RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Karel47, I would gladly fight next to your JT on any given day, the biggest challenge would we be for us to get to the same battlefield. I understand US Customs takes quite an interest in these tanks if you try to move them into or out of the US. Simply put I've been told (not personal experience), once one of these goes throught the x-ray machines in an International Terminal, "you got some splainin to do" [:o] to the man in the small room wearing 1 rubber glove [X(] Squid
Posted on: 2/6/2012 10:16 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10947532

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Devildog0341VA (Jim) Thank you for the kind words and support, I'm glad you found this interesting and helpful. I completely understand the overwhelmed feeling, as it happens to me more than I'd care to admit. Strange thing is I've found when I get like that sometimes just switching gears, or hopping over to another project is enought to keep me moving forward. Then there are times that no matter how bad I want to or try to make myself build I simply can't. Model building (small scale and RC) is a creative outlet for me. As crazy as it may sound some of this challenging and tedious BS actually helps me to relax and unwind from life's stresses. But other times when I'm not feeling it, no amount of money could make me do it and if I try to push it during those times I usually screw something up BADLY! I look at my modeling bench kind of like the old country song says "know when to walk away, know when to run" Hang in there buddy, I promise it all comes back in time. And like you, I am so looking forward to Joe's build. I wish he would have built his first, so I could have learned a few things from him before jumping into mine! Kindest regards, Craig
Posted on: 2/6/2012 10:10 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10947529

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Shark27 (Steve) Wow! That would seriously be a stretch, if I wrote a book on my builds it would most likely read like a comic book [&o]. Seriously thank you, that is very kind and I'm glad I am able to help anyone (newbie or veteran builder alike) learn new techniques, answer questions, debunk some myths, take away some of the mystery or fear or just simply inspire someone to try something new. It's said that we are all usually our own worst critics (I know I am) and my biggest fear in writing these threads is that I write like I talk - long winded. I'm always concerend that I'm gonna loose somebody along the way, or talk (write) so much that someone's gonna finally write back, "shut up already". I make it a point o try to respond to every person and answer every question or comment made. I figure if youve taken the time to rtead what I'm blathering on about the least i could is acknowledge it. Thanks again! Squid PS Keep your eyes peeled, if you're interested in reading the next one, the Stugg III should be on the bench in the next couple weeks
Posted on: 2/6/2012 9:58 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10947520

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
[quote]ORIGINAL: sevoblast Squid, this is one of the best, if not the best. builds I've ever seen. Truly awesome techniques especially in the zim application and paint work. You really brought this model to life. Well done! [/quote] Sevo, That's a pretty cheap bribe, if bribe's had been that effective and cheap back in 43-44 that could have seriously changed the direction and the outcome. Rather than focusing on steelworks, oil fields, and ball bearing factories the Mighty Eighth would have had to step up their daydaytime raids on sausage factories and breweries. Thank you very much for the kind compliments, and thank you for your participation in this build and this thread. I'm glad you found this to your liking, but all you've done is raised the stakes, now I've really gotta go over the top on the Stug III if I want to impress you (LOL) [:D] Thanks again! Craig
Posted on: 2/6/2012 9:46 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10947506

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
simple, obvious and easy to monitor, so it stays as fair as possible. Streetsquid
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:49 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941319

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Kevin, That's hilarious! You say it's ok cause it's ready for a refit. I would have intentionally ripped up the decal, or pulled it partially off the turret for effect, I think it looks cool and adds character to the tank. Never been a fan of shelf queens and parade dress tanks, I like mine to look like they have seen more than a little action. Hey to each his own brother! (LOL) Squid
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:42 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941310

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Chiefsonn, Absolutley! And thank you for the compliments, good to hear you found this helpful. And I promise no major secrets here just some pretty straight forward (if slightly unorthidox) techniques. The truly nice thing is nothing I did on this build was overly difficult or out of reach to anyone with basic modeling skills. The biggest thing I have learned as I've developed or adopted a lot of this techniques is to just step through the fear and do it. I promise you will learn a tremndous amount simply by doing. The other peice for me was that I have adopted many of these techniques to the material I'm most comfortable with, acrylics and water colors, so they become almost idiot proof (I did it LOL) because any mistake or bad result can be easily washed away and done over as many times as you like until you acheive the desired results. Thanks again! Squid
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:37 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941304

