Mortaio da 149
Comments
Bruce HuxtableLiking this unusual subject, and the pattinations you have achieved.
Rick TaylorThanks Rui and Bruce! This was only my second attempt with the hairspray technique. It worked great.
Rick TaylorThanks guys!. I am really happy with the way that this turned out. I got the old, worn, but well maintained look.
Rick TaylorThank you, Spanjaard. I brought an award home from the IPMS USA Nationals 2021 for this model.
Album info
This is an Italian license built variant of the Krupp 150mm Morser M1881. In 1881 it was a good, modern weapon. By the time that WW1 rolled around, it was thoroughly obsolete. It lacked a recoil system and had to be re-laid between shots. However, the Italians desperately needed artillery; so, they were pressed into service.
The kit from Vargas Scale Models is a little jewel. The resin 3-D printed parts are delicate and highly detailed. The kit includes the ammunition and implements associated with the weapon.
I decided to finish this as it would have appear in WW1 - very worn; but well maintained. The hairspray techniques was used to give it that worn look. I gouged up the wooden platform to give it a very used appearance. After priming with Mr Surfacer 1500 black, I used the excellent LifeColor Rust and Dust set for the platform metal metal work and an uneven coat of Tamiya XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan for the wooden parts. I gave the wooden portion a sloppy coat of Winsor & Newton oils and wiped up the excess until it looked like old wood. After a coat of hairspray, I gave everything a light coat of Tamiya XF65 Field Gray. Much of this was peeled/chipped off with a flat brush and water. After drying, I sealed it with Model Master Sealer for Metalizer. After hairspraying again, I gave it a light coat of Life Color UA 213 Grigio Verde Chiaro. Most of this was again peeled off with a damp flat brush to reveal the underlying colors. Weathering was accomplished with W&N oils and with AK enamel weathering products. After sealing with Model Master Clear Flat, I hit the wear areas with a 6B pencil and Ushi Chrome pigment.
