mmi.104.2014

4 1 0 2 E R W I O A SH T I L I M O R U E

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

RT O P RE

Issue 104 December 2014 www.modelmilitary.com

WAR TROPHY Tamiya 1:35 scale Toyota Model AB Phaeton

HE’S GOT LEGS! Large scale figure painting with Matt Wellhouser

MRAP TO THE MAXX

Kinetic 1:35 4 x 4 MRAP Armoured Fighting Vehicle

INSIDE: p 01 CoverMMI 104B.indd 1

1:35 M6A1 Build and Reference ■ 1:35 Tiger ■ 1:35 WWII Ambulance ■ 1:35 V300 Maultier ■ and more...

December 2014 / £4.20 / Issue 104

15/10/2014 12:06

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Modelling Trees Part Two - Conifers 92 pages, full colour. £21.95

Modelling Trees Part One Broadleaf Trees 92 pages, full colour. £19.95

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D.A.K Profile Guide This book shows the original German camouflage of vehicles used by the Deutsche Afrika Korps, with color variants throughout the war. 108 pages, Over 170 profiles cover schemes, published by A.K Interactive. £23.99

Tankograd 9022 - Cold War Exercise SPEARPOINT 80 Joint British and American Forces face the Threat from the East. After two years of preparatory work, the field training exercise Spearpoint 80 was conducted as part of the large-scale Exercise Crusader 80 between 11 and 26 September 1980. Since NATO came into existence, this exercise was the largest British one held on West German soil.Illustrated with 86 colour photographs, 32 black&white photographs and 4 maps. £13.99

Tankograd 5051 - FUCHS The Transportpanzer 1 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier in German Army Service Part 1 - Development and Technology. The Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs wheeled armoured personnel carriers are, aside from the Leopard main battle tanks, the most iconic and most prominent assets of the modern German Army. Illustrated throughout with 96 colour photo’s, 33 black&white photo’s, 12 graphics and one five-side technical drawing in 1/35 scale. £13.99

Painting Guide for AFV of World War Two and Modern Era Much more than a new technique, this book offers you a novel approach of AFV painting. The author clearly explains, through detailled step by step photos, how to give your model the perfect enhance of contrast and a ‘eye catching’ look. 82 pages, full colour. £17.50

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Realistic Wood Effects First book of this new collection (Learning series) in a small format.

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83 pages, full colour. Published by A.K Interactive. £10.99

Tankograd In Detail Fast Track 03 - M2A3 Bradley The US Army Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

In action photographs and a detailed walkaround, English text.Limited print-run 999 copies. Illustrated with 86 colour photographs. 40pages. £10.99

MILITƒRFAHRZEUG 4-2014 Panzertransporter SLT 2 MAMMUT, Panzerartillerie Sd.Kfz. 165 HUMMEL, Yamaha GRIZZLY Quad, Beobachtungspanzer Artillerie LEOPARD, Truppenerprobung M56 SCORPION, Technik-Museum Speyer, GWAGON beim Australischen Heer, Minengefahr - VERSATILE TEAM, Rum‰nischer TR-85M1 BIZONUL, Sturmpanzer Sherman JUMBO, War&Peace Show Westenhanger 2014. £9.99 German Text Only

AK Learning Series - Panzer Crew Uniforms In this book, we find many painting articles with an extensive step guide and many full colour photographs. A detailed guide on how to paint these uniforms from the classic black uniform to camouflaged clothes and going through the painting of several heads. £10.99

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Tankograd In Detail Fast Track 02 - SLT 2 Mammut The new German Army Tank Transporter. In action photographs and a detailed walkaround, English text.Limited print-run 999 copies. Illustrated with 80 colour photographs. 40 pages. £10.99

Camouflage & Markings of Allied Armor in the Battle for Cassino January-May 1944 This is an authoritative guide to the armor deployed by the Allies over the course of the fighting for this strategic objective.

Covering American, British, Indian, Canadian, French, New Zealand and Polish armor, this book includes a number of rare and unpublished photos with detailed captions. 56 pages, 78 b&w photos, 20 full color plates of artwork. £19.99

Tankograd 5052 - FUCHS The Transport- How to Build The Leopard Family panzer 1 Wheeled Armoured Personnel in 1:35 Carrier in German Army Service. Part 2 How To Build The Leopard Family Reconnaissance / Engineer / Command. The In 1:35 is a comprehensive guide to Transportpanzer 1 Fuchs wheeled armoured modelling this famous vehicle in its personnel carriers are, aside from the many forms. From battle tanks to Leopard main battle tanks, the most iconic recovery vehicles, homeland protectors, and most prominent assets of the modern to battle-hardened veterans, you’ll find German Army. Illustrated throughout with much to enjoy and inspire within the 107 colour photo’s, 5 black&white photo’s, 3 pages of this exciting new book. 82 graphics, one technical drawing in 1/72 and pages, full colour. one technical drawing in 1/35 scale. £13.99 £12.95

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How to Build... Airfix 1:24 Hawker Typhoon The complete guide to building the amazing Airfix 1:24 scale Hawker Typhoon, written by Brett Green of HyperScale and Model Military fame. This new book features an exhaustive step-by-step guide to construction with modelling contributions

by Brett, Marcus Nicholls and Chris Wauchop. 74 pages, full colour. £12.95

Nuts and Bolts 32 - The medium cross-country Lorries 3 ton (6x4) of the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht To date, Nuts & Bolts has only produced publications on tracked, half-track vehicles and weapon systems. With this volume, the first issue in a series which will deal exclusively on Lorries - in particular the medium cross-country Lorries (commercial) - m. gl. Lkw. (o) - of the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht. 225 pages, 16 camouflage schemes, 471 photos. £25.15

Soldaten - The German Soldier in WW2 Author and illustrator Dennis Oliver is joined in this title by renowned military artist Stephen Andrew to showcase the men and armoured vehicles that held the German lines in the Netherlands through 1944 and 1945. 13 pages of brilliantly rendered and painstakingly researched colour artwork by Dennis Oliver and guest artist Stephen Andrew. 33 Pages. £13.99

Challenger 1 Main Battle Tank Volume 2 In Challenger 1 Volume 2 Robert Griffin outlines the service career of the Challenger 1 Main Battle Tank and Challenger Repair and Recovery Vehicle. This exciting Photosniper title includes numerous period photographs, ten colour plates and vehicle plans for the Challenger 1 Mk.3 as deployed into combat during Operation Granby. 80 pages, 185 photos. £13.99

M2A2 ODS Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in Detail 96 pages, full colour, Chapters Include: Introduction, Hull Walkaround, Drivers Compartment, Squad Compartment, Turrett exterior details, Turrett Interior details, NBC Protection System, OIF M2. £19.99

Officers and Soldiers 24 - French Dragoons Volume 1 According to Father Daniel, the dragoon corps was founded during the reign of Henri II following the creation of the mounted Arquebusiers in 1554 by the Marshall of Brissac in the Piedmont. They were foot soldiers forming small bands organized into companies or platoons, who travelled on horseback and who used their firearms while on foot. 82 pages, colour plates. £16.99

The Weathering Magazine 8 This time focused on the Vietnam War. Inside you will find how to create a jungle diorama, how to obtain the characteristic earth and dust colors of Vietnam, and realistic painting of helicopters and airplanes as seen in the war. This, and so much more.

So much, that the magazine includes 8 bonus pages full of tricks and techniques to cover the topic in depth and have even more fun. £8.99

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YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bookworldws.co.uk Stockists of the following subjects: Aviation, Military, Naval, Modelling, Railway, Motoring Major credit cards accepted, UK cheques payable to Bookworld Wholesale Ltd UK Postage Single Book £2.50 Two or More Books £4.50 Overseas airmail please add 15% of order value minimum £7.50

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Contents - Issue 104 December 2014 28 44

20

REGULARS

FEATURES

p 4 NEWS

p 6 THINK TANK

What’s new in the world of military modelling

p 56 INCOMING

News on accessories, tools and finishing products

p 57 FIGURES

MMI’s thoughts on the figure releases

p 58 1:48 SCALE

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

p 60 BOOKS

Roundup of the latest modelling and reference titles

p 66 LAST POST

Late breaking news and ramblings from the Editor

Maxx Pro by Stuart Ransley

p 12 MRAP TO THE MAXX

Kinetic 1:35 Maxx Pro by Andrew Judson

p 18 PREVIEW

ICM 1:35 WWII Ambulance

p 20 AMERICAN MAMMOTH

Dragon’s 1:35 M6A1 Heavy Tank by Steve Zaloga

p 26 PREVIEW

Xact Scale Models 1:35 Tiger

p 28 SHOW REPORT

Euro Militaire 2014 by Marcus Nicholls

p 32 BOOK PREVIEW

How to Build…

Leopard Family in 1:35

p 34 WAR PRIZE

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton

p 44 HE’S GOT LEGS!

Bonehead Models’ 200mm SS Squad Leader

p 50 GALLERY

Dragon 1:35 Jagdpanzer IV L/70

p 52 CLOSE-UP

Hetzer at Bovington

p 54 PREVIEW

ICM 1:35 V300 Maultier & Pak 36

34

©ADH Publishing Ltd 2014 Tel: (UK) 01525 222573 Fax: (UK) 01525 222574 Email: enquiries@modelmilitary.com Address: ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Model Military International is published monthly by ADH Publishing.

Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

ISSN 1749-8864 December 2014 - Model Military International 3

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Newsline - December ’14

MMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574 Email:editor@modelmilitary.com

Tamiya 1:35 Jagdpanzer IV/70(V) Lang T amiya is releasing a completely new 1:35 scale model of the fearsome German tank destroyer, Jagdpanzer IV Lang.

This is not to be confused with the 1970s-vintage kit of the same subject.

The original Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyer was based upon the Panzer IV vehicle and used extensive sloped armor with the 48-caliber 7.5cm gun that had already proven its worth on other vehicles. In January 1944, it was decided to upgrade the Jagdpanzer IV, with the powerful 70-caliber 7.5cm anti-tank gun installed in place of the original 48-caliber weapon. This bigger gun was fitted to the Jadgpanzer IV with the intention of giving it the ability to destroy Allied tanks without even entering their weapons’ range. It was also the origin of the name Lang, which translates into English as "long". The (V) was applied to vehicles manufactured by the German company Vomag.

930 Jagdpanzer IV /70(V) Lang vehicles were manufactured between August 1944 and March 1945, with German forces taking advantage of the

exceptional range of the gun, employing it in both defensive and ambush roles even as their military situation worsened.

The new kit depicts a vehicle manufactured after September 1944, when the use of anti-magnetic mine Zimmerit coating was discontinued. The kit will provide full-length flexible tracks, two partial crew figures and markings for three vehicles covering the Western and Eastern Fronts.

The kit should be available not long after you are reading this issue of MMI, under the item no.

35340.

December 2014 marks 70 years since the Battle of the Bulge, which was effectively the final German offensive of WWII. This model is perfect and right on time to liven up late Second World War dioramas.

Thanks to Tamiya for the information and images www.tamiya.com Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

Kit Form Services TQ-202 1:24 scale AEC Militant Mk.1 6x6 Gun Tractor This 1:24 scale model of the 'Tenny', 'Milly' or 'Knocker', as they were affectionately known, measures some 306mm long. It has separate cab doors, fully detailed engine with separate engine cover, fully detailed cab interior with all the relevant controls, batteries & etched stowage pockets, real wire mesh radiator grill, winch, detailed drive line & suspension, 14.00 x 20 bar grip tyres on separate wheels, late production type artillery body with crew seats, hoops & resin cast canvas. The usual clear

cast pre coloured lights, an A4 sized wealth of etched brass detail parts, quality waterslide decals & the usual high standard pictorial instructions spanning 28 pages.

The parts count stands at 145 in high quality resin, 101 in cast white metal & 344 in brass etch + the aformentioned clear cast lights & glazing & various plastics. Total, over 600 pieces. Model 12"

Accurate Armour New Releases Accurate Armour advises that their latest full kit releases in 1:35 scale comprise three vehicles mounting the British Army UBRE (Unit Bulk Refuelling System). These will offer plenty of diorama potential to show contemporary British Army heavy armour and soft-skin vehicles side by side.

The combination of STALWART, BEDFORD MK and FODEN DROPS span the complete working life of UBRE from 1975 through to around 2010. Heavy armour modellers might try a 'soft skin' subject and vise versa! The Stalwart and DROPS UBRE units can also be bought as stand alone accessories, and we have released some complementary operator figures also.

There was also a little point making a fuelling system when none of the 100+ 1:35 scale British AFV kits on the market have opening fuel filling points! Accurate Armour has therefore released nine opening fuel cover adaptor sets to update most of the plastic and resin kits on the market.

More information and images on Accurate Armour’s website www.accurate-armour.com

or 305mm long.

UK & EU £240.00 (£200.00 for non EU export). Release due 25th October 2014.

Thanks to Kit Form Services for the images and information www.kitformservices.com

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Think Tank - International MaxxPro U.S. Army Engineers’ MaxxPro towing an M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC). (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Hohman/Released)

Stuart Ransley examines the origins, development, variants and future plans for the MaxxPro family of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.

