Updated Pi - Repainting a Friend's Pedal!

Back in September I posted a couple of versions of the Big Muff Pi I'd build using Aion FX's Halo board. One was done in silver with a Pink Floyd inspired font and recreated the circuit of the '73 Gilmour Ram's Head version of the pedal. The other one was done in Russian 4BO green and recreated the Red Army / Civil War circuit. A friend asked me to make up a second Russian style enclosure, so I did and sent it to him. Unfortunately there appears to have been an issue with my primer, as the paint started to flake on arrival which sort of ruined the effect. So he sent it back to me for a redo, and as long as we were doing it again, he wanted a bit of a variation on the theme...

If you've read my wargaming blog (which has been lightly maintained owing to time spent on guitar stuff rather than models and miniatures), you'll know I'm a big fan of very weathered Soviet-inspired paint schemes (see photo below). My friend asked rather than a parade ready pedal, if I could work him up a "rusty tank" version instead... Challenge accepted!

Given the problems I'd had with the previous pedal's finish, I decided to go with an etching primer this time. I also wanted to go with a more commercial grade satin finish. I ended up going with a Rustoleum 2X coverage.

I used AK Interactive modulation paints to achieve the variations in the paint hue to give the finish an uneven, worn look. I also used AK Interactive chipping color and the sponge method (with some open cell foam) to create the paint chips. I then used a dark brown oil streaking wash to created the oil, dirt, or whatever stains. I then covered the whole thing with a satin coat.

The dress nut and LED bezel I decided to do in rust (it didn't originally have the dress nut, but I decided it would be a fun add). I hit both of these with the etching primer as well, and then airbrushed them with a layered rust effect followed by light chipping and a stain overcoat.

I'm really happy with the end result, and so far it seems to be holding up much, much better than the previous incarnation with no chipping so far. I'm going to let it set up for a few more days before trusting it to the gentle mercies of the postal service. I believe my friend has acquired some original Russian style knobs that will replace the plastics it is currently sporting, so that will be exceedingly cool!