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Armor Modeling & Preservation Society show report 21st August 2015
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Crossley Airfield Crash Tender Bedford OWST Tipper Truck 901 902 903 905 906 907 908 911 912 913 914 917 918 921 922 924 925 927 928 929 930 931 932 933 934 935 936 937 938 940 941 942 943 944 945 946 948 949 950 951 952 953 954 955 956 957 958 959 960 961 962 963 964 965 967 968 969 970 971 972 973 974 975 976 977 978 979 980 981 982 983 984 985 986 987 988 989 990 991 992 993 994 995
Humber Scout Car £6.95 US M8 Greyhound £10.50 Austin 5cwt Light Utility £9.50 US M20 armoured Utility £10.50 Cromwell MK IVD £11.95 Humber Light Recon Car Mk 3 £6.95 US M18 Hellcat £11.95 Centaur AA Mk II £11.95 US M39 Armoured Utility £11.95 Panzer II Ausf. D £10.95 Panzer II Flamm £10.95 Panzer II Ausf. L ‘Luchs’ £11.95 Light Tank Mk VII ‘Tetrarch’ £11.95 Tetrarch ICS £11.95 Auto Union Horch Kfz. 69 £11.95 Cromwell Mk VIIw £11.95 Daimler Armoured Car Mk I £11.95 Daimler Armoured Car Mk I CS £11.95 Carrier, Universal Mk I £9.50 Carrier, Medium MG No 3, Mk I £9.50 Adler MG-Kw Scout Car Kfz.13 £10.95 15cm siG 33/1 Ausf. M ‘Grille’ £12.50 Adler Fu-Kw Radio Car Kfz.14 £10.95 Carrier, Armoured OP No 1, Mk II £9.50 US M4A3(76) Sherman £11.95 Marder III Pz Jag38(t) Ausf. M £12.50 US Sherman M4A3(75)W £11.95 Dodge 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier £11.95 U.S. M10 Tank Destroyer £12.50 Russian M4A2 (76) W Sherman £11.95 Stug. III Ausf. B £11.95 Achilles IIc 17pdr Tank Destroyer £12.50 Dodge 3/4 ton Command Car £11.95 Panzer III Ausf. F £11.95 Stug III Ausf. A £11.95 Morris 5cwt Light Utility £9.50 Steyr 1500A 4x4 Light Truck £11.95 Panzer III Ausf. G £11.95 Stug III Ausf. C/D £11.95 Mercedes-Benz le Pkw 170VK £9.50 Tiger 1 Ausf. E - Late Production £16.95 17pdr. Firefly Mk 1C - Hybrid £11.95 Phanomen Granit 1500A Kfz. 70 £11.95 Marder II Pak 36( r ) £12.50 U.S. M4 (105) Sherman £11.95 Morris CS8 15cwt GS Truck £11.95 Panzer IV Ausf. D £13.50 U.S. M36 Tank Destroyer £13.50 Panzer III Ausf. H £11.95 Mercedes 170 Radio Car Kfz. 2 £9.50 T-34 Model 1943 £12.50 Stug III Ausf. F £11.95 Humber FWD 8cwt GS Truck £11.95 B IV C Heavy Demolition Vehicle £10.50 Morris PU 8cwt GS Truck £11.95 OT-34 Flamethrower £12.50 Russian SU-76i Tank Destroyer £11.95 Panzer IV Ausf. E £13.50 Sd. Kfz. 250/1 ‘Alte’ £11.95 Morris C4 Mk II 15cwt GS Truck £11.95 Stug III Ausf. E £11.95 Mercedes Light Repair Vehicle Kfz. 2/4 £9.50 Panzer III Ausf. J £11.95 U.S. M5 Stuart Light Tank £11.95 Sd.Kfz. 253 Artillery Command APC £11.95 Ford WOT2C 15cwt 4x2 Infantry Truck £11.95 Dodge 3/4 ton Ambulance WC-54 £11.95 M4 Sherman - Mid Production £11.95 Morris Umbauwagen Kfz.12 £11.95 Sd.Kfz.250/9 Recce Vehicle £11.95 le. Artillerieschlepper UNIC P-107 £11.95 US M5A1 Light Tank £11.95 Panzer IV Ausf. G £13.50 Ford WOT2D 15cwt GS Van £11.95 UNIC P-107 Pak Tractor U.304(f) £11.95 T-34/85 Model 1943 £12.50 Morris CS8 Wireless Truck £11.95 Cromwell Mk VIIF £11.95 Sd.Kfz.250/10 le SPW with 3.7cm Pak £11.95 Panzer IV Ausf.F £13.50 Sd.Kfz.10 Light Gun Tractor £11.95 Morris C4 MK 1 15cwt Truck £11.95 Panzer III Ausf.K Command Tank £11.95
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Ford WOT2H 15cwt. GS Truck U.S. M3A3 (Stuart V) Light Tank Vickers A9, Cruiser Tank Mk.1 Tatra T-57K Kubelwagen German MG-Doppelwagen (type 36) M4A2 - Mid production Sd.Kfz. 252 Ammunition Carrier A10 Mk 1A Cruiser Tank Mk IIA UNIC P-107 with 2cm Flak 38 A10 Close Support w/desert option Hillman 5cwt Light Utility Daimler Armoured Car Mk II Panzer IV Ausf. H M4A3 Sherman - Mid Production German Cavalry Boxed Set A13 Mk1 Cruiser Tank MkIII Citroen Type 23 1.5 Ton Truck B IV Panzerjaeger “Wanze” Cromwell Mk VIII F Cruiser Mk IV (A13 Mk II) Sd. Kfz. 10/4 with 2.0cm Flak 38 Commer Q2 15cwt. 4 x 2 Van le FH 18/2 auf. GwII Wespe T-34 Flakvierling Cruiser Mk IVA / IVA C.S. U.S. M4A1 76 (W) Komsomolyets Artillery Tractor A9 Close Support - Desert Option Marmon Herrington Mk II Arm’d/Car Unic P-107 G.S. Valentine Mk XI Standard 12hp Light Utility Sturminfanteriegeschutz 33B Commer Q15 15cwt GS Panzer III Ausf. M Valentine Mk VIII or IX Sherman V (M4A4) Dodge 1.5ton 6x6 Truck le.SPW UNIC P-107 Valentine Mk II Commer Q4 3-ton G.S. Lorry Sherman Firefly Mk. VC Marmon Herrington “Breda” Adler 3Gd. m.Pkw. Kfz.11 Valentine Mk III/V Adler Light Gun Tractor Kfz.12 R.A.F. De-icer van Russian T-60A Light Tank Covenanter Mk.1 Marmon Herrington w/Pak 35/36 Commer Q2 30cwt G.S. Flakpanzer 38(t) Sherman ARV Mk.1 Sherman V - early Commer Q2 tractor and trailer set Valentine 25pdr. Bishop Russian T-60 Model 41 T8E1 Stuart Recce Fiat AS37 Light Truck M5 halftrack APC Pak Tractor T-60(r) US M9A1 Recce halftrack Austin K3 3-ton GS Panzer IV Ausf. J US M5A1 halftrack APC US M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage
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Marder III Ausf. H Commer Q25 25cwt G.S. Truck Austin K2/YF 2-ton G.S. Bedford MWD 15cwt 4 x 2 G.S. Fiat A.S. 37 Second series. A34 Cruiser Tank, Comet R.A.F. Instrument Truck Bedford MWD Late Production U.S. M3 halftrack APC U.S. M3A1 halftrack APC Bedford MWC Water Tanker Fiat TL37 Artillery Tractor R.A.F. Fire Tender 15cm. Grille Ausf. H Bedford MWR Radio Truck TL37 Tractor - original series VW Typ 82 Kubelwagen Kfz.1 VW Typ 82 Radio Car Kfz. 2 Ford Auxiliary Towing Vehicle Light Tank Mk VIA Light Tank Mk VIB German Heavy Field Wagon Hf.2 Humber 8cwt. Radio Truck Austin Auxiliary Towing vehicle Morris 8cwt Radio Truck Bedford OYD 3-ton G.S. Light Tank Mk. VIC Bedford/Scammell Combo Italian L6-40 Light Tank M4 Tankdozer Renault AGC 1.5ton Truck Austin K30/YC 30cwt. G.S. Crossley Q 3-ton 4x4 Flatbed Bedford OXD 30cwt. G.S. Italian Semovente Da 47/32 Crossley Airfield Crash Tender
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> > > NEW ITEMS < < < Bedford OWST Tipper Truck £13.95 MISSING NUMBERS DELETED
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 A15 A16 A17 A18 A19 A20 A21
German Tank Commanders 1939 British Tank Commanders 1944 German Tank Riders 1944 Allied MGs - vehicle mounts German Bedrolls & Jerry Cans Russian DShK M1938 HMG US Tank Commanders 1944 US AFV Crew 1944 German Tank Commanders 1944 Russian Tank Commanders 1943 German Tank Riders Winter 1944 Russian Tank Riders 1943 German Small-arms 1944 Carrier Crew, British Carrier Crew, Russian British Tank Riders 1944 US Tank Riders 1944 German S.P Gun Crew - Winter MG 34 & 42 - halftrack Mounts German AFV detail set Pak 43 Crew - Winter
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MMS Models represent the current state-of-the-art in white metal casting Four expanding ranges feature the vehicles, guns and troops of World War Two, all in constant 1:76 (20mm) scale. The ‘CLASSIC’ vehicles and ‘GUNpak’ towed gun kits contain full instructions; including general tips, if you’ve never worked with white metal before. Robust and easy to assemble, they are ideally suited to the Wargamer and yet, have the accuracy and a wealth of detail that gives satisfaction to the serious collector. The ‘RESTRICTED ISSUE’ range is produced to full ‘CLASSIC’ standards and provides modellers with an opportunity to build conversions of some of the more popular subjects. The NEW ‘CIVVY St.’ range of pre and post-war transport models adds an extra dimension. Most of the ‘Accessory Pak’ figure sets feature separate arms and weapons, giving a true ‘multi-pose’ capability. Other sets provide useful detail and stowage items - all at affordable prices.
Postage & Packing - UK 15%, Europe 20%, Overseas 25% • Please allow 21 days for delivery
A22 A23 A24 A25 A26 A27 A28 A29 A30 A31 A32 A33 A34 A35 A36 A37 A38 A39 A40 A41 A42 A43 A44 A45 A46 A47 A48 A49 A50 A51 A52 A53 A54 A55 A56 A57 A58 A59 A60 A61 A62 A63 A64 A65 A66 A67 A68 A69 A70 A71 A72 A73 A74 A75 A76
Pak 40 Crew - Winter Flak 38 Crew - Winter U.S. Softskin Crew 1944 Russian Gun Crew US 105mm Gun Crew Afrika Korps Tank Commanders Flak 38 Trailer Sd.Ah.51 Panzer III/IV Fuel Trailer leFH 18/40 Crew - shirtsleeves Flak 30/38 Ammo Trailer German Softskin Crew Stug Ammo Trailer Sd.Ah.32 Cargo Trailer Sd.Ah.32/1 7.5cm FK Crew - shirtsleeves U.S.Ammo Trailer M8 U.S. Anti-tank Gun Crew German SP Gun Crew - Summer BEF Softskin Crew Panzer Crew 1940 Light Flak Crew T-34 Stowage Set Russian Tank Riders - Greatcoats Afrika Korps halftrack Crew BEF Lorried Infantry 8th Army Tank Commanders German Officers Standing MG 34 & 42 - Tank AA mounts Panzer Commanders - Winter Panzer I/II Fuel Trailer US 250 gal Water trailer SS Panzergrenadiers SS Panzergrenadiers - seated SS Cavalry Trooper B.E.F. Infantry - standing U.S. Small-arms sIG 33 Crew B.E.F. Drivers U.S. Infantry - walking German Infantry - walking U.S. BAR Teams - walking U.S. 1 ton Cargo Trailer German Drivers Wartime NFS Firemen German Cavalry Officer German Draught Horses U.S. Drivers Squaddies British Army Officer German Radio Team Italian Tank Commanders A.R.P. Wardens Wartime Bobbies Italian Tank Crew Wartime Bobbies Set 2 R.A.F. Drivers
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A77 A78 A79 A80
>>> NEW ITEMS <<< WAAFs/ATS Girls RAF Crash Tender Crew British Airborne Trailer Airborne Trailer - sheeted
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G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14 G15 G16 G17 G18 G19
German 7.5 cm Pak 40 German 2.0 cm Flak 38 Russian 76.2mm ZIS-3 U.S. 105mm Howitzer M2 Russian 57mm ZIS-2 German 10.5cm leFH 18/40 German 7.5cm FK 7M85 U.S. 3in Anti-tank Gun M5 German 3cm Flak 103/38 German 2cm Flakvierling 38 German 3.7cm Pak 35/36 German Twin AA MG Mount German 15cm sIG 33 Russian 45mm M1942 Anti-tank gun German 5cm Pak 38 Russian 45mm M1937 with limber Italian Breda 20mm - towed Breda 20mm - firing, with crew.
£6.45 £6.45 £7.45 £7.95 £7.45 £7.95 £7.95 £7.95 £6.45 £7.95 £4.95 £4.95 £7.95 £4.95 £6.45 £4.95 £6.45 £7.95
MMS Models, P.O. Box 626, Folkestone, Kent CT20 9AF Tel: 07887 623286 • E-Mail:
[email protected] For the latest information on NEW RELEASES visit our website: www.mmsmodels.co.uk
contents Vol.45 No.9 2015
Published by MyTimeMedia Ltd Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HF Phone: 0844 412 2262 From outside UK: +44 (0) 1689 869 840 www.militarymodelling.com
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Features 16 CANADIAN
‘RADIO HAM’ RAM!
Mark Bannerman models a Ram OP II Command Vehicle in 1:35 scale.
26 RANGE HAVEN
Mac McConnell completes the construction of an atmospheric 1:35 scale diorama that mixes a Cromwell tank range target with wildlife!
32 AMPS 2015
Steve Andreano reports on the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society International Show.
34 FARM OUTBUILDING
Michael McLaughlin paints a new 1:35 scale Reality in Scale building for the kit’s box art.
1st ARMOURED DIVISION
Tomasz Basarabowicz concludes his study of the camouflage and markings of the Division’s vehicles during the period of 1944-45 in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
50 LOGISTICAL LEGEND
Nick Shuttleworth builds IBG Models’ Bedford QLD in 1:35 scale.
38
12 NOTICE BOARD
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14 WEBSITE PAGE www.facebook.com/MilitaryModelling www.twitter.com/MilModOnline © MyTimeMedia Ltd. 2015
All rights reserved ISSN 0026-4083 The Publisher’s written consent must be obtained before any part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, including photocopiers, and information retrieval systems. All reasonable care is taken in the preparation of the magazine contents, but the publishers cannot be held legally responsible for errors in the contents of this magazine or for any loss however arising from such errors, including loss resulting from negligence of our staff. Reliance placed upon the contents of this magazine is at reader’s own risk. Military Modelling, ISSN 0026-4083, is published monthly with an additional issue in April by MYTIMEMEDIA Ltd, Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HF, UK. The US annual subscription price is 59.40GBP (equivalent to approximately 99USD). Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. US Postmaster: Send address changes to Military Modelling, Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Subscription records are maintained at CDS GLOBAL Ltd, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicester, LE16 9EF. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent.
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58 SMALL SCALE SCENE
Robin Buckland rounds-up the latest news and releases for armour fans.
62 THE MAFVA COLUMN John Ham reports on a MAFVA visit to MoD Castlemartin.
64 ON PARADE
Recommended books for military modellers.
69 ATTEN-SHUN!
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T-34-85. Camouflage & Markings 1944-1945. This book describes the colours and markings applied to the T-34-85 in service. £20.00
Aircraft Scale Modelling.F.A.Q. This book is a compilation of aircraft scale modelling techniques, step by step guides with hundreds of colour pictures for WWI, WWII, coldwar and modern aircraft, showing a wide range of painting and weathering techniques. 380 pages, more than 2,500 images. £47.99
Static Model Manual Volume 10. Extreme Weathering. Damaged or abandoned subjects are always fascinating the modellers. 98 pages, full colour. £19.99
The Weathering Magazine 12. Styles. We will see a comparison in how to face the same model from two different angles and check that both results are equal in quality. £8.99
The Weathering Magazine 11. The only modeling magazine in the world devoted entirely to painting and the effects of weathering. Featuring for the first time a very special and attractive subject for a lot of modelers - the year is 1945. Paperback, 68 pages, full colour. £8.99
Panzer Aces 49. Panzer Aces Armour Modelling Magazine number 49. WW1 Special. 64 Pages, Colour Illustrations. £10.99
Tankograd In Detail Fast Track 13 Grantiger Löwe German Camouflage - Markings - Soldiers. In action photographs and a detailed walkaround. Illustrated with 49 colour photographs. English Text, 40 pages. £10.99
Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 12 Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi German Protected Patrol Vehicle. In action photographs and a detailed walkaround. 73 colour photographs English Text, 40 pages. £10.99
Red 78 Saladin Mk.2 in Detail. By Frantisek Koran, Kevin Brovne, Jan Mostrk,188 colour photos, 60 pages, soft cover, V2 binding. Saladin in the Belgian royal army and military history museum and private collections. Photo manual for modellers. £17.99
Abrams Squad 11. The Modern Modelling Magazine is the FIRST and UNIQUE magazine in the world devoted to Modern Warfare modelling. 72 pages, full colour. £9.99
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Landscapes of War. The Greatest Guide-Dioramas by Rodrigo Hernandez Cabos. £17.99
Nuts & Bolts 34. Sd.Kfz.7 - 8 ton Zugkraftwagen Krauss. One of the most interesting military Tankograd 3024 vehicle developments of the German Constant Enforcer 79. Reichswehr and Wehrmacht was US Army and NATO-Allies fight for the without doubt the halftrack tractors. ‘Fulda Gap’ A focal point during the Cold Paperback. Black, white and colour War was situated along the inner German photos, line drawings. £25.15 border in the area between Hesse and Thuringia. 99 colour photographs, 27 b&w photographs and 4 graphics. English. 64 pages. £13.99
Tankograd In Detail: Fast Track 11 Warrior FV510 TES(H) British Infantry Fighting Vehicle. In action photographs and a detailed walkaround, English text. 63 colour photographs. 40 pages. £10.99
Post War Panzers. An exciting new 44 page photographic title from Guideline Publications Post War Panzers’ compiled by a name familiar to many, Frazer Grey. £10.50
In Combat Painting Mechas. For those MECHAS lovers out there, this book provides different, highly realistic painting and weathering techniques in detailed step-by-step articles full of useful tricks and tips. An indispensable book to learn how to give realistic finishes to your models. A 92-page book in full color with lots of pictures and an amazing style. £17.99
Six-Ton Trucks From Prime Mover to Truck Tractor. One hundred twenty eight pages, soft cover, over 260 black & white and color images. Coverage of the Prime Mover, K-56 Radar Van, Bridge Erector, Crane Carrier, Tanker, Fire Truck and the Truck Tractor in period photos. Also includes walk around photos of the Prime Mover, Bridge Erector & Crane Carrier. £23.99
The Military Machine, Volume One U.S Half Tracks. Encyclopedia The first title in the Military Machine of Aircraft Ai c aft Modelling series is U.S. Half-tracks. Written by Techniques 1: Cockpits. noted vehicle historian David Doyle, The definitive encyclopedia of model This massive 456-page book covers all aircraft performed by the world famous aspects of the half-track’s development modeler Diego Quijano and a selection and use, from early concepts its of the best worldwide aircraft modelers, deployment across the globe intoWWII. led by Mig Jimenez. 123 pages, 800 Images. £44.99 full colour. £21.99
Der Tiger Volume 1. Schwere Panzerabteilung 501. A pictorial documentation of the German Heavy Tank Battalions 19421945.Hardback, 128 pages, Black and White photographs. £24.99 The Modeller’s Guide: Superdetailing, Painting and Weathering Aircraft of WWII. With airfield accessories, ordnance & diorama. Intended for both beginners and advanced modellers as it covers a wide variety of modelling tasks. 178 pages, full colour. £18.95
The Weathering Magazine Special World War 1. This the first Special Issue of the Weathering Magazine, the only modeling publication completely devoted to painting and weathering techniques. 75 pages, 200 pictures, 30 colour profiles. £13.99
Tanker Techniques Magazine. Extreme Rust. We have the very best of modellers from around the world, showing you how to master not only the very latest techniques, but also the old standards too. £8.99
Green 41.BTR-60 in Detail. Vehicles covered in this 120 page book are: BTR-60PA, BTR-60PB, BTR-60PB-PU-12 and BTR-60PBR145BM by Frantisek Koran. 385 colour photos and manual drawings, 120 pages, soft cover. £21.99
Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 14 Panzerhaubitze 2000 A1/A2 German Up-armoured Self-Propelled Howitzer. In action photographs and a detailed walkaround. Illustrated with 82 colour photographs. English Text, 40 pages. £10.99
Major Credit cards accepted and cheques payable to: Bookworld Wholesale Ltd.. UK Postage: Single book £2.50, two or more books £4.50. Overseas Airmail: please allow 15% of order value.
