Change of Pace: Warlord Bolt Action 1/56 scale Sdkfz 251 D

A brief palate cleanser while I psych myself up for a return to High Detail Modeling. 

Today it's a recently obtained WWII German halftrack, the ubiquitous Sdkfz 251.

Like most kits in this scale, they are designed as detailed game pieces moreso than scale models. They assemble quickly, but present a nice finished model that looks good on your gaming tabletop, and can survive occasionally incautious use by your ham-fisted fellow gamers.

We'll start this post with basic assembly and priming complete. It's the painting that will bring out the available detail. Primered with Army Painter desert yellow, tracks given a coat of Vallejo black, we're ready to get down to business.

First, the benches. Dark brown wash over all, and highlighted with "wood" to give it depth. All panel lines picked out in black wash. Back pads over benches in a light tan for contrast. The front seats included the exposed spring detail, which was drybrushed black. Now for some dirty-ing and wear.

Black, nearly dry brush, stippled on for dirt; silver drybrushed on for floor and edge wear.

Now the top half of the body can be mounted.

Probably should have done the crew first... ;-)

In any case, I can now make a camo decision.  I have my german armor in a Battle of the Bulge time period, so this needs to fit in. Late war, 3 color.

Color 2

Color 3

 Needs some touch up, let's let it dry first.

Then apply multitudes of ambush camo dots...

Basic decals

Panel lines are next, then dull coat over all.

2 coats clear flat lacquer.

Next, oil paint "dirt" streaking

and finish with some pigment splatters.

Now they look to have traveled the same roads!