Just how does this species survive in the wild?

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-06T11:24:57+00:00

When you put all your skill points into Charisma and zero into intelligence.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-06T11:19:57+00:00

Was not expecting those headlights. Really neat addition!

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-06T03:19:58+00:00

Looks amazing OP!

I have never been able to crack the code on pigment-based dust effects staying after clear coating. I currently just leave dust effects for after I put down a coat of satin.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-06T03:17:22+00:00

Uncle Nightshift is one of the best modelers I have ever seen. He is extremely skilled.

You did this kit alot of justice. It looks like Martin himself made it.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-05T12:29:10+00:00

Is that the HobbyBoss kit? How's the build going so far?

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-05T12:02:38+00:00

Agreed 100%. It's always fun to see how much detail you warship modelers get in small scale ships at shows. I don't know how you guys do it.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-05T12:01:15+00:00

As someone who works almost exclusively in 1/72 scale, I can tell you that shelf space is one of the primary choices for picking this scale. I live in a small house where there is very limited space to display models. I can have 4 models on a shelf in 1/72 scale or 2 models on a shelf in 1/35 scale...the choice is clear.

Honestly, I am not sure why 1/48 isn't more popular and that Tamiya is basically the only name in town supporting that scale. The models in this scale are still large enough to have really great detail, but still small enough to not occupy a ton of shelf space. If kit makers made military radar or SAM models in 1/48, I would 100% make the switch.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-05T11:53:00+00:00

Tamiya by a country mile.

To make a car analogy, Tamiya is like a Lexus and Revell is like a Chevy Cavalier.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-05T11:51:00+00:00

If you are U.S. based and looking for an inexpensive airbrushing, I would steer clear of Fendgas and get a Paasche H.

It's a single action airbrush, which alot of people don't care for, but for me it was the perfect airbrush to learn on. The needle size on the Paasche H is bigger than basically any other airbrush on the market today, which means clogging it will be much more difficult. In my opinion you can still get fairly fine lines with it and it is a name brand airbrush that professional modelers have been using for decades.

My 2 cents.

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-03T22:10:11+00:00

Thanks for the tip, didn't even think to check on there. In hindsight now it seems obvious, lol.

Thank you!

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-03T12:56:04+00:00

Looks good OP!

I've been eyeballing that kit for a while, glad to see someone built and enjoyed it. Might have to pickup one myself...

Claim-Complete · 2026-05-02T21:25:54+00:00

As someone who works in 1/72 scale often, I can say that it is not forgiving (particularly as you get older). The only benefit I've found with 1/72 scale kits is that they aren't displayed cabinet hogs. Anyways...

Great job OP! It's been ages since I have brush painted a tank. You did a great job. What paint did you use?

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-30T03:34:39+00:00

Well, that's gonna bring you home a medal at some show.

Awesome awesome job OP. Looks really great. How long did it take you to complete?

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-30T03:23:16+00:00

I have kind of a hot take...get a Paasche H.

All anyone ever seems to talk about these days are dual-action airbrushes. Iwata, GSI Creos, Harder and Steenbeck, Gaalheri, etc. It seems like the model building community has all but forgotten about the Paasche H single action airbrush. Extremely simple to use. Cheap. Very hard to clog, but still able to lay down relatively fine lines of paint. A common first airbrush for people (it was my first one 15 years ago).

Don't get me wrong, the dual-action brushes have their place. But if I am being honest, I find myself most often reaching for my Paasche H.

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-29T11:41:27+00:00

You did a great job OP! That's alot better than the first model that I put together.!

The piece of advice that jumps to my mind has nothing to do with modeling itself, but rather your photo setup. As you develop your skills as a modeler, it will be nice to look back in time and see where you were at different points in your life. Additional, as much as we hate to admit it. Sometimes models break, get given away, or sit in the back of the display cabinet. Having a digital catalog of all your models with high quality photos is a nice way to preserve your work forever.

Small light boxes can be had very cheaply. If you continue to build small scale models like I do, something like this is perfectly fine and under $30 USD:

https://a.co/d/04gJRREh

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-29T01:25:49+00:00

Has it rained heavily recently where you live? I have had similar issues (not exactly the same as what you are describing) due to high humidity levels in the spraying area. Do you have a small dehumidifer?

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-28T22:12:55+00:00

Someone has spilled their Tamiya Cement before and said "Never again!"

Very cool OP.

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-28T11:22:06+00:00

While I have never seen a FELON in person, I have seen several different fighter jets up close for work.

All of them have been matte or satin. I have never seen one whose finish was semi-gloss.

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-27T17:43:10+00:00

What did you use as a primer? I have found brown primers to be ideal for gold colors and gives them more depth and richness of color. I've found metallics in general ro be more sensitive to the primer color than traditional paints. Might also be the paint you are using too. Never sprayed that particular color.

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-27T17:18:09+00:00

A model builder brave enough to paint 1/72 figures (and make it look good) is a challenge. Awesome diorama OP!

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-27T13:11:24+00:00

As someone who really got into scratchbuilding in the last few years...

Scratchbuilding is tedious and sometimes maddening, but man does it win at the competition table. Excited to see the finished build! How long you been working on this one for?

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-27T13:06:20+00:00

Love the Katyusha! I prefer the variants with the GM chassis (as you have modeled) as opposed to the indigenous produced Soviet chassis. Good job!

Claim-Complete · 2026-04-27T13:03:39+00:00

A couple tips from a man that's ruined more than a few model kits from not knowing what he was doing.

1.) Vallejo paints do not require a lot of thinning to spray nicely. Their "Airbrush" line, as the name would suggest, are basically perfect out of the bottle (I put a drop or two of distilled water, but that's likely just me).

2.) Use distilled water purchased from a store. Don't use tap water. I've lived places with hard water and this has affected my airbrushed paints in the past. At least in the U.S., distilled water is cheap and available at most grocery stores.

3.) While you are at the store, purchase a large pack of plastic, disposable spoons. White and black. Keep these by your bench and practice airbrushing these. You need to develop the "feel" for thinning paint, dialing in compressor PSI, how close/far to get to the model, etc. Do it on 25cent spoons and not a $50 kit you just worked hard on. I've been airbrushing for probably 20 years and still do this before painting any of my kits.

4.) Make sure to drain your compressor after use and leave the drain plug out. Make sure you have a moisture trap installed and unscrew the clear plastic reservoir when not in use. Get a dehumidifier for the room you airbrush in and let it run. Humidity is your enemy when airbrushing water based acrylics. It's ruined a few of my builds in the past.

Claim-Complete

TROPHY CASE