modeller military illustrated
£6.50 - Jun’15 (issue 050)
Dragon Borgward B.IV • AC Models Feldwebel bust • Canadian Leopard 1A2 • and more…
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AFV edition
A HIGHLY ACCURATE 1:35 SHERMAN M4A1(76) BY FUSING PARTS BY TIGER MODEL DESIGNS AND TASCA/ASUKA
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NEW in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series HOW TO BUILD... TAMIYA’S ARMOUR KITS IN 1:35 Though the modelling world is awash with an incredible variety of military vehicle kits from a huge number of different companies, one stands head and shoulders above the others in terms of originality, buildability and fun. That company is Tamiya, who have consistently provided the budding enthusiast with some of the finest kits available in the scale of 1:35. This new book brings together five detailed features that will show what is possible from this extensive range of kits. In so doing, it offers hints and tips, detailed step-by-step guides and written descriptions on all manner of techniques from basic construction, through detailing, painting and realistic weathering. No stone is left unturned in the quest to inspire the modeller to complete similar projects for themselves. It really is a one-stop-shop for the budding military modeller! Within its 84 pages you will five find features that take you through the construction and painting of the ‘Easy Eight’ Sherman, Nashorn, Elefant, Gama Goat and Tiran 5, all expertly put together by our renowned team of authors, Spencer Pollard, Brett Green and Marcus Nicholls, who have created one of the finest collections of modelling features ever published, on this famous range of kits. This then is the world of Tamiya’s wonderful 1:35 military vehicle kits plus p&p – we hope that you enjoy your visit!
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Contents
modeller military illustrated
ISSUE No.050 June 2015
4
44
6 8
NEWS
Military model product news
‘TEN HUT!
Sixteen new military kits on parade
105MM M4S IN COUTANCES
A scene is from July 29th in Coutances, Normandy
10 ORDNANCE DEPOT
New and recent accessory sets and modelling materials
12 GRENADIER FELDWEBEL Painting a 1:10 Grenadier Feldwebel Bust
16 AUSFÜHRUNG F; KRAUSS MAFFEI’S LITTLE PANZER
Angus Creighton builds Bronco’s 1:35 Pz.I Ausf.F
22 IT IS I, LECLERC
An interesting image of General Leclerc, midAugust 1944
12 22
24 BORGWARD FORWARD!
Dragon’s 1:35 Borgward B IV Ausf.B, of the 508 Sch.Pz.Abt.
30 OPERATION COBRA HYBRID A highly accurate 1:35 Sherman M4A1(76) using resin and injection-moulded parts
38 SPOILS OF WAR IN 1:48 Tamiya’s 1:48 Panzerkampfwagen 38(t), previewed
40 KAROSS PANSAR IN THE CONGO
Scratchbuilding a 1:35 model of the Swedish SKP m/42 armoured truck
44 RENT-A-TANK
A Canadian Army Leopard 1A2 in 1:35
50 IMITATION; THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY Painting and weathering the 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. VK32002
56 RED CARNATION: THE SOVIET 2S1 M1974 122MM SPG ‘GVOZDIKA’
16
2S1 M-1974 Gvozdika (Carnation) 122-mm SelfPropelled Howitzer
58 A TRUCK WITH TEETH
40
MiniArt’s 1:35 GAZ-AAA with Maxim AA system, previewed
60 BOOK REVIEWS
Military model-related book reviews
62 VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS, USA
Francois Verlinden is back! New products from the Belgian master of modern modelling
66 SIGN OFF
Dioramas to build before you die…
AFV Edition
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News NEWS JUST IN...
TAMIYA
1:35 PANTHER AUSF.D
ARCHER FINE TRANSFER
Officially announced at the 2015 Shizuoka Hobby Show that took place last week, Tamiya’s 1:35 Panther ausf.D is an all-new tooling that includes some nice touches, such as radiator and fan detail under the engine grilles, moveable hatches all-round and a nicely posed crew figure. More news in MiM soon. www.hobbyco.net
MINIART
1:35 GAZ-05-194 AMBULANCE
Using their excellent GAZ truck chassis, MiniArt have created an ambulance variant, plus a general military shelter vehicle, complete with wood-textured body and a miniature stove to warm one’s hands! www.creativemodels.co.uk
1:35 German license plates and Panzerfaust markings 1:35 NVA generic turret numbers and insignias 1:35 M19 transporter instruments and placards 1:35 Spanish Civil war propaganda posters www.archertransfers.com
REVELL 1:35 ATF DINGO 2 GE A3.3 PATSI
DRAGON
1:35 Panzerjäger II für Pak40/2 hobbyco.net
EDUARD
1:35 Photo-etch for Trumpeter Fennek 1:35 Photo-etch for IBG Bedford Q creativemodels.co.uk
MASTERBOX
1:72 Austin Mk.IV armoured car 1:35 ‘Pin-up’ girls X6 creativemodels.co.uk
TAKOM NEW 1:35 SUBJECTS
MINIART
1:35 German Tank Crew France 1940 1:35 Tram crew w/passengers creativemodels.co.uk Revell’s new-tool kit of this AllschutzTransportfahrzeug (ATF; all-protected transport vehicle) features an antislip coating, open or closed doors and rear hatch, detailed chassis and a weapons-station with a 7.62mm MG3A1 machine gun, plus four markings-options. www.revell.de/en
On the way soon from Takom is a fabulous 1:35 kit of the modern German army’s ‘Feldumschlaggerät’ 2.5T wheel-loader, KraZ 6322 truck, SpPz 2 Luchs A1/A2 armoured car, Skoda PA-11 ‘Turtle’ armoured car and Skoda 42cm M.1917 Heavy Siege Howitzer.
MINIART 1:35 US MILITARY POLICEMAN W/MOTORCYCLE
MIRROR MODELS
1:35 Chevrolet C15TA mirror-models.com
MERIT MODELS
1:18 FlaK 36 88mm AA gun 1:16 German 15cm s.H.F. 18 Howitzer 1:16 US 155mm M198 Towed Howitzer pocketbond.co.uk
MENG MODELS
1:35 Soviet T-10M Heavy Tank creativemodels.co.uk
ZVEZDA
1:35 Soviet ‘Terminator’ hobbyco.net
TAMIYA
1:35 M3 Grant 1:16 JGSDF tank crew hobbyco.net
THIS MONTH IN TAMIYA MODEL MAGAZINE… FINE MOLDS 1:35 JAPANESE TYPE 61
www.pocketbond.co.uk
TRUMPETER NEW 1:35 SUBJECTS
New from Trumpeter are the Soviet 52-K 85mm Air Defence Gun M1943 Late Version, PLA ZBD-86B IFV and Czech T-72M4CZ MBT, all in 1:35. Expect flawless mouldings and fine detail, as always. www.pocketbond.co.uk
4
On the way from MiniArt is a beautiful replica of a WW2 US MP and his HarleyDavidson motorcycle. Kit comes with the rider figure and photo-etched details.
This month’s edition of Tamiya Model Magazine (June, No.236) features Fine Molds 1:35 Type 61 MBT from the 1950/60s. Order now at; www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com
www.creativemodels.co.uk
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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‘TEN HUT! FORCES OF VALOR
ITALERI
1:72 Sd.Kfz 251/1 Hanomag Eastern Front 1944 PBM
1:72 M4A2 Sherman III Fast Assembly Kit (two kits) IM, WS
ITEM NO.85079 www.hobbyco.net
Very well detailed and painted collector’s model
ITEM NO.7511 www.hobbyco.net
Two kits in one box, simple assembly for wargaming
TAMIYA
BRONCO MODELS
1:16 Japan Ground Self Defence Force Tank Crew Set IM, WS
1:35 ‘God’s Blessing’ IM, WS
ITEM NO.36316 www.hobbyco.net
ITEM NO.CB35206 www.hannants.co.uk
Large scale full and half figures for Tamiya Type 10 MBT
A highly original field service scene – Jeep not included
PLUS MODEL
DRAGON
1:35 Morris CS8 with body Mk.III R, PE, WS, MW
1:35 Pz.Kpfw.III (FL) ausf.M w/schürzen Smart Kit IM, PE, SVT
ITEM NO.441 www.creativemodels.co.uk
Beautiful resin kit for the advanced modeller
ITEM NO.6776 www.hobbyco.net
A box full of many parts and loads of detail
ITALERI
ZVEZDA
1:35 M4A2 Sherman 76mm (wet) IM, SVT, WS
1:35 T-72B Russian MBT w/ERA IM, WS, ITL
ITEM NO.6483 www.hobbyco.net
Decals for Lend-Lease vehicle included
6
Some of the latest military kits to drop onto the Military Illustrated Modeller reviews desk
ITEM NO.3551 www.hobbyco.net
A famous Soviet-era MBT, with ERA!
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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Materials: IM: injection-moulded R: resin PE: photo-etch WS: waterslide decals SVT: soft vinyl tracks/tyres AT: articulated tracks ITL: individual track links PBM: pre-built model VF: vacuum-formed AGB: alloy gun barrel MW: metal wire CPF: clear plastic film
TAMIYA
REVELL
1:48 Pz.kpfw.IV ausf.H Late Production IM, WS
1:35 ATF Dingo 2 GE A2 PatSi IM, SVT, WS, MW
The final form of the Panzer IV in superbly detailed form, with schürzen armour
Detailed interior, viewable thanks to open/closed doors
DRAGON
ICM
1:35 Saladin Mk.2 British Armoured Car IM, SVT, PE, WS
1:35 T-34/76 (early 1943 production) IM, SVT, WS
ITEM NO.32584 www.hobbyco.net
ITEM NO.3554 www.hobbyco.net
For a welcome change, a British, Cold War six-wheeler; a nice subject choice
ITEM NO.03233 www.revell.de/en
ITEM NO.35365 www.hannants.co.uk
The cast-turret variant of this iconic WW2 Soviet tank
TAMIYA/ITALERI
BRONCO
1:35 Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma heavy armoured car IM, PE, WS
1:35 Versuchsflakwagen fur 8.8cm Flak.37 Sonderfahrgestell (Pz.Sfl.IVc) IM, AT, PE, WS
ITEM NO.37018 www.hobbyco.net
Italeri’s plastic mouldings are mildly upgraded in this cooperative kit release
ITEM NO.CB35174 www.hannants.co.uk
Bronco’s chassis meets Dragon’s 88mm flak in this impressive release
RODEN
AFV CLUB
1:72 VOMAG Omnibus 7 OR66 IM, PE, WS
1:35 IDF SHO’T KAL DALET IM, PE, MS, WS
Photo-etched rails for rooftop luggage rack
The box is packed with parts to depict the late-model ‘Sho’t Kal Dalet’
ITEM NO.729 www.pocketbond.co.uk
www.pocketbond.co.uk
AFV Edition
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MODELLING REFERENCES: A SCENE FROM NORMANDY 1944
8
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105MM M4s IN COUTANCES T
his scene is from July 29th in Coutances, Normandy and plays out in front of No.74 Boulevard Alsace-Lorraine. A column of American soldiers march in single file past parked-up 105mm howitzer-equipped M4 Sherman tanks, an M3 halftrack, a jeep-ambulance and an M32 ARV Armoured Recovery Vehicle of the 4th Armored Div. The infantrymen are members of the 357th Inf. Rgt, 90th US Inf. Div. who, on the aforementioned date, moved 90km south, passing through Coutances and Avranches, to join the St Hilaire du Harcouët sector. The white stars were too bright and made good aiming points for enemy AT gunners, so they were covered with black paint. •
AFV Edition
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ORDNANCE DEPOT New and recently issued kits and accessory sets for armour modelling projects
TAMIYA, JAPAN
MODELLING TOOLS
T
h is interesting new tool from Tamiya is a manual punch device that can create 2mm and 3mm discs in plastic card to make details for model projects or masking tape to cover off portholes, dials etc. As with all of Tamiya’s tools, this one is well made with clear instructions. Very useful! MN ●
TAMIYA CRAFT TOOLS MODELER’S PUNCH (74122)
ALBION ALLOYS, UK
MODELLING MATERIALS
A
lbion Alloys have a new system named ‘Connecto’ that comprises a series of eight, six, four and three legged, photo-etched ‘spider’ connectors whose legs fit into lengths of matching diameter tubing (brass, stainless steel and aluminium). The legs can be bent to form discreetly minimal corners so that the modeller can build tubular framework, ladders, engine mounts, roll cages etc., in fact the possibilities are almost limitless. Cyanoacrylate glue is the best material to make the joints and the whole thing can then be primed and painted with usual modelling paints. This is an extremely clever and useful British product and we love it! MN ●
CONNECTO RANGE
REALITY IN SCALE, ABER, THE NETHERLANDS POLAND DIORAMA ACCESSORIES
T
his Netherlands-based manufacturer offers a wide range of superb accessories, from large, 1:35 resin buildings to tiny items for enhancing dioramas. Here’s a collection of recent items; mostly resin items as well as groundwork materials and printed items. All are manufactured to a high quality and appear well researched – perfect for your dioramic scenes. MN 1:72; Dio72 Belgian house (dio72-007) 1:35; WWII Wooden signs - Germany 2 (35228) Food supplies 3 (35210) Food supplies 4 (351221) Common German boxes 7 boxes incl. Archer decals (35246) German 75mm long ammo boxes incl. Archer decals (35242) Improvised drum stoves (35209) Postal bags WWII German/American (35202) Crushed German drums WWII 10 resin pcs (35240) Large North African Well (35208) Multi-scale; Paintings on real canvas (35128) Small statues set 7 pieces (35091) Mud-in-a-pot – dry mud and foliage, light (mud09) Nature-in-a-pot (scat02)
10
AFV ACCESSORIES
A
ber have a wealth of new detail sets on release and one of the latest is a machined alloy barrel set (152mm and 20mm) for Dragon’s recent MBT-70 kit. The 152mm gun tube is lathed from aluminium in three sections and the 20mm barrel is a two-piece item with a beautifully milled and drilled muzzle brake. A pair of machined brass seal-discs for the main gun’s fume extractor are included, along with a PE disc that sits between the two brass parts of the 20mm barrel. As always, a professionally produced set with excellent instructions and an air of sophistication. MN ●
