Dive Beetle – 1 –

by: William Phillips

Evaluation
Model Nr: 1
Class: Sci-Fi
Skill: Intermediate
Optional Criteria: Decals / Markings
Weathering
Type: Cast/Printed (10 + parts)
Manufacturer: Elfin
Scale: 1/24
Description: Please note that I have entered this into Intermediate, but I’m happy for it to be moved up (or down!) if deemed suitable.

This is a 1/24ish vinyl Dive Beetle kit from the Armored Troopers Votoms anime. I had never watched it but the kits came up cheap and thought I would have a go. Initially, thinking it was an aquatic suit I did the shin guards as such but later found that they were used as skis. If I’d known that I would have weathered them differently.

The colour scheme isn’t canon, but is intended to invoke a great white shark with the darker gray on top, and lighter lower down. The decals are randoms from the spares box – none were provided with the kit – and consist of 1/72 Vampire, 1/48 P-39, and whatever else I thought made sense.

Weathering is Mr Hobby masking fluid Sol Neo sponged between primer, metallic, base coats, and rubbed off after. Other techniques such as drybrushing, oils, and watercolour pencils were used too.