Model Military International - Issue 130 (February 2017)

FREE GIFT FOR SUBSCRIBERS! DETAILS INSIDE DESERT Y LOorRMR odels’ Mirr 1:35 CMP C15A

Issue 130 February 2017 www.modelmilitary.com

OPERATION COBRA 1944 Tamiya’s 1:48 M10 PT. 2

HEAVY

HITTER

INSIDE: p 01 Cover MMI 130B.indd 1

Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale U.S. M40 Self Propelled Gun

Dragon 1:35 StuH 42 ■ Dragon 1:35 M60 ■ Rye Field Models M1A1 Abrams ■ Yorkshire War Weekend 2016 ■ and more...

February 2017 / £4.50 / Issue 130

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Contents - Issue 130 February 2017 REGULARS p 4 NEWS

What’s new in the world of military modelling.

p 54 BOOKS

Reviews of the latest historical and modelling publications.

p 56 FIGURES

The latest releases in figures and figure accessories.

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p 58 LARGE SCALE

News and reviews of large scale models and figures.

p 59 SMALL SCALE

Reviews of 1:72 scale and smaller.

p 60 1:48 SCALE

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Luke Pitt’s roundup of all the latest in 1:48 scale modelling.

p 66 LAST POST

Dragon 1:35 Jagdtiger Henschel Production Type w/12.8cm Pak80 (L/66).

FEATURES p 6 THINK TANK

M12 and M40 SPGs.

p 14 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 StuH 42.

p 16 HEAVY HITTER Part Two

Tamiya 1:35 M40 SPG figures and painting by Brett Green.

p 28 DESERT LORRY

Mirror Models’ 1:35 scale CMP C15A lorry diorama by Jose Brito.

p 40 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 M60.

p 42 OPERATION COBRA Part Two Kamil Feliks Sztarbala’s Tamiya 1:48 US Tank Destroyer M10 Mid Production.

38

p 50 SHOW REPORT

Yorkshire War Weekend 2016.

p 57 PREVIEW

Rye Field Models 1:35 M1A1 Desert Storm.

©Doolittle Media Ltd 2017 Tel: (UK) 01525 222573 Fax: (UK) 01525 222574 Email: [email protected] Address: Doolittle Media Ltd., Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK

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Model Military International is published monthly by Doolittle Media Ltd. 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

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Newsline - February 2017

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

Jagdpanzer IV Part 1: L/48 (Sd.Kfz. 162). Nuts & Bolts Vol. 37

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he next Nuts & Bolts title will be Volume 37 on the early versions of the Jadgpanzer IV, also called “Guderian’s duck”. This was first designed in 1942 on an order of the Heereswaffenamt to VOMAG and first introduced in 1944 was basically a new successor to the Sturmgeschütz. There was a considerable effort by the General der Artillerie for the retention of the designation “Sturmgeschütz”. Guderian battled and won his case for the issuing of the tanks to the Panzerjäger units of the PanzerDivisions. Despite the inexperienced Panzerjäger units the Jagdpanzer IV became a very worthy adversary against the Allies Armoured opposition. This volume includes the early versions of Panzerjäger IV chassis No. V2 to the leichte Panzerjäger IV with the 7.5 cm Pak 39 L/48. As we formulated the production of this volume it became apparent that the historical information we obtained could only be done justice if we produced two volumes on one of the most important German tank of the Second World War. Together with Volume 38, which is devoted to the VOMAG and ALKETT versions with the 7.5 cm Pak 42 L/70 and on the Einheitsfahrgestell, all versions of this formidable vehicle will be included to the standard of information that our readers have become used to. This book will be 180 pages A4, glue-bound, and contains approx. 368 photos, of these 152 contemporary photos from manuals, combat and war fronts in b/w, most of them previously unpublished; 193 colour photos of restored vehicles and their components in public and private collections, 23 colour photos of the models from Tony Greenland, English / German captions, 48 pages English / German text, 15 pages of scale drawings of all versions and details in 1:35 scale from John Rue, 16 camouflage schemes from Laurent Lecocq, tactical signs and five tables of organization of units (KriegstärkeNachweisungen KStN) having these vehicles in their arsenal. First published 18 November, 2016. For further details and sample pages please visit www.nuts-bolts.de

BRONCO 1:35 R-3P RHEINTOCHTER In 1942, the Allied air strikes against the German and industrial targets were increasingly fierce, which made the Germans stepped up their research and development of anti-aircraft rockets and missiles. In September 18th of the same year, the RLM and the Rhine metals company officially signed a new type of anti-aircraft missile research and development contracts. The main person in charge by Dr. Crein who developed the "Rhinebote" ground to ground tactical rocket as the project. The new missile is called the ‘Rheintochter’, and it has also become another attractive and unique work in the history of German missiles. Bronco will release a 1:35 scale model of this fascinating weapon, including its modified 88 mm gun mount and optional parts to mount the assembly onto a vehicle. We’ll have a detailed review upon release. Thanks to Bronco for the information and images www.cn-bronco.com

DRAGON 1:35 Sturmgeschutz Ausf. C/D

Dragon is offering a new 1:35 scale kit featuring the Sturmgeschutz Ausf. C/D. The Sturmgeschutz III (StuG.III) has the distinction of being Germany’s most widely produced AFV of WWII, with 10,619 eventually manufactured. Based on the chassis of the Panzer III, it was cheaper and faster to build since it did not have a rotating turret. Only 50 of the Ausf. C were built in 1941. The StuG.III Ausf. D was identical to its predecessor except for installation of an intercom system. A total of 150 Ausf. Ds were built from May-September 1941. Hot on the heels of the popular StuG.III Ausf. E comes this kit. This 1:35 scale rendition boasts many new plastic parts. These include a new fighting compartment and roof, new fenders, final-drive hatches and glacis, side pannier for the radio set and angled side sponsons. There is even a brand new light guard for vehicles specific to the StuG.Abt.177 unit. Like the StuG.III Ausf.E (#6688), this new kit also contains a complete gun with its mount and fighting-compartment interior details. StuG. fans will find it a treat to assemble thanks to the kit’s superior level of detail and engineering excellence. We will have a full review upon release. Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the information and images www.hobbyco.net

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Think Tank - M12 and M40 Self-Propelled Guns The T6 pilot model for what would become the M12 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) was built on the chassis of the M3 medium tank, modified to carry the 155mm M1918M1 Grande Puissance Filloux (GPF) gun, a development of a WWI French design.

M12 AND M40 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS Bruce Culver explores the origins, development, production and deployment of the M12 and M40 Self-Propelled Guns.

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raditionally, artillery has been called the “king of battle”, and in both World Wars in the 20th century, artillery fire caused more casualties than any other weapon. Throughout recent human history, one of the problems in planning for the use of artillery has been getting the guns to where they are needed. In pre-industrial times, infantry travelled by foot and artillery was typically drawn by horses and could keep up with the movement of troops. A typical gun section was pulled by a team of horses and included the gun and a caisson carrying ammunition supplies and equipment. This had not changed for several hundred years, since the development of larger wheeled artillery pieces. The adoption of motorized transport for infantry and support troops presented a problem for artillery units, as new tactics were

adopted using rapid motorized troop movement. Towing and emplacing artillery pieces takes a certain amount of time. For the largely stagnant lines on the Western front in WWI, this was not a difficult situation, since once artillery was emplaced, it often did not move that much. The concern was supplying artillery units with the vast amounts of ammunition expended in the great barrages common in the Great War. On the Eastern Front, Germany and Imperial Russia engaged in a far different kind of warfare. While resources were more limited than in the Western Campaign, war on the Eastern Front involved rapid movement with infantry transported in trucks and supported by armoured cars and cavalry for reconnaissance and assaults, and truck-towed artillery for fire support. Many German officers prominent in the next

great conflict got their first taste of mobile warfare during this first “Russian Front” campaign.

SELF-PROPELLED WEAPONS IN THE WEST In the west, the British and Germans both experimented with self-propelled weapons, mounting anti-aircraft guns on trucks and artillery pieces on a tank chassis, such as the Gun Carrier, Mk I used by British units, and a German prototype based on the A7Vderived Überlandwagen cargo vehicle, mounting two field guns on pedestal mounts. However, these were almost all improvised weapons, many having a number of problems in use. The truck-based types required good roads or firm ground to be mobile, and most generally provided no protection for the crews. After the end of the Great War, military budgets were cut as nations that had suffered the

enormous losses in the war rebuilt their economies and prayed for continued peace. A few far-sighted individuals saw the need for better mechanization. While J.F.C. Fuller in England pushed for an all-tank force, a number of other leaders saw the need for a combined arms approach with tanks, artillery, infantry and scouting units working together. They included Basil Liddell Hart in England, Adna Chaffee in the United States, Heinz Guderian in Germany and Gifford LeQuesne Martel in France. Under pressure from Liddell Hart and others, the British proposed a demonstration of the new theories and formed the Experimental Mechanised Force (EMF) in May 1927. This organization was to test the concept of combined arms, using elements of the British Army, including tanks, armoured cars, artillery and infantry in lorries. Chief among the developments

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The M12 GMC was produced in 1942 and 1943. Only 100 were built, along with a similar number of M30 cargo carriers to supply ammunition and carry other supplies as needed. This example was one of the early production models, later rebuilt for combat.

The T14 was the pilot model for the dedicated cargo carrier for the T6/M12 GMC, and was later standardized as the M30. It was intended that every M12 would have its own M30 as a companion vehicle, but some M30s were used as general supply vehicles.

This M30 cargo carrier was part of the original production program, and used largely for training. Later they were rebuilt for service in the European theatre. The M30 carried one .50 M2HB machine gun on a ring mount and three .30 M1 carbines for the crew.

for the EMF was a new selfpropelled artillery piece, the Birch Gun. This was a purpose-built system consisting of a QF 18 pdr (84mm) field gun mounted on the chassis of a Vickers Mk II tank, which gave it the same mobility as the Vickers tank on which it was based. There were three variations, all mounting the same weapon. The Mk I was the proof of concept, and the production Mk II had a number of improvements to the chassis and the gun, among them putting the recuperator below the barrel, simplifying the complex sights, and adding an armoured shield for the crew. The 18 pdr was on a pintle mount allowing full 360 degree traverse and nearly 90 degrees of elevation, making the vehicle suitable as an anti-aircraft weapon. The Birch Gun was considered to be the first practical self-propelled artillery piece, but sadly, overly conservative General Staff officers and the budgetary demands of supporting the large territorial armies in British colonies conspired to end the largely successful EMF. The lessons learned were mostly forgotten and would have to be learned again in the early years of WW2. In the United States, the Ordnance Department built a number of prototype self-propelled weapons, but most were not adopted with the limited budgets of the 1920s and 30s. As the tensions in Europe moved toward war, it became obvious that the US Army would have to be built up and modernized. In June 1941, the Ordnance Department began a study on using the chassis of the new M3 medium tank to mount a 155mm gun to provide mobile heavy artillery support in the field, though US artillery doctrine was to use towed guns and there was little interest in a self-propelled design.

PILOT VEHICLE Ordnance ordered a pilot vehicle (T6) from the Rock Island Arsenal in 1941, using the gun tube, recoil system and upper and lower carriages from the 155mm M1917, M1917A1, or M1918M1. These were American developments of the French WWI 155mm Grand Puissance Filloux (GPF) artillery piece, and had been built in the US and used in service. The T6 pilot model was delivered to Aberdeen Proving Ground in early 1942, and testing revealed the chassis was a good gun platform and stable during firing. As was common for long-range artillery, there was very little protection for the crew. The tests proved the great tactical advantage of the selfpropelled weapons over towed artillery. The T6 could move to a new position several miles away and be ready to fire in 35 minutes, compared to 3 hours for a towed gun. The original hydraulically-operated rear spade was damaged and proved to be unsuitable. It was replaced by a cable-operated spade during the product redesign. A number of other changes were made and the weapon was standardized as the M12 gun motor carriage (GMC). As the M12 could carry only 10 rounds of ammunition, a companion ammunition carrier was developed as the T14 and standardized as the M30 cargo carrier, with a crew of six. The M30 could carry 40 rounds of 155mm ammunition, which was separate – the shell was loaded into the barrel first and then the propellant (in cloth bags) was loaded into the breech behind the shell. The gun could be traversed 14 degrees to each side before the vehicle had to be repositioned. Elevation was from -3 degrees to +30 degrees, which limited the M12’s use as an indirect fire A

The M12 Gun Motor Carriage and M30 Cargo Carrier were generally paired as seen in this training photograph, the M30 carrying reserve ammunition. The M30s also often carried other supplies and on occasion had added welded racks to store more materiel.

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Think Tank - M12 and M40 Self-Propelled Guns

This M12 of the 987th Field Artillery Battalion (FA Bn), seen north of Caumont, France in June 1944, was loaded with separate rounds, shells and bagged powder charges. The shell was placed in a carrier and a ramming crew pushed it into the barrel as seen here.

