Model Military International - Issue 114 (October 2015)

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

THINK TANK

PANTHER BY BRUCE CULVER

Issue 114 October 2015 www.modelmilitary.com

BIG, GREEN AND

MEAN

(COULD HAVE BEEN VERY) Miniman Factory’s 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’

TIGER AND THE PUSSYCATS THE

Zimmerit and extra detail for Tamiya’s 1:48 King Tiger

STAR OF ANZIO Building Tamiya’s brand new 1:35 Panther Ausf. D

INSIDE: p 01 CoverMMI 114B.indd 1

Dragon 1:35 T-34 ■ Italeri 1:35 Vosper ■ Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV Ausf. D ■ AMPS 2015 Show Report ■ and more...

October 2015 / £4.20 / Issue 114

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Contents - Issue 114 October 2015 48

REGULARS p 4 NEWS

What’s new in the world of military modelling

p 55 FIGURES

News of 1:35 scale figures

p 56 BOOKS

New model-related titles

16

p 58 INCOMING

News on accessories, tools and finishing products

p 60 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

FEATURES p 6 THINK TANK

Panther Part One by Bruce Culver

p 16 STAR OF ANZIO

Tamiya’s brand new 1:35 Panther Ausf. D by Brett Green

p 28 BIG, MEAN AND GREEN

MiniMan Factory 1:35 SS-23 by Andy King

p 38 TIGER AND THE

PUSSYCATS Part One Tamiya 1:48 King Tiger by Kamil Feliks Sztarbala

p 48 GALLERY

Dragon 1:35 T-34 by Chris Wauchop

p 52 SHOW REPORT

AMPS 2015 by Scott Taylor

p 54 PREVIEW

Italeri 1:35 Vosper Torpedo Boat

52

©ADH Publishing Ltd 2015 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 October 2015 - Model Military International 3

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Newsline - October’15

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

KITS4ALL - NEW HOBBY SHOP IN CROYDON We have received the rare and happy news of a brand new bricks-and-mortar model shop that has opened in Croydon Kits4All. This is a completely new venture and we wish the owner William the very best. If you are in the UK anywhere near Croydon, do make sure you drop in! Kits4All, Unit 16 St George’s Walk, CR0 1YH

PANDA’S 1:35 COUGAR 6X6

Panda will be releasing a 1:35 scale Cougar 6x6 Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle, Kit No. PH35010. This will join the Cougar 4x4 that was released a few years ago. We will have more news following release.

NEW COMPANY ON THE SCENE

SABRE MODELS

We have just heard from a brand new model company from China, Sabre Model. Their first release is a 1:35 scale German Schwerer Plattformwagen (heavy rail flatcar). In addition to the plastic kit, there is a special edition with turned metal wheels. You can see more photos on Sabre Models’ website www.sabremodel.com/products.html

NEXT BRONCO RELEASES

We have received box art images of the next releases from Bronco, including the Morris 17pdr Anti-Tank Tractor, the Morris Quad Mk.II, Panzer III Flamm and of course the much anticipated Horsa Glider, all in 1:35 scale.

TRACKPAD NEW BOOKS AND BARRELS Trackpad Publishing has just released two new titles. Leopard AS1 - Leopard in Australian Service is available in paperback and hardback. This is a major work written by well-known author Mike Cecil who knows a thing or two about Australian armour. Packed into 288 pages are over 800 photos and diagrams and authoritative text on the AS1 and its family of tanks. The second book is an 80-page photo profile of the Canadian Leopard 2A6M CAN in Afghanistan. This is from the same two authors who put together the Real Models Leopard C2 MEXAS in Afghanistan book, Anthony Sewards and Rick Saucier. Trackpad also has a new batch of six Leopard gun barrel sets ready for Leopard 2A4, 2A5/2A6 and also for Leopard 1. LW017M and LW017R Leopard 2A4 Barrel - Designed to be a straight fit onto the Meng or the most recent Revell kits. This is a 7-part full resin kit. The bases are designed to slot straight into the chosen kit. Alternative collimator or counter-weight is supplied in each kit. Three alternative fume extractors are provided with different textures. LW018R and LW018M Leopard 2A5/2A6 Barrel - Designed to be a straight fit onto the Tamiya or the most recent Revell kits. LW019AC - Leopard 1 L7 Gun Barrel 'Australian/Canadian Thermal Sleeve' - For any Italeri/Revell/Meng/Takom Leopard 1. Turned aluminium barrel - with rifling - plus 8-part resin sleeve, fume extractor and optional collimator/counterweight The sleeve is broken into separate elements to give you more flexibility. This sleeve was used by the Australians (AS1) and Canadians (C1 and C2). The clips are much simpler than the more familiar 'German' version. The collimator was only used on the Canadian C2. The more familiar barrel with the European/German sleeve will be available soon too. LW019N - Leopard 1 L7 Gun Barrel 'Naked Sleeve' - For any Italeri/ Revell/Meng/Takom Leopard 1. Turned aluminium barrel - with rifling - plus resin counterweight and fume extractor. This is the basic 105 mm L7 gun used on all early production Leopard 1s - and indeed on many other types of tank such as Centurion, M60, etc.

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Halifax Modellers World

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Think Tank - Germany’s Panther Tank Part One

The VK 3001(D) was the DaimlerBenz entry in the competition for the new Panther tank. As seen in this model, it featured a hull very similar to the T-34, with a forward mounted turret. It had a simple leaf spring suspension and an M-B 507 diesel engine, and in many respects was a more practical design than the MAN entry chosen for production.

The German Panther Tank

Part One – Development, Production and Deployment of the Gun Tanks

T

he process of developing military weapons is dependent on many things in a nation. While Germany was first rearming in the early mid-1930s, her financial situation, industry and technology did not allow building large complex weapons for its nascent military forces. Thus, Germany’s early aircraft for the new Luftwaffe were typical for the early 1930s and were usually largely fabric covered, most with fixed landing gear and powered with smaller engines. Technology developed rapidly and in just a few years, modern all-metal stressed skin aircraft appeared, some destined to serve Germany’s military through the coming world war. In the same way, the early tanks that Germany produced in 193435 represented the best designs that could be constructed with the budgets and technology at hand. The PzKpfw I and II were not originally intended as training tanks, but instead were fully contemporary examples of small affordable infantry support tanks similar to many others in Europe, the PzKpfw I intended to attack enemy infantry and machine gun emplacements and the PzKpfw II with a 2cm anti-tank gun designed to attack and defeat the other light tanks available in Europe at the time they first appeared.

POWERPLANT FOR THE FUTURE German engineers made a technical decision that would have greater consequences in future designs. They rejected the use of low-RPM, high-torque aircraft engines in their new tanks, unlike the British and Americans. This was done because high-torque engines required heavier, stronger transmissions, clutches and final drives to handle the higher forces, and restrictions on tank weights because of bridge limits and transportation needs meant that heavier power trains also meant thinner armor, less ammunition, smaller tank designs, smaller guns and fewer crew members. Instead they directed Maybach Motorenbau, a major engine producer, to develop high-RPM, lower-torque engines for tanks that would allow lighter power trains, along with the other design advantages of lower weight. All future production German-designed tanks used Maybach engines, and the company designed engines for everything from the PzKpfw II light tank to the Tiger II B heavy tank. They were all noticeably compact for the power they produced. German planners knew that things would not remain the same and even before these first two light tanks appeared, larger and better tanks were being planned. The next two designs were the

PzKpfw III, intended as the main fighting tank to engage and defeat enemy armored forces and allow the infantry to penetrate enemy lines and open the battlefield, and the larger PzKpfw IV, intended to be the heavy support tank, escorting the PzKpfw III and providing a howitzer to destroy fortifications and reinforced structures. These designs had one revolutionary feature – the adoption of a three-man turret that allowed the tank commander to concentrate on controlling his vehicle and communicating with other tanks in the unit during an action. It also separated the functions of gunner and loader, increasing crew efficiency. It was this feature, combined with superior tactics and training, that allowed German Panzer units to defeat enemy tank formations even when the enemy tanks were technically superior to the German designs.

ADVANCED TANK DESIGNS Technology improvements led to plans for an even more advanced tank to replace the PzKpfw III and IV, before they had entered full service. The new tank was designated VK 2001 (full-tracked, 20 tons). Development began in 1938, with detail design from 1939. The VK 2001 was developed by three companies – Krupp, Daimler-

Benz and MaschinenkabrikAugsburg-Nuernberg (MAN). The Krupp and Daimler-Benz designs used leaf springs in the suspension, while the MAN design had torsion bars, as requested by Baurat Ernest Kniepkamp of WaPruef 6, a branch of the ordnance department. All three companies proceeded with these designs through 1941. At the same time, German industry was in a major effort to supply the needs of all the military services, all of which were expanding. This put a heavy strain on industrial capacity and the supply of raw materials. The German automobile makers were not able to build enough vehicles, which is why only 25% of the German Army was motorized. The invasion of Poland ordered by Adolf Hitler was a calculated gamble that the Allied nations of Europe, particularly England and France, would not go to war. This gamble was lost, and Germany found herself in a major war with two great powers with significant resources. Worse yet for the German military, the General Staff had told Hitler that they would not be ready to fight a major war until 1947, and so, eight years early, the needed buildup of critical supplies and equipment was only partly complete. The campaign in Poland has

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The VK 3002(M) was the MAN entry in the competition. It was a larger vehicle that followed standard German design and engineering practice. It too had sloped armor, but the power train and suspension were evolutionary from other German designs. This is the Versuchs-Panther V1 (first prototype) in trials with a weight simulating the turret.

The turret for the MAN VK 3002(M) was developed by Rheinmetall. This is the Versuchs-Panther V2 (second prototype). The turret had a different shape from the production version, with the angle in the side armor at the midpoint, which limited space and required extra assembly steps.

This view of the MAN V2 prototype shows the bulge for the cupola caused by the forward position of the angle in the turret side armor. The turret was redesigned into the production configuration eliminating the side wall bulge for the cupola. The early KwK 42 L/70 main gun had a single baffle muzzle brake.

been regarded as almost a cakewalk, with the Germans rolling over the Poles in a month, but the Polish fighting resulted in the loss of hundreds of armored vehicles and thousands of support vehicles and many casualties. The fighting also exposed serious deficiencies in German tanks, and showed that technological advances had made early tanks obsolescent, if not obsolete. The Poles had fielded a good number of effective light anti-tank guns that had taken a large toll of the invading forces. The period of the “Phony War” from October 1939 to May 1940 was spent upgrading the German tanks with thicker armor, and later production models had better armor included. Fortunately for the Panzer units, the lack of explosivefilled anti-tank ammunition meant that most tanks didn’t burn and thus could be repaired or rebuilt, and returned to service. The need and desirability of better guns for the tanks was understood well before the war, and the PzKpfw III was eventually fitted with a 5cm KwK 38 L/42 to replace the original 3.7cm KwK 37. Early engagements against the British in Greece and North Africa didn’t reveal serious problems with the short 5cm gun. The relatively thin armor of most British tanks, except the Matilda infantry tank, proved easy to defeat. The PzKpfw

IV retained its 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 howitzer, as its mission was still heavy infantry support. By mid-1941, the PzKpfw III still mounted the 5cm L/42 gun and the PzKpfw IV had the 7.5cm L/24 howitzer, as German forces prepared for the most extensive operation yet: Unternehmen “Barbarossa”, the invasion of the Soviet Union. On 22 June 1941, a massive German force comprising several armies burst across the Russian border, and proceeded for several months to force on the Red Army one of the costliest defeats in modern military history. Millions of Russian troops were overrun and captured, over 20,000 Russian tanks and some 20,000 Russian aircraft were destroyed or captured, and many German units advanced hundreds of kilometers into Russian territory, stretching supply lines. PzKpfw IIIs and IVs were only a little over 40% of the attacking force.

ENCOUNTERING THE T-34 AND KV-1 For the most part, the obsolescent pre-war Russian armor like the T-26 and BT-5/7 light tanks were no match for the German Panzer units, and the PzKpfw III and IV proved to be very effective in combating Russian forces. However, German Panzer units soon began encountering new, more capable Russian tanks. At

Here is a mid-production Panzerkampfwagen Panther ausf D undergoing acceptance tests before delivery – the muzzle brake hasn’t been installed. This shows the major details of this new tank: sloped armor, wide tracks, one headlamp and 16-bolt road wheels. The flap for the bow MG 34 is hard to see, as it was almost flush with the glacis.

first, they were not seen very often, but as the older obsolete tanks were destroyed or captured, the Russians were forced to commit many of their training reserves to the front-line battles. These new types were the T-34 medium tank and the KV-1 heavy tank, both armed with 76mm main guns. The T-34 initially had an L-11 L/30.5 gun with a muzzle velocity of 610m/s, able to penetrate 62mm of armor at 500 meters, and this presented a serious challenge to the German tanks then in service. In addition, the T-34 had 45mm of armor sharply sloped all around the tank, providing good protection from German armor-piercing ammunition. As more T-34s and KV-1s were engaged, German losses mounted and morale began to suffer. The lighter tanks like the PzKpfw II and the Czech PzKpfw 35(t) and 38(t) were almost useless against both of these new Russian tanks. The PzKpfw IIIs could prevail by using their superior training and tactics, and they were helped enormously early in the war by poor Soviet leadership, the lack of experienced officers resulting from Stalin’s purges of the red Army officer corps, poor Russian tactics and many mechanical problems in the new Russian tanks that often caused more losses than combat damage. The poor design of the

T-34 turret made it extremely difficult for the Russian tank crews to operate in a coordinated way, leading to many defeats and failures to achieve their goals. Nonetheless, the T-34 could knock out the early PzKpfw III beyond the effective range of the German KwK 38 L/42 gun. The PzKpfw IV was largely ineffective as its gun was a low-velocity howitzer not intended for the anti-tank role. By October 1941, it was obvious the new Russian tanks were the major types to be expected in future actions, and German Panzer leaders including Generaloberst Heinz Guderian began calling for a new tank to counter both the KV-1 and the T-34, especially the latter, which was seen far more often and proved more capable. A Panzerkommission comprising the head engineers of most of the major German weapons manufacturers and members of the German ordnance department arrived in Russia in November 1941 to hear first hand from German Panzer commanders the problems encountered, not only with the new Russian tanks, but also the often incredibly bad Russian weather and roads. Mobility in the mud of the rainy season and the ice and cold in the late fall had become a serious problem, immobilizing many of the German army’s motorized units. A

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Think Tank - Germany’s Panther Tank Part One

The Panther tank was designed to be transportable by rail without any alterations or changes. Due to the wear and tear on armored vehicles on road marches, most tanks and other AFVs were delivered to front-line areas by rail and delivered to forward units. These are early production Panther ausf Ds.

The Panther was first used in combat during the Kursk offensive, Unternehmen Zitadelle, in July 1943. It had been rushed into service before all the defects had been worked out, and a significant number suffered engine fires and mechanical breakdowns.

The Panthers at Kursk were formed into special Panther units to use the new tank in coordinated actions. The Panther’s excellent 75mm KwK 42 gun was the most effective anti-tank weapon on the Russian front and took a serious toll of Russian tanks. All the Panthers at Kursk were early production models that were modified before being issued.

