#model tanks

[zilentis]

As Magical Warfare became mechanised, and Mages Towers’ fell far behind established lines and combat zones, those powerful Wizards needed to be moved up into the fight with something that’ll house their great magicks and be just as defensible.

I’ve finally made a Tonk! I had told Apocrypha Now in the past I’d do one but I never got around to it, and it’s been a a while now but I’ve been constantly thinking about Narcoleptic Wizard‘s Aethertonk challenge. Welp, finally decided todo it and I’m super happy with the results, it’s not as silly as most tonks are which is a bit of a shame but I definitely think it’s badass atleast—and I’m very happy that the turret AND wheels fully function, no need to pretend it moves across the board I can just push it and it goes.

[mrrichiegee]

[mevbotcrypto]

Why Acrylic Paints Are Perfect for Plastic Model Kits

When it comes to best paint for plastic models, the choice of paint can make or break the final look of your model. Whether you're building military vehicles, aircraft, or intricate diorama scenes, the quality of the paint you use plays a significant role in the realism and durability of your project. Among the various paint types available, acrylic paints stand out as the ideal choice for both beginner and expert modelers alike.

In this article, we'll explore why acrylic paints are the best option for plastic model kits, covering their benefits, application techniques, and how they can enhance your model-building experience.

1. Fast Drying Time

One of the main reasons acrylic paints are favored by modelers is their fast drying time. Unlike enamel or oil-based paints, which can take hours or even days to dry fully, acrylic paints dry to the touch within minutes. This allows you to work more efficiently, as you can apply multiple layers of paint or weathering effects without long wait times in between.

Key Benefits:

Speeds up the painting process

Ideal for layering and applying washes or highlights

Reduces the risk of smudging or accidental damage during painting

Fast drying times are especially important for modelers who are working on complex kits that require multiple coats, such as airplanes or military tanks with intricate detailing.

2. Easy to Use and Clean

Acrylic paints are water-based, making them much easier to work with than oil or enamel paints, which often require harsh chemicals for thinning and cleanup. With acrylics, all you need is water to thin the paint for airbrushing or to clean your brushes after a painting session. This makes acrylics far more convenient, especially for beginners who might be overwhelmed by more complicated paint types.

Key Benefits:

Simple cleanup using just water

No need for toxic solvents or thinners

More forgiving for beginners

Acrylic paints are also less likely to emit strong fumes, making them a safer option for indoor use compared to solvent-based paints.

3. Wide Range of Colors and Finishes

Acrylic paints come in an extensive range of colors and finishes, from matte to glossy, providing endless possibilities for customization. Brands like MiniArt, ICM, and Master Box offer paint sets specifically designed for modelers, ensuring that you can find the exact shades needed for historical accuracy or creative expression.

Key Benefits:

Wide variety of colors available

Multiple finishes to suit different modeling needs

Custom mixes are easy to create

For example, if you're working on a World War II diorama, you can easily find the right shade of olive drab for U.S. military vehicles or the correct camouflage pattern for German tanks.

4. Versatility in Application

Acrylic paints are highly versatile, as they can be applied using a paintbrush, airbrush, or even sponging techniques. Whether you're painting fine details on a 1/72 scale figure or covering large surface areas on a battleship model, acrylics offer excellent control and consistency.

Key Benefits:

Suitable for both airbrushing and hand-painting

Allows for detailed work and broad coverage

Compatible with various techniques such as dry brushing, washes, and weathering

Acrylic paints are particularly well-suited for weathering effects, as they can be easily thinned to create subtle, translucent washes that simulate dirt, rust, or battle damage on your models.

5. Smooth Finish with Minimal Brush Marks

When applied correctly, acrylic paints dry to a smooth, even finish with minimal visible brush marks. This is crucial for achieving a professional-looking model, as brush strokes can distract from the overall realism of your project. Acrylics can also be easily thinned to flow smoothly over surfaces, reducing the risk of unsightly streaks.

Key Benefits:

Produces smooth, uniform coverage

Minimal brush marks when applied thinly

Ideal for both small and large models

This smooth finish is especially important for models like aircraft or modern vehicles, where a clean, flawless paint job is essential to maintaining authenticity.

6. Safe and Environmentally Friendly

Acrylic paints are much safer for both the modeler and the environment compared to their enamel or oil-based counterparts. Being non-toxic and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acrylics are a healthier choice for hobbyists who spend long hours working on their models.