B weapon. Often M12s were placed on earthen or built-up ramps to raise the front of the vehicle to increase the maximum elevation of the gun for indirect fire. Although the M12 was based on the chassis of the M3 medium tank, there were significant changes, chief among the repositioning of the air-cooled Continental radial engine amidships to allow for the gun mounting in the rear. While the T6 pilot had the early M3 medium tank bogies, all production models had the later heavy bogies of the M4 medium tank. While the driver and assistant driver were protected in the forward superstructure, the gun crew of four men was out in the open. A tarpaulin and removable frames provided some weather protection on the move.

INTO PRODUCTION In mid-1942, Ordnance placed orders for first 50, then 100, M12 GMCs and a similar number of M30 cargo carriers. Deliveries ran from September 1942 through March 1943. Army Ground Forces stated that the 100 vehicles made would meet all projected needs, so they were used for training and developing tactics for selfpropelled heavy artillery, and a significant number were placed in storage. Additional changes were recommended as discovered in the training, and in the planning for the upcoming Normandy landings, it was intended to upgrade and modify 74 of the M12s and a similar number of M30 cargo carriers for use on the European continent. The decision was made in December 1943 and Baldwin Locomotive

This M12 of the 987th FA Bn was seen near Bayeux, France, in June 1944 during the Normandy campaign. They were primarily used for direct fire missions due to the limited elevation for the gun. They proved to be excellent in this role, and were valued for it.

Works remanufactured the 74 M12s from February to May 1944. The reworked M12s and M30s were assigned to the 258th, 557th, 558th, 987th, and 991st Field Artillery Battalions (FA Bn), and landed in Normandy supporting the advance from the coast. Although manoeuvrability in the bocage country was poor, the M12s were able to keep up with the advancing troops and were often the only heavy artillery available. Piper L-4 liaison planes operated by many front line units provided

accurate observation of artillery fire against enemy formations, and the maximum range of the M12’s 155mm gun, 21,982 yards (20,100m) allowed engagement of targets outside the range of any other land-based artillery. As mentioned, the maximum elevation of the M12’s 155mm gun was limited to only 30 degrees, making the vehicle less suitable for high-angle indirect fire. Improvised ramps of earth or builtup structures allowed the M12 to fire at longer ranges than normal.

“Aiming Circle Annie” seen at the moment of firing – note the crew covering their ears against the muzzle blast. Like many other Allied vehicles in Europe, this M12 is covered with chalked messages from citizens of liberated towns to others in towns yet to be freed.

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The M12 used the WWI –vintage M1917 GPF 155mm gun, and in common with other larger artillery pieces, the ammunition was not fixed. It consisted of a shell that was rammed into the firing chamber as seen, followed by the propellant in a cloth bag.

“Adolf’s Assassin” was an M12 of the 991st FA Bn, seen here firing on German positions near Kornelmunster, Germany in September 1944. The gun was limited in elevation, which made it less effective for indirect high-angle firing. In direct fire, it was successful.

However, this disadvantage was matched by the unexpected value of the M12 as a superb direct-fire weapon, particularly effective against German fortifications, in particular the massive concrete bunkers found in the Siegfried Line and around the fortress city of Metz. The M12 could fire a shell with a special fuse that penetrated up to 7 feet (2.1m) of concrete before exploding. Often one or two hits on a bunker were sufficient to force the Germans inside to surrender. The M12’s 155mm GPF gun was also a notably accurate weapon, allowing good saturation of a target area by relatively few guns since they could repeat accurate fire consistently. The high mobility of the M12 chassis allowed the vehicle to keep up with the rapid advances of armoured divisions and mechanized units, even crosscountry. The performance of the M12 was so good that calls went out from using units for more of these very valuable support vehicles. And therein lay a serious problem – the supply of 155mm GPF guns had been exhausted and no more were available to resume production of the M12. And this led to the next development, which travelled down the same path. When Artillery requested more M12s to augment the ones in service, Ordnance realized that the only 155mm gun available was the larger 155mm M1, often referred to as the “Long Tom”. The M12 chassis was too small to accommodate the larger weapon, and Ordnance decided to build a larger vehicle, using the components of the late-war M4A3 Sherman, including the horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) chassis and 23” (58.4cm) tracks, but retaining the earlier Continental radial engine. Five Sherman-based chassis, designated T83, were constructed, widened to handle the greater A

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Think Tank - M12 and M40 Self-Propelled Guns

The M12 became famous as a “bunker buster”, as seen here near Grossenich, Germany in November 1944. A penetrating shell could go through 7 feet (2.1 meters) of concrete before exploding, and one or two hits were usually enough to take a bunker out of action.

B mass of the gun and mount, but the general layout was the same as the M12. Special castings were added to adapt the wider hulls to the standard M4 power train components. As with the M12, there was no special armour protection for the crew, as the T83 was a long-range weapon. Two drivers were in the front of the hull with the engine moved up behind them and the 155mm M1 gun was mounted in the rear in an

This M12 of the 557th FA Bn was seen near Morteau, France in November 1944. Note the folding chocks used to brace the forward tracks to stabilize the vehicle, the partial sand shields (usually removed), and the hoop frames for the cover tarpaulin.

open body like the M12. The crew was again seated to the left of the gun in the rear compartment. The 155mm M1, M1A1, or M2 was mounted in the rear compartment and a cable-operated spade and rear wall were at the rear. The T83 could carry 20 rounds of ready ammunition, again using separate shells and bagged propellant charges. Unlike the M12, there was no ammunition vehicle. A prototype

ammunition carrier, the T30, was designed, but only five were built. The contract was cancelled and they were converted back to T83 gun vehicles. The eventual practice was to use the M4A1 high speed tractor and M23 ammunition trailer, which carried 96 rounds of 155mm ammunition for the M1 gun. The tractor also carried additional members of the gun crew. The first T83 pilot vehicle was delivered in July 1944

and subsequent testing was so successful that the last two pilots were converted to mount the 8 in. (20.3cm) M1 howitzer, these two vehicles being designated as T89. Firing with the M1 howitzer was also highly successful, and as part of the ‘Zebra’ mission to the European theatre, one T83 and one T89 were prepared for overseas shipping and sent to the ETO. The T89 had been built to accept either the 155mm M1 or the 8 in. M1 howitzer. A

M12s of the 991st FA Bn fire on German lines near St. Lo, France in July 1944. Note the use of ramps in front to improve the limited elevation of the 155mm guns, increasing the effective range as indirect fire artillery, a common expedient practice.

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This M12 seen near Houffalize, Belgium in December 1944 supported troops of the Third Army during the Battle of the Bulge. Note the elevation gear below the gun’s recoil assembly and the interrupted screw threads that locked the breech during firing.

This M12 supported troops of Patton’s Third Army in Echternath, Luxembourg in February 1945. The 155mm gun was very effective in reducing fortified or built-up targets like masonry buildings commonly found in cities. Note the extended end connectors, many of them broken off.

Soft mud was the bane of the mechanized army – not only was movement by road or cross-country very difficult, but the recoil from firing sometimes caused the vehicles to sink further into the muck. This M12 was about to fire, with the crew ready to reload.

The 557th FA Bn was part of the 9th Army as indicated on the M12 “The Persuader”, seen crossing a pontoon bridge over the Roer River near Linnich, Germany in February 1945. The 557th FA Bn often applied unit ID markings with chalk as extra stowage hid them.

This M30 cargo carrier of the 557th FA Bn crossed a temporary bridge near Linnich, Germany in February 1945. Note the European-manufactured extended end connectors EECs and the welded rebar railings to carry extra supplies.

M12s supporting the 11th Armoured Division fire on German positions near Pruem, Germany in February 1945. Timed multiple artillery fire was one of the most effective uses of artillery, and was a standard artillery tactic, still used today.

This M12 was attached to the 103rd Infantry Division, seen here advancing in the fighting for the Siegfried Line in Germany in March 1945. M12s had by then achieved a good reputation for attacking enemy fortified bunkers and other strong points.

Seen with the gun in full recoil during firing, this M12 was assigned to the 991st FA Bn, in the fighting for Normandy. Note the use of the camouflage netting for cover, supported by the tarpaulin hoop frames. The unit sign was red with gray markings. February 2017 - Model Military International 11

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Think Tank - M12 and M40 Self-Propelled Guns B IN ACTION

This M12 supported troops of the 5th Infantry Division as they attacked enemy positions on the Siegfried Line in Luxembourg in February 1945. The heavy rains and thick mud were major obstacles to vehicles attempting to advance, from Italy to Germany.

Field conditions in Europe in the fall of 1944 and all through 1945 were often quite bad, as seen here. Thick mud and rain eventually required added extended end connectors (EECs) to improve flotation. The shells were laid on tarpaulins to keep them clean.

The M40 was too late to be standardized in time to serve in numbers in WW2. A T83 pilot of the M40 and a T89 pilot of the 8 in (205mm) Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC) were sent to Europe for testing along with T26E3 Pershing heavy tanks in early 1945.

Arriving in Europe in February 1945, both the T83 and T89 were assigned to the 991st FA Bn. In order to standardize their weapons, the 991st FA Bn replaced the 8 in. howitzer on the T89 with another 155mm M1 “Long Tom” gun, and this was used in the attack on Cologne in March 1945. Later, the M1 8 in. howitzer was re-installed on the T89 and also used to determine its effectiveness. This was to be the only use of the new gun motor carriage in WW2. The T83 was standardized as the M40 gun motor carriage (GMC) in May 1945. The T89 was not standardized until November 1945, as the M43 howitzer motor carriage (HMC). Total production of the T83/M40 was 418 by the end of 1945, all built by the Pressed Steel Car Company. 24 of these were converted into T89/M43 8 in. HMCs, and a further 24 T89/M43s were manufactured by September 1945. The end of the war cancelled most production contracts. The two pilot models were used to the end of the European campaign, along with the remaining M12s and M30 cargo carriers. After the end of the European campaign, Ordnance tested an experimental armoured

The T83 pilot model for the new self-propelled 155mm M2 “long Tom” gun proved to be a successful design and needed little reworking before being adopted as the M40 GMC. It was similar in layout to the earlier M12, which was too small to carry the M2 weapon.

Due to concerns about the limited protection for the M40 crew, a wood mockup was created to show a proposed crew armoured cover. The pilot was modified as seen here, but the extra armour was not adopted as the M40 usually operated well behind the front lines.

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cover for the T83 that enclosed most of the firing compartment, but it was not adopted.

POST-WAR The M40 and M43 were the standard heavy artillery and heavy howitzer weapons for the postwar Army, despite their limited numbers. Their next war took place on the Korean peninsula, where they proved to be very successful, providing accurate fire support in difficult terrain. After the lines settled into a more stable situation, the M40s and M43s often fired from prepared positions, but in the earlier fluid period, their mobility and effective fire were widely appreciated. Both the 155mm M1 and M1 8 in. howitzer had reputations for extremely good accuracy. The M1 howitzer was so admired that Ordnance tried for some time to duplicate its accurate fire in different calibres and barrel lengths, but never quite reached the capability of the 8 in. design.

The T83 pilot for the M40 GMC was sent to the European theater in early 1945 with the “Cobra” T26E3 Pershing tanks and the T89 8 in pilot HMC. They were both used by the 991st FA Bn in action, the T89 also mounting a 155mm M2 “Long Tom” gun for a time.

This M40 GMC served in C Battery of the 204th FA Bn in Korea. The 155mm M2 gun proved to be an excellent weapon against Chinese fortifications and earthworks, and they served during the war. Each battery had four gun sections of a gun and a supply vehicle.

The maximum range of the 155mm M2 was over 25,700 yards (23,500m), making it a versatile weapon. M40 GMCs often fired in a timed target barrage in which different guns fired at different times so that all the shells impacted on the target simultaneously.

LEGACY The M40 and M43 served for a number of years after Korea until they were replaced by more advanced designs. The British adopted the M40 as the “155mm SP, M40” and named it the ‘Cardinal’ after their practice of naming self-propelled artillery after religious clergy. The M40 has fared fairly well in terms of numbers left: at least eight are known to exist. The M12, serving in a war zone, and obsolescent at the end of that conflict, was not so fortunate. All of the M12 GMCs and M30 cargo carriers in Europe were scrapped. The lone survivor is a prototype that was displayed at Aberdeen Proving Ground for decades. It was recently transferred to the Army’s Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the last of the breed, but with an enviable reputation. ■

The M43 Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC) was essentially identical to the M40 but mounted an M1 or M2 8 in (205mm) howitzer. The chassis and superstructure were the same as the M40. Only 48 were built before production halted at the end of the war.

This M43 HMC was in A Co., 1st Bn of the Republic of Korea (ROK) 5th Infantry Division, photographed near the “Punchbowl” in 1951 during the Korean War, following the Inchon landings, the Chinese intervention, and the later 1951 advance to the north. This M40 GMC served during the Korean War, the first major combat use of the M40. The 155mm M2 long gun had a greater range and the M40 could elevate the gun higher, making the vehicle very useful for both direct and indirect fire missions.

February 2017 - Model Military International 13

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 10.5cm Stuh.42 Ausf. E/F • Kit No. 6834

Dragon has mixed some sprues from earlier releases and added new parts to create an interesting infantry support Stug. Graham Tetley takes a look.

New parts are found here.

Superb detail on the casemate side.