B Countering the T-34 After learning about the critical situation in Russia, and gathering information from Panzer unit engineers and crews, the Panzerkommission returned to Germany. The VK 2001 medium tank program was canceled even though the development work was almost complete. Work was begun to up-armor and up-gun both the PzKpfw III and IV as expedient measures, and the PzKpfw III ausf J was modified to mount the 5cm KwK 39 L/60 main gun. The PzKpfw IV ausf F was modified to mount the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43, and both these weapons were better able to penetrate the T-34 at normal combat ranges. WaPruef 6 issued a new specification for the VK 3001, a 30-ton tank mounting the 7.5cm KwK 42 L/70 high velocity tank gun in a turret designed by Rheinmetall, adapted from a design for the parallel VK 4501(H) (Tiger) program. Contracts went to Daimler-Benz and MAN for prototypes – the Daimler-Benz entry was designated VK 3001(D); the MAN design was called the VK 3002(M). The two entries could not have been more different. The Daimler-Benz VK 3001(D) prototype was an obvious redesign of the Russian T-34 with many of the same features: sloped armor all

around the tank, large road wheels (carried on leaf springs rather than the T-34 Christie suspension), a forward-mounted Daimler-Benz designed turret with the KwK 42 L/70 main gun, rear drive to place the power train at the rear, increasing interior space, and a plan for a diesel engine. Large armored boxes for air intakes extended from the rear sides, and in many respects the Daimler-Benz entry was a very modern design that had many advantages for production and maintenance. In particular, the leaf spring suspension was simple, easy to maintain and took up no interior space, allowing more room for the crew, ammunition and fuel. However, it also had some disadvantages – the planned Mercedes-Benz diesel engine was not ready, and the Daimler-Benz turret required for the hull design also was also being developed. Because of the sloped side hull armor, the turret ring was too small for the Rheinmetall turret being designed to mount the KwK 42 L/70 main gun. Also the forward placement of the turret resulted in an extreme overhang of the long gun barrel, which was undesirable in areas restricted by heavy foliage and built-up urban centers. The MAN VK 3002(M) was a completely different approach, following German tank engineering

The side skirts on the Panthers were intended to defeat Russian anti-tank rifles that could penetrate the lower side armor. They could however be easily damaged or even torn off, as seen on these Panthers in the Kursk campaign.

practices. It had a complex torsion bar suspension with two torsion bars per axle, for the greatest vertical wheel travel and thus the best ride. The power train was the typical German pattern with the engine in the rear of the hull and the transmission, final drives and drive sprockets in the front. It was similar in size to the Daimler-Benz design, with well-sloped armor. The armor thicknesses had been specified and both designs used the same layout – 60mm nose and glacis armor @ 55° with 40mm side armor @ 40° and 40mm rear armor @ 30°, 80mm turret frontal armor @ 12° with 45mm sides and rear armor @ 25°. The hull deck was 16mm at 90°; the turret roof was 16mm at 85-90°. This was excellent protection, with a glacis equivalent of 110mm. The MAN design used a circular section cast mantlet 100mm thick, while the Daimler-Benz turret had a narrow mantlet intended to deflect most hits to the sides. While Adolf Hitler at first preferred the Daimler-Benz design, WaPruef 6 preferred the MAN proposal and lobbied for the MAN tank to win, noting that the Daimler-Benz turret required for that design would not be ready at the designated time, and that the Daimler-Benz hull could not accept the Rheinmetall turret.

There were other unknowns with the D-B entry as well, since the entire power train with rear drive required more detail development, and WaPruef 6 also preferred the torsion bar suspension of the MAN submittal. In the end, the known problems with the Daimler-Benz VK 3001(D) and the official preference for the MAN VK 3002(M) led to Hitler’s choosing the latter design, recommended by a special commission of the Panzerkommission. Daimler-Benz built only an uncompleted hull and its prototype had no further influence on tank design. MAN received a contract for two Versuchs (prototype) machines, one a chassis only and the second a complete tank with turret. The first prototype, V1, was completed as a hull and chassis only, with a weight simulating the weight of a complete turret. Completed by September 1942, it was used for automotive testing of various power train components, and as a proof-of-concept test article. The second prototype, V2, was assembled with the Rheinmetall turret and an early model of the 7.5cm KwK 42 L/70 main gun. Driving trials in November 1942 were successful, in spite of numerous teething problems, and development continued on the production program. The

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The early Panther ausf D tanks committed to the Kursk offensive in July 1943 were not ready for combat and thus suffered a number of mechanical problems, among them failures of the rim bolts in the wheels. In addition, the wheels were vulnerable to enemy fire. Later versions had added rivets to attach the rims, which reduced the failures.

One consequence of adopting the interleaved suspension was that failure of an inner road wheel required removing several other outer wheels to replace it. Another problem was that ice and snow could freeze at night, locking the wheels solid, preventing the tank from moving, a problem with all interleaved suspensions.

Though the original plan had been to replace the PzKpfw IV in Panzer Divisions, Panther production was insufficient for this, and instead Panthers were issued to the first battalion in each Panzer Regiment, with PzKpfw IVs being issued to the second battalion. The ausf D served on both eastern and western fronts for most of 1943 and 1944.

Though the markings on this Panther ausf D are similar to those at Kursk, this is a later production tank with an added mounting ring for an MG 34 on the cupola. This example, however, retains the early 16-bolt road wheels which were often reinforced or replaced.

This later Panther ausf D has the MG ring on the cupola but also mounts the later 24-bolt wheels adopted for the later ausf A. This shows a maintenance break in action, with the crew checking the engine and using cleaning rods to swab out the KwK 42 main gun. Note the smoke grenade launchers were removed on later ausf Ds, as seen here.

Many times, areas on the Russian front became quagmires during the rainy seasons. Moving in deep mud put great stress on the power trains and suspensions, and the Panther needed a good driver to avoid early breakdowns. Clutch adjustments were critical for reliable operation, as was a careful driver who didn’t abuse the transmission.

prototype Rheinmetall turret was a hexagonal shape that required a bulge in the left side for the commander’s cupola. For the ‘O’ series, this was altered to the final shape, eliminating the bulge in the side armor. The glacis armor was increased to 80mm by early 1943. The suspension comprised eight paired wheels on each side, carried on torsion arms spring on double torsion bars lying on the floor of the hull. The wheels were pressed steel disks with 16 bolts securing the wheel rim and rubber

tire. The wheels were interleaved for best weight distribution, but several problems with this design appeared later.

Production Production of the new tank, designated PzKpfw Panther 7.5cm KwK L/70 (SdKfz 171), was entrusted to a consortium of four assembly plants: MAN (254 examples), Daimler-Benz (250), Henschel und Sohn (250), and Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen Hannover (MNH) (220). Although

the tanks were built to one set of drawings, as time passed, small differences appeared in detail fittings and could be used to identify a tank’s manufacturer. Because of Hitler’s desire to use both the Panther and the new Tiger ausf E during a planned 1943 summer offensive in Russia, there was a great deal of pressure to keep production moving, although problems kept appearing. Very early tanks were built with clutch and brake steering, as the production fixed-radius controlled

differential steering system was not available. The Tiger ausf E had a superior double-radius steering design but it was too large to fit into the nose of the MAN-designed Panther hull. The increases in armor protection and equipment increased the loaded combat weight of the Panther, from a planned weight of 35 metric tons to well over 45 metric tons, decreasing the strength reserve of the entire power train, especially the steering system and final drives. Early production tanks were

A

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Think Tank - Germany’s Panther Tank Part One

A company of Panther ausf Ds, seen on a road march. The driver’s vision inside the tank was limited and most drivers preferred sitting high to see from the open hatch when possible. The Panther had an extra ‘high’ seat for the driver to use when driving exposed.

Still retaining the smoke grenade launchers, this early ausf D also has an interesting detail. The early 16-bolt wheels had a number of rim failures that shed the tires. An early attempt to solve this problem was to add rivets between the bolts, giving 32 fasteners per wheel. This reduced the number of failures, but didn’t eliminate them.

Another Panther ausf D with the added rivets on the road wheels, this tank shows the standard stowage nicely. The large hatch in the turret side was for communications, such as passing written orders and maps. It was eliminated on later turrets.

Photographed at the MAN plant, this Befehls-Panther ausf D command tank was a late model, similar to the earliest examples of the follow-on ausf A except for the cupola. The distinguishing feature was the extra radio antennas. The “stern” (“star”) antenna at the rear was mounted in an armored pot to protect the connection at the base.

B rebuilt with fixed-radius controlled differential steering before being issued to using units. The engine was a Maybach HL 210 P30, a 12-cylinder petrol engine giving 610HP @ 3000 RPM. Production and testing problems grew so quickly that it was decided to build the Panthers according to the drawings and then ship them to DEMAG at Falkensee to modify them to the latest standards. Early testing and crew evaluations led to

many minor and some not-so-minor changes that were incorporated in the modification plant at Falkensee. Nonetheless, the accelerated production schedule and limited time for major changes before training led to a number of problems when the Panther entered front-line service. Panthers used for training were sent back to Falkensee for rebuilding when units received their later production service vehicles. Although training

This is a later production Panther ausf D, though it retains the two headlamps on the glacis. It has a coating of Zimmerit anti-mine paste on the hull and turret and the MG 34 mounting ring on the cupola. As long as these older tanks remained operational, they were used in combat and many of them lasted until the final months of the war.

This later production Panther ausf D of “Grossdeutschland” retains the early 16-bolt wheels but has the MG mount. Many later ausf Ds had mixed road wheels, 16-bolt, 24-bolt and 32 rivet-bolt examples. The scruffy, rough nature of the zimmerit coating made these tanks look especially dirty after being in service for a while.

started in late January 1943, the Panther crews were not fully experienced in their new tanks, as would be seen. To use the new Panthers in the most effective, concentrated way for the planned summer offensive in Russia, some 200 Panthers were allocated to Panzer-Regiment von Lauchert, a special unit for operating the Panthers. It comprised Panzer Abteilungen 51 and 52. The

rest of the available tanks were issued to Panzer-Brigade 10, attached to Panzergrenadier Division “Grossdeutschland”. The continuing problems with the Panthers delayed the start of the offensive, named Unternehmen “Zitadelle” (Operation Citadel), a drive to reduce a large salient the Russians had forced in the German lines earlier in the Kursk region. The delays allowed the Russians to improve their positions.

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This Panther ausf D was encountered on the Rhine in 1945. Older tanks served as long as they were able. The Panther’s fine gun and good sights made even an older model a very dangerous adversary, especially fighting on the defensive from good cover.

MAN built a single chassis prototype of the proposed Panther II, completing the hull in 1943, but series production was dropped in favor of the Panther ausf A then in series production. This is the Panther II chassis fitted with a late ausf G turret, shipped to Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1945. Features of the Panther II appeared on the ausf G.

This is the Versuchs-Panther V1 prototype, seen during testing of steel-rimmed road wheels for the Panther II program. The turret-simulating weight allowed more accurate testing of power-train and suspension components by reproducing the tank’s total weight.

This excellent side view shows an early Panther ausf A equipped with a coat of Zimmerit anti-mine paste. The tool and equipment stowage was practical and efficient. This example has the new 24-bolt road wheels. The very long barrel of the KwK 42 was a concern in urban fighting, as the crew had to be aware of the gun’s position in moving.

On the western front, the Panther ausf A first served in Italy with PzRgt 4. The distinguishing feature of the ausf A was the new turret with a cast commander’s cupola. These are early ausf A models with the MG armored flap in the glacis and Zimmerit.

At the start of “Zitadelle”, as the Panthers traveled to the front, two tanks were destroyed by engine fires and a number of others broke down. The lack of training and failures to exploit the offensive value of the new tanks compromised some of the advantages of the Panther, but the main problems were the mechanical issues that reduced the number of available Panthers from 184 on 5 July 1943 to only 40 operational Panthers on the 7th, and not over the mid-40s for the rest of the Kursk campaign. Recovery and repair crews worked around the clock to retrieve and repair as many Panthers as they could, but shortages of spares limited some tasks to cannibalizing badly damaged tanks to repair those with only mechanical problems.

A number of Panthers were lost because the units lacked a suitable recovery vehicle for the Panther. 45% of the Panthers put out of action in the first week were sidelined for mechanical failures. The remaining 55% were destroyed or damaged by Russian tanks, antitank guns or mines. On the positive side, the Panther’s excellent frontal armor was never penetrated and the 7.5cm KwK 42 L/70 was able to hit and destroy the T-34 at ranges over 2000 meters. The sights were accurate and vastly better than the opposing Russian sights, allowing faster acquisition of targets and a greater chance of hitting with the first shot. It was obvious the Panther had great potential, if the mechanical issues could be worked out. At the end of the Kursk

Service in Italy usually produced a heavy coating of limestone dust which turned most vehicles white. This Panther ausf A of PzRgt 4 illustrates the usual effect, except for the barrel with its distinctive pattern. Note the two holes in the mantlet for the gunner’s sight.

campaign, an assessment of the Panther’s first action noted the various problems: engine fires, often caused by faulty fuel pumps, transmission and final drive failures (not as many as expected), penetrations of the hull and turret side armor, often resulting in ammunition fires and the loss of the vehicle, and engine failures. The 16-bolt road wheels had a tendency to shed the rims and tires due to bolt failure. A related maintenance issue appeared in that replacing a damaged inner road wheel required removing several outer wheels to access the damaged part. Weak areas were noted and influenced future improvements, which began during continued ausf D production that summer. Overall it was considered to be a successful design. After Kursk, the remaining

Panthers were consolidated into Panzer Abteilung 52, which was renamed I Abteilung/PanzerRegiment 15. Panzer Abteilung 51 received 96 new Panther Ausf D tanks in August 1943 and served with Panzergrenadier Division “Grossdeutschland”. As Panther production increased and problems were reduced, Panthers were issued to Panzer Regiments of a number of Panzer Divisions, usually serving in the first Abteilung of the Regiment. Because of the limited number of Panthers, the second Abteilung of each Regiment was equipped with the PzKpfw IV.

Panther II As early as 1942, before any Panthers had been built, there was concern, shared by many up to Adolf Hitler, that the Panther would not be sufficiently armored

A

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Think Tank - Germany’s Panther Tank Part One

The winters in Russia often put many vehicles out of service due to cold and poor traction in the ice and snow. Tanks therefore were often the transport of choice up to the forward areas. These Panthers had very worn winter camouflage which was still partly effective.

Even with snow on the ground, the mud of winter roads soon covered the lower parts of the tanks, rendering some of their camouflage less effective. Combat conditions on the Russian Front were among the worst faced by the German tanks crews.

This is why many German tank crews in PzKpfw IIIs and IVs wanted to get into Panthers. This early Panther ausf A has been marked to show the impressive number of times it was hit on the glacis and mantlet without being penetrated.

Many Panzer Divisions were refitted in France after suffering casualties in action. They also often received new equipment and the training to use it effectively. This is a mid-production Panther ausf A. The tracks on the turret protected the weaker side armor.

B in the future and a proposal was put forth to build a heavier model with a 100mm thick glacis and 60mm turret side and rear armor, with 60mm hull side and 40mm hull rear armor. Essentially the Panther II was to be similar to the original Panther except for the armor thickness. The increased armor raised the weight to about 47 metric tons. In February 1943, it was decided to incorporate design details from the Tiger 3 (Tiger II) program into the Panther II to improve standardization of parts and adopt

In late November or early December 1943, the Panther ausf A was modified with a Kugelblende (ball mount) for the bow MG 34. This provided not only more movement for the gun but also a direct sight for the bow gunner for more accurate fire.

German combined arms actions were one of the reasons the Germans were so successful in many campaigns. Normally, the tanks and Panzergrenadiers in a Panzer Division worked closely together, as in this “consultation” on the Russian front.

the better transmission, steering system and final drives of the Tiger, and also rework the Panther suspension. A new turret with a narrow mantlet was proposed also, to eliminate the shot trap caused by the curved mantlet that could deflect projectiles through the hull roof. The new suspension had seven overlapped sets of road wheels on each side. The road wheels were steel-rimmed with rubber inserts for shock absorption, a design taken from the road wheels for the Russian KV-1 heavy tank.

The 660mm Panther II combat tracks were also used as transport tracks for the Tiger II heavy tank. The double-radius controlled differential steering used in the Tiger was considered, if it could be produced in sufficient quantities, which did not happen. A number of other detail modifications were made, but gradually it was seen that a better approach would be to improve the basic Panther, and the Panther II project was abandoned by June 1943. Some features of the design were used on later models of the Panther. One

complete hull and chassis were built by MAN and shipped to the US after the war. The US technicians added a very late Panther ausf G turret found at MAN, and shipped the “complete tank” to Aberdeen Proving Ground for testing. It still exists and at one time was in running condition with a power train from a Panther Ausf G.

Improving the Breed It was well understood that the Panther had been rushed into action without proper development or testing, and many of the serious

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This view of a Panther crew scanning for aircraft shows the modified exhaust system on later Panther ausf As. On the left exhaust pipe installation were two additional pipes to draw in cooling air and help prevent engine fires, which had been all too common.

Driven by a skilled driver, the Panther was a reliable vehicle for short distances, but heavy mud like this on the Russian front put great stress on the power-train and increased maintenance requirements. The tank commander using the artillery spotting scope may be directing fire support.

With increasing Allied air superiority as the war progressed, German units had to conceal themselves more effectively. This Panther ausf A is half buried in the remains of a house in Italy, setting up an ambush. This also hid the tank from Allied artillery spotters.

Most Panther ausf As were built with Zimmerit anti-mine paste and after some time, it was usually very rough with scrapes and damage. The near tank “R02” is a Befehls-Panther command tank, with extra antennas on the turret roof and rear hull.