Key Benefits:

Non-toxic and safe for indoor use

Lower environmental impact due to water-based formula

Safer for younger modelers or those with sensitivities

In addition to their safety profile, acrylics are much easier to dispose of, as they can be safely washed down the drain, unlike enamel paints that require special disposal methods.

7. Compatibility with Different Surfaces

While acrylic paints are primarily used for plastic models, they are also compatible with a wide variety of surfaces including metal, wood, and resin. This makes acrylics ideal for modelers who use mixed-media kits or add custom elements to their dioramas. Whether you're painting a plastic tank, a wooden base, or a resin accessory, acrylic paints adhere well to all of these materials.

Key Benefits:

Adheres to multiple surfaces

Ideal for mixed-media projects

Can be used for diorama bases, figures, and accessories

This versatility means that acrylics are a one-stop solution for most modeling projects, regardless of the materials involved.

8. Cost-Effective and Widely Available

Acrylic paints are generally more affordable and widely available than other types of paint. Most hobby shops and online stores, such as Plastic-Models-Store.com, carry a wide selection of acrylic paints in various colors and finishes. This accessibility makes it easy to restock on essential colors or try out new shades without breaking the bank.

Key Benefits:

Affordable and cost-effective

Widely available in hobby stores and online

Suitable for budget-conscious modelers

For those just starting out, the affordability of acrylic paints allows you to experiment with different techniques and colors without worrying about wasting expensive materials.

9. Excellent Adhesion and Durability

Acrylic paints offer excellent adhesion to plastic model surfaces, ensuring that the paint stays put even after multiple layers or weathering effects. Once cured, acrylics form a durable layer that resists chipping or peeling, making them ideal for models that will be handled or displayed frequently.

Key Benefits:

Strong adhesion to plastic surfaces

Long-lasting and resistant to damage

Ideal for models that require multiple layers of paint

This durability ensures that your model will maintain its appearance over time, even if it undergoes significant handling or display in varying conditions.

Conclusion: Why Acrylic Paints Are the Best Choice for Plastic Models

Acrylic paints have become the go-to option for modelers of all skill levels, thanks to their fast drying times, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you're painting small-scale 1/72 figures or large military vehicles, acrylic paints provide the control and finish needed to bring your models to life. Their non-toxic nature, affordability, and compatibility with a wide range of surfaces make them the perfect choice for hobbyists who value both quality and convenience.

Visit Plastic-Models-Store.com to explore our extensive selection of acrylic paints, perfect for your next plastic model project. From beginner-friendly paint sets to advanced airbrushing supplies, we have everything you need to achieve a flawless finish on your models.

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[tanadrin]

starting an extracurricular for high schoolers like model UN or a model legislature except it's Model Coup. you spend the year learning about historical coups and revolutions, corresponding with other students from other high schools who play the role of various bureaucrats and military officials and then in the spring you have a big conference at a hotel where the opposition tries to launch a power grab and the ruling party has to try to use the secret police to crack down on them

[theaestheticmodels]

[bacchuschucklefuck]

this has been a roller coaster of a design journey but finally I can present you: class swap artificer!adaine and rogue!fabian

[fatedroses]

Some body type references and notes I wanted to make, especially before I redraw some of my old pieces (plus, a bit of him as an adventurer having a crisis of a realization), and also just personally how I HC the change between stormblood to now based on some in game refs I've been looking at.

[artieseni]

treyarch!!! make eddie a pathetic little meow meow like primis ricky and my life! is yours!! also give us the homoerotic subtext

reference! dempsey finally snaps and beats up richtofen but then ricky pulls out his goofy smile and dempsey's annoyed he can't control his fluttering heart ok ty bye

[mrrichiegee]

[mevbotcrypto]

Creating Realistic Battle Dioramas with Model Tanks: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Creating a realistic battle diorama with model tanks is an art form that allows hobbyists to bring history to life. It's about more than just assembling a model tank—it's about creating a dynamic scene that tells a story. Whether you're capturing a pivotal moment from World War II or a modern battlefield, a well-executed diorama can transport viewers into the heart of the action. This guide will take you through every step, from planning your scene to crafting terrain and setting up your model tanks for maximum realism.

1. Planning Your Battle Scene

Before you even touch your model tanks, it's essential to plan out your diorama's story and layout.