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Maus45, Thank you kind sir, looks like I was able to accomplish what I set out to do. I wanted to capture the look of a battle weary veteran who had seen it's share of battle, but was still in the fight. I think this tank captures the sheer brute force of BIG German armor from WWII, which I'm a big fan of. I wanted the heavy hitting trio, KT, Elefant, and Sturmtiger, to go along with my Tiger I, and I am now more than 2/3 the way there. The KT and Elefant are built and battle tested and I have about 1/2 of what I need for the "Tamahto" (Tamiya and Mattoro) conversion of the Sturm which will hopefully be on the bench before the end of summer. Craig
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:31 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941297

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Manchu9inf, Buckeye36, & Green Amphibian, Thank you gentlemen for the kind words of praise and support, and thank you for reading this thread and posting, it means a great deal to get participation from others. I'm glad you found this to be interesting, entertaining, or at least remotely helpful or informative. Otherwise what would be the point of even doing build threads? Kindest regards, Craig
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:24 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941290

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Yellowshaker, Thanks a million Joe tht means a lot coming from you. I promised you in the beginning I would take it through to paint and weathering. I've told you before the best part of this hobby for me is sharing. I've built models for a long time, and it is a mostly solitary hobby, but I do tremendously enjoy sharing ideas, thoughts, and techniques with others, especially on this forum. I am always inspired by other builder's work and their methods and I hope to do that as well for others. So thank you for helping to keep this thread alive and keeping me motivated to finish it. I didn't want this thread die on the vine and just kind of whither away the way my KT build did. But that's what happens for me if I think no one is interested or benefitting from what I'm writing. Completing this build has got my RC creative juices flowing again as well. I have a couple of commission paint jobs currently on the bench that will take up the better part of the next three weeks, but after that I think it's going to be the Stug III Aufs D conversion full bore. Already have the Asiatam lower hull and running gear, upgraded gear boxes, metal tracks, PZ III upper hull, and the Profiline Short barreled conversion set, plus Tamiya PZ IV electronics ready to go in it. Any interest in seeing the "little turtle" come to life???? Craig
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:18 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941282

RE: Pulled the trigger...
Yellow' Hey brutha you got nothing to live up too, if you build an Elefant I know you'll smoke it! Besides I know these 2 really great guys who run a top notch RC vendor, I can put a word in for you if you'dike (LOL) and who knows maybe you can land a smokin deal on one of these new Hooben kits. Or maybe I should just make it easy on you and offer to sell you mine! Anybody seen a slightly used Elefant around here? Squid
Posted on: 2/2/2012 9:04 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10941272

RE: Pulled the trigger...
If it went out in the middle of painting what Joe??? (LOL) Can't wait! Oh saw your other post as well............a Stug really? You know that's my next one as well - I have the Profiline D conversion in resin. I guess great modleing minds thik alike! (LOL) Squid
Posted on: 2/1/2012 6:20 AM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10938223

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
And just a couple more........... Streetsquid
Posted on: 1/31/2012 6:47 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10937686

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Alright all, So I told you I would post pictures of the completed tank, but you've also read me saying none of them are ever "truly" done. These pics here show the tank better than 90% complete, i just have to add a few cosmetic details like the tow shackles, the jack and jack block, guncleaning tubes, hang some extra tracks as additional armor, install some holographic film for the periscope glass, and add a resin commander figure. But those things will add just a little and not make a huge impact on the overall look of the finished tank. But hopefully these pics will give you a pretty good idea of the mostly completed project. Squid
Posted on: 1/31/2012 6:39 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10937676

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Sevo, Thank you very much I'm glad you approve! Just remember without ETO (you and Joe) I would even have an Elefant let alone written this build thread, so THANK YOU!!! Craig
Posted on: 1/31/2012 6:30 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10937660

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Charlie, Wow! Thank you, that is quite the monacher you have bestowed upon me, "Leonardo DaVinci of Tank special effects artist". And the coolest part is, if we were turtles, Joe and I could hang out and do Jujitsu! Seriously though thank you for the kind compliments! Craig
Posted on: 1/31/2012 6:28 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10937658

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Last word, So tonight I focused on wrapping up the detail photos of the techniques used and there applcation and effects. Tomorrow I will upload pictures of the finished Elefant in it's entirety so you get a better visual of how all these individual element come together on the completed vehicle to hopefully convey the look I was trying to capture. SO we'll do this one more time! [:)] Craig
Posted on: 1/31/2012 12:00 AM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936371

