Archives: How-To Articles
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Canopy painting
The secret of painting a canopy frame interior and exterior is to paint the inside and the outside on the outside. Associate Editor Mark Hembree explains this mysterious process.
By Mark Hembree ·
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Display base express
It’s true that a scale figure brings a model to life. However, what makes it look like life on this planet is a realistic setting. Model railroading provides a direct line to scenic supplies, so, for scenery tips and techniques, whom better to ask than a model railroader? Model Railroader magazine Associate Editor Cody Grivno…
By Mark Hembree ·
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Easy armor detailing
Even as modern kits include more details like photoetched-metal parts and turned-aluminum gun barrels, older kits can still compete. All they need is a little extra work at the bench and a small investment in aftermarket parts.
By Matthew Usher ·
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Filters: A subtle addition
The effect of filters is subtle, but, used as part of a layered finish, they can set a model apart. Filters are very thing paint applied over large areas like panels and hatches. Rather than settling into recesses, the thin color tints the underlying finish. Filters blend previous paint and weathering, softening contrasts and tying…
By Aaron Skinner ·
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Making the scene
You could spend days, weeks, or months building the perfect display base for a model. Or it could be a just-for-fun weekend project. That’s what modeler Scott T. Hards had in mind when he decided to throw together a 1/35 scale diorama. Here’s a chance to look over an advanced modeler’s should and pick up…
By Scott T Hards ·
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Tank techniques & tips
Tanks can be a challenging subject to model, especially considering individual-link tracks, intricate suspensions, and finishing options. An expert tank builder takes you step by step through the assembly process, from aligning the wheels and running the tracks, to simulating rust and caking on the mud.
By Glenn Bartolotti ·
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The art of pre-shading
Pre-shading, as the name implies, is done before painting. It involves a little prep work, but the results can be terrific. Associate Editor Aaron Skinner demonstrates the basic technique in this article, but you can use it with infinite variations for different effects.
By Aaron Skinner ·
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Vignettes: Scale storytelling
Not only do great dioramas place models in historical context, they use figures, buildings, and groundwork to relate something about a vehicle or event. And the best ones tell a story that’s easy to see. A small scene, or vignette, removes distractions and leaves no questions about the builder’s purpose. A small scene also means…
By Glenn Bartolotti ·
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Five steps to fantastic faces
A finely painted figure provides armor with a sense of life, historical context, and, in some cases, scale. Conversely, a poorly painted figure can mar the best of models. A figure’s face, vital to the success of a model, is the trickiest part. Here’s a five-step technique that will have you painting faces you can…
By Jim Wechsler ·
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Creating realistic groundwork
Figure models can be ruined by an uncomplimentary base. Base and groundwork should always complement the piece and be used to frame the piece in its natural environment or historical period. Joe and Carissima Hudson walks you through the process for considering groundwork for your next figure.