Though usually Panthers were issued to the 1st battalion in a Panzer Regiment, several units operated their Panthers in the 2nd battalion. This Panther ausf A was typical of the tanks in 1944, as foliage came to be used on a regular basis for better concealment.

problems that had occurred were considered normal for an immature design. Corrections for many of the initial concerns were being tested, and battlefield reports suggested additional areas and details that needed improvement. The vulnerable side armor could not be addressed, as the chassis could not carry the weight of more armor. Crews began attaching spare tracks and road wheels to the sides of the turrets as expedient armor, and this continued through the war. The commander’s cupola was not completely satisfactory – the vision slots, though protected by armor glass, were directly in line with the openings in the cupola armor and hits could drive glass fragments into the commander’s

eyes. They also limited the field of view. A new cast cupola with protected periscopes was created to address these issues and also increase the armor on the rotating hatch. This cupola, along with a simplified front turret armor layout, was the major change between the Panther ausf D and the new ausf A. The large communications hatch in the left turret side was also deleted. There were dozens of improved details affecting reliability and ease of production, but these often did not appear in an orderly fashion and there were many variations. The Germans used a “first in, last out” stocking system at their assembly plants, so if a supply of newer parts was used up, older parts would be

The many difficulties in transporting supplies in Russia in the winter led to the common practice of carrying fuel in drums attached to the rear decks of tanks and other tracked armored vehicles. This ausf A carried two 200 liter fuel drums plus boxes of ammunition.

taken from the bottom of the stack and used until the new parts were restocked and piled on top of them again. Many “newer” parts were essentially the same as the older ones, but easier to manufacture, and older parts were approved for use. On late Panther ausf Ds, a mounting rail for an MG 34 was added to the cupola and all ausf As had this as well, intended for antiaircraft protection. The Panther ausf A was more reliable than the early ausf D, and during production additional changes and improvements appeared. “Zimmerit” anti-mine paste was applied from September 1943, covering most of the tank’s exterior. It was intended to protect against Russian magnetic anti-

tank mines thrown at the tanks by enemy infantry “tank killing” teams. Different factories used different methods of texturing the Zimmerit and that could also identify the manufacturer. An improved Maybach HL 230 P30 engine was incorporated, strengthened with better bearings. IN late 1943, the gunner’s sight was changed from a binocular type to monocular, deleting one hole from the external mantlet. At about the same time, the glacis plate was modified by replacing the older “letter-box” flap for the bow MG 34 with an armored Kugelblende (ball mount) that provided better protection, an improved field of fire and a direct telescopic sight on the ball mount. This mount was carried

A

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Think Tank - Germany’s Panther Tank Part One

Because they were well-protected, tanks like this Panther ausf A were often used as observation vehicles even when not specifically built as such. This tank has a very intricate squiggle pattern on the skirts and may have this on the Zimmerit as well.

Shipping Panthers by rail was the major method of delivering the tanks to the using units in forward areas. Increasing amounts of camouflage were needed as the war progressed. Note the slight overhang of the tracks on the SSys 50-ton flat car, the standard type used for transporting the Panther.

In France in 1944, Allied air cover forced the Germans to adopt elaborate systems of camouflage using foliage, exemplified by this Panther ausf A, liberally festooned with branches. Supplies of cut foliage were kept along major roads, to be used as needed.

This Befehls-Panther ausf A of 2.SS PD “Das Reich” was photographed during refitting and training in France. France was a major training and refitting area and a number of units being rebuilt were the first to engage Allied troops in the Normandy invasion.

This Panther ausf A has been even more heavily covered. The camouflage requirements even extended to armored assemblies being delivered to assembly plants, with orders to avoid when possible shipping tanks or armored assemblies painted only in Dunkelgelb (Dark Yellow) as the light color was too visible from the air.

B through Panther production to the end of the war. An interim fix for the wheel rim failures was to add 16 rivets to the 16-bolt wheels. A new 24-bolt wheel appeared at the end of August 1943, equipping late production ausf Ds and most ausf As. This reduced the problem, but road wheel rim failures occurred through the war and even postwar. Tracks with six cast chevrons for better traction appeared also in

August 1943, though older tracks were used until worn out. Panthers were issued as half the equipment for Panzer Divisions, usually in the 1st Abteilung, with PzKpfw IV medium tanks in the 2nd Abteilung. As had been forecast by some members of WaPruef 6 before the war, heavier tanks required larger factories, more resources and could not be built in sufficient numbers to equip all the Panzer units in the field. In addition,

Because many of the German Panzer Divisions that were involved in the early Normandy fighting had been refitting, they often had primarily equipment issued in late 1943, and thus all the Panthers fighting in Normandy in June and July were ausf A models like this Befehls-Panther ausf A.

the heavy weight of the Panthers made it difficult to retrieve them in action and many tanks had to be blown up to prevent them from being captured. Repair units were equipped with the 18-ton FAMO SdKfz 9 half-track tractor as the primary recovery vehicle, and if a Panther was immobilized, it could two or even three of these huge tow vehicles to free it. Towing a disabled Panther required two SdKfz 9 tractors.

Combined with the continuing reliability concerns with the final drives, the lack of a special recovery vehicle for heavy tanks cost German formations many Panthers that might been saved under better conditions. But development of solutions to these and other problems of the German Panzertruppen continued, and additional changes were in the wind. That is another part of this story… n

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The International Plastic Modellers Society (UK) Presents

Saturday 7th November 2015 Open: 10.00am to 6.00pm

Sunday 8th November 2015 Open: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Admission: IPMS Members FREE Adults: £10.00 each day ~ 2 Day Pass: £15.00 Concessions: £7.00 per day Children under 16: FREE

The International Centre Telford Shropshire TF1 4JH SMW includes over 370 exhibitors, including some 190 trade stands and 180 model clubs

The World’s Greatest Model Show Incorporating the IPMS (UK) National Competition

STAR OF AN

FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D • Kit No. 35345

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ANZIO Brett Green builds Tamiya’s brand new 1:35 scale Panther Ausf. D.

Tamiya’s box art.

T

amiya has dipped its toe in the Panther pool a few times already, with releases in 1:25, 1:35 and 1:48 scales over the last five decades. The first attempt in 1:35 scale was an Ausf. A from 1976. This kit was typical of its era, with a hull modified for motorisation and cable remote control, and suffering a number of accuracy and dimensional problems. A Jagdpanther based on the running gear of this kit was also available. Tamiya released their new-tool 1:35 scale Panther Ausf. G in 1993 to great acclaim. In typical Tamiya fashion, detail was good and it was a fast, accurate build. The initial release was an early version Ausf. G, followed by a late version and a steel wheel variant. Two Jagdpanthers were also offered. Tamiya has now brought the Panther into the 21st Century with a completely new 1:35 scale Ausf. D. This kit has absolutely no parts in common with the 1993 Ausf. G.

TAMIYA’S PANTHER AUSF. D IN THE BOX Tamiya’s brand new 1:35 scale Panther Ausf. D comprises 311 parts in dark yellow plastic, two lengths of flexible vinyl track, a spool of fine copper wire, a length of white string plus polythene caps in two sizes. Surface texture is beautifully presented. The rolled armour plate features subtle pitting, while the weld beads and torch cuts are some of Tamiya’s best yet – and that is saying something!

FROM THE GROUND UP The lower hull is presented as a tub with the sides, lower rear and floor moulded as one. Axles are separate parts, each keyed with a large locating hole and a raised peg. If you with to pose the vehicle on uneven ground, you may simply snip off the pegs and reposition the axles. The road wheels are moulded as inner and outer halves with the tyres in place. The small hub covers are separate pieces. Bolt and rim detail are very nicely done. The road wheels, drive sprockets and idler wheels are held in place with polythene caps. Even if you’re not likely to roll your Panther along the floor, this makes life easier for painting. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D • Kit No. 35345

The kit features gorgeous surface textures including subtle pitting, torch cuts and weld beads.

B The tracks supplied with the kit

are full-length flexible vinyl. These are nicely done, but the limitations of the moulding technology mean that the guide horns are solid. Quality is very good though, with no flash present on my sample and only a small raised pip on the inside of every 23rd link – not much clean-up required here! The tracks may be glued with regular model cement. If you are not a fan of vinyl tracks, Tamiya has already released a separately available set of individual click-together links. Each link is made up from two parts, featuring excellent detail inside and out including hollow guide horns. The upper hull is also presented as one piece with the engine deck and four rectangular grilles moulded in place. The engine hatch and the two circular vents are separate. Tamiya supplies radiator and cooling fan detail to be fitted beneath the engine deck. Glimpses of these will be visible through the engine deck grilles. If you’d like to add more detail, Tamiya also offers a simple aftermarket engine bay (this was initially released for the Panther Ausf. G but is equally applicable to the Ausf. D), and a set of six photoetched mesh grille covers. These are both available separately. The areas above the tracks are blocked off with sponson covers, and Tamiya supplies the typical early-style long front mudguards and a full set of Schurzen. Each side of the Schurzen is moulded as a single piece, so you’ll need to do some minor surgery if you want to depict a few panels missing or misaligned. The driver’s visor and gunner’s front slot may be posed open or closed. Their hatches include pad detail on the underside, although

The kit includes 12 two-part spare track links.

you won’t be able to see this on the completed model even if the hatches are posed open. Tools and other fittings look well detailed with clasps moulded in place. The mounting frames for tools are separate pieces. The drawing cable loop is supplied in fine copper wire, and tow cable is depicted by nylon string. A few spare tracks links are provided too. The turret continues the high moulding and detail standard. All the pistol ports and hatches are separate pieces. The rear hatch may be made workable with a little care. In an impressive example of attention to detail, Tamiya has moulded the diagonal notches in the bottom corners of the front turret armour. These were typical of early Panther Ausf. Ds seen at Kusrk. The gun will elevate and depress after assembly due to the use of polythene caps. Tamiya continues its aftermarket spree with another optional set – this time providing a fully detailed gun breech and turned metal barrel to replace the kit’s gun assembly. I had assumed that the breech would be the same as Tamiya’s after-market set for the recent Jagpanzer IV/L70, but it is in fact a new moulding. Two really nice crew figures are included too. Tamiya has come a long way with the quality of its figures in recent years, and these follow the trend. The Commander is peering over the top of the cupola, while a crew member is hunkered behind, crouching on the engine deck and checking out the action with a pair of binoculars. Facial features and poses are very good. Markings are provided for three vehicles present at Kursk. All three are finished in similar soft-sprayed schemes of Red Brown and Dark Green over Dark Yellow. A

The full-length flexible tracks are nicely detailed.

Tamiya supplies markings for three Panthers at Kursk.

Tamiya offers a set of individual two-part track links, available separately.

An optional set of photo-etched grilles is available too.

The third part of the after-market Trifecta is a metal barrel set, which also includes a well-detailed plastic breech, MG 34 machine gun and a scope.

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Take care when cutting the axles from the sprue, as some of the different parts do look similar. I sorted mine by part number.

Lots of wheels! Like the axles, these have been arranged by part number to avoid confusion during assembly.

The drive sprockets and idler wheels are workable with poly caps too.

The inner road wheels are fitted first…

The main lower hull components ready for assembly.

Each centre road wheel is made up from an inner and an outer halve enclosing a polythene cap. A hub cap completes the wheel.

I left the track tensioning idler arm off until just before I fitted the tracks, just in case they needed adjustment. They didn’t!

…followed by the centre road wheels…

…and finally the outer road wheel halves are glued to the inner halves.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D • Kit No. 35345

B A RELAXING DAY (OR TWO) There really isn’t much to say about basic construction. Tamiya makes it so easy, not only due to the straightforward parts breakdown and excellent fit but also thanks to their easy to follow instructions. I simply followed the instructions, mostly in the sequence suggested. I used Tamiya’s own photoetched engine screen upgrade, as well as the metal barrel set. I also started assembling the individual track links. However, the side skirts cover the entire top of the track run and the guide horns are barely visible, so I thought I would save the individual links for a future project and use the flexible full-length tracks instead. These were glued with Revell Contacta cement and set aside to set as painting got underway. I made a few changes to the stowage on the rear right side of the vehicle. I borrowed three individual track links from the Tamiya track upgrade set, and made up three sets of three spare track links. I then cut two lengths of fine plastic rod depicting track pins, and fed them between two of the open guide horns. I glued a jerry can to the top of the track pin, and hung another jerry can, sideways, from another guide horn. I saw this configuration in a wartime photo. Neither of the jerry cans are actually tied down – they seem to be held in place solely by the pin and the guide horn.

ANY PORT IN A STORM As Tamiya had gone to the trouble of moulding separate pistol port plugs, I thought that I would leave one open. I found a length of very fine black chain in my accessories drawer, so I cut a 1cm section from this and glued it to the back of the plug. The kit’s string tow cables were also used. I super glued each end of the cables to the towing eyes, then dipped the string into a thick liquid mix of water and white glue. While the string was still wet, I positioned the cables on the sides of the hull.

SPINNING THE CAMOUFLAGE ROULETTE WHEEL I was researching the Kursk Panther markings included on the kit’s marking guide sheet when I came upon a photo of a Panther

Ausf. D Befehlswagen (radio vehicle) on a dirt road. It featured a star antenna and giant whiteoutlined “I02” characters on the sides and rear of the turret. There were lots of other interesting attributes too. A pristine white container was hanging from the jack, and one of the rear stowage bins had suffered some small calibre or fragmentation damage with large scorch marks in the area. It turned out that this vehicle was attached to 1.Abt./Pz.Rgt.4 at Anzio in early 1944. Luckily, these exact markings were available on Echelon Fine Details’ 1:35 scale decal sheet, Item No. AXT351024. It was difficult to interpret the exact camouflage, but it looked to me as if it might be scratchy streaks and mottles of a lowcontrast colour over dark yellow. The side skirt appeared to have a darker squiggly colour over the top too. In the end, my guess was heavily thinned Dark Green over Panzer Yellow, with a Red Brown sine wave along the length of the side skirts. I carefully removed the wheels from the hull and primed the model with Tamiya’s Grey Primer straight from the spray can. I mixed a base Dark Yellow using roughly equal quantities of Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow, XF-60 Dark Yellow and XF-2 Flat White. I then added more white for a paler coating on the horizontal surfaces and the top of the vehicle sides. The single disruptive camouflage colour was a 50/50 mix of Tamiya’s XF-67 NATO Green and XF-60 Dark Yellow, heavily thinned with isopropylene alcohol. I sprayed this very thin mix with my super-fine Iwata CM-B airbrush, building up gradually from random groups of streaks to heavier mottling with an emphasis on the edges. At this stage, the model received two airbrushed coats of Future Floor Polish. This served the dual purposes of delivering a nice glossy surface for the decals, and sealing the model prior to weathering. The Echelon decals were a bit brittle and had to be handled carefully, but they responded well to Solvaset. This was fortunate, as the big red and white characters had to sit down over some fairly drastic raised and recessed surface

Stowage boxes, exhausts and the jack have been added to the rear hull. The engine fan and vent parts were painted grey before being glued to the underside of the engine deck.

Upper hull parts including sponson covers waiting for assembly.

The machine gun slot must be glued either open or shut, but the driver’s visor features a workable hinge.

A

Hull stowage and fittings.

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Tools and stowage are well detailed.

The double hinge on the rear turret hatch works too.

The gun barrel may elevate and depress thanks to the polythene caps.

This additional plastic breech detail is included with the metal barrel set.

The completed turret shell.

Breech detail in the after market set is very nice.

I particularly liked the gun elevation sprocket. This keys with a toothed crescent on the gun.

The optics and MG 34 machine gun are also included with the barrel set.

A view from below the turret, before the floor is added. The turret floor is slightly recessed. Check the fit on the hull before you commit to glue.

Tamiya makes it so easy, not “ only due to the straightforward parts breakdown and excellent fit but also thanks to their easy to follow instructions...

”

The completed turret with the gun barrel in place.

Turret and hull checked for fit.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D • Kit No. 35345

B features, as well as overlapping a

couple of hatches and pistol ports. I cut the decals in a few problem areas and repainted the missing red and white with a fine brush. In the end, the decals looked fantastic – just like they had been painted on!

The full-length tracks can be glued together using standard plastic cement.