INTERNATIONAL MAXXPRO

T

he US and Coalition forces in Iraq found themselves fighting an intense Counter- Insurgency Operation after the fall of Saddam Hussein. US Military doctrine of the time did not allocate armoured vehicles for “behind the wire” operations and only used unarmoured HMMWVs and trucks for patrolling and transport in the supposedly safe areas. The insurgents began to use mines and Improvised Explosive Devices

which they were able to use to strike almost anywhere. Rising casualties to these weapons resulted in an urgent program to add armour packages to trucks and the introduction of new armoured HMMWVs. The armoured HMMWVs were never entirely successful due to their vulunerabilty to “under belly blasts”.

The US Department of Defence went looking for a solution to the problem, eventually turning to South Africa. 30 years previously

the South African and former Rhodesian Security Forces had faced a similar problem and had developed a solution, the concept of the V shaped hull. This directed the blast outwards and away from the vehicle thus protecting the occupants. Several vehicles were trialled and found to be highly successful and thus introduced to the world, the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle.

The Mine Resistant Ambush

Protected (MRAP) vehicle programme was launched by the US Department of Defence in 2006. The purpose of the programme was to provide the units of the US Military, operating in Iraq and Afghanistan with a multi role vehicle capable of providing protection against Improvised Explosive Devices, Mines and Small Arms fire. The programme specified 3 distinct categories in order to fulfil different operational requirements.

U.S. Army Engineers prepare to fire a M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) to clear the route of possible improvised explosive devices (IED) during the construction of Dragoon Drive in Maiwand District, Afghanistan, Nov. 24, 2010.

Dragoon Drive is a new road from route 1 to Fort Iron, created to have a more secure route for resupply. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy Hohman/Released)

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CATEGORY 1 – URBAN COMBAT OPERATIONS Vehicles in this category are designed for operations in urban or confined areas. They are 4 x 4 vehicles that can carry up to 6 fully equipped troops.

CATEGORY II – MULTI MISSION OPERATIONS Vehicles in this category are designed for a variety of roles including Convoy Security, Troop and Cargo Transport, Combat Engineer Vehicles and Ambulances.

They can either be 4x4 or 6x6 configuration and are able to carry up to 10 troops.

CATEGORY III – MINE AND IED MISSIONS Vehicles in this category are designed to carry EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Teams. They are 6x6 configuration and can carry 6 or more troops.

HISTORY The MaxxPro family of MRAP Vehicles is produced by Navistar Defense, which is a wholly owned affiliate of Navistar International Cooperation. The family consists of the MaxxPro (which is the basic model), The MaxxPro Plus, MaxxPro Dash, Maxxpro Dash DXM, MaxxPro XL and the MaxxPro Plus XL. The US Military initially tested four MaxxPro vehicles at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in March 2007. The tests were so successful that the US Marine Corps ordered 1,200 Vehicles

on 31 May 2007 for delivery by February 2008. Further contracts were awarded over the years have resulted in more than 9000 Maxxpro vehicles of various types being field by the US Military.

MAXXPRO The MaxxPro is the basic model of the family. It is a 4 x 4 vehicle based on the International 7000 Series Severe Service truck chassis. The vehicle is fitted with an armoured V Shaped Monocoque hull. The armour, developed by Plasan Sasa Ltd is believed to be a composite type but exact details are classified. It gives the crew protection against Mines, IEDs, Artillery and Small Arms fire.

Side view of a basic MaxxPro MRAP. (US Army Photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford;)

PERFORMANCE The vehicle is powered by a 330hp MaxxForce 8.7D 8.7 Litre, Turbocharged diesel engine with an Allison 3000SP five speed automatic transmission. This combination gives the MaxxPro a top speed of 110 Kmph.

ARMAMENT The MaxxPro has a ring mount fitted to the roof hatch. This ring mount is protected by an Objective Gunner Protection Kit (O-GPK) and may be armed with either a 7.62mm M240B MG, a 50 Cal M2HB QCB MG or A 40mm Mk19 Grenade Launcher.

Access to the vehicle is via two side doors for the driver and

Rear view of a basic MaxxPro. (US Army Photo by Sgt. Robert Walden;)

vehicle commander and a rear mounted power operated ramp for the rest of the crew. The MaxxPro is usually crewed by a Driver and Commander seated in the front of the vehicle, a Gunner in the O-GPK and 4 soldiers seated in the rear.

Each of the crew seats is fitted with a four-point safety harness.

MAXXPRO DASH Due to the height of the vehicle the MaxxPro is top heavy and as such has a tendency to roll over. It also has problems when negotiating narrow streets with low public utilities cables and Traffic. Due to this the MaxxPro Dash was developed. On September 4, 2008

A

The MaxxPro Family of MRAPs has proven highly successful “and is now in use with several countries with contingents serving as part of ISAF in Afghanistan including Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Poland...

”

MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles sit in the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group Quick Response Force parking area at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Oct 7. Air Force security forces personnel here have incorporated MRAPs into their historic mission to defend the base both inside and outside the perimeter, a mission not conducted by the Air Force since the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Craig Lifton)

A convoy of MaxxPro Dash mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles continues its mission from Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Oct. 17, 2011. Note the frames over the top of the vehicles. There have been several incidents where these vehicles have come into contact with low hanging electricity wires which have resulted in death and injury of crew members. The frames keep any low hanging cables away from the vehicle. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon Bednarek/Released) December 2014 - Model Military International 7

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Think Tank - International MaxxPro

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, provide security with their MaxxPro mine-resistant, ambush-protected truck, outside the Sayed Abad district agricultural center, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2012. Note the RPG nets. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Austin Berner/Released)

A Rear view of a MaxxPro Dash fitted with RPG nets. (US Army Photo by Sgt. Daniel Schroeder;)

A MaxxPro Dash passes through a narrow opening between kalat walls before entering Joint Security Station Hasan June 11, 2012, in Gilan District, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. A guard tower under construction can be seen on the wall above the vehicle. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod, RC-East PAO)

Top view of a MaxxPro Dash. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Marcus Butler, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs)

B the U.S. Marine Corps awarded

Navistar a $752 million contract to develop and produce a lighter, smaller, and more mobile MaxxPro variant that would be less prone to the rollover problems that have plagued most MRAP vehicles. This MaxxPro Dash is a smaller, lighter and more mobile version of the basic MaxxPro family. The Dash has a smaller turning radius and

higher torque to weight ratio and is less prone to roll-over problems.

The MaxxPro Dash is powered by a Maxxforce 9.3D Turbocharged diesel engine

MaxxPro Dash DXM Due to the type of Terrain encountered in Afghanistan, a second variant of the Dash was produced, the Dash DXM. The

Dash DXM received a modular, fully independent, front and rear suspension produced by Hendrickson Defense. New MaxxPro Dash vehicles with DXM independent suspension began rolling off the manufacturing line and as of 29 April 2010, the Government accepted 135 of these trucks. In addition, DXM independent suspension kits were shipped to Kuwait in 2010.

These were used to upgrade the original 1,222 Dash units fielded for Afghanistan. The design of the DXM suspension system also allowed for quick integration onto MaxxPro Dash vehicles without the need for cutting or welding, accelerating delivery of this needed capability.

MaxxPro Plus The sophistication of IEDs used by insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan

began to increase. The introduction of the Explosive Formed Penetrator saw a rise in casualties and vehicle losses for Coalition Forces. As a result there was an urgent need to develop protection against this new weapon. In June 2008 Navistar introduced the MaxxPro Plus. This vehicle has increased engine power and payload and is fitted with Frag Kit 6 armour enhancements for increased protection against explosively formed penetrator IEDs. The MaxxPro Plus uses the same 4 x 4 chassis as the MaxxPro and MaxxPro Dash but has dual rear wheels and is powered by the same engine that is fitted to the MaxxPro Dash.

MaxxPro Plus DXM The DXM independent suspension has also been added to the MaxxPro Plus. A

U.S. Soldiers use a MaxxPro Dash mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle and a mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle to cordon off a road in southwestern Afghanistan July 6, 2011.

The Soldiers are using a heavy expanded mobility tactical truck to help with the recovery of a pick up truck turned on its side. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez/Released)

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A U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team fires his M4 carbine at insurgents during a firefight June 30, 2012, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. The vehicle he is using for cover is a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod, Task Force 1-82 PAO)

Soldiers driving the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle were frequently knocking out voltage lines, putting crews and equipment at risk in addition to aggravating locals and damaging infrastructure. Researchers at the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center at Warren, Mich. took an idea from Soldiers in the field and applied science. Officials said the kit adapts easily to newly integrated vehicles and requires no modification and can be installed without special tools. (Photo US Dept of Defence)

Side view of a MaxxPro Plus fitted with MRAP Expedient Armour Program MEAP armour upgrade.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Caldwell/Released)

U.S. Soldiers practice packing their gear inside a MaxxPro mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle at Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Aug. 27, 2011. They are assigned to the Stability Transition Team, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Brian Chaney/Released)

A column of MaxxPro Plus vehicles. Note the MEAP armour upgrades (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Lynette Hoke/Released)

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Think Tank - International MaxxPro Elements of the last U.S. military sustainment convoy cross the border of Kuwait leaving Iraq, Dec. 18, 2011.

The 230th Sustainment Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard, held the responsibility of the sustainment mission from Kuwait into Iraq and in turn was responsible for coordinating convoy allocations, security and movement throughout the country in support of the responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011. (Photo US DoD)

B MaxxPro XL This version of the MaxxPro is larger and can be identified by the three windows along the side of the troop compartment. The vehicle can carry up to 10 troops and is designed to fit into the MRAP Category 2

Armour Add on Upgrades Several upgrades have been seen on MaxxPro vehicles, MRAP Expedient Armour Program (MEAP) and RPG Nets. MEAP is designed to give added protection against Explosively Formed Penetrator IEDs. However it increases the width, weight and centre of gravity of the vehicle and has an effect on the performance and handling.

MaxxPro Ambulance There are two versions currently of this vehicle, one utilising the Dash the other the Plus. They are used for medical evacuation.

MaxxPro MRV This is an MRAP recovery variant of the MaxxPro. It can recover most of the MRAPs currently in service.

The MaxxPro Family of MRAPs has proven highly successful and is now in use with several countries with contingents serving as part of ISAF in Afghanistan including Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Poland. With the winding down of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan a number of these vehicles have been sold off to several US State Police Forces for use with their SWAT Teams. Several have been provided to the US Dept of Homeland Security. n

A MaxxPro Dash fitted with MEAP armor. Note the steel mesh on the sides of the vehicle. (US Army Photo by Sgt. Doug Roles;)

A MaxxPro Plus fitted with MEAP armour. (photo US Army)

Author’s Note Please note several of the names of vehicles and companies mentioned in this article are Registered Trademarks and have only been used for identification and historical purposes.

Romanian soldiers assigned to the 280th Mechanized Infantry Battalion prepare to leave for a mission over snowy terrain in the Shah Joy district of Zabul province, Afghanistan, Feb. 19, 2012. (U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Daniel Bohmer/Released)

A MaxxPro Plus fitted with a SPARK Mine roller. Note the Rhino Anti IED device attached to the front of the roller US Army. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lynette Hoke)

U.S. Army MaxxPro Plus assigned to 1st Platoon, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, El Paso, Texas, provides security outside the Sayed Abad district agricultural center, Wardak province, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2012. (Photo by US DoD)

U.S. Soldiers ride down MaxxPro vehicle while on patrol in Ghazni, Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2010.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Justin Howe/Released)

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s LSA Models t s i l a i c e p s d r a the Edu

n-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm Retail Shop Open MoWed nesdays) (Closed

www.lsamodels.co.uk

Telephone: 01273 705420 Mobile: 07973 551470

For The Month of December Massive Stock Clearance Sale Up to 30% off all plastic kits in stock Up to 50% off selected ranges

Such as Aires - CMK Resins - MPM-Special Hobby - Eduard Etch - LSA Castings Scale Aircraft Conv undercarriages All resin / etch / barrels and accessories Postage will be charged on all mail orders New Releases and special orders will not be included in this offer, No products will be held in reserve for Customers without prior payment.

"Prices subject to change and at the discretion of LSA Models" *Price discounts are not available on any new releases

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Kinetic 1:35 4 x 4 MRAP Armoured Fighting Vehicle • Kit No. K61011

O T P A R M X X A M E TH s exploration it in ep st st te la ’s ic Kinet 1:35 scale 4 x a is s le ic h ve n er d o of m ting Vehicle. h ig F d re u o rm A P A 4 MR s the kit.

Andrew Judson build

al from Kinetic.

Beautiful box art as usu

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The upper body is moulded in one piece and very well detailed.

W

hen visiting Brett’s ADH Publishing Sydney outpost to have some photos taken recently, I spotted a pile of goodies sitting on the floor.

Amongst these was the then brand new Kinetic MaxxPro. I asked if I could take a look, to which Brett replied, “if you like, you can build it for an article in MMI”.