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
And finally tonight...................... Just one more effect I like to add that shows a little crew activity. I like to add fluid spills and stains as it shows human usage without having to show the actual crew. This technique is simple and kindda fun to execute, ad I like the results. I take Future Floor wax (Johnson's Clear on that side of the pond), dilute it slightly with about 15% water and add a few drops of Burt Umber water color paint. I pant a small irregular puddle and drops around filler caps or engine access panels. I add a few more layer of the colored future to build up the color and opacity addingwet applications to the puddle already created and before it dries. This wet on wet technique gives realistic depth to the spill. Once I have the desired shape and size I will add 2-3 drops of black water color to the already tinted Future and then put a drop of black in the center or deepest part of the fluid spill. This adds depth and color richness and really makes the fluid look natural. For engine oil specifically, I use this same process with 1 additional step. I let the spill dry over night then go back and add Tamiya gloss black acrylic to the very center which then looks like dirty and burt engine oil. Squid
Posted on: 1/30/2012 11:55 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936364

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
So now we'll get inot using some powdered pigment to replicate a little Mother Nature. Using piment I'll add dust and dirt, as well as reain and rust streaks to the verticle surfaces. simply load a chissle edged brush with the desired color and pull straight down. Once you have established the "streak" continue to stroke the bristles of the brush down the streak without adding any more pigment. This will soften and blend the streak into the surrounding paint, giving you full control over how stark or subtle this effect is. I also lke to use a little more advanced technique to create accumulated dirt an dust on some of the horizontal surfaces. I scoop small pile of pigment and use a brush to spread the dry pigment aoround hatches, inot crevices and detail areas, and especially on top of the fenders. The I load my airbrush with acrylic thinner and turn the regulator as low as it will go (about 5psi) then starting back 12-15 inches I start to saturate the area with thinner ( any closer and the air pressure will simply blow the dry pigment away). As the pigment gets wet I move closer and closer to the pile saturating the area and dissolving the pigment into the puddle of thinner. Set it aside and let it dry. The thinner will eveporate leaving the most realistic accumulation of dirt and dust. Squid
Posted on: 1/30/2012 11:45 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936361

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
and from several angles. Streetsquid
Posted on: 1/30/2012 11:10 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936343

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Alright, So after we have done the sponge and brush work we continue with adding smaller surface scratches and marks using colored pencils (yes colored pencils). This method is really easy, but also easy to overdue, so like I mentioned before better to go lightly and step back and observe your progress often from different views. If I have the chance, I will often take the tank outside in natural sunlight in between each painting and weathering steps to see the progress. I think the biggest secret to success here is investing in a GOOD set of high quality artist pencils. Now my set os over 20 years old and to replace it roday would be upwards of $80 bucks. I use Berol Prisma Color pencils, now the good thing is that you can get then in smaller color sets and buy them individually at most art supply and craft stores such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby. I will usually select a half dozen colors to use, sharpen the pencil then loosely holding the unsharpened end between just my thumb and forefinger I lightly "jab" the pencil at the surface of the tank. The pencil will slide and skate across the surface creating small random scratches and scuffs. Color selection does make a difference and I will usually choose 3-4 colors lighter than the base color of the tank and 2-3 colors darker than the base color. For this Elefant I used light yellow, light green, and tan as well as a dark brown and a charcoal grey Squid
Posted on: 1/30/2012 10:56 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936084

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Wow! You guys really are gonna make me blush. Seriously THANK YOU for all the kind words of praise. Believe me when I tell you my dad taught me many years ago it's better to be lucky than good, and I often think I just got lucky in the way things turned out. This Elefant has had plenty of challenges, but i just kept pushing ahead and luckily it all seemed to work out in the end. Alright what do you say we wrap this thread up (RCU permitting) Squid
Posted on: 1/30/2012 6:02 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10936019

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
After the first round of brush work I then went back and added a little more sponge work and then some some more peels and scratches with the paint brush. Same techniques just thought it needed a little more in a few areas. As I mentioned earlier I added some scratches chips and peels using each tenique, but rather than unsing the oxidized steel color I used red oxide to represent the primer Squid Arrgh! This has taken over an hour to upload 10 or 11 pictures, this is worse than dial up sorry guys more tomorrow
Posted on: 1/29/2012 10:30 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10934548

