Features models that span 1000 years!
“Russian Landbattleship” The Soviet five-turreted heavy tank under the spotlight
54mm Saxons
Vive La Revolution!
Mountain Gun
10th Century Warriors in combat
In Flanders Fields (1794) historical diorama
Fine-Molds 1:35 Imperial Japanese Army field piece 27th May 2016
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STILL SETTING THE STANDARDS! Top quality, highly detailed, easy to assemble white metal kits
Crossley 4x4 Tractor Unit U.S. M2A1 Half-track Car 901 902 903 905 906 907 908 912 913 914 917 918 921 922 924 925 927 928 929 930 931 932 933 934 936 937 938 940 941 942 943 944 945 946 948 949 950 951 952 953 954 955 956 957 959 960 961 962 963 964 965 967 968 969 970 971 972 973 974 975 976 977 978 979 980 981 982 983 984 985 986 987 988 989 990 991 992 993 994 995 996 997 998 999
Humber Scout Car US M8 Greyhound Austin 5cwt Light Utility US M20 armoured Utility Cromwell MK IVD Humber Light Recon Car Mk 3 US M18 Hellcat US M39 Armoured Utility Panzer II Ausf. D Panzer II Flamm Panzer II Ausf. L ‘Luchs’ Light Tank Mk VII ‘Tetrarch’ Tetrarch ICS Auto Union Horch Kfz. 69 Cromwell Mk VIIw Daimler Armoured Car Mk I Daimler Armoured Car Mk I CS Carrier, Universal Mk I Carrier, Medium MG No 3, Mk I Adler MG-Kw Scout Car Kfz.13 15cm siG 33/1 Ausf. M ‘Grille’ Adler Fu-Kw Radio Car Kfz.14 Carrier, Armoured OP No 1, Mk II US M4A3(76) Sherman US Sherman M4A3(75)W Dodge 3/4 ton Weapons Carrier U.S. M10 Tank Destroyer Russian M4A2 (76) W Sherman Stug. III Ausf. B Achilles IIc 17pdr Tank Destroyer Dodge 3/4 ton Command Car Panzer III Ausf. F Stug III Ausf. A Morris 5cwt Light Utility Steyr 1500A 4x4 Light Truck Panzer III Ausf. G Stug III Ausf. C/D Mercedes-Benz le Pkw 170VK Tiger 1 Ausf. E - Late Production 17pdr. Firefly Mk 1C - Hybrid Phanomen Granit 1500A Kfz. 70 Marder II Pak 36( r ) U.S. M4 (105) Sherman Morris CS8 15cwt GS Truck U.S. M36 Tank Destroyer Panzer III Ausf. H Mercedes 170 Radio Car Kfz. 2 T-34 Model 1943 Stug III Ausf. F Humber FWD 8cwt GS Truck B IV C Heavy Demolition Vehicle Morris PU 8cwt GS Truck OT-34 Flamethrower Russian SU-76i Tank Destroyer Panzer IV Ausf. E Sd. Kfz. 250/1 ‘Alte’ Morris C4 Mk II 15cwt GS Truck Stug III Ausf. E Mercedes Light Repair Vehicle Kfz. 2/4 Panzer III Ausf. J U.S. M5 Stuart Light Tank Sd.Kfz. 253 Artillery Command APC Ford WOT2C 15cwt 4x2 Infantry Truck Dodge 3/4 ton Ambulance WC-54 M4 Sherman - Mid Production Morris Umbauwagen Kfz.12 Sd.Kfz.250/9 Recce Vehicle le. Artillerieschlepper UNIC P-107 US M5A1 Light Tank Panzer IV Ausf. G Ford WOT2D 15cwt GS Van UNIC P-107 Pak Tractor U.304(f) T-34/85 Model 1943 Morris CS8 Wireless Truck Cromwell Mk VIIF Sd.Kfz.250/10 le SPW with 3.7cm Pak Panzer IV Ausf.F Sd.Kfz.10 Light Gun Tractor Morris C4 MK 1 15cwt Truck Panzer III Ausf.K Command Tank Ford WOT2H 15cwt. GS Truck U.S. M3A3 (Stuart V) Light Tank Vickers A9, Cruiser Tank Mk.1 Tatra T-57K Kubelwagen
£9.50 £10.50 £9.50 £10.50 £11.95 £9.50 £11.95 £11.95 £10.95 £10.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £9.50 £9.50 £10.95 £12.50 £10.95 £9.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £9.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £9.50 £19.95 £11.95 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £11.95 £13.50 £11.95 £9.50 £12.50 £11.95 £11.95 £10.50 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £13.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £9.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £13.50 £11.95 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £13.50 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £9.50
1000 001 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012 013 014 015 016 017 018 019 020 021 022 023 024 025 026 027 028 029 030 031 032 033 034 035 036 037 038 039 040 041 042 043 044 045 046 047 048 049 050 051 052 053 054 055 056 057 058 059 060 061 062 063 064 065
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 Aw9 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 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.
£20.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £15.95 £11.95 £9.50 £11.95 £13.50 £11.95 £16.95 £12.50 £11.95 £10.95 £11.95 £12.50 £15.95 £12.50 £12.50 £15.95 £12.50 £11.95 £10.95 £11.95 £11.95 £11.95 £12.50 £10.95 £12.50 £12.50 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £12.50 £13.50 £12.50 £13.50 £11.95 £12.50 £11.95 £13.50 £11.95 £12.50 £13.50 £12.50 £15.95 £13.50 £12.50 £16.95 £13.50 £11.95 £11.95 £12.50 £12.50 £11.95 £12.50 £13.50 £13.50 £12.50 £12.50 £13.50 £13.50 £13.50 £12.50
066 067 068 069 070 071 072 073 074 075 076 077 078 079 080 081 082 083 084 085 086 087 088 089 090 091 092 093 094 095 096 097 098
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 Bedford OWST Tipper Truck
£12.50 £13.50 £13.50 £12.50 £12.50 £12.50 £12.95 £12.95 £13.50 £13.50 £12.95 £12.95 £10.50 £10.50 £13.95 £11.95 £11.95 £12.95 £12.95 £13.95 £12.95 £13.95 £11.95 £13.95 £11.95 £15.95 £13.95 £13.95 £15.95 £13.95 £13.95 £19.95 £13.95
099 200
> > > NEW ITEMS < < < U.S. M2A1 Half-track Car £14.95 Crossley 4x4 Tractor Unit £14.95 MISSING NUMBERS DELETED
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 A15 A16 A17 A18 A19 A20 A21 A22 A23
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 Pak 40 Crew - Winter Flak 38 Crew - Winter
£2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95
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
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 A77 A78 A79 A80
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 WAAFs/ATS Girls RAF Crash Tender Crew British Airborne Trailer Airborne Trailer - sheeted
£2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £3.95 £2.95 £3.95 £2.95 £3.95 £3.95 £2.95 £3.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £3.95 £2.95 £3.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £3.95 £3.95 £3.95
A81 A82
> > > NEW ITEMS < < < WAAF on Parade Airborne Radio Trailer
£2.95 £3.95
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.46 No.6 2016
Published by MyTimeMedia Ltd Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HF UK & Overseas: +44 (0) 1689 869 840 www.militarymodelling.com
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Subscriptions Manager: Sarah Pradhan UK – New, Renewals & Enquiries Tel: 0844 243 9023 Email:
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EDITORIAL
Contributing Editor: Martyn Chorlton Enterprise House, Enterprise Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HF Email:
[email protected]
PRODUCTION
Designer: Richard Dyer Illustrator: Grahame Chambers Retouching Manager: Brian Vickers Ad Production: Robin Gray
Features
12
12 ‘Russian Landbattleship’
Mark Bannerman’s in-depth article about the Russian KhPZ T-35.
12
24 Mountain Gun
Mike Williams presents the Fine-Molds 1:25 scale IJA Type 41 75-mm.
32 Worn Wood
Emmanuel Nouaillier continues his series of outstanding modelling techniques.
38 In Flanders Fields 1794
A diorama by Geoff Barnes displaying the aftermath of the Battle of Tourcoing.
46 Saxon Warriors
Ian Succamore takes us back a millennium with his 54-mm scratch-built Saxon warriors.
24
52 Montignac Show
David Garden gives us a taste of France with a report on the 10th Montignac Model Show.
32
38
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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 dsb.net 3 Queensbridge, The Lakes, Northampton, NN4 7BF. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent.
8 Notice Board
News for military modellers.
10 Website Page
What’s going on at militarymodelling.com Military Modelling magazine’s website?
54 Small Scale Scene
Robin Buckland rounds-up the latest news and releases for armour fans.
60 On Parade
Recommended books for military modellers.
64 Atten-Shun!
Products’ review section.
72 Next Issue
What’s coming up in your favourite modelling magazine!
46
F.A.Q.2 Limited Edition. Aircraft Scale Modelling. F.A.Q. The third edition of our best-seller. This book is a compilation of aircraft scale modelling techniques, step by step guides This title is suited for beginners and the with hundreds of colour pictures for WWI, advanced modeller alike. The book has 320 pages, more than 1500 WWII, cold war and modern aircraft, colour photographs. £48.99 showing a wide range of painting and weathering techniques. 380 pages, more than 2,500 images. £47.99
Scratchbuilding Masterclass. Four of the best Scratchbuilders in the scale modelling world share their tips, tricks, techniques and advice in scales from 1/72 to 1/15 to help explain how scratchbuilding can open up a new world of modelling beyond kits alone. £15.00
Armour in Theatre Camouflage & Markings No 3. Camouflage & Markings Normandy Campaign Part 2: US and German forces. Black/White photo’s, colour profiles. Paperback. 64 pages. £16.00
The Weathering Magazine 14. Heavy Metal. In this issue we examine how to paint all kinds of metals including a golden C3PO, aluminium aircraft, jet exhausts, rusty metal plates, and much more. £8.99
ADAM’S ARMOUR 1 Encyclopedia of Armour Volume 1. Modelling Guide. Construction. The ultimate in the construction of Through the 152 pages and more than armour modelling! Adam Wilder’s 800 high quality and large full color pioneering processes and techniques are described by him in the greatest of photos of this first volume, modellers can learn everything they need on detail. These present the culmination the construction of military vehicles. of many years of Adamís work, many £23.99 unseen in print until now.192 pages covering every aspect of assembly, detailing and conversion techniques which keeps Adam at the forefront of scale armour modelling with Worldwide acclaim. £29.95
Tankograd 3025. Operation BIG LIFT 63 Cold War Airbridge from Texas to Germany. 45,000 troops with 800 main battle tanks, 6,500 other tracked vehicles, 12,000 wheeled vehicles and 1,200 aircraft. 8 colour photographs, 109 b&w photographs and 5 graphics. £13.99
Encyclopedia of Aircraft Modelling Techniques 2. Interiors and Assembly. This second volume covers in depth through its 160 pages. £28.99
AFV Photo Album Volume 2. STEEL CARNAGE. Hardback, 176 pages. £27.99
Tankograd In Detail: Fast Track 17 Leopard 2A4M Canadian Main Battle Tank. In action photographs and a detailed walkaround, English text. - Limited print-run 999 copies. Paperback, 40 pages, 75 colour photographs. £10.99
ADAM’S ARMOUR 2 Modelling Guide. The ultimate in the painting & finishing of armour modelling! Adam Wilder’s pioneering processes and techniques are described by him in the greatest of detail. Adam’s Armour 2 will improve and enrich any modellerís work from beginners to the more proficient. This volume totalling 232 pages covering every aspect of stunning range of finishing techniques which keeps Adam at the forefront of scale armour modelling with Worldwide acclaim. £29.95
M48 Patton. A Visual History of the U.S. Army’s Mid 20th Century Battle Tank The M48. Paperback,120 pages. £20.99 Tankograd 3026. Modelling the Eagle. M1 ABRAMS BREACHER. Announcing the ultimate Eagle publication for modellers and fans alike The M1 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) - Technology and Service. - a lavish, profusely illustrated, highly informative 84-page magazine devoted The M1 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) entirely to this most iconic of fictional is the newest and long expected addition to the M1 Abrams tank family. spacecraft in all its incarnations! £7.99 Paperback, 153 colour photographs, 64 pages. £13.99
Abrams Squad 14. Abrams Squad: The Modern Modelling Magazine is the FIRST and UNIQUE magazine in the world devoted to Modern Warfare modelling. £9.99
k M i IIssue 3. Tanker Magazine Dust & Dirt. This is an unconventional and collectable quarterly magazine with more than 100 pages for only £8.99 and a must-have for AFV modellers. £8.99
Gun Trucks. A Visual History of the U.S. Army’s Vietnam-Era Wheeled Escort Platforms Full Colour, 120 pages. £20.99 F.A.Q for Constructing & Painting Dioramas. All that you need to know to build outstanding vignettes and dioramas stepby-step through over 380 questions and answers and more than 1300 high quality photographs. £49.99
German Panzer 1. A Visual History of the German Army’s WWII Early Light Tank. Hardback, over 200 photos, 168 pages. £22.99
Major Credit cards accepted and cheques payable to: 251 Half-Track. A Visual History of the German Army’s Sd.Kfz. This 168 page book is packed with large, clear images of Germany’s well-known and most widely-used armored troop transport and weapons platform. £26.99
Photosniper 22.Panzer IV. Tankograd 9024. The Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H and Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. AT105 Saxon Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier of J tanks were produced in the largest numbers the British Army 1977 to Today. in the range known as Sonderkraftfahrzeug 161 in German terminology ñ 7,000 Illustrated with 126 colour vehicles. 112 pages, 58 b/w and 74 photographs, 10 black & white colour photographs, 60 Renders. £17.99 photographs. £13.99
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TThe Eagle Has Landed. d d. If there is one modeller h has h distinguished himselff over that the last decade, due to his amazing dioramas, it is Aitor Azkue. This book shows off the very best of all of his work. With spectacular dioramas, more than 1800 images, step by step guides, and all of his tricks described in detail, there is no book quite like this. 292 pages 10 complete dioramas looked at in total detail. £35.99
British Military Trucks of World War One. Types and Variants of British-Built and Non-BritishBuilt Trucks in British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Flying Corps Service 1914-18. Hardback, 396 black-and-white photographs, 200 pages. £34.99
British Military Trucks of the Cold War. Manufacturers, Types, Variants and Service of Trucks in the British Armed Forces 1945-79 The end of hostilities in 1945 left the British forces with a massive surplus of military vehicles placed throughout the many countries involved in the conflict. Much of this equipment after six years of war was in a very poor state of repair, and a lot was only fit for scrapping. The development and use of military trucks in the post-war period was therefore dominated by the feverish search for the ideal military vehicle. Moves had been made between the War Office and British manufacturers to produce a family of standard types to avoid the logistical nightmare that had occurred during the war with so many different makes. This search for much more suitable tactical-truck designs in the early 1950s created a period that was brimming with new ideas. The upcoming Cold War ushered in an
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The introduction of the FV numbering system additionally aimed at standardising the British military vehicle. After the war it blossomed into the idea of idealised military truck designs. The result of this heyday of military vehicle development was amazing trucks taking shape on drawing boards. This book aims at illustrating this amazing story for the very first time in one comprehensive publication.
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British Military Trucks in Wehrmacht Service. Vehicles captured around Dunkirk, in France, Belgium, Greece and North Africa. Service on the Eastern Front, in the West, South and with the Afrikakorps, Hardback, 304 pages, 547 B/W photo’s, 425 of which hitherto unpublished! £34.99
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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TAK02054 Iraqi Medium Tank T-69 II............. £45.99 TAK02055 Soviet T-54B (Late Prodn)............. £45.99
TRUMPETER 1/16 SCALE TRU00922 Pz.Beobwg.IV Ausf.J................£179.99
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MINI ART 1/35 SCALE MT37002 Soviet T-44M Medium Tank........£39.99 MENG MODELS 1/35 SCALE MNGTS026 M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK I/II...... £49.99 TAMIYA 1/48 SCALE TA32587 Humber MK.IV a/c....................£13.99 TAKOM 1/35 SCALE TAK02039 Chieftain Marksman SPAAG........£49.99 TAK02040 Chieftain Mk 2..........................£49.99
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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.
Muster on the Parade Ground – 9 July 2016 The show will be staged at the in Queens Campus Sports Hall, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6BH on Saturday 9th July 2016 and will be open to the public from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Admission prices are: Adults £2 and Children/Senior Citizens £1. The show is designed to show off as many aspects of our diverse hobby as possible since we believe that if a person is interested in one aspect of the hobby then it is possible that they might become interested in another aspect if they have the chance to experience it. Consequently as many of our attractions as possible have a public participation element and we aim to attract as many new entrants into the hobby as we can. With regards to model making there will be displays by at least two local model clubs of both civilian and military models. If we can arrange it there will be the opportunity for novice model kit builders to build, and take home, simple model kits under expert supervision - this will be aimed at attracting new entrants into the hobby. Other attractions at the show will include a number of public participation wargames covering a range of periods and scales, a three part model railway display with a public participation element and as many reenactment groups, covering as many periods as possible, as we can find. We are also hoping to attract at least one display
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of die-cast models. There will also be a ‘bring and buy’ stall as well as a trader ‘High Street’ selling a range of products with something of interest for everyone. All proceeds from the show will be donated to the Royal British Legion. Further details can be found on our website: www.teesshows.co.uk or on our Facebook page: www.facebook. com/motpg12016
Tankfest – 25/26 June 2016 The event will start at 9am when visitors can explore the Living History encampments and traders village, with Militaria and TANKFEST souvenirs on sale. At 10.30am a day of displays will begin with the Museum Director arriving in style, followed by the ‘Shock and Awe’ of a pack of Leopard tanks. The morning will also see the Modern British Army display, an array of post 1950’s Recovery Vehicles and the famous ‘Tank Pull Challenge’. Historian David Fletcher will also be delivering a live Tank Chat from the middle of the arena, before lunch, looking at the First World War Mark IV tank and the current British Army Main Battle tank Challenger 2. There will be an unparalleled display of historic armour in the afternoon; Shermans, Stuarts, the Panzer III, Tiger 131, T-34 and the Matilda I are just some of the tanks that will be on show.
The afternoon’s displays will also see a Leopard 2A4 taking to the arena, kindly lent by the Historic Collection of the Royal Dutch Army, in cooperation with the National Military Museum of The Netherlands. The Leopard 2A4 was in service with the German and Dutch Army from the late 1980’s until 2000. Off the arena, an original Second World War Douglas C-47 Dakota from the RAF BBMF will be flying over Tankfest on both days. While inside the Museum the FBI and SWAT team will be landing at Tankfest 2016, with a talk on Armour in the FBI. Don’t forget to visit the Tank Park, where many of the shows vehicles are parked before entering the arena, and the World of Tanks gaming stations in the Vehicle Conservation Centre. Last year’s event was sold out and visitors are strongly advised to book their Tankfest tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. IPMS Avon Plastic Model and Wargaming Show – 7 August 2016 Venue: Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Hill, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35 3BJ IPMS Avon’s show, organised in association with Lincombe Barn Wargaming Society, presents one of the largest one day shows in the South. Over 40 Trade
stands, over 80 club stands and Special Interest Groups (SIGs), displays of working 1:16 tanks throughout the day, bring and buy stand for wargamers, open model competition, wargaming competitions free “make and take” for children, tombola, hot and cold refreshments available all day, wheelchair access and facilities, FREE car parking and easy access from M4/M5. Checkout the reviews and photos of last year’s show at http://www.ipmsavon. org.uk/shows.php Open: 09.30 to 16.30. Admission price: Adults £4.50, Children under 16 £2.00 Organiser: IPMS Avon, Andy White , email:
[email protected] or
[email protected], website: http://www.ipmsavon.org.uk/ shows.php, phone: 07748988102
South Staffs Militaria Fair Militaria and Collectors Fair 12 June 2016 Uttoxeter Race Course, Wood Lane, Uttoxeter ST14 8BD Doors open 9am until 3pm. £2 Entry Fee. Fantastic Venue with a large free car park. Refreshments and Cash Machine on site. Central location access from M1 and M6. (Free entry for reenactors in uniform/ Free entry for military vehicles) Contact Steve Brindley 07969 036652
Military Modelling Vol.46 No.6 2016
Few model kits brands can claim the longevity of the LINDBERG model kit brand. Founded in 1933 Lindberg have continually produced plastic model kits in a wide range of subject matter and genre.
