Model Military International - Issue 081 (January 2013)

■ All the information you’ll ever need to create the best military models... ■

MVRPEPOART:

SHOW

by Scott Taylor

Issue 81 - January 2013 www.modelmilitary.com

UPGUNNED SHTamEiya’Rs 1:3M5 M5A1 N Israeli Sherman

HEAVYWEIGHT

E RMengEMoPdelT’s IL new 1:35 A39 Tortoise

T N A F E EL

Tamiya’s new 1:35 kit

INSIDE: p 01 CoverMMI 081B.indd 1

Bronco 1:35 Post-War Chaffee ■ Tamiya 1:35 M1A2 SEP TUSK I/II ■ Italeri 1:35 StuG IV ■ and more...

January 2013 / £4.20 / Issue 81

08/11/2012 10:33

UK D ISTRIBUTORS

. . I N C O R P O R A T I N G

Iowa Class Battleships Shipcraft 17

The ‘ShipCraft’ series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warship types. Lavishly illustrated, each book takes the modeller through a brief history of the subject class, highlighting differences between sister-ships and changes in their appearance over their careers. This includes paint schemes and camouflage, featuring colour profiles and highly-detailed line drawings and scale plans.

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Scharnhorst and Gneisenau Shipcraft 20

The ‘ShipCraft’ series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warship types. Lavishly illustrated, each book takes the modeller through a brief history of the subject class, highlighting differences between sister-ships and changes in their appearance over their careers. This includes paint schemes and camouflage, featuring colour profiles and highly-detailed line drawings and scale plans.

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A V I D

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Camouflage Markings of the Valentines in New Zealand Sevice An authoritative guide to the New Zealand Valentine tanks’ camouflage and markings during training in New Zealand, combat operations in the Pacific and post-war use until 1960 when replaced by the M41 Walker Bulldog. Illustrated with many rare and previously unpublished photos with very detailed captions. Includes: Valentine II, III, III CS, V and Bridgelayer. 40 pages, 67 b&w photos, 12 full-color plates of artwork.

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1945 German Colors, Camouflage Profile Guide

This book analyzes original, eyecatching color variants and camouflage patterns introduced by the German Army late 1944 as used during the last year of the war, 1945. The book contains 72 pages, more than 180 color renderings showing the many camouflage patterns used on common vehicles, and oddities used by the German forces. Included the reader will find vehicles such as the Panther, Pz. IV, Tiger I y II, Stugs, Artillery Guns, Halftracks and more. Interpret black and white photographs, and also a chapter about ‘What If’ and ‘Paper Panzers’. We observe taking renderings to finished models.

£18.99

O R D E R

B O O K S

The Weathering Magazine “Dust”

The Weathering Magazine Issue 2 will study the effects of Dust and Dirt using a wide range of products and painting techniques demonstrated by the world’s best modelers. The magazine explains in depth how to apply these effects on all types of models including figures, helicopters, trains, sci-fi and of course tanks. We will also enjoy again the company of our workmate Akatsya. The modeler will want to collect each issue to create a bibliography of techniques, effects, references and inspiration. If you enjoyed FAQ2, then this is the magazine that you are searching for.

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On Display Vol.2 Stug III

The new book on the StuG III includes seven subjects, spread over 96 pages. Each model is presented in a step by step manner to serv as a guide to others who wish to model this iconic vehicle. StuG A, B, E and Gís are represented and modelled by Volker Bembennek, Roger Hurkmans, Mike Rinaldi, Radek Pituch, Bernhard Lustig and Toni Canfora.

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M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer Walkaround British Military Trucks of World War 2

For the very first time, an overview of manufacturer’s designs, major truck types and their variants is now at hand. Based on factory and World War Two in-service photographs, this volume provides an in-depth and comprehensive examination of a subject that has hitherto been weakly documented.

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JACKAL High Mobility Weapons Platform (9009) COYOTE Tactical Support Vehicle - Light

This publication provides an exclusive and detailed look onto the development, technology and use in a war zone of these two outstanding British vehicle designs. Illustrated with 148 colour photographs and 3 graphics.

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Though relatively lightly armored, Buick’s M18 Hellcat could top 55 MPH, making it the fastest armored fighting vehicle fielded during World War II. This volume examines the three principal variants of the Hellcat - the preproduction T70, early M18, and late M18, using ample visual reference to document these vehicles - and their differences - inside and out. Engine and drive train, driver’s compartment, weapons and sighting systems, and stowage - both interior and exterior are all carefully presented. Illustrated with 230 color photographs, 5 color photographs, 5 line drawings, and 4 profiles; 80 pages.

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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, This book is the companion volume to Tankograd’s ‘British Military Trucks of World War 2’. For all British military vehicle enthusiasts these books are milestones. On 304 pages this book is illustrated with 547 black and white photographs, 425 of which hitherto unpublished!

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Lucien Rousselot is one of the worldís most important military artists as he played a foremost role in establishing uniformology as a true science. This volume includes the best work of Lucien Rousselot available in world exclusive edition of luxury at an affordable price. Uniforms, equipment and trappings of the Navy of Napoleon between 1790 and 1815. 392 pages. More than 2370 color illustrations.

This new series of books will offer everything that modern modellers want when they are tackling a specific subject and will include: period diagrams; data from flight manuals; data from spare parts catalogue; walkaround images of preserved examples; fully detailed 3D isometric views of prototype and production machines; full colour profiles and concise camouflage and marking notes. 98 pages.

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A key reference work for tank and World War II enthusiasts The Essential Vehicle Identification Guide: Soviet Tank Units, 1939ñ45 offers a highly illustrated guide to the main armoured fighting vehicles used by the Red Army during World War II. This compact volume includes sample unit structures and orders of battle from company up to corps level, providing an organisational context for key campaigns throughout the war.192 pages,hardback.

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Clandestine Parachute and Pick Up Operations

This second volume of the collection Resistance is devoted to the parachuting and picking up of agents, from 1940 to 1944. It is a gripping frieze of these operations and a vigorous tribute to those heroes of the resistance whom the author describes here, using both his extensive personal documentation, connections among the veterans and many museum conservators throughout Europe. The reconstitution is rigorous and the information precise about both material and methods, and the wealth of pictures will live up to the expectations of most enlightened amateurs. 132 pages,well illustrated.

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07/11/2012 16:33

Contents - Issue 81 January 2013 32 22

14

REGULARS

FEATURES

p 4 NEWS

p 6 THINK TANK

What’s new in the world of military modelling

p 52 SMALL SCALE

The latest releases in 1:72 and smaller

p 54 INCOMING

MMI’s thoughts on the latest kits and accessories

p 56 BOOKS

Rounding up the latest in print

p 57 FIGURES

All the news about new figure releases.

p 58 1:48 SCALE

Luke Pitt explores 1:48 scale military models, figures and accessories.

p 66 LAST POST

Late breaking news and ramblings from the Editor

Tortoise detail photos and under its own power at the Tank Museum by Andrew Willis

p 14 HEAVYWEIGHT REPTILE Federico Collada builds Meng’s new 1:35 scale super heavy Tortoise

p 20 PREVIEW

Tamiya 1:35 scale M1A1 Abrams SEP TUSK I/II

p 22 UPGUNNED SHERMAN

1:35 scale Tamiya 1:35 Israeli M51 by Chris Wauchop

p 30 PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 Post-War Chaffee

36

p 32 SHOW REPORT

MVPA by Scott Taylor

p 36 SOMUA PAKS A PUNCH Brach Models’ 1:35 scale Somua SPG by Jeremy Moore

p 42 THE ELEFANT IN THE ROOM Part Two

Tamiya’s 1:35 Elefant painted, weathered and with a crew added by Brett Green

p 61 PREVIEW

©ADH Publishing Ltd 2012

Italeri 1:35 scale StuG IV by Graham Tetley

Tel: (UK) 01525 222573 Fax: (UK) 01525 222574 Email: [email protected] Address: ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Model Military International is published monthly by ADH Publishing. Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

ISSN 1749-8864 January 2013 - Model Military International 3

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Newsline - January’13

MMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574 Email:[email protected]

NEW TAMIYA 1:48 SCALE FLAKPANZER IV MOBELWAGEN AND 1:35 SCALE ZIMMERIT SHEETS COMING SOON

The Flakpanzer IV Mobelwagen was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on the Panzer IV chassis and fitted with the 3.7 cm Flak 43 gun. The vehicle featured hinged armoured panels that could be folded down when the gun required the extra clearance for low and horizontal firing. Tamiya’s next addition to their growing 1:48 scale military series is the Flakpanzer IV Mobelwagen. The kit will include poseable side panels, link and length tracks and plastic lower hull with optional metal ingots if you would like to add the heft of “scale weight”. We will have more news about this kit closer to release. The Tamiya’s range of self-adhesive Zimmerit sheets is also expanding with new offerings for the 1:35 scale Panzer IV Ausf. J and the King Tiger with Porsche Turret. Tamiya kits and accessories are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

KIT FORM SERVICES 1:24 TRUCK ONE TON FORWARD CONTROL Kit Form Services’ newest release is a 1:24 scale resin 1 Ton Forward Control truck kit. Features include a fully detailed interior with all driver’s controls, separate doors and tailboard that can be posed open, detailed underside including suspension and axles, engine block and sump, exhaust system, poseable steering and a spare wheel. The kit comprises 61 parts in high quality resin, 41 parts in white metal, 134 in etched brass plus pre-coloured clear cast lights, vac formed canopy, Solartex side screens, glazing, various brass & plastic sections & full pictorial build instructions. The high quality decal set includes data plates, dashboard clocks & gauges, unit markings for Parachute Regt & Royal Marines plus a selection of vehicle registration numbers. The finished models measures some 7.25 inches (185mm) long. UK & EU price including vat £120.00. Export outside the EU £100.00. This kit is available now. More information is available from Kit Form Services’ website at www.kitformservices.com

KFS MINIATURES’ NEW RELEASES Another KFS, but this time Kamil Feliks Sztarbala’s KFS Miniatures, has a selection of new releases too: KFS miniatures 35-001 – 1:35 Soviet Rocket Guntruck “Broom” Upgrade Set Upgrade set for 1:35 Ural 4320 from ICM/Alanger/Revell This is a part of a BRDM’s hull with a UB-32-57 rocket launcher attached to its turret, ready to be mounted on 1:35 scale Ural 4320 cargo bed. The set also includes additional armour plates for the truck cab. These gun trucks were used by Soviet troops in Afghanistan in 1987 to defend convoys moving through the valleys and ravines. Rocket launchers proved to be more effective in firing to the high edges of the valleys than machine guns. These vehicles were nicknamed Broom. Price: $40.00 + $8.00 shipping KFS miniatures 35-002 – 1:35 Libyan Rocket Pickup Upgrade Set for 1:35 MENG MODELS Pick-up kits This set contains one rocket launcher with its mount and two ammo boxes – one solid, and one open and filled with rockets. All are cast in resin. The UB-32-57 rocket launcher mounted on a technical pick-up was a popular weapon during the recent Libyan Civil War. Price: $17.00 + $7.00 shipping More information and ordering is available from KFS Miniatures’ website http://kfs-miniatures.com

ACCURATE ARMOUR

NEW DIAMOND T RELEASES Accurate Armour has two new 1:35 scale Diamond-T Tank transporter offerings. These will be the last for now but they are the British trailers, which are quite significant: • K155 WW-2 Cranes Mk-1 40-Ton trailer for Diamond-T • K171 WW-2(Late)/Post War Cranes Mk-1/2 40-Ton trailer for Diamond-T More information and ordering from Accurate Armour’s website www.accurate-armour.com

4 Model Military International - January 2013

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08/11/2012 10:47

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Think Tank - A39 Tortoise at Tankfest 2011

THE STAR OF THE SHOW Andrew Willis shares some photos of the Tank Museum’s A39 Tortoise, both in action and in detail.

M

odellers of a certain age will probably associate Morris with small cars from the inter-war years until the 1970s including the Morris Oxford, Morris Minor, Morris Mini and even the infamous Morris Marina. However, Morris Motors’ parent company, The Nuffield Organisation, also boasted an essential role during the Second World War building Spitfires at an enormous new purpose-built plant at Castle Bromwich, as well as designing and building armoured cars and tanks. Even at the outbreak of war in 1939, it was clear that British tanks were too lightly armed and armoured to deal with the new generation of armour deployed by Germany. By 1943, Allied armies advancing through Italy encountered stubborn obstacles on the Siegfried Line, and there were no answers available in the current British arsenal. This led to a Joint Memorandum for a heavy assault tank with sufficient armour and firepower to clear such obstacles and break through heavily fortified lines. The Nuffield Organisation

responded with no less than 18 designs. In February 1944, one of the heaviest was selected to directly enter production without even building a prototype. 25 vehicles were ordered but ultimately only six were built prior to the project’s cancellation. This heavy assault vehicle was the A39 Tortoise. The A39 was fitted with a 32 pdr 94 mm main gun that was capable of demolishing heavy obstacles. A fully rotating turret on the superstructure roof was fitted

with two Besa machine guns, and a further independently operated Besa gun was located in the hull front. The Tortoise weighed 79 tons, carried a crew of seven and armour was up to 229 mm thick. Its Rolls-Royce Meteor V12 petrol engine could drive this monster at a stately 12 mph on the road, and 4 mph cross-country. The Tortoise would not sit comfortably in this age of economy vehicles though. Fuel consumption is estimated to be 10 gallons to the mile! Despite its great weight and

bulk, the Tortoise proved to be both reliable and an excellent gun platform on trials in Germany after the end of WWII. However, the vehicle was never built in production quantities and it remained a technological curiosity along with the other super-heavy tanks of the mid 1940s. The Tank Museum at Bovington holds the only complete surviving example of an A39 Tortoise. This particular machine last ran under its own power during gunnery trails in the early 1950s. The Tortoise trundling around the Tank Museum’s main arena. This was the first time the Tortoise had been wheeled out under its own power for more than 60 years.

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THE STAR OF THE SHOW The Tortoise was the star of the show at Bovington Tank Museum’s Tankfest in June 2011 where it trundled around the arena under its own power for the first time in sixty years. I was lucky enough to be there and took a few photographs of the occasion. I did not feel it would be worth taking more than a few overall views as surely there would not be a model of this huge, slow moving mammoth anytime soon. Fast forward to early 2012 and first rumours and then confirmation that Meng, a new company to the plastic kit market, was going to produce a 1:35 scale Tortoise. As the only surviving intact Tortoise, Meng even used the Bovington example as their reference. After kicking myself a few times for missing a very good opportunity to get some useful detail photographs I quickly recovered and made plans to attend the Tank Museum’s Tiger day in March 2012 where I was able to get the detail shots you see here. They would have to be while the Tortoise was inside but, as they say, you live and learn! I would recommend a trip to Bovington to anybody and not just to see the Tortoise. Please check out www.tankmuseum.org for details of their collection and any future special events. ■

An overall rear three-quarter view.

Nice detail of the towing equipment and rear hull detail.

Despite its great “weight and bulk,

the Tortoise proved to be both reliable and an excellent gun platform on trials in Germany after the end of WWII...

”

The size comparison with the Centurion is interesting. January 2013 - Model Military International 7

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Think Tank - A39 Tortoise at Tankfest 2011

A target’s eye view of the massive counterweight on the end of the 32 pdr barrel.

Those tracks are massive – sorely needed to distribute the bulk of this heavy vehicle.

A good view of the forward superstructure showing the rough casting marks.

The top of the superstructure showing the Besa-equipped turret and the cupola.

The wide open vents on the engine deck are of interest.

The mantlet of the Tortoise was distinctive, to say the least!

The independently operated Besa gun and smoke dischargers on the left side of the superstructure.

Spare tracks on the left side of the superstructure.

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Those wide tracks again.

One of the front towing hooks.

A lifting eye and one mount for the chunky gun travel lock.

The opposite side.

The travel lock is holding the 32 pdr gun barrel in place.

The right side smoke discharger cluster.

The other side of the mantlet is a more regular semi-circle.

Once again, the cast texture is very obvious on the superstructure.

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Think Tank - A39 Tortoise at Tankfest 2011 Side view of the fully-rotating Besa gun turret.

Side skirts are structural, and heavily armoured.

Rear three-quarter view of the superstructure.

The engine deck, looking forward.

Lifting eyes for the engine deck may be seen here.

The large muffler is mounted directly behind the engine deck.

You certainly can’t miss the casting marks here!

Rear hull detail.

A side view of the muffler and the small exhaust pipe.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Meng Model 1:35 A39 Tortoise • Kit No. TS-002

HEAVYWEIGHT REPTILE Federico Collada builds and weathers Meng Model’s brand new 1:35 scale A39 Tortoise.

W

hen the Allies began to prepare plans to invade Europe they expected that resistance would be tough with multiple fortified positions such as the ones on the Siegfried Line. In Britain, the Secretary of War gave instructions to develop a specific kind of vehicle that could deal with this kind of challenge, putting more emphasis on protection and firepower than in mobility. The Nuffield organization developed 18 prototypes, each one bigger and heavier than the last. In February 1944, the design of the T16 was completed and approved by the War Office, which immediately placed an order for 25 vehicles without even waiting to pass any kind of tests. They expected to have them ready by September 1945. This was the origin of the A39 Tortoise. The vehicle consisted of a fixed superstructure over a chassis suspended on 8 bogies with four wheels each to support the 79 tons. It was a very reliable platform for the gun chosen. The 32 pounder gun was operated by two loaders. These

loaders plus a commander, driver and gunner formed the crew of the Tortoise. The ammunition was divided in shell and charge and the gun passed a test with armour piercing shot (APCBC) ammunition in which was able to perforate the armour of a Panther at a distance of 1,000 yards. The split of the interior was classic - the transmission at the front, the fighting compartment with the gun and the crew in the middle and the Rolls Royce Meteor engine at the back. The armour protection was the most important characteristic of the Tortoise and consisted of 228mm at the front and 152mm at the sides. Its enormous weight allowed the vehicle to reach a maximum speed of just 19km/h. There were also three Besa machine guns for close combat protection, one mounted in a ball system at the front and two more in the fully-rotating commander’s turret. Only six vehicles were finished by the time the war was over, with some minor differences between them.

Nowadays, the only surviving A39 Tortoise is at the Bobington tank museum and it is in running conditions, last shown during the June 2011 Tankfest.

A LONG AWAITED MODEL It is not that Meng has taken a long time since they announced their kit until it was in the shops. In fact, they were really fast. It is just that many modellers, myself amongst them, have waited a long time for a plastic kit of this fascinating subject. I am delighted to report that the long wait has been worthwhile.

Meng’s 1:35 scale A39 Tortoise is presented on nine dark green sprues plus upper and lower hull halves. The plastic parts are flawlessly moulded. The tracks are made of separate links in brown colour plastic. Construction is quite easy, as is the preparation and handling of the pieces, even the smaller ones. That makes this kit a good choice for beginners. They also surely will enjoy adding such a huge model to their collection. For those who cannot resist adding some details or correcting others, you will find some areas to

Construction commences with the eight big four-wheel bogies.

