Painting the interior of an APC (a Rhino, for example)

[Kelly Kim]

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts were regarding tank / APC interiors. I've done them, and don't particularly enjoy doing it, but say you were a judge at a painting competition... would you knock a Rhino entry out of consideration because the back door didn't drop down (ie was glued shut)? I've got a few Rhinos and Immolators for my SoB army, and just want to get on with painting the exteriors... but still want to have the option of entering them in painting competitions later on if I'm particularly happy with how they turn out.

If you saw a well done Rhino, but noticed that the back door didn't open up, would you think any less of the model?

 

[TrystanGST]

It depends. If the model is well detailed inside, then I would definitely take that into consideration.

 

[squidders]

I wouldn't mind at all.

 

[Einion]

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts were regarding tank / APC interiors.

In a nutshell: optional, not mandatory.

If you saw a well done Rhino, but noticed that the back door didn't open up, would you think any less of the model?

No.

However a well-done interior would be taken into consideration and marked accordingly. This is a double-edged sword; I have seen visibile interiors on AFVs that detracted from the exterior (and would I presume have seen the piece marked down).

Einion

 

[Dragonsreach]

If you saw a well done Rhino, but noticed that the back door didn't open up, would you think any less of the model?

Nope.
I'd think less of a model if the back door just "flopped about" without any attempt at securing or detailing (Drop chain, Pistons hinges Etc).
But if a SoB Rhino, Exorcist or Repressor had nice paintjob and good freehand on the outside locking up the rear door to show the freehand decoration makes sense.

 

[marjedi]

A well painted rhino or other tank is still well painted, regardless of wether the interior is done or not.

Painting thhe interiors can be quite fun, getting the wear and tear juuust right.

 

[QuietiManes]

It probably also depends on the competition. If someone else has an APC painted to a similar standard on the outside, the one with a well painted interior would probably win out over the one with the door glued shut. Or, on the other hand, if there is one with a painted interior, and it's done badly, they'd probably be marked down compared to the equally well painted outsides on other models.

In other words, you should consider how well you can do the interior, how much it will add to the overall composition, etc. At the very least, you'd want to "maintain" the quality and interest of the exterior, I'd think. Like, if you weren't going to put in the same care and effort on the interior, it might hurt more than help.

 

[MrPickles]

moving parts have no place on models in my opinion. if ppl want to twist and move stuff buy an action figure. moving stuff around alot WILL rub paint off eventually. and if it's a competition worthy model i dont think anyone should be touching it with gruby hands to move stuff in the first place.

seems like most paint the windows on storm ravens, valkyries etc and i cant blame them. painting the outside of a vehicle to a high standard is enough work as it is.

i sometimes think GW is already taking it too far. what's next. movable arms and legs on infantry? take a space marines helmet off to see his head underneath? blehhhhh

 

[Jbickley00]

I suppose in general people are correct, its not necessary to do a painted interior to have a good model. And yes, a bad interior can hurt an otherwise beautiful exterior. I do however, submit a counter-point. Judges in a competition are going to see more than one excellently painted model. If you are looking for the "wow" factor that makes yours stand out, a detailed interior could be just the thing that lifts you up. If you have the time and inclination to do an interior, and can work it in to an overall composition, then your model will stand out. even if its something as simple as adding an interior latch on an open hatch, it can improve the model. All other things being equal, I would say a stormraven with a finished interior will win out over one with painted windows.

 

[RuneBrush]

moving parts have no place on models in my opinion. if ppl want to twist and move stuff buy an action figure. moving stuff around alot WILL rub paint off eventually. and if it's a competition worthy model i dont think anyone should be touching it with gruby hands to move stuff in the first place.

I completely agree. Both me and my brother have always had the attitude that doors and what not should be fixed in place. The only exception I've made is the Stormlord tank I've been working on for a friend, where the turret guns on the sponsons I've glued so that they rotate. The reason for this is that I felt they were more likely to get broken off if they were glued into place. They also received a good coat of gloss varnish before they were glued in place so the areas that touch are pretty protected.

 

[RuneBrush]

I suppose in general people are correct, its not necessary to do a painted interior to have a good model. And yes, a bad interior can hurt an otherwise beautiful exterior. I do however, submit a counter-point. Judges in a competition are going to see more than one excellently painted model. If you are looking for the "wow" factor that makes yours stand out, a detailed interior could be just the thing that lifts you up. If you have the time and inclination to do an interior, and can work it in to an overall composition, then your model will stand out. even if its something as simple as adding an interior latch on an open hatch, it can improve the model. All other things being equal, I would say a stormraven with a finished interior will win out over one with painted windows.

Generally painting an interior is quite tricky as you have to paint the innards unassembled and then put the vehicle together without messing that up whilst also ensuring the outside is "perfect".

I suppose the way to look at it is that a vehicle with exposed interior has a greater surface area to paint so you have the potential to create a more striking model. Equally you have a greater potential to bodge it too

 

[Bloodhowl]

I completely agree. Both me and my brother have always had the attitude that doors and what not should be fixed in place. The only exception I've made is the Stormlord tank I've been working on for a friend, where the turret guns on the sponsons I've glued so that they rotate. The reason for this is that I felt they were more likely to get broken off if they were glued into place. They also received a good coat of gloss varnish before they were glued in place so the areas that touch are pretty protected.

I "think" the models were designed to have the guns rotate in order to aid with LOS during the course of a game, but since LOS rules seem to change from edition to edition, I no longer know if this feature is even needed on the model.