1:35 ARMAMENT FOR DRAGON 1:35 MBT-70 KPZ.70 (35 L-151)
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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ULTIMATE MODELLING PRODUCTS, UK MODELLING MATERIALS
U
MP offer some extremely focused, well thought-out products for the modern modeller, such as sanding sticks, colour washes, paint thinners and airbrush cleaners. The latest product from UMP is a ‘burnishing liquid’ that can be used to chemically darken the metal surface of metal, specifically that of Friulmodel cast metal track links. We tried a metal sprocket wheel from a Friulmodel set and over the space of a few minutes, it turned a shade of dark, patchy brown, simulating realistic exposed steel as you’d find on a tank in the field. All it needs is a dusty colour-wash to bring it to life. MN
●
UMP BURNISHING LIQUID, NATURAL WEATHERING FOR METAL TRACKS
EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC AFV ACCESSORIES
E
duard have some new sets on release for a range of military vehicles, from the WW1 Mk.IV Male to the IDF Achzarit APC. As always, excellent detail and useful instructions feature. MN
● 1:35 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS StuG.III Ausf.G 1943 (36281) for Dragon StuG.IV last production (36282) for Dragon M48A3 (36283) for Dragon Achzarit early (36284) for Meng Magach 6B Gal Batash (36287) for Academy Sherman Mk.V Firefly (36300) for Tamiya M4A3E8 Sherman (36301) for Tamiya Mark IV male exterior (36302) for Tamiya Mark IV male interior (36303) for Tamiya
AMMO, SPAIN MODELLING MATERIALS
T
he latest colours to join AMMO’s colour modulation paint series, we have sets for dark yellow, red primer, Russian 4BO greens and panzer grey, all consisting of four, 17ml bottles of gradually lightening shades of the base colour. AMMO’s book on colour-modulation is an essential guide to utilising this paint effect properly and when mastered, it can look spectacular. MN Modulation Basic Set, Dunkelgelb (A.MIG 7000) Modulation Basic Set, Dunkelgrau (A.MIG 7001) ● Modulation Basic Set, Red Primer (A.MIG 7002) ● Modulation Basic Set, Russian 4BO (A.MIG 7004) ● ●
WHERE TO BUY? ALBION ALLOYS, UK; www.albionalloys.co.uk REALITY IN SCALE, THE NETHERLANDS; www.realityinscale.com EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC; www.eduard.com www.creativemodels.co.uk www.hannants.co.uk
AMMO, SPAIN; www.migjimenez.com ULTIMATE MODELLING PRODUCTS, UK; www.umpretail.com TAMIYA; www.hobbyco.net ABER; www.creativemodels.co.uk
PROTECT YOUR
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Call 01525 222573 or visit www.militaryillustratedmodeller.com AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: BUST - AC MODELS 1:10 GERMAN NCO GRENADIER EASTERN FRONT 1942 • Kit No. ACM 10B08
GRENADIER FELDWEBEL IN 1:10 John F. Steinman describes the painting of a 1:10 Grenadier Feldwebel Bust
T
his is AC Models’ 1:10 bust of a German Panzergrenadier Feldwebel. The kit is made up of just three resin parts; the head, body, and decorative stand. The quality of the sculpting is good, with only minimal touch up needed. The casting quality was not as good; after cleaning up the rough areas, many small and some no so small bubbles and voids were exposed. Thankfully most of these were on the rear of the figure. The figure wears a five-button M1940 Feldtunic and an M34 Feldmutz (cap). Discernible awards are as follows: 1. Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (Iron Cross 1st Class) 2. Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) 3. Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen (Infantry Assault Badge) in bronze 4. Panzerkampfwagenabzeichen (Tank Combat Badge) should be in bronze even though box art shows silver The box art depicts his campaign ribbon as one for the Russian front. He is equipped with full web gear, a Model 24 Stielhandgranate, a Kar 98K, set of ammo pouches and a signal flashlight torch manufactured by Daimon Telko-Trio Focus. He was painted with a combination of Vallejo and Tamiya Acrylics. •
Completed figure. The included base was aerosol-sprayed gloss black and a wire pin added to secure the figure. The flash light was base-coated with the flat black/glossy black mix, then chipped with 922. When dry, the chips were created with silver artist pencil. Green Waffenfarb painted with Vallejo 922, USA Uniform
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L
The cleaned and primed figure ready for paint
A comparison between 1:10 and 1:48 – the former is just a little bit bigger…
Second highlight using a 50/50 mix of the ‘955 and 815 Basic Skin Tone
Vallejo 875 Brown Sand base coat applied via airbrush
First highlight using Vallejo 955 Flat Flesh
Third highlight adding 50% 928 Light Skin Tone into the mix
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: BUST - AC MODELS 1:10 GERMAN NCO GRENADIER EASTERN FRONT 1942 • Kit No. ACM 10B08
Final highlight with straight 928
Second shadow. 50% more 814 added to the mix
Highlights partially blended
Final shadow 100% 814, very dilute
First shadow with a 50/50 mix of Vallejo 814, Burnt Cadmium Red and 875
Beginning of blending (layering) the junctions of colours
Lips and eyes started – more blending
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Finishing the eyes – more blending
Hair started with Vallejo 871, Brown Leather. Five o’clock shadow added with 502 Abteilung Oil 015, Shadow Brown diluted with turpenoid
Feldmutz base coated with Vallejo 920 German uniform. Highlighted by adding Vallejo 837, Light Sand. Shadows a mix of 920 and Vallejo 995, German Grey. Detail painting started with Vallejo 992, Neutral Grey
Hair highlighted by mixing in Vallejo 837 to the 871. Grey streaks added with Vallejo 992. Shadows added by a wash of 995 The finished head Far left: Uniform based-coated with Tamiya XF-65 Field Grey. First highlights with Vallejo 995
More details painted. Wear on leather added with Vallejo 873, US Field Drab. Buckles base coated in 992, then touched in with graphite Left: Shadows added by mixing 995 50/50 with 995. Then all colour junctions blended. Detail painting started. Web gear was based coated with a 50/50 mix of Vallejo 950, Flat Black and 861, Glossy Black. Insignia base coated with 922 and highlighted with Vallejo 951, White
Availability; AC Models; www.acmodels.co.nz Vallejo Acrylics; www.creativemodels.co.uk
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: BRONCO 1:35 PZ.I AUSF.F • KIT NO.CB35143
AUSFÜHRUNG F; KRAUSS MAFFEI’S LITTLE PANZER This issue, Angus Creighton builds Bronco’s superb 1:35 Pz.I Ausf.F, almost straight from the box!
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A
s kit manufacturers explore more and more unusual vehicles produced during the Second World War, Bronco have joined Hobbyboss in producing the VK18.01 tank in 1:35 scale. Bronco has focused on the ‘production’ version of what would be named ‘Panzer I Ausf. F’, including a comprehensive interior and working tracks. Krauss Maffei of Munich – normally associated with building prime movers such as the Sd.Kfz.7 – manufactured both the Pz.I Ausf. C and thirty production examples of the Pz.I Ausf. F before their order was cancelled in 1943. The vehicle was used by Panzer Regiment 1 on the eastern front and by the armoured ‘Polizei’ company. The example modelled here was captured by the Soviets during the War and is currently on display at the Kubinka tank collection near Moscow.
STARTING OFF
The build commenced with the hull, which is made up of separate flat plates that need to be carefully joined to ensure all parts are lined up correctly. The instructions recommend that the interior parts be assembled, painted and installed prior to then assembling the hull. I prefer to assemble as much of the model as practical before the first paint hits plastic simply to reduce my exposure to paint fumes. I was therefore pleased to discover that by removing the locator tabs on the sides of the interior ‘floor’ panel, it is possible to paint then insert the part into the assembled hull later in the build. All other interior parts including the engine firewall can then be painted and fitted to the side walls. To ensure the floor sits at the correct height, two lengths of 1mm square rod can be added on top of the torsion bar mounts. If you decide to follow this method, it is essential that the engine louvres are not fitted as the floor is best withdrawn back though the hull and removed at the rear of the vehicle. Just like the original vehicle, the torsion bars are inserted into one side of the hull and fixed on the opposite side. An advantage of adding the interior later in the build is that the modeller can view the torsion bars as they are added and apply glue where necessary. I assume the kit designers intended the suspension to move up and down, however I preferred to fix the axles in line. By installing the front and rear shock absorbers, the height of the axles is established, allowing the other three axles to be fitted in line. The original shocks were bolted to a thick plate welded to the hull. This prominent weld bead around the head of the shock absorber should be added using your chosen method – for me, my Historex pyrogravure.
ROADWHEELS
The wheels are assembled from multiple parts ensuring the heavily ‘undercut’ design of the original is really well replicated. It is worth noting that the plug that fits inside the wheels (to enable the wheel to rotate on its axle) is slightly too
long for the ‘middle’ wheels and forces the two halves apart. By simply cutting a few millimetres from the end of each plug, any fit issues are speedily resolved. If you intend to glue the wheels to their axles, don’t be tempted to omit the plug completely as this will result in a very sloppy fit when the wheels are installed. A very slight texture or pitting can be added to the tyres to suggest wear and tear.
TRACKS
The rear idler could be made to move, allowing adjustment of the track tension, however the position dictated in the kit allows for sixty-five track links to be installed each side with acceptable sag. The instructions suggest sixty-six links are used per track run, but that would entail moving the rear back to compensate and modifying the tensioning device underneath. I am happy to stick with sixty-five links per side. The tracks scale perfectly to the 500mm width of the original links and are beautifully moulded requiring minimal clean-up once removed from the sprues. Reminiscent of Model Kasten tracks, tiny pins are supplied that, with careful gluing, allow the assembled track to articulate. Unlike the MK tracks, these pins must be removed from the sprue before fitting, making assembly very fiddly, however the end result makes the effort worthwhile.
FENDERS
Moving to the fenders, these are pleasingly thin, with the ribbing seen on the top face replicated in relief on the underside. Keeping in mind how visible the underside of the fenders are on the Ausf F, the location holes for the various tools mounted above are highly visible, so are best plugged with plastic rod, then filed smooth. Rivet detail can be added to match the fittings on the upper surface, enhancing the detail still further. I salvage appropriate rivets from left over parts in the ‘spares box’. Bronco has thoughtfully provided the front fenders in two forms, one with curved extensions installed and a second set with these extensions removed. I used the latter on the finished model. The Notek front and rear lights are by Tasca as the detail is slightly superior to that of the Bronco versions. 4mm lead wire provides the front light’s cabling, passing through the fender to a junction box added to the hull.
PIONEER TOOLS
The tools provided by Bronco are adequate; however the clamps were replaced using the everuseful Aber etched versions. Etched clamp handles are provided in the kit, but curiously not enough for all the tools provided. The spade provided by Bronco appears to me to be overly long, so was replaced with a spare AFV Club example. Above the left rear fender should be what I believe to be a spare aerial stowage tube designed to take 1.4mm long rod aerials. This part is missed in the kit, but can easily be made from 1mm plastic rod. The tow-rope mounting brackets were replaced with plastic tube, primarily because Bronco has correctly included two on the left side but only one on the right side. It is easier to remake all four than add the missing forth mount and make it match the other three.