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Website
ABOVE LEFT & RIGHT: A growing collection of 1:87 US Engineers trucks as well as a diorama to display them on, from small scale fan Paul Eberle.
www.militarymodelling.com News from the Military Modelling website and forum 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
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s ever, our associated website is busy with plenty going on with our worldwide group of regular members. That is one of the benefits of the internet, in that it is available all the time, so helpful wherever in the world you may be. There are regular
BELOW: Look out for our photo feature showcasing Sean Emmott’s British Airborne 6-pounder diorama.
ABOVE: For our current group project, John Hutton went for the 1:24 Opel Blitz truck.
ABOVE: An early completion for our current group, Dave Ward built this modern Chines Meng Shi.
LEFT: A Bronco 1:35 British motorbike is the choice of Neil Spencer for the wheeled group project.
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Military Modelling Vol.46 No.6 2016
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news and reviews along with a vibrant forum where modellers both experienced and new to the hobby can exchange ideas and tips to enable us to all help each other with our modelling. Even with the number of years I have been modelling, I find myself still learning new ideas from others all the time. Perhaps that is part of the fun of our hobby, it doesn’t stand still and we can keep learning all the time, to take on new challenges and have some support to give it a go. I am also always pleased to see the number of new members who join in who are returning to the hobby after a break of many years for work and family, but as they have more time available, are coming back to the hobby they knew from years ago. There are as ever a wide variety of builds going on among our forum members, and covering a wide range of subjects. At the forefront at the moment though are a
ABOVE: Andrew Shaw has been building this MAZ-537 (late version).
number of builds in our current Group Build topic for this second quarter, with Wheeled Military Vehicles. There are a mix of trucks, motorbikes, field cars, and some heavy trucks already and in a good mix of scales as well. Meanwhile member and magazine contributor Sean Emmott has completed his build of the Bronco kit of the British airborne version of the 6pounder anti-tank gun, complete with a gun crew and set it into a very neat diorama base. As a reminder, as well as the popular forum, there is
Just one of our earlier photo references of some small arms, in this case the Russian PPSh41.
also a whole collection of other features that include some old articles once published in the magazine itself, just so you can get a flavour of what you might
have missed in the past, along with extra references surrounding various museum visits around the world that you might like to consider on your travels, along with other handy references on vehicles, small arms and uniforms that could all prove useful as references for your projects both now or in the future. Current digital subscribers to the magazine itself are also able to access back copies online as well, going back to about 2007. Robin Buckland
ABOVE: Another 1:24 model in our current Group build project, Frank Dobson is building this 1:24 Italeri Jeep. BELOW: One of our vehicle references, a walk-round of the British Army Coyote.
ABOVE: One of our uniform references, an Italian soldier’s uniform.
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‘Russian Landbattleship’
The KhPZ T-35 Mark Bannerman describes the Soviet’s five-turreted heavy tank – the only example of its type to reach full-scale production
Background
In 1930, the USSR had undertaken work to develop new types of heavy tanks and was ordered by the Directorate of Mechanization and Motorization (UMM) to work in conjunction with the General Design Bureau of the Artillery Department. This initiative was part of a five-year stimulus plan to build advanced weapons required in the Red Army’s “Doctrine of Deep Battle”. The first proposals were for a 50-ton vehicle armed with a 76.2 mm gun and TOP: A T-35 belonging to the 67th Tank Regiment of the 34th Armoured Division, in Western Ukraine, July 1941 (courtesy of Photoshop).
BELOW: Moving into battle, Ukraine (Courtesy of Photoshop)
five machine-guns. However, a lack of technical experience hampered the design. In March 1930, several teams of German engineers arrived in the USSR and were mandated to oversee the design and development of several heavy tank prototypes. Several designs were produced including the TG-1 (T-22), TG-3 (T-29) and the TG-5 (T-42). In August 1932, another tank had been under development with two prototypes being produced: The T-35-1 and the T-35-2. The T-35-1 was a 50-ton tank with a main turret mounting a 76.2 mm gun and four sub-turrets - two with 37mm guns and two with machine guns. The T-35-1 looked similar to the English A1E1 “Independent” five-turret tank. The T-35-1 would be crewed by ten. Early tests indicated that that there were several mechanical issues with the gear box and producing a singular tank was far too high (the equivalent of producing nine BT-7’s). The second
ABOVE: The boxart for the ICM T-35 model. The model comes in a tray-type box and includes sixteen sprues for the tank, five sprues for the tracks, a decal sheet and instructions.
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Military Modelling Vol.46 No.6 2016
AFV A late version T-35. This T-35 was shipped to Germany where it was measured and tested on the Kummersdorf proving ground (photo source unknown)
prototype, which was released in April 1933, was designated the T-35-2 and it had a more powerful engine (M17), an improved suspension over the T-35-1, less turrets, less weight and was crewed by seven. On May 1, 1933, the T-35-2 was on display at the “May Day” parade in Leningrad while the T-35-1 was paraded in Moscow. Meanwhile, the first production model - the T-35A - was being developed using features from both of these two prototypes and went into mass production at the KhPZ Factory. The newly designed T-35 had many changes, which distinguished it from its two prototype predecessors. The T-35 was longer, mounted smaller turrets, had an improved hull, and some other mechanical alterations. It was crewed by 11 men, had a maximum road speed of 30km/h and a range of 150 km. It’s main armament was a 76.2 mm L/16 howitzer, two 37 mm guns (which was later upgraded to two x 45 mm L/46 guns) and DT machineguns (one in each of the smaller turrets. The T-35s (and the medium T-32) were the only Soviet-made tanks that carried a radio transmitter and receiver. It can be said that between 1933 and 1939, the on-going production of the T-35’s basic design saw numerous changes and refinements almost to the point where each T-35 was slightly different from the other. Different parts were manufactured in different factories – turrets, armoured hulls, gearboxes, engines – were all sourced and produced in different locations. By carefully examining photos, one can spot specifics that will allow the viewer to determine the year (and the month) in which a T-35 was produced. The clues are typically in spotting the variants in cylindrical and conical turrets, shape (oval or rectangular) of driver’s hatch, size of transmission access hatches, six and eight and post antenna (or lack of) and location of
posts. The number of and sizes and shapes of main turret hatches, location of main turret machine guns, hinge types, variation in exhaust silencer size and shape and number of rivets on sub-turrets along with slew of other hull details. While the T-35 was an impressively large tank, the interior area was very limited with poor visibility and the only means of escape was through turret roof hatches. Deployment of such a heavy tank in the battle field indicated early that the tank had very poor manoeuvrability, could not climb hills, turning required large unobstructed
ABOVE: The T-35 was crewed by eleven men, and sported a 76.2 mm L/16 howitzer, two x 37 mm guns or 45 mm and upwards of six-seven X DT machineguns. This appears to be a 1936 model T-35 (photo source unknown).
BELOW: An excellent side photograph of the T-35. The sheer size of this tank is impressive. It is equally as impressive in 1/35th scale form! (photo source unknown)
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The Model
ABOVE: An interesting T-35. Note the missing bars that would typically hold up the side skirts. (photo source unknown)
BELOW: A T-35 in German hands. The T-35s was one of only two Soviet-made tanks that carried a radio transmitter and receiver. (photo source unknown)
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spaces, bridges could not support the 50 ton weight, and the most common problem it encountered was sinking in mud or rivers. During Operation Barbarossa, almost all of the T-35’s sent into action were lost due to mechanical failure because of a breakdown with the transmission. The last recorded action of the T-35 took place during the early stages of the Battle of Moscow in late 1941. Between 1933 to 1939, 61 T-35’s had been produced.
ICM is a Ukraine-based model company which started releasing models in the late 1990’s. The T-35 was released around 1998 with a similar multi-turreted Russian tank - the T-28. ICM has also released a T-28 bridgelayer, a Cromwell IV and Comet. The T-35 model comes in a large tray and lid type box and includes sixteen trees with dark green parts, and five trees with tracks, a decal sheet and the instructions. The instructions are overall quite clear with several side profiles of the tank for markings and different painting schemes. Before beginning the build, it is well worth soaking the trees into some dishsoap and warm water as there was a goo-like oily substance on the model and an old toothbrush helped remove most of the oily texture. The first three steps in the instructions are the driver’s seat and the drive train. I opted not to build either of these as these would not be seen once the upper and lower hulls were glued together. On the other hand, someone who wants to deck the interior out will have to do much more work than is offered in the model. I moved straight to step 4 and put together the hull. The hull is made up of three long parts. These were slightly warped but a quality fast-drying glue such as Testor’s Liquid glue will do the job neatly. I also added some 5-minute epoxy on the inside joints between the floor and the walls to provide a sturdy bond. The next step (6) that I moved to was the suspension system. This looks to be a challenging step because of the sheer number of road wheels (32 wheels) and each wheel is made up of four parts. Each bogie is comprised
RIGHT: The suspension was the first step in the assembly and while it does look daunting with 32 wheels, and a total of 170 parts, it took all of one evening to complete. The fit was very good all round.
Military Modelling Vol.46 No.6 2016
AFV Most photographs of the T-35 during WWII were taken by German military “tourists”. (photo source unknown)
of six parts so in total, there are 170 parts just for the suspension. However, it is quite simple once you get through the first several bogies. The first bogie took 20 minutes to complete while the last bogie took six minutes. All in all, one needs an evening to address this section of the tank. The fit was very good with some clean-up of flash. I opted to cement the road wheels onto the bogies as opposed to allowing them to freely spin. There was some flash on the inner hubs of the road wheels and a quick swipe with a sharp hobby knife removed these without a hitch. One word of caution: if your housing halves are warped, a paper clamp is the ideal tool to bring these back to shape once they are glued together. As well, the bogie pins are slightly too big for the two holes in the hull, so just twist your hobby knife in the holes to widen the holes up slightly. In Step 7, a few plates are attached and the skirt mounts are added including the mount for the idlers and sprockets. The most seemingly daunting part of the entire project was the link by link tracks. The model offers five trees and there are a lot of links! Fortunately, it ends up that one only needs four trees and a bit to complete the model. My approach was to snip off all of the tracks from the trees, cut excess attachments with a straight-edged nail clipper and then, gluing seven-eight links together, using a metal ruler as my straight edge guide, then affixing to the model. These tracks are surprisingly well done, and the quality of the plastic allowed the links to instantly bond to each other with Testor’s glue. I used a hairdryer at low heat to instantly dry the glue while the tracks were affixed to the model. The process took an entire evening and ended up being more of a pleasurable experience than one that was annoyingly boring (listening to good music helps!).
BELOW: German troops pose next to a captured and damaged T-35. The capture of such huge tanks had considerable propaganda value. (photo source unknown)
BELOW: The upper hull was only temporarily attached with Tamiya tape on either end. I did attempt to remove the warp with a hairdryer then submersing the upper hull into hot water and bending it but both attempts failed.
Two unfavourable features sprung out at the outset of the assembly: warpage of the upper hull and an oily grime on the plastic. The oily grime can be removed with dish soap and luke warm water. The warp, which I believe is universal to all ICM T-35 releases, was something that I would have to address later on in the assembly process.
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ABOVE: A T-35 abandoned by its crew, capturing the interest of a group of Germans. Note the lack of the bar antennae around the turret (photo source unknown)
The part I was not looking forward to assembling was the tracks. Although Fruil does offer a set, the ICM offering looked quite well done. The fit was very good and the process was quite simple.
Two areas to watch for: when wrapping the tracks around the sprocket, the connection point between the tracks will expand and there is little one can do about this. My suggestion is to start adding tracks around the sprocket, down under the road wheels, around the idler and build the tracks from both ends slowly moving towards the center of the upper run. Wartime photographs do not show much sag so in building the upper run, you have the option of adding a bit of sag - or none – in order to get that last link in for a good overall fit. If anything, ensure you do the upper run in
one sitting so that glue does not dry and you have no way of adjusting sag to drop in that last link. As an aside, ICM provides heaps of links, so if you lose a few or break a few, there are about 70 spare links. Once the tracks were on, I reinforced all of the connection points between the tracks with liquid glue and in any area where there was a “weak” link, I added superglue. I was quite liberal with the glue. Just ensure to reinforce with liquid glue a day or two after the initial liquid glue application between links has thoroughly dried. The next steps (steps 9-13) were the turrets. Each of the five turrets come as halves, the top plate and some detailing parts. The turret halves fit well together but when I tested these on the hull, the turrets were too narrow to fit into the slots. I clipped off the two tabs around each turret insert because the turret did not sit deep enough to allow them to rotate. Cutting off the two locator tabs will allow you to fit the turrets more easily. I also used a grinder on my Dremel tool to remove some of the plastic around the inside lip so that the turret was a good fit. The large main turret was not a difficult build though I would recommend ensuring the top plate is a good fit when the two turret halves are glued together. The top plate fits inside of the two halves – and not on top. I made the mistake of repeatedly dry fitting the top plate and regardless of how I approached this; the top plate was too large. It actually slips inside and if you look carefully, you can see the locating line all around the inside of the upper turret where the outer lip of the top plate is supposed to sit. This is not clear from the instructions. I chose not to add the commander’s fighting area (seats, shells and floor) because once I add a figure in the turret, it will not be seen. The instruction would have you add the details (machine gun, hatches etc.)
ABOVE: Wartime photographs do not show much sag. Once the tracks were attached, I reinforced all of the connection points with liquid glue. LEFT: The track fit was excellent – on both sides.
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LEFT: Most photos I have seen of the T-35 appear undamaged which would suggest that many would have fallen into enemy hands due to mechanical failure (photo source unknown)
to the upper before attaching to the turret – I suggest adding the detail after the upper plate and turret are firmly glued together. The four smaller turrets are designed similarly except that the upper plate for the smaller machine gun turret is supposed to fit on top of the turret and the top plate for the 45mm turrets sits inside the upper lip of the turret. The turrets are quite good fits but some filler will be required to clean up the seams on both the front and rear of the turrets. I broke the small strip on the top of both the RIGHT: Each of the five turrets come as halves, with separate top plate and detailing. The turret halves fit reasonably well but putty will be required to fill a gap and then smoothed out in the rear turret attachment seams.
ABOVE: The main turret was a good fit but ensure that the top flat plate fits neat when the two side halves are glued. The top plate fits inside of the two halves – not on top.
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ABOVE: I decided to prime the lower hull to ensure that all of the green plastic and light-coloured tracks were covered. Priming might have been more challenging if the upper hull was already attached. BELOW: One can see the seam when the two halves are joined. This was filled in with putty then sanded smooth.
LEFT: I found success in affixing the upper hull by first gluing down the front hull with 5-minute epoxy and keeping it clamped for 20 minutes. Then running 5-minute epoxy along the inside hull to attach the upper and lower hulls together and holding this tight for 15 minutes, finally, gluing down the rear plate with 5-minute epoxy. All joints were further reinforced with superglue.
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ABOVE: The model’s main components have been assembled. It was now time for the detailing.
RIGHT: A wartime photograph of the upper hull which provides a good visual on the layout and details. I used this photograph for reference purposes. There are very few photographs showing this angle of the T-35. (photo source unknown).
BELOW: Note the minimal use of putty. Most of the putty I did apply was used to fill gaps on the turrets.
medium-sized turrets trying to wedge the mantlet in from inside the turret, but a little super glue and some sanding remedied the issue. Before moving on to joining the upper and lower hulls, I primed the lower hull in Tamiya grey primer in two light coats. My rationale for this was that I would probably not be able to reach much of the suspension with the canister once the upper hull was attached. Gluing the upper and lower hull was going to be a bit of challenge because the upper hull was extremely warped. It seems to be a universal problem with this offering and a hairdryer or hot water would not save the day. However, I did discover that one should glue the front upper hull into place with liquid glue reinforced with superglue and allowed to dry thoroughly. With the front firmly glued down, I then added 5–minute epoxy along the tops of the vertical plates of the lower hull right to the rear of
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LEFT: I used etch from the Eduard set but in general I found the ICM model details to be just as good as the etch. BELOW: I dry-fitted many parts before committing to glue to ensure a neat and clean fit.
the tank. I then pushed the upper hull down ensuring that the locator lines, which run along the upper hull, were joined then snapped the rear plate into place. I added copious amounts of 5-minute epoxy along the joints where the upper and lower hulls meet at the very rear of the tank. The very rear section of the upper hull should hang over the rear plate of the lower hull. I managed to reach in through the engine deck opening and placed enormous amount of 5-minute epoxy glue between the upper and lower rear plates. I left this overnight to thoroughly dry.
ABOVE: The last series of T-35 tanks had conical turrets. Russian images of the T-35 are typically from May 1st parades taken in Red Square (photo source unknown)
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RIGHT & BELOW: I had considered purchasing turned barrels but the ICM offering were quite good and only needed to have the ends drilled out. The side skirts are only affixed temporarily with Blu-Tac at this point as it will make it far easier to paint the suspension without any obstructions.
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The next day, I was pleased to see that the upper had stayed affixed and the result was a perfectly straight upper hull. I reinforced all connector points between upper and lower hull with super glue to ensure that the upper hull stayed down! My one suggestion if you do have a warped upper hull, is to constantly dry fit before committing to glue to ensure that any work on the lower hull does not shift the eventual fit of the upper hull.
Detailing
ABOVE: The only period colour photograph of the T-35 that I could find. Uncertain whether it is WWII or post-WWII but the quality suggests that this is most likely a period photograph. Either way, it provides a decent image of the tone of the base colour which appears to be dark olive green. (photo source unknown) RIGHT: After a thoroughly cleaning with dish soap and luke warm water, the model was ready for primer.
With the upper and lower hull glued, the suspension complete and the turrets fitted (but not glued) to the tank, I started the process of adding details to the turrets and the upper hull. I had purchased the Eduard etch (35316) set but realized that most of the replacement etch was not necessarily an improvement over the ICM parts. I carefully studied the ICM parts and the etch on three etch trees and determined that the only real value for the etch set was to add those details that are not included in the ICM offering. I opted to keep the ICM turret hatch hinges as these are quite well done. I had also considered using turned barrels from Jordi Rubio (RB35B73) and the DT/Do 7.62 mm MG from Aber (AB35L99) but instead used the kit barrels as these were quite well done. The barrels needed to be drilled which was a quick fix.
BELOW: The model took two coats of primer using Tamiya Grey primer.