TRACKED INFANTRY SUPPORT

D

ragon’s onslaught on all things Stug continues unabated with the latest 1:35 scale StuH.42 version. First seeing action in November 1942, these modified vehicles had a 10.5cm howitzer and were designed to provide infantry support. Photos of them in action show them equipped with Winterketten so you can guess on what the next release may be! This boxing draws many parts from previously released Stug kits (6620, 6644 and 6756 to name but a few) although there is something new in this box. We have a mix ‘n’ match of existing sprues but do get a new Sprue F which provides the superstructure roof, hatches and other bits. The etched fret is also new and provides front fenders exclusive to this version. The tracks provided are of the DS type and they still contain enough flash and soft detail to ensure that I will be replacing them. Fortunately, Voyager is new to the market with some replacement track sets and early reviews appear to be good. I shall be seeking some out in due course. The lower hull consists of a large single piece tub with excellent detail on the exterior and interior surfaces including hull bottom detail for various access hatches and ports. The kit suspension follows the nowfamiliar DML Pz III/StuG III family and comprises of moveable torsion bars onto which the swing arms attach. The road wheels, sprockets & idlers include some sharp detail although, despite being marketed as a ‘Smart’ Kit, Dragon has decided to provide

the inner idler rings in 12 (yes, 12!) pieces of etch. On the rear hull we have new parts for a more detailed smoke candle rack. Turning to the fenders, they have superb detail both top and bottom but be prepared to do some surgery as part of each fender has to be removed, the front mudguards carved off and replaced with etch and also some holes filled. The tools come with moulded-on clamps which do look the part and are certainly more robust than the etched equivalents. The antenna trough is included and its new mounts are found on the etched fret. The upper hull consists of three sections covering the glacis, casemate, and engine deck. The glacis has the extra armour plates present which you have to cut sections out of to fit around the towing pintles. Fortunately, Dragon has this marked on the inside of the parts so modifying them will be a doddle. The casemate is molded as a large tub with additional separate side panniers into which go the radios. The casemate roof is newly tooled with all hatches being separate parts meaning that you can view the interior, however the casemate sides are devoid of detail apart from a couple of stowed MP40’s which do come with etched slings and securing straps. Consult your references if you want to add additional detail. The floor and rear bulkheads have finely detailed compartments and tread plate included however the ammunition compartments are missing. The gun breech and mount are highly detailed and do give you enough to look at

Lower hull detail.

through open hatches but, once again, we are missing the shell ejection basket. Dragon have the part in their inventory (I know, I have it in a Cyberhobby Stug III detail set) and with something like 265 unused parts in the box (which you are paying for in the asking price) I believe it is quite shoddy of Dragon not to give is one little part that is so noticeable by its omission. There are also no clear parts supplied. The kit instructions are standard Dragon and whilst I have done a quick check I cannot say for certain that it is error free. Markings are provided for three vehicles with only one from an identified unit. We appear to have here a comprehensive StuH 42 so that, in my view, this kit scores highly. It is a shame that Dragon are simplifying their new kits by cutting back on Magic Tracks and clear parts (yet over a third of the plastic in the box is unused) but not cutting the price. What is in the box though is cleanly moulded and with an excellent level of detail that will not disappoint. As always with an in-box review I cannot comment on parts fit and bloopers, but if it is like similar Dragon Stugs that I have built there should be no major issues. ■

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

New roof detail.

Detail on the fender undersides.

The new smoke candle racks.

Even the front casement gets the weld treatment.

DS Track detail.

Marking options. New etched parts.

14 Model Military International - February 2017

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40 • Kit No. 35351

HEAVY

HITTER PART TWO – FIGURES, ACCESSORIES AND PAINTING

Brett Green builds and paints the eight figures included with Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale U.S. M40 Self Propelled Gun, and also paints and weathers the vehicle. 16 Model Military International - February 2017

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W

ith the model assembled, I was at a fork in the road. Should I paint the vehicle, or work on the figures? I am not a figure modeller by any stretch of the imagination, but I do appreciate the sense of scale and context that they can add to an otherwise plain vehicle. I decided to assemble and paint the figures next.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH Tamiya includes eight crew figures with their M40. The crew is in the act of loading a shell into the breech. Although the prospect of painting eight figures seemed to be quite daunting, I managed to get a bit of a production line going and it was easier than I had expected. Tamiya figures have been steadily improving over the last decade, to the point where these guys need no enhancement beyond careful painting. The poses are natural, and the sculpting is excellent. Facial features are very realistic and of course the standard of moulding is everything you would expect from Tamiya. The figures were assembled using Revell Contacta cement, but the heads were not glued in place just yet. The heads were drilled and mounted on toothpicks to make handling easier. I also added a tag from Tamiya masking tape with the figure’s identifying letter. With eight figures, I wanted to make sure I could match the heads to the bodies when painting was complete! First the figures were primed bodies using Tamiya Grey Primer and heads Tamiya Fine White Primer, both straight from the spray can. Next, the heads were sprayed with Tamiya XF-15 Flesh as a base for the skin tones. This was followed by a fairly heavy wash of thinned Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna, which flowed nicely into low-lying areas including the mouths and eyes. Painting of the skin tones continued with mixes of Vallejo Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone and 342 Highlights Flesh. The paler shades were carefully applied to the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, outlines of the ears and the tip of the chin. The eyes and mouths were highlighted with a very thin mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 337 Highlight Ger. (Black) applied with a 10/0 brush. For the uniforms, I wanted to display a range of shades depicting different textures and fabric fading. The first step was to spray all the bodies with Tamiya acrylic A

The figures are all broken down in a similar fashion – separate legs and arms, torso, head and helmet.

The figures are presented on a grey sprue.

The eight bodies assembled.

The rammers have their hands moulded to the ram rod. Very clever.

Facial detail is good on all eight heads.

Brett the Impaler! The heads were each mounted on a toothpick and labelled with Tamiya masking tape.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40 • Kit No. 35351

The heads received a sprayed coat of Tamiya White Primer…

B XF-67 NATO Green. I then mixed a

paler shade by adding XF-21 Sky. I masked the tunics from two figures and the trousers from another two figures and sprayed them in the paler shade. I also sprayed two complete figures in this mix. A wash of thinned Mig Productions 502 Abteilung Abt.050 Olive Green oil paint mixed with Winsor & Newton Lamp Black was brushed over the darker uniform colour and allowed to dry. A thin wash of the Olive Green oil paint alone was applied over the

faded shade. Further highlights were dry-brushed using various shades of Vallejo acrylics, creating more variety and fading to the basic uniform colours. The helmets were sprayed with Tamiya XF-61 Olive Drab. A couple of paler mixes were sprayed over four of these, resulting in subtle variation. The heads, helmets and bodies were now assembled. The figure painting was completed with two coats of Alclad II Flat Clear.

…followed by a base colour of Tamiya XF-15 Flesh.

WEAPONS OF MASS PRODUCTION Tamiya supplies a generous supply of shells and their packing with their M40 kit. I chose to use the beautiful turned brass shells included with Tamiya’s optional metal barrel set for the two rounds used directly by the figures – one for the kneeling crew figure and one in the loading crutch. I masked a band around each shell with Tamiya tape cut to the appropriate width. The rounds were then attached to a small paint

box using Blu-Tack. They were stuck into the Blu-Tack nose-first, effectively masking the tip too. This was not precise, but I was able to touch up the demarcation with a fine brush afterwards. The masked shells were sprayed Tamiya XF-61 Olive Drab, followed by two coats of Future Floor Polish. The masks were removed and the yellow stencil decals applied to the glossy surface. I quite liked the look of the dark, glossy Olive Drab paired with the shiny metal finish, so I dispensed with the flat coat. A

Helmets were sprayed separately. Several shades of Olive Drab were used for variety.

This was followed by a fairly heavy wash of Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna thinned with Ronson lighter fluid.

Painting of the skin tones continued with mixes of Vallejo Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone and 342 Highlights Flesh.

The eyes and mouths were highlighted with a very thin mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 337 Highlight Ger. (Black) applied with a 10/0 brush.

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Contemporary photos from the Korean War show wide variations in U.S. Army uniform colours due to fading and different fabrics. I wanted to replicate these variations.

The bodies were prepared with a coat of Tamiya Grey Primer straight from the spray can.

The base uniform colours were mixed from Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green and XF-21 Sky. Step One was to spray all the bodies in overall XF-67 NATO Green.

Selective trousers and tunics were masked off in preparation for a faded coat.

The contrast looks extreme here but this will be toned down by the shading and highlights.

Mig Productions 502 Abteilung Abt.050 Olive Green oil paint was mixed with Winsor & Newton Lamp Black and thinned with Ronson lighter fluid.

This was brushed over the darker uniform colour.

A thin wash of the Olive Green oil paint alone was applied over the faded shade. Further highlights were dry-brushed using various shades of Vallejo acrylics.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40 • Kit No. 35351

The fit between the ends of the arms and the hands moulded to the ram rod is perfect.

A band was masked around each shell with Tamiya tape cut to the appropriate width. The rounds were then attached to a small paint box using Blu-Tack. The masked shells were sprayed Tamiya XF-61 Olive Drab, followed by two coats of Future Floor Polish.

I assumed that the guy with the binoculars was the Commander, so I commissioned him as a Lieutenant with a white stripe on the front of his helmet.

The decals for the shell are included with the aftermarket turned barrel set.

Two crew members carrying the shell in the ammo crutch.

B

The figures at work. The kit instructions indicate where each of the figures goes.

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The vehicle components were prepared with a quick coat of Tamiya Grey Primer.

B NEW PAINT IN TOWN I prefaced the camouflage painting with an overall coat of Tamiya Grey Primer straight from the spray can. This revealed a few visible seams. I mixed some super glue with talcum powder to create a fast-setting, easily sandable filler and spread it on the seams. A few minutes later it was dry enough to sand flat. Mission Models has just launched a new range of acrylic model paints. They also offer paint thinners and a polyurethane mix additive. The poly additive is designed to increase durability. I had a chance to test these out on my M40. I started with a mix that was too thin (i.e. too much thinner), so initial coverage was not perfect. Jon Tamkin from Mission Models advised me to forget what I knew about model paint thinning when using these paints. Even though the mix might look thick in the cup, it would spray well and cover completely with a small amount of thinner and poly. He suggested a mix of 20 drops paint, three drops drops of thinner and two drops of poly. I sprayed the entire model in the base Olive Drab shade, Item No. MMP-026. This was followed by a 50/50 mix of the base shade and MMP-

022 Olive Drab Faded 3 sprayed on horizontal surfaces and the top of some of the prominent vertical surfaces. Finally, selective highlights were sprayed using MMP-021 Olive Drab Faded 2. Here are my observations about using these new Mission Model acrylic paints: • I like the squeezable plastic bottles. You can unscrew and remove the tops as well as use the built in dropper. • I also really like the Olive Drab base and fading shades. • All the colours dried noticeably darker than the colour in the bottle. • The paint sprayed perfectly through my Iwata HP C+ airbrush. There wasn’t a hint of clogging or spiderwebbing. • Odor is almost non-existent very family (i.e. wife) friendly. • The paint does spray more smoothly with some poly in the mix. • The paint stays quite thick looking and wet on the model’s surface, but it self-levels beautifully to a smooth, hard finish with just a hint of eggshell satin. • Once a full coat was applied, subsequent coats were effortless. • When dry, the paint is tough and sandable. There is no lifting or

peeling. Sanding results in a nice feathered edge. This augurs well for hairspray technique and other weathering. • Future over the top of the paint does not darken the colour (some other paints do darken under Future). I didn’t want to hide the fading effect under layers of filters and washes, so I kept my weathering fairly low key. I applied a selective pin wash to bolts, panel lines and structural features using an acrylic wash of Future floor polish, water plus a few drops of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown paints.

I then did some light drybrushing in a pale shade of Olive Drab using a soft, wide brush. Details such as tool heads and handles, vision blocks, spare track links, tow cables and tyres were picked out using Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush. The entire exterior of the model was sprayed with Future floor polish and the kit decals were applied. These behaved perfectly under a coat of Mr Mark Setter decal setting solution. The decals were then sealed under another coat of Future floor polish. When dry, the entire model was coated with Alclad II Klear Kote A

The primer coat revealed a couple of visible seams. These were filled and sanded before painting commenced.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40 • Kit No. 35351

Mission Models’ new range of acrylic paints were used for the camouflage colours.

Mission Models also offers thinners, a polyurethane additive and a grey primer.

At first I sprayed with a mix that was too thin. Even so, the paint was tough and sandable with a nice feathered edge.

Coverage was better with less thinner.

This was followed by a 50/50 mix of the base shade and MMP-022 Olive Drab Faded 3 sprayed on horizontal surfaces and the top of some of the prominent vertical surfaces.

Finally, selective highlights were sprayed using MMP-021 Olive Drab Faded 2.

An acrylic wash was mixed from Future floor polish, water plus a few drops of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown paints.

Some light dry-brushing in a pale shade of Olive Drab was applied using a soft, wide brush.

This was applied as a selective pin wash to bolts, panel lines and structural features.

Kit decals were applied over two coats of Future floor polish.

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Details such as tool heads and handles, vision blocks, spare track links, tow cables and tyres were picked out using Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush.

When dry, the entire model was coated with Alclad II Klear Kote Flat.

The tracks were sprayed with a 50/50 mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown.

