Italeri Autoblinda AB 40 Ferroviaria

[Sturmmann]

Hello everyone!

Since this year I hope to finish more models than during 2007 I feel its about time for something new.

I got this new Italeri Autoblinda AB 40 Ferroviaria for Christmas and I could not resist its charm. So this will be my next build. I am thinking of making a small dio with maybe a figure or two.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1BoxArt.jpg

See you soon. :thumb:

Dave

[Sheeds]

Nice Choice, Dave.

Very interesting looking subject.:thumb:

I had missed this kit, but it looks like a must have. Does it come with the section of railway track?

Sheeds.

[panamadan]

Looks like it could easily be jacked up so the rubber tires could be mounted. Dan

[RickLawler]

Looks like a fun ride.

[Sturmmann]

Does it come with the section of railway track?

Sheeds.

Yes it does come with a section of track, about 18.5 cm worth of it. I think I am going to need some more. I will probably make resin copies of the ones included.

Looks like it could easily be jacked up so the rubber tires could be mounted. Dan

Yes Dan,

These carried the hubs and the road tires so they could be fitted in case you needed to go “off road” The model represents this nicely.

Looks like a fun ride.

Indeed my friend, indeed.

Dave

[panzerjager]

Look at these links:
http://www.modellismopiu.net/m+gallerie/main.php?g2_itemId=30803

http://italie1935-45.aceboard.fr/97185-3168-7797-0-AB41-Draisine.htm

Hope they help, and wainting for the start !!!

Saludos desde Argentina

Darío

[Flak]

Good choose...look seeing more progress...Dave

[Sticky]

Sweet! I really want one of these! I loved the AB41, I am gonna be watching closely!

[Cadu Souza]

Come on David, i want to see some plastic!!!

Best Regards,
Cadu Souza

P.S. Killer job on the T-34 Dio:thumb::thumb:!!

[Panzergrenadier]

Rock'n roll!:cool:

[james84]

Nice choice!
I've seen there is a non-railway AB-41 wearing a red livery... I think this will be one of my next subjects!
I'm Italian, but I've never made anything from my country (well, there's not much...)!
I read this kit features a length of tracks... is it right?

[Sturmmann]

Guys thanks for the interest. I hope this will be an fun to follow build.

Dario,
Thanks for the links. There are very useful photos there. I am going to be using some of those as reference.

I will also be using these books as reference.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/Book-1.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/Book-2.jpg

Nice choice!
I've seen there is a non-railway AB-41 wearing a red livery... I think this will be one of my next subjects!
I'm Italian, but I've never made anything from my country (well, there's not much...)!
I read this kit features a length of tracks... is it right?

Thanks Giacomo
Well, there are a whole lot of interesting Italian vehicles out there. Maybe it’d easy for you to get some references, perhaps it’d be nice if you give it a go at some of them.

Here are some shots of the track sections included in the kit.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/C.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/D.jpg

All together it comes to about 18.5 cm of track.

Come on David, i want to see some plastic!!!


Alright!
Lets build!!

I started with the undercarriage of the AB. Here are the parts laid out prior to assembly.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1.jpg

Then the suspension and steering mechanisms were added. It all fitted quite well.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4.jpg

Next was the hull. Here are the two main halves of the hull. These parts have some punch out marks but they are positioned on the wheel wells so they are not visible when the wheels and spares are in place.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6.jpg

Next I put together the superstructure. Here are the parts laid out. The rear MG is movable which is a nice detail. I didn’t glue it to keep it movable.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7.jpg

I had to use small amounts of Squadron green putty at some points to fill some gaps. The gaps themselves are not bad the only things is that all the rivets make it a little hard to sand the putty once dry.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/8.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/9.jpg

The front plates were added also. Again more putty was needed, mainly on the top.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/10.jpg

The headlight covers can be positioned open or closed, so I chose to build them in the open position.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/11.jpg

I am thinking I will be adding a figure to this vehicle and so far I have not been successful in finding a figure that cuts it (Italian vehicle crews are thin on the ground). So I will have a go at sculpting the figure.

Maybe some figure company will sculpt some nice Italian crew sets. ( Anders hint hint ;) )

Well, until next time.

Model on!!

Dave

[Flak]

Nice start...can't wait to see more :)

[lquah]

Dave

Cool looking vehicle :thumb:

What is the book by Gugliemi like? I have an AB in my stockpile and always looking for good references.

Model Victoria, Alarmi and Soldati make excellent Italian figure sets.

http://www.modelvictoria.it/en.htm
http://www.italiankits.it/allarmi.html
http://www.coloradominiatures.com/index.asp?PageAction=MFGSEARCH&ManfID=32&Page=1

LQ

[kkiron]

Good Start!