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The eight posts and antennae were not used as I opted to depict a later variant of the T-35 which did not have the frame antenna. Because the turret had indentations to accommodate the posts, I covered these with etch plates from a spare etch set (Eduard Churchill I think) similar to wartime images. The rear upper hull does have some detail to be added such as spare tracks, shovel, and cables and I decided to leave these off until I painted the vehicle as I do find it so much easier to paint tools and accessories off of the model. The front mud guards were a little tricky but a little slicing and sanding allowed me to fit the fenders without too much trouble. The front lights were affixed in a down position as I notice these to be in “combat position” in most photographs, meaning the light casings were pushed down to the hull. I added a few rivets and bolts on certain details that I had noticed in my reference photo using a punch and die set and aftermarket rivets from Bronco. All of the hatches on the turret were glued into place with the exception of the front machine gun turret, which I would eventually leave lose so that I could affix in an open position. The last steps was going all around the model and reinforcing all of the joints with super glue or liquid glue - depending on the joint – to ensure that the bond was strong. Lastly, I brushed Testor’s thinners to the entire model with the widest brush in my collection to remove grime and fingerprints and any dust as a result of sanding.
ABOVE: I used a mix of Tamiya paints to achieve a light olive colour. I cannot recall the precise ratio but I used a combination of X-8 Lemon Yellow, XF-5 Flat Green and XF-26 Deep Green. I then sprayed the model with Tamiya gloss. LEFT: Eduard set 35 316 designed for the T-35 is only worth it if the modeller is keen on adding etch. I used the template inside for the star on the skirts and a few other bits. Other than that, I thought the ICM parts were quite satisfactory.
Painting and finishing…in brief I sprayed the model in two light coats of Tamiya Grey Primer and allowed this to dry for one hour. Before I started in with the base coat, I hand brushed an area on the side skirts using Vallejo Calvary Red and when dry, placed the star template included with the Eduard set over the red area. I mixed up three Tamiya colours - X-8 Lemon Yellow, XF-5 Flat Green and XF-26 Deep Green in an approximate 1:3:2 ratio. Once the model was completely dry, I airbrushed the upper half of the model with Tamiya gloss. I then followed this with a light application of Tamiya Clear. For the tracks, I paint brushed using a combination of Humbrol enamel Black 33 and Matt Dark Earth 29 mixed 3:1. I find that using this combination with a little Testor’s
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‘‘ ” My one suggestion if you do have a warped upper hull, is to constantly dry fit before committing to glue...
thinners provides a nice matt and even finish. This did require two applications and it was a bit of a challenge to reach inside track parts –patience and good lighting are key. I followed this by painting in the rubber on the road wheels using Vallejo BlackGrey. This is a bit tedious especially when trying to reach the back wheels but I did find that adding
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RIGHT: I used some of the AK Interactive weathering products. BELOW: I gave the model a light coat of Tamiya Clear X-22 and provided a tonal value of the base green which was similar to the wartime colour photograph of the T-35.
ABOVE LEFT: The painting of the tracks took two coats - and some patience. ABOVE RIGHT: The rubber on the roadwheels was painted using Vallejo Black-Grey.
ABOVE LEFT: The pin washes and washes were added along panels and around rivets. ABOVE RIGHT: I added the AK Interactive essentially in the same areas as the pin washes to further pronounce the detailing.
ABOVE: I used a thinner-moistened brush to drag down the semi-dry AK Interactive application to create subtle streaks and rain mark effects.
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some water to the paint helped the paint capillary and fill in the rubber areas. The first step in the weathering process was a series of pin washes using various brown-coloured oil paints combined with Testor’s thinners. I was liberal in adding the mix around rivets and bolts. This was followed by a few light applications of three AK Interactive weathering products – particularly on the suspension system. If too much was applied, a thinner-moistened brush (wide brush) will remove any excess. I also used the same brush to drag down the semi-dry AK Interactive application to create subtle streaks and rain mark effects. Once the pin washes and washes were dry, I moved in with various earth-coloured pastels sourced from artists’ pastels to create dust and dried mud. On the side skirts, I wanted to add caked dried-up mud. This is achieved by brushing on
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ABOVE: A wartime quality photograph of a T-35 going into battle (Courtesy of Photoshop)
Tamiya thinners to the skirts, then sprinkling pastels onto the skirt (tapping your brush with a little pastel on the brush works well) and followed by dripping more Tamiya thinners onto the skirt and allowing the thinners to flow and capillary downwards creating caked-on mud.
Conclusion The model is not necessarily an easy one to assemble but only because there are many parts and pieces so it’s not a quick weekender. A little filler is necessary, a bit of prying, and some cleanup of flash. Having purchased two books on the
BELOW: I applied a combination of various earth-coloured pastels sourced from artists’ pastels to create dust and dried mud.
subject, and studied every image very carefully, I cannot say that the ICM model is perfectly accurate but rather a reasonable rendition. For instance, looking at references, there is tremendous variation between T-35’s on the placement of rivets. The periscopes are slightly too small, the gun port plate on the rear main turret had many variations (and only a few T-35’s actually had a rear gun port), the antenna support plates differed between tanks including the number of poles and location of plates, and the rear engine deck layout differed considerably. In order to render this model as accurate as possible, one can only use wartime reference photos. Presumably, this model is based on the sole surviving T-35 at Kublinka. It is a good model, a lot of fun to construct and small niggle details set aside, it is a very enjoyable model to see come together. It is actually an impressive piece of model measuring almost a foot long. There are many reference photos out there - mostly wartime German “tourist” photographs – with some excellent close-ups of the hull detail. For a tank that only saw a total of 61 produced, there are many photos taken from different angles, so it is possible to get many views of the same tank when detailing the model. I think the greatest satisfaction is looking at a seemingly daunting model to build, then looking at it in its completed form and one can only gain an enormous sense of satisfaction in the work and effort that was put into it.
“Land Battleship - The Russian T-35 Tank” by Maxim Kolomets and Jim Kinnear is an excellent 96-page reference and highly recommended with loads of technical and combat history information, four pages of colour artwork, from Barbarossa Books (ISBN-13: 978-0953877713)
ABOVE: I purchased this book at a flea market and it is entirely in Russian with the exception of the captions. Although I cannot read any of it, the photographs were an excellent source of visual information. LEFT: A close-up of the effect. If the mud appears to light in colour, a light wash of dark oil will change the tone down.
ABOVE: To create caked-on mud, I sprinkled pastels onto the side skirts, then added Tamiya thinners and allowed it to flow downwards creating splatters and puddles of dried mud.
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Mountain Gun Fine-Molds 1:35 scale, Imperial Japanese Army’s, Type 41 75-mm field piece by Mike Williams TOP: A good study of a Type 41 75mm mountain gun dominating a high position, here in a dense urban environment, during the protracted ‘China Incident’. BELOW & RIGHT: Views of the authors completed gun and crew figures.
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he vehicles and equipment of the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) from the ‘China Incident’ and Pacific War period (1937-45), has over recent years received increasing attention from a number of main-stream injection plastic manufactures, with a respectable 1:35 scale range of quality models now available. However up until late 2013 there was a noticeable gap in this 1:35 collection, an IJA field artillery piece. This is not ignoring the likes of Tamiya’s veteran (1977) Type 1 self-propelled gun (No.331), which was an evolved version of their earlier Type 97 medium tank, with an open 75mm gun added to the hull, but an individual field piece was overdue. While 1:72 scale has the inclusion of light portable infantry support weapons in some sets, like the Italeri’s (Set 6164) cum Waterloo 1815 (Set 003) ‘Japanese Type 92 70mm Gun with crew figures’, and Fujimi’s (Set 76030) ‘Japanese Infantry’
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also with such a gun, there was no corresponding piece in 1:35 scale. Thankfully Fine-Molds have now rectified this with their IJA Type 41 75mm Mountain Gun ‘Mountain Artillery’ (FM38), and IJA Type 41 75mm Mountain Gun ‘Regimental Artillery’ (FM39). These 1,199lb pieces of light-ordnance, with a maximum 7,679 yard, and effective 3,200 yard range, able to fire a wide range of diverse projectiles weighing between 9.9lbs to 15.4lbs, were encountered everywhere the IJA went in the ‘Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere’. Being able to be quickly broken-down into approximately 200lb components was essential, ideal for six pack horses with special harnesses, leaving a seventh to carry ammunition, or in desperate resort, even manhandling if no other means of movement was available. They were extremely useful in rough or jungle conditions, were tracks, let alone roads were not present, but which the tenacious IJA saw as paths of advance. To clearly emphasise how active the Type 41 75mm Mountain Gun was, one has only to highlight such commitments as during the ‘China Incident’, when at the Xiushui River (March 1939) in Nanchang, the 3rd Independent Mountain Gun Regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Morikawa, fielded no less than 24 against the Chinese Nationalist Army. During the initial phase of the Pacific War, the attack upon Bataan and Corregidor (January to May 1942) saw the 3rd Battalion/51st Mountain Gun Regiment, under Major Arima, utilising twelve such pieces. On Guadalcanal (August 1942 to February 1943) the 10th Independent Mountain Gun Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Kitayama, saw service with nine guns. At Saipan (June 1944) the 3rd Independent Mountain Gun Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Nakajima, employed twelve such guns, right through to the end of the war, when during the desperate defence of Iwo Jima (February to March 1945), the 2nd Mixed Brigade, under Major Maeda, had five such mountain guns in action. This ubiquitous piece was certainly widely distributed throughout the IJA, seeing service on all fronts, therefore its modelling in 1:35 scale is extremely welcome in now enabling an example of such an extensively employed piece to take its rightful place within any IJA collection. For myself the crucial and decisive use of such a mountain-gun, even one piece, came to the fore in my reading of ‘The Path of Infinite Sorrow’, with its repeated mention of such light ordnance in the truly desperate protracted ‘Kokoda Track’ battles of the New Guinea campaign. The overwhelming movement and transportation barriers imposed by not only a determined enemy, but nature, climate, and topography were truly daunting, even for lightly equipped IJA troops, but to actually carry and fight such mountain-guns in these conditions was an epic daily feat of endurance and ingenuity, extending over many months of mountainous jungle fighting along this contested trail. The events which overtook a mountain-gun and its crew at Gorari village, in early November 1943, exemplified everything about such a piece and its dedicated team. One gun from the 3rd Company of the 55th Mountain Artillery Regiment, under Lieutenant Yoshifumi Takagi, a young academy
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Minus its protective shield, the antiquated appearance of this Type 41 piece of light ordnance is well revealed in this view of a well restored and displayed example at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Another well preserved example of a Type 41 piece, on display today at the Royal Canadian Regiment Military Museum in London, Ontario.
What can be considered to be a typical ‘action’ pose of a Type 41 (Regimental gun) and its immediate crew.
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such gunners committed towards their piece, but indicative of the IJA’s known overall devotion of fighting to the end, or choosing self-immolation as a final act. The opportunity to now build a faithful 1:35 scale example of such a widely used utilitarian piece of portable light ordnance is now possible through Fine-Molds pair of Type 41 75mm guns and I for one relished this prospect.
Option
The pack-horses and saddles required to carry a Japanese Type 41 75mm mountain gun and ammunition chest: 1 Gun cradle. 2 Folded gun-shield, with tool chest attached to the side. 3 Breech mechanism and tray. 4 Wheels and axle. 5 Standard ammunition chest made of steel plate, to hold six rounds. 6 The gun tube. 7 An ammunition chest fastened to a pack saddle, normally two chests would be carried in this way. 8 The trail, with the blade folded. (US War Dept, Handbook on Japanese Military Forces).
BELOW & OPPOSITE: The mountain gun, in profile, conveying its seemingly antiquated appearance, which belayed its effectiveness in various theatres during the traditional Asian ‘China Incident’ and modern environment of the ‘Pacific War’. (Fine-Molds)
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graduate, and his team, in support of the Tsukamoto Unit (144th Regiment’s 1st Battalion), would effectively manhandled their piece quickly through the jungle to defend crucial positions at decisive periods, over many desperate days to cover the IJA’s retreat from Gorari, across Oivi Creek towards Luwuni. Finally with the Australian’s closing-in, and all rounds expended, Lieutenant Takagi was ordered to leave his gun behind, with all men committed towards carrying-out the wounded. He could not bring himself to bury his mountain-gun, going to his superior to beg to let his team carry out their piece along with the wounded. With the refusal of this request, the breech was broken-up and the gun buried. At the mound Lieutenant Takagi then tookout his pistol and shot himself, sharing the fate of his gun. A rather extreme example of the attachment
Fine-Molds two presentations are basically identical in overall quality and build, with the most obvious differences being their ‘Mountain Artillery’ (FM38) version is in an ‘action’ pose, while the ‘Regimental Artillery’ (FM39) one is being ‘moved’. Besides these markedly dissimilar four man crews, physically both have very differing shields. From my reading into this subject one aspect of this piece arose, its crew was seemingly deficient in Fine-Molds presentation. In service this gun was crewed by usually up to thirteen men, twelve gunners and a squad leader. The latter would be positioned to the rear of the weapon overseeing its operation, controlling one aimer, one loader, one firer, and one man to swing the guns aim left or right, a man inserting fuses into rounds then handing them to the loader, two gunners lying in reserve to the left and right of the gun position, with the remaining five men carrying ammunition in relays from the safely distant supply. One can appreciate such a required full thirteenman team, especially in operating such a mountaingun, where everything might have to be physically manhandled. Not only its separated components, but munitions, along with all their own essential personnel arms, supplies, and sundry equipment to function in forward positions far in advance of any replenishment. In making-up these numbers in 1:35 scale, one can perhaps give some consideration towards employing and modifying Fine-Molds complementary ‘Imperial Japanese Army Marching’ (FM37) set of six individually sculpted figures, or one off the new Dragon’s (Iwo Jima or Peleliu) four piece sets, or even the veteran four man Tamiya one to raise such a full team. But in the final consideration of this issue I decided to concentrate upon just the basic four dedicated gun-crew figures included in my ‘Mountain-gun’ (FM38) version in its action setting. In a number of photographs, it seems
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LEFT & OPPOSITE: The IJA’s Type 41 75mm mountain gun, plan and front elevation, generally finished-off overall in IJA Khaki, with just steel (gun-metal) rims to the archaic looking spoke wheels, a miniature model which can benefit from some restrained highlight painting. (Fine-Molds)
The first impression of Fine-Molds presentation is a favourable one, clean integral detailing abounds, albeit conveyed on a relatively expensive small 1:35 scale piece of ordnance.
that Japanese gun crews frequently wore most of their personal equipment, besides their helmets, including water bottles, pouches, and bayonets, all ready for instant action, therefore adding these items to the figures here would be both accurate and pleasing in such a representation, giving them a business like appearance. One can also position such ‘spare’ sundry items possessed on the generic equipment tree provided to detail an ‘enlarged’ diorama, with their rifles nearby ready for instant use. While this models single ammunition box, three rounds, as well as trio of empty casings, would all be welcomed in any ‘action’ display.
Model This presentation comes in a conventional lid-tray box, certainly far too large for the minimal contents enclosed, contained in a sealed plastic bag with four trees, two dedicated to the gun, the other pair towards its crew (one with their generic IJA equipment), carrying 131 light-ochre coloured parts in total (with many superfluous in this build), a decal sheet of infinitesimal uniform insignia, and the essential instructions. Overall the quality of moulding present on the various components is excellent, with sharply executed detail and no extraneous flash, apart from the expected tree attachment points, and minimal mould seams, there is nothing to mare these parts, there are certainly no obvious sink marks or surface blemishes. Fine detailing abounds, both in relief and recess, with bolts, nuts; gun sight, even the
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seats have nail heads visible. However it has to be emphasized that some parts are so delicate that extra caution should be used so as not to damage them, while smaller parts may be difficult to handle without fine tweezers, and I certainly found a magnifying glass of considerable help. There are a number of small sub-assemblies involved here, with the likes of the gunner and loader seats having separate supports, while the small breech is in no less than five parts, the gun itself can be finally set elevated (minus 18˚to plus 40˚) and moved in azimuth (traverse 6˚), just like the original. The rudimentary frame and spoke wheels for the gun carriage looks decidedly old fashioned, as it should for a piece designed in the last years of the 19th century, a license-built copy of the Krupp M.08 mountain gun, with its Type 41 number designation for the year the gun was accepted, the 41st year of Emperor Meiji’s reign in 1898. Tree A: Possesses 44 pieces, the principal components for the mountain gun itself, a few of which are not used on this version, this tree also holds three rounds of ammunition and a trio of spent casings. The gun barrel is in two halves, while the rear spade is moulded half on the carriage frame and half as a separate part. I initially thought this detached lower
‘‘ ” Overall the quality of moulding present on the various components is excellent, with sharply executed detail and no extraneous flash...
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The usual initial tree and parts check clearly conveys this very favourable impression, confirmed with the subsequent component separation and layout, with dry-run fits to check things out, before fabrication of the principal sub-assemblies.
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spade was for improved detail (which it does), but omitting this would effectively allow this entire piece to ‘sit’ correctly on a flat surface if so desired in an ‘action’ pose, but since I wanted to capture the entire gun and its entire carriage this was attached. Tree B: Holds just ten parts, the early type shield with good detail on its front and rear surfaces, its two supports; minute wheel hubs, and ammunition box. Tree D: Carries 24 parts for the four gun crew figures provided, with each having separate legs, arms, torso and heads, with good facial features, all sculpted as wearing the standard Type 98 Army uniforms with fold-down collar, having straps and pockets generally well defined, and Type 5 boots, leaving the distinctive puttees cleanly moulded with crossed tapes. Finally, it should be noted that judging by the relative ‘fullness’ and weight of the uniforms rendered here, I presume they are suitable for a Northern China or Manchuria setting rather than say New Guinea. There are some minimal light seam lines to clean up, but apart from this they all go together very well, although some features might be regarded as ‘light’, especially belt and strap buckles, however overall these four detailed figures are well captured in convincing battle poses. Tree Z: Can only be described as presenting a wealth of IJA infantry weapons and equipment, and although the majority of these are shown on the instruction sheet as shaded to denote not being used with this particular ‘Mountain Gun’ option, the listing of the contents will convey the pleasing degree of detail Fine-Molds have incorporated into this overall presentation. With two ‘officers’ 8mm Type 14 Nambu pistols plus holsters, three long Arisaka 6.5mm Type 38 rifles (the IJA’s standard
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ABOVE: Although producing a relatively small model (still minus its shield), this model is literally crammed with finely detailed parts, from the principal carriage frame to petite hubs and training wheels. Throughout the fit of all individual parts and subassemblies is first class, resulting in a fuss-free build, as long as you pay close attention to the clear instructions.
rifle), and three 7.7mm Type 99 rifles, all with separate breech and bolt assemblies, along with four separate Type 30 bayonets. Besides this you also get four Model 92 ‘Tetsubo’ helmets and four standard soft peak field caps, four M.1933 canteens, along with six miscellaneous pieces of equipment, like gas mask pouches, entrenching tool, back-pack with tent roll, haversacks, and nine cartridge boxes. All in all an excellent accessory collection of standard issue items that I believe was first seen in Fine-Molds companion IJA Infantry set. The folded four panel instruction sheet is very well done; as usual I found Fine-Molds have printed an excellent diagrammatic guidance for their assembly. Each step in the 22 (25 in the ‘Regimental’ option) Stages is clearly defined, including the sequence for completed subassemblies. There is a basic ‘English’ involvement here, the majority of the text, especially all background information is in Japanese. However it was very helpful throughout to see the clear graphics of key assemblies, with clear top, side, and frontal isometric views. But please note, as good
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One of the highlights of this build has to be its four attendant crew figures, all well sculpted in convincing action poses. When placed alongside the completed gun its diminutive proportions are quite evident against this vital ‘human’ 1:35 scale comparison. All that is needed to bring out the best in these figures and piece is obviously the final detailed painting, with a sound undercoat base an essential foundation.