Maru Easy Mud European Earth was mixed with water and brushed onto the tracks. The excess was rubbed off with a dry cloth before the mixture had a chance to fully dry.

The vision blocks in the cupola were brushed with Gator’s Grip Thin Blend Acrylic Glue to simulate armoured glass.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40 • Kit No. 35351

B Flat. I added dust to the lower

superstructure sides and higher on the rear sides using heavily thinned Tamiya acrylic XF-57 Buff and XF-55 Deck Tan. I also scattered loose MIG Pigments on the fighting compartment floor and rear deck of the vehicle. These were sealed with Alclad II Klear Kote Flat. The tracks were sprayed with a 50/50 mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown. I then brushed on Maru Easy Mud European Earth mixed with water. The excess was rubbed off with a dry cloth before the mixture had a chance to fully dry. At this stage the gun and the tracks were added to the vehicle, and the completed crew figures could be posed in their positions.

“Dust” was sprayed on the lower superstructure sides and higher on the rear sides using heavily thinned Tamiya acrylic XF-57 Buff and XF-55 Deck Tan.

CONCLUSION Tamiya's 1:35 scale M40 SPG is a well detailed model with a nicely fitted out fighting compartment and a set of crew figures that lifts it into the category of instant vignette. The decision to include full length flexible tracks is entirely appropriate considering the tracks are "live" on HVSS suspension and were therefore stretched taut while fitted to the vehicle, and the workable nature of the gun and other features is a useful attribute. I really enjoyed this project, and I am pleased with the overall effect of the eight crew figures combined with the vehicle. ■

Loose MIG Pigments were scattered on the fighting compartment floor and rear deck of the vehicle. These were sealed with Alclad II Klear Kote Flat.

Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40. Kit No. 35351 Accessories and Decals: Tamiya Detail-Up Parts Series Item No. 12670 1:35 U.S. M40 Metal Gun Barrel Set Tools and Materials: Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Revell Contacta Professional Cement Selley’s Supa Glue Tamiya 10mm Masking Tape Gator’s Grip Acrylic Glue Paints and Finishing Products: Mission Models acrylic paints, thinners and polyurethane additive Tamiya Acrylics Vallejo Acrylics Future Floor Polish Alclad II Klear Kote Flat ✓ Excellent fit; high level of detail; useful and clever workable elements; excellent crew figures in appropriate action poses. ✗ 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

The gun and tracks were added to the completed vehicle.

Rating

24 Model Military International - February 2017

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Finally, the figures were added. The figures tell a story when posed in the vehicle.

Strips of self-adhesive Chrome bare metal foil were used to represent the sliding sections of the equilibrators.

February 2017 - Model Military International 25

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck • Kit No. 35101

D

28 Model Military International - February 2017

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DESERT LORRY José Brito creates a North African scene for Mirror Models’ 1:35 scale C15A lorry.

T

he Canadian Military Pattern truck was a class of military truck made in large numbers in Canada during World War II to British Army specifications for use in the armies of the British Commonwealth Allies. Standard designs were drawn up just before the beginning of the war. CMP trucks were also sent to the Soviet Union following the German invasion of Russia as part of Canada's Lend-Lease program to the Allies. During the war, CMP trucks saw service around the world in the North African Campaign, the Allied invasion of Sicily, the Italian Campaign, the Russian Front, the Burma Campaign, the Battle of the Philippines (1941-42), the liberation of Northwest Europe, and the Western Allied invasion of Germany. CMP trucks also saw service in post-war conflicts in Indonesia, French Indochina, and the Portuguese colonies in Africa. Most CMP trucks were manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors of Canada Ltd and by the Ford Motor Company of Canada. Just over 400,000 CMP trucks were manufactured in Canada, accounting for roughly half of the 815,729 military vehicles made in Canada during World War II. Chevrolet-built CMP trucks had a 215 cu in (3.5 L), 85 bhp (63.4 kW) straight-6 overhead-valve engine. Cab design changed twice, first designed at Ford, second and third cab designs called No. 11, 12 and 13. First two types were similar; the main difference being a two-part radiator grille in No.12 cab, its upper part was opened with a bonnet, which was known as the "Alligator cab". The production of CMP truck bodies in Canada was subcontracted out to smaller companies in Ontario and Manitoba, organized into the wartime Steel Body Manufacturers Association by the Department of Munitions and Supply. The wide variety of truck body designs included general service, water tanker, fuel tanker, vehicle recovery, dental clinic, mobile laundry, wireless house, machinery, folding boat transport, and anti-tank gun portee.

THE C15A FROM MIRROR MODEL Mirror Models Ltd. is a relatively new modelling company but is already a valuable asset to the scale modelling scene. Besides the top quality of their models, they also offer some very original subjects. Their new C15A lorry van truck is a fine example of that. It’s a multimedia kit and all we need to make a fine model is inside the box. Once we open it, we will find top quality plastic parts, flawless casting resin parts, crisply printed decals, photo-etch parts, concise and clear instructions (with step-by-step assembling pictures) and some wire parts for the small detail work. So, what more can we ask for? Mirror Models is definitely one of the most prolific and original companies out February 2017 - Model Military International 29

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck • Kit No. 35101

Construction

The resin parts provided in the kit are flawless and with a super nice detail. Some resin blocks need to be removed and this task can be easily achieved with the help of a small saw.

Small modelling saws are very useful to remove resin blocks. All we have to do is make the cut very near to the final part and use a sand paper to finish the job.

Once sanded, the resin item looks really nice and the tyre pattern is undamaged. That’s why we always make the cut near the resin part and finish the job with a sand paper.

To get the best shapes and results I usually use tools from Small Shop Tools. We can make hundreds of these small parts and always with the same shape and size. Once done, all we have to do is glue them in place.

These small parts will be used in the suspension and according the clear and concise step-by-step instruction pictures.

Small metallic parts were glued in place with the help of Deluxe Materials Rocket Hot. Being an ultra-thin glue solution, it’s ideal to work in the capillarity method.

The engine is also very detailed and a pleasure to build. Sadly will be completely invisible once the model finished.

For the modeller who wants to show the engine, Mirror Models kit provides clear parts for the hood and like that the engine will be visible.

Mirror Models kit provide a very complete photo-etch sheet and with parts covering the entire model. They will improve and add an extra touch of detail. To get the best results from the photo-etch parts, I use tools from the Small Shop range. They make this task much easier and are really time savers.

Small sink holes were filled in the new Perfect Plastic Putty from Deluxe Materials. This new putty is water soluble, dries fast and once dry is rock hard. Can be easily sanded and the final touch is very smooth.

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Some other sink markings can easily be removed with the help of a round point scalpel.

01/12/2016 10:20

In order to add that extra touch of realism we can always make some scratch-built parts.

In this case I heated and stretched a cotton bud The small and delicate parts were glued with the tube and with the help of a fine wire I replicated the help of Deluxe Materials Rocket Hot, using the back door hinges. same approach.

The window shield was carefully masked with the help of Tristar masking tape and with the help of a brand new scalpel blade. We must be careful in this step in order to not damage the clear parts.

PAINTING

Several details before painting. All those details will make the difference once the model finished.

The model fully assembled and ready for painting. Note how all the extra work and details really improves the final look. The combination of resin, plastic, photo-etch and scratch work is really worth all the effort.

Since the beginning, my idea was to make a C15A captured and being used by the German forces in the North of Africa. So, this was a great opportunity to use the new Vallejo paint set dedicated to German vehicles painted in dark yellow.

The new Vallejo AFV Painting Systems are a group of paint sets developed to replicate the zenith effects into the models. Inside every set we will find a primer, the base colour as also colours for the shadows and lights. This is a completely different and much more accurate technique when compared with the modulation style.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck • Kit No. 35101

In these pictures we can clearly see how the Zenith Technique looks very realistic. With the Zenith Technique we do not see aggressive colour contrasts and panels painted in several different colours.

In the modulation style, the model looks like a 3D CAD job. With the Zenith technique approach, the light effects are accurately represented on the model.

With this technique the model is exposed to the light and the paint is applied in the same fashion as if the model was exposed under a spot light. The colour transitions are ultra-smooth and the model have a higher visual interest.

The model painted in the Zenith Technique. We can clearly see the smooth colour transitions and the effects of the zenith light.

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Before starting the weathering and finishing, we must apply the decals. The model was airbrushed in Vallejo Gloss Varnish 70510 for a smooth, decal-ready surface.

I used the new MIG Productions decal solutions for this project -MIG Productions Decal Set and the MIG Productions Decal Softener.

The decals were cut from the sheet with the help of a brand new scalpel. Mirror Models decals are crisply printed and do not have much flash.

The decal is submerged into water and all we have to do is wait a few minutes until the decal peel from the underlay sheet.

A small quantity of MIG Productions Decal Set was applied. This formula will increase the decal adhesion into the model surface.

The decal is gently transferred to the desired spot with the help of tweezers.

The excess of water is removed with the help of a cotton bud. In this stage we can also make some corrections to the decal position.

Once the decal in the final place we apply MIG Productions Decal Softener. This formula will soften the decal and increase the setting. Let the decal untouched and when the formula is fully dry, the decal will look great and will look like painted over the surface. February 2017 - Model Military International 33

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck • Kit No. 35101

Weathering and Finishing

With all the decals in place, the model is ready for the weathering and finishing. Before the weathering and finishing, the models only look as super toys, but very soon this is about to change.

The entire model received a well thinned layer of MIG Productions Neutral Wash. This layer must be applied with the help of a medium size flat brush. This neutral colour will help to blend, even more, all the colours from the zenith transformation.

Mig Productions wash solutions can be thinned in Mig Productions Thinner for Washes.

A well thinned layer of MIG Productions Mud Splash was also applied in the rear cargo door.

Several MIG Productions filters were applied in the side vertical surfaces in MIG Productions oil colours Buff and Basic Flesh Tone were order to increase the colour variation. applied to represent the humidity streaks in the body frame

MIG Productions Standard rust Effects and Light Rust Effects washes were applied as pin washes. Pin washes must be applied in very small quantities and in the most prominent recessed parts.

The dusty look was achieved in Mig Productions pigments. Several colours must be used in order to get a more realistic look. In the meantime we must have some care. The colours must be accurate and in the right spots. Also, we must not overdo this process; otherwise our model will look inaccurate and unrealistic.

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The pigments were fixed in place with the help of Mig Productions Pigment Fixer. All we have to do is apply During this process the model will turn very dark and it seems that the pigments disappear, but once the several drops over the pigments by brush and let it dry without touching. fixer and thinner evaporates the pigments will appear again and they will look very natural and realistic.

Value Gear is a new company specialized in military accessories., Especially tents, tarps and boxes. The detail is amazing and the resin casting totally flawless so I decided to try them!

All the Value Gear items were airbrushed in Vallejo Surface Primer 70601 Grey Primer. Vallejo primers dry very fast and turn the surface very smooth, ideal for airbrushing. They must be airbrushed in several layers in order to keep the surface detail.

Once the primer was dry, the wooden boxes were airbrushed in Vallejo Model Air colours. In this particular case, with colours from their new Vallejo AFV Painting System – Russian Green 4BO.

All the tents and tarps from Value Gear were painted in Vallejo Model Colour. The detail is very nice and the sets very diversified.

MIG Production Absolute Chipping was used in order to achieve an extra touch of realism. Some of the boxes were previously painted in a cream colour and then a layer of MIG Productions Absolute Chipping was applied. Once dry, a green paint coat was applied and, once again, when dry it was peeled of with the help of MIG Productions Absolute Chipping. The result is very accurate and easily achieved.

The oil or fuel drums were airbrushed in a grey colour and then thousands of small scratches were applied with the help of a small sponge. The colour applied was the Vallejo Model Colour SS Cam. Black Brown (2).

For an accurate and realistic weathering and finishing, several washes and filters from MIG Productions range, were applied.

Several washes from MIG Productions were combined to get that extra touch of realism to the wooden boxes.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck • Kit No. 35101

The weathering in the spare tracks was achieved in MIG Productions Absolute Chipping and the exposed metal areas were obtained with the help of a rough san paper.

Like the spare tracks are in metal (Friulmodel), all we have to do is sand the paint job and show the metal underneath. The final look is very accurate and realistic.

Base and Diorama

I’m a diorama builder and this project was no exception. This time I decided to use an item from MIG Productions. The Panzer III & Stug III Stalingrad Base. Depict the name, this item can be used in a wide range of situations. In this case I will use it in a North of Africa scenario.

This is a massive plaster item and the detail is top quality.

The tank track markings must be disguised and nothing better for this task than using the new MIG Productions MUD solutions. In this case the P500 Europe Dry Mud (Fine Texture) and P501 Europe Dry Mud (Rough Texture). Both combined to achieve a convincing ground texture.

Metal barbed wire poles from the Portuguese company RMG were applied. This stuff is a common presence in my projects and this time it was no exception. Small items like that can add an extra touch of realism to the scene. Also, they can tell a story or add an historical / geographical background.

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The palm trees are from U-Model company and are lovely. All we have to do is apply some volume to the trunk top. For that we combine Deluxe Materials Scenic Spray Glue with G.E.M. (Garage Exclusive Models, from Portugal) ground cover.