A Smart&nice Work!

[james84]

Nice start!
I see you have some Italian reference... just ask if you need some translation!

[Panzergrenadier]

It certainly looks like a fun project. Great job and nice tempo.

[Sticky]

Looks good, but you have swapped the two "filler caps" on the front end. The bigger one goes on the upper plate of the glacis, while the smaller on the lower.

[Stuke Sowle]

Nice work Dave. I saw a in-box review of the kit in MMI and it piqued my interest.

[james84]

A question about the camo scheme... I've seen there are two options: are they both in overall sand?

[RickLawler]

Hey Dave....sculpting? Wow, that will be fun to watch.

[Sturmmann]

Hello once again guys!!

Dave

Cool looking vehicle :thumb:

What is the book by Gugliemi like? I have an AB in my stockpile and always looking for good references.

Model Victoria, Alarmi and Soldati make excellent Italian figure sets.

LQ

Lawrence,

The book is wonderful. It’s got a lot of color plates for AB’s so I’d say its worth it.

The figures by Allarmi are really nice, but when it comes to vehicle crews they seem way to static for what I need. Except for the Sahariana crew, but then again my AB is not going to Africa.

Looks good, but you have swapped the two "filler caps" on the front end. The bigger one goes on the upper plate of the glacis, while the smaller on the lower.

Nice catch John!!

Thanks for pointing that out, I totally got things flipped. I went ahead and got it corrected.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-1.jpg

Nice work Dave. I saw a in-box review of the kit in MMI and it piqued my interest.

Thanks Stuke,
Actually it’s very interesting, or at least a good change from tanks.

A question about the camo scheme... I've seen there are two options: are they both in overall sand?

Giacomo,
Here are the schemes provided by the instructions. The Italian one is in overall sand. The German version has the funky Italian cammo.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/Plates.jpg

Hey Dave....sculpting? Wow, that will be fun to watch.

Yep,
Just got some Magic Sculpt putty… this will be interesting., wish me luck. :rolleyes:

Marcos, Yingbo-LV, Siim, thanks for stopping by.

Dave

[Sturmmann]

Now for some updates.

While getting the engine deck hatches ready I noticed that some details were missing. The hatches have the small flaps where the ties down handles go but they are missing the tie downs themselves.

Here is a photo of the model.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-1.jpg

Real vehicle

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-1.jpg

I felt these could not be replicated effectively by PE since the handles have a rounded shape and PE is flat. So I decided to scratch them in order to have them look as close to the real thing as I could.

I started by carefully drilling small holes on the flaps where the handle screw would fit.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-1.jpg

Then I glued the hatch to the engine deck and added small styrene rods.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-1.jpg

Once dry I cut the excess and using the neck from some hand grenades I had laying around from a weapons kit, I made the handles. They were not exact but I was happy with the results since it was hard to find something to replicate those handles (took me a few days).

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-1.jpg

I did this for both hatches.

I then started to put the turret together. This came together well. I left the top hatch off as a precaution in case my sculpting fiasco doesn’t work I can still buy and place a resign figure on the top hatch.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7-1.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/8-1.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/9-1.jpg

Next I went to add the side doors. I want to leave the top half of the door open and have the figure leaning out of it.

Here I came across a small engineering oversight. While the Italeri kit comes with separate doors (both upper and lower halves) and to top it off the doors have beautiful interior details, it is impossible to place these on the open position. :eek:

This is due to the fact that Italeri has not reproduced the hinges accurately, so there are no points for the door to hold on to if you want to place it in the open position.

Luckily, this was and easy fix.

I started by gluing small styrene “ears” to form the hinge.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/10-1.jpg

Next I added the middle rod and a second set of “ears” to the outer hinge.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/11-1.jpg

Next, since I knew the open door would have a small area to hold on to I went ahead and drilled two holes and inserted two pins.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/12.jpg

Corresponding holes were drilled on the chassis and the door glued in place.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/13.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/14.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/15.jpg

There are still some details I want to add to the doors, but for now that is were it all stands.

Thanks for viewing.

Have a great evening!!

Dave

[lquah]

Dave

Nice work on the hinges and tie-downs. Always good to see your fabrication work :thumb:

Lawrence

[RickLawler]

Classic Dave at work. Making the new kits even better.

Rick

[Flak]

Great details added... Dave :thumb: Keep it up please :)

[Sticky]

Looks great so far!