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An indication of the other IJA Type 41 75mm gun option from Fine-Molds, the ‘Regimental Artillery’ (FM39) example with its integral fourman crew pulling their piece. (Fine Molds)
as the instruction sheet is, I think you should still appraise what is several steps ahead before fixing anything, just to get an accurate overall picture of this detailed miniatures assembly.
Build
ABOVE: The completed Fine-Molds 1:35 scale IJA Type 41 75-mm mountain gun. Although seemingly rather bland in its overall Khaki standard finish, picking out and highlighting specific details, and applying a degree of wear and weathering will ultimately really bring out the very best in this piece of light ordnance.
RIGHT: This piece is certainly greatly enhanced by the provision of its four attendant well-crafted figures, which although again predominantly in Khaki, are the perfect base for fine uniform and feature painting, resulting in a merged military miniature of considerable character.
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As for the actually build of this admittedly diminutive piece of portable light ordnance, well this is relatively straightforward and uncomplicated, due primarily to the moulding quality of the components, their precise fit, and aforementioned clear instructions. But it has to be emphasised that some exacting, close-in work with minuscule parts is entailed here, therefore this build is not a ‘simple’ undertaking despite its small overall dimensions. Stages 1 to 8, sees the main gun barrel halves assembled, followed by the breech block and gun rail, these are then merged into one core unit, which all aligned perfectly, to which the miniature gun sight assembly is attached. Following this is the delicate elevating gear. This leads to the fabrication of the carriage itself in Stages 9 to 12. The rear spade is completed and support fittings attached before the gun itself is mounted, which can be set in any position you desire. Concluding this section, the deployed seats for the gunner and aimer are attached to the frame. Stage 13 assembles the elevation wheel, while Stages 14 and 15 add the spoke wheels and separate hubs. Stage 16 sees the gun shield and its supports finally attached. Stage 17 provides the minute delicate towing rings to the spade, after which this central piece of ordnance is complete. Stage 18 is for the assembly and painting of the ammunition box and rounds. Finally, Stages 19 to 22 are committed towards the assembly and positioning of the four figures themselves; truly essential in rendering a telling ‘human’ element to this fine diminutive display piece. For the seemingly rudimentary paint finish, a full colour guide is provided, with no less than 15 colours listed, although only one apparently predominates. The gun itself is primarily in IJA Khaki (Kokoboushoku) with steel rims on the wheels its most obvious applications. In this FineMolds note GSI ‘Mr Color’, Aqueous Hobby Color, and Tamiya Paints, with the colours also provided in English. I always use Tamiya’s superb Acrylics these days, so my coverage was easy, their XF-49 prevailing, with the contribution of the likes of X-10 gun-metal, XF-1 black, XF-10 brown, XF-15 flesh, XF-55 deck-tan, XF-60 dark yellow, and XF-62 olive all involved. Though Japanese uniform varied wildly because of diverse stocks, wear and weathering, the standard IJA uniform, at least during the early stages of the China Incident and Pacific War, was intended to be Tsuchi kusa iro, a drab-brown with a slight yellow-green hue. Fine-Molds simplify this again as just ‘Khaki’, with clearer support provided for more detailed uniform and equipment colours. It should be highlighted here that various shades of green for the IJA’s uniform, encompassing greygreen to dark-green, were quite common issue later in the conflict, used along with old stock, so depending on which period you wish to model your figures, these can embrace a wide range of possible ‘accurate’ finishes.
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To finally complete the four figures there is a generic IJA personnel decal sheet, carrying a range of infinitesimal uniform emblems and insignia. There is nothing intended for the actual gun itself, but I have not seen any significant unit markings or emblems on such pieces in photos, even on the prominent shield. The printing of these absolutely minute decals is sharp, thankfully these truly tiny items have a relatively large amount of clear carrier film around them, great for positioning, and they finally went down well with Micro-Sol and Set. There are no etched parts included within this, or as far as I know any supplementary set from Fine-Molds, nor other after-market source, but as far as I am concerned this superbly detailed little model simply does not need anything else to further enhance it. Its integral quality of moulding sharpness, surface finish, and indeed overall clean presentation renders any such additional work superfluous.
Fine-Molds excellent isometric artwork captures the salient features of this piece of light IJA field ordnance, and the various stations of its immediate four-man crew very well. (Fine Molds)
Close I have not inspected any preserved Type 41 75mm mountain gun for a close-up rivet-count, or come across any dedicated definitive reference work minutely dissecting this subject. But from what I have referred to and appraised, I honestly believe the overall features, dimensions, and particulars of this gun to be accurately convey here by Fine-Molds. Refinement of moulding in this piece of light field ordnance, its crew, sundry IJA weapons and equipment is of the very highest order throughout. Overall Fine-Molds have presented a superb 1:35 scale military miniature, with a remarkable degree of integral detail crammed into such a small model, all set-off by nicely executed dramatically posed ‘action’ figures. I would certainly recommend this model. If I had to identify one ‘negative’ aspect behind this particular 1:35 scale package, well this certainly could not involve the actual final piece itself, as I say it is quite an exquisite diminutive piece of considerable character. The only thing which caused me ‘trouble’ was the high asking price, which for me involved its all-inclusive cost of £18 from Hobby Plaza in Japan, which I was to discover was nevertheless quite reasonable compared to some other internet outlets. This is a very expensive small model, but I suppose you must expect to pay for quality, and obtaining such a desired esoteric subject. With the release of this representative Japanese light field gun, what are the chances of something with a bit more bite being released in the future, say the IJA’s distinctive long-barrelled and successful heavy (8,228-pound in action) Type 92 10cm longrange field-gun, to go to the other extreme of IJA ordnance actively employed between 1937-45. But until then Fine-Molds diminutive Type 41 75-mm mountain-gun will do very nicely.
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Sources The Path of Infinite Sorrow, The Japanese on the Kokoda Track: Craig Collie and Hajime Marutani, Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 2012. Soldiers of the Sun - The Rise and Fall of the Imperial Japanese Army: Meirion and Susie Harries, Random House, New York, 1991. The Japanese Army 1931-45, Parts 1 and 2: Philip Jowett, Osprey Publishing (Men at Arms), Oxford, 2002. Fine-Molds Co Ltd, Yubinbango 441-3301 Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture Oitsu Matoba-cho, 53-2, Japan.
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n the past, I have already focused on this particular topic in small scale, with satisfying results. However, with the incessant emergence of new products, the development of new methods of working or improvements of older ones, I will endeavor to go further with renderings. To show this, I will take as an example, selected items which take place on a structure in a large scale: this step by step is more a demonstration of this type of work compared to 1/72. The method remains ‘generic’ and can be applied on any plastic and resin moulded items, produced in any scale. Photos 1 & 2. Reality offers us countless sources of inspirations that can be taken as a starting point. However, the experience of a large amount of time spent with this approach, leads me not to stop at two or three situations to imitate an effect, unless it is a strict reproduction of a precise structure. For instance here are two interesting examples, among others, that could fit into the rendering effect.
Old Wood Emmanuel Nouaillier continues his series of diorama effects 1
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Photo 3. I will take as base a pair of resin moulded items on which I previously applied some ageing ‘works’ such as trimmings, as well as some additional small details. Indeed, a good surface preparation will better highlight the effects of painting and ageing. Do not overlook this point; it will make the difference at end. Here I worked on two lots of shutters and doors in parallel, applying the same methods to all.
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Photo 4. On another door, cobbled identically, I began the colouring stage with enamel paints. From the outset, the shades are not applied in a traditional manner. For instance I selected four references Humbrol: HB 28/64/98/119, taken from the bottom of the jar, not shaken (I insist on that), with the help of large sticks, then deposited in a cup, before diluting them lightly with mineral thinner/spirit. Using a large paintbrush (No.6), I quickly applied several deposits on the surface.
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Photo 5. Using the same brush, cleaned and lightly soaked in mineral thinner, I spread these shades to blend them on the surface, by taking a little of a particular colour to complete the ‘basic’ tone. I also worked this stage onto the other set of doors and shutters. Photo 6. Without waiting for the previous coat to dry, I continued to work with enamel paint, using two light shades: light grey HB 28 and matt white HB 34. These ones are applied alternately in the direction of the wood grain by using the micropainting technique with a very fine ‘kolinsky sable’ brush (No.1).
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Photo 7. I then finished with the enamel shades by simulating the typical corroded grain of rust on the metallic hinges with a mixture of HB98 and HB70, tapped with an old fine brush. Photo 8. Once the paints have completely dried, I prepared a matt black wash of my own, using the ‘black ivory’ from Liquitex Basics Matt range. The advantage of preparing the washes myself, is that you can control the darkening to bring out the detail. For this, it’s not a drop in the ocean of water, but rather 1/3 of paint + 2/3 of water. Photo 9. The mixture is prepared in a glass ramekin (a cream dessert jar) and is slowly applied in the direction of the wood grain with a large flat brush from the Manet ‘Galaxy’ range (with the famous foam lugs for gripping) or any other equivalent kind of brush (No.6). Then leave it to dry...
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‘‘ ” The advantage of preparing the washes myself, is that you can control the darkening to bring out the detail.
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Photo 10. The remnant of wash still in the ramekin was then enriched with some drops of ‘black ivory’ to obtain a more pigmented, diluted wash. This liquid is applied with our very fine brush (No.1) or a smaller (No.0) in the joins, to highlight them. If you overflow at this point, you can easily erase the excess with another clean brush (a fine flat one) soaked in water. Photo 11. There’s still a long way to go, now by bringing new ‘filters’ with acrylic paints. Photo 12. Indeed, AK Interactive produced two sets of paintings titled ‘Old weathered wood – Cold colours’ and ‘Old weathered wood – Warm colours’ intended to imitate different shades of old, worn out woods with acrylic paintings. No less than twelve shades of paints are available in these two sets, although some of them are almost identical.
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Photo 13. For my work, I selected references from four sets: ‘weathered wood’, ‘medium grey’, ‘middle grey’ and ‘light grey’ to which I added a fifth colour ‘Ivory’ from Vallejo. I will also make use of some enamel wash from AK (either the reference 263 or the reference 301), will give a similar result. Not appearing on this photo is the chipping fluid ‘worn effect’ AK 088, which I will apply on the items before the acrylics.
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Photo 14. Once the surface has received two coats of ‘worn effect’ fluid, I re-start with the simulation of the ‘old wood’ shades, but this time with large chips of selected acrylics, blended together on the surface with a large flat brush (No.2). I continue by going on with the same shades, but with a finer brush to refine the effect, always in the direction of the grain of the wood. Photo 15. When the painting has dried, after ten minutes or so, the surface is moistened with a large flat brush soaked with water. I continue to work as for a basic ‘chipping’, using a wooden stick or a metallic needle to remove a portion of the acrylics layer, which subtly reveals the enamel shades.
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Photo 16. To bring everything together, I then used a traditional ‘dry-brush’ with a flat brush soaked with a mixture of Vallejo ‘ivory’ plus ‘light grey’ from AK, again in the direction of the grain.
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Make sure you wring out your brush carefully, removing any excess paint with a clean cloth before application; otherwise it will completely ruin all of your previous work. Photo 17. Because acrylics dry very quickly, we can move on to the next step. Use an AK enamel wash ‘for wood’ to highlight the join lines more strongly, but in an irregular way, not everywhere in the hollows. I will concentrate by starting with the hinges. I re-used my very fine brush, and if there are some overflows appearing, I will employ a flat brush soaked in mineral thinner to erase these traces. Photo 18. Using the same liquid, I have given the impression of some shading with a small amount of relief. This is the case with the junction between the frame and the door. I deposited a thin amount
of wash with a fine brush to fade it with a fine flat brush soaked with mineral spirit. Photo 19. I then continued with the opposite effect; for instance the high lighting of the edges, this with the help of a new dry-brush made with ‘ivory’ mixed with ‘white matt’, optionally returning to some places where the wood can appear more ‘bleached’. Photo 20. Last but not least, I have almost finished the work by using the remnants of the previous mixture to add some subtle small chips, especially at the junctions between the boards and bring a last touch of contrast.
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Photo 21. My personal touch to complete the overall decayed aspect... Next time we will continue this way with some very fine metal details.
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In Flanders Fields 1794 Vive La Revolution Flanders fields have been well-tramped upon and embattled over, but here is a diorama that predates the current obsession with the 1914-1918 period. Geoff Barnes presents his diorama which shows the aftermath of the battle of Tourcoing, just north of Lille in North-eastern France, on May 18, 1794. BELOW: The diorama shows the aftermath of the battle of Tourcoing, just north of Lille in North-eastern France, on May 18, 1794, and a rag-tag French army celebrates the defeat of a larger allied force of trained professionals from Austria, Great Britain and Hanover.
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ABOVE: This was not a modest piece of art work. This is an original. It was also an extraordinary extravagance purchased by the Art Gallery of New South Wales as an exercise in 19th century hubris. The text tells the story in detail. ABOVE RIGHT: The Art Gallery of New South Wales recently purchased this painting by Basil Lemeunier, a small companion piece to the massive Vive l’Empereur! It shows Edouard Detaille putting the final touches to the painting. Lemeunier was one of Detaille’s students and gives a firsthand account of the great man at work, commenting that “everything was clean, tidy and polished ready for parade. The artist was fully dressed, clean-shaven, not a hair out of place, his palette (immaculate of course) at hand - and the studio like a military museum”. Given that a matching photograph exists, it seems fair to assume that Lemeunier used that as his reference for this flattering portrait, and did not bother the maestro too much with lengthy posing.
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ABOVE: This L’Armée du Nord is one of the armies of the brand-new Republic. It has triumphed despite poor organisation and lack of discipline because it has a talented commander, Major-General Joseph Southam, whose audacity outwitted the sluggish Allied army. BELOW: In this drawing, Horace Vernet shows a représentant en mission being carried aloft by patriotic revolutionaries. In the diorama, this political commissar is being chaired because he has painful boils – a common affliction in any campaign, but under-represented in dioramas.
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rag-tag French army celebrates the defeat of a larger allied force of trained professionals from Austria, Great Britain and Hanover. This L’Armée du Nord is one of the armies of the brand-new republic which has done the unthinkable. For centuries Europe has been ruled by kings and emperors with Divine Right on their side. Now the French Revolution has put its own monarchy out of business, and decided that the common man can rule without God’s blessing. Such ideas are threatening the World Order with chaos. The Imperial nations have reacted with a mixture of horror, amusement at such presumption,
and an agreement to put aside their traditional rivalries to crush this dangerous insurgency. As part of the Revolution, the French have disbanded the King’s army. In 1792, faced with the military might of the rest of Europe, they must create a new volunteer army from a mob with no taste for discipline, untrained, poorly equipped and commanded by non-professionals with little or no combat experience. These levies are hurled into mass attacks which, as one French officer described, were ‘butchery without plan, success or result’. Add to this ‘The Terror’. The zealots at the Committee of Public Safety in Paris are driving the Revolution by exiling or executing anyone who poses a threat to their power. This includes anyone with political or military expertise. Revolutionary France comes near to collapse under the pressures of the guillotine, civil wars, a collapsing economy, mass atrocities within the nation, and a formidable coalition of enemies invading its borders. By 1793 almost all of Europe has formed a coalition to defeat this upstart nation. A young French artillery captain Napoleon Buonaparte has distinguished himself at the siege of Toulon, and there are other minor successes but it is not until 1794 there is a turning point in France’s fortunes. The talented Lazare Carnot performs a miracle. He is appointed as Minister for War with the feared Committee of Public Safety. He has a gift for organisation and administration. He solves the problem of having enough troops by introducing mass conscription. He manages to mix patriotic fervour with discipline. He restructures the army so that the new armies are relatively well-supplied with food, weapons, uniforms and, most of all, training. Competent commanders emerge from the shambles. Revolutionary enthusiasm is
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LEFT: The représentants were extraordinary envoys acting on behalf of the legislative Council in Paris. They gave advice, both political and military, and expected their advice to be taken. Failure to comply was usually rewarded with a visit to the guillotine.
tempered with coherent strategy and tactics that use the inexperienced conscript armies to their best advantage. Carnot becomes the ‘Organiser of Victory’. He works tirelessly. By 1794 he feels secure enough to clear France of its invaders, and his armies begin to deliver a series of victories instead of ignominious retreats; victories like Tourcoing.
The Battle of Tourcoing, 1794 General Karl Mack von Leiberich, the Prince of SaxeCoburg’s chief-of-staff, had planned a ‘campaign of annihilation’ but now Mack, with the Prince of Saxe-Coburg’s combined force of Austrians, British and Hanoverians, is beaten at Tourcoing by MajorGeneral Joseph Southam. Southam is temporarily
ABOVE: The Royalist armies followed the orders given by its aristocratic officers. This French Revolutionary army is democratic, everyone as good as his or her fellow, so everyone has an opinion. Note the young vivandière, who supplies those essentials to morale – wine and brandy – at a price. LEFT: The drawings that inspired this diorama come various sources. L’Armée Française 1790-1885 appeared first in 1883, a remarkable two-volume work by author Jules Richard and an outstanding artist of the time, Edouard Detaille.
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in command of the French Army of the North. This is fortunate. Michael Glover, in his book Warfare in the Age of Napoleon, sums it up thus: “The real reason for the defeat was what the Duke of York (the British commander) described as the ‘exceedingly pernicious as well as dangerous’ tactical system practised by the Austrian generals. The plan was produced by Mack scribbling pencil notes in his bed. Southam had countered it by instant decision, by the acceptance of great risks but risks almost certain to be cancelled out by the lumbering methods in which the Austrians took their troops into battle. It was the difference between those who treated war as an academic exercise and those who saw opportunities and seized them. The initiative shown by Southam was the kind of spirit which was to give the French army twelve years of uninterrupted victory.”
The représentant en mission
ABOVE: JOB - Jacques Onfroy de Bréville- was a contemporary of Detaille, but a very different style of artist He was a much-admired illustrator of children’s patriotic history books, and this rousing mob is from his book Napoléon. It was a further inspiration for my ragged and patched figures.
The représentants en missions were the commissars who accompanied the Revolutionary armies, extraordinary envoys acting on behalf of the legislative Council in Paris. They gave advice, both political and military, and expected their advice to be taken. Failure to comply could be fatal. But this did not mean that the advice was always sound. Carnot had been a représentative in the field on the northern front in 1793, and proven that while he was a superb organiser, he was a poor tactician. His instructions to General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan prolonged the battle of Wattignies by a whole day and at high cost in casualties. He probably learned from this experience, but many did not, and the representative’s constant interference was often more of a danger than a help to the nation’s interests. I chose the heated discussion between the field commander and the représentant as the subject of my diorama. Despite extensive research, I could not find who the représentant was, but it may have been Etienne Vidalin, who was actively engaged with the Armée du Nord around that time. Major-General Southam and his staff argue with him about how best to exploit their unexpected victory, and in the interim, fail to pursue and destroy the retreating enemy.
Edouard Detaille
ABOVE: Most heavy cavalry at this time were not equipped with the metal breastplates, but at Tourcoing one regiment, the 8th, formerly the Cuirassiers du Roi before the Revolution, continued to wear it as a badge of tradition, despite its Royalist connections.