ENGINE ACCESS
The four engine hatches are supplied as separate parts, enabling the modeller to leave them open and install an aftermarket Maybach engine if
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: BRONCO 1:35 PZ.I AUSF.F • KIT NO.CB35143
Rear fender detail
Left rear fender; box with feet added
Turret, wire lifting loops
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Left rear fender;, box fitted over tools
Mantlet removed, revealing MG34s
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Above left and right, turret interior showing spaced armour
Interior floor support added, torsion bars below
Engine hatch with delicate photo-etched grilles in place
Rope holders in white plastic card, weld seam around the top of the shock absorber
Above left, ariel tube added to kit above shock, Bump stop in white
Bolts added under fender
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FEATURE ARTICLE: BRONCO 1:35 PZ.I AUSF.F • KIT NO.CB35143
Exhaust and spare track
Texture was added to the final drives, plus Calibre35 resin bolts
Interior floor with geatbox and steering levers
The interior floor can be dropped into the assembled hull
Turret base fitted with commander seat The assembled model with resin Pz.IV jacking block
desired. Fine etched brass mesh is provided and care needs to be taken to ensure it sits correctly on the plastic part. Extra thin cyano glue is used to fix the mesh in place. With the tiny turret, the spaced armour construction of the original is accurately represented. The inner turret ‘horseshoe’ – reminiscent of the Tiger I, is clad in a thinner armoured ‘skirt’. The latter is supplied in two halves, with the resulting join at the rear filled and sanded smooth. The commander’s hatch is well detailed with separate locking handles, although the head pad moulded inside the hatch benefits from slight sanding to soften the ‘leather’ effect. Periscopes are provided in clear plastic, a nice refinement in any kit. The lifting loops were remade using 0.4mm copper wire. Moving to the interior of the turret, the breech area of the two MG34s are well reproduced, with open ammo bags. On the inner sides of the turret ‘horse-shoe’, I added a few
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boltheads to match the hinge and spaced armour mounts. A beautifully detailed set of traverse wheels completes the turret assembly. The instructions suggest that the commander’s seat be glued to the hull floor, however surely this should attach to the base of the turret? Two slots are included in the latter part that lines up with the legs of the seat assembly. The rotating electrical socket under the seat lines up with an assembly on the hull floor. It needs to be carefully positioned (using a degree of trial and error) under the seat to ensure the turret will freely rotate. This entailed shortening the mounting arm by a few millimetres to allow the part to sit in the correct position.
INTERIOR DETAILING
The hull interior is made up of the floor plate onto which the gearbox and drivers seat is fitted. After this part is installed, the many MG ammo bags and other small details can be painted and
added to the walls. The top of the hull is a snug fit and does not require gluing. This will allow its removal once the model is completed to view the interior. The radio is nicely detailed although the associated transformers that are mounted on the right hand wall appear under-scale to my eye. These may be of a type that I have not encountered before. Interconnecting cabling has been added using lead wire. The model was sprayed using Tamiya acrylics and after weathering, the few decals applied. So another completed model to add to the collection. Credit must go to Bronco for producing such a beautiful little model with good quality photo-etch and working track links allowing it to be built pretty much straight from the box. The added inclusion of the interior enables the model to be displayed with all hatches open making for a very complete rendition of this fascinating little tank. •
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The kit’s tracks are in the style of Model Kasten sets, with individually moulded links held together by tiny plastic pins
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MODELLING REFERENCES: GENERAL LECLERC IN NORMANDY
IT IS I, LECLERC 22
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n this interesting image from mid-August 1944, we see General Leclerc, commander of the 2nd Armoured talking with men of 501 CCR; note the ‘Auerstaedt’ aircraft emblem on the Sherman’s hull side. Leclerc had established his command in the municipality of Fleuré, seven kilometres south-east of Ecouché where the 1st Company of the 501 RCC was based from 13th to the 21st of August 1944. Other items of interest here include the camouflage netting and foliage over the M4’s hull, plus the air-identification panel tied down over the stowed-up engine deck. This would have been made from a brightly coloured material so that Allied fighter-bombers could avoid ‘blue-onblue’ incidents. •
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FEATURE ARTICLE: DRAGON 1:35 BORGWARD B IV AUSF.B TAKEN FROM KI NO. 9054
BORGWARD FORWARD!
Andrea Maselli superdetails Dragon’s 1:35 Borgward B IV Ausf.B, of the 3rd Company, 508 Sch.Pz.Abt. Italy 1944
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he Borgward B IV Ausf. B was a small, tracked vehicle with brake-steering, which could be controlled by a driver or by remote control. It was capable of carrying a powerful explosive charge contained in a large ‘bin’ mounted on the front of the vehicle. The Borgward would be driven up to the target, the explosive pack released onto the ground and then reversed away quickly before detonation. The charge was remotely triggered from a radio device aboard a command tank, held back at a safe distance, thus limiting the losses in offensive operations against fortifications and minefields. After the landing at Anzio in January 1944, the
Allies inexplicably stopped their advance, allowing the Germans time to reorganise their defences. The 508 Sch.Pz.Abt – equipped with the Tiger I plus a complement of Borgward vehicles – was sent in haste to the area of operations. The vehicles were used at the beginning of 1944 near Cisterna di Latina (LT), and were then progressively withdrawn to the north of Rome and Tuscany.
The Borgward in 1:35
The model comes from a Dragon Pz.III J Control Tank kit (#9054) which contains the Borgward in the box; I’ll use the Pz.III for another project. What immediately strikes you is the small size of
the Borgward and the fineness of its parts, especially with regards to the running gear. The most glaring deficiencies are the almost total absence of interior detail, which, unfortunately, is partially visible through the driver’s hatches. The tracks are in ‘special’ vinyl (which can be glued with polystyrene cement) and are difficult to fit because of the tension they exert on the fragile suspension arms. With the photographic references always on hand and the classic modelling materials such as plastic card, thin sheet metal, metal wire in various diameters and other scrap materials such as waste resin casting blocks. I rebuilt everything and painted the inner hull in red-oxide primer, ageing the
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FEATURE ARTICLE: DRAGON 1:35 BORGWARD B IV AUSF.B TAKEN FROM KIT NO. 9054
Above and below, layout of parts prior to painting
Brass armoured cover over the engine grille
The scratchbuilt radiator with associated pipework in close-up
Some storage boxes were made from thin aluminium sheet
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Tracks were held in place with blocks of foam
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Interior was painted with a red-oxide colour and the inner components then painted and weathered
Close-ups of the finished model showing the folded mattress on the rear
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FEATURE ARTICLE: DRAGON 1:35 BORGWARD B IV AUSF.B TAKEN FROM KIT NO. 9054
The Borgward’s camouflage was airbrushed on using Tamiya Acrylics
A coat of matt varnish seals everything in readiness for weathering
Rust streaks were applied with subtlety
surfaces with the use of selective colour-washes, pigments and graphite powder for a final, metallic touch. As often happens, the work of superdetail and painting of interior is only partially appreciated, at the end but the satisfaction is still great! For the exterior, I used part of an Eduard photoetch set designed for the Ausf. A version of the same vehicle. From this, the two explosive-charge release arms were used, plus the armour plate over the gearbox’s cooling grille and the grille itself, the brackets for spare jerrycans and some other minor details. An external stowage box was scratchbuilt from thin sheet metal, along with the two engagement indicators of the remote control system, the release mechanism of the explosive charge and the protective plates of the driving compartment, as the kit parts were too thick. Other minor details were added, such as
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Time for an oil-paint colour wash
Trying out the Milliput mattress for size
the engine hoods clasps, small pulleys of the mechanical release system for the ‘warhead’ and the detail inside the driver’s door which will be left open, all created with plastic card, copper wire and thin sheet.
PAINTING THE MODEL
I always start this phase with a coat of primer to unify the surfaces and the various materials used during assembly. In this case I used ‘White Skull’ from Games Workshop for the hull, plus Tamiya Surface Primer (L) for the remaining components. There’s no particular reason for the use of these primers, they were just the ones that I had to hand at that time! In order to ease the process, I left the model in sub-assemblies during the painting stages. The most obvious example is the rolling chassis with the tracks that I had to assemble after
The fender-mounted stowage box was painted red-oxide
Enamels were used to paint the mattress’s base colours
the layer of primer on the hull. The camouflage chosen was the classic threetone scheme with small light stains of green and reddish brown on a dark yellow background, typical of German vehicles used after ‘43 in the Italian theatre of operations. Wanting to experiment with the technique of ‘modulation’, I started with the dunkelgelb colour base (Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow,, XF-59 Desert Yellow, XF-2 Flat White), gradually fading the colour out by adding more white. The second colour was green (XF-13 Dark Green) and finally the Red-Brown (Hobby Color H47). I must confess that my first attempt to apply the green and brown camouflage was a disaster and I had to start over again, maybe due to incorrect dilution that made the paint too grainy. Once the paints had dried, I applied
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Modelspec DRAGON 1:35 BORGWARD BIV AUSF.B KIT NO.9054 Materials; Injection-moulded polystyrene, soft vinyl tracks Paints used;
The mattress during painting
Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow, XF-59 Desert Yellow, XF-2 Flat White, XF-13 Dark Green Mr Color; Hobby Color H47 Availability; Dragon model kits are widely available from good model shops. UK import and distribution by The Hobby Company; www.hobbyco.net
Tamiya TS-79 Semi-gloss Clear to create a satin appearance on the vehicle, protecting the finish from further stages of weathering to follow.
WEATHERING/AGEING
This type of vehicle was subject to an intense operational life and I decided that the finish of the model would reflect this, with a very shabby condition plus obvious chipping of the paint, dirt, dust and dry mud. As with all my models, I wanted to add a touch of individuality to the vehicle. I was inspired by a photo that depicts some of the vehicles along a country road, presumably in northern Lazio and Tuscany, loaded with... Mattresses! I then modelled a mattress folded in two with Milliput, recreating the stitching and cords along the edges. I also made a sheet from putty with the help of a glass jar and
much talcum powder to roll out the material to a thin sheet. I cut this sheet into a rectangular shape and draped it over the mattress. A towing cable made from thin, twisted copper wire was then place on top of them. The mattress was painted with Humbrol matt enamels in shades of beige and brown to simulate the typical striped cloth in use in the ‘40s, with the help of thin masking tape to get an accurate and convincing result.
FINAL COMMENTS
I made this model just in time to participate in the ‘Red Devils Award 2013’ international competition held in Thiene (Vicenza, Italy). I fixed the
model on a simple black base with sides decorated with maps of the time zone in which the division worked. I also added a Royal Model figure to better portray the small size of the vehicle. In any case, the satisfaction was great because at the competition my little Borgward was awarded a silver medal in the category of military vehicles 1:35! This was a model that kept me busy on and off for a long time but in the end I was rewarded for my work. Thanks due to my wife who supported me in all phases of designing and friend Mark Farrugia who helped me with the translation of this article exclusively for MiM. A special thanks to Stan Spooner and Marcus Nicholls for the confidence and patience in waiting for my articles! •
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FEATURE ARTICLE: TIGER MODEL DESIGNS/ASUKA 1:35 SHERMAN M4A1(76)
OPERATION
COBRA HYBRID Jeremy Moore constructs a highly accurate Sherman M4A1(76) using resin hull parts from Tiger Model Designs and injection-moulded suspension from Tasca/Asuka
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Views of the fully build model prior to painting revealing the resin hull and plastic running gear
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ike most fans of the Sherman tank I’m always on the lookout for a unique subject that catches my eye and cries out to be built as a model. I’ve scoured dozens of reference books and viewed hundreds of photographs in search for the perfect Sherman project. Inevitably once I think I’ve found one and proceed to build it, another one appears, and the cycle of being a Shermanaholic continues! My latest project is the M4A1(76) Sherman introduced on the European front in July of 1944 during Operation Cobra. Manufactured by Pressed Steel Car beginning in January 1944, the M4A1(76) was the result of the marriage between the large hatch M4A1(75) wet stowage hull and the 76mm gunned T23 turret from the failed T20 Medium Tank series trials. Pressed Steel Car manufactured a total of 1,961 M4A1(76)s with VVSS suspension between January and November of 1944. Initial production versions featured several
identifiable features including horizontal return roller brackets, early D82081 turret with split loader’s hatch and M1A1 gun with unthreaded barrel. Due to a logistical error, nearly 100 of the first tanks produced also lacked a ventilator assembly on the rear of the turret. A number of design changes and improvements were made throughout the Sherman manufacturing line and when the final M4A1(76) with VVSS suspension rolled off the assembly line sometime in late 1944, it featured upswept return roller brackets, a sheet metal cover over the forward ventilator fan and the final production version of the 76mm turret with M1A2 barrel and oval loader’s hatch. These late production versions began showing up in Europe in early 1945 as replacement tanks.
