From Nick: 20mm Panzer IV Ausf. H (15 points)

Finally got around to finish this 1/72 Panzer IV Ausf. H by Zvezda. The kit is nice enough and despite some rather fragile parts, like the rails for the side skirts, it should be sturdy enough for wargaming. But it comes with the hatches molded closed, something I really can't stand. It's not like separate hatches are so super difficult to handle during assembly. That said it's something that seems surprisingly common in 1/72 scale modeling tanks. 

The kit was painted using the Real Colors range by AK Interactive. While I can't attest for the tonal accuracy the manufacturer claims, the paints work rather well through an airbrush. Much less of a hassle than acrylic paints. That said I miss the ready made modulation sets you get in acrylics. Means you've got to work more with pre-shading in black and white or mix your own modulation colours. Both things I don't really have the patience, nor the desire for.

For a more realistic look I skipped the combined edge highlighting/ micro scratch method I went with for my more recent vehicles but only used a sponge to apply some wear and tear here and there. Not fully convinced though, as a) I find the sponge very hard to control and b) it looks less 'defined', less visually interesting, especially at arms length.

For most of the weathering I used AK Interactive Weathering Pencils. Quite an interesting tool, especially as you can create different effects depending on wether you apply them dry or wet. Only the rust effects didn't really convince me, as they look somewhat off compared to the same effects done in enamels. So they're (of course) not the deal changer they're marketed as, but another useful tool in the tool box.

Points: 15

Well, she looks simply gorgeous. I recall doing 1/72 models as a youngster. All the road wheels and tracks were a nightmare. Your sponge and pencil technique works well- I struggle with vehicles and will keep my eyes open for a set.

Barks

From GregB - 20mm Parting Potpourri (44 Points)

20mm WW2 Soviets from Elhiem

For my final entry to the Painting Challenge I thought I would finish clearing off the painting desk with some leftover bits from the projects that got me up and moving in the first place - 20mm.  The Challenge was my first time working in this scale, and I have come to really enjoy it. 

Up first are some 20mm WW2 Soviets.  These are spare riflemen from a pack of Elhiem figures.  As always, the sculpting can be a bit uneven, but the proportions are somehow still great, even compelling.  The tricks of the sculptor...fascinating! 

More defenders of the Rodina

Ready to battle the fascist invaders

Up next is a more modern set - this is supposed to be a TV news team.  Once again, these are Elhiem figures.  I like having media figures as a "gaming garnish" on modern tables, but I find these sculpts are perhaps too ultramodern - I know cameras are smaller these days, but I still think most TV news people have shoulder mounted cameras.  Maybe that is just here in Canada...

"Reporting live from  20mm game..."

I tried to write "PRESS" on their helmets...that didn't really work...

One more Elhiem tidbit - this is a downed pilot.  It is supposed to be from a modern range, but could work in WW2 in a pinch.  Downed pilots always make for great objectives in skirmish games, as the ground pounders resentfully put their lives on the line to bail out some pampered flyboy...

Long walk back to base...

Great objective for games

And one more vehicle! During the challenge I painted a few T-34s for my WW2 Soviets, so I thought I would finish at least one Panzer for the Germans.  This is a 1/72 scale model kit from Plastic Soldier Company.  I can't say enough about how much I enjoy their vehicle models - they are excellent.

1/72 Mark IV from Plastic Soldier Company

I HATE modeling the schurzen plates...as you can see at the back of the turret, I can never get them to sit quite right...

This is a late model Panzer IV, sporting the long 75mm gun and the schurzen plates, which from a hobby perspective make me !@#!@#!@ing bannas as I hate painting them, then glueing them, etc.  But full credit to PSC - they make the process pretty easy/idiot proof, even for an idiot like me...

Very basic paint job

Ready for action in the eastern front

Last but not least I wanted to toss in a photo of my painting spot - I am quite fortunate that my wife tolerates this (allegedly) mobile painting station near the kitchen. 

My painting area during the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge

While it is technically mobile, what really happens is that I keep painting until I worry I am pushing my luck, clean it off, put it back downstairs, then bring it back up to start one project, which turns into three....call it the circle of hobby life!

So this final entry of eight 20mm foot figures and a single 20mm vehicle should net me 44 points. 

Congratulations to all of the participants.  I fell short of my more ambitious revised target this year, but still managed to get a pile of stuff done.  Thanks to everyone for the comments, humour and encouragement, and thanks to Curt for hosting this Challenge.  See you all next time!


From Curt:

A great 'clean-up' indeed! I've got to try some of these Elhiem figures as they sound quite good and your results are terrific. 

And it's always nice to do up some 'gaming garnish' figures for the tabletop (I quite like that pilot who's legging it furiously). 

I'm definitely going to pick up some of those PSC Panzer IVs as I, like you, HATE dorking around with schurzen plating. Thanks for the tip!

I know that painting spot very well as I've parked there many a day doing some last-minute additions and touch-ups for games! A lovely spot with lots of light and, well, food and booze! 

Thanks for kicking-in with us again this year Greg - your posts are always entertaining and your work is truly inspirational. 

Great job Duderino!