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The quality of the plastic parts is very high.

entertain yourselves. For example, there are some handles at the top of the engine cover that are moulded with the superstructure piece that will look far better if they are replaced with parts bent from metal wire. The twin machine gun casing on the commander’s turret will need some filling and sanding. Other pieces will look better if we sand them a little to make them look thinner. I started building the model as the instructions suggest, with the running gear and suspension bogies. Placing the wheels of the bogies in place trying to leave them loose was a bit difficult as I had to manipulate many pieces at the same time but finally I managed to do it, This made the later painting job easier. I assembled lengths of tracks in the proper shape to fix them to the wheels at the end of the project. I continued adding pieces step by step but left the main gun, exhaust, tow cable and the armoured side skirts unglued. I replaced the aforementioned handles with replacements made from metal wire and filled the lines at the machine guns housing at the turret. The building process was very easy and took me no more than a few hours.

Construction is fast and easy.

A base coat of Tamiya acrylic XF-61 Dark Green was applied to the entire vehicle.

A blend of XF-61 with 30% of XF-5 Green and 20% of XF-62 Olive Drab was diluted with 80% alcohol.

ANY COLOUR YOU WANT AS LONG AS IT’S GREEN As there are not many choices for the painting I started by applying a coat of Tamiya acrylic XF-61 Dark Green as a base for further shading and highlighting. Next, I prepared a mix of the base XF-61 with 30% of XF-5 Green and 20% XF-62 Olive Drab. I airbrushed this mix diluted with 80% alcohol at the centre of the bigger surfaces and over some details from a distance of 15 cm. As this first highlight was a bit contrasted but not light enough I prepared a second mix adding a bit of XF-21 Sky and diluted at 90%. I applied this second filter to the whole model from a longer distance, 30-35 cm, to cover as evenly as possible. This filter enhanced the little details and softened the contrast of the earlier paint. A final sprayed filter with XF-21 at 90% lightened the general tone a bit more to prepare it for the dark washes to come. I applied a first wash with Mig and Titan oils to produce some shadows around the details, recesses and corners. First I moistened the model with turpentine and then I applied the oil paints diluted in this solvent A

This mix was sprayed in the centre of the larger surfaces and over some details.

The initial mix was not quite light enough so a second mix was created with a bit of XF-21 Sky and diluted with 90% thinners.

A final sprayed filter with XF-21 at 90% lightened the general tone a bit more to prepare it for the dark washes to come.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Meng Model 1:35 A39 Tortoise • Kit No. TS-002

I painted the tow cables with a base of light grey.

A wash was applied using Mig and Titan oils to produce some shadows around the details, recesses and corners.

B with a small brush. I used black and

dark brown colours mixed 50/50. For the exhaust, I used a two component rusting paint that produces a very natural effect. The first liquid is an iron solution that you can apply with a brush, then 24 hours later you apply the second product that really rusts the metal. The effect is clearly visible some hours later. These special paints are found at good hobby stores and they are not too expensive. Sometimes you can choose the second liquid to produce different tones of rust. These are very useful as you can imitate iron, bronze, etc. With the exhaust rusted and dry after two days I started to paint the stains using oils again, this time with the colours green, yellow, pink, pale blue, brown, grey and buff. As I had done with the washes, I moistened the surface of the model with turpentine and then I deposited little dots of the different oils on the surface to immediately sweep downwards with a brush dampened in the solvent. For the horizontal surfaces I replaced the sweeping movement for a stencilling. This way the little dots of oil became subtle clouds of colours that blended at the edges creating a kind of multicolour filter. At this stage I painted the spare tracks, the pale camouflage demarcation on the lower part of the gun barrel, the machine guns and the little red shield at the front. I used Alclad Lacquer ALC-120 gun metal for the machine guns, applied with a small brush. I like this shade very much. It is very close to the real finish of the guns. The spare links for the tracks received a base of Matt Black and later some subtle washes with dark red and earth oil paints. For the camouflage break on

the main gun I cut a mask from self-adhesive paper tape and covered the part of the piece I did not want to paint. Then I used Tamiya XF-21 Sky to paint the camouflage band followed by a heavy filter with matt white. The kit does not provide any kind of decals so I had to look at my spares box to see if there were any suitable to make the numbers on the sides of the tank,

specifically the ones of the vehicle preserved at Bovington. The search was not easy. I had to combine letters and numbers from different decals sheets but finally I had all I needed, although I would not be able to tell you the sources for all of them. I applied the decals with the aid of the Micro Set and Micro Sol products. First I applied a gloss varnish to prepare the surface for

For the exhaust, I used a two component rusting paint that produces a very natural effect.

Fittings have been added to the muffler.

the decals, then I cleaned both the model and the decals with the Micro Set product and placed them. After another ten minutes I applied the Micro Sol to adapt them to the surface perfectly. Once the liquids were dry I applied a coat of matt varnish to protect the job. I painted the towing cables with a base of light grey, to which I later applied successive washes with

The first liquid is an iron solution that you can apply with a brush, then 24 hours later you apply the second product that really rusts the metal.

Tracks were painted with a very dark red brown mix as a base.

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Stains were created using oil paints again, this time with the colours green, yellow, pink, pale blue, brown, grey and buff.

The kit does not provide any decals so I had to look to my spares box for these markings.

the Lifecolor rusting set, diluted in water and using a fine brush. I emphasised the clamps and the eyes that are at the cables ends as I saw that they were darker than the rest on real vehicle. At this stage I started to paint the already assembled lengths of tracks. I used a very dark red brown mix as a base and then I used an easy technique that I always use for spattering mud to achieve an authentically rusty look. The secret weapon required for this technique is an old toothbrush. Lifecolor’s rust paint set includes four tones of rust and another two of dust to splash little dots of each colour onto the tracks without waiting for each colour to dry completely. This way I managed to get a variety of tones along the tracks similar to how the rust shows in the real life. I began by adding a bit of the darkest colour with to the toothbrush bristles, then pulling the bristles back with a finger and letting them go gradually so the drops would spatter onto the tracks in front. I repeated the process with the next three colours and in the end the tracks looked as though they had been affected by rust for a long time. I took a close look at some photographs of the Bovington vehicle and I realised that in some places, most noticeably on

the wheels, there has been an accumulation of dust and grease that looked dark and… greasy. I tried to replicate that look by mixing oils and pigments, diluting them with a bit of turpentine and applying them with a small brush. I used dark brown oil and earth pigment and the result was a dark and glossy shadow very similar to the observed at the photographs. I applied this mix to the turpentine-dampened surface of some parts to obtain this shade with faded edges. To dirty the vehicle I used more or less the same technique, a mix of oils, diluted in turpentine and adding a bit of pigments here and there. I used dark brown oil and a variety of pigments that went from the light dust to the dark earth. Each time I let the wash dry to see the result and sometimes I had to thin it applying a wash of pure turpentine. I simulated the polished metal on the tracks and some other places by rubbing here and there with a graphite pencil. With the paint job complete, I added a Tasca gasoline can at the rear superstructure rack and painted the periscopes lenses with Vallejo gloss black. I applied a layer of pigments diluted in water with a brush at the lower part of the hull and the model was complete. A

The surface of the model was moistened with turpentine and then I deposited little dots of the different oils on the surface to immediately sweep downwards with a brush dampened in the solvent.

For the horizontal surfaces I replaced the sweeping movement for a stencilling.

Construction is quite easy, as is the “ preparation and handling of the pieces, even the smaller ones. That makes this kit a good choice for beginners. They also surely will enjoy adding such a huge model to their collection...

”

This way the little dots of oil became subtle clouds of colours that blended at the edges creating a kind of multicolour filter. January 2013 - Model Military International 17

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Meng Model 1:35 A39 Tortoise • Kit No. TS-002

B CONCLUSION

a,

I greatly enjoyed building this kit. It was easy and, once finished, looks very impressive. I have been following the Meng catalogue with great interest since the beginning and I have built most of their military vehicles. I am looking forward to seeing what Meng has in store for us next! ■

Modelspec Meng Model 1:35 A39 Tortoise. Kit No. TS-002

b,

Paints & Finishing Products:

c,

Tamiya Acrylics – XF-1 Flat Black; XF-61 Dark Green; XF-5 Green; XF-62 Olive Drab; XF-21 Sky Mig and Titan Oil Paints Alclad Lacquer - ALC-120 Gunmetal Micro Set and Micro Sol Lifecolor rusting set Graphite pencil ✓ Good level of detail; easy to build; anticipated subject. ✗ Some simplified parts. Available from Thanks to Meng Model for the sample www.meng-model.com

d,

Rating

a, At this stage I painted the spare tracks. I applied successive washes with the Lifecolor rusting set, diluted in water and using a fine brush b, To dirty the vehicle I used a mix of oils, diluted in turpentine and adding a bit of pigments here and there. c, I used dark brown oil and a variety of pigments that went from the light dust to the dark earth. d, Details added to the rear of the superstructure. e, Tasca’s lovely jerry can was fitted to the rack on the other side of the superstructure. f, High points on the tracks were touched up with a graphite pencil. g, The twin machine gun casing on the commander’s turret needed some filling and sanding.

e,

f,

g,

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High points on the tracks were touched up with a graphite pencil.

Lifecolor’s rust paint set includes four tones of rust and another two of dust to splash little dots of each colour onto the tracks without waiting for each colour to dry completely.

I applied a layer of pigments diluted in water with a brush at the lower part of the hull.

Meng’s 1:35 scale A39 Tortoise is easy to build and looks very impressive when finished.

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KIT PREVIEW

Tamiya 1:35 M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK I/II • Kit No. 35326

A Tamiya built test-shot of the new M1A2 SEP TUSK II

URBAN TUSK P roduction of the M1A2 began in 1992 with 77 built new and 600 M1s upgraded to the M1A2 standard. The M1A2 is fitted with an independent thermal sight for the Tank Commander. It is also fitted with second generation depleted uranium armour mesh. The M1A2 was the army’s first fully digital combat system. The M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Program), is the successor to the M1A2. Using refurbished M1 Tank hulls, the program includes target detection, recognition and identification by adding two 2nd generation FLIR’s. (Forward Looking Infrared). The 2nd Gen FLIR is a fully integrated sighting system designed to provide the gunner and tank commander with improved day and night target acquisition

The two new multi-part figures.

The glueable vinyl Big Foot tracks.

Markings for three vehicles are supplied on the small decal sheet.

and engagement capability. The M1A2 SEP is also fitted with third generation, depleted uranium armour. This makes it one of the best-protected tanks in the world. The Tank Urban Survival Kit, or TUSK, is a series of upgrades added to the M1A1/M1A2 Abrams. The kit can be installed in the field. It is intended to improve a tank’s survivability in urban environments. When fighting in an urban environment, attacks can come from any direction, and attackers can get close enough to hit weak points in the tank’s armour. The kits come in two versions. These may be identified by the shape of the Abrams Reactive Armour Tiles. The first kit has square tiles the second has tiles that are curved. Both TUSK versions include a gun shield and a thermal sight system added to the loader’s top-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun, and a CROWS remote controlled weapon station. TUSK entered service on M1A1 / M1A2 tanks in late 2007 and has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

TAMIYA’S 1:35 M1A2 SEP ABRAMS TUSK I/II Tamiya has conducted a 30-year affair with the Abrams tank, starting with their early 1:35 scale M1 kit from 1982. In 1992, their Desert Storm M1A1 was released with a number of revised and additional parts. In 2003, a further boxing was offered with yet more changes. This kit allowed an M1A1 HA, M1A1 Late Production or an initial M1A2 kit to be built. Now, in 2012, Tamiya has delivered the most significant upgrade yet with their M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II. I have a pre-production test shot of the kit due for release at the end of 2012. The new sprues are

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Stuart Ransley describes the full-sized M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK, while the Editor gets a sneak peek at a test shot of Tamiya’s forthcoming 1:35 scale kit, due for release around the end of 2012. presented in pale grey plastic on my sample, and the parts are as yet un-numbered. It should be pointed out that there will likely be changes to some of the parts seen here, and you can expect that the entire kit will be in Tamiya’s familiar desert tan shade by the time it hits the shops. The sample as it appears here comprises 318 pieces in grey and tan plastic, 20 parts in clear plastic, 22 polythene caps, one sheet of vinyl mesh, 1 sheet of clear acetate, two full length vinyl tracks and markings for three vehicles. It would appear that upward of 200 parts are either entirely new or revised, including two new multi-part crew figures. The sole part from the original 1982 release is the lower hull, and even that is now supplemented with separate armoured panels that conveniently cover the motorisation holes in the bottom of the part. The running gear from the 1992 kit is included, while the tracks are the revised “Big Foot” glueable vinyl lengths from the 2003 edition. This new kit will permit the modeller to build either a TUSK I or a TUSK II M1A2. Markings are supplied for two TUSK I and one TUSK II vehicles. Initial indications are that Tamiya has done a very thorough job at depicting the characteristics of this toughlooking urban MBT, although nonskid texture is still absent on the hull and turret. Until now, the only option for this latest version of the M1A2 Abrams in 1:35 scale has been an expensive resin conversion. Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale kit should be significantly easier to build, and cost less too. Anthony Sheedy will be reporting back on construction in a forthcoming Feature Article. ■

The 1982 lower hull, the only part from the original kit.

The upper hull is supplied on a new sprue.

The upper section of the revised turret.

TUSK II armour elements.

More new parts, including the cupola.

The new barrel and rear hull panel.

Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample. Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net Small detail parts on one of a number of new sprues.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Israeli Tank M51 • Kit No. 35323

UPGUNNED SHERMAN

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Chris Wauchop modifies Tamiya’s recently released 1:35 scale Israeli M51 with a number of scratch built additions. Tamiya has moulded surface texture on the model. Here is the upper hull.

I

n the early 1960s, the Arab nations surrounding Israel began to replace their ageing T-34/85s with the latest Russian T54/55 medium tanks, which rendered the IDFs M50 Sherman’s 75mm gun inadequate at most combat ranges. Because of its reliability and success in many operations, it was decided to retain the Sherman’s services but with a much more powerful gun. Re-armed with the shortened French CN-105-D1 highvelocity 105mm gun, the M51 Sherman was born and would serve admirably alongside its more modern compatriots.

THE MODEL Tamiya’s 1:35 scale kit presents us with a first-production run Israeli M51 and as far as I know it is the only kit available of this variant. The quality of the kit is up to Tamiya’s usual brilliant standard

The kit supplied, full-length vinyl T80 tracks.

and would build a beautiful model straight from the box, but I wasn’t about to let that happen! This was a commission build and for once I had not been provided with a comprehensive after market detail set, so I began to determine which parts I would be able to scratch build with the materials that were available to me in my work room. This was not going to be to much of a stretch as I do have quite a good collection of Evergreen plastic products, brass tube, brass and copper wire and a drawer full of left over photo-etch sets that are being saved for just such an occasion.

THE BUILD The first job I tackled, before the upper and lower hulls were glued together, was to remove all the moulded-on stowage brackets from the kit tools. With the aid of good photographic reference, these brackets were fabricated from 10 thou plastic card. The Evergreen

plastic is quite flexible and can be bent 180° if necessary - and it was going to be! After these were all glued in place, the tail light protective frames were also replaced with units made from plastic strip. I tried to do the same for the headlights but getting the right length and curve proved to be too much for my poor old brain so I ended up using the kit parts after some careful thinning with a jeweller’s file. The flat frame at the front of the horn cover was also replaced with a more accurate profile configuration. Once these plastic modifications had been added it was time to bend some wire. All tie-down loops, hatch handles and door latches were replaced with various gauges of brass and copper wire bent to shape and glued into dozens of carefully pre-drilled holes. The grouser vents had some suitably sized photo-etched mesh from the spares drawer cut to shape and A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Israeli Tank M51 • Kit No. 35323

Tool stowage brackets, handles and tied-down loops were added using .010 Evergreen plastic strip of various widths and fine wire and brass tube.

B glued to their open fronts before

being permanently attached to the rear engine deck. My client did include a set of four U.S. Jerry cans from a Tasca kit so my next task was to make the brackets to hold them. The model actually required brackets for five fuel and two water cans so after removing the mouldedon brackets from one of the kit’s fuel cans and the two water cans, seven new brackets were made using various widths of 10 thou Evergreen plastic strip. The top rail of each bracket has a tiny attachment loop glued in place ready for the securing strap, which will be added later. Also included by the client was a Tasca M2 .50 cal. machine gun set. This is a beautifully detailed little kit all on its own and a worthy replacement for the very nice unit supplied by Tamiya. The suspension units were now assembled and fitted to the lower hull, which also had a few additions rather than modifications made at this point. These included a clamp for holding the end of the tow cable and a bracket for securing a roll of barbed wire on the glacis. Locking pins and braces were added to the towing points on the lower front hull. These were all fabricated using plastic rod and strip unlike the locking handles and their safety chains on the rear engine access doors, which were added using brass wire and spare photo-etched chain. The turret assembly was next. This required minor filling, sanding and re-texturing around the main join line of the two halves. Some more careful work was needed to conceal the joins at the four corners of the canvas mantlet cover, however this was achieved relatively simply with the use of a needle file and some liquid putty. A few replacements and additions were made at this point. These included substituting the two brackets (kit parts C32 and C33) with scratch built items made using plastic strip. New springs were also added to the loader’s

hatch. These springs are relatively simple to make by tightly winding fine copper wire around a piece of brass rod of the appropriate diameter and then slipping it off the rod and cutting to length. The moulded kit springs were carefully removed with a scalpel and the new parts glued in place. Commander’s and loader’s solid hatch handles were replaced with copper wire as were the four

tie-down loops on the top of the turret’s rear bustle. An aerial mast was cut to, what I think was, an appropriate length and glued into a pre-drilled hole in the mast mounting post. The last additions to the turret were the four smoke dischargers’ safety chains. These were again sourced from my photoetch spares drawer. The kit tracks (which had been glued together the previous

Extra detail was added to the rear communications Scratch-built latches on the hull stowage bin. box using various gauges of wire.

The flat horn cover bracket was replaced with a scratch-built side profile bracket. The kit light guards were also filed to a more accurate (thinner) scale and the bow machine gun muzzle drilled out.

Scratch-built Jerry can brackets were fabricated from Evergreen plastic strip.

The replacement tail light bracket.

day) were now stretched over the running gear and the upper hull was glued in place. Joining braces between the glacis and the mudguards were cut from plastic strip and added at this point. The only areas that I could see needed filling were the joins above and below the bolt-on joining strip between the top of the transmission housing and the upper hull. These were quickly

Close up of the scratch-built rear hull detail.

Towing point locking pins and braces, brackets for securing barbed wire roll and tow cable, and mudguard braces were all added using Evergreen plastic strip and rod.

Tasca Jerry cans sit snuggly in their scratch-built brackets. Also showing copper tow cable and a P/E mesh grouser vent in place.

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All the additional detail may be seen in this overall view.

The quality of the kit is up to “ Tamiya’s usual brilliant standard

and would build a beautiful model straight from the box, but I wasn’t about to let that happen..!

”

The gorgeous Tasca .50 cal. machine gun was used to replace kit part. Also visible in this shot is all the added turret detail including replacement loader’s hatch handle and springs, wire tie-down loops, radio antenna and photo-etched smoke discharger cap-retaining chains and square bracket on the rear bustle.

dealt with by the application of a few brushstrokes of Mr Surfacer 500 liquid putty. I quickly determined that the kit-supplied string was not really going to adequately represent a metal tow cable and so it was replaced with a length of suitable copper twine, again sourced from my ever-dwindling spares drawer.

