Painting of Simca 5 started with dark grey undercoat. Mix of Tamiya's XF84 Dark Iron & XF 63 German Grey was used to paint the body. To achieve simple color modulation, more layers of original mix followed, with addition of XF2 flat white, applied to the most prominent areas.
Before final assembly, interior details were prepared for correct size & fitting. Loading model up with all kind of goodies is always fun (it does feel like never ending story sometimes), as I found out building Harriet's Triumph. In this case, driving officer was transporting military intelligence & valuable goods for war or own effort. Map, suitcase, jerry can, paintings, ammo case, blanket, short shovel & MP40 all seem to fit in, making inside of the car look 'busy' enough to play a part in the scenario. Paintings (Van Klomp's Fallen Madonna & Klimt's Judith and the Head of Holofernes) were downloaded and printed out. It was difficult to judge of what size the paintings would need to be in terms of scale, so printed out sheets with many options to pick right one after comparing it against a figure. As usual, paper sheets were varnished to preserve colors & laminated with card.
Having all interior details painted, seats as well as blanket & ammo case were permanently fixed at the back, jerry can with paintings are loose. Briefcase and map were placed at the passenger's seat. As scenario has it, driver of this car rapidly turned and hit the cable post (breaking cable lines), due to being shot at through the windscreen, undoubtedly with compliments from French Resistance. To serve this purpose windscreen was drilled (0,5 - 0,7 mm), each bullet hole surroundings scratched with pin to emulate cracks of glass.
Color modulation proved to be very useful technique in this case, bringing more life to the model even without major weathering. Enamel black wash was used to bring up some body details, Tamiya weathering master powders used for final weathering, which is rather simple this time, with light dust effects only.
Enjoyed the pictures and build, and the light hand in the weathering. Very original approach in the choice of support gear, with a painting, briefcase, and maps. I myself am waiting delivery on this kit from Japan, after having it in my Amazon wish list for close to two years. Price was suddenly dropped 48%, and that's when I sprung. Still debating whether to keep it civilian in color, or as a staff car. Thanks for the helpful suggestions towards my build.
ReplyDeleteI am really glad my work helped, hope your Simca will be as much enjoyable as for me :) Cheers!
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