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The drawings that inspired this diorama come from various sources, but in particular from a book titled L’Armée Française 1790-1885. This appeared first as a subscription magazine in the 19th century. It dates from the surge of patriotic fervour that swept over France in the 1880’s, in the wake of the debacle of the Franco-Prussian War in which Napoleon III demonstrated that he did not have his uncle’s strategic or tactical abilities. France was desperately seeking to regain some of its former gloire. One outstanding artist did all the illustrations; over 300 line drawings and 20 colour reproductions for the series. He was Edouard Detaille, one of the top military artists of the century. Detaille grew up in a prosperous family who were arms dealers; grandfather made a substantial fortune supplying Napoleon’s Grand Army. Edouard started out as an amateur artist but was surrounded from the outset by family and friends who were
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LEFT: The Hussards de la Morte or Black Hussars of the North were a volunteer corps raised soon after the Revolution to help fill the gaps left when aristocratic officers and even whole regiments left the country. Their uniforms were more impressive than their performance. BELOW: An Austrian casualty is stripped of his trousers by a needy grenadier, but the looter is tempted by an attractive alternative offer – a vintage bottle, only part empty, of Austrian wine.
professional artists and militaria collectors. These included Horace Vernet, who did the drawing of the representative en mission that I used as a source for my diorama. Detaille’s father and Vernet, whose illustrations of the glories of Napoleon’s campaigns adorned many a fine volume, encouraged him. He trained with Jean-Louis Meissonier, the titan of Napoleonic battle scenes. It was inevitable that the First Empire would be a primary inspiration for him. It also ensured a guaranteed market with the French middle class. In 1871, aged 23, he was confronted with war at first hand when Napoleon III went to war with Prussia. He and his artist friend Alphonse de Neuville joined the 8th Mobile battalion, a militiastyle unit, and both of them in years to come used sketches and memories to bring realism to their epic battle paintings. Detaille became an avid collector of militaria to arm and equip the people posing for his paintings, and this collection was donated to become a core component in the Musée de L’Armée in Paris. In 1912 he was
LEFT: Two patriots render a welllubricated verse or two of the La Marseillaise. They are placed very close to the two-dimensional watercolour that I did for the background, but the illusion of depth is maintained when viewed from the front of the diorama.
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RIGHT: Detaille shows a typical scene of the conscripts being hurled into the battle line. An officer, a soldier, or most likely a représentant would start to sing the ‘Hymn of Victory’, and everyone would press forward to cries of ‘En avant! Vive la République!’ It had to be quick, or panic set in.
ABOVE: This is a fragment of a huge panorama of the battle of Champigny, November 30, 1870. It reveals significant detail; one canteen reads ‘De Neuville’, the other ‘Detaille’. These fellow artists fought there, and in 1882, now both mega-famous, were commissioned to recreate the combat on canvas.
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invited by the French government to design new uniforms for the Army but these never saw the field. World War I intervened. My first encounter with the work of Edouard Detaille was back in the 1950’s at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. I was a young school boy starved of the wealth of military reference books available nowadays; gazing in awe at the huge battle painting that had nothing whatsoever to do with Australia. It was Vive L’Empereur, dated 1891, showing the charge of the 4th Hussars at the battle of Friedland in 1807 with the Emperor Napoleon and his staff watching approvingly from the high ground. But what was this epic painting doing so far from Paris? Back in the late 1880’s, Sydney was a city on the other side of the world, nursing a monumental cultural cringe about being a remote colony. It was also locked in rivalry with Melbourne, capital of the neighbouring state of Victoria, which considered itself the cultural capital of the Antipodes. There were plenty of local artists, especially a growing school of young
Impressionists, but their new-fangled ideas were not acceptable to the Establishment. The Gallery wanted ‘real art’. The aim was to buy paintings with international prestige, and these were available in fashionable galleries on the other side of the world. In 1882 purchased a large painting by Alphonse de Neuville, Detaille’s comrade-in-arms, showing the defence of the Rorke’s Drift mission station by the 24th Foot during the Anglo-Zulu Wars. This painting was virtually a documentary account of the struggle, as it was created from eye-witness accounts in 1880, only a year after the battle. It was shipped out proudly to Sydney and proved very popular so the following year the Gallery went shopping overseas again. So in 1883 the Galley bought an even bigger prestige painting. Detaille was at the top of his very considerable professional career and the Gallery paid three thousand pounds for Vive L’Empereur. It was our-fifths of its entire acquisitions budget for that year. The painting opened to reviews and attendances akin to a block-buster film, and it was considered the jewel in the collection. Half a century plus, in 1958, the huge painting became a victim of changing tastes and anti-war sentiment. It was no longer considered artistically or politically correct, and so it was dismounted from its massive frame, rolled up, and consigned to the basement. A great friend of mine, the late Reverend Harold Smart, was one of the people instrumental in drawing the Gallery’s attention to the fact that it had a treasure in the dungeon, but when it was examined, it was found that after a serious rain storm it had been badly damaged by floodwater. At first they tried restoring it but the paint was peeling off like very expensive dandruff. As years passed, restoration technology improved spectacularly, but the costs went up proportionately, and it seemed that Detaille’s megawork would remain doomed. Then in 2001 the Gallery’s Friends of Conservation group determined to resurrect the heroic show-stopper, and raised $(A) 100,000. Vive L’Empereur, albeit missing large chunks of flaked paint, was brought back into the light. The extensive and expensive restoration took four years and a team of eleven conservation specialists, but wisely the Gallery turned the problem into an event. The Gallery restorers did the work done in full public
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view in the old Victorian-style wing where it had originally been displayed. Given its huge size, and the even bigger scaffolding required, this may have been for convenience as much as public relations, but it was an unfolding, painstaking drama that gave insight into work usually done behind-the-scenes. It is now once again on permanent display.
The Diorama I enjoy the research. I want my dioramas to tell a story. The uniforms in my diorama are a whole world unto themselves; certainly relevant volumes provide a major couple of shelves in my over-crowded bookcases. However, I recommend an Osprey edition that was not yet available when I did the diorama. It is Osprey Men-At-Arms 403, French Revolutionary Infantry 1789 -1802. The Osprey catalogue notes that the years that followed the Revolution saw an extraordinary transformation of the army, ‘from the distrusted instrument of the feudal power of the king and nobility’ to become the symbol of liberty and citizenship. The transition was complex and painful’. It also provides an unending source of fascination for military miniaturists. In my diorama of Tourcoing, the transition in uniforms is evident. Some are still in the uniforms of the National Guard of the 1790’s, first formed from ‘citizens of good character’, and very different from the unreliable conscripts of later years. Some are in the salvaged remnants of the traditional off-white French army that pre-dated the Revolution. Some are not in uniform at all, but wearing civilian dress until such time as they can loot something more appropriate. The cuirassiers and the Hussards de la Morte are the best dressed, but even they cannot upstage the flamboyant outfits of the senior officers. It is a rich and rewarding time for modellers who are a bit tired of the later Napoleonic times, and for the scratch-builder or conversion buffs, a world worth visiting. If you see a chance to get a copy of The Uniforms of the French Revolutionary Wars, 1789-1802, written by Philip Haythornthwaite and illustrated by Christopher Warner, Blandford 1981, do not hesitate. This period of history has an extraordinary appeal. The figures are plastic, mostly Historex, with some Airfix Multi-pose hands and faces. There was extensive conversion and some scratch-building. I used a pyrograve, a standard variable heat solderingiron device, with shaped detachable heads, for sculpting the plastic, creating the spectacular feathered bonnets of the officers, and for detailing items. The hussar’s horse has been given a badlygroomed coat using this device. The figures were undercoated in Humbrol enamels, and then detailed with artists’ acrylics. The buildings were blocked out in card, and then finished with balsa, except for one stock item, a village well made by the German firm Elastolin. As in all of my boxed dioramas, I made use of forced perspective and scaled figures; 60mm in the foreground, diminishing to 50mm in the background. The background itself is card, based on an etching of Tourcoing in Michael Glover’s ‘Warfare in the Age of Napoleon’, Cassels History of Warfare, 1980. This book has a whole chapter on the battle, and includes excellent artwork by the late Rick Scollins. Rick’s work can be seen in many of the Osprey
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ABOVE: The artillery was the most efficient part of the army. This young officer sketches proceedings. It could be Louis-François Lejeune, who became one of Napoleon’s generals, a Baron, and who made his name as a favoured artist who produced monumental battle paintings between campaigns.
series, as well as all manner of history books and museums. He had an uncanny ability to create figures that really looked as though they had been wading through the wars rather than stepping out of glossy military prints. In his distinctive style detail was suggested rather than overstated, and mud and muck abounded. I have tried to achieve something of the same with this diorama. I trust that he would have approved.
ABOVE: All too often, however, the aftermath was lost when the troops broke off to scavenge for food and equipment. But ironically, the Allies were slowed down by their ponderous baggage and supply trains, whereas the Revolutionary troops, travelling light, moved faster.
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Figures
10th Century Warriors A 54mm Scratch-build by Ian Succamore
The figures fighting each other.
‘‘ ” If both figures were to be convincingly lined up either next to each other, or fighting each other, then they would need to be sculpted together.
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ome time ago I was asked by Martyn Dorey of Model Display Products (MDP) to build him a couple of Saxon type warriors in a combat position, as if they were fighting each other. I already had an idea for a couple of figures that fitted this criteria, so after finishing a few other projects I made a start on this piece. My idea was to depict two warriors that could be posed in combat against each other, or lined up in a shield wall alongside each other. If these could be displayed separately too then the figures could be moved and placed in any position required. Warriors in the 10th Century ranged from the young and fresh who wore no decorations or expensive items such as chainmail, to those who had gained a reputation from defeating enemies, or those managing to stay alive long enough to have a share in the plunder from defeated enemies. Many wore simple “pot” helmets, and some wore more elaborate designs and shapes of helmet. Weapons ranged from short swords (seax), to longer swords, and to simple but effective axes. The life of the warrior was essentially very tough, but it appears
that this could be said about all those living through those times, from the peasants who just managed to feed themselves, to the nobles who just managed to stay alive long enough through Viking raids and bitter disputes with their neighbours.
Scratch-building the figures The Faces If both figures were to be convincingly lined up either next to each other, or fighting each other, then they would need to be sculpted together. The poses were carefully manipulated from the armatures that were put together with copper wire. Copper wire is fairly flexible so will withstand many twists and turns to it which allowed me to get the final position I desired. This took a number of attempts. As you can see from the photographs, I drew out the shape of the base on to my wooden block I used as a stand. This was to allow me to keep checking the alignment to ensure that the figures still interacted with each other in the way I wanted.
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Figures The development of the figure with the seax.
‘‘ ” I prefer to sculpt figures from the ground upwards. The reason for this is due to the subsequent layers tending to be over the top of the previous ones.
I began the sculpting process by sculpting the faces. I carved the detail off an old head, leaving the basic head shape. I then started adding features using a mix of Magic-sculpt (MS) and Duro (approximately two parts MS to one part Duro). I began with the eyes, which I left to dry, before adding the nose. When the nose was dry I then added the mouth. By leaving each major feature to dry in between sessions meant I did not move, or squish any of the features that I had finished. I could also scrape and sand any features to a better shape before making a start on the next feature. When I was happy with the features I then use MS to “fill out” the face, i.e. improving the shapes of the cheeks, forehead and chin. The Legs I prefer to sculpt figures from the ground upwards. The reason for this is due to the subsequent layers tending to be over the top of the previous ones. For example the trousers go over the top of the shoes (unless the figure is wearing boots – which these are not). The tunic then goes over the top
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of the trousers. However, for these two figures I started with the trousers, for reasons which escape me as it would mean tucking putty underneath the trousers to build up the shoes at a later date, which I do not like doing. I used MS exclusively to sculpt the trousers as I wanted to depict flowing folds and I feel more comfortable rendering these with a paintbrush moistened with saliva into the wet putty. I made certain that the knees were obvious as a point of pull on the fabric. The laces and ties were sculpted using the edge of a hobby knife. Over the top of the trousers I laid a rolled out sheet of putty. This was glued into place and the folds pushed into them using a paintbrush. This was then left to dry. The edge could then be made good by sanding and scraping it to the desired shape. The Weapons and Shields Plastic card was used to fashion the basic shape of the axe, shields and various sized swords. The card was cut to shape, and then filed to ensure the shapes were to my liking. Either the MS:Duro mix, or straight MS were then added to give
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ABOVE: The figure with the seax after casting, ready for gluing together and painting. RIGHT: The development of the figure with the axe.
‘‘” The best tool I have come across for sculpting chainmail in this scale is a hypodermic needle.
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more volume, or more details as required. Rivets were added to the shield using lead foil, and a punch and die set. Incidentally the shields, and shield boss, were sanded to a perfectly rounded shape by mounting them into a mini-drill and using it as a lathe. The Cloak Whilst the whole sculpting process was going on I had in the back of my mind the fact that Martyn wanted to cast these figures. I wanted one of the figures to have a cloak, and the look of a higher status individual, i.e. chainmail, arm rings, helmet that enclosed his head etc. This meant that any undercuts had to be filled in with putty, e.g. under the skirts of the tunic were filled in with MS, so that only a block of putty is present, and not a thin sheet as this would be nigh on impossible to cast. This meant that the cloak had to be of a thickness which meant it was possible to cast, and also to be flowing, and not to look too thick. The only way I felt I could achieve this was to make it detachable. In the final piece the cloak would slot underneath the hood. To achieve this I began with a rolled out sheet of putty that I draped over the figures bare back, i.e. I had not sculpted any clothes on to it. Any build-up of putty would mean that his back would look too large in comparison, so any bulk would need to be a part of the cloak. This would ensure that I could make the cloak bulky enough to be cast. The basic shape of the cloak was literally folded into the putty and left to dry. Layer, upon layer of MS was then added to the cloak to achieve the folds I wanted. This took a number of attempts to get right and each layer was allowed to dry before moving on to the next one.
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It was then sanded, and re-shaped, before another layer was added. During this period I had to be careful as the putty was only held on with a dab of super glue at the shoulders. When I had finally achieved the shape I was after, I then broke the cloak away from the shoulders, which left me with a thickened cloak that had realistic folds in it, that did not look too chunky.
ABOVE: The figure with the axe after casting, ready for gluing together and painting. BELOW: Diagram illustrating basic “C” chainmail form.
Chainmail The best tool I have come across for sculpting chainmail in this scale is a hypodermic needle. Right now you have probably read that sentence again to make sure that you read it correctly! Chainmail is a series of circular pieces of metal that have been linked together. In this scale it can look like a repeating pattern of C’s going in one direction on the horizontal plain, which is then reversed in the next row above. The bottom of the “C” interlocks with the row above (see Chainmail diagram). So essentially what is required is a tool, that when pressed into wet putty, leaves a “C” shape. Using an angle grinder, if you file away the point of a hypodermic needle to make it blunt, you are left with a tiny metal tube. You then file away a small portion of one side of the needle, and you are left with a tiny “C”. Spread the putty over the desired area, remembering to add in some large folds (chainmail does not fall in tight folds), and then it is a case of pressing in the needle repeatedly in one direction, followed by the other direction until the whole area is covered. Using the MS:Duro combination does mean that you do not have to do the whole lot at once either. If your hand gets stiff, your eyes go funny or you just get
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Figures
RIGHT: The heads painted.
The completed figure with the seax.
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too bored – just put the whole lot in the freezer, which will retard the curing of the putty. You can then get it out at the next session and start with your needle again. With the belts added from cured Duro that had been cut to shape, that pretty much completed the sculpting. The other areas sculpted that I have not described underwent similar processes to the ones that I have described, so I shall not repeat myself. When they were completed I sealed them using Mr Surfacer 1200 through an airbrush. So off to Martyn the figures went. When they returned they were cast in a grey resin that had picked out the detail beautifully. And after some
minor cleaning up I began to paint them. I chose to paint them in sub-assemblies as I did not want to break any of the pieces.
Painting I paint mostly with acrylic paints these days. By gently layering different levels of colour over one another it can take on the impression that they are blended together. I gradually attain different levels of colour by slowly adding the next colour to the previous one, painting a layer, then adding more of the next colour. Painting washes over the top of these colours will enhance this blending effect.
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LEFT: The completed figure the with the axe. BELOW: “Shield Wall”.
Painting Shields Shields that are circular are fairly easy to paint with regular patterns if you think in a logical fashion. I place the shield in the centre of a square block of wood. To get the centre you will need a pencil and a ruler. On the block, draw a straight line from corner to corner, then measure half way down each side and draw in two lines that join these up. Where the lines cross is the centre. The centre of the shield is marked already as it is where the figures hand holds the shield. Put a blob of blue tack on the hand, and then stick it to the cross in the middle of the block of wood. You should now have a circular shield mounted over the top of converging lines that will mark the beginning and the end of the repeating pattern you will paint on the shield. At this point I also mark in which direction is up (i.e. where the light will be coming from for the highlights and shadows). On a piece of paper I then draw a freehand version of my design, before painting it on to the shield. With the figures mounted on to their bases they can now be re-aligned however I want them. I also have the option of adding some more figures to the “shield wall” in the future – but that’s for another time. If you wanted any more information then please feel free to contact me through the Military Modelling website, or through my Facebook page. The figures are available from MDP on Martyn’s trade stand at any of the model shows he attends.
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Show report
RIGHT: 1/32 F4U Corsair by Club “Maquettes Tbc.” The used and dirty effect of the weathering on the aircraft, made you feel that it had been well used in a harsh environment.
The 10th Montignac Model Show By David Garden
ABOVE LEFT: 1/35 German soldiers with railway car. The wood effect on the railway wagons was very realistically rendered. ABOVE RIGHT: 1/35 WW1 American Field Ambulance by Club “Maquette club Gironndin de Saint–Loubes. This was one of my favourite vehicle models in the show. An unusual subject excellently painted.
RIGHT: Mont 14 – 1/72 Landing craft and Sherman M32 recovery. Another great “Braille Scale” diorama. I liked the finish on both the landing craft and the tank.
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he latest Montignac Model Show was held on September 12/13, 2015 in the town’s large Salle de Fete. Montignac is a beautiful Perigordine town straddling the Vézère River in the Dordogne region of France. As always the show was organized by Christian Chauzait and his team from the local model club. These lads do a sterling job and this is reflected in the visitor’s experience. Exhibitors come from practically all over France; a board at the entrance shows a map indicating where each club or stand is based.
The standard of modeling is exceptionally high. This modeller felt that many exhibits would win a “best of show” in the British model shows he has visited! During the show several exhibitors were busy building or painting to demonstrate their skills. These guys were willing to discuss their models – a great way to practice your French. Several exhibits contained a lot of historical information as well. Scratch built models, often from scrap plastic items made breathtaking masterpieces of the model art. I was amazed and inspired by the creativity displayed.
Show report
ABOVE:1/35 German infantry on a bridge by Club “Maquette club Gironndin de Saint –Loubes. RIGHT: 1/35 Panther G. This showed a neat stenciled Hinterhalt-Tarnung camouflage pattern.
ABOVE: 1/35 Crusader AA Mark III. This is one model I plan to build in the near future.
LEFT: 1/35 Tank Landing Craft and French Armoured Division August 1, 1944. This was a large exhibit showing part of the “Operation Dragoon” landings in southern France.
Military subjects were not the only models on the tables. Medieval houses, cars, motor bikes, fire engines, ships, and civil airliners were on show. My wife was very interested with the model buildings and handmade dolls. This made her quite a fan of model shows! Montignac has many fine small shops, cafes and restaurants to visit before and after the show. This will surely justify a visit to the “other half”. You should note that the show is only held every two years so the next one will not take place until mid-September 2017. Time to plan your visit now!
