The painting is what pulls the train and the fun part is seeing what develops Brian. Looks like things are starting to hop and come to life.

@gblair, @chinesegeorge, @stephen-w-towle, @johnb, @fiveten, @anthonyricco

Progress... painting the trim is slow. So may little parts, and now so many little mistakes to touch up! LOL

I always want to paint the first phase as though the thing, whatever it may be, were brand new and right off the assembly line. Then, after I spend a lot of time making it as close to perfect as possible, I usually beat the c**p out of it to make it look weathered and worn. I'm not sure if it's an obsession, or just the right way to do it.

1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

Great work, Brian @brithebuilder
I guess making it weathered and worn is an obsession to most of us.
As said by Stephen, it will make it look much more realistic and alive.

@stephen-w-towle, @johnb - I agree completely, I was more just commenting on my potentially unnecessary and OCD level need to make it 'new' before I made it 'old'. The most fun part of the process for me is weathering and adding the dirt and scratches that tell of a thousand years of battle. I've always just felt that since it was new at some point, I should paint it that way prior to adding the 'grunge'. It probably isn't necessary, but I feel I achieve a more realistic result. The lighting is just another element of the story it will tell.

@fiveten - Thanks Spiros, I like the idea of my 'Modeler's OCD' being puristic!

Looking wonderful, my friend @brithebuilder! And looks like a lot of fun building it!

All base coats are finished and the first round of wash has been applied to all the body metals. It's just a black wash from Citadel called Nuln oil. Once I also hit a lot of the joints with Agrax Earthshade, it'll look really oily and worn.

The Volkite Weapon was fun to paint... it's supposed to be a heat gun essentially. Looks pretty warm I think.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Looking really nice indeed, my friend @brithebuilder!

@fiveten - Thanks Spiros. Much appreciated. It's getting close to the finish line. A bit of assembly this morning and then a lot of little chaos runes to hand paint before the final washes and weathering.