The Model
The idea for this vignette came to me while reading M. Kołomyjec, I. Moszczanskij - Militaria Nr. 133 Lend Lease vol. 1, when I saw this photograph.
It shows a Matilda II tank from the 170th Independent Tank Battalion, on Kalinin Front, in February 1942, after skidding off an icy road and rolling over. On the one hand, it is an original, unusual scene, and on the other, many details of the vehicle are hidden under a layer of snow - a perfect subject for a quick modelling project.
The only readily available 1:72 scale model of the Matilda II tank is a kit from Chinese manufacturer S-Model. It has a decent level of detail for a quick-build version, making it ideal for this project. Oh, and there are two models in the box. Perfect!
The Accessories
A snow-covered tank alone, turned upside down with its less interesting side facing upwards, would be extremely boring. An essential element of the scene are the figures of officers watching the accident. For this project, I chose one of the officers available in the Zvezda Soviet Headquarters in Winter Uniform set.
The Construction
Considering the position in which the finished model will be placed on the base, I did not have to focus too much on detailing. On the other hand, at the stage of building the model, I could not predict with 100% certainty which parts would be visible under the layer of snow. So I made a few corrections, but I tried to keep them to a minimum.
As usual, I replaced all imitation handles with pieces of appropriately shaped wire. I ‘opened’ the interiors of the headlights, added a side mirror handle (also made of a piece of wire), added spare track link mounts made of polystyrene pieces, and a smoke grenade launcher mount on the turret.
While I was at it, I also replaced the barrels of the main gun and the BESA machine gun in the turret with barrels turned from aluminium by the Polish manufacturer Master Model.
The Painting
I start painting by washing the entire model with soap and water. Then I prepare the metal parts with Tamiya Metal Primer.
Once everything is dry, I thoroughly cover all surfaces with AK Interactive black primer.
The next step is to cover the surface with the base colour. To paint the tank in 4BO, I use Vallejo Model Air paint in Russian Green 4BO. I usually apply the base colour in 3-4 coats, lightening and thinning the paint more each time. Each subsequent application focuses on smaller and smaller areas of the model.
Next, using a brush and even lighter paint, I highlight all the details: rivets, handles, edges, and any elements that stand out from the main body. I also divide this stage into 2-3 passes.
At this point, the model looks very unnatural, but you can see all the details from a distance, and that's the point. Further stages of painting will soften this effect.
Next, I switch from acrylic paints to oil paints and create a patina effect - I cover all surfaces of the model with small dots of different colours of oil paint, and then rub them almost clean with a brush dipped in turpentine. The result is subtle changes in the base colour tone, which firstly make the model look more interesting and secondly simulate dirt and dust stains.
This stage of painting is complemented by a pin-wash made with a dark brown colour of diluted oil paint.
Finally, I use white oil paint to achieve the effect of frost covering the armour.
At the same time, I paint the figurine and prepare the base - it is made of clay, polystyrene sheets and diorama paste imitating muddy ground and snow.
The Finished Model
Comments
Post a Comment