-
SUBSCRIBE TO SHIPS IN SCALE TODAY!
The beloved Ships in Scale Magazine is back and charting a new course for 2026!
Discover new skills, new techniques, and new inspirations in every issue.
NOTE THAT OUR NEXT ISSUE WILL BE July/August 2026 -
Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.
Kunstvolle Modelle
- Thread starter Holger.Schwarz
- Start date
- Watchers 12
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2026
- Messages
- 162
- Points
- 103
Aging and Weathering
Here I have a truly magnificent ship model. I think very few model builders achieve such an outstanding result. I believe this is the fine art of creating a sense of presence. Take your time to look at this model and discover something new every time. Even without elaborate carvings, it’s a magnificent representation and an excellent reference.
I don’t know the builder and discovered the image on Pinterest. I hope you members enjoy it.
Best regards, Holger
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Here I have a truly magnificent ship model. I think very few model builders achieve such an outstanding result. I believe this is the fine art of creating a sense of presence. Take your time to look at this model and discover something new every time. Even without elaborate carvings, it’s a magnificent representation and an excellent reference.
I don’t know the builder and discovered the image on Pinterest. I hope you members enjoy it.
Best regards, Holger
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2026
- Messages
- 162
- Points
- 103
Weathering and Aging of Plastic Ship Models
Before I began building Heller’s 1:100 scale *Le Soleil Royal* (a project spanning the years 2007 to 2009), I spent four years intensively studying numerous books on historical seafaring and the construction of historical ship models, focusing primarily on the 17th through 19th centuries. It was an incredibly interesting and educational experience.
At the time, my goal was to make the model as realistic as possible, within the limits of my abilities. It was my first model at such a large scale, and I wanted it to be something truly special.
By the time the plastic hull was ready for painting, I already had a clear idea of how I wanted to replicate the wood grain.
It took a good deal of courage to actually put this plan into action. I intended to paint the wood grain using a custom-mixed sand-yellow shade (I still use Revell oil paints today, particularly for painting figures). Once the sand-yellow base coat had dried, I shaded the surface contours with a dark pencil. It already looked quite promising.
The next step, however, was the crucial one. I applied a thin layer of dark brown antique wax with a brush and blended it. Then, I carefully passed the flame of a lighter over the waxed areas—a process requiring a delicate touch—working quickly and with great concentration, while simultaneously wiping away the areas touched by the flame with the brush. Finally, I ran my finger over the surface.
The result of this technique was surprisingly good; I was very pleased with it.
A quick tip: It is best to test this technique on a scrap piece first. If you hold the flame over a spot for too long, it becomes too dark; In this case, the area can be carefully sanded down again. I still occasionally use this technique on wooden blocks or anchor beams to achieve a specific effect.
By and large, however, this can also be achieved through painting—provided one has mastered that artistic skill. Visitors who have seen the model at my place always assumed it was an exquisitely crafted wooden ship model. For me, model building means pouring my heart and soul into the work, because the joy it brings lasts a lifetime.
I hope this post is helpful.
Best regards, Holger
Übersetzt mit DeepL.com (kostenlose Version)
Before I began building Heller’s 1:100 scale *Le Soleil Royal* (a project spanning the years 2007 to 2009), I spent four years intensively studying numerous books on historical seafaring and the construction of historical ship models, focusing primarily on the 17th through 19th centuries. It was an incredibly interesting and educational experience.
At the time, my goal was to make the model as realistic as possible, within the limits of my abilities. It was my first model at such a large scale, and I wanted it to be something truly special.
By the time the plastic hull was ready for painting, I already had a clear idea of how I wanted to replicate the wood grain.
It took a good deal of courage to actually put this plan into action. I intended to paint the wood grain using a custom-mixed sand-yellow shade (I still use Revell oil paints today, particularly for painting figures). Once the sand-yellow base coat had dried, I shaded the surface contours with a dark pencil. It already looked quite promising.
The next step, however, was the crucial one. I applied a thin layer of dark brown antique wax with a brush and blended it. Then, I carefully passed the flame of a lighter over the waxed areas—a process requiring a delicate touch—working quickly and with great concentration, while simultaneously wiping away the areas touched by the flame with the brush. Finally, I ran my finger over the surface.
The result of this technique was surprisingly good; I was very pleased with it.
A quick tip: It is best to test this technique on a scrap piece first. If you hold the flame over a spot for too long, it becomes too dark; In this case, the area can be carefully sanded down again. I still occasionally use this technique on wooden blocks or anchor beams to achieve a specific effect.
By and large, however, this can also be achieved through painting—provided one has mastered that artistic skill. Visitors who have seen the model at my place always assumed it was an exquisitely crafted wooden ship model. For me, model building means pouring my heart and soul into the work, because the joy it brings lasts a lifetime.
I hope this post is helpful.
Best regards, Holger
Übersetzt mit DeepL.com (kostenlose Version)
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2021
- Messages
- 825
- Points
- 353
Welcome aboard!
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2026
- Messages
- 162
- Points
- 103
Thank you very much for the warm welcome.
Maybe we'll do business together someday.
All the best, and best regards
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2026
- Messages
- 162
- Points
- 103
Hello fellow members,
I’d like to present a Roman figure from the Italian brand Pegaso Models. This Praetorian is cast in resin and sculpted in 1:9 scale (200mm). This magnificent figure dates back to my early days of painting in 2017. I want to illustrate the difference between this piece and the figures I painted later on.
Back then, I hadn't yet developed the painterly awareness needed to apply shading, highlights, contrasts, lighting, and accents—elements that are essential for bringing a figure to life.
Fundamentally, it is just like classical portrait painting, except that the image is applied to a complex figure, requiring the lighting to be rendered artistically from every angle. It takes years to truly internalize this developmental process. Nevertheless, this early effort is still a pleasure to look at.
In due course, I plan to completely rework this Praetorian, applying the painting skills I have since acquired.
I hope you enjoy this photo. Best regards, Holger.
Feedback geben
I’d like to present a Roman figure from the Italian brand Pegaso Models. This Praetorian is cast in resin and sculpted in 1:9 scale (200mm). This magnificent figure dates back to my early days of painting in 2017. I want to illustrate the difference between this piece and the figures I painted later on.
Back then, I hadn't yet developed the painterly awareness needed to apply shading, highlights, contrasts, lighting, and accents—elements that are essential for bringing a figure to life.
Fundamentally, it is just like classical portrait painting, except that the image is applied to a complex figure, requiring the lighting to be rendered artistically from every angle. It takes years to truly internalize this developmental process. Nevertheless, this early effort is still a pleasure to look at.
In due course, I plan to completely rework this Praetorian, applying the painting skills I have since acquired.
I hope you enjoy this photo. Best regards, Holger.
Feedback geben
Wonderful job !
Toll!
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2026
- Messages
- 162
- Points
- 103
Dear Jeff, Magic Mike, and Vic—I am always delighted by your interest in what I do. I appreciate every warm visit and the truly appreciative way you treat me. Thank you for that; I am happy to be able to bring you some joy. Best wishes and regards, Holger.