The types of glue you'll need for modelling depends on the materials you plan to work with. Here are 5 common...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How many types of glue do I need to do modelling?Read more -
When and how to apply clear coats to protect your scale modelsRead moreWhen it comes to preserving the hard work you've put into building and painting your scale models, applying a clear...
-
What are lamp huts and where would they typically be located?Read moreLamp Huts were small structures, made of brick or wood that were used to store signal lamps and their associated...
-
What is the difference between an unboxing video and a review?Read moreUnboxing videos and video product reviews are very different processes driven by a differing set of requirements....
-
Should I pin or glue track on my layout?Read moreIt is very tempting to use pins or nails to stick the track down but this may not be the best approach. Pins are...
What colours should I use to create realistic-looking tracks for tanks and other armoured vehicles?
Creating realistic-looking tracks for tanks and other armoured vehicles is an important aspect of scale modelling. To achieve a lifelike appearance, it is advisable to use a combination of colours that mimic the wear and tear and weathering that tracks undergo in real life.
Here are some recommendations for consideration:
- Base colour : Start by applying a base colour to represent the metal tracks. A dark grey or gunmetal colour works well for this purpose. Both acrylic or enamel paints can be used for this purpose, depending on the individual Modeller's preference.
- Rust effects : Tracks often develop rust in areas where they are exposed to moisture or wear. Rust effects can be created by using a combination of reddish-brown and orange-brown paints. Apply these colours sparingly, focusing on areas where rust would naturally accumulate, such as the edges and recesses of the tracks.
- Dirt and dust : Tanks and armoured vehicles often accumulate dirt and dust on their tracks during operation. This effect can be simulated by the use of earth-tone colours like brown, sand, buff and grey. Dry brushing or stippling techniques work well for creating a realistic dirt and dust appearance.
- Oil and grease stains : Tracks also tend to accumulate oil and grease stains over time. To replicate this effect, simply use thinned dark grey or black oil paint or enamel washes. Apply these colours in areas where oil and grease would naturally collect, such as around the drive sprockets and idler wheels.
- Highlights and shadows : Lastly, don't forget to add highlights and shadows to the tracks to create depth and realism. Use lighter shades of the base colour for highlights and darker shades for shadows. This technique will help bring out the details and contours of the tracks.
Remember, the key to creating realistic tracks is to layer and build up the colours gradually, adding weathering effects in an incremental but random manner. The ideal configuration can be optimised by experimenting with different techniques and colours to achieve the desired effect.
Posted in: Painting
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Related posts
-
Do I need to use a primer?For best results it is advisable to use a primer as this will stick to the plastic and give a uniform coat of paint... - What is weathering?Weathering is a painting technique used by modellers to create the appearance of dirt and grime and even damage to...
- How do I clean brushes used with enamel paint?Enamel paint is solvent based, so trying to wash in water will not work, you need to use white spirit. It is...
- How do I fill holes in a model?There are many products on the market for filling holes: There are plastic putties straight out of the tube, there...
- What is the best size paintbrush?This would depend on what you are painting as paint brushes come in various shapes and sizes. I would say for...