STOWAGE A shot showing the filled turret join with texture added using Gunze Sangyo’s Mr Surfacer 500.

With the main construction done and the tow cable secured it was time to add some stuff to the rear deck. After checking my reference photos it was clear

Close up of the new loader’s hatch handle and springs fabricated using copper wire.

that the accumulation of stowage was fairly extensive on most, if not all, early M51s. I decided to make rolled tarpaulins and things covered with tarpaulins and my material of choice for this exercise was lead foil. Several years ago I acquired a box containing about two hundred sheets of very thin, paper-backed lead foil and this would prove to be the perfect medium for the exercise. The sheets were cut to ‘appropriate tarpaulin size’, crumpled up as tightly as I could manage and then flattened out again which gives a much more realistic ‘used’ appearance. A A

The photo-etched smoke discharger cap-retaining chains sourced from my spares drawer.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Israeli Tank M51 • Kit No. 35323

B couple of bits of balsa were cut to

The roll of wire on the front glacis was taken off the final model. This is because it really needs to be barbed wire and I didn’t have any photo-etched barbed wire in my spares drawer!

PAINT, DECALS AND WEATHERING

Main construction complete and primed.

This really was one of the most enjoyable “ builds that I have undertaken. Everything went

together perfectly, and even my scratch-built items generally fitted on the first go...

”

The entire model was given 2 or 3 coats of Gunze Sangyo H404 Khaki Brown, with tyres and tracks carefully painted in a mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown. Jerry can and tool-securing straps have been added at this point.

fit the engine deck and luggage rack and were then wrapped in the foil tarp and tied up with string. Other tarps were roughly rolled and tied up then carefully fitted over and around the fixtures on the top and side of the engine deck. Lead foil was also used to fabricate the webbing packs and bags hanging from the rear turret handrail. None of these items was glued in place at this stage, which allowed me to paint and weather them before being attached. This goes for the Jerry cans as well. In fact none of the Jerry cans or tools were ever glued in place but rather are held quite firmly by the snug fit of their brackets and tiny lead foil straps. The tank and all the separate stowage items were now given a light coat of Alclad grey primer and put aside to dry.

Before the application of the base camouflage colour, equipment tiedown straps cut from lead foil were threaded through their appropriate loops and the tracks and tyres were roughly sprayed Flat Black. After much research I determined that Gunze Sangyo H404 Khaki Brown acrylic was a pretty close match to a light IDF Sinai Grey so the model received two good coats of this colour. I then loaded the airbrush with a very thin mix of Tamiya acrylic XF-59 Desert Yellow which was used to subtly vary the tone of the base colour by careful shading around any raised detail and lightly streaking any larger flat areas. I now brush painted the tyres and tracks with a thin 50/50 mix of Tamiya acrylic XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown. Two large number 5s were cut from the Verlinden rub-down decal sheet of IDF Vehicle Markings no.155 and applied to the forward turret sides before an overall gloss coat was sprayed . As I could not find any other markings on the Verlinden sheet that I wished to use, I decided to use the kit decals for the rest of the job, so the entire model received a good coat of Future Floor polish in preparation for their application. Another light coat of Future was sprayed over them after the decals had set and the tank was now ready for some weathering.

WEATHERING The first step in the weathering process was a wash of the Tamiya Black/ Brown mix but this time using enamel paints and a little more brown than black. This wash was applied quite generously to the running gear to bring out A

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Woodwork on tools was painted with Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow and subtly shaded. Metalwork on tools was painted with Tamiya XF-63 German Grey / XF-64 Red Brown mix and then burnished with a 6B pencil. Scratches were applied using the Grey/Brown mix.

Rear stowage tarpaulins were painted with Gunze Sangyo H52 Olive Drab and H404 Khaki Brown.

Tarpaulins were tied with rigging string from the spares drawer and dusted with pastel chalk.

The solid plastic headlights were painted using the ‘Brett Green’ method. Barbed wire and tow cable brackets, as well as the screen in front of the horn housing, were scratch built using plastic strip.

The unit marking on the side stowage box has been hand painted.

The Tasca .50 cal. machine gun painted and weathered.

The muzzle brake was carefully sprayed with a thin mix of Tamiya Acrylic XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown.

The beautifully detailed HVSS units have received a wash of Tamiya enamel Black/Brown to highlight the fine detail. Tracks and track connector ends have each received a watery drop of Tamiya: XF-57 Buff.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Israeli Tank M51 • Kit No. 35323

B the beautiful detail of the HVSS

suspension units. Next, the tracks were given a very thin, watery wash of Tamiya acrylic XF-57 Buff. This was applied very generously to the ends of each track joiner to give the look of caked-on sand. The tow cable was then carefully painted with a 50/50 mix of XF-64 Red Brown and XF-63 German Grey. The metal parts of the tools had previously been painted with this mix and then burnished with graphite from a 6B pencil. The .50 cal. also received the same treatment. The vision blocks of the Commander’s cupola were painted with a watery Black/Brown mix. Once dry, each window was carefully filled with Future Floor Polish, which resulted in a very realistic glazed appearance. The muzzle brake was sprayed with the thin Black/Brown mix, which gives the dirty appearance consistent in many photos of these vehicles. A batch of very light sandcoloured pastel chalk dust was now mixed and liberally but selectively brushed and scrubbed into areas where it was likely to have accumulated, i.e. tracks, running gear, mantlet cover; in fact most of the exterior! It was at this stage that I remembered the solid, singlecoloured plastic headlights. I had been avoiding their installation because I had no clear plastic alternative, so I decided to attempt the ‘Brett Green’ method of painting the solid plastic lenses to look like clear glass ones. Armed with a close-up colour

photo of an M51 headlight, and after about a half a dozen attempts, I managed to produce a remarkably realistic result. Once painted, each lens was finishedoff with a drop of glossy Future clear—a much more satisfactory result rather than painting them silver as the kit instructions advise. The wooden handles of the tools were given a coat of Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow and some shading, courtesy of the Red/Brown mix, and were then placed in position and secured with their straps. All the rear stowage items were now painted with various shades of khaki and brown and glued into positioned then generously dusted with the sandy chalk dust. The raised track treads received a polish with a silver pencil and she was finished!

The entire model received a heavy and uneven dusting of sand-coloured pastel chalk.

CONCLUSION The M51 has always been a subject that interested me but I probably would never have attempted to build one unless I was asked, so I was more than delighted when I was commissioned to build this beautiful Tamiya kit. This really was one of the most enjoyable builds that I have undertaken. Everything went together perfectly, and even my scratch-built items generally fitted on the first go. Tamiya’s 1:35 scale M51 is an absolute pleasure to build, great fun to paint and weather, and I would recommend it to modellers of any skill level, even those who are even only slightly interested in Israeli Armour. Well done Tamiya! ■

With a few scratch-built extras, the Tamiya M51 looks as though it means business!

Chris’s modified M51 next to the Editor’s kit built earlier this year. The contrast between the camouflage colours is quite striking!

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The huge CN-105-D1 gun is highlighted in this profile view.

Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 Israeli Tank M51

Kit No. 35323

Accessories and Materials: Tasca U.S. Jerry cans Tasca M2 .50 Cal. Machine gun Verlinden Productions Sheet No. 155-Israeli Vehicle Markings No.1 Evergreen Plastic Strip Brass and Copper wire Brass Tube Italaeri rigging string Lead foil Testors AZTEC Airbrush Paints And Finishing Products: ALCLAD II: ALC 302 Grey primer Prismacolor PC949 Silver pencil Gunze Sangyo: Mr Surfacer 500 Johnson’s Future clear floor sealer Tamiya Acrylics: XF-1 Flat Black; XF-2 Flat White; XF-57 Buff; XF-59 Desert Yellow; XF-63 German Grey; XF-64 Red Brown Gunze Sangyo: H52 Olive Drab; H404 Khaki Brown Pastel chalk dust ✓ Great subject; superb fit; easy build. ✗ Some details missing and those solid headlamps! Available from Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

Rating

Packs hanging from rear turret handrail were made using lead foil.

Wear on the raised track treads was created by rubbing with a silver pencil.

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KIT PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 M24 Chaffee - Post War Version • Kit No. CB35072

The lower hull.

The turret is the later moulding with the corrected roofline.

COMPACT COLD WARRIOR Adam O’Brien seems suitably impressed with Bronco’s 1:35 scale post-war M24 Chaffee.

T

he M24 Chaffee was a fast, reliable small tank boasting the firepower of the M4 Sherman that entered service just as WWII was ending. The US did not significantly alter the M24, but post-war tanks were fitted with improved tracks. When the Korean War started, the only Allied tanks available were the M24s stationed there. They served well until the heavier M4 and M26 tanks arrived. Small numbers of M24s were used by many countries including Pakistan, France, Italy, Japan, Denmark. Norway, Taiwan, Netherlands, Greece and Laos. In all, 28 countries used the M24. The first impression is the size of the box - it is quite large for a small tank. It is not until you open the box that you realize the amount of research and development that went into this kit. Spread out over no less than 32 sprues, we find a grand total of 575 parts. In addition to the plastic parts we have 2 photo etched frets, a decal sheet (in perfect register) and a length of string to represent tow cable. The instruction booklet is 28 colour pages. Notably, this kit contains a

Moulding quality is up there with the best throughout.

The modest decal sheet covers an impressive seven post-war subjects.

couple of workable features. Firstly, the suspension is fully workable using torsion bars that span the width of the lower hull. The torsion bars feature internal covers that should protect the bars from undue “bending” inside the hull. The shock absorbers are in multiple parts that allow movement for the suspension action. Secondly, the main gun barrel has a recoil mechanism through a plastic spring hidden within the body of the gun. Moulding quality of the parts is first rate and is equal to the best offerings of Tamiya and the like. My sample kit had no flash at all. Browsing through the sprues, I can see no pin marks that will cause any grief to the modeller. Those that I can see are all on back-faces, and will not be seen. As mentioned prior, this kit contains many parts, most of which are small to tiny. Great care will be needed during construction to remove the many small parts correctly, and without damage. Detail on all parts is again first rate - some of the finest detail I have ever seen in plastic, or even resin. The lower hull is beautifully moulded with every bolthead and weld seam sharp and defined. The glacis and final drive housings are beautifully detailed with even the casting numbers provided on the etched frets. The idler wheels are provided as one piece items, again perfectly detailed with sharply defined lightening holes. The road wheels are built-up with separate rims and tires, and match the idlers in their level of detail. The intricacy of the road wheel hubs needs to be seen to be appreciated. The drive wheels feature a one piece hub and separate sprockets. The post war tracks are beautifully represented using no less than 3 parts per link. Modellers will need to be extremely careful with the liquid cement to allow the links to move independent of each other.

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The upper hull and turret on this kit are a work of art. I have never seen this level of detail on a AFV kit. The turret mounting ring has the correct gear “teeth” moulded with extreme finesse. Bolthead and weld seam details are perfectly reproduced. The separately moulded engine covers feature fine louvered panels and photo etched grilles. Many smaller details adorn the hull such as headlight guards, casting numbers, fuel filler caps, tools and grab handles etc., and are all beautifully moulded and detailed. The hull mounted .30cal features a full ball-mounting and is movable. The turret consists of a 2-part lower ring, to which the upper shell and 2-part mantlet are attached. Turret hatches again can be modelled opened or closed and feature stunning levels of detail inside and out. The 75mm main gun is nicely detailed with the breech and inner details included in the kit. The barrel itself is a single piece with a hollowed muzzle. The turret-mounted .50cal is a 15 part assembly and is very nicely done with a hollow cooling jacket, very similar to the standard-setting Tasca items. The decal sheet contains markings for seven post-war machines - South Vietnamese machines from 1967 and 1968, a Korean tank from 1958, and a Pakistani machine from 1971, just to name a few. This is a stunning release, with levels of detail and moulding quality rarely seen. I would not recommend this kit to the inexperienced modeller due to the sheer number of parts and tiny size of many components, but given patience and some assembly and painting skill the finished model will be a showstopper. ■

More turret parts.

Smaller details are beautifully rendered too.

The gun barrel features a workable recoil mechanism.

Check out the teeth on the turret ring – great detail!

Lovely subtle grille detail.

Thanks to Bronco for the sample www.bronco-model.com Full length track guards.

08/11/2012 10:57

Halifax Modellers World 29 Union Street, Halifax, HX1 1PR

DRAGON 1/35 SCALE DN6747 Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf A............................ £49.99 DN6691 German RSO/1 Tractor.................... £44.99 DN6550 FlakPanzer IV Ostwind.................... £49.99 DN6761 OPEL MAULTIER.............................. £47.50 DN6739 Sdkfz 10/4 w/flak 30......................... £45.00

MINI-ART 1/35 SCALE MIN35095 Mercedes Benz 170V...................... £26.99 MIN35133 GAZ AAA 1943 Truck....................... £27.99 MIN35128 Japanese Tank Crew.........................£8.99 MIN35137 Pushing Soviet Soldiers.....................£8.99

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ARMOURFAST 1/72 SCALE ARM89001 Le FH18 105mm w/crew.....................£7.50

BRONCO 1/35 SCALE CB35067 17/25pdr desert crew...................... £11.99 CB35068 British Chaffee.................................. £39.99 CB35100 ‘Buffalo’ 6x6 MPCV.......................... £49.99 CB35033 Hungarian Zrinyi...................................TBA CB35111 British Bofors AA Gun.........................TBA ACADEMY 1/35 SCALE AC13230 Hetzer Late version......................... £19.99 TRUMPETER 1/35 SCALE TM01578 T-64A MOD 1972 MBT..................... £29.99 TM01571 SU-152 Heavy Howitzer.................. £25.99 TM01545 BTR-60PB Upgraded....................... £25.99 TM01590 BTR-70APC(Early)............................ £25.99 TM01597 JGSDF TYPE 99SPH......................... £27.99 AFV CLUB 1/35 SCALE AF35170 Bussing Nag L4500S........................ £34.99 AF35192 M42A1 Duster Early......................... £47.99 AF35232 Sdkfz 232 Armoured car................. £39.99 MENG MODELS 1/35 SCALE MGTS001 Merkava IIID..................................... £45.00 TAMIYA 1/35 SCALE TA35325 Elephant............................................. £49.99 TA35324 T-55 Enigma....................................... £49.99 REVELL 1/35 SCALE RV3096 SPz Puma.......................................... £24.99 RV3097 Leopard 2A6/A6M............................ £24.99

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07/11/2012 16:49

SHOW REPORT

MVPA 2012

MVPA 2012 Scott Taylor reports on the 37th annual Military Vehicle Preservation Association Annual Convention and Armour Modelling and Preservation Society Huntsville Regional Show.

T

he 37th annual Military Vehicle Preservation Association Annual Convention and Armour Modelling and Preservation Society Huntsville Regional Show took place on 28-30 June 2012 at the Von Braun Centre in Huntsville, Alabama. This was the second time, after the MVPA Convention in Kansas in 2010, that AMPS has held a regional show inside the MVPA convention centre. While not on the scale of some of the large European military vehicle shows like War & Peace, the MVPA Convention nonetheless is an impressive gathering of vintage military vehicles, brought by their owners not just for display but also competition. Fortunately the convention centre was large enough to hold the entire show inside, because Huntsville had

record-setting heat that week (record-setting heat in Alabama in late June is HOT). There were approximately 100 entries (vehicles, trailers and artillery) on display at this year’s show, ranging from Jeeps, M151s and Dodge WC-series through a variety of 2 ½ ton and 5-ton trucks to an MT-LB, M901 ITV and T-34/85. Many of these vehicles have been meticulously restored, with thousands of hours and many thousands of dollars invested into making their subject look just like it did when it rolled off the production line up to 75 years ago. The MVPA convention is a great place for modellers to get up close and personal with historic military vehicles, since the owners are generally very eager to talk about and show off their pride and joy. It was easy to pick out the modellers in the crowd – they were generally sticking cameras in,

One of the more unusual and rare vehicles entered was Frederick Hoppe, Jr.’s 1944 GMC AFKWX version of the ubiquitous 2.5 ton truck, which won a gold medal in the Motorpool class.

A number of 2.5 ton trucks were entered in the MVPA portion of the show, including this pair of CCKWs. The near vehicle is a short wheelbase CCKW-352, while a long wheel base CCKW-353 is beside it.

A number of US Army rocket and missile weapons systems developed at Redstone Arsenal are on display at the US Space and Rocket Centre, including this M48A1 Chaparral surface to air missile launcher.

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under, and over the vehicles! For many, the star of the show was the MAZ-543 Scud-B transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) that the US Army sent from Redstone Arsenal for display in the convention hall. This fully functioning and original example is used by the Army for a variety of training purposes, and convention attendees were able to explore every nook and cranny of this massive and very complex vehicle. As somebody who has a Dragon Scud kit in my collection, I found that looking at a real Scud was both inspiring and intimidating. The AMPS regional show was hosted by the AMPS Atlanta chapter. Altogether, approximately 75 models were on the 10 display tables, representing all eras and scales. MVPA members who are used to working with the real thing were fascinated by and very appreciative of the research and craftsmanship that went into the models. One told me that as he spent time looking at the models at a quiet time one morning, he could ‘hear’ the stories that the models were telling – that to him these were not just pieces of plastic, but efforts on the part of the builder to capture history. While much of the vending at the show was understandably aimed at vehicle owners and restorers, there were a few model vendors, including Mid-Tenn Hobbies and TS Productions. Additionally, many of the items on the vending tables A

Aside from vintage military vehicles, MVPA members also bring artillery to the show. This meticulously restored 75mm M1A1 Pack Howitzer was displayed with all of the equipment that was originally issued with it.

Many of the vehicles entered in the MVPA portion of the show may be seen here. The top of the Scud missile is in the rafters!

Amongst the vehicles on display at the Veterans’ Memorial Museum in Huntsville is this ex-Iraqi Panhard VCR/TH antitank vehicle, with a BTR-152 APC and ZPU-4 quadruple 14.5mm antiaircraft gun behind it.

Modellers aren’t the only ones who do conversions! Alan Morehead’s M6 Gun Motor Carriage has been converted from a standard 1942 Dodge WC-52, with a combination of original parts and fabricated ones.

One of the advantages of having a model show and a military vehicle show co-located is the opportunity to see the same subject both full-sized and in scale. Patton’s uniquely modified Dodge WC-57 Command Car was represented both in real life (complete with General George S. Patton re-enactor!) and in 1:35 scale.

David Farris’ abandoned 1:35 King Tiger won Best Axis subject.

This Tamiya 1:35 M8 Greyhound won Best of Show and Best Allied subject for Mike Petty.

It’s nice to see some older kits built up on the tables. Ben Trimm’s Leopard 1A4 was built from the late 1970s-vintage Tamiya 1:35 scale kit.

The US Army’s Redstone Arsenal sent a MAZ-543 Scud launcher to display at the show. As might be expected, it attracted a lot of attention among visitors; not only was it by far the largest vehicle in the show, it might have been the loudest as well!