The palm tree leaves are photoetch and previously bended. All we have to do is airbrush them in Vallejo Model Air 71002 Yellow and 71006 Cam. Light Green.

The base was airbrushed in several dark colours, including black and brown. Once dry, several pigment colours were applied directly from the jar and fixed in place with the help of MIG Productions Pigment Fixer.

The metal poles and barbed wire were weathered with the help of MIG Productions Standard Rust Effects and Light Rust Effects washes. The base wood parts were weathered in MIG Productions Wood Ageing Solution and Dark washes.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck • Kit No. 35101

Figures I always place figures in my dioramas. Even a single figure can add the “human factor”, scale and tell a story. This project was no exception.

The figure is a MIG Productions item. The resin item MP 35-319 Afrika Korps Motorcyclist. The figure was painted in my usual fashion; oil colours for the flesh areas and Vallejo Model Colour for clothes, accessories…

CONCLUSION The C-15A from Mirror Models is a lovely kit and it can be transformed into a stunning model even if build “out of the box”. This was a very enjoyable project and a great opportunity to add another diorama to my collection. Hope you like it. Be safe!

The completed model, ready to be added to the base.

A view of the rear of the vehicle.

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A slice of the North African desert!

Modelspec Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck. Kit No. 35101 Items Used: • 1:35 Mig Productions - Afrika Korps Motorcyclist MP 35-319 • 1:35 Mig Productions - The Panzer III & Stug III Stalingrad Base – MP 35-007 • 1:35 RMG Resin Models - Metal barbed wire poles – Item 002 • MiniNatur (several items) • Model Scene (several items) • 1:35 U-Model, Palm Tree • Value Gear Details (several items) Materials and Paints: • • • • • • • • • •

Hood glue Deluxe Materials glue solutions Heat isolation foam Wood base Injected plastic Resin parts Plastic card Metal parts Vallejo primers, acrylics and thinners MIG Productions oils, washes, pigments, filters and thinners • Graphite soft pencil • Plus Model Lead Wire References Used: Several internet sites and forums ✓ Both C-15A and MIG Productions items are great subjects. ✗ Nothing I can remember. Available from Mirror Models kits are available online and from hobby shops worldwide.

Rating

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 M60 Patton • Kit No. 3553

Lovely moulding.

Andy King discovers the changes and improvements in Dragon’s latest attempt at the M60 family.

The improved hull looks better at the front.

M60 IMPROVED T

he M60 tank was developed from the earlier M48 Patton in 1957 and entered service with the US Army in 1960. It had a crew of four, was armed with the 105mm M68 gun, weighed in at over 45 tons, had an operational range of 300 miles (500km) and could reach 30 mph (48km/h) on open roads. The tank has undergone many upgrades over the years and although it was retired from US service in the 1990s the M60 is still being used today by other nations and incredibly the subject of a planned major upgrade by Raytheon, the M60A3 SLEP (Service Life Extension Plan). This is the second M60 that Dragon has released recently (the first being the M60A2), and this particular version is the first of the family. As before, there are parts from Dragon’s earlier M48 so for this kit you get nine sprues moulded in grey styrene, one clear sprue, a small decal sheet, an even smaller sheet of etch metal, a length of wire, DS Vinyl gun mantlet and barrel covers and DS Vinyl tracks. When Dragon released their M60A2 it was received poorly due to the errors included such as the use of parts from the M48, the hull length and the rear engine doors being the main

issues. In this new kit the hull is now 2mm longer, which makes the front glacis plate angle look better, the front hull to the turret ring is 3mm wider, the drivers escape hatch underneath is now oval and new tooled engine doors have been added. The side loading air cleaners from the M48 are included but these are correct for the early M60, the aluminium road wheels with the reinforcing fins are correct, the turret is newly tooled and compared to photos matches the shape pretty well and the tracks are the early T97E2 type. The hull and turret have the nice ‘cast’ texture that featured on their M60A2, the indent for the filler cap on the left has now been removed as there is only one on M60s and overall the detail on parts is what we have come to expect from Dragon. That’s the good stuff out of the way so it’s onto the nit-picks. To kick off the gun barrel seems too thin in diameter, there are no lightening holes in the drive sprockets, no cover is included for the MG in the commanders cupola, the DS Vinyl cover for the gun mantlet is from the M48 and slightly too big and the vinyl tracks have mould-pin marks on some of the inside faces and along with the flash will be difficult to remove although you

could try brushing on liquid glue to try and smooth them out. Only one colour option is given for an overall green (which should really be a satin finish) M60 from the 2nd Battalion, 64th Armour Regiment 1964 but doesn’t give any clue as to where the tank was stationed. Colour call outs are from the Mr Hobby range only. It’s the first time an early M60 has been produced in 1:35 as prior to this the only way to get one involved back dating either Tamiya, Academy or ESCI/ Italeri kits with a Chesapeake Model Design turret which I doubt is available anymore. As I said earlier, Dragon’s M60A2 got a real kicking after it was released (including by yours truly) and I must admit that when I received this one I wasn’t very hopeful, especially when looking at the sprues and seeing M48 stamped on them. However, things HAVE been improved upon (apart from the tracks) and it appears Dragon is actually listening to the concerns raised by others. It’s not perfect and still needs some extras like a new barrel and tracks but it bodes well for any future M60 family members after a decidedly shaky start. ■

Moulding quality is all you would expect.

Excellent detail on the road wheels.

The turret.

Drive sprockets.

Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net The tracks are the same as the flawed M60A2.

The gun barrel is still too thin Kit decals.

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THE RESEARCH SQUAD Tiger A Modern study of Fgst.NR. 250031 The Research Squad are pleased to announce the release of Tiger: Modern Study of Fgst. NR. 250031, a complete photo study of the Aberdeen 712 Tiger tank. The Research Squad were given given special permission by the collection and Aberdeen Proving Ground Museum to fully document this important vehicle in order to create a photographic record for any future restoration work. This includes a full exterior walk-around, a complete documentation of the interior and also a detailed study of the engine compartment and engine. To this end the knowledge and expertise of many contributors were brought together, not least of which were our two technical editors, Liejon Schoot and Rob Veenendaal, without whose massive contribution this book would not have been completed. 208 pages +/- 690 images. 69 technical diagrams (including 27 selected re-mastered diagrams at A4 size) This includes:

Only

■ a full exterior walk-around, ■ a complete documentation of the interior ■ a detailed study of the engine compartment. ■ a history of the vehicle from capture to present date ■ a veteran interview with the driver of Maj. Leuder ■ a history of the vehicle from capture to present date ■ a technical article by Liejon Schoot and Rob Veenendaal on the Vorpanzer design

.99 £29 s p&p plu

NOW IN STOCK AND SHIPPING! PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW ON TEL: 01525 222573 FAX: 01525 222574

✁

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 US Tank Destroyer M10 Mid Production • Kit No. 32519

OPERATION COBRA 1944

PART TWO – FIGURES AND BASE Kamil Feliks Sztarbala details and paints the crew figures and also builds the base for his 1:48 scale Operation Cobra diorama.

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In the case of the gunner, I had to change the pose of one of the legs. I started by cutting it off.

FIGURES The gunner and commander were sourced from Gasoline’s ‘US & French TD M10 Crew’ set. As the figures had been originally posed for sitting on the turret edges, they required some modification.

Next, I made a few more cuts in different places, and subsequently glued the leg into the desired pose.

‘Magic Sculp’ epoxy putty was used for improving the uniform folds and adjusting the figures to conform to the seats inside the turret.

As the Gaso.line set included only the standard army helmets and some fancy-looking berets, I had to borrow the typical tank crew helmets from Black Dog’s stowage, and fit these to the heads.

The infantry figures were kit-bashed from Tamiya and Wargames Factory offerings. Above all, the latter manufacturer provided the heads, whilst most of the equipment came from the former.

Here it must be emphasized that ‘unsophisticated’ is often really a gentle adjective when speaking about Tamiya’s 1/48 scale figure quality. Of course, I didn’t have to only fit the combat gear or replacement arms, but also rework many details.

One must be prepared for serious surgery with sandpaper and sharp scalpel blades being involved. Take note, other figure manufacturers, I’m still counting on you!

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 US Tank Destroyer M10 Mid Production • Kit No. 32519

Once the figures had been assembled and primed with Tamiya XF-1 ‘Flat Black’, I could then deal with the uniforms. The jackets were airbrushed with AK-interactive AK3072 ‘M-42 Uniform Green Ochre Khaki’. This base colour was mixed with Vallejo 70917 ‘Beige’ for adding the highlights and Vallejo 70941 ‘Burnt Umber’ for the shadows.

The wooden portions of the weapons and shovel handles were finished with various acrylic colours from the LifeColor CS20 ‘Weathered Wood’ set.

Next, I painted the combat gear with AK-interactive AK3076 ‘Canvas Tone’. Highlights were created with a mixture of the base tone and Vallejo 70986 ‘Deck Tan’, whilst for the shadows, I added a small quantity of Vallejo 70302 ‘Dark Rust’.

For painting the faces and hands, I used three tones from the AK-interactive AK3010 ‘Flesh and Skin Color’ set, ie. AK3012 ‘Light Flesh’ as the basecoat, AK3011 ‘Base Flesh’ for the shadows, and AK3013 ‘Highlight Flesh’ for the highlights.

To make this process easier, I additionally mixed the colours on a palette, creating a full range of skin tones, from the darkest to the lightest one.

At this stage, I could paint the insignia and other details on the upper parts of the figures.

I then sealed the latter with a layer of matte varnish, and focused on the trousers. In the case of the G.I. figures, I first applied AK-interactive AK3074 ‘US Olive Drab’ as a basecoat, and subsequently added the highlights with AK3033 ‘Leather Highlights’. For the shadows, I used AK3034 ‘Leather Dark Shadow’.

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The trousers of the crewmen received similar treatment, utilizing AK-interactive AK3071 ‘M-43 Uniform Green Olive’ (base colour), Vallejo 70334 ‘German Tank Crew’ (highlights) and Vallejo 70302 ‘Dark Rust’ (shadows).

Afterwards, I painted the leggings in the same way as the combat gear.

The boots were finished with various leather tones from the AK-Interactive AK3030 ‘Leather and Buckles’ set.

The M10 crewmen could now be fixed to the seats with cyano.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 US Tank Destroyer M10 Mid Production • Kit No. 32519

BASE

I began setting up the scene during the kit construction process. Once I’d assembled the figures, I chose the best arrangement. With the vehicle and figures complete, I could determine the exact size of the base and prepare a suitable piece of styrodur foam.

The latter was glued within a boxed structure, constructed from pieces of balsa wood. Next, I adjusted the edges of the box to the level of the ground and spread some acrylic paste over the entire piece.

To create the road surface, I mixed some wall tile adhesive with a number of earthy pigment tones.

The mixture was applied over chosen areas with a metal spatula.

Before it had fully dried, I smoothed the surface with a wetted finger.

When the surface was dry, but still malleable, I imprinted the tracks with a DYI tool…

…and added further track marks by running an old kit with movable wheels, across the ground.

Any imprints that were too distinct, were smoothed by tapping a piece of dry sponge onto the surface.

Finally, I imprinted the M10’s tracks in the position where the kit would be attached, in order to ensure its proper adhesion to the ground.

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To prepare the chosen areas for adding a little vegetation, I poured into them some sand of varying grades, along with a dark earthy pigment. This was sealed with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel Glue’.

I then speckled the road with the same enamel products from MiG’s Ammo ‘Mud Splashes’ range, that had been previously used for weathering the lower hull tub of the kit.

The enamels were distributed along the road surface with a long-bristled brush.

Afterwards, I poured Reality In Scale SCAT03 ‘Nature-in-a-Pot Fine Autumn Forest Scatter’ over the roadsides, and fixed this with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel Glue’.

SCAT01 ‘Stony Meadow Scatter’ from the same manufacturer, was additionally applied over the front area of the base. Various mixtures of groundwork scatter material available from the Dutch company, allow for easy and realistic representation of meadows, litter and other overgrown terrain surfaces.

Next, I selected a few short lengths of tiny root material, soaked them with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel Glue’, and subsequently dipped in Landscapes in Detail LANDS-102 ‘Mosses’. This way, I created some small bushes…

…which were then fixed with white glue.

The finished vegetation was again sealed with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel Glue’.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 US Tank Destroyer M10 Mid Production • Kit No. 32519

The area behind the vehicle had to be utilized somehow. The idea Once I’d sealed the paper sign with a layer of clear varnish, I glued it came after browsing some archive photos. One of these featured a to a piece of 0.25mm styrene sheet, and cut the latter to the correct ‘Touring Club de France’ sign. I draw a similar sign in a few sizes that shape. I then recreated the screws with lengths of 0.1mm plastic rod. would be suitable for 1:48 scale, using MS Paint, and printed this onto a thin paper sheet.

To add the rust effects, I used the water-based liquid weathering pigments from LifeColor’s LP02 ‘Rust Wizard’ set. These were blown from a brush onto the surface.

Afterwards, I attached the sign to the post, and added some fine, rusty streaks, using LifeColor’s liquid pigment.