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Tankograd British Military Trucks of World War One. £34.99 Panzerkampfwagen T 34 - 747 (r) - Soviet T-34 in Wehrmacht Service. £43.99 British Military Trucks in Wehrmacht Service. £34.99 British Military Trucks of World War Two. £34.99 SOLD OUT K‹BELWAGEN on all Frontlines. £34.99 Panzer-Abteilung 208 - I. Panzer Regiment FELDHERRNHALLE. £34.99 German Panzers and Allied Artillery. £34.99 Tankograd in Detail: DANA Czech Howitzer. £19.99 Tankograd in Detail: DRAGON WAGON Tank Transporter. £19.99 Tankograd in Detail: LEOPARD 2 MAINTENANCE. £19.99 LEOPARD 2 Main Battle Tank International Service and Variants PART 2. £40.99 Encyclopedia of Modern U.S. Military Tactical Vehicles. £45.99 IDF - Modern Israeli Army Tracked Armoured Vehicles. £45.99 TYAGATSHI - Soviet Full-Tracked Artillery Tractors of WW2 in Red Army and Wehrmacht Service. £34.99 From Normandy to Beltring Photographs taken at the War & Peace Show REDUCED PRICE. £5.99
Tankograd Gazette £13.99 The Tankograd Gazette No. 13 The Tankograd Gazette No. 14 The Tankograd Gazette No. 15 The Tankograd Gazette No. 16
3007 REFORGER 1979-84 Part 2 3008 REFORGER 1985-93 Part 3 3009 M1 Abrams TUSK 3010 M939 5-ton Truck Family 3011 MRAP - Ambush Protected Vehicles 3012 USAREUR 1992 - 2005 3013 M809 5-ton Truck Family 3014 M88 Armored Recovery Vehicle 3015 U.S. Army Germany 1945-69 3016 LVTP7-AAVP7A1 3017 MASSTER-MERDC-DUALTEX Camouflage 3018 M520 Goer - M561 Gama Goat 3019 1st Armored Division 3020 NUCLEAR WINTER FTX Exercises
3021 M60, M60A1, M728 3022 The M60A2 / M60A3 / M60A3 TTS MBTs and the M60A1 AVLB in Service with the US Army 3023 Cold War Warrior M1/IPM1 Abrams 3024 Constant Enforcer 79 US Army and NATO-Allies fight for the ‘Fulda Gap’
WEHRMACHT Special £13.99 4005 Panzerkampfwagen III 4006 Panzerkampfwagen IV 4007 Sturmgeschütz III 4009 Panzerkampfwagen I 4010 Panzerspähwagen 6/8-Rad Sd.Kfz. 231/232 4011 Kettenkrad
5005 Modern German Army Training Center 5007 Vehicles of the German Army Medical Service 5008 Modern German Armoured Engineer Vehicles 5009 German Army Prime-Movers/ Tractor-Trucks 5010 The German Army in the Cold War 5011 The M 48 MBT in German Service 5012 Tanks M 41 and M 47 in German Service 5013 German Army Leopard 1 MBT - Early years 5014 German Army Leopard 1 MBT - Late years 5015 BV 206 Husky All-Terrain Vehicle 5016 Tank Destroyers Gun/Missile 5017 Marder Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle 5018 Schützenpanzer AIFV long/short 5019 Mercedes-Benz LG 315 Truck 5020 Bundeswehr on REFORGER 5021 Bundeswehr Anti-Aircraft Gun/ Missile Tanks 5022 Wiesel 1 - Airborne Tank 5023 Panzertruppe 2010 5024 Wiesel 2 - Airborne Tank 5025 Panzerhaubitze 2000 SelfPropelled Howitzer 5026 German SPHowitzers M7-M44M52-M55-M109 5027 MAN Kat I Trucks 5028 Panzerkampf - Cold War Exercise 5029 German Rocket Artillery 5030 LARS2 - MARS Rocket Artillery 5031 GECON-ISAF Desert Camouflage 5032 M 113 in the Bundeswehr Part 1 5033 M 113 in the Bundeswehr - Part 2 5034 M 113 in the Bundeswehr - Part 3
1000 series £21.99 1001 A7V - First of the Panzers (OUT OF PRINT) 1002 STURMTRUPPEN Elite Stormtroopers 1003 BEUTE-TANKS - Vol. 1 1004 BEUTE-TANKS - Vol. 2 1005 GRABENKRIEG - Vol. 1 Trench Warfare 1006 GRABENKRIEG - Vol. 2 Trench Warfare 1007 PANZER-KRAFTWAGEN Armoured Cars 1008 World War One Special No. 1008 FELDLUFTSCHIFFER - Balloon Corps
SOVIET Special £13.99 2004 Soviet Tank Transporters 2005 MAZ-537G in detail 2006 PT-76 Amphibious Light Tank 2007 Soviet Trucks of WWII 2008 Russian Army on Parade 2009 T-62 MBT in Soviet Army Service 2010 Aerosan - Aero-Sleighs
AMERICAN Special £13.99 3002 US Armored/Gun Trucks in Iraq 3004 Armored HEMTT 3005 Brothers of HEMTT - PLS/VLS 3006 REFORGER 1969-78 Part 1
5035 M 113 in the Bundeswehr - Part 4 5036 DINGO 1 Protected Vehicle 5037 DINGO 2 Protected Vehicle 5038 Panzerschlacht - Kecker Spatz 87 5039 Boxer Multirole Armoured Vehicle 4012 Panzer 38 (t) 5040 Emma - MAN 630 4013 Panzerattrappen - Dummy Tanks 5041 Graffiti - GECON-ISAF 4014 Panzerspähwagen 4-Rad Sd.Kfz. 5042 Graffiti - IFOR-SFOR-EUFOR 221/222/223 5043 FENNEK Reconnaissance Vehicle 4015 Opel Blitz 3-ton Truck 5044 JUPITER 7-tonne Truck 4016 Panzerkampfwagen II 5045 EAGLE IV Armoured Car 4017 Einheitsdiesel 5046 MARDER 1 A5 / 1 A5A1 AIFV 4018 Henschel 33 5047 UNIMOG U1300L Truck - Part 4019 German Armoured Formations 1 - Development OZAK 5048 UNIMOG U1300L Truck - Part 4020 Panzerkampfwagen (Somua) 2 - Cargo Truck 35 S - 739 (f) 5049 UNIMOG U1300L Truck - Part 3 - Variants Bundeswehr Special £13.99 5050 The Yak Armoured 5002 Early Years of Multipurpose Vehicle in the Modern German Army Modern German Army Service
5051 FUCHS The Transportpanzer 1 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier in German Army Service Part 1 Development and Technology 5052 FUCHS The Transportpanzer 1 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier in German Army Service Part 2 - Reconnaissance / Engineer / Command 5053 FUCHS The Transportpanzer 1 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier in German Army Service Part 3-Ambulance 5054 Fuchs The Transportpanzer 1 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier in German Army Service Part 4-Battlefield Surveilance 5055 MUNGA 5056 Mine-clearing Vehicles from the Keiler to the German Route Clearance System
Tankograd Technical Manual 6000 series £10.99 6001 US M4/M4A1 Sherman 6002 US High Speed Tractors 6003 US DUKW 6005 US Autocar U-7144T & U-8144T Tractor Trucks 6006 US Semitrailers for Autocar U-7144T/U-8144T 6007 US M7 & M7B1 Priest 6008 US M65 Atomic Annie 6009 US Half Track - Personnel Carriers 6010 US Half Track - Gun Carriers 6011 US Diamond-T 4-ton Truck 6012 US 155mm Howitzers
Tankograd Missions & Manoeuvres £13.99 7001 GECON-ISAF / German Army in Afghanistan 7002 BATTLE GRIFFIN / Exercise in Viking Lands 7003 NATO RESPONSE FORCES 7004 UHLAN EAGLE - British Battle Group 7005 ESERCITO ITALIANO - Modern Italian Army 7006 DANSKE HAEREN - Modern Danish Army 7007 NEDERLANDSE TROEPEN - Dutch Vehicles 7008 USFK - Modern US Army in Korea 7009 ROKA - Modern Republic of Korea Army 7010 ACR - Czech Republic Army (1) 7011 ACR - Czech Republic Army (2) 7012 AUSTRALIAN Army 1st Brigade 7013 LANDMACHT - Mod. Royal Netherlands Army 7014 SOUTHEAST ASIAN ARMY VEHICLES
9008 BATUS Training Unit Suffield 9009 British Next Generation Armour 9010 Key Flight - Last Exercise of BAOR 9011 RECCE - Armoured Reconnaissance 9012 BAOR in REFORGER 1975 - 1991 9013 SPTA - Salisbury Plain Training Area 9014 FV432 Carrier Personnel Full Tracked 9015 FV432 Variants 9016 Modern British Army Tank Transporters
9017 Task Force Helmand 9018 British Nuclear Artillery 9019 Jackal & Coyote 9020 Challenger 1 MBT 9021 Challenger 2 MBT 9022 Cold War Exercise SPEARPOINT 80
Tankograd In Detail £10.99
6013 US M5/M5A1 Stuart 6014 US M8 HMC 6015 US GMC CCKW 353&353 2.5-ton Trucks 6016 US 105mm Howitzers 6017 US M25 Tank Transporter Dragon Wagon 6018 US M19 Tank Transporter 6019 US GMC CCKW Tipper, Gun Truck, Bomb 6020 US M29 - M29C Weasel 6021 US M8-M20 Armored Cars 6022 US Caterpillar D7 6023 US GMC - Compressor, Mess, Radio, Rocket 6024 US M24 Chaffee 6025 US White-Brockway-Corbitt 666 6026 US M32 Tank Recovery Vehicles 6027 US GMC - Wrecker, Tank Gasoline, COE 6028 US M10 and M10A1 Tank Destroyers 6029 US M1/M1A1 Heavy Wreckers 6030 US M12, M40, M43 SelfPropelled Artillery 6031 U.S. WW II Dodge WC51-WC52 Weapons Carrier 6032 U.S. WW II M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank 75mm/105mm 6033 U.S WWII Dodge 1 1/2 Ton 6X6 6034 U.S WWII & Korea M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank
7015 IFOR 7016 NORGE - Modern Norwegian Army Vehicles 7017 Task Force KANDAHAR 7018 FREE LION 88 7019 EJERCITO DE TIERRA - Spanish Army 7020 MAGYAR HONVEDSEG Hungarian Army 7021 JGSDF - Japanese Army 7022 EXERCITO PORTUGUESE Portuguese Army 7023 YUGOSLAV ARMIES - Yugos. Armour 45-today 7024 DANCON-ISAF Danish ISAF Battle Group 7025 Polish 10th BRYGADA PANCERNEJ 7026 EJERCITO ARGENTINO Argentine Army 7027 SVENSKA ARMEN - Swedish Army 7028 ANZAC - New Zealand and Australian Armies
Tankograd INTERNATIONAL Special £13.99 8002 Canadian Leopard 2A6M CAN Main Battle Tank 8003 Swedish CV 90 8004 CV 90 International 8005 Finnish LEOPARDs 8006 TAM - Argentine Medium Tank Family 8007 Canadian LEOPARD C1 in Germany
Tankograd BRITISH Special £13.99 9002 Royal Armoured Engineers 9005 British Armour Evolution 9007 REME Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
M1 A2 SEP V2 Abrams. Fast Track 01. £10.99 Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 02 SLT 2 Mammut The new German Army Tank Transporter. £10.99 Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 03 M2A3 Bradley The US Army Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle. £10.99 Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 04 M109A6 Paladin Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 05 M992A2 FAASV Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 06 TYPE 10TK Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 07 Aussie Land Rover Perentie
Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 08 M88A2 HERCULES Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 09 RG-31 Mk 5 Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 10 Husky VMMD Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 11 Warrior FV510 TES (H) British Infantry Fighting Vehicle Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 12 Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi German Protected Patrol Vehicle Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 13 Grantiger Löwe German Camouflage Markings - Soldiers Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 14 Panzerhaubitze 2000 A1/A2 German Up-armoured Self-Propelled Howitzer Tankograd In Detail : Fast Track 15 Keiler German Mine-Clearing Tank
ACS-01
Flesh Paint Set
ACS-02
Black Paint Set
ACS-06
Ink Paint Set
ACS-10
Field Grey Paint Set
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ACS-03
White Paint Set
ACS-07
Silver Paint Set
ACS-11
Yellow Paint Set
PAINT SETS professional standard in one single box o
ACS-04
Red Paint Set
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NMM Paint Set
ACS-05
Blue Paint Set
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Green Paint Set
ACS-13
Brown Paint Set
HISTOREX AGENTS, Wellington House,
157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, ENGLAND Tel: 01304 206720 eMail
[email protected]
A wide range of military model kits, paints, sprays and accessories available! This is just a small selection from the ranges we offer! Please buy from your local stockist whenever possible. You can find them, and view all of our products at: www.expotools.com TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOMED.
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In case of difficulty obtaining items you can order direct on our website. VAL70153
£11.95
62024
£14.95
61006
£19.50
Expo 2015 Catalogue - 132 pages in full colour!
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Supplying Quality Model Products since 1981 Catalogue Free with any Purchase
Plastic Soldier Company WWII British Infantry Paint Set
Plastic Soldier Company 1/72nd Scale Churchill Tank (2 tanks inc)
Plastic Soldier Company 15mm Scale Tiger I Tank (4 Tanks inc)
EXPO 2015 CATALOGUE 1000's of New Products Inside! HUMBROL
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Expo Super Detail Airbrush and Compressor Set
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Pin Vice with Micro 3 Jaw Chuck
75090
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or get one from your local stockist.
Landscape Scenics Code: Packs of 60 Trees available in 3 LS95518 shades of green 1.5"- 3"(any scale) Light
Ancorton N Gauge World War II Pill Box (3D Printed)
Ancorton OO Gauge (1/72nd) Ruined House Kit
Code: LS95519 Medium
Miniature Precision Hand Drill
This is just a small selection of the fantastic range we have to offer. To view all of our products please visit www.expotools.com
All at one price: £7.95 per pack
Code: LS95520 Dark
BRAND NEW
BK-062 M48 Early pattern wheels + Spare (for Revell & other manfuacturers’ kits). QuickWheel mask included.
Set of resin wheels for kits in 1/35 scale. Our wheels are designed with use of original measurements and pictures. The original casting method leaves only a tiny trace of casting plug (around 1 mm wide). The set contains 14 complete wheels, a spare wheel, a drill and a QuickWheel painting mask. FEATURES LIST: - corrected shape of the steel wheel by adding the grooves inside the rims - corrected depth of the steel wheel (please note how shallow are the ones in plastic kits and how deep are the wheels actually on pictures of real tanks) - corrected shape and size of the bolts - added optional „stripe” in the middle of wheel’s rubber bandage to imitate the residue of rubber from vulcanization process, which can be easily sanded off if not required. - corrected height and width of the middle hub of the wheel - added the grease nipples on the middle hub cap and its side (early place ment and shape) - added markings on the rubbers
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Briefing
Notice Board Information and diary dates The Editor welcomes copy for publication in ‘Notice Board’. This service is free of charge. Obvious ‘for sale’ notices, either private or trade will not be accepted. These restrictions do not apply to bona-fide museums and collections or traders wishing to pass on information about the availability of products to readers. Would secretaries of clubs and societies please allow a three-month lead time for time-sensitive notices. Please note: under no circumstances will copy be accepted by telephone. All notices must be in writing, by letter or e-mail. Please send all copy for ‘Notice Board’ direct to the Editor at the address listed under ‘Editorial’ on the contents page.
Anniversary Euro Militaire We are getting ever closer to Euro Militaire 2015. It will be held over the weekend of 19th and 20th September in its traditional venue of the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, Kent. This is the 30th year of the show and appropriately for this 200th anniversary year of the Battle of Waterloo, we will have a large diorama (16’ x 8’) of the battlefield on display, involving over 3,000 x 20mm scale figures, made by enthusiast Phil Timms. The competitions take place in the lower hall, The Channel Suite, with a wide variety of classes, including Juniors, to cover all sorts of models, so come along and see who will win the coveted Best of Show award for this special year. Full details can be found on the Euro Militaire website at www.euromilitaire.co.uk There are also three special trophies to be awarded, The Charles Davis Memorial Trophy (for the best Aviation subject), the Great War Trophy (for the best WW1 exhibit) and new for this year, the Mike Taylor Memorial Trophy (for the best Flat or Bas-Relief exhibit). You will find a good mix of trade stands in the foyer and in
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the main hall (so lots to tempt your wallet!) along with a number of club displays. A big plus for this year is that we have a selection of prizes, including books and kits, which will be won according to your ticket number, drawn at random, so be sure to listen out for these being called out across the two days. You might just win a prize worth the cost of your ticket! You can buy your tickets online beforehand from our online store at the Euro Militaire website. Our thanks go to sponsors such as Pen & Sword, Casemate Books, Hobby Link Japan, CGS, Armourfast, Deluxe Materials and Ammo of Mig Jiminez who are among those who have kindly donated the prizes for this. So, make sure you have bought your tickets and join us at Euro Militaire 2015!
New Model Shop We are advised that a new model shop has recently opened in Croydon. Kits4All is a completely new venture and the owner William needs all the support that we modellers can give him. To open a new model shop in today’s present climate is certainly a bold venture so we wish William all the best! Kits4All are located at Unit 16 St. George’s Walk, Croydon CR0 1YH.
Ajax 35 Model Contest Sponsored by IPMS Toronto, IPMS DeHavilland & Peel Scale Modelers, the 35th annual Ajax Scale Model Contest will be held at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, 1355 Harwood Ave. N., Ajax, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, 24th October, 2014 from 10am to 4pm. Admission: $5, Model entry $2 per model to a maximum of $15 (no limit on models). Telephone Bernie Hengst on 705-8781740, email berniehengst@ xplornet.ca or visit www. ajaxscalemodelcontest.com
Greek Model Show IPMS Hellas is proud to announce its 34th Annual Exhibition/Contest, which is going to be held in the Hellinikon Olympic Hockey Centre in Athens, between the 1st and the 4th of October 2015. For this year’s show they are going to allocate extra table
space for two special collections. The first will be dedicated to Olympic Airways, with models of all civil aircraft that have sported the ‘Olympic’ livery, and the second will be a tribute to the legendary ‘Jeep’ in a multitude of military and civilian uses alike! Additionally, IPMS Hellas is also hosting and jointly organizing two other major events. The 16th Star Club Annual Figure Exhibition – Contest and the 3rd Games Workshop Annual Fantasy Figure & Armies Painting Contest ‘Paintathlon’. Finally, on the grounds just in front of the main building there will be classic motorcycles, Jeeps, trucks and other softskin vehicles, as well as groups of re-enactors of ancient Greek Hoplites, WW2 soldiers (Germans, US GIs, British paratroopers, etc.) as well as modern era soldiers (Vietnam, etc.). For more details email
[email protected] or visit www.ipms-hellas.gr
IPMS Philippines Show Oliver Sia informs us that Bert Anido chapter of IPMS Philippines is holding its 13th Nationals Scale Model Competition on 26th October to 3rd November, 2015 at Glorietta 2 Activity Hall, Ayala Malls, Makati City, Manila, Philippines. For more details email ipmsphilippines@yahoo. com or visit http://ipmsphilippines.com/
Military Modelling Vol.45 No.8 2015
HISTOREX AGENTS, Wellington House,
157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, ENGLAND g Tel: 01304 206720 eMail
[email protected]
War Photographer Vietnam 1971
Joachim Peiper
WWII USMC, Gudalcanal 1942
Waffen SS Infantyman Ardennes
Never Surrender - Winston Churchill
German 6th Army, Stalingrad 1942
Gen. Douglas MacArthur
MG42, Totenkopf Division, 1943
RAF Fighter Pilot, 1940 Battle of Britain
Bernard Law Montgomery General
Young Red Army Infantryman 1943
Panzergrenadier, 12th SS Panzer
Watch preview videos
Marilyn Monroe In Korea
Retreat to Victory - from Dunkirk
Paul von Hindenburg, circa 1916
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AVAILABLE ABLE FROM www.HistorexAgents.com www.H wH HistorexAgents
Website
www.militarymodelling.com News from the Military Modelling website and forum
ABOVE: US Marine uniform seen at Tankfest 2015, worn by an old friend, Jason Littleford. BELOW: Fallschirmjäger Tropical Officer’s uniform with equipment.
If you would like to submit an item for the website email Robin Buckland at
[email protected] or come and join our online presence at militarymodelling.com the world of military modelling at your fingertips
W
ith the coming of summer, the better weather (most of the time!) and lighter evenings there are lots of other calls on our time to compete with that spent at the modelling bench. All the same, our forum has worldwide membership and there is always some excellent modelling to be found under way. In addition to that it is also a very friendly and helpful place where less experienced modellers are able to come along and pick up hints and tips on all sorts of topics, and to get some help with builds they are trying out. As an example of this we are currently having a Group Build project for the third quarter of the year (running from July through to end September) on painting busts. Some members have done these before while others have not. It is a mutual assistance opportunity where members encourage each other to try something they have not had a go at before, or have had very little experience. It provides a supportive environment to
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encourage you to have a go at something different. One benefit from the events that go on during the summer period is an ideal opportunity for some useful reference photos for figure modellers. When re-enactors put on their Living History displays at shows such as Tankfest and the War & Peace Revival (there are others of course), they are always happy to help pose for photos and they put a lot of effort into getting their uniforms and equipment right for a given period. Sometimes with original items and sometimes with a mix of modern reproductions. The advantage for us as modellers is that they will have adjusted the ‘sit’ of their equipment for movement and comfort, just as a soldier would do. So we get a chance to get colour photos of the uniforms and equipment being worn, and you can get a set of all round photos showing it all from front, back and both sides. How often over the years do you look at a particular photo and say, “that looks great,
Military Modelling Vol.45 No.9 2015
Website
ABOVE & RIGHT: A couple of the reference photos of the Baker Rifle from our Waterloo Weaponry feature. LEFT: A US infantry uniform from NW Europe. BELOW: British Heavy Cavalry Sabre from Waterloo.
ABOVE: In contrast to the British sabre, this is a French Heavy Cavalry Sabre from the Waterloo period. BELOW: For officers, a more elaborately made and quality sabre.
but what does it look like on the other side?” You can find re-enactors from all periods of history at such events and covering a variety of nationalities. Recently we have added some more WW2 as well as more modern examples to our list of Uniform references that are now available via our website. As well as the uniforms we occasionally manage to do some close-up reference features on
individual weapons. We have covered items like the Vickers Machine Gun, and MG34 and many others while very recently we have been able to add ones appropriate for this 200th anniversary year of the Battle of Waterloo and have some detailed coverage of the Brown Bess, the Baker Rifle and both French and English heavy and light cavalry sabres. Robin Buckland
Detail from the hilt of the officers sabre.
RIGHT: The hilt of the French Cavalry sabre.
www.militarymodelling.com
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AFV
Canadian ‘Radio Mark Bannerman models a Ram OP II Command Vehicle in 1:35 scale.
ABOVE: Cruiser Ram OP in France. (Courtesy Photoshop) BELOW: Superb detail photo of a Ram II (Photo source unknown)
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I
n August 1940, the Canadian Minister of National Defence approved the formation of a Canadian Armoured Corps and shortly thereafter, the National Defence Headquarters received a request from the British War Office to equip Armoured Divisions with cruiser tanks. It was, at that time, suggested that Canada begin to produce cruiser tanks for its own purposes. The National Defence Headquarters opted to alter its plan with a Canadian
production based on the American M3 Medium cruiser tank with modifications to meet British specifications. The British had already made commitments towards acquiring the M3 Medium from America. During September 1940, a discussion was held between representatives of the Canadian Department of Munitions and Supply and the British Purchasing Commission regarding the British requirement for M3 cruiser tanks to be manufactured on the North American Continent.
AFV
Ham’ Ram! The only company assembling tanks in Canada was at the Angus Shops of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. It was proposed to approach four other Canadian companies for the mass production of this type of tank and among the firms was the Montreal Locomotive Works. The Montreal Locomotive Works was a subsidiary of the American Locomotive Company in the United States and was already working on orders for the M3 Medium. In October 1940, the Munitions and Supply Department authorised the Montreal Locomotive Works to build and equip a plant capable of producing two tanks per day. This plant was later known as Tank Arsenal, Montreal Locomotive Works.
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Design and development began with the first order for 300 tanks with specifications to be identical in design, with the vehicle being made by the American Locomotive Company. However, during the production stage, several issues were apparent and the design features was altered, particularly the turret, hull
ABOVE: Ram OP nestled in a wooded area somewhere in Holland, February 1945 courtesy of Photoshop.
BELOW: A superb example of an early Ram II with a 6pdr gun and retaining its side doors which are typical of the Ram I. (Photo source unknown)
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AFV
ABOVE: Ram OP II under camouflage netting somewhere in NW Europe. Note the bar across the front of the tank to support added equipment. (Photo source unknown)
The Ram did not go into battle as a tank, although it performed invaluable service in training Canadian armoured divisions, mostly in the UK. However, considerable numbers of Rams did reach the battlefield as armoured personnel carriers, ammunition vehicles, ‘Badger’ flame-throwers and Observation Posts. The latter variant, typically designated ‘OP’, mounted a dummy gun, an extra No.19 radio as well as either a No.18 or No.38 set. The Ram OP II was the last variant of the Ram produced and was designed to act as a command and observation post for SP artillery, most notably the Sexton 25pdr. The last 84 Rams produced were all OP type tanks and the conversion involved removing the 6pdr gun and the interior re-arranged to accommodate observation and communication equipment. The design for this conversion was carried out by the Canadian Army Engineering Branch and used by field regiments equipped with Sextons in the North West European campaign. The Ram II typically had a crew of five while the Ram OP II had a crew of six.
