LAV-25 Piranha

George Bacon Auteur
Finished at last!

George Bacon Auteur
Thanks Hunter! To do the mud, I usually apply a filter of "dust" over the whole model via airbrush using a sandy color, like Model Master British Gulf Sand. The filter blends into a little thicker application toward the bottom of the vehicle.

Next, using a shovel in my backyard, I dig down to mineral soil and get about a cup. I can get different colors at different locations, and have seen everything from sand to red around town. This is spread and dried on a cookie sheet and baked in the oven on low heat to dry it. (I usually wait for my wife to be gone so she doesn't have to know about the oven thing). 🙂

I have a little shaker thing I got at a yard sale (I think it was for sifting flour). It's just a cup with a screw-on screen top. I put the dried dirt into it and shake out the finer material (wear a dust mask). If I want even finer material, I cover the screen with an old stocking.

I'll mix a little slurry of dirt and white glue (like Elmer's), diluted with water to get a thick paint-like consistency (you have to experiment). The mud is painted and dabbed on. I noticed you can get different effects depending on how "wet" you get the mud, and how much you filter the dirt. It kind of washes off, if you don't like it. It can change color as it dries, so experimentation is needed. I have also airbrushed dirt colors over the mud, to match the dust filter or to get it the color I like, but prefer not to have to do that, if I don't have to. That's it! It's kind of fun, playing in mud... 🙂

George Bacon Auteur
Actually, I just kid about my wife. She knows everything I do 🙁 and gives me full support 🙂 I'm very lucky!

Not sure what's next, but will decide soon!

George Bacon Auteur
Hunter, thank you so much for your kind offer, but I have the photo-etch I want for the Hetzer (and the full interior). You do fabulous work for only 16! 👍 How long you been building models????

Gerald
👍

Gary
Nice job!! Really like the finish. Gary