The post was made from a piece of foam PVC. I wiped its surface with coarse sandpaper to create the woodgrain, and subsequently gave it a suitable colour by applying a small quantity of brown oil paint.

The front side of the sign was attached to a piece of masking tape, allowing for priming the backside with flat black. Next, I rubbed Uschi van der Rosten’s ‘Metal Polishing Powder Steel Type’ onto the surface.

Next, I airbrushed a layer of AK-Interactive AK088 ‘Worn Effects Fluid’ over the post. This was followed by painting it with Tamiya XF-2 ‘Flat White’ that had been purposely diluted with water to weaken the paint adhesion.

Thanks to this technique, I could now easily add some realistic damage to the paint layer with a wet brush.

The finished sign was mounted into a small aperture in the ground.

To finish the base, I now only had to add a small quantity of tiny vegetation here and there.

Both the kit and figures were fixed to the surface with two-part epoxy glue.

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Modelspec Tamiya 1:48 US Tank Destroyer M10 Mid Production Kit No. 32519 Accessories and sets

The completed diorama viewed from above.

• Black Dog 1:48 scale US M10 Tank Destroyer Accessories Set – Item No. T48005 • Aber 1:48 scale US Tank Destroyer M10 detail set – Item No. 48022 • RB-Model 1:48 scale 76.2 mm (3 cale) M7 L/55 M10 Wolverine metal barrel – Item No. 48B18 • RB-Model 1:48 scale 12,7mm (0,5”) Browning M2 metal barrel – Item No. 48B48 • Gaso.Line 1:48 scale US / French TD M10 Crew figure set – Item No. GAS50361 • Tamiya 1:48 scale US Infantry GI figure set – Kit #32513 • Wargames Factory 28mm WWII American Infantry figure set – Item No. WGF-W2002 Tools and Modelling Products: • • • • • • • • • • •

The extra effort spent customising the figures was well worthwhile.

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement C.A. Glue Styrene Sheet, Strip and Rod Magic Sculp Epoxy Putty Mr. Paint Mr.Scriber Narrow RP Toolz Punch and Die Tool Set Styrodur Foam Balsa Wood Landscapes in Detail LANDS-102 Mosses Reality In Scale SCAT01 Stony Meadow Scatter Reality In Scale SCAT03 Nature-in-a-Pot Fine Autumn Forest Scatter

Paints and Finishing Products:

The diorama is interesting from all angles.

Paints: • Tamiya (acrylic and enamel) • Mr.Hobby • Mr.Paint • AK-Interactive • Hataka • Lifecolor • Vallejo Mr.Hobby Clear Varnishes Microscale Decal Solutions 8B Pencil Abteilung 502 oils and thinner LifeColor LP02 Rust Wizard MIG Productions P220 Dark Wash Talens White Spirit Uschi van der Rosten Metal Polishing Powder Steel Type AK-Interactive weathering products: • AK045 Dark Brown Wash • AK084 Engine Oil • AK088 Worn Effects Fluid • AK2071 Paneliner for Brown and Green Camouflage • AK4061 Sand Yellow Deposit • AK4062 Light Dust Deposit Ammo MIG weathering products: • A.MIG-1408 Fresh Engine Oil • A.MiG-1750 Dry Earth • A.MiG-1751 Dry Steppe • A.MIG-1753 Turned Dirt • A.MiG-1755 Wet Ground • A.MiG-2012 Sand and Gravel Glue ✓ Good level of detail; generally excellent fit; appealing subject. ✗ White Metal lower hull detail is a bit soft. Available from Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited - www.hobbyco.net

Rating

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SHOW REPORT

Yorkshire War Weekend 2016-11-20

THA’S GOING T’TANK SHOW YORKSHIRE WAR WEEKEND 8 - 10

JULY 2016

Graham Tetley attends a military vehicle show close to home.

M

y wife is always searching for different things to do and places to go with our daughter so you can imagine her face when I suggested trudging through a muddy field looking at tanks. One had to resort to a little subterfuge to persuade her though – for a few days before I kept asking my daughter (she is 2 and a half years old) if she wants to see the tanks. So a few days of Hollie saying ‘I want to see tanks’ worked a treat! You see, there are many military vehicle shows around the UK but very rarely are they in my back yard. Every year though around 300 vintage vehicles descend on Hunsworth Farm in East Bierley, Bradford, to churn up some dirt and entertain us Yorkshire folk. The venue is ideal to get to, being just off the M62 and at the centre of the motorway network, but

being a Bradford lad I don’t need to use the motorway to get there. Unfortunately, the typical British weather meant that it rained most of the Saturday but that didn’t deter the hardy souls that turned up. The Sunday was better with a little bit of blue skies and fewer showers, but at least it provided a modeller’s lesson on what running through mud looks like on a tank! The show is divided into six areas, the German, Allied WWII, Post War and WW1 areas are where we find the vehicles and re-enactor displays and then there is a Vendor area and the battle arena. Food drink were also there with a display of 1940’s Entertainment and dancing in the main Marquee. There was a beer Tent (Bradford’s Salamander Brewery were in attendance) however the ale was not at 1940’s prices and I was driving!

BOYS’ TOYS This year, I wanted to see Jon Phillip’s restored Stug IIID. I have been following this on Facebook for some time and the Yorkshire War Weekend was to be its first outing. I missed it running around the arena but even static it is simply superb and I hope that the accompanying photos show just how much work has been put in to get this former wreck into what it is today. The back story is that it is an Sd.Kfz. 142 Stug. III Ausf.

D, chassis number 90678, from ‘Sonderverband 288’ that was in North Africa in Summer 1942. It was captured by the British in North Africa and was taken to the UK for tests and study. It ended up being recovered from the Pirbright firing range by Kevin Wheatcroft but Jon Phillips then acquired it and fully restored it to running condition. I didn’t have the heart to tell the re-enactors that they were all wearing the wrong uniforms for the desert!

Beautifully restored Stug IIID.

Where would re-enactors be without FV432s?

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Aside from the Stug, there was an M5A1 Stuart, M24 Chaffee, M18 Hellcat, M36 Jackson, a T34/85, Valetine DD, Comet, Cromwell and a Chieftain in the tank category, along with three FV432 alterations to depict a Stug III, Panzer III and M24 Chaffee. There were also many Jeeps, Universal Carriers, Dingo’s, a Gaz 66 (or 67), soft skins, trucks, Kettenkrads and Kubelwagens running around and a replica Spitfire as well. A main attraction this year was the Diamond T 75th Anniversary and many variants were on show, both static and taking part in the procession in the arena. The vendors were almost all militaria with one sole trader selling mainly Airfix kits. If you

All serious peace talks need a good Hog Roast.

wanted a German helmet or Jerrycan you were in luck and there was even someone selling a de-activated AK47 for £220 but my wife wouldn’t let me buy it. Next year she stays at home!

Ever wondered what a Hellcat's rear looked like? One Hellcat ready to hit the arena.

NEXT YEAR The event is on next year and booked for 7 and 8 of July. For further details you can visit the event website at http:// nelz60.moonfruit.com/. Let’s hope that the sun manages to shine for it but, if you are in the North of England, this is a fantastic day out to attend. I hope that the accompanying photos give you a flavour of what was on show and who knows, our paths may cross there next year. ■

Wanna buy a Jerry can?

Can't beat a bit of Comet.

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SHOW REPORT

Yorkshire War Weekend 2016-11-20

One Beautiful M24 Chaffee.

The American brough at M36 Jackson to the party.

Bradford City Centre watch out!

Something not quite right with this Chaffee.

Plenty of softskins on show.

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One pristine ARP Fire Engine.

This was the Stug’s first public showing.

Panzer Porn at its best.

Getting her into tanks at an early age!

Don't fancy his chances!

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Book Reviews WORLD WAR TWO INFANTRY FIRE SUPPORT TACTICS ELITE NO. 214 BY GORDON L ROTTMAN OSPREY PUBLISHING ISBN: 978-1-4728-1546-0

BRITISH LIGHT TANKS 1927-45 MARKS I - VI NEW VANGUARD NO. 217 BY DAVID FLETCHER OSPREY PUBLISHING ISBN: 978-1-78200-377-9

David Fletcher is no stranger to most people who study the evolution of British armoured forces and equipment, having been the long-time curator of the Bovington Tank Museum and the author of many titles on the subject of British AFVs. His latest title in the adds to the extensive Osprey New Vanguard series and addresses the little documented British Light Tank series that made the backbone of her Early War Armoured formations. There is little in print documenting these fascinating vehicles this title fills this niche nicely with the revised New Vanguard Format having many photographs and colour plates to support the informative narrative. The majority of British AFVs in 1939 were the Light Tank series from Vickers. These were totally outclassed by the more modern German AFV designs but were forced to soldier on until adequate replacements could be fielded. This title documents their development during the depression years and their subsequent service in France and Belgium in 1940 where almost all those deployed remained in France after the withdrawal of the BEF at Dunkirk and the Western Desert, Greece and Crete. The book covers all the major variants from the development of the Mk I through to the wartime Mk VI series and is broken into the following chapters covering: 1. Introduction. 2. Prototypes and predecessors. 3. Mk II 4. Mk III 5. Mk IV 6. MK V 7. L4E1: The Superintendent of Design’s tank 8. The Mk VI series 9. On Active Service: France - Mediterranean 10. Summary 11. Bibliography 12. Index This is an important and informative title that gives the reader a good insight into the British Light tank family and usage of tanks in the desperation of the early war years. It is backed up by a good collection of photos and excellent colour plates covering a variety of these often colourful and interesting vehicles from there protype through to their valiant service in France and the Mediterranean theatres of WWII. With the recent interest from model manufacturers and certain computer games this title offers an important if brief history of the development of these obsolete but important vehicles. I’d highly recommend this title to historians, armour enthusiasts and modellers. Highly Recommended. Osprey books are available online from their website www.ospreypublishing.com Al Bowie

Osprey Publishing’s latest title in the long running ELITE series is dedicated to WWII Infantry Fire Support Tactics and covers a complex and broad subject. This book covers the support available to the Infantry forces of the Germans, US, Commonwealth and Russians. It gives a great insight into how this support evolved and was employed throughout the war. Given the scope covered this is an ambitious title which the author is constrained in by the number of pages this format allows. Having said that the author gives a great overview which is well supported by diagrams, tactical overviews and colour plates of the weapons and their typical employment. The Author is also well versed in Fire Support tactics having served in Vietnam and beyond with US Special forces as a weapons specialist. I found this an interesting read and the author has done well to separate the different national approaches and structures. The selection of fire support covered goes right up to the divisional AT organic to some Infantry divisions and covers the unique artillery of infantry divisions in a number of Armies. It covers everything fronm the Sections fire support base of the LMG right through to the brigade level heavy weapons companies with Light Artillery and heavy mortars and medium / heavy MGs. The book is follows the standard format for the range and includes the following chapters: 1. Introduction. 2. Infantry Fire Support Weapons. 3. Weapons Effects 4. Fire Support Units 5. Tactical Employment 6. Example 7. Conclusion 8. Bibliography 9. Index The title is broad in scope and high on detail despite the small amount of pages available. It will give the reader a good insight into Infantry support in WWII and as such is easy to recommend whether particularly to the wargamers amongst us who from experience sometimes struggle with the employment and make up of such support. This is a broad topic and one that could really have been down over a number of volumes covering different periods of the war but it gives a very good overview of the subject. Recommended. Osprey books are available online from their website www.ospreypublishing.com Al Bowie

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SOVIET ARMOUR IN FOREIGN COLOURS BY CHRIS MEDDINGS INSIDE THE ARMOUR PUBLICATIONS ISBN: 9780993258824

This is the third book from Inside The Armour Publications and with the help of highly respected modellers Jose Brito, Kristoff Pulinckx, Andy Taylor, Ivan Cocker, Norio Takemura, Ken Abrams and Alex Long it takes a look at Soviet built armour as used by other nation states. What you get are some VERY in depth builds of seven vehicles that feature a lot of outstanding detail inside and out, especially on the Shilka. All the models featured except for the BTR-40A and Egyptian T-54 have been built by Chris and apart from his BMP-1 have been painted by some of the modellers noted above. The builds are mostly in the SBS (Step By Step) photographic style but they also have a good amount of text to read through as well. The book features full colour images all the way through with some very useful reference photos of various armoured vehicles from Patrick Winnepenninckx’s time of military service in Afghanistan (these will also give you some excellent diorama ideas), and a walk-around courtesy of Dinh Nguyen Anh Vu of a T-54 from the PAVN (Peoples Army of Vietnam) that is on display in Ho Chi Minh City. There is a ‘how-to’ on painting figures for AFV modellers by Alex Long and also included is a small decal sheet and etched engine grills for a T-55. The decals themselves are nicely printed by the Fantasy Printshop, in perfect register and give three finishing options for T-54s, two of which relate to builds in the book with decal placement instructions given near the end. The etch is supplied by Voyager, the instructions for which are printed inside the book. As well as the in depth builds there are a lot of tips and tricks included for finishing the models along with ideas for groundwork. Taking a look at the opening chapter and Chris certainly chucks in everything but the kitchen sink with the amount of detail he incorporates into the old Dragon kit and just goes to prove that an old kit can be made into a show stopper. Ivan Cocker finishes it off with a superb finish and diorama setting. Also thanks are due to Chris for invoking one of the Rules of Modelling that requires manufacturers to release a brand new kit after someone completes an in depth build like this, namely Meng and their Shilka. The overall quality is very good and the book is surprisingly heavy, the only nitpicks I could find were a few spelling mistakes here and there and the text on page 69 repeated on page 71. Knowing Chris I can only put this down to the printers. I liked the honesty shown in the BTR-40A article where the builder, rather than hide the mistakes he made during construction included them as a warning to others who wish to build their own. I wasn’t sure what to make of the book at first as sometimes the inclusion of built models can spoil an otherwise excellent reference source however the quality of the builds, the finish of them and the reference photo’s make this a very valuable addition to the library, so much so I can see a trip to the stash to dig out some Russian armour. Inspiring stuff! Highly Recommended. Many thanks to Inside The Armour Publications for the review sample www. insidethearmour.com Andy King