The model
ABOVE: Ram II being used for training in the UK. Note that its 6pdr gun has been removed. (Canadian Official)
BELOW LEFT: Formations’ transmission housing was glued to the lower hull of the Dragon Sherman Mk.III with 5-minute epoxy. BELOW RIGHT: The superbly designed turret with a resin dummy gun.
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and main armament. It was proposed to develop a cast upper hull designed to permit the driver to take a lower position in the vehicle and allow an overall considerable reduction in height. In June of 1941, the first pilot model of the Ram tank came off the assembly line. After successful tests, a schedule of delivery was established for tanks to be armed with a 2pdr gun (designated Ram I and distinguishable with side hatches on either side of the hull) and also later with the 6pdr gun (designated Ram II distinguishable with the splash beading around the turret). Manufacture continued with deliveries of Ram tanks being completed in August 1943, with a total of 1,948 being delivered of which 1,671 of these were shipped to the United Kingdom.
I purchased the 1:35 scale resin conversion (item F062) from Formations several years ago for about $60. The resin conversion provides all of the necessary details to transform Tamiya’s M4 Sherman (Early Production) kit (item 35190) to a late production Canadian Ram OP II. Formations’ offering provides a complete upper hull casting with hatches, trackguards, pioneer tools, telephone cable rollers, a superbly designed turret with a resin ‘dummy’ gun. It also includes roadwheels, idler wheels, track skids, return roller brackets, lower hull rear plate, air cleaners, and exhaust. For the donor model I decided to use Dragon’s Sherman Mk.III (item 6313) particularly because it offered two sets of suspension bogies and a bonus was the DS vinyl T54E1 steel chevron type tracks, which have excellent detail incorporated. To build a Ram OP II, you need to use solid spoke pressed roadwheels and straight roller arms included in the Dragon kit.
Construction I spent the better part of four years building this model! It was one of those projects that I had set aside for months at a time and then pulled out now and again and spent a few hours on it. The lower hull was built using the Dragon kit and the entire upper hull and detailing was the Formation conversion. You can purchase a riveted Sherman lower hull from Formations, but given that I already had the Dragon model, I opted to use that. The Dragon lower hull
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ABOVE: Ram Cruiser passing a knocked out Jagdpanther somewhere in Western Europe. (Photo source unknown) RIGHT: Although the Formations’ conversion includes wheels and roller arms, I decided to use the Dragon solid spoke pressed roadwheels and straight roller arms.
ABOVE: The level of detail on the Dragon parts is exquisite. BELOW: Formations’ upper hull casting was easily attached to the lower Dragon hull. I used mostly 5-minute epoxy for attaching the large resin parts.
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ABOVE LEFT: A close-up image of the front transmission with excellent surface detail. ABOVE RIGHT: All hull details are provided with the conversion – fuel filler caps, pioneer tools, lugs, etc. BELOW LEFT: A template is provided with the Formations’ conversion set to shape the front light frames.
was a real joy to build and as this was my first quasiSherman build, I have to say it was a lot of fun to put together. The fit was perfect as was the mating of the resin upper hull onto the lower hull, which was smooth with little in the way of overlap. The front transmission housing was not included with the conversion set but I did purchase this separately from Formations. Resin is not typically a modeller’s first choice of medium, but working with resin is not as daunting as one might think. One characteristic that is common to all resin manufacturers is that all parts
will come with some form of carrier and flash. There is no getting around this, but the process of cleaning up a resin model can be greatly simplified with a few key tools that will also eliminate the issue of mess and dust. The standard resin model usually comes with fewer parts than a comparable injection-moulded styrene model and fewer parts can be a good thing, reducing assembly time. It’s important with resin is to ensure all parts are soaked in lukewarm soapy water to remove the releasing agents, which form
BELOW: Close-up view of the turret roof with the commander’s hatch in an open position. I did not detail the interior as I was putting a figure in the hatch. RIGHT: There were a few small missing parts in the conversion kit, but nothing that couldn’t be scratchbuilt in minutes.
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ABOVE: The pioneer tools are attached to a flat resin block. The easiest way to cut the tools off without ruining them was to slide a very sharp long flat blade underneath each of them for a clean cut.
ABOVE: The fiddliest part of the construction was the trackguards because there is little in the way of an attachment point. However, 5-minute epoxy came in particularly handy.
part of the casting process. An old, worn toothbrush is ideal for this task. A jeweller’s saw is truly an indispensable tool for cutting resin parts from their carriers. Large attachment points can be removed in seconds where the trick is to ensure that the part is placed firmly on a level surface and that the saw is kept straight. What would have taken me 20-minutes to sand down a few years ago with a Dremel tool can be done in under a minute with the jeweller’s saw. Another benefit of the jeweller’s saw is the length of the blade, which, unlike a saw blade attached to a hobby knife or other type of handle, allows for a straight consistent cut spanning 8 - 10” in one cutting motion. ABOVE: Front headlights were attached with super glue and some sheet styrene was used to correct my over-zealous sanding on a few of the smaller parts. LEFT: The completed model ready for paint.
ABOVE: Ram II OP serving with the 23rd Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, 4th Canadian Armoured Division. (Photo source unknown) LEFT: The telephone cable bracket was scratchbuilt and the cable spool was borrowed from the ICM Bedford QLR model.
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The other type of adhesive, epoxy glue, covers a variety of adhesive resins that are cured by a chemical reaction instead of evaporation. Most epoxies come in a two-part set that is mixed in equal proportions and yields a very strong bond. These require a few minutes to set, making them perfect for assembling variable position parts. Both of these adhesive types will allow you to attach photo etch, white metal, and plastic to resin. Once the model was assembled, a little sanding was required and the whole model was then soaked in water and detergent to remove all grease, dust and dirt, in preparation for the painting process.
Painting
ABOVE: The model was cleaned in lukewarm water and washing-up liquid ready for painting.
ABOVE: After undercoating the model in Tamiya Grey Surface Primer, I applied a light coat of Tamiya Khaki Drab XF-51 mixed with 30% Tamiya Olive Green XF-58. RIGHT: The model looked ‘far too Olive’ when it should look ‘more Khaki Drab!’
The real benefit of using a jeweller’s saw – compared to the conventional sanding process – is the absolute minimal amount of airborne resin dust produced. Nail clippers are also very useful, preferably the type that has a straight edge and not the rounded type. These are perfect for removing bits of excess resin and are relatively cheap, so purchasing a few sets of different sizes is very beneficial. All parts were dry-fitted and for gluing resin parts together there are two adhesives that work fine – cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) or two-part epoxy resin. Cyanoacrylate will adhere to just about anything, including skin, so use with caution! The bonds it forms are weak unless the mating surfaces are clean, absolutely dry and fit well. The better the fit between the parts to be joined, the stronger the bond. Always use it in a well-ventilated area and don’t breathe in any fumes given off. Also, never heat it to make it cure faster.
The model was primed in Tamiya Grey Surface Primer and once this was thoroughly dry, I applied a light coat of Tamiya Khaki Drab XF51 mixed with 30% Tamiya Olive Green XF-58, further mixed with Tamiya Thinners in a 2:1 ratio. A second application of the basecoat was airbrushed on using the precise same paint formula to ensure that all of the primer was hidden. However, the result looked oddly incorrect! Rams were painted SCC15 Olive Drab - not Olive Green! To remedy this, I applied a light application of Tamiya Khaki Drab XF-51 neat, which provided a fine 3-D effect with multi-layers. I had to do considerable research on markings and the actual use of Ram OP tanks in Europe. Eventually, I opted to use the decals in the Formation offering, which depicts a Ram OP II with WD number CT205144 serving with the 23rd Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, 4th Canadian Armoured Division. I had a few wartime photos of it so I was able to confirm precisely where the markings were to be positioned. Before moving on a stage further with the weathering, I decided to add the DS tracks. I think that the Dragon DS (Dragon Styrene) type tracks are an incredible piece of engineering. Every few years or so, modellers tend to find a real gem tool or technique – punch and die sets, the hairspray technique, turned barrels etc. For me, these tracks were a major breakthrough. Although they are slightly reminiscent of the old style vinyl tracks, they are highly detailed, have no blemishes and are extremely easy to work with. They can be painted on or off the model and, as I was to discover, are easy to place on the model and glue into place. The DS tracks can be found in many of Dragon’s newer kits and the plastic was developed by Dragon’s research and development team being a crossbreed of polystyrene and vinyl and produced using under-cut moulding, reducing the number of small parts. The tracks were cleaned, primed and airbrushed using a 70/30% combination of Tamiya German Grey XF-63 and Dark Iron XF-84. The tracks were then fixed into place and I used a small dab of 5-minute epoxy to secure the two ends together which worked superbly without a hitch.
Weathering I wanted to depict a well-maintained Ram so the first step in the weathering process was a light spray of heavily thinned Tamiya Flat Earth XF-34 applied halfway up the model’s sides, front and rear.
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ABOVE: The tracks were cleaned, primed and airbrushed using a 70/30% combination of Tamiya German Grey XF-63 and Dark Iron XF-84.
ABOVE: I made a light application of neat Tamiya Khaki Drab XF-51 and then fitted the freshly painted tracks. These were attached using 5-minute epoxy. RIGHT: The application of the pastels was repeated several times before neat Tamiya Thinners were airbrushed over the entire model.
ABOVE: After applying a light spray of heavily thinned Tamiya Flat Earth XF-34 halfway up the model’s sides, followed with a few filters, I followed with pastels using a light yellow-brown colour. I usually work light to dark when using pastels.
I allowed this to dry for a few hours and repeated the same step using heavily thinned Tamiya Buff XF-39, keeping the flow of paint closer to the lower edges and restricting the paint to the lower quarter of the sides. To break up uniformity of the base, I applied two separate filters; the first was Humbrol Mid Stone 84 mixed with 95% Testors’ Thinners and allowed to dry thoroughly. The second filter was Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna oil colour mixed with 95% enamel thinners. The two filter applications altered the overall tone of the Khaki Drab base, which gave the result I was trying to achieve. Several light pin-washes were made around rivets and along seams with Rembrandt Sepia oil paint mixed with Testors’ Thinners. Once this was complete, I started the dry-pastels technique, which calls for the mixing of various brown and earth coloured pastels and applying them to the model. I began with a mid-light brown then moved to more reddish coloured pastels. Once the pastels were on the model, I airbrushed Tamiya Thinners overall and repeated this step about four times until I achieved the desired effect. The pastels will capillary flow and find their way around nuts, bolts, along seams, crevices and
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LEFT: Pastels were also added to the tracks into those areas that are hard to get to.
RIGHT: The engine deck area received a liberal application of pastels. The tools were base painted using Humbrol matt colours.
BELOW: My tools for weathering. The pastels are the dry stick-type you can buy in an art store. I usually sand these down and bottle them in old containers.
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RIGHT: The result after three applications of pastels, and one of neat Tamiya Thinners between each pastel application. It is a bit tedious but it guarantees a rough and textured surface for subsequent weathering.
ABOVE: After airbrushing Tamiya Thinners onto the model I repeated the pastels process, but this time slightly altering the colour tones of the pastels to create darker variation.
RIGHT: I repeated the application of pastels using a far more reddish colour.
ABOVE: Markings were included with the Formations’ conversion. These were fixed to the model using Solvaset decal setting solution by Walthers, before the pastel process was started.
ABOVE: The application extended to the tracks and wheels.
LEFT: Any excess was brushed off using a downward motion with a wide clean brush.
A light wash of Rembrandt Sepia was applied in select areas to further enhance details.
BELOW: The tracks were dry-brushed with XtraColor Oily Steel and once this had dried, I went back in with dry pastels to mute out the stark contrast between shiny cleats and dirty tracks. ABOVE: Several layers of pastels are beginning to reveal variations in tones and textures. RIGHT: I used a clean brush to remove any excessively loose pastels. Note the subtle colour variation of the pastels.
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shadow areas. However, because the airbrush action usually blows quite a bit of the pastels off the model, the process needs to be repeated several times – varying the tones of the pastels each time. It was a new approach and the results were quite good. To finish, I continued to apply small amounts of pastels in clusters working in small sections and removing the excess followed with light applications of Tamiya Thinners to the upper edges of the vertical surfaces. Using a large brush to apply thinner, let gravity take effect and allow the thinner to run downwards so that it catches the pastels, diluting them in the process, and evenly spreads the pigmentation mix to the lower parts of the tank. The trick is not to let the brush touch the pastels directly, but rather allow the capillary action of the thinners to do the work for you. I applied a conservative amount of pastels onto the tracks with a wide brush using the same mix that I used on the rest of the model and then airbrushed Tamiya Thinners on so that it would dilute the pastels and trap them in place. I also added several washes of Raw Umber oil mix with enamel thinners onto the tracks to provide further depth. Once this had completely dried, a very light coat of Tamiya Flat Brown XF-10 was airbrushed overall. The final touch on the tracks was dry-brushing a very small amount of Xtracolor Oily Steel onto the cleats of the tracks. The wooden handles on the shovels and pickaxes on the rear deck were painted Humbrol Dark Yellow 93 and washed with thinned Burnt Sienna oil paint. The telephone cables on the rear twin spool mount were sourced from the ICM Bedford QLR truck and were base-painted in Vallejo BlackGrey with a brush and the inside of the open driver’s vision port was painted in a mix of Vallejo Silver and Dark Grey.
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Conclusion The Ram OP is a subject that is not frequently modelled, so it was a fun project to build something that is as rare as the actual tank itself. The Ram I and II have an important place in Canadian history and were the precursors for the Canadian ‘Sexton’ Self-Propelled 25pdr gun. I recommend Paul Robert’s booklet entitled The Ram - Development and Variants – Volume 1 that is packed with information and excellent photos and well worth the purchase. There are many other Ram variants worth contemplating for a future modelling projects: Ram ARV Mark I and Mark II, Ram Gun Tower, Wallaby Ammunition Carrier, and the Kangaroo Personnel Carrier. If you are interested in the immediate post-war period, the Royal Netherlands Army took possession of most Ram tanks after the WW2 and used these to equip their 1st and 2nd Tank Battalions (1e en 2e Batalion Vechtwagens), the first Dutch tank units. There is at least one Dutch Ram tank, an OP/ Command vehicle, at the Dutch Cavalry Museum in Amersfoort and there is a Ram tank at the Canadian War Museum, in Worthington Park at Canadian Forces Base Borden.
ABOVE: A black and white study of a Ram in Holland, winter 1945. (Courtesy Photoshop)
ABOVE: An excellent source of reference written by Canadian armour expert and fellow modeller Paul Roberts. BELOW: The author’s completed model.
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Views of the author’s completed diorama – Scale Link ferns are a great addition.
Range Haven (Part 2 continued from MM Vol.45 No.8)
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Mac McConnell completes the construction of an atmospheric 1:35 scale diorama that mixes a Cromwell tank range target with wildlife!
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n last month’s issue I completed the build of the tank used as a ‘hard target’ and now it’s time to set the scene. I always intended to have this vehicle in a range diorama, but I wanted to add those little important things that ‘make’ a range hard target – the damage, rust, spent ammunition and wildlife. It may seem somewhat strange, but nature loves the ranges as you don’t get ‘Joe Public’ walking around disturbing everything. During my time in the armed forces I saw many funny things, but ask any tank soldier about the Hohne wild boar on that particular German range and you’ll see fear in his eyes, as they are creatures of legend! My vehicle, however, is based on an English range, so I went for the next best thing – a badger sett. Due to the nearby sett the vehicle has been taken out of the range’s Target List until the badgers move on.
Groundwork This was my first attempt at creating an articulated suspension so I decided to keep it simple. I envisaged having the vehicle nestled between two mounds that would enable me to add a little stream in the lower areas. The groundwork was made from styrene foam cut to shape with a layer of DAS Modelling Clay applied. While the clay was still wet I pressed the vehicle into it and, once dry, I covered it with PVA glue and sprinkled on some sand and fine grit. When everything was dry I gave it a coat of my favourite ‘starting colour’ for groundwork – Tamiya’s Khaki Drab XF-51 acrylic.
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ABOVE: The vehicle set in the slight dip and angled across the base. BELOW: It’s always good to add a little elevation to a diorama and this old resin tree was perfect as it added height and was stripped of foliage.
Groundwork takes a lot of work and planning and one thing I knew that I’d need was some Figure 11 man-size targets used for small arms. Luckily for me I know an ‘ex-tankie’ who takes pity on me from time to time and that special chap is Ken Holland. I sent him an email asking for help and he sorted me out some Figure 11 target decals and while I waited for them to arrive I cracked on... The diorama lacked height, so I added a resin tree. What I liked about this particular resin tree was its bark detail, which would lend itself to dry-brushing later. Also, this tree would not have much foliage being next to a hard target; it would have been stripped so I was going to leave this tree very bare. With the two main objects set it was time to build around them. The immediate area around the tree I wanted to appear as if nature had taken its course, whereas to the front of the target I wanted range destruction, but with nature returning to reclaim that area. I set about adding some of the tank’s hatches on the floor, some burnt areas, and another tree that had blown over and underneath which was where the Badgers have made their home. I had a spare 120mm HESH round from Accurate Armour that could be painted blue to represent a practice round. I also added some ground ivy around the tree and some grass clumps and tufts. I brushed on white glue to attach the grass because although I have tried various different glue sprays, I seem to have fallen foul of them! Some clear resin to represent water was laid across the ground along with some burnt shrubs,
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ABOVE LEFT: The standard groundwork set up. ABOVE RIGHT: A section of fire damaged brush.
made from stripped roots that were painted black. With the basic layout sorted it was time to start working everything together with different pigments and paint tones, as well as adding more brush and forest litter. Even on a small diorama like this there is much work to do and it’s the small details that take time, but what make all the difference. I needed to show
the effects of live firing not only on the vehicle, but also on the surrounding area. Some small holes were drilled into the groundwork and I added the blackened roots and secured them into these holes with a little PVA glue. I sprayed a little black onto the groundwork and once it was dry I added some of MIG Productions’ pigment Ashes White P022 – simple but effective! I divided the diorama into four
ABOVE LEFT: Some Great North Roads ivy proved very effective. ABOVE RIGHT: Small flowers, tufts of grass and old roots all add realism. RIGHT: Of note here is the depiction of fungi on the tree stump. BELOW: A badger receives some paint.
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main areas of interest with the vehicle occupying the middle. The turned over tree stump on the rear right corner was a diorama in its own right. Once I’d made the stump and added roots, etc., I painted it a dark wood colour, then dry-brushed it medium grey to pure white and the thick, etched bark detail came up a treat. Some ivy from Great North Roads and some fine sponge for moss were attached. Grass dust was applied and I made a small Badger run. I had pre-made the hole for the sett and intended to have a young Badger just coming out as its parents stood guard. The amount of wildlife found on tank gunnery ranges is quite staggering. I made the Badgers from Green Stuff; they are not my best work, but they did the job and I modelled all three together. I next set about adding more greenery for the stump with some Scale Link ferns I had to hand, which are great for adding scale effects. Some pre-
made small flowers were added along with some fungi I made from Green Stuff, which when all combined and in position came out quite well. I next turned my attention to the left rear with the standing tree and painted it the same way as I did the fallen stump. Ivy was added, some water plants and broken bits of the tree and ferns were added to the mix. The ivy was from Great North Roads and the ferns were again from Scale Link, although this time I also added some Green Line grass tufts. Groundwork is like filters – you just keep adding layers beginning with the ground and moving higher. I do try to add natural products as well as pre-made items and the little stream was made with Deluxe Materials Solid Water, which adds to the natural feel, mixed in with old leaves and other elements, which soon bind together. The front left and the high ground was next for my attention. I now had the Figure 11 target decals,
‘‘” Groundwork is like filters – you just keep adding layers beginning with the ground and moving higher.
ABOVE LEFT: The ivy has crept onto the tank’s rear and is gradually taking a hold! ABOVE RIGHT: A small stream runs underneath the tank and was modelled using Deluxe Materials’ Solid Water. BELOW LEFT: Added leaves, ferns and roots, along with the water, provide a great natural feel. BELOW RIGHT: Etched-metal ferns are great for a sense of scale.
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so I made the wooden target shapes from plastic card, gave them a quick lick of paint and gloss varnish then attached the decals. Ken had done me proud as they were spot on! Again various tufts and plants were added and I gave the new plants a coat of vibrant green paint Placing the targets was trial and error, but they did give the ‘feel’ to this diorama being a range. Again I damaged the targets adding bullet holes and burn marks using a small drill in a Dremel then distressed the edges with a scalpel. Burn marks were made with MIG’s Soot pigment then sprinkled it with some ash white, which was also applied to the metal parts lying on the ground. I made a few holes in the groundwork and glued in some Figure 11 targets on stakes. I then added fresh groundwork to give the sense of elapsed time and just kept going round the diorama adding more foliage and pigments.
The practice rounds were painted blue, the NATO colour for practice rounds, and the inside exposed to show the concrete filling and a copper driving band. (The copper driving band cuts into the rifling of the barrel to spin the projectile in the bore making it more stable in flight on exit.) Finally, I scattered a few hatches and bits of metal around the tank and added some more plants, leaves and ferns. I do try to get as many different elements into the groundwork as possible – even old paintbrushes aren’t safe!
Conclusion This was a great little project that I enjoyed creating, having spent many hours shooting at the real things I had a lot of user knowledge that was invaluable and I may model a Chieftain next. When I joined the Royal Armoured Corps our Chieftains were
ABOVE LEFT: Holed Figure 11 targets – must have been 17th/21st Lancers to get such good hits! ABOVE RIGHT: Just discernible here is a mother badger peeping out between the roadwheels of the Cromwell. BELOW LEFT: The groundwork seen just before fitment of the Cromwell. BELOW RIGHT: The detail in the groundwork is quiet clear in this view – the area where the vehicle sits its obviously quiet bland.
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being upgraded with laser sights and only 11-years later we were using these vehicles as hard targets, whilst some of them were still in service! Even a small amount of groundwork needs a large quantity of attention. My good friend Andy Argent has become a master at this in all scales and he excels in 1:16 scale. His diorama “Less We Forget” particularly caught my attention and inspired me to do better.
There are lots of after-market additions out there these days, but don’t only rely on them entirely. You can find many natural products that will go towards making your own forest floor scatter from leaves and roots. Simple dried out old twigs make good 1:35 scale fallen branches, and dried moss and dried pondweed are also useful. Scale Link and other after-market products are good for bridging scale details.
ABOVE: Lots of ash and burnt metal features in the base’s bottom right quarter.
BELOW: Slightly inboard is some burnt and charred foliage whilst the leading edge of the base shows some fresh new growth.
Products used Scale Link – ferns and plants. Green Line – grass tufts. Ken Holland – decals. Great North Roads – ivy. Deluxe Materials – Solid Water. Various model railway scenic additions. Green Stuff putty. DAS Modelling Clay. Styrene foam. Cast resin tree parts.
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Show report
LEFT: Best of Show, Victory and Contempt by David Vickers. RIGHT: Best Figure, SS Balaton March 1945 by Scott Primeau.
AMPS 2015 T Steve Andreano reports on the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society International Show.
he 2015 Amor Modeling and Preservation Society International Show was held 30th April to 2nd May at the WWII Victory Museum in Auburn Indiana. Sadly the museum site of record breaking past AMPS shows had been hit very hard by bad financial times. About two-thirds of the once world famous WW2 collection of military vehicles, uniforms and memorabilia had been sold off. This being said the remaining vehicles and collections made an awesome backdrop for our display of scale models. While not a record breaker the show attracted a respectable 576 models and figures. In addition to the contest attendees had a choice of several interesting seminars including talks by Masters Adam Wilder and Chris Morsco. Some 90 vendors filled the central area of the hall selling everything from airbrushes to the latest kits. The
ABOVE LEFT: Judging team hard at work. ABOVE RIGHT: The ‘Best of’ judging team deliberating over another award. BELOW LEFT: Best US subject, M1126 Stryker “Ghost Riders” in 1:35 scale by Nathan Laporte. BELOW RIGHT: Best Small Army, JGSDF Type 90 by Ken Guntin.