One of several Tamiya 1:35 scale T-55s on the tables was this Polish example by Dave Oswalt, which won an intermediate gold in Category III, Closed Top Tracked Armour, Post-1945. January 2013 - Model Military International 33

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SHOW REPORT

MVPA 2012

B had crossover appeal, including

books, vintage technical manuals, photographs, and collectible items. Seminars were also run throughout the show, including a couple on the history of the M4 Sherman and the Stuart family by Rob Ervin. Huntsville, known as “Rocket City, USA,” earned its nickname because it has been the home of US Army rocket research and development since 1948 and also the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre since 1960. Since then, most of the big US rocket engines, including the mighty Saturn V that took people to the Moon, have been developed in Huntsville, and the Marshall Space Flight Centre remains the largest centre in NASA. All of this means that Huntsville is one of the great destinations for space geeks. The US Space and Rocket Centre has a vast collection of spaceflight artefacts on display, including both a genuine Saturn V that was used for testing in the 1960s and a full-scale replica standing upright outside the centre that dominates the skyline, and is a must-see for anybody visiting the area. For military vehicle enthusiasts, the Veterans’ Memorial Museum

is another destination of choice. There are plenty of gems in this museum. For Sherman enthusiasts (even in the US south there are some of those!), examples of every type of 75mm turret are in the collection. One of the first 100 M3 Stuarts that was built with a riveted turret is being restored, while Ford Pygmy, Serial Number 1, one of the ancestors of the Jeep, is also on display. Post-war artefacts include a UH-1H flown in Vietnam by Robert Mason, author of Chickenhawk, as well as a PBR Mark II and several ex-Iraqi vehicles brought back after Operation Desert Storm. Next year’s MVPA convention will be held from July 25 to 27 at the Portland Expo Centre in Portland Oregon. Hopefully there will be an AMPS presence at that show as well, to build upon the fruitful cooperation between AMPS and MVPA and encourage modellers and historic military vehicle restorers in the USA to continue to share their interests. For more information on upcoming MVPA events, visit www.mvpa. org, and for more information on upcoming AMPS events, go to www.amps-armour.org ■

Huntsville Alabama is known as “the Rocket City” because it is home to the US Army’s Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre, as well as the US Space and Rocket Centre. The US Space and Rocket Centre’s rocket garden has a large collection of rockets and missiles including this Jupiter intermediate range ballistic missile and a JB-2 Thunderbug (the US Army’s copy of the V-1). In the background a full-scale replica of the mighty Saturn V that took men to the Moon, standing over 110m (363’) tall, towers over the parking lot and nearby Interstate 565.

Rob Ervin, the founder of Formations Models, gave two presentations at the show, one on the development of M3 and M5 Stuart and this one on the development of the M4 Sherman.

The Scud launcher is fully operational, and visitors had a chance to see almost all of the vehicle’s workings up close, especially when the missile launch platform was raised and lowered in the exhibit hall. The MAZ-543 TEL is an extremely complex vehicle.

One of the many interesting “fixer-uppers” in the storage compound at the Veterans’ Memorial Museum is this M4 composite hull Sherman with the E9 spaced-out suspension, one of a number of Shermans and other vehicles awaiting restoration at the museum.

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Ron Hargrove brought along several vehicles, including this T34-85 that came to the United States via the former Yugoslavia. In common with all of the vehicles on display, this tank is a runner.

08/11/2012 10:59

Squadron/Signal Publications Over 250 books offering a wealth of information SQUADRON/SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS MODELLING REFERENCE BOOKS Squadron Signal Publications is one of the best known and most extensive ranges of modelling reference books ever published, featuring high quality photographs of aircraft, tanks, ships and more in action, as well as an ever-expanding range of ‘walk-around’ volumes which show the subject inside and out in crystal-clear photographs - perfect for superdetailing projects. The books have been helping modellers to add essential details, find markings and apply paint schemes to aircraft, armour and ship models for many years, and the great news is that Squadron Signal books are now easier to find than ever before, because ADH Publishing, the company that brings you this magazine each month, is importing them from the USA. You can find Squadron Signal at good model and book shops, and you can also check www.adhbooks.com to see what we have on offer! Please call us now for full details of prices, availability and range; UK (+44) 01525 222573

SS27025 - M26 Dragon Wagon Walk Around (Soft Cover) SS67025 - M26 Dragon Wagon Walk Around (Hard Cover) Designed by the Knuckey Truck Company with series production by the Pacific Car and Foundry Company, the “40-ton Tank Transporter Truck Trailer M25” - dubbed the “Dragon Wagon” by enthusiasts - was the largest wheeled vehicle fielded by the U.S. Army during World War II. The M25 consisted of the M26 tractor and M15 trailer. Designed to recover disabled tanks and other heavy armored vehicles from forward areas, the M26 featured a large and heavily armored cab to protect the crew. Field use, however, indicated that typically this vehicle was not used in recovery operations during the heat of battle, so the later-production M26A1 eschewed the armored cab in favor of reduced weight and increased reliability. As U.S. tanks evolved and became larger and heavier, an upgraded version of the trailer, the M15A1, was introduced to accommodate them. During the 1950s the M15A1 was further modified to the M15A2 standard, which featured a 24-volt lighting system. As such, these veteran trailers saw service thorough the Vietnam War and into the 1970s. The M26 and M26A1 remained in the U.S. Army inventory well beyond the end of WWII - even being employed by NASA to move the Saturn V rockets that launched man to the moon in the 1960s. This Walk Around examines the armored and soft-skin versions of this massive vehicle, and its trailers, through hundreds of color photos and some of the finest restored examples in existence. The reader is visually taken over, under, and through these vehicles from front bumper to loading ramp. Illustrated with over 230 photographs. 80 pages.

SS27029 - M18 HELLCAT TANK DESTROYER WALK AROUND (Soft cover) SS67029 - M18 HELLCAT TANK DESTROYER WALK AROUND (Hard cover)

SS12051 - M151 MUTT IN ACTION (Soft cover) SS52051 - M151 MUTT IN ACTION (Hard cover)

Though relatively lightly armored, Buick’s M18 Hellcat could top 55 MPH, making it the fastest armored fighting vehicle fielded during World War II. The Tank Destroyer men who crewed these vehicles used this speed and the Hellcat’s 76mm high-velocity cannon to destroy German tanks; firing at the vulnerable areas of the enemy, and then racing away before coming under fire themselves. This volume examines the three principal variants of the Hellcat - the preproduction T70, early M18, and late M18, using ample visual reference to document these vehicles - and their differences - inside and out. Engine and drive train, driver’s compartment, weapons and sighting systems, and stowage - both interior and exterior - are all carefully presented. Illustrated with 230 color photographs, 5 color photographs, 5 line drawings, and 4 profiles; 80 pages.

The M151 was intended to be a lightweight, high-mobility replacement for the M38A1, itself a successor to the famed World War II jeep. Dubbed the Military Utility Tactical Truck or “MUTT” by the military - GIs almost universally referred to the vehicle as a “jeep.” The series’ service life spanned more than 40 years and four manufacturers, and the vehicles saw service everywhere the US GI was deployed. This volume chronicles the development and field use of the M151 series in Europe, the Middle East and, of course, there is extensive coverage of the vehicles’ service in Vietnam. The photos, many previously unpublished, are augmented by seven line drawings. Illustrated with 220 photographs; 80 pages.

SS27026 - M551 Sheridan Walk Around (Soft cover) SS67026 - M551 Sheridan Walk Around (Hard cover) First deployed in combat in Vietnam, the M551 Sheridan is the first U.S. tank to be fully amphibious and also airborne capable. Though maintenance problems and issues with the gun-launcher system caused the M551 to be withdrawn from most active Army units in the late 1970s, it continued to serve the 82nd Airborne Division as the only armored vehicle in the Army’s inventory that could be air dropped. With the 82nd, the Sheridan took part in the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 and in the war against Iraq in 1990-1991. The last M551s were withdrawn from U.S. service in 2003. Based on photographic studies of various M551s, volume offers readers the first-ever up close look at the Sheridan. Coverage of the basic M551 begins with the suspension and works its way around the exterior of the tank, into the engine compartment and finishes with a detailed look at the vehicle’s interior. Photos of the sub-variants of the M551 Sheridan, such as the “Product Improvement Program,” A1, and VISMODs round out this profile of the versatile historic tank. Illustrated by more than 240 photographs plus eight detailed line drawings. 80 pages.

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Shown here is a selection of some of the most popular titles, many more available Available from all good model and book shops For more details visit www.adhbooks.com or call 01525 222573 • Trade enquiries welcome Official UK distributor ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Beds LU6 1QX Tel: 01525 222573 • Fax: 01525 222574 • email: [email protected]

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07/11/2012 16:37

FEATURE ARTICLE

Brach Models 1:35 scale Selbstfahrlette fur 7.5cm PaK 40 Auf Somua • Kit No. MCG S307 (f)

SOMUA H C N U P A S K PA

1:35 scale Somua MCG S307 Jeremy Moore builds Brach Models’rman 7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun. halftrack armed with the deadly Ge

W

hen it comes to scale modelling, I will be the first to admit that I have a bias towards WWII Allied subjects, and more specifically the Sherman tank. That being said however, I am always open to cool and unusual subjects that will grab people’s attention and stand out on a contest table or in the display case.

Enter Brach Models and their 1:35 scale release of the unique Somua MCG S307 halftrack armed with the deadly German 7.5cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun. In official nomenclature it’s referred to as Selbstfahrlette fur 7.5cm PaK 40 Auf Somua MCG S307 (f). The Somua PaK (for the sake of simplicity) was one of several unique vehicles developed by

Wehrmacht Major Alfred Becker, a WWI veteran and mechanical engineer charged with converting equipment captured from the French during the occupation in 1940. It is estimated that between 70-75 Somua S307 halftracks were converted with the PaK 40 along with a number of others configured with a mortar array, also available in kit form from Brach Models.

The majority of the PaK versions would end up with the Panzergrenadier regiments of the 21st Panzer Division assigned to defend the Normandy region. With very few photos or references available, the Somua PaK has never before been tackled by a kit manufacturer until the Brach Models release in resin. So without further delay, let’s get started!

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Construction is generally straightforward, but you do need to pay attention to the instructions. The quality of Brach Models’ resin castings is simply superb.

Running gear parts in progress.

RESIN EXTRAORDINAIRE The kit is made up from finely cast gray resin parts – some of the nicest resin castings I have seen - along with a turned aluminium barrel for the PaK 40. The parts are bagged in logical groups and all come wrapped in bubble wrap packed in a sturdy cardboard box. A small decal sheet is also included with two types of balkenkreuz and some shipping stencils and vehicle numbers.

The bottom of the engine is cast as a single piece and fits snugly between the frame.

The instructions are printed in a small booklet and consist of a series of photos with arrows and parts numbering to aid in placement. At first glance they appeared a bit rudimentary but in the end they were more than adequate to successfully complete the model. The quality of the resin castings is simply phenomenal – very little flash, minimal sprue attachments, and impressive detail that is often

Smaller parts include the pigtail towing hooks, headlights, rear mud guards, tools and crew steps on the hull sides.

The PaK 40 is one of the nicest components of the kit due to its ease of assembly and detail.

The tracks consist of sections of links, preformed curved sections, and the drive sprockets with track sections molded around them.

difficult to capture in resin. As an example, the entire upper and lower hull including the suspension frame along with the driver’s compartment and fighting compartment are cast as a single piece with absolutely no loss of detail! In an effort to speed up assembly I removed some of the larger parts from their sprue and employed some of my favourite tools for working with resin during parts clean-up including

a UMM razor saw, Xacto razor saw, a sharp hobby knife, and sanding sticks of various grades. I would suggest leaving some of the smaller parts on their sprue until you’re ready to place them on the model as they may find their way off your workbench and into the carpet monster! I would also recommend using thick geltype cyanoacrylate throughout construction to allow for some positioning time of the parts. A

I opted to leave off the steering wheel until final assembly to make painting a little easier.

The kit supplied radio was replaced with one cobbled together from Several sizes of fine solder were also used to simulate the Tiger Models resin parts and racks scratched from styrene. various wires and cables for the radio equipment. January 2013 - Model Military International 37

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08/11/2012 11:00

FEATURE ARTICLE

Brach Models 1:35 scale Selbstfahrlette fur 7.5cm PaK 40 Auf Somua • Kit No. MCG S307 (f)

B CONSTRUCTION Construction began with the assembly of the transmission and drive train on the bottom of the hull. The bottom of the engine is cast as a single piece and fits snugly between the frame. The engine is connected to the transmission with a drive shaft that has different sized locating pegs for the appropriate connection point. No difficulties were encountered and the fit of the parts was very good. The leaf spring suspension and axle was assembled next along with the bogey assemblies. The bogey assemblies simply snap together allowing them to move freely, which aids greatly in the assembly and placement of the tracks later on. The bogies are then slid onto a swing arm which in turn is press fitted on to the rear axle. The fit of these parts was excellent and the entire assembly remained movable once completed. Construction continues with the assembly of the forward suspension and steering mechanism. The two leaf springs

were first cemented to the lower frame in positively marked locations. The cross beam was then cemented to the leaf springs and the steering knuckles were attached to the ends. A steering tie rod then connects the two knuckles allowing the wheels to be moved to any position within the normal range of steering before being cemented in place – a very nice touch that is well executed in my opinion. The lower hull assembly was completed with the placement of the exhaust, exhaust bracket, front fenders, and wheels. The tracks consist of sections of links, preformed curved sections, and the drive sprockets with track sections moulded around them. The instructions indicate the correct number of links for the top and bottom runs and it’s simply a matter of counting the number of links and cutting to length. The rear idler slides fore and aft in its mount allowing some adjustment when fitting everything together. The result is a very simple assembly that doesn’t compromise any detail.

The finely detailed tie-downs were added very carefully with fine tweezers and thick CA adhesive to aid in positioning them on the model.

The instructions also called for the fighting compartment doors to be installed but I did not glue them in place until after painting due to their minimal attachment points.

The turned aluminium barrel for the PaK 40 is a nice touch as well as the one-piece muzzle brake superbly cast in resin. Careful assembly allows the gun to remain movable in terms of elevation and to traverse ever so slightly.

The completed model was primed with Mr Surfacer 1200 straight from the spray can.

38 Model Military International - January 2013

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The notorious German primer red was represented by Vallejo Model Color 982 Cavalry Red.

The red paint was coated with hairspray before the camouflage colour was sprayed on and scrubbed off, revealing the base shade.

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The driver’s compartment was tackled next. Assembly was straightforward but my advice would be to take your time and study the photos prior to committing to any cement. There are a number of delicate parts that connect to each other to form the various gear handles and levers. I opted to leave off the steering wheel until final assembly to make painting a little easier. Construction continued with the assembly of the PaK 40 anti-tank gun. This, in my opinion, is one of the nicest components of the kit due to its ease of assembly and detail. The gun consists of only seventeen parts yet no details are sacrificed and the fit is simply superb. The turned aluminium barrel is a nice touch as well as the one-piece muzzle brake superbly cast in resin. The gun shields are also nicely rendered in a suitable scale thickness with no warpage to be found. Careful assembly allows the gun to remain movable in terms of elevation and to traverse ever so slightly (limited by the design of the vehicle) as well. If you look closely in the construction photos you may see a few olive green styrene parts – one being the recoil guard which I managed to break in several places from my own ham-handedness. A replacement was sourced from an AFV Club PaK 40 kit in my stash. Final assembly consists of adding all of the smaller parts such as the pigtail towing hooks, headlights, rear mud guards, tools and crew steps on the hull sides. The instructions also called for the fighting compartment doors to be installed but I opted to leave them off until after painting due to their minimal attachment points. The kit includes some very petite tie-down hooks that should really be viewed through an Optivisor to appreciate their detail! These were added very carefully with fine tweezers and thick CA adhesive to aid in positioning them on the model. My only deviation from the instructions was to replace the kit supplied radio with one cobbled together from Tiger Models resin parts and racks scratched from styrene. Several sizes of fine solder were also used to simulate the various wires and cables for the radio equipment. Since resources are very scarce one can only guess as to what the actual configuration was, so I surmised the fighting compartment would be similar to the Marder III series of tank destroyers in terms of radios and equipment. I tried to emulate the Fug. 5 series of radios found in SPG’s and tank destroyers and I think the results are a little more accurate than what is provided in the kit. A

The exterior base coat was applied next using Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow lightened with XF-55 Deck Tan and heavily thinned with Tamiya acrylic thinner.

The dark green camouflage was then airbrushed freehand with an Iwata Custom Micron C airbrush using a mix of Tamiya XF-13 J.A. Green, XF-5 Flat Green, and XF-71 Cockpit Green (IJN).

The dark brown camouflage was applied in the same manner using Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown.

Vallejo Model Color 822 German Camouflage Black Brown was used for chipping on the dark yellow areas and a mix of 913 Yellow Ochre and 837 Sand for the green and brown areas.

A pin wash of Mig Productions Dark Wash was applied to all of the details, weld lines, nuts and bolts.

Weathering continued with the application of streaks and stains using AK Interactive Streaking Grime, Engine Grime, and Engine Oil.

I also employed the oil paint fading method.

The spots were blended by dragging them downward with a brush dampened with mineral spirits. The result is a slightly faded finish with some subtle streaks and tonal variations.

The wheels and tracks were treated with a pigment mix using Mig Productions P232 Dry Mud and P027 Light Dust.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Brach Models 1:35 scale Selbstfahrlette fur 7.5cm PaK 40 Auf Somua • Kit No. MCG S307 (f)

Ammunition boxes were added to the fighting compartment.

B PAINTING Once assembly was completed, I primed the model with several light coats of Mr. Surfacer 1200 from the rattle can. This provides a nice key for the subsequent painting and weathering steps and also reveals any surface abnormalities that may need to be addressed. Before starting the painting process I did some research and found several photos of Somua PaKs in a three-tone scheme of dark yellow with what appeared to be brown and green bands hastily sprayed on. I also discovered one photo of a more traditional three-tone scheme with larger areas of dark green and brown; I chose this scheme and it would serve as my inspiration throughout the painting process.

The extra work put into the radio is well worthwhile.

Having decided on a paint scheme I began the process by airbrushing the fighting compartment with Vallejo 982 Cavalry Brown thinned with distilled water. This would simulate the infamous German red oxide primer that would subsequently be exposed using the hairspray technique. I then sealed the Vallejo with a couple of coats of Future prior to spraying on several light coats of hairspray. The base coat was applied next using Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow lightened with XF-55 Deck Tan and heavily thinned with Tamiya acrylic thinner. The exact ratio is by no means scientific but I would say it is roughly two parts XF-60 to one part XF-55 as I prefer the initial colour to be fairly light due

to subsequent weathering steps. Warm tap water was then brushed over the fighting compartment areas and allowed to sit for a few minutes. Scratches and wear were then simulated by scrubbing away the dark yellow to reveal the red primer underneath. The dark green camouflage was then airbrushed freehand with an Iwata Custom Micron C airbrush using a mix of Tamiya XF-13 J.A. Green, XF-5 Flat Green, and XF-71 Cockpit Green (IJN). This mix was thinned quite a bit and sprayed at low pressure (10-12psi) to keep the pattern nice and tight. The dark brown camouflage was applied in the same manner using Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown. Details such as the tools, radio equipment, crew

Details such as the tools, radio equipment, crew seat, and Vallejo acrylics.

seat, and tracks were painted using Vallejo acrylics. Once the paint had dried for a couple of days I began the weathering process by applying chips and scratches using Vallejo acrylics. Two different colours were utilized; 822 German Camouflage Black Brown on the dark yellow areas and a mix of 913 Yellow Ochre and 837 Sand for the green and brown areas. My goal was to represent normal wear and tear and I’m a firm believer in the idea that less is more when it comes to many aspects of weathering. Once complete the chips and scratches may be a bit bright at this point but not to worry – subsequent weathering steps will tone them down and blend them in quite nicely.