[Panzergrenadier]

Dave, quite clever I must say. It looks like it is shaping up nicely. It will be another killer.:thumb:

[skeletondude]

Nice work so far,Dave.It will be nice to see how this kit builds up,as Ive got this and the Sahariana in my stash too.:)

Marek

[Sturmmann]

Hello everyone!

Thanks for the nice comments guys and I hope you’ll forgive my long time in answering back.

After some time and a really bad month for modeling, I finally was able to get enough done to show some progress.

I have been fiddling around with some Magic Sculpt and working on the figure, and at last I can call it done. I didn’t take any SBS photos as I’ve had a real busy time these past few weeks but here are some overall shots.

I started the figure using an old Tamiya torso that I striped of all detail.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-2.jpg

Here is a photo of the finished figure. I used lead foil for the straps and belts. The head is a resin one and I was lucky enough to find a right arm from an old Tamiya model that fit perfectly for what I wanted.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-2.jpg

Here are some shots of the figure in the side hatch.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-2.jpg

I want to thank Anders for all his tips and encouragement while I was working on this. I think it has some rough details that could be fixed, but overall I am happy with the way it came out, this been the most ambitious sculpting project I have done so far.

Now its time to keep going with the vehicle.

Until next time

Dave

[Panzergrenadier]

It looks just right!:thumb:

[Sheeds]

Great job! :thumb:

Sheeds.

[Jan Peters]

Cool job so far Dave!
Jan :)

[holmerz]

Nice scratchwork Dave :thumb: and well done on the figure as well.

\Erik

[Flak]

Great work...Dave

[RickLawler]

Hats off Dave with the figure! You've really struck him in a nice pose, perfect.

rick

[Gopher]

Dave, figure looks great!

[MartinD]

Great work, very well documented SBS on the details. And your scratch built figure is a good encouragement for other to dive in as well.

Great work :thumb: !!!

[Sticky]

Wow super fig!

[plasticbattle]

Hi Dave. Ive been prowling around this site for a long time, but have never posted before. Just thought Id post to say job well done. Love what you´ve done so far and the little tips on how to better things are very helpful. Great work with the figure also.

[Sturmmann]

Guys,

Thanks for the nice and encouraging comments.

Frank - Welcome aboard!!

Dave

[Sturmmann]

Hello everyone!

It’s been forever since I have updated this. I have been mainly lurking lately since time is in short supply :mad: but I have been slowly working on the model. After finishing with the figure I decided to start on the base for a change, and here are some of the photos of the progress during these past few weeks.

I first did some layout planning of the scene. The story line would be rather simple, since AB’s were used mainly to patrol the railroads against partisan bands; I decided to make a scene accordingly. The AB has just come upon a section of railway were some partisans had just done some nasty work some time before. I didn’t wanted something too big, just large enough so it will be easy to store once finished.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-3.jpg

Next, using foam board I raised the center section where the track would be. Also I cut the foam to create the crater that was the result of the partisans dynamiting the track.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-3.jpg

I then cut the foam in order for the tracks to fit.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-3.jpg

I applied some plaster to the crater to create an exposed earth texture.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-3.jpg

Then the entire base got a coat of thin down plaster to give it some rough texture.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-2.jpg

The railway tracks were installed. I made the broken ties with balsa wood and scratch built the damaged sections of track.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7-2.jpg

Then I added the ballast. For this I simply used ballast for railway models.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/8-2.jpg

I then turned my attention to the crater; using plaster I added some small amounts around the crater to represent dirt thrown up by the explosion.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/9-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/10-2.jpg

Everything then got a coat of flat black.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/11-2.jpg

Here is the base after some paint. It was painted entirely by airbrushing, First the ballast, then the railway ties and then the dirt areas. Oil washes were applied to give definition to the dirt inside the carter and the details of the wooden ties.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/12-1.jpg

Using oils and pigments I added some rust to the rails. And a coat of gun metal was applied to the very top surface of the rails.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/13-1.jpg

Next I applied some static grass.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/14-1.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/15-1.jpg

There is still a lot of work to do. I want to add a lot of bushes and grass by the side of the railroads. But for now that is all. Thanks for stopping by.

Dave

[skeletondude]

Wow, the groundwork look's AWESOME, Dave! :thumb:
Will there be any figures?
Marek

[Sturmmann]

Thanks Marek,

The only figure will be the one on the AB.

Dave

[Jan Peters]

Cool stuff Dave!
Jan :)

[RickLawler]

I've been workin' on the railroad.... Really nice twist for an idea, Dave. Simple, but it tells a story.

