p 02 AirbrushCo 097.indd 8
11/03/2014 12:06
Contents - Issue 97 May 2014 6
28
38
REGULARS
FEATURES
p 4 NEWS
p 6 THINK TANK
What’s new in the world of military modelling
p 51 SMALL SCALE
The latest in the world of 1:72 scale and smaller
p 54 INCOMING
MMI’s thoughts on the latest kits and accessories
p 56 BOOKS
Roundup of the latest modelling and reference titles
GAZ Trucks by Bruce Culver
p 16 SCANNING THE RED SKY
Tamiya’s 1:48 scale GAZ-MM Truck by Brett Green
p 26 PREVIEW
Bronco Panzer I Ausf. F by Bill Wiseman
p 28 INDOCHINA
Italeri’s LCVP and Revell’s LCM in a 1:35 scale diorama by Jose Brito
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
46
p 38 BIG GUN COCKROACH ZiS-30 conversion from Mirror Models 1:35 Komsomoletz by Steve Zaloga
p 46 THE HUNTER HUNTED
Small-scale Nashorn wreck by Steve Shrimpton
p 52 PREVIEW
Takom 1:35 Leopard C2 MEXAS kit and Trackjam Conversion
©ADH Publishing Ltd 2014 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 May 2014 - Model Military International 3
p 03 Contents 097B.indd 3
11/03/2014 12:18
Newsline - May ’14 NEW BOOK
DUTCH LEOPARD 1
MMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574 Email:
[email protected]
• A4, full colour, 80 pages. 149 photos and diagrams • ADH061 Retail price £17.50 • ISBN: 978-0-9928425-0-5 • Available now from ADH Books wesbsite www.adhbooks.com
A
t the end of 1969, the first of 468 Leopard 1 tanks from the German manufacturer Kraus-Maffei were transferred to the Royal Dutch Army. The Dutch cavalrymen had waited anxiously for this new, reliable and above all, mobile tank which would partially replace Centurion. The superiority of the Warsaw Pact saw NATO forced to act in a mobile fight. In the eighties, the Leopard underwent an extensive improvement involving the military, the press and politics. After the fall of the iron curtain, and after twenty years of service, the end came for this defining tank within the Dutch Army. With hindsight, did the Leopard 1 meet its high expectations? We must be honest and say the answer is no. Why? Read the book and all will be revealed! The author, Willem Smit, affiliated with the Netherlands Institute of Military History, pays tribute to the operational deployment of this battle tank and also focuses on the development, testing, troubled service and phasing out of the Leopard 1 tank. Armoured Fist of the Royal Dutch Army is a richly illustrated book, accessible to both the uninitiated, the modeller and the enthusiast. This book was first published in 2008 in the Dutch language. The original book is now out-of-print and difficult to find, especially outside its country of origin. This expanded English-language edition adds some new information and photos in a redesigned format. Michael Shackleton, author of the Leopard 1 Trilogy, is the man behind this project. ■
KFS 1:24 Scale 120mm L6 WOMBAT anti Tank Gunand M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle, with FV1801 Champ Mounting
TQ-210 L6 WOMBAT The United Kingdom's L6 Wombat (Weapon Of Magnesium Battalion Anti Tank) 120mm recoilless rifle entered service in the 1960s and was used by the British Army in many parts of the world. During the Vietnam War, the Wombat was also used by the Australian Army. The L6 Wombat 120mm recoilless rifle was 12.66 feet (3.86m) long & required a 3 man crew. Usually, the Wombat was mounted on a mobile small two-wheeled carriage and was fired from the carriage. It could also however be mounted on Army Land Rover vehicles and on the FV432 Armoured Personnel Carrier. The Wombat had 360 degree traverse and could engage static targets at ranges of 1,093yds (1000m) and moving targets up to 820yds (750m). An M8 0.5” (12.7mm) spotting rifle mounted over the barrel helped the gunner to engage the target with a first round hit. The Wombat's 4.72” (120mm) calibre HESH round weighed 60lbs (27.2kg) and could penetrate 15.75” (400mm) of armour. The projectile itself weighed 28.3lbs (12.84kg). While the L6 Wombat was a powerful weapon, it created such a large back blast when it was fired that it was difficult to keep its location a secret. Kit Form Service’s new 1:24 scale kit comprises 21 parts in high quality resin, 11 parts in white metal, around 45 parts in etched brass & comes with complete instructions, 120mm ammo, ammo cases, ammo marking decals & a dedicated 1/24th airportable Land Rover mounting kit. Priced £38.00
TQ-211 M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle
As a dedicated add-on conversion kit for the FV1801 Austin Champ, KFS now offers the 106mm Recoilless Rifle package. The weapon has seen extensive worldwide service since the 1950s including Korea, Vietnam, Congo, Falklands, Somalia, Libya, Syria, Iraq & other wars. The British Army also used the weapon in the Suez crisis mounted on the FV1801 Champ. The Royal Dutch Army also mounted the 106 on their air-portable Land Rovers. Although the TQ-211 kit is a dedicated Champ conversion, its adjustable width tripod legs also make it suitable for use on the KFS Lightweight, the Italeri 3 Series LWB Land Rover, most WWII jeep kits & most open backed civilian pick up trucks. The kit comprises 17 parts in high quality resin, 10 parts in white metal, around 30 parts in etched brass & comes complete with full instructions for the Champ conversion, 8 rounds of unique perforated case HEAT & HESH ammo plus ammo racks, 360˚ traverse plus a good degree of elevation. Priced £38.00
Both these new releases and the rest of Kit Form Services growing range of 1:24 scale military subjects are available online from their website www.kitformservices.com
Shepway Summer 2014 Model Show Shepway Military Modelling Society will be presenting their Sumemr 2014 Model Show on Saturday 21 June 2014, from 10am to 4pm. The show will feature model displays, club displays, trade stands, model competitions, bring and buy stall and refreshments. The venue is Hawkinge Community Centre, Heron Forstal Avenue, Folkestone, CT18 7FP. The entrance fee is £1 for adults, with Under 16s admitted for 50p. Contact:
[email protected]
4 Model Military International - May 2014
p 04 News 097B.indd 4
11/03/2014 12:18
UK D istributors
. . i n c o r p o r a t i n g
Modelling Trees Part One - Broadleaf Trees 92 pages, full colour.
£19.95
Modelling Trees Part Two - Conifers 92 pages, full colour.
£21.95
Wholesale terms available to genuine outlets.
if you are a publisher looking for a wholesaler or distributor in the UK please contact us:
[email protected]
The Battleship Builders Constructing and Arming British Capital Ships The launch
in 1906 of HMS Dreadnought, the world’s first all-big-gun battleship, rendered all existing battle fleets obsolete, but at the same time it wiped out the Royal Navy’s numerical advantage, so expensively maintained for decades. 320 pages, Black/White photographs. £30.00
Art of Modelling 02
Topics covered include: Dragon M1A1 Abrams AIM, Belkits 1:24 Ford Fiesta RS WRC ‘ADAC Rally 2011 Germany.’ After the Battle’ - Sturmgesch¸tz III Ausf. E, Zoukei-Mura SWS06 HE 219 A-O ‘UHU’, Tommy’s War Ploegsteert Wood 1915, VAB 4 x 4 Troop Carrier, 66 pages,full colour.
£7.95
Camouflage Profile Guide Waffen SS Colors Through 80
pages and more than 180 profiles, this book examines the history of colors and camouflage used by the Waffen SS on their vehicles. From a BMW sidecar 75 prior to the invasion of Poland to the King Tiger 501 s.SS.Pz.Abt used by LAH Peiper in the Ardennes, this book covers a wide variety of vehicles, colors, and camouflage used by this dark branch of the Wehrmacht. £20.99
Modelling Grassland and Landscape Detailing
Featuring Weeds and Wild Flowers, Hedges, Roads and Pavements, Mud, Puddles and Rivers by Gordon Gravett. This book is a great follow up, to the two books published on Modelling Trees. Full Colour, 108 pages.
£24.95
Super Drawings 3D Prinz Eugen
Paperback, Full colour, 96 pages, 176 renders, 1 x Double A1 sheet with scale drawings (680x480 mm), 16 anaglyphs 3D, Gloss coated paper. Published by Kagero.
£15.99
M19-20 Tank Transporter Detail in Action
£16.99
This book in the popular Images of War series covers the deeds of the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front during the Second World War. 184 pages, Fully Illustrated Black/White photo’s.
£14.99
of
T ankograd m a i l
Realistic Wood Effects
First book of this new collection (Learning series) in a small format. This collection is oriented to help modelers through different modeling tasks. This volume is dedicated to paint different types of wood, planes, ships, tools, accessories etc. 83 pages, full colour, Published by A.K Interactive.
£10.99
The definitive guide to get into the Soviet Army. More than 180 profiles ready for modelling. Full Colour, paperback, 103 pages. Published by A.K.Interactive.
£23.99
o r d e r
Airbrush Essential Training DVD This is an initiation DVD to give the first steps with a double action airbrush, how to clean, basic maintenance, basic use to help the novel modeler to keep away his fears of using this tool.Running time 57 min. In English narration. Published by A.K Interactive.
The Soviet T-34 Tank as Beutepanzer and Panzerattrappe in German Wehrmacht Service 1941-45. This book is illustrated with 552 black and white photographs, the bulk of which have hitherto gone unpublished, 328 pages.
£43.99
Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est, Stourport, Worcs DY13 9QB
Tel : 01299 823330 Fax : 01299 829970 web: www.bookworldws.co.uk email:
[email protected]
£25.99
£16.99
The best and most complete guide to this topic ever produced. Excellent information about this type for an unbeatable price. 312 pages, full colour.
£45.00
The Grumman Amphibians - Goose, Widgeon & Mallard
This book documents the development of all three types and gives detailed coverage of world-wide military and civilian operators, with full details of all the many modifications and conversions carried out on all three types. 625 monochrome photos, 75 in colour.
£49.95
Images of War - The Central Powers on the Russian Front 1914-1918 Arranged in five sections, one for each year of the War, this superbly illustrated book covers the fluid fighting that took place on the Russian Front from August 1914. 230 pages
£16.99
Tankograd 9021 - Challenger 2 Main Weapon System in Armoured Regiments of the British Army First fielded in 1998, the Challenger 2 main battle tank is today the main weapon system in armoured regiments of the British Army.Illustrated with 139 colour photographs, 64 pages.
£13.99
A comprehensive history of German armoured reconnaissance in World War II, containing hundreds of rare and never-seen-before photos. 513 pages, 500 Black/White and Colour Photographs.
£26.00
108 pages, 300 colour photos, 38 manual drawings, soft cover. Chapters include History, Walaround, Interior, Engine, Chassis, Gun Details.
The M4 Medium Tank - the Sherman was one of the most famous tanks of the Second World War. 136 pages, Fully Illustrated Black/White photos, colour profiles.
£14.99
Scouts Out - A History of the German Armored Reconnasissance Units of WWII
Willys M38A1 and IDF militarized CJ5 Jeeps In Detail
Images of War Special - M4 Sherman
Mirage III O 2nd Edition
The main focus of the book is the extensive selection of black and white photographs. The photos showing vehicles in a range of theatres will prove inspirational to modellers contemplating their next project. The centrepiece of the book is a collection of 16 colour plates by Laurent Lecocq.
b o o k s
£11.99
Panzerkampfwagen T 34 - 747(r)
Concord 7074 - Panzer Divisions in Battle 1939-45
Bookworld Wholesale Ltd.
p 02 Bookworld 097.indd 1
r e a d e r
Soviet War Colours 1936-1945
Collectively known as the M19 Heavy Tank Transporter, this truck and trailer combination was conceived at the behest of British in 1941, and was later used by the United States Army as well. Paperback, 80 pages, black/white and colour photo’s.
Images of War Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front 1941-1945
a v i d
The Weathering Magazine 6 - Kursk and Vegetation
The Weathering Magazine” arrives as a specialized publication designed for modelers of all skill levels and subjects. Each issue delivers to you, the most advanced weathering techniques and the related products used to achieve incredible results.
£8.99
Tiran in Lebanese Wars
In its 96 pages, this book will show the modeller over 300 unpublished and high quality photos of the Tiran. It includes photos of this tank in combat, destroyed, variants, on maneuvers, a walk-around of all the details, and more. The modeler will also enjoy the innumerable effects, damage, deterioration, grease, chipping, etc, this vehicle presented during its operational life and use them as inspiration for their models not only of Tiran but any other tank. £21.99
British Military Trucks of World War One - Types and Variants of British-Built and Non-BritishBuilt Trucks in British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Flying Corps Service 1914-18 Published
by Tankograd, Hardback, 200 pages, 396 Black/White photographs !!!!LIMITED PRINT RUN !!!! £34.99
YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bookworldws.co.uk Stockists of the following subjects: Aviation, Military, Naval, Modelling, Railway, Motoring
Major credit cards accepted, UK cheques payable to Bookworld Wholesale Ltd UK Postage Single Book £1.95 Two or More Books £4.00 Overseas airmail please add 15% of order value minimum £7.50
11/03/2014 12:06
Think Tank - GAZ-AA and GAZ-AAA Light Trucks in WWII Bruce Culver examines the ancestry, production, variants and operations of Soviet GAZ light trucks in the Second World War.
The GAZ-AA appeared in the early 1930s and was widely used in the Soviet Union. This civilian model sports a less common split windscreen – most examples used a onepiece windscreen. The GAZ-AA was a near-perfect copy of the American Ford Model AA truck of the late 1920s.
GAZ-AA AND GAZ-AAA LIGHT TRUCKS IN WWII
A
s an ardent isolationist, Henry Ford resisted calls to sell his iconic Model T Fords for use in WWI, although the Allied nations found ways to acquire many of them prior to America’s entry into the war. With American participation, Ford opened sales of the Model T to the US Army and foreign governments, and the Model T automobile became one of the most important motor vehicles used in WWI. While best known for its service as an ambulance, the Model T also served as a supply truck, staff car, artillery tractor and in North Africa, it served as an armed patrol car in the Light Car Patrols. Over 130,000 Model T Fords were built for military use, with many others assembled from spare parts. They established an enviable reputation for versatility, usefulness and durability. After the end of the war, the Bolshevik revolution in Russia brought with it a fear of the new communist regime, and for some time, there was little trade between the west and Soviet Russia. As the 1920s progressed, the economic strains that eventually led to the financial collapse of 1929 also led to reduced business for many manufacturers, and as the Soviet
Union with its isolated economy was not affected by the troubles in the west, it was seen as a new customer for western companies. Thus, when Russia expressed an interest in western technology in the 1920s, an opportunity presented itself to both sides. The Soviet Union was very interested in creating a national automobile manufacturing industry in Russia, and instituted an ambitious Five-Year Plan to achieve this goal. Russia sent a number of committees abroad to investigate the best ways to create this industrial capacity. They were particularly interested in extensive mass production, as the requirement for new vehicles to meet the needs of the vast Russian countryside was enormous. They quickly realised that only one company was capable of helping them with the level of production they needed to meet their goals. Ford Motor Company had pioneered the mass production of automobiles on a standardized production line, and by the mid-1920s, Ford alone was producing eight times as many automobiles as all of the major European manufacturers combined, some 4,838,725 Model Ts and TTs in 1928.
6 Model Military International - May 2014
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 6
By 1928, 85% of all cars and tractors in Russia were Fords, and Josef Stalin in 1928 sent a delegation to the United States to come to an agreement with Henry Ford to help Russia build an indigenous auto industry. Several other auto and truck manufacturers also struck agreements with Russia, but none were nearly as successful as Ford. The deal that was made allowed the transfer of Ford’s production technology to Russia, including Ford’s assistance in setting up a completely new production facility, plus the sale of
a number of Ford Model A cars and Model AA light trucks as “knockdown” kits that could be completed to train Russian workers in Ford’s methods of auto assembly. It should be noted that the Russians were under no illusion that the Ford Model A and AA represented the latest in automobile technology. Ford’s designs were chosen because they were reliable and simple, and more importantly, they were being mass-produced in great numbers, numbers that would be needed to meet Stalin’s ambitious Five-Year Plan.
This GAZ-AA carries a wood shelter body in pace of the normal cargo bed. These were used for a variety of tasks; many were radio trucks, workstations and support vehicles. Note the covered driver’s-side headlamp and the “blackout” modification to the offside headlamp.
11/03/2014 12:20
This GAZ-AA van had a fully enclosed metal rear body with fenders over the rear wheels. It is in the Russian 4BO military green with the upper portions still in winter white. The majority of Russian trucks had no distinctive markings, other than unit numbers applied to some of them.
There were a number of changes to the GAZ-AA to simplify production. In 1941, the GAZ-MM appeared with an uprated engine, simple bent fenders, and an open cab made of wood and canvas. The bitter winter cold led to this model with wood doors, the GAZ-MM, Model 1943.
GAZ-MM Model 1943 trucks could carry a squad of infantry. There were three lateral bench seats spanning the rear bed. These trucks carried nine men, but 12 could be carried in the rear seats depending on their personal equipment.
SOVIET PRODUCTION Ford engineers helped design a production factory which was located in Nizhny Novgorod, well to the east of Moscow, on the Volga and Oka rivers, working with Russian engineers on design and production planning. The Austin Company, which had just built the largest auto plant in the world for Pontiac, was hired to design
One form of marking was the upper white air identification panels painted on Russian tanks and support vehicles to give Russian pilots a visual sign for friendly troops. This was important as the Germans captured thousands of Russian trucks and used them widely, making identification hard.
Not all Russian trucks were GAZ models. Here is a ZIS-5V, a somewhat heavier model but one that can be mistaken for the GAZ-MM Model 1943. It has the same folded front fenders and a similar full wood cab. ZIS produced over 500,000 ZIS-5/5V during the war.
The GAZ-MM was adapted to carry a number of weapons, primarily for anti-aircraft use. This Model 1943 mounts a 25mm 72-K (M1940) anti-aircraft gun. Note the dropped sides on the rear bed and the interesting camouflage scheme.
and construct the assembly plant and a model city for the 35,000 workers and their families. Work began in May 1930 and the plant was completed in November 1931, with a planned capacity of 140,000 vehicles per year. Austin was paid $1,550,000 in gold, which allowed the company to survive through the Great Depression. The first vehicles rolled off the
assembly line in January 1932, patterned after the Ford Model A passenger car and the Ford Model AA 1.5 ton light truck. Initially, the cars were known as NAZ-A and the light trucks were named NAZ-AA, from the name of the city and the factory, Nizhegorodsky Avtomobilny Zavod. In 1933, Nizhny Novgorod was renamed Gorky, after the
famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky, and the factory became Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod, and the cars and trucks produced there were renamed GAZ-A and GAZ-AA. Production of the GAZ-A passenger car lasted until 1936, with about 100,000 examples completed. Production of the GAZAA light trucks continued until after the end of WWII. A May 2014 - Model Military International 7
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 7
11/03/2014 12:20
Think Tank - GAZ-AA and GAZ-AAA Light Trucks in WWII
Developed before Russia’s entry into WWII, the GAZ-AA 4M was one of the most common antiaircraft weapons in the Red Army. It consisted of four Maxim machine guns on a free-swinging mount in the centre of the rear bed. Note the large ammunition chest behind the cab.
Among the special purpose versions of the GAZ-AA and MM was the field repair vehicle Type A. This is a Model 1941, built on the MM chassis though the bodywork is identical to the AA. The special body fit into the rear bed of a standard AA or MM truck.
In many areas of Russia, gasoline was in very short supply, but wood was plentiful. The GAZ-42 was a variant of the GAZ-AA intended to use a gas generator burning wood products to create the gas to run the engine. It was less powerful and slower than the GAZ-AA, but still very useful.
Like the GAZ-AA, the GAZ-42 went through simplification and redesign for 1941. This GAZ-42 has the standard Model 1941 open wood and canvas cab, with rolledup and tied side curtains to serve as doors. Note the split windscreen, and the double headlamps and front bumper (usually removed on the 1941 models).