Choose a historical moment: Start by selecting a specific battle or event you want to depict. Whether it’s the Battle of the Bulge or a desert conflict involving modern armor, having a historical context will guide your scene.

Select a focal point: What is the main action in your diorama? It could be a tank advancing, a firefight, or soldiers preparing for an ambush. Choose one focal point and build the scene around it.

Sketch the layout: Draw a rough sketch of your scene. This will help you plan where to place your model tanks, figures, and terrain features like hills, rivers, or buildings.

2. Gathering Supplies and Materials

Creating a realistic diorama requires a variety of materials beyond just your model tanks.

Base materials: Use a wooden or foam base for your diorama. Foam is easy to carve into terrain, while wood offers stability.

Terrain supplies: You’ll need plaster, static grass, dirt, and sand to create realistic ground textures. You can also use modeling clay for more intricate features like hills or craters.

Paints: Acrylic or enamel paints in earthy tones (browns, greens, grays) will help you create realistic terrain. You’ll also need weathering powders for dust, dirt, and mud effects.

Accessories: Model figures, vehicles, and buildings will help bring your diorama to life. Choose pieces that fit your chosen time period and conflict.

3. Building the Base of Your Diorama

The base of your diorama sets the scene for the entire model, so it’s essential to get the foundation right.

3.1 Carving the Terrain

If your scene involves uneven terrain, like hills or trenches, you'll need to carve and shape the ground.

Use foam or clay: Foam is lightweight and easy to carve with a hot wire cutter or knife. Sculpt the terrain to fit your scene, adding trenches, ridges, or craters where needed. Clay can also be used to build up specific areas for a more detailed landscape.

Apply plaster: For added texture, apply a thin layer of plaster over the foam. This will create a rough, natural-looking surface.

3.2 Adding Ground Texture

Once the terrain is shaped, it’s time to add ground texture to make it look more realistic.

Use sand and gravel: Sprinkle fine sand or gravel over your base, securing it with diluted white glue. This mimics dirt and rocks on the battlefield.

Static grass: For grassy areas, use static grass applied with glue. You can find static grass in different lengths and colors, depending on the terrain you're modeling (e.g., lush grass for Europe or dry brush for desert scenes).

4. Painting the Terrain

Painting the terrain is crucial to making your diorama look lifelike.

Basecoat: Start with a basecoat in earth tones—browns for soil, greens for grass, and grays for rocky areas.

Dry brushing: Use dry brushing to highlight raised surfaces. This technique involves dipping your brush in paint, wiping off most of it, and lightly brushing over the terrain to highlight textures.

Shading: Add depth by shading the recesses and low points of the terrain with darker tones. This creates the illusion of shadows and adds realism to the scene.

5. Assembling and Positioning the Model Tanks

Now that your base is ready, it’s time to bring in the main stars of your diorama—the tanks.

5.1 Building the Model Tanks

If you haven’t already, build and paint your model tanks following the steps outlined in a previous guide. Pay attention to details like battle damage, weathering, and camouflage to make them look battle-worn.

Weathering for realism: Apply techniques like washes, dry brushing, and chipping to make the tanks look used. Don’t forget to add mud or dust to the tracks to blend them into the scene.

5.2 Positioning the Tanks

Where you place the tanks in your diorama can make or break the realism and drama of the scene.

Dynamic placement: Avoid placing the tanks in a straight line or static positions. Angle them as if they’re advancing, turning, or navigating difficult terrain. This adds movement and action to your diorama.

Interaction with the terrain: Make sure the tanks look like they’re part of the scene, not just sitting on top of it. Sink the tracks slightly into the ground to show weight and add mud or dust to blend them into the terrain.

6. Adding Figures and Vehicles

To truly bring your battle scene to life, you’ll want to add figures and other vehicles.

Model soldiers: Position soldiers around the tanks in natural poses. Some may be loading ammunition, while others take cover or advance with the tanks. Ensure their uniforms and weapons are historically accurate for the time period.

Other vehicles: Consider adding jeeps, half-tracks, or other military vehicles to create a more complete battlefield scene.

7. Creating Realistic Battle Damage

If you’re depicting a battle scene, battle damage is a must.

7.1 Tank Damage

Adding visible damage to your model tanks can make them look like they’ve been through the heat of battle.