It only took a nano-second for me to agree!

I don’t think it is any secret that I am a big fan of modern subjects, and especially MRAP vehicles such as this. Some of you may have seen my RG31 built for MMI Issue 90, also a Kinetic kit.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? Although the packaging labels Kinetic’s model as a generic 4 x 4 MRAP, it is in fact a Navistar MaxxPro. Underneath the attractive box art, Kinetic’s new 1:35 scale MaxxPro comprises 304 parts in grey coloured plastic, 22 photoetched parts, 25 parts in clear, and eight black vinyl parts. Markings

Sprue shot showing clean detail of dashboard.

are provided for two vehicles.

The plastic parts are mainly free from moulding flaws, although there are a number of sink marks here and there that should be filled before construction gets underway.

The level of overall detail is good, with the first four steps of the instructions dealing with the running gear, chassis and lower hull. The “V” shaped lower hull is moulded as one main piece with suspension and drivetrain details being built up during these first four construction steps.

The upper body, including the engine hood, is cleanly moulded in one large piece.

The interior provides the main features and some details – seats, bulkheads, instrument panel, steering wheel and pedals, transmission shift, floor, fire extinguishers and more. The instrument panel has raised moulded detail, and a decal is supplied as an option for the dials.

The side doors and rear hatch are moulded as separate parts and may be posed open. The big rear door in particular features some

Clear parts, plenty of them. Clarity is excellent.

f

The small sheet of Cartogra decals. Oops, forgot to put these on, doh!!

Photo-etch, not much of it, but it all fits well.

Take care with large parts when bending.

Vinyl tyres with excellent sidewall detail, fantastic when weathering.

nice interior detail including the entry stairs with non-slip texture.

The turret is fitted with armoured glass sections in clear plastic and a well-detailed .50 cal machine gun.

The 22 photo-etched parts are mainly for the mesh restraints for the seats and the grilles over the windows.

The four black vinyl tyres looks really good, with a convincing sidewall ripple moulded in place.

The small decal sheet is printed by Cartograf. As

you would expect, registration and printing are perfect.

Markings for two fairly generic vehicles are provided.

GETTING STARTED After spending some time inspecting the parts and having a good look at the instructions, it was time to start building this chunky beast. A

Close up shot of some of the detail. Note the scratch built head phones.

Interior shot of the front driver’s area. Note the great surface detail of the dash when painted.

Upper shot of the interior all painted. Note the extra radio equipment and some wiring.

The vehicles inner roof - grey vinyl just as in a real MAXXpro.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Kinetic 1:35 4 x 4 MRAP Armoured Fighting Vehicle • Kit No. K61011

Undersurface shot, showing the weathering applied. Lots of streaking and grime there.

B Construction commences with

the chassis, which I must say went together without any problems at all. This was pretty impressive considering the potential alignment issues.

There were three stages to the chassis, starting with the assembly of the main chassis. Some of the drawings were not completely clear on the exact location of all the parts, so I had to refer to later illustrations to clarify placement. The next two stages were attaching the lower half of the vehicle’s body, the suspension, drive shafts, exhaust and then the armoured lower underbelly.

Stage Four was the placement of the side air conditioning units and lower stowage boxes, which also make up the rear wheel wells / guards. There is a large photoetched grille on each side that needs to be bent into shape. I did this in stages until I obtained a near perfect fit, leaving minimal gaps to deal with later.

There are also two options for placing the air conditioning units, one being the grille style and the other a twin-fan unit. I chose the latter, although not much can be seen when it is all finished.

INTERIOR COLOURS Next came the interior. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of detail here. The dashboard features nice detail, comms equipment is supplied (although I added the cords), the seats are nice and so is the flooring material.

The main colour for the interior was Lifecolor Desert Sand

Upper and lower sections together now. Fantastic fit, no problems at all.

UA089, followed by a wash using AK Interactive’s AK OIF-OEF AK121, then toned this down by applying white spirit on a clean brush, brushing in one direction only to offer some streaking effects. AK123 Streaking Solution was also used here.

Once dry, I applied Vallejo Green Earth pigments dry on the floor, then fixed them with MIG Pigment Fixer. The end result was a wellused looking cabin floor!

I applied the same to the rear stepped ramp to blend in the effect.

The seats were all painted Citadel Colour Zandri Dust, which offers nice contrast to the Lifecolor base shade. This was followed by a light wash and then a layer of True Earth’s Fading Agent 1. This gave a slight dirty worn effect.

I then started on the dashboard, which was base coated in Tamiya NATO Black with a dry brush of Citadel Screaming Skull – love those Citadel paint names! This brought out all the brilliant detail and from there I added the steering wheel and placed a drop of Tamiya clear on each of the instrument dials. At the same time I painted the comms gear in Tamiya acrylic NATO Green and added a little wiring for a bit of further detail.

I then went through my stash to choose some stowage for the seats and floor such as various backpacks, an Esky, ammo cans, a map and bottles. This was just to liven up the interior a little as I knew from the start that I was going to leave the big rear doors open.

A look through the passenger door.

If modern is your “thing, and like me

you are a fan of MRAP vehicles, then this won’t disappoint...

All the main parts on show.

Time to start detailing and weathering. The .50cal is from Tasca.

”

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‘Europe’s Number One Model Shops’

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BRINGING IT TOGETHER With the interior painted, it was time to assemble the upper and lower body sections, and complete the exterior construction over the next seven stages. Everything went together very well, although care was required when placing the photo-etched grilles over the side windows, which were also pre-painted to reduce the amount of masking required. I could paint everything else before the windows were fitted, and finally the slatted window grilles.

The doors were done separately as I had to paint the internals as well, with part of this being in black.

Bronco Models

A

A look through the rear door at the interior. A little extra equipment was added from the spares box.

AB3567 1:35 WWII British Airborne Weapon & Equipment Set £22.50

All the window grills are now in place, weapons turret test fitted and the wheels only on to check alignment.

CB35065 co-operation with SKP Model 1:35 Pz.kpfw.35(t)in co£31.99

ZB48004 Self-Propelled Gun SU-152 (KV-14) 1:48 Russian SelfMarch 1943 Production £24.99

Riich Models

RV35027 1:35 Universal Carrier Mk.II with full Interior £29.99

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The weapons station in its early stages still looks impressive.

Rear shot of weapons station painted in base colour.

Phone: 00 44 (0)1502 517444 (8 lines) 0845 130 72 48 local rate from UK phones only (NOT mobiles) Fax: 00 44 (0)1502 500521 E-Mail: sales@hannants.co.uk Web Site: www.hannants.co.uk To join our mailing list so you receive our free weekly email news letter please use this link: December 2014 - Model Military International 15 www.hannants.co.uk/cgi-bin/mailinglist.pl

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Kinetic 1:35 4 x 4 MRAP Armoured Fighting Vehicle • Kit No. K61011

B The detail looked good and once

it was all done I gave the black areas a layer of True Earth Fading 1, which, when dry, gave a nice dust-coated effect. I then lightly dry-brushed over this in a very dark grey to tone things down a little.

WEAPONS STATION With the main vehicle completed and in its base colour, I put this assembly aside and started construction of the weapons station that sits on top of the vehicle. This was probably the simplest of all the stages but also, for me, the most enjoyable. There was a bit of masking required for the eight armoured windows, as well as a little bit of sanding as they weren’t the best fit, but it wasn’t anything major.

I replaced the machine gun with the M2 .50 cal from Tasca, the only replacement in the whole build. The Kinetic item had a big sink mark, and the jewel-like Tasca .50 cal is a stunning piece of work.

With the kit now assembled and the base colour applied, it was time to start bringing it to life and showing off the detail. I started with the underside / drive train, using a heavy wash of AK Interactive OIFOEF Wash, and let it dry. Then with a clean brush dipped in white spirit, I removed some of the original wash and simultaneously created a streaked effect.

AK Streaking was then used around bolts and other areas where grime would build up, repeating the technique with the clean brush when done.

Next, using Citadel washes, I applied Oil around the driveline items such as the differentials, the drive shafts and the gearbox.

I painted the exhaust and muffler then used True Earth Fading to show a little spatter and dust buildup. This was fixed in place with MIG Productions’ Pigment Fixer.

TYRES The tyres are made from a hard vinyl and feature nice surface detail, but I decided to paint them with Tamiya acrylic XF-85 Rubber Black as a base for subsequent weathering. Once dry, I fitted the rims, which had already been weathered with the rest of the vehicle. I then made a watery mix of Vallejo Green Earth pigment and applied this in three stages – each side and then the tread pattern. The reslt was a ncie dust encrusted finish. The wheels were then secured to the vehicle and the project was complete.

You might have noticed that this vehicle has no markings. The first reason is that I forgot – silly me! Secondly though, and luckily for me, there are photos that show these vehicles in operation devoid of markings, just like this one.

Rear cargo door, completed and weathered. Brilliant surface detail. Note the anti-slip tread.

CONCLUSION This was a very enjoyable project and I was impressed with Kinetic’s kit. The model went together without any problems for me at all.

If modern is your thing, and like me you are a fan of MRAP vehicles, then this won’t disappoint.

Thanks to Brett Green for the photos and to Stuart Ransley for his great reference photos and accompanying Think Tank article. ■

The armoured doors, outer and inner sides, partially weathered.

Dust effects done using True Earth products.

The very impressive Tasca .50cal was used to replace the kit item, due to poor moulding in my kit.

FINAL WEATHERING Now it was time to weather the overall vehicle body and the weapons station. To start, AK’s OIF wash was applied as a pin wash to bring out all the details, one section of the vehicle at a time.

When each section had dried, I removed the excess with a clean brush, creating streaks and grime at the same time. Once the entire vehicle was done, I then used the AK Interactive Streak Effects, which is darker, to create some more very subtle effects.

The last product used was True Earth Dark Ageing, which I used diluted to make some run-off marks and also as a wash to create deeper shading around door edges, bolt heads etc.

Undersurface shot of the front end more streaking dust and grime.

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Rear view showing all doors in the open position, with a view of the inside troop compartment.

A great side profile shot. This is quite a beefy vehicle from any angle.

Rear view. Check out that well used ramp, courtesy of Vallejo Pigments.

Modelspec Kinetic 1:35 4 x 4 MRAP Armoured Fighting Vehicle Kit No. K61011 Accessories Used: Tasca 1:35 .50 cal machine gun Paints & Finishing Products: Lifecolor – UA089 Desert Sand AK Interactive - Modern Vehicles AK12Z, AK121- OIF-OEF AK121 Wash; AK123 Streaking Wash Tamiya Acrylics – XF-84 Dark Iron; XF-69 NATO Black; XF-85 Rubber Black Citadel Acrylics – Zandri Dust; Screaming Skull Vallejo – Green Earth Pigment Reference

A great shot showing the impressive size of this vehicle. The Dijiti figure has been displayed alongside to give a better impression of the scale of this large vehicle.

History section courtesy of Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_MaxxPro Thanks to Lucky Model for the sample www.luckymodel.com

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KIT PREVIEW

ICM 1:35 Typ 2, 5-32 with Shelter WWII German Ambulance Truck • Kit No. 35402

Not much missed on the radiator.

Graham Tetley checks out ICM’s 1:35 scale ambulance version of the famous Opel Blitz truck.

AXIS AMBULANCE I

CM’s Opel Blitz truck has been seen before with just the standard cargo bed. This version gives us new decals and parts to build the Ambulance shelter on the back. There are 176 parts in the box split between 3 tan-coloured sprues, a clear sprue for the windows and a soft vinyl one for the road wheels. Detail throughout is really good and there was no flash anywhere on my sample.

CONSTRUCTION As with most ICM kits we start off with a nicely detailed engine that may be displayed by

The kit decals.

leaving the bonnet parts open.

The chassis comes as separate parts so I recommend the use of a steel ruler and right angle to get it all straight and level. A highlight for me is the radiator, Part A70, which is superbly detailed.

Moving on to the axles, the tyres are moulded in soft rubber that gives us a very credible tread pattern. Sadly, this results in there being some very hardto-remove mould separation lines and I for one always prefer to see these tyres moulded as individual plastic ‘slices’. Assuming that your chassis is straight & true, the axles & drive shaft will all fit perfectly.

The cab has all of the driver’s controls replicated in detail and the dashboard is finished off by decals for the dials.

The cab doors are separate parts and just take care aligning the cab panels and roof.

Turning to the cargo bed, this is made of seven parts but has all of

the clasps and catches moulded integrally. If you wanted to display it with the sides down, be prepared for a little scratch building. The shelter itself is then assembled and simply fixes to the cargo bed. I must note there is no interior to it and the rear doors are also moulded closed. Again, if you want to display it open, be prepared for more scratch building. Also, I should say that there is no wood grain texture on the parts but that is not a dealbreaker for me.

Only one decal option is provided which is limited to a single Wehrmacht registration and three Red Crosses.

Teeny weeny door handles.

Close up of the see-through front grille.

CONCLUSION In itself, the basic truck is a lovely little kit that builds nicely out of the box. I must admit to being a little disappointed that there are no display options with the actual shelter itself or interior parts. I guess that this leaves the way open for some of the aftermarket producers to step it. It gets a 7/10 and a thumbs up from me. ■

Engine in detail.

