I'm On a Roll, Kind Of

Today saw the airbrushing of my Zaku II Kai completed:

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

Yum, Stahlhelm

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

Thank God For Liquid Mask

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

A Little Touch Up Needed

I'm most happy with how the color tones come out. Other than a few blemishes, mainly on the body due to insufficiently thick layers of liquid mask, the entire project is ready for highlighting, decals, weathering, and sealing. And here I thought I was almost done. At any rate, to the extent of applying and mixing some washes to the model I visited Micheal's today and picked up a round tipped brush that would hold much wash. However, I also got distracted by a five-dollar balsa wood model:

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

I thought it would be a fun and frivolous little project to complete with a friend (who had accompanied me, and picked up a similar model). Boy was I wrong, the cryptic instructions and amount of pieces saw to it that the model took me no less than four hours. I guess I have something to show for it though.

I Actually Got Some Work Done!

This week was crazy at school and I most certainly felt I earned my weekend. Even though I still have more work to do, I thought I would reward myself by sticking and priming the various parts of my Zaku, and here it is:

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

The priming was conducted in a moderate phoenix dusk. In all honesty I'm very surprised by how well the test pieces were turning out; I expected priming to be impossible this afternoon. Due to waning sunlight, more than a few pieces had some blemishes not due to excessive priming, but due to lingering dust from the adhesive residue of my blu-tac. I don't expect it to present any real problem though, the small hairs and spots come off with a light brush.

Actually my biggest concern is how I will deal with some of the moving joints and parts that did not receive full coverage (as they were concealed by other parts) or if they will chip later. But hey I guess that's what this project is for; to determine proper procedures for future models.

Also, I happened to come across this at a local hobby store and just couldn't resist:

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

From Panzers, Zakus, and Models Oh My!

Initial inspect reveals it's a pretty slick model. All of the details and dimensions seem to be fairly accurate. However, I like to overdo things to the point where I will barely finish them so to that extent I've ordered Osprey's Modeling the Panther book, which is chock full of fantastic modeling ideas for the 1/35 Panther. About 85 pages I believe, I can't wait!

Another Month, Another Make-over

As you may have noticed by now, my blog has received yet another make-over. Needless to say I've lost direction a little bit if you look at the date of the last update. At first, it was mostly work. However, since then my modeling focus has also shifted back to WWII, and in a big way! Don't fret though; I'm still doing gunpla.

But what kind of WWII modeling do I do exactly you ask? Mostly 15mm miniatures for the popular game, Flames of War. In fact, mostly germans as well! Yes, I'm addicted to Panzers, Camouflage Patterns, Stukas, and other things all of German variety!  Here is sample of some of my work:

From Miniatures

From Miniatures

From Miniatures

From Miniatures

In total, I have probably about a battalion of infantry and a battalion of tanks as well as various support elements that I've modeled over the past few years. I model at other other scales as well (currently looking to do a 1:35 or so sized Panther tank; any suggestions on brand?), but this is by far my largest endeavor in the matter.

Oh, I should also mention I played around with candy as modeling material. Here is my best attempt at making a Tiger tank out of Rice Crispies, Fruit Roll-ups, Peeps, and a Lollipop in a piece of work I've dubbed "The Peeping Tiger":

From Miniatures

From Miniatures

Yeah, it was a rather interesting luncheon with my in-laws. They were making Peepshi (sushi candy), and I suddenly received the inspiration to make a Tiger tank out  of the materials. It's still sitting on my dining table in fact (some 3 days later). I figure once mold starts growing on it I can call it rust and thereafter "restore it" with some sandblasting.

Now, these miniatures aren't just for looking good; they are also for gaming! I currently have an ongoing project to make a board of terrain for the local big event, Shifting Sands. Being Italian themed this year, I must model Hangman's Hill (300m south of Monte Cassino), Nationale Route 6, and the Hitler Line. So far I've bought some research books on the subject, as well as a large board of wood and lots of MDF foam. More pictures to come later, perhaps of an airbrushed Zaku this weekend weather permitting!