Brach Models’ 1:35 scale Somua PaK is a well-detailed kit of a unique subject. Although it may appear intimidating as an all-resin kit, it is well designed and will result in an excellent model if you take care during construction and pay attention to the instructions.

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equipment, crew seat, and tracks were painted using

A small decal sheet supplies the crosses and stencils.

The next step was the application of a pin wash using Mig Productions Dark Wash on all of the details, weld lines, nuts, bolts, etc. This part of the process can be somewhat tedious so it’s best to take your time and work in sections. Excess wash or “tide marks” were removed or blended in using a brush dampened with mineral spirits. After the wash was given a few days to dry I applied a filter using Sin Industries P242 Tan for Tritonal Camo. The filter darkened the base colours ever so slightly and reduced some of the contrasts associated with chipping and detail washes. In an effort to further reduce

some of the contrasts associated with the three-tone paint scheme I also employed the oil paint fading method. I began by randomly placing spots of 502 Abteilung oil paints (035 Buff, 080 Wash Brown, 001 Snow White, 050 Olive Green) on the model. The spots were then blended by dragging them downward with a brush dampened with mineral spirits. The result is a slightly faded finish with some subtle streaks and tonal variations. Weathering continued with the application of streaks and stains using AK Interactive Streaking Grime, Engine Grime, and Engine Oil. The engine access covers received several applications of all

The binocular case is a nice touch.

three products built up in layers to simulate the grime and grease typically seen in this area of the vehicle. The wheels and tracks were treated with a pigment mix using Mig Productions P232 Dry Mud and P027 Light Dust. A slurry was created by mixing the pigments with Mig Productions Thinner for Washes and then brushing it on the wheel treads and on to the tracks as well. Once dry, the excess was removed from the raised areas using a wide brush dampened with mineral spirits making sure that it remained in the recessed areas. ■

Modelspec Brach Models 1:35 scale Selbstfahrlette fur 7.5cm PaK 40 Auf Somua Kit No. MCG S307 (f) Paints & Weathering Products: Tamiya XF-57 Dark Yellow, XF-55 Deck Tan,XF-9 Hull Red, XF-69 NATO Black ✓ Excellent quality casting; very high level of detail; straightforward construction considering the potential complexity; unique subject that has not appeared as a 1:35 scale kit before. ✗ Nothing worth noting. Available from Brach Models are available online from their website http://www.brachmodel.it

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant • Kit No. 35325

THE ELEFANT IN THE ROOM PART TWO – PAINTING, WEATHERING AND FIGURES The Editor paints, weathers and adds a full crew to Tamiya’s brand-new 1:35 scale Elefant.

I

lost my armour painting mojo early this year. I just haven’t been happy with my armour paint jobs, especially German camouflage. As a result, I have delayed the painting of a number of modelling projects over the last six months or so. As a result, my unpainted models is starting to pile up! To motivate myself to actually break out the airbrush, I decided to build and paint a few figures for the Elefant first.

IT FIGURES… Figure painting is another tricky area for me. On the one hand, carefully selected figures can bring a project to life. They also lend a sense of proportion and context to a model. On the other hand, my figure painting skills in general, and my face painting skills in particular, are pretty ordinary. Despite this, I bought a set of three resin figures from Royal Model intended for Dragon’s Ferdinand kit, but they would be equally appropriate for my Tamiya Elefant. I was delighted with the relaxed, natural poses and excellent sculpting. In fact, I was so impressed that I ordered the second set of three figures. With six figures to paint, at least I would get plenty of practice! First, the figures were assembled with super glue (except for the heads), any small gaps and pin holes filled, and the completed figures primed with Tamiya’s Grey Primer straight from the spray can. The heads were sprayed with Tamiya’s Fine White Primer to give a lighter base for the flesh tones. With six close-packed figures, I

wanted to make sure there was a bit of variety in their appearance. Using the colours on the Royal Model box tops as a guide, I selected a combination of three main shades for the uniforms – Panzer Black and two versions of Field Grey (Feldgrau). One of these shades is greenish, while the other is more a khaki grey. Vallejo made my life a little easier by packaging all the uniform colours I needed in one box – Panzer Aces Set No.5. This set also includes paler shades of the base colours to paint highlights. The specific colours I used were 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black), 334 Germ. Tkcr. I (Feldgrau), 335 Germ. Tkcr. II (Feldgrau), 337 Highlight Ger. (Black), 338 Highlight Ge. I (Feldgrau) and 339 Highlight Ge. II (Feldgrau). The colours were applied by brush. Two coats were plenty to ensure solid even coverage. An intermediary shade between each base colour and its highlight colour was mixed and applied, once again by brush, to the highlight areas. For the Feldgrau uniform items, the edges and most prominent points were emphasised with the unmixed highlight colour. Details such as epaulets, piping and insignia were then picked out with a fine brush. Following a protective coat of Testor’s Flat Clear Lacquer, metallic items including buttons and belt buckles were painted with Vallejo Model Colour 70865 Oily Steel. Painting the heads got underway with a sprayed base coat of Tamiya’s acrylic XF-15 Flat Flesh. Headgear was then painted, followed by a wash of heavily A

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NT M

NEW FROM SQUADRON SIGNAL SS79001 - Hard Cover SS39001 - Soft Cover

Ferdinand / Elefant Detail in Action by David Doyle

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant • Kit No. 35325

Tamiya’s Elefant with home-made zimmerit made using a couple of small electrical screwdrivers and Tamiya’s two-part epoxy putty.

B thinned Burnt Sienna oil paint. The

ruddy mixture flows into the lowlying areas and crevices, making a nice start to shading and detailing. Fine facial details such as mouths and eyes were carefully brush painted with a watereddown mix Vallejo 337 Highlight Ger. (Black), which is actually a dark brown shade. High areas of the faces such as the chin, brow, nose, cheeks and ears were painted with paler shades of flesh,

while shadow areas (under the eyebrows, under the nose and chin) received darker shades. I made no serious attempt to paint the whites of the eyes, preferring a dark thin slit in most cases. Finally, with the figure painting complete, the rather uncomfortable looking handles were extracted and the heads glued to the bodies. With the figures now ready, all I had to do was break out the airbrush and paint my Elefant.

The model received an overall coat of Tamiya’s Grey Primer straight from the spray can.

A YELLOW ELEFANT

I HAD FINALLY FOUND MY INSPIRATION!

The excellent J.J. Fedorowicz book, “Combat History of the Schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653” by Karl Heinz Munch, includes several photos of an Elefant in Italy shortly after its remanufacture. This particular Elefant features very low-contrast disruptive camouflage and muddy wheels and tracks. The six crew members are also lounging around the vehicle, and a wine barrel is perched on the front spare track links.

Without too much more delay. I primed the model and sprayed the tracks and running gear with Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black. I usually mix my own German Dark Yellow from Tamiya acrylics, but a few new sets of acrylic paint sets from Lifecolor had recently arrived at my office. These are sets of A

I decided to assemble and paint the figures before painting the model. The poses and fit were checked before painting commenced.

A crew can really add context and a sense of scale to a vehicle. Royal Model of Italy offer two sets of three crew figures for Dragon’s Ferdinand, but they may just as appropriately be used for Tamiya’s new Elefant.

Holes were drilled in the figures and toothpicks were fitted as handles to ease painting. Here, the bodies have received a couple of thin coats of Tamiya’s Grey Primer.

Base uniform colours have been applied here. All these colours are from the Vallejo Panzer Aces range applied by brush, and are available in Set No. 5.

This is one good reason for applying primer – it tends to highlight any casting imperfections! These tiny pinholes were filled before painting proceeded.

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I wanted to demonstrate the variation in Panzer and Tank Destroyer crew uniform colours. Here, highlights, shading and some of the detail has been picked out with a fine brush.

The heads received a base coat of Tamiya’s XF-15 Flat Flesh, then the caps were painted with the appropriate Vallejo uniform colour.

Once again, Vallejo’s Panzer Aces acrylics have been used for the uniform highlights. Vallejo offers pre-mixed highlight shades for each of the three main uniform colours – Tanker Black, Feldgrau I and Feldgrau II.

A thin wash of Pure Gum Turpentine and Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna was brushed over the heads prior to detail painting. This wash settles into low-lying areas, offering simple yet authentic shading.

Each of the completed figures has his own unique personality thanks to the excellent mastering and casting of Royal Model. Buttons and buckles were picked out using Vallejo’s Oily Steel. Fine facial details such as mouths and eyes were carefully brush painted with Vallejo 337 Highlight Ger. (Black), actually a dark brown shade. This was thinned with water before application. High areas of the face such as the chin, brow, nose, cheeks and ears were painted with paler shades of flesh, while shadow areas (under the eyebrows, under the nose and chin) received darker shades. I made no serious attempt to paint the whites of the eyes, preferring a dark thin slit in most cases. January 2013 - Model Military International 45

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant • Kit No. 35325

B three related shades designed to

deliver contrast and desaturation. Specifically, I was using Lifecolor Acrylic German AFV Dunkelgelb Easy 3 Set, Item No. MS01, which supplied UA 249 Dunkelgelb Flashed Shade, UA 250 Dunkelgelb Ground Colour and UA 251 Dunkelgelb Deep Shade. As I have never used Lifecolor paints before, I tested the base shade, “Ground Colour”, on the primed bottom of the hull. For my first attempt, I used more than 50% thinners (I bought a big bottle of Lifecolor’s own thinners), and the result was a fairly thick, very wet, uneven glaze. When the paint was still wet after 10 minutes, I got the hairdryer out (I’m not doing anything else with it anyway) and force dried it with hot air. It still looked patchy and translucent in places, but I was encouraged to try one more time. This time, I only used about 15% thinner to the paint. The mixture looked very thick in the paint cup, but it sprayed well. I was careful to spray as thinly as possible and a bit away from the surface. Even so, the paint stayed wet on the surface for a few minutes and looked a bit orange peely, so I broke out the airbrush again. Almost instantly, the paint dried to a dead flat, beautifully even finish. I followed this experiment by spraying the rest of the model with the base shade, once again with

only 15-20% thinners and applying heat from a hairdryer between the two coats. Next came the Deep Shade, UA 251. This was sprayed into crevices, structural features and natural shadow areas. Finally, it was the turn of the Flashed Shade. This is a very pale highlight colour. Rather than spray this uniformly in the centre of panels, it was applied in patches, streaks and spots. Yes, the Lifecolor paints seem a bit quirky, and no, they do not spray as easily nor dry as quickly as Tamiya acrylics. However, the colours are interesting and the finish is extremely durable and resists buffing (i.e. repeated handling will not effect the flat finish). It also handles filters and washes well. Indeed, I did not even feel it was necessary to use an overall flat coat at any stage during this project. The single disruptive camouflage colour was a 50/50 mix of Tamiya’s XF-67 NATO Green and XF-60 Dark Yellow, heavily thinned with isopropylene alcohol. This was further subdued by overpainting with the Lifecoor Dunkelgelb base colour. Weathering was now applied – first a brown filter, followed by a more substantial AK Interactive Dark Brown Wash around the key structural features, then chipping and scrapes with Vallejo’s German Black Highlight colour applied by A

Meanwhile, back at the Elefant… the first painting task was to coat the tracks and running gear in Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black.

Following a few tests on the bottom of the hull, the vehicle received an overall coat of Lifecolor acrylic UA 250 Dunkelgelb Ground Colour, one of three shades in a German Dunkelgelb Contrast and Desaturation set.

Next came the Deep Shade, UA 251. This was sprayed into crevices, structural features and natural shadow areas.

No excuses for not using the figures now! The painted crew are test-fitted on the primed model.

Finally, it was the turn of the Flashed Shade. This is a very pale highlight colour. Rather than spray this uniformly in the centre of panels, it was applied in patches, streaks and spots.

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Despite toning down the colour and spraying it very thinly, it was still too intense.

The single disruptive camouflage colour was a 50/50 mix of Tamiya’s XF-67 NATO Green and XF-60 Dark Yellow, heavily thinned with isopropylene alcohol.

Reference photos show the camouflage on this vehicle to be very subtle indeed. I oversprayed the green with a thin coat of Lifecolor’s Dunkelgelb base shade to achieve this effect.

The entire model was coated in SIN Industries P242 Tan for Tritonal Camo filter using a wide soft brush. Before this had completely dried, I quickly highlighted edges and structural details with a selective application of AK Interactive AK 045 – Dark Brown Enamel Wash.

The camouflage is looking better, but the whole effect is very stark at this stage.

Spare tracks and the tow cables were brush painted a dark black-brown shade using Tamiya acrylics at this stage. Now we’re getting there, but the tracks and running gear look out of place at the moment.

Where the wash or the filter were too intense, they were toned down by brushing Pure Gum Turpentine directly over the overdone areas.

The next stage of weathering was adding tiny spots and scratches with the tip of a fine brush. This chipping damage was also applied to edges and corners using a sponge. Vallejo Panzer Aces 337 Highlight Ger. (Black) was used as the chipping shade. January 2013 - Model Military International 47

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant • Kit No. 35325

Weathering the tracks, running gear and lower hull started with a wet application of Easy Mud. Although this product had dried in its bottle, it reactivated nicely when mixed with water.

The Easy Mud dries to a pleasingly irregular colour and texture. It is also quite robust – resisting damage from handling.

Once the enamel wash had soaked in and dried after an hour or two in the sun, some of the dark was scrubbed off with a stiff brush.

B the tip of a fine brush and a small

Next, a generous amount AK Interactive AK 045 – Dark Brown Enamel Wash was brushed over the Easy Mud.

A couple of reference photos show a large wine barrel perched on the front spare track links of this vehicle. Royal Model offers an accessory set that includes a barrel of roughly the right size and style.

The set also includes other handy bits and pieces for future projects. All the parts are cast in resin.

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piece of sponge. The wheels and tracks were finished to represent areas of wet and dry mud. The base (dried) mud was Easy Mud Item No. 21105 – European Earth. Once this had set, it was followed by a liberal brushed application of AK Interactive’s Dark Brown enamel wash. Once dry, some of the dark wash was scrubbed off with a stiff brush to provide more contrast between the wet and dry areas. The same products were used for the mud effects on the bottom of the front and rear hull. The wheels of the Elefant were fitted with steel rims, not rubber tyres, so the edges of the wheels were touched with the tip of a 2B pencil to suggest worn and polished metal. A 2B pencil was also used to highlight the worn high areas of the tracks.

Plank and wood grain detail was restored where the casting plug had been removed from one end of the barrel. It was then primed and sprayed overall with a mix of Tamiya XF-52 Flat Earth and XF-59 Desert Yellow.

GARNISH Reference photos in the Fedorowicz book show this vehicle with a piece of foliage attached to each side of the mid-hull area. It is hard to believe that anyone thought that such modest garnish would hide this 65 tonne, 26 foot behemoth, but I thought it would add some further interest anyway. The foliage was sourced from Kamizukuri’s 1:35 scale paper Oak Leaves set. A base colour of Vallejo’s Model Colour 70891 Intermediate Green was sprayed onto both sides of the die-cut paper sheet. Branches were bent into shape from multiple lengths of fine copper wire. These were secured with super glue. The branches were painted brown and the paper leaves cut from their backing sheet. A few different shades of green were randomly painted A

AK’s Dark Brown Enamel Wash was employed for the wood grain shading. Highights were drybrushed using XF-59 Dark Yellow, and the metal bands were finished in two shades of grey.

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Detail parts were painted and weathered using the same techniques as on the main vehicle.

in and n, some of iff brush.

A strip of clear decal film was sprayed with several coats of Tamiya X-25 Clear Green to represent the clear covers for the episcopes. These were cut to uniform size using my Chopper tool and applied to the cupola and driver’s hatch.

The high points of the track links and the edges of the road wheels were “metalized” with the tip of a 2B pencil. The wine barrel looks precariously perched between the guide teeth of the spare tracks, but there is no evidence in the reference photos that it was tied down.

Reference photos clearly show that the inside of the driver’s hatch was painted a very pale colour. I sprayed this with Tamiya’s Fine White Primer, which is a nice off-white/ivory shade.

The wet and dry mud technique used on the running gear was also applied to the front and rear lower hull areas.

The drape of the kit-supplied link and length tracks is quite convincing.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant • Kit No. 35325

B onto the leaves after they had

been attached to the branches. A dark brown acrylic wash was also applied to highlight the nice vein detail. Finally, the leaves were brush-painted with Future floor polish for a nice healthy sheen, and the branches were glued in place. The wine barrel came from a Royal Model accessory set. Someone has already expressed doubt online that the wine barrel would have stayed on the front of the hull, but the photo clearly shows that it is resting between the spare track link guide horns and is not tied down.

CONCLUSION Once again, Tamiya has delivered a well-detailed and easy to build model of an iconic vehicle. Tamiya is not resting on its laurels though. The improvements

are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but they are there. This time, ejector pin marks have been all but eliminated in visible locations, and in my opinion the tracks are Tamiya's best effort yet. The facial features of the three crew figures are very good too. It is nice that Tamiya has offered an easier option for those modellers who do not want to tackle a zimmerit finish themselves. The self-adhesive zimmerit sheet will be welcomed by many, but those who want a genuinely unique pattern can use putty and zimmerit tools instead. The instructions are quite clear about the patterns and demarcations of the zimmerit used on the kit's three marking options. Tamiya's 1/35 scale Elefant is a great kit. Sit back, relax and enjoy the build! ■

Time f

Finally, the leaves were brush-painted with Future floor polish for a nice healthy sheen, and the branches were glued in place. Now that is effective camouflage, isn’t it?

A little garnish was added using Kamizukuri’s paper Oak Leaves. A base colour of Vallejo’s Model Colour 70891 Intermediate Green was sprayed onto both sides of the die-cut paper sheet.

Five of the crew members seem quite interested in something near the front corner of the vehicle.

Branches were bent into shape from multiple strips of fine copper wire. These were secured with thick super glue.

The branches were painted brown and the paper leaves cut from their backing sheet. Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Elefant is a well-detailed and easy to build kit of this iconic vehicle.

A few different shades of green were randomly painted onto the leaves after they had been attached to the branches. A dark brown acrylic wash was later applied to highlight the nice vein detail.

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Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 German Heavy Tank Destroyer Elefant Kit No. 35325 Accessories Used • Royal Model Item No. 641 – Wine Barrels and Farm Accessories • Royal Model Item Nos. 255 and 258 – Ferdinand Crew Parts 1 and 2. • Kamizukuri Item No. A-5-35 – Oak Leaves (1:35) Tools & Modelling Products:

Time for the crew to take up residence too.