Thanks to ICM for the sample www.icm.ua

Wood panel detail on the ambulance cab.

The six vinyl tyres.

Tyre tread detail.

Fenders and running boards.

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NEW in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series HOW TO BUILD...

REVELL 1:32 SPITFIRE MK.IIA The name Spitfire has now become synonymous with an entire island people, and their battle to maintain their freedom in the shadow of the Nazi jackboot. The very shape and sound of the Spitfire seems to still invoke and embody the usually reserved pride of the British person.

It is probably true to say that Reginald Mitchell’s beautiful aircraft design is one of the most easily recognised and much-loved shapes that ever took to the skies.

When actual mass production of the Spitfire ceased in 1948, over 20,000 machines had been built, and operated by over thirty countries around the world.

This iconic series saw service with the RAF right up until the mid-1950s. It also saw service with the Irish Air Corps as late as 1961; a full 26yrs after the flight of the prototype K5054.

Revell has now released an all-new 1:32 scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIa. With some minor modifications, this model may also be built as a Mk.I or a Mk.Va. Over the course of five Chapters, James Hatch examines the kit contents in detail, describes construction of the model with lavish illustrations, and points out the areas of the kit that may be improved and corrected.

This new book features an exhaustive step-by-step guide to construction; plus a painting and weathering tutorial.

A number of essential reference resources are also included.

More than 200 photos, a reference guide, and photos of the kit sprues are all included - a must have before you build the model!

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Please mail this form to; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, United Kingdom Tel; +44(0)1525 222573 Fax; +44(0)1525 222574 Online; www.adhbooks.com (Photocopies of this form are acceptable)

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 M6A1 Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6789

N A C I R AME H T O M MAM Dragon’s new 1 1:35 scale M6A Heavy Tank is an interesting e subject despit its relative obscurity and a number of s. accuracy issue Steve Zaloga a tackles this as fun project.

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D

ragon's 1:35 scale release of the M6A1 heavy tank is presumably more evidence of the current influence of the World of Tanks computer game on tank modelling.

It is otherwise hard to explain why there is a kit of a failed design of which only a few dozen examples were built. In the event, it makes an interesting project.

STARTING THE MODEL A few months ago, one of our local AMPS Ground Zero club members, Cookie Sewell, finished a resin 1:35 scale Commanders Model M6A1 heavy tank. The project took him well over a hundred hours to complete. So when Dragon announced a plastic kit, I was happy that I would not have to endure quite so arduous a task. The new kit has already elicited a fair amount of griping on the Internet concerned with size issues of the track width and the turret overhang over the bow machine-gunner hatch.

I must confess that I am not a perfectionist when it comes to obscure prototype tanks, especially when I don't have a reliable set of engineering drawings for comparison. I decided to build this pretty much out of the box in a scheme hinting at operational deployment.

The kit went together pretty much as expected. The suspension consists of two parallel sets of bogies, and this is a bit finicky to assemble. The kit comes with Dragon DS soft plastic track. These offer excellent detail, but they tend to be a bit soft and vulnerable to aggressive solvents. I usually paint them with acrylic paints such as Tamiya to avoid this risk.

The cast surfaces on the turret and box are smooth. On the turret, I added some surface texture with various grinding tool on my

Dremel Mini-Mite tool. Once this was done, I painted the surface with a solution of Tamiya grey putty thinned with liquid cement. I stippled the putty mixture with an old acrylic brush to give it a bit of texture. The bow had a few casting numbers which I added from an old set of Slater's 2mm letters and numbers. I then added some texture to the bow casting using the same putty method.

My approach was to only deal with the most visible of problems.

The kit's co-axial 37mm gun (part C3) is badly undersized so I replaced it with a Jordi Rubio turned metal barrel. There are many choices in turned metal 37mm barrels, and another alternative are the various plastic barrels from M3 and M5 Stuart kits.

The fire-extinguisher access panel on the right side is missing, so I scribed this into the panel. I didn't especially like the .50 cal bow machine guns since they lack the prominent collar at the end. These were also replaced from the spares box. The front mudguards are missing a few standard tools, which I sourced from the spares box.

FINISHING THE MODEL The M6A1 and its various stablemates of the T1E2 family were never deployed to combat theatres. As a result, the range of markings and camouflage schemes are pretty much limited to olive drab and ordinary markings. I have a least one photo of a T1E2 in the US in two-tone camouflage, and I decided to finish mine as though it had been deployed to the European theater in the usual olive drab/black scheme. This would also serve to try out different weathering techniques such as reverse hair-spray weathering.

My basic colour scheme on the model is Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab lightened with XF-60 Dark Yellow for scale effect. The black A

The M6A1 had an additional access panel on the right side and I scribed this into the plastic. The screw heads are photoetch from Alliance Model Works

I added the standard stowage to the right mud guard including a machine gun tripod and pick head. I thinned down the brushguards over the headlights. I also thinned out the front of the mudguards which are as thick as armor plate on the kit.

The shovel seen here came from the spares box. The 37mm barrel is a turned aluminium replacement for the undersize kit example.

I added some surface casting texture to the turret by irregular grinding of the surface with a power tool followed by a coat of thinned Tamiya putty.

The finished model before painting

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 M6A1 Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6789

The model after the initial airbrushing but before weathering.

After airbrushing a layer of hair spray and some dirt colour mixed from Tamiya acrylics, I moistened the side with a damp paper towel. I used the steel wool for scraping off some of the dirt.

B is actually a mix of half Tamiya

XF-1 Black and XF-7 Red. One the lower suspension, I began with Tamiya Khaki Drab, followed by progressively lighter dirt shades.

One mix I've been using more and more is a half-and-half mix of XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan and XF-72 JSDF Brown. On this model, I used the hair-spray technique on the hull side. After the basic OD/ black camouflage was applied, I added a barrier coat of clear lacquer, then a coat of hair-spray.

I then applied the tan/brown mix and chipped away at it to create a more irregular appearing coat.

I've found that steel wool pads, the type used for wood finishing not cleaning dishes, is a good method for scraping paint. I airbrushed on the Allied ID stars on the upper surfaces using photo-etch brass templates.

I applied my usual weathering glaze using Winsor & Newton Original Liquin as the medium, mineral spirits (white spirits) as the solvent, and Holbein Sepia oil paint as the color. The aim of using Liquin in the glaze is to provide it with a bit of staying power so that it clings a bit to the flat surfaces rather than simply congregating in the crevices as occurs with a normal wash with only solvent and paint. This technique requires some practice, but it allows a wider range of effects, and is particularly good for streaking effects. Once all of this had dried, I did a preliminary coat of Testor's Dullcoat over the model as the Liquin leaves the model with a very glossy finish.

I then did a lot of small accent painting, and dry-brushing.

To add a little life to the model, I added a resin crew figure from

A close up of the side after scraping with steel wool. This is before I applied Testor’s Dullcoat to flatten the finish.

my bin of US tank crewmen. I am not sure of the brand of this figure.

Likewise the big mass of stowage on the rear comes from my box of US Army resin stowage from various manufacturers. This one comes from a Legends set.

CONCLUSION Overall, the Dragon M6A1 heavy tank is an easy build for modellers not insisting on total accuracy. It is certainly not up to the standards of Dragon's usual kits, but it is certainly a lot more fun than tackling a resin equivalent. ■

An M6A1 in a farm field in southern Wisconsin, courtesy of Adobe Photoshop

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Modelspec Dragon 1:35 M6A1 Heavy Tank. Kit No. 6789 Accessories Used: Jordi Rubio 37mm turned aluminium barrel Alliance Model Works LW35026 Screw Heads (Round) Paint: AK Interactive AK022 Africa Dust Effects Humbrol Matt 155 Olive Drab Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow Tamiya X-9 Brown Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab Tamiya XF-72 JGSDF Brown Tamiya XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan Tamiya X-19 Smoke Testor’s Dullcote (bottle) Holbein Sepia oil paint Winsor & Newton Titanium White oil paint (dry-brushing) Winsor & Newton Black oil paint (dry-brushing) ✓ Easy build; interesting subject. ✗ A number of accuracy problems.

Available from Dragon kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net The finished model after painting.

Rating

A close up of the right front corner after painting

A close up of the left side to provide an impression of the combined hair-spray/glaze approach to weathering.

A figure adds a lot of interest to a model, and provides the opportunity for a splash of color. The rank insignia are from Archer dry transfers.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 M6A1 Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6789

The Aberdeen Proving Ground T1E1 after it came out of the paint shop in 2008. This version differs in many details from the M6A1, including the use of a cast upper hull instead of a welded hull.

A view of one of the production M6A1 tanks at the General Motors proving ground in 1943. The M6 heavy tank was essentially similar but used a cast hull.

A welded hull M6 heavy tank on display in Washington DC in 1944 with a camouflage pattern evident on the suspension side plate.

A close up of the right mudguard and bow casting.

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This head on view provides detail of the bow casting. Much of the texture here comes from paint peeling rather than the original casting.

An overhead view of the turret showing the texture. Once again, some of the texture is due to decades of paint exposure to the sun.

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KIT PREVIEW

Xact Scale Models Gaz-233014 Russian Jeep, Tiger • Kit No. XS35002

The impressive one-piece body.

The decal sheet includes the printed fabric pattern for the cabin interior.

TIGER, TOO Andrew Judson reviews this 1:35 scale Russian Humvee tribute from new company, Xact Scale Models.

X

act Scale Models is a fairly new manufacturer in the industry, and this 1:35 scale Gaz-233014 Tiger, Armoured High Mobility Vehicle, is their second release.

The GAZ Tiger was produced by the same team who designed the Russian BTR80. It is a three door vehicle, and can carry 6-9 people plus 1200 kg of cargo. It is powered by a Cummins turbo diesel engine, producing 205 hp. It also is equipped with independent torsion suspension. It first entered service in the Russian Military in 2007 and is used by many units, including Special Forces. It is armed with AGS-17 Automatic Grenade Launcher and a Pecheneg 7.62mm machine gun, mounted on a ring mount that is rotatable. The design of the Tiger is very similar to that of the US Humvee, hence its nick name, “Russian Humvee”.

On opening the box you are confronted with a lot of plastic for a small vehicle - 13 sprues with plenty of parts, a small and large sheet of photo-etch, five vinyl tyres, the main body, two foil mirrors, a decal sheet, and a comprehensive instruction booklet that also has colour plates for three different vehicles. In total, the kit comprises 382 parts.

Everything in plastic is in a pale green colour, and appears very cleanly moulded, and will

require minimal clean up. The upper body is presented as one part, and I must say that it is very well detailed, although care will be required when removing the support bracings that prevent it from warping.

The photo-etch is very well done, and it appears that there should be no issues when fitting.

The windows are nice and clear as are the headlights and other lenses. The decals are quite comprehensive, and all the camouflage coverings found on the inside of this vehicle are there. Take care when doing these so you have no obvious gaps.

Looking at the instructions, one can see that this is not going to be a quick build at all. There are 46 steps, starting with a full chassis, engine and driveline over 14 stages, then moving onto a very well detailed interior with 16 stages, then lastly the exterior detail over 16 stages.

What is very impressive is the fact that you have a choice to have doors opened or closed, same with the hood, giving you

the option to show off all the detail this kit has to offer.

There are three colour schemes, although not much detail is provided other than “three tone camouflage as seen in the 2014 incident”. The Russian Guards seen in the 2014 incident, and three tone camouflage, no other details.

You have all the colour references provided with brands such as Mr Colour, Tamiya and Model Air - nice range of choice.

So overall, what we have here is a very highly detailed model with plenty of modelling options that one can choose to build in a clean state as a nice display piece or can be weathered up and placed on a small dio, with a choice of many figures recently produced by several companies.

This should prove to be a popular kit, and I’m sure we will see several variants built and on show tables over time. Well done to Xact Scale Models on a nice subject.

Highly Recommended. ■

Detail parts are very nicely done, including the weapons.

Dashboard detail looks great too.

The doors are separate and may be posed to taste.

The photo-etched fret.

Wheels comprise plastic hubs… …and vinyl tyres.

Clear parts.

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M48A2GA2

ND BRAEW N NG! LI TOO

03236

1:48 Now for the first time as a kit • Authentic reproduction of cast part surfaces • Finely detailed gratings • Easy mount vinyl tracks • Smoke dischargers • Rotating turret • Detailed gun • Hatches mountable in the open position • Search and target designating searchlight • Authentic decals for four versions REV ELL HA S MOVE D : Revell GmbH, Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate, Cheddington Lane, Tring, HP23 4QR Tel: 0845 459 0747, Fax: 01296 660041, Email: ukbranch@revell.de © 2014 Revell GmbH. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. All rights reserved. Trade enquiries welcome.

Available from all good model stockists.

Visit our brand new website and online shop

www.revell.de/en

SHOW REPORT

Euro Militaire 2014

EURO MILITAIRE 2014 Marcus Nicholls heads south to attend the UK’s premier military modelling event.