IN 1:35?
There are several kits and conversions of the M4A1(76) currently available including the
venerable Italeri kit, the DML M4A1(76) Operation Cobra kit, and of more recent production the Tamiya Israel M1 Super Sherman. The DML kit represents an early production version with the M1A1 unthreaded barrel, D82081 turret with a split loader’s hatch and horizontal return roller assemblies for the VVSS suspension. The Italeri kit is a bit of a mish-mash of early and late production features to include the D82081 turret, a vague resemblance of a M1A1C barrel with thread protector, and upswept return roller brackets on the VVVS suspension. The recently released Tamiya M1 Super Sherman represents a later production version and includes a nicely rendered 76mm turret with oval loader’s hatch. Tiger Model Designs have also produced a number of individual resin conversion parts suitable for Tasca/Asuka kits including a large hatch M4A1 wet stowage hull, late M4/M4A1 engine deck, and welded lower hull assembly to name a few.
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FEATURE ARTICLE: TIGER MODEL DESIGNS/ASUKA 1:35 SHERMAN M4A1(76)
Views of the completed model showing how the stowage (from Legend Productions, Blast Models, Verlinden) was fitted first, then painted in situ. The green items are made from Kneadatite putty
Mr Surfacer 1200 was aplied over the whole model, directly from the spray can
The olive drab was created using Tamiya Acrylics; XF-62 Olive Drab lightened with XF-60 Dark Yellow and a little XF-58 Olive Green, thinned with Tamiya thinner
While the Tamiya kit would be the best candidate for an easy and accurate late production version M4A1(76), I had a number of extra Tasca/Asuka Sherman components available including a complete 76mm turret left over from a previous project as well as a complete late VVSS suspension set. Tasca/ Asuka also offers the purchase of individual sprues from their various Sherman kits which also came in handy. I began collecting all of the necessary components and relied heavily on Tiger Model Designs for their excellent resin conversion parts. The TMD parts are superbly cast and designed to fit Tasca/Asuka kits, in most cases being drop-in replacements for existing kit parts. Since I would be utilizing quite a few Tasca/Asuka parts, I basically followed the instructions included in their Sherman kits to guide me through construction. So without any further delay, let’s get started!
CONSTRUCTION
Like most Sherman projects, assembly began with the suspension and lower hull. I utilized the Tasca/ Asuka 35-008 M4 Sherman VVSS Suspension
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Set B (Late) which comes with the option of late stamped or dished road wheels. I opted for the dished road wheels and assembled the six bogie units without any major difficulties. While some may say the Tasca/Asuka suspension is somewhat overcomplicated, they are probably the most accurate available and will articulate fully if assembled carefully. The only additional details necessary are the four locating holes on the front face of each bogey unit which I added using a pin vice. To ensure the DS T49 flexible tracks from DML were tensioned properly, I enlarged the diameter of the pin the drive sprocket slides on to by gluing thin plastic strips around the circumference. This ensures there’s no wobble to the sprocket and subsequent ‘toe-in’ of the drive sprockets when the tracks are put on under tension. This simple step, along with the use of the adjustable idler wheel mounts provided by Tasca/Asuka, really helps improve the look of the tracks by ensuring there’s no sag. Superb TMD resin The lower hull was assembled next using Tiger Model Designs excellent M4/M4A1 late
welded hull and their M4 Composite rear hull plate. These parts are basically corrected versions of Tasca/Asuka parts so assembly was pretty straightforward. The lower hull itself consists of side plates, a bottom plate, the rear hull plate, an internal former, and the hull sponsons which require careful alignment to ensure everything is square. Details were added to the rear hull plate including the engine access doors, towing shackles and the air cleaner assemblies. For extra detail I added Aber photo-etched retaining pins to the air cleaners. Weld lines were also rendered on the towing mount and engine access door hinges using .010 styrene rod softened with Tamiya thin cement. After all of this work was complete an exhaust deflector from the Tasca/Asuka M32B1 kit was mounted using brackets made from styrene. Moving around to the front of the lower hull, a Tiger Model Designs late transmission final drive assembly was added. Like the other TMD parts it’s pretty much a drop-in replacement for the Tasca/Asuka parts and fits very well to both the lower hull and the upper hull.
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The entire model was given several light coats of Future Floor Wax airbrushed straight from the bottle
Various detail items such as road wheels, stowage, tools, etc., were painted using Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush
An overall colour-wash was then applied using AK Interactive AK 075 Wash for NATO Camo Vehicles
Once dry, the model was airbrushed with several light coats of Vallejo’s Matt Varnish mixed with their Matt Medium and Airbrush thinner
A piece of foam dipped in paint was used for wear and emphasis on certain areas, particularly on the curved surfaces of the cast hull and turret
AK Interactive Streaking Grime is a handy, premixed material, but you can mix your own from enamels and white spirit
Here we see the result of the author’s ‘edging’
It also features the correct crew steps welded to the towing shackles as well as some nicely done casting numbers on the lower surface.
NOW, THE UPPER AREAS
With the lower hull completed, it was time to join it with the Tiger Model Designs upper hull. As with their other parts, the upper hull is an excellent resin casting designed to work with Tasca/Asuka kits and components. I also used their late M4/M4A1 late engine deck which includes the requisite extra oil service cap. Due to the rounded cast shape of the rear hull, some extra attention was given to the mounts for the rear stowage rack and the spare track holders. Mounts for the stowage rack were made from strip styrene with weld marks added using softened .010 styrene rod. The spare track holders also had unique shaped mounting brackets that were fashioned from strip styrene. Modelkasten wingnuts were also added to the spare track holders for added detail. All of the other normal Sherman equipment such as grouser vent covers, ventilator caps, headlights and taillights, siren, etc., were sourced from Tasca/
Graphite powder was used to impart a metallic sheen to the pioneer tools
Asuka parts and mounted accordingly. A minimal amount of photo-etched parts were used including the headlight and siren brush guards, retaining chains for the oil and fuel service caps, latches for the driver’s and co-driver’s hatches, and sand shield mounting strips for the hull sides and rear. I also replaced the bow mounted .30 caliber with a turned brass offering from Aber. Tow cable heads and clamps came from Formations and the cable itself is length of nylon string. The onboard tools were sourced from Blast Models and Formations in resin as both manufacturers include very convincing straps and mounting brackets.
TASCA TURRET TIME
With the upper and lower hull complete, my attention turned to the turret which was sourced from a Tasca/Asuka M4A3(76) kit. It was assembled per the kit instructions and the sides and mantlet were stippled with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 500 to replicate cast texture. The kit barrel was replaced from an excellent turned aluminium and brass example from ArmorScale. Casting numbers were applied to the turret sides and mantlet using Archer
Pigments were used under the hull overhangs to create dirt build-ups
Fine Transfers Surface Details. If you’ve never used these – try them! They go on just like decals and are an easy way to add that extra bit of detail. To add some detail to the hatches I utilized TMD resin parts including the springs and latch for the loader’s hatch as well as an empty periscope mount for the commander’s hatch. As good as Tasca/Asuka are in terms of their Sherman kits and accuracy, the turret lacks the smoke mortar which was common for this type. I fashioned one from styrene rod with a punched styrene disk for the cap with a PE retaining chain added for good measure. The same treatment was given to the spotlight mount using a punched styrene disk and PE retaining chain. The turret mounted M2 .50 calibre MG was supplied by Tasca/Asuka and further detailed using PE retaining chains as well as a PE trigger.
ADLER’S NEST GOODIES
As a grand finale for the turret I splurged on a flexible MP-48 antenna mount from Adler’s Nest. This is one of the coolest accessories I’ve seen in a long time and features a piece of solder wire inside
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FEATURE ARTICLE: TIGER MODEL DESIGNS/ASUKA 1:35 SHERMAN M4A1(76)
The Sherman is almost done; just the tracks remain
The model was placed on a scenic base made from pink insulation foam with sheet styrene sides
The graphite stick was used to produce a metallic effect on the track’s treads
Golden Fine Pumice Acrylic Gel mixed with fine sand, small stones, and Mig Pigments was spread over the foam and allowed to dry
Making final fuel and oil stains with colour-washes
This was then airbrushed in a random pattern with Tamiya XF-72 JGSDF Brown mixed with XF-1 Flat Black
Various commercial grass tufts, grasses, and leaves from Joefix Studios, Armor Farm, and MiniNatur were then glued to the base
the mount and a type of flexible plastic around the solder wire that allows you to position the antenna as if it’s been tied down. No to be outdone, Adler’s Nest also produces a segmented MS-49-53 antenna in turned brass for the ultimate in accuracy (of course I had to have one of these too!). The basic idea is that the antenna was assembled from sections three feet in length with five sections being used for command tanks and three for all others. Adler’s Nest provides five sections from turned brass that plug into each other with each subsequent section having the slightest bit of taper (how do they do that?!). I opted for three lengths on my model. Crew stowage items on Sherman tanks takes on a bit of a life of its own sometimes and I dedicate a significant amount of time making sure it was depicted accurately. It’s easy to go overboard yet difficult to ensure it looks realistic and positioned properly. I typically use a mix of readily available items from the likes of Legend Productions, Blast
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Models, Verlinden, etc., and tarps and bedrolls made from epoxy putty. For handmade items my go-to brand is Kneadatite and I use it almost exclusively due to its flexibility and the ability to make very thin sheets. On this model I combined resin items with Kneadatite tarps and straps on both the engine deck and front glacis plate. I also used a piece of thread on the engine deck to provide some tension on the tarps while they were curing to simulate the crew tie-down ropes typically seen. Once satisfied with the final configuration all of the resin and styrene items were cemented to the model.
Painting and weathering
The first step prior to painting for me is a coat of Mr. Surfacer 1200 primer sprayed straight from the rattle can. Once dry for at least twentyfour hours, the base coat of Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab lightened with Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow and a little XF-58 Olive Green thinned with Tamiya thinner. Once dry, highlights were
applied using an even lighter mix of XF-62 and XF-60, concentrating on the centre of things like the hull sides, turret sides, etc. After giving everything twenty-four hours to dry, the entire model was given several light coats of Future Floor Wax airbrushed straight from the bottle. This provides a semi-gloss surface for decal application as well as a nice surface for the subsequent detail wash. After the decals (sourced from the Tasca M4A3(76) kit) were applied they were given several light coats of Future to seal them in place. The various detail items such as road wheels, stowage, tools, etc., were then painted using Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush. An overall detail or pin wash was then applied using AK Interactive AK 075 Wash for NATO Camo Vehicles and any excess wash was removed using a brush dampened with mineral spirits. This is somewhat of a tedious process completed over several evenings but well worth the effort as details begin to pop out
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Modelspec ITALERI LEOPARD 1A2 KIT NO.374 Turret; Items used; Tiger Model Designs; Tiger Model Designs AR-0284 Sherman Wet Upper Hull (GSC) AR-0335 M4/M4A1 Late Welded Lower Hull AR-0266 Sherman M4/M4A1 Late Engine Deck AR-0270 Sherman M4 Composite Rear Plate AR-0267 Sherman Late Transmission Final Drive Assembly E8543 AR-0356 US WWII Sherman Tool Set w/Straps AR-0156 M4 75 Turret Loader’s Hatch (for springs and latch) Tasca/Asuka 35-008 VVSS Sherman Suspension Set B (Late) Various parts available from their online store, http://tascashop.ocnk.net/ Adler’s Nest ANM-35033 MP-48 Antenna Base ANM-35034 MS-49-53 Antenna Set Paints, weathering products; Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab, XF-60 Dark Yellow, XF-58 Olive Green, XF-84 Dark Iron, XF-1 Flat AK Interactive AK075 Wash for NATO Camo, AK012 Streaking Grime, AK082 Engine Grime Mig Pigments P028 Europe Dust, P232 Dry Mud, P034 Russian Earth Availability; New TMD (formerly Tiger Model Designs); www.newtmd.com Asuka (formerly Tasca); www.creativemodels.co.uk Adler’s Nest; www.hlj.com
A small pine tree was made using a resin trunk from MK-35 and pine branches from a natural material called Finescale Forest by Bragdon Enterprises in the USA. Each branch was hand selected, airbrushed with Tamiya XF-5 Flat Green, and then cemented to the trunk
when the process is complete. Once dry, the model was airbrushed with several light coats of Vallejo’s Matt Varnish mixed with their Matt Medium and Airbrush thinner. This is done to protect the enamel wash from subsequent weathering steps as well as tone down the glossy effect of the Future.