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Figures

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

ITALERI

1:35 SCALE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN INFANTRY AND ITALIAN INFANTRY KIT NOS. 6528 AND 6532 Recently arrived for review are these two sets of figures from Italeri depicting Austro-Hungarian and Italian troops from WWI. Now the mere mention of Italeri and figures in the same sentence usually causes me some concern and trepidation as, let’s face it, their figures were never the best. However when I opened the boxes I was very relieved to see the ICM logo on the sprues so this review will be a bit longer! Starting with the Austro-Hungarian set and as usual with ICM you get four figures and a selection of personal equipment on one sprue and more equipment and weapons on a second. Moulding quality is good with only a little flash here and there although there are seam lines on most parts but these are easily removed with a sharp blade. The moulding detail is very good indeed and not far off the quality of resin figures. Things like the

undercuts on pockets, shoulder straps etc., all the little indents on the webbing straps make the figures really stand out, facial features are also very nicely rendered too. The figures are posed as advancing into battle and all wear the grey uniform of the period, interestingly the box art shows the figures wearing helmets whilst the printed instructions show them wearing peaked caps. Both types of headwear are included so you can mix and match if you wish. The weapons (from set 35671) in the kit include Schwarzlose M1908 and 1912 machine guns, Mannlicher M1895 rifles and carbines, Steyr M1912 pistols and holsters, bayonets, grenades and trench knives. For the set of Italian infantry, the comments about moulding and detail quality apply equally, the figures are again posed as advancing and weapons (from set 35686) include Villar-Perosa M1915 sub-machine guns, Mannlicher-Carcano

M91 rifles and carbines, M1889 revolvers, Glisenti M1910 and Berretta M1915 pistols, bayonets, trench clubs, grenades etc and three types of the Adrian helmet. Personal equipment such as canteens, backpacks, entrenching tools are also included. Assembly instructions in both sets are printed on a separate sheet and colours quoted are for Italeri’s own paint range along with Federal Standard equivalents. If you can get past the iffy box artwork when looking at these two sets, be assured that the quality of the figures inside is far better and well worth the investment, although if you can get them in the original ICM boxes they will be a bit cheaper. Definitely Recommended! Many thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net Brett Green

HAULER

1:35 SCALE MILITARY PROVISIONS ITEM NO. HLU35091

This versatile set will really add life to your figures, creating an instant vignette or additional detail for a diorama. Hauler has provided a wide range of fresh food, containers and even a wheeled cart made up from 42 parts in perfectly cast grey resin. There are several wooden boxes full of fruit and vegetables, large bread rolls, cheese, wine bottles, buckets, two different sacks of potatoes, a milk urn, a knife and some smallgoods. The resin trolley is made up from several pieces including separate spoked wheels. Cleanup should not be difficult and painting will be downright fun. These provisions should cover several projects, and will represent a very useful addition to your accessory drawer. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Hauler for the sample www.hauler.cz Brett Green

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KIT PREVIEW

Ryefield Model 1:35 M1A1 Abrams • Kit No. RM-5006

The upper hull features non-slip texture where appropriate.

The one-piece upper turret shell.

DESERT STORMER

Moulding quality is excellent.

The Editor examines the contents of Ryefield Model’s latest 1:35 scale Abrams, a Desert Storm M1A1.

* Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia.

T

he M1 Abrams is an American thirdgeneration main battle tank. Highly mobile, designed for modern armoured ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armoured. Notable features include the use of a powerful multi-fuel turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armour, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service. Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection, and electronics. These improvements and other upgrades to in-service tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. In addition, development for the improved M1A3 version has been known since 2009. Due to the vulnerability of tanks in urban combat, the Tank Urban Survival Kit (or TUSK) was issued to some M1 Abrams

tanks. It added protection in the rear and side of the tank to improve fighting ability in urban environments.* Ryefield released a 1:35 scale M1A1 TUSK / M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK 1 / M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II kit in 2016. This was an impressive and highly detailed model with 1,899 parts. I was suitably impressed, with my only real criticism relating to the somewhat intimidating tracks with six parts per link. My point was that the Abrams’ track is “live”, and therefore does not sag at all along the top run. Unless you want to display your Abrams on uneven ground (or buzz it around the lounge room), the workable feature is not really relevant. The majority of the track run is hidden behind skirts and armour anyway. This new kit is specific to Operation Desert Storm, being an early (1991) version of the M1A1 prior to the upgrades fitted after bitter experience in the urban environs of Iraq. The kit comprises a much more build-friendly 557 parts in dark yellow plastic, 202 parts in grey (tracks) and 75 parts in clear. Let’s start with the tracks. These are brand new link-andlength affairs with long sections for the top and bottom runs plus 48 individual links to run around the drive sprockets and idler wheels. The guide teeth are separate parts. Compared to the six-part links in the earlier release, these will be a breeze to assemble

and should still look great on the finished model. Rye Field’s surface textures are the best of all the Abrams kits currently available, with convincing and restrained non-slip texture on the top of the hull and the turret. The instructions are laid out logically and the options are clearly indicated in different sections and with colour coding. Baskets and railings are all presented in injection moulded plastic, and they look great. The road wheels are attached to swing arms, which in turn attach to workable torsion bars. Once again, the road wheels are sensibly and simply moulded with the tyres as outer and inner wheels. Most of the engineering decisions to do with parts breakdown seem to be quite modeller friendly. In common with their previous Abrams release, I impressed with the quality of Ryefield Model’s 1:35 scale Desert Storm M1A1. It is beautifully detailed, offers an interesting and historically important version and looks eminently buildable, especially with the simpler tracks! I look forward to seeing where Ryefield Model heads from now on! Highly Recommended to experienced modellers. ■

A clear sprue is included.

The tracks are all new and will be much easier to assemble.

The separate guide horns and some of the individual links.

Lovely machine gun detail.

Thanks to Ryefield Model for the sample www.ryefield-model.com The kit’s photo-etch.

Markings for three vehicles are supplied.

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CLASSY HOBBY 1:16 PANZERKAMPFWAGEN II AUSF. L LUCHS, 4TH PANZER DIVISION • KIT NO. MC16003

LATE LUCHS The Editor unpacks Classy Hobby’s latest large-scale Luchs.

T

he Panzer II was the backbone of the Panzercorps during the early Blitzkrieg campaigns. However, the Battle of France proved that the thin armour and inadequate armament of the Panzer II made it unsuitable for operations against other tanks. Nevertheless, development of the design continued. The final production model was the Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. L Sd.Kfz. 123 "Luchs" (Lynx). It was later redesignated Panzerspähwagen "Luchs". The Luchs was designed as a fast armoured reconnaissance vehicle. The general layout of the Ausf. L was similar to the Ausf. D and E versions of the Panzer II. The most noticeable distinguishing feature was the interleaved suspension, more commonly associated with the Tiger and Panther. In fact, with its stocky, squared-off design, overlapping road wheels and general profile somewhat resembling a Tiger I, this little vehicle must have given an unjustified shock to many Allied and Soviet tank commanders!

Lower hull plate.

Tools have clasp detail moulded in place.

The modest-sized photo-etched fret.

Despite being 30% heavier than the Panzer II Ausf. C, the Luchs lived up to its requirement for speed. Its 180hp Maybach engine and six-speed ZF transmission propelled the machine at over 60 kilometres per hour. This speed was essential, as its maximum armour of 30mm was no thicker than its obsolete predecessor. Armament comprised one KwK 38 20mm cannon and one co-axial machine gun. 131 Luchs' were manufactured between April 1942 and May 1943. These vehicles were deployed to Wehrmacht Panzer and reconnaissance units on the Eastern and Western fronts. The final 31 Luchs were armed with the very effective L/60 50mm anti-tank gun. Classy Hobby released their 1:16 Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. L Luchs in April 2016. The debut offering was the standard version. Classy Hobby’s second 1:16 Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. L Luchs represents one of the machines in service with the 4th Panzer Division. These Luchs’ were subtly different, being fitted with a rack on the forward hull for idler wheel tyre sections, spare track

The upper hull centre section. Note the One of the separate hull side parts. sprocket teeth moulded onto the turret ring.

The upper turret shell.

Nice radio face detail.

Clear parts including vision scopes and headlight lenses.

links on the glacis, smoke dischargers o the turret and additional armour on the lower forward hull. The new kit comprises 510 parts in pale grey plastic, 12 parts in clear and 208 track links in brown plastic. Multimedia parts include a photoetched fret with a further 70 parts, a length of metal cable and a bag of steel track pins. Moulding quality is generally very good, with just a little bit of light flash here and there. The kit is broken down conventionally, with a “flat pack” lower hull comprising a floor (incorporating the front hull plate), sides and arear plate. The space between the rear plate and the engine bay is filled with fan belt and engine fan detail. This detail will be visible through the ventilator grilles on the engine deck, so it is very welcome. There is no other interior detail inside the hull. The running gear is made up from internal mounts for the working torsion bars, the torsion bars themselves, and the relatively simple interleaved road wheels, drive sprockets and idler wheel, shock absorbers and smaller detail parts. The wheels are

Rear upper hull section with part of the rear grill moulded in place.

The early-style rear turret plate and Commander’s hatch.

Three marking schemes are included.

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moulded with the tyres in injection moulded plastic. The tracks are made up from individual single links and are joined with metal pins, just like the real thing. The links feature solid guide horns with a lightening “dent” in the outer surfaces. This is accurate. All the hatches are separate parts so they may be posed open or closed. Note that the crew’s hull hatches actually swing down inside the vehicle. Visors are well detailed including clear vision blocks and may be posed open or closed. The upper hull is broken down into forward, mid and rear sub-assemblies, while the turret is made up from an upper shell and separate parts for the mantlet, bottom and rear plates. The interior of the turret bristles with detail including the radio, crew seats, visors, water bottles and stowage.

The outer surfaces of the individual track links.

Both early and late style rear turret plates are included. The late style had a wider hatch. The rear hatch is hinged and may be left to open and close with careful application of glue. The late version also had a modified Commander’s hatch and some different turret details. These are also provided in the kit and pointed out in the instructions. The gun barrel and muzzle is a single plastic piece. The main gun, sight and coaxial MG 34 are nicely detailed. Plenty of external stowage is supplied, including spare tracks, stowage boxes and jerry cans. The three vehicles are all finished in a mottle of Dark Green over Dark Yellow. The decals are simple, colours are good and registration perfect on my sample.

Inner face detail – nicely done.

Metal track pins and tow cable.

CONCLUSION In common with their debut offering, this version of Classy Hobby’s 1:16 scale Luchs is an impressive and very buildable kit. The model features a well-detailed exterior with interior detail where it is needed most – inside the turret, which will be visible through open hatches, and underneath the large open cast grilles of the rear engine deck. Stowage and turret configuration options are welcome, and are all clearly pointed out in the instructions. The tracks are quite straightforward too, with just one piece per link and steel pin assembly. The option of two crew figures is very welcome too. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Classy Hobby for the sample www.classy-hobby.com

The kit decal sheet.

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

1:72 SCALE CHURCHILL MK.III AVRE KIT NO. 7327

During WWII, due to the efforts of General Percy Hobart, some Churchill tanks were converted by having their main armament removed and replaced by a short-range explosive charge launcher firing a 290mm diameter charge. Named AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) it was designed for demolishing roadblocks, enemy strong points, and other obstacles. Dragon’s Churchills are certainly well done and arguably the best in plastic in this scale. On opening the box we are met with four sprues, an upper & lower hull and a set of DS Tracks. Molding is sharp and crisp throughout with plenty of fine detail and only a little bit of flash on some bits. There are only 84 parts present of which six are unused so this will be a quick and easy build. There are only 5 steps in the instructions and the first involves the turret. All hatches are separate so you can put a figure in them however there is no interior detail to see. Next up is the running gear and here Dragon has moulded the suspension and road wheel units into two halves per side. No detail is lost by doing it this way as most of what is there is hidden behind the superstructure sides anyway. The option is there to shorten the DS Tracks if necessary however with the upper run hidden you can simply glue them in place and forget about any sloppy fit problems. Both upper and lower hulls come as single pieces and a test-fit of the main parts reveals a good match overall. There is a little bit of surgery involved (opening up some holes and shaving off some detail) but nothing that basic modelling skills can’t solve. I should add that the instructions are clearly drawn and I have not noticed any mistakes so far. Markings are provided for two vehicles, both from 79th Division in Europe during 1944, and are clearly printed. This is a lovely little kit. The standard of detail throughout is superb and the fit (so far) is very good. I like it and would give it a 9/10. Highly Recommended Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net

Detail in DS tracks.