E

uro Militaire is always an appealing mix of three main elements; fantastic models in the competition area, an excellent selection of vendors plus a gathering of old and new friends. The combination is a compelling reason not to miss this yearly event as I don’t think many other modelling shows can lay claim to such a concentration of sheer talent.

The 29th annual Euro Militaire took place as usual at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, an unusual venue that is partially embedded within the cliffs of the Kent coast, overlooking the channel and directly opposite the ‘Cap GrisNez’ in the Pas de Calais. For

There were plenty of opportunities to stock up on materials and tools! Sylmasta, here, offer a huge range of adhesives, resins, putties, modelling knives, blades, metal foils and much, much more.

those unfamiliar with the UK’s geography, it’s in the very bottom south-east corner of the country.

The main hall and balcony houses the vendors, downstairs in the lower suits play host to the clubs and competition area and this is the place to see some of the best military models, dioramas and figures in the world and when you visit, you’ll spend most of your time down there, craning your neck to get a close look at the models.

I’d like to say thanks to all the friendly folk I bumped into.

Here’s a selection of photos from the event; by no means everything that was on show, but hopefully they’ll give you a flavour of what to expect. ■

Chris from Inside the Armour was on hand with their full range of kits, accessories and conversions.

White Storm Models’ impressive 1/35 scale Ehrhardt M1917. This is a full resin kit (Item No. WSM 3504)

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One of the best reasons to visit a world class show such as Euro Militaire is to find inspiration from the remarkable items on display; here, Azimut’s 1:35 AMD White TBC armoured car.

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4 DES Kits’ new 1:35 scale International Harvester tractor cab with 2,000 gallon trailer.

Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Dragon Wagon in a striking rust finish.

Dargon’s 1:35 scale Brummbär is also seen in a heavily corroded finish. Areas of red primer and dark yellow add even more interest.

Trumpeter’s 1:35 scale BTR-60

Tamiya’s recent 1:35 scale Mark IV Male tank was also represented at Euro Militaire.

The Rugged Company produces cheese boards and a wide range of plinths and diorama bases.

Lots of activity on the show floor!

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SHOW REPORT

Euro Militaire 2014

Modellers are spoiled for choice these days with 1:35 scale M-ATV kits from both Kinetic and Panda

An impressive Austin armoured car.

Overview of the M1A1 Abrams with mine plough seen on the opposite page.

There’s always a gatecrasher, isn’t there?

A remarkable selection of vignettes.

Italeri’s 1:35 scale BM-13 Katyusha rocket system.

Mirror Models’ 1:35 scale Diamond T969 US wrecker truck.

An ear

Dragon’s 1:35 scale Sd.Kfz 253.

Field Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery in large scale.

Some incredible scratch built creations were on display.

Bring your money with you!

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An early StuG. III in 1:35 scale.

Dragon 1:35 scale late version Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G.

An abandoned Hobby Boss’ 1:35 Renault R35 in a diorama scene.

An impressive jungle wreck of a Churchill variant.

Some highly convincing weathering was in evidence on the mine plough of this 1:35 M1A1 Abrams.

Marine medic vignette with impressive foliage.

As always, figure categories were well represented at Euro Militaire.

T-34 dozer with closed cab - very creative!

To the victors, the spoils. The awards presentation.

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BOOK PREVIEW

How To Build… The Leopard Family In 1:35

Leopard 2A5DK, cross-kitted frim HobbyBoss and Tamiya by Spud Murphy.

HOW TO BUILD… THE LEOPARD FAMILY IN 1:35

Spencer Pollard introduces us to his latest book, How To Build… The Leopard Family In 1:35’, available now from ADH Books

T

his book is the result of a desire to build a representative collection of Leopards and in so doing, cover most of the more popular variants using kits that are readily available to the modeller. It also allows us to offer some variety in terms of colour schemes and approach, with all of the models built and painted differently.

Combine the ideas together and you will be able to tackle any project and not just those seen here – or rather, that’s the plan!

Though we have looked at six different Leopards, we have

Canadian C2 MEXAS. This is the Takom kit with Legends upgrades to operational standards by Brett Green.

unashamedly concentrated much of our effort on the Canadian C2 MEXAS. Though one of the oldest vehicles in service – based as it was on a Leopard 1 – this battlehardened machine showed what was is possible when state of the art upgrades are added to a tank to make it as capable as far newer, more sophisticated vehicles. Its record in service and the upgrades that were incrementally added to the seventeen MEXAS’ that were sent to Afghanistan makes for a wonderfully flexible modelling project, too; dust, dirt, scabbed-on items of kit, damage, stowage and

a constantly evolving finish, make it a perfect modern-day subject, that can be approached in much the same way that you would a WWII subject. Indeed, that’s exactly the way I approached my model with no compromises in terms of the levels of dirt or stowed items, fixed in place to add interest to this sleek, modern, MBT. Over the next eighty-odd pages you will discover seven models to enjoy: three, first-generation; three, second-generation and one, engineering vehicle. Each of these has been built from readily available kits, using easy to obtain

accessories, tools and finishing products.

Along with the kits that we chose to build, a decision was also made to complete them in finishes that were as realistic as possible.

Though there are many schools of thought regarding painting and weathering, the models seen in this book have been finished with camouflage, markings and weathering layers that we felt were as realistic and natural as possible. With so many images of the real vehicles to hand, we felt confident that by copying the real thing where possible, the resulting

Leopard recovery vehicle "Genietank" by Marcel Jussen's, built from Perfect Scale Modellbau.

Tamiya 1:35 Leopard A6M by Spencer Pollard.

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models would have a more coherent look and as such, could be displayed together without fear of one or more standing out as being different from the others.

We also tried to find ways to make each model memorable without being overblown. This was achieved by using as many unique features and set-ups as possible, basing each one not only on actual machines, but doing so with as little in the way of aftermarket products, as possible. For instance the Leopard 2A4NL features the distinctive rolled tarpaulins seen on Dutch machines; the German A6M is covered not only

in tarpaulins, but also camouflage netting and skirt extensions and the MEXAS exhibits dust layers copied from an actual machine, rather than appearing generic and an amalgamation of many possible finishes. In doing this, we hope that the simple ideas that were chosen to complete each model, would in combination, allow as wide a group of modellers as possible, the opportunity to build similar models for themselves and not force them to spend a huge amount of additional money on top of the cost of the basic kit. Though some of the techniques are a little more involved, there is nothing

within the pages of this book that a modeller with a little experience, couldn’t at least attempt and at the end of the process, create something similar for them self using simple ideas, tools and materials that are readily available.

Quite simply, this is a book for everyone and not just the experts!

Alongside the builds, you’ll also find some full-sized reference features and a comprehensive list of available kits and accessories courtesy of Michael Shackleton and his Leopard Club website. Both of these inclusions is important because we believe that this new book should act as a portal

through which you can enter a wider modelling world full of other projects, that you can embark upon. In fact, I’m already planning my next Leopard builds as a result of all of the information that I’ve absorbed as a result of putting this book together! Maybe we’ll publish part two, sometime in the future!

So this then is ‘How To Build…

The Leopard Family In 1:35’. We hope you enjoy it! ■

You can purchase ‘How To Build… The Leopard Family In 1:35’ right now from ADH Books’ website www.adhbooks.com

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton • Kit No. 338

T

oyota's first cars were the AA sedan and the AB cabriolet, commencing production in 1936. These were succeeded by the AE, AC and BA sedans.

The AA was a fully enclosed 4-door sedan that largely copied the design of the Chrysler Airflow sedan. It had a metal body on a metal ladder chassis. The metal body was of modern construction compared to the fabric-overwooden-frame bodies used on cars designed in the 1920s. The rear doors opened backwards. The front glass spanned the entire width of

the body in a single pane.

The AB was identical to the AA except that it was a cabriolet with a folding cloth roof, the rear doors opened in the normal manner and the front glass could fold down onto the engine compartment.

A total of 353 AB Phaetons, including the military ABR version, was produced until 1942. There was no direct replacement.*

IN THE BOX This might seem a surprising choice for Tamiya, but it represents an interesting crossover between military and

WAR PRIZE The Editor presents Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale Toyota Phaeton as a captured trophy vehicle.

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civilian car subjects.

Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Toyota AB Phaeton comprises 88 parts in dark yellow plastic plus six more in clear. The small decal sheet provides trim markings and instrument dials.

The kit is moulded with the doors and bonnet shut, so I suppose it would be classified as a curbside model.

Moulding quality is excellent, as you would expect, and detail is good straight from the box. Tamiya has provided three separate pedals for the accelerator, brake and clutch, as

well as a gear stick and hand brake.

In addition to the bench seats with their authentic padded texture, two folding seats are also offered in the back. These may be posed deployed or stowed.

The road wheels are each presented in three parts of solid plastic. They attach to the axles via polythene caps.

Tamiya supplies two alternative soft tops – one folded and one open. The open top includes a clear section for the rear panel, moulded with folds representing flexible material. The folded top is a work of art, with some of the nicest fold

and drape texture that I have seen in a plastic kit.

Clear parts are supplied for the headlights, taillights and the fullwidth windscreen.

A seated driver is also included.

CONSTRUCTION There really is very little to say about construction. The assembly sequence is laid out as usual in the clear and concise instructions, and I don’t have much to add.

However, I would suggest that you could make painting easier if you don’t install the seats until the rest of the model is completed.

The wheels should be left off too, and the canvas top may be painted separately as well.

Indeed, the fit is so good that you can build the upper and lower parts of the car body as separate sub-assemblies and bring them together after painting.

Apart from these possible deviations, just follow the instructions and all will be well.

WAR PRIZE Tamiya offers a single colour suggestion for this model – a gloss tan shade that matches the full-sized replica on display in the

A

A

B

C A. The stout sprue supports keep the delicate one-piece body shell in shape.

B. The forward lower body with its integrated mudguards.

C. The chassis with fuel tank detail moulded in place.

D

E

F

D. Tyre tread detail.

E. Note that this time, Tamiya has provided three separate pedals.

Hooray!

F. The two bench seats.

G

H

I

G. Tamiya supplies optional parts for the tarp, with the choice of up…

H. …or folded.

I. A Japanese soldier is also provided as a driver.

J

K

J. Clear parts include the full-width windscreen, the headlights, taillights and the (accurately) distorted rear window for the tilt.

K. Generic decal markings include instrument dials and pin stripes for the civilian scheme.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton • Kit No. 338

L

B Toyota Motor Museum.

I assumed that the majority of modellers would probably follow that suggestion, so I decided to do something a bit different.

One scarce Internet reference said that these cars were painted Khaki when pressed into Japanese wartime military service. I thought that might look interesting.

I had recently bought a batch of Gunze-Sangyo Mr Color lacquer paints, mostly for aircraft. One of these colours was allegedly RAF Dark Green, but it looked far too pale and too olive to my eye. However, I decided that it might make be a reasonable approximation for heavily faded Japanese Khaki (or even US Olive Drab), so it was pressed into service on my Toyota.

I thinned the lacquer paint with around 70% Mr Color Levelling Thinner 400, and applied the paint with my Testor Aztek A470 airbrush. The Levelling Thinner acts as a retardant, reducing the incidence of “spiderwebs” at the tip of the airbrush forming due to the paint drying too quickly.

The upper and lower bodies were sprayed separately, as were the wheels. Painting took all of about seven minutes!

I saw a few join seams that I filled with Tamiya Surfacer, then sprayed a second coat at the price of another seven minutes from my life.

The painted sub-assemblies were brought together for test fitting, and I thought the large expanse of Khaki looked a bit drab. I was already working on the assumption that this vehicle had been captured by American Marines, so it seemed logical to add some large stars. This would help tell the story and also break up the monotonous colour.

I had an old set of Trakz die-cut vinyl stencils. Although they were ostensibly Soviet markings, a star is a star so I used this sheet for my markings.

First, I applied the stars to the front doors and the bonnet as

N

M

P

O

L. The chassis and engine parts about to be brought together.

M. The chassis is mated to the lower body and clamped while the glue dries..

N. Suspension components and the exhaust.

Q

R

O. The wheels are made up from four pieces each, including a polythene cap that permits the wheels to rotate after they are fitted to the car.

P. The four wheels were left off the vehicle so that they could be painted separately.

S

T

Q. The pleasingly busy underside of the model.

R. On its wheels, although only temporarily for text fitting. All four wheels touch the ground at the same time, which is always a relief.

S. Sub-assemblies ready for the next step.

U

T. Headlights, bumper bars, the instrument panel, steering wheel and more were glued in place before painting.

U. Upper and lower body parts test fitted.

Looking good so far!

V. The windscreen frame was added to the upper body at this stage.

V

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The seats were attached to a small paint box for ease of handling.

They were sprayed with a mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown, then drybrushed with Vallejo acrylic 337 Highlight Ger (Black).

place markers. Although the stars on the doors look bigger than the one on the bonnet from certain angles, they are in fact all the same size.

Next, I used these place marker stars to position the outline masks. The place markers were removed and the outline masks pressed down firmly. I

supplemented the vinyl masks with Tamiya masking tape at the edges to prevent overspray – although this was only partially successful as it turns out!