B The GAZ-AA Light Truck The GAZ-AA light truck was a 4x2 gasoline-powered vehicle with a riveted steel frame, single front wheels and double rear wheels to support the cargo load in the rear bed. Though based on the Ford Model AA truck, there were design changes to better suit the vehicle for service in Russia. The clutch and steering mechanisms were strengthened, and further improvements came during production. The chassis frame was riveted rather than welded, and constructed of high-quality steel. This allowed the truck to bend
This destroyed pre-war GAZ-42 was used by the Red Army. Note the raised vertical exhaust pipe next to the windscreen, a feature of the GAZ-42. One full charge of wood gave a range of 80km.
The larger GAZ-AAA was derived from the GAZ-AA, but the extra axle and greater power allowed it to carry a third more (2000kg, 2500kg on roads). These GAZ-AAA 4M were anti-aircraft vehicles mounting the quadruple Maxim MG system also seen on the GAZ-AA.
and twist on bad roads and offroad, reducing the stress on the suspension. A single transverse leaf spring supported the front axle, with two longitudinal leaf springs carrying the rear axle. Power was provided by a 3.3 litre in-line 4-cylinder engine rated at 40 hp, working through a 4-speed transmission and driving only the rear wheels. Top speed was 70 km/h. The cab was composed of steel stampings as were the engine section and front wings. Twin headlamps to the sides of the radiator shell provided light
for night driving. Most GAZ-AA trucks seem to have had onepiece windscreens, but many did have a split windscreen using two pieces of glass. The rear bed was a simple wooden box with a dropdown tail gate. The sides could also be lowered for ease in loading and unloading cargo. Three slattype bench seats could be set up across the rear cargo bed and the truck then served as a personnel carrier, with a capacity of up to 12 men, though 9 seems to have been more common. The GAZ-AA became the most-produced truck used in Russia.
GAZ Variants Working with American Ford engineers, GAZ engineers designed several new vehicles not analogous to Ford production. In 1933, GAZ introduced the GAZ-03-30 small omnibus mostly for local bus routes. Also in 1933, GAZ came out with a heavier version of the GAZAA. This was the GAZ-AAA, which was the same size and length as the GAZ-AA, but had an additional axle in the rear with double wheels, to allow a rated load of 2 tons and provide better handling on bad roads. It used a more powerful engine from the GAZ-M1
8 Model Military International - May 2014
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 8
11/03/2014 12:20
Although the 4M variant with four Maxim machine guns was carried also on the GAZ-AA, the GAZ-AAA was better able to carry these weapons cross-country. Note the angle stops on the tail-gate for dropping it horizontal, and the large ammunition chest behind the cab.
The GAZ-AAA was used as an artillery tractor and could carry the crew and a supply of ammunition for the weapon. These trucks towed the 45mm Model 1937 light anti-tank gun, developed from data supplied by the Germans. It was very similar to the 3.7cm Pak 36.
The GAZ-AAA also carried other defensive weapons, including the 12.7mm DshK Model 1938 heavy machine gun. The Russians were well prepared for winter weather – in addition to the full white paint scheme, note the padded blanket over the engine section to keep in the heat.
The GAZ-AAA carried a number of special purpose bodies, including this Model 1941 field charging station. This example was a transitional 1941 model, having the open cab but the prewar front wings, bumper and both headlamps. Later the bumper and offside lamp were dropped.
automobile, rated at 50 hp. One version of the GAZ-AA series was fairly unusual. In many areas of the Soviet Union, gasoline was extremely scarce while wood was plentiful. So, in 1939, GAZ developed the GAZ-42, a version of the GAZ-AA that ran on a gas generator system like that later used throughout Europe during WWII. While gas generator trucks
The GAZ-AAA was used to mount the 76mm regimental SP gun M1927 (SU-1-12). It was used primarily for infantry support, and was used during the first Russo-Japanese conflict in Manchuria in 1939. This example was seen in a parade in Moscow in 1936.
Like the GAZ-AA, the GAZ-AAA had the simplified design changes later in the war. This Model 1943 had the added wood doors, simplified front wings, only the driver’s side headlamp and no front bumper. The two spare wheels had previously been moved to the front wings by 1940.
were slower and less powerful, they were very important in areas where gasoline was not available. The GAZ-42 was rated as a 1.2 ton truck and had a top speed of only 50 km/h, but was widely used in the more forested areas of Russia. GAZ built almost 34,000 GAZ42s from 1939 to 1946. A charge of wood for the gas generator provided a range of 80 km.
The GAZ-AA, and to a lesser extent, the GAZ-AAA were very popular trucks and critical to meeting the supply needs of a huge and yet primitive country. Light, simple, rugged and fairly easy to manhandle out of soft ground or mud, the GAZ-AA proved the perfect vehicle for Russia in the 1930s. It was used by civilian companies as well as
the Red Army, but the civilian models were considered military reserve vehicles, and when the Germans attacked the Soviet Union in 1941, most of the civilian trucks were impressed into military service. The GAZ-AA acquired the nickname "polutorka", from “poltora”, which means “one and a half”, referring to its cargo capacity. Though having only rear A May 2014 - Model Military International 9
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 9
11/03/2014 12:20
Think Tank - GAZ-AA and GAZ-AAA Light Trucks in WWII
The GAZ-03-30 was a small omnibus based on the GAZ-AA chassis, and was used on civilian bus routes and for Russian army staff use and transportation as well. It seated 15 passengers and was mechanically identical to the GAZ-AA truck.
Both the GAZ-AA and AAA carried radio shelters; the GAZ-AAA here used a larger structure and could carry more equipment. Note the tall antenna and the necessary guy wires. These radio vehicles were operated from stationary positions and were widely used by air and ground units.
The GAZ-AA was almost as widely used as original German vehicles by the Wehrmacht. This GAZ-AA towed a 2cm Flak 30, and was a pre-war example. In addition to the blanket over the engine, many GAZ trucks had padded covers for the radiator housing for extreme cold weather.
While the Germans used most GAZ-AA and AAA trucks almost unchanged, there were detail alterations. This GAZ-AA had blackout covers added over the headlamps but is still in overall 4BO Russian green. Note the single rear wheel – on paved roads this set-up was still useful.
B wheel drive, its cross-country
performance was acceptable, especially in the southern areas where the steppes were relatively flat. Total production by the end of the post-war run was over 1,000,000 vehicles. The heavier GAZ-AAA 6x4 medium truck was popular for the heavier cargo loads that could be carried over poor roads, and it was often used for special purpose versions that weighed more than the standard trucks. Some 38,000 had been built when production ended in 1943. A number of conversions and mountings were designed for the GAZ-AAA, and some of the lighter ones were also used on the GAZ-AA 4x2 truck. Perhaps the best known was the GAZ-AA/AAA 4M, a self-propelled
anti-aircraft mount using four Maxim heavy machine guns in a rotating swivel mount in the rear cargo bed. The GAZ-AAA chassis was also used for a larger omnibus, the GAZ-05-193, and more importantly, both the BA-6 and BA-10 armored cars of the pre-war period were built on the chassis of the GAZ-AAA. Both the GAZAA and AAA also served to carry radio equipment in large wood box bodies in place of the rear bed. The GAZ-AA carried the 25mm 72-K (M1940) anti-aircraft cannon, and the GAZ-AAA carried a 37mm AA gun. The GAZ-AAA also mounted a 76mm regimental SU-1-12 (M1927) field gun on a rotating mount on the rear chassis. In addition to the official
The Germans captured many thousands of Russian vehicles during the invasion of Russia. This GAZ-AA in German service showed the horrible road conditions in Russia during the rainy season and the spring thaws. Most roads became nearly impassable seas of deep mud.
Many German units short of German trucks used the GAZ-AA and AAA models as replacements. This earlier model was indistinguishable from Russian examples, as the Germans used most of them still in their Russian paint schemes and markings. Note the Russian trailer.
The GAZ-AA was chosen for production in Russia because it was a simple and reliable truck already in mass production. It was simple to repair and maintain, and was extremely popular with both the Russian and German armies. Components were readily accessible to work on.
versions of the GAZ-AA and GAZAAA, local units often built their own shelters and bodies for local needs; often these were almost as neatly done as the factory or depot installations. A fairly common modification was to extend the rear bed sides and rear tail gate upward using added sections of lumber bolted to the original body assemblies.
Improvements and Simplification – GAZ-MM For operations in the bitter cold of the Russian winter, various devices made the GAZ-AA and AAA more reliable. Quilted blankets, supplemented with regular woolen blankets, were placed over the engine sections to retain heat, and special quilted leather radiator covers allowed the engines to
warm up more quickly and maintain normal operating temperatures in extremely cold weather. In this regard the Russians were considerably better equipped than the German army in the winter of 1941-42. Among the production changes to the GAZ-AA was the adoption of an improved engine from the GAZ-M1 automobile. This engine was rated at 50 hp and with other improvements resulted in the GAZ-MM. Initially, the GAZ-MM was externally identical to the GAZ-AA when it was introduced in 1938. But after the German invasion in June 1941, and the loss of so many trucks and other vehicles, the Soviet Union faced shortages of material and time and the GAZ-MM was further modified to simplify
10 Model Military International - May 2014
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 10
11/03/2014 12:20
It was not uncommon for GAZ-AA trucks to have the rear bed sides extended up to increase the load capacity for cargo. While the Russians sometimes did this, here it was the Germans who performed the work. Note the ‘Balkenkreuz’ (cross), usually used on captured cars and trucks.
The GAZ-AA was used to mount the 12.7mm DshK heavy machine gun, a weapon still in use today. This truck was in very dusty Russian 4BO green, as were most German-used GAZ trucks. The symbol on the door was the division sign for the German 16th Panzer Division.
In the northern areas of Russia where forests were more abundant, log roads were used to prevent dirt roads from turning into quagmires. Here the log road was covered in earth to smooth the ride. The truck behind the GAZ-AA was a British Bedford, most likely captured in France.
Sometimes whole German convoys were made up of captured Russian trucks. Most of the GAZAA models the Germans captured were pre-war models like this one. The German at the left is a motorcycle rider with the distinctive tied-back rubberized cycle coat and goggles.
Among the many GAZ vehicles captured was this GAZ-05-193 passenger bus, based on the GAZ-AAA chassis, used by the Germans as a staff or command transport. This example was assigned to a division headquarters section, shown by the marking on the door.
production and save metal and fabrication effort. In 1941, the GAZ-MM appeared with simple bent metal front wings in place of the previous large stampings. The steel cab was replaced with an open cab primarily of wood with a folding canvas top and rolled canvas doors that could be stretched over the open cab sides for primitive protection from the winter cold. The front brakes were deleted and the off-side headlamp also disappeared, as did the front bumper. These changes took place over several months and Model 1941 GAZ-AA trucks often had features of both old and new versions. In 1943, the GAZ-AA was
further modified by enclosing the open cab with simple wood doors replacing the folding canvas type. The GAZ-AAA did not go out of production until 1943, and thus shared all of these changes, again with transitional models showing mixed details.
Into Action During the German invasion, “Operation Barbarossa” in 1941, the unprepared Russian forces were dealt great and humiliating defeats, losing tens of thousands of aircraft, tanks, millions of men and huge tracts of Russian territory captured in a few months. Many factories in the western
Another variant of the GAZ-AA was this panel van, used for a number of tasks. Some were postal vehicles; others were ambulances and delivery trucks. This example was in 4BO green and Russian markings – the added cross was usually used only on captured vehicles.
part of Russia had to be moved to the safety of the east. The giant GAZ plant in Gorky was outside the critical danger zone and was not moved, allowing production to continue uninterrupted. The German army captured thousands of Russian trucks including many thousands of GAZ-AA and AAA trucks. In the majority of cases, they seem to have considered them booty, and used them unmodified and with few if any German unit markings, often retaining the original Russian paint schemes and markings. Others were brought into the German supply system, being repainted, fitted with German equipment
like the Notek blackout lights and issued Wehrmacht license plates. The Germans also continued to use the GAZ special-purpose versions, using the SP weapons as is, since huge quantities of Russian ammunition were available. Radio vans, delivery trucks, ambulances, buses and other variants were used by both forces, often with no identifying markings on either side. Some German units did paint the national Balkenkreuz (cross) on their vehicles to prevent friendly fire, but in the main, very little modification was done by German troops. As for the Russians, as the war progressed and they repatriated the territory lost in the
A
May 2014 - Model Military International 11
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 11
11/03/2014 12:21
Think Tank - GAZ-AA and GAZ-AAA Light Trucks in WWII
The GAZ-AA was built as a radio station as one of its variants. The Germans captured a number of them and used them with German radios and antennas. The bodies were made of wood and later models had the wood cab. Note the window coverings to reduce glare.
The cab and front wings of the GAZ-AA were one assembly, shown by the spare cab in the rear bed of this Waffen SS GAZ-AA. This was also a pre-war model, the type most commonly captured by German forces.
Often there were no attempts to remove winter white camouflage schemes when spring arrived. The temporary white paint was allowed to wash away in the rain and general grime of use. Here, it has stuck to the wood rear bed far better than in the front of the vehicle, an interesting pattern.
B 1941 invasion, they also recovered
thousands of Russian trucks and other vehicles used by the German forces. These were put to good use as they drove west. Yet the most important and courageous operation conducted by the “polutorka” and their crews was the relief of the siege of Leningrad from 1941 to 1944, when the Russians finally were able to break the German blockade. Leningrad, formerly St. Petersburg,
one of the most beautiful cities in northern Europe, was cut off from the rest of Russia for three years, during which time hundreds of thousands starved and thousands of buildings were destroyed. It was perhaps one of the most desperate campaigns of the Second World War, and the heroes of Leningrad were the people of the city, and the drivers who for several freezing winter months each year, drove convoys of trucks across frozen
Some of the captured GAZ-AA trucks were modified by the Germans and even repainted. This example was adapted by adding Notek blackout lights and covering most of the headlamps. The GAZ-AA used a transverse leaf spring to cushion the front axle, a carry-over from the Model T.
German troops did repaint some of the captured Russian vehicles. This GAZ-AA was modified with a Notek light on the driver’s front wing and painted with a pattern of winter white.
The GAZ-AA carried not only official special bodies but also those built by various units, like this box shelter body. This pre-war vehicle had a noticeable break between the white camouflage and the muddy chassis. The second vehicle is a Renault AGR 2 cab-over-engine (COE) truck.
Lake Ladoga to supply the city, running a gauntlet of German artillery and air attacks, and risking a fatal plunge through the ice as spring arrived. Many of them lost their lives driving on thinning ice, trying to get in one last trip with supplies to the city. With the advance into Germany, the GAZ-AA and AAA trucks remaining stayed in service, now augmented by the thousands of Lend-Lease 6x6 and 6x4 trucks
from the United States. Still, their simplicity and rugged construction made them valuable on many fronts, and when Russian troops entered Berlin in May 1945, the “polutorka” were there, many of them pre-war models little changed from the first models of 1932. The GAZ-AA also served in Manchuria, both in the initial battles with the Japanese in 1939 and the later invasion of Manchuria by Russian forces in August 1945.
12 Model Military International - May 2014
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 12
11/03/2014 12:21
This GAZ-AA was fully decked out for winter operations with a padded radiator cover in front, a heat blanket over the engine section and a fairly thorough winter camouflage scheme. It was a standard pre-war truck with a radio shelter body in the rear.
When time permitted, and captured Russian trucks like this GAZ-AA were to be issued and incorporated into German units, they were modified with full Notek blackout lights, license plates and German paint schemes, becoming part of the German military inventory.
This GAZ-AA was modified by the Germans to serve as a tow vehicle for railroad use. Though not a powerful vehicle, the low gears allowed the GAZ-AA to perform towing and shunting tasks like this to replace the small locomotives that would have been used instead.
Like the majority of GAZ-AAA trucks captured by the Germans, this example was not repainted and carried its old Russian unit insignia. The dust coating the wheels and chassis was a constant feature of the war in Russia, and often obscured all the paint on the vehicles. The GAZ-AAA 4M was one of the more common anti-aircraft vehicles used by the Russians and the Germans used the ones they captured, as ammunition was plentiful. The mount was entirely manually controlled by the gunner, and could be used for infantry support as well.
While it was apparently not a common practice for the Russians to extend the rear bed sides, this GAZAAA was modified with removable panels to carry bulky cargo. Like so many others in German service, it carried only its original Russian unit markings.
End of the Line Still, the GAZ-AA was past its prime and the influx of new heavier US trucks from GMC and Studebaker provided the Soviet Union with the inspiration to design a new generation of more advanced military vehicles. The GAZ-AA and AAA disappeared fairly quickly from the scene. Private ownership of vehicles was virtually prohibited after the war, and so many of the “polutorkas” were unceremoniously stripped for parts or reduced to produce
to provide scrap metal for other uses. By the 1960s, few were left, though some have been saved in museums and displays around the former Soviet Union. An even smaller group has been restored by collectors and enthusiasts, and perhaps, in a few forgotten corners of the world, as with its progenitor, the Ford Model AA, a tiny remnant of the million GAZ-AAs built may still be plying their trade – reliable, simple transportation, on the roads lesstravelled. n
Surprisingly little the worse for wear, this veteran pre-war GAZ-AA took part in the liberation of Berlin in May 1945, the end of the European campaign in the hardest fought and most costly war in human history. In just a few years, the GAZ-AA had largely disappeared from military use. May 2014 - Model Military International 13
p 06-13 GAZ TT 097B.indd 13
11/03/2014 12:21
www.creativemodels.co.uk
Mod
el b
yW ayn
eH
ui
lb
de
Mo
re
oo
yM
rem
e yJ
Get Creative!
HOBBYBOSS, VALLEJO, MODEL MASTER, MINIART, MASTER BOX, AK INTERACTIVE, MIG PRODUCTIONS, PLUS MODEL AND MANY MORE...
Unit 6-10, Honeysome Ind Est., Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambs. PE16 6TG
www.creativemodels.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1354 760022
p 14 CreativeModels 097.indd 1
11/03/2014 12:07
Creative Models Limited
CREATIVE
MODELS
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF STOCKISTS
L I M IT E D
MENG MODELS MNGSS-004 1:35 U.S Infantry Fighting Vehicle M2A3 Bradley W/BUSK III This 1:35 scale U.S.Infantry Fighting Vehicle M2A3 Bradley w/ Busk III model is 203.5mm long, 107.3mm wide and 97.1mm high (to the top of the closed Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer) Other key features are Accurate shape, Rich Details, Full hull and turret interiors, Moveable hatches, Workable tracks, Movable suspension.
MIN35162 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.B
MRR35803 1:35 US Diamond T968 Cargo Truck w/Hard Top Cab
MNGSPS-012
MNGSPS-013
MNGSPS-014
1:35 Concrete & Plastic Marrier Set
1:35 Barricades and Highway Guardrail
1:35 Equipment for Modern US Military Vehicles
MNGSS-003
MNGTS-007
MNGTS-009
1:35 Israeli Achzarit Early - Heavy Armoured Personnel Carrier
1:35 German Main Battle Tank Leopard I A3/A4
1:35 French Super Heavy Tank Char 2C
VAL70173
inc
p&
p
£4
Model Colour Military Range Box Set (72 Colours + 3 Brushes + Carry Case)
HBB83802
HBB83835
Hobbyboss 1:35 – US White 666 Cargo (Soft Top)
Hobbyboss 1:35 – Swedish CV9030 IFV
www.creativemodels.co.uk
Creative Models Catalogue Order your copy today
E-mail:
[email protected]
Unit 6-10, Honeysome Ind Est., Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambs. PE16 6TG Tel: +44(0)1354 760022 Fax: +44(0)1354 760037 p 15 CreativeM 097.indd 12
11/03/2014 12:08
FEATURE ARTICLE
Tamiya 1:48 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 • Kit No. 32577
SCANNING THE RED SKY The Editor builds Tamiya’s brand-new 1:48 scale GAZ-MM Cargo Truck, and converts it into a mobile Anti-Aircraft platform using Rest Models’ M-4 Quad Maxim gun set
16 Model Military International - May 2014
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 16
11/03/2014 12:24
A
s the Ford Model T and TT became obsolete and needed to be replaced, Henry Ford began initial designs on the Model A and Model AA in 1926. Basic chassis layout was done rapidly and mechanical development was moved forward quickly. The designs of the Model A shared parts and materials with the Model AA Ford, notably the body, engine and interior. The AA usually received plainer interiors than their car counterparts. In May 1929 the Soviet Union signed an agreement with the Ford Motor Company. Under its terms, the Soviets agreed to purchase $13 million worth of automobiles and parts, while Ford agreed to give technical assistance until 1938 to construct an integrated automobile-manufacturing plant at Nizhny Novgorod. Production started on January 1, 1932, and the factory and marque was titled Nizhegorodsky Avtomobilny Zavod, or NAZ, but also displayed the "Ford" sign. GAZ's first vehicle was the medium-priced Ford Model A, sold as the NAZ-A, and the Ford Model AA (NAZ-AA) light truck. In 1933, the factory's name changed to Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod, or GAZ, when the city was renamed after Maxim Gorky; similarly, models were renamed GAZ-A and GAZ-AA. * In 1938, the GAZ-AA was upgraded with a 50 horsepower engine and improved suspension. By 1941, with materials in short supply but the demand for transportation at a premium, a stripped down version was produced with simplified mudguards and non-essential parts such as doors, the front bumper bar and even one of the headlights removed. This improved and simplified design was labelled the GAZ-MM. Rest Models’ 1:48 scale Quad M.4 comes with a crew of three.