Most of the figures look very relaxed and natural, but I am still not sure about the guy leaning against the superstructure…

• Tamiya Epoxy Putty Smooth Surface • Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement • Revell Contacta Plastic Glue • Selleys Super Glue • Mr Surfacer 1000 • Gator’s Grip Acrylic Hobby Glue • Irwin Clamps (various sizes) • Historex Hexagonal Punch and Die Set • Evergreen Plastic Card Paints and Finishing Products:

“

Ejector pin marks have been all but eliminated in visible locations, and in my opinion the tracks are Tamiya’s best effort yet...

”

The extra time spent assembling and painting the crew was well worthwhile.

Vehicle: • Tamiya Spray Cans - Grey Primer; Fine White Primer • Lifecolor Acrylic German AFV Dunkelgelb Easy 3 Set. Item No. MS01. Contains UA 249 Dunkelgelb Flashed Shade; UA 250 Dunkelgelb Ground Colour; UA 251 Dunkelgelb Deep Shade • Tamiya Acrylic – X-25 Clear Green; XF-1 Flat Black; XF-52 Flat Earth; XF-59 Desert Yellow; XF-60 Dark Yellow; XF-64 Red Brown; XF-67 NATO Green. Figures: • Uniforms (all Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylics) – 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 334 Germ. Tkcr. I (Feldgrau); 335 Germ. Tkcr. II (Feldgrau); 337 Highlight Ger. (Black); 338 Highlight Ge. I (Feldgrau); 339 Highlight Ge. II (Feldgrau). Flesh: • Base Coat: Tamiya acrylic XF-15 Flat Flesh. • Wash: Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna. • Variations and Highlights: Vallejo Model Colour acrylics 70815 Basic Skin Tone; 845 Sunny Skin Tone; 919 Foundation White (mixed). • General Detailing (all Vallejo Model Colour acrylics) – 70826 German Cam Medium Brown; 847 Dark Sand; 70862 Black Grey; 70865 Oily Steel; 70891 Intermediate Green; 919 Foundation White; 70950 Black; 70957 Flat Red. • SIN Industries (MIG) Filter – P242 Tan for Tritonal Camo • Easy Mud Item No. 21105 – European Earth • AK Interactive AK 045 – Dark Brown Enamel Wash • Mig Pigments – P033 Dark Mud • Vallejo Pigments – 73104 Light Sienna ✓ Excellent detail; superb fit; easy build; probably Tamiya’s best link-and-length tracks to date; minimal ejector pin marks. ✗ Nothing worth mentioning. Available from Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample www.tamiya.com Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

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A round-up of the latest news and releases in 1:72 and 1:76

Zvezda

Dragon

Zvezda continue their small box figure set releases with another unusual subject, this time a set of four German Gebergsjager, or mountain troops from the early war period. Inside the usual small end-opening box are two sprues of light grey hard styrene, a set of instructions and two ‘Art of Tactic’ wargaming cards. The figures are designed to be snap together, but the plastic responds well to conventional styrene cement. The kit contains a small base with rock faces for the figures to use if intended for wargaming, but the figures are certainly good enough to use in display dioramas. The sprues are extremely well moulded with virtually no flash, sink holes or ejector pin marks. The sculpting is also superb with great animation and detail, the weapons and backpacks being particularly good. With careful painting these figures would make an unusual vignette, or a great addition to a larger winter diorama. There are no painting instructions, but the fine illustration on the box front serves as a good basic reference for uniform and equipment colours. Not much more to say except the set is highly recommended! What will Zvezda come up with next? Zvezda kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net Steve Shrimpton

After the release of their excellent StuG III kits, the Pz. Kpfw. III tank kits were eagerly awaited. However, these are proving to be a mixed bag with some good features and some very strange design decisions. The Panzer III Ausf M is the latest in this series, but shares the same drawbacks as the Ausf L and N. The overall moulding is up to the usual Dragon standard with no flash or sink holes in evidence. The kit comprises three main sprues bagged separately, with the hull tub and turret shell in individual bags. There is the customary Dragon card containing the tracks, 2 small photo-etched frets and a comprehensive sheet of well-printed Cartograf decals. The only parts in common with the StuG kits are the wheels, drive sprockets, idlers and return wheels, all contained on one sprue. The rest of the kit has been designed for the Panzer III series and this is where the problems start. The hull tub is very good, although it has the position of the hull escape hatches marked by a raised line that should be removed, as the Ausf M did not feature them. The upper hull is problematic, though, especially the engine deck. This has the armoured hatch vent covers moulded directly onto the hatches instead of being raised above the deck with a gap all round. This will be very difficult to correct and is very visible on the finished model. To make matters worse. The tow ropes are also moulded onto the deck around the rear vent covers, again being extremely difficult to remove. This area was very nicely modelled on the StuG kits, so why not here? The fenders are moulded separately, which is a good feature, but again all the tools and fire extinguisher are moulded on, leaving only the jack and jack block as separate items. The tracks are the usual Dragon DS items and have good detail on both sides. The instructions indicate the correct length the tracks need to be so that they can be stretched or cut to length. The photo-etched frets contain the grills for the cooling inlet and outlets, and the cover between the drivers armour plate and the spaced armour. The well-printed decals cover the 5 painting and marking options, all for the eastern front in 1943. Overall, this kit should have had great potential, but has been let down by questionable design decisions, and will only make a great display model with major surgery (and perhaps a whole new engine deck). Recommended with reservations Dragon kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net Steve Shrimpton

1/72 scale German Gebergsjager 1939-1943 Kit No. 6154

1/72 scale Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf M w/Wading Muffler Kit No. 7290

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Italeri

1/72 scale Sd. Kfz. 11 with PaK 40 Kit No. 7065

This recent release by Italeri comes in their standard end-opening box with a photograph of the finished kit in a diorama setting on the front, and a full colour painting guide on the back showing three late war colour schemes on the back. The kit consists of four sprues of gray styrene, a small square of clear acetate for the windscreen, a small decal sheet and a well drawn set of instructions. Two of the sprues contain the parts for the Sd.Kfz.11, one for the PaK 40 and the last has the link and tracks. The moulding is generally good with very little flash and small sprue gates, but ejector pin marks are evident on some parts which will be visible on the finished model, such as the inside of the doors and the inside of the front wheels. These will need careful filling. The detailing is a little ‘clunky’ compared with the best of today’s kits and will need some work to bring it up to top display standards. The running gear is reasonably good, but only the outer road wheels have the holes open through, so the rest should be drilled out which will be very time consuming! The best part of the half-track kit is the canvas cover which should paint up well to bring out the folds and texture. The tracks are link and length, which can be tedious to assemble but can look very convincing if done correctly, however, these tracks have no detail on the inner face, which will be hard to correct. The PaK 40 kit is really a disappointment, as although the detailing is quite good, the barrel is moulded in full recoil which will be impossible to correct. This must have been modelled from a museum example that had been disabled by is crew at the end of the war. The kit also includes five crew figures, which is always a bonus with smallscale kits. The decals are well printed, in register, and provide markings for three vehicles in 1944, one in France, one in Italy and one in Russia. The last shows a colour scheme of dunkelgelb over gray which I think would be unusual as late as 1944! As it stands, this kit really only provides models suitable for wargaming without a lot of extra work so can only be recommended as such. Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net Steve Shrimpton

Zvezda

1/72 scale Soviet 75mm Infantry Gun with Crew Kit No. 6156

Zvezda continues their series of small wargaming kits with this 75mm Infantry Gun and two crewmen. The kit consists of two sprues of dark green hard styrene, an instruction sheet and two wargaming cards. No decals are provided nor are they needed. The parts are well moulded with no flash or sink marks, with the parts for the gun on one sprue and the crew and wargaming base on the other. Detail is excellent for such a simple kit, especially the bolt and tread detail on the wheels. To make a display model, the locating pins may be removed from the wheels and details addressed such as drilling out the barrel and refining the attachment points for the gun shield. The two crew figures are very well sculpted as is usual with Zvezda kits, but in reality there should be 4-6 crew members for this type of weapon, so extra figures will have to be sourced for absolute accuracy. There is no painting guide as such but the illustration on the box front should serve as a reference, as most Soviet equipment of this era was painted overall Russian green. The uniforms may need extra research for accuracy. Recommended for Soviet WWII fans Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net Steve Shrimpton

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Incoming TRUMPETER

1:35 SCALE SOVIET 122MM CORPS GUN M1931/1937 WITH M1931 WHEEL (A-19) ITEM NO 02316

The 122mm corps gun M1931/37 (A-19) was a Soviet field gun developed in the late 1930s by combining the barrel of the 122mm gun M1931 (A-19) and the carriage of the 152mm howitzer gun M1937 (ML-20). The gun was in production from1939 until 1946 and remained in service long after WWII. In addition to the towed variant there were also a number of vehicle mounted derivatives. Trumpeter has followed the Soviets’ lead in this gun’s development by producing a kit with many shared parts from their previous 152mm howitzer release. This kit is made up from some 260 plus nicely moulded plastic parts, two sheets of photo etch and a nicely turned aluminium gun barrel. Construction is set out over 13 steps, with good detailed information at each stage. This should make getting all the bits and pieces to go where they should a fairly simple affair. This version of the field gun also allows for the option of having the weapon configured in either travel or firing mode so close attention to the instructions will ensure you end up with the correct pose or your kit. A single page colour guide is provided with good old “Russian Green”, as the recommended finish and some colour variation would not go astray to break up an otherwise plain finish. Trumpeter has done good job with the plastic parts and the detail is executed very well in this type of medium. The two frets of photo etch are to be added to the kit along the way and this helps in adding a nice level of definition to the kit. The 122mm barrel is supplied as either twopart plastic assembly that is split horizontally or a very nice one piece aluminium barrel. My only reservation is that the aluminium barrel requires a plastic end piece to be added to give the illusion of depth This requires the addition of either part G3 which has the rifling moulded into the plastic part or if it takes your fancy you can add the photo etch rifling insert to plastic part G1 and attach this. In any case I am not sure how convincing either of these two options will really look and perhaps the aftermarket manufacturers will be able to offer a more convincing and realistic alternative Trumpeter has continued to supply the traversing teeth part that would in theory allow the gun to move left and right on the lower gun carriage at the pivot point. However according to the instructions the upper gun cradle should be glued to the lower gun carriage and it would appear that no amount of traverse would be possible without some sort of modification to the parts. This is not the end of the world; it just seems a very interesting that we are supplied with the traverse detail rack part but not the ability to pose the gun into any type of traversed configuration. In conclusion, Trumpeter continue to demonstrate their ability to produce plastic kits that are well detailed yet relatively uncomplicated to build. This gun kit will make a nice addition next to its bigger brother. Recommended. Thanks to J.B. Wholesalers for the sample www.jbwholesalers.com.au Trumpeter kits are distributed in the UK by Pocketbond Ross Ferro

LIFECOLOR “EASY 3” PAINT SETS GERMAN AFV DUNKELGELB GERMAN AFV PANZERGRAU US ARMY OLIVE DRAB SOVIET AFV 4BO GREEN

Lifecolor has launched a new series of paint sets that is intended to provide contrast and desaturation for four widely used base camouflage colours. These are German AFV Dunkelgelb, German AFV Panzergrau, US Army Olive Drab and Soviet AFV 4BO Green. Each set contains three related shades of the same colour - Flashed Shade (a pale highlight version), Ground Colour (the base colour) and Deep Shade (for shadow and darker areas). If you have read my article on painting the Tamiya Elefant earlier in this issue, you will already be aware of my first experience of Lifecolor paints. In summary, for spraying I found that the paint was best mixed with a small proportion of Lifecolor’s own acrylic thinner. I used around 15% thinner. The mixture looked very thick in the paint cup, but it sprayed well. I was careful to spray as thinly as possible and a bit away from the surface. Two coats were required for the best coverage. I also found that the paint responded very well to warm air from a hairdryer to speed the drying process. Almost instantly, the base colour dried to a dead flat, beautifully even finish. Next came the Deep Shade, UA 251. This was sprayed into crevices, structural features and natural shadow areas. Finally, it was the turn of the Flashed Shade. This is a very pale highlight colour. Rather than spray this uniformly in the centre of panels, it was applied in patches, streaks and spots. Yes, the Lifecolor paints seem a bit fussy in thinning, and no, they do not spray as easily nor dry as quickly as Tamiya acrylics. However, the colours are interesting and the finish is extremely durable and resists buffing (i.e. repeated handling will not effect the flat finish). It also handles filters and washes well. Indeed, I did not even feel it was necessary to use an overall flat coat at any stage during this project. I will look forward to testing out some of the darker colours on future projects. Recommended. Lifecolor paints and finishing products are available online from The Airbrush Company www.airbrushes.com Brett Green

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DEF.MODEL

1:35 SCALE DW35036 M35A1, A2 CARGO TRUCK WHEEL SET SAGGED DW30007 GMC CCKW CARGO TRUCK WHEEL SET SAGGED

The first set DW35036 M35A1; A2 Cargo Truck Wheel Set Sagged is recommended to replace the wheels on the venerable AFV Club M35 Series of kits and the last set DW30007 GMC CCKW Cargo Truck Wheel Set Sagged is targeted at either the Tamiya or Hobby Boss GMC kits. The level of detail on both of these resin update wheel sets is in my opinion years ahead of the target kits supplied tyres. Both update sets com in a sturdy box and contain eleven wonderfully detailed resin tyres, two sheets of tyre masks and a simple tyre masking and painting instruction sheet. The tyres are grouped into four distinct batches with all ten of the tyres that will be placed on the recommended kit and in turn in contact with the ground, displaying finely cast side wall and tread details and of course a very nice bulged or loaded effect. The eleventh tyre being the spare in each set has the same level of detail as the main ten road wheels however has been cast without the bulge effect and shows good attention to detail by the manufacturer. The supplied tyre masks in each set are simplicity in them selves and provide two options to allow for hassle free painting of the wheels These replacement wheel sets will add a high level of detail to the recommended kit that is typically not possible in either vinyl or plastic. Highly Recommended. Thanks to DEF Model for the review samples www.defmodel.com Ross Ferro

DEF MODEL

1:35 SCALE ITEM NO. DW30005 - LRDG “SAGGED” WHEEL SET ITEM NO. DW350006 - GAZ 67B “SAGGED” WHEEL SET ITEM NO. DM350014 - WILLYS MB CANVAS TOP ITEM NO. DW35013 - MODERN PORTABLE COOLERS AND BOTTLES

DEF Model is fast becoming one of the premier aftermarket producers. Not only do they offer a great product but they also seem to include a little extra something, whether it is a set of wheel masks or a small decals sheet. Each set is really a joy to behold. All of these sets have some very fine flash and a medium size casting plug on each resin item. The wheel sets, unlike many others, are not direct resin reproductions of the wheels they replace but rather entirely new sets of wheels. The detail on all the wheels presented for review is simply outstanding, with finely rendered sidewall and tread detail in evidence. The wheels themselves are “sagged” for want of a better term. What this basically means is that each wheel has a flat spot where the wheel surface meets the ground. The effect is both subtle and very well done with an ever so slight bulge on each contact point. The inclusion of a wheel mask in each set is welcome and really separates these from the rest. The Willys Canvas top is outstanding. Not only is it cast to almost scale thickness, the canvas folds are handled (on the outside at least) to a very high standard. Given the fact that the outside folds are so good I was a little mystified why no folds were present on the inside surface of the hood itself, nevertheless this is one of the best aftermarket canvas tops I have seen. The last set is not only innovative but very well done. It includes two traditional “box” like coolers (one with a separate lid) and one round cooler. Six clear resin water bottles and ten crushed bottles are included together with a small decal sheet with various water and soft drink labels to attach to each bottle. The decal sheet is a masterstroke and well above any others that I have seen. All sets come highly recommended. Thanks to DEF Model for the review samples www.defmodel.com Luke Pitt January 2013 - Model Military International 55

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Book Reviews AFV MODELLER GUIDE TO MODELLING THE MERKAVA 3D EDITED BY DAVID PARKER ISBN: 9780955541353 AFV MODELLER PUBLICATIONS

It’s not just that this guide comprises of 80 pages of high quality photos on expensive feeling parchment depicting the real vehicle in its natural habitat on the Golan Heights (located on former Syrian Army real estate), nor that the close ups of the vehicles details and weapons are enough to say ‘gotta have it’. No, the real attention getters are the building tips and additions to the Meng Merkava 3D by David Parker that exhibit his familiarly flawless and accurate style. Although the book predominantly deals with building, detailing, painting, marking and weathering the Meng Merkava 3D, the guide is just as relevant to the HobbyBoss version, which could use similar tweaking and improvement. Approximately half of the guide (40ish pages) consists of photos showing the numerous finer details of the real Merkava 3D, both early and late versions as well as the Nochri 3 mine roller and hull mountings. It’s because of these 40ish pages that I consider AFV Modellers guide as a legitimate reference book on the Merkava 3D, not just a “how to” guide on building and painting the model. As impressive as David Parker’s detailing and painting is, no matter how much wow factor IDF insider Richard Stickland’s photos of the Sufa Battalion’s battle ready Merkava 3D’s can illicit, AFV Modeller has given the purchaser of the guide more to be impressed with by adding Mark Neville’s excellent Lebanon 2006 diorama, depicting a 3D on patrol in a broken Lebanese neighbourhood. Capturing the moment in time without a single 1:35 scale figure being present is testament to his modelling ability and ever increasing skill set. Although very well done, I would have liked to see a couple of extra pages devoted to his how to guide on domicile and rubble fabrication, as the work is very realistic and I think a step by step rather than a summary would have been helpful. A must have reference to any modeller with Merkava 3D ambitions. Highly Recommended. Thanks to AFV Modeller for the review sample to go with the copy I ordered from AFV Modeller! www.afvmodeller.com Anthony Sheedy

THE IRISH ARTILLERY CORPS SINCE 1922

BY RALPH A RICCIO • ISBN: 978-83-61421-52-8 • MMP BOOKS

After reviewing Mr Riccio’s title on Irish AFV since 1922, I was more than enthused to review his second title devoted to the Irish Military from MMP Books, this time devoted to the subject of the Irish Artillery Corps since 1922. This title is extensive and thorough in its coverage and is well supported by a host of excellent B&W and colour photographs. It not only details the history of the Irish use of AFVs including Republican use, but it gives a rundown of the organisation of armoured units within the National Army and later the Irish Defence Forces. The subject was not a familiar one to me and I was amazed at the broad range of equipment that Irish Artillery has and continues to use. Most of the equipment was of British origin so the title should appeal to those with a fascination for British Artillery as well. Additionally, the Irish used a few pieces of foreign origin that are equally covered. I was equally fascinated by the history of the Corps itself. This book covers a broad range of artillery and also includes the vehicles used to tow them and supporting equipment such as radar. It has many great photos sure to inspire those modellers wanting a different modelling subject to exercise their skills The Irish Artillery materiel covered in this book illustrates the full spectrum from mortars through to coastal artillery fortifications and guns that have been in Irish Service since the first two 18 pounders were acquired in 1922. This range includes such notable pieces as the 18 pounder, 2 Pdr AT, 6 Pdr AT, 25 pdr , 17 pdr, 60 pounder, Bofors 40mm, 12 pdr coast defence, 4.7”, 6”& 9.2” naval guns etc. It also includes supporting equipment, prime movers and fixed fortifications. These are all given individual coverage with pictures in use, tabulated data, plans etc. A section is devoted to surviving examples and is again supported by colour photos. This is an excellent title and a must have for fans of artillery, the Irish military and small armies. The photo reproduction is excellent and lends itself well to the large format. It is extensive in scope and I believe is balanced and well researched. This is a must have title on the subject. The author has packed a lot into the 216 pages in a most readable format. It will not disappoint whether you are a modeller, historian or enthusiast. This is one of the best artillery titles that I have read in years and the author continues to impress this reviewer. Highly Recommended. Thanks to MMP Books for the sample www.mmpbooks.biz Al Bowie

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Figures

- A round-up of the latest figure sets on release...

