First Build Log - breaking the cycle... Pak 38 - Italeri

[Guest]

Since the last update, I sprayed some darkened Panzer Grey onto the recessed areas including most of the machinery behind the shield. It's almost too subtle an effect but I'm stayin with it. Next step is probably latex glue for chipping then the overcoat of * Red-brown / dark yellow / green

* delete as appropriate!!

Stuart

[Guest]

Update - Got the camo done, chipping, gloss coating and a wash...

The wash doesnt really show up in the photos but it's nice & subtle in reality. I'm waiting on a replacement set of wheels since I mistakingly drilled out the skin in between the spokes. Other than that, it'll be matt coat, pastels and done!

Comments welcome!

Stitch

[spanner570]

Spot on piece of work Stuart...It looks 'used' but not overly so, well done.

Ron

[Guest]

Spot on piece of work Stuart...It looks 'used' but not overly so, well done.Ron

Thank you muchly Ron, I hope you enjoyed following this build. I'm looking forward to getting it done, not that I want to see the back of it, it's just I've got a 75mm in the stash as well hehehe

Stuart

[spanner570]

Thank you muchly Ron, I hope you enjoyed following this build. I'm looking forward to getting it done, not that I want to see the back of it, it's just I've got a 75mm in the stash as well heheheStuart

I certainly did enjoy the build Stuart........Please sir, can I follow anudder?

Ron

[Guest]

I certainly did enjoy the build Stuart........Please sir, can I follow anudder?Ron

I'm not sure if I have any model cows in the stash, but I'm sure I'll think of something.... lol

Stuart

[Guest]

Righto then chaps. Got a little update for you. So I've got matt coat on the Pak and I'm just waiting for wheels and I'll scuff it with pigments quickly.. While that's in the works, I've started a small dio base for it.

It's varnished thick plywood with the edges masked, some polystyrene and plaster to make the basic shape.

Then with 3 different variations of these

sprayed onto the base in random patterns, we have this

Looking toward something like this

Then with 2 varieties of these (again, unmeasured...)

We have this

It has however covered up most of the sprayed colour, but it was only used to provide a base colour. There are going to be a lot of colour variations on this, provided my patience holds up. The remaining pink sections are just bare plaster and are to be base-coloured green, as they are to be grassed over. The brown part is going to be the muddy remains of the crew having scraped their dug-out from the mound. I also have a planked revetment for the sheer side of the mound. I'm going for a prepared, long-term position, not a hastily dug-in one.

This is my first attempt at a dio, so any tips, comments, criticism etc all welcome.

Stuart

[Guest]

Looks like you have it in hand as it is Stuart. Have to say that Pak placed on the base looks stunning.

[Guest]

Good stuff Graham, glad it's got your approval! I'll keep posting pics as I continue the base - I may have quite a few questions for you veteran dio builders!!

Stuart

[Guest]

Righty then... update time

Got the Pak finished thanks to the generosity of a shark-based lifeform :P It's missing the sill at the bottom of the shield, but it's all in hand

The tyres still need touching up, but I'll sort that with a pastel wash methinks

...And the dio is coming along, I glued some Javis "Coarse Green" and "Autumn mix" down with PVA, glued in the revetment planks and supports, again with PVA.

Then after cutting some tracks for the tyres and spades, mixed up some plaster, real dirt, burnt umber acrylic poster paint, some old lumpy tamiya red-brown, some "Miniature Paints" earth brown and dark grey, black and brown chalk pastels, Russian Earth and Dark Earth Mig pigments, PVA and water, made some mud flavoured soup to dab on with some old brushes...

I'm pretty happy with the result, but we shall see what happens on drying...

Thanks for watching!

Stitch

[spanner570]

I've been following this from the start and it's great to see it nearly there Stuart.

The cannon looks really nice and I can see the dio. is going to compliment it just right. I await the finished job, so don't be too long mate!

Ron

[Guest]

I am with Ron on this. There is some thought going into this and it shows. You have, even at this stage, captured the dug out emplacement ideal for a tank ambush and a quick escape. Really looking forward to the project progressing.

[Guest]

Ron, thank you, it's good to know that you've been following, and that you see what I'm trying to creat I'll make the updates a bit more frequent now, as I have next week off work. I should have it good to go very soon, but it's the final details and subtle touches that take the time and patience, and since this is my 1st dio, I want to make sure I've at least got the fundamentals in place

Graham I hoped that's what I conveyed - I'm going for a not-long-prepared, but well thought position, where a "tactical withdrawal" is possible as well as the ambush potential, i.e. hidden by the mound!

Keep watching and I'll try not to disappoint!!

Stuart

[Guest]

Stuart i've just found this and been reading through and i have to say mate top notch so far i love it and can't wait to see the finished result.

scott

[Guest]

Well Scott I have to say thanks both for your comments and for the Gazala and Respite From Battle dios you did, they did give me ideas and inspiration!

Stuart