A GAZ BY ANY OTHER NAME The latest in Tamiya’s growing 1:48 scale Military Miniatures series is this spartan Soviet workhorse, coyly labelled “1.5ton Cargo Truck Model 1941”. Tamiya’s 1:48 scale GAZ-MM comprises 47 parts in olive green plastic covering the vehicle and the driver, 38 more new parts in grey plastic delivering four soldiers riding in the cargo tray, a sprue of 54 parts providing weapons and accessories (previously available) in the 2006 Soviet Infantry set and two parts in clear. The sprues are everything we have come to expect from Tamiya – crisply detailed and perfectly moulded. The one-piece chassis includes a representation of the lower engine and sump. Leaf springs and suspension are added to this, then the wheels are simply glued to the axles. The tyres are plastic – moulded with the outer face of the wheel hubs. Steering is set straight ahead. The interior is austere but mostly complete (we’re missing the pedals again though), and clear parts are supplied for the windscreen and the single headlight. A canvas tilt is provided in the raised position, but it would be easy enough to modify the model if you wanted to go convertible. A nicely detailed driver figure is also included, as are rolled canvas doors for the sides of the cab. The cargo area is made up from separate sides and floor. The four riders are made up from nominated parts on two identical grey sprues. These are A
A photo-etched fret adds some smaller detail parts.
The resin parts are perfectly cast.
May 2014 - Model Military International 17
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 17
11/03/2014 12:24
FEATURE ARTICLE
Tamiya 1:48 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 • Kit No. 32577
A.
B.
C.
E.
G.
D.
F.
A. The parts are crisply cast with very little clean-up required. Here is the ammo box sub-assembly. B. Some of the parts are genuinely tiny and you’ll have to be careful to align all the parts properly, but the result is worth the effort. C.The mount for the four-gun sub-assembly allows the weapon to elevate after assembly. D. The guns literally click into place on the ammo box sub-assembly. E. The detail of the guns is built up with smaller resin and photo-etched part for hoses and the gunsight. F. The gun mount and its associated equipment ready for assembly. G. The completed Quad Maxim gun – well, almost complete!
B brand new figures. A good supply
of weapons and spare parts are offered on the accessory sprue. These include a Maxim M1910 machine gun, a DP light machine gun, small arms, packs and more. Decals are not included, which is fair enough considering most of these vehicles were rushed into service and any markings tended to be brushed-on slogans.
REST MODEL’S QUAD M.4 ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN Luke Pitt reviewed Rest Models’ jewel-like M4 Quad Maxim Anti Aircraft Gun on Missing-Lynx back in 2007. Here is what Luke said at the time: “The Soviet M4 Quad Maxim Anti Aircraft Machine Gun was first developed in 1931 and by 1938 was the standard light Anti Aircraft weapon used by the Soviets. It was mounted on almost anything from ships and trucks to static positions on top of buildings. Every so often, a review sample comes along that takes your breath away. This is such a piece. The casting on all of the pieces is perfect with no visible porosity in
evidence. To add to that, there are no casting blocks …that’s right, none! I have never seen such fine resin pieces cast so well before. The kit comes complete with no less than eight pages of instructions, the only drawback being that most of it is written in Russian. The painting guide, however, is in colour and is fool proof. The three resin figures are some of the best 1:48 scale sculptings that
The kit chassis and running gear is simple but quite adequate in my opinion.
Note how the drive shaft mates with the chassis at the universal joint. This needs to sit flush as we can see here.
18 Model Military International - May 2014
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 18
11/03/2014 12:24
I have seen to date. They are of appropriate height and bulk for this scale, and come complete with both early and late style helmets. A small photo-etched fret provides the machine gun aiming sights and machine gun belts. In summary, this is a very impressive model featuring detail that would not be out of place in a 1:16 scale kit. This is one of those pieces that would add interest to any diorama or set piece model and is highly recommended.” Time has not dimmed our opinion of Rest Models’ little gem!
GETTING STARTED I thought that the truck would be a very quick build so I decided to build the gun first. Rest Models’ resin parts are almost ready to use straight from the box. There is very little in the way of casting blocks or resin waste. Just about the only clean-up required is the removal of small blocks on the bottom of the figures’ boots, and tabs at the back of the helmets. The resin parts are very small and some are quite delicate, so care is needed during handling and assembly. An Optivisor and
a couple of pairs of tweezers are helpful too. Having said that, they are free from any warpage and fit is amazingly good. A few spare parts are offered in critical areas too, but I was lucky enough not to need them. I used slow-curing thick super glue for the resin and photoetched parts. The quad gun and ammo box sub-assemblies were built separately. These are connected via a simple hinge arrangement. Two slots on the gun side slip over a rail on the ammo box subassembly. This is almost a click-fit – it did not require glue at all. This was very helpful when posing the gunner figure, as the elevation of the gun could be adjusted to fit the shoulders and hands of the figure. I was concerned about some of the tiny parts such as the sighting mechanism and the fine resin hoses, but everything went exactly as the instructions suggested. I found that the three angled legs on the gun mount were all slightly too long, so they were reduced in length by around one millimetre each. Assembly of the gun was completed in less than a day. A
The tyre treads were given a worn appearance by scuffing them with a coarse sanding stick.
The wheels and tyres ready to be attached to the axles.
May 2014 - Model Military International 19
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 19
11/03/2014 12:24
FEATURE ARTICLE
Tamiya 1:48 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 • Kit No. 32577
The multi-part forward body fits together perfectly.
The interior is rudimentary and pedals are absent, but you won’t see much in here once the cab is assembled.
The cab area assembled.
The cargo tray features petite and convincing wood grain texture and raised rivet detail.
B A NICE WAY TO SPEND A MORNING I started building the truck around 10 am on a Wednesday morning and was finished basic construction well before lunchtime. There really isn’t too much advice that I can offer here. The kit fits together perfectly and is a remarkably quick build. Tamiya does not provide brake, accelerator or clutch pedals, so you may like to add these from scrap plastic, although I didn’t bother. There are quite a few sprue attachment points moulded to the chassis so make sure you cut them all off. I actually missed a couple on the top of the chassis rails, which I did not realise until the cab would not sit down flush. It is also important to make sure that the rectangular front of part A16 (the rear axle and driveshaft) sits down properly in its slot in the top of the chassis (Part B14). I omitted the driver as I was planning to have the gun crew on the cargo tray, so I glued the steering wheel in place before the canvas roof was fitted. I did not install the clear windscreen (Part C1) until painting was complete. It was a little fiddly to manoeuvre the clear part between the back of the windscreen frame and the steering wheel, but I am sure that was easier (and definitely faster) than masking would have been. The cab, cargo tray and chassis/ running gear were completed as separate sub-assemblies and not glued together at this stage. Total time investment on the truck to this point was around 90 minutes, including the time it took to take the construction photos!
The chassis with the wheels test-fitted.
The cab, tray and gun are also checked for fit. None of these sub-assemblies will be glued together until painting and weathering is complete.
20 Model Military International - May 2014
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 20
11/03/2014 12:24
ANY COLOUR YOU WANT AS LONG AS IT IS 4BO GREEN All GAZ-MM trucks would have come off the production line wearing a coat of the standard Soviet camouflage colour, 4BO Green. Some would have received disruptive camouflage in the field or winter whitewash, but I thought that the most representative finish would be a hard-worn coat of 4BO Green with no markings. I prepared the model for paint with Tamiya’s Grey Primer straight from the spray can. I sprayed the cab’s canvas roof before the camouflage colour was applied. I used Gunze-Sangyo acrylic H81 Khaki for this job. The rolled side covers were sprayed at the same time. There is no fabric texture moulded to the tilt and the sag is quite subdued, so I lightly dry-brushed a paler shade – Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylic 324 Highlight French Tanker - on both the roof and the rolled covers before masking them off with Tamiya tape. The 4BO Green was sourced from Lifecolor’s acrylic “Easy 3” pack. This is a set of three related shades designed to deliver contrast and desaturation. For nice solid coverage I find that this paint is best mixed with only 15-20% thinners – a much lower ratio than I would usually use for Tamiya or Gunze acrylics. The paint will look quite thick in the airbrush cup, but it should spray reasonably well, although a few dabs to the tip with a thinners-soaked Q-tip from time to time may be required. I started with an overall coat of the base shade (labelled “4BO Ground Colour”), UA259. Next came the Flashed Shade, UA258. This is a very pale highlight colour. I would usually apply this disruptively in patches, streaks and spots over a large surface. However, as this was such a small model, I only sprayed it onto all horizontal surfaces to represent the effects of direct sunlight and fading. The Lifecolor paints do not spray quite 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. Next, a 50/50 mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown was thinned heavily and carefully sprayed in shadow areas and along major panel lines. After further examination of
A couple of stowage boxes were scratch built from scrap plasticard using reference photos as a general guide.
The shallow tray will stack on top of the larger box at the front of the tray.
A couple of large rolled tarps were made up from Kneadatite two-part epoxy putty. Just roll the two colours together until they are a uniform green, then roll and cut then into shape. Stowage fitted to the scratch-built upper box. A padded cover was formed for the narrow door to be fitted to the lower box.
photos in Bruce Culver’s Think Tank reference article, it seemed that the chassis and wheels of some or even most of these trucks were painted black. The front mudguards seemed to be black on some of the vehicles too, but I decided to leave mine in green. They were masked off with Tamiya tape before the rest of the chassis, the wheels and the tyres were sprayed with a “scale black” mix –
a 50:50 blend of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown. A
The pump wheel was glued to a piece of scrap plastic and attached to the inside of the cargo tray in accordance with reference photos.
All the components were prepared with Tamiya Grey Primer straight from the spray can. Once again, the sub-assemblies are just being checked for fit and overall appearance here – they are not glued together yet.
May 2014 - Model Military International 21
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 21
11/03/2014 12:24
FEATURE ARTICLE
Tamiya 1:48 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 • Kit No. 32577
4BO Green was sourced from Lifecolor’s acrylic “Easy 3” pack. This is a set of three related shades designed to deliver contrast and desaturation.
Before the camouflage colour was applied, the cab’s canvas roof was sprayed with Gunze-Sangyo acrylic H81 Khaki.
The canvas roof and the rolled side doors were masked with Tamiya paint before the camouflage paint was applied.
This was followed by the so-called “Flashed Shade”, UA258, sprayed onto all horizontal surfaces to represent the effects of direct sunlight and fading.
Next, a 50/50 mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown was thinned heavily and carefully sprayed in shadow areas and along major panel lines.
B NOW HOW DID I DO THAT AGAIN? It is a bit strange really. When I am finishing an aircraft model I have a suite of reliable and repeatable weathering techniques that I use regularly. For some reason, though, I seem to suffer from selective amnesia when I am finishing my military models. I just cannot ever remember exactly what I did for weathering last time.
The raw Vallejo 4BO Green was quite bright, so I decided to tone it down with SIN Industries (MIG) Filter – P245 Green for Allied Tanks. This lent a subtle shading effect to recessed detail and a very slight uneven finish to larger areas of colour. I thought that the vertical vents in the side engine covers, the radiator grille and the hinge for the hood could all do with some
heavier shading, so I decided to use a technique that I employ in aircraft cockpits from time to time. I mixed a 50/50 blend of water and Future Floor Polish with a few drops of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown. This was initially applied with a soft brush to the cab, the bonnet and the radiator. The water-based mixture settled nicely into the recessed detail but dried in strange random
swirls on the larger surfaces. This may have been a result of a reaction between the waterbased mixture and the earlier enamel-based wash. The effect was interesting but not particularly realistic, so I dampened a fingertip and rubbed the drying mixture. The result was quite a pleasing, if ambiguous, effect that might represent dirt, stains, rust or damaged paintwork.
The chassis and wheels of some of these trucks were painted black. The mudguards were masked off with Tamiya tape prior to respraying the chassis and wheels.
The chassis, the wheels and the tyres were sprayed with a “scale black” mix – a 50:50 blend of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown.
22 Model Military International - May 2014
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 22
11/03/2014 12:24
Stowage items were picked out using Vallejo acrylics, applied by brush. They’ll look better after some weathering!
I decided to experiment with the weathering, so I applied a mix of Future Floor Polish, water and a few drops of “scale black” to the body to lend some depth to the vents, the radiator face and the hinge for the bonnet.
I repeated this technique on the cargo tray. At this point both the Quad Maxim and the stowage were brush-painted with Vallejo acrylics. I also added the distinctive hoses to the gun using soft lead wire. The beauty of this wire is that the hoses could be moved around to fit even after the gun was glued to the cargo tray. A narrow strip of Tamiya masking tape was cut to tie two of the hoses as seen in reference photos. Once the hoses were glued in place, they were painted with Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylic 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black). The same colour was used to add “chipping” to the cab and the cargo tray. This was applied with a small piece of kitchen sponge. It is important to dab the excess paint from the sponge before applying it to the model or the effect can easily be overdone. My flat coat of choice recently has been Alclad II’s Klear Kote. A
I found that I could modify the effect by dampening my fingertip and moving the mixture around, even after it had been drying on the surface for 10 or 15 minutes.
The hoses for the gun’s coolant were cut from lengths of soft lead wire. The Quad Maxim, also picked out using Vallejo acrylics and weathered with Vallejo’s acrylic Sepia Shade wash.
May 2014 - Model Military International 23
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 23
11/03/2014 12:25
FEATURE ARTICLE
Tamiya 1:48 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 • Kit No. 32577
The wheels and chassis were dirtied up with Easy Mud Item No. 21105, European Earth, mixed with water and applied with a brush. After a few minutes the excess was removed from the faces of the tyres and wheels with a dry fingertip.
B This comes in Gloss, Matte and
Flat. Matte has a very slight eggshell sheen while Flat really is dead flat. I used Flat for my GAZMM. As usual, the Klear Kote was simply poured into my airbrush paint cup and sprayed undiluted. The clear windscreen and the single headlight were fitted using Gator’s Grip acrylic glue. Although this looks like regular white glue it does have a better grip when dry, and also dries completely clear – a real advantage when attaching transparencies. The wheels and chassis were dirtied up with Easy Mud Item No. 21105, European Earth, mixed with water and applied with a brush. After a few minutes the excess was removed
from the faces of the tyres and wheels with my fingertip. Dry Mig pigments were dusted onto the rear of the cab. P028 Europe Dust was used for this job.
FIGURES The cargo tray was starting to look a bit crowded with the gun and the stowage bins in place, so I decided to use just two of the crew figures. These were prepared with a coat of Tamiya’s Fine White Primer. All subsequent paints were applied by brush. The heads and hands were finished in Vallejo Model Colour acrylics 70815 Basic Skin Tone, and very thin lines applied to the lips and eyes with heavily thinned Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylic
Dry Mig pigments were dusted onto the rear of the cab. P028 Europe Dust was used for this job.
The headlight lens was fixed in place with Gator’s Grip acrylic glue. You can see the white colour of the glue here as it had just been applied, but it becomes transparent after a few hours.
337 Highlight Ger. (Black), which is actually a dark brown shade. The flesh areas next received a wash of Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna thinned with mineral turpentine. This thin wash settles in low-lying area and also delivers a ruddy tint to the pale acrylic paint. The base uniform colour is Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylic 317 British Tankcrew, with dry-brushed 321 British Tankcrew Highlight over the top. Boots and binoculars are 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); with belts being painted - perhaps not surprisingly - in 312 Leather Belt. The helmets received several coats of Lifecolor 4BO Green.
CONCLUSION Tamiya’s new 1:48 scale 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 is a nicely
detailed model that fits together perfectly. It is a very versatile subject that may be used in military, aviation or even civilian situations. There is plenty of potential for interesting finishes using multiple camouflage colours, heavy weathering or winter whitewash. The Rest Models 1:48 scale M4 Quad Maxim gun is a beautiful little model in its own right. I had been looking for an excuse to build this gun ever since photographing Luke Pitt’s review sample back in 2007. The release of Tamiya’s GAZ-MM seemed to be the perfect opportunity. Whether you are building the truck or the Quad Maxim individually or together, you really can’t go wrong! ■
You may be able to catch a glimpse of the exhaust pipe and muffler underneath the cab, treated with three different shades of Mig Pigments - P042 Ochre Rust, P053 Old Brick Red and P414 Track Brown – fixed in place with an enamel wash.
24 Model Military International - May 2014
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 24
11/03/2014 12:25
Modelspec Tamiya 1:48 1.5 ton Cargo Truck Model 1941 Kit No. 32577 Accessories Used Rest Model Item No. RM4851 – M4 Soviet Quad Maxim Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun with crew Value Gear 1:48 Scale – Tarps Rolls & Crates Set #3
The cargo tray would look a bit crowded with all three figures, so I prepared just two for painting.
Tools & Modelling Products Kneadatite Blue-Yellow Two-Part Epoxy Putty Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Tamiya Masking Tape Revell Contacta Plastic Glue Selleys Super Glue Mr Surfacer 1000 Gator’s Grip Acrylic Hobby Glue Evergreen Plastic Card
Vallejo acrylics were used over Tamiya’s Fine White primer. The base uniform colour is 317 British Tankcrew.
Paints and Finishing Products:
The figures complete with dry-brushing for highlights and details painted.
The cargo tray was not glued to the chassis until the figures had been securely set in place. It seemed safer to handle the cargo tray without the burden of the chassis and cab.
Not my finest figure painting moment methinks, but at least they will lend a sense of scale and context to the vehicle.
Vehicle: • Tamiya Spray Cans - Grey Primer • Lifecolor Acrylic Soviet AFV 4BO Green Easy 3 Set. Item No. MS041. Contains UA 258 4BO Flashed Shade; UA 259 4BO Ground Colour; UA 260 4BO Deep Shade • Tamiya Acrylic Paints – XF-1 Flat Black; XF-52 Flat Earth; XF-64 Red Brown. • Gunze-Sangyo Acrylic – H81 Khaki • Vallejo Panzer Aces – 314 Canvas; 317 British Tankcrew; 324 Highlight French Tanker; 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 337 Highlight Ger. (Black). • Vallejo Acrylic Wash – 73200 Sepia Shade • Mr Hobby Lacquer – Mr Metal Colour 211 Chrome Silver • Future Floor Polish • SIN Industries (MIG) Filter – P245 Green for Allied Tanks • Winsor & Newton Oil Paints – Lamp Black, Raw Umber • Alclad II Klear Kote Flat • Easy Mud Item No. 21105 – European Earth • Mig Pigments – P028 Europe Dust; P042 Ochre Rust; P053 Old Brick Red; P414 Track Brown Figures: • Tamiya Spray Cans – Fine White Primer • Uniforms (all Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylics) – 312 Leather Belt; 317 British Tankcrew; 321 British Tankcrew Highlight; 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 337 Highlight Ger. (Black). Flesh: • Base Coat: Vallejo Model Colour acrylics 70815 Basic Skin Tone. • Wash: Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna. • Variations and Highlights: 70815 Basic Skin Tone; 919 Foundation White; 337 Highlight Ger. (Black) (mixed). General Detailing: • 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 337 Highlight Ger. (Black); 70891 Intermediate Green; 919 Foundation White; 70950 Black. References Historical summary courtesy of Wikipedia: • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Model_AA • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GAZ ✓ Good level of detail; superb fit; fast and easy build; versatile subject; minimal ejector pin marks. ✗ No driver’s pedals. Available from Thanks to Tamiya for the sample www.tamiya.com Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net
Rating
May 2014 - Model Military International 25
p 16-25 GAZ AA 097B.indd 25
11/03/2014 12:25
KIT PREVIEW
Bronco 1:35 Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. F (VK 18.01) • Kit No. CB35143
Bill Wiseman examines Bronco’s 1:35 scale Panzer I Ausf. F with its distinctive large overlapping wheels.