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Show report BELOW: Braille Scale Award, M26 Dragon Wagon.
ABOVE: Theme Award, Sturmpanzer IV by Tom Kondsiolka. BELOW: Best Wheeled Vehicle, “The Belgium Avenger” Model 1910B Omnibus by Chuck Aleshire.
ABOVE: Best German, Panzer III N in 1:35 scale by Andy Gulden. BELOW: Best British Commonwealth, Sherman Firefly VC by Joseph Koenig.
only drawback to the location being that the lighting in some of the model display areas was poor. Whether AMPS will go back here for future shows depends on the stability of the collection. However, as the last information received was that it will be continued to be sold off probably means that this will be the last AMPS show for the area. Future AMPS shows will be help in Sumter, South Carolina 7th – 9th April 2016 and Danbury, Connecticut in 2017. People interested in the club or contest can find more information about at www.amps-armor.org
Best of winners Judge’s Best of Show, Best Diorama, and Best Russian/ Soviet subject Victory and Contempt by David Vickers Best British Commonwealth subject Sherman Firefly VC “Carole” in 1:35 scale by Joseph Koenig
Best German Panzer III N in 1:35 scale by Andy Gulden Best Wheeled Vehicle Model 1910B Omnibus by Chuck Aleshire Best Figure SS-Balaton, March 1945 by Scott Primeau
Best U.S. subject M1126 Stryker “Ghost Riders” in 1:35 scale by Nathan Laport.
Best Junior BTR-70 by Stephanie Horner
Best Small Army JGSDF Type 90 in 1:72 scale by Ken Guntin
Braille Scale Award M26 Dragon Wagon
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Best Vignette ”Desperate Straits” – Russia January 1943 by Andy Gulden Best Master Award M1128 Stryker Mortar carrier by James Wechsler Best USMC Award LVT-4 by Toney Zadro 2015 Theme Award Sturmpanzer IV by Tom Kondsiolka
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Farm Outbuilding Michael McLaughlin paints a new 1:35 scale Reality in Scale building for the kit’s box art.
find old farm buildings fascinating as modelling subjects because of the possible variety of construction methods, repairs and weathering. Farm buildings can be professionally built or homemade and subsequent repairs, repaints and alterations can vary from professional to downright shoddy with the materials used being usually whatever is close to hand at the time. I was therefore delighted when I was asked by Olav Smeets of Reality in Scale to build this model of a farm outbuilding as box art for its forthcoming release. When setting about any box art commission I examine the model, decide on the colour scheme, effects and finishes which I offer to the commissioner of the piece as options. When I looked at the model in the bare resin, the finish which immediately came to mind was weathered black painted woodwork, which is a traditional finish for wooden farm buildings in the UK and Europe. I had not seen this finish represented in model form before and thought it would be quite unusual and therefore eye-catching. I put this to Olav and he carefully considered it, but the idea was rejected because he wanted a bright, colourful and attentiongrabbing finish which was heavily weathered. I was disappointed, but such is the nature of a commission, one has to follow the wishes of the commissioner. I was greatly consoled by the thought that I could buy one when it is released and paint it in the black finish. I now had to find a finish which would fit the brief so I did an internet image search and found a red painted barn which had faded to orange and another which had faded to pink. I put these options to Olav and he liked both ideas. With this decided, I carefully weighed up the two schemes; the pink was soon rejected as it could make the small box art photo appear washed out due to poor quality printing which would not create a good impression. However, an orange finish would be recognisable as such and appear quite bright.
The model
ABOVE: The kit parts. RIGHT: The walls and floor were assembled and primed.
Cast in nine resin parts with a section of aluminium mesh and a sheet of translucent plastic which is supplied for the glazing. The detail and the casting are of the highest standard. I was surprised to find a boat anchor included in the kit! I wasn’t sure if this was intentional as I have seen all sorts of unusual objects attached to, or stored in farm buildings. A quick email exchange confirmed that this was indeed part of the kit and was intended to be attached to the wall next to the front door. The model portrays a two-storey farm building of timber frame and brick construction with the ground floor exterior finished in a thick render, the upper storey clad in wood and topped off with a tiled roof. The interior is fully detailed with a wooden first floor and even an electrical supply. The model is very well observed with an external electrical supply added from what appears to be salvaged components and various ad-hoc repairs of varying quality such as a sheet of corrugated iron fixed with cement over a hole in the roof, scrap metal and wood bolted to the wood cladding.
Construction It is very unhealthy to inhale or ingest resin dust, so all sanding, scraping etc., should be done wet to prevent it and hands should also be thoroughly
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ABOVE LEFT: The roof and external stairs were pinned in place for convenience. ABOVE RIGHT: Matt black was used to fill the recesses, outline detail and add shadows. BELOW LEFT: White was sprayed downwards and across the model to highlight and add directional lighting. BELOW RIGHT: The roof tiles were painted using black for shadows and white for highlights and to pick out individual tiles.
washed with soap and water. The model was assembled using Araldite 5-minute epoxy resin to give me time to adjust the fit of the various parts. I started by attaching the short side wall to the front of the building and then the floor. I carefully measured and marked the position of the floor on the internal brickwork before gluing the longer side wall in place. The model was then put aside to allow the glue to set absolutely solid. My plan was to paint and fully finish the exterior first as it involved the most amount of work and then the interior. To enable me to paint the interior easily after finishing the exterior, I decided to pin the roof in place by drilling 1mm holes through the roof into the walls and glued 1mm brass rod into the holes in the walls, so that the roof could be removed at any time if required. While I had the drill out, I also drilled and pinned the exterior stairs in place. I then gave the model a thorough wash in warm water with Fairy Washing-up Liquid plus a dash of Zippo lighter fluid, to thoroughly degrease the model and to remove any fingerprints and resin dust.
Painting The model was allowed to dry thoroughly before it was undercoated with Halfords Grey Primer. When this had dried, I checked for any imperfections, but really could not find any. I used Tamiya acrylic paints for airbrushing and Vallejo acrylics for detail brush painting. When Airbrushing Tamiya paints I add a touch of drop of Tamiya Smoke X-19 and a drop of Iwata Medea Airbrush Cleaner to the colour and thin the mix with Isopropyl Alcohol. The Tamiya Smoke and Medea cleaner make the paint flow much better at low pressures and give a smoother finish.
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I sprayed the shadow areas with Tamiya Flat Black XF-1 which I airbrushed into all the recesses, outlined various features and sprayed the paint upwards at an angle of 45 degrees. I then sprayed Flat White XF-2 at an acute angle downwards over the walls and directly on areas I wanted to highlight. The tiled roof received the same treatment to leave a shadow at the bottom of each tile. I also sprayed individual roof tiles white to add some tonal variety. I masked off areas such as the stonework around the door as I went along. I sprayed the base colours, Tamiya Desert Yellow XF-59 sprayed
The base colours were blocked in using an airbrush for speed.
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ABOVE: Dots of oil paint were applied before being blended in with a brush moistened with white spirit. ABOVE: The exposed wood and details were hand painted.
ABOVE & INSET BELOW: The roof had moss added using very fine sand. BOTTOM: A floor was added from plastic card and painted to represent concrete.
at an acute angle downwards over the rendering allowing the white and black to show through and the wood cladding was sprayed in the same manner with Flat Red XF-7. The metal repair patches were masked off and sprayed with Flat Yellow XF-3. I thinned the yellow in the airbrush and using fine lines, I lightened the centres and ends of some of the planks which make up the red cladding and in patches to get an overall faded orange colour. The roof received a very thin coat of Dark Grey XF-24 which let the previously lightened tiles, shading and highlighting to show through. It was now time to get the brushes out and start picking out details with Vallejo acrylics. I started off with the supremely versatile German Camouflage Black Brown 822 to undercoat any rusty metal, outline areas and pick out the electrical cables. I used Park Green 969 to pick out the electrical box and sockets and Stone Grey 884 to bring out some of the stones and blocks around the doorway. The interior walls were sprayed white in an uneven and patchy manner with a final light coat of white applied from an angle of 45 degrees to catch the highlights. The interior of the roof and the wooden floor were base coated with Flat Earth XF-52. The floor and roof interior were given a wash of black to pick out the woodgrain. The corners where the walls meet each other and the floor were sprayed with Tamiya Smoke X-19 to give an impression of grime and damp.
Weathering Weathered wood is rather complex to portray convincingly in scale, from a distance it appears as grey in colour, but close inspection reveals
that there are various streaks of greys, greens, browns and blacks. I blocked in the areas of bare wood with Vallejo Dark Sea Grey 991 and using a fine brush I painted thin lines of German Camouflage Black Brown 822 along the grain of the wood and along the edges where bare wood meets paint to give the impression of flaking paint. I then set about painting the grain of the exposed wood with fines lines with a variety of well-thinned Vallejo colours, which were: German Camouflage Beige 821, Flat Brown 984, English Uniform 821, Stone Grey 884, London Grey 836, Deck Tan 986 and German Grey 995. I used different combinations of these colours on the bare wood to give the impression of wood exposed to the elements for different amounts of time. I use more brown shades on less weathered wood and more greys on older wood. When I was happy with the wood I moved on to the faded, flaking paint and assembled a selection of Vallejo colours: Flat Red 957, Bright Orange 851, Flat Yellow 953, Desert Yellow 977, Black 950 and German Camouflage Black Brown 822. The red, black and brown were used to add grain and separate the planks of wood which clad the upper part of the building. The orange and yellows were painted in random stripes and patches to further fade the red paintwork. I used the Desert Yellow to highlight areas of the render on the ground floor, particularly around cracks. The black and brown were used to add to depth and shading to cracks and exposed stone and brickwork. The roof by comparison was looking rather bland at this point and needed something to give it the same air of neglect, so I decided to add moss and algae. After a lot of trial and error with various groundwork products I found that silver sand mixed with PVA, water and green acrylic paint applied in clumps gave the most authentic, lumpy effect. It also had the unexpected benefit of being selfhighlighting and self-shading as the acrylic paint, PVA and water mix tended to drain off the upper areas exposing more of the natural sand colour and collected in crevices and depressions. There are plenty of opportunities to portray rust on the model with various metal fittings, such as hinges, plus repairs utilising corrugated iron on the roof and scraps of sheet metal on the walls. The rust effects varied with the age of the metal from pitted dark brown, almost black rusted metal to brighter, orange new rust, but the technique was the same in each case. All areas of rust were painted with
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ABOVE: The oil paint dots were blended in, adding various tones and suggesting dampness and moss growing from the ground up the walls.
Interior view of the completed model.
German Camouflage Black Brown 822, and further colours were applied with a fine sponge and a finely pointed brush. Older rusted items were dotted with black paint to represent pitting and newer rust was represented with red-brown and orange. To tie all the colours and effects together and add more tones to the model, I applied dots of red, brown, green, yellow, white and blue oil paint with a cocktail stick over the model. I concentrated the green towards the ground and areas where damp would be likely to occur. These dots were blended into the surfaces creating patches and dragged downwards to form streaks using a soft brush moistened with white spirit. The interior being mostly brick was much quicker to finish with oil dots of green, yellow and brown. Eventually I was satisfied with the result of the different tones. I sprayed some heavily thinned Tamiya Wooden Deck Tan XF-78 to blend it together and give it a faded and dusty effect especially over the glazed window and the interior floors.
Groundwork The model does not feature a base or ground floor so I thought it needed some simple groundwork to finish it off. I opted for the simplest and quickest option which was a piece of plastic card cut to size. I contemplated making a wooden floor for the interior or flagstones, but I discounted these as too timeconsuming so settled for a poured concrete floor and threshold, which I would only have to paint. I primed the plastic card base with Halfords Grey Primer. The model was placed in position and I sprayed matt black around the bottom of the model, where it met the plastic card to give me an outline of the interior. When this had dried, I masked off the exterior and began to try to replicate a convincing concrete finish with my airbrush. Concrete is not one uniform colour, the aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed stone etc., appear as flecks of many colours. I noted the colours that appear in local WW2-era concrete constructions which used locally sourced materials such as aggregate. I selected some Tamiya colours which matched the colours: Flat Black XF-1, Medium Grey XF-20, Sky XF-21, Flat Earth XF-52 and German Grey XF-63. I adjusted my airbrush to spray a random array of small dots, or spatter, by turning the air pressure down as low as possible and rocking the trigger back and forth to get paint to flow at this low pressure.
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The author’s completed model.
I spatter painted the different colours over the grey primer and the concrete floor was completed surprisingly quickly. As the colours were too well defined to be convincing at this stage, I sprayed a few random patches and then an overall coat of thinned Flat Earth XF-52 to blend everything together. The next task was the exterior groundwork. The completed interior floor was masked off and the exterior base was given a solid coat of Flat Black XF-1. I used my old favourite groundwork material, which is real mud. The mud is dried and ground into a fine powder using a pestle and mortar before being sifted through a fine sieve to remove any stones. The resultant powdered mud is mixed with PVA wood glue and water to produce a paste which was smeared over the exterior base whilst wearing disposable latex gloves to prevent fingerprints. To finish off I added some small patches of foliage and grass tufts around the building to represent weeds.
Conclusion This is another very useful model from Reality in Scale which will fit in to many scenarios and it was a pleasure to work with. I am happy to report that Olav was very pleased with the finish on this model and it has been accepted as the box art for this kit.
‘‘ ” To tie all the colours and effects together and add more tones to the model, I applied dots of red, brown, green, yellow, white and blue oil paint with a cocktail stick over the model.
Suppliers
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The Polish 1st Armoured Division ABOVE: Universal Carrier of 9th Infantry Battalion (“The Flanders Rifles”) and German prisoners of war, Low Countries late 1944. The unit’s AoS is a white “63” on a green background.
(Part 2 continued from MM Vol.45 No.8) Tomasz Basarabowicz concludes his study of the camouflage and markings of the Division’s vehicles during the period of 1944-45 in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. A Sherman V or M4A4 tank, 1st Squadron, 2nd Armoured Regiment, Belgium, 1944. This is a replacement tank and the AoS of the 1st Field Delivery Squadron is still visible as a white “473” on green over blue background next to the “new” AoS of 52. The bridge classification “40” on a yellow background and the squadron’s triangle tactical sign are also visible.
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E
ach of the 1st Armoured Division’s artillery regiments used a system of markings that was typical for artillery units based on the British tables. A navy blue square with a red quarter called a “Battenberg” was the basis of the system. The position of the red quarter on the navy blue field indicated the number of a regiment’s battery: • Red quarter in the upper right corner of the square – 1st Battery. • Red quarter in the lower right corner of the square – 2nd Battery. • Red quarter in the lower left corner of the square – 3rd Battery. • Red quarter in the upper left corner of the square – 4th Battery (this does not apply as to the Polish 1st and 2nd Motor Artillery Regiments or the 1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, which had only three batteries each). To determine the number of a battery of any motor, anti-aircraft or anti-tank artillery regiment it was enough to recognise a clock position of the red quarter on the navy blue square. Those artillery regiments with three batteries, i.e. 1st and 2nd Motor Artillery Regiments, had six troops each, two in each battery. The troops were indicated with the letters “A” and “B” in the 1st battery, “C” and “D” for 2nd battery and “E” and “F” in the 3rd battery. There were four guns in each troop coded with individual letters “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”. These letters were used to create tactical codes, which were painted in white on the “Battenberg” squares. For instance, the “AA” code indicated the first gun of the 1st troop and “AB”
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– second gun of the 1st troop, both within the 1st battery; “BA” - first gun in 2nd troop, 1st battery and “CC” – the third gun of 1st troop, 2nd battery. Of course, a troop indicating letter had to correspond to the position of the red quarter in the “Battenberg” square and, for example, a code starting with the “C” letter could be placed only on the “Battenberg” square with the lower right red quarter. Guns within a troop were quite often indicated using individual numbers: “1”, “2”, “3” and “4”. If so, the codes placed on the “Battenberg” squares took a little Continued on page 41.
ABOVE: Another Sherman Vc Firefly of HQ Squadron, most likely 2nd Armoured Regiment, easily identified by the extension to accommodate the radio fitted to the turret rear. LEFT: The 1st Field Delivery Squadron AoS 473 is still visible on the rear plate of a replacement Sherman Vc Firefly of the 1st Squadron, 2nd Armoured Regiment. The yellow squadron triangle and a “PL” oval. BELOW: Sherman V or M4A4 tanks of the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armoured Regiment pausing after the heavy fighting, late August 1944. The yellow circles denote a squadron from a second senior regiment. One of the tanks’ names painted on the appliqué armour plate is unreadable, as is its W.D. Number.
LEFT: Sherman tanks, probably belonging to 2. Pułk Pancerny. The hull in the foreground appears to be camouflaged - perhaps with a can of captured Dunkelgelb paint?
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Deliveries of AFVs to and from 1st Armoured Division Based on the War Diary of 259th Delivery Squadron Royal Armoured Corps, National Archives file WO.171/889 covering 1944 and WO.171/4730 for 1945. 259 Squadron was the formation through which replacement armoured vehicles were delivered to several armoured units of 21st Army Group.
October 1944 1st
Sherman 17pdr: 2 M10 SP 17pdr: 2 Ram SP 25pdr: 1
2nd
Stuart III: 1 Ram SP 25pdr: 1
3rd
Sherman OP: 1 Sherman V: 5
4th
Sherman 17pdr: 1
5th
Cromwell 75mm: 2 Sherman V: 8 Sherman 17pdr: 1
6th
Sherman V: 8
7th
Sherman 75mm: 6 Sherman 17pdr: 1 Cromwell 75mm: 1 M10 SP 3”: 1 M10 SP 17pdr: 1
8th
Sherman 75mm: 3
9th
Ram SP 25pdr: 2 M10 SP 17pdr: 1
11th
Sherman 75mm: 2 Sherman 17pdr: 2
12th
M10 SP 3”: 1 Ram SP 25pdr: 1
13th
Sherman 75mm: 1 Sherman 17pdr: 1
14th
Ram SP 25pdr: 1 Sherman 75mm: 1
15th
Sherman 17pdr: 1
16th
Sherman 17pdr: 1
17th
Sherman 17pdr: 2 Sherman ARV: 1 Cromwell ARV: 1
22th
Stuart VI: 6
24th
Stuart VI: 3 Sherman 75mm: 4 Sherman ARV: 1
27th
Stuart VI: 3 Sherman 75mm: 1 Sherman 17pdr: 2
NOTES: Note the terminology used at this time, Sexton was called Ram SP, Fireflies were Sherman 17pdr and M10 were either those with the original 3” gun or 17pdr, not Achilles. As the campaign progressed older types of Stuart tanks in reconnaissance platoons were replaced by Stuarts VI (M5A1).
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November 1944 - DELIVERIES
NOTE: The first Shermans with 76mm gun were delivered to the Division on the 20th. By the end of the month they had 41 with Sherman 17pdr still used as one per Troop.
November 1944 - RETURNS 13th
Challenger: 2
15th
Challenger: 3
17th
Challenger: 1
18th
Challenger: 1
24th
M10 SP 3”: 4
27th
Sherman 75mm: 27
The Division’s Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment received 7 Challengers a few days earlier but several were returned for minor adjustments. M10 3” were returned to be replaced by vehicles with 17pdrs. The process of replacing the Sherman 75mm with 76mm armed tanks was also underway.
December 1944 - DELIVERIES 1st
Sherman IIA: 2
2nd
M10 SP 17pdr: 4
3rd
Stuart VI: 1
5th
Sherman IIA: 6
18th
Cromwell IV/V: 10 Cromwell VI: 1 Cromwell ARV: 1 Sherman Vc: 2 Cromwell VI: 1 Cromwell ARV: 1 Sherman Vc: 2
21st
Sherman Ic: 1 M10 SP 17pdr: 4 M10 SP 17pdr: 4
22nd
Sherman IIA: 2
24th
Ram SP 25pdr: 1 Sherman I/II: 2 Challenger: 1 Sherman I/II: 2 Challenger: 1
30th
Sherman IIA: 6
NOTES: Shermans were now referred to by type e.g. IIA for M4A1 76mm and the Fireflies were also recorded as either Ic or Vc Also Cromwells were split by type, IV or V had 75mm guns and VI had 95mm. Vehicles delivered on the 24th went to company workshops.
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December 1944 - RETURNS
January 1945 - RETURNS
2nd
M10 SP 3”: 5
2nd
Sherman 75mm: 9
10th
Sherman V: 40
3rd
Sherman 75mm: 5
21st
M10 SP 3”: 4
5th
Sherman: 2 (command tanks)
7th
Crusader OP: 2
9th
Ram SP 25pdr: 1
23rd
Sherman OP: 1
25th
Sherman 75mm: 6
NOTE: Returns are for M10 3” to be replaced with 17pdr vehicles and Sherman V with 75mm were still being replaced by 76mm tanks.
January 1945 - DELIVERIES 2nd
Sherman 76mm: 9
27th
Sherman 75mm: 4 Sherman OP: 1
3rd
Sherman 76mm: 9
30th
Sherman 75mm: 1
5th
Sherman 76mm: 10
7th
Sherman 76mm: 10
8th
Sherman 76mm: 7
10th
Sherman 76mm: 1
11th
Sherman 76mm: 10
14th
Sherman 76mm: 7
23th
Sherman 76mm: 2
27th
Sherman 76mm: 8
30th
Sherman 76mm: 5 Sherman 17pdr: 1
NOTE: This month had the highest number of deliveries of Sherman 76mm. Continued from page 39. different form, for example “A1” or “E4”, where an individual gun letter was replaced with a number. The only artillery regiment within the 1st Armoured Division with four batteries was the 1st Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment. Two of its batteries were equipped with Achilles tank destroyers and two other with towed 17pdr anti-tank guns. However, the batteries of the regiment had only three troops each. The troops were indicated with a single letter, i.e. “A”, “B” or “C”, which combined with the “Battenberg” square gave information as to battery and troop. The 1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, equipped with towed as well as self-propelled 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns and M16 multiple gun motor carriages, in most cases also used single letters “A”, “B” and “C”, which, combined with the “Battenberg” square, denoted battery and troop. The vehicles of artillery regiments’ headquarters, forward artillery observers, signals, ammunition supply troops and the like carried a slightly different system of codes. The ammunition supply lorries of artillery batteries had the letters “AMN” painted on their “Battenberg” squares. Sometimes the number of a lorry was added to the letters, such as “AMN2” for instance. The vehicle of the regiment’s commander usually carried a white letter “Z” on a red above navy blue square, which was similar to the rectangle used for the unit’s serial number, and the vehicle of a regiment’s deputy commander carried the code “Z2”. The vehicles of a regiment’s office had the codes “A1” and “A2” painted on red above navy blue squares and vehicles of a
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Two photos depicting the O.C. of the 2nd Armoured Regiment, Lt.Col. Stanisław Koszutski and his Sherman V or M4A4, apparently with no markings. Of interest is the mix of different types of roadwheels.
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Sherman dozer. The blade carries the inscription “Poland. Wier siege, Wier fahren nach Berlin”, which is incorrectly spelt!