TIME FOR SOME DIRT
With basic painting complete, the fun part begins – weathering! One of the challenges of painting Allied vehicles is taking a boring, monochromatic paint job and making it look realistic as well as visually appealing. I began tackling the challenge with a process I like to call edging using Humbrol enamels. Some may call it chipping, but I like to think of it more as darkening the edges of various surfaces to provide some contrast to the otherwise uniform colour. I used a fine brush with minimal amount of dark black-brown paint on it to accomplish this as well as a piece of foam dipped in paint
for added wear and emphasis on certain areas, particularly on the curved surfaces of the cast hull and turret. This, again, is a rather tedious process and I’m constantly reminded of the concept of ‘less is more’. With the edging complete, streaks and grime were added to the vertical surfaces using AK Interactive AK012 Streaking Grime. These were blended using a brush dampened with mineral spirits. Bare metal surfaces such as the road wheel faces and idler wheels were painted with Citadel acrylics Chainmail and then buffed using AK Interactive Gunmetal pigments and an artist’s fibre pencil. The tools and machine guns received the metallic pigment treatment as well. The lower surfaces and suspension were next given an extensive application of Mig Pigments in several stages. I began with a mix of P028 Europe Dust, P232 Dry Mud, and P034 Russian Earth. This was applied quite heavily with a brush and sealed in place with Mig Pigment Fixer applied
with an eye dropper. A darker mix of Russian Earth and Europe Dust was then applied randomly and again sealed with fixer. I always strive to avoid uniformity; the goal is to replicate the various layers of accumulated mud and dirt that dry at different rates with different textures. Pigments were then applied in a very controlled manner to the upper hull surfaces and turret using a small brush. These were then sealed with fixer misted through an airbrush. This process was repeated several times to build up layers using both light and dark mixes in area where dirt would accumulate as well as where the crew would transit. Engine oil and fuel stains were simulated using AK Interactive AK082 Engine Grime applied in some cases on top of the pigments and around the various hatches and filler caps. Some localized washes were also applied using black oil paint for good measure. The tracks were airbrushed with Tamiya XF-84 Dark Iron and then given the same pigment treatment as the lower hull. A graphite pencil was rubbed
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FEATURE ARTICLE: TIGER MODEL DESIGNS/ASUKA 1:35 SHERMAN M4A1(76)
Far left, the rear of the Sherman reveals a pile of stowage, all strapped down securely
Left, we can see the small amount of stowage on the turret’s corner adding a neat touch of detail
over the cleats and end connectors to simulate the polished metal often seen on the T49 three-bar cleat tracks. The final weathering step consisted of using an airbrush to spray a brush loaded with the dark pigment mix, plaster, and acrylic medium to recreate mud splatter.
All about the base
The model was placed on a scenic base made from pink insulation foam with sheet styrene sides. Golden Fine Pumice Acrylic Gel mixed with fine sand, small stones, and Mig Pigments was spread over the foam and allowed to dry. This was then airbrushed in a random pattern with Tamiya XF-72 JGSDF Brown mixed with
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XF-1 Flat Black. Various commercial grass tufts, grasses, and leaves from Joefix Studios, Armor Farm, and MiniNatur were then glued to the base. A small pine tree was made using a resin trunk from MK-35 and pine branches from a natural material called Finescale Forest by Bragdon Enterprises in the USA. Each branch was hand selected, airbrushed with Tamiya XF-5 Flat Green and then cemented to the trunk. A barbed-wire fence was added using PE barbedwire from Alliance Modelworks and posts from Tamiya’s vintage Barricade set (I finally used it!) As a final touch I added a commander figure made up of a Tamiya torso and arms, Hornet head and resin replacement hands with
binoculars from Warriors. The sleeves required a bit of reshaping and sculpting accomplished with Ave’s Epoxie Sculpt and lead foil strap was added for the binoculars. The figure was painted with Vallejo acrylics and a rank badge added from Archer Fine Transfers.
Final thoughts
I’m glad to have a M4A1(76) Sherman in my collection and was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the Tiger Model Designs products used throughout the project. Combined with the Tasca/Asuka line of kits they offer an abundance of options to Sherman fans when creating their ultimate project. On to the next one! •
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series HOW TO BUILD THE TAMIYA STEEL WHEELED TIGER I
D E S I REV N O I T EDIING SOON COM
OM B O O K S .C H D .A W W C H E C K W VA I L A B I L I T Y R FO A
The Tiger I is one of the most popular modelling subjects in 1:35 scale, with probably more versions produced by more manufacturers than any other armoured fighting vehicle. In this book, worldrenowned modeller Angus Creighton takes a break from writing for Tamiya Model Magazine International and concentrates on the Steel Wheeled version of the famous German WW2 Tank. With five versions of the Tiger portrayed in great detail, particular attention is paid to subtle production differences, as well as focusing on the rare command version and Borgward BIV control vehicle. With step-by-step guides covering and painting, applying zimmerit and adding markings, this book is an essential reference guide for the modeller wishing to build the Steel Wheeled Tiger I. Full colour throughout. Including: Building the basic model Weathering explained Techniques to achieve plus p&p realistic zimmerit Concise details of the production variations Five detailed versions of the classic Steel Wheeled Tiger I
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06/05/2015 13:16
KIT PREVIEW: TAMIYA 1:48 PZ.KPFW.38(t) AUSF.E/F • Kit No. 32583
SPOILS OF WAR IN 1:48
The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) was a Czechdesigned machine that was incorporated into the WW2 German arsenal after Czechoslovakia was invaded. Tamiya’s new release in 1:48 captures its looks perfectly
T
he Panzer 38(t) is an eternally popular subject amongst armour modellers and has appeared in most of the popular modelling scales. Tamiya have recently added this Czechdesigned tank to the 1:48 Military Miniatures Series and it’s a little gem. The kit comes with link-and-length tracks which greatly eases their assembly and if built in two halves, allow easier painting of the roadwheels, drive sprockets and running gear. The hull is broken down into lower plate, side panels (with moulded-in suspension bogies) and an upper hull/deck, all of which go towards better detail reproduction on the exterior surfaces. The Pz38(t) is notoriously covered with rivets and Tamiya’s designers have done a great job in their reproduction. The rivets are tiny and will be easily damaged during parts clean-up and assembly, so it’s even more important to be careful with the liquid cement on this project. For such a tiny tank, there are quite a few parts to this kit, which is a good thing from a modeller’s point of view as it means the pioneer tools are all individually moulded (hurray!) and sub-structures such as the commander’s cupola build up from smaller parts which offer better detail. To top off this superb little thing, we are provided with a commander figure, leaning nonchalantly on his turret-top hatch. MN •
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1, 2, 3, 4: For a small kit of a small tank, Tamiya’s model packs in some fantastic detail, from the rivets on the structural elements to the tiny pioneer tools
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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Modelspec TAMIYA 1:48 PZ.KPFW.38(T) AUSF.E/F KIT NO.32583 SCALE; 1:48 MATERIALS; IM, MW, WS
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AVAILABILITY; Tamiya model kits and materials are available from good model shops worldwide. UK import and distribution by The Hobby Company; www.hobbyco.net MiM’s OPINION?
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A much needed addition to the 1:48 MMS and a very well designed model all round. The separately moulded tools are a big plus-point and the link-length tracks are the only sensible option here.
11 5, 6, 7, 8: Here we can see the open-moulded engine grille on the rear deck, the track guards (with moulded in cable cutters..) and the large roadwheels 9, 10, 11: The link-and-length track wraps around the finely-formed drive sprockets to create a realistic result. Note also the finely detailed bow machine gun 12, 13, 14, 15: Further nicely rendered areas include the suspension’s leaf springs, looped tow-cable and tools, exhaust box and perforated tool box
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16: The commander figure is remarkably well formed; the web of plastic between the headphones and the figure’s head could be drilled out, but won’t be noticeable once painted
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FEATURE ARTICLE: SCRATCHBUILT 1:35 SWEDISH ARMOURED TRUCK
KAROSS PANSAR IN THE CONGO Sven Young goes back to basics and scratchbuilds a 1:35 model of the distinctive Swedish SKP m/42 armoured truck
F
irst, a short history about this vehicle; the m/42 KP-Truck (‘KP Bil’ in Swedish) was first issued to Swedish units in 1944. KP stands for ‘Kaross Pansar’, translating into ‘armoured body’. The vehicles were manufactured by Volvo and Scania (VKP m/42 and SKP m/42 respectively) and based on standard four-wheel-drive all-terrain trucks. The Scania SKP m/42 saw extensive service during UN missions in the Congo and Cyprus (often being called ‘White Elephants’). The Volvo vehicles only saw domestic service in Sweden, before eventually being discontinued in favour of the Scania. The SKP and VKP vehicles were fitted with MG-rings on top of the cabin roof, and during UN missions this was complemented with additional armour to surround and further protect the operator. During the 1980s, the SKP m/42 was upgraded to incorporate an armoured roof,
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larger wheels and other updates. It served its last days on the island of Gotland.
MODELLING THE SKP M/42;
Since I have a keen interest in the Swedish UN Congo mission in the early 1960s, building the SKP m/42 armoured truck was high on my list. Unfortunately, there is no commercial kit of this vehicle, so the only choice was to scratchbuild it. I would like to acknowledge the invaluable help I received from my friends at SPHF (Swedish Armour Historical Society), who generously provided written accounts from the Congo, reference material, scale drawings and templates, as well as beautiful resin wheels and MG’s for the build, not to forget a whole lot of encouragement! Without their help, this project would have been an impossible task.
THE MODEL; CHASSIS AND BODY-WORK
Using the templates provided by the SPHF, I began by cutting out the main body panels from 0.75mm styrene sheet using a steel ruler and scalpel. They were glued together using Tamiya Extra Thin liquid cement, coming together to form the complex, angular shape of this vehicle. At this stage, I also took the opportunity to scratchbuild the chassis and create a replica of the Scania engine.
INTERIOR:
The interior of the vehicle is broken down into two sections - the driving compartment (front cabin), and the open troop bay, separated by a bulkhead with a sliding door. Most of the interior details (including wooden surfaces) were created with styrene card, rod and profiles. Without a doubt the inside of the vehicle was one of the most complicated parts of
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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First steps of assembly have been completed, with the main body panels all in place
Test fitting of the resin wheels
All hatches were scratchbuilt with handles and smaller details constructed from Evergreen rod and strip
Right: Here we see a spread of the reference material and another showing the main tools used; ‘The Chopper’, punch and die, scalpel, steel ruler and lots of Evergreen styrene
The chassis of the vehicle. Note the engine block from Tristar’s Panzer 38(t)
The exterior construction in its final stages. The fitting on the left hand side of the vehicle’s nose is a roller which was used during winch operation. A similar fitting was mounted on the rear side of the vehicle Right: SKP m/42 armoured truck under fire in the Congo. Photo used with the permission of SPHF (Swedish Armour Historical Society). Left: Meeting the veterans. The author was lucky to meet UN veterans at a Swedish military show in September 2011. Photo used with the permission of SPHF (Swedish Armour Historical Society)
the build, requiring a lot of dry fitting to make sure all the angles were correct. Furnishing the cabin involved constructing the two (identical) seats from styrene sheet, copper wire and small springs, plus transmission hump, foot pedals, steering column etc. Archer Fine Transfers’ generic instrument dial decals were applied to the instrument cluster after the interior was painted. The floor of the cabin was covered with Aber diamondpattern photo-etched plate. The rear bay is a long, open compartment with seats consisting of two wooden stowage boxes running down the centre of the vehicle, wooden seats placed above the wheel wells on either side and a compartment for the spare wheel. I admit that I made some mistakes along the way, some of which are visible in the in-progress pictures. First of all, my first attempt at the driver/passenger seats
The real deal; ‘Tuffa Viktor’ in the flesh. Photo used with the permission of SPHF (Swedish Armour Historical Society)
for the front cabin resulted in them being far too large. Secondly, I initially ‘cheated’ with the ring around the roof opening, attempting to use a round plastic ring I had in my spares box which was too thick (the turret ring opening is lined with a thin lip). These details were re-fabricated later in the construction process.
and of course all the doors and hatches, all of which I wanted to show opened. I have to admit though, modelling the foot and hand rails running along the sides of the vehicle was a real test of patience and their joints to the hull often sprung loose during handling.