BIG WHEELS D eveloped during the latter part of the 1930s, the Panzer I Ausf. F was designed mainly for recon and related duties. By the time it entered the conflict it was evident that better armed and armoured vehicles would be required, so only 30 were produced and fielded. An order for a further 100 tanks was cancelled. The Panzer I Ausf. F has been released by a couple of manufacturers now, but this 1:35 scale kit from Bronco is state-ofthe-art. Nine sprues of parts (one of which contains clear parts), as well as a photo-etched fret, workable tracks and a decal sheet giving markings options for three vehicles makes up the contents of the box. The detail throughout the kit is stunning, and modellers will enjoy the fact that straight from the box this is one impressive little model. Construction starts with the internal layout (stages 1-6), and this looks very complete according to the references such as Panzer Tracts No.1-2, Panzerkampfwagen I, Kl.Pz. Bef.Wg. to VK 18.01. Some components will benefit from painting prior to installation to make things a bit easier. The supplied ammo bags are amongst the best I’ve seen in an injected moulded kit. Be aware that some parts require nuts/bolts/ rivets to be attached and these can be found on the sprues themselves. Just shave them off and add them to the kit part.
Easy. There’s some question as to the way the radio mounts to the transmission, but not a lot of photo evidence to suggest exactly how this was done. That said, Bronco has done a good job here and once installed certainly looks the business. One niggle is the locating pins are a bit too long for the holes, which are quite shallow. You can either trim the pins, or deepen the holes using a 0.03 drill bit. That aside, there were no problems with the fit of parts, with everything locating perfectly. Careful painting and weathering will bring this area of the kit to life in a big way. Pity you can only see a limited amount due to the constraints of the side hatches. The roof plate can be left removable to show off this area if desired. Stages 7-10 deal with the running gear, starting with the installation of the torsion bars. These locate very neatly into the inside of the hull walls and allow full articulation of the road wheels. It’s wise to leave the idler swing arms (parts F 37) free to move as this will ease the fit of the tracks. They can be glued in place when you’re satisfied with the final sit. Care needs to be taken with the assembly of the sprockets, as the locator holes need to be opened up to allow the inner and outer sprocket halves to align. A good idea here is to assemble 16 links and wrap them around the sprockets to ensure the teeth line up correctly. The tracks themselves are assembled
The individual track links with moulded-on hollow guide horns.
The track links are joined by these pins…
using a jig, onto which you place the links, and then add the separate pins. With care, the tracks stay workable, and due to the length of the supplied pins are quite robust when handled. Stages 11-18 deal with the external aspects of the kit, and these are as wonderfully detailed as the insides of this model. The engine access hatches can be positioned either opened of closed, but since there’s no engine (hello aftermarket people) hatches down would be the way to go. A nice touch though just the same. The fenders are superbly rendered with detail on both sides. Take care when adding the completed fenders to the kit as they’re a bit heavy and have a tendency to droop. A solution to this is to leave the details off, and cement the fenders in place first. When this has cured the tools and other details can be added. The final stage deals with the turret, and this is as detailed as the rest of the kit. Elevation and traverse gear is present, as well as two very detailed MG 34s and their respective mounts. The only thing to note here is that the MG’s should have the armoured jackets fitted and not the perforated type provided. The finished turret is a work of art, which pretty well sums up the kit as a whole. Apart from the locator pin issue (a problem worth fixing), this is a fantastic kit, and one that will delight fans of German armour. ■
The hull side. The entire hull is provided as a “flat pack”.
The upper hull pieces.
Detailed interior parts are included.
Turret parts.
Clear parts for the ‘scopes.
The included photo-etched fret.
Thanks to Bronco for the sample.
…using this jig.
The kit decal sheet.
26 Model Military International - May 2014
p 26 PanzerI Pre 097B.indd 26
11/03/2014 12:28
Halifax Modellers World
29 Union Street, Halifax, HX1 1PR
DRAGON 1/35 SCALE DN6609 Jagdpanther G2...............£49.99 DN6679 PaK 40/4 auf RSO.............£49.99 DN6700 Tiger I Mid-Prodn w/Zim..£49.99 MERIT MODELS 1/35 SCALE MM63501 M19 Diamond T & Trailer.. £89.99 ACADEMY 1/35 SCALE MMTS-007 Leopard 1A3/A4..............£44.99 MMSS-003 Achzarit APC...................£36.99 TRUMPETER 1/35 SCALE TM05566 T-80BV Russian MBT......£40.00 TM05535 ASLAV-PC Phase 3..........£29.99 TM01543 BTR-60PA APC.................£29.99
AFV MODELS 1/35 SCALE AF35236 AEC Matador Early..........£44.99 AF35253 Churchill 3 inch Gun........£39.99 IBG MODELS 1/35 SCALE IBG35022 Marmon Herrington Mk.II. £29.99 IBG35017 Bedford QLR......................... £29.99 MENG MODELS 1/35 SCALE AC13281 Magach 6B Gal Batash IDF...£29.99 BRONCO MODELS 1/35 SCALE CB35168 6Pdr ATG Airborne w/crew..£26.99 CB35169 British Airborne Jeep............£29.99 AB3562 British Field Accessories......£11.99
Bison Decals now in stock! Ring for details
Tel/Fax 01422 349157 Shop 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
POST & PACKING UK £4.00
www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk
p 27 ADs Collated 097.indd 2
11/03/2014 12:15
FEATURE ARTICLE
Italeri 1:35 LCVP. Kit No. 6479; Revell 1:35 LCM • Kit No. 03000
A
rmoured LCVPs and LCMs were used during the Indochina War by the French Army in special units called Dinassaut. These riverine patrol craft were based on the LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel) and the LCM (Landing Craft Mechanized). Both were previously used extensively by Allied forces during WWII. At the beginning of the Indochina War, the French Army bought hundreds of LCVPs from the Philippines Government. These LCVPs were modified with additional armour plate on the sides, a new access ramp design, armour sides and a roof. These craft were locally armoured and armed with one 20mm Oerlikon gun, three 30mm
calibre machine guns and two rifle grenade launchers Piat or two Bren carrier machine guns. The armoured LCVP was widely used as patrol and fire support craft on the Mekong River. This was one of the most common craft on the rivers although it was found to be slow, unwieldy and noisy for effective patrol work. Living conditions aboard cramped LCVPs were particularly difficult. The LCMs were modified with extra armour plates on the sides and front of the pilot cab. This craft was also locally armoured and armed with two water-cooled 12.7 calibre machine guns and sometimes with extra Bren or Piat on the side of the cab. Like the LCVPs, the LCMs were used as patrol and fire support crafts on the Mekong River. A
28 Model Military International - May 2014
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 28
11/03/2014 12:30
INDOCHINA
Jose Brito places Revell’s 1:35 scale LCM and Italeri’s LCVP in a jungle river setting.
May 2014 - Model Military International 29
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 29
14/03/2014 16:53
FEATURE ARTICLE
Italeri 1:35 LCVP. Kit No. 6479; Revell 1:35 LCM • Kit No. 03000
CONSTRUCTION
Both the LCM from Revell and LCVP from Italeri are fine kits with good detail. The kits are presented in big boxes and once opened we find several sprues in a top quality grey plastic, crisply printed decals, clear and concise instructions. The surface detail is very good and accurate.
The French company U-Models is one of the most original and prolific names when it comes to resin conversion sets. They have a set for the LCVP and another for the LCM and the subjects are the French Riverine Forces in Indochina. The sets are moulded in a top class and flawless resin. The detail is just great and the fit is really nice. The instructions are clear, concise and even include some period reference pictures.
Before start building the vessels, some ejection pin markings must be Construction is very straightforward. Even so, there’s always room removed. This can be easily achieved with the help of a round point for some small scratch built details. In this case I decided to use fine surgical blade. All we have to do is gently pass the blade several times metal wire to add some extra detail. over the ejection pin finish the process with fine sandpaper.
Small metallic parts were glued in place with the help of Deluxe Materials Rocket Hot. Being an ultra-thin glue solution, it is ideal to work in the capillarity method.
Ropes were made from ultra-fine wire from Plus Model. The wire was twisted and it looks like a rope. Deluxe Materials Rocket Hot was used to glue these in place.
All the major assemblies and small details were glued with the help of Deluxe Materials Plastic Magic Glue. For the best results I use their Pin Magic applicator. Pin Magic applicator will allow an ultra-control, because the Plastic Magic Glue is ultra-thin.
Plastic tube from a cotton bud was cut into thin sections and was used to represent the dials in the wheel house. Small details like this can make all the difference and are easy to achieve.
30 Model Military International - May 2014
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 30
11/03/2014 12:31
French LCMs and LCVPs received huge in-field transformations so we need to make those changes in our models. Most of the changes made by the French forces were defensive and armour add-ons. The parts to be removed and reworked were marked with a red marker so we can keep some control and avoid cutting the wrong parts.
Plastic tape attached. This thick tape it is ideal to act as a guide so that we can make a clean cut.
With the plastic tape in place, we can start cutting. All we have to do Soon the parts are separated and we will be able to fit the U-Models is pass the blade several times over the desired spot and very soon we conversion set. will have the part separated.
PAINTING AND WEATHERING Both models were primed using Vallejo German Panzer Grey 73603. Vallejo primers dry very fast and turn the surface very smooth, ideal for airbrushing. They must be airbrushed in several layers in order to keep the surface detail.
In order to obtain some colour variation, Vallejo German USN Light Ghost Grey 73615 was airbrushed over the Vallejo German Panzer Grey 73603.
The raised and most exposed parts were airbrushed in Vallejo 71046 Pale Grey and in Vallejo 71119 White Grey. This will add variation.
May 2014 - Model Military International 31
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 31
11/03/2014 12:31
FEATURE ARTICLE
Italeri 1:35 LCVP. Kit No. 6479; Revell 1:35 LCM • Kit No. 03000
In several reference pictures, protective sandbags are visible. Sadly the U-Models set do not provide them, so we will need to scratch them. For this task I used Andrea Sculpt putty. This putty is easy to work and once dry is rock hard.
A.
Before they are dry, a fine metal mesh was pressed into the putty bags. This will produce a very convincing texture and the putty and will look like rough tissue. For the best results, slightly bend the metal mesh and gently press it into the putty.
C.
The plastic life buoys can easily be improved. All we have to do is remove the moulded sections representing the ropes and replace them with fine lead wire from Plus Model. Twisted lead wire really looks like fine rope. A small enhancement like this can easily improve the final look.
D.
B.
A. Once thoroughly dry, the sandbags were painted in several colours from the Vallejo Model Colour range. B. The tarpaulin was airbrushed in several colours. This is a delicate and time consuming task, but the final look is really beautiful and convincing. Being a huge and prominent part, we really must pay special attention to this area. C. Once the acrylic colours were dry, the tarpaulin also received some oil colour treatment. Buff colour from the MIG Productions 502 Abteilung oil colours range was applied in the raised parts and in order to get a more evident zenith effect. Light Mud from the same range was applied in the recessed and deepest parts. D. Shadow Brown and Dark Mud from the MIG Productions 502 Abteilung oil colours range were applied around the sandbags recessed parts. This will increase and add volume to the paintjob. In the same spot, the deepest parts received a wash of Dark Wash from MIG Productions wash colour range.
The parts with more wear and tear received lots of scratches. The process started with the help of a small sponge and ended with help of a very fine brand new brush. Several colours from Vallejo Model Colour range were used in order to achieve a more realistic look.
Dark Rust and Light Rust Brown from MIG Productions 502 Abteilung oil colours range were applied around several spots.
Standard Rust Effects and Light Rust Effects from MIG Productions wash colour range were applied in combination with the oils from the same company. All this weathering work will make the models much more visually interesting as also much more accurate.
Faded Dark Yellow from MIG Productions 502 Abteilung oil colours range was applied very heavily thinned around some recessed parts. According to reference pictures, these vessels did not suffer from major corrosion mainly because they were operated in rivers. Vessels like this that operated at sea are more exposed to corrosion. Brown Wash and Wood Ageing Solution from MIG Productions wash colour range were applied in the LCM and LCVP interior. Like all the previous weathering work, this process will make the models more interesting and more visually accurate.
Wood parts were airbrushed in grey and then they were airbrushed in MIG Production Absolute Chipping. Once well dry, green colour form Vallejo was airbrushed over it. Then, with the help of a flat brush moistened in MIG Production Absolute Chipping, we can start peeling the green paint. The process is completed by applying several scratches. The process started with the help of a small sponge and ended with help of a very fine brand new brush. Several colours from Vallejo Model Colour range were used in order to achieve a more realistic look.
32 Model Military International - May 2014
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 32
11/03/2014 12:32
The LCVP tarpaulin was painted using Vallejo Model Colour. This is a time consuming process, but the final result is really worth it. Light Mud and Field Grey from MIG Productions 502 Abteilung oil colours range were applied in order to increase the colour variation.
Light Rust Brown and Dark Rust from MIG Productions 502 Abteilung oil colours range were applied in order to represent some rust effects. Moss Green Wash was applied to the LCVP wooden parts. It is possible to see how all the colours and products combined to add an extra touch of realism to the models. Several MIG Productions wash colours were applied in the desired spots. All those colours combined will add that extra touch of realism to our models.
Construction is very straightforward. Even so, there’s “always space for some small scratch built details... ”
U-Models LCVP set also provides a beautiful 20mm Oerlikon L/70 machine Gun. The metal gun barrel (also provided in the set) is from RB Models. This is what we can call a “kit inside the kit” and once painted and weathered, it will look really cool in the LCVP.
All the armament was provided in the U-Models sets and once painted and weathered they look really nice. All those small details will bring the models to life and add an extra touch of accuracy.
Value Gear is a new company specialized in military accessories. Especially tents, tarps and boxes. The detail is amazing and the resin casting flawless. Once the primer was dry, the items were painted in several colours from the Vallejo Model Colour range.
Details were picked out using Vallejo acrylic paints. The final look is very convincing and accurate.
The propellers were painted in Brass colour from Vallejo and then washed in MIG Productions Moss Green Wash. A simple step with a very convincing result.
Wine Bottles and Crates from Royal Model is a lovely set and will be used in this project. We all know that the French appreciate a fine wine. Having a good French wine in Indochina is an ideal way to remember France and home! May 2014 - Model Military International 33
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 33
11/03/2014 12:32
FEATURE ARTICLE
Italeri 1:35 LCVP. Kit No. 6479; Revell 1:35 LCM • Kit No. 03000
BASE AND DIORAMA A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
A. All my projects start with several sketches. This step is very important because will define the composition and the place of all the elements. The elements must be placed in a dynamic way and according invisible diagonal lines. We must avoid at all cost placing elements parallel to the sides of the base. B. The next step is to transfer the idea and sketch to the base. We really must spend the necessary time in this step. This is one of the most important steps of all and will define the final look of the entire scene. C. The base was made according to my usual methods and materials. The big difference with this one was that I cut the space out for the waterline craft. D. Deluxe Materials Foam Armour was applied all over the foam. Weathering work involves strong solvents and they can damage the foam. With the Foam Armour coat, and as the name suggests, the foam is protected. E. Deluxe Materials Create and Shape was applied with a spatula. This will also protect the foam and add a smooth texture to our working base. While the Deluxe Materials Create and Shape still wet we can pass a sponge moistened in water. This will turn the surface ultra-smooth and will help to apply the product. F. Once conpletely dry, Deluxe Materials Create and Shape is rock hard and can be sanded for a better finish.
I.
G. The river area was painted in Vallejo primer IJA Tsuchi – Kusa – Iro Earth Green. I used a small roller for this task. H. At this stage and once the river paint is completely dry, the models can be placed in the final spot. This can be a time consuming process, but it is very important so we really need to take all the time needed and not rush into it. I. The small gaps can be filled in Deluxe Materials Create and Shape, applied with the help of a brush slightly moistened in water. Once dry, it can be carefully painted in Vallejo primer IJA Tsuchi – Kusa – Iro Earth Green.
H.
J.
M.
K.
L.
N.
O.
J. A diorama involving Indochina means a lot of vegetation! Thankfully we have several companies making lovely stuff. Names like Joefix, U-Models, MiniNatur, Model scene, Eduard, Treemendus… are worth considering when we need to make realistic and convincing vegetation. K. Eduard produces some of the best palm tree leaves. They are pre-painted and all we have to do is using a fine blade to remove them from the metal sprue. Even being pre-painted I like to apply a primer and paint them in my own fashion. L. Some of the vegetation from Joefix is made from vinyl, so we must apply some treatment to them, otherwise will be a nightmare to glue them in the desired spot. The Joefix plants were airbrushed in several different colours and accordingly several reference pictures. M. Once the paint well dry, the leaves were treated in Shadow Brown oil colour from the MIG Productions Abteilung range. This colour was applied, well thinned in MIG Productions, Odourless Turpentine, with a flat brush from the same company. N. The palm trees were soon painted, weathered and ready to be placed in the diorama. O. Small ground vegetation came from several Joefix and Model Scene sets. Both companies produce lovely stuff for nature dioramas and are always a presence in my work.
34 Model Military International - May 2014
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 34
11/03/2014 12:32
Some vegetation is also applied to the palm tree trunks, in this case from the MiniNatur range.
For the water, my only choice is Deluxe Materials Solid Water. All we have to do is mix 2 parts of resin with 1 part of hardener and we are Small vegetation was applied in the logical places. Those small details ready to go. If necessary we can add paint or pigments to add colour. Once dry, it is rock hard and totally transparent. will make a big difference in the final scene.
Before we apply the water we must check the level and make sure is totally horizontal. The level doesn’t lie! The result is impressive!
FIGURES
U-Models also produce figures of French forces in Indochina. The resin cast is flawless and the detail is top quality. The poses are very natural and convincing. The U-Models ref. UMO131 also provides a couch and a cat. This is inspired by a well know picture and is a lovely detail. Small details like this can make all the difference and add an extra touch of interest to our project. They were painted in Vallejo Model Colour. I always add figures to my dioramas. Besides the “human factor” and scale, they can also tell a story.
All the figures in this project are from U-Model Company. As usual, in this company, the figures are just great and present a flawless resin casting. The poses and fit are very nice. The figures were primed in Vallejo Acrylic White Primer 73600. Once well dry, they were airbrushed in Vallejo Model Air 71076 Skin Tone. The figures were painted in Vallejo Model Colour, except the flesh tones that were painted in oils from the MIG Productions range. May 2014 - Model Military International 35
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 35
11/03/2014 12:32
FEATURE ARTICLE
Italeri 1:35 LCVP. Kit No. 6479; Revell 1:35 LCM • Kit No. 03000
Modelspec Italeri 1:35 LCVP Revell 1:35 LCM
Kit No. 6479 Kit No. 03000
Items Used • 1:35 U-Models, LCVP Blindé conversion set for the 1:35 LCVP kit - item UM122 • 1:35 U-Models, LCM Blindé conversion set for the 1:35 LCM kit - item UM248 • 1:35 U-Models figure, French Indochina Dinassaut No 1 - item UM0127 • 1:35 U-Models figure, French Indochina Dinassaut No 2, LCVP/LCM pilot - item UM0128 • 1:35 U-Models figure, French Indochina Dinassaut No 3 - item UM0129 • 1:35 U-Models figure, French Indochina Dinassaut No 4 - item UM0130 • 1:35 U-Models figure, French Indochina Navy Captain “Le Crabe Tambour” - item UM0131 • 1:35 U-Models figure, French Indochina soldier at rest No 1 - item UM281 • 1:35 Royal Model, Wine bottles and crates item 655 • 1:35 Eduard PEs – Several sets • 1:35 Value Gear – Several sets • MiniNatur, Plus Model, Joefix and Treemendus sets Modelling Materials Used Hood glue, Deluxe Materials glue solutions, Heat isolation foam, Wood base, Injected plastic, Resin parts, Plastic card, Metal parts Stowage in the forward section of the LCM.