Not bad for small scale.

Here are the new bits.

Close up of the front armour.

Rear engine deck detail.

Marking options. Pretty nice for one-piece mouldings! February 2017 - Model Military International 59

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1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? H

ow much is too much (in dollar terms) for a single model kit. I know what my limit is, but what is yours? I ask this, as I have just seen the price of the Trumpeter 1:48 scale Type VIIC U-Boat. My inner voice said....”are you serious dude?”. Not only is the model huge dimensionally but it would be kind of difficult to display. Even so, I know that if someone offered an update for it, I would probably go out and purchase that also! We are looking at hundreds of dollars here. I raised this question on Facebook a while ago and received a number of responses. One of the more enlighten ones was from Mr. Roy Chow. He said “We shouldn’t fool ourselves with the ‘I spend $100 but it gives me 6 months of fun/activity’ argument”. It’s true, for that project you’re spending six months on -- but what about the $800 on kits and accessories that sit on your shelf for months and years during that six months you’re building that one kit? That’s where the insanity lies. That one kit for $100? I get it. The $800 for the other five or six never to see the light of day? Madness. Which also raised the old question, how big is your stash?. The other thing that came to mind was how big is too big? To my mind the 1:48 scale U-Boat probably falls into that category. I honestly could not display it anywhere. Not to mention the amount of time it would take me to build it. Given my current snail’s pace it would take me years but still with all this logical thinking I still find myself drawn to it (much in the same way as a 32nd B-17). I know I would never build it, but I still want it!

Until Next Time Luke Pitt

BRONCO

1:48 SCALE GERMAN WWII JERRY CANS & OIL DRUMS ITEM NO. FB4020

Bronco seems to be producing more aircraft related products of late and I believe that this set is intended for that market segment. However, that’s not to say that we armour guys can’t use a good product as well! 24 1:48 scale multi-part Jerry cans are included with each can consisting of 5 parts. Like their 1:35 scale counterparts, Bronco has nailed these and they are the best 1:48 scale examples of these available in plastic today. Eight oil drums are included as well, in three different varieties. Like the Jerry cans, these are probably the best I have seen in plastic. The ends even have inscriptions on them. Rounding out the set is the inclusion of two hand pumps. This set is very impressive as their more detailed than any of the other plastic renditions that I have seen in 1:48 scale to date. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Bronco for the review samples www.cn-bronco.com Luke Pitt

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

TANK WORKSHOP

1:48 SCALE OPEL BLITZ WHEELS (8 HOLE) STANDARD MILITARY TREAD ITEM NO: TWS 48121

Tamiya has released two 1:48 scale Opel Blitz trucks over the years. The first was a reboxing of the Italeri kit and the second was their own version. Both kits had the six-holed pattern early wheel, which was a bit odd as most photos show the latter pattern 8-hole pattern wheel. All this can now be addressed with this new release from Tank Workshop. These wheels were mastered by Dennis Loep via CAD and then 3D printed to form the master on which these resin castings were based. The casting exhibits a very fine pebble like texture but this is only apparent under extreme magnification. To all intents and purposs, these are perfect replacements for the Tamiya kits and exhibit far more detail in both tread pattern and side wall detail than their plastic cousins. The thing that always strikes me about Tank Workshop products is that they are sensibly priced, and these are no exception. Highly Recommended. Thanks to The Tank Workshop for the sample www.tankworkshop.com

TAMIYA

1:48 SCALE JAPANESE LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLE KIT NO. 32590

This new 1:48 scale Tamiya kit of the Japanese Light Armoured Vehicle is in fact the Komatsu LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) which is in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces. Introduced in 2002, the vehicle was deployed in the Iraq War. The LAV is produced by the Komatsu Defense Systems Division in Komatsu, Japan. The vehicle bears a passing resemblance to the Panhard VBL (which in this reviewer’s mind is almost like an armored sport car), that is in service with the French Army. The kit comprises 82 parts in dark green plastic, 9 parts in clear plastic, and a decal sheet accompanied by a first rate instruction sheet. The molding is first class, with no cleanup needed except for a few fine molding seams. The detail is so fine in places it defies belief. For example, the small rivet detail of the body sides is quite simply breathtaking. The tyre tread pattern with its distinctive bias ply tire is reproduced in a clever way. Each wheel is providing in front and rear sections onto which four tread sections are placed around the rim. This will look familiar to anyone who has seen Tamiya’s 1:32 Mosquito as the same method, is employed. The chassis is a one-piece plastic molding onto which are attached the front and rear suspension units, and which in turn are made up from separate drive units. The large body molding is a state of the art affair but, unfortunately makes no provision for any of the crew doors to be modelled in the open position. This is a shame as the interior is fairly well kitted out. The crew seats have nice details, with the rear seats having separate cushions with detail on the back plates. The exterior details on this kit are superb, take for example the “stowage rack” the thin round pipe that make up this rack are really impressive. The roof has separate weapons ring in which the well-molded machine gun can be mounted. A small but rather nice decal sheet is provided. This includes the dial faces for the instrument panel as well as markings for three brown and green Japanese camouflaged examples. To my mind, this is one of the best 1:48 scale armour releases produced by Tamiya to date. Basically it looks like a pantographed version of their 1:35 scale offering. After putting a few of the main body parts together for this review, I can report the kit just clicks together. Tamiya is the master of what I would describe as “detailed simplicity” and this kit is further evidence of that. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample www.tamiya.com Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net Luke Pitt February 2017 - Model Military International 61

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DOOLITTLEMEDIA.COM

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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

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

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/

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD

www.schumo-kits.com

SDV MODEL www.sdvmodel.cz

SIMPLE 2 TRADE

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

SMARTMODELLING

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

MONROE PERDU

SQUADRON

HANNANTS

ORDNANCE MODELS

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

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

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA www.airconnection.on.ca

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

SCHUMO KITS

(ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL)

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

GREAT NORTH ROADS

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MISSION MODELS

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

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

BLAST MODELS

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

SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK

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

Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com

IAN ALLAN

Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com

MILICAST MODEL CO.,

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

ITALERI

(The Hobby Company in UK)

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

JUST BASES

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

JUST KITS

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

MDC

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

MODELING ARTISAN MORI

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

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

PANZERWRECKS

PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK www.panzerwrecks.com

PLUS MODEL

(Creative Models in UK)

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

POCKETBOND

(Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK)

Bachmann Europe PLC Moat Way, Barwell, Leics, LE9 8EY Tel; 01455 841756 [email protected]

PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA)

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

QUICKBOOST

www.quickboost.net

REVELL GmbH & Co. KG Orchard Mews, 18C High Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 5AH Tel; +44 (0) 1442 890285 www.revell.eu

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 MODELS

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

8532 Lamar Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA [email protected] www.whiteensignmodels.com

UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model

SBLC

PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK [email protected]

SBX MODEL SHOP

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

SCHATTON BARRELS

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

MIG PRODUCTIONS

SCHIFFER BOOKS

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

SWANN-MORTON

SB MODELS

http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~m.a.mori/index_eng.html (Creative Models in UK)

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

(Toms Model Works)

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

ZVEZDA

(The Hobby Company in UK)

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

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

■ Please mention ‘Model Military International’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks! 64 Model Military International - February 2017

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NOn

Next Issue On sale 2nd February 2017

LAND BATTLESHIP!

Luke Pitt builds Hobby Boss’s 1:35 scale T-35, and Bruce Culver explores Soviet heavy tanks in a new Think Tank research piece.

ISSUE No.130 Febuary 2017, Published January 5th 2017 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;

Doolittle Media Web Team

Printed by; Henry Stone Ltd, Oxfordshire 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; Doolittle Media, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX UK www.modelmilitary.com Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574

DEFEAT IN 35 MM

Editorial enquiries; Email; [email protected]

1:35 scale diorama by Javier Redondo Giminez.

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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.

SCALE ACT 2016

Brett Green reports from Canberra’s annual model show.

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK £56 Europe £69 Worldwide (Airmail)

FOR YOUR SAFETY

COBRA COMPANY MV/CV-22 OSPREY TECH GUIDE Rafe Morrissey tackles this new conversion.

Advertisements are accepted for publication in Model Military International only on Doolittle Media’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.

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!

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

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

© Doolittle Media 2017

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February 2017 - Model Military International 65

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The Last Post... DRAGON 1:35 JAGDTIGER HENSCHEL PRODUCTION TYPE W/12.8CM PAK80 (L/66) • KIT NO. 6827

Drive sprockets & smaller bits.

The new gun barrel.

NEW 1:35 DRAGON

Graham Tetley examines an old favourite with some new additions.

JAGDTIGER I

n 1944 the designers at Krupp proposed to install a larger gun in the Jagdtiger superstructure. Despite making the vehicle even more difficult to move around, doing so would have resulted in the gun’s breach extending out of the Jagdtiger’s upper casemate thus exposing the crew. The drawings for this proposed conversion show armoured sides extending from the rear superstructure out along the engine deck, but, as it never got past the drawing stage, we will never know what the real thing would have looked like. For this release, Dragon gives us their standard Jagdtiger model dating all the way back to 6050 in 1995 and 6285 in 2005. We get with it a new sprue for the gun barrel and an updated sprue containing the drive sprockets and other smaller parts. With 15 sprues in total, we also get an etched steel fret containing the engine grilles, tie downs & other bits plus some wire for the tow ropes. The basic kit has stood the test of time well and has some crisp detail present on all parts. Sadly, the metal barrel and other goodies from 6285 have been dropped from this kit but, love them or hate them (and I love them!), Magic Tracks are provided although each link has some knock-out pin marks that would benefit from being removed. There is some flash present on some of the parts but nothing major. Being an older Dragon kit, the instructions are clear and uncluttered with no errors that I have yet spotted. There is some very fine weld detail and cast texture to the armour plate which needs no improvement. A basic gun breach is provided but please bear in mind that it would be incorrect for this particular version as would probably be its position on the floor. However it does give you something to see through the hatches if you wish to have them open. Not mentioned as an option, but you do get it on the sprues, is the gun barrel for the regular Jagdtiger so you could build it as such if you wish. Do bear in mind though that the same gun mantlet & collar are provided in the kit and the original barrel suffered

from being set back in the collar by about 4mm too far. The rumour for this error is that Dragon’s designers measured the Aberdeen example and its barrel is partly in recoil. Both barrels come split into halves so be prepared to do some sanding to remove the join lines. My method is to clamp the halves together tightly, seal it with liquid glue and then, when dry, smooth it down with wire wool. This is actually quite a simple build with the only thing to watch out for being some small gaps where the casemate front & rear join to the sides. All tools have their straps moulded on with no clasps so seek out etched parts if you wish. Dragon has provided us with three-piece track guards and whilst it would have been nice to have them all as individual parts the detail is adequate. The kit’s Magic Tracks come in two parts and it was noticed that the smaller links do suffer from flash. A test fit reveals that they are very tight so I recommend you file the inners surfaces down. Generally, I am a big fan of Magic Tracks but these will need some clean-up time devoted to each link. Still, they are better that DS Tracks in my view. Markings are limited to a series of simple crosses but, as this is a ‘What if?’ vehicle you can add whatever markings you see fit.

Armour plate texture.

The etched steel parts.

Close-up of the drive sprocket.

CONCLUSION As this is a model of a vehicle that only saw action on a drawing board I cannot be too critical of accuracy. For Dragon to do a proper job we should have had in the box the extended armour panels for the engine deck but some plastic card can put that right. I am told that this fictional Jagdtiger is a top scorer in ‘World of Tanks’ so it is probably aimed at that market – if so, it is one way that new modellers can find a way into this hobby so has to be welcomed. The basic Jagdtiger kit is sound although it would benefit from some etched improvements, especially for the tools and fenders. It comes recommended with a 6/10 from me. ■

No detail skimped on the road wheels.

Track links, and flash.

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t x e n o N i t e a h r T ne e G

T-14 Armata 1/35 (3670) Zvezda’s T-14 Armata is perhaps the most accurate version of this kit on the market. The complex geometry of the hull and the turret is perfectly reproduced with a very high level of detail and a fine plastic texture. This kit was engineered in cooperation with UralVagonZavod (UVZ), the Russian factory that actually manufactured the real tank. Even the details of the bottom lower hull are shown and all grilles are reproduced in fine plastic! This kit consists of 410 parts with 10 grey plastic sprues and one with clear parts. The tracks are in hard plastic segments and very easy to assemble. Included are two decal sheets, one for the 2016 Victory Day parade in Moscow, and one for the new Russian Army tank unit, established in 2016. The T-14 Armata is a unique tank. For the first time in the tank history Russian designers have transformed the turret into an unmanned combat module and placed the crew in an isolated armoured capsule. The Armata's complex armour supported by an active protection system is able to withstand the hit of any existing anti-tank weapon. The powerful gun with auto-loader directed by complex aiming system surpasses any existing or forthcoming tanks of other countries.

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p 67 Zvezda 130.indd 1

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

29/11/2016 11:17