GRIME AND MUD Now it was time for weathering – first a MIG Productions P241 Brown Filter, followed by a more substantial Wilder “Nitro Line” Deep Shadow Wash around the key structural features, then chipping with Vallejo’s German Black Highlight colour applied by J’s Work Chipping Effect sponge set. The same colour, thinned with water, was applied as vertical and lengthwise streaks and scrapes on the hull, the turret and the side skirts. The lower hull sides and the bottom of the rear hull were stippled with Vallejo’s Dark Earth texture paint. This is a gritty, thick paste that is perfect for large areas of dirt and mud. The wheels and tracks were finished to represent areas of wet and dry mud while they were still separate from the vehicle. The base (dried) mud was Easy Mud Item No. 21105 – European Earth. I rubbed the excess mud from the track pads by simply rubbing the vinyl tracks against an old sheet on my lap. Once the mud had dried, I put on a cotton glove and wiped a fingertip across the top of a silver tube of Rub ‘n’ Buff, then rubbed the silver lightly across the tops of the track pads to suggest wear. The wheels were also treated to a coat of Easy Mud, which was quickjly wiped off so that just a hint of dried mud remained. Wilder’s Dark Wash was used on some of the wheels to represent wet mud or oil stains. The raised metal rim of the Panther’s inner pairs of wheels were often scuffed by the guide horns, polishing them to a metallic sheen. Once again, Rub n Buff was used to achieve this, but this time it was applied to the raised rim with a micro-brush.

I looped and taped the tracks while the glue set. Three extended sets of three spare links were made up for the right side using links from the separate track link set. A little trimming was required to get these to fit.

The kit’s string tow cables were dipped into a thick liquid mix of water and white glue.

Two lengths of fine plastic rod depicting track pins were fed them between two of the open guide horns. I glued a jerry can to the top of the track pin, and hung another jerry can from another guide horn.

Tamiya’s optional photo-etched grilles in place.

I overenthusiastically cut off the breech lock nut so I punched a replacement from plastic strip. This reference photo was the inspiration for the painting and weathering.

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FINISHING TOUCHES The model received two coats of Tamiya Grey Primer straight from the spray can.

The wheels and sprockets were removed prior to painting and temporarily tacked to small cardboard boxes to make handling easier.

The base Panzer Yellow shade was a mix of Tamiya acrylic Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow, XF-60 Dark Yellow and XF-2 Flat White.

The disruptive camouflage green was built up gradually from random groups of streaks to heavier mottling with an emphasis on the edges.

The side skirts received the same treatment…

…as did the wheels.

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

With painting and weathering complete, it was time to bring together the turret, hull, running gear and side skirts. In theory, the wheels are supposed to be added early in the construction sequence, with the outer road wheels glued once the centre pairs have been pressed onto the axles. However, with some care, the assembled road wheels may be removed from the axles. The wheels have to be wiggled off their axles a little bit at a time moving along the length of the running gear. After painting and weathering they can be pressed back in place the same way – interleaving the wheels and pushing each wheel slightly further onto its axle, moving slowly along the length of the vehicle. It was a bit trickier to get the tracks on without damaging the side skirt hangers. In the end, I removed the drive sprockets from their mounts, wrapped a section of track around the sprockets and pressed them back home. Finally, the rest of the track was carefully pressed underneath the sponsons. With the wheels and tracks in place, the side skirts were glued to their hangers. The final job was to fit the antennae. Tasca supplies two regular antennae in turned brass as well as a new mount and the star antenna. The top star section was bent using the conical plastic jig supplied with the set. This was fixed to the top of the plastic mast using super glue. All the antennae were then painted Panzer Grey and the based Flat Black. The reference photo was not completely clear as to whether the subject vehicle carried the third antenna on the turret, but I couldn’t resist using it.

FIGURES Tamiya has really lifted the standard of its crew figures in the last few years. The poses and the sculpting are up to after-market standards, and the faces are full of character too. I had no hesitation using the two crew figures supplied in this kit. A

The squiggle along the side skirts was a Tamiya acrylic NATO Brown, heavily thinned and sprayed with the Iwata CM-B airbrush. Model Military International 23

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D • Kit No. 35345

Echelon Fine Details offer a decal sheet with this subject’s markings.

The tyres were carefully brush painted while the wheels were still off the vehicle.

The decals were applied over two glossy coats of Future floor polish.

A sample of the wheels and sprockets with painting and weathering completed.

The decals had to be sliced in a few places to help them settle down over challenging surface details.

Base colours on the tools and woodgrain painted onto the jack block. Vallejo acrylics were used here.

A MIG Productions P241 Brown Filter was applied overall, followed by Wilder’s “Nitro Line” Deep Shadow Wash around the key structural features.

J’s Work Chipping Effect sponge set and Vallejo’s German Black Highlight were used to achieve the chipping.

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The wheels were carefully replaced on their axles.

Rust was added to the exhausts with MIG Pigments and Mineral Turpentine, while the blackened areas were airbrushed.

I found a length of very fine black chain in my accessories drawer for the open pistol port and its plug.

Tasca’s Star Antenna Set includes photo-etched and plastic parts plus two lovely turned brass regular antennae.

The weathering on the tracks is a combination of Easy Mud’s European Earth and Rub ‘n’ Buff lightly rubbed over the tops of the track pads.

The container was adapted from a 1:48 scale oil can. It was cut down in height, a spout added from plastic tube and the handle made from soft fudse wire.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D • Kit No. 35345

The three antennae are quite distinctive in profile.

B Painting of the heads got

underway with a sprayed base coat of Tamiya’s acrylic XF-15 Flat Flesh. Headgear was then painted, followed by a wash of heavily thinned Burnt Sienna oil paint over the face and hands. The ruddy mixture flows into the low-lying areas and crevices, making a nice start to shading and detailing. Fine facial details such as mouths and eyes were carefully brush painted with a watered-down mix Vallejo 337 Highlight Ger. (Black), which is actually a dark brown shade. High areas of the face such as the chin, brow, nose, cheeks and ears were painted with paler shades of flesh, while shadow areas (under the eyebrows, under the nose and chin) received darker shades. I made various mixes of Vallejo Model Colour 70815 Basic Skintone and Panzer Aces 341 Flesh Base for the paler and darker shades. The base uniform colour was Vallejo Panxer Aces acrylic 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black), with drybrushed highlights in 337 Highlight Ger. (Black). These colours were applied by brush. Details such as epaulets, piping and insignia were then picked out with a fine brush. Following a protective coat of Vallejo Flat Clear, metallic items including medals and belt buckles were painted with Vallejo Model Colour 70865 Oily Steel.

CONCLUSION Tamiya’s third-generation 1:35 scale Panther Ausf. D is a terrific kit. It features subtle surface textures, a good level of detail straight from the box and should be a fast, straightforward build. I like the approach of supplying a basic plastic kit and offering individual track links and photoetched parts as after-market options. Not all modellers like separate track links or photo-etch, so with this philosophy they are not paying for unwanted features. The further options of the breech, gun barrel and engine bay are welcome too. This was an easy and enjoyable build, resulting in a well-detailed model with a minimum of headaches. ■

Tamiya has really lifted the standard of its crew figures in the last few years. The antennae were sprayed Tamiya XF-63 German Grey, with the bases in Flat Black. I had no hesitation using the two crew figures supplied in this kit. The two figures hunkered down and observing action in front of the vehicle.

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Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. D. Kit No. 35345 Accessories Used: Tamiya Panther Ausf. D Metal Gun Barrel Set (12664) Tamiya Panther Ausf. D Photo-Etched Grille Set (12666) Echelon Fine Details (AXT351024) Tasca Item No. 35-L10 – German Star Antenna Set

The model and figures completed.

Tools and Modelling Products: Tamiya Epoxy Putty Smooth Surface Kneadatite Two-Part Epoxy Putty Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Revell Contacta Plastic Glue Selleys Super Glue Tamiya Surfacer Gator’s Grip Acrylic Hobby Glue J’s Work Chipping Effect Set – Item No. PPA6003 Irwin Clamps (various sizes) Paints and Finishing Products:

A very light coating of Tamiya XF-57 Buff was sprayed over the lower halves of the side skirts although in retrospect I wish I’d left them alone!

n using es t.

Vehicle: Tamiya Spray Can - Grey Primer Tamiya Acrylic – X-23 Clear Blue; XF-1 Flat Black; XF-2 Flat White; XF-59 Desert Yellow; XF-60 Dark Yellow; XF-64 Red Brown; XF-67 NATO Green; XF-68 NATO Brown. Figures: Uniforms - (Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylics) – 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 337 Highlight Ger. (Black); 344 White (Ger. Winter Tkcr.). Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black. Flesh - Base Coat: Tamiya XF-15 Flat Flesh. Wash: Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna. Flesh Highlights: Vallejo Model Colour 342 Highlights Future Floor Polish Alclad II Klear Kote Flat Lacquer SIN Industries (MIG) Filter – P241 Brown for Dark Yellow Maru Easy Mud Item No. 21105 – European Earth Vallejo Item No. 26.218 – Dark Earth Texture Paint Wilder Nitro Line – NL02 Deep Shadow Wash MIG Pigments – P035 Standard Rust; P414 Track Brown; P416 Fresh Rust References:

The bright white container was hung from the jack, per the reference photo.

GERMANY’S PANTHER TANK – THE QUEST FOR COMBAT SUPREMACY by Thomas L. Jentz. Schiffer Publishing, Pennsylvania, 1995. ISBN: 0-88740-812-5 PANTHER AND ITS VARIANTS by Walter J. Spielberger. Schiffer Publishing, Pennsylvania, 1993. ISBN: 0-88740-397-2 Achtung Panzer No. 4, PANTHER, JAGDPANTHER & BRUMMBAR REVISED EDITION. Dai Nippon Kaiga 1994 PANZERS AT SAMUR No. 2. Dai Nippon Kaiga 1990 ✓ High detail; superb fit; easy build; aftermarket options for those who prefer link and length tracks and photo-etched parts. ✗ Nothing worth mentioning. 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 Thanks to Creative Models Australia for the Tasca Star Antenna Set www.creativemodels.com.au

Rating

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Miniman Factory 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’ Resin Model • Kit No. MMF 35014

AND EA BIG, GRVEE EBN EEN VERY) M (COULD HA

Andy King does battle with an ambitious multi-media kit – Miniman Factory’s 1:35 scale SS-23 ‘Spider’.

T

he OTR-23 Oka (NATO reporting name SS-23 Spider) was a Soviet mobile theatre ballistic missile that was designed to replace the SS-1C ‘Scud’. Introduced in the early 1980s, it had a relatively short service life as although the Soviets claimed the missile only had a range of around 250 miles (400km) American intelligence stated it was much further. In 1987 the then Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev proposed to remove the Oka if the US stopped its build up of short-range nuclear forces in Europe but in discussions Secretary of State George Shultz did not have the authority to act on this, however Gorbachev included the missile system in the INF (Intermediate Nuclear Forces) Treaty anyway as an act of goodwill. In 1990 there was some controversy when the Soviets announced that around 120 SS-23s had been covertly transferred to the Warsaw Pact states of Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and East Germany during the INF Treaty discussions although it was claimed that only conventional warheads were fitted with the nuclear option being retained by the Soviets.

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EAN The SS-23 would have been a very dangerous proposition on the battlefield as the TEL (Transporter, Erector and Launcher) vehicle was highly mobile, had an amphibious capability and could be readied in five minutes. The missile itself was a single stage solid propellant type, highly accurate and capable of intercepting moving targets. It could be fitted with conventional HE (High Explosive), fragmentation or chemical warheads as well as a nuclear one which was in the 50-100 kiloton range.

THE MODEL I’ve always had a fascination with Soviet-era vehicles, especially those that carried nuclear missiles. A long time ago I built the old Dragon Scud ‘B’ (long since consigned to the spares box). After seeing the Miniman Factory SS-23 a couple of years ago I was instantly attracted to it as it looked just like something out of a Gerry Anderson TV show but due to the price tag it was always out of reach, however I had a change in my personal circumstances and in November 2013 at Scale Model World in Telford I took the opportunity of purchasing the kit directly from Miniman Factory who were at the show. In the box there were an awful lot of resin bits (as you would expect for a model this size) but there were an awful lot of etched bits too, for the anti-slip treads on top of the vehicle. The resin parts are well detailed and relatively well cast, but on some of the bigger parts there is a lot of resin to remove where the casting plugs are. Unfortunately on my kit the large interior missile bay was badly moulded at the rear, something I didn’t notice at the show, but after contacting Miniman Factory they very kindly sent out a replacement that turned up a short while after.

CONSTRUCTION The first job was to clean up all the resin parts. It is imperative that you wear a mask for this as resin dust is VERY detrimental

to your health if it gets in your lungs. Another alternative is to sand stuff under water but it could also be detrimental to your health if the wife catches you using the kitchen sink. Starting with the interior missile bay and initially it looked as though the bottom of it required some hefty sanding to fit in the hull properly, however only the rear of it where it fits into the hull needed doing so this was carried out with 120 grade wet and dry, a sanding block and lots of water (yes I used the kitchen sink so shush). The same was done for the back of the cab, missile and anything else that needed the substantial removal of excess material. I decided to test fit some of the major components before I went any further in following the instructions and it soon became clear that placement of some of the parts was a bit vague. I cleaned up and glued the rear body panel (part 6) to work out where the interior missile bay fitted and from there figure out where exactly the cover for the nose cone of the missile was placed inside the bay. It also became clear that the interior of the missile bay, after comparing it to photographs of the real thing showed some details were missing or simplified. I decided to live with it as it would entail a complete rebuild otherwise. The missile itself is quite a chunk of resin and reasonably detailed however with it being made up of three sections, the narrow raised strip on the top doesn’t quite match up. In fact the lower section seems to veer off slightly. Also, at the rear above the rocket exhausts, there are three stubs (possibly vents?) that should be aligned with the raised strip on the top but these are ninety degrees A

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1. The box contents and thinking “Oh this doesn’t look too bad…” 2. Look at all the etch! 3. Tread detail is very good and compares well to photographs 4. The missile bay with the replacement on the left. 5. This shows how Miniman Factory (and Hobbyboss) got this area wrong with the new bits in white and brown styrene and in the correct position. 6. The new narrow strip on top of the rocket body and the gap between the two as per the real missile. 7. The completed missile. The four laser cut guidance vanes are very fine and very fragile and broke off with monotonous regularity. Eventually I had to replace the hinge points for them. 8. The toy-like hinges for the launch rail and ram. 9. The covers for the warhead required some additional detailing with styrene sheet on the inside. 10&11. The completed missile bay. As you can see it was simplified compared to pictures of the real vehicle.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Miniman Factory 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’ Resin Model • Kit No. MMF 35014

13. 12. The cab before painting... 13. …and after. In hindsight it was fairly pointless super detailing this bit as you cannot see much through the windows, even if you left the hatches open on the roof. 14. The cab and missile bay test fitting. The rear hull plate was glued into place to help figure out where everything went. 15. The warhead covers painted. I can only presume that rubber mats were fitted on the inside. 16. Here you can see the seals made from heat-stretched sprue on the inside of the windows, unfortunately they came out after the fiasco with the masking fluid. 17. Test fitting the missile bay roof showed up some serious gaps all round. 18. The left side wasn’t that bad a fit considering, the right side however was a different story. 19. After sanding down the sides of the roof the fit was much better.

B out. The raised strip was removed

from the top leaving the triangular shapes either end and the detail at the rear was replicated in the correct position from styrene sheet and rod. The gaps between the three missile sections were filled with Mr Surfacer then a new narrow strip was made from styrene sheet. When fixing it in place a gap was left between the strip and missile body as per the real thing. Coming back to the missile bay, the hinges for the launch platform are very toy-like and on the real vehicle they are quite substantial castings however the best I could do here was to cover them over with strips of styrene. To get the platform to fit I had to remove the resin stubs either side, drill through it and the interior sides so that I could fit a length of brass rod later. There are two resin stiffeners (Parts 71) that are shown as glued beside a rectangular box either side but they should go on the top instead. Before gluing the missile bay into the hull I sprayed it a light grey and the launch platform green, they were then given a coat of Mig Productions Dark Brown wash to try and give an impression of depth especially to the interior. There is a door on either side of the hull for the propulsion system when the vehicle is in the water. I replaced the kit ones with styrene as the fit is really poor. Also, the sides of the door frames needed thinning as they are very chunky in this area. On the inside, I fitted styrene sheet to make a ‘floor’ as the space is empty. The cab interior features some fairly good detail for the various instrument panels but unfortunately at the rear of the cab some detail was destroyed by a couple of air bubbles, so new panel faces were made from thin styrene sheet and glued over the top. Unfortunately the handbrake and gear levers were missing from the kit so these were made from brass rod. The tops of the levers had very small beads glued on from a bag full that I found at a craft stall in my local market for a whole UK £1. Bargain! The windows were cut and glued to the cab interior. In hindsight, I should have used a thicker clear

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Resin kits by their very “ nature can be challenging and this kit is not for the faint-hearted...