B CONCLUSION This was one of my biggest dioramas so far. It was also one of the most demanding, because it involved lots of scratch work, jungle vegetation, water and planning.
Paints & Finishing Products: I am very pleased with the diorama’s final look. Most importantly, with all the research and investigation, I learned a lot about this part of history and the Indochina conflict. ■
Vallejo primers, acrylics and thinners MIG Productions oils, washes, pigments, filters and thinners Graphite soft pencil Plus Model Lead Wire References Used Several internet sites and forums ✓ Great conversions and figures from U-Models. Lovely detail and accurate. ✗ Nothing worth mentioning. Available from Italeri kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net
Rating
The rear of the LCVP.
36 Model Military International - May 2014
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 36
11/03/2014 12:32
This was one of my biggest dioramas so far. It was also one of the most demanding, because it involved lots of scratch work, jungle vegetation, water and planning.
May 2014 - Model Military International 37
p 28-37 EBR 097_2B.indd 37
11/03/2014 12:32
FEATURE ARTICLE
Mirror Models 1:35 Russian Artillery Tractor T-20 Komsomoletz - Early • Kit No. 35200
BIG GUN COCKROACH
Steve Zaloga transforms the recent 1:35 scale Mirror Models Komsomolets into a ZiS-30 self-propelled gun by converting the tractor to a late version Series 3 and adding Miniart’s 57mm anti-tank gun.
38 Model Military International - May 2014
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 38
11/03/2014 12:34
T
he little T-20 Komsomolets armoured tractor was one of the most numerous armoured vehicles of the Red Army with some 7,780 manufactured in 1936-41. It was an armoured utility tractor, similar in role to the French Renault UE. The first kit of this to appear was from AER in Moldova in 1994. The AER kit had many serious dimensional issues, but it has re-appeared from other east European manufacturers over the years. I kept a few in my stash in the hopes of converting one into a ZIS-30 tank destroyer. To improve the kit, I also picked up a set of the old Model Kasten tracks. In 1998, Maquette re-released the AER kit as a ZIS-30, offering some very rough parts for the rear compartment along with a rough conversion for the old Italeri ZiS-3 76mm divisional gun to convert it into the ZiS-2 57mm anti-tank kit. My ZIS-30 project languished for years until the announcement by Mirror Models of a new generation Komsomolets kit in 2013. With the new kit in hand, I proceeded with the conversion.
HISTORICAL NOTES The ZIS-30 is certainly one of the more obscure AFVs of the Red Army in the 1941 campaign. The program stemmed from a July 1941 directive to prepare the manufacture of self-propelled guns on various chassis including a self-propelled 37mm anti-aircraft gun, a self-propelled 85mm anti-
Maquette repackaged the old AER kit with a sprue of parts in this 1998 conversion kit. The best part of the kit was Andrey Aksenov's fine box-art - the conversion parts were fairly useless.
aircraft gun, and a self-propelled 57mm anti-tank gun. The 57mm gun project was handed off to Plant No. 92 with instructions to examine the ZIS-30 version on the T-20 Komsomolets tractor, and the ZIS-31 on the GAZ-AAA truck. The conversion quickly reached prototype stage and due to the recent German invasion, the plant was ordered to build a hundred examples by 10 August 1941. Production started later than expected on 21 September 1941, and in total some 100 ZIS-30 were built with the ZiS-2 57mm antitank gun and one was built with a 45mm anti-tank gun. The ZIS-30 was built on the third and final series of Komsomolets tractors. Further manufacture was stymied due to the halt of production of the Komsomolets at Plant No. 37 in Moscow in July 1941. An alternative was to mount it on the ZIS-22 armoured half-track as the ZIS-41 but aside from prototypes, no series production ensued. The T-20 entered service in the tank brigades of the Western, Briansk and Southwestern Fronts in the autumn of 1941. They were frequently labelled as "PTO", a contraction of the designation "Protivotankovye oruziya na tyagach" (Anti-tank gun on a tractor) and often deployed with the brigade's motorized rifle battalion. They saw use in the fighting on the approaches to Moscow in the late autumn and early winter of 1941 though slow disappearing from combat attrition.
I added some parts to the crew compartment upper half including the left side stowage box and more elaborate episcopes on the vision ports.
These are the various kit interior components plus a new floor to simplify painting and assembly. The DT machine gun is an old Model Kasten white metal accessory.
This shows the basic interior bits after painting.
STARTING THE MODEL The new 1:35 scale Komsomolets was the first Mirror Models kit I have built, so I was unfamiliar with their quality or construction style. The kit may be built as an early series (Series-1) or midproduction (Series-2) version. Unfortunately, the ZIS-30 was based on the final production (Series-3) style, which involves some further conversion work. Overall, the kit is very delicate and complex. I did not find the instructions to be very well laid
The final production Komsomolets had a different combing for the crew hatches. In addition, the hatch area was modified on the ZIS-30 to permit hatch use with the gun barrel overhead.
out, and they are particularly confusing regarding the different features between the Series 1 and Series 2. For anyone seriously planning the ZIS-30 conversion, or any major upgrade to the kit, the Russian-language Pavlov book is an essential reference. Even if in Russian, this soft-cover contains a wealth of photos, technical drawings and a useful scale plan of the ZIS-30. The kit comes with a partial interior including most of the engine compartment. In view of the
A
A view inside the forward crew compartment after painting showing some of the additions such as ammo drum stowage.
May 2014 - Model Military International 39
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 39
11/03/2014 12:34
FEATURE ARTICLE
Mirror Models 1:35 Russian Artillery Tractor T-20 Komsomoletz - Early • Kit No. 35200
This is the basic hull assembled and ready for the conversion work on the rear. I have used yellow Tamiya tape to seal off the crew compartment for eventual painting. I reconfigured the rocker arms on the suspension to the more common style by carefully cutting the part into two pieces and reassembling it in horizontal configuration.
B small size of the model, I thought
it would be interesting to leave the hatches open to show the interior. I didn't bother with the engine compartment, since this cannot be seen very easily on the completed model. The crew compartment provided in the kit includes the transmission, seats and some other components. It is missing most of the ammo stowage for the DT hell machine gun. I had a left-over resin DT drum rack which I used for the stowage behind the bulkhead since it can't be seen very well. I scratchbuilt the rack inside the fighting compartment, and made up a set of DT ammunition drums by punching them out of sheet plastic. The kit seats lack their padding, and I added this after painting from thin leather cut to shape. I didn't try to depict every last rivet and bolt on the interior since much of it will not be visible. The final production version of the Komsomolets used a stamped hatch that was a different shape than the Series 1 and 2 with distinctly rounded edges. Also, there was a change on the hull roof with a slightly different combing to accommodate the new hatch. I made the new hatches by making masters and then vacuforming them using an old Mattel Vacuform. I altered the combing using Evergreen plastic strip. One
The kit track is impossible to assemble out of the box, so I substituted Model Kasten track.
important detail about the ZIS-30 that is not immediately apparent is that the hatches were "chopped", with the portions towards the centreline cut back to permit the hatches to clear the gun barrel. With the hull interior underway, I turned to the suspension. The kit depicts the suspension with the rocker-arms in a shallow upside-down "V" shape. I have seen photos of a few Komsomolets in this configuration, but the standard layout appears to be with the rocker-arms in a completely horizontal layout. I decided to modifiy the kit parts by making a very shallow angled cut on the kit part using a fine razor saw, and then re-assembling the arms in the horizontal fashion. The biggest disappointment with the kit suspension was the track, which simply does not fit. I had purchased a set of the Model Kasten tracks many years ago and I used these instead. I am very disappointed when manufacturers decide to use difficult link-tolink construction on their kits, but apparently don't bother to determine whether the parts even fit. It is bad enough to have to clean up so many little parts, but to have fit problems makes the kit almost unbuildable unless aftermarket alternative are available. The rest of the hull goes
To duplicate the four metal bars under the folding panels, I started by soldering together four .020 thou brass rods of an appropriate length.
together fairly well, but it takes a great deal of care since there are no locating pins on many parts. The final production series used a modified housing for the DT hull machine gun. This was wider than the version provided in the kit that depicts the Series 2 type. Fortunately, the old AER kit depicts the Series 3, so I adapted the mount for my Komsomolets. The DT provided in the kit is a bit clunky, so I used a white metal Model Kasten DT machine gun that I purchased many years ago.
This shows the basic hull with the new rear superstructure and ammo stowage.
CONVERTING THE HULL The ZIS-30 conversion of the Komsomolets involved the construction of a platform for the gun behind the crew compartment that contained ammunition stowage lockers on either side. I decided to depict my vehicle with one of the ammo lockers open. There is no documentation of the configuration of this stowage, so I used a section of photo-etch intended for the M8 armoured car. I made the structure itself from .015 thou Evergreen sheet plastic. The rear area of the vehicle was re-configured with two stowage bins, and I made these out of sheet plastic as well. Other details on the hull rear included a travel lock, and two folding spades to help absorb the recoil from the powerful anti-tank gun. Likewise,
With the four rods soldered together, it’s possible to bend them to an identical shape, based on the scale plans in the Pavlov book. Once finished, they can be separated by re-heating them with the soldering iron.
These are the two rear stowage bins in rough form before cleaning and sanding.
This is the hull rear with the new stowage bins in place.
I used some leftover photo-etched fenders for the folding rear panel, and then soldered on the rod assemblies.
40 Model Military International - May 2014
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 40
11/03/2014 12:34
This is the Minart 57mm gun with the new recuperator and the RB barrel in place.
nversion eal off
The ZIS-30 is certainly one of the more obscure “AFVs of the Red Army in the 1941 campaign... ”
A.
B.
C.
there is another travel lock for the gun at the front of the crew compartment, and I scratch-built this from sheet plastic. The main change on the ZIS30 of course is the ZiS-2 57mm anti-tank gun. I decided to use the Miniart kit, though the old Italeri ZiS-3 76mm divisional gun could be converted using a different barrel. The Miniart kit is excellent, but the barrel is very thin and prone to distortion so I used a RB Models turned aluminium barrel. The Miniart kit depicts the Model 1943 standard production version. The ZIS-30 used the rare Model 1941 version of this gun. I had photos of this version from the Aberdeen Proving Ground museum, and there was an excellent article on this version with scale plans in the Russian hobby magazine "M-Khobbi" The two main changes were the use of a somewhat different breech protective plate, and the absence of an armoured cover over the recuperator. The ZIS-30 also used a completely different shield than the towed gun, so this had to be made out of sheet plastic. I based this of the plans in the Pavlov book. A
D.
A. This is a left side view of the rear gun position showing the shoulder plate next to the breech. B. This is a view of the right side of the gun position showing the many additions. C. This front view of the unfinished model shows the new machine gun housing, modified from the AER kit part. D. A view of the front showing some of the additions such as the new vehicle siren.
The finished model before painting.
May 2014 - Model Military International 41
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 41
11/03/2014 12:35
FEATURE ARTICLE
Mirror Models 1:35 Russian Artillery Tractor T-20 Komsomoletz - Early • Kit No. 35200
B A view of the gun position after painting showing an empty ammunition box on the rear floor.
The new final production crew hatches were made using a vacu-form.
The Model Kasten DT machine guns offers a more delicate impression of the gilled barrel cooling fins.
Overall, I found the Mirror Models kit to be completely superior “ to old AER example. However, it was a chore to assemble and the kit track is useless short of excruciating modification... ”
I depicted the recoil spades in the travel position folded up.
The Wolf figure offers another taste of tank-hunting circa the autumn of 1941.
42 Model Military International - May 2014
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 42
11/03/2014 12:35
B FINISHING THE MODEL The ZIS-30 was often finished in a multicolour camouflage. Andrey Aksenov's excellent artwork for the old Maquette kit depicts this as three colours: 4BO green, black and a light disruptive colour. Black and white photos clearly show at least three colours, but I suspect that the scheme was in fact the standard NIIBT Kubinka 4 colour scheme of 4BO green, 7K yellow earth, 6K dark brown, and black. For my model, I started by painting the model in the 7K earth yellow colour that I mixed using Tamiya acrylics. This colour is available in the AKAN Russian hobby paint range, and these can be obtained from Linden Hill Imports in the United States. Once dry, I masked the bands of earth yellow with Tamiya "Kabuki" tape, and then airbrushed a coat of 4BO which I mixed using Tamiya XF-81 RAF Dark Green and XF-4 yellow green. I hand painted the dark brown and black patches using Vallejo Game Colours acrylics. Weathering on the model was done in my usual fashion that I have described here many times before. A The finished model after painting.
May 2014 - Model Military International 43
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 43
11/03/2014 12:35
FEATURE ARTICLE
Mirror Models 1:35 Russian Artillery Tractor T-20 Komsomoletz - Early • Kit No. 35200
A. B To reinforce the impression
of the small size of this vehicle, I included a figure. I chose the old Wolf Red Army anti-tank gunner. I replaced the head of the figure with a Hornet head, and replaced the PTRD anti-tank rifle with a plastic example from the Dragon set since I was afraid that the white metal example in the kit would be prone to distortion, especially of the barrel. The finished ZIS-30 is so small that I mounted it to a resin model base intended for 1:72 scale tanks. The extra ammo boxes come from Miniart, while the brass ammunition comes from RB 57mm/6 pdr sets which are close enough for my taste even if not perfectly accurate.
CONCLUSION
The finished model on its vignette base.
Overall, I found the Mirror Models kit to be completely superior to old AER example. However, it was a chore to assemble and the kit track is useless short of excruciating modification. The Miniart 57mm kit on the other hand is quite good and their ammunition sets are very useful. ■
Modelspec Mirror Models 1:35 Russian Artillery Tractor T-20 Komsomoletz - Early. Kit No. 35200 57mm gun from MiniArt Soviet 57mm anti-tank gun ZiS-2 w/Crew Accessories Used: 57mm ammo box from Miniart Soviet 57mm & 76mm Shells w/ammo boxes (kit 35064) Masterpiece Models 72nd Scale Resin Armour Base Wolf resin figure “Russian Soldier with PTRD, WW2 PTRD from Dragon “Soviet Anti-Tank Team 1942-43 (kit 6049) Paints Used: Tamiya XF-81 RAF Dark Green Tamiya XF-4 yellow green Vallejo Game Colour 72045 Charred Brown Vallejo Game Colour 72051 Black
C.
References: Mikhail Pavlov, Traktor-Transporter T-20 Komsomolets, (Voenniy letopis No. 14:2007) Viktor Malginov, “Protiv tankov” (M-Khobbi, No. 2, 2006); includes 1:35 scale plan of early 57mm anti-tank gun ✓ Superior to the old AER kit; interior parts are included. ✗ A chore to assemble; tracks really need to be replaced. Available from Mirror Models are available online from Creative Models Limited www.creativemodels.co.uk
Rating
E.
44 Model Military International - May 2014
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 44
11/03/2014 12:35
A.
C.
E.
B.
D.
A. A Finnish Army Komosomolets after rebuilding. Some care has to be taken when using Finnish vehicles as a reference since they were often cobbled together from bits of diffierent Komsomoelts of different production series. (SA-Kuva) B. In Red Army service, the Komsomolets was widely used as a prime mover for the 45mm antitank gun and its limber as seen in the case of this final production type knocked out in Lithuania on 22 June 1941. C. Another example of a Komsomolets in use in its usual prime-mover role, towing an artillery limber. This one was abandoned near Alitus in Lithuania on 22 June 1941. D. Modellers looking for something different might like to show their Komsomolets in Finnish Army service towing a 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun during the Continuation War in 1944. (SA-Kuva) E. A detail view of the machine gun housing on the final production version of the Komsomolets. It also provides a good view of the driver’s episcope on the front visor. (SA-Kuva) F. A detail view of the driver’s episcope on the front visor, a feature not well depicted on the kit. The hatch is more typical of the first and second production batches. (SA-Kuva)
F.
May 2014 - Model Military International 45
p 38-45 Zis30 097B.indd 45
11/03/2014 12:35
FEATURE ARTICLE
Dragon Models Limited Armor Pro 1:72 Hornisse • Kit No. 7234
THE HUNTER HUNTED Steve Shrimpton converts Dragon’s 1:72 scale Hornisse into a Nashorn destroyed on the Eastern Front.
H
aving seen many fine examples of destroyed vehicle models in 1:35 scale over the years, I decided to see if a similar level of detail could be achieved in my preferred scale, 1:72, using a variety of materials and techniques. An open topped vehicle seemed to offer the greatest opportunity for detailing, so I settled on depicting a Nashorn on the Eastern Front, disabled by a shot to the engine compartment and blown up by its crew. On checking my stash, I found that I had a Dragon Hornisse kit but not a Nashorn! However, the differences are relatively minor and as I had some sprues from a Revell Nashorn in my spares box, these provided most of the parts I needed. Now it was time to plan the build. The scenario I had envisaged was a partially burnt out vehicle with one track broken, part of the fighting compartment walls missing and part of the glacis plate blown away exposing the transmission and drivers compartment. With this in mind, I rifled through my box of accessories and came up with an RB turned metal Nashorn barrel, a CMK resin StuG III Drivers set (this has the same transmission and final drive as the Nashorn), and a set of MACO Panzer III/IV Winterkette. I was now set to start the build.
46 Model Military International - May 2014
p 46-50 Nashorn 097B.indd 46
11/03/2014 13:59
The MACO tracks are of the ‘Link & Length’ type and construction follow the standard procedure.
The plastic hull and the RB turned metal barrel.
The scenario I had envisaged was a partially “burnt out vehicle with one track broken, part
of the fighting compartment walls missing and part of the glacis plate blown away exposing the transmission and drivers compartment...
”
THE BUILD I had decided that the main damage to the vehicle would be on the port side, so I began by removing most of the port fender together with the cooling air intake for the engine compartment. The resulting hole was filled with a plasticard insert to represent the inner wall with two rectangular apertures. The remaining fender brackets were constructed from leftover etched brass from the spares box, together with etched rivet strips from the excellent Scale Link set F16, which provides various widths of single and double rivet strips which I find have a multitude of uses in all scales. Much dry-fitting of the major hull
components was necessary at this stage to keep the build on track. I like to install the running gear and tracks at this early stage of the build as it is easier to work on the bare hull tub before the fenders, etc., are attached. I started by installing the suspension units, but decided against using the Dragon road wheels as they are slightly too big and the separate hub design would make it difficult to remove the rubber tyres on some of the wheels to show them burnt out. Luckily I had a spare set of Revell Panzer IV wheels which are the correct size. Several of these were mounted on temporary shafts and set in the chuck of my motor tool. These were carefully
The damaged port fender sections were made from lead foil
turned to remove the rubber tyre sections using needle files. (Eye protection should be worn when attempting this sort of operation!) The road wheels were then attached to the hull and aligned carefully to ensure they were straight and true. The hull was then set aside for the cement to fully cure before proceeding. The drive sprockets and idler wheels were also assembled and set aside to cure. The MACO tracks are of the ‘Link & Length’ type and construction follow the standard procedure. Several individual links are cemented together and left for a few minutes, this strip is then formed around the drive sprocket
(carefully noting the direction of the track!), and cemented in place. This is then repeated for the other drive sprocket and the two idler wheels. The track is installed by first fixing a drive sprocket in place and inserting a length of track from this to the first road wheel. Long lengths of track are then attached till the last road wheel is reached. The idler wheel is attached and a short length of track inserted to join to the last road wheel. The top run of track is assembled in a similar fashion, bending the track slightly in between return rollers to represent sag, and joining with the track on the drive sprocket. This can be a fiddly business and some adjustment is usually necessary to
A
The starboard superstructure has not suffered as much damage as the other side. Note the photo-etched vents.
Sub-assemblies await further detailing and painting.
May 2014 - Model Military International 47
p 46-50 Nashorn 097B.indd 47
11/03/2014 13:59
FEATURE ARTICLE
Dragon Models Limited Armor Pro 1:72 Hornisse • Kit No. 7234
Debris is added to the fighting compartment.