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Here we go again, Ok that last progess post I made we had just finishd up the initial sponge work. And I mentoned this gives you a very random look to the chips and peels and is a great way to cover, hard edges and corners, high traffic ware areas and around hatches, the top of the gun etc. Next we add the more detailed brush work. Same concept but the scratches and scrapes are more intentional, and not spuratic or random. This is good for adding longer scrapes, in in the middle of a flat area. There is two approaches to get the same result, and it's the modeler's choice which method best suits your particular situation or skill set. You can start by painting the scratch or peel in the same dark oxidized steel color we used with the sponge, then go back and use the lighter grey color to add some random outlinging to the scratch. This takes a very steady hand and a small sharp pointed round brush (like a #000)The outlinging adds a lot of depth to the scratch. The second method will yield the same results, but IMHO is a little easier to execute I first paint the entire scratch or peel using the lighter color, then go back in and fill in the center with the steel color. In some peel I also chose to fill the center with red oxide instead of the steel color i had made to make it look the scratch only went through to the primer coat. This just adds one more layer or dimension to add to the realism Whichever method you choose there are a few simple rules to follow for this to be successful. 1. This is easy to overdue, so go lightly, fewer truly is better and more realistic 2. Always try to keep the edges of the peel or scrape sharp and angular (soft and round edges don't look realistic at all) 3. Put them in logical areas where the tank would scrape against things in real life (consult your references often) Squid Sorry guys it's taken over 40 minutes to upload these few pics (sorry I duplicated the first one) and the sight just sits and spins, takes seriously like 4-5 minutes per picture to upload, looks like they having problems, I guess I'll have to try again tomorrow
Posted on: 1/29/2012 10:15 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10934509

RE: Is it me or is the site acting weird lately?
I've been trying to post pics on my Elefant build page for over 40 minutes, just keep saying "upload in progess" but I never get teh confirmation. I've even tried uploading single pics rather than samll groupls of them Very very frustrating!! Streetsquid
Posted on: 1/29/2012 9:52 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10934519

RE: DAK BATTLEDAY POST-1-28-2012
Manchu9inf, It had electronics, and it did participate in several battles, but not without issue. I had a few problems, and it was just one of those days that I spent more time working on tanks than I did battling them. You know some of those simple everyday functions that you test before you go to the field, and then they suddenly crop up a s problem once you're there. Simple stuff like elevation and traverse, not regerstering hits, or like on my KT an idler upgrade (tensioner) that wouldn't stay tight, and parts that just feel off of British Sherman. You know all the fun stuff! Squid
Posted on: 1/29/2012 9:46 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10934515

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
Gentlemen, Thank you all for the kind words and support, it definitely helps keep the thread alive and me motivated to keep moving forward and share. First and foremost I have finished the tank (well almost! [LOL]) but as Friday turned into a 17 hour marathon of painting weathering and final assembly and testing i took pictures along the way but was not able to post here, so for that I apologize, but bear with me and i promise I'll take through to completetion. Yellow, it was just some re-chargeable double A's that needed a little juice, I wouldn't want to change camera's now anyway. I absolutely love my SLR (It's a Fuji Film Finepix S7000) I got it with my first paycheck writing for the model magazine and I chose that particular model becasue it was what was being used at the time by Finescale Modeler, Aerospace Modeler Magazine, and AFV Magazine. maintcoder, the beauty of these material and techniques are you don't have to sacafice any model. The reason I'm willing to take risks and experiment is these are all water based products, if you don't like the way somethig looks wash it off with a little soap and water and at worst you might have to use a little Windex (glass cleaner) Squid
Posted on: 1/29/2012 9:08 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10934496

RE: DAK BATTLEDAY POST-1-28-2012
Yellowshaker, Yeah that's the beast, I asked Ethan to kindly avoid posting any photos of it until I could complete the build thread. This one pic snuck through, so kudos to you for paying attention! (LOL) Squid
Posted on: 1/29/2012 8:57 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10934486

RE: Kill Rings
with is consistent spacing, piece of cake! Just my 2 cents! Streetsquid
Posted on: 1/29/2012 1:37 PM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10933941

RE: Hooben Elefant Build
YHR (Dan) Hey thanks a million that means a lot. I've told you before (in fact in this thread somewhere back around page 2 or 3) you are one of the guys on this forum that I've always admired and respected for what you do. You've had some pretty incredible builds. When I see one of you posts I'm always intrigued to see what your working on and will imddediately open it! Thanks for the kind compliment! Squid (Craig)
Posted on: 1/27/2012 12:49 AM by Author "streetsquid" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10930089