Dust, dirt, and fluid effects are generally the final touches applied to our models to give them a realistic look. There are so many ways to apply them, and so many products. I’d say it nigh impossible to declare one way “right” and another “wrong”. The road to looking cool can take many paths.
For me, the key to it all has been experimentation. I don’t want to know one way to achieve an effect. I’d like to know as many as possible. Because having many methods to apply to my models means I can always have a depth of finish that goes beyond just single application techniques.
Dust, Dirt, and Fluid Effects
This video takes a look at applying various acrylic weathering products to the Sturm Käfer to get it finished up. While each individual technique is a single color, simple application, by adding multiple colors and differing opacities over each other, it results in a more technical and deep finish.
I also stick to acrylic weathering products for this. it’s not that oils and enamels can’t be used – they most definitely can. But my hope is to demonstrate that acrylic products can achieve a very satisfying result too, and it takes advantage of the fast drying times, low odor, and general affordability and availability of acrylics.
From a kit standpoint, I can highly recommend the Sturm Käfer model. The scale is perfect for dioramas, as there are so many options available in that scale for display possibilities. Crew, equipment, other vehicles, building – the options are enormous.
But even beyond that, it’s just a fun kit. The fit is very good, the detailing nice, and generally it’s a stress free build that even a youngster could tackle. It’s definitely worth a look. And I can guarantee it will be one of the most unique looking models in your collection!
You can see the full Sturm Käfer series at this link.
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