B obtain a good fit. The port track
was slightly easier to assemble as it was left broken and sagged. Next, my attention was turned to the driver’s compartment. The glacis plate was marked and cut to remove the blown out section of the armour. A new bulkhead was made from plasticard and fitted between the drivers and engine compartments, and a new floor cut and fitted, dry fitting the resin transmission and drive components to ensure a good fit. The fixing flange for the glacis plate was made next from fine styrene strip, drilled to represent bolt holes, and cemented to the hull walls. The damaged port fender sections were made from lead sheet (saved from wine bottles when the still had corks!) and fitted at this stage. This material is ideal to show bent and torn metal. Then the starboard fighting compartment wall was finished and detailed with etched brass folding ammo bin doors, radios, wiring, etc. This was set aside for painting as a sub-assembly. As a break from working on the hull, I decided to assemble the gun next. This is almost a kit in itself, and care must be taken removing the many delicate parts from the sprue and building the subassemblies. The only improvements I made were the addition of the RB aluminium and brass barrel, and replacing the small section of armour above the barrel with plasicard for a more in scale look. While looking up references, I came across images of Nashorns with extra armour on the gun shields, so I decided to add this for a more individual appearance of the model. Back to the hull now, and the superb CMK transmission was assembled and installed together with all the burned and damaged equipment associated with it. The
The superb CMK transmission was assembled and installed.
driver’s and radio operator’s seat frames were made from various grades of brass rod and wire bent to shape, and other details were sourced from the spares box and left-over etched brass sets. The wreckage in the fighting compartment was also added at this stage, again from the spares box, etched sets and lead sheet, bent and twisted to suit. With all the sub-assemblies mostly complete, the only part I was not happy with was the rear wall of the fighting compartment. It was far too thick and not well detailed, so I decided to scratchbuild it with one half missing. The kit door was retained but thinned considerably to match the plasticard wall. Etched brass and wire details were added, including an empty MP40 bracket in the correct location.
PAINTING Due to the multi-media nature of this type of build, it is most important that the model is primed properly. I use Tamiya Fine Grey Surface Primer, applied in several light coats. This provides a quick drying, fine surface that does not obscure fine details and gives a good ‘tooth’ for subsequent paint layers. All the sub-assemblies were primed in this way and left to thoroughly dry. The interior of the fighting compartment and the main gun assemblies were then sprayed with Humbrol 103 Cream enamel, which I find gives a good scale representation of dunkelgelb, especially when washed and weathered. The burnt areas of the vehicle were sprayed matt black, ready for the more extreme weathering they would receive. The driver’s compartment was the main area of destruction and would require the most work to render a realistic effect. The matt
48 Model Military International - May 2014
p 46-50 Nashorn 097B.indd 48
The driver’s and radio operator’s seat frames were made from various grades of brass rod and wire bent to shape.
Construction is now complete but the sub-assemblies are kept separate for painting.
black gives a good ‘shadow’ base to layer on several fine layers of various greys to simulate the burnt metal surfaces. In between the grey layers washes of black, Paynes Grey and dark brown oil paints were applied to deepen the shading. All the raised detail was then dry-brushed with light grey and rust coloured enamels to pop out the detail and indicate the start of the rusting process. Finally, a wash of MIG light dust pigment was added to selected areas to simulate ash from the organic components, such as rubber and leather, etc. There are no hard and fast rules for this process but care must be taken not to overdo the effects, subtlety is called for, especially in this scale. When I was satisfied with this area, the main fighting compartment was tackled. The radios were painted to appear relatively undamaged as they were well away from the
main area of fire, but the rest of the area was fairly heavily weathered, partly to represent a well used vehicle and partly to show explosion and fire damage. Chipping was applied to most of the edges using dark grey enamel paint and a fine brush, followed by washes of dark brown and Paynes Grey oil paints. Some of the debris in the floor area was painted rusty grey and various shades of brown to add variation, dry-brushed with rust shades of enamel and dusted with MIG pigments, again keeping the effects as subtle as possible. The breech end of the gun was painted and weathered in a similar fashion to match the fighting compartment interior. When they were completely dry, these finished areas were carefully masked off using damp tissue to protect them from the next paint stages. The rest of the exterior of the
A coat of Tamiya’s Grey Primer is applied straight from the spray can prior to painting.
11/03/2014 13:59
hull and the remaining pieces of the superstructure were then sprayed with Humbrol 103 Cream, including the sprockets, idlers and undamaged road wheels. When this was dry and cured, the soft-edged green and brown camouflage was sprayed on. This was kept quite thin to represent an old worn paint scheme.
WHITEWASH AMD WEATHERING The next stage would be the most worrying – the worn and faded whitewash. This was achieved using the now popular hairspray method. Several light coats of hairspray were misted over the camouflaged areas of the vehicle and left for a few minutes to dry, followed by a light, patchy coat of white acrylic paint. This dries quickly and after allowing several minutes to pass, it was attacked with some warm water and a small stiff brush. This was the most nerve-wracking part of the project as the result is fairly random and unpredictable; knowing when to stop is the key! When I was satisfied with the result, the hull was given a wash of brown and grey oils to tone down the white, A
The interior of the fighting compartment and the main gun assemblies were then sprayed with Humbrol 103 Cream enamel, representing dunkelgelb.
The whitewash finish was achieved using the hairspray method.
In between the grey layers washes of black, Paynes Grey and dark brown oil paints were applied to deepen the shading.
A wash of MIG light dust pigment was added to selected areas to simulate ash from the organic components, such as rubber and leather, etc.
The burnt areas of the vehicle were sprayed matt black.
Several light coats of hairspray were misted over the camouflaged areas of the vehicle and left for a few minutes to dry, followed by a light, patchy coat of white acrylic paint. It was then attacked with warm water and a stiff brush.
The hull was given a wash of brown and grey oils to tone down the white, and details pin washed with a darker brown mix to pop out the details.
The tracks and road wheels were painted with a dark grey/brown enamel mix ready for further weathering.
May 2014 - Model Military International 49
p 46-50 Nashorn 097B.indd 49
11/03/2014 13:59
FEATURE ARTICLE
Dragon Models Limited Armor Pro 1:72 Hornisse • Kit No. 7234
B and details pin washed with a
Modelspec
darker brown mix to pop out the details. The tracks and road wheels were painted with a dark grey/brown enamel mix ready for further weathering. The model was then left for 24 hours for all the paint to fully cure before the final weathering stage. The final areas to be weathered were the tracks/running gear, and the burnt area around the engine compartment and broken track. The undamaged track was given several washes dark earth enamel and MIG European Dust pigments, followed by a light dry brushing of a dark earth and whit mix to highlight the details. The burnt areas around the damaged track and gun shield were treated much as the drivers compartment with sprayed coats of greys and rust coloured washes, finished with MIG rust pigments and white pigment to simulate rubber ash. A soft pencil was rubbed on some areas, such as track links to show bare metal, although this was kept to a minimum as the vehicle had been abandoned for some time and corrosion would have taken hold.
The final areas to be weathered were the tracks/running gear, and the burnt area around the engine compartment and broken track.
Dragon Models Limited Armor Pro 1:72 Hornisse. Kit No. 7234 Accessories Used: • MACO Item No. 72102 - Panzer III/IV Link and Length Winterkette Tracks • RB Barrels Item No. 72B22 - 1:72 Nashorn 88mm PaK 43/1 L/71 Barrel • CMK Item No. 3134 - 1:72 StuG III Ausf.G – Driver’s set for Dragon • Revell Panzer IV wheels Tools & Modelling Products:
The burnt areas around the damaged track and gun shield were treated much as the driver’s compartment with sprayed coats of greys and rust coloured washes.
• Plastic sheet • Lead foil from wine bottles • Needle files • Etched brass and wire • Foam Board • Plaster Paints and Finishing Products • Tamiya Grey Primer (spray can) • Humbrol Enamels - 29 Dark Earth Matt; 33 Black Matt; 34 White Matt; 103 Cream • Paynes Grey and Dark Brown Oil Paints • Hairspray • MIG European Dust pigments • 2B Pencil ✓ High level of detail; includes photo-etched detail parts; great base for a super detailing project. ✗ Flexible tracks are best replaced.
VIGNETTE BASE I was pleased with the final result but felt that this type of model needs to be shown in a natural setting, so I constructed a small vignette base from foam board and plaster to set it on. This was painted and weathered to represent early spring on the Eastern Front, as the snow from the harsh winter was melting away, revealing the dead Nashorn.
A few tarpaulins were added to the undamaged side to add extra interest.
Available from Dragon kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net
Rating
CONCLUSION I very much enjoyed this project, which involved many different techniques, some tried and trusted, and some new and experimental. The final result I hope captured the feel of the original idea, and shows what can be achieved, even in 1:72 scale! ■
A soft pencil was rubbed on some areas, such as track links to show bare metal.
I constructed a small vignette base from foam board.
50 Model Military International - May 2014
p 46-50 Nashorn 097B.indd 50
11/03/2014 13:59
A round-up of the latest news and releases in 1:72 and 1:76
Aoshima
1:72 scale JGSDF Type 60 Self-Propelled 106mm Recoilless Gun (2 vehicle set) Kit No. 06
Rejoice oh ye oft overlooked modern Braille scale aficionados, Aoshima has come to our side with a somewhat obscure, but welcome offering in the form of their new 72 Type 60 Self-Propelled 106mm Recoilless Gun. Never heard of this AFV? You wouldn’t be alone. In a nutshell, it was a small, closed top, fully tracked vehicle with a crew of 3, mounting a pair of parallel M40 Recoilless rifles. It was operated exclusively by the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) between 1960 and 2008. The kit comes in a top opening box, rather larger than usual for this scale, with some very nicely presented box art. So nice is the box art in fact, that the modeller can use it as a valuable reference during painting and weathering. The 111 parts for each vehicle come on three sprues. One of those is moulded in clear plastic and contains any parts with integral vision ports or transparencies, a clever idea which will allow the builder to more accurately depict the various vision ports via simple masking, rather than try to replicate them using paint. Now here’s the bonus. You get two sets of each sprue, enough to build two complete vehicles. To add to the joy, all fighting compartment hatches and some drive train access panels come as separate parts which allow them to be displayed in the open position. But wait… it gets even better. A full interior, transmission and engine are provided to show off through those open hatches. They are a bit basic, but definitely provide a good palette for those willing to spruce these areas up a bit. The sprues are virtually flash free, with moulding/detail being a little on the soft side in a few areas. This particularly shows on the tracks, which could have had better relief on the outer surface. You’ll have to go light on the paint to avoid hiding the detail that is there. Speaking of those tracks, they are link and length with multilink curved sections for mounting around the drive sprockets and idlers. Aoshima has moulded the upper track run with beautifully subtle sag in between the asymmetrical return rollers. Nicely done! With all of these impressively engineered features, I was disappointed to see that Aoshima has elected to mould the pioneer tools integrally with the hull. This is something that our 1:35 brethren are seeing less and less of, but annoyingly persists in the 1:72 marketplace. To exacerbate this further, some of these tools such as the pick head, are not particularly well represented. Removal may be a bit challenging, and to be honest, there are not a lot of good aftermarket offerings for modern pioneer tools available in 1:72 anyway, so we may need to live with this. Urgh! A few other smaller details (fittings, brush guards, those funky Japanese rotating antenna mounts, etc) have also been omitted on the upper hull, but these can be fairly easily scratch built with styrene and wire for those so inclined. Some photoetch support would go a long way in addressing some of these omissions and help elevate the scale fidelity of this kit. Perhaps the likes of Flyhawk or Pit-Road will take up the challenge. Decals look quite thin with minimal carrier film and no registry issues. Markings include multiples of individual numbers, which will allow modellers to represent any one (or two in this case) of a number of specific vehicles in service. A couple of full vehicle numbers have been provided as well for those not enthusiastic about lining up all of those tiny individual number decals. There are no flashy unit markings as seen on JGSDF Type 74 or Type 90 vehicles, though in researching this vehicle on line, I couldn’t find any photos of vehicles in service with anything but basic markings. All in all, this looks like a nice kit by Aoshima, with some innovative and welcome approaches to design. Moulding crispness and level of detail isn’t quite up to DML or RoG standard, but it’s not that far off either. Hopefully we can look forward to more small scale modern tracked and wheeled offering from Aoshima in the future (a 1:72 Type 87 Recon vehicle or SPAAG would be nice). Highly Recommended. Aoshima kits are available from specialist hobby shops including Hannants www.hannants.co.uk Wayne Bowman May 2014 - Model Military International 51
p 51 SmallScale 097B.indd 51
11/03/2014 14:00
KIT PREVIEW
Takom 1:35 Leopard C2 MEXAS 2003 • Kit No. 2003
The two hull halves fit together so well they look like a single part!
Andrew Judson gets an early look at Takom’s Leopard C2 MEXAS.
CANADIAN DESERT LEOPARD T akom is only a fairly new kid on the block of the modelling industry, but they have started with a bang, bringing out some very nice kits and this one will not disappoint.
The Leopard 1A5-style turret
KIT PREVIEW
The latest release is a 1:35 scale Canadian C2 Mexas, a variant of the Leopard 1A4 and 1A5. The lower hull is the A4, the turret A5 with the Modular Expandable Armour System (MEXAS), which is a ceramic composite armour.
Very impressive “fabric” moulding on the mantlet cover.
These tanks were deployed to Afghanistan in 2006, being used to fight the enemy forces, Convoy Protection and in reconstruction teams as a support role. In 2011 the MEXAS was withdrawn from Afghanistan and replaced with
All the parts are crisply moulded and free from imperfections.
later variants of the Leopard family. So what do we have in the box? There are nine sprues, two halves of the lower hull, a small fret of photo-etch, a tiny sprue of clear parts, a bunch of poly caps, a
The MEXAS parts are moulded in tan coloured plastic.
Trackjam Models 1:35 Leopard C2 MEXAS Conversion Kit • Item No. TJM-003
A DIFFERENT TRACK Markings are from Echelon Fine Details.
The impressive new turret casting has locating MEXAS sections for adding to the hull. lugs in place.
Murphy’s Law demanded that Andrew Judson should buy Trackjam’s extensive Leopard C2 MEXAS conversion on the eve of the release of the Takom kit. Andrew draws the comparison.
I
t is always nice to see new modern subjects being released, especially Canadian, as really there’s not that much out there. Well here’s a beauty from Trackjam Models in Canada, in the form of a multi media conversion to make a C2 MEXAS as used operationally in Afghanistan. This conversion is designed for any of the Italeri or Revell Leopard 1 kits. So let’s have a look inside the
Some of the turret add-on castings.
box and see what we have. Opening the box you are immediately greeted with several bags packed with tan resin parts. Some of these are reissued from Maple Leaf Models. There are also two bags with grey resin parts, tow cables from Eureka, brass shackles from RB Model, a resin barrel from Perfect Scale, turned brass antenna from BMK, a photoetched fret and cardboard ration boxes from Real Model plus a set
The Pe Model a real
All the parts are perfectly cast.
52 Model Military International - May 2014
p 52-53 MexasC2+Conv Pre 097B.indd 52
11/03/2014 14:01
ve
length of string, a sheet of decals with the option of four troops a nice little figure of a local militant, and lastly a well drawn set of instructions over 28 steps with some nice profile pictures of the marking options. This all adds up to a total of 638 parts plus poly caps. Should be a decent build. The parts themselves appear to be very well moulded, with crisp detail. The lower hull and turret are moulded in green plastic while the remainder, including the MEXAS, is in tan plastic. If the two lower hull halves are any indication, then fitment should be excellent. I actually thought it was one part on removing the model from the box. Panel lines and bolt details are very well done and not over the top, especially on the MEXAS parts. Overall, just looking at it, you know you have a high quality kit. The tracks are individual and workable, but boy oh boy, that’s
The individual track links, onto which are added the guide horns…
where you will have your work cut out for you. Each link requires you to click in the guide horns and also place the tracks connectors on each side, and there’s a lot of them! I am sure in the end it will look a treat, or you can go the option of aftermarket. I’m going to give these a crack myself.
providing high quality castings. The Perfect Scale Modellbau barrel is an excellent casting. Although in resin, it is straight with no warpage, and I think the other bag of grey resin with Jerry cans and smoke dischargers is also theirs, and also brilliantly done. The other items like the RB shackles, Eureka cables, BMK Antenna and the Real Model photo etch are all high end products and when included in this set, give you real bang for your buck. Also included are the Echelon Decals with a choice of three different troops being 1, 2,and 3 troop. I chose 2 troop with the helmeted warrior as its emblem and all other marking required to do a vehicle from this troop. The instructions come in the form of colour printed double sided A4 pages, with a Vehicle History,
More multimedia – photo-etch, brass and paper.
p 52-53 MexasC2+Conv Pre 097B.indd 53
Markings four vehicles are included.
As mentioned, the decals give you the option of four Troops, being Headquarters Troop, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Troops, including each, units marking on the side of the turret, very cool as well. In summary, this is a brilliant kit and the first of its type in plastic. That in itself is a big “well done” to
…and track connectors on each side. These are moulded from a flexible material.
of decals from Echelon. Phew! A multi media kit indeed. Lastly there is also a small sheet of material in a tan colour to make the thermal covering if you desire to do so, though in my opinion, i wouldn't want to hide all the beautiful detail on the resin parts. Looking at the resin parts, you can see that they are very well cast and detailed, although care will be needed when them removing from the casting blocks as some appear to be fragile, especially the two 7.62mm GPMGs. I also found in my set that the mantlet armour, Part M1, had broken in two, but nothing major and easy to repair. As mentioned, some of the resin is from Maple Leaf, although I am not sure which parts as I have never seen this set. It is my understanding that all the resin was cast by the people at Hobbyfan, no strangers to
The Perfect Scale Modellbau barrel is a real work of art.
A photo-etched fret includes vents and grilles.
The turned metal aerials are from BMK.
The tiny clear sprue.
the manufacturer. Let’s hope we see some more great kits come out soon from Takom. For anyone wanting to build a nice modern subject, then have a good look at this one - it’s well worth it. Highly recommended. ■
A bonus figure is supplied.
what you get in the kit, a parts catalogue, and then a written step by step with accompanying photos of how to put everything together. The text is easy to follow and clear as are the photos to double check as you go. I would be doing a lot of dry fitting with this set, as it would be a shame to ruin it because of a silly mistake that can't be reversed. Finally, there is a sheet of tan material, that is to be used for the thermal covering that is commonly used with these vehicles, and an instruction sheet explaining how to apply this to the model. There is a template sheet so you can cut the material into the correct size and shape and further information on the other steps required to make this look authentic and correct. There is some minor scratch building required and you will need white glue as well. I think once done
A sheet of tan fabric offers the option of making a thermal cover.
it would look very impressive but I'm leaving mine with out to show all the great detail in the resin. So overall, with 105 resin parts and then the rest of the other multi media parts, you have a very impressive build a head of you that I'm sure will result in a fantastic representation of a C2 MEXAS. I would highly recommend this to those that are experienced modellers only, due to its complexity. At the time I received this, Meng released a Leopard 1A3/A4, although I have been told parts will not fit this kit, and Takom also released a full kit of a C2 MEXAS, but not an operational version, though still an excellent kit. Highly Recommended. ■
Purchased online from Trackjam Models www.trackjam.com
Some of the resin parts were originally issued by Maple Leaf Models.