[Panzergrenadier]

It looks good. Simple yet effective, the base shouldn't overpower the vehicle as well.:thumb::thumb:

I have been mainly lurking lately since time is in short supply :mad:

Exactly the case with me. Whenever I get the time I am either too tired or like to commit to actually gluing some plastic.

[Anders Heintz]

Beautiful work on the armored car, the base and the figure!! I am glad I could help atleast a little bit, but really, its all your work buddy, and the figure looks great, especially for your first major conversion/sculpting project, and I hope you continue with the figures!

Only thing that sticks out to me is that the blast seems a bit mild, although since the back story is that the AB just got to the part where the tracks were blown, which means it would be at the end of the blast so to speak. So its probably ok!

Anyways, keep up the great work and keep plugging away at the figures!!!

[Sheeds]

Great idea, and marvellously executed on the ground work John! :thumb:

Sheeds.

[halaci]

Beautiful work! Only one suggestion: put some light rust dust to the pebbles along and between the rails.

[Flak]

WOW...looks really nice :thumb:

[Sturmmann]

Whenever I get the time I am either too tired or like to commit to actually gluing some plastic.

Indeed, life has a bad habit of stealing your bench time. :mad::(


Only thing that sticks out to me is that the blast seems a bit mild, although since the back story is that the AB just got to the part where the tracks were blown, which means it would be at the end of the blast so to speak. So its probably ok!

Anyways, keep up the great work and keep plugging away at the figures!!!

Thanks Anders,
You were a great help with the figure. Yes the blast seems mild, but remember this is the effect of a homemade explosive, maybe a few sticks of dynamite not a 500lbs bomb. :p

Beautiful work! Only one suggestion: put some light rust dust to the pebbles along and between the rails.

Thanks for the suggestion László. I will add some when I get the chance.

Jan, Rick, Anthony and Marco, thanks for stopping by.

Dave

[pwranta193]

Okay - a little showing off time here :)

Having done a tone of this kind of demo work - in fact training for this kind of stuff exactly (hey, too many WWII movies as a kid ruined me for Career Day) - you could have just about any size blast - depending on type and effectiveness of the material used, and the level of training of the roving band of patriots :)

If a charge was well tamped (think sand bags placed over the directions that you don't want the explosive force used) it would maximize the explosive effect in the other directions. You would (if trained, which often times they weren't really), want to break the rail, but do it in such a way that minimized the the blast effect - hoping for a delraillment before the engineer spotted the break. If you were drawing troops and resources away from somewhere else you might want to make the blast as big, loud and noticeable as possible.

Long story short, size doesn't matter here unless you are showing the effect of a specific type of ordnance. Make sure you throw around some gravel and make a clear point of detonation. Great base by the way - I'm really interested in seeing what you are populating it with.

[panzerjager]

Very nice work David!! I've been waiting for advances for weeks!!!!
Thanks for posting!!

Darío

[Sturmmann]

Thanks for the nice comments guys.

Wow, that is quite an insightful look. I really wanted to make something generic since I was not able to find a single photo that would show in detail such damage and I usually don’t like to “split hairs” when it come to replicating stuff on model bases. I rather spend my time in polishing my painting and weathering.

I do plan to add some gravel on the grass as I go along since there is quite a lot left to do on the base. Thanks for the info.

Dave

[Totenhosen]

Superb! I love the groundwork...I am partial to railroad scenes so this really does it for me!!!

[Sturmmann]

[B]Superb! I love the groundwork...I am partial to railroad scenes so this really does it for me!!!

Thanks Ken,

I really enjoyed your work on the BR-52. Wonderful stuff!!

Now for a long overdue update on this build.

I am finally done with the building stage. One of the things I didn’t like were the shovels that came with the kit. I used the plastic handle but reworked the shovel head in brass.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-4.jpg

Here is the bracket that holds the shovel, also in brass.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-4.jpg

Here is the shovel in place.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-4.jpg

Here are some overall shots of the model.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-4.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-3.jpg

One of the things I did add was the cables used to open the sand boxes. These cables ran from the sand boxes in front and in the rear into the vehicle through the holes of removed bolts in the armor :confused: I did these using copper wire.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-3.jpg

I also replace the locks on the sand boxes. The ones from the kit were totally inaccurate. The wing nuts are from Bronco models.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7copy.jpg

Next stop will be primer :)…. Until then

Dave

[Flak]

Looks nice...can't wait next update.

[RickLawler]

Nice to see the bench active, David. The sandbox cables are a really nice touch.

[Sticky]

Looks sharp!

[Cadu Souza]

Come on David, we wanna see some action out there:D!

Killer job, as always!

Best Regards,

Cadu Souza

[Sturmmann]

Come on David, we wanna see some action out there:D!


