Draconis: Spring Clean 2024 and onward

9th April 2024

I actually finished this several days ago, but just haven’t had a chance to post the update.

The next stage carried out was adding transfers. In the Sherman Firefly kit I have it has transfers for a few versions. I had already used some on another model a number of years ago, but I still had enough spare that I could put some onto the Cromwell. I don’t know the appropriate markings, so just used a group from the sheet. They really do add a good visual impact once applied. To seal them I added a coat of matt varnish once they had dried.

With the transfers down it was time to wash the main hull using the same method as for the turret. However, I did thin the strong tone wash a little more this time.

Then it was onto the tracks. Wasn’t sure how to handle these though. In the end I went for painting them in a red brown colour all over. The thought on this was that it could represent either mud or older rust perhaps. This was followed up by a drybrush of a dark silver, a wash of army painter dark tone, some matt varnish and finally some spotting of rust colouring.

Chipping came next. I used the same sort of chipping process as that for my Deadzone terrain – sponging on some Wlydwood contrast paints. Followed up with some metallic for some of the chipping and edges. I tested it on the turret first, then rolled it out to the hull.

Finally I added some minor weathering. I had purchased some Vallejo ‘splash mud’ effect so tried that out alongside some streaking grime. I think perhaps I would prefer some dried mud effect, but the splash mud looks ok.