May 2014 - Model Military International 53
11/03/2014 14:01
Incoming
MACONE MODELS
1:35 SCALE T-26 MODEL 1937 UPDATE SET ITEM NO. MAC35004
MacOne Models is a new name to the market. They offer a selection of multimedia updates and accessories that are suitable for a range of interests. The first of their products for review is an update set for HobbyBoss’ 1:35 scale T-26 Model 1937. The set comprises eleven parts in perfectly cast grey resin plus two photo-etched frets. The resin parts supply new and beautifully detailed idler wheels, replacement cupola and hatch, new rear turret hatch, driver’s hood, a lovely BT gun and smaller detail parts. Photo-etched parts cover fender mounts, tool mounts, engine nesh and machine gun details. This is a relatively simple upgrade that addresses some of the shortcomings of the generally very nice HobbyBoss kit. It will make a noticeable improvement. Highly Recommended. Thanks to MacOne Models for the sample www.maconemodels.com Brett Green
PLUS MODEL
1:35 SCALE WATER PROOF BAGS ITEM NO. 425
Plus Model is well known for all those items you need to complete that dio or vignette that you have been working on, and those final finishing touches. Here is another good example. This is a set of 13 US-style waterproof bags and pouches, WWII era. They are cast in grey resin, and the detail is very nice with some very fine and sharp finishes. Also included in the set is a water slide decal sheet with the markings to go on these bags. I think these would look great mounted on a vehicle or tank, although they could equally well be just be stacked on the ground as well. Either way, a very nice product, that has many uses, and well worth adding to your ever-growing collection. Recommended. Thanks to Plus Model for the sample www.plusmodel.cz Andrew Judson
MACONE MODELS
1:35 SCALE AIR CONDITIONER, SET 1 ITEM NO. MAC35105
MACONE MODELS
1:35 SCALE CONCRETE BLOCKS ITEM NO. MAC35100
Here we have another impressive set from MacOne Models of a pair of air conditioner units. The main body is cast in grey resin, with an individual photoetch sheet for both and two lengths of black tubing in different sizes. The etch sheets consist of seven parts on each, with grilles, fan blades, and mounts. For a basic item, there is plenty of detail. With careful painting and weathering these will look fantastic on the side of a building in a diorama, thrown in the back of a truck, or strapped to the roof of a vehicle as seen in the Iraq war. This is another high quality product well worth having in the stash, ready for that rainy day. Highly Recommended. Thanks to MacOne Models for the sample www.maconemodels.com Andrew Judson
This set consists of a pack of 20 resin cast concrete blocks that are just fantastic. They are beautifully cast, with lovely surface detail and would be perfect for most modern subjects, military or non-military. You could use these to do an actual building structure (though you would need a lot!), or as rubble, in the back of a vehicle, wheel barrow - so many uses. My only negative thought was, I wish there were a lot more in the pack. Hopefully a bulk pack will be released in the future. Overall a very impressive item of such a simple subject. Well done MacOne, keep ‘em coming. Highly Recommended. Thanks to MacOne Models for the sample www.maconemodels.com Andrew Judson
54 Model Military International - May 2014
p 54-55 Incoming 097B.indd 54
11/03/2014 14:02
BRENGUN
1:44 SCALE TUPOLEV G-5 SOVIET HIGH SPEED TORPEDO BOAT KIT NO. BRS144020
In the early 1930s, the Soviet Navy began construction of their so-called “Mosquito Fleet”. Made from aluminum, these torpedo boats were unique in both design and performance. The project was unique for the time as it was lead by none other than noted aircraft designer A. N Tupolev. Combat operations revealed many shortcomings with the most notable being a lack of stability in rough sea conditions. I have always liked the lines of this boat. With the lack of any clearly defined deck it looks almost like a torpedo itself. This new release from Brengun models is a little cracker consisting of 27 resin, and 32 photoetched pieces, plus one small decal sheet. Comparing the dimensions to the scale plans In the Armada publication on this type (ISBN 5-94038-010-7), it captures the lines of the boat very accurately. The resin is cast very well and shows no imperfections whatsoever. The things I particularly like about this kit are firstly the finesse of detail, and the general ease of assembly. Some of the parts are compromised such as the railings produced in flat photo-etch, but overall the model could be built and completed in one weekend. If like me, you tend to get bogged down with one project or another, this may be the kit for you. It offers a quick build with no real compromises in detail. I would dearly love to see this in 1:48 scale but in the meantime this may well suffice. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Brengun for the sample www.brengun.cz Luke Pitt
MEDICO’S D-TAILS
1:35 SCALE ZELTBAHN 31 TENTS ITEM NO. 009 – FOUR MAN TENT AUTUMN SIDE ITEM NO. 015 – EIGHT MAN TENT SUMMER SIDE
Medico’s D-tails is a company from Serbia that produces printed paper diorama accessories in 1:48 and 1:35 scales. The products on review here are two Zeltbahn tents. Both are printed on a half-sheet of A4 paper in full colour. They are accompanies by a further geberic A4 page of background and a smaller sheet of specific assembly instructions. The latter supplies suggestions for weathering and mounting. Item No. 009 is a four-man tent with the Autumn side of the camouflage fabric on the outside. Item No. -015 is the larger eight-man tent with Summer camouflage. As the camouflage pattern is printed on the outside only, you will want to paint the back of the sheet in a dark colour if you plan to display your tent as a simple shelter or with the flap open. These are unique and interesting diorama accessories that should be easy to assemble. They will also lend themselves to further weathering and detailing in the form of poles and tie-downs. Recommended. Thanks to Medico’s D-tails for the samples medicosmp.blogspot.com Brett Green
MIG PRODUCTIONS
TRANSFORMATION SETS ITEM NO. 253 – ALLIED GREEN ITEM NO. 254 – GERMAN YELLOW ITEM NO. 255 – GERMAN GREY ITEM NO. 256 - WINTER VEHICLES
Recently received for review are four Transformation Sets from MIG Productions. These sets are designed to assist with weathering of specific types of vehicles and camouflage schemes. They each combine two colours from the Sin Industries Filter range, two Mig Productions Enamel Washes, and two 502 Abteilung oil paints. The Filter range provides a very thin tint over base colours and multi-shade camouflage finishes. This delivers a subtler impact than the usual enamel wash, and is usually applied over an entire vehicle. MIG’s washes are a bit thicker than the Filter range, so the effect is more noticeable. The wash may be thinned either with MIG’s proprietary thinner or any generic enamel thinner, and should be allowed to dry on the model for around 15 minutes before the excess is wiped off. A more precise application of the wash around structural features may then be applied with a very fine brush. MIG Productions’ Abteilung Oil Colours have been designed as a way to create fading and ageing on a fresh paint coat. You can add highlights to base colours, paint shadows, emphasise details and unify camouflage schemes and create colour modulation. The effects may also be varied by altering the ratio of thinner to paint. All of these products should only be used over acrylic paints, or at least an acrylic sealing coat. The specific contents of each set are:
ITEM NO. 253 – ALLIED GREEN
ITEM NO. 255 – GERMAN GREY
ITEM NO. 254 – GERMAN YELLOW
ITEM NO. 256 - WINTER VEHICLES
• Filter P423 Dark Green Grey • Filter P245 Green for Allied Tanks • P302 Deep Green Wash • P305 Moss Green Wash • Abt035. Buff • Abt050. Olive Green • Filter P241 Brown for Dark Yellow • Filter P402 Brown for Desert Yellow • P222 Neutral Wash • P304 Mud Splash Wash • Abt035. Buff • Abt140. Basic Flesh Tone
• Filter P418 Warm Grey for Panzer Grey • Filter P421 Neutral Grey • P222 Neutral Wash • P223 Cold Grey Wash • Abt100. Faded Grey • Abt170. German Grey Highlight • Filter P404 Grey for Bright White • Filter 422 Brown Dirt for White Camo • P223 Cold Grey Wash • P224 Winter Camouflage Wash • Abt001. Snow White • Abt165. Faded U.N. White
Each set includes a double-sided full colour instruction leaflet with suggestions on how to apply the specific products in the box. I have used products from the Allied Green set on the Tamiya 1:48 scale GAZ-MM seen earlier in this issue. I was quite pleased with the effect. These sets represent an economical alternative to buying individual products too. Recommended. Thanks to Creative Models Limited for the samples www.creativemodels.co.uk Brett Green
May 2014 - Model Military International 55
p 54-55 Incoming 097B.indd 55
11/03/2014 14:02
Book Reviews
US MRAPS IN ACTION
TIGER I IN ACTION, 1942-1945
With the current military action overseas and also in the modelling world, this new publication by Squadron Signal is a very welcome reference edition on modern vehicles being used today. MRAP, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, Vehicles have now been playing a major part in modern conflict these days due to the dreaded IED, that has become way too common, costing the lives of many troops. The book comes in soft cover in the usual Squadron format with a glossy cover, with artwork by Don Greer, and filled with 80 glossy pages with 227 excellent colour photos, and captions to go with all of these. The vehicles within are as follows: M1117 Guardian, RG-31, RG-33 4x4, RG-33L 6x6, Cougar, Caiman, Maxpro, M-ATV, Buffalo MPRC, Meercat and the Husky. Each vehicle has a good out line from design to its purpose, making this a very good book to have in your collection. I believe that many of the images have not been seen before, a big plus, and are very high quality. For the modeller, there are many ideas to be had for the next modern project; and enthusiasts, a great collection of vehicles in one high quality publication. I would highly recommend this to all with an interest in modern vehicles and conflict. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Squadron for the sample. Available online from ADH Books www.adhbooks.com and Squadron www.squadron.com Andrew Judson
The Tiger Tank has always been a very popular subject when it comes to WWII subjects, both with the history buffs and modellers. It just seems to draw all those in once they have seen this beast in the many pictures out there, and read the stories of its actions across the majority of theatres the Germans fought. There are many books on the subject, and now here is another, which is a reprint of two books put into one volume. The books are Tiger I on the Eastern Front, and, Tiger I on the Western Front by Jean Restayn a well known historian. These two books were published approximately fifteen years ago, and since that time further information has been found, so due to this and also feed back from enthusiasts abroad, it has been decided to be re published with the new content, extra drawings, new photos and unit markings. The book comes in the format of a large soft back with a glossy cover, with a total of 228 high quality gloss pages with several photos on each and also beautiful art work by the Author of different variants and colour schemes of the Tiger in its different units. The photos are of a good quality, and seem to have been enhanced over the original publications, including some new shots. There is also a smattering of colour photos throughout the book that are quite interesting. I must admit that I would have liked to have seen this book with a hard cover, as for a book this size, I believe it will get damaged easily. Other than that, I am sure many will be happy to add this to their library, both enthusiasts and modellers, and will be quite satisfied with the excellent content with in its pages. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Casemate UK for the sample www.casemate.co.uk Andrew Judson
BY JOHN ADAMS-GRAF SQUADRON SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS ITEM NO. 12054
BY JEAN RESTAYN HISTOIRE & COLLECTIONS ISBN-978-2-35250-294-4
PANZER ACES
EUROMODELISMO NO 43
Here is the another great issue of Panzer Aces Magazine, though I would say it is more like a soft cover book due to its quality. Inside are 64 pages with many very high grade pictures, both progress and completed of the following models: Panzer IV AUSF.B by Volker Bembemnek, Panther AUSF G by Diego Quijano, Kugelblitz by Javier Redondo and a King Tiger by Fabricio Pincelli. All of these are visually stunning, showing the brilliant talents of these modellers from abroad. I particularly liked the Panzer IV finding it amazing in all ways, though the King Tiger is great as well, though completely fictional. Yet again, another great edition. I just wish they would do an issue devoted to modern subjects, please. Hint hint! Highly Recommended. Available online from Euro Modelismo / Accion Press website www.euromodelismo.com Andrew Judson
56 Model Military International - May 2014
p 56-57 Books 097B.indd 56
11/03/2014 14:03
KUBELWAGEN ON ALL FRONTLINES TANKOGRAD PUBLISHING BY JOCHEN VOLLERT ISBN 978-3-936519-28-0
The Tankograd series of reference titles are some of the best currently available. Not only do they offer a one-stop reference source for modellers and historians, they combine a writing style that is not often seen in reference works of this type. It is both easy to read and yet informative at the same time. I must confess I love these books; I like the convenience of just grabbing them, opening a page and instantly having the information at my finger tips. In reality, this book is like three to four traditional books in one: a development history, wartime photo coverage, a walk around photo essay and colour profiles all wrapped up in one easy to read reference source. This new reference title, “Kubelwagen on all Frontlines”, has some 256 pages presented on high quality glossy art paper. The level of research is second to none. The book is logically broken down into a number of 17 segmented chapters. The first two chapters are devoted to the development, history and the predecessors of what would become the Kubelwagen. The next chapter then describes the production batches and more importantly how to decipher what batches these belong to, complete with various photo identifiers. I found this chapter to be enlightening as most of what I thought I knew, proved to be slightly incorrect or just plain wrong in a number of ways. Chapter 5 devotes itself to a walk around of a number of restored examples. The photo captions are interesting as they highlight what (in some cases) is wrong with the restorations themselves. The next six chapters cover the vehicles used on all the fronts the Kubelwagen operated in and units of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine as well. The photo coverage in these sections is nothing short of amazing, with most of the wartime photos being large and very clear. The next two chapters cover photos and descriptions of the vehicle in maintenance, repair or accident scenarios followed by a chapter devoted to the various radio conversions carried out on this type. The last two chapters compile a number of photos of the vehicle captured and used by both the English and Americans with a brief subsection covering the American Kubelwagen (or Jeep) used by the Wehrmacht. The last chapter brings twelve colour profile drawings to the fore preceded by six large wartime colour photos of the various camouflauge schemes used on this type. You know, I have a number of reference sources on the Kubelwagen in my library collected over too many years to remember but honestly, this one is the best. The sheer number of high quality photos that number over 500, together with the well-researched information and the general ease in which that information can be accessed makes this book a winner. It includes information that is easy to digest and presented in a logical manner. Reference doesn’t come much better than this. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Tankograd Publishing for the sample www.tankograd.com Luke Pitt
MODEL LABORATORY GREAT BATTLES, KURSK ACCION PRESS NO. 4
Here is another issue of Model Laboratory, this being titled as a special edition on Kursk. Inside this magazine are 53 colour pages, with 110 excellent quality photos. This edition covers two aircraft, both being famous ground attack types, hence their inclusion in the pages of MMI. They are effectively aerial artillery! The two aircraft are the Junkers Ju 87uG-1 and the IL-2M Stormovik. Both of these are built to a very high level and look stunning. The photos for both show these being built, detailed, painted and weathered in excellent step by step pictures with captions and text explaining the tools, techniques, paints and colours for you to follow, and hopefully end up with your own stunning kit. Being a Spanish publication, I must say the English is well written and translated, and easy to understand, making it so much better for those that want to use this as a guide when building their own kit. Overall, I think this is a great publication, and for all you aircraft enthusiasts, this could well be worth having in your collection. Great stuff. Highly Recommended. Available online from Euro Modelismo / Accion Press website www.euromodelismo.com Andrew Judson
May 2014 - Model Military International 57
p 56-57 Books 097B.indd 57
11/03/2014 14:03
1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases
IF NOT NOW, WHEN? I believe that this famous philosophical quote from Hillel the Elder before plastic 1:48 models even existed is still relevant today. I don’t know about you, but I have a number of models in my collection that are basically too good to make. I look at them and think, “am I good enough to do this kit any sort of justice?” I am currently working on a subject in 1:35 scale and had some figures that I was saving. To make matters worse the figures are quite simply amazing and are now sadly out of production. I had to ask myself, am I good enough to paint these now? Speaking as I do to various cottage producers they tell me “what the hell are you doing. Build the darned thing. That’s what I made it for!” But still, I always have that nagging doubt about whether my skills good enough for this. I know others that simply build what they have and move on and honestly I do understand that approach. Take for example the Fighting 48th! Comet. This is probably the best armoured kit produced in 1:48 scale to date. I have this kit and I look at all the little pieces and the work that has gone into them and think, man this would make a great model, but what if I stuff it up! And quite frankly that’s in the realm of possibility, as most of my builds have some sort of disaster befall them (most, by my own making I might add). Added to that the kit is now out of production, so if I do stuff it up there is no possibility of getting another to replace
it. I have often seen and heard on my travels how modellers often say, “Yeah, that one will be a good for my retirement” or “I just don’t have time for it right now, maybe later”. Guys, let me remind you all of an inconvenient truth, when you reach 30, it’s all downhill! Your eyes will fade, your muscle mass decreases and generally without a lot a really hard physical effort, your body will degenerate, kinda like those old rubber wheels you used to get in kits from the 1980s. I myself now have to use an optivisor, which I hate, as I used to have such great eyes, but that’s just the way it is. All of this leads to the question “am I a builder or a collector?” I was over at our esteemed Editor’s house the other day and he had a sample of the latest 1:48 scale Tamiya release of the little GAZ truck (nice figures in that one by the way). As I was looking it over I made the comment “nice little kit”, and without hesitation I added, “I have one on order and I’m looking forward to it”. Brett’s reaction caught me off guard. He said “Really? I thought you had no interest in this one at all”. Well, I don’t, but I went on to say (again, without giving it much thought), “I bought it to add to my collection of 1:48 scale Tamiya kits”. I guess that makes me both a builder and a collector of sorts. But really, one has to ask the question when am I going to build the darned thing- “If not now, when?”
?
HAULER
1:48 SCALE GAZ –M1 “ËMKA” STAFF CAR UPDATE FOR THE ACE KIT KIT HLX48342
To be honest, I was a little disappointed with this set. I really wanted this to be great as I like the little Ace kit so much. I think part of the disappointment came from the way Hauler has handled the grille etch itself. It is simply not fine enough. Granted, the real vehicle the grille work is very fine and the horizontal bars in particular are very close together but still it could have been better in my opinion. The good thing is the radiator is provided as a separate piece so, if you choose, you can add the grill work from stretched sprue if you so desire. The rest of the set includes items like the dashboard front windscreen surround, door handles and various knick knacks. Basically this is a good set let down by the front grill work. Thanks to Hauler for the review sample. Recommended. Thanks to Hauler for the sample www.hauler.cz Luke Pitt
Unit next time Luke Pitt
TORO MODEL
1:48 SCALE AUSTIN TILLY WHEELS (WITHOUT HUBCAPS) ITEM NO. 48021
Small but perfectly formed comes to mind when viewing these little wheels from Toro Models. The Little Tamiya kit of the Austin Tilly is one of their best and these wheels, together with Hauler photo-etch, would make this model a real stand out. Comparing these to the old Fighting 48th set which are now out of production, I think this new set is slightly better in terms of detail definition. Hopefully we will see a civilian set from Toro in the near future. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Toro Model for the sample www.toro-model.home.pl Luke Pitt
58 Model Military International - May 2014
p 58 48Scale 097B.indd 58
11/03/2014 14:05
DON’TT MISS A THING.... Don’t worry, all the issues are still available to buy and full details are on the website @ www.modelmilitaryinternational.com
Only
£4.20 (UK) £5.25 (Europe) £6.45 (World-wide) including postage
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 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...
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...
Issue 81
Issue 82
Issue 83
Issue 84
• • • • • •
Meng 1:35 super heavy Tortoise 1:35 Tamiya 1:35 Israeli M51 MVPA Show Report Brach Models 1:35 Somua SPG Tamiya 1:35 Elefant Pt2 Tamiya 1:35 scale M1A1 Abrams SEP TUSK I/II • Bronco 1:35 Post-War Chaffee • Italeri 1:35 StuG IV » and more...
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
Issue 85
Issue 86
Issue 87
Issue 88
• • • • • • •
Bronco 1:35 M22 Locust Dragon 1:35 Wirbelwind Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Light Tank Ha-Go MiniArt 1:35 MB Type 170V Bronco 1:35 Buffalo 6x6 MPCV Bronco 1:35 Hunber Mk.II Cyberhobby 1:35 Panzer II with mineroller • Dragon 1:35 Panzer 38(t) Ausf. S » and more...
• • • • •
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
Issue 89
Issue 90
Issue 91
Issue 92
• • • • • • •
Bronco 1:35 Versuchsflakwagen Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Ha-Go Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV Ausf. H Tasca 1:35 M32B1 Recovery Vehicle Dragon 1:35 Sherman III DV Inside the Armour A10 Cruiser Trumpeter 1:35 8.8cm Pak 43 auf Leichte Waffentraeger • Bronco 1:35 25 pdr Ammo Set and Limber » and more...
• • • • • • • • •
• 1:48 Panther A Conversion • Dragon 1:35 StuG III Ausf. G Late Production • Tamiya 1:35 Merkava 1 • Bronco 1:35 Jeep w/ 37mm Anti-Tank Gun • Dragon 1:72 Churchill in a diorama • Bronco 1:35 Korean War M24 Chaffee • Young Miniatures’ 1:10 Battle of Jang-Jin Reservoir 1950 bust » and more...
• Tamiya 1:48 BA-64B • 1:48 Tamiya 1:48 Steyr Kommandeurwagen • HobbyBoss 1:35 Hungarian Light Tank Toldi III (C40) • HobbyBoss 1:35 Panhard EBR-11 • ICM 1:35 Packard Twelve • HobbyBoss 1:35 Meng Shi • Bronco 1:35 Valentine Mk.IX • Panda 1:35 Object 279 • ICM 1:35 Leader’s Car » and more...