Soon my friend...soon there will be paint. :D

Dave

[the_iron_modeller]

Nice work Dave,
Hope to see you getting some paint this week or on the weekend. I can't wait to see it finished.

Keep it up!!:thumb:

Gerardo

[james84]

Well done!
Is the fit good? I read a good amount of filler is required for this model...

[Sturmmann]

James,

The fit is quite good; there is some filling required as you can see, especially at the edges. The thing that makes this kind of tricky is that the model is lined up with rivets and this makes filling and sanding quite tedious. :rolleyes:

Dave

[Sturmmann]

Hello once again!!

As promised here it is with some color. So lets get back in black!! :p

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-5.jpg

Next I used Poly S Italian Cammo Yellow for a base coat.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-4.jpg

I am very happy with the way it came out since the black undercoat made it easy for me to create preshades to the yellow. Next will be some weathering and details.

Until then, thanks for viewing. :thumb:

Dave

[Sticky]

Oh yes I likes it alot!

[Cadu Souza]

David!

Nice dude, this AB is sick!!!

Best Regards
Cadu Souza

[Driver]

It was about time to see it dressed in some color! Now that you seem to be picking up speed I hope you finish it soon. :p

[Flak]

Nice color...:thumb:

[Ropi]

Nicely done! (Could someone tell me what is that rod on the side?:confused:)

[hoolyahn]

I like what you've done with the model with reagards to the details Dave - details on Italeri kits are not crisp and sharp as others. Nice SBS on the construction of the base. Keep us posted on the weathering.

Julian

[Sturmmann]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

Nicely done! (Could someone tell me what is that rod on the side?:confused:)

Believe it or not that rod was actually ...the antenna. :rolleyes:

I like what you've done with the model with reagards to the details Dave - details on Italeri kits are not crisp and sharp as others. Nice SBS on the construction of the base. Keep us posted on the weathering.

Julian

Thanks Julian,

Actually Italeri kits are not that bad but they can benefit from some added details. I am glad you like the base. I am going to try and finish with the base this week.

See you guys around.

Dave

[dsleigh]

Really nice lokin "blender"!

[Panzergrenadier]

Keep it going man!:thumb:

[Sturmmann]

Thanks Guys!!

Here is a small update. I gave it pin washes for the shading using oils.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-6.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-6.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-6.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-6.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-4.jpg

'Ere we go, 'Ere we go, 'Ere we go!!!! :thumb:

Dave

[RickLawler]

Now she's coming to life! You have really layed a nice foundations both with the pin washes and the preshading. My crystal ball predicts another stellar finish.

talk to you soon,
Rick

[the_iron_modeller]

Dude, nice going!!!:thumb:

Try finishing it soon!!!:D Tell your wife to let you do some modelling!!! LOL:D:D:D Just kidding!!! Anyways, keep the proyect alive!!!


Gerardo

[skeletondude]

Hey Dave,
You know that Warhammer 40 000 tabletop game?
Well, this looks like one of those ork battlewagons, now if only there were a few orks on top of it yelling "dakka dakkka dakkka!":D:D:D

Nice work so far!

Marek

[Sturmmann]

Thanks guys!

Actually Marek I've played Warhammer 40K for over 15 years now, and yes it does look kind of orkish LOL :D

Dave

[Panzergrenadier]

Okkk.....Warhammer chat.:D

Well what can I say, nice clean tight wash.:thumb:

[Sturmmann]

Well, back to modeling.

I continued with the weathering. This time I applied light drybrushes to create the highlights on the edges. There is still a long ways to go but so far I am happy with the way is coming along. I may try and lighten the color a bit though. What do you guys think?

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-7.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-7.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-7.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-7.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-6.jpg

Dave

[Gopher]

Looks nice Dave!
Drybrushig looks great!

[RickLawler]

I may try and lighten the color a bit though. What do you guys think?


Hum..that's a tough call, Mr. Dave. I kinda think it depends upon what you've got on tap per weathering. If, for instance, you are going to be using some Light Dust Migments, then I think they will do the job for you. Otherwise, maybe instead of lightening go for a little tonal variation with the oils or filters.

The best part is that it looks good as it stands, so anything you do is enhancements.

As an aside...I'll be going to watch our local semi-pro soccer team tonight take on your team (Puerto Rico). Go Portland Timbers!!!! :D

Talk to you soon,
Rick

[pwranta193]

I'm not even going to ask... :D

This is looking great - and I'm not sure it needs spot lightening at this point (seems maybe before the last two steps would have been the time?) - I'd go with Rick's plan and lighten up thru the weathering process, as I'd be a bit worried about losing some of the excellent contrast you have laid down, if you were going back and spraying.

