Adding Fluid & Rust Stains and Streaking – Leman Russ Strike Tank

When I first returned to the scale modeling hobby in February 2006, initially I was very concerned about “is this right?” not morally right, of course. But right as in correct, right as in accurate. Eventually I realized that what I’d subtly slipped into was really “will my peers see this as right?” And for a (brief) while, that caused me a lot of problems.

It started with my early attempts at weathering. I’d read on forums how people did it, consult reputable books, and of course study reference photos. Inevitably, after posting photos to my favorite forum (this was before the Book of Faces and the other nonsense) I’d get loads of replies about how great it was, and how accurate it was. And I’d also get as many (often more) telling me how bad it was, and how far from accurate it looked.

The worst part was I fell into the trap of letting it concern me greatly.

As I expressed my frustration to some close modeling friends, both online and in “meat space” (i.e. real life), I still ran into a spectrum of thought. Some would say “focus on the real photos”. Others urged accounting for “scale effect”. A few told me I needed to not worry about it. And… a few told me I basically needed to worry about it more and try harder.

Now, back in 2006, I was still in my late 30s. And the finely tuned machine of old man with a long gray beard stubbornness had not yet fully emerged. However, the metamorphosis had already started. That trait was beginning to break through the cracks of “must conform”.

And at some point I decided “whatever, I’ll do it however I want.”

That was a very liberating moment. It wasn’t fully orbed initially. I sort of backed into it for the most part. Yet it was a deliberate thought, a deliberate process. The summary of which amounts to “It’s a stupid plastic toy. Who cares?”

And That Has What To Do With This Model?

Glad you asked.

If you’re ever going to break free from worrying about what others think, fluid, rust, and streaking stains is a great way to start your rebellion. While chipping can certainly be a fun way to do it, that technique can also lead to later regret when you look at your model and wonder if it looks less like chipping and more like tiny ants have attacked the model. Post shading can get heavy handed too – again, it’s one of those things that you may love it after initial application, but later say “what was I doing?”

But stains… whether they be fluid, rust, or streaks, those can be built up slowly. Add a few, walk away. See how it looks with fresh eyes.

I suppose the same could be said about chipping, but then it would make my point completely meaningless and I’d have to think up another blog topic.

🤔

So in summary… do whatever you want. Or not.

Here’s a video of some stuff I yammered on about.