Finally, I sprayed Tamiya XF-2 Flat White over the outline stencil.

When the masks were removed, three nice crisp white stars were revealed.

The bottom of the vehicle was painted with the same dark mix.

WEATHERING The upper and lower bodies were glued together at this stage.

A mix of Future floor polish, water and Tamiya X-18 Semi-Gloss Black paint was applied as a wash to recessed structural features including the door panels and the distinctive grille.

The semi-gloss sheen of the

lacquer paint and the Future wash was then crushed completely after a coat of Alclad II Klear Kote Flat. With this dead flat base, I could now add some base dust by spraying a very thin mix of Tamiya XF-57 Buff and X-21 Flat Base on the lower parts of the vehicle, and a little more heavily on the back.

Next, Maru Easy Mud’s Item No.

A

This was another subject “ that was completely off my

All the main sub-assemblies.

Note that the running boards have been painted black.

radar, but Tamiya’s treatment lured me into building it straight away...

”

The black sections of the running boards were masked prior to application of the camouflage colours.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton • Kit No. 338

I applied star masks to the front doors and the bonnet as place markers.

The body sub-assemblies were painted with Mr Color Lacquer No. 23, Dark Green (2). In my opinion this would be a terrible match for the RAF colour, but looks pretty good as a faded generic military khaki / olive shade.

Next, I used these place marker stars to position the outline masks.

The place markers were removed and the outline masks pressed down firmly.

I supplemented the vinyl masks with Tamiya masking tape at the edges to prevent overspray.

Finally, I sprayed Tamiya XF-2 Flat White over the outline stencil.

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When the masks were removed, three nice crisp white stars were revealed.

A coat of Alclad II Klear Kote Flat delivered a dead flat finish.

I added some base dust by spraying a very thin mix of Tamiya XF-57 Buff and X-21 Flat Base on the lower parts of the vehicle, and a little more heavily on the back.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton • Kit No. 338

B 21105 European Earth was mixed

Maru Easy Mud’s Item No. 21105 European Earth was mixed with water and simply flicked onto the sides, front and rear of the vehicle with a stiff brush.

with water and simply flicked onto the sides, front and rear of the vehicle with a stiff brush. Test this on a piece of scrap plastic or cardboard first though, as the size and intensity of the spatter will vary wildly depending on how much water you have in the mix, how much mud you have on the brush, how hard and in what direction you flick, and from how far away.

The wheels were treated to a more conventional application of Easy Mud, followed by a scrubbing of the tyres to reduce the effect on the sidewalls.

I mixed up a dry blend of MIG Productions’ P415 Light European Earth; P039 Industrial City Dirt pigments, and chucked it into the vehicle cabin. This was fixed with a few drops of Mineral Turpentine. One of the unintended consequences of the liquid fixer was that it created an interesting white streak on the running boards where it had leaked between the upper and lower body parts. I thought this looked pretty good as dried sand or salt.

The seats were sprayed with a mix of Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown, then dry-brushed with Vallejo acrylic 337 Highlight Ger (Black). A

A dry blend of MIG Productions’ P415 Light European Earth and P039 Industrial City Dirt pigments was chucked it into the vehicle cabin and fixed with a few drops of Mineral Turpentine.

The headlight lenses were painted silver with a Micro Brush.

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The folded tarp is truly a gorgeous piece of design and moulding.

The wheels were treated to an application of Easy Mud, followed by a scrubbing of the tyres to reduce the effect on the sidewalls.

The tarp was painted with a base coat of Tamiya X-49 Khaki.

High detail was dry-brushed with a paler shade. Shadows and grime were added via an enamel wash using Winsor & Newton Raw Umber oil paint, thinned with lighter fluid.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton • Kit No. 338

B The folded tarpaulin was painted

with Tamiya X-49 Khaki, then the high detail was dry-brushed with a paler shade obtained by mixing the base colour with Tamiya XF-57 Buff. Shadows and grime was added via an enamel wash using Winsor & Newton Raw Umber oil paint, thinned with lighter fluid.

The framework was picked out with acrylic paints and a fine brush.

Once the tarp was glued in place, the headlight lenses were painted silver with a Micro Brush, and all the clear parts – light lenses and windscreen – were glued into place.

This was another subject that was completely off my radar, but Tamiya’s treatment lured me into building it straight away.

CONCLUSION Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Toyota Model AB Phaeton is a lovely model of an iconic Japanese car. It is well detailed, fast and easy to build, and options for the soft top and folding seats are welcome. It also represents an interesting opportunity for crossover subjects between military and civilian vehicles and dioramas. ■

Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB Phaeton

Kit No. 338

Modelling Products Used Trakz Item No. TZ0030 – Self-Adhesive Star Stencils Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Revell Contacta Glue Selleys Supa Glue Brass tube Paints & Finishing Products: Vehicle Mr Color Lacquer – 23 Dark Green (2) Tamiya Acrylics – X-18 Semi-Gloss Black; X-21 Flat Base; X-26 Clear Orange; X-27 Clear Red; XF-1 Flat Black; XF-2 Flat White; XF-55 Deck Tan; XF-57 Buff; XF-64 Red Brown.

Vallejo Model Color – 919 Foundation White Vallejo Panzer Aces – 310 Old Wood; 311 New Wood; 314 Canvas; 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 337 Highlight Ger (Black) Gunze-Sangyo Mr Metal Colour 211 Chrome Silver Winsor & Newton Raw Umber Oil Paint Mineral Turpentine Alclad II Klear Kote Flat MIG Productions – P410 Oil and Grease Stain Mixture Maru Easy Mud – Item No. 21105 European Earth MIG Pigments – P415 Light European Earth; P039 Industrial City Dirt ✓ High level of detail; fast and simple build; excellent fit. ✗ Doors moulded shut.

Available from Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample www.tamiya.com Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

Rating

This might seem a “ surprising subject for

Tamiya, but it represents an interesting crossover between military and civilian car subjects...

”

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The seats and tarp were glued into place, and the wheels attached to complete this simple but satisfying project.

The taillight lenses were painted with Tamiya clear acrylics, but were mostly obscured by Maru Mud!

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bonehead Models 200mm SS Squad Leader Russia 1941 • Kit No. Not Quoted

HE’S GOT LEGS! Matt Wellhouser leads us on a step-by-step guide to painting Bonehead Models’ debut offering, a full 200mm SS Squad Leader figure.

H

ere is a new model kit range - Bonehead Models.

The owner/sculptor is not new to the model scene. You probably have a kit or two in your collection from Mike Good. Mike has sculpted figures for Kirin, Alpine Miniatures, Model Cellar, Ultracast, Post Militaire, and the list goes on and on. Back in the day, he completed many 1:35 scale dioramas too. He not only is an accomplished sculptor, but a darned good modeler.

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The Resin Parts

Preparing for Painting

This is Mike’s first kit with his own company’s name on it. When I received the model to do this build, I immediately looked at the casting and fit of all the parts. This is top-notch stuff. All the parts fit snugly into locator pins or holes on the figure. The casting is very well done, not many seams to fill or sand. The nice thing about this kit, is there are virtually no resin plugs to remove.

This really speeded up assembly and getting on to the painting.

The kit depicts a Waffen-SS squad leader in Russia in the early part of the campaign in the east.

He is wearing a camo smock over his tunic, with officer’s breeches. On the top of the head is the ubiquitous “crusher cap”. He wears the fitted officer boots and is armed with a MP38/40 machine pistol. He’s a fierce looking fellow.

I decided early on to paint the smock an early war “Plane Tree” autumn pattern. The smocks were reversible, so you have a choice. I like the golden browns, oranges of this combo. Many modelers paint the “spring” side of these smocks, so this is a little different. There were as many as 12 different Plane Tree patterns.

I spent a little bit of time deciding on how to tackle the painting process.

This is a big dude, and I like to paint as much as possible assembled. I decided to assemble the torso, legs and boots as a basic unit. I then added the right arm as it would be in the way to paint any detail on the torso area on the left side. The left arm was painted separately then added when left side torso was done.

Warning Will Robinson!!! You have to glue the pistol holster to the left hip before attaching the left arm.

The remainder of the assembly was done post paint- the accessories on the back and right side of the figure, the head and cap, and the hands with the MP38/40. Don’t worry about the arms not aligning with the handsthey do. Rather precisely too.

Painting the Figure Painting the figure was really straightforward. If you have read any of my previous articles, this has not changed much. I usually try to use acrylics for most of the painting, but I do throw in other mediums to achieve the effect I want. Whatever works, works! I find that modellers tend to experiment with different techniques and mediums; do what works for you.

The key for me to achieve realism in painting is to keep the paint mixed fairly thin with water- say 60-80% water to paint ratio. Sometimes for final highlights, the water content may be as high as 90%. I call it lightly coloured water. In addition, don’t saturate the model; draw off some of the fluid on your brush before you lay it on the model. You’ll find you have much better control that way. Don’t be afraid to really bump up your highlights and shadows. You want the piece to “pop”. I find that I am always going that little bit more with the high- highlights and darkening the shadows.

Most modelers starting out with figures are timid with the highlights and shadows.

Study other people’s work (that’s why you bought the magazine –right?).

Later I have listed my paints and mixes for each colour on the figure. None of this is set in stone. You my like a different tone or have a better idea for the colour of the MP40 pouch for example. It was manufactured in several materials. Sometimes I get stumped on what colour to start with for a particular item and leaning on other modelers or published article helps me decide what to use. I have hundreds of bottles of paint, and sometimes deciding between Khaki and Khaki Grey can take a while.

A base coat for the camouflage was laid in. Since I was painting an autumn pattern “Plane Tree” smock, according to references the base is a light brown or light grey-brown. I then mixed in some black and burnt umber to shade the base coat. Once dry, the orange spots were painted, and as I went along, I added the dark black-brown spots.

The orange and black brown butt up against each other and depending on the version of “Plane Tree” the areas of these two colors can be “spots” or “splotches”. I try to represent the pattern, not replicate it exactly. This still requires study of the pattern and colors.

There is a fourth color in this pattern, a rusty light brown that borders some sections of the orange as well as its own individual spots. It is not as prevalent as the grey, orange or brown black. I do this in stages, as after a while of painting spots- you literally see “spots”.

Tip- put lighter colors of camouflage on the highlight areas (tops of folds) and darker in the creases and folds. I lighten any color applied with a lighter value and darken those in the creases. This is easy to do, because you will have to go back and touch up spots and add color that did not cover well in the first pass.

The painting of the figure started with primer, followed by pre shading with flat black with my airbrush. I wrapped the bottom of the figure with some bubble wrap and tape to protect the primer from wearing off due to handling while painting.

Once I was happy with the layout I wanted to represent a fabric smock. The trouble with painting camo on a model is that it looks painted on. I strive to have it look like fabric. So I mixed a very weak wash of the base color and using a large brush, went over the completed camo to tone it down a bit. While I was at it I accentuated the folds and seams with a darker wash of burnt umber and black. To further tone down the camo, gave the smock a dusting with a medium earth pigment. This light dusting gave the smock a faded slightly dusty look. The figure is depicted as a soldier on the eastern front in the late summer of 1941, so that seemed to match my presentation idea.

As I progressed with the upper torso painting, I began laying in color for the lower section of the tunic, the belt, Y straps and bread bag. This all helped tie the different elements and textures together.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bonehead Models 200mm SS Squad Leader Russia 1941 • Kit No. Not Quoted

Detail Parts

All of the detail parts except the bread bag were painted separately then added when the figure was ready to attach to the base.

The quality of the parts fit is so good, no filler was used.

Facing Up

Many modellers have problems painting faces. Once you find a technique they really are no that hard. As I have explained before, I usually use a simple mix for the flesh colours. Just keep your mix thin, and you shouldn’t have much trouble (really). I start with the eyes. They are base coated with a mix of off-white, brown sand and basic skintone. Sometimes I will line the edges of the eye sockets with burnt cadmium red and old rose (all Vallejo Color). Then I paint the basic pupil with black. Just make sure you make each pupil the same size. One neat trick to help you is to take a sharpened cocktail stick slightly moistened with water and gently prick off the paint that is in the wrong spot. This saves you from having to try to put a miniscule amount of paint somewhere or repaint an entire eye. I take the cocktail stick and gently define the shape of the pupil. After you have a good looking set of pupils, you can lay in your preference of pupil color. Blue and light green/grey show up best. Finally, you can dot each eye with an iris. Another tip- don’t paint the eyes looking straight ahead. Try to have your eyes looking left or right. If you do, then you dodge the problem of having a cross eyed soldier. Finally, I applied some clear gloss to the eyeball.

The flesh areas are then applied with a base color- I like to use a lighter flesh colored brown and build up from there. I alternate from shadows and highlights as I paint. The secret to painting with acrylics is to use thin paint, and disguise the edge of each tonal area with a color that is about halfway in tone between each area. Sounds like algebra right? Think of it this way- you have a light and a dark area next to each other.