Issue 93
Issue 94
Issue 95
Issue 96
• Academy 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. 35(t) • Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV • MiniArt 1:35 GAZ-AAA Model 1943 Cargo Truck • Bronco 1:35 75mm Zrinyi • ICM 1:35 Mercedes Typ G4 • Tasca 1:35 M32B1 Recovery Vehicle with scratch-built mine roller • Trumpeter 1:35 BRDM-2 » and more...
• Tamiya 1:35 scale Gama Goat • Dragon 1:35 Waffentrager Pt.2 • Dragon 1:35 Sexton SPG Normandy diorama • Young Miniatures 1:10 British Infantryman Somme 1916 • Dragon 1:35 Zugkraftwagen 1t • Meng 1:35 Leopard 1A3/1A4 • Bronco 1:35 Korean War M24 Chaffee • ScaleACT 2013 Show report » and more...
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
• • • •
Dragon 1:35 scale RSO/01 AFV Club 1:35 scale Bofors Zvezda 1:35 BTR-70 MA-7 Parc Models 1:35 T-20 Kosmomolets Bronco 1:35 scale Zrinyi Meng Model 1:35 Minenräumer IPMS ScaleModelworld 2012 1:72 scale T-72A conversion Bronco 1:35 scale Hotchkiss H39 » and more...
Dragon 1:35 Panzer I Ausf. A Leichte Funk Bronco 1:35 M24 Chaffee 1:35 Tamiya StuG III Ausf.G kit Airfix 1:48 Supacat Jackal Meng Model 1:35 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer AUF1 MiniArt 1:35 Ya-12 Italeri 1:35 Gun Truck Bronco 1:35 88mm Flak 41 Gun Bronco 1:35 Su-152 » and more...
Kinetic 1:35 R-11 MRAP Meng 1:35 D9R Bulldozer Dragon 1:35 M48A3 Mod B Zvezda 1:35 BMD Panzer II Diorama Meng 1:35 T-90 Tamiya 1:35 Japanese Type 10 tank Dragon 1:35 Flak 37 Bronco 1:35 Fiat Topolino » and more...
Bronco 1:35 scale M24 Chaffee Tristar 1:35 scale Panzer IV/70(A) Tankfest 2012 show report LZ Models 1:35 M29 Weasel Tamiya 1:35 scale Matilda conversion Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV Ausf.A MiniArt 1:35 scale YA-12 Dragon 1:35 Welded Hull Firefly Bronco 1:35 Jeep » and more...
FREE 1:35 DECALS! 1:35 HobbyBoss Leopard 2A6M CAN Tamiya 1:35 Tiran 5 HobbyBoss 1:35 Toldi Meng 1:35 AUF1 Dragon 1:35 M4A2 Sherman Trumpeter 1:35 German 12.8cm PAK 44 Waffentrager Krupp 1 » and more...
HobbyBoss 1:35 T-26 Meng Model 1:35 Achzarit WWI Tanks showcase Tamiya & AFV Club 1:48 Sd.Kfz. 251 kits ICM 1:35 Type G4 (W31) Neo for Iwata pistol trigger airbrush Tamiya 1:35 Ford Mutt Dragon 1:35 SAS Jeep Bronco 1:35 Valentine Mk.XI » and more...
Tamiya 1:35 BT-7 Model 1937 Tamiya 1:48 Sd.Kfz.232 Bronco 1:35 scale Marder II Ausf. D Tamiya 1:35 M1A2 SEP TUSK II Abrams Kinetic 1:35 RG-31 Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Tank Dragon 1:35 Ostwind Model Victoria 1:35 Fiat Berlina » and more...
Inside the Armour A10 Cruiser Tank HobbyBoss 1:35 T-26 Meng 1:35 Merkava Mk.3 BAZ w/ Mine Roller Brach Models 1:35 French R35 Meng 1:35 Pickup w/ZU-23-2 1:35 Kinetic M109A2 MiniArt 1:35 GAZ-AA truck Riich Models 1:35 Universal Carrier Dragon 1:35 25 Pdr with Limber » and more...
Diopark 1:35 Mercedes modern sedan Resicast Wading Sherman Mk.III conv Dragon 1:35 Tauchpanzer III Meng Model’s 1:35 Char 2C Italeri Opel Maultier Hobby Boss 1:35 German Sd.Kfz. 254 Xact Scale Models 1:35 T-80U Bronco 1:35 Panzer I Ausf. F Tamiya 1:35 revamped LRDG Command Car » and more...
SUBSCRIBE NOW AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!
visit : www.modelmilitary.com for more info or to order online ✁
ORDER FORM - MMI
Please debit my credit/debit card for £ ....................................... /Mastercard
/Maestro
/other ............................
First name ..........................................................................................................
Visa
Surname..............................................................................................................
Card No. ....................................................................................................
Address................................................................................................................
Expiry date................................. Start date ........................................
Issues cost: UK; £4.20, Europe; £5.25, Worldwide; £6.45 (Inc postage) Cheques payable to: ADH Publishing Ltd. Please send me issue(s) ..................................................
...................................................................................................................................
Security Number (last 3 digits on signature strip) ............................
Signature ...............................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
Issue No (if applicable) ...........................................................................
Date .........................................................................................
Post/zip code ...................................................................................................
Please mail this form to; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, United Kingdom Tel; +44(0)1525 222573 Fax; +44(0)1525 222574 Online; www.modelmilitary.com (Photocopies of this form are acceptable)
Country ................................................................................................................ Telephone Number.......................................................................................
Tel: 01525 222573 - Email:
[email protected] p 59 BackIssues 097.indd 57
11/03/2014 12:09
NEW in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series OUT NOW ‘How To Build… Tamiya’s Aircraft’, is the latest addition to this popular series of modelling titles and as such, offers the enthusiast plenty of inspirational builds, hints, tips and techniques to enjoy.
Within the book’s 84 pages you will find features on the De Havilland Mosquito, F-4 Phantom, Focke-Wulfe Fw190, Heinkel He162, Bristol Beaufighter, Ilyushin IL-2, F4U Corsair and Supermarine Spitfire, features created by expert modellers, keen to show you what is possible from Tamiya’s range of excellent kits. ‘How To Build… Tamiya’s Aircraft’ – the perfect addition to your library… and your workbench!
Only
£12.95
NOW ALSO AVAILABLE E L B A L I AVAOrder Now
plus p&p
Visit adhbooks.com for details
PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW ON TEL: 01525 222573 FAX: 01525 222574
✁
Aircraft book HOW TO BUILD... AIRCRAFT Name ..................................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................................
Please debit my credit/debit card for £ ....................................... Visa
Mastercard
Maestro
P&P: UK; £2.00 Europe; £4.00 World-Wide airmail; £6.00 Cheques payable to: ADH Publishing Ltd.
other .............................
Card No. .................................................................................................... Expiry date................................. Start date ........................................
...................................................................................................................................
Security Number (last 3 digits on signature strip) ............................
Post/zip code ...................................................................................................
Issue No (if applicable) ........................................................................... Date ............................................................................................... Please mail this form to; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, United Kingdom Tel; +44(0)1525 222573 Fax; +44(0)1525 222574 Online; www.adhbooks.com (Photocopies of this form are acceptable)
Country ................................................................................................................ Telephone Number.......................................................................................
Signature .....................................................................................
www.adhbooks.comwww.adhbooks.comwww.adhbooks.com p 60 Aircraft Book Advert 097.indd 8
11/03/2014 12:10
KIT PREVIEW
Dragon 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.III (5cm) Ausf. H • Kit No. 6641
Dragon now offers the distinctive early version of the Panzer III Ausf. H. Graham Tetley checks out their latest addition to the ever-growing Panzer III family.
Detail on the new engine deck.
FIVE INTO THREE DOES GO
C
ontinuing their theme of giving us every major Panzer III version made, Dragon has followed on from their earlier kit of the Late ‘H’ to now give us the Early ‘H’. Designed to counter the heavier Soviet armour that started appearing on the battlefield, the Ausf. H was the first Panzer III to be fitted exclusively with a 5cm gun.
WHAT’S NEW? The most noticeable differences between the Early and Late Ausf. ‘H’s are in the drive sprockets & idler wheels (sprues T & X), the hatches on the Early version also have more-detailed frames (standard sprue K), and different suspension parts on sprue Z. We also have a new engine deck peculiar to the early ‘H’ and the etched fret is also unique and gives us the inserts for the new idler wheels.
THE BASIC KIT If you have built a Dragon Panzer or StuG III then there is a lot in this kit that will be very familiar. The suspension is made from separate torsion bars so you
can have it posed irregularly if you wish. There are many outstanding features of the kit. Those that caught my eye were the late-model MG 34 (with smooth cooling jacket instead of the early one with perforations), the intricate lifting hooks, the bolt details on the new/spaced armour as well as tiny wires for the headlights. Moving onto the turret (for the first time that I have seen), Dragon instructs us to fill some of the countersunk screw detail. We get the hatch and vision port internals plus a detailed gun breach, but nothing else in the way of internal details. Because it is a ‘Smart Kit’ the tools have all of their clasps moulded in plastic but the definition is very good. The instruction are a little busy but there is nothing there to catch you out. If you like Panzer Grey then this kit is for you, as all five marking options (Balkans, Russia and Greece) are monotone grey. Magic Tracks round the kit off and, thankfully, there are no DS Tracks in sight. Long may it stay that way, or at least be included in the box as an option.
CONCLUSION
The kit doesn’t deliver any surprises, but it gives we Panzer III fans a distinct variant from the Late Production kit already released. As most of it is familiar there should be no building hassles, so it gets a recommended ‘thumbs up’ from me. ■
Welds galore!
Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net
The teeny lifting hooks.
The new etched fret.
New applique armour.
Decal options.
Fine detail on the new armour.
Turret roof detail.
The new drive sprockets.
Magic Tracks.
Close up of the new idler part. Fine detail on the turret side.
The new engine deck.
Lower hull detail. May 2014 - Model Military International 61
p 61 PanzerIIIH Pre 097B.indd 61
11/03/2014 14:05
BUYERS GUIDE>>>>>>>>> AVID READER
Tel: 01299 823 330 Fax:01299 829 970
Unit 10, Hodfar Road, Sandy lane Ind Estate, Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9QB
PARABELLUM
Tel: 0121 551 8878 Fax: 0121 707 1471 54 Vyse Street, Hockley, Birmingham, BI8 6HR
MILITARY, AVIATION, NAVAL, MODELLING, RAILWAYS, CAR & MOTORCYCLE BOOKS
11.00AM TO 5.30PM THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY
9.30 – 4.30 MONDAY TO FRIDAY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
SPECIALISING IN AIRCRAFT, ARMOUR, VEHICLES & FIGURES IN 1/72, 1/48 & 1/35, VALLEJO PAINTS, MAIL ORDER
WWW.BOOKWORLDWS.CO.UK
[email protected]
1/48 website: www.parabellum.co.uk
HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD
Tel: 01422 349157
Halifax Modellers World , 29 Union Street, Halifax, HX1 1PR
email: sales@ parabellum.co.uk
MASTERCARD/VISA
VISA/MASTERCARD/MAESTRO
HANNANTS MODEL SHOP Tel: 0208 205 6697 Fax: 01502 500521 Unit 2, Hurricane Trading Estate, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, NW9 5QW
ALL MODELS,ALL MAKES,ALL SCALES.
OPEN 10.00AM - 5.30PM, THURS & FRI OPEN UNTIL 7.00PM
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
NO1 IN EUROPE FOR PLASTIC KITS AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDING THE FULL RANGE OF TAMIYA (NOT RC)
www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk Email:
[email protected]
email:
[email protected]
1/2 MILE FROM RAF MUSEUM
www.hannants.co.uk
MASTERCARD/VISA/SWITCH
ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE! IF YOU ARE READING THIS THEN SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS. FOR INFORMATION, CALL CLAIRE ALLEY ON 01525 222573
WEB BROWSER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> www.hobbyco.net
creativemodels.co.uk
tamiya.com
italeri.com
revell.com
www.missing-lynx.com www.hyperscale.com p 62 Buyers Guide 097.indd 62
14/03/2014 16:54
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE
Subscribe now and get the next 12 issues delivered to your door before before they hit the shops 12 issues ur direct to yo(UK) home £44e) £69 £56 (Euro-pwide) (World
MODEL MILITARY INTERNATIONAL Order subscriptions direct! - Order on-line at www.modelmilitary.com
✁
ORDER FORM - MMI
Please debit my credit/debit card for £ .......................................
First name ..........................................................................................................
Visa
Surname..............................................................................................................
Card number. ..........................................................................................
Address................................................................................................................
CCV security code (three numbers on signature strip)........................
...................................................................................................................................
Valid from .................................... Expiry date ................................
................................................................................................................................... Post/zip code ................................................................................................... Country ................................................................................................................ Telephone Number.......................................................................................
Mastercard
Maestro
Other ...........................
Subscriptions per year :UK; £44, Europe; £56, World-wide; £69 Cheques payable to: ADH Publishing Ltd. Renewal / Starting with issue No...........................
Signature ............................................................................... Issue number (if applicable) ........................ Date ......................................................................................... Please mail this form to; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, United Kingdom Tel; +44(0)1525 222573 Fax; +44(0)1525 222574 Online; www.modelmilitary.com (Photocopies of this form are acceptable)
Tel: 01525 222573 - Email:
[email protected] p 63 SubsAd 097.indd 2
11/03/2014 12:12
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
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
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
LSA MODELS
SB MODELS
Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3FW Fax; 01773 513344
[email protected] www.modeldesignconstruction.com
SCHIFFER BOOKS
(Swash, Tasca, Gap, Yosci, Royal Model)
4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA Tel; 01489 781177 www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk
MDC
Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany Fax; 09961 910 7826
Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com
Orchard Mews, 18C High Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 5AH Tel; +44 (0) 1442 890285 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
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
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
Matt Youn
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
PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK
[email protected]
12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205 Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207
[email protected]
SBX MODEL SHOP
ZVEZDA
SBLC
Norwich Road, Ipswich. IP1 5DN Tel; 01473 464311 www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk
(The Hobby Company in UK)
Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region, 141730 Russia
[email protected] www.zvezda.org.ru
n Please mention ‘Model Military International’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks! 64 Model Military International - May 2014
p 64-65 Contact NI 097B.indd 64
MA WE
11/03/2014 14:06
Next Issue On sale 1st May 2014
MAPLE LEAF MEXAS
Brett Green builds Takom’s 1:35 scale Leopard C2 MEXAS; and Jason Bobrowich presents a Think Tank reference and detailed Walk Around article.
ISSUE No.97 May 2014, Published April 3rd 2014 Editor;
Brett Green
Group Editor;
Marcus Nicholls
Publisher;
Alan Harman
Graphic Design;
Alex Hall
Advertising Manager;
Colin Spinner
Advertising Sales;
Claire Alley Mark Peacock
Advertising Assistant;
Joe Brown
Office Manager;
Paula Gray
Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie MMI Website;
ADH Web Team
Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK Distributed by; Seymour Distribution 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email;
[email protected] 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 Editorial enquiries; Email;
[email protected] Advertising enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email;
[email protected]
MAX WUNSCHE – WESTERN FRONT 1944
ERSATZ MUNITIONKASTEN
Thomas Morgan brings us his uniquely painted Bronco German Sd.Ah.52 37mm Flak 36/37 Ammunition Carriage Trailer.
Matt Wellhouser presents his large scale Young Miniatures Panther Commander bust.
...and much more! Due to many influencing factors, we cannot guarantee the appearance of the above projects, but we’ll try our best!
FOR YOUR SAFETY
AFRICAN EXCURSION
Jose Brito details his 1:35 scale HobbyBoss Panhard EBR in Angola with the Portuguese Army in the 1960s.
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 highspeed airborne particles, wear approved eye protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please always model in safety!
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. Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK £56 Europe £69 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.
© ADH Publishing 2014
The paper used on this title is from sustainable forestry
Order online now at; www.modelmilitary.com
Subscription enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574 Email;
[email protected]
May 2014 - Model Military International 65
p 64-65 Contact NI 097B.indd 65
11/03/2014 14:06
The Last Post..
Hollow guide horns on the DS Tracks.
KIT NO. 6777
Graham Tetley is impressed by the latest version of Dragon;s 1:35 scale Type 95 Light Tank.
DRAGON 1:35 IJA TYPE 95 LIGHT TANK ‘HA GO’ HOKUMAN VERSION
I
am going to do something a little bit different and start this review with my conclusion. This kit is simply outstanding! Let me get my one and only complaint out of the way now – in my opinion the DS tracks are awful. Whilst they are superbly detailed with their fully defined end connectors and hollow guide horns, they contain a prominent mold seam and many instances of flash, which is hard to remove in this material. Many will like them, but they are not up to the same high moulding standards of the rest of this kit and, for the asking price, Dragon ought to offer them as an option alongside the Magic Tracks. In the box we get two separate track links so we know that Dragon can do it.
THE KIT I have a lot of reference on is the Ha-Go as I like my Japanese tanks. Dragon gave us the standard gun tank first, and has followed up on that with this version that was designed with a unique suspension system to cope with the Manchurian terrain. Aside from these new suspension parts the kit is virtually identical to the earlier release. In the box we have 232 plastic parts and 55 on the etched fret. Standard of moulding is simply stunning as Dragon have captured every rivet, weld and curve of the original down to perfection. Some years ago I measured the Bovington Ha-Go and I can say that the main body dimensions here match as exactly as we can get in a 1:35 scale representation. The one-piece lower hull tub is stunning, and the upper hull has all of the curves and welds captured superbly. All of the engine hatches and grilles are separate pieces so, whilst no internals are provided, there is scope to add further detail if you wish. Amongst many standout features for me are the tiny road wheel securing wires and the teeny Japanese writing on the tyres, the onepiece exhaust muffler cover and every single bit of detail on the lower hull. The etched fret gives us the muffler shield, road wheel securing rings, fender securing strips and manufacturer’s data plates. Please note that the data plates are now fully detailed and are far superior to the brass parts in the original kit, number 6767.
The front glacis – wow!
The welds on the hull front are superb.
Look at all those rivets.
that you carve off Sprue B. Also, if you want to depict the hatches open (especially the front driver’s hatch), there are parts on the etched fret to give you all of the hatch opening mechanisms. Very nicely, they also give us alternate transmission & rear deck access covers. If you don’t want to be bothered with the teeny lifting handles you have alternate parts where they are moulded on. Neat!
THE TURRET This one-piece moulding is superb. We get a fully detailed gun breach and the cupola hatches are commendably thin and fully detailed, although the internal lifting loops are solid. Worthy of mention is that Dragon has captured fully the detail on the mantlet and gun housing all through clever slide-moulding. We get an optional smoke dispenser rack in the box, but if you don’t use it you will need to remove the location points on the turret side. The instructions don’t tell you this, so beware. The kit is rounded off by the slide-moulded fenders and fully detailed jack. Marking options cover two vehicles only, but this is the rarer of all the Ha-Go’s and the vehicle probably never saw service anyway. Because the parts count is low the instructions are very clear and easy to follow. It would be good if Dragon could point out which machine gun parts go with which option, but this is a minor point.
SIMPLY SUPERB With their earlier Ka-Mi kits and now the Ha-Go, Dragon have raised the bar and conclusively proved what they are capable of. I look forward to further Ha-Go kits, and can but dream that the same Dragon designers turn their attention to the Chi-Ha gun tanks. Apart from the DS Tracks, it is as good as you can get in plastic and I recommend this kit without reservation and with a solid 9.5 out of 10 score. ■
Alternate rear hull panels.
Idler detail is simply stunning.
Now Dragon, give us our Magic Tracks!
New Hokuman suspension units.
LET’S GO-GO-GO! Dragon gives us several detail options within the box. Firstly, you have the standard suspension parts included (these are the parts marked ‘Not for Use’) so you can do a normal version if you wish. There are alternate machine guns as well as their mounts. If you so desire, you can carve off the plastic vision port covers on the hull and turret and replace them with etched parts and a tiny bolt
66 Model Military International - May 2014
p 66 LastPost 097B.indd 66
Kit etched fret.
Road wheel detail. Again, WOW!
14/03/2014 16:56
W
D6700 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 Find us on facebook Dragon models are available from all good model shops search Plastic Kits UK
p 67 Dragon 097.indd 8
www.hobbyco.net
11/03/2014 12:13