FIRST LEGION

1:35 SCALE VARIOUS GERMAN FIGURES First Legion has traditionally been known to the wargaming community and to the painted collector segment of the hobby market for their huge range of finely detailed figures in a variety of scales. Given that this firm has never entered the unpainted resin figure market, it came as a surprise to me when these figures turned up for review. The figure sets for review are: FL35008: German Combat Pioneer firing an MP40 FL35013: German Heer Infantry Standing with MP40 FL35014: German Hauptman in Russian fur lined Greatcoat FL35015: German Combat Pioneer with flamethrower The figures come in small cardboard boxes with each having a colour photo of the relevant figure adorning the box. All of the figures are very well cast with no bubbles or flaws in evidence. In fact, the casting is “world class” and has some quite innovative features. Take for example the German Hauptman in Russian fur lined greatcoat. Usually with figures in greatcoats, the legs just peep out of the bottom of the coat itself. Not so with this figure. The greatcoat is almost hollowed out to the waist with the fur lining going up almost three quarters up its length, in which, the finely rendered legs are inserted. The other three figures are cast as a torso with the head and arms as separate items. The facial details (which can make or break any figure) are very well done and are each different in character. The uniform details are crisp as are the fabric folds. The weapons are done very well and in most cases the hands are an integral part of the weapon. I like this approach as it avoids the dreaded “not quite grabbing” effect that is seen in a lot of figures. The figures scale out at around 5’ 11”or an even 6’ in the old Imperial scale, which makes them closer to 54mm (or 1:32) in size and bulk. No painting instructions are included, but, in reality if you’re buying these figures you won’t really need instructions. I think most of us have that covered. I am very pleased that First Legion has gone into the unpainted resin figure market. Their back catalogue is huge which opens up all sorts of interesting possibilities. I like these figures they are different and very well done. Their full range can be inspected on their website. Highly Recommended. Thanks to First Legion for the samples www.firstlegionltd.com Luke Pitt

RESICAST

1:35 SCALE ITEM NO. 35.5643 - LRDG NO. 1 RADIO OPERATOR ITEM NO. 35.5644 - LRDG NO. 2 “INTO THE SUN” ITEM NO. 35.5645 - LRDG NO. 3 SEATED OFFICER Resicast has released a batch of 1:35 scale resin Long Range Desert Group figures. Amongst them are these three, a radio operator at work, a standing soldier tipping his hat to give himself some shade and a seated officer. Casting quality is first rate, with no imperfections on my samples. The sculpting is excellent. I was particularly impressed by the animated expressions, active poses and the textures such as the beards and fabric drape. The figures are broken down logically. The seated officer is especially clever, being seated on a can (not the American colloquial expression, but an actual British Commonwealth PoW can) and moulded with torso, legs, can and one arm on a single impressive casting. These figures will look fantastic with any of the number of kits that are now suitable for LRDG scenes including Bantam, Willys or Ford Jeeps, Chevy trucks and more. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Resicast for the samples www.resicast.com Brett Green

MASTERCLUB

1:35 SCALE THE MODERN RUSSIAN SOLDIER ITEM NO. MCF 35052 Masterclub adds to its range of high quality figures with a 1:35 scale release entitled “The Modern Russian Soldier”. The figure is seated and looks pretty cold and miserable in his winter uniform. Both sculpting and casting is excellent. This figure is very crisply presented in medium grey coloured resin. The body is cast with the legs and one and a half arms in place. This will be a versatile figure for use with Zvezda’s new T-90 or any other modern Russian vehicle or vignette. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Masterclub UK for the sample www.masterclubuk.com Brett Green January 2013 - Model Military International 57

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1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases 2012 – A VINTAGE YEAR FOR 1:48? A

vintage year for 1:48 scale? Well, in some ways 2012 may well have been. The sheer number of new plastic 1:48 scale kits that have been released this year rivals anything that we have experienced so far. We have seen a number of new players enter the market. Airfix, a much loved brand and a place where many of us made our start, has launched a range of modern vehicles that for the most part seem competent and well done. UM has released a few plastic kits this year with the BA-10 Russian armoured car being a real treat in the way it was handled. Blue Cat a small start up firm, have seen fit to release a German Demag in two versions and, while not a world beater, it is a very competent kit and well worth purchasing. Tamiya has released three new kits this year with the IS-2 being not only simple to build but accurate. The Matilda for me was quite a surprise as too was the German Mobelwagen with its new plastic lower hull. It is gratifying to see the commitment to 1:48 from all of these manufactures. There, is no denying the world economy and indeed the hobby world is in a state of flux. Tensions in the Middle East and Europe only add to the uncertainly. While I am quietly optimistic about the sales future and general acceptance of 1:48 scale, I believe it is up to us to promote (at a grass root level), the benefits of this universal scale. While plastic kits releases have been quite good, the aftermarket producers have again raised the bar in terms of what they produce. A few new names have graced our review section this year and one of

the best has been Sling Shot models. Their sublime Aerosan Rf-8 is truly a work of art. It really has it all easy to build, low parts count and great instructions. SBS models is another newcomer and their product is so good it makes the donor kits they are intended to update look kind of second rate. I dearly hope these enjoy good sales of their product, as it will only encourage them to produce more. DEF Models out of Korea seem to have just come out of the blue. Their 1:48 wheels updates are nothing short of amazing. The attention to detail on these is breathtaking. Tank Workshop saw fit to release their long anticipated LRDG and while I have not seen one built as yet, the model is an outstanding and different piece. I encourage all of you to consider looking at it. I believe you will be more than pleasantly surprised. Sherman Updates continue to be this manufacturer’s staple and by and large if you can’t build a particular Sherman version from their list of updates, then you’re not really looking. Hauler continues to release photoetched updates for every new kit and are pretty much bullet proof in terms of what you really do need with a etch set. We have also seen some quite stunning and different full kits from this manufacturer this year, all of which are worthwhile purchases. Gasoline from France has always been a staple in 1:48 and this year brought a number of quite outstanding full kits as well as updates to their ever-expanding range. All of you who read this column will no doubt be aware of my love of high quality figures in this scale and, in my mind, one of the best figures

releases this year has come from Evolution. Their two German releases are quite simply that good all other figures in this scale can only be judged against them. Fox Miniatures have failed to appear again and although I’m a patient man my hope for these are rapidly diminishing. I have been following a few projects this year and one that has caught my attention is the work of one individual. This gentleman has commissioned figure sculptors from around the globe to make figures in 1:48 that he would like to see. He tells me that when complete the masters will be on sold to manufactures so we all can enjoy what he has had commissioned. Individuals like this are why I like 1:48 so much. It is more of a community, moreso than the other scales I tend to work in. From a personal standpoint my build rate has been extremely slow. I have slipped from one project to the next without really finishing anything! At this point, I would like to offer thanks to our reviewers and the manufacturers that send us samples. Without them, this column would not be possible. I’d also like to offer all our readers a safe and happy time during the course of 2013 lets hope we all build more than we did in 2012!

Until next time

Luke Pitt

S.B.S

1:48 scale - 8 Hole Opel Blitz Replacement Wheel Set • Item No.: 480036

Following hot on the heels of this firm’s Kfz. 385 updates comes a set of outstanding replacement wheels and tyres for the Italeri Opel Blitz kits. The level of detail and the casting quality of this set really puts all others in the shade. The tyres themselves are authentically narrow and that, in itself, is pleasing as most tyres of that period looked like this. The hub detail is well defined and the inclusion of a separate inner hub is a masterstroke. These wheels are some of the best I that have seen in this scale and rival (and in some instances surpass) anything in 1:35 scale let alone 1:48. Quite simply put, I really don’t think you will see a better set of replacement wheels for the Opel Blitz anytime in the future. Highly Recommended. Thanks for SBS Model for the review samples www.sbsmodel.com Luke Pitt

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Luke Pitt hosts MMI’s examination of the growing world of 1:48 scale military models, figures and accessories. Tank Workshop

1/48 scale Update set: TWS48036 Sherman Stamped Road Wheels Update set: TWS48037 Sherman Dished Road Wheels Update set: TWS48007 M4A1 Hull with Cast Appliqué Armour

Tank Workshop has very thoughtfully produced these three resin update sets that will help to make the Sherman of your choice look just that little bit better. The first set is TWS 48036, Sherman stamped road wheels. These are presented with a complete set for one tank including the rear idler wheels. Details are nicely cast on both sides of the new resin wheels unlike some of the current plastic kits that have no detail on the reverse side of the wheel and are just simply left hollow. There is a small amount of resin flash on the outside of each of the wheels and this should present no major problems to remove The second set is TWS 48037, Sherman dished road wheels and again there are enough in the set for one tank. The cast detail on this set of wheels compares favourably to the currently available plastic versions with the added benefit of not having to glue the rear wheel plastic detailed part in place. There was also some minor resin flash and a few resin pour plugs to be removed but nothing too challenging. Lastly we have the TWS48007 M4A1 Hull with Cast Appliqué Armour. This set is designed to fit any of the current manufacturer’s kits and in particular will be a suitable update for the Tamiya M4A1 Sherman Kit No 32523 It provides the additional cast-in armour detail that was added to the real vehicles’ upper cast hulls during the manufacturing process. The upper hull resin update is simplicity in itself with just the resin blanking plugs to be removed from the turret and driver / radio operator hull openings. The kit appears to have used the Tamiya cast hull as a template and has some nicely refined details included. It captures the look of the one piece cast upper hull very well. In conclusion, these kits provide a simple and effective update that will add very nice touch of additional detail without too much additional work Highly Recommended. Thanks to Tank Workshop for the review samples www.tankworkshop.com Ross Ferro

Hauler

1:48 scale Various Photo-Etched Updates

Hauler continues to serve we 1:48 modellers with simple yet important updates for all the newly released 1:48 scale armour kits on the market. These two new sets continue the trend. They are: HLX48329: BA-10 Update for the new UM KIT HLX48327: Matilda Update for the new Tamiya kit Both of these sets might seem quite simple at first glance, but they address most of the overly thick detail parts contained in the kits. The BA-10 update for example covers things like the front bumper, headlight surrounds, rear fender boxes and two types of rear step plates. The Matilda update offers replacements for most of the brackets for the muffler, tool stowage, light and spare track holders. Other items include the various tie downs seen on the vehicle itself. The photo etch is clean and very well defined. Both sets include simple yet comprehensive instructions Highly Recommended. Thanks to Hauler for the samples www.hauler.cz Luke Pitt

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• • • • • • • •

• Revell and Legends 1:35 M88A2 HERCULES conversion • Italeri 1:35 M24 Chaffee • Bugle Call 2010 show report • Italeri 1:35 Biber U-Boat • Dragon 1:35 Sd.Kfz 251/9 Kanonenwagen • Italeri 1:35 AB 41 • Snow Technique Tech Guide • MiniArt 1:35 scale British Valentine » and more...

• • • • • • • •

Dragon 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) Tasca 1:35 M4A3(76)W ScaleModelworld 2010 Report Alan’s heavily rebuilt 1:35 Marder II Ausf. D Tamiya 1:35 SAS Jeeps conversion Italeri 1:35 M923 Big Foot BaxMod 1:35 Ratel Flags and Packs TechGuide » and more...

Dragon 1:35 scale M7 Priest MiniArt Su-76M conversion 1:35 motorhome conversion Hetzer Vignette Tech Guide Pt.1 Italeri 1:35 GMC Truck and Panzer 38(t) Real Model LAV-III LORIT conversion Dragon 1:72 scale Tiger I Italeri 1:48 Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma and Tankerwagen » and more...

Issue 61

Issue 62

Issue 63

Issue 64

• • • • • • • •

• 1:35 M1A2 Abrams with TUSK II conversion • Sd.Kfz. 234/3 diorama • Dragon 1:35 Befehls Panther • Dragon RSO in winter whitewash • Dragon’s Panzer IV Ausf. G • Dragon’s 1:35 scale Flakvierling • Tamiya Pz. 35(t) • Tamiya’s 1:35 scale M5 and M8 » and more...

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Issue 65

Issue 66

Issue 67

Issue 68

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• 1:35 Warrior OPV conversion • Tamiya 1:35 Sd.Kfz.232 in desert camouflage • War and Peace 2011 Show Report • Vulcan 1:35 Light Tank Mk.VI B • M728 CEV Conversion • AFV Club 1:35 scale Nashorn • Dragon 1:35 scale M2A1 • Tamiya King Tiger » and more...

• HobbyBoss 1:35 ShkH DANA • Bronco 1:35 Hotchkiss H35 • MIG Productions 1:35 Damaged Modern Pickup Hilux • Tamiya BT-42 • Dust Walker and Figure • MiniArt 1:35 Valentine Mk.I • Italeri 1:35 M3A1 » and more...

1:35 scale T-62M1 conversion Jeff Shiu large scale SS MG 34 gunner Dragon 1:35 scale M7 Priest Bronco 1:35 Archer 17 Pdr SPG Hetzer Vignette Tech Guide Pt.2 Dragon’s Sd.Kfz. 7 Early Version HobbyBoss 1:35 scale VK 1602 Leopard Dragon 1:48 Panzerfahre » and more...

Revell 1:35 Fuchs AMPS 2011 Show Report Tamiya 1:35 M20 Large scale WWI bust Bronco 1:35 Hotchkiss H 39 1:35 Japanese Type 97 Shi-Ki conversion 1:35 Leopard 2A7 conversion Dragon 1:35 VK4502 Dragon 1:35 Wirbelwind » and more...

1:35 Dragon Type 2 Ka-Mi Tankfest 2011 Show Report Trumpeter 1:35 E100 Gaso.Line 1:48 Buffalo MRAP Scratch built 1:32 M3 Panhard Hobby Boss 1:35 scale ZTZ 96 Tristar 1:35 Panzer IV/70 (A) HobbyBoss 1:35 ZTZ 96 Chinese MBT Revell 1:72 88 mm FLAK gun » and more...

1:35 Accurate Armour Coyote TSV Dragon 1:35 Henschel Jagdtiger Dust Models 1:35 Heinrich Walker HobbyBoss 1:35 M3A1 White Scout Car 1:48 HobbyBoss T-34/76 Dragon 1:35 Pz.Bef.Wg I HobbyBoss 1:35 VK4502 Italeri 1:48 88mm gun » and more...

1:48 T-34/76 kitbashed Multimedia Tatra in 1:35 scale CyberHobby 1:35 Neubaufahrzeug HobbyBoss 1:35 M3A1 White Scout Car GreatWall Hobby 1:35 12.8cm Pak 44 CyberHobby 1:35 Neubaufahrzeug Tasca 1:35 Easy Eight Tamiya 1:48 Panzer II Ausf.A/B/C Dragon 1:35 Su-85M » and more...

Issue 69

Issue 70

Issue 71

Issue 72

• Tamiya 1:48 and 1:35 Panzer II Ausf. A/B/C plus Bronco’s 1:35 Ausf.D. Pt.1 • Accurate Armour 1:35 Jackal 2 • Tamiya FAMO, Dragon 88mm plus Tiger Model Design conversion parts • Kit Form Services Ferret Mk. 2/3 • Build your first tank model • ICM 1:35 Mercedes G4 • HobbyBoss 1:35 MRAV » and more...

• AFV Club’s 1:35 M1126 Stryker • AFV Club’s 1:35 Churchill in Soviet colours • Young Miniatures 1:10 Ardennes Machine Gunner bust • HobbyBoss 1:35 ShkH DANA Pt.2 • Dragon 1:35 Sd.Kfz. 10/5 • Showcase Models Australia 1:35 Bushmaster • Tristar 1:35 Minitionspanzer I » and more...

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Issue 73

Issue 74

Issue 75

Issue 76

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Zvezda 1:35 T-90 Main Battle Tank Derek Hansen of Accurate Armour Revell 1:72 King Tiger ‘Game Over For Gaddafi’ 1:35 diorama 1:35 Cyberhobby Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf. J • HobbyBoss 1:35 scale CV-90 • Trumpeter 1:35 scale 152mm m 1937 » and more...

• MiniArt 1:35 Valentine • HobbyBoss 1:35 Land Rover RSOV • Trumpeter’s 1:35 JGSDF Type 96 WAPC Type A • Dragon 1:35 scale Sd.Kfz. 10/5 • HobbyBoss 1:35 ZBD-05 • Kinetic Model Kits 1:35 Self-Propelled Howitzer M109A2 • Melbourne Model Expo 2012 • 1:35 scratch built diorama and figures » and more...

1:35 scale BT-7M conversion AFV Club 1:35 scale M1128 Bronco 1:35 scale Adler Tamiya 1:48 scale Opel Blitz Trumpeter kit by Michel Perez Dragon Panzer III Ausf. M Dragon 1:35 scale Bison II Trumpeter 1:35 scale Neubaufahrzeug » and more...

1:35 scale Tamiya T-55 Enigma Pt1 Tamiya 1:48 Marder III M Young Miniatures’ 82nd Airborne Bust MiniArt’s 1:35 scale BA-64 Zvezda 1:35 scale T-90 Main Battle Tank Panda 1:35 scale M-ATV Dragon 1:35 scale Jagdpanzer IV L/70 Tamiya 1:48 scale Js-2 » and more...

Tamiya 1:35 M51 MMSI Show Report Dragon 1:35 conversion Italeri 1:24 Opel Blitz Trumpeter 1:35 diorama Dragon 1:35 RSO Bronco 1:35 Bishop Model Victoria 1:35 CV-33 Tankette » and more...

Kit Form Services 1:24 Ferret Cz Kolinec 1:35 Zrinyi MiniArt Valentine Mk.IV Foliage Tech Guide Pt.1 Kinetic 1:35 M-ATV HobbyBoss RSOV Landrover Dragon 1:35 M4A3(75)W Sherman Trumpeter KV-8 & Aerosan » and more...

Issue 77

Issue 78

Issue 79

Issue 80

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• HobbyBoss 1:35 Toldi tank • Bronco 1:35 scale Zrinyi • Miniatures PMC 1:9 Waffen SS Machine Gunner • Squadron EagleQuest XXI Show Report • Trumpeter 1:35 T-62 Model 1972 • Trumpeter 1:35 KV-8 Flamethrower Kitbash • Italeri 1:35 Sturmtiger • SKP 1:35 Challenger » and more...

• Bax Models’ 1:35 Ratel • Bronco 1:35 Zrinyi tank • 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.II mit Holzgasantrieb conversion • Spencer Pollard Interview • Tamiya 1:35 scale Simca 5 • Revell 1:35 Henschell Truck • Dragon 1:35 scale StuG IV • Tasca 1:35 Firefly Composite » and more...