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styrene as the kit supplied ones are very flimsy, but more on this later. Also, around the inside of the window frames, I added a rubber seal using heat stretched sprue from a kit with vinyl tracks as the stuff bends around the frames much more easily. Fitting the cab interior to the upper hull part is a bit hit and miss as it is very easy to get it a bit off-centre, which results in the exterior part not fitting the rest of the hull properly. I found this out after it was too late due to the amount of cyano glue used so be warned. Once the cab had been fitted it was time to get the roof on over the missile bay and immediately I ran into problems. The fit was not good at all and the roof sat too high above the cab resulting in a huge gap between the two, so after a bit of a think and a test fit of parts the solution for me was to sand off the rebates on the edges of the roof section and the hull sides being VERY careful not to leave an uneven edge on both. The fit was much better after doing this and after a lot of sanding to the rear the roof more or less fitted there too although there was still a big gap on top between the roof and the cab. In the end I cut the front section out of the roof and replaced it with 0.030” thou (0.75mm) styrene sheet and blended it all in . The joint between the right side of the cab and hull had a step so this was built up on the cab side with styrene sheet to try and even it out then Milliput (the Superfine stuff) was used to smooth out the edges. The intake detail had to be removed for the styrene to sit properly so a new item was made from scratch. While cleaning up the joints between the roof and hull I inadvertently removed the weld beads along the hull sides in places but while checking the reference pictures before replacing them it became apparent that the upper hull sides featured a second layer of skin and there were no weld beads at all. I was in two minds whether to replicate the second layer as at this point the build was beginning to drag but once I knew it was there it started to bug me. So using 0.010” (0.25mm) sheet styrene two 16mm wide lengths were cut for either side and the raised detail was added using Evergreen 1.5mm halfround styrene rod with the same being done for the rear hull plate along with a couple of 6mm square hatches on the right-hand side again made from 0.010” styrene with thin heat-stretched A

20. The fit at the front was shocking so I removed it altogether and replaced it with styrene sheet. 21. The upper hull with the new styrene panels. 22. New doors for the propulsion system. 23. Styrene sheet used to build up some of the areas on the hull sides and the new air intake screen made from mesh. 24. Another shot of the hull side. 25-27. The front suspension units after the work described in the main text. 28. All the suspension units completed and ready for fitting. 29. The rectangular plate had to be removed and placed further forward so that the suspension unit could fit properly. 30. The air tanks that were missing from the model.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Miniman Factory 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’ Resin Model • Kit No. MMF 35014

31.

31. Construction close to completion. 32. The fenders were made of four parts so I soldered them together for strength. 33. Starting to add all the photo-etch. 34. Marking out the missile bay roof for the etch

B sprue used for the hinges. The

kit supplied hatches were glued directly to the new side pieces as these are not inset on the real vehicle. In the end it all worked out better doing it this way as it covered up the poor joints at the rear of the hull. The missile bay doors gave me a few headaches trying to get them to fit, mainly due to the thickness of the resin at the rear but also my clumsiness in removing too much material at the bottom of each door during clean up. Eventually after a few choice words I gave up with the resin doors and made new ones from 0.040” styrene sheet instead, this of course meant that the doors would no longer be workable which if I’m honest didn’t bother me as I’m not keen on moving parts on models. The resin hinges were fitted under the roof edge and again a problem was encountered with the rearmost ones as the place they are supposed to go has part of the missile bay interior there so the hinges had to be moved forward. With the hull all together, gaps filled and finally looking like an SS-23, it was time to turn my attention to the wheels and suspension. During the clean up of the resin parts it became apparent that a number of pieces were missing for the suspension, namely the eight shock absorbers struts and the four parts that join the front wheel hubs to the suspension arms. I did get in touch with Miniman Factory to ask for replacements but after a month of waiting I decided to make my own as time was marching on. The shock absorbers were easy enough to do from lengths of styrene rod and tube but the four parts that connected the top and bottom

wishbones for the front steering were a challenge. In the end, I used 0.060” (1.52mm) styrene sheet with cuts made halfway through either side, the plastic was carefully bent to shape then rod was glued into the gaps at the back as reinforcement. When dry, the oval holes in the centres were drilled out. The blocks at the top and bottom that anchor the parts to the wishbones were made from three 0.060” strips of styrene glued together as a laminate to get the required thickness. Rather than use the supplied resin pins that hold the suspension together I replaced them with styrene rod, taking care not to break the resin parts when drilling out the holes as some were misaligned. All the suspension units were kept workable as it was necessary when fitting the wheels to get them straight and level, once this was done everything was glued and left to dry. Miniman includes the four rectangular blocks that steering linkages attach to on the lower hull but not the linkages themselves so these were added using styrene strip and rod, also on the real vehicle there are two recessed square holes either side of the hull that the steering linkages go into when the wheels are turned but by this stage of the build it was far too late to add them. A pretty big omission though were the six air tanks for the braking system that fit behind the stowage lockers on the hull sides. I had to make these from 4mm diameter styrene tube with the ends blanked off and sanded to shape. After these were fitted holes were drilled into the lower hull and brake hoses made from 15amp fuse wire were glued into

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35. The fender attached to the hull side. 36. This shows the tread plates for the bay doors and how much they needed to be shortened. 37. Using a hexagonal punch and die set bolt heads were made and attached to two hooks for the tow cable. 38. The second attempt at making windows for the front. 39. Construction complete!

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place. Miniman supplies resin parts for what look like handrails underneath the hull but these are too big for the holes present so these were replaced with 1mm dia. copper wire instead. Once it was all together, the next big job was fitting the etch as there is a LOT of metal supplied in the box and to add to the ‘fun’ the part numbers on the instructions did not always correspond to those on the frets. The other problem I ran into was for the etch anti-slip tread on the missile bay doors. Because I had made new doors these were slightly narrower than the kit items so as a consequence ALL the etch strips had to be shortened by 1.5mm which again resulted in a lot of bad language. Lines were drawn on the roof of the cab, the missile bay and bay doors as it was essential that all the etch treads lined up accurately. To help with this I used Johnsons

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Kleer instead of cyano glue as it would give me a longer working time to align all the treads although the Kleer did not prove to be as strong as I thought it would. Strips of styrene cut to 1.5mm and 2mm plus a small steel ruler were used to help keep the treads in line as I worked along the model. Be aware that the etched part numbers don’t correspond to the instructions so PE 21 is actually PE 20, PE 22 is PE21 and PE 22 is the longer tread. For the cab PE 22 is actually PE 20 which is the smaller tread. The narrow etched strip that runs along either side of the lower hull was made up of sections and it was obvious that superglue wouldn’t hold it together due to the small contact areas so after bending them to shape they were soldered then glued to the hull sides, by the way the part numbers don’t match the instructions here either! Grab handles on the hull

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sides were added using 15amp fuse wire and thinner copper wire. The hatches on the cab roof needed some attention before I got them to fit as earlier on in the build I added styrene strip around the inside of the hatch openings due to the poor finish of the resin part, however this reduced the internal size so the raised detail on the inside faces of the hatches had to be trimmed until the parts fitted. The hinges are the wrong way around (the hinges welded to the roof should be on the outside) and far too small so these were removed and new ones made from styrene, the connecting bars were made from styrene rod. Additional details were added to the roof using the walkaround photos for reference, these being made from scraps of etch fret with tie down straps for the saw made from masking tape with fine wire for the buckles. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Miniman Factory 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’ Resin Model • Kit No. MMF 35014

40. After priming the poor state of the windows really showed up. 41. The windows and frames after total removal. 42. New frames made from styrene sheet. 43. Clear styrene was glued to the cab front in three sections, masked with tape then filled and sanded. 44. New frames fitted and looking much better. 45. Primed and preshaded. 46. The basecoat of Tamiya NATO Green applied. 40.

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B The three fire extinguishers were

cleaned up and again there is no mention of these in the instructions or the etch parts required however there are three lots of etch on one fret so I assumed these were for the extinguishers, as it was I cut the straps off and just used the buckles with new straps made from a double layer of masking tape. The handles were replaced with off cuts of etch brass as it was impossible to fit the extinguishers to the hull with the existing ones. A tow cable was added to the hull on the right as that is missing from the kit and for this I used towing eyes left over from a T-90 build, using copper wire cut to length for the cable. The anchor points were made from off-cuts of the etch frets in the kit (I never throw much away) with a 0.75mm hole drilled

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into each one, the tensioning hooks made from 15amp fuse wire with four styrene bolt heads made with a punch and die set then 0.75mm holes were drilled through them. The anchor points were glued to the tow cable first then fixed to the hull to get it to sit properly. Final details included the addition of wing mirrors as although the mounts are included in the kit (PE13) the mirrors and stalks are not, the cable for the step below the cab on each side and a towing hitch was sourced from the spares box as this was also missing from the kit. At this point you may have thought I had finished the build but those cab windows were annoying me and they were beginning to come unstuck as the clear styrene was wafer thin with very little

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contact area. I know I should have done something earlier on however the Modellers OCD was really kicking in so I cut new ones from thicker Evergreen styrene and made a frame around them from 1mm wide styrene strip. I removed the old windows and fettled the frames until the new windows fitted which fortunately worked a treat, the only downside was the amount of resin dust and swarf in the cab that had to be carefully removed without sucking the interior up the vacuum cleaner. Once done with the cab all clean and sparkly again inside, the top hatches were glued into place and all the bits I had knocked off were fixed. FINALLY I could call this build done….or so I thought as an initial blast of grey primer showed up a lot of gaps and defects and

of course the front windows which still looked bad. After a think and resisting the urge to launch the model out of the house I came up with solution number three and this involved removing the windows and raised seals off the front of the cab. Using GS Hypo cement (used by jewellers) I glued clear styrene in three sections to the front of the cab (after vacuuming the interior again) and when dry they were filled and sanded where necessary, after which new frames were cut from styrene and glued into place. The windows were masked off and after attending to some other gaps on the model it was again sprayed with primer, a couple of gaps around the windows were filled and sanded, re-sprayed and finally I was happy with the appearance.

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47&48. The wheel centres were masked then sprayed with Tamiya Rubber Black. 49. Basecoated. 50. The start of the weathering. 51. The side windows after the reaction with the masking fluid and impossible to save. 52. Once again it’s out with the clear styrene and making new windows.

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PAINTING The model was once again primed after the gaps and windows were sorted then Tamiya XF-1 Black was sprayed underneath and the lower hull sides as a pre-shade. For the base coat I chose to use Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green, which was somewhat ironic considering the subject matter. Although it was maybe too light, it would darken with the weathering process. Tamiya XF-3 Yellow was thrown in to lighten the base colour even more, and this was sprayed in between various panels. Masks for the wheel hubs were cut using a compass cutter and the tyres were sprayed with Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black. For some contrast the missile was painted in Tamiya XF-58 Olive Green and when dry the missile body was masked off and the warhead painted in a darker shade after which it was given a coat of gloss varnish (Tamiya X-22) for the few decals I wanted to add, details were then painted such as the tow cable and window seals. Unfortunately when trying to remove the masking fluid from the windows there must have been a reaction with the primer and it was impossible to remove from the side windows without destroying them. Luckily the front windows fared better presumably because the masking fluid was added later however I had to resort to making new side windows. I’ve been using masking fluid for years and never had a problem like that but I guess there is a first time for everything. The four lights for the front of the vehicle supplied in the kit were cast in clear resin so I sprayed these with Tamiya X-26 Clear Orange, the leftover paint was added to Tamiya XF-7 Red for the fire extinguishers to give them a more shiny appearance.

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51.

52.

WEATHERING Before applying a wash I usually gloss varnish a model to avoid ‘tide-marks’ but as the model was so big and after seeing that other modellers didn’t do this I thought I would try the same, unfortunately it didn’t work out so I ended up re-spraying the model in places…oh well live and learn! The windscreens were masked off with arc-shaped pieces of tape and then a thin coat of Tamiya XF-57 Buff was sprayed onto them, the wheels

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Miniman Factory 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’ Resin Model • Kit No. MMF 35014

53. Streaks of dirt using old school pastel chalks. 54. The windows were masked but this time using the safer method of tape. 55. Thinned Tamiya XF-57 was sprayed around the lower hull for a dusty effect. 56. Tamiya Clear Orange was used for the orange lights at the front of the cab and what was left thrown into some red for the fire extinguishers. 57-60. The finished model. 61. These are the only weathering products used on the model apart from a graphite pencil and black pastel chalk. 54.

53.

56.

B and the lower hull for a dusty look.

Various Mig powders were liberally applied to the lower surfaces and fixed into place with enamel thinners with more added to the hull sides, tide marks from this were just covered over with pigment powders. As the enamel washes were not working for me I went ‘old school’ by using black pastel chalk for some rain streaking on the hull sides. Using various muddy AK Interactive colours I loaded an old flat paintbrush and flicked the model with each of the colours to obtain a build up of filth, the front windscreens also received a little too, ground graphite powder was rubbed over areas that would have received some wear and tear. The missile was kept clean as this would have been enclosed in the missile bay so I just gave it a coat of semi-gloss varnish. Other details such as the windscreen wipers, wing mirrors, fire extinguishers and an antenna were made from an old guitar string were glued into place and that was that, the end of a mammoth build.

58.

57.

59.

55.

60.

Conclusion Talk about pushing you to the end of your tether! That was a very involved build and quite a few times I just felt like putting it all back in the box and quietly forgetting about it as it just seemed to be one setback after another. To make matters worse Hobbyboss released their 1:35 SS-23 in styrene in 2014, which would have saved a lot of heartache however I’ve done it and quite pleased that I carried on as it required some modelling skills that were mostly forgotten about in this age of the ‘all-singing and all-dancing’ uber kit. Resin kits by their very nature can be challenging and this kit is not for the faint-hearted. Quite possibly with the HobbyBoss release it won’t be around for much longer either (although you would have to ask Miniman Factory about that) but if you have one in the stash and want something to test your modelling skills then this is for you. The thing that bugged me the most was the omission of

61.

some rather obvious details however even if you bought the Hobbyboss kit you would probably face some of the same things I mentioned in the text, also on a kit of this complexity and size the instructions are pretty dismal and without the reference pictures that I scoured the internet for I would have been well and truly scuppered. Considering the size and nature of the kit there was very little warpage of the bigger parts which is commendable and to be fair to Miniman they did replace the missile bay interior which would have been a real problem to rectify otherwise. Fun in places in a perverse sort of way even though it fought me at nearly every step, even down to the painting and weathering and there were many moments where it came close to being trashed. After this one I’m off to build something out of plastic next and hopefully it won’t take me over 12 months to do it. n

Modelspec Miniman Factory 1:35 SS-23 ‘Spider’ Resin Model Kit No. MMF 35014 Paints & Finishing Materials: Automotive car primer, Tamiya paints, Mig and AK Interactive weathering products. Accessories Used: None References: http://photo.qip.ru/users/tosik83/115920929//?page=1 Wikipedia http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12619 www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-23.htm http://military.tomsk.ru/blog/topic-183.html http://www.nva-forum.de/nva-board/index. php?showtopic=1892&st=0 3 The only kit of this vehicle in 1:35 (at time of writing). 7 Some simplification of parts, vague instructions, poor fit of parts in areas, some details incorrect, missing completely or actually included but not shown on the instructions, part numbers for the etch mixed up. Available from Miniman Factory kits are available online from their website www.minimanfactory.com

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German King Tiger ‘Production Turret’ • Kit No. 32536

THE TIGER AND THE PUSSYCATS

Tamiya’s 1:48 King Tiger in a post-war scene by Kamil Feliks Sztarbala.

PART ONE – BUILDING, PAINTING AND WEATHERING THE MODEL

O

n August 28th, 1944, elements of 1./s.SS-Pz. Abt.101 counterattacked towards Montgison. In the open fields near Sailly, Tiger No. 123, commanded by SS-Unterscharführer Werner Wendt, was hit by anti-tank fire. Due to resultant engine problems, the vehicle had to be abandoned. Before it was salvaged by the French troops, it was captured in a number of photos featuring some local women. One of these pictures inspired me to build a vignette in my favourite 1:48 scale.

