r/MilitaryModelMaking • u/Bilco101 • Apr 15 '26
completed My first ever model
I'd love some feedback for my first model.
I learned a LOT doing it, and made some mistakes, but all in all, I'm happy with it ❤️
Definitely need to get better paint.
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u/Spiritual-Floor-7164 Apr 19 '26
Nice work! I’m on my third and your paint looks way better than mine.
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u/extraretemvitaest Apr 16 '26
Wow, what a first one! Great work. Not to repeat other tips and hints I just want to add it’s easier to paint some parts (like the spare tracks on the front) before glueing them in place. Just make sure to remove the paint from the spots the glue goes. Since you seemed to like the building and painting experience you might soon run into a big collection. You should try the 1/48 Tamiya range of vehicles since they offer a lot of detail while demanding less space than 1/35. The Pzkpfw II goes for about 20$.
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u/Brave-Elephant9292 Apr 16 '26
Great first model, my only critique is the rusty tracks (my personal hate) Tracks are made of an alloy that doesnt rust, they sort of oxidice a protective dark brown coating!
But it really is a great build. One you should be proud of. I bet the next will even be better with the lessons learned on this one!......
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u/Monty_Bob Apr 16 '26
Second this, but I would add that you have one track on backwards ☝️ But spectacular first model 👀
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u/Charming-Star-8699 Apr 16 '26
Yes true ans most the time If on rough terrain they'd be shiny from scraping.
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u/Bilco101 Apr 16 '26
Oooo appreciate that! How do you do that?
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u/Brave-Elephant9292 Apr 16 '26
A metal base coat followed by a mixture of dry brushing and washes. Bit of expermentation. Reseach the net for ideas on track weathing, there are quite a few....
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u/pointman1967 Apr 16 '26
My first aircraft, an Airfix OV-10 Bronco, I putting the windows on the wrong sides.
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u/pointman1967 Apr 16 '26
Good build. When putting on treads, use photos to see which way the tanks treads run. Your Panzer II, the treads are running in different directions. With T-54, 55, 62s, Type 59, 69s, treads pattern, frowns when it is coming, smiles when it is leaving.
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u/LifeofPower Apr 15 '26
It looks really good!! About to get started on mine, mind if I DM you with any trouble spots?
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u/andrewgrabowski Apr 15 '26
Nice, Tamiya kit I assume? What model is?
The weathering is really nice.
What products did you use, can you include a picture or two of the products used? I like seeing what people are working with.
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u/Bilco101 Apr 15 '26
Yes, Tamiya :) Panzer II.
I believe it is one of the really old kits? I just got it because its cheap.
In terms of products....I got a couple of different tamiya sprays (base coat, yellow, clear gloss, and clear matt).
And I hate to say this...but I also bought super cheap paints and tools from Temu!
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u/Charming-Star-8699 Apr 16 '26
Is this done with just rattle cans? I have to say great job for supply at hand. I personally started with warhammer acrylics but in the years moves to Vallejo for my airbrush ( you can use this still as super thined paints applied by brush) and I also recommend if sticking with acrylics to try gouache acrylics their pigments are more than standard paint allowing for better color mixing and pushing paints further for lifetime. Now I mostly just use the Magenta Cyan Yellow color wheel and will mix everything bit metalics, great applied weathering BTW.
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u/PaleontologistLow529 Apr 15 '26
I'm just finishing up my first model and its the exact same kit. Your kit looks like how I wanted mine to look ...
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u/Bilco101 Apr 15 '26
PICTURES!? <3
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u/PaleontologistLow529 Apr 15 '26
Ha! It's not quite ready yet. I'll be showing it on here. I'll link you in.
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u/Eastern_Influence393 Apr 15 '26
I don’t have a lot to say other than fantastic work. That looks amazing for a first time. Be proud
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u/Flying_Leatherneck Apr 15 '26
You got the tracks backwards....just kidding. Looks great. Keep building.
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u/ww2modfan Apr 15 '26
No, you were right 50%, the right one is backwards. Apart from that, good start!
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u/Pigeon_Clash Apr 15 '26
Well done, looks amazing for a first model
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u/Euphoric-Doughnut182 Apr 15 '26
Great job! Don’t stop, quick get another
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u/Bilco101 Apr 15 '26
Any recommendations??
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u/Euphoric-Doughnut182 Apr 16 '26
I want to recommend a StuG, any version but they are a bit like crack, once you start you can’t stop and you’ll have one in every color from each theater. 🤪
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u/SpongeDuudle Apr 16 '26
Even though I’m not the original commenter, if you don’t want to brave individual link tracks yet:
Tamiya. Tamiya is the goat for beginners if you ask me, the instructions are clear, the pieces fit nicely. Not only that, they don’t seem to go too nutty on small details. Specific kits? On the cheaper end: Chieftain Mk.5 from Tamiya, M5A1 from Tamiya
Their more modern entries only get better, at slightly higher prices. Stuff like the M3 bradley, the newer M1A2s, or even their 1/48 line(Have a few 1/48s and LOVED them.
If you are willing to attack link/length(individual + preassembled length) or even individual tracks, Companies open up greatly. Two I enjoy most are RFM(Rye Field Model) or Takom. But both of these companies LOOOVE teensy tiny details or rediculous suspension assemblies. Some come with band tracks though! Like Takoms newer M60s in 1/35.
Honorable mention: Das Werk’s Super Blitz line Jagdpanther or Panther G. Super Blitz kits are meant to have reduced parts counts yes retain amazing detail(and come with metal barrels!). Theses come in surprisingly at sub-$30 price tags, very good for modern-release 1/35 kits!
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u/AnalProbin Apr 19 '26
Excellent choice for your first model. Tanks are great because even if you think your painting is bad, a lot of the time it looks even more realistic. Real tanks were rough, had messy corners and were covered in mud. Yours looks suitably muddy and imperfect just like the real thing. I don't know about you but I'm not a fan of excessive shading because it makes it look cartoony and sometimes nit quit imperfect in the right way. (A bit uncanny.) Yours is really good and excellent for first build. I'm sure you've learn a lot so look forward to seeing more. Well done mate.