I have been getting stuck in and adding weather effects to the Marder.
This is the most satisfying part of a model because it transforms it from a toy like structure into a real world looking object with life and history.
But before that I gave the whole model a protective clear coat with Vallejo's clear gloss, spraying a few light layers to give an even finish.
I added a few decals, three German crosses that came with the kit and some labels for the fire extinguisher from a neat little after market set by Echelon Fine Details.
I used the addition of Micro Set and Micro Sol to get the decals to fit nicely on the surface and then sealed them in using another coat of clear gloss, ready for oils.
I usually start off weathering with a dark pin wash, the one I used was from Vallejo and was enamel.
Concentrating at the base of raised detail and seam lines I applied it to the entire model. Once it was semi dry I removed the excess with a clean brush and some white spirits.
Moving on it was time to start with the oils. First up was some weather and grime streaking, for this I used black and white oil paint. Dabbing it on at the top of the piece I was working on then with a clean brush dragging the paint downward until only a faint streak or line was left. I covered most of the vertical surfaces with this technique. I also used this on the wheels to simulate oil/grease coming from behind the caps.
Continuing with oils, I used burnt umber to create dark rust patches and streaks using the same method as before. only going over the previous bare metal scratches.
Lastly for now, I added some rust staining using an acrylic rust wash from Vallejo. Dabbing it around the dark rust spots then blending it with some acrylic thinner.
I will give it a matt coat then move on to pigments, stay tuned!.