Tamiya 1:35 scale Elefant pt.1 Academy 1:35 Merkava IV LIC Dragon 1:35 Sd.Kfz. 251/17 Ausf.D Bronco 1:35 scale YW-531C AMPS 2012 Show Report Dragon 1:35 2cm Flak 38 Meng Models 1:35 Merkava 3D Early Ferdinand and Elefant Family Ref » and more...

HobbyBoss 1:35 GMC Bofors 40mm Gun Masterbox 1:35 Mercedes 170VK Dragon 1:35 Ersatz M10 AFV Club 1:35 Duster Swann Morton 80th Anniversary visit Meng 1:35 Merkava Mk.3D HobbyBoss 1:35 VK1602 Leopard 1:35 T31 Demolition Tank Conversion Dragon 1:35 Waffentrager » and more...

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Tel: 01525 222573 - Email: [email protected] p 60 BackIssues 081.indd 57

08/11/2012 10:45

KIT PREVIEW

Italeri 1:35 Stug IV. Kit No. 6491

The box art shows metal tracks but they are actually plastic link and length examples.

Track face detail.

QUICK & EASY

Italeri has upgraded some older moulds with brand new parts for its 1:35 scale StuG. IV. Graham Tetley takes a look.

I

taleri has now entered the Construction naturally starts Stug IV market with this kit with the suspension and lower that appears to be based on hull. Alternate return rollers, their 1:35 scale Panzer IV idlers and drive sprockets are chassis from years ago. provided so you can vary things if Before I describe the kit let me you wish. The tracks are link and make you aware of one potentially length with the lengths making misleading issue with the boxart, the lower run and the spares which appears to show a built-up that go in the track hangers. example that uses metal tracks. Everything else is individual link, Please be aware that NO metal and the tracks come with solid tracks are in the kit, instead cast guide horns and plain faces we have link and length plastic with two indentations. There are ones. The weight of the box will some ejector pin marks on the give it away, but this does give a inner surfaces but you won’t be misleading impression of the box able to see most of them when contents. completed. A test fit of some What we do get are six sprues links showed a good fit, although containing approximately 600 I recommend a few passes with plastic parts, an etched brass a file on the inner surfaces to fret with 15 more, one turned remove the mould seams. metal barrel and markings for A very basic gun breech is four vehicles. There are however provided and no interior so it is several optional best to close this one parts and many up. To this breech unused ones, you add the turned over 200 in fact. metal barrel and Of those unused alternative muzzle parts you get a brakes are provided figure, jerrycans, in plastic. The hull alternate top comes moulded steel-rimmed as one part to which The photo-etched fret. roadwheels and you add the engine caps plus a few grilles and intakes, other bits. The hatches etc., as well box art says that as some tiny bolts the kit comes that need shaving from ‘Fully from one of the Upgraded Moulds’ sprues. Detail on and, overall, the the hull is good, parts are cleanly however all of the presented with prominent weld no flash. There seams are missing so Marking options. are however you will need to add some ejector pin these. The machine and sink marks gun shield comes on various parts in etched brass and so a little filling is rather nice, but and filing will be unfortunately it needed. Detail is let down by the generally is good, awful MG 34 – get but it is not as another from your sharp as that spares box!. The found on the Commander’s hatch Dragon kits. is a little basic and Road wheel and track sprues.

whilst you get periscope covers for the driver’s compartment you will need to find the periscopes from elsewhere to fill the voids. Two styles of rear track guard attachments are provided and both options come in either etch or plastic, however some surgery will be required to remove the plastic ends so that the etch can be fitted. Fortunately the etch is well marked and easy to bend. As well as these, a full complement of tools are added to the track guards, as well as the spare road wheel holder and other bits. The road wheel holder itself is presented in photo-etched metal. Turning to the Schurtzen, these come moulded in plastic and, as such, are unrealistically thick but will be quick and easy to assemble. They have indentations on their inner faces where you attach the U-shaped hangers to fit on the support rail. So, in summary, this will be a quick and easy kit to build. It is better detailed than Tamiya’s version and not as complicated as Dragon’s offering. To my mind this would be an ideal kit for a modeller wanting a first try at individual link tracks and etched parts, plus act as an introduction to minor kit surgery. My only reservation with it is not to do with the kit, but with the deceptive packaging that leads you to believe that it comes with metal tracks. Italeri should really change their packaging in this regard, or put a disclaimer on the boxtop. That aside, If you want a Stug IV with lots of fine detail then go for Dragon, but if you are happy with something that is not as complicated but looks like it should then this is the kit for you. Recommended. ■

Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net

The plastic schurzen.

Hull detail.

Engine deck detail.

The driver’s compartment.

Cast texture on the Saukopf. January 2013 - Model Military International 61

p 61 StuG IV Pre 081B.indd 61

08/11/2012 11:17

BUYERS GUIDE>>>>>>>>> PARABELLUM

ADVERTISE HERE! IF YOU ARE READING THIS THEN SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS. FOR INFORMATION, CALL COLIN SPINNER ON 01525 222573 OR MARK PEACOCK ON 01234 273434

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Tel: 01422 349157

Tel: 01292 886614

TAMIYA, DRAGON, MIG PRODUCTIONS, VALLEJO AND MANY MORE NOW STOCKING AIRSOFT PRODUCTS OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – SATURDAY 9.30 – 5.00, SUNDAY 11.00 – 4.00

ALL MODELS,ALL MAKES,ALL SCALES. OPENING HOURS: MON,TUES,THUR 10.30-17.30,WED CLOSED, FRI 10.30-17.00,SAT 9.30-17.00,SUN 10.30-16.30

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OPEN 10.00AM - 5.30PM, THURS & FRI OPEN UNTIL 7.00PM NO1 IN EUROPE FOR PLASTIC KITS AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDING THE FULL RANGE OF TAMIYA (NOT RC)

9.30 – 4.30 MONDAY TO FRIDAY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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Email:[email protected]

email: [email protected]

VISA/MASTERCARD/MAESTRO

1/2 MILE FROM RAF MUSEUM

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WEB BROWSER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> tamiya.com

creativemodels.co.uk

italeri.com

revell.com

www.missing-lynx.com www.hyperscale.com p 62 Buyers Guide 081.indd 62

07/11/2012 16:38

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07/11/2012 16:40

Contact Details - for companies featured in MMI... ACCURATE ARMOUR/ ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION

Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland. Tel; 01475 743 955 Fax; 01475 743746 www.accurate-armour.com

ADALBERTUS

Iberyjska 7/49, 02-764 , Warsaw,Poland [email protected] www.adalbertus.com.pl

THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd

Unit 7 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF. Tel; 08700 660 445 www.airbrushes.com

ALCLAD II LACQUER

5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk. NR12 0LL Tel; 01962 65216 Fax; 01692 652334

ALPINE, ROYAL MODEL, ARTISAN MORI, YOSCI; SMARTMODELLING No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN. UK Tel; 01883 734746 [email protected]

AMPERSAND PUBLISHING (via Historex Agents in UK)

235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5543, USA Tel; 561-266 9686 Fax; 561-266-9786

ARCHER

(Historex in UK)

PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 27596-1277, USA www.archertransfers.co

BADGER AIR-BRUSH COMPANY 9128W Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 Tel; 847/678-3104 www.badgerairbrush.com email [email protected] (In the UK from www.shesto.co.uk)

BISON DECALS

Available from www.hannants.co.uk and www.pdi-model-supplies.com

DELUXE MATERIALS www.deluxematerials.co.uk [email protected] Tel; 01529 455 0340

DRAGON MODELS

(The Hobby Company in UK)

Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT, Hong Kong Fax; (HK) 4110587 www.dragonmodelsltd.com (For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK)

ECHELON FINE DETAILS

Available from; wwwaccurate-armour.com & http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kriegsketten/

FRIENDSHIP MODELS

12 Delta Drive, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 8HR Tel; 0131 665 0866 Mobile; 07877166225 www.friendshipmodels.com

GREAT NORTH ROADS

9a Marcombe Road, Torquay, South Devon, TQ2 6LL Tel; 01803 400436 www.greatnorthroads.co.uk email [email protected]

HANNANTS

Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ, Tel; 01502 517444 Fax; 01502 500521 www.hannants.co.uk [email protected]

HISTOREX AGENTS

Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK Tel; 01304 206720 Fax; 01304 204528. www.historex-agents.co.uk [email protected]

HOBBYLINK JAPAN

CAMMETT

(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber)

Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate, Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA Tel; 01497 822757 Email; [email protected] www.cammett.co.uk

CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS

Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Leics UK. LE10 1YF Tel; 01455 233 747, Fax; 01455 233 737 [email protected] www.classic-publications.com

CREATIVE MODELS LTD

(Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures)

Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. PE16 6TG Tel; 01354 760022 www.creativemodels.co.uk [email protected]

DARTMOOR MILITARY MODELS Haylis cottage, Budlake, Broadclyst Exeter, EX5 3LJ, England Tel; 01392 881271 www.dartmoormilitarymodels.com

C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain www.migproductions.com

MILICAST MODEL CO.,

9 Rannoch St., Battlefield, Glasgow G44 4DF, Scotland Tel/Fax; 0141 633 1400 [email protected] www.milicast.com

MISSION MODELS

(ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL)

www.etchmate.com www.missionmodels.com Tel; 818 842 1885 Fax; 818 842 1886 [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

THE ARMORY; M&MODELS

9329 S. Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA http://home.earthlink.net/~mmodels/

www.airconnection.on.ca

www.ianallanpublishing.com Mail Order Dept 01455 254450 Kiev 02099, Ukraine, Borispolskaya 9 building 64. Tel/fax; (+38044) 369-54-12 [email protected] www.icm.com.ua

ITALERI

(The Hobby Company in UK)

Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, Bologna, Italy, Tel; 051 726037 www.italeri.com

JUST BASES

21 Graham Road, Paignton TQ3 1BB Tel; 01803 558520 www.just-bases.co.uk

JUST KITS

4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA Tel; 01489 781177 www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk

LSA MODELS

Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany Fax; 09961 910 7826

SCHIFFER BOOKS

Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd, Atglen, PA, 19310 USA www.schifferbooks.com

SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK

Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK. Tel; 020 8392 8585, 020 8392 9876, email; [email protected]

SCHUMO KITS

www.schumo-kits.com

SDV MODEL www.sdvmodel.cz

SIMPLE 2 TRADE

No 2 Hollywood Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham, B47 5PP Tel; 0121 474 3030 www.simple2trade.com

SMARTMODELLING

(Swash, Tasca, Gap, Yosci, Royal Model)

Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com

No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN UK Tel; 01883 734746 [email protected]

MONROE PERDU

SQUADRON

Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA. www.monroeperdu.com

ORDNANCE MODELS Via; www.steelmodels.com

PACIFIC COAST MODELS Tel; 001 707 538 4850 [email protected] www.pacmodels.com

PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK www.panzerwrecks.com (Creative Models in UK)

Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. [email protected] www.plusmodel.cz

POCKETBOND LTD

(Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK)

PO Box 80, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, AL6 0ND Tel; 01707 391509 Fax; 01707 327 466 [email protected]

PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA)

Unit 19B, Applin’s Farm, Farrington, Dorset DT11 8RA, UK Tel/Fax; 01747 811 817 www.psp-models.com

QUICKBOOST

www.quickboost.net

REVELL GmbH & Co. KG Orchard Mews, 18C High Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 5AH Tel; +44 (0) 1442 250130 Fax; +44 (0) 1442 245619 www.revell.eu

(TASCA, MASTER BOX) Retail; 151 Sackville Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3HD, England. Tel/Fax; 01273 705420 [email protected] www.lsamodels.co.uk

SB MODELS

MDC

SBLC

Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3FW Fax; 01773 513344 [email protected] www.modeldesignconstruction.com

SCHATTON BARRELS

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD

PLUS MODEL

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

(Creative Models in UK)

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MIG PRODUCTIONS

PANZERWRECKS

IAN ALLAN

Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB Tel; 01299 823330 Fax; 01299 829970 [email protected]

http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~m.a.mori/index_eng.html

Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1, Tochigi 327-0813, Japan www.hlj.com

BLAST MODELS

Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com

MODELING ARTISAN MORI

UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model

P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY. Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749 [email protected] www.sbmodels.net PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK [email protected]

SBX MODEL SHOP

Norwich Road, Ipswich. IP1 5DN Tel; 01473 464311 www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk

1115 Crowley Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 U.S.A

SWANN-MORTON

Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ Tel; +44 (0)114 234 4231 Fax; +44 (0)114 231 4966 General: [email protected] www.craftknives.com

TAMIYA JAPAN

Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 JAPAN www.tamiya.com

TAMIYA UK;

THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666 [email protected] www.hobbyco.net

TRUMPETER

www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK

VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS (Historex in UK)

811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA www.verlinden-productions.com

VALLEJO

(Creative Models in UK)

Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 - 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12 Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54 www.acrylicosvallejo.com

VLS CORPORATION (LSA in UK)

(TRAKZ, WINGZ, CUSTOM DIORAMICS, WARRIORS); Lincoln County Industrial Park, 1011 Industrial Court, Moscow Mills, Missouri 63362, USA www.modelmecca.com

WHITE ENSIGN

Unit 5, Cobnash Industrial Estate, HR6 9RW Tel; 0844 415 0914 [email protected] www.whiteensignmodels.com

WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA 12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205 Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207 [email protected]

ZVEZDA

(The Hobby Company in UK)

Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region, 141730 Russia [email protected] www.zvezda.org.ru

■ Please mention ‘Model Military International’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks! 64 Model Military International - January 2013

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Next Issue On sale 3rd Janary 2012

ISSUE No.81 January 2013, Published December 6th 2012

URBAN TUSK

Anthony Sheedy builds Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale U.S. Main Battle Tank M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II.

Editor; Group Editor; Publisher; Graphic Design; Advertising Manager; Advertising Sales; Advertising Assistant; Office Manager; Administration Manager; MMI Website;

Brett Green Marcus Nicholls Alan Harman Alex Hall Colin Spinner Mark Peacock Joe Brown Paula Gray Hannah McLaurie Alex Hall

Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK Distributed by; Seymour Distribution 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000

HUNGARIAN GOULASH

Newstrade; Select Publisher Services 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; [email protected]

Luke Pitt builds Bronco's 1:35 scale Zrinyi, and Bruce Culver describes Hungarian armour in a new Think Tank.

Model Military International is published on the first Thursday of each month by; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX UK www.modelmilitary.com Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574

Bronco’s 1:35 scale Hotchkiss H39 by Joaquin Garcia Gazquez.

Advertising enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email; [email protected] Subscription enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574 Email; [email protected] Reproduction in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers can not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Advertisements are accepted for publication in Model Military International only on ADH Publishing’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address above. All advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address above.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

MINENRAUMER

Meng Model’s 1:35 scale Minenraumer by Pawel Rzymski.

Don’t forget, when using solvents such as glues, paints, thinners and cleaning agents, always ventilate your work area thoroughly and wear a face mask. When using power tools, side cutters or any tool that can suddenly break or create high-speed airborne particles, wear approved eye protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please always model in safety!

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £41 UK £54 Europe £67 Worldwide (Airmail) Binders; £8.50 plus postage (UK £2.45, Euro £4.45, World £6.45) For all orders, please call; (UK) +44(0)1525 222573 or visit www.modelmilitary.com Back Issues; Back Issues are available at the current cover price. See the latest back issues advert or visit www.modelmilitary.com The paper used in this magazine is manufactured at the Leipa Georg Mill and is 100% recycled using de-inked pulp. The mill conforms fully with the requirements of both FSC and PEFC and carries the full accreditations for their environmental policies.

...and much more! Due to many influencing factors, we cannot guarantee the appearance of the above projects, but we’ll try our best!

www.fsc.org www.pefc.org © ADH Publishing 2012

Order online now at; www.modelmilitary.com

FRENCH FIREPOWER

Editorial enquiries; Email; [email protected]

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The Last Post..

MMI’S 2012 IN REVIEW T

his issue of Model Military International magazine will appear on the newsstands in early December, so it seems to be the right time to take a look back at 2012. Despite another gloomy year for the world economy, kit releases continued to flow at a remarkable rate, particularly out of Asia. Both the traditional players such as Tamiya and AFV Club; along with brand new entrants including Meng and Kinetic, have offered some fascinating new releases during 2012. Bronco has really kicked up their release activity this year too. It would seem that there is a trend towards ever-higher levels of detail straight from the box - and a correspondingly high parts count. This is particularly true of Dragon, AFV Club and Bronco. By contrast, Tamiya’s latest military releases have focused on delivering a high level of detail with a smaller number of parts, consequently offering faster and easier construction. Regardless of whether you prefer a 1,000 part super-kit or a relaxing weekend build, I cannot recall a time when we have seen more or better kits appearing on our hobby shop shelves. Although some releases may have question marks over accuracy in specific areas, we have never had a bigger choice than we have today. The after market remains lively too, with

new technologies permitting small runs of remarkably detailed accessories, upgrades, corrections and conversions. Any magazine is an ensemble effort and this title is no exception. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of Model Military International’s contributors, whose wonderful models and research have appeared in these pages over 2012 and previous years. Thanks to all of you for your efforts. Our Think Tank articles, usually related to a modeling subject in the same issue, are an important part of the character of the magazine. I would particularly like to thank Bruce Culver for his remarkable ability to turn around high quality and original reference articles at amazingly short notice. Stuart Ransley has done a great job with modern subjects too. MMI is fortunate to boast a team of reviewers with expertise in a number of specialist areas. Not only do they know their stuff, but they also understand the importance of providing a balanced review pointing out both the high points and the potential problems with new release kits and accessories. I am very grateful to our ensemble of reviewers. Alex Hall has shouldered most of the MMI design duties for this year. Alex has once again done a fantastic job converting basic

photographs and words into attractive flowing visual stories. Thanks Alex! Despite the extra duties imposed by MIM’s AFV Edition, ADH Publishing’s Group Editor Marcus Nicholls continues to be an essential part of the creative process with his feedback, suggestions and support. Luke Pitt has added Interviews to his repertoire of skills, along with his monthly 1:48 scale pages, which has become a fixture of the magazine, and his splendid model articles. There is a surprising amount of administrative work associated with any magazine, such as dealing with correspondence and distributing samples. Thanks to Paula, Hannah, Colin and Joe for managing much of the back-office burden of MMI. I am grateful to our Publisher Alan Harman too, for having the faith to give me this wonderful job nearly four years ago, and for letting me keep it ever since! And lastly but certainly not least, thank you, MMI reader, for your ongoing support of the magazine. We hope that you will enjoy the models, research and news that we will be bringing you in 2013. ■

Brett

PUTTING IT IN PERSPECTIVE One of the challenges of presenting a model article is providing a sense of proportion for the subject. An accompanying figure is a good way to do this, or sometimes I will photograph the kit alongside a coin or another familiar object to convey its size – or lack thereof! My article on Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale Simca 5 in Issue 80 of MMI was finished in a very short period of time and I neglected to give a visual indication of its actual size. I thought I would redress that shortcoming here by displaying the kit next to Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale Elefant. The Simca really is quite small, as the contrast in this photo clearly shows! It won’t take up much space in your display shelf, but it is a lovely little model.

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D6565

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Dragon Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG See the full Dragon range at www.hobbyco.net Dragon models are available from all good model shops

www.hobbyco.net

07/11/2012 16:41