Thursday, August 10, 2017

The importance of reference photos

I thought I would share with you some of the references I have gathered for my Mustang's weathering. References are important (if you believe certain competition judging rules then they are 25%-of-the-result important... ahem) as they give you a basis to work from. In my view you don't need to slavishly copy them, but they show you an "average" pattern of how stains and grime and dirt tended to accumulate on the particular vehicle you are modelling. This is your starting point for your own artistry, the basis for your own version of simulating wear and tear.


Weathering is, to me, the most fun part of a build. It's where your otherwise factory-fresh machine develops a personality, an individuality. It's where it goes from being a toy to being a miniature representation of something that has been out in the big bad world.

I really don't get totally replicating a single photo. Where is the fun in that? I know some modellers find that satisfying, but I like a little magic in my weathering, I like being a little bit nervous that I don't know exactly where it's going to end up. That randomness is liberating, man. Water, salt, paint, random chipping - this is the interplay that mimics the real interplay of real weather on the real machines.

So here are my Mustang references, which I am using to make fairly accurate representations of fluid leaks, exhaust stains, faded paint, etc. I've not kept records of the exact websites I found each of these on, but if anyone claims ownership please just let me know and I can credit you.


Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Great exhaust staining reference.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
This is oil rather than exhaust staining, but it's a great shot.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
I used this reference when I was working on the wing gun bays.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Pretty subtle exhaust here, but great for worn paint on the wing roots.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
I like the mottled metal finish here.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Again, mottled metal effects.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
A wonderful exhaust weathering reference.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Another good exhaust pic.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
I considered muddy wheels for a while based on this shot.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Random splatters and stains.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Sun-baked and dirty. Just how I like my Mustangs.

Scale model P-51 Mustang weathering reference
Mottled olive drab paint on the anti-glare section.


I remember modelling before the internet, and scouring through reference books for that perfect rare photo that clearly showed a piece of landing gear, or a hatch, or whatever. It was part of the fun, but by god the interwebz makes this a whole lot easier!

Cheers,

Dave

4 comments:

  1. Hi Dave, I am struggling to make my Chipping stand out, I generally use a mix of tamiya matt black and tamiya nato brown, but they just seem to dry and fade, any advice would be appreciated Darren

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  2. Hi Darren, I know exactly what you mean. Is it chipping on a darker surface? I use a set of 6 x acrlyic Rust paints from AK Interactive, and it gives me a range of colours to work with as I find the dark chipping colour (like what you described) just blends into an olive drab or Russian green surface. Maybe try a lighter shade, mix in a little yellow or white, to mix up the colour a bit? Cheers, Dave

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  3. Thanks Dave, yes it is Chipping on olive drab, I'll try and lighten it up, any ideas on what ww2 American primer colour was? Might try to use that colour thankyou for your advice

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  4. Hi Darren, I've done a little research and the short answer is: there is no short answer. Check out the following links - varies from no primer, to light olive drab, to grey, to red, to yellow, depending on the manufacturer.
    http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/t/120690.aspx

    http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/p/130939/1330163.aspx

    http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/1220352013/American+Primer+Color+which+one-

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