’s a lovely piece of work. Maybe I’m overthinking the badge a bit.

Of course a press mold makes life easier, I was thinking in my scale where such a thing would probably be more trouble than it's worth. Also once done it'll be handy for future projects.

Cheers Simon

On that note, I’ve been helping Radek from Rado miniatures produce some 1/35 brass U.K. cap badges which might help with that. They look rather nice.

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

I think these guys are done! I’ll leave them to cure tonight and give them a coat of primer tomorrow.

 

[Briggsy]

They look brilliant Stefan, really nailed the cap badge too, they're going to look awesome on the tank.

Cheers Simon

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Thanks Simon here they are in the office with a coat of primer. I think Alf (left) might need something in his hand.

With the primer on they look a little rough, I think I’ll give them another coat then do a little sanding.

 

[MalcC]

Looking good, can't wait to see some more progress.

Malc

 

[Briggsy]

Yeah they look great, it's the primer stage when you get to see the little niggles and rough bits, worth the time spent carefully looking for them. Like Malc says can't wait to see them painted.

Cheers Simon

 

[NigelR]

Well done, you should be pleased with your efforts here, they look great in situ.

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Cheers chaps. Working on the faces now. They are smoother in oers N, for some reason my phone camera tries its best to pixelate them.

 

[Briggsy]

Coming together nicely Stefan.

Cheers Simon

 

[Nap]

Hi Stefan

A massive well done to you ,the look good , nice detail on the badges , painting will bring them out even more

Good start on the flesh as well

Looking forward to seeing more

Have fun @ the bench

Nap

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Thanks chaps, I’ve started work on the uniforms and will return to tweak the faces when I’m almost done. I struggle with shading on khaki/green clothing. The guy on the left is nearly there, I’m mainly using the bottom half to test shades and won’t bother trying to get the legs presentable as they will be inside the turret.

Thinking about the faces, I think the pink cheeks help make accentuate the youthfulness of the guy on the right, I’m wondering how I can age the guy on the left? I normally use blue for a five oclock shadow and to create depth under the eyes, i wonder if a hint of greenish ochre about the jaw would help. Any ideas?

 

[NigelR]

Good progress here, I agree the guy on the left has an older looking face. No idea on the 5 o clock shadow though.......

I find the AK Interactive WWI British Uniform sets are a good starting point for khaki (although to be fair I haven't tried the new 3rd gen colours yet).

 

[Briggsy]

They are turning out really rather nice, khaki can be a bitch but kep plugging away and it'll come out nice, with wear & tear, washing and different manufacturers there was a lot of variation in the colour anyway. Regarding the older chap, I can only make a suggestion using oils as I haven't really come across this issue while painting acrylics. To be honest I accept what ever complexion manifests. Anyway, just a tint of Sap Green will take out the ruddy or fresh faced complexion. I don't much go for it as a technique on round figures but if you want to get more colour into a face I would recommend studying the work of fantasy artists Boris Vellajo and Julie Bell. It's all on canvas or board but they breath a lot of life into a face with just hints and tints if colour. Plus being a married couple their work is generally on a shared website, though I've not been there for years but a Google search will find them.

Cheers Simon

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Cheers chaps. Nigel, I’ve got that set but these tank suits were a touch greener. It’s more the blending I struggle with. I think they are nearly there, I did highlights and shading then gave the whole thing a glaze of the base colour which worked I think. Just the belts and cap badges to go.

Simon, I tried a touch of green and I think it works. I’ll check out the artists you mentioned, thanks.

 

[Briggsy]

Cheers chaps. Nigel, I’ve got that set but these tank suits were a touch greener. It’s more the blending I struggle with. I think they are nearly there, I did highlights and shading then gave the whole thing a glaze of the base colour which worked I think. Just the belts and cap badges to go.

Simon, I tried a touch of green and I think it works. I’ll check out the artists you mentioned, thanks.
View attachment 492488

Yes I can see the colour has leeched out of him giving some age to the face.

Regarding the blending, when I started here on PF I was told to learn glazing, MalcC will back me up.on this but it really changed the results I achieve. Look on YouTube plenty of vids on the subject, it really is worth the effort.

Cheers Simon

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

I think I’m done, I’ve mounted them in the turret and they look pretty good I reckon. Obviously I can see a fair few things wrong with them and I’ve got lots of ideas for how I might do things differently next time but overall a solid effort. One thought that occurred to me the other day is that whatever faults they might have, they do a better job of creating the image I wanted than any figures on the market would have which is all I can ask really.

Thanks to everyone who offered feedback and support on the way, it really helped and means a lot to me.

 

[Briggsy]

Cracking job Stefan, there is a personal value to having something that is your own work and totally unique, sure it stands out from the crowd but the pride in the achievement is worth so much more. I've enjoyed watching this so thanks, now what's next?