ABOVE: 1/35 Dragon model ZSU-23-4 Shilka SPAAG. The nicely finished Middle East camouflage scheme caught my eye. LEFT: 1/35 SWS half-track and 3.7cm Flak 43. The common scale of 1/35th was well represented in armour models.
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AFV reviews
Small Scale Scene
ABOVE LEFT: Box art for Tiger Models new1:35 Panhard VBL. ABOVE RIGHT: The Panhard built up and showing both interior and exterior detailing. (photo courtesy of Tiger Models)
Robin Buckland’s monthly column for military vehicle modellers.
some done. These have included some older models I finished off for a Vietnam Group build on the website, along with some of my favourites, trucks. Three of the LRDG trucks from Dragon are nearing completion, I just have to sort out some stowage for all three to get them completed, and two sets of one of my favourite kits, the Airfix set of the Bedford QLD and QLT trucks.
Tiger Models
Three of the small 1:72 LRDG trucks from Dragon are among my recent projects, just waiting for me sort out some stowage now.
F
irstly, a warm welcome to our new Contributing Editor Martyn Chorlton and to wish him good luck in taking on the role. Meanwhile, there seems to be a real push into kit releases for modern subjects recently, and personally I am really pleased to see some of these new models. Not just new kits, but from the newer manufacturers in the market place as well. We have a couple to include this month, and I will hold over a couple more to next month as well. One of the things we will
notice is the increased availability of references for modern IDF (Israeli Defence Force) equipment, a subject I have to admit to being fascinated by for some time. They have done a lot of real-life vehicle conversions, taking older MBT chassis and converting it into specialist vehicles, such as their Heavy APCs. We have a T-55 based Achzarit from Meng this time, and there is another one you can look forward to for next month. In smaller scales, the continued growth and popularity
More recent builds, the paring of the 1:72 Bedford QLD and QLT from Airfix.
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of wargames continues to result in vehicle models designed for simpler, faster assembly and often including multiple kits in the one box. In addition to the Plastic Soldier Company, both Italeri and Zvezda continue to release new models for this market. Now I don’t know about you, but I do go through fits and starts of inspiration to get things built and then need another burst to actually get them painted and closer to the finishing line. I’ve been doing that a bit recently having got
I am always conscious of my first impression when I open the box on a new kit from a new manufacturer, and I have to say I was immediately impressed by what I saw when opening up this new 1:35 Panhard VBL kit from Tiger Models. Then when I looked through the kit in more detail, I found that feeling just reinforced, this is a little beauty. The Panhard VBL is an armoured reconnaissance vehicle in use with the French Army since 1990, and has seen deployment with various peacekeeping roles over the years since. Based around the mobility of a utility vehicle, it is intended to offer greater protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and mines/IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Known as the VBL (Vehicule Blinde Leger (Light Armoured Vehicle)) and in the case of this kit, it is fitted with a ring mount for a 12.7mm (.50 cal) M2 machine gun, along with armour panels to protect the gunner - the VBL Recon 12.7 variant in French service. With a crew of three for this variant, the VBL is also fully amphibious.
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So, back to the kit itself then. The attractive artwork also includes the logo of one of our regular website contributors, and that is for the French based Model Miniature company of Julie Ludman, who has worked with Tiger Models and clearly helped with detailed information and measurements of the real vehicle to enable Tiger Models to produce such a super model. The first thing to catch my eye was the look of the two part body shell. Together in their own poly bag, the upper and lower halves you can immediately see fit very well together, and the detail that is included on both the internal and external surfaces looks good right from the outset. As for the interior, there is a lot to go inside, with the non-slip flooring, the instrument panel, radio, hoses, stowed ammunition boxes and even the FAMUS bullpup rifles for the crew are fitted to the insides of the doors, which also have the internal detailing. With all the interior detailing, it is very tempting to want to build this one with all the doors and roof hatches open, just so you will be able to see all the bits and pieces inside that busy crew compartment. Externally the detail continues, and all crisply moulded. For some fitments there are some etch brass straps and holders, while the small propeller on the rear of the back axle gives the propulsion in water. Crew packs on the exterior of the doors, clear parts for the lighting units as well as the armoured windows and etch for the fan on the top of the bonnet. For the wheels, there are two sets of tyres included, so you can choose which of the two tread patterns you want for your model. Add tools, rear view mirrors, tarp and Jerrican, you get an idea of the additional external stowage. Then on the roof, there are hatches over the top of the seats for both driver and co-driver, and at the back a ring mount for the gun position. The parts for the gun and armoured shields are moulded in a tan coloured plastic, in contrast to the rest of the kit which as in a dark green. Transfers are provided so you have a choice of vehicles camouflaged in a standard European camouflage of Green, brown, black, or the main one
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The interesting new 1:35 Husky from AFV Club.
for this particular kit, a tan and brown camouflage for a VBL with the 6e Brigade Legere Blinde, 6e BLB 1er regiment de Spahis, 1er RS. Paint references are quoted for both Tamiya colours and those from AK Interactive. For such a small vehicle, this one is just packed with detailing both inside and out, and all very neat and crisp. Even before assembling this model, the high standard of production and presentation are obvious right from the outset. If they continue to produce kits to this standard, Tiger Models are set to be high on my list to look out for. Our thanks to Tiger Models for our example. They don’t have a UK importer as yet, but do have a look at their website at www.tiger-model.com.
AFV Club A new 1:35 release from AFV Club, the Husky Mk III Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection (VMMD) vehicle, one which I personally think will be among the most interesting kits of the year. First deployed back in the 1980’s in South Africa, the original Husky was designed and built by a South African company, DCDDorbyl, and originally named the ‘Chubby’ mine detection system. It was originally designed for clearing convoy routes in Angola and Namibia, where what we now refer to as IEDs were a significant problem. The vehicle works as part of a team. With a Mercedes engine in a central pod, along with the driver’s cabin, it is protected against mines by having a high ground clearance, very low ground pressure on the four wheels and a V-shaped bottom to the hull. Then on either end of this central ‘pod’ are open girder frames on which both the front and rear axles are mounted. These in turn are designed to let
any explosion that does occur to simply pass through and if damaged, these units, which are very similar front and back (vital parts like springs, axles, hubs etc. are interchangeable), can simply be replaced to get the vehicle back into service. The mine clearing units carry spare units as standard for just this purpose. Centrally mounted under the hull are the ground penetrating radar units and position markers so any detected devices can be marked and then dealt with by one of the other vehicles in the team, usually with a robotic arm. Though beyond the scope of this review, there is now a newer second generation Husky (the 2G) which does include a mounted robotic arm as well as an air blower to move debris, with additional sensors and the addition of a second crew position for the equipment operator. As for the kit, it is done very nicely and with lots of detail, as we have come to expect from AFV Club over the years. Assembly starts with the driver’s cab, which has, I think, all the internal detailing that we might wish for in a plastic kit. The three clear windows need to be given a green tint and the access hatch, which forms the roof plate for the cab, can be fitted open or closed. This is then added to the engine module and the all-important V-shaped bottom plate. There are a few etch brass parts to be fitted, such as a grill and some non-slip step plates which are very nicely done and nothing difficult to use. Then you have the paired detector panels to fit under the centre of the hull. These can be assembled with a movable hydraulic ram to show them angled upwards in a stowed position, or lowered to be parallel with the ground in the operating position.
At this point in the build sequence you get to one of the features that mark out this kit out as something a bit different. On the real thing there are a lot of electrical wiring runs and these are provided on a separate sprue of a soft black flexible plastic. Some are singles and others are bundled, and include their various end connectors as well. A number of these need to be fitted to the main hull pod and the ends fit to the detector panels. Next is the two frameworks for front and rear which carry the axles and the four wheels, along with the drive shafts that connect back to the power pack. The tyres are done in a black vinyl, and nicely moulded heavy tread pattern. The two frameworks, which do include the mudguards, have more of the flexible wiring harnesses, which in turn connect to the central hull pod when you fit them all together. Once you fit these skeletal looking front and rear drive units, then you have a really interesting looking modern mine clearance vehicle, and it would look great in a diorama with other mine clearance vehicles (such as the Buffalo with a robot arm to check out suspicious objects that that Husky may have marked). A good selection of transfers are included, which include all the various stencils and warning notices seen around the vehicle. As for colours, the two options suggested are both in the modern sand colour used by US equipment in Afghanistan, where the Husky proved to be a very useful asset. The other inclusion in the box, as usual for AFV Club, is a poster version of the box art, without all the text, which will fit neatly into a clip-frame and make for an interesting set of pictures for a study wall. When you are building this one I’d also recommend the ‘Fast Track, In Detail’ title for it from Tankograd. I am impressed by this kit, AFV Club have made a very nice job of it and the use of the soft black plastic for the wiring is a great solution to how to reproduce this element most effectively. I haven’t seen it on sale in the UK yet, but my thanks to Hobby Link Japan who supplied our example and who do have it in stock. See their website at www.hlj.com
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Box art for the new 28mm scale (1:56) American M8/M20 armoured car.
Box art for Dragon’s new 1:72 US M103A1 heavy tank.
Dragons’s M103A1 in the process of being built, and with the simple suspension assemblies in place.
Dragon A year ago or so Dragon released one of their 1:35 Black Label kits of the US Heavy tank, the M103. It had one or two faults but is the only plastic kit of the type so far. Now, as they have done with other subjects, they’ve made good use of their design to produce a smaller 1:72 kit of it as well. The larger scale Dragon models are well known for a large number of detail parts included in them, and with the suspension arrangement of the M103A1 this could have been quite a task in a small scale model. What they have done though is simplify it to a point that is really quick and easy to do. They have done the same with the tracks and running gear and what we have is a kit that is arranged along broadly similar lines to those done by other manufacturers such as S-Model with their wargamers models. There are just six steps in the instruction sequence, and it opens with the main hull. Not brilliantly clear from the assembly diagram, but note by the part numbers alone, the upper and lower hull halves are to be fitted together. These are well detailed and the fit is good. Then all the suspension runs are made with just one piece
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for each side, rather than lots of complex individual pieces. These also fit well and actually look very effective while being easy to do. At this point you also add the inner half of the drive sprocket. Then you get to the track units, which has each track moulded in inner and outer halves, with the join conveniently hidden on the natural seam of the track, and with the inner and outer road wheels and return rollers moulded integrally with each half. So, join these and there are just two parts to each main set of running gear and when these are fitted in place, just the outer part of the drive sprocket to put in place. I think this has been well thought through by Dragon’s kit designer for this small scale kit. The hull is then completed with light and the trackguards (so a good idea to have painted the track and running gear before you fit these). Steps four and five are the assembly of the large turret, which is again nicely done and details such as the machinegun for the commander, the rear stowage basket, side handrails and one or two other detail fittings before adding the gun and mantlet and fitting the underside plate with the turret ring. The final step is little more than fitting the turret
onto the hull. If I have one slight disappointment it is that the hatches on the turret, and on the hull for the driver, are all moulded shut so you’d need to cut them out and replace them if you want them open to add any crew figures. One simplification I’d like not to have. So for such a large tank, even in this smaller scale, a well detailed model though quite simple to assemble. The M103 served in small numbers with the US Army, most of them were used by the Marines but some were deployed to Europe, where they might have faced the Russian heavy tanks they were designed to fight if the Cold War had ever turned Hot. Three marking options are provided for, and all are in a basic overall Olive Drab colour. One is for a vehicle with E Company, 34th Armor, part of the 24th Infantry Division, in Germany in 1959. The other two choices are both from unidentified units but also stationed in Germany during 1959. It is a fair size model in this scale and makes an interesting comparison against other Cold War AFVs. There is an M103A2 in the Tank Museum collection at Bovington, where it is a regular performer in the arena at Tankfest, and where it does make an impressive display kicking up dust round the track. Thanks to the
Hobby Company, the UK importers and Dragon Models for our example, it is available now.
Italeri In recent years there has been a growth in popularity for wargaming in using 28mm scale, which is 1:56. Italeri is one of the mainstream plastic kit manufacturers to react to this, and they now have a number of their vehicle kits in this scale. One of the latest is this one, which can be built as either an M8 or an M20 American armoured car. Perhaps unlike their 1:72 quick assembly wargames range which have two complete kits in the box, this has only one, so you just have to choose which of the two variants you want to build. The basic hull is the same, just a question of selecting the turreted version, the M8, with the 37mm gun, or the open topped superstructure of the M20 which carries a ring mounted .50 cal Browning. Cleanly moulded on two sprues of dark green plastic, this is designed for easy assembly. There is some basic interior detailing for the hull and the turret in particular, so you get a simple, straightforward model from this one. The drivers hatches can be fitted open,
Box art for The Plastic Soldier Company’s new 1:72 British A9 Cruisers.
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plus a half figure for the driver is included. When it comes to colours and markings, naturally it is overall Olive Drab but I like that they have included multiple serials so if you make up two or three kits of either M8 or M20, you can create individual vehicles for your wargames unit. Good to see Italeri paying attention to the gamers market just as well as the vehicle modeller; I wonder what they will follow this one with? Thanks to The Hobby Company, who are the UK importers for the Italeri range for our example and this set is available now.
The Plastic Soldier Company Another new release from The Plastic Soldier Company, the British A9 Cruiser tank in 1:72 and with three complete models in one box. Conveniently this also enables you to build the three alternative versions of the A9 catered for in the kit. There is the basic 2-pounder (that’s 40mm) gun tank either with minimal dust shields, a configuration suitable for the BEF in France and Belgium in 1940 and a CS (Close Support) version armed with a 95mm gun. An alternative upper hull is included that incorporates the larger sand shields, and again you can fit the turret with either the standard 2-pounder or the CS 95mm guns. There are optional parts for the commander’s cupola, either open or closed and there are two alternative half figures included for the tank commander. There are a total of six sprues in the box, two for each model. The lower hull and running gear are common; while to alternative upper hulls are provided, either
Box art for Meng’s well detailed 1:35 Achzarit (late) version, with interior detail.
with the sand shield or without. The two small machine gun turrets that fit either side of the driver’s position go together easily. They fit well on the upper hull that has minimal sand shields (for the BEF) but on the other one, with the desert style sand shields, there are a couple of ‘bumps’ on the small turret ring openings that have crept into the mould and so need to be shaved away with a craft knife. Then I found the fit to be fine. There are some extra bits of stowage included on the sprues, with a row of packs, and a rolled groundsheet and bedding roll which you can fit to your choice. These are designed as quick assembly models aimed primarily are wargamers who want a number of models quite quickly, to make up wargaming units. So detail, while basic, is good and I know many armour modellers, though they may not be wargamers, find these very enjoyable. There are no transfers included in the box but the Plastic Soldier Company does have their own range of sets of transfers suitable for their armour models also available. Thanks to Will and Anita at the Plastic Soldier Company for our example. Available from them via their website at www. theplasticsoldiercompany.co.uk
The three A9 variants built from the new Plastic Soldier Company kit.
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Meng Meng had released an early variant of the Israeli Achzarit in 1:35 before, but now they have added a late version and this time they have included the interior detail for the crew compartment. Acknowledged on the box, this must be thanks to information from Desert Eagle publishing, who are producing some very detailed coverage of IDF vehicles these days. This is one of those Israeli real-life AFV conversions that I find fascinating. Going back to the 1960’s and the variety of interesting conversions they carried out on various Shermans to create ambulance tanks, heavy mortar carriers, observation vehicles, rocket launchers, even a heavily armoured ‘target’ tank (who on earth would have wanted to drive that while being shot at by other tanks!?), they made the best use of older equipment which had become out-dated in the original role of a gun tank. They have done the same with many Centurion variants and most recently, the early Merkava tank chassis has been used to build the large Namer APC. With the wars in the Middle East in 1967 and again in 1973, Israel captured many T-55 tanks from their opponents. They then
converted them into these heavy armoured APCs, offering greater protection for the troops than the earlier and lighter APCs such as the old M3/M5 half-track series or the US built M113. They are major conversions, moving the (replaced) engine so a protected passageway is left open to the rear of the vehicle, so the troops and crew can exit the vehicle without exposing themselves to enemy fire by dismounting via the roof-top hatches. A well-considered design, utilizing existing resources and, as they had been captured, did not have a direct purchase cost for the base vehicle. The bulk of this kit is moulded in a tan plastic, while interior elements are in a pale grey. It starts with assembling the running gear, drive sprockets, idlers and road wheels followed by the suspension arms and lower hull detail. Once this is done you move on to add the floor of the fighting compartment and the first detail elements to go inside. Then comes the crew seats and more internal ammo box racks etc. These are followed by some upper interior wall panels, including the instrument panel for the driver, along with the engine firewalls, rear stowage basket and the passageway floor. You get to stage 14 in the build sequence to add the detail fitting to the roof of the crew compartment, and this includes the weapons station operating controls and periscopes for the various hatches. At stage 16 you reach the point where the individual link tracks are installed, and then the upper and lower halves of the hull get joined together. With the bulk of the vehicle done, it’s time to fit external elements such as smoke grenade launchers, lights, machine guns, periscope covers, tow hooks etc., along with the etch mesh panels for the rear parts of the side skirts. Once the kit is assembled it leaves the colours and markings and Meng provide for four options. All are in a plain, overall colour of IDF Sand-Grey colour and markings. Option one is for a machine from 2nd Platoon of the 4th Dalet Co., 1st Btn., 1st Golani Brigade in the Negev Desert during a Combined Manoeuvring
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AFV reviews
The new Revell release of the 1:35 German truck, a re-boxing of the ICM kit (Photo courtesy of Revell)
Exercise in 2009. Option two is on from 3rd Platoon, 1st Alef Co., Rotem Btn., Givati Brigade, Bata’sh (security) role in the Gaza Strip during 2013. Option three features 4th Platoon, 2nd Co., 1st Barak Btn., 1st Golany Brigade, during security activity in the Gaza Strip in 2011. The fourth option is for the 3rd Vehicle of the 2nd Platoon, at the Infantry Training Centre in the Negev desert in July 2011. A very streamlined looking AFV, a low profile and an altogether interesting model. With all that internal detailing, this is a finely done kit which will replay the amount of effort that goes into it. My thanks to Hobby Link Japan who supplied our example. www.hlj.com
Revell A new release from Revell is another of their collaborative kits with ICM. It is really a 1:35 example of the classic Opel Blitz, as seen in the box art, but no doubt licensing costs have led to it just being labelled as ‘German Truck Type 2.5-32’. So, it is the ICM kit, re-packaged in the new style Revell boxes and instructions. The chassis is one you build up with side beams and a number of cross members, so do double check that everything is square as it sets. To go on the chassis there is a nicely detailed engine, with scope to add details like the wiring harness if you want add that little bit extra. Although there were four-wheel drive
versions of the Blitz, this one is rear wheel drive, so a simply front axles and the drive shaft only going back to the twinwheel rear axle. Detail all round is nicely done, and ICM do make a nice job of their truck kits. Inside the cab there are instruments, gear lever and so on, with small, separate parts for the door handles (both inside and out) and the window winder handles. Clear parts for the cab glazing and there are separate windscreen wipers as well. On the roof of the cab there is the small triangle device, which would be folded down except when towing a trailer, when it would be raised to indicate that fact for oncoming drivers. The rear body has a good wood grain effect, and tools are stowed on both sides of the rear bodywork. Revell provide a guide and markings for four alternative finishes. One is for an overall
Airfix have re-released their 1:32 17 pounder, including a gun crew and with their attractive new style box art.