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CONSTRUCTION My kit choice was rather obvious. I soon collected the Tamiya kit, as well as Voyager’s photo-etched set, RB Model turned metal barrel and Eureka XXL tow cables. Although the latter were actually developed for the Tiger I, they also fit the King Tiger. Since Tamiya’s kit lacks the zimmerit coating, I had to create it myself in order to depict Uscha. Wendt’s vehicle. Fortunately, that this particular tank is now on display in the Musée des Blindés at Saumur. Photos of the machine as reference made the process of accurate reproduction of the zimmerit pattern considerably easier, although I noticed that the coating had been patched up here and there by the museum staff. The tool holders also required some adjustment, because I wanted to depict the tank without any tools.

Next, I focused on the rear plate. Firstly, I filled all the mounting holes with lengths of flame-stretched kit sprue, which were sealed with cyano.

As the C.A. glue served well as a putty, I now only had to cut off the excess plastic and sand the surface with a file.

Afterwards, I drilled out the apertures for the shackle holders and added various holders and fasteners, which were made from pieces of styrene rod and spare photo-etched parts.

Construction started with the lower hull. I glued the plastic differential housing pieces to the metal-cast hull, and subsequently fixed the resulting gaps between the joints with C.A. adhesive.

This allowed me to glue the rear plate to the lower hull. At this stage, I also marked the shape of the exhaust covers with a sewing needle, which would prove helpful during the process of creating the zimmerit coating.

The latter was to be made from Green Stuff. I distributed a very thin layer of this epoxy putty over the surface…

…and promptly engraved the correct pattern, using a plastic DIY tool.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German King Tiger ‘Production Turret’ • Kit No. 32536

Next, I built up the tracks in such a way that they didn’t adhere to the wheels. For this purpose, I bonded the track links together using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, and quickly adjusted them to the wheels before the glue fully cured.

I then assembled and cleaned all of the wheels. These were temporarily attached to the lower hull, using masking fluid as the adhesive.

This way both the tracks and wheels could be painted separately, which would make things a lot easier, considering the design of the running gear of the King Tiger.

To deal with this issue, I temporarily joined two longitudinal pieces of 1mm styrene sheet with a few drops of cyano, and cut them to the proper size. Once I had separated them, I obtained two equally-sized panels.

Tamiya’s 1:48 armour kits are over-simplified in some areas. In this case, the designers ignored the sposon covers over the running gear. I had to scratchbuilt these from pieces of 1mm styrene sheet.

Afterwards, I could attach them to the upper hull.

The edges of both styrene panels had to be sanded in order to adjust them to the oblique walls of the upper hull.

The latter required trimming off the mudguards and tools…

The ele formin enable pieces

…and filling all the mounting holes. Using pieces of 0,25mm styrene sheet, I also added the basic mounts for various details that would protrude over the zimmerit coating.

Next, I put the hull halves together and smoothed all the joint areas.

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The fin and ins

Now I had to assemble the turret. I slightly modified the rear hatch, and scratch built the spare track hangers.

To improve paint adhesion, the surface of the barrel was abraded with fine sandpaper.

As the plastic barrel was rather simplified, I replaced it with a turned metal one, from RB Model.

The zimmerit coating of the upper hull was reproduced in a similar manner as with the rear plate. I applied a thin layer of Magic Sculp epoxy putty, and quickly impressed the zimmerit pattern with a DIY tool. During this process, I worked on small areas, a little at a time.

The wire was also used to replace the plastic handles of the hatches.

Next, I focused on the details. The wiring of the front light was made from 0,3mm tin wire.

The assembly of various tiny photo-etched parts was quite time-consuming. Most of them came from Voyager’s detail set, but I additionally had to use spare details from other products, including the fire extinguisher rack from Hauler’s set, and some styrene bits.

The elements of photo-etched mudguards were soldered together, forming two sub-assemblies, one for each side of the vehicle. To enable their trouble-free attachment to the hull, I added a few pieces of styrene sheet to the inner side of each section.

The final touch was to drill out the spare track link pin sockets and insert lengths of 0,4mm wire to the resulting apertures.

The tank was now ready to have some paint applied.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German King Tiger ‘Production Turret’ • Kit No. 32536

PAINTWORK

My first step was to temporarily fix the details and sub-assemblies to various holders, allowing for easier handling during the painting stage. For this purpose, I used some Tamiya clamps, matches and hypodermic needles.

The running gear parts were primed with Tamiya XF-1 ‘Flat Black’, whilst the remaining areas received a priming coat of XF-10 ‘Flat Brown’.

The highlights were added with strongly diluted Tamiya XF-57 ‘Buff’. I airbrushed some fine vertical streaks over the sides of the turret, hull and mudguards…

…and sprayed some irregular lines and patches over the flat horizontal surfaces, which would add variety and richness to the base colour.

A base coat of Tamiya XF-60 ‘Dark Yellow’ was applied in such way that the dark primer still showed through it in various corners. Next, I sprayed a few thin layers of AK-Interactive AK088 ‘Worn Effects Fluid’ over the whole kit.

The effect was enhanced with even more diluted Tamiya XF-55 ‘Deck Tan’, applied in the same manner.

The camouflage stripes were airbrushed free-hand, using Mr.Hobby’s H405 ‘Olive Green’ and H406 ‘Chocolate Brown’.

I then promptly dampened the surface with water, and damaged the camouflage paint layers with an old brush, taking advantage of the features of the ‘Worn Effects Fluid’.

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As my spare decal stash didn’t include any suitable markings, I had to prepare a template for the tactical numbers. Firstly, I printed them onto a Tamiya masking sticker sheet.

Next, I brush painted the surfaces under the damaged zimmerit, using Vallejo 70992 ‘Neutral Grey’

Afterwards, I cut out the numbers with a sharp scalpel blade, and stuck the template onto the turret. To prevent overspray, I additionally masked off the turret sides with pieces of Tamiya tape.

To bring out the details, I used MIG Productions P220 ‘Dark Wash’.

The first colour to apply was white (Tamiya XF-2). I set the micro air control (MAC) valve on my airbrush to a minimal air pressure and kept it quite far from the kit surface. Otherwise, the paint might flow into the recesses of the zimmerit layer, under the masking tape. I applied small amounts of this enamel over large flat areas, …whilst a small brush, dampened with white spirit, was used using a wide-bristled, flat brush… to properly distribute the wash around the details. Tamiya XF-3 ‘Flat Yellow’ was sprayed in the same way. Once the paint had fully dried, I masked the inner parts of the numbers with the previously cut out pieces of masking sheet…

I then sealed the paintwork with a layer of clear satin varnish. …and airbrushed another layer of white in order to create the outlines.

The resulting numbers looked a bit crude, but their appearance was actually similar to the original ones.

The tracks were primed with Tamiya XF-1 ‘Flat Black’, and subsequently painted with A.MIG-043 ‘Shadow Rust’.

Later, I sprayed their edges with a slightly lighter colour, namely A.MIG-034 ‘Rust Tracks’.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German King Tiger ‘Production Turret’ • Kit No. 32536

WEATHERING

At the very beginning of this stage, I focused on the running gear. The tracks were dampened with water and speckled with various rusty tones from Lifecolor CS10 ‘Dust & Rust’ set.

Next, I distributed the paint drops over the surface, using an old, small brush.

With a piece of sponge, I added a lighter rusty colour to the edges of the tracks.

Using the dry brush technique, I applied the same colour to the inner surfaces of the tracks, which would be worn away whilst the tank was in motion.

The details were very slightly emphasized with AK-Interactive AK083 ‘Track Wash’.

Aftewards, I applied different amounts of two pigments: AK-Interactive AK042 ‘European Earth’ and MIG Productions P034 ‘Russian Earth’.

These were fixed by speckling the surface with a little AK-Interactive AK048 ‘Pigment Fixer’.

Additional dirt was created with AK-Interactive AK4062 ‘Light Dust Deposit’. I brushed some small, specific areas with tiny amounts of this mixture.

AK-Interactive AK4112 ‘Medium Rust Deposit’ was used to accentuate the rusty surfaces of the inner sides of the tracks.

I also applied a little AK-Interactive AK4111 ‘Light Rust Deposit’ into various nooks and crannies.

When using the products from AK-Interactive’s ‘Deposits’ series, you need to take into consideration that the effect becomes more intensive as the product dries.

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Using an old toothbrush, I splashed the wheels with AK-Interactive’s AK4062 ‘Light Dust Deposit’ and AK4063 ‘Brown Earth Deposit’

To reproduce the dirt and dust on the sides of the lower hull, I covered them with various pigments and fixed this by speckling these areas with AK-Interactive AK4062 ‘Light Dust Deposit’.

The edges and running surfaces of the wheels were initially rubbed with an 8B pencil in order to add some metal sheen. Instead of a pencil, you may also use a Gunmetal pigment.

The effect of corrosion on the “bare metal” surfaces was recreated by rolling a cotton bud, dampened with AK-Interactive AK4111 ‘Light Rust Deposit’, over them.

The wheels and tracks were then mounted to the hull. I sealed their joint areas with tiny amounts of cyano.

Now I could attach the mudguards.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German King Tiger ‘Production Turret’ • Kit No. 32536

This enabled me to begin the process of weathering and aging the hull and turret. Firstly, I added some damage to the paint layer near the hatches and various edges. The lightest scratches were brush painted with Vallejo 70917 ‘Beige’. Some deeper paint chips were painted with Vallejo 70861 ‘Glossy Black’. Finally, I emphasized chosen edges with an 8B pencil.

To replicate the considerable amount of dust seen on the archive photos of the vehicle, I airbrushed a mist of AK-Interactive AK4063 ‘Brown Earth Deposit’ over the sides, and subsequently speckled them with AK4062 ‘Light Dust Deposit’, using a specially modified toothbrush. With an old brush, dampened with white spirit, I distributed the previously applied products, forming some vertical streaks.

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Modelspec Tamiya 1:48 scale German King Tiger ‘Production Turret’ Kit #32536 Accessories Used: Voyager Detail Set for 1:48 King Tiger Henschel – Set No. VPE48024 RB Model 88mm KwK 43/3 L/71 Late Turned Metal Barrel – Set No. 48B14 Eureka XXL Tow Cable for Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger Ausf.E – Set No. ER-4802 Tools and Modelling Products:

The dirt on the horizontal surfaces was reproduced with AK-Interactive’s AK017 ‘Earth Effects’ and AK012 ‘Streaking Grime’. I diluted the enamels with white spirit and randomly applied them in various areas.

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, C.A. Glue, Styrene Sheet, Strip and Rod, Tin & Copper Wire, Sewing Needle, Tamiya Masking Sheet & Tape, Duro (Green Stuff) Epoxy Putty, Magic Sculpt Epoxy Putty, Balsa Wood, Styrodur Foam, Vallejo Acrylic Paste, Potting Soil, Acrylic Resin , Uni-Grunt Priming Emulsion, Poxipol Two-Part Epoxy Adhesive Paints and Finishing Products: Paints: AK-Interactive, Ammo of Mig Jimenez, Lifecolor, Hobby Color series from Mr.Hobby, Tamiya (acrylic), Vallejo, Mr.Hobby Clear Varnishes, 8B Pencil, Talens White Spirit AK-Interactive weathering products: AK012 Streaking Grime, AK017 Earth Effects, AK023 Dark Mud, AK042 European Earth, AK048 Pigment Fixer, AK083 Track Wash, AK088 Worn Effect Fluid, AK4062 Light Dust Deposit, AK4063 Brown Earth Deposit, AK4111 Light Rust Deposit, AK4112 Medium Rust Deposit MIG Productions weathering products: P034 Russian Earth, P220 Dark Wash Available from Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited (www.hobbyco.net) and available from all good model shops Worldwide.

AK-Interactive AK4112 ‘Medium Rust Deposit’ and AK083 ‘Track Wash’ were used to give the final appearance to the spare track links, attached to the turret.

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GALLERY Dragon 1:35 T-34/76 Model 1941 • Kit No. 6205

BARBAROSSA DEFENDER Chris Wauchop presents his Dragon 1:35 scale T-34 Model 1941.

H

ere is Chris Wauchop’s 1:35 scale Dragon T-34/76 Model 1941, kit number 6205, built back in 2007. This was a commission build and the client wanted the model to look like Marcus Nicholls' striking T-34 that appeared in Tamiya Model Magazine Issue #106.

CONSTRUCTION Construction was quite straightforward, although the photographic instructions are a little challenging in places. Extras included: • Aber photo-etched set number 35 045, T-34/85 (only apprpriate parts used)

• Aber photo-etched set G07, T-34 Grill Cover • Aber turned aluminium F-34 barrel, part number 35L-34 • Gum Ka Photo-etched set T-10 for Dragon T-34 Model 1940/41 (very good!) • Karaya copper wire tow cable, part number TC 003

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• Unique Technology hollow metal (extremely thin) exhaust pipes, part number 35-06 for T-34 • WWII Productions resin tracks for T-34, part number 35016. The kit tow cable hawsers were modified by removing the moulded cable detail from the end loops. A groove was carefully ground into the loop and the Karaya copper cable was wrapped around it. Fine solder was wrapped around these to provide a binding, holding the wire in place. The edges of the kit's mudguards were thinned with a motor tool. All tie-down hooks were replaced with copper wire.

PAINTING, MARKINGS AND WEATHERING All camouflage colours are Tamiya and GunzeSangyo acrylics thinned with isopropyl alcohol and applied with the Testor Aztek A470

airbrush fitted with the fine tan tip. Chris’s technique for producing a MarcusNicholls-like finish was as follows: First, a coat of overall green was applied. This was a 50/50 mix of Gunze H303 Green and Tamiya XF-2 Flat White. Next, paint "scratches" were applied using a 50/50 mix of Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown and XF-24 Dark Grey, plus a dash of XF-1 Flat Black. Now the model was given a thin coat of Future (Johnsons' Kleer). When this was dry, the model received a selective application "mud" made from various colours of pastel chalk mixed with Mineral Turpentine. When this was dry, a fair bit of careful removal and application took place until Chris was happy with the result. After a lot of fiddling around, adding extra much, scratches and stains, a very satisfactory result was achieved. ■

A. All camouflage colours are Tamiya and Gunze-Sangyo acrylics. B. The weathering really makes this finish. C. The mud on the tracks is a mix of pastel chalk and Mineral Turpentine. D. Dragon supplies plastic individual link tracks with this kit. E. The exhaust stains were sprayed with a mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown. F. This is Aber’s photo-etched T-34 Grill Cover.

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SHOW REPORT

AMPS 2015

AMPS 2015 Scott Taylor takes us inside the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society’s 21st International Convention.

T

he Armor Modeling and Preservation Society returned to the National Military History Center in Auburn, Indiana for its 21st International Convention, which ran from April 30 to May 2, 2015. This was the fourth time since 2008 that the convention has been in the museum in Auburn, an excellent facility for a model show. This year’s theme, “First in the Line,” focused on initial variants of military vehicles. This year’s show was organized somewhat differently from the other times that the convention has been held in Auburn. At previous shows, both the vending and the model display tables were in the main atrium of the museum (a large, well-lit area with lots of natural lighting). Due to an auction that was held at the museum in December 2012, approximately 2/3 of the vehicles and artillery in

the museum’s collection were sold off to help pay debts. As a result, there was a lot of open space in the museum’s galleries, which allowed the show organizers to use the entire atrium for vending and locate the models in with exhibit galleries. While this allowed for a truly amazing spread of vendors and provided for an interesting environment to view the models in amongst full-scale military vehicles and artillery, the lighting was, frankly, pretty poor, which made viewing the models pretty challenging. Aside from the models, vendors, and museum displays, there was plenty for attendees to do at the convention. A full slate of seminars was offered, covering everything from an update on the status of the National Armor and Cavalry Museum in Fort Benning, Georgia to figure painting, dioramas and various weathering techniques;

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Cord L-29: Auburn is a world-class destination for vintage automobile enthusiasts, and if you’re in the area it’s worth checking out some of the museums in the area. The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum, located in the old Auburn factory showroom, houses many spectacular examples of Art Deco automobiles, such as this Cord L-29.

FMTV: The Indiana National Guard’s 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team brought a few vehicles, including an M1083 FMTV with an armoured cab, out for modellers to inspect.