There is a hard line between the two. You don’t want the hard line, but a soft gradual transition. So mix a color that is about halfway in shade or “tone” between the two and apply it right on the line. If you keep the paint thin, you may still be able to see the line- but that’s OK. Just keep adding thin shades of the mid-tone until the line disappears. Acrylic painting is all about “hiding” the lines between the tonal values. Once you have the hang of it, then just paint each section of the figure with this technique.

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Finishing Touches

The final painting of the face was not completed until I added the “Crusher Cap”. This helps define some of the highlights and shadows with the cap on. The visor of the cap hides most of the forehead.

With the face and upper torso almost finished, I moved down to the trousers. According to samples I have seen, the colour of the ‘riding breeches’ vary from a dark grey to a field grey. I wanted to represent the dark grey version, with a hint of green to them. I started with a coat of paint with the airbrush, and then moved into brushwork to further define the highlights and shadows. This was really straightforward, I used glazed of the highlight to simulate wear and wrinkles.

The boots were last - they seem to be standard SS officers riding boots, which have a taller shaft than the common “jack boot”. I used a base of Tamiya black and then used sand brown and earth to paint the scuffs and wear on the toes and heels. I gave the tops of the boots a light glaze with artists oil colors- I like the semi matte finish that looks the part.

All of the accessories were painted separately and added to the nearly finished figure. This was pretty straightforward. I have included my colour choices, but you can check references as there are some variations out there. On the metal parts, I added scuffs and scrapes with a silver art pencil and graphite powder from a pencil. I applied that with my trusty index finger.

The MP40 was sprayed with Humbrol Metalcote Gunmetal. This is a buffing paint and once you spray it, a buffing with a cotton swab brings up the polished/worm metal look. I masked the right hand with some Blu-Tak as acrylic paint has a bit of difficulty covering this type of paint.

The Bakelite portions of the gun were painted with Humbrol 96 Matte Chocolate. A coat of semi gloss varnish will simulate the Bakelite nicely. The sling was not including in the kit. It was fashioned out of some foil and scrap photo-etch for the adjuster. I punched out two small disks of .10” styrene for the sling fastener. I used Scale 75 leather color set for the paint on the sling.

The base is a custom made Maple piece from Birch Tree Enterprises. I laid some pre coloured Sculptamold (it’s a paper mache product) in the recess, then added long grasses to simulate the fields in the Russian Steppes. I made sure I marked the spot for the figures feet beforehandIt would be a job after the fact!

The base was masked off, and then the Sculptamold was mixed up with a concoction of brown pigment, white glue, dirt, and some brown acrylic paint. It was put on the base like cake frosting. While it was wet, I added the “grass”. The grass was paint brush bristles from cheap “chip” brushes. These are throw away brushes used for cleaning and machine shop work. The bristles were cut with scissors, and then plugged into the base. As the base mix began to dry, I test fit the figure.

I wanted to have some of the grass bent over as if it has been walked on. It also created depressions in the semi wet groundwork for the boots.

Once the groundwork had dried, I made sure all the grass was pointing the right way and looking natural. I also added clumps here and there to make sure there were no “bald spots”. I mixed up some Vallejo Olive Green and sprayed the grass to give it just a hint of color. Then I mixed up some English Uniform and sprayed the top of the grass. That gave the color of late summer grass. Perfect!

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bonehead Models 200mm SS Squad Leader Russia 1941 • Kit No. Not Quoted

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The figure was added to the base. Final assembly and touch up was conducted next. With a figure this big, it’s easier to add the smaller parts after it is in position on the final base. You don’t break parts that way (trust me, I know).

After some final adjustments here and there, the figure is done. What a great kit. Everything fit exactly where it was supposed to- the only putty was on the shoulder gaps. This kit is expertly moulded and engineered.

Large kits are certainly intimidating, but very impressive when finished. This one stands about 8 inches from boots to cap. If you want to try the best, go for this one…. it’s a limited edition kit! It available exclusively from The Model Cellar (http://modelcellar.com)

References: Camouflage Uniforms of the Waffen-SS by Beaver and Borsarello Waffen-SS Uniforms in Color Photographs by Steven and Amodio

Paint Chart Area

Base Colour

Highlight

Shadow

Smock - Orange Spots - Dark Spots - Medium Brown Spots

Neutral Grey+Camo Violet Brown Orange Brown+ Mars Orange (Scale 75) Camo Black Brown Flat Earth

Sunny Skintone Add Mars Orange Sunny Skintone Sunny Skintone

Burnt Umber Add Earth Black

Tunic - Collar

German Field Grey Black Green

Sunny Skintone

Black

Hat

Grey Green, Olive Grey

Sunny Skintone

Black

Trousers

Neutral Grey+Olive Grey+ Burnt Umber

Neutral Grey Grey Green+Sunny Skintone

Black

Boots

Black

Brown Sand+ Earth

Face - Flesh

Cork Brown+ Brown Sand

Sunny Skintone+ Naples Yellow (Jo Sonja) Naples Yellow+ Raw Sienna (Jo Sonja)

- Hair

Earth+ Burnt Umber+ Naples Yellow (Jo Sonja)

Gas Mask Can

Tamiya XF13 JA Green

Bread bag

English Uniform

Sunny Skintone

Black+Chocolate Brown

Map Case

Black Leather (Scale 75)

Brown Leather + Orange Leather (Scale 75)

Black+ Black Leather

Canteen

Chocolate Brown

Violet Brown

Black

MP40 Pouch

Canvas (Vallejo Panzer Aces)

Sunny Skintone

Black Brown

Burnt Cad. Red+ Black Red Black+Burnt Umber

Burnt Sienna

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GALLERY

Dragon 1:35 Jagdpanzer IV L/70 • Kit No. 9043

G N A L V I R E Z JAGDPAN panzer IV L/70 gd Ja a iy m Ta w ne e th With Chris Wauchop just around the corner, t the older shares his thoughts abou ilt in 2007.

Dragon kit, which he bu

T

he Jagdpanzer IV, Sd.Kfz. 162, was a tank destroyer based on the Panzer IV chassis built in three main variants. As one of the casematestyle turretless Jagdpanzer (tank destroyer, literally "hunting tank") designs, it was developed against the wishes of Heinz Guderian, the inspector general of the Panzertruppen, as a replacement for the Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III). Guderian objected against the needless, in his eyes, diversion

of resources from Panzer IV tank production, as the Stug III and Sturmgeschütz IV were still more than adequate for their role.

Officially, only the L/48-armed vehicle was named Jagdpanzer IV. The L/70-armed vehicle was named Panzer IV/70. * Here is my 1:35 scale Dragon Jagdpanzer IV L/70, kit number 9061. The model represents a verhicle attached to 5. Kopmanie / II Abteilung Pz.Regt. 25 "Rothenburg", 7. Panzer Division,

Eastern Front, 1945.

I built this back in 2007 as a commission for a regular client, who also provided two reference books to refer to. I liked the contrasty black and white photo in one of these books, taken of a similar vehicle after capture, and wanted to duplicate the finish.

were added, both from the spare parts drawer and scratch built.

In addition to the kit, I was also supplied with a couple of aftermarket accessories. These were German clamps and clasps by Aber (part number 35A20), and tapered brass radio antenna from Adler's Nest (part number ANM-35008).

CONSTRUCTION

PAINTING, MARKINGS AND WEATHERING

Dragon's instructions were straightforward although a little vague in places. Many extra details

All camouflage colours are waterbased acrylics thinned with isopropyl alcohol and applied with

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G Dragon’s surface textures are well done.

The low profile of the Jagdpanzer IV family is very obvious from this angle.

Clamps and clasps are from Aber.

The kit supplies two front road wheels for each side of the running gear.

the Testor Aztek A470 airbrush fitted with the fine tan tip.

Paints used were: • The Panzer Yellow base coat XF-60 Dark Yellow mixed with X-2 Gloss White mixed 60:40 • Red Brown - a mix of 70% XF-64 Red Brown and 30% XF-60 Dark Yellow • Green - a 50:50 mix of Tamiya XF-26 Deep Green and Gunze Sangyo H330 Dark Green • The wooden handles of the tools

were painted XF-59 Desert Yellow with a thin wash of Tamiya Clear Orange.

DECALS Decals were applied using Gunze Sangyo's Mr Mark Setter and Mr Mark Softer. They behaved flawlessly. ■

Dragon kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net The hatches may be posed open but interior detail is limited.

* Historical summary courtesy of Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdpanzer_IV December 2014 - Model Military International 51

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CLOSE-UP

Hetzer Tank Destroyer

HETZER TANK DESTROYER CLOSE-UP The Editor takes a close look at the Hetzer on display at The Tank Museum, Bovington.

T

he Jagdpanzer 38(t) was intended to be more cost-effective than the much more ambitious Jagdpanther and Jagdtiger designs of the same period. Using a proven chassis, it avoided the mechanical problems of the larger armoured vehicles.

It was better armoured than the thinly armoured earlier Panzerjäger Marder and Nashorn with a sloped armour front plate of 60 mm sloped back at 60 degrees from the vertical (equivalent in protection to about 120 mm), carried a reasonably powerful 75mm gun, was mechanically reliable, small and easily concealed. It was also cheap to build.

SWISS ARMY G-13 The Jagdpanzer 38(t) equipped the Panzerjägerabteilungen (tank destroyer battalions) of the infantry divisions, giving them some limited mobile

anti-armour capability. After the war Czechoslovakia continued to build the type (versions ST-I and ST-III for training version, about 180 units built) and exported 158 vehicles (version G-13) to Switzerland. Most vehicles in today's collections are of Swiss origin. *

THE HETZER IN PLASTIC Today’s modeller is extremely well served by Hetzer kits, with modern, high quality offerings in 1:35 scale from Tamiya, Eduard, Dragon and Academy. Tamiya also has a 1:48 scale Hetzer; and many after market accessories are available.

HETZER AT BOVINGTON The Hetzer at The Tank Museum was manufactured in late 1944 at Bohmisch-Mahrische Maschingenfabrik in Germany. ■ * Historical summary courtesy of Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hetzer Track face detail. As a running example, this vehicle’s tracks are well worn.

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Drive sprocket and track edge detail. Note the track pins.

Note the hollow guide horns.

The rubber rimmed road wheels.

The idler wheel is all steel.

The jack and the pioneer tools are missing, offering a valuable view of the mounts and clamps.

One of the front towing points, welded to the hull.

A large tool box is mounted on the rear fender.

ABOVE. The rough cast texture on the mantlet is of interest here.

BELOW. A rare view of the mount for the heavy saukopf (pig’s head) armoured mantlet.

The front fender is typically beaten up.

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KIT PREVIEW

ICM 1:35 V3000S/SS M Maultier with 7.62cm Pak 36 (r) • Kit No. 35803

ICM’s decal sheet.

Road wheel and drive sprocket close-up.

ICM has been busy lately!

Graham Tetley examines ICM’s 1:35 scale Maultier half-track with the captured Soviet 7.62mm Pak 36 (r).

TRACKED AND TOWED

N

ot too long ago I did a review of Italeri’s reboxing of this truck kit. My comments there were that the base it is very nice and will build into a fine model with scope for extra detailing.

Those comments still stand. In fact it is nice to have another to build!

What we have in the box here is the original ICM kit (number 35412) with their Pak 36 (r).

There are 264 parts for the truck, 101 for the gun, all moulded in tan with a clear sprue for the windows. All parts are very well moulded with flash and moulding imperfections visible on my example limited to the Pak. Whilst there are some seam lines and knock out marks these are easily cleaned and not in places where they will be too noticeable.

using a steel ruler and the side of my Etch Mate. The front steering is positionable and the actual tracked section is fully detailed.

Link & length track is provided and the only problem that I can see is getting those links off of the sprue without shattering. I used a brand new blade in my X-Acto knife to gently score the links free of the sprue. Some still broke but not too many. I guess that moulding them this way keeps the costs down.

The bonnet may be assembled with the top part removable to show off the engine and, turning to the cab, it has all the driver’s pedals and controls faithfully reproduced. We get some decals for the dials which is always a great touch.

WHATS IN THE BOX?

Moulded to the same standard as the base kit, ICM’s Pak 36 is a lovely model in its own right. Aside from the gun and carriage, we also get some spare ammunition and ammo containers. Construction is very straightforward, but just take care with the teeny parts. Whilst the moulding here is generally good, I did find a few sink marks and a bit of flash on some of the parts.

However, it is nothing that basic modelling skills can’t rectify. My only suggestion would be to find a metal barrel for the gun. I am not a fan of two-part plastic gun

The level of detail that ICM is putting in their kits now is very good and this kit is no exception.

I have built a few now and they go together really easily. If you so wish, you could build it as the normal wheeled version as all the parts are in the box, just greyed out in the instructions.

A detailed engine kicks off the assembly and this is then added to the chassis. As with most ICM truck kits the chassis comes as a separate part so I recommend a straight edged ruler or similar to aid assembly – I built mine by

ACHTUNG PANZER!

The tracks are nicely done…

barrels but with TLC and wire wool you can totally remove the seam line.