On a separate note - did i miss a step? It doesn't look like it - but did you put down a sealing coat before you went to pin washes and oils? How do you keep the thinners from raising your paint?

Love it - keep it coming.

[Sturmmann]

Guys,

Thanks for the nice comments. Among the options I was considering spraying some areas with a lighter tone, as a kind of modulation technique, or just add color variations using filters and washes.

Considering Rick’s and Paul’s suggestions I think the weathering / filter route seems to be the sound way to go. Like Paul said, I am kind of worried to obscure some of the contrasting details, especially since this model has so many rivets and things like that. Still I am tempted… :p

Paul, concerning your question on a sealing coat, well I never use a sealing coat before I apply oils. :rolleyes: I use turpentine (mineral spirits) to thin down the oils and it does not damage the paint. Of course I let the paint coat sit for at least 48 hours before I apply oils just in case.

Dave

P.S. "Dakka, dakka, dakka...its an ork thing. ;)"

[skeletondude]

Yeah Paul, its an ork thing. :D

Man, you make all those complicated tehcniques look easy.
I might just try some, since I finally got my compressor today, so now I can airbrush. :D

Anyways, great work so far, Dave, but are you still going to display it with the base? Just curious.

Marek

[Sturmmann]

Man, you make all those complicated tehcniques look easy.
I might just try some, since I finally got my compressor today, so now I can airbrush. :D

Anyways, great work so far, Dave, but are you still going to display it with the base? Just curious.

Marek

Its only complicated until you try it. It's easier than it seems all you need is practice.

Yes, I posted some work on the base a few pages back.

Dave

[the_iron_modeller]

Nice going dude!!! The washes are comming out great. Keep it up!:thumb:

Gerardo

PS. Send me a private message when you can, gotta ask you sth....:cool:

[RickLawler]

Puerto Rico Islanders 2 - Portland Timbers 0.

Enjoy your victory.

Rick

[Sturmmann]

Puerto Rico Islanders 2 - Portland Timbers 0.

Enjoy your victory.

Rick

GGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

Ha! sorry Rick.......

[the_iron_modeller]

Puerto Rico Islanders 2 - Portland Timbers 0.

Enjoy your victory.

Rick

:eek:

Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico!!!!!!:p GOOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!!!!!:D:D

Sorry Rick!! LOL!!!!:D:D:D

[RickLawler]

Double Damn-it!!! Your win moved you up past us in the standings. :yell:

http://www.uslsoccer.com/standings/8588667.html

Do you guys ever go see any of the games?


Rick

[Panzergrenadier]

Dave, I would just keep weathering it by adding a bit of tonal variation and some dust. I wouldn't respray anything, nor highlight any more, since it will look too much like an old school drybrush model.;)

[Sturmmann]

Do you guys ever go see any of the games?
Rick

I really don’t have time to watch TV, but my wife watches them, she is a football nut.


Dave, I would just keep weathering it by adding a bit of tonal variation and some dust. I wouldn't respray anything, nor highlight any more, since it will look too much like an old school drybrush model.;)

Thanks Siim,

But you know, all my work is “old school” heheheh.

Following you guys’ suggestions I went ahead and started weathering by adding some tone variations. I did some filters using oils and pigments. I found that pigments work quite well for this. Like Rick says this is not a linear process so keep in mind I will be going back and forward with washes until I get the desired effect. ;)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-8.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-8.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-8.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-8.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-7.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-5.jpg

Thanks for following the thread

Model on!!

Dave

[Gopher]

cool!!!!!

[Flak]

I like the "Wash" effect :thumb:

[Driver]

Really nice Dave; now it is becoming a "real" armored car!

Ruben

[panzerjager]

Yeah, I like that sentence: "A real armored car". That is

Regards

Darío

[skeletondude]

To me the colour looks really spot on Dave!

Totally OT, But come on, how about adding a bit more dakka, with burnas and some waagh banners. :D:D:D

Marek

[Panzergrenadier]

I like it....:)

[RickLawler]

I really don’t have time to watch TV, but my wife watches them, she is a football nut.
Dave

So that means you get 90 minutes of modeling time? :D

The car is looking the business now, Dave. The Voodoo is working!

Rick

[Sturmmann]

So that means you get 90 minutes of modeling time? :D



No comments.... :(

[Sturmmann]

Hello planeteers and friends.

It’s time for an update on this build.

After the pigments and oils were applied I started to add some paint chips and more weathering.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-9.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-9.jpg

I also painted many of the small details of the AB like the headlights and tools.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-9.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-9.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-8.jpg

I painted the exhaust by applying successive coats of oils paints, (Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, and Raw Umber).

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-6.jpg

I also added some rust to several parts of the vehicle. This was done with Burnt Sienna oils.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7-3.jpg

The decals were also added, and some more rust to the brackets that hold the sand hoses.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/8-3.jpg

Next came the wheels. Part of the wheel was left in the original metal color which tended to rust as time went on. I didn’t wanted to represent a set of wheels covered completely in rust so I opted to try and effect to represent the stage where rust spots are just beginning to show up on the bare metal as I thought this would be more challenging to recreate.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/9-3.jpg

I first painted the steel area in Vallejo Gunmetal, and then I gave it an oil wash of Black, followed by Burnt Umber. This was done to “kill” the shine of the metal. Once dry I spotted the area using Burnt Sienna oils. Overall I am happy with the results. :)

So far there are still many small details to be taken care of but its getting there.

Thanks for viewing.

Model on!

Dave

[Flak]

Another great updates...great work :thumb:

[lupanzer]

Dear Dave.

Excellent paintwork...the chipping effects are outstanding!

Congrats!

Luiz.

[Gopher]

Great painting work!

[RickLawler]

Lots of interest in the yellow's, Dave. You done good!


rick

[Panzergrenadier]

Very pleasing to look at!:thumb:

[Sturmmann]

Thanks for the kind replies guys.

I decided to move on and finish working on the base. I added the bushes I made, and some silfor grass. Here are some pictures of the preliminary greenery.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-10.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-10.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-10.jpg

Then I went ahead and airbsrushed some green and tan colors to unify grass.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-10.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-9.jpg

I then added some floral moss in dry colors to represent dry branches on the ground.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-7.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7-4.jpg

I also added some grass between the rail ties as I thought it would make an interesting detail.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/8-4.jpg

Thanks for viewing guys!

Model on!! :thumb:

Dave

[skeletondude]

Amazing work, Dave!:thumb:

I just cant find any more words to describe such awesome work.:D

Marek

[Panzergrenadier]

Glad to see you are making progress and most importantly getting some bench time.

I am a little suspicious of the color of the sleepers. You have painted them rather grey. Around here sleepers all tend to be dark brownish. Oil tends to get them dirty as well.


Looking forward to seeing it finished.

[james84]

Fantastic!
Did you drybrush it with a lighter colour?

[Jan Peters]

A pleasure to watch this come along Dave :)
Jan :)

[Sturmmann]

I am a little suspicious of the color of the sleepers. You have painted them rather grey. Around here sleepers all tend to be dark brownish. Oil tends to get them dirty as well.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Siim, the problem with wood is that it varies tremedously. I chose grayish tones because as wood gets old it does tend to pick up shades of gray, especially when exposed to the elements. I have seen rail lines where you can see oil stains running through the center parallel to the tracks but I chose not to do any of this since the model will cover most of that. I will post some pics I used for reference later on when I get home.

Dave

[Sturmmann]

As promised here are some reference photos of the sleepers. As you can see the wood tends to have grayish tones.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Miscelaneous/Sleepers.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Miscelaneous/Sleepers2.jpg

Fantastic!
Did you drybrush it with a lighter colour?

What part do you refer to James? The grass? The grass was all done by airbrushing. The ballast and the sleepers were drybrushed with lighter tones.

Dave :)

[RickLawler]

I am a little suspicious of the color of the sleepers.......As you can see the wood tends to have grayish tones.

Hey Dave,

I think that you are both correct. The sleepers in this part of the world are usually darker also, and your examples definately show a lot of gray. My feeling is that your colors can be fine, but maybe there could be a little more contrast or definition between the sleepers and the ballast. The grays are tending to be a little bright and mono-chromatic to my eyes (which by the way have glasses on them...so take this for what it's worth).

The layout is good, and as you said earlier we are probably over-analyzing areas which will be under the vehicle anyway.

Take care,
Rick

[Sturmmann]

Hello fellow modelers and friends.

The end is near, at least for the AB the end IS here. I finally got the chance to upload the photos of the finished model on its base. Next up will be the figure. Here are the shots. Enjoy. :)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/1-11.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/2-11.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/3-11.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/4-11.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/5-10.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/6-8.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/7-5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/8-5.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/9-4.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/10-3.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/11-3.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/12-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/13-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/14-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/15-2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i259/Terraformingrd/Autoblinda%20AB%2040/16.jpg

Have a great weekend!

dave

[anthony roberts]

Hello Dave,

Outstanding work! I admire your skills

A contractor has replaced 15 miles of railroad for a commuter rail project I am working on. Some of the really old decaying wooden ties were a very light grey, due to the weather bleaching and drying them out. As the machine removed them they would disintegrate (and jam the machine)! Others were black/dark brown, soaked with grime, diesel and oil.