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Far Left: Roger Saunders: Among the sizeable British contingent at this year’s show was legendary figure sculptor Roger Saunders, who brought along the full line of Hornet heads. Middle: Shep Paine: Shep Paine, one of the real founders of our hobby, made an appearance at this year’s show. Dave Browne (left) and Shep take some time to look at the modern armour on the tables. Left: New AMPS Master: This year’s AMPS Master, David Vickers, with his haul of awards for “Victory and Contempt.”

presenters included Rob Ervin, Jim Mesko, and Adam Wilder. The Indiana Army National Guard brought a couple of vehicles (an M1078 FMTV and an HMMWV) to the show on Saturday morning and gave modellers full access, inside and out, to them. One thing that sets AMPS shows apart from many others is how much support is needed with the judging of models throughout the show. The AMPS judging system requires that each model entered in competition gets individual time in front of a team of four judges – usually about five minutes is devoted to the judging of each model, plus the logistics of taking in the models, compiling scores, and getting the models out onto the display tables. Multiplied by 500+ models, this translated into hundreds of hours of volunteer time to make the show work, so active support by everybody at the show is essential. On the other hand, volunteering provides a great opportunity to talk to other A

Victory and Contempt: David Vickers’ diorama “Victory and Contempt,” depicting captured Germans marching past Soviet soldiers in 1945 Germany, won Best Diorama, Best Soviet/ Russian Subject, and the Dave Lockhart Memorial Best of Show award..

Far Left: Amtrac: Tony Zadro’s 1/35 LVT(A)-4 won the David Harper Award for the best US Marine armoured vehicle model. Left: BARV: John Kirkpatrick’s 1/35 Sherman BARV conversion looked right at home on a wet beach.

Braille Dragon Wagon: This impressive Academy 1/72 M26 Dragon Wagon, hauling an M40 self-propelled gun, won the Braille Scale award for Victor Hernandez.

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SHOW REPORT

AMPS 2015

B modellers about models, and it does

make the time go quickly! Finally, a big part of any AMPS convention is simply giving modellers the opportunity to chat with each other, comparing notes on models and techniques, sharing tips, and just generally “chewing that fat” on things modelling and non-modelling related. This year’s show, once again, drew attendees from all over North America as well as overseas. In addition to a strong British contingent, a group of modellers from Germany made the trek to Auburn. Despite a few minor issues, by any measure this year’s show was a great success. A total of 576 models were entered in competition by 170 entrants, while some 463 people attended the show. It was particularly nice to see some of the “old guard” of the armour modelling world at the show, including Shep Paine, Cookie Sewell, and Jim Mesko. Unfortunately, although the National Military History Center has been a great venue for the AMPS convention, it’s unclear whether the show will return to Auburn in the future. The museum has been in financial difficulties for some time, and sharpeyed attendees at this year’s show would have noticed the “for sale” signs on the museum grounds. While I hope that the museum is able to get back on its financial feet and stay open, I’m not too hopeful. The 2016 AMPS International Convention will be returning to the American South (the 2013 show was held in Atlanta, Georgia), happening from April 7-9 at the Sumter County Civic Center in Sumter, South Carolina. The theme for the 2016 show is the First World War; any subjects from that conflict will be eligible. In 2017, the convention will be heading to another new location, Danbury Connecticut. For more information on AMPS and upcoming shows, visit www.amps-armor.org. ■

Jim Mesko: Well-known Squadron author and modeller Jim Mesko gave a seminar on armour in Vietnam at the show.

Char 2C: Hugh Dyarman left off the bottom skirts and scratchbuilt the suspension on his Meng 1/35 Char 2C.

Dorchester: AFV Club’s big Dorchester kit comes with a complete interior. Joe Koenig added more detail to his model, then flipped its lid to show off that interior.

IS-4: This example of Trumpeter’s new 1/35 IS-4 kit was dynamically posed on a very convincing snow base.

Kharkov: Andy Gulden’s diorama “Desperate Straits – Russia January 1943,” features Germans soldiers abandoning a Trumpeter 1/16 T-34. This piece won the Best Vignette award.

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M53 59: Trevor Bennett’s scratchbuilt Praga M53/59 antiaircraft vehicle makes for an impressive and exotic model.

Israeli Whiffer: Paul Roberts’ “Sherman D-10” is an imaginative hypothetical Israeli conversion combining a 1/35 DML M4A2 Sherman and an SU-100.

Pershing Down: “Pershing Down” by Richard Gutig is an elaborate 1/35 “wedgie” diorama depicting a crew abandoning a disabled M26 Pershing under fire.

Kilshon: Israel’s Kilshon Sherman-based antiradiation missile launcher is an exotic subject and, in 1/35 scale, a fairly large one. Tony Zadro’s 1/35 rendition is accented by a nicely executed base.

Raffle: The AMPS International Convention usually has a well-stocked raffle table, and this year’s was no exception.

Type 90: Ken Guntin did a very nice rendition of the distinctive “polka-dot” winter camouflage on Tamiya’s 1/35 Type 90 MBT.

T25E1: This scratchbuilt 1/35 T25E1 medium tank from Mark Hazzard came all the way from England (apparently in one piece!) to compete in Category XIV, Master class.. October 2015 - Model Military International 53

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KIT PREVIEW

Italeri 1:35 Vosper MTB 74 St. Nazaire Raid • Kit No. 5619

The recess for the wheel house interior.

Rear deck.

ST. NAZAIRE RAIDER Andy King dips his toe in the water of Italeri’s latest torpedo boat, the British Vosper MTB 74.

Some imperfections will need attention.

B

uilt by the British firm Vosper, MTB 74 was converted from an existing design specifically for the raid on the docks at St. Nazaire. The two torpedo tubes were moved forward onto the raised forecastle so that 18 inch torpedoes with delayed-action fuses and packed with 400kg of explosive could be That’s one big hull! launched from a greater height over the anti-torpedo nets that MTB 74 was adapted from a peel off film as clear styrene can protected the port. 72ft hull and should measure scratch VERY easily. The decal During the raid on the night out to 627.01mm in 1:35. The kit sheet is pretty much limited to of 27/28 March 1942 (Operation actually measures 620mm from hull numbers, waterline markings, Chariot), the torpedoes were stem to stern but with the addition a few instrument faces, a Royal launched where they then sat of the semi circular plates that Navy ensign flag and titles for the at the bottom of the port near cover the rudders these increase display stand. the lock gates, detonating later the length by 12mm so it’s either Overall, the kit looks to be causing considerable damage. 7mm too short or 5mm too long pretty decent but as stated above After this MTB 74, commanded depending on your point of view. the model is specific to the St. by Sub-Lieutenant Wynn tried to Moulding quality is okay with Nazaire raid so appeal may be rescue crew members from HMS some flash present and pin marks limited unless of course you have a Cambelltown which had rammed are generally confined to interior particular interest in that operation the dock gates earlier but after components, however there are a and MTB 74. Due to the size of the taking fire from German shore couple on the four engine exhaust model it is feasible that motors batteries she sank soon after and tubes that run along the rear and radio control equipment only two of the crew survived and deck. The canvas covers for the could be fitted so that you could were subsequently taken prisoner. wheelhouse and structure on the go churning up the local model The model itself arrived in a rear deck are quite nicely rendered boating lake just for laughs. ■ huge box which had taken a bit and detail in general is well done. A nicely cast bonus resin Many thanks to The Hobby of a kicking during some point in The clear parts come as pre-cut figure is also included. Company Limited for the review the delivery, fortunately the etch items and it’s nice to see they sample www.hobbyco.net sheet had been packed under are protected by a removable the lid on the other side so that escaped any damage but Italeri The kit includes a should reconsider where they photo-etched fret. package it in future. Although it’s a BIG model, surprisingly the parts count is quite low as there are only five sprues in the box, the aforementioned etch sheet, lengths of thread in two different diameters, some metal screws, a clear sheet of acetate for the cabin glazing and various portholes and The die-cut a decal sheet printed by Zanchetti windows. Buccinasco which looks okay.

The two halves of one torpedo.

Detail parts are nicely moulded.

Nice canvas texture.

The top of the wheelhouse.

Liferaft.

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History via ‘E-Boats Vs MTB: The English Channel 1941-45 by Gordon Williamson

14/08/2015 15:56

Figures

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

BRONCO

ITALERI

1:35 SCALE VOSPER MTB CREW • ITEM NO. 5616 New from Italeri is a crew set for their own 1:35 scale Vosper MTB In the box is a single sprue that contains seven figures. Moulded in grey styrene, the quality is okay but there is some flash and mould seams present and detail is soft in places and clunky in others such as the ribbed pattern on the cuffs and collars of the jumpers and the rank insignia on the arms of the officer. Facial features are a little odd on a couple of the figures and the hands are devoid of detail. They look as though they are swollen so these would be better replaced with items from Hornet for example. Obviously there is not much supplied in the way of personal equipment apart from an Aldis signalling lamp and a pair of binoculars but there is a selection of headwear such as steel helmets, ‘pork pie’ hats, knitted woollen hats and two types of officers peaked cap. Uniform detailing as stated above is clunky especially the undercuts on collars and web belts but with some re-scribing these could all be made to look better. Assembly instructions are printed in black and white on a small sheet of paper and for a painting guide Italeri refer you to the art-work on the box so don’t be in a hurry to throw it away although a much better reference can be found in Martin J. Brayley’s book Royal Naval Uniforms 1930-1945 (ISBN10 1847978444 or ISBN-13 9781847978448). Colours quoted are taken from Italeri’s own range of acrylic paints. On the whole, this is a useful set as there are no other injection moulded 1:35 scale Royal Naval figures on the market to my knowledge and with some aftermarket heads, hands and extra detailing they will make a good starting point. Recommended. Thank to The Hobby Company for the review sample www.hobbyco.net Andy King

1:35 SCALE “GOD’S BLESSING” ITEM NO. CB35206 In the United States Army, military chaplains have a military officer’s rank based on their years of service and promotion selection from amongst their peers. Chaplains serving in the US Armed Forces wear the uniform of their respective branch of service, and normally only wear clerical attire during the performance of a religious service. The position of rank and chaplain faith group insignia varies in each military department and may vary significantly from one type of uniform to the another within a military department. As of 1 May, 1945, Chaplains were to number 2,796 in the European Theater of Operations (total for the US Army in WW2 was 8,896).* Bronco has released a very unusual figure set depicting a US Army Chaplain conducting a service in the field, with five US Infantrymen. One of these appears to be wearing the green denim trousers and a Red Cross armband. The five churchgoers are all kneeling. These figures would be appropriate for North West Europe or the Italian Front during WWII. The Chaplain is wearing a pale-coloured Cassock and a smock over the top, with a scarf over one arm, a bible in hand and glimpses of the uniform trousers and boots. Both the Cassock and the smock feature involved patterns. The smock pattern is supplied on the decal sheet included in the box. Rank insignia and a Red Cross are also offered on the decal sheet. Additional religious equipment includes two candles, a cross, a chalice, a cup and a briefcase. Painting instructions and part numbers are called out on the coloured rear of the box, while the attractive cover art will also provide artistic inspiration. This is an interesting set that could be used in a variety of circumstances, either as a vignette on their own or as part of a bigger story with vehicles and buildings. Recommended. Thanks to Bronco for the sample www.cn-bronco.com Brett Green * Historical summary adapted from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_chaplain

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Book Reviews SHERMAN IN THE PACIFIC WAR 1943-45 HISTOIRE & COLLECTIONS ISBN: 978-2-35250-283-8

I am a Sherman enthusiast and when I received word of this title, I immediately pre ordered a copy on the strength of their previous releases such as British Tanks in Normandy. A year later I have the book and you may well ask was it worth the wait? The answer is an unequivocal yes. A few titles of a pictorial nature on this subject have been released in the past aimed at modellers and armour enthusiasts but these tended to be smaller in size and scope covering the AFV’s used in the Pacific War and not devoted to the western allies most numerous tank the Sherman. This title, I am pleased to say is devoted to just the US Sherman as it served in both Army and Marine formations throughout the Pacific and the Philippines campaigns of WWII. So, what makes this special? This book is mainly pictorial in nature with hundreds of high quality images and colour plates. It does give a brief background to the various campaigns and the employment of the Shermans by campaign as well as a small introduction discussing the Sherman and the variants as well as the various users and the organisation of Armoured BN’s of both the Army and Marines. It gives a timeline of Sherman ops in the Pacific and backs this up with well captioned, hi res photos and that to the shermaholic makes it special. The contents are mainly campaigns listed chronologically in in approx. 24 Chapters: • Introduction • TAUPOTA – NEW GUINEA Oct 1943 • BETIO – Atoll of TARAWA Nov 20 – Nov 23 1943 • BOUGAINVILLE – NEW GUINEA Nov 1943 – Nov 1944 • CAPE GLOUCESTER – NEW BRITAIN Dec 1943- April 1944 • ROI – NAMUR – MARSHAL Islands Jan 31- Feb 2 1944 • KWAJALEIN & EBEYE MARSHALL Islands Jan 31 – Feb 4 1944 • ENIWETOK – MARSHALL Islands Feb 17 -23 1944 • BIAK – NEW GUINEA May 27 – Aug 17 1944Uniforms • SAIPAN – MARIANA Islands Jun 15 – Jul 9 1944 • TINIAN - MARIANA Islands Jun 15 – Jul 9 1944 • GUAM - MARIANA Islands Jun 21 – Aug 10 1944 • PAVUVU – RUSSELL Islands May – SEP 1944 • ANGAUR – PALAU Islands Sep 17 – Oct 21 1944 • PELELIU - PALAU Islands Sep 15 – Nov 27 1944 • GUADACANAL – SOLOMAN Islands – May 1944 (Calliope trials) • LEYTE – PHILIPPINE Islands Oct 20 – Dec 31 1944 • LUZON – PHILIPPINE Islands Jan 9 – Aug 15 1945 • PROTECTION AGAINST GAS ATTACK AND ANTIMAGNETIC PASTE (Abandoned Projects) • PANAY & NEGROS – PHILIPPINE Islands Mar 1945 • MINDANAO – PHILIPPINE Islands Mar 11 – Aug 15 1945 • CEBU– PHILIPPINE Islands Feb 19 – Mar 26 1945 • IWO JIMA – VOLCANO Islands Feb 19 – Mar 26 1945 • SHERMAN FLAMETHROWER – A Dragon against the Rising Sun • OKINAWA - RYUKU Islands Apr 1 – Jun 21 1945 Some Chapters are larger than others, which is understandable given the number of available photographs and the length of some campaigns. The author has really gone to lengths to find photos covering all the Sherman variants that served in the Pacific – M4 (Welded and Composite), M4A1, M4A2 (Welded Hood, Cast Hood, Direct Vision, 47 Deg Late), M4A3 (56 Deg & 47 Deg (W) Late) plus the M32 (M32, B2 and B3). The photos are an excellent reproduction in good sizes backed by a colour plate or plates for most of the campaigns covering both the Army and Marine tanks. I found a few little errors in captioning but these are few and far between with generally excellent captioning. There are many new photos as well as those previously seen in older publications but these are the best reproductions I have seen and a lot of previously unseen details can be unearthed. Small campaign maps and a brief description back up the photos and sections covering various experiments such a s US z_immerit, gas masks and anti-personnel defences are covered as well as the variety of flamethrowers employed in the later campaigns. The text is readable and flows well which is the norm with H&C titles in this range despite the French origins. I absolutely recommend this title to modellers, re-enactors, historians and anyone with an interest in WWII or Sherman Tanks. It is well researched and photos will be a great aid to the modeller with image clarity showing many previously unidentifiable markings and details. Highly Recommended. Purchased by reviewer. Al Bowie

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TANKS OF WORLD WAR II BY MARTIN J DOUGHERTY

SPOTLIGHT ON PANZER COLOURS OF THE III REICH BY TEIERRY VALLET MUSHROOM MODEL PUBLICATIONS ISBN: 9788363678739

One of the great appeals of World War II German armour is the great variety of camouflage schemes applied. This new book from Mushroom Model Productions covers 43 pages and contains 41 colour profiles ranging from the pre war period right up until the end of the Second World War. The book begins with a brief history of German camouflage of the period and then follows on with examples of some of the variations used noting the “Ral” paint codes. The book then presents a series of colour profiles with captions on where the vehicle depicted operated. The clarity of the profiles is first rate and they are of a high standard with good colour density. This book is loaded profiles and contains some very inspiring and motivating colour schemes. Some of the profiles however are a little inconsistent in their presentation; take for example the drawing of a Panzer 4 on page 33.The profile depicts an ambush scheme and is very well rendered but the drawing of the tank itself has a few errors, the “toma” side screens for example have the wrong pitch and the muffler pipe is too thin. The market place for this sort of reference source is crowed, so: this sort of error doesn’t help, but never the less, I did enjoy looking at it. A book like this is meant to inspire and despite the minor errors it does so admirably. Recommended. Available online from Casemate UK www.casematepublishing.co.uk Luke Pitt

