Panzer II "Luchs" and Diorama 1/72 (Finished)
First round of modifications: 1) I replaced the barrel of the 2cm KwK with a brass one
2) I gave the turret and front armour-plates (~30mm RHA) some texture with partially diluted MR Surfacer 500. I also filled some gaps with it
3) To partially hide one of the more ugly gaps in the rear, I scratchbuilt an additional stowage box as seen on some vehicles
I also attached the aerials. Yes, I am kind of living risky here... let´s hope I don´t knock them off 🙂
Reworked the highlights by handpainting some more highlights and using glazes to enhanche exiting ones. Looks workable now.
I painted some details as such as the gun barrel and the tools in preparation for the white wash. Decals have also been applied and sealed with a matt varnish. I will paint scratches after the white wash is applied, using it as a "mapping" for further weathering effects.
The first two layers of the white wash where applied with the airbrush over chipping medium. As the chipping after the first coat of white loked rather rough, I followed it with some "blending" spraying very thin white paint around rough edges.
Working with the technique mentioned in the last photo, I was able to induce a "mottled" look as if the white paint was low quality (which it probably was in 1944/45...) and did not only flake of, but also was washed away by rain, moisture etc.
To add to the "washed" look, I blended some of AK´s Washable White acrylic paint the edges of the chipped white paint. While subtle, this adds more texture which is always nice.
I also chipped the vehicle using dark grey. I might have gone with alittle lighter color here, but the result is acceptable. A wash was also added to outline details and refine several panels. The lower hull wasn´t touched that much, as it will be treated with a lot of mud sitting there
To make the exhaust look the part, I will add rust washes, that will bring a nice look in conjunction with the grey tones already applied.
And here goes a view from the rear side. The Streaking Rust was applied in various intensity over different metal parts of the vehicle of which the exhaust got the most prominent treatment. I also preshaded some of the lower hull hidden behind the wheels using the airbrush
I alssembled the running gear and the tracks. they hat some fitting issues around the sprokets, but nothing unsolvable.
The weathering consist of two earth and mud colored enamel washes by AMMO, that where speckled on the lower part of the vehicle. I also added the extra stowage-box and the lifting jack of which both where painted in a steel grey.
As evident in this picture, most of the gras is tuned down by the muddy terrain. I will however add some bushes from seafoam to scenery. Also, patches of snow will mach the theme of the terrain to the vehicle´s white-wash.
So I apllied some AK snow sprinkles... While not 100% sure about the result, it might change in its look when fully dry. Alternatively, I might have to rework things a little 🙂
The yet unpainted figure to be used in the diorama. The sculpt is very nice 🙂
Primed in white to give a basecoat for the jacket
Several elements where basecoated (holster, shoes etc) but yet need refinement. As for the trousers, I already tried to do some highlights. Same goes for the face
Comments
28 11 April 2021, 13:43
David TaylorNice build Tom.Built the 16 scale last lockdown,built it fresh from the factory.
28 April 2021, 19:28
Tom B.16 scale must be one big chonker compared to the 72 one! I purposely went with the non-factory look, as the marking option is from winter 1944, so the vehicle would have seen quite some service.
28 April 2021, 19:38
Tom B.Thank you 👍 I just hope I can get the diorama to match the vehicle... that would at least be optimal 🙂
5 May 2021, 17:57
Dave FlittonNice build! The snow looks extra cold, good thing the crew is locked down to conserve heat!!
10 May 2021, 15:51
Tom B.I´m glad you like the snow 👍 There will however be one poor tank commander standing up front and checking where to go next 😉
10 May 2021, 15:54
Album info
As described in the project description, I am building Revell´s 1/72 Panzer II Luchs which itself is a re-release fo an ex-MACO tooling. The plan is to depict the vehicle in Kurland, Winter of 1944. This gives me the option to try out some white wash-camouflage.
Despite the kit being quite nice overall, there were some fitting issues here and there, so I messed around with Mr. Surfacer to rectify those issues. I also replaced the barrel with a turned brass one from Schatton.
