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Trumpeter 2S3 Akatsiya


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Hi Guys

Well, first build post here on Britmodeller.

This is Trumpeters rather nice Akatsiya 152mm Howitzer started back in late November and finally finished a couple of weeks ago.

This was my first Trumpeter kit and I really enjoyed it. The level of detail was fantastic. I'd collected ref shots to add detail only

to find most of it was already there. For the most part it was built OOB but I added a muzzle cover from green stuff along

with a tarp on the rear of the turret

Hope you enjoy the shots

Incidentally, just wondering if anyone will spot the subtle reference?

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The last step was to add it to a Model Scene grass base set in a photo frame

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Thanks for looking

Andy

Edited by AndyRM101
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Back here for a second viewing, really have to comment on how great it all looks. :thumbsup:

Just marvelous the crispness and lighting, obviously you know your way around the camera. Would you be kind enough to share the settings used for these beautiful photos, average distance between subject and lens, do you rely on any zoom at all, and must be a special lighting setup?

regards,

Jack

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Hi Jack, thanks for the kind words

I do use a lighting rig but it's quite a basic setup (complete with natty cardboard box as a stand)

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The light units are five bulbs apiece using 115W CFL daylight bulbs. The whole lot cost me just £75 inc. softboxes and stands.

In terms of camera settings these were shot at ISO 100 and f/18 and I got in close with a wide angle lens on the 3 quarter shots, the side on views were a little further back at about 100mm on the lens. There was some post work in photoshop to set the white levels and adjust the contrast. The final shot was composited against a shot of the fields at the back of my house.

Hope this helps

Andy

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Cheers Andy, thank you for the quick response. How about white balance - preset or auto?

Other settings seem close to what I am using. Looks like a photo booth is key to bring up the quality, I've always relied on natural lighting.

regards,

Jack

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Cheers Andy, thank you for the quick response. How about white balance - preset or auto?

Other settings seem close to what I am using. Looks like a photo booth is key to bring up the quality, I've always relied on natural lighting.

regards,

Jack

The white balance is on manual set to daylight. That's 5200K on my Canon but the lights are rated at 5500K which leaves the shots with a slight cool cast. Sometimes I'll adjust that in Lightroom and sometimes I'll leave it as is depending on what looks better. I wouldn't say lights are essential but they're more reliable than daylight. At this time of year there just isn't enough natural light to shoot by unless you push the ISO up.

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Very nice indeed,can you tell me what paints you used, as the colour modulation looks great.

Dave

Thanks Dave

Probably easier if I show you the painting sequence

It was base coated in Tamiya XF-81 RAF Dark Green

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That was highlighted with a mix of 80% XF-67 NATO Green and 20% XF-76 Gray Green

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A second fading layer was added with the same paints but with the ratios swapped (20% XF-67 & 80% XF-76)

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The previous step left the finish looking a bit pale and pasty so I added a colour wash with Vallejo model air 006 Camo Light Green. I also picked out the bolt heads and other small details with Ammo 934 Russian Highlight

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After that some washes were added with brown, blue, yellow and green oils

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I also did some toning and shading with Vallejo 966 Turquoise. That was just brushed on then feathered with a clean, damp brush

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Sorry for the long post, hope it helps

All the best

Andy

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  • 2 weeks later...

HI Andy, just a quick question, did you apply a satin coat prior to the colour wash with Vallejo,and oils. I have followed your paint instructions on my BRM3 With ERA and am relly pleased at how its turning out. Will post pics as soon as I have finished it.

Many thanks

Dave

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