Bullet holes: Use a small drill bit to create bullet holes in the tank’s armor. Add a bit of black paint around the holes to simulate scorching.

Burn marks: Apply black and gray weathering powders around engine areas or hatches to show where explosions or fires occurred.

Dents and scratches: Lightly scratch the surface with a knife or sandpaper to simulate wear and tear on the tank.

7.2 Battle Damage on Terrain

Don’t forget to add signs of battle to the terrain as well.

Crater effects: If your scene involves artillery or airstrikes, add craters to the terrain. Shape them out of foam or plaster, and paint them in dark earth tones.

Debris: Scatter broken pieces of wood, metal, and other debris around the battlefield to show the aftermath of combat.

8. Adding Smoke and Explosion Effects

To add drama and action to your diorama, consider incorporating smoke and explosion effects.

Cotton for smoke: Use cotton balls or pillow stuffing to create smoke effects. Paint them with black or gray spray paint, then glue them around damaged areas of the tanks or terrain.

Explosion effects: For an exploding tank or artillery strike, you can create a "frozen moment" by combining cotton with small LED lights. The cotton can simulate smoke or flames, while the LED lights add a glowing effect.

9. Final Touches

Before you call your diorama complete, spend time adding the small details that will make it stand out.

Weathering the entire scene: Apply weathering powders across the scene to create a unified look. Add dust to the tanks, dirt to the soldiers, and mud to the vehicles.

Details matter: Add tiny details like footprints in the mud, discarded equipment, or bullet shells scattered on the ground.

10. Displaying Your Diorama

After all your hard work, it’s time to display your creation. Choose a display case or base that complements the diorama without distracting from it. Position lighting to highlight key features, like your tanks or figures in action, and consider using a glass case to protect your work from dust and damage.

Conclusion

Creating a realistic battle diorama with model tanks is both challenging and rewarding. By carefully planning your scene, using proper techniques to build the terrain, and positioning your tanks and figures with purpose, you can create a vivid, dynamic display that tells a compelling story. With patience and attention to detail, your diorama will capture the intensity and drama of historical conflicts, providing a snapshot of history in miniature form.

FAQs

What scale is best for a tank diorama?

Most hobbyists prefer 1/35 scale for tank dioramas because it strikes a good balance between detail and size.

Do I need special tools to create terrain for my diorama?

Basic tools like a hot wire cutter, hobby knife, and brushes will suffice for most terrain-building tasks. You can also use specialized terrain modeling tools if needed.

How do I make the tanks look like they’re part of the scene?

Sink the tank tracks slightly into the ground and add weathering effects like mud or dust to blend the model with the terrain.

Can I add moving parts or electronics to my diorama?

Yes! Some modelers incorporate small motors for rotating tank turrets or LEDs for lights and explosions to add dynamic elements to the scene.

How long does it take to complete a battle diorama?

It depends on the complexity of the scene and the level of detail, but on average, a diorama can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete.

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[cutestemily]

Do you like Mondays outfit? 😃😊🤭

[thenecropolix]

I don't know who to send this ask so I'm gonna leave it out here for the public because it just came to me out of the blue: locomotive literature

And I don't mean literature about locomotives, but rather literature written by locomotives

Train biographies detailing their lives on the railway and documenting how things have changed since they were first built

Ghost writers publishing literary works written by trains

Trains with human editors sitting on their buffers as they write down what their engines say and making adjustments for those especially picky or who's words cannot be transcribed because they will be banned otherwise (looking at you Duncan)

Just

Train authors you guys

[beeclops]

Leave it to John Oliver for retelling the VERY infamous Thomas the Tank Engine episode (the “Henry’s punishment” episode) as a way to describe America’s current freight train industry!

[beebfreeb]

Trans woman Oleander again.

[byun-slug]

Original Hiro & Clockwork Hiro

Small test render I've made before I proceed to a small comics session. Since I've already made Clockwork Hiro model, I simply needed to edit and remodel some parts to make original version.

So here's comparison of Master of the Railway and Winder of the Railway. Clockwork Hiro looks bit grumpy in that pic, but in AU storyline he is pretty kind and soft towards the other himself.

(Actually he is being rude towards Spencer(s) only, and rather being kind to others.)

[🚫3D Model made by me(ByunSlug),

Do NOT Steal/Use/Reupload my works!🚫]

[clarkkantagain]

jorge anaya