![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ricklawler-propaganda.com\/propaganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/OPE21.jpg\")
<\/a>This particular subject is truly nothing more than a\n“weekend fun project”\u00a0\u00a0 What makes this interesting (for me) is the personal touches that I was able to bring to the project.\u00a0\u00a0 But first, let’s explain the project.<\/p>\n
As some of you might know I have am fortunate to be able to work in the scale modeling industry.\u00a0 My beginnings as a magazine contributor brought me to the attention of Miguel Jimenez who (at the time) was the principal force behind MIG Productions.\u00a0 For 3 years (2009 – 2012) I worked with MIG\u00a0 Productions as the product distributor for the US and Canada.\u00a0 During those years, Mig left MIG Productions and moved onto new interest which later became a new company, AK Interactive.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the summer of 2012 I agreed to join the staff of AK Interactive.\u00a0 It wasn’t too long after joining AK that a box of sample products show up at my door – time to get acquainted with the new products.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ricklawler-propaganda.com\/propaganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/ope10a.jpg\")
<\/a>However, the best part of this project – in my opinion – were the personal touches that I was able to add to the car itself. \u00a0 The graffiti shown on the sides of the car come from my own personal experiences growing up in the late 70’s – early 80’s small town. \u00a0A few highlights include; Lions (High School Name), CG (reference to Cottage Grove – home town), Van Halen, Gonzo, AC\/DC -the music I was listening to, ’80 (for the year I graduated from highschool – and finally a small heart with the letter “M” for my high school sweetheart and now wife, Margie. \u00a0Maybe a little silly, but being able to make a personal statement and have some fun makes these fun, little projects so enjoyable.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/ricklawler-propaganda.com\/propaganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/1164093620_946db1ead3_o.png\")
<\/a>One small “trick” that I think might be worth pointing out is near the end of the photo sequence were it shows a bottle of Tamiya Lacquer thinner being used.\u00a0 Once I had applied he various markings to the side of the car I felt that they looked too new, too un-faded – they just didn’t fit with the overall worn nature of the box car.\u00a0 My solution was to give the areas of graffiti a light brush wash with a soft brush lightly moistened with the thinner.\u00a0 Lacquer thinners are very aggressive so care must be taken, however, a light wa<\/strong>sh is a great way to “age” paint as it slightly streaks and blends the colors to give it that faded appearance.<\/p>\n