I think you have captured the essence of the railway very well!
Tony

[Markus]

Hey Dave,
I like it a lot! It looks awesome :thumb:.
The only thing I miss is the rubble from the blown rails. It looks like the hole was dug in and the rubble was removed. Maybe you could add some more on the rails and the grass?
I can´t wait to see this one with the figures!

[dsleigh]

Well finished project Dave, you have done agreat job!

[panzerjager]

Che Bella Donna!!!!!!!!
Nice job David, not much dirty, just the right amount

Regards

Darío

P.S: rear lights seems.... painted?

[Sturmmann]

Thanks for the comments guys!
Tony, was the rail line pretty old? It sounds like it was. By the way where do you work at? That is the problem when trying to recreate something like railraods, there are so many variants that is hard to recreate them , but I am glad you like the way mine came out.

Markus,
You know , you are comepletely right about the debris. I did added some dirt by the side when I made the base but looking at it now I see that it was not enough.:( I will add some more and some bits of wood to make it look better. Thanks for pointing that out, you guys are the best!

David,
Thanks for following the thread!!

Dario,
Dale suave che!! :p
Hahaha, thanks for the comments. About the lights I thought the same thing when I started painting it, and even so, you made me look twice, but what appear to be rear light at actually covers. Thanks for keeping me on my toes.:D
dave

[Fledermaus]

Didi, you are back in track !!:thumb::thumb: good to see your work finished
it ended up looking great ,so what is mind for next project???? :confused:
:thumb::thumb:

[the_dagger]

I think it looks great! Love the color of the wood! Are you planning on any figures to it?

[Sturmmann]

Thanks Din :) but is not finished yet, I hope I can get the fig done this weekend.

About the next project... well I have no clue. Here are some of the possibilities:

1) Tamiya 232/8 rad
2) Panzer IV J - (Dario beat me to it!! :mad:)
3) Dragon's Elephant Premium ed
4) Allan's Wespe - (Talk about turning trash into treasure :p)
5) Panzer 35 (t)

What do you guys think??? Any votes?? :confused:

dave

[alanmac]

Hi

From my point of view I'd like to see you work your magic on the Tamiya 232/8 Rad.

I know James started one earlier in the year but that seems to have slipped from the agenda so maybe you doing it will spur him on to finish.

I have this, brought well over twenty years ago, stashed away when I lost my modelling interest. Now it's back I want to see from you guys how well this can turn out to inspire and motivate me.

Alan

[RickLawler]

Hey David, nice looking scene. The AB come out looking great, nice - rich tones.

Rick

[Jan Peters]

Very nice Dave! May I sugest you put some more brown/ rust tones to the track bed? The rocks tend to look very dirty over time ;)
As for a next subject.... I'd like to see you tackle the 35(t) or the 8 rad, both very nice subjects, and in need of a newly tooled kit. Of course it will be anounced by Trumpeter or DML the moment you start to work on it, so please do, for our sake :p
Jan :D

[pwranta193]

Those surface details really pop against the yellow. I've always dug military rail stuff (don't know why as the regular stuff was never very interesting to me... no anorak genes?),and having been watching this come along. To Tony's point, when you do a ground blast like the one you have there, you wont have a great deal of in hole debris - and if anything with the old cross members, there would be a dusting of splinters - not likely to see big chunks of anything other than the odd intact rock. I think you have done the cratering nicely - and the colors look the biz. One thing that would be on site it a general "grimy" grey dusting in a circle around your blast area... discoloring the immediate grass and vegetation. Just ideas.

Great project, and again - nice finish.

[Sturmmann]

Thanks for the support guys,
Rick, I am glad you liked it.
Of course it will be anounced by Trumpeter or DML the moment you start to work on it, so please do, for our sake :p
Jan :D
Isn’t that the truth, the same thing happens with scratchbuilding, just when you think you have chosen the most obscure subject and you are ready to have a unique piece, some company announces it as either a new release or a conversion kit shows up. :( But I think the 232/8 rad is a nice choice. And yes the rocks on the track bed look too clean, I will work on fixing that this weekend.
Paul,
I think your perspective is an interesting one. I didn’t really thought about the dusting and discoloring of the surrounding areas. Perhaps if somebody could post a picture of a similar blast it would be extremely helpful.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys.
dave