EXTERIOR CONSTRUCTION AND DETAILING
The MG turret (mounting dual MGs, the Swedish KSP m/36) was fabricated from styrene card, strips and rod, apart from an MG-ring which was stolen from a Tamiya Greyhound. The resin MG’s are delightfully detailed out of the box, the only items I added were the coolant hoses, some of the finer parts for the firing mechanism and the bag to catch the spent rounds. The horizontal bar mounted on an arm behind the turret was there to ensure that the MGs could not be pointed downwards by
Detailing the exterior was slightly easier task than the interior. Headlights were made from Resicast clear lenses and mounted under the nose of the vehicle, together with a couple of towing hooks. Reflectors on the front and rear fenders are red and silver children’s party confetti, cut to shape. Further detailing included grab handles and foot rails, rear ski/baggage-rack, winch cable wheel (made from a 1:72 scale Sherman road wheel)
MG-TURRET:
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: SCRATCHBUILT 1:35 SWEDISH ARMOURED TRUCK
mistake whilst firing the weapon above the rear compartment, a feature which, no doubt, was much appreciated by the troops sitting there! The white panel inside the turret is the gunner’s backrest, folded up. It seems to have served as a convenient seat for the gunner, at least when the vehicle was stationary. The rivets are Archer surface details (small resin rivets on decal film), a truly fantastic product which saves a lot of time. Just cut out a strip with the amount of rivets you need from the sheet and apply as a decal.
Painting and finishing
The interior of the vehicle was of course painted earlier in the construction phase, but I have chosen to combine the painting steps in this chapter. I have to admit that I had my reservations about modelling a white vehicle, having attempted it before and not being happy with the results. At this stage, however, there was no turning back! I prefer Tamiya acrylic paints for airbrushing, whereas Vallejo acrylics were used for brushpainting smaller details. German Gray was airbrushed over the interior and exterior of the model, and after this base coat had dried, a couple of layers of hairspray was airbrushed on all surfaces. Various shades of green were then sprayed on all interior components with the exception of the instrument cluster, dashboard and interior walls of the cab which were painted white. The exterior of the vehicle was airbrushed entirely in White, making sure that the grey base coat was allowed to shine through for shadow effect. Chipping was then added by lightly scraping the top coat with a stiff brush after wetting the painted surfaces with water (aka the hairspray technique). Colour-washes consisting of various dark grey and brown oils were sparingly brushed on at this stage, taking care not to apply too much and lose the whiteness of the top coat. Once dry, the entire exterior was sprayed with two coats of Future floor wax in preparation for decals. Markings were all custom-made on a computer and printed on water-slide decal paper. The most prominent marking is on the front of the truck, based on an existing vehicle which served in the Congo. The cartoon character of ‘Tuffa Viktor’, (‘Andy Cap’ in English), sporting a Swedish m/45 SMG and shouting “forward!”, was created by a friend at SPHF. The final step in the finishing process was to add small areas of rust using oils, particularly on and around the chipped areas, after which two coats of satin varnish was applied to seal everything off and provide the vehicle with its final ‘sheen’.
Details of the rear troop bay, showing the wooden benches and other fittings
Interior of the windscreen frame, including heating nozzles made from the fish-tail ends of the exhaust pipes from a Harley Davidson model
The driver’s and passenger’s chairs in the front cabin made from styrene, small springs and copper wire
Vignette
A prominent feature of the Congo landscape is the ever-present elephant grass, so I wanted to create a grassy base, but at the same time not completely overpower the model. A simple patch of groundwork was created with artist’s gel, and painted with Tamiya earth texture paint once it had hardened. Ground scatter and vegetation from various sources was then added in layers, and finally a couple of sprouts of longer grass were planted for effect. This was followed with a dusting of MIG European dust pigment, which was also applied to the lower parts of the vehicle to blend everything together. And that was that! The SKP m/42 is an unusual looking machine and I am glad that I now have one in my collection. • Dry fitting of the driver’s seat
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Winch housing on the inside of the vehicle
Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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In this image of the MG turret, the resin KSP m/36 MGs are only dry-fitted. The horizontal bar behind the turret was mounted to stop the MGs accidentally being pointed downwards into the open troop bay when fired towards the rear
The model has been painted and the first chipping layer created by the hair spray technique
The gunners backrest is depicted in the ‘up’ position. It was often used as a convenient seat when the vehicle was not moving
Cabin interior painting and weathering completed
The first colour-washes have been applied and rust streaks and patches added
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: ITALERI LEOPARD 1A2 CONVERSION • KIT NO.374
RENT-A-TANK Creating a Canadian Army Leopard 1A2, by Jason Bobrowich
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Military Illustrated Modeller - June 2015
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TANK TRACKING
T
he time spent by the Canadian Army as part of NATO in the Federal Republic of Germany during the Cold War brought about many changes and additions to their land force over a span of almost over four decades. In the late 1960s and early 1970s the Centurion tanks were very tired and on their last leg. As technology evolved the Canadian Centurion Mk.11LRs were suffering from years of service and falling behind in reliability and mobility required on the evolving modern battlefield against Soviet and Warsaw Pact AFVs. The Canadian Army looked at multiple options for the replacement of the Centurion including further upgrading the existing Centurions, the US M60A1, the French AMX-30, the British Chieftain, and consideration was given to moving to an airmobile AFV such as the Scorpion CVR-T or the M551 Sheridan. Future options still under development at the time included the M1 Abrams and the Leopard 2 prototypes. With Canada’s NATO commitment in Germany solidly entrenched a new tank would be required as quickly as
possible instead of waiting for new technology to materialize. During the tank replacement selection process one tank stood out above the rest as a feasible cost effective option and a valid tactical solution. This resulted in the selection and purchase of 114 Leopard C1s and associated Leopard 1 based support AFVs in 1976. While the Leopard C1s were being produced the purchase contract included a unique opportunity to have Canadian soldiers train on thirty-two Bundeswehr Leopard 1A2s while waiting for the arrival of the Leopard C1s in Germany. In March 1977 crews began training on the new ‘Rent-A-Tanks’ using a combination of Leopard and Centurion drills. The Leopard 1A2s provided for Canadian use retained all standard equipment including the Bundeswehr MG3 machine guns and communications systems. Only minor additions were added to the Leopard 1A2 Rent-A-Tanks such as a white outlined black Maple Leaf painted on both sides of the turret and Canadian flag stickers on the hull. Some tanks crews added wooden
boxes to the rear of the turret bustle as additional storage and on very rare occasions call signs were painted on the sides of the turret. Of note, a similar agreement would be re-played thirty years later as Canadian crews went into combat during 2007 in Afghanistan using leased Bundeswehr Leopard 2A6Ms. The Canadian crews had only trained on the rented Leopard 1A2s for several weeks when they took the tanks to the Canadian Army Trophy (CAT) competition in April 1977. This was the premier NATO tank gunnery competition were tank crews stationed in Western Europe showed off their skills on challenging and realistic range shoots. When the cordite and dust had settled the Canadian team from ‘A’ Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons emerged as the winners of CAT ‘77. This was an amazing accomplishment and one that would unfortunately never be repeated by Canadian teams at CAT. The Canadian Leopard 1A2s went on to perform exceptionally well during mechanized exercises and were eventually returned
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: ITALERI LEOPARD 1A2 CONVERSION • KIT NO.374
Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey was used as an undercoat for the entire model
Close-up view of the tank’s front hull revealing non-slip patches and towing gear
to the German Army in the autumn of 1978 after the new Leopard C1s arrived.
Cat Construction
The Leopard 1A2 was an evolution of the Leopard 1A1 and included some several unique features. The turret armour was thickened to give extra protection. This resulted in a change in shape of the external rangefinder covers from round to oval and the rangefinder covers looking slightly closer to the turret sides. All of the other improvements to the Leopard 1A1 during its evolution became standard on the Leopard 1A2. These included side skirts, grouser racks, longer tow cables, and the horizontal slat engine exhaust grills. A narrow rain gutter was visible on the rear portion of the turret and eventually brushguards were added to protect the multi-barrel grenade dischargers. The Italeri Leopard 1A2 kit served as the base for this project. The kit is actually closer to a Leopard 1A1 as the rangefinders are circular and not oval as they should be on a Leopard 1A2. After all these years the Italeri moulds for their Leopard
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1A2 and Leopard 1A4 are still holding up and we now have the MENG Leopard 1A3/A4 as the new kid on the block. That being said there is always room for further detailing and modifications on any kit. As I delved into researching the Canadian Leopard 1A2 I quickly discovered that the tow cable mounts needed to be modified by backdating them to the simpler versions used on the Leopard 1A2. I also beefed up the anti-slip patches on front fenders with a quick treatment of Rustoleum textured spray to make them a solid patch instead of the three patches on the kit parts.
Roadwheels
The kit plastic road wheels are moulded with a series of scribed lines around the circumference of each road wheel. These lines may exist on a superficial level on some new Leopard 1 road wheels but they quickly disappear under regular wear and tear. I mounted each road wheel on a Dremel tool and sanded the road wheels down on low speed in order to avoid melting the plastic. I used several aftermarket sets including Eureka XXL tow cables, Eduard photo-etched Leopard 1 sets, the
Perfect Scale Modellbau Leopard 1A2 resin turret, and Hong Kong Creation Workshop (HKCW) tracks to add more details to the build. The tow cables are a marked improvement from the kit versions and I use them on all of my Leopard projects. They are simple to construct and give the realistic sag and contouring where needed on the hull. The Eduard photo etched sets provided a treasure trove of details and most definitely added to detailing the multitude of pioneer tools and the engine deck grills. The turret was finished off by adding the missing rain gutter to the rear lower edge with strip styrene, two scratch built stowage boxes, detailing the searchlight with a silver solder cable, and arming the turret with the very well detailed Perfect Scale Modellbau L7 resin barrel. I found the integration of the kit parts with the resin components seamless. The HKCW tracks give a fantastic sense of realism to the suspension but they are time consuming to assemble. Taking the time to cut and clean up each end connector and centre guide will pay off and I used literally no glue to assemble the tracks. They fit marvellously around the idler wheels and drive sprockets when attached.
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Detail view of the hull-side tools and barrel-cleaning rods
A photo-etched grille was placed over the engine deck
We can also see additional grilles under the turret overhang
International colours The standard Bundeswehr Gelboliv (Yellow-Olive) colour has been somewhat elusive for modellers to obtain or replicate for German Cold War projects. The Canadian Leopard 1A2s were painted in Gelboliv and this presented me with a unique opportunity to head to my paint bench and start mixing samples to create a version to use on my Leopard. After a number of test patches I found happiness with a combination of two parts Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab, one part Tamiya XF-74 JGSDF Olive Drab, and a half part Tamiya XF-57 Buff to create Bundeswehr Gelboliv. The colour I created matched quite well in 1:35 when compared to colour images taken during the late 1970s. After preparing the parts for painting I used Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey as an overall primer coat. There are many possibilities for primers available for modellers and I find the Neutral Grey a good colour to cover kit plastic, resin parts, and photo etched add-ons. Once the base coat was applied I decided to try a gloss coat using Vallejo Model Air #58 Gloss Varnish in preparation for weathering. The result was less than desirable and a
significant amount of pebbling occurred due to high air pressure on my compressor and spraying too far away from the model. I had to strip the entire hull and turret from top to bottom and household Windex glass cleaner came to the rescue. I conducted repeated submersions of the kit parts in Windex and it stripped off the Tamiya paints like a charm. I humbly re-primed and re-base coated the parts and set off with weathering without any gloss coat. I am a big fan of using an airbrush to depict dust related weathering versus relying on pigments or pastels. I find I can control the location, intensity, and shade of the dust accumulation with thin layers of airbrush applied paint. To depict the Leopard with a significant amount of dust I turned to the trusty and proven Tamiya XF-57 Buff. By thinning and shading the Buff I was able to create layers of dust from the suspension up along the hull and on to areas of the turret that would realistically have gathered surface and deep-rooted dust build up. The heavier build ups of dust was especially important on the hull rear and the right front hull where the front fender had been removed resulting in the track kicking up lots of dust.
