M16 Decals

Decals on this evening and very nice they are too. I used the kit ones and some of the archer ones for the dashboard. 

M16 Detail Painting

After adding some strips to the netting I've cracked on with the detail painting today and have enjoyed it immensely. Some limited chipping will go on next before a gloss and decals.

Dragon M16 Tarps & Netting

Time to add some stowage to the model so started with some gauze soaked in PVA glue & water. This was then positioned on the model and left to dry. Some tape strips will be added next to finish it off. Next some magic sculpt was used to add a rolled tarp to the other wing & a canvas cover added to the radio. All small and easy additions but they all help to add some interest to the model.

Challenger 2 Done

I've now finished off the model with a very light bit of dust effects on the turret. I may add a tiny bit of mud splatter later when I sort the base out. Really chuffed with how it's turned out and think it just looks so cool. 

I've also been working on the figures and here I've used miniart ones and replaced the crap kit heads with hornet ones, much better and crisper detail. Now all I have to do is paint that pesky MPT!

Challenger 2 Final Hull Weathering

Final areas on the hull are now done and I've somehow managed to replicate the slightly oily & sooty look on the exhausts, no idea how I did it but it looks good! Also a final light bit of dust effects and some fuel stains and the hull is now completed. Now to start on the turret.

Chally Hull Weathering

Working away on the side skirts, rear & front hull and the rear drums adding various tones of mud & dust using wilder aqualine light mud, common dust & brown mud. Followed by small amounts of modellers world dust oil wash, mig streaking dust and mig dry earth splashes.   

Done in multiple layers and using the oil/enamel based products as a sort of barrier to seal the water based products I've managed to get a very convincing look. Perhaps just some mud splatter to add later on now as I don't want to completely cover all that lovely camo pattern. Upper hull & turret will get a similar treatment next.    

      

Side Skirts, Lights & Shiney Bits

Finishing up the side skirts with the rear sections positioned in the often seen configuration for mud clearance. The front sections are also on. If I built this kit again I'd definitely make new skirts from thinner plastic card as the kit parts need a lot of thinning down for a better inscale look and fit.

All the lights and periscopes are also sorted as well & I've added a coloured disc to the gunners main sight to simulate the lense behind the glass. Two new rear view mirror mounts were also made up using brass rod and painted green for a bit of contrast. Now I can move onto the upper hull and turret final weathering.

  

Challenger Final Weathering

I've now finished off the road wheels & tracks using a selection of products to get the desired effect. These have now been fitted so I can move onto the upper hull & turret next. 

M16 Primer & Paint

The models now had a primer coat followed by a bit of pre shading before the main olive drab went on. I used Mr hobby aqueous H52 OD1 for this. As usual this was followed by some highlighting adding tamiya flat flesh XF-15 to the colour gradually adding more flesh. This will now cure for a few days so I can get back to the Challenger.