BELOW: Sherman V or M4A4 in Holland, late 1944. The tank bears an untypical camouflage scheme where a darker shade has been sprayed in a wavy pattern over the SCC No.15 base colour way with soft edges. The handwritten inscriptions were made by the inhabitants of the town of Thielt. “Serial 33564” is the unit’s mobilisation number, not to be confused with the W.D. Number.
regiment’s signals carried “S” and “M” on the same field. The letters “SUR” denoted vehicles of the survey platoon. Liaison vehicles of the batteries, mostly Jeeps, carried the letter “J” combined with an individual number, mostly in the range “J1-J12”. The auxiliary vehicles of a regiment carried the letter “Q” combined with following numbers. All of these codes were placed on plain red above navy blue “artillery” squares.
These “Battenberg” type markings like other ones specified for artillery regiments were placed on both fighting and “B” class vehicles. Usually they were positioned just above the units’ serial numbers, i.e. “74” (1st Motor Artillery Regiment), “76” (2nd Motor Artillery Regiment), “77” (1st Anti-Tank Artillery Regiment) and “73” (1st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment). They were quite often painted on driver’s cab doors and tailboards of transport vehicles as well as on the side armour plates of self-propelled guns.
Serial numbers (W.D. numbers) Each British-operated vehicle and the vehicles used within Allied formations based on the British tables, including the Polish 1st Armoured Division, carried an individual serial number (War Department Number). Every kind of vehicle was allotted a block of W.D. numbers. Once a W.D. number had been allotted to a vehicle, this vehicle carried it until the machine was scrapped and removed from the files for any reason. The serial number of a scrapped vehicle was not passed to any other vehicle. It was possible, however, that in the course of manufacturing a series of vehicles of a certain type or mark, the decision to stop production was taken. In such a situation the unused numbers could be passed to another series of vehicles. The best example, and the one connected with the 1st Armoured Division, is the series of Centaur tanks, which production had been stopped and the blocks of unused W.D. numbers were passed to Cromwell tanks. So, the description of some of the 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment’s Cromwells shown in photos as being Centaurs upgraded to Cromwell standards is a mistake.
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The W.D. numbers used in the 1st Armoured Division in 1944-45 had been allotted by different rules than the numbers given to the Polish units in the course of training in Great Britain. In 1942 all the Polish Armed Forces’ vehicles in Great Britain were given several blocks of serial numbers, which were specific only for the Polish vehicles: • 1288563 – 1293562. • 1312335 – 1312340. • 1312357 and 1312608 – single numbers for only one vehicle each. • 1363211 – 1368210. By 1944, however, most of the 1st Armoured Division’s vehicles,
particularly armoured fighting vehicles, carried W.D. numbers allocated for type of vehicles and the numbers had nothing to do with the Polish status of the vehicles. The W.D. numbers carried by the 1st Armoured Division’s vehicles in 1944-45 usually consisted of six or seven digits after a letter, which indicated a category of a vehicle. “A” (fighting) vehicles had their W.D. numbers painted on both the hull side plates. “B” (transport) vehicles carried their numbers painted in three positions: on both sides of the bonnet or driver’s cab doors and
ABOVE: A Despatch Rider and his BSA motorbike. The divisional “squirrel” is painted on the tank, a practice that was officially forbidden. On the opposite side of the tank a “PL” oval would have been painted. Its W.D. Number is C129227 and there is an unusual marking on the mudguard.
BELOW: Sherman Vc Firefly of HQ, 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade. AoS is a white “50” on a red square. Two Valentine Bridgelayers can be seen in the background; every armoured brigade was issued with three such vehicles.
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ABOVE: The equivalent of the Sherman Firefly in the Cromwell-equipped units was the Challenger tank, issued one per troop and also armed with a 17pdr gun. This Challenger belonged to the 10th Mounted Rifles. BELOW: Fordson WOT2 15 cwt truck “precariously perched” over a canal or river somewhere in the Low Countries, Autumn 1944. Its bridge classification number is “3” and a Red Cross sign is fitted to the radiator grille. An “Allied” star is painted low on the passenger door.
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on the vehicle rear. Numbers painted against the background of SCC No.15 or SCC No.14 colours were in white. Numbers against the background of SCC No.2 colour were usually in black. W.D. numbers were always stencilled. The letter and digits were 3.5in. high and 2in. wide each.
As it was mentioned above, each serial number was prefixed with a letter indicating a category to which the vehicle belonged: • T – Tanks and all types of Carriers. • F – Armoured cars, scout cars (Humber S.C., Daimler Dingo) and armoured command vehicles (Dorchester). • M – All types of cars including Jeeps and the Humber Light Reconnaissance Car (which was classed as a B vehicle despite its armour). • S – Self-propelled guns (Sexton) and tank destroyers (Achilles). • L – Lorries of load capacity above 15cwt. • Z – Trucks of load capacity up to 15cwt, half-tracks and M3 Scout Cars. • H – Wheeled tractors including some of the Morris Quad and CMP artillery tractors. • E – Bulldozers. • A – Ambulances. • X – Trailers.
Bridge classification In 1939 the British Army adopted a system, subsequently used in every formation organised according to British establishments, which required every bridge to be classified. The engineer troops
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responsible for the construction of a bridge were to place an information board for the bridge showing its carrying capacity at a distance of 10-yards from each end of the bridge. The board was to take the form of a flat yellow circle 18in. diameter with black characters denoting carrying capacity. Generally, this system was used, but sometimes the board took the shape of a square, rectangle or polygon. On the other hand, within the bridge classification system every fighting or transport vehicle had to carry a flat yellow circle of 9in. diameter with the weight class of the vehicle shown on it. The circle was painted directly onto a vehicle or onto a circular metal plate 0.08in. thick, which was screwed onto the vehicle. This “bridge classification” sign was to be placed on the front of a vehicle. The sign informed any bridge supervising engineer troops as to a vehicle’s weight and allowed them to quickly verify it against a bridge’s carrying capacity. If the weight was too great they would have denied access to the vehicle. The rule of placing “bridge classification” signs on vehicles was complied with and there are few photos of vehicles that are missing them. The form of the sign, however, was not always uniform. On many fighting vehicles the sign took the form of a hollow yellow circle with the “bridge class” number inside in order to reduce the visibility of this prominent insignia. On some occasions the “bridge classification” sign was painted RIGHT: A Sherman named Stryj of the 1st Motorised Artillery Regiment. The skull symbol commemorates “The Dead Battery” of the 1920 War. BELOW: Stuart VI or M5A1 undergoing routine maintenance. The W.D. Number and “Anti Freeze” warnings are also visible here although its mobilisation number located to the right of the standing trooper’s left hand is partly obscured.
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Lt. Janusz Barbarski and his mount - a Sherman IIa or M4A1 76mm(W), HQ Squadron, 2nd Armoured Regiment, Holland, Winter 1944/45. The supplies of Shermans fitted with 76mm guns commenced in December 1944. It’s worth mentioning that the Polish division was the only one in 21st Army Group equipped with this variant of the Sherman. The peculiar visual effect on the gun barrels is noteworthy and contrary to common belief, the tanks were repainted with SCC No.15, replacing the original US Olive Drab, done by the British depot that supplied the tanks. Ammunition boxes were fitted to the tank’s mudguards. ABOVE: “Staghound on Carnoustie Bridge”. A Staghound Armoured Car, Divisional HQ negotiating a short section of Bailey Bridge, Low Countries, Autumn 1944. AoS white “40” on black is painted under the “squirrel”. The bridge was constructed by the 10th Engineers Company; note their AoS white “46” on a blue background. Carnoustie was a Scottish town where a divisional training unit was located. The bridge classification “30” means that Shermans are allowed but the heavier Churchill tanks are not!
on a rectangular or oval metal plate, which was carried temporarily fixed to items of outside equipment. This happened when a vehicle was heavily laden with the crew’s equipment or up-armoured with track links and the insignia painted on the armour were not visible. Below are listed chosen examples of “bridge classification” signs, which can be found painted on the 1st Armoured Division’s vehicles. The number of a class corresponds with a digit carried on a specific vehicle: • Class 1 – 2-3-seater cars. • Class 2 – 2-7-seater cars, 8cwt trucks, 15cwt trailers. • Class 3 – Morris LRC and Humber LRC recce vehicles, Jeeps, 1-ton trailers and generator-trailers. • Class 4 – Austin K2 ambulances, Daimler Dingo scout cars. • Class 5 – Universal, Loyd and Windsor Carriers, Humber and M3 scout cars, Ford CMP wreckers, 15cwt trucks. • Class 6 – most 30cwt trucks. • Class 7 – Morris C9/B self-propelled carriages for 40mm Bofors AA guns. • Class 7-9 – 2.5-ton GMC lorries, 3-ton lorries, 5-ton trailers. • Class 8 – Half-tracks, 5-ton trailers. • Class 9 – Humber armoured cars, 800-gallon Brockway tankers.
A column of Sextons of the 1st Motorised Artillery Regiment, Low Countries, 1944. The second and third vehicles’ names are Halicz and Jordanów respectively. The name of the leading Sexton is obscured by a crewman.
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A Bofors 40mm AA gun mounted on a Morris C9/B. Its shield camouflage is unique; the base colour is SCC No.15 and camouflage is either dark grey or black.
• Class 11 – 4-ton lorries. • Class 12 – Scammell SV/2S and Diamond T 969 wreckers, Dorchester armoured command vehicles, 5-ton lorries. • Class 14 – Ward La France wreckers, 1,600-gallon Brockway tankers, 10-ton trailers. • Class 15 – Stuart light tanks, Staghound armoured cars. • Class 16 – 6-ton lorries. • Class 19 – 10-ton lorries. • Class 21 – Crusader AA Mk.II and Mk.III antiaircraft tanks. • Class 27 – Cromwell tanks, Sexton self-propelled guns. • Class 30 – Sherman tanks, Achilles tank destroyers. • Class 33 – Sherman IIA tanks. • Class 34 – Challenger tanks. A similar system was used for trailer and gun towing vehicles. Here the “bridge classification” sign took the form of a fraction, the numerator indicated the weight of a towing vehicle and denominator indicated the weight of a gun or trailer. The “bridge classification” sign was carried by towing vehicles only and the guns did not have it. Below are listed chosen examples of “bridge classification” signs, which can be found painted on the 1st Armoured Division’s towing vehicles. The number of a class corresponds with digits carried on a proper vehicle: • Class 6/8 – Morris Quad and CMP field artillery tractors for 25pdr field guns.
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• Class 6/5 – Loyd Carrier tractors for 6pdr anti-tank guns. • Class 2/3 – Jeeps with trailers. • Class 7/6 – Morris C8 tractors for 17pdr anti-tank guns. • Class 12/2 – 1,750-gallon Bedford OXC tankers with trailers.
Pennants Each of the 1st Armoured Division’s regiments had a characteristic pennant, which – according to regulations – was carried during parades or special ceremonies. These pennants were hoisted on the “A” net wireless sets’ aerials, i.e. the aerials at the right rear of fighting vehicles’ turrets. Though, eyewitnesses (see Eddy Florentine’s Battle of
ABOVE: Morris C9/B of the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment somewhere on the River Meuse, Winter 1945. The Unit’s AoS white “43” on red over dark blue - traditional Royal Artillery colours. A “Battenberg” sign, in this case a dark blue square with a smaller red one in the upper quarter, plus a letter “B” denotes 2nd Troop, 1st Battery. BELOW: A troop of rugged-looking 25pdr Sexton self-propelled guns undergoing serious maintenance, including at least a partial repaint in one case!
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Falaise and Joe Struck’s 1st Polish Armoured Division in Falaise Fighting in: AFV-G2 2/2 and 2/8) maintain some of the Polish division’s regiments carried their pennants in action (Eddy Florentine recalls an example of the Polish 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment’s Cromwells and Stuarts during Operation Totalize). I. Headquarters 1st Armoured Division and 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade – black pennant with orange triangle at the base. Headquarters 3rd Rifle Brigade – navy blue pennant with yellow triangle at the base. II. 1st Armoured Regiment – pennant of black above orange divided horizontally with red stripe. 2nd Armoured Regiment – pennant of black above orange divided horizontally with white stripe. 24th Lancers Regiment – pennant of white with yellow horizontal stripe. 10th Dragoons Regiment – pennant of crimson above orange divided horizontally with light green stripe. 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment – pennant of light green above dark yellow divided horizontally with white stripe. III. Podhale Rifles Battalion – pennant of navy blue above yellow. 8th Rifle Battalion – pennant of green above navy blue. 1st Forward Delivery Squadron – pennant of black above orange.
At the Kriegsmarine base in Wilhelmshaven a vast amount of armoured fighting vehicles were captured. These photos were taken in May 1945 by the Polish troops who occupied the base.
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IV. 9th Rifle Battalion – pennant of yellow above navy blue divided horizontally with two stripes: navy blue above yellow. 1st Independent MG Squadron – pennant of yellow above crimson divided horizontally with two stripes: navy blue above white.
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Sometimes, besides the regimental pennants, squadron pennants were used, particularly in the 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment. These pennants were black with the squadron geometrical symbol in the middle of the field. In the case of 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment the symbols were in white.
Other markings Anti-Gas Warning Panels. According to the regulations of October 1943 only transport vehicles would have been equipped with special metal panels, which were covered with a gas sensitive paint that changed colour when gas was present. These panels were attached at a right angle to the driver’s cab, just in front of the windscreen in order to be visible to the driver. Yellow-khaki was the basic colour of the paint. Sometimes, certain types of fighting vehicles, Humber and Daimler Dingo scout cars in particular, were also marked in this way. In such cases, the yellow-khaki paint was put directly onto the front armour, just in front of the driver’s visor. According to the regulation the irregular border of the mark should not exceed a square of 1.8in. side length. Information Stencils. As the Polish 1st Armoured Division had been organised on the British table and included within the British 21st Army Group, left hand traffic ruled in the formation. So, every transport vehicle, including half-tracks, built with left hand drive – most US-built vehicles – carried a marking about the position of the steering wheel. The information: “CAUTION. LEFT HAND DRIVE” was stencilled in white to the left on a vehicle’s rear (sometimes mistakes occurred and the wording was: “LEFT HANDRIVE”). When a vehicle lacked mechanical turning indicators or lights a “NO SIGNALS” stencil was added. Speed Limit Mark. Some transport vehicles, excluding motorcycles and unexploded ordnance transport vehicles, carried a stencil stating their maximum speed in miles per hour on paved roads. This was stencilled in red and positioned on the rear of a vehicle. The speed indicating digits were 4in. high. The “MPH” (Miles Per Hour) characters painted below the digits were 2in. high. Mobilisation Numbers. During the concentration prior to their embarkation onto seagoing vessels, each of the 1st Armoured Division’s vehicles received a mobilisation number. Each of the division’s regiments and other units was given a unique five- or usually six-digit number painted in white on both sides of a unit’s tanks or on the front of its lighter fighting vehicles and transport vehicles. Sometimes, the numbers were preceded with “SERIAL”. A mobilisation number could also be accompanied by the name of a landing vessel, to which the vehicle was allotted. The landing vessel’s name – i.e. LST 368 or LST 3113 (Landing Ship, Tank) or LCT IV (Landing Craft, Tank) – usually appeared after the mobilisation number. The Red Cross Insignia. Ambulances and other vehicles used for medical purposes within the 1st Armoured Division were marked with the Red Cross insignia – a red Greek cross on a flat white circle. While the size of the insignia painted on roofs and
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bonnets depended only on the dimensions of the surface, the size of the insignia carried on a vehicle’s sides and rear should not have exceeded a 17.5in. diameter circle.
A Sherman IIa or M4A1 76mm (W) named Kitus II, W.D. Number (probably): T202411.
Air Identification Equipment. Each “A” (fighting) class vehicle should have been equipped with coloured cloth panels. They were used to denote friendly formations to Allied aircrews. These panels were produced in bright colours: yellow, pink or orange and they should have been displayed flat on the top rear armour plate. To avoid any misunderstandings the correct colour of the day was given in daily orders.
Bibliography Sources 1943 Vehicle Marking Regulations - RAC Tank Museum, Bovington. British Army Council Instructions (ACI) on Vehicle Markings of 11th February 1942, 20th October 1943 and later – RAC Tank Museum, Bovington. Half Yearly Report on the Progress of the Royal Armoured Corps – RAC Tank Museum, Bovington. US Army AR850-5 Markings of Motor Vehicles – July and August 1944, January 1945. War Office Letters on Formation Signs and Bridge Classifications (WO.32/11617) – Public Record Office, Kew. Books 1 Pulk Pancerny w latach 1939-1946. Barbarski, K. – Polish Armour 1939-1945. Bellis, M.A. – 21st Army Group Organisation & Markings. Bernage, G. & McNair, R. – Falaise-Argentan, Le Coluoir de la Mort. Bouchery, J. – The British Soldier from D-Day to VE-Day, Vol.2. Chamberlain, P. & Ellis, C. – British and American Tanks of World War II. Cromwell Tank. Vehicle History and Specification. Dec, W. – Narwik i Falaise. Fletcher, D. – British Tanks of WWII, France & Belgium 1944. Hodges, P. – British Military Markings 1939-1945. Maczek, S. – Od podwody do czoB ga. Magnuski, J. – Wozy bojowe PSZ 1940-1946. Nowakowski, J. – Z proporczykiem na antenie. Nowakowski, J. & Polski, A. & Kowalski, M. – Z dziejów 10. pulku strzelców konnych. SkibiDski, F. – Pierwsza pancerna. White, B. T. – British Tank Markings and Names. Wise, T. – D-Day to Berlin, Armour Camouflage & Markings. Wise, T. – World War 2 Military Vehicle Markings.
Magazines Tankette – magazine 1965-2001. AFV News – magazine 1965-2001. AFV G2 – magazine 1971-1977.
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Logistical Legend Nick Shuttleworth builds IBG Models’ Bedford QLD in 1:35 scale.
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Box top illustration for the IBG Bedford QLD General Service truck kit.
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he ‘Bedford’ name has been synonymous with British Army vehicles for over 70-years – from the ‘QL’ in North Africa and on the Normandy Beaches, to the ‘RL’ in Suez and Belfast, through to the ‘MJ’ in Port Stanley, Kuwait and Kosovo. The QL was one of the first Bedford trucks to be designed specifically as a vehicle for military use, whereas previously many military trucks were derived from available civilian designs. At the outbreak of the Second World War many civilian vehicles were requisitioned by the British Army due to a shortage of suitable vehicles, and with a significant number being lost in France in 1940, made the QL’s design and introduction all the more important. The QL became the standard 3-ton truck for the British Army and featured good ground clearance, a 4x4 capability and good visibility on account of the simple design of its cab. Over 52,000 QLs were built and numerous derivatives were produced, including radio trucks, tank trucks and aircraft refuellers, and the general service variant, which is the subject of this kit from IBG of Poland. The QL remained in military service well into the
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Parts are crisply moulded with good surface details and minimal flash.
ABOVE: The kit parts are moulded in light grey plastic with nicely reproduced contours. LEFT: The QL’s distinctly shaped cab is nicely reproduced with the option of a roof with or without a hip ring cupola. BELOW: Separate legs and crossmembers make up the chassis and care has to be taken to get them in the right orientation.
ABOVE: The Bedford ‘straight-six’ power unit has some gorgeous detail and it’s a shame most of it is concealed inside the cab.
1950s and 60s and many preserved examples can be seen today they being popular vehicles with military vehicle enthusiasts.
QLs in plastic Perhaps one peculiar thing about the QL is that although there have been kits of it available in 1:76 and 1:35 scales for over three decades, they’ve tended to be specific variants such as the refueller in the Airfix RAF Refuelling Set or the 6pdr Portee as kitted by Peerless Max, Airfix, Revell and Italeri from essentially the same tooling. In some respects it seems strange that the GS variants have never really been kitted by mainstream manufacturers. IBG’s kit (item 35015) is a new tool and part of a family of new kits including the QLR Wireless and QLB Bofors Gun Tractor variants. The kit is moulded in light grey plastic with a simple yet logical breakdown and the parts are crisply moulded with very little flash, however, there are no photo-etched frets or multimedia type accessories included. An initial observation of the kit, although totally new from the ground up, reveals an unusual similarity to the 1970’s Peerless
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Max and Italeri Allied vehicles such as the Dodges, Chevrolets and QL Gun Portee in the way the kit is broken down and the sprues structured.
Construction The kit includes a full engine and transmission, along with a nicely detailed chassis and driveline. Assembly starts with the 6-cylinder engine, which has been nicely reproduced with the only drawback being that much of it is hidden beneath the cab once built. However, it’s ideal for modellers who might be looking for diorama opportunities, perhaps with the cab removed, as most vehicles of this era did not have tilt forward cabs like modern trucks. Construction moves on to the axle assemblies, which are broken down into the differentials, axle tubes, hubs and brake drum assemblies. In some ways this works well, as there’s no seam to deal with between the two axle halves, and the
ABOVE: Axles are multi-part assemblies and feature great detail.
‘‘” The QL was one of the first Bedford trucks to be designed specifically as a vehicle for military use...
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ABOVE LEFT: Mounts for the cab seats, gear change and transfer shift levers and other details are on the cab floor. ABOVE RIGHT: The cab back was fitted in place to form a ‘cab half’ which could be painted in one go.
means one has to decide whether to drill the springs and add a locating dowel, or be confident the axles can be lined up onto the springs when fitted to the chassis.
RIGHT: Cab front and roof were testfitted on the cab floor to ensure they could be joined and were a good fit.
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Cab
I chose to assemble the rear body with the tilt off so the cargo area could be loaded up with some stowage to add to the character of the model.
BELOW: The kit wheels feature some nice chunky details, but after-market items are available with different tread patterns.
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differentials in particular have some nice detail. Take care and ensure the differentials are positioned in the correct place versus the axle tubes and spring mounts, otherwise the propshafts won’t fit when the axles are attached to the chassis. As ever, a good dry run is very useful for checking this. The chassis is provided as two axle rails with crossmembers linking the two. The instructions here, with respect to the placement of some of crossmembers, are a bit vague and there’s a good risk of getting assemblies back to front or upside down, so do as many dry runs as possible. It’s also worth leaving the front crossmember or valence off until after the cab is fitted so you don’t have to manage the gaps where it fits to the lower front bulge in the cab. The springs assemble easily onto the chassis, but have no location points for the axles; this is far from a job stopper and simply
This is provided as a separate floor, cab back, cab front, floor and roof. The cab carries a number of options, such as roof with or without a cupola and the type of headlamps used. Depending what approach is taken to paint the model, a strategy is needed for painting the interior before the cab is ‘closed up’. I elected to assemble the cab front, doors and roof as one half of an assembly, before assembling the cab rear and floor into the other mating half. Both of these could be assembled and painted before being permanently joined together. I did find some problems with fit and addressed these using thin strips of plastic card as shims to join the cab rear to the doors. The parts were very nicely detailed and crisp, with well-defined pressed features, rivets, bolts and panel lines, although some modellers may wish to use etched parts for the grille and items like the headlamp mounts for which an after-market set is available from Polish manufacturer Part (item P35-254).
Cargo body The Bedford QL was fitted with a number of rear body designs and this one has steel sides with a wooden floor. The kit includes the option of tilt hoops to show the rear body with the tilt off, or as a one-piece moulding with the tilt and body sides all together, including detail for the tilt tie-downs and hooks. I chose to assemble the rear body with the tilt off so the cargo area could be loaded up with some stowage to add to the character of the model.
