Mick's Panther A

[Phil Woollard]

Are you going to paint the tracks Mick ?

[michael hilton]

Hello Phil, the tracks are a lovely dark tungsten grey so I may leave well alone. Mucky job though, so far no minor injuries from the split pins....Mick

[Phil Woollard]

Balls aching , that's the only way to describe Track assembly but so satisfying when they are done, so much detail and it brings the whole thing to life! Up to you ref painting, just remember to leave one pin free of the washer and split pin for now as they will need to come off again, oh and paint the loose pin head white or you will never find it ! Phil.

[michael hilton]

Thanks Phil, I decided to paint the tracks, at least it consolidates the muck. I am following Steve's Panther build......if I only had time...and the skill level. Never mind I enjoy the straight forward out of the box build and the finished model is something to be proud of. Managed to snap a switch of my Spektrum, that's another job I did not need, sod it. Mick

[Phil Woollard]

Dont worry about the muck it will blend in a treat and look really good as the tracks get some natural wear as you run the old girl, some buff and greys also and interest, added with a dry brush or carefully with a rattle can, you cant really mess up the tracks at this stage, the real tracks would be all kinds of shades depending on age and the time of year and what was driven through ie mud, sand , dust and rust....Phil.

[Steve Norris]

Hi Mick
Not sure if I will paint my tracks yet, I have found that when run they naturally weather themselfs so it may not really be necessary. That said I have seen tracks painted and they look superb when complete but once run the effect is lost.
Regards
Steve

[Phil Woollard]

Paint or not to paint, that is the question. I would go for paint or you might be waiting a long time for the effect that you want

Some examples mostly painted. Sorry to hijack your thread with my photos Mick but these are for you.

[michael hilton]

Thank you Steve, I have spray painted track on my other builds. Most of the paint wears away and you finish up with a more natural look....I think it's more a case of getting rid of the dust.
No problem Phil, I can refer to your photos, I like the 'camo' really must try my hand at airbrushing....Mick

[Stephen White]

Hi Mick.

"..most of the paint wears away....".

These pics are of the tracks on my Cent and Pz III. Both have been run extensively on grass and tarmac, the latter for over three years. As you can see, the track spuds of course wear back to cast metal but none of the other paint and weathering effects such as pigments have worn. It's most noticeable that the inner surfaces haven't lost any paint, so the "worn" effect I airbrushed on is still there.

Your finish shouldn't wear but it depends on preparation and finish. I thoroughly de-grease, etch prime, apply basecoats, weather and then seal with a varnish such as Purity Seal. Seems to work.

Airbrushing - yes, lots of fun and satisfaction (and a little frustration learning). Do try it.

All the best.

Stphen

[Stephen White]

Mick, just remembered I did a bit of a tutorial on track painting, inspired by Tim Bownman's work, here:

http://www.armortek.co.uk/Forum3b/viewt ... &start=540

Best regards

Stephen

[michael hilton]

Thank you Stephen and Phil, I have noted all your information and saved it. I tend to copy and paste items of interest before they disappear....had planned to fit the tracks today, problems on the domestic front. I am beginning to get twitchy concerning the weight on the cupboard unit....ordered my batteries from the Component Shop this morning.....Mick.

[michael hilton]

Good morning everyone, the sum total of my modelling equipment. Pillar drill, band saw, fret saw, vice, numerous hand tools.....washing machine
It is perfectly possible to build Armortek Kits with the minimum of tools, most enjoyable......oh, and would you believe it.....it's raining....Mick

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Mick,

I see you've got a hefty Birmingham screwdriver on the corner of the bench in the 2nd photo. Build progressing well.

Dennis.

[Christoffer Ahlfors]

The sledgehammer?
Pls explain!

[michael hilton]

Good morning Dennis, thank you for your observation . Hello Christoffer, A 'Birmingham Screwdiver' is a large hammer usually used when a proper screwdriver would be better. For example, if the screwdriver does not work....hit the object with a large hammer....Birmingham humour
Fitted the tracks, looks like a tank now, ready to roll...well almost. Used a weathering spray over the tracks, a little hit and miss. A dye used by the 'diorama' boys, I will re-apply later as the colour has not taken in some of the links.