Vault Dweller #4 / Painting & Weathering /

Fat Man & Little Boy (Internet)

The Atomic Age began at the end of World War 2, when two bombs, Fat Man and Little Boy, were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Two explosions rocked the world, at first bringing joy and euphoria, soon after putting coat of fear and terror across continents, making human kind crawl on it's knees. Two nations were about to use power of atom against each other to cause maximum devastation of the other side. It would mean end of known world, as soon as first rocket was launched, other side would do exactly the same, what would lead to draw, nobody wins, everybody loses... Rather terrifying topic, as man made device could wipe out life on this planet. What are the effects of such action? What would happen after? 

(Internet)

This scenario was explored further in Fallout game series, where player explores devastated by atomic bombs United States of America. My current build is based upon first installment of the series, depicting lone wonderer called The Vault Dweller on his, in this case her's, quest. The Vault Dweller was sent out from safe and secure underground vault (number 13), a fallout shelter with supplies that could last for decades, or even hundreds of years, where little society of chosen lived without knowledge of what is happening on the surface. The build started with figure (part #1) and evolved into little diorama (part #2 & part #3), featuring Vault Dweller visiting first possible place on long way to complete the quest for failing water chip - other vault (number 15). This build has just reached last stage - painting and weathering.

Painting started without usual undercoat, I carried on with basic color straight on. Started with lightest tone, Tamiya's XF53 Neutral Grey on Vault's wall & door as well as on floor grid at the back. Floor grid was airbrushed with the same colors, but was quite tricky, as it has many cavities difficult to reach with airbrush after assembly. Next XF63 German Grey was added to previously used XF53 and applied around door socket and top corners. Couple more coats followed darkened with more XF63, XF1 Matt Black with final addition of XF68 Nato Brown. Vault door was painted along exactly the same way.

Deep underground, soil would be rather bare, with nothing more than sand and rocks. Because Vault wall & door are grey, some contrast was required, hence for painting ground, I used very light color. Tamiya XF57 Buff sprayed on in few coats. When completely dry, Citadel's Devlan Mud as well as Gryphon Sephia washes were randomly and liberally applied. Slate, large slate and rocks were painted with Citadel paints, Adeptus Battle Grey, Skavenblight Dinge (who has given such silly and long names to new Citadel colors?) & Codex Grey. Citadel Karak Stone was drybrushed at final stage.

Console of the control panel was painted with Citadel Golden Yellow and Adeptus Battle Grey for supports. Weathering was done using sponge technique, dipping piece of sponge in paint and applying random patterns of Bolgun Metal to simulate chips and Vermin brown for fine corrosion patches. Gryphon Sephia was was also used at random. Bottom of supports were painted along with the ground not to stand out. When painting was done, small display screen made out of sticky jelly dot, cut square with small printout of Pip Boy screen stuck at the bottom (originally wanted to just paint the backing, but actual screenshot taken from the game made it more interesting).

Final weathering was done using oil paints, creating vertical strokes simulating accumulation of dirt and corrosion. Both wall and the door were treated the same way, applying small dots of paint then smearing with brush dampened in white spirit. This technique is very forgiving, allowing for any excess of the paint to be removed by wider application of white spirit. It also creates spots of different colors that blend extremely easily and make the surface more interesting. Only 3 colors were used this time, white, black and brown, all applied one at a time in consecutive layers. One detail was added to the wall, which was Fallout Shelter sign, giving more sense to the whole diorama for those who have not played the game. I used Internet for reference, printed the sign out and laminated with 0.8 mm card. Sealed it with Citadel's varnish and treated with oils the same way as the rest of the build.

Final touches were done to the figure, painting eyes as always proved very challenging. First applied black, then white in couple, very thin coats. Extreme caution and steady hand is required. Proper tool makes this job easier, quality brush is compulsory to do it right, as very fine brush (00) I use is from Humbrol and have to admit is not the best, but provided in a set of few different grades for rather affordable price comparing to Citadel brushes (still looking for good replacement). Citadel Ice Blue, darkened with Ultramarines Blue was used for painting irises, that turned out not exactly as planned. Remaining details such as necklace (the cross that I did not dare removing, due to being very fine, raised above skin just fraction of millimeter), boot and corset laces were painted. Adding grease gun completed the figure, which is to be added to the base. The base has still got card edging, currently am searching for interesting color/picture or finishing material. Internet may come handy again...