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ABOVE LEFT: Lamps and other small details complete the cab front. ABOVE RIGHT: Both the hoops and a full tilt for the cargo body are provided; this is the full tilt.
ABOVE LEFT: The rear body is simple and assembles with minimal fuss, with just a little care and patience needed on the tilt frame. ABOVE RIGHT: Numerous lockers and the mudflaps are situated on the underside of the truck bed. BELOW: With the kit broken down into sub-assemblies, a coat of primer was sprayed on followed by spraying everything with Tamiya Dark Green XF-61.
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ABOVE: The cab interior was painted with acrylics and weathering effects made with oil colours.
RIGHT: Kit decals were added using Daco setting solution once the model had received a coat of Johnson’s Klear.
BELOW: The camouflage pattern along with highlights and shadows was added to the separate assemblies before they were joined together.
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The rear body assembled easily with no need for filler, however, as with the cab, the detail in some places is a little basic so some modellers may find themselves reaching for the etch! I sourced some stowage from the spares box and did a number of dry runs to get what I was looking for. At this point I had the kit broken down into a number of sub-assemblies, so it was time to make a start on the painting.
use a pair of wipers intended for a 00 gauge railway locomotive from a Shawplan photo-etched set which fitted perfectly! Using the wipers as a guide I cut some radial masks from Tamiya Masking Tape and applied these carefully to the windscreens. I gave the front of the cab a quick, light blast with some Vallejo Gloss Varnish through the airbrush, which creates a slightly frosted, dusty appearance
BELOW: A set of masks was cut for the windscreen wiper patterns using Tamiya Masking Tape and a scalpel.
Painting and weathering Bedford QLs appeared in a number of different colour schemes throughout their long service and the kit gives markings for a number of vehicles in plain camouflage green and also the ‘Mickey Mouse Ear’ camouflage scheme seen on Commonwealth vehicles, and I selected a REME vehicle that bore such a scheme. The model was first primed using Tamiya Fine Surface Primer, before all the subassemblies received a basecoat of Tamiya Dark Green XF-61. The cab interior was painted first, the seats being given a coat of Vallejo Acrylic base colour before applying a thick oil colour glaze that meant I could work in some wear patterns onto their fabric cushions. Smaller details were picked out with Vallejo and Lifecolor acrylics, before an oil colour dust wash was applied to the cab floor. I then moved through each of the sub-assemblies adding highlights with Tamiya, Vallejo and Lifecolor acrylics along with the ‘Mickey Mouse Ear’ camouflage pattern which I sprayed on freehand with Tamiya NATO Black XF-69 and Flat Black XF-1 for the shadows. Both the green and black colours I find are prone to finger prints when handled, so as soon as these coats were dry I gave the sub-assemblies a light coat of Johnson’s Klear which also provides a good base for the kit decals to adhere to. The cab windows were fitted in place to allow the cab top and bottom to be joined together. One of the omissions in the kit is the windscreen wiper blades. Fortunately, and unexpectedly, I found I was able to
ABOVE: Shawplan wipers intended for a railway locomotive were fitted to the cab front and weathering completed. RIGHT: Undersides of the truck bed were heavily weathered using pigments.
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The model was weathered with oil colour dust washes and light over sprays with acrylics.
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THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE BOTTOM: The author’s completed model.
without overdoing the effect. The masks were then carefully removed and the sub-assemblies joined together before the decals were applied using Daco setting solution. With the decals set, the model was given a coat of Vallejo Matt Varnish to seal them so the weathering could begin. An oil colour dust wash was applied to the sides and undersides of the model, which was then worked into a streaked, rain mark pattern using a brush dampened with thinners. The effect was boosted by spraying on a light dust coat with Lifecolor acrylics along the base of the panels to blend in the effect. The undersides of the truck bed and cab wheel arches received a ‘mud slurry’ mixed from pigments that were sprinkled onto the surface that had been dampened with pigment fixer. The inside of the truck bed received a similar, but slightly more subtle treatment. Stowed items were painted with Lifecolor acrylics then fixed in place using Humbrol ClearFix. Final items, such as cab mirrors, and the bridge classification plate were fixed in place to complete the model.
Conclusion After a long wait for a kit of this important vehicle to appear, it’s great to see this offering from IBG, and even better so given the family of kits likely to be released. Although the kit has a slightly basic feel to it, it goes together well, is a good fit and will, no doubt, provide a great platform for some superdetailed projects or fascinating dioramas. For many years softskin vehicles seem to have been neglected, so with IBG’s and other offerings like AFV Club’s AEC Matador, perhaps they are now starting to get the attention they deserve. Recommended!
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Small Scale Scene
The Merit X-Craft built and given a basic coat of matt black using one of Revell’s spray cans.
Robin Buckland’s monthly column for military vehicle modellers.
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t has been a bit busy over the last month or so. Not only shows at Duxford and Bovington, but most recently the War & Peace Revival and tucked in between, my daughter Robyn has had her graduation ceremony after four years of study of French at Southampton University. Then slotted in between all of that and doing some writing, I have actually managed to build a few models. Now I say ‘build’ specifically as actually getting them painted and finished will take me a lot longer. That got me thinking that I can’t be the only one who gets a model built and then gets distracted by a different kit so the earlier one gets put on the back burner. Trying to build things for review on a regular basis I guess makes my building a bit out of the ordinary, as there is always another deadline to meet, but I am sure I am not the only one. With the volume of new kits coming on to the market these days, and at such a regular rate, it is so difficult to keep pace. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining, indeed I keep finding new models which I am so glad to see and with subjects that a few years ago I would never have dreamed of seeing kitted. A couple I have built recently include the lovely new 1:35 scale X-Craft mini submarine from Merit and the 1:35 scale 42cm Skoda gun from Takom, of which more next.
Box art for the from Takom Skoda 42cm gun.
Takom Just one Skoda 42cm M1917 Heavy Siege Howitzer was used by the Wehrmacht, a weapon they bought from Skoda in 1939, an example that had been completed after the end of WW1. It was apparently used near Saarbruken, opposite the Maginot Line in 1940, and then stored until used again in the siege of Sevastopol on the Eastern Front in 1942. With this in mind, Takom have also included a figure of German General von Manstein to go with it. The kit is very nicely moulded, with a baseplate and turntable on which the gun itself was mounted. I particularly like that the rifling is included inside the
gun barrel, which looks effective. It isn’t a complex kit, though it has just a couple of details in etched-brass, particularly some riveted bands that fit around a part of the gun mounting. Assembly instructions are neat and clear, with the choice of a plain panzer grey or a panzer grey with disruptive green camouflage as an alternative with colours keyed to the Ammo of Mig Jiminez acrylic paint range. Assembly doesn’t present any problems, and I found the fit of parts to be good. A tiny bit
of filler in places helps to get rid of a joint line but nothing major. The only thing I would have liked to have seen included in the kit would have been one or two rounds of ammunition to go with the gun, and which would also have given a good measure of scale alongside a figure. Ideal for a diorama with the fixed turntable base, rather than being a gun on a wheeled carriage. It is interesting to have a piece of heavy artillery like this one, even a rare beast such as this 42cm gun, and being done as a plastic kit rather than a resin model. It adds to the interesting variety of subjects that Takom are releasing in their range, which seems to be growing at quite a rate. Thanks to Pocketbond, the new UK importers for our sample, this is in the shops now.
Revell With the ever-growing ranges of the large plastic kit manufacturers it is impossible for them to keep all their kits in production all of the time, so moulds go through a process of being brought back into production for a new batch every
The Skoda 42cm built and given a basecoat of panzer grey.
Box art for the re-released 1:72 scale Luchs from Revell.
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Revell’s Luchs completed.
now and then. This is the case with this one, the very nicely done 1:72 scale kit of the SpPz2 Luchs A2, a large 8-wheeled armoured car used by the West German Army during the Cold War and beyond. It is a follow-on from the wide range of 8-wheelers the Wehrmacht used in WW2, though put side by side the more recent Luchs is considerably larger. The kit has plenty to it, a good indication of which is the number of stages in the construction sequence, which stretches to 43 stages, and the first 25 of these involve the lower chassis and running gear. The tyres are solid plastic parts, but involve three parts to make up each wheel. Everything fits well so not a difficult kit to build. There are two options for colours and markings, one from 1992 and another from 1993, and both in the standard German Army European scheme of Green/Brown/Black. This one is good to see being made available again. Thanks to Revell for our sample. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit www.revell.de/en or facebook.com/Revell
Roden A kit I was looking forward to seeing from Roden when I heard it announced is now on sale, an Opel 3.6-47 Omnibus, essentially a bus body on the same chassis as the Opel Blitz. They do a couple of versions in the smaller 1:72
scale and it is great to see it now in 1:35 scale. There was a limited production run kit from Azimut some years ago but this is done with what I’d call ‘production’ moulds. There is engine detail and you can choose to fit the bonnet closed or open if you want to add detail to the engine, such as wiring. Likewise the doors in the bodywork can be fitted open or closed as seats are inside. It would be a good diorama subject if you wanted to add some seated figures and their equipment inside. Glazing is provided as a sheet of clear film which is marked out for all the window shapes you need, and which just needs to be cut out carefully from the sheet and fitted in the frames. Neat details externally, with tools, lights and the roof rack that you could load up with stowage. Vinyl tyres and then three options provide for with colours and markings. One for a panzer grey machine in Russia in 1941, then a desert yellow one with the Afrika Korps in North Africa in 1942 and finally a Dunkelgelb with green camouflage example in NW Europe in 1944, wearing Red Cross markings. I am sure this will prove to be a popular kit, and one which will feature in many dioramas over the coming years. I can’t comment on fit of parts and so on as I haven’t started it yet, but having built many of the smaller scale models from Roden over the years, I wouldn’t expect any problems. Thanks to importers Pocketbond for our sample, this is now on sale.
Box art for the Opel Bus in 1:35 scale from Roden.
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Tamiya box art for their 1:48 scale PzKpfw 38(t).
The build so far with the Tamiya 1:48 scale PzKpfw 38(t).
Tamiya One of their latest 1:48 scale releases is a PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf E/F. I can imagine a fair few modellers being tempted into this after a restored example finished in the classic panzer grey scheme was seen on display in the arena at Tankfest this year. A comment shared by a number of people there I overheard was on how small it was, they had expected it to be bigger! As for the kit, it is moulded in dark grey plastic, and does include some metal weights to hide away inside the hull to provide a bit of ‘weight’ to the model. The track is done in solid plastic and in what I always describe as a link and length style. The fit of the sections of track links around the running gear was spot on. I suggest you start by fitting the top run of track first, as this is shaped to fit on the return rollers with the correct ‘sag’. Also, do check the instructions to ensure that you fit them facing the right direction. With these in place, just add the remaining parts one at a time – I found they met up perfectly when I got round to the other end. Detail around the whole tank is very neatly done and the fit of parts up to Tamiya’s usual high standard. A half figure for the tank
commander is included, so you can fit him in the open turret hatch. Both options for colours and marking are for single colour Panzer Grey machines, and both from the Eastern Front in 1942. That surprised me a little, as I would have expected them to include an option from Poland or France in 1940, where the PzKpfw 38(t) was one of the better tanks in service, and in good numbers. By 1942 there were a greater number of Panzer IIIs and IVs in service with the German Army, and the T-34 was creating a reputation on the Eastern Front for the Russians and larger guns than the 47mm of the PzKpfw 38(t) were much more common. However, a very nice new addition to their 1:48 scale series of AFV models, and one I am certain will be popular. Our thanks to The Hobby Company who are the UK importers for Tamiya for our sample.
Academy Perhaps one of the best known tanks around the world both during and after WW2, the T-34/85 has been kitted before, but with the numbers produced
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ABOVE: Box art for the Giesbers Models kit of the Morris-Martel tankettes. BELOW: The two Morris Martel tankettes built.
Box art for Academy’s new T-34/85.
there is an opportunity for manufacturers to pick up on the small differences between the production by different factories, and in this latest instance, Academy have gone for one by Factory 112 in 1:35 scale. They have also included some options so you can build either a WW2 example or one from a bit later, in the Korean War in 1950. The option between the two revolves around the turret. There are two turret shells provided, depending on which variant you want to go for. For the WW2 version, there is a twin armoured ventilator cover at the back of the hull roof. The later version has two individual ventilator covers, one at the back but the other nearer the front. The other significant difference is in the commander’s cupola. A smaller cupola with a split hatch on the earlier version, while a larger cupola with a single-piece hatch is on the later one. These choices centre on your chosen set of markings from the five options provided. Two are from Berlin in 1945, another in Yugoslavia the same year, while options four and five are both from Korea in 1950. One is a captured machine still held in a US museum collection, while the other features a US applied slogan on the right side of the turret, naming the commanding general when it was captured. There is no internal detail but the external detail is nicely done and I like that they have included the etched mesh for the back of the engine deck and all the various grab handles around the hull. The track is solid moulded link-andlength style, with the track sag moulded into the upper track run. Also, they have moulded the track in a gun
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metal coloured plastic rather than the dark green of the rest of the kit, which gives a good starting point for adding weathering when you get round to painting and finishing the model. Another option with the hull is that the front of the trackguards are angular style for four of the build options, but there are also rounded ones for the other marking option so the modeller gets the choice. For me these options demonstrate the thought that has gone into the production of this new kit by Academy, rather than simply doing just ‘another’ T-34. Our thanks to Pocketbond who are the importers for Academy kits in the UK for the sample. For those who want to additional detail, an etchedbrass detailing set is already available from Eduard.
Giesbers Models Two complete 1:76 scale resin models in the one box, so you can build both the 1- and 2-man variants of the MorrisMartel tankette in this new kit from Giesbers. There were eight of these built for trials in 1927, when they lost out in the competition for orders from the British Army to the Carden Lloyd
tankette. A mix of the 1- and 2-man styles were built and make for an interesting addition to models of the varied inter-war designs, particularly for these small tankette style machines. Most of the parts are identical for each one, in terms of the track units, wheels and the engine/ chassis. It is the different floor and armoured cabin for the 1- and 2-man versions which simply differentiate the two. Do take a bit of care in removing the moulding plugs from the individual castings, just so you don’t damage the detail. Not difficult, just don’t rush things. Assembly is then straightforward, using super glue followed by a coat of primer prior to painting. The quality of the resin castings is good, and a set of exploded assembly diagrams are provided to guide you in the builds. This is another very interesting, and slightly unusual pair of models now added to the Giesbers range that feature these novel inter-war designs.
Built and primed, this is the new 1:72 scale Russian T-14 Armata from Cromwell Models.
Cromwell Models It has been quite a while since I last looked at a new release from Cromwell Models but here is one that is brand new. Cast in a white resin this features the latest Russian tank, the T-14 Armata in 1:72. This modern chassis is intended as a new generation of Russian AFVs, with the hull used as a basis for a family of vehicle, one of which is the T-14 MBT which had a first outing at the May Day Parade in Moscow in 2015, along with a new 2S35 152mm SP gun and the T-15 heavy IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) on the same chassis. Set to enter full-scale production it is said that over 2,000 will be in service by 2020, updating some 70% of the Russian tank fleet. The automated turret mounts a 125mm main gun and the 3-man crew are all in the main hull, none on the turret itself, that same being the case with the large SP as well. There are no instructions with the model so you need to look
AFV reviews
up photos on the internet to help get a guide on what fits where, though there are not a huge number of parts and it is only the smaller details on top of the turret that you need to work out what goes where... I think I got it right! Very cleanly cast and the detailing is delightful. There is some fine casting flash between
the inner roadwheels that needs to be carefully cut out with a sharp craft knife and then fitting the separate outer roadwheels is simple. The long moulding blocks on the bottom run of tracks needs to be removed. I did use a power tool to do this, but outside in the open air with a wind to help disperse the resin dust that
you don’t want to breathe in, and while wearing gloves and a good quality respirator. Other than that, clean up is minimal and done with a craft knife. The two crew hatches on the hull are separate parts so can be fitted open or closed. Assembly is done with super glue and the assembled model then given a
spray coat of grey primer ready for painting. Hopefully the photos here will show where the small fittings go, particularly on the turret roof and the smoke dischargers on the turret ring. Cromwell Models are available via the Tracks ‘n’ Troops online store at www.tracks-ntroops.eu/shop/
ABOVE LEFT: The new Whippet due from Takom. ABOVE CENTRE: Box art for the new WW1 Mk.V by Takom. ABOVE RIGHT: A 1:35 scale Krupp gun due from Takom, who continue with their WW1 theme.
ABOVE LEFT:Trumpeter’s new GAZ 66 OilTanker. ABOVE CENTRE: An Indian ArmyT90C byTrumpeter. ABOVE RIGHT:The odd-looking laser tank fromTrumpeter, the 1K17 Szhatie.
News There are a number of new kits due to arrive with UK importers at around the time you read this. These include three 1:35 scale WW1 subjects
all from Takom: the Medium Tank Mk.A Whippet; the British WW1 Heavy Battle Tank Mk.V in Male, Female or Hermaphrodite form (you can choose which version to build); a large wheeled artillery piece
in the form of a German Krupp 21cm Mörser 10/16 2. Trumpeter also continue to expand their range, now with a GAZ-66 4x4 Oil Truck, the T-90C Indian Army MBT Cast Turret and the 1K17 Szhatie, a Russian Laser
Tank, all in 1:35 scale and a PzKpfw IV Ausf J in 1:16 scale among them. Finally for this month, news of the latest release from KFS (Kit Form Services) as they now have their Bedford RL 4x4 4 -Ton GS in 1:24 scale on sale.
Kit Form Services now have their 1:24 scale Bedford RL on sale.
A big 1:16 scale Panzer IV is due soon from Trumpeter.
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MAFVA
The MAFVA column News and views from the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association
John Ham reports on a MAFVA visit to MoD Castlemartin.
Photos by the author unless otherwise credited. TOP: Romulus and Remus are the gate guardians at Merrion Camp. Remus is a Mk.11 Chieftain, and Romulus is a Leopard Mk.1 from the years when the ranges were used by the German Panzer Battalions. The Chieftain is from Pembroke Dock when it was the disembarkation port for tanks travelling to the Ranges. (Photo: Paul Gandy, S Wales MAFVA) ABOVE RIGHT: Model of the Castlemartin Ranges. To the west, on the right of the model are the tracks of the gunnery range with both stationary and moving targets on rails. To the east, the left side is heathland used for infantry training. BELOW: RTR Challenger 2s on one of the platforms firing at both static and moving targets about 2.5km away. Some are painted overall green, and others in green and black. (Photo: David Payne, London MAFVA)
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n an unseasonal wet and windy summer Wednesday several of us set out from Cardiff for the MoD Ranges at Castlemartin, in South Wales. Most of the MAFVA attendees had travelled some distance for the opportunity to view the Anglo-French exercises, and live tank firing. On this occasion we were also joined by some Friends of the Tank Museum. Arriving at Merrion Camp, the MoD base for the Castlemartin Ranges, the rain had almost stopped, which gave us the opportunity to inspect the two gate guards, a Chieftain and
Leopard. Retired Warrant officer, Steven PhilipsHarries, our host for the day, met us at the gate. He, along with a small staff, is responsible for range safety and administration of the weapons firing programmes. The agenda for the day was a briefing on Range activities, followed by inspection of some of the participating AFVs, and observing some tank firing. In the afternoon, at the public viewing area, we would see further weapons firing and French fighters would be flying sorties.
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ABOVE: Inspecting the AFVs, from left to right: Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle; Warrior Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle; Challenger 2. The CRARRV, was previously used by the OPFOR (Opposing Forces) Squadron in Warminster before transferring to the RTR in Tidworth, hence its light stone and green camouflage pattern. (Photo: Paul Gandy, S Wales MAFVA) RIGHT: Dassault Rafale M from the French Naval Wing at Landivisiau, Brittany. These fighter-bombers were refuelled by tanker aircraft before reaching Castlemartin, and again following sorties over the target area before returning to their home base. (Photo: David Payne, London MAFVA)
ABOVE LEFT: A Warrior Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle. This vehicle is widely used to change the power packs on Challenger 2 tanks, and so freeing up the larger CRARRV to recover any broken down Challengers. (Photo: Paul Gandy, S Wales MAFVA) ABOVE RIGHT: This was one of two 105mm Light Guns, towed by 6x6 Pinzgauers, that were moving to their firing position to the west of the ranges. There are always several different activities taking place at the same time on the ranges. The RTR Challenger 2 tanks were firing at the same times as these light guns, some French mortars, and some French aircraft that were firing on the target hulks. (Paul Gandy, S Wales MAFVA)
The 6,000-acre Castlemartin Range in Pembrokeshire was used as a military training area in WW1. After returning to the original landowners, it was requisitioned again for military use just before the outbreak of WW2. From 1961-1996, the camp was used by the German Army for the training of their Leopard tank crews. Now, back with the British Army, it provides a weapons training site for tanks, other AFVs and artillery, including shortrange missile systems. Infantry exercises also take place, including beach assault landings by the Royal Marines and Special Forces. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft also make use of the training area for live firing, and exercising with infantry units. Part of the Range is set up for tank gunnery, using both stationary and moving targets on rail tracks. Pop-up friend or foe targets are used for infantry training.
BELOW: A Challenger 2 manoeuvring near one of the observation towers on the gunnery range. The tanks carry outline B Squadron squares and a Chinese Eye making on the turret sides. The gun barrel ring markings denote 4th Troop. On turret rear are tank identification numbers.
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There are several mock Afghan compounds that were used for Afghanistan training. By late morning the rain stopped, and our spirits were considerably brightened on visiting the Ranges. Meeting us were some of the AFVs of the RTR and their crews. The men were happy to talk about their vehicles and work, and we made good use of the ‘hands on’ opportunity. Later, in bright sunshine, we were able to view more live firing from the Challengers, and sorties by Rafale fighters flying in from France. All attendees had a very enjoyable day. Our thanks go to Steven, the Range team, and crews of the RTR, who made us welcome, and the day so interesting. Thanks also to Jon Mordecai, Sheffield MAFVA, who set the visit up, and all the other MAFVA members who have contributed to it, and to this article. Another trip is planned for Castlemartin in mid-September. MAFVA members wishing to take part should contact me. Any non-members wanting to participate, can enrol as members via the website www.mafva.net John Ham
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ABOVE: French PVP Petit Vehicule Protégé, Small protected Vehicle, a 4x4 also designated as the Auverland A4 AVL is a lightly armoured utility vehicle, used for carrying personnel, communications and reconnaissance. (Photo: John Tapsell, MAFVA and IPMS)
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Books
On Parade Books, magazines and DVDs reviewed The Editor welcomes publications for review. Unless a prior arrangement has been made with the Editor review samples WILL NOT be returned. All samples intended for review in ‘On Parade’ should be sent direct to the Editor at the address listed under ‘Editorial’ on the contents page.
Grasping Gallipoli – Terrain, Maps and Failure at the Dardanelles, 1915 by Peter Chasseaud and Peter Doyle. Published by The History Press, The Mill, Brimscombe Port, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2QG. ISBN 978-0-7509-6226-1. Price £14.99. www.thehistorypress.co.uk The clue as to what this publication is all about lies in its subtitle. In its recounting of the ultimately disastrous Gallipoli campaign it concentrates, not as many other publications do, on the stories of the Allied seaborne landings and the subsequent land battles in themselves nor on the heroism – collective and individual – of the many participants involved. What it focuses on almost exclusively is the role played in the conflict by the terrain of the Gallipoli peninsula itself and the use – or otherwise – made by the commanding officers (both Naval and Army) at the time of what cartographical information was available to them. In its detailed examination of these aspects of the campaign, the authors highlight an otherwise lesser-examined area of the conflict. They make their purpose in doing so crystal clear from the outset.