Since their introduction, during WWI, the design of tanks and Armoured Fighting Vehicles has changed in leaps and bounds from the slow moving rhomboid designs that were needed to break the deadlock of trench warfare on the Western Front to the weapons of breakthrough at the start of WWI. It was during WWI that tank design really began to move forward and is the subject of this book. Tanks of WWII examines the designs and specifications of the Tanks and other AFVs used during this time. From light tanks such as the Russian T-26 and US M3 Stuart through to the German Tiger 2 and Maus as well as Self Propelled Guns and Armoured Personnel Carriers, this book profiles 35 different vehicles that were used from 1939 through to 1945 with both original wartime photos and digital artwork. Each vehicle is described and shown in a seven view format with top, left and right side, front, rear and underneath views. Accurate colour schemes and markings are also shown making this an ideal addition to any modeller’s library. The book is in a hardcover, landscape format and consists of 224 pages. It covers the following vehicles:- Whippet, Ft17, T26, PzKpfw 1, PzKpfw 2, Type 97 Chi Ha, M3 Stuart, BT 5, T-28, Matilda, PzKpfw III, PzKpfw IV, T34/85, M4 Sherman, Panther, Cromwell, Comet, KV1, KV2, Tiger, KV-85, IS-2, Maus, Stug III, Marder III, Semovente 75/18, M7 Priest, Elefant, Jagdtiger, ISU 122, M3 Halftrack, LVT 1, SdKfz 250, Kettekraftrad and Schwimmwagen. Tanks of WWII is a great reference for both modellers and anyone interested in WWII Military Technology Recommended. Available online from MMP Books www.mmpbooks.com Stuart Ransley

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Incoming ARCHER FINE TRANSFERS

1/35 SCALE ITEM NO. AR35384 – DUTCH PROPAGANDA POSTERS ITEM NO. AR35385 – CANADIAN PROPAGANDA POSTERS ITEM NO. AR35387 – FRENCH WWII PROPAGANDA POSTERS ITEM NO. AR35388 – POLISH WWII PROPAGANDA POSTERS ITEM NO. AR35389 – RUSSIAN WWII PROPAGANDA POSTERS ITEM NO. AR35391 – SPANISH CIVIL WAR PROPAGANDA POSTERS

Archer Fine Transfers has an interesting batch of recent releases. These are all propaganda posters printed onto thin bright white paper. Printing quality is of high resolution and colour saturation is excellent. The inks are waterproof, so will not run if you get a bit overenthusiastic with your white glue. In all cases, the posters are intended to be cut out and glued to a surface, whether it be a diorama wall, a vehicle or otherwise. Plenty of potential for a creative mind here! Although these are all labeled as 1:35 scale, in reality posters would come in all sorts of sizes so they could equally be used for anything from 1:72 scale to 1:25. The Dutch and French sets include some pro-German propaganda, while the others cater to their particular domestic market (although I assume the Polish posters are mainly resistance messages). These are simple accessories that will lend some authentic vintage atmosphere to any Spanish Civil War or WWII vignette or diorama. All Recommended. Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for the samples www.archertransfers.com Archer Fine Transfers are also available online from Creative Models Australia www.creativemodels.com.au Brett Green

BRONCO

LED SEARCH LIGHT SET A, B, C AB3568, AB3569, AB3570

With all the new modern armour kits hitting the market nowadays, it is always great to see the accessories that come out with them. Here we have three great new sets from Bronco of three different types of LED search lights that one can mount on various armoured vehicles such as MRAPs, Humvees, tanks etc. Part A contains 30 rectangle lights with a total of 72 parts in a tan plastic and also clear for the lenses. Part B has 28 circular lights with a total of 82 parts in tan plastic, clear lenses and photo etch, and lastly part c with 24 circular lights, with a total of 96 parts in tan plastic, clear lenses and photo etch. All three sets are very well done and will add that extra touch to your project. Of note is the casting of the clear parts that give you the appearance of LEDs in set B, very clever. Recommended. Thanks to Bronco for the sample www.cn-bronco.com Andrew Judson

LM DECALS

1:35 SCALE M48, M48A3, M48A5 & M48A5 MOLF TANKS AND M88A1 ARV IN HELLENIC AND CYPRIOT SERVICE ITEM NO. LM35012

LM Decals has once again delivered an interesting subject used by the Hellenic Army. Provided on this sheet are 16 marking options for the M47, M48A3, M48A5 and M48A5 MOLF tanks. Markings are also supplied for the M88A1 armoured recovery vehicle. LM Decals are outstanding when it comes to providing photographc and written reference material for the subjects they are supplying. This sheet does not let up on that tradition. The instructions follow the use of the M48 since its first delivery in 1963 until the time period covered by the options which is 2012. Upgrades and development of the Patton are also provided with the MOLF (MOdular Laser Fire Control) being the latest iteration. Slingshot Models do a MOLF conversion set available from their website. Date ranges for changes to the various camo schemes that the tanks have worn are also provided. Many and black and white and colour photos are generously provided to aid with camouflage patterns as well as scrap diagrams to aid with decal placement and painting. Although specific colours aren’t provided, standard MERDC, NATO and Olive Drab colours are mentioned in the text. The builder will need to make their own decision when it comes to choosing the appropriate colours. The details for the time frames of particular schemes are also discussed in the instructions. The decals are printed perfectly by Fantasy Printshop though the supplementary insert sheet for the additional serial number and unit markings is printed on silk screen continuos decals film. LM have highlighted that care will be needed when handling these decals Overall, this is a very impressive sheet. Though the sheet is diminutive in size the number of options are plentiful for the builder. The excellent visual and written reference material provided across the instruction sheet will leave no doubt on the subject being built. Recommended. Thanks to LM Decals for the sample www.lmdecals.gr Michael Drover

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1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases THE LOST ART OF SCRATCH BUILDING F rom my experience, scratch building can be the most satisfying of all modeling pursuits. Sure, it takes a little longer and your first attempts will be not as you expected, but when you get it right there is no better feeling than looking at what you have created by your own hand. When I was younger, scratch building was looked upon as a sort of badge of honor by many. Going the extra mile was expected. We live in different world now and like many I am idea-rich but very much time-poor. Still, I often ponder when I buy conversions and the like and think, I could have done that a little better. But, by the same token, building a master for casting

purposes is a whole different ball game than building for yourself. When building for yourself you can fudge little details to make them fit when needed. The same rule does not apply to a master (used for casting). It has to fit, and fit well. It has become clear to me that amour building in 1:48 scale offers many of us a chance to do a little scratch building and in doing so, make our building experience that much more enjoyable. I must confess I’ve had a whole lot of trouble doing this column this month as my computer was laid waste by a computer virus, losing all my stored data, so forgive me if this column is a little shorter

STALINGRAD 1:48 RESIN FIGURES 1:48 SCALE ITEM NO. S-4801 - RUSSIAN TANKERS 1943-45 ITEM NO. S-4803 - RUSSIAN OFFICERS 1943-45

The small Russian figure manufacturer by the name of Stalingrad has, over a short space of time, cemented itself as a premium maker of quality 1:35 scale figures. It is pleasing then, that they have now ventured into 1:48 scale with a range of scaled down versions of some of their larger figures. The two sets sent for review are every bit as detailed as their 1:35 counterparts - in a word, superb. The first set of Russian tankers are cleanly cast and are almost a mini-vignette in themselves. The two figures are positioned on the barrel of a JS-2 and are toasting one another. The interaction between the two is both cleaver and very well done. The all-important facial details on both are handled to very high standard. The uniform details are again rendered very well with the subtle drape of cloth and fabric creases almost impossible to fault. The second set of Russian officers is equally as good and one could almost replace the binoculars with a camera on one of the figures to produce a lovely little diorama in combination with the first set. The pleasing thing about these figures is, they are all sized differently (like most of us) but all fall within a certain 1:48 scale size that looks just right to the eye. These are impressive figures and every bit as good, and in some cases better, than anything available in the scale. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Stalingrad for the review samples http://stalingrad.diorama.ru Luke Pitt

than normal. Rest assured, we will revert to our normal programming next month!

Until Next Time Luke Pitt

PLUS MODELS

1:48 SCALE “ACHTUNG MINEN” BOARDS ITEM NO. 4019

I have always liked the way Plus Models operate. They produce bespoke items that are not only useful but are very well done. This new set is no exception. Many of us when producing a diorama often render an area of dead space where nothing happens. A simple trick, is to add something a little different to fill the void. This little set therefore is a godsend. The boards themselves are produced in laser cut 10 thou wooden ply with the warning lettering slightly etched onto the wooden surface. The good thing about this approach is, that you can either darken the lettering or leave as is depending on the geographical location. 48 boards are included in two different styles so, if you buy this set, you will be pretty much be set up for most of your 1:48 scale modeling life. Recommended. Thanks to Plus Model for the sample www.plusmodel.cz Luke Pitt

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Luke Pitt explores the wonderful world of 1:48 scale models and after market.

GREAT HOBBY SHOP CAMPAIGN

L HAULER

1:48 SCALE ITEM NO. HLX48362 BEDFORD MWD LIGHT TRUCK (FOR THE AIRFIX KIT) ITEM NO. HLX48361 KFZ69 KRUPP WITH 3.7 PAK (FOR THE TAMIYA KIT)

Honestly, where would we 1:48 scale modellers be without Hauler? For years they have served us with sensible photo etch updates for almost all plastic 1:48 scale releases. The first review set is for recent Airfix release of the little British Bedford truck. I was deeply impressed with the Airfix kit but there were certain areas that I felt needed the attention of a more “scale like” medium. This new set addresses all these concerns with typical Hauler simplicity. Photo etch replacements include things like the instrument cluster, radiator mesh, side bonnet openings in both early and late designs, mounting brackets, wind screen surrounds, rear vision mirrors, mud flaps and a whole raft of other little bits and pieces. The Krupp set is pretty much the same and includes things like the gun shield that would be almost impossible to produce yourself as well in plastic card. Another thing I like about Hauler updates is that they are genuinely usable and I often I find myself using their updates in place of others as they are so easy to use. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Hauler for the samples www.hauler.cz Luke Pitt

ast month I encouraged all who read this column to write in and tell us of a great hobby shop that you may know of or have visited. I asked modellers to take a few photos of the shop and its contents - this is really easy these days as most mobile phones take acceptable photos – and to tell us why you like the shop so much. This is an important campaign in my view, as many of the smaller hobby shops have closed down. To kick this campaign off my good friend Stan Spooner has sent in his recommendation and observations on Brookhurst Hobbies in California USA. Stan picks up the story:

“Brookhurst Hobbies is in Garden Grove, California and is one of those shops that you go in and always feel welcome. Over the years, I have become good friends with the owner Henry Tremblay and staff, making a visit to Brookhurst Hobbies like visiting good friends. The shop is very large and has a comprehensive selection of kits, after market supplies, books, magazines and more. To make things even better, if they don't have what you're looking for, will do everything they can to track it down for you. They also have regularly scheduled model building nights on the first and third Tuesday of every month. This allows model builders that would otherwise not get together to spend time talking and sharing tips and techniques as well as building new friendships and let’s face it, that’s what this hobby is really all about (in my view). I believe in the “brick and mortar hobby industry”, and Brookhurst Hobbies is an amazing example of How to do a hobby shop right!” Thanks Stan! We’ll look forward to hearing about more shops around the world.

Until Next Time Luke Pitt

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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

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

■ Please mention ‘Model Military International’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks! 64 Model Military International - October 2015

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14/08/2015 16:00

Next Issue On sale 1st October, 2015

WINTER BEUTEPANZER Radek Pituch works over Dragon’s 1:35 scale T-34, adding a winter whitewash finish and a German crew.

ISSUE No.114 October 2015, Published September 3rd 2015 Editor;

Brett Green

Group Editor;

Marcus Nicholls

Publisher;

Alan Harman

Graphic Design;

Alex Hall

Advertising Manager;

Sean Leslie

Office Manager;

Paula Gray

Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie Administration Assistant; Julie Lane 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]

CARRYING THE WEHRMACHT The Editor builds Tamiya’s all-new 1:48 scale Opel Blitz, and Bruce Culver provides an informative Think Tank reference piece on this ubiquitous German truck.

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.

TANKFEST 2015

A report from Bovington by Andrew Willis

The Last Success - Operation Südwind Tamiya’s 1:35 FAMO and Dragon’s Jagdpanzer IV in a dramatic scene by Vladimir Adamec.

FOR YOUR SAFETY 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!

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.

...and much more! p 64-65 Contact NI 114B.indd 65

© ADH Publishing 2015

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

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]

October 2015 - Model Military International 65

14/08/2015 16:00

The Last Post... Impressed tread plate detail on the fender undersides.

The 5cm main armament sprue.

PROTOTYPE PANZER IV

T

o compliment Dragon’s growing range of Panzer IVs, the newest kit is an Ausf.D featuring a 5cm KwK39 L/60 main gun which was tested on a Panzer IV Ausf.D hull in 1941. After experience gained in France, the larger gun (from the Panzer III) was trialled as a potential solution to defeating the armour of the Matilda tanks. It never went into general use though which means that this kit is of a prototype that, as far as we know, never saw active service. This is Kit No. 6779 (the DAK Panzer IV D) re-boxed with new decals and a gun sprue from the Panzer III Ausf. H & M. Dragon has combined parts from their other kits so, apart from the instructions, box & decals nothing that we see here is new. That said, the quality of the base kit is superb and still remains one of Dragon’s best. We have approximately 1030 parts but just under 480 are unused. Sadly, the Magic Tracks are gone and instead replaced by DS versions. Those in my example were not deformed in any way by poor packaging & bad moulding and had less flash that I have seen on others. For the kit’s asking price though, I do still feel that Dragon should be giving us Magic Tracks as an option in the box. Inspection of the parts show the usual clean and crisp moulding we have come to expect from Dragon. There is no flash or moulding imperfections on my sample at all. The surface detail is very well done, including the many rivets, weld seams and countersunk screw heads. The hatches are separately moulded, which is useful for the turret as you get a full gun breech and turret basket to view.

CONSTRUCTION Having built one of the CyberHobby Panzer IV Ds (of which this shares most of the parts) there should be no fit issues. The main things to watch out for are all the tiny parts, especially the bolts and supports, around the final drive housing. With all the spare parts in the box there are some alternate options available, which are: 1) The parts are in the box to make the suspension fully moveable, all you need are the instructions from the earlier Panzer IV’s with workable

66 Model Military International - October 2015

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suspension. 2) For the main armament, the parts for the usual short barrelled 75mm gun are in the box so you can make this into a regular IVD from any theatre that you want. 3) You can also depict the drive sprocket rings removed, again with all the teeny tiny screws done as separate parts, if you so wish. The fenders are nicely detailed with tread pattern depicted on both top and underside surfaces but there are no locating holes for the tools. This is my main niggle with the kit as Dragon have you shave off all the locating pins from the underside of the tools but the tools themselves are the old style without clasps. As no clasps are provided in etch, it is surprising that Dragon has not provided the appropriate sprue that is in their inventory – you can find it in the last Wirbelwind kit. With the tools being such a prominent feature of any Panzer IV model this omission is puzzling. The instructions are easy to follow as this is just a one-version kit, with the markings being limited to two Balkenkreuz only. Just be mindful that there are two lots of Sprue A so be careful to use the correct part from the correct sprue.

CONCLUSION This is a unique version of the Panzer IV that Dragon has been able to create with little effort. Quality is superb throughout and this will build into a fine kit straight from the box. I do wish that Dragon would take more care in these types of kits because, if they can include a gun sprue from a Panzer III, why not the correct tools from another Panzer IV? And it would be great to see the Magic Tracks brought back as an option within the box. It gets a 7.5 from me and a recommended. ■

No expense spared on marking options!

The photo-etched fret.

DRAGON 1:35 PZ.KPFW.IV AUSF. D W/5CM KWK L/60 • KIT NO. 6736

Graham Tetley examines the latest in Dragon’s Panzer IV family, the experimental Ausf. D with the 5cm KwK L/60 gun.

The slide moulded gun barrel.

Multi-part cupola details.

Driver’s roof details.

The rear track tensioners.

38cm DS track.

The cupola is a kit in its own right.

14/08/2015 16:03

D6820 Find us on facebook search Plastic Kits UK

p 67 Dragon 114.indd 8

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

14/08/2015 12:54