Creating camouflage
Before any other weathering took place I needed to get the rolled camouflage net in place on the turret. For this I turned to a tried and true method I have been using since 1983 after reading ‘The Verlinden Way, Military Models and Dioramas, Volume II’. There is an excellent chapter in the book on ‘Today’s Armour Camouflage’ and a method for creating camouflage netting simply using surgical gauze and model railroad sawdust type grass. I have been using an 85 gram bag of Heki No. 3314 Streumaterial hellbraun (scatter material light brown) since the mid 1980s and still have half a bag left. Taking small sections of surgical gauze dampened with water I laid them on the turret in a pattern depicting rolled camouflage netting. You don’t need to have the gauze as the same size of the intended camouflage netting as the adding of the grass will enhance the size and shape. After the gauze is applied I using diluted white glue to wet the gauze and set it in place. Once the gauze is dry I used undiluted white
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AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: ITALERI LEOPARD 1A2 CONVERSION • Kit No. 374
Views of the model showing the new resin turret, copper wire towing cables and photo-etched additions
Foliage added to the turret looks realistic and adds a touch of realism to the model
glue and dabbed it over the majority of the surface with an old paint brush. The next step is extremely highly technical and requires near surgical precision. Of course this is not the case at all the grass is simply sprinkled over the white glue. The excess is lightly shaken off and the turret was set aside to dry. Once the netting was dry it was time to paint. I find that hand painting is the best approach to getting good coverage over the entire netting and controlling the paint flow along the edges where the netting meets the turret details. For the camouflage net base coat I used Tamiya XF-67 NATO green in order for the netting to stand out from the turret colour. A thinned wash of Raw Umber was used to give the camouflage netting some depth and shadows. On the surface some light drybrushing with Tamiya XF-74 JGSDF Olive Drab and Tamiya XF-57 Buff was used to add a touch of colour variation and highlights. Finally a light layering of Buff dusting was applied along the bottom edges of the netting where dust would transfer up from the hull.
Weathermore!
From the dusting phase I moved to using pinpoint washes on the recessed details using Winsor & Newton #35 Raw Umber oil paint.
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While there are many modelling specific options I find this artist paint easy to use with household paint thinner. It flows extremely well even over flat paint and provides a great sense of depth once it is dry. As with the dusting the layering of the washes is as equally important to enhance deeper set details. With the wash firmly set the detail parts such as the pioneer tools, mirrors, periscopes, searchlight cable, tow cables, grousers, road wheels, machine gun, and grenade discharger covers were painted and weathered. At this point the external details really began to pop out from the solid green paint scheme. During the use of these tanks the Canadian crews did not re-paint the wooden handles on the pioneer tools and the natural wood appearance aids in giving even more contrast to the hull details. Next, I had to do a bit of back tracking and add markings to the tank. The Canadian rental tanks had very limited markings and to start off with I added Canadian flags from the Archer Fine Transfer AR35154 1:35 Modern Canadian Licence Plate set. The fresh flags stood out like a sore thumb and layered applications of dust and oil washes were used to blend them in so they were barely visible. For the call sign on the turret stowage box I
immediately turned to the excellent 1:35 Austencil 1st Armoured Regiment photo-etched vehicle marking stencils. Although the set is designed for Australian vehicles the call signs are very common with Canadian AFVs. The stencils were lined up and taped in place and then thin layers of Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black were airbrushed over the stencils. Less is more in this case and gradually building up the paint will create realistically applied painted markings. Once dry a layer of Buff dust was applied over the call signs to blend in the dust build up. The Maple Leaves on the turret sides were added using the Archer Fine Transfers AR35139 Canadian KFOR Markings. These are fantastic crisp markings and set perfectly on the turret sides. Weathering continued with a more direct application of oil paints. This time it was designed to provide some surface contrast with the use of streaks. For darker streaks I used out of the tube Raw Umber and for lighter streaks I used AK Interactive AK074 Rainmarks for NATO Tanks. Both colours were applied at points of origin and streak down hull or turret surfaces. Blending and fading are important with this technique as dirt and dripping water on a vehicle will succumb to gravity on a real vehicle and diminish on a surface
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especially when it is vertical. I found overall that the Raw Umber was more forgiving and the Rainmarks set very quickly. With this knowledge my approach was again layering and adding multiple subtle marks to get the right look. The exhausts on the Leopard 1 are large and distinct. The exhaust itself is black and sooty and sticks to the hull sides and transfers down to the upper portion of the side skirts creating a unique pattern. To replicate this look I use Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black and carefully airbrush the pattern starting on the inside and working out. This provides the darkest concentration in the middle and faded out the black on the edges. Some minor touch ups with Buff created dust along the side and bottom edges. The final weathering was completed on the road wheels with a combination of heavier Raw Umber washes combined with a slurry application of Mig Productions P037 Gulf War Sand pigments. Once the wash dried the lighter coloured pigment particles provided a look of damp and dry mud.
FIELD READY
The Canadian Leopard 1A2s had a fairly Spartan look with respect to kit carried during training exercises. My reference images and speaking to an ex-crew member confirmed sets of tank chains used for securing the tanks to the flat deck rail cars were commonly carried on the back deck or on the front tow shackles. I used the MR Modellbau MR-35296 Chains and Turnbuckles produced in white metal with brass chain to create the tank chains. The set is great for creating realistic chains but a challenge to use as the white metal parts are delicate. The tarps in the turret stowage bins were
created using a simple technique I have developed using surgical gloves. I cut the glove to expose the flat palm area and back hand area. I trim this flat portion to the size required and airbrush Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab over the front and back. The paint dries very quickly and creates a great looking realistic tarp. To place the tarps I simply fed them into the bins and make subtle adjustments with a paint brush handle. A slight dusting of the tarps with light pigments creates a dusty top surface. Often modellers shy away from using foliage on models as it tends to cover up details or looks unrealistic. However, in the real world tank crews use both camouflage nets and real foliage to break up the details of the vehicles to lessen the chance of identification by the enemy. For modellers there are several products that can achieve the look of foliage with a bit of elbow grease. I used a set of Eduard No.35147 Oak Leaves photo etched set and followed the process I learned from modeller Luke Pitt’s articles on working with photo-etched foliage. Once the branches and leaves were painted I placed them on the tank in strategic areas that would add some additional detail keeping in mind not to cover the optics.
SUMMING UP
The Leopard project took me back to the origin of the Canadian Leopard legacy. It was fantastic to learn about these rare cats and use a variety of aftermarket parts and weathering techniques to create a realistic looking Leopard. With the plethora of Canadian Leopard related products offered by Trackjam Models, Perfect Scale Modellbau, and Legend Productions I expect that many more Maple Leaf clad Leopards in my future. •
Modelspec ITALERI LEOPARD 1A2 KIT NO.374 Turret; Perfect Scale Modellbau Leopard 1A2 resin casting Tracks; Hong Kong Creation Workshop (HKCW) Other accessories used; MR Modellbau MR-35296 Chains and Turnbuckles, Eduard photo-etched oak leaves (35147), Archer Fine Transfer 1:35 Modern Canadian Licence Plate set (AR35154), Archer Fine Transfers Canadian KFOR Markings (AR35139), Austencil 1:35 1st Armoured Regiment photo-etched vehicle marking stencils, Mig Productions Gulf War Sand pigments (P037) Paints used; Tamiya Acrylics; XF-53 Neutral Grey, XF-51 Khaki Drab, XF-74 JGSDF Olive Drab, XF-57 Buff, XF-67 NATO Green, Winsor & Newton #35 Raw Umber oil paint, XF-69 NATO Black, Vallejo Model Air; #58 Gloss Varnish Availability; Italeri, Tamiya Acrylics; The Hobby Company www.hobbyco.net Perfect Scale Modellbau; www.perfect-scale.com Hong Kong Creation Workshop; http://hkcw.tripod.com MR Modellbau; www.mrmodellbau.com Eduard; www.eduard.com, www.creativemodels.co.uk Archer Fine Transfer; www.archertransfers.com Austencil; www.mheaust.com.au/MHE/Decals/Austencil.htm Mig Productions, Vallejo; www.creativemodels.co.uk
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: AMUSING HOBBY 1:35 PANZERKAMPFWAGEN VK3002 (DB) • Kit No. 35A002
IMITATION; THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY
Domingo Hernandez describes how he painted and weathered the 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. VK32002 from Amusing Hobby
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A
t the end of November 1941, two factories were contracted for the development of a new tank: Daimler-Benz and Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg (MAN), which began work on the design, designated VK3002. Each prototype had a turret developed by Rheinmetall – quite similar in design to that of the Soviet T-34 – and equipped with the 75mm L/70 main gun. During the spring of 1942, Daimler-Benz completed their prototype, VK3002 (DB). It weighed in at thirty-five tons with 60mm of frontal armour and a range of 195km. By comparison, MAN’s prototype also copied certain design features of the T-34 such as its angled hull armour.
PAINTING THE MODEL
For a few years now, we have seen many models painted with ‘overhead lighting’ effects (colour modulation) and when done with subtlety, it can look good. Modellers such as Jose Luis Lopez have added their own twist, such as applying a primer in black and white then thin layers of paint, using a gradient effect. Most of the time I paint my models with just a touch of light from above, but in this case, I wanted to further emphasise the effect,
so that the paint faded from Tamiya XF-69 Nato Black up to a far lighter tone, XF-19 Sky Grey. As you can see in the accompanying photos, the lower parts of the model are nearly black and the edges and upper zones are much lighter. I wanted to give the wheels a different touch; normally the top-lighting effect does not work well here, but in this case – with their convex and concave surfaces – they were crying out for something to bring them to life. The inner wheels were painted black, the intermediate set, being convex, were painted dark grey and with some highlights on top and finally, the outer, concave wheels were painted light grey, highlighted around the lower portions where the light would fall on them. After these base colours were on, the rubber tyres were hand-painted with ‘Dark Rubber’ from Vallejo and the worn metal rim with Gun Metal over which a graphite pencil was rubbed to create a steel-like sheen. I also applied some small spots of Vallejo rust shades, using small pieces of sponge. The next step was to paint the tools. The wooden parts were undercoated with Vallejo acrylics, some with a wood colour and others, such as the wooden jacking-block, with Iraqi Sand. I
then finished them with oil paints to create an appearance of wood grain. I painted the metal parts of the tools with black, a little dark rust and a gunmetal, also by Vallejo. When I had finished painting the tools and applied the decals, I applied a couple of coats of Vallejo satin varnish and left it to dry for a couple of days, away from dust.
WEATHERING
Now the fun can begin! Modellers usually have an idea (more or less) of how they want their model to look and that was the case with me and the VK3002. I started by applying oil paint colour-washes to ‘degrade’ the paint finish and create variations of tone in specific areas. I used brown, grey and ochre colours, applying dots and dragging them downwards with a clean brush, moistened with white (mineral) spirit. The next move was the creation of paint chips, using both cut sponges and brushes. I used Vallejo Light Grey for the most superficial chips and German Camo Brown for the deepest, the latter applied via drybrushing to form areas of progressive wear and scratching. Another coat of satin varnish protected all the work I had done so far.
AFV Edition
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FEATURE ARTICLE: AMUSING HOBBY 1:35 PANZERKAMPFWAGEN VK3002 (DB) • Kit No. 35A002
Overall views of the built model with tracks in place
Tamiya Acrylics were used to build up the colour-modulated effect on the model’s main structures. Note how the author also highlighted the wheels
Left; the sprocket teeth were drybrushed with Vallejo’s excellent Gunmetal (70.863). The rims of the roadwheels were buffed up graphite powder to simulate their wear and against the track guide horns
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Barrel cleaning rods are being shaded with oils here
General chipping was created with light grey Vallejo paint, applied by sponge
More oil paint work on the tool handles along the hull side
Eeld seams were visually deepened with dark oil paints
The chips were further enhanced with a dab of dark brown acrylic paint The ‘hairspray technique was employed using AK Interactive’s ‘Worn Effects’ water-soluble liquid mask
A dusty layer of Tamiya Acrylics was lightly sprayed over the treated surface
Water was then used to loosen the soluble varnish to create a realistically uneven finish
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FEATURE ARTICLE: AMUSING HOBBY 1:35 PANZERKAMPFWAGEN VK3002 (DB) • Kit No. 35A002
Here we see progress with weathering so far. The running gear comes next...
