Working in 1/24 has pros and cons. I have seen some very well done models using non-correct base vehicles.
I have built a few myself over the years, but was never happy with them. Until Aoshima released the Interceptor, I was never happy with any MM kit available for purchase. The Aoshima kit is still highly lacking, IMO, but has a crisp exellent body tooling at least. However, It was when I started making my own creations that
could be part of Max's world, that my builds became something I was really proud of.
I still have my Mack R600 unbuilt. I'm trying to source all the pieces to make it screen correct.
My plan was to build the Mack as Max first finds it, but have been considering building it post rollover. Would be a hell of a challenge, but I think the resulting diorama would be pretty cool if I can pull it off.
And your work is great too, don't discount yourself. I have been building post-apoc models for about 20 years now, and only in the last 6-7 years have my skills garnered any awards. Build what you enjoy. The more you do it, the better you will be.
You would laugh if you saw how I actually build these. I might work on one for a couple of hours a night for a week, then not touch it for 2 months. When I pick it back up, I might continue where I left off, or undo half of what I had already done.
Average build from start to "finish" (they are rarely truly done) is 1-2 years. LOL.
Also, I follow the "Bob Ross" formula of modeling. I have happy accidents all the time. Weathering hides all kinds of shortcomings in my ability.
And my palate is so limited! I'm like AC/DC using the same 3 chords, just arranging them differently.
Other than my build specific chosen base color (I use flat or satin spray paint)
I use:
1 Bic lighter
1 x-acto knife (I use this for everything; drilling holes, cutting, carving, scraping..)
3 different (all degrees of fine tip) brushes, replaced rarely, and only when absolutely necessary.
1 pair tweezers
Rust-All. Real rust in solution. An exellent product. applied as a wash.
Enamel paints: Rust, Flat black, Gloss black, Steel, Aluminum, Brass, White, Yellow, Red, Blue, Orange. (that's it. I mix as needed.)
Extra thick cyanoacrylate (super glue). Available at most hobby shops. I only use extra thick, and don't use model cement at all.
And, as needed: Cigarette ash (simulates rust scale and texture when mixed with or sprinkled on wet paint) And engine oil/grime from my actual truck.
And that's really all.
And I do 98% of my work on my bedroom endtable/workstation at 2 in the morning. LOL.
Well.....
that ended up more longwinded than I intended.
At any rate, rest assured I will build any REAL MM vehicles I can get my grubby little hands on.