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Panzer grey truck, in France in 1940. The second is in overall Desert Yellow with the Afrika Korps in Libya during 1941-42. Option three is for a grey truck with a disruptive sand pattern over the top, with the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front in 1942/43. Only thing on this one is a WH- number plate that is given for it, whereas I’d usually expect a Luftwaffe vehicle to have the WL- prefix. The fourth and final option is for an overall dunkelgelb example, again on the Eastern Front, during the winter of 1943-44. So all in all a very nice looking kit and presented neatly under the Revell banner. Thanks to Revell for our example, this is in the shops now. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit www.revell. de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/Revell or email
[email protected]
Airfix A re-release from Airfix comes in the form of their old 1:32 17-pounder anti-tank gun, coupled with a gun crew, which is the Multi-pose British Infantry set which is from the same era. It is quite a well detailed model, and bear in mind originally made a lot of years ago now. There are no changes to; it is the same original kit. The figures are in battle dress and their multi-pose format does open up a variety of possibilities, though the instructions naturally gear them toward poses as gun crew. The sprues do tend to show the age of this kit, similar I think to the recent re-release of their Old Bill Bus. It will need some work to ensure the parts are cleaned up prior to assembly, but you can get a good looking model of the 17-pounder from it, at a reasonable price. Though there are a few of these around, and one regularly appears at the War and Peace show, but it somehow always brings to my mind the example on display at the Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek, where one is mounted outside the museum, along with the battle damaged shield which can be seen in archive photos from the time of the Arnhem operation. Our thanks to Airfix for our example and these are available now.
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Box art for the 1:35 Kv-122 from Bronco Models.
ABOVE: A new version of Bronco’s Bofors., complete with gun crew. BELOW: New set of US modern paint colours coming as a joint effort from Meng and AK Interactive.
Duckbill track accessories on the way from Bronco Models.
News Just a couple of items this month as Bronco Models have announced several new kits that are going into production for April, and these are 1:35 kits for the KV-122, a British Bofors Mk I/III with gun crew, a US 37mm M3A1 anti-tank gun and an accessory set with Duckbill fittings for Sherman tracks. Other
news are some more paint sets from AK Interactive, where they have teamed up with Meng for some specific colour sets, clearly to complement their kits, and featuring modern US armour colours and they are also now doing sets of individual metal track links under the AK Interactive brand name now as well. Finally, news from a new producer of etch
AK Interactive have started doing individual link metal track links.
detail sets from the Far East, and this is a company called ROHCM who are doing some different sets of etch brass detailing for the
various Dragon kits of the Tiger I. These look to be very well detailed judging by the photos they have sent through.
A sample page from the instructions of one of the new ROCHM etch detailing sets.
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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.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Scale Model Handbook – WWII Special by multiple authors, edited by Stelios Demiras. Published by Mr Black Publications. ISSN: 2459-3311: Price 24.95 Euros. Available from Historex Agents or direct from Scale Model handbook Series, Mr Black Publications, Stelios Demiras, PO Box 76341, 17110 Athens, Greece. www.mrblackpublications.com Well, as ‘Special’s’ go, it’s not a bad place to start – on featuring WWII subjects is going to be popular, and with the stellar cast of writers Stelios can call on, I was expecting the ‘special’ to be……..well…….. special! Usually I scan through a Mr Black’s publication before settling down to read it properly – although I’ve got to admit that I was captured by the first article almost instantly, as it features the idea of creating a 3D representation of a Tamiya kit box art. I grew
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up making Tamiya kits in my early teens……. So it was an instant fade back to sepia as I settled in to read all about how Kaz Tomori went about creating his diorama. His article takes a Panzer II tank and four figures all rushing to attack an enemy that is somewhere off to the fore. Added to the scene is a section of North African terrain and a rather windswept palm tree. Interesting how he animates the figures to breathe life into them and also the scene – a clever visual start to the Special. Staying with a vehicular theme, the second article is offered up by Carl Startin, and features just one figure in a relaxed pose, but standing next to a Simca 5 in a section of muddy street that has a sprinkling of snow. The next two articles are focused on single figures – the first of these by Juanma Vergara again brings us a character inhabiting the cold of the Eastern Front, and gives us a good coverage of using oils and acrylics to paint the grey/ green uniform and winter coat, but then to bring life with a very realistic face. The second of the figure articles is produced by Man Jin Kim, and features a superb rendition of a camouflage smock. The figure represents what appears to be a very young German infantryman, walking off to war with his rifle on his back. Oh and so far all the subjects have been German, and all in 1/35th or 54mm scale. So to ring the changes, Toshihiro Sano brings us an article about a US BAR Gunner, again in 1/35th scale, and like Carl Startin’s piece, this is a relaxed pose making painting the focus of the piece. The painting is very
nice, but I’m just uncomfortable with the pose of this offering from Alpine Miniatures. The relaxed stance is very good, but the position of the BAR gun on the shoulder looks a little unbalanced. These were big heavy pieces to handle, and the sculpting doesn’t seem to convey that in a convincing manner. It’s not the fault of the painter, he’s done an excellent job, take a look at the model and I’m pretty certain you’ll see what I mean. To break now from figures for the seventh article to feature a bust. Again we have a German subject, this time he looks a little more comfortable as he’s from the desert theatre of war, a German DAK. The feature here is Oberleutnant Gerog Briel produced as a limited edition for Alabarda Club of Spain. The eighth feature is again a bust; with a little more of a story to tell in that it’s the Russian soldier from Life Miniatures. I’ve painted this one myself and found it a little bland facially. Getting any expression out of the features is difficult, but Kaz Tomori has managed far better than I did. The work around the eyes particularly brings the model to life, and interesting read that I found enlightening, with a face that begins to favour Tom Hardy by the time it comes to the end. Next up are a pair of Alpine miniatures – an Italian AFV driver and a German DAK Panzer Officer in 1/35th scale. These figures are posed together and work quite well as a small vignette, and the articles comes from Mt Black – Stelios, is that you? From two figures with fairly static poses, we move to the next article that positions two German soldiers from the Masterbox range in their desperate attempt to attack a section of Stalingrad. The small street scene from Stelios Neofytidis is well put together and there is apparent interaction between the two soldiers – one rushing forward, whilst the other is in the process of hurling a hand grenade. Returning to the larger scales, Toshihiro Sano takes on the Young Miniatures DAK bust. It’s a nice model to begin with but Toshihiro does a good job of
utilising the larger scale to bring this piece to life. Mr Black is back with a further article, this time aimed at beginners and showing how plastic figures can be cleaned up to provide a cheap but perfectly useable model. Sometimes we modellers pass over the plastic 1/35th scale kits as we search for more expensive offerings that we perceive to be of much higher quality. This one page article shows that sometimes we might be missing something there…… Following on from that is a more complex article, again from Mr Black, which shows several German figures from the Masterbox range, along with some scratch building and conversion to build a diorama with five figures and the corner of a building. The last two articles both feature kits from alpine 1/35th scale figures. The penultimate article shows us the British Royal Tank Regiment Crewman painted by Toshihiro Sano. In fairness he needs a tank to lean against, but that doesn’t detract from how well this little offering is painted. The final article is penned by Stelios Neofytidis and uses two Russian tank crew figures to form a simple vignette. Again this is a pair of figures designed primarily for use with an AFV of some description, however again a small scene has been made to display the figures on their own and a decent paint-job lifts them to a level beyond their expected use. So, another issue from Mr Black Publications, one that seems to be much narrower in its target audience than usual, but when all is said and done, painting an area of a figure to represent flesh, clothing or leather, adding sections of the kit and making them seem to be some kind of metal; well it doesn’t matter if they’re from a conflict in the last century or from medieval times, the basis of the technique can be exactly the same. Again Mr B has managed to put together a quality product that reads well, gives decent instruction and fires the imagination. Hopefully this all adds up to sending you back towards the modelling bench with renewed enthusiasm. Adrian Hopgood
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Books
Pzkpfw IV Ausf H/J by Krsysztof Mucha. Published by Kagero Books. ISBN: 978-83-64596-70-4. RRP £15.99. More news from Kagero, this time with No.25 in their Top Drawings series and tackling two of the variants of the PzKpfw IV, the Ausf H and the Ausf J. The introduction on the opening page, along with information given in the rest of the book, is provided in both Polish and English, so a dual language book. The 40-page book is filled with pages of scale drawings showing early and late variants of these two variants of the PzIV and they are done in the scales of 1/35, 1/48 and 1/72. Among them there are also additional drawings of specific details on the different versions, such as muzzle brakes on the gun barrels, cupolas and hatches among others. Now, if that wasn’t enough, it covers all the major scales for modellers, but tucked into the pages is another B2 size sheet to fold out where you have the drawings provided in the larger 1/16 scale as well. Ideal if you are buying the recent Trumpeter kits of the Pz IV in this large scale. Equally useful for this larger scale, there is a set of painting masks provided as a stencil which is also included in the package. So plenty of excellent detail for a modeller, whatever your chosen scale. The final eight pages of the book carry 16 excellent colour profiles of specific tanks, and with a note in both English and Polish naming the unit and when/ where the tank was used. Very much a book for scale modellers looking to get specific details and good value for money. Casemate Books are the distributors for the Kagero titles here in the UK, and our thanks to them for our copy. Robin Buckland
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FAT In Detail, WWII Allied Field Artillery Tractors by James Baxter and František Korán published by Wings & Wheels Publications, RAK, Hrádkova 2169, 190 16, Prague 21, Czech Republic. info@wwpbooks. com, www.wwpbooks.com ISBN 978-80-87509-43-2. 144 pages. UK price about £27, also available direct from the publisher. This is just the book a modeller needs to detail an FAT (Field Artillery Tractor). It covers the Chevrolet and Ford CMP tractors as well as the Morris C8 Quad. As usual WWP begins with a few pages of history and description, including a brief note about the 25-pdr gun-howitzer that all of these towed. That takes us to page five, and then the detailed sections begin. First is the Chevrolet with No.12 CMP cab. An overview walk around, is followed by comprehensive coverage of the external details – not just the CMP cab, the rear body too. Wheels, axles, suspension and chassis come next, and the interior is dealt with in just as much detail. The engine in its bay follows, including its underside, and takes us up to page 39. Page 40 starts coverage of the Chevrolet with No.13 cab, only a six-page walk around because its difference is only the cab and the details of that are in the next section. Then we’re onto the Ford-built version with No.13 cab, equally as detailed in coverage, so I won’t waste space relisting the contents, though I will add that here you get photographs of a Ford engine out of the vehicle – it’s mostly hidden when in its bay. Page 82 kicks off the Morris Quad section with some notes about the difficulty of distinguishing between the Marks because of modifications, not to mention changes within each Mark. Don’t despair, the known variations and changes are pointed out in the photo captions – for
instance a Mark 1 body on a Mark 3 chassis. The detailed photos here run to page 138, and the book ends with photos of the Marks 1 and two 25-pdrs and their limber. Now that kits are either announced or already on the market this is an essential reference for modellers who want to add details or just confirm that what’s in the box is accurately described. Did you know there were differences between early and late TrackGrip tyres and two tyre sizes for Quads, for instance? They’re shown here! Very highly recommended. John Prigent
WWII German Field Weapons and Equipment... a visual reference guide. Data File 193945 by K R Ward. Published by Helion & Company. ISBN: 9781-909384-56-9. RRP £19.95. This is useful data file book which uses computer generated 3D technical illustrations of a great variety of weapons and equipment fielded by the German army during WW2, including a few of the late war devices that were designed though not used in huge numbers. This is not a book with tanks but while there are a few vehicles, the bulk of the content covers things like artillery, small arms, mines, antitank weapons and so on. There are 11 sections in the book, and each one contains entries of specific items of equipment. Section 1 deals with Small Arms, and features well known items such as the Kar 98K rifle as well as one or two late war designs intended for use by the Volksturm at the end of the war, and to be simple to manufacture. Then there is Personal Equipment, such as flare guns, field torch and the like. Section 3 is on Grenades, and this includes
the classic Stick Grenade as well as ‘egg’ grenades, rifle grenades and even glass grenades. Part 4 moves on to Hand-Held Anti-Tank Weapons such as the Panzerfaust, while part 5 tackles Machine Guns and the MG34 and 42. Part 6 features Mortars, with both 5cm and 8cm types. Part 7 is an extensive list of Mines and Demolition Charges, and includes the famous S-Mine. Part 8 covers Artillery and Crewed Anti-tank weapons, and there are an interesting variety included here, and a similar comment applies to part 9 which moves on to AntiAircraft guns. Part 10 is Vehicles, and features more unusual pieces like the Goliath, the Borgeward 4, RSO and Kettenrad among others. It rounds off with part 11, Late Productions munitions and miscellaneous. This one covers the Infra-red fighting devices, the Rheinbote Missile and equally unusual, a 7.3cm Propaganda rocket. This has an interesting selection of individual subjects while the quality of the graphics is really excellent. I found a lot of useful information in here, along with a few of the late war German equipment items that I had not really been aware of before. Thanks to Casemate Publishing, the distributors in the UK for our example, it is available now. Robin Buckland
M-ATV MRAP In Detail, U.S. Army Light MRAP Vehicle by Ralph Zwilling and Radim Jankášek published by Wings & Wheels Publications, RAK, Hrádkova 2169, 190 16, Prague 21, Czech Republic.
[email protected], www.wwpbooks.com. ISBN 978-80-87509-42-5. 108 pages. UK price unknown, also available direct from the publisher. With the number of MRAP vehicles now being produced as kits modellers need to keep track
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Books
of which is which when looking for good reference books. This one is the four-wheeled type built by Oshkosh and two are shown on the book cover, which should make the search easy. As usual, WWP starts the book with an introduction to the type accompanied by large clear photographs which takes us up to page 23. Although they look very similar there are actually several mission-specific variants of the M-ATV. The first one covered is the basic M1240 and here you get a very thorough look all around it outside and inside - engine bay, rear cargo compartment, radio antennae, gunner protection kit. The M1240 becomes an M1240A1 when uparmoured with the Underbody Improvement Kit, but I can’t find any photos of that in that section. What comes next, from page 72 to 99, is the M1277 version with its CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) replacing the simpler roof-mounted gunner’s ring mount and its surrounding armour. The one photographed is fitted with a special antenna for the electronic countermeasure system designed to detonate IEDs before the vehicle reaches them. Again, there’s excellent coverage of the interior as well as the outside appearance, but not of the engine and chassis because they’re the same as the M1240. The final nine pages show the M1245 of SOCOM, which is adapted to meet Special Operations’ requirements. It has a massive bumper bar for knocking obstructions aside, an integrated Underbody improvement Kit, larger windscreens to improve visibility ahead, and a larger and better-protected cargo compartment – with even a rear machine gun mount like the LRDG Jeeps of WW2! Ralph Zwilling is wellknown for his books about modern US Army equipment, and has produced another excellent one here. Very highly recommended to anyone building one of the several M-ATV kits now on the market! John Prigent
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P-51/F-6 Mustangs - with the USAAF – ETO by Tomasz Szlagor. Published by Kagero Books. ISBN: 978-83-64596-68-1. RRP £14.99. Number 11 in their SMI series of soft cover books from Kagero; this one covers the history of the use of the P-51 Mustang in USAAF service in Europe during WW2. The first 17 pages of this 88 page book contain the historical background of how they were used, and include technical details of the aircraft along with some of the tactics and combat sorties that involved the Mustang, to illustrate the story. This text is provided in both English and Polish languages, as are all the photo captions throughout the book. The next main section of the book stretches from page 18 through to 72, with black and white archive photos illustrating the career of the Mustang in Europe. There are good quality images of the early, camouflaged examples, including some with the bubble top ‘Malcolm’ canopy as well as many with the later lower spine and tear drop canopy. The variety of markings, nose art and the pilots who flew them along with their personal markings make for a useful modellers reference, as do some of the shots of them being maintained on the ground, with armourers re-loading the guns in the wings. Pages 73 through to 82 contain more archive pictures, but this time in full colour photos, still a relative rarity in WW2. Then we get to the final few pages and eight excellent colour profiles showing a variety of versions, colours and markings worn by Mustangs in Europe during the war. Also provided in the book is a sheet of masks for painting 1/32 national markings onto model Mustangs, so further evidence of the modeller as a prime customer for these books from Kagero. Casemate Books are the distributors for the Kagero titles here in the UK, and our thanks to them for our copy. Robin Buckland
Saladin Mk.2 In Detail by Frantisek Koran, Kevin Browne and Jan Mostek published by Wings & Wheels Publications, RAK, Hrádkova 2169, 190 16, Prague 21, Czech Republic.
[email protected], www.wwpbooks.com. ISBN 978-80-87509-40-1. 60 pages. UK price about £20, also available direct from the publisher. The Saladin began life back in the mid-1940s to replace the wartime armoured cars, but the original 2-pdr gun was too small to be useful so only a pre-production series of six Mk. 1s was built. The Mk. 2 was produced instead, with a 76mm main gun and entered service in 1958. It was widely exported and with over 1,100 built, the exported cars stayed in service for many years – Kuwaiti ones were used in the first Gulf War! The same chassis was used for quite a few variants, but the Saracen APC and ACV, the Stalwart amphibious load carrier and the RAF’s Salamander crash tender are not in this book. The ten-page history is backed up by large photos of several Saladins, and followed by a detailed walk around in the next 20. Lights, stowage bins, axles, and engine hatches are in this section. The Rolls Royce B80 engine occupies the next five pages and then the walk around resumes with twelve pages of turret details. The final eleven pages deal with the interiors of the driver’s area, fighting compartment and turret. The Dragon kit has not gone without critics but anyone building it will find all they need here to improve and detail it, including the addition of an interior and interior if scratch building those takes their fancy for a challenge. There are intriguing little titbits of information too, like the illustrated differences between British Army and German Grenzschutze Saladins. Did you know that the engine bay hatches could only be opened in a specific order? Recommended. John Prigent
SA-6 Gainful In Detail by Jan Horak and Frantisek Koran published by Wings & Wheels Publications, RAK, Hrádkova 2169, 190 16, Prague 21, Czech Republic.
