Mercedez-Benz ML 320 from
Jurassic Park: The Lost World
This was a very rare Revell model I was proud to find and win on Ebay and couldn't wait to add it to my movie car model collection. The kit is fun to build, has no real fit problems, and sports some pretty good detail. This is a Snap-Tite kit and everything is pre-painted, but the problem comes in with the camo: it's done as large stickers pre-cut to fit the body of the car. And it's hideous in my opinion. So the solution was clear... repaint!
I took this opportunity to do some experimenting with blending camouflage. I chose colors very close to the movie camo but decided to blend it very softly instead of the stark, bright contrast on the movie cars. The result is not accurate to the Lost World movie but looks great non-the-less. I also decided to keep the vehicle fairly "clean", only weathering slightly on some metal components and ruling against dusting or muddying it up... yet.
Clearly the inside of the vehicle was meant to be viewed but was lacking in any real interesting detail, so I added some. Using almost entirely small electronic components I built a gas can, some butane torches, and equipment containers. I also mixed some brownish paints, water, and a few drops of white glue to dip 2 strands of kite string in to make rope coils. Custom designed and printed decals help bring the items some detail. Scratchbuilding extras is almost more fun than making the model!
I will revisit this model again in the future when I finally decide how I want it weathered. I'm also planning to add a few more details like scratchbuilt seatbelts since the bottom is screwed on and can be removed.
Paints Used:
- Testors Model Master Acryl Flat Black
- Testors Model Master Acryl Grun RLM
- Testors Model Master Acryl Olivgrun RLM
- Testors Model Master Acryl Dark Green
- Testors Model Master Acryl Olive Drab
- Testors Model Master Acryl Israeli Armor Sand Gray
- Testors Model Master Acryl Aluminum
- Games Workshop Citadel Mithril Silver
- Tamiya Acrylic Chrome Silver
The model was first airbrushed Flat Black, top to bottom, inside and out (except the clear parts of course). The camo pattern is a buildup of patches of Grun, Olivgrun, Dark Green, then finally Olive Drab, all blending softly together. Israeli Armor Sand Gray patches were then added to contrast the greens. I then took the front nozzle off of my airbrush for a very tight, fine line to do the Black patches so they would have better definition. Chrome Silver was used for weathering the steel grating, steps, tow cable, and undercarriage. Aluminum was also used for weathering the undercarriage and the metal grill around the bumpers. Mithril Silver was used for smooth metal details such as the Mercedes-Benz logo. Dark Green was used for the hub caps and Grun for the seats.
|
|
