EASTERN FRONT - New book by Ammo Of Mig

Hello fellow modelers,

So I got my new Eastern Front book from Iain over at Ammo of Mig USA.  WHAT A BOOK! I like it a lot.  It has MANY tank images that can be used as inspiration.  Explanation of the Soviet colors used that are also provided in the WW2 Soviet colors bundle that AOM sells. 
The graphics are of high quality, the explanations are good and this book should be standard equipment if you have a love of Soviet WWII AFVs like I do. 

Definitely buy this book.  If you always wondered what other paint jobs Soviet tankers used instead of just the typical Russian Green color (4BO), then this book is for you.

http://www.ammomigjimenez-usa.com/

Panzer Bill

Visit My Friend Alex's Bog - Alex Benvenuti

Just wanted to let you guys know, that if you get a moment, take a trip to my friend Alex's blog.  He is an outstanding modeler and builds and paints extremely well.  He's extremely friendly as well and speaks both French and English.

http://alexbenvenuti.blogspot.com/

Thanks,
Panzer Bill

DeMag D7 w/Flak 38 - UPDATE

So I got some more time into this model over the weekend.  So far I am pretty happy with my model and the progress.  For my first time, I think it is coming out pretty good.  Learning what works and what doesn't work.  The rails in the back on the gun platform are only dry fitted for effect. 

 I used Ammo of Mig Worn Effect for the chipping fluid.  Worked well I thought.  I also learned some good lessons as to how it reacts and when and how long to have it dry before moving fwd etc.

I was working on the wheels as well and I have to really finish the Flak 38 next.  Once the gun and the wheels are complete, I can start back on my tracks which I am not really looking fwd to. 

Then we can start on the real weathering and fun!

1:35 Scale - UPDATE - Demag D7

So here we have the results of my first attempt at using the chipping fluid by AMMO of Mig.  It wasn't very difficult at all.  The issue is you REALLY need to pre plan your work with EVERY step.  So after priming the model and the parts, then spraying the base color, I had spray on the fluid.  Let it dry a bit then spray on the new color.  Once that was dry, I used a brush to apply clean water to the paint and us that brush and some small sharp tools to scratch it up. 

Amazingly, it worked.  Even though the model isn't very accurate, it will look very nice when it is complete.  I highly recommend using these chipping fluids.

One of the grey colors from the AMMO Modulation Set.

Light Base Dark Yellow from the AMMO Modulation Set.

I'm Back! - Updates 1:35 scale

Phew, so after a LONG political campaign season, the elections are OVER and I can get my life back, for the time being.   I was also hit with the hardest artist block I have had in over 4 years.  Finally I was inspired to pick up my paint brush again late last week.  Worked on finishing some Empire Knights.  Just need to flat coat them and I'll post them up. 

In the meantime, I FINALLY started to prime my D7. 

Working on finishing off the priming on the wheels and some pre high light priming and I will add the grey!  THEN...I will layer on the chipping fluid.  Then hit it with some dark yellow.  Should be cool.  I am practicing new techniques on old OOTB (except for the tracks and sprocket that I am taking from a Dragon model) models so I can 1. not mess up a new cool model that I plan to detail and 2. have a cool model that might come out looking good. 

So here is an old T-60 kit.  I think its a Skala kit.  I built it 10 years ago.  It's been in the box since.  I figure I will use this kit to also practice some chipping using the chipping fluid AND practice a knocked out and abandoned tank.  I THINK I will combine both the D7 and T-60 in a small simple dio.  Both OOTB.  Primer and paints from our good friends, AMMO of Mig.  This is the newer stuff that has the 6mm stainless steel agitator ball inside.  Works great with just a drop of AMMO thinner and a PSI of 15 on the air brush pump. 

ARTIST's Block

Hi everyone.

Sorry I have been away.  Have had serious artist block.  Add in work, the kids and their sports and activities and other obligations, and I am MIA.  Should be back later on this month. 

Best!
Panzer Bill

BOLT ACTION UPDATE - Waffen SS figures.

Just an update with the same figures flat coated with Floquil Figure Flat spray.  Skin washes were done with Citadel Reiklander Skin and the rest was Ammo of Mig enamel dark brown wash and metal pigments on the weapons also AoM.  Just need to flock all the figures. 

BOLT ACTION - Update - US M5 Stuart

So here is the WIP of my M5 Stuart I will be using for my US Paras. I first sprayed it a black primer from a can (Krylon).  Then a white primer, leaving the darker black to show a bit....kind of like a shadow effect.  I do this with all my gaming pieces only. 

 Then, I was so excited to fire up my airbrush, I forgot to shoot the first two colors, so below you the model at the towards the middle of the modulation process.  I ordered the Ammo of Mig US Olive Drab Modulation set from www.http://www.ammomigjimenez-usa.com/  (this is the USA site).(http://www.migjimenez.com/en/) This is the main site.

 Here is the M5 after I completed the spraying of the Ammo of Mig modulation process.  I felt I over sprayed the shine paints on the turret, but I hope it tones it down a bit with the filters and weathering process. 

 Here is the model after a coat of filters.

 

Minus some issues I have with the model, I feel the painting came out ok and the weathering will make this a pleasure to look at on the battle field.  Now I have to order decals as the box with the models from Bolt Action (Warlord Games) does not include decals for some ODD reason. 

AMMO of Mig Delivery

Well I am a happy camper.  I got my goodies from my good friends over at Ammo of Mig USA.  My US Modulation, German Grey Modulation, German Camo Modulation, new Weathering Magazine, and Metalic finished aircraft and Soviet aircraft wash kits. 