Time for the exhaust box; Lifecolor rust tones were used to create the finish on the model
Over this, a much lightened shade of dusty brown was airbrushed on
The tracks were undercoated with a brown mix of Tamiya Acrylics, followed by a slightly lightened tone
Tamiya’s ever-useful X-19 Smoke was then sprayed along the centre
A graphite stick was ‘drawn’ around the commander’s cupola
The graphite pencil was drawn along the roadwheels’ running surface of the tracks
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A sooty finish of the exhaust outlet was made with Mig pigment
The graphite was then polished with a fingertip
The was then polished with an artist’s burnishing tool
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Modelspec AMUSING HOBBY 1:35 PANZERKAMPFWAGEN VK3002 (DB) KIT NO.35A002 Materials; Injection-moulded polystyrene, photo-etched brass, waterslide decals Paints used; Tamiya XF-69 Nato Black, XF-19 Sky Grey, XF-69 Nato Black Availability; Mig Productions’ pigments were used on the tracks for a dirty, dusty appearance
Spots of Mig’s grease mix were used in select areas on the tracks
LOWER HULL
pigments, so I applied the powdered earth colours on some wheels around the rims. Working on them before attaching to the model, the tracks were painted from dark shades to light, always allowing the previous layer to just show through. I airbrushed a band of Tamiya X-19 Smoke along the centre of the outer surface to darken it and finally some pigments were applied along the edges. On the inner face, I applied lines of graphite along the running areas and softened the effect with a sponge. The finishing touch was to apply some AK Interactive ‘Oily Steel’ on the exterior tread faces and I then fitted them carefully to the model.
I wanted to differentiate the upper parts of the model from the lower areas and that’s why I used pigments on the hull, fixing them with pigment fixer from Mig productions. The only drawback of this product is its slow drying time, so I decided to finish some details of the turret while I was waiting. I used graphite to simulate areas that would have been exposed to friction, exposing the bare metal. It’s very easy to apply the graphite with a fingertip on selected edges, but use this technique sparingly. Another key aspect of this model were the wheels. Since I had applied a more elaborate paintwork than usual, I didn’t want to cover them entirely with
Amusing Hobby; www.luckymodel.com Mig Productions, AK Interactive, Vallejo; www.creativemodels.co.uk
LAST ADDITIONS
The final touches were numerous; pigments were applied to the hull top in the areas in which had already received painted-on accumulations of dust, such as mud flaps, turret ring, engine cover, etc. Mig Productions’ Oil and Grease Stain Mixture was applied on selected wheel hubs by brush and drawn outwards to simulate where the oil had spun out from the centre. Using Calibre 35’s 1:35 German boot-stamps, I made several boot marks over the rear areas of the hull. As soon as I fitted the turret, the model really did take on the profile of a Soviet T-34, albeit with a long 75mm barrel. Amusing Hobby’s kit is a well made production with lots of paint and weathering potential; another one joins the collection! •
AFV Edition
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ONE-PAGE REFERENCES
RED CARNATION: THE SOVIET 2S1 M1974 122MM SPG ‘GVOZDIKA’
2S1 M-1974 Gvozdika (Carnation) 122-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer
T
he Soviet 2S1 amphibious self-propelled howitzer was first seen ‘in public’ in 1974, offering the Soviet armed forces (plus some other non-Soviet Warsaw Pacts countries) a potent source of mobile firepower that worked well with their concept of the ‘offensive’ as a ‘defensive’ policy. The vehicle featured an all-new hull design, formed rather like a flatbottomed boat which was naturally buoyant to allow for amphibious operations. Running gear comprises seven roadwheels on each side and an absence of return-rollers. Two widths of track could be fitted; the wider type were used when the vehicle was to operate on extremely soft terrain. No propellers feature on the 2S1, the tracks themselves propelling the machine through the water. The 122mm main gun is an evolution of the Soviet D-3 and features a mid-way mounted bore extractor and a double-baffle muzzle-brake. The commander and driver are provided with infrared night sighting equipment, but there is no infrared gun-aiming gear. •
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THE 2S1 GVOZDIKA IN KIT FORM
A modern 1:35 kit The 2S1 Gvozdika is available from Trumpeter (05571) and it features link and length tracks, photo-etched water guide vanes and four markings-options. Widely available from good model shop. Pocketbond models are imported and distributed by Pocketbond Ltd; www.pocketbond.co.uk
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KIT PREVIEW: MINIART 1:35 GAZ-AAA W/QUAD M4 MAXIM • Kit No. 35177
A TRUCK WITH TEETH
MiM takes a look in the box of MiniArt’s amazing new GAZ-AAA with Maxim anti-aircraft gun system
A
s with MiniArt’s D7 dozer reviewed last issue, their new quad Maxim-equipped GAZ truck is also built up from a great many parts, including multi-layered wheel/ tyre assemblies, leaf-spring suspension, part-by-part chassis, detailed engine, live-axle drivetrain, cabin/ deck and the icing on the cake, the quad maxim anti-aircraft gun mount. The latter section, as the cliché goes, is a kit in itself, with amazing detail in the support frame and water-cooling system. The detail in all areas is fantastic, the wooden texture on the cargo deck floor and sides being particularly authentic-looking. The sides can be folded down as per the box-art and the cabin doors can be fixed in the open position for a slightly more dynamic appearance. The engine cover can also be left open to show off the powerplant and a really nice touch here are the open-moulded louvres in the side panels and louvre detail on the inside too, an excellent inclusion, often omitted in truck kits of this type. The GAZ is a very charismatic subject, made even more so with that fearsome-looking quadruple machine-gun arrangement up top, and this is a wonderful kit. MN •
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Modelspec MINIART, GAZ-AAA W/QUAD M4 MAXIM KIT NO.35177 WWW.CREATIVEMODELS.CO.UK SCALE; 1:35 MATERIALS; IM, PE, WS MiM’s OPINION? Tons of detail in this well thought-out kit and virtually no areas have been neglected; it’s hard to criticise this model as it’s pretty much free from compromise
AFV Edition
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BOOK REVIEWS MODULATION & LIGHT TECHNIQUES JAVIER SOLAR, MIG JIMENEZ, AMMO ISBN 8-432074-060055 www.migjimenez.com Over the last few years, the colour-modulation technique and other paint treatments associated with it have become a well known amour-modelling shading/highlighting effect and it appears frequently in modelling publications worldwide, Military Illustrated Modeller included! If you are curious about these painting processes and fancy trying it for yourself, this book will guide you through the theory and practice, from showing us exactly what it looks like in its purest, pre-weathered form – through the use of clear, computer generated diagrams (the ‘theory’) – onto the ‘practice’ where we see various models undergoing treatment. Intelligently, the authors have shown each model subject right through the process; modulation on its own looks very artificial but under subsequent layers of weathering, we see how subtle the effect becomes. The photos are reproduced large (ideal for detail acquisition for those of us with ‘vintage’ eyeballs) and the paper and print quality is flawless. Even if you are not yet fully convinced by these ‘new’ processes, give this book a go, it will open your eyes to some very effective and easily reproducible ways of creating depth and visually interesting tones on your armour models. MN
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NEW in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series ORDER NOW ‘How To Build The Leopard Family In 1:35’ is a comprehensive guide to modelling this famous vehicle in its many forms. From battle tanks to recovery vehicles, homeland protectors, to battle-hardened veterans, you’ll find much to enjoy and inspire within the pages of this exciting new book. Along with the work of the author, you will also find guest features from Brett Green, Marcel Jussen and John Murphy, who’s combined talents help tell the story of the seven models, including the Leopard 1A3, 2A4NL, 2A5, AEV, 2A6 and as a specially extended section, the incredible Canadian, C2 MEXAS. Each of the chapters tells the story of a model using in-depth construction and painting guides, as well as hints and tips on detailing, conversions, sculpting and figure painting. Add to that some exclusive, full-sized reference material and the reasons to add this book to your library, are there for all to see.
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ORDNANCE DEPOT SPECIAL
VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS, USA The main man is back! Francois Verlinden turned the scale modelling world on its head when he started his company back in the 1980s and we have a lot to thank him for...
F
rancois was a huge influence on the modelling scene, changing the way we paint our models forever and encouraging many people to return to the hobby and join the ‘new wave’. So it’s great to see some new items in the range, which vary from modern-style electricity poles and transformer boxes to WW1 German figures. Casting quality is superb as ever and the detail in the kit parts is pure VP. Check out the new items at the website below.
1:35 ● Street transformer station (2818) ● Utility poles set 1 (2822) ● Light poles (2) road-street (2823) ● Modern steel cable (2819) ● Panzernest vignette WWII (2812) ● Blacksmith workshop (2816) ● Water/fuel tank (2821) ● 100 nuts, 100 bolts two sizes – small (2813) ● 100 nuts, 100 bolts two sizes – large (2817) ● German trench raiders WW1 (2814) ● Roman javelin thrower (2815) 120mm ● Afrikakorps infantry WWII (2824) ● Luftwaffe Field Marshall Herman Goering www.verlindenonline.com
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ISSUE No.050 June 2015
Aircraft Edition - Brett Green AFV Edition - Marcus Nicholls Publisher; Alan Harman Graphic Design; Alex Hall, Colin Trundle Advertising Manager; Gareth Liddiatt Office Manager; Paula Gray Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie MIM Website; ADH Web Team Editors;
Military Illustrated Modeller Issue 51 - Aircraft Edition on sale 18 June, 2015
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The Editor builds Kinetic’s new 1:48 Mirage IIIE as an RAAF IIIO and offers some handy walk around reference
FLY’S BIG BLITZ – PART TWO
James Hatch details, assembles, paints and weathers Fly Model’s 1:32 Arado 234B-2/N
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ON DECK
Building Revell’s Small Scale Corsair by Rafe Morrissey
THUNDERBIRD’S BRILLIANT FEATHERING
Dirk Polchow builds Tamiya’s 1:32 P-51D Mustang
Military Illustrated Modeller Issue 52 - AFV Edition on sale 16 July, 2015
BTR-60 IN AFGHANISTAN
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Detailing and painting Trumpeter’s 1:35 BTR-60 in the Soviet-Afghanistan War
TINY GOLIATH!
Superdetailing Dragon’s 1:35 Goliath ‘leichte Ladungsträger’ and trailer
PANZERHAUBITZE 2000 © ADH Publishing 2015
Meng’s magnificent 1:35 PzH2000 in Greek Army service
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SIGN OFF – FINAL THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR
DIORAMAS YOU
MUST BUILD
BEFORE YOU DIE...
CANADIAN COMRADES IN CAEN
Canadian brothers meet up in Normandy, 1944
T
Canadian troops enter Caen in 1944, following the D-Day landings
his image depicts an interesting and rather evocative scene that took place in the Normandy town of Caen in early July, 1944. In front of a Humber Light Reconnaissance Car Mark 3, Lt. G. Cooper, cameraman of the Canadian Army Film/Photo Unit meets his brother, Captain R. Miller. The fraternal encounter took place in the Maladrerie area of the city, on Rue Gènèral Moulin, near the Beaulieu prison. The Humber Light Reconnaissance Car was manufactured by Humber, which was part of the Rootes Group. It had a crew of three and was armed with a Boys anti-tank gun, (this weapon was not fitted to the later 3A) plus a .303 Bren light machine gun. The scene could be re-created in miniature using resin or injection-moulded styrene figures, with a little conversion. International Models Asia (Hong Kong) offer a 1:35 kit of the Humber Light Reconnaissance Car Mk.3. It’s a resin model and as such requires some experience of working with this material. It is well detailed and is an excellent depiction of this goodlooking machine. www.imaco.com.hk
Photos from Regional Council of Basse-Normandie/ National Archives of CANADA
[email protected] See you again next time!
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NEW FROM ADH PUBLISHING
The Modeller’s Guide
Superdetailing, Painting and Weathering
Aircraft of WWII, with airfield accessories, ordnance and diorama
Aleksandar Počuč
‘
SCALE MODELLING: A LOVE STORY READY TO ASSEMBLE TOOLS AND MATERIALS TECHNIQUES BUILDING THE AIRCRAFT ■ SPITFIRE MK. IXC ■ P-47D THUNDERBOLT ■ JU-87D ‘STUKA’ MAKING A DIORAMA
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Modeller’s guide to superdetailing, painting and weathering aircraft of WWII’ book is intended for both beginners and advanced modellers as it covers wide variety of modelling tasks ranging from basic detailing, scratch-building, painting, weathering, machining custom parts using resin as well as scratch-building part from brass and aluminium and of course, diorama making. Basics about tools, paints and modelling materials have been covered as well. The book revolves around three subjects, P-47D Razorback, Spitfire Mk.IXc and Junkers Ju-87D Stuka, all in 32nd scale. Step by step concept will provide a good reference and ideas to all WWII aircraft modellers regardless of their experience.
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ADH PUBLISHING, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX. United Kingdon. TEL: +44(0)1525 222573. FAX: +44(0)1525 222574. ONLINE: www.adhbooks.com
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