[email protected], www.wwpbooks.com. ISBN 978-80-87509-46-3. 120 pages. UK price about £27, also available direct from the publisher. SA-6 Gainful is actually the NATO designation of the entire 2K12 Kub ground-to-air missile system. With the arrival from Trumpeter of a kit of the launcher vehicle, the Gainful is an interesting modelling subject and this is the book superdetailers will want. It covers both the 2P25M1 launcher and its accompanying 1S92CZ radar vehicle and the short history section gives photos of both of them, including those used in NATO exercises. All photos are of vehicles in Czech service – hence the ‘CZ’ in the radar vehicle’s designation. But don’t worry, many photos show the original Soviet configurations as well as the Czech versions. Both vehicles use the same lower chassis, but their upper hulls are quite different. The third vehicle used in a Gainful battery is the missile transporter 2T7M on a Zil-131 truck chassis, but like the radar vehicle there doesn’t seem to be a kit available for it (yet?). Launcher coverage starts on page eight with a six-page walk around (including two shots of the 2T7M transporter) and doesn’t end until page 71. That’s a good indication of how much detail you’ll find here. It starts at the front – glacis, lights, hatches and periscopes - and then shows each side’s different built-in stowage boxes with descriptions of what’s in each one. The right-side boxes actually hold fixed equipment, including the gas turbine APU that powers the generator for electricity to operate the launcher. Then attention turns to the hull roof, and there’ a lot to see here. Like the side boxes, there’s a schematic with labels indexing each box and the page its contents are
Military Modelling Vol.46 No.6 2016
Books
shown on. The main engine is included in this section too. The hull rear gets the same treatment, with even a look into the gas turbine’s exhaust pipe as well as the main engine’s exhaust grill. Next is a look at the common chassis, showing both early and late tracks and of course, the wheels. Next is a move inside, with full detail of the driver’s, commanders and operator’s areas. Yes, this is a three-man front end. On page 56 we reach the missile launcher – carriage, rocket rails, and protective rails, and then the transport rails that the missiles are carried on for movement. Finally the actual missiles are shown in close-up. Pages 72 to 120 show the radar vehicle, again starting with a walk around before showing the hull front and the boxes and their contents along each side (they are not the same sizes and shapes as on the launcher). The hull roof is of course quite different to the launcher, and you’ll see just as much detail of it as there was of that. The gas turbine APU is also different, in fact, not only larger but also turned 180 degrees, so the photos of it make an interesting contrast. Moving into the interior, coverage is clockwise from left rear: Targeting Radar Operator’s area behind the driver, than the Driver’s area, then the Commander’s station at right front, and finally the Search Radar Operator’s area behind him. Their different seats are shown, as are the roof and cupola interiors. This section shows both Czech and National Volksarmee arrangements and equipment and to follow it, there’s a look at the very different interior of a Czech modernised vehicle with allnew electronics. The final 13 page deal with the exterior radar equipment: base, search and targeting dishes and the electronics inside the base. This is definitely a book that modellers of the Trumpeter kit will need! Very highly recommended. (Disclaimer: I edited the English text and captions but had no involvement with the photos and diagrams.) John Prigent
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With Recce at Arnhem - the Recollections of Trooper Des Evans, a 1st Airborne Division Veteran by Mike Gallagher. Published by Pen and Sword Books. ISBN: 978-1-47384-3639. RRP Hardcover £16.58 or Kindle Edition at £9.64. As time moves on we lose more of those veterans from WW2 and their individual memories become lost to us. That is especially so as many found it difficult to talk about their experiences once the war had finished. This could have happened with Des Evans I suspect, but the friendship he struck up with Mike Gallagher enabled this book to be presented now, even after his death. The author gives us the context of the story at the beginning, explaining how he first met Des by chance during a trip to the Arnhem battlefields for the 40th anniversary in 1984. It had been the first trip back to the area for Des since the war and chance enabled the meeting, and what turned out to be a lasting friendship. The final part of the book by Mike rounds off the story, with the sad end when both Des and his wife Betty died in 2010, and how he was entrusted with the story Des had written down. The core of the book is in the words of Des himself, as he wrote down his own experience of that trip back to Arnhem in 1984, of visiting places he had been in action back in 1944 and even identifying himself and two other paras in a well-known photograph from the battle. He talks of his initial training and how he found himself transferred into the Recce unit which was set to land as part of Operation Market Garden. As part of the Recce troop he was working with the Jeeps that had been landed, and when he changed places with one of his mates before moving out on a
patrol, he survived an ambush where his mate was killed and he was wounded and eventually taken prisoner. The story continues with his treatment and journey into captivity in Germany, followed by his experiences in prison camps and his eventual bids for freedom as the Allied forces came closer. On the first he was recaptured, but luckily was unharmed and unpunished, just put back into camp. Second time he got away and made contact with US troops and was well looked after. Interesting that he didn’t know the town they were in at first, though there was a large castle on a hill. At that stage, he hadn’t known the significance of Colditz castle. For the sake of history, anyone with an interest in the story of the British paratroopers who landed at Arnhem in 1944 this is a little gem. It isn’t the glory of generals or big strategic decisions; this is the story of what happened for a trooper to be involved with the actual operation. There are points we sometimes try to gloss over, where allied troops shot captured prisoners along with elements of sadness sprinkled into the story. I found this a fascinating book to read, and one I could not put down until I had finished it. Author Mike Gallagher has done his friend Des proud and I am sure you will like reading it if you have an interest in Market Garden. Robin Buckland
British and Commonwealth Warship Camouflage Battleships and Aircraft Carriers of WW2, Vol 2 by Malcolm Wright. Published by Seaforth Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-84832-253-0. RRP £30.00. This hardback book is the second volume from the author and Seaforth Publishing and another which is a reference for modellers in particular.
The author is an Australian maritime artist and wargame designer with some 50 years of experience under his belt. This one starts off with an introduction that provides background in which the author explains his interests along with notes on how he has collected the information over the years. He then adds a list of his reference resources along with background notes on the paint types and schemes. A paint colour chart and explanation of the aircraft type illustrations and weapons/ electronic systems used in the illustrations is very handy. Then we get to the meat of the book, with five sections that give the colour artwork for WW1 era Battleships and Battlecruisers (which were still in service in WW2): then Modern Battleships: Monitors: Aircraft Carriers and finally Escort Carriers. The colour profiles (and some with top views as well) show how changes in equipment armament and radars in particular) altered the profile of a ship during its service life, and the number of different camouflage patterns that were applied to them as well. So, many ships have four or five quite different colour schemes applied and they are each illustrated individually. Just for an example, HMS Royal Sovereign has four different colour schemes plus two more while she served with the Russian Navy as the Archangelsk. A sister ship, the HMS Ramillies had as many as eight different schemes while in Royal Navy Service. In the final section, with Fleet carriers and then Escort Carriers, many have views from both sides so you see how the pattern differed from port and starboard sides, and also the pattern applied to the flight decks, some of which were quite elaborate. This makes a great addition to your references if you are a ship modeller in particular, as so many of these are available in kit form these days, as well as being interesting to those who like to study the subject of camouflage. Another excellent reference book. Thanks to Seaforth Publishing for the opportunity to have a look at this new book. Robin Buckland
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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.
Classy Hobby Pzkpfw II Ausf L ‘Luchs’ (Sd Kfz 123) in 1:16 scale (MC 16001) It was not long ago we first had news of this new large scale kit from the new Manufacturer, Classy Hobby. The team involved was previously involved with Bronco Models, so the similar style of box art is no surprise, but they are separate. Their first release is now in production
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and we have this 1/16 model of the Pz II Ausf L, the Luchs and specifically in service with 9th Panzer division. The last of the Panzer II variants with a new hull and turret, as well as, a completely different road wheel arrangement. Designed as a fast reconnaissance tank they went into production in late 1943 and remained in service until the end of the war, though only about
100 examples were actually built. Armament remained as the light 20mm gun. The first thing to mention is the box itself. The lid with the box art lifts off to reveal a fully enclosed white box of stout cardboard. Open that and you find a box packed full of very well moulded sprues. What you get is a large model of what was in reality a small tank. As ever, I’d suggest reading through the instructions first as while it is for a tank in 9th Panzer, they provide a choice of three individual examples and there are some detail differences in fittings, particularly on the turret. So start by choosing which one you want to go for. It is interesting that Classy Hobby is making great efforts to get things as accurate as they can. There is a length of string in the kit to create the tow rope, and you might leave it off for a 9th Panzer machine as they say their photo references don’t see one on a 9th Panzer Luchs, though they are on 4th Panzer Div machines. With something as portable as a tow rope of course, that doesn’t mean they didn’t carry them at some point. I understand that Classy Hobby has now included a length of wire for the cable rather than the string provided with our early production example. Even though it is a small tank, there is lots to do in building
this one. There is not a lot of detail inside the hull, other than the engine fans and belts at the back, which will be seen through the grille and on the vision devices. Contrary to that, there is detail inside the turret, including the radio, seats, gun breeches traverse gear, plus stowage, such as ammunition boxes and water bottles. Even the teethed turret ring is moulded into the hull superstructure. Perhaps a good indicator of the work involved is to highlight that there are 66 stages in the construction sequence in the instruction booklet that comes with the kit. External detail is very nicely done, and there are a number of etch brass detail fittings included. With stowage such as the well detailed Jerrycans, ammunition boxes and depending on the individual vehicle you choose to build a different rear plate and hatch on the turret as well. Road wheels capture the unusual shapes these had while the individual track links are held together by metal track pins. Be careful applying the glue and the wheels can rotate, so the workable track means the running gear can ‘work’. With the size of the model, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some modellers go for adding some radio control equipment to one of these as well. On the track guards themselves you are again
Product reviews
faced with a choice of stowage box and rack arrangement, depending on which of the variants you are going for. One thing I’d suggest to leave to last is the nicely done star aerial carried on the right hand side of the hull. Appropriate transfers are included, along with a colour printed sheet showing the camouflage and markings of the three different options you can build from the kit. For a first release this is very impressive and perhaps a sign of a growing trend towards these large scale models, ideal to fit into a diorama with the large number of resin figures which are available in the same scale, as 1/16 is of course the same as 120mm scale used by figure modellers. Thanks to Classy Hobby for our example and they have started out with what I think is a real cracker of a kit. I wish them luck with the future. I believe there will be another release for a Luchs but in service with 4th Panzer Division, and detailed accordingly, then I wait with interest to see what vehicle type they go for next. 200 litre Fuel Drums and Jerry Cans in 1:16 scale (MC 16002) Released at the same time as their new 1/16 Luchs is a useful accessory pack from Classy Hobby. This will be useful for vehicle modellers in this large scale, as well as for use as scenic accessories for figure dioramas and vignettes in 120mm scale. A simple set, but done very nicely, it includes four of the larger 200ltr fuel drums along with eight 20ltr Jerry cans. The drums are simple, in two halves plus the top and bottom disks, which have the embossed lettering on them, and then two small caps, one on the side and the other on the top lid. The Jerry cans are made up of two halves, cap and handles, plus etch parts to recreate the centre weld seam from where the two halves of the cans were welded together. Easy to assemble, sandwiching the etch seam between the two halves of the can. This just leaves it for you to paint to suit the setting/period you are using in your model. Hannants are to be the UK importer. Robin Buckland
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Tank Model
There have been very few figures that depict members of the British Special Air Service in 1/35; figures depicting their involvement in operations in Oman are even smaller. This recent release from Tank Model is a very welcome one. The full set comprises of two figure sets which will make up a Pink Panther vehicle crew. ‘The British SAS (Oman 1971). Land Rover Crew member with 7.62mm MG l7’ in 1:35 scale (T-35181) Comprising of 6 parts this is quite a straight forward ‘up and down’ figure, with the main body, a pair of arms the GPMG and a choice of a folded or deployed bipod. The sculpting is first class with the figure wearing an unbuttoned shirt, shirt sleeved rolled up and a shemagh around his head. He is also wearing a short belt of 7.62mm link over his shoulders under his shirt the figure is wearing belt order two ammo and water bottle pouches. He shown holding the GPMG in his right hand supported with by its sling (not supplied). The head sculpt is exceptional this figure is sporting sideburns and moustache which looks very convincing.
If you are planning to use this figure with your Pink Panther don’t forget to leave one of the weapon mounts empty. ‘The British SAS (Oman 1971). Land Rover Crew members’ in 1:35 scale (T-35182) This set contains two figures, the first figures is shown standing holding his weapon in his left hand and his belt order (webbing) in his right hand. The figure is made up from seven parts, main body, two upper arms, left forearm with his Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), right forearm holding a short length of web belt, a single ammo pouch and the remainder of his belt order. This trooper is wearing a half unzipped Dennison smock, trousers and a shemagh. He has a period moustache along with longer sideburns. The second figure is depicted putting on his shirt with one arm in a sleeve and reaching around his back with the other. This figure is made up from six parts, main body, bare left arm, right arm with rolled sleeve, shirt, Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) and a bergan with his belt order. This trooper is clearly putting on his shirt and has his belt order ready to pick up. The bergan and belt order also has his
shemagh sat on the top of it. Unfortunately my weapon had snapped but will be easy to fix this minor damage. Overall these figures match period photographs for the time period. All sport moustaches and longer than permitted sideburns, this was very typical of the time and does show that the SAS had somewhat looser dress regulations. My biggest gripe is regarding the SLRs; these are shown with the carrying handle in the upright (carrying) position. It was seldom used; as the weapon would be carried by wrapping your entire hand around the weapons body (the only time it would be used is if you carried two rifles in one hand). The SLRs can be replaced with early M16s, L42 Sniper Rifle, M79 Grenade Launcher or another GPMG. Both sets come highly recommended especially as a crew for a Pink Panther or to depict members of the SAS either in Dhofar or Aden. It is a slight negative regarding the carrying handles but these can be easily modified. Available from your local stockist or via Models Hobby www.models-hobby.com Brian O’Donoghue
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Product reviews
12.8cm Flak 40 Zwilling in 1:35 scale Design work on this heavy antiaircraft gun started back in 1936 although the first production versions were not built until 1942. Too heavy for a mobile mount, these twin guns were
fitted to the huge Flak towers in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Vienna, while others (single guns) were installed onto railway flats to provide some degree of mobility. Not built in huge numbers; about 34 of these impressive Zwilling units were available by 1945 along with about 200 of the single gun units. With no less than 56 steps in the instructions for this kit, filling 18 pages, there is a lot to this one; alhough the pair of guns is essentially the same. The mounting for this pairing also includes handed loading equipment and work platforms for the crew so keep your eye open for the right and left hand parts as you proceed with the build sequence. The construction is quite straightforward. There are only a few parts in etch brass, to give the floor of the gun crew work platforms. Good to see that Takom have also included a couple of rounds of ammunition, which helps give the scale to the whole thing. Then there is also the large platform for the mounting to be fitted to. The quality of the mouldings is good, very much in a style that Takom have set for
changes come with the revision to the upper superstructure, with a small, mg armed main turret and then two smaller turrets, one on either side, with the flame projectors mounted on the front track guards. Behind these on each side are added the fuel drums for the flame guns and these have armoured covers. You have the option of fitting the covers closed, as they would have been in combat, or open, revealing the fuel tanks inside. In combat they would be closed but then you lose seeing some of the interesting detail in the kit, so the alternatives are a knocked-out/captured example where the covers have then been opened up, or another in the rear area of the German lines with them opened up for maintenance/inspection. Other new detail includes the quite distinctive smoke grenade launchers fitted on the trackguards, behind the flame fuel tanks. As for the rear deck, you can leave this ‘clean’ or you can follow a suggestion
to stow racked jerrycans on the rear deck, leaving just the larger fuel drums to go in the trailer as cargo. Added to the tank is the small tracked UE trailer and this is nicely done. The track is done using link and length sections rather than what would be very tiny individual links, so a good solution and delicately done. To go in the trailer there are extra jerrycans and fuel drums, and these are provided using one of the excellent sprues of parts for these by Lion Roar, which have excellent detail on elements such as the fuel drums themselves. This would be extra fuel materials for the flame guns and no doubt dropped close behind the front line in some easily accessible but safe/secure area where they could refuel the equipment as necessary. There are some etch parts and also some very tiny plastic parts for things like butterfly nuts which you will have to be careful not to lose when you remove them from their sprue. As many
Takom
Bronco Models PzKpfw II (Fl) Sdkfz 122 with UE Trailer in 1:35 scale (CB35090) With quite a distinctive running gear, Bronco has previously released kits of the basic gun tank as well as a bridge-layer version of the Pz II Ausf D. Now in production is this third variant, involving a new turret among other changes, to give us the Flamethrower tank version,
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plus they have added one of the small tracked trailers built originally for the French UE Infantry carrier. As an extra load, another bit of co-operation with another manufacturer, a sprue of Jerrycans and Fuel drums from Lion Roar (Great Wall Hobbies). So the lower hull, the running gear and the individual link tracks are the same as seen in the earlier two kits, and these go together very neatly. The
Military Modelling Vol.46 No.6 2016
Product reviews
themselves and the instruction booklet nicely laid out. There are three options provided for in colours and markings, all drawn up by Ammo of Mig Jiminez as is now standard in the Takom kits. All three are for sets mounted in the big Flak towers, one in Berlin, one in Vienna and the other in Hamburg. Only the one in Vienna in 1943 is camouflaged (sand and green), while the others are a single overall colour, either Panzer Grey or dark green. A very effective heavy antiaircraft weapon during WW2, Takom has done a very nice job of kitting this impressive pairing. If you feel like building the section of an appropriate Flak Tower to put it in, you could have an impressive diorama (and if you have room for it!). There is a recent etch brass update set available from Eduard for this one, just to add a few extra details but it doesn’t need much. Thanks to Pocketbond, the UK importers for our example. Robin Buckland
as five options are provided for in terms of markings, though all are finished in the plain Panzer Grey colour. Option 1 is a machine of Pz.Abt (F) 100 on the Franco Belgian border during 1940/41; option 2 is from Pz.Abt (F) 100 in Russia in 1941: option 3 is from 2 Kompanie, Pz.Abt (F) 101 in East Prussia, just prior to the invasion of Russia; option 4 is another from Pz.Abt (F) 100 as part of Guderian’s forces in Russia in 1941, as are options 5 and 6 which are the same unit but are different tanks for the same unit, although this time carrying yellow turret numbers rather than white. Overall this is very nicely done kit and with the detail provided of the fuel tanks and their armoured covers so they can be displayed for view adds that extra bit of interest to the model as a whole. Bronco have done another very nice job with this one. Thanks to Bronco Models for our example. Robin Buckland
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Meng Model Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab in 1:35 scale (VS-006) Meng certainly caused a stir with their first pick-ups, they have subsequently also released a 1/24 Ford F-350 in association with the Ford Motor Company. This recent release from Meng is the same F-350 but scaled down to 1/35. The kit arrives in a typical Meng box with an illustration of the F-350 and information about the kit; there is an error on the box top. The box refers to the inclusion of ‘Realistic metal reflecting mirror film is provided for rear view mirrors’. This item is found in the 1/24 release and not this model, this error is not a missing part but a misprint. Inside the box there are four black sprues, one body shell, one clear sprue, a set of poly caps, five vinyl tyres and a small decal sheet. The kit is supplied
as a kerbside model without an engine; none of the doors are supplied as separate items and there a number of options available during construction. Construction appears to be fairly straight forward with the first stages dealing with the suspension and the impressively long chassis. Despite this being a kerbside model, the chassis is very detailed and it almost a shame that it will not be seen once complete. The first option is to choose what style of wheel is to be used. One style is a ‘steel’ utility and the other is an ‘alloy’ type. The steel types are frequently seen on utility vehicles – Police, security and others. The alloy style would be seen in civilian owned vehicles. The interior is well detailed and require full painting and finishing prior to closing up the interior. The potential disappointment concerns the
one piece glazing, although it is slightly better than the first pick-up. The cab is closed up and the optional side steps are added if required. Typically the side steps are seen on some civilian vehicles and ones operated by Private Military Contractors, while Police and utility vehicles often do not have them fitted. The final stages deal with adding a number of the smaller details, bumpers, the large radiator grill and the cargo bed. The load bed also has the optional load bed extender can. Painting and finishing options are included in the instructions and give five colour options; of course the modeller would be free to choose any of the available colours. The limited decals do not include any vehicle registration numbers so the modeller will need to provide their own. Conclusion – Highly recommended for all modern era fans. The modeller could easily depict one of the many foreign Police/security vehicles seen in some Middle East countries or a Private Military Contractor’s vehicle. Some of these vehicles sometimes sport additional armour packages and weapon mounts. The model features plenty of very detailed mouldings but I do feel that the glazing is a backward step as is the choice to supply a fairly high specification version. Overall this is a very welcome release of a vehicle that has seen widespread use around the world. The conversion potential is huge as this chassis is widely used for many other types of vehicle. Available from MJR Models & Hobbies www.mjrmodelsandhobbies. co.uk or see Meng’s web site (www.meng-model.com) to find your local distributor – Price £25.99 Brian O’Donoghue
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