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It is worth quoting their opening sentence in full, alerting the reader as it does to the whole purpose behind the publication: “The Gallipoli Campaign of April-December 1915 – the Allied landings on the shores of Turkey – has been the subject of a vast literature, which has most unfortunately propagated a great untruth – that the War Office was unprepared for operations in the Dardanelles area, and had little or nothing in the way of maps and geographical intelligence to give to Sir Ian Hamilton, the commander of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (Medforce), and his Staff”. From this starting point the authors press their case throughout the book’s more or less sequential 11 chapters. Beginning with an analysis of the geology and topography of the peninsula itself, the authors go on to recount the unfolding Allied military failures that occurred despite – they argue – the considerable geographical information available both to the domestic political elite at the time and to their military representatives on the battlefield. Few commanders escape the authors’ judgement that they made poor military use of these resources available to them. Worse still, the authors point out, some of these same men would later go so far as to actually deny possessing such information at the time in question. How effective the authors have been in persuading their audience of the power of their case is up to the individual reader to decide. What is not in doubt is the formidable array of Tables, Appendices and historic map references they employ in support of their narrative
argument. The comparative narrowness of their self-imposed remit may well reduce the appeal of this book to the general reader. In raising and highlighting this important aspect of the campaign, however, they have performed a valuable service for anyone wishing to have the fullest possible picture of Gallipoli and its place in military history. Fred Ledden
Dingo 2 GE A3.3 PatSi by Ralph Zwilling. Tankograd In Detail Fast Track 12. Tankograd Publishing, Verlag Jochen Vollert, Am Weichselgarten 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany. UK distributor Bookworld Wholesale, Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 9QB. Price £10.99.
[email protected] www.bookworldws.co.uk Dingo 2 is the latest generation of the All-Protected Transport Vehicle operated by the German Bundeswehr. Compared to earlier versions it has a higher payload capacity and improved protection. Entering service in 2005 it has an armoured cell protecting the engine and crew with a small unprotected rear compartment. A fully-rotating external weapon station with day and night camera can be fitted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher. Brief details of the vehicle are given in the text section which like the photo captions is in both German and English. Main focus of the book is the colour photos. These show the vehicle using full-page and smaller views covering the vehicle from outside, inside and underneath as well as the weapon station with both armaments. Captions describe what is being shown, together they provide detailed coverage which will give vehicle enthusiasts and modellers lots of information and inspiration. Peter Brown
Scale Model Handbook, Diorama Modelling 2. Mr Black Publications, PO Box 76341, 17102 Nea Smimi, Athens, Greece. Price 29.95 Euros. Available in the UK priced £27.95 from Historex Agents, Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent CT17 9BZ. www.mrblackpublications. com www.historexagents.com I don’t like repeating myself, but there’s a couple of things I’m going to say again here from my review of the first instalment of the Mr Black’s continued series of Diorama Modelling handbooks. Yes, it’s officially a series now, with this second addition, and it’s also the similar price as the first handbook. In fact, many things stay the same and thankfully the production values, skilled modellers and page count all remain, not to mention a spread of subjects. Two of the writers from the first Diorama Modelling book return – Noel Petroni and Sergey Popovichenko, and these two are joined by several other modellers with some truly mindblowing models. Starting us off is a long article from Christos Katselos, showing us how he put together an elephant from the army of Hannibal in 54mm scale. The model is a set piece from Andrea, but probably not the one you’re thinking of, this is a newer one with a resin elephant that has been brought to an almost sitting position as it is dealt a deathblow from a very brave Roman Legionary. The crew of the elephant are attempting to defend the animal as they
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either throw javelins from the platform on its back or exit before the elephant rolls over, jumping from the safety of the howdah to engage the Roman and his unseen fellow legionaries on terra firma. It’s an involved piece with the main focus of course being the large casting in resin of the elephant, but the supporting cast of five figures makes for an action-packed scene. The second article comes from Grigoris Marmatakis and shows a corner of the Teutoberg Forest in 9AD as some unruly Germanic Celts cause untold havok for the Romans of Legio IX. Chaos rather sums up the diorama – and I mean that in a good way, because it looks like pure carnage and chaos in play. I imagine that when a normally disciplined and regimented force as the Romans are thought to be, get split up and intentionally spread out by trees and unexpectedly rutted ground, then get set upon by a screaming horde of barbarians, there’s likely to be an amount of chaos that ensues. Getting that into model form is not easy – anyone can put a load of figure kits onto a base, but setting up the groundwork to look natural and cluttered, but staging it so that all the vignettes within the whole can be seen takes planning, artistry and some skill. So whilst chaos seems to be there, forming it in a model is something special. Grigoris doesn’t show us many progress shots, but there’s a lot of written description to back the piece up, a full list of the kits used – from the Pegaso range – and notes of which were converted and how. Next comes something that to be honest is my favourite in this edition. Igor Kordyukov takes a picture and beautifully sets it up in three dimensions and 75mm scale. Sorry, that’s the only way I can put it. Igor uses as his starting point a painting from Ilya Repin entitled “Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire” painted between 1880 and 1891 and is supposed to depict the Cossacks replying to the Sultan when it was demanded
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that they submit to Turkish rule. The Cossacks here are shown, having beaten the Ottoman’s forces, and are drafting what is suspected to be rather an insulting missive to the Sultan. The original letter has not survived, but historical sources hint that the wording was somewhat ‘choice’ and possibly quite suggestive in its form. Needless to say the diorama depicts a group of laughing, lounging soldiers surrounding a scribe, in the process of outdoing each other for the best way in which to word their response. Each figure is sculpted from scratch, the anatomy building up to be clothed and armed, and the furniture and seating all being added to form a relaxed and almost amusing scene. The stance of each figure, whether congratulating with a slap on the back another person’s comment, lounging across a barrel or standing at the end of the table seemingly midpontification, is all superbly handled, the drapery of the clothing is gorgeous and the facial expression lifelike. Really, this is a very nice demonstration of creating a scene of humanity, almost a snapshot of history, brought to life in miniature. Lots of work in progress views back up the article to show how it comes together, and I’m actually glad that it doesn’t see paint, because the bare sculptings to be honest are enough. Next up is Sergey Popovichenko with three Landsknechts having a game of dice on the top of a drum. It’s a simple piece from Tin Berlin but colourful and with it being set outside (in a courtyard perhaps) with an old stone wall to frame the figures and form a background to the scene, it works very well and shows that, as with the Teutoberg Forest diorama, stock kits can be used to interact and form a believable scene. Whilst the figures are stock pieces to be released – in fact the ones here are painted for the box art – the wall and setting are scratchbuilt and Sergey shows how these are produced, the photos progressing from bare
blocks of styrene through the addition of bricks formed from shaped pieces of cork and on through rubble and vegetation to complete the setting for the figures to populate. Memories of watching the film Enemy at the Gates was my first reaction as I looked in wonder at the massive 1:35 scale dioramic offering from Dan Capuano which comes next. This chap’s got a lot of time on his hands as he’s produced a section of a Russian manufacturing facility, thrown in several dozen German occupiers and given them the impression that there’s some enemy close by. I counted 28 figures in the frontal shot of the diorama, but I’m pretty sure I’ve missed a few. There’s chemical storage tanks, gantries, large windows with tiny squared panes, not to mention stairways, lots of rubble and pipes. Of course, that’s just a taster really, when the camera pulls back, there’s a train track with a chemical tanker on, a partial roof of the ‘W’ style typical to industrial buildings of the first half of the 20th century, in fact it’s just overload for the vision! I’ve seen these type of dioramas at Euro Militaire, and I always take photos of them, to be studied later when I get home, simply because you cannot possibly ‘see’ everything when you’re standing in front of them. This article shows how different kits were combined, with sculpting and model engineering to build connective sections, and rendered so very well to a scene that will have you returning to study the finished photos again and again. This is the type of diorama that takes up a substantial section of a modeller’s life. I estimate that it probably takes a year or two at least to put together. Again, this is a brilliant addition to the handbook. The final two articles have the addition of AFVs to their makeup. The first offering involves a German Panther tank from Christos Panagiotopoulos (for the figures) and Tolis Moustakas (for the tank). The scene shows three
of the crew on top of the tank, watching the fourth crewmember entertaining a dog that is returning a stick that has been thrown for it to fetch. It’s a relaxed scene showing the human side of a group of men in the middle of a conflict. The figures are posed and grouped well, the tank is suitably grubby and looks like it’s been through a few fields. All in all, it’s a reflection of the earlier Landsknecht vignette where a quiet and relaxed setting has been laid out for the viewer to enjoy. In contrast the last diorama by Noel Petroni is somewhat harrowing and brings home the true face of any war. Again using a tank, this time a Panzer I, that has been knocked out and with a crewman who wasn’t having the best of days. In fact this was his last day as he is depicted lying on the top of his vehicle. Some might think this a bit crass, but the scene is taken from a photo that shows exactly what the model depicts. The addition of a civilian to the diorama is the only part not shown in the photo, but is clever in that it balances the death of the crewman, hinting that the invader has met his comeuppance and the refugee passing by has little regret at his passing. Regardless of the choice of depicting this type of scene, the model vehicle and the civilian are well handled, the tank looking worse for wear and the groundwork dusty and arid. I appreciate it, because it shows a true representation, if a somewhat uncomfortable one, of what happens in war. I think Noel’s succeeded here with an uncomfortable subject and good on him for doing so. So, what’s the overall impression of the Handbook? Well, my thoughts on it are all positive, as mentioned, production, quality and content are all top of the game, spread of subjects is balanced and the information is offered to back up the photos and educate the reader. Yes, it’s not cheap, but then again if we each learn something useful from any one or several of the articles, and we return to look through it regularly, then it’s been worth adding to our collection. Adrian Hopwood.
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RG-31 MK5 by Ralph Zwilling. Tankograd In Detail Fast Track 09. Tankograd Publishing, Verlag Jochen Vollert, Am Weichselgarten 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany. UK distributor Bookworld Wholesale, Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 9QB. Price £10.99.
[email protected] www.bookworldws.co.uk With a long history going back to the original Nyala series developed in South Africa, the RG-31 is typical of modern protected vehicles with the emphasis on keeping its crew safe from mine and bomb blasts and small arms fire as found in many conflict areas. Several versions have been produced with different combinations of fittings and engines. The vehicles shown in this book are part of a batch bought to provide the US Army and Marines with Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles. A basic history of the type gives an account of the different versions and technical data before moving on to show them in detail in photos. These are a mixture of fullpage general views and smaller photos showing detail close-ups of areas such as headlights, winch, stowage, underside views of the axles and interior shots. Most of these cover a vehicle with the extendable interrogation arm which is basically a large fork-like device on an articulated arm used to examine improvised explosive devices. Also covered is the Objective Gunner Protection Kit mounted on the roof which provides armour protection for a crewmember operating a machine gun or grenade launcher. A few additional photos cover the mounting for the SPARK mine-roller kit and VOSS remote camera system. All this is ideal material for anyone wanting to model one of these vehicles. Production is to Tankograd’s usual high standards. Peter Brown
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Der Tiger Volume 1 – Schwere Panzerabteilung 501 by Volker Ruff. Available in the UK from Panzerwrecks, PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA. ISBN 978-3-9816908-0-4. Price £24.99.
[email protected] www.panzerwrecks.com This new hardback book, in a landscape format, is the first in a planned series of 10 photo journals covering each of the heavy tank battalions of the German army during WW2. The series begins with Schwere Panzerabteilung 501 from when it received the first Tiger Is and took them to Tunisia, followed by the reforming of the unit after the end in North Africa, when they then made their way to the snows of the Eastern Front, and then reequipped again in late 1944, this time with the larger Tiger II which they used through to the end of the war. The introductory texts along with every photo caption is given in both English and German language throughout. Over half of the book deals with the first part of the story of the unit, from receiving their first Tiger Is at the railhead, taking them on
British Campaigns in the South Atlantic 1805-1807 by John D. Grainger. Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. ISBN 978-1-78346-364-0. Price £19.99. Between 1805 and 1807 the British mounted several expeditions into the South Atlantic, aimed at weakening
via lighters to North Africa, and following their trail through Tunisia before the German forces in that regions were forced to surrender. The photos within this section have lots to interest the historian but also the modeller. Good clear photos of Tigers with two cross beams holding the spare track links across the nose of the tank, and others with double racks of jerrycans stowed across the front of the roof of the tanks while on the road. Plenty of detail showing things like the use of the transport tracks while on railway flat wagons as well as being loaded/offloaded on lighters for a sea crossing. Amidst all these are some excellent contextual shots showing the countryside, buildings, and civilian carts along with supporting vehicles in the unit such as Panzer III and an SdKfz 11 maintenance vehicle carrying out an engine change along with a truck mounted 3t Bilstein crane. From the heat and dry sands of North Africa, the next batch of photos shows the Tigers of the reformed unit in action in the cold and snow of the Eastern Front. This section also includes details of an angle iron hoist made up by the unit’s maintenance unit to assist with engine changes. For the modellers among us, there
Napoleon’s Spanish and Dutch allies. The targets were the Dutch colony on South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, which potentially threatened British shipping routes to India, and the Spanish colonies in Rio de la Plata – nowadays parts of Argentina and Uruguay. In 1805 an army of some 6,000 was despatched for the Cape under the highly respected Lieutenant General David Baird. The force was escorted and supported by a naval squadron under Captain Sir Home Riggs Popham. The Cape surrendered in January 1806. Popham then persuaded General Baird to lend him troops for an attack on Buenos Aires. The city was taken in July, but the British were then besieged and forced to surrender the following month. Popham was subsequently courtmartialled for exceeding his orders. In February 1807 Montevideo was taken by a new – officially sanctioned – British army of
are some excellent views of the crane showing it in use, and these are accompanied by very clear 1:35 scale drawings of the device for those who want to add this unusual addition to one of their models. Another series of photos in this section also shows one of the most impressive looking wooden bridges, the Loewe Bridge, built over a tributary of the Dvina river, made to be strong enough to support the weight of a Tiger, and includes the first one being driven across in company with the engineers who test to make sure the bridge will support the weight of the heavy tank. The final few pages show the unit reequipped with Tiger IIs in the final few months of the war, before their surrender on 8th May. Excellent quality photos and printed in a large format so the details are all clear to see. Over 150 archive photos filling 128-pages which tell the story of Schwere Panzerabteilung 501 during the war. Plenty of very helpful information for modellers and sure to encourage a few more Tiger models to be built, taking advantage of new details such as the unit-designed hoist. It certainly promises well for the remaining volumes in the series they have planned. Robin Buckland
6,000 men. Lieutenant General Whitelocke the British commander then attempted to retake Buenos Aires, but was defeated by unexpectedly fierce resistance. After heavy losses he signed an armistice, surrendering Montevideo and withdrawing his troops. He too was court-martialled. After the success in the Cape, the two expeditions to South America were scandalous blunders that led to the two commanders being put on trial. In this most interesting new book, the author examines these much neglected campaigns and highlights the strong Scottish connection: Baird and Popham were both Scots and the 71st Highland Regiment (Light Infantry) made up the main force in the Cape and Popham’s adventure. There are 18 maps and diagrams supporting the text, which is rounded off by notes and references, sources and bibliography and an index. Stuart Asquith
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Stuart Asquith’s round up of some of the recent releases from Osprey. www.ospreypublishing.com Waterloo 1815 (3): Mont St Jean and Wavre (Campaign 280) by John Franklin. ISBN 978-1-4728-0412-9. Price £14.99. This is the third and final volume in Osprey’s Waterloo 1815 trilogy and covers the battles of Waterloo itself and that at Wavre. As is well-known, Wellington’s allied army managed to hold the French army near Mont St Jean until the arrival of the Prussians under Blucher swung the tide in Wellington’s favour and gave him a hard fought victory with Napoleon finally being defeated. The Prussians fought their own battle at Wavre and the author also provides an interesting overview of this action. The book provides a list of further reading titles, a look at the aftermath of Waterloo, the battlefields today and an index. Tactical maps and colour illustrations, including new artwork by Gerry Embleton, are also included. Waterloo 1815 (1): Quatre Bras is Campaign 276, while Waterloo 1815: (2) Ligny is Campaign 277. Taken as a set, the three titles in this mini-series provide a useful synopsis of what became known as the Hundred Days campaign and as such are recommended. Confederate Cavalryman versus Union Cavalryman: Eastern Theater 1861-65 (Combat 12) by Ron Field. ISBN 978-1-4728-0731-1. Price £11.99. During the American Civil War, both sides fielded substantial numbers of cavalry, which performed the tasks of reconnaissance and raiding
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as well as acting as couriers. The thinking was that in an age of improved mass infantry firepower, the effectiveness of cavalry on the battlefield would be drastically reduced. In this new title however, the author shows how the cavalry’s combination of mobility and dismounted firepower meant that it remained a force to be reckoned with. As the war progressed, the initial superiority of the Confederate cavalry was gradually eroded, through the Union’s improvements in training and tactics, plus the leadership of men such as Major General Sheridan. The text offers insight into the tactics, leadership, combat performance and subsequent reputations of the mounted units of both sides. As an aid to this, three cavalry actions from the conflict are featured, namely Lewis Ford (1862), Buckland Mills (1863) and Tom’s Brook (1864). Spetsnaz: Russia’s Special Forces (Elite 206) by Mark Galeotti. ISBN 978-1-4728-0722-9. Price £11.99. The Spetsialnogo naznachheniya or ‘special designation’ troops, Russia’s military Special Forces have earned a reputation for ruthless effectiveness, ferocity and skill, but the author here argues that the Spetsnaz are in fact little understood. He traces them from their origins to their place today, describing their evolving organisation, missions and character, as well as their uniforms, weapons and equipment. The Spetsnaz have been at the ‘sharp end’ of Moscow’s military interventions and operations since early Bolshevik units were sent in to fight insurgents in 1920s Central Asia, through covert deployments in the Spanish Civil War, running partisans in WW2, leading the
invasions of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Afghanistan in 1979. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union Spetsnaz have fought in Chechnya, in Central Asia and, most recently, in Ukraine. They are increasingly at the heart of the new Russian way of war that emphasises speed, surprise and deception, thus ensuring that they will maintain their special status into the future. Patriot Militiaman in the American Revolution 1775-82 (Warrior 176) by Ed Gilbert & Catherine Gilbert. ISBN 978-1-4728-0754-0. Price £11.99. During the American War of Independence, while the American Continental Army fought the British and Hessians in the northern theatre, in the south a different kind of warfare was taking place and here local militia, sometimes aided by small numbers of Continentals, played an important role. This new book provides a focus on their story using histories of the authors’ own ancestors who fought in the South Carolina militia, showing just how effective the irregular forces were in a complicated war of raids, ambushes and pitched battles. The writers explore the tactics, equipment, leadership and performance of the militia, giving new focus on the struggle taking place in the south during the conflict. Gunboats of World War 1 (New Vanguard 221) by Angus Konstam. ISBN 978-1-4728-0498-3. Price £9.99. Naval action in the Great War inevitably conjures up images of heavily armed and armoured dreadnoughts fighting on the high seas. The fact is, however, that far more sailors lost their lives serving on gunboats and
monitors, operating far from the centre of naval warfare, than were ever killed at the battle of Jutland. Gunboat engagements during the period were hard fought if small in scale. Austrian gunboats on the River Danube fired the first shots of the conflict; Belgian British and German gunboats fought one of the strangest, most intriguing naval campaigns on Lake Tanganyika. From the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, from the Balkans to Mesopotamia, gunboats played their part in WW1. This book may well be the first detailed guide to the gunboats of all the major navies, using colour illustrations and technical descriptions to tell the story of the little ships that certainly ‘punched above their weight’. Stirling’s Desert Triumph: The SAS Egyptian Airfield Raids 1942 (Raid 49) by Gavin Mortimer. ISBN 978-1-4728-0763-2. Price £11.99. In mid-1942, with the campaign for North Africa hanging in the balance, a new unit planned one of the most daring raids of WW2. Numbering just a handful of men, Major David Stirling’s ‘L Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade’ acquired, modified and armed some Willys Jeeps and plotted the raid. In the dead of night, they would drive straight onto a German airfield at Sidi Haneish and machine gun as many aircraft as possible, before disappearing into the darkness. Written by a leading expert on the Special Air Service (SAS) in WW2 and illustrated with archive photos drawn from the SAS Regimental Association, this is the story of the raid and how the SAS first made its name, how Stirling and his men developed their new ideas of warfare and how their raids led to the Germans dubbing Stirling ‘The Phantom Major’.
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Product reviews
Atten-Shun! The Product Review Column The Editor welcomes product samples for review. Unless a prior arrangement has been made with the Editor review samples WILL NOT be returned. All product samples intended for review in ‘Atten-Shun!’ should be sent direct to the Editor at the address listed under ‘Editorial’ on the contents page.
Tamiya German Heavy Armoured Car SdKfz 234/2 Puma in 1:35 scale The Germans experimented heavily with armoured reconnaissance cars prior to WW2, and they settled on light 4x4 cars and heavy 8x8 cars. They continued development of their pre-war designs throughout the war, and the original SdKfz 231 heavy eightwheeled armoured car series was replaced by the SdKfz 234 series beginning in September 1943. Four different vehicles were produced in this series:
The ‘Stroke 2’ was the only one to receive an actual name and fit in with the service models of many other vehicles in the late-war period. Fast (80kph/48mph), well armed with the 5cm PaK 38 derived gun, and had a long range (900km/560miles). Armour provided proof against small arms of 7.62mm calibre and shell fragments. Since its Tatra 103 engine was a 12-cylinder air-cooled diesel, it had a major advantage over other nations’ armoured cars.
The Puma has long been a popular subject, and this kit originally appeared as Italeri item 202 back in the late 1970s. But with the advent of newer and more detailed Dragon kits – with nearly twice the parts and etched-brass included it became outdated. Now Tamiya and Italeri are ‘tag teaming’ kits they have turned their attention to the Puma and made some changes to the original kit with this new release (item 37018). Italeri has remoulded some of the parts to make them more accurate and some of the sprues now reflect these changes. The entire mounting system for the 20-litre jerrycans is now offered as styrene (the original kit) with etched-brass strapping in a new fret from Italeri’s supplier Fotomeccanica. Tamiya has added two newly moulded crew figures; this time the commander appears to have no neck (he is wearing a scarf!) but is at least 5’ 8” tall so better than the ‘dwarves’ supplied in older Tamiya kits! Italeri’s instructions have been replaced by the usually excellent Tamiya ones and start with the suspension, which as with many older kits comes with a number of mould seams to be removed.
It retains the two-piece styrene wheels but with the use of a Flex-I-File the seams are not a problem for removal with this type of design. Good thing as there are nine of them with the spare. None of the wheel arch bins are accessible but there are liners included for them which is an improvement over the very early kits of these vehicles. Lower hull hatches are also sealed. There are the remnants of the interior from the other SdKfz 234 kits but no hull interior is provided. The turret has some new mould bits like the 5cm muzzle brake and also a relatively complete basic interior with 5cm and MG 42 breech assemblies, seats and some other details. The gun barrel and muzzle brake are two-part moulds and will also need attention from a Flex-I-File. Finishing directions are provided for two vehicles: 1st SS Aufklaerungsbattalion, 1st SS Panzer Division, France Summer 1944 (3-colour - red 028) or 2nd Aufklaerungsbattalion, 2nd Panzer Division, Normandy 1944 (3-colour - red 1111). A small set of targeted decals is provided but the SS runes are missing from the 1st SS unit. Overall this is still a nice kit and can be built as an attractive model. It is an easier build than the Dragon one and also comes with Tamiya’s superb instructions. Cookie Sewell Price £29.99 UK distributors, The Hobby Company, Milton Keynes MK5 8PG.