Lots to build and paint.  Thanks again Iain Hamilton for the outstanding customer service and speedy delivery.  The Vietnam issue is awesome and features Iain in it too! 

War Hammer - Vampire Counts - Dark Knights and Vampire WIP

So I have been al over the place lately.  I warned you that I had modeling A.D.D.  I have gone back to finish off some model figures I have had on my plate for years.  I am almost done, just some base painting, clear coating and flocking left!

I used Mostly GW paints on these models and their new range of GW washes.  I like them very much.  I like them better than the previous line of GW washes.  I felt the last line was too dark and staining.  The new line is the same color, but the consistency is perfect as the color finds its way into the recesses and does minor staining of color on matt finishes.  Some layering or dry brushing and you are good to go after washes have dried. 

The standard bearer I finished 3 years ago....yeah that's right.  He is the only figure that was dipped in the Army Painter dip.  He and the steed came out ok, but you can see the difference with the washes on the other 4 steeds. 

These are my Dark Nights, the previous version, prior to the new plastics.  I have so many of them that I did not want to buy the new ones and waste that money.  As silly as they might look, I kinda like them.  So I did my best in painting them to look better.  I changed out their shields with left over Grave Guard shields from the new plastic set.  The Vampire's shield is a shaved down and sanded Chaos Warrior shield.  I want to paint on some coat of arms soon, just need to figure out what I will do.

The mounted Vampire is an old one as well.  I always liked this model and finally got to building and painting it. 

UPDATE - BOLT ACTION - WAFFEN SS

So I have finally finished the painting on my 3 German SS figures and clear coated and washed them with AMMO of Mig Washes.  In the photos the models appear glossy as I used Krylon Satin clear spray to lock on the color on all my playable figures.  Now that the washes are on, and they dry, I will again reapply a layers of Krylon Satin Clear to lock in the washes and then its Floquil Figure Flat and done. 

I like the Bolt Action line of German SS figures.  They represent a nice mix of posses and equipment.  Most of them sport the reversible camo spring/fall pull over that really limits the camo patterns, but either way, that is enough to have a nice mix amongst the troops.  I plan to buy a plastic Army set to add troops that did NOT use the pull over as much, OR wore 1944 dot pattern. 

Again, these need to be flat coated, they WILL NOT be so shiny. 

"Masher Out!"

"Ja, go that way!"

 "I hate this running all the time"

Bolt Action - UPDATE

So I finished a few more troopers.  This time I tried paints from Life Color.  My first 4 troopers were painted with VJ paints.  This time, I tried the LC paints that are made specifically for US troops in WW2.  I definitely liked the uniform color more.  At the bottom you will find a photo of all my BA figures to date. 

 

I used Ammo or Mig Crystal Clear Red for the officer's flash-light and I used Ammo of Mig washes for the rest of the troopers uniforms (NOT the kneeling guy).  I used the new Citadel Washes for the skin and any browns (boots, holsters, rifles).  Then, Ammo of Mig pigments on the metal parts of the weapons along with Ammo of Mig pigment fixer. 

 

 

 On this kneeling trooper, I decided to use the Citadel washes followed by high lighting the high points, BUT, I was not too happy with the results.  Looks dirty. 

                                               
Here you can see the painting differences with the LC paints and the VJ paints.  I like both, but I think the hue of the troopers uniform is more correct with the LC, BUT....the color variation is cool as I'm sure there were some differences in the uniform colors due to different manufactures making them.  Some SS troops behind the US Troopers.  I am working on 3 more SS Troops currently. 
I need to add flock to all bases.

AMMO by Mig Jimenez

In case you guys didn't know, I LOVE AMMO by Mig Jimenez products.  There are a number of reasons why and this is why I have decided to support them with their venture.  Mig is a good guy, but he also has GREAT guys working with him and for him.  His USA team is fantastic and 2nd to NONE with customer service and they just love their work and helping modelers get what they need. 

This is a recent order of mine.  I am looking fwd to try out the AMMO aircraft products on a future project.  AMMO pigments are very good and so are their washes and streaking products.  Now, with all the paints they are making, it helps as his paints are perfect for airbrushing (with a tad bit of acryl thinner) or applied by brush. 

I would easily replace all my military paints (but I would still use LifeColor as I enjoy painting with these too) with AMMO, but unfortunately they don't have all the colors......YET.  When they do, I will be upgrading.  I HATE mixing paint, so having a variety is perfect for me.

If you haven't been to their US site, go.  If you don't see something, write to their customer service email and Iain will help you. 

http://www.migjimenez.com/en/ - Regular site

http://www.ammomigjimenez-usa.com/ - US Site

 

I should add this is NOT a paid add and no one asked me to post this.  I am doing this because I believe that AMMO by Mig Jimenez is a superior product and his people are top notch, and that is what is important.  That is why I prefer his products over the previous companies. 

All Quiet on the Martian Front (Alien Dungeon) - Update

So I snapped together some more of the AD models.  This time a Martian Pod.  I don't know the official name of this thing, as I haven't memorized them yet.  It is one of their main weapons.  I haven't added a specialized weapon on it yet.  It's a nice size!  I bet it looks cool painted.  On of the legs of this thing is pose-able.  I have placed the tank in for size comparison.  I am actually looking fwd to playing this game, seems like a lot of fun.  Perhaps my sons will enjoy it....once they learn how to read!  ;-)