Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind

The Wirbelwind completed, after oil-based filters, washes and a light drybrushing with Humbrol Linen. This was followed by weathering with Vallejo acrylics.  The figure is by Cromwell models and the accessories on the back deck are from the kit or the excellent Tristar 20mm Flak accessory set.

Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind progress #3

Here is the Wirbelwind with pretty much all the acrylic and airbrush work done. It was painted in Tamiya mixes for the dunkelgrun and rotbrun, with a post-shade in a mixture of acrylic black and brown. This I use to go over panel lines, edges and any areas that need some extra shadow that an oil wash won't really achieve.

Next step is some oil-based washes and filtering to give it depth. You will see that it is still a little "flat" at the end of this stage, and the washes will give it contrast and help bring it to life...

Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind

I thought I'd post some progress pictures of my latest project. It's the Tamiya Wirbelwind with a few tweaks and improvements. I've added zimmerit as the chassis is from a Pz IV Ausf H. I've also replaced the "rubber band" tracks with indy-links from Dragon. Tools have had etched brass clamps added, and I've placed a 100 round 2cm ammo box from Tristar's 2cm Flak accessory set on the right hand side. I'll be using quite a few bits from this set as the project progresses - especially the spare 2cm barrels to replace the Tamiya ones.

It will be finished as a vehicle of the 1st SS Panzer Division during the Ardennes offensive, so I'll be adding a few crew figures dressed suitably warm...

The green finish to the surface? I always stipple on a dilute mix of liquid poly and squadron green putty to add a slight texture to the surface of the armour/steel plate. Otherwise the surface would be too smooth, too uniform, too unrealistic.