SdKfz 234/1 (Gerät 95) 2cm cannon/7.92mm MG in open turret, 200 built Jun 44 - Jan 45. SdKfz 234/2 (Gerät 93) 5cm gun/7.92mm MG in closed turret (called the Puma), 101 built Sep 43 - Sep 44. SdKfz 234/3 (Gerät 94) 7.5cm L/24 in open mount, 88 built Jun 44 - Dec 44. SdKfz 234/4 (Gerät 96) 7.5cm PaK 40 in open mount, 89 built Dec 44 - Mar 45.
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Product reviews
Trumpeter German Armored Train Panzertriebwagen Nr.16 in 1:35 scale Continuing with World War Two rail themes Trumpeter has released a Panzertriebwagen Nr.16 armoured train (item 00223), with approximately 480 parts, carried over 11 sprues cast in grey styrene, one sprue in clear providing the heavy gauged lenses for the headlamps, six separate mouldings covering the armoured turrets, locomotive shell and two small etched-metal frets. Trumpeter has extended the standard issue five-piece rail bed to an eight-piece and doubled up on the rails and sleepers allowing for the sheer size of this project, 900mm in length! The display stand typically breaks down from cast-in ballast and openings for separate
sleepers and rails, familiar to those who have built any of Trumpeter’s rail-themed subjects. The 900mm rail bed section is also available as a separate kit (see separate review of item 00213 German Railway Track), generic in design to Trumpeter’s rail-themed subjects and gives the modeller the option to extend for display or diorama purposes.
Xuron Pro Modeler’s Tool Kit For many modellers, the first challenge we all faced was how to get the parts off the part trees (sprues) with as little damage as possible. As kids most of us used knives, toenail clippers or wire cutters with varying degrees of success. But as we matured we found out often they could either cause as much damage as they prevented or even let the parts fly off to be eaten by the carpet monster. So most of us bought special sprue cutters. These were okay for big parts – they came as either wire-cutter style with moving handles or tweezer style with a toenail-cutter shaped face – but with smaller and smaller parts they found their limitations. They also did not do a great job on etched-brass parts, as they tended to bend or deform the parts in the process of removal. Medical quality stainless steel shears worked well enough but were large and awkward for use on some parts. I have used Xuron cutters for a number of years now, and the great advantage they had over some other brands was the fact they were springloaded to make them more precise and more comfortable in the hand. I had seen the ‘upmarket’ sets for a while but it was not until I got a good look at them at the 2015 IPMS National Convention that I picked up this set. The set (item TK3200) comes in a nylon holster for protection and includes a sprue cutter, photo-etch
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The kit consists of four main assemblies, rail bed, armoured locomotive and two symmetrically opposed platform mounted armoured turrets, finished dimensions are length 631mm, width 96.5mm. The instructions are the usual clear exploded diagram type broken down from 18 stages carried over a 20-page document.
Familiarisation of pages 15-16, the locomotive running gear, is recommended as regards the wheel set arrangements, connecting rods and brake shoes. Only one finishing option is suggested and this is an overall German Field Grey livery based on Mr. Hobby colours. Some thought may be required as to the painting and finishing on how best to release detail and emphasise the area from a large monotone mass. No decal options are provided. Built in 1942 by the Schwartzkopf company, a single production run of a German heavy armoured motorcar/train, based on the WR550 D14 diesel locomotive, encased within an armoured shell with two armoured units added forward and aft, recorded as the heaviest single rail armoured unit, with a
shear, and a ‘Tweezer Nose’ needle nose pliers. The sprue cutter comes with long thin bladed jaws and provides for a shearing action that removes the ‘bump’ left by most cutters. The older ones I have tend to leave such a bump so I will be happy to make the switch and save the other one for jobs not recommended here such as brass wire and aluminium parts. The photo-etch shear has an even longer and thinner set of jaws that cut with as little as 1mm of space available – about par for most etchedbrass frets – and is less likely to bend or damage the brass. The pliers have a smooth set of jaws that go down to a tip width of about 2mm and can be used to both form and install etched-brass parts. I have had problems with regular tweezers with some parts so this looks to be the answer. While these parts seem pricey they DO last nearly forever if not misused (the handy guide indicates that the sprue cutters are for sprue and the shears for etched-brass; other specific shears are recommended for wire, model railroad track and other purposes) and I for one tend to agree. Overall this is a handy set and is worth the money due to the precision and endurance they offer. Cookie Sewell Price US $74 http://xuron.com/
Military Modelling Vol.45 No.9 2015
Product reviews
scale armour thickness from 31 to 84mm. Initially armed with 2cm Flakvierling 38 AA guns, but later replaced with captured Russian 76.2mm gun-equipped turrets to meet operational needs. The train saw active service on the Eastern Front around 1943 as a reserve unit used to patrol active guerrilla and partisan areas. In 1944, and assigned to Army Group Centre, it fought in Rawa, Ruska and Lublin, later in the Kielce surroundings. Engaged in combat and operations near Neuruppin it was finally captured intact on 2nd May 1945 at Neustadt Dosse. This release will be the subject of a full build article in a future issue that will include a more in depth history and operational background. This is a large kit and packs a lot of styrene, with the majority
of parts devoted to the armoured turrets/superstructure and four-axle wheel suspension set. The overall standard of moulding is excellent with crisp surface detail on many parts having bolt head and other facet details. Some ejector pin marks are evident but, with care, can be removed without damaging the detail. Overall though, these pin marks are kept to a minimum with many hidden by other parts or design of assembly. The build starts with the rail bed, generic to all Trumpeter rail-themed variants. Tempting as it may be to start off with the business end, by design you have a purpose built gauge for all those wheel sets as and when required, in this case 12 sets thus 24 wheels that all need to align and lay to track. It’s certainly far easier to rectify fit issues at this stage than
with finished units and subassemblies later. The first sub-assembly deals with the wheels, springs, axles and axle boxes for the forward and aft armoured embrasures and superstructure supporting the supplied 10-sided (decahedron) artillery turrets including a seven-piece cannon based on captured ex-Soviet 76.2mm L 30 guns. A single moulding of a heavy type canvas gaiter simply slips over the gun to finish off the turrets. The units are well provided for with coupling release gear, towhook, shackle, brake hose, treadplates, buffers and lamps. A large one-piece moulding provides the armoured shell for the locomotive body, featuring several finely cast air intakes, ventilation grilles, forward and aft placements for mini cupolas and a token of
Moulded in grey styrene an eight-piece rail bed, four lengths of rail with corresponding fishplates and sleepers make up a 900mm run of rail track and base. The rail bed sections are prepared with a cast-in ballast and pre-cut locations to house the sleepers, which again are nicely cast with fine grains and timber shakes. The baseplate and clamp are pre-moulded as part of the sleeper forming the rail fastening system, augmented with the rails, flat bottomed type in turn married up with very nicely moulded fishplates carrying nut/bolt facet detail, predrilled holes in the rails presents
etched-metal parts add to the detail. A single cast baseplate for the framed chassis, wheel sets and associated running gear augments the main body. To test one’s patience is the addition of 218 etched-metal tie rings for would be camouflage nets etc., these minuscule parts are distributed between the turrets and main armoured shell of the train. This latest release by size and design alone captures that visual engineering and evolution of German wartime operational transport. Well recommended, not only for fans of German armoured rail variants, but rail enthusiasts alike or those looking for that one off eye-catching diorama or just something a little different. Nigel Norfolk Price £89 UK distributors Pocketbond, PO Box 80, Welwyn, AL6 0ND.
a natural assembly. Assembly of the rail bed is straightforward with a simple male female lug push fit and glue, several length options are available, the sleepers are a multi push fit that didn’t require glue and the rails are a nice straight slide and locate dry fit. A most welcome addition to those building and working with Trumpeter rail-themed subjects wanting to extend existing units or diorama based projects. Well Recommended. Nigel Norfolk Price £15.99 UK distributors Pocketbond, PO Box 80, Welwyn, AL6 0ND.
Trumpeter German Railway Track in 1:35 scale With the recent release of more rail-themed subjects from Trumpeter, the choice and range now available to extend from single unit to a full armoured train are definitely an option. However, larger lengthier configurations need additional track, although released in 2006 the rail bed is still very much available as a separate kit, item 00213 German Railway Track, generic in design to Trumpeter’s rail based subjects supports the main kits for additional display or diorama purposes.
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Product reviews
MiniArt GAZ-AAA w/Quad M4 Maxim in 1:35 scale When the Soviet Union began to mechanize in the late 1920s they found themselves at a loss for motorized transport and cargo vehicles. As a result a purchasing committee went abroad and bought both vehicles and rights from foreign companies to ‘kickstart’ production. Two of those chosen were the Ford Model AA 4x2 Truck and the Model AAA 6x4 truck. Both trucks were rated as 1.5-ton cargo capacity vehicles and were new to Soviet factories. The Gor’kiy Automotive Factory (GAZ) was given the task of converting them over for production under Soviet conditions – mostly the conversion to metric measurements but also other changes to make them suitable for their factories. The GAZ-AA entered production in 1932, but it took a bit longer for the GAZ-AAA due to the changing of the design of its Timken axles to Soviet production methods. But unlike the AA, the AAA was not a license built model due to a failure to get an agreement with Ford and thus did not share as many parts
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with the AA model as hoped. The new truck, which entered production at the end of 1935, used the Ford AA engine of 40hp (later 50hp) with a fourspeed transmission and twospeed transfer case to provide eight speeds. In service the GAZ-AAA was used for a wide variety of tasks, such as 120mm mortar tractor, fuel tankers (bowsers), radio and electronic systems, the heavy armoured cars BA-3, BA-6, and BA-10, and finally armed variants. The first armed variant was the anti-aircraft version which went into service in 1938. This version mounted either four 7.62mm Maxim Model 1910/30 machine guns or in some cases four 12.7mm DShK machine guns on a single mount in the centre of the bed. Later versions also carried the 25mm light anti-aircraft gun. The vehicle had the capacity to carry the guns, a large amount of ammunition, water cans for the guns, and the crew. MiniArt released its GAZAA and GAZ-AAA kits a while back, but I was finally able to pick up this kit (item 35177) at the 2015 IPMS USA National Convention. I have been a fan of MiniArt kits for some time and this one does not disappoint. The kit provides
a truck kit with nearly 600 parts to it, four nicely done Maxim guns, the mount, 20 ammunition cans (five set for use), lockers and seats when the body is closed up. The instructions are very complete – 88 steps – which is good, as with all of the sprue subsets it is a very complex model to sort out, 23 of them to be precise! Assembly starts with the engine and frame, and as noted all parts are called out by their sprue and subset. As the Ford engine was pretty simple so is the one in the kit, just 19 parts. The frame is far more complex with separate spring hangers and other fine details to attach. Happily since it used a modified Timken axle there is a pass-through power transfer and only one driveshaft arrangement is needed for alignment. Each tyre consists of seven thin layers to achieve tread depth definition and there are four different wheel hubs that must be used – two front wheels with drums, four duals and spares. Assembly is very straightforward other than the wide number of sprues and a nice touch is the etched GAZ badge for the radiator shell. The cab interior includes the gear lever, transfer case lever
and all three pedals plus the spark advance and adjustment on the steering column. Doors include inner and outer handles, window cranks and full windows. The bonnet and the doors may be shown in optional open or closed positions. The body is complete with all frame braces, underfloor lockers, and braces. The inside of the body receives the ammunition locker with the ammunition chests (provided) and tool and equipment stowage under the seat lid (not provided). Assembly of the 4M mount begins with Step 63 and covers the base, ammunition chests and rotating mount rack for them, machine guns, and the communal mount and cooling water feed needed by the guns. All four guns are linked together for simplifying the feed of cooling water to the jackets in combat. Protective muzzle caps with etched-brass chains are also included. The cooling hose is quite long to permit traverse (and extra cooling and feeds from the base mount which serves as a supply tank. Overall the machine gun mount takes some 169 parts by itself and is only about 2” long, 2” wide and 2.5” high! Six different finishing options are shown, all have a 4BO green body and black chassis unless other painting is indicated. They include: Moscow 7th November 1938 parade (whitewall tyres); Summer 1941 (3B AU paint with white circle and black 8); Summer 1941, Northern Front (unknown unit, no markings); AAA mount, 43rd Rifle Division, 50th Rifle Corps, 23rd Army Northern Front (white rectangle with white 5/76); Unidentified unit, Summer 1941 (circle with white Cyrillic S); 50th Rifle Corps, 23rd Army, Northern Front August 1941 (white 2). A small sheet of decals is provided for these markings. Overall this is a very nice kit and while complex the truck is really a nice complement to the jewel-like machine gun assembly. Cookie Sewell
Military Modelling Vol.45 No.9 2015
Product reviews
ICM Soviet Regimental Artillery Horse Transport (1943-1945) in 1:35 scale Like the Germans and many other nations, at the beginning of WW2 the Red Army primarily relied on horse drayage to pull its lighter artillery pieces up to 76.2mm calibre. While very light regimental guns could get by with two horses, four was the norm as it also allowed for a fully loaded ammunition limber to be used as well. The universal limber at the start of the war was the 52-R-353 but it soon was joined by the 52-R-353M with rubber tyres and the ability to be converted for either horse or motorized drayage by modifying the main arm of the limber. It had seats for two crewmen as well as room to carry about 24 rounds of ammunition. This recent kit from ICM (item 35481) provides for a complete set – the limber, four horses
with horse furniture, and two complete crewmen – outriders. Two additional torsos, heads and arms are included but are not covered in the instructions. The limber is similar to others that have been released by MiniArt and RPM with the former having 121 parts and the latter only 32; this kit is similar to the MiniArt one and like it includes the 52-Ch-0331 and 52-Ch-0332 horse harnesses. However, in this kit the harnesses are primarily moulded onto the horses. Like the MiniArt kit the tailgate on the limber is closed and there is no interior. The horses are similar in layout to those from Historex and Airfix and anyone who has ever done
one of those figures will have no problems with these animals. Each horse consists of six parts – sides, head and neck, ears, and tail. The mane is moulded in place and portrayed as tightly cropped. The long hair parts will do well with a bit of attention from a pyrogravure (or simply a hot pin in a pin vice) to ‘fluff’ up the hair for a more realistic appearance. The riders are conventional in that they also consist of six main parts – legs, arms, torso and head. Headgear consists of the pilotka sidecap and it is moulded in place. Three carbines are provided in the kit as well as bread bags, canteens and ammunition pouches.
Horse furniture consists of a saddle, blanket roll, stirrups and the aforementioned draft gear to connect the horses to the limber. However, no reins are included and the instructions simply state ‘scratchbuild’ – as noted you should have some experience with figures to build this kit. Most figure modellers have either .005” styrene strip or materials like heavy aluminium or lead foil to make straps and reins. ICM does mould the buckles and connectors in place for you at least and all you must add are the straps themselves. Painting and finishing directions are somewhat spartan and basically are keyed to a chart on the back of the limber instructions. Overall, if you have a 45mm, 57mm or 76.2mm gun of either regimental or divisional type up to the ZIS-3 this offers a nice and different way to display it. Cookie Sewell
Italeri Vosper MTB 74 – St. Nazaire raid in 1:35 scale This new large scale Motor Torpedo Boat (item 5619) features a special build conversion carried out by Vospers for the Royal Navy. I believe it was originally intended for an attack against the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in the Channel ports, but they moved before it was used. It was then put to use on ‘Operation Chariot’, the raid on St. Nazaire, a mission that it didn’t come home from. The main modifications that changed the look of the boat were moving the torpedo tubes to the front deck, rather than being amidships, so it could fire them over the top of protective torpedo nets. They were also changed from 21” torpedoes to use the lighter 18” torpedo and launchers. At the stern, large new silencers were fitted to reduce the noise as it approached the target. Add the cut down wheelhouse and you have quite a different look to the standard Vosper MTB. No surprise then that the box is large, and well packed inside. The hull is a large one-piece moulding and is the first thing you find when you open the box. The main deck is also a one-piece item, and has screws to hold it in place rather than just relying on glue. This will help keep everything nice and square. The rest of the kit nestles
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underneath the cardboard platform that supports the hull. Detail inside the wheelhouse is nicely done, and even has etched-metal parts that include the circular clear-view screens that fit to the wheelhouse glazing. The torpedo tubes look good, and you have the option to fit the torpedoes inside them, or behind them on supports amidships, ready to be loaded into the tubes. This allows you to see the torpedoes themselves, rather than hiding them inside the launch tubes. Also at the bow, a framework, the exact purpose of which I don’t know but assume is connected to gripping the nets to steady the craft as it fired the
delayed action torpedoes against their target, the old entrance gates at St. Nazaire. They were successfully fired, exploding two days later, thus destroying the gates. At the stern there are the four large engine silencers to be fitted on the deck. The instruction booklet takes you clearly through the build stage by stage, and as well as plastic and etched-metal parts, there are clear parts for portholes, plus twine for rope and wires for the rigging/aerials. The stand has side pieces shaped as torpedoes and the transfers provide all you need to recreate MTB 74. A camouflage
pattern is provided, also shown in colour on the side of the box lid. Conveniently, most of the colours you need have just been released in the Royal Navy WWII, Eastern Approaches Set by Lifecolor. With the size of the model, it will also appeal to those who want to add radio control gear so they can actually sail it. That idea is in turn assisted by the main deck being secured by screws rather than needing to be permanently stuck down. Robin Buckland Price £99.99 UK distributors, The Hobby Company, Milton Keynes MK5 8PG.
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Product reviews
35-888
35-886
35-889 35-887
Star Decals Decal sets in 1:35 scale More sets of decals have been recently released by Star Decals covering a range of different periods and nationalities. 35-886 has markings for various US vehicles used in the capture of the island of Saipan in 1944 from both Army and Marine Corps units. These include a DUKW amphibious truck from an unidentified USMC unit in two-colour scheme, LVT(A)-1 ‘Amtanks’ from the US Army’s 708th Amphibious Tractor Battalion with large white stars named Apache and Amiss, an M4A2 tank with additional armour from 4th Marine Tank Battalion named King Kong and four different M3A1 ‘Satan’ flamethrower tanks from 2nd Marine Tank Battalion with the names Defence, Ding Dong, Dudley and Dusty. Price £6.99. 35-887 covers German command tanks with markings for PzKpfw IV Ausf H AJ9
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identified as SS-PzReg 2, PzKpfw IV Ausf J 508 from Panzer Brigade 111 in France in 1944, Befehlspanther Ausf A R02 from SS-Pz Reg 1 in France 1944 and Befehlspanther Ausf G R01 with Pz-Regiment Hermann Goring in 1944. Decals include the relevant black and white crosses, tactical markings in appropriate styles and colours and unit markings. Price £4.30. 35-888 is for KV-1 m/1940 in several countries. Included are decals for five different tanks in Red Army service with unidentified units with one having armour patches on its turret and another in 3-colour camouflage, two operated by the German 58 Infanterie Division with one flamethrower conversion near Leningrad in three-colour scheme and another in white with red crosses and markings, and one with the Russian Liberation Army with Maltese-style turret cross. Price £5.60.
35-890 35-889 gives modellers several alternatives for Soviet BA-10 and BA-20 armoured cars in Foreign Service. These include four in Finnish service with a BA-20, two BA-20M and BA-20M in a variety of colour schemes plus one BA10 in plain green, a BA-10M and BA-20M in Hungarian hands, two different BA-10M with the Russian Liberation Army allied to the Germans with Maltesestyle turret cross and a Pansarbil
m/31F BA-10M of the Swedish army in three-tone camouflage. Price £5.60. 35-890 for 33rd Armoured Brigade in NW Europe covers a Sherman VC with 144RAC in France early in the campaign with three-digit Arm of Service markings and a I Hybrid and IC operated by East Riding Yeomanry in Holland with the later two-digit format. All have the large tactical numbers used by this
Military Modelling Vol.45 No.9 2015
Product reviews
35-893
35-891
35-894
35-892 Brigade and a bonus of alternative Arm of Service markings for other Regiments. Price £5.60. 35-891 has markings for several reconnaissance units in NW Europe. The two-part decal sheet gives options for a White Scout Car with the Inns of Court and a Cromwell Mk.IV operated by 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry with the unusual addition of strips of rubber glued to its turret both in Normandy in 1944, a Staghound armoured car on 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment in Antwerp in 1944 and another with 1st Royal Dragoons in Denmark in 1945 plus a Dingo operating with 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars in Germany in 1945. Price £6.99. 35-892 covers different vehicles operated by 7th Armoured Division in NW Europe in 1944 and 1945. They include 4th County of London Yeomanry’s Firefly Allakeefek
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lost at Villers Bocage, the GOC’s Staghound as seen in Brussels, a Humber Scout Car of Divisional HQ in Ghent, Cromwell Mk.IV in scruffy winter camouflage and a Mk.VI in green and black plus a Sherman IC in Germany in 1945 all operated by 1RTR. Price £5.60. 35-893 is for Grant tanks in North Africa. These include General Montgomery’s own tank with options for the El Alamein period and later but note that this vehicle was a diesel-engined version and may have been Desert Pink and Dark Green. Tanks with basic markings shortly after delivery in 1942 and serving with 3RTR and Staffordshire Yeomanry late in 1942 offer plain sand and camouflage options. Price £4.30.
T-34 tanks with markings for T-34/76 in post-WW2 service and T-34/85 in WW2 and post-war use with both the wartime hakaristi and later roundel as appropriate plus registration numbers and turret codes. Price £5.60.
35-894. The Finnish Army operated many different types of tanks captured from the Russians during and after WW2. This set covers
35-895 covers Finnish T-26 tanks with twin-turret, single-turret and flamethrower tanks with decals for seven different units and
35-895 locations. Subjects are in plain green or winter white. These had various styles of hakaristi, unit and tactical markings which are all provided. Price £6.99. Many thanks to Johan Lexell for sending these sets for review. Peter Brown Prices in text www.star-decals.net
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Krupp 21 cm Mörser 10/16 2 in 1 TAK02032
T-34/85 183 Factory 'Berlin 1945' AY13295
PzKpfw IV Ausf J German Medium Tank TM00921
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US Army M60A2 AY13296
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1K17 Szhatie TM05542
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USS New Texas BB-35
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HMS Queen Elizabeth 1941 TM05794
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Chieftain Mk 5/5P TAK02027
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M4A3 Sherman 'Calliope'
WWI Heavy Battle Tank Mark V 3 in 1
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Briefing
Next issue Volume 45 No.10 will be on sale 18th September 2015
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Highlights from Bovington’s annual show
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Military Modelling Vol.45 No. 9 2015
Sezione speciale: lo stato della scienza, paesi a confronto Dicembre 2012
Z 4,50
edizione italiana di Scientific American
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Il linguaggio del cervello
Dossier Fukushima La prima analisi approfondita delle conseguenze sull’ambiente e sulla popolazione dell’incidente alla centrale giapponese
y(7HA0D6*SKSKKK( +$!z!\!%!$
POSTE ITALIANE SPED. IN A.P. - D.L. 353/2003 CONV. L. 46/2004, ART. 1, C. 1, DCB - ROMA
RIVISTA MENSILE - NUMERO 532
Come elabora e trasmette l’informazione la macchina più complessa del mondo