DECALS AND INSTRUCTIONS Marking options are limited to two vehicles – one from Poland and the other from Italy. For me, a highlight of ICM kits are the instructions and this kit is no different, with everything being clearly drawn and uncluttered.

There are no errors that I found and the only thing to really be aware of is the part of the running board that you have to remove in Step 17. Do not trim off the 11mm as requested – do 10mm and sand it back from there to get a perfect fit.

…although it will be fun getting these off the sprues!

Suspension components.

CONCLUSION The ICM kit is very nice and will build into a fine model with scope for extra detailing. I am actually starting to be really impressed with the standard of kits that ICM is bringing out as the level of detail, fit of parts and clarity of instructions makes them ideal for the novice and experienced modeller alike. The towed gun adds another option for this versatile truck and gives you diorama opportunities aplenty.

Recommended, with a thumbs up from me. ■

Dashboard detail.

Thanks to ICM for the sample www.icm.ua

The road wheels and tyres are solid plastic.

Link and Length tracks.

Pak’d with detail!

Wood grain detail is finely done.

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Incoming DEF. MODEL

1:35 SCALE ITEM NO. DW30026 - M2/M3 HALF TRACK REPLACEMENT WHEELS FOR THE DRAGON KIT ITEM NO. DW30025 - M8/M20 GREYHOUND REPLACEMENT WHEELS FOR THE TAMIYA KIT

Def Model has become a premier replacement wheel manufacturer. Not only do they offer a great product but they also include a set of wheel masks for every replacement wheel set they sell. Two new 1:35 scale wheel sets have been sent to us to review and they are: • 1:35 M2/M3 Half Track replacement wheels for the Dragon kit item DW30026 • 1:35 M8/M20 Greyhound replacement wheels for the Tamiya kit item DW30025 Both of these sets have some very fine flash and a medium sized casting plug on each wheel.

These wheels, unlike many others, are not direct resin copies of the kit parts but an entirely new wheel. The detail on all the wheels presented for review is outstanding with finely rendered sidewall detail (including the “Good Year” logo) and tread pattern in evidence on all examples. The wheels themselves are flattened where the wheel surface meets the ground. The effect is both subtle and very well done with an ever so slight bulge on each contact point.

The inclusion of a wheel mask set in each set is also welcome and really set these sets apart from the rest.

All sets come highly recommended.

Thanks to DEF Model for the sample www.defmodel.com Luke Pitt

VALLEJO

MODEL AIR WEATHERING SET. ITEM NO. 71194 MODEL AIR WWII GERMAN. ITEM NO. 71179

Vallejo has added two new sets to its range of Model Air acrylic painting and finishing products. Both sets contain 16 plastic bottles of Vallejo’s Model Air paints, arranged to suit a particular theme.

Each bottle is 17 ml with a plastic screw cap, and the paint is ready to use in the airbrush without thinning.

The 16 bottles are packed into a convenient cardboard box.

Set No. 71179 offers 16 shades for German military subjects.

The specific colours in this set are: 71006 Cam. Light Green 71010 Interior Green 71011 Tank Green 71018 Cam. Black Green 71019 Cam. Dark Green 71022 Camouflage Green 71023 Hemp 71024 Khaki Brown 71025 Dark Yellow 71030 Green Brown 71035 Camouflage Light Brown 71038 Cam. Medium Brown 71041 Tank Brown 71042 Cam. Black Brown 71052 German Grey 71056 Black Grey The second item under review is labelled weathering, but its contents are really more widely varied than just that. Please note that these are also acrylic paints prepared for airbrushing. The colours in this versatile set are: 71.001 White 71.015 Dunkelgrün RLM83 71.028 Sand Yellow 71.029 Dark Earth 71.036 Mahogany 71.044 Light Grey Green 71.050 Light Grey 71.053 Dark Seagreen 71.056 Dunkelgrau RAL7021 71.057 Schwarz RLM22 71.069 Metal Rust 71.073 Metal Black 71.076 Skin Tone 71.079 Flat Tan 71.080 Rust 70.520 Matt Varnish These will be useful additions to the collections of acrylic paint fans.

Both Recommended.

Thanks to Creative Models Limited for the samples www.creativemodels.co.uk Brett Green

LIFECOLOR

POWDER & COLOUR SET SPG 06 – LICHENS AND MOSS SET SPG 07 - ALGAE

Lifecolor has extended their range of Powder & Color sets. Each of these two new sets include four bottles of pigments and two tinted fixing liquids.

The first set is Lichens and Moss. It supplies the following colours: POW 01 Sprout Green POW 02 Lush Plant POW 03 Fall Season POW 04 Rotten Plant FF 01 Gloss Lime Fixer FF 02 Gloss Muddy Fixer Next up is Algae: POW 05 Luxuriant Green POW 06 Full Blown Green POW 07 Blight Plant POW 08 Dried Plant FF 03 Gloss Dirty Green Fixer FF 04 Gloss Yellow Green Fixer Each of the six bottles in the Combo set is snugly packed into a cardboard box with a top-opening flap. An illustrated description of the application of the colours is listed on the back of the box. The bottles themselves are plastic with a wide screw cap.

These are interesting new options for modellers who prefer to stick with acrylic paints for weathering effects. I believe it is the first time that we have seen fixers and pigments packages together, and these dedicated sets for algae, lichens and moss will lend some colourful new opportunities for military and maritime dioramas and vignette.

All Recommended.

Thanks to The Airbrush Company for the samples www.airbrushes.com Brett Green

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Figures

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

ICM

1:35 SCALE GERMAN TANK RIDERS (1942-1945) ITEM NO. 35634 This is the latest set of figures from Ukrainian manufacturer ICM. In the box you have a solitary sprue moulded in tan styrene that contains four figures and various items of personal equipment and weapons. The standard of moulding is good with little flash although there are mould seams on most parts but these will be easy enough to remove. It’s also good to see the lack of die-lines that seem to afflict another well known manufacturers figures so ICM must be doing something right during the moulding process.

The detail is very good and one nice touch is the separate hand grenade moulded as part of the belt rather than the uniform. The sculpting for the faces is once again very nicely rendered and certainly on a par with the quality you find with resin figures.

Uniform-wise they are typical for the period with two figures in the M39/40 tunic with pleated pockets and trousers and two in the early reversible camouflage smock. Two of the figures also have the shorter marching boots with canvas gaiters which are not often seen in German figure sets, mostly you get the higher type more commonly known as ‘jack boots’.

The weapons included in this set are limited to an MG42, two MP40s and a Kar 98 rifle and personal equipment comprises of bread bags, water bottles, gas mask containers, MP40 magazine pouches and an ammo box for the MG42.

The assembly and painting instructions are crammed onto a smallish sheet of paper and printed in black and white so you would be better sourcing uniform colour reference from elsewhere as the box art doesn’t help much either, especially when painting the splinter camouflage pattern smocks. Colours quoted are from the Model Master range only.

Once again, a good set of figures from ICM and being fairly generic they will suit most dioramas set in Eastern or Western Europe, my only gripe being the painting instructions as black and white line drawings are not really up to current standards and they look cluttered with all those arrows pointing everywhere. This is not really a problem for experienced modellers with stacks of reference about German WWII uniform but for newcomers it could be a bit daunting. Apart from that this is a really good set of figures and ICM certainly give other manufacturers a run for their money in the quality stakes. I like them a lot.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to ICM for the sample www.icm.com.ua Andy King

KFS MINIATURES

1:35 SCALE WORLD WAR II ERA FRENCH TANK CREW ITEM NO. 35-003 The name Kamil Feliks Sztarbala should be familiar to readers of MMI, as he has contributed quite a number of excellent articles over the years.

Kamil is also the driving force behind a cottage industry company, KFS Miniatures.

KFS Miniatures’ latest release is a set of four 1:35 scale WWII Era French Tank Crew.

The four figures are perfectly cast in cream-coloured resin, with two being presented as one piece and the other two with one separate arm. Two separate pipes are also included to compliment the casual standing poses.

The faces are all unique and full of personality. One of the crew members is quite short and portly too. They probably present a more realistic alternative to some of the square-jawed, athletic and shouting figures sometimes seen today. A nice variety of uniforms are represented as well, with leather jackets and two styles of overalls included here. All the crew members are wearing a black beret.

Each of the figures is packed into its own separate ziplock plastic bag, and the four bags packed again into a larger one. These are stapled to a cardboard backing sheet, which includes a coloured photo of the painted figures.

French tank crew figures are not exactly thick on the ground.

Considering the good selection of 1:35 scale WWII and interwar French tank models now available, including the Char 2C, Hotchkiss, the new Meng Renault FT tanks and more, these four new figures are very welcome.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to KFS Miniatures for the sample www.kfs-miniatures.com Brett Green

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

PICKING A TIMEFRAME

I

was recently asked why I exclusively model World War II armour. To the uninitiated it might seem strange. I put it down to being brainwashed as a kid. A steady stream of movies and books depicting almost every aspect of that war gave me an appreciation for the hardships faced. My father was also of that generation so I had some sort of a connection with it.

That perception is not unfounded as most of my completed models are from that period, but looking at my “stash” well, that tells a different story entirely.

I have cars, ships and aircraft from all eras.

I have also noted trends over time. When I was starting out, if you did figures in 54mm, it was in the Napoleonic period. If it was armour it was almost exclusively German and if you dared to be different, Russian.

The current trends seem to have shifted to modern armour and I for one welcome it. There are only so many German vehicles you can make, aren’t there? For instance, I have made an early Panther G in 1:48 scale and given my propensity to make only one of a particular subject, I think I may have only one or two more Panthers left in me.

Allied armour also seems to be gaining traction with a proliferation of all sorts of vehicles in 1:35 scale with the inevitable trickledown effect to 1:48. I often wondered why, for instance, World War I never took off. I guess the lack of decent kits and figures was the main reason there. It seems Tamiya has again lead the way with their recent 1:35 scale release of the Mark 1 tank and a set of very well done figures. One can only hope that Tamiya will see fit to reduce both of these down to 1:48 scale. Unfortunately, we really haven’t seen the previously mentioned trickledown effect with the avalanche of modern releases from almost every manufacturer in 1:35 scale. This is a great shame, as most modern vehicles are on the largeish side and as a result would translate well into 1:48 scale.

On a different subject, I recently asked in this column that readers submit suggestions of what kits they would like to see in 1:48 scale. We have had a few responses thus far and they are published in a different part of this column. I encourage all of you who read this column to participate; it can only help the cause.

Until next time Luke Pitt

CORSAR REX

1:48 SCALE SOVIET SOLDIERS SET ITEM NO. CR-48012

Those of you who read this column are in no doubt on my views in regard to 1:48 scale figures. I have said it time and time again: what we need is high quality figures to complement the range of AFVs that we already have.

When these figures from Corsar Rex arrived, I was expecting to be impressed as this manufacturers last set of figures were of the highest quality. Well, I was not to be disappointed. Put simply, these may be the best set of 1:48 scale figures that I have seen to date.

Five figures are included and form a small vignette or diorama.

The subtle fabric creases and folds on the uniforms are quite simply amazing.

The facial details are noteworthy as they capture both detail and character at the same time, which is rarely seen in any scale. The posing of the figures is also outstanding as it leads to endless applications. The female figure is noteworthy, as she looks like a real woman and not some fantasy version of a woman, which is so often the case.

If you purchase one 1:48 scale aftermarket figure set this year this is the one to get. They really are that good!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Corsar Rex for the review sample www.corsarrex.com Luke Pitt

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

MIKR MIR

1:48 SCALE SOVIET T-70 LIGHT TANK ITEM NO. 48-007

Eastern European short run plastic manufacturers have made great strides in recent years in terms of their presentation and the sheer variety of what they offer. This new manufacturer has recently released a 1:48 scale Soviet T-70 and by and large it is a sound if workman-like offering.

The kit is moulded over 7 medium grey sprues together with a small photo etch and decal sheet.

The level of moulding is good for a short run kit and is comparable with anything from UM or Ace. A few dimensional errors are apparent when comparing this kit to some published plans but on others the so called “fatal flaws” are not as pronounced. The main areas of concern are the turret and hull angles.

I have seen some very harsh criticism of this kit online but in my opinion I believe that much of it may be unjustified. Firstly, scale drawings are notoriously flawed with some not agreeing with others; and secondly, the assumption is that any new kit should simply fall together. If it doesn’t the kit is wrongly perceived as rubbish!

To me this kit looks the part and from my observations it has more good points than bad.

The tracks and road wheels for instance, are very well done and a credit to the tool maker involved.

Given the relative low purchase price of this kit I firmly believe it’s a worthwhile proposition.

Recommended.

Thanks to George from Hobbyterra for the review sample www.hobbyterra.com Luke Pitt

What you would like to see in 1:48 scale a very unscientific survey Our first response is from Ed Granger and he writes: Hi Luke - I’d like to see modern armour, period. I love the scale, and have two Tamiya Humvees and an Airfix Jackal and Warrior in my stash. However, the current choice of non-WWII subjects is frankly pathetic considering their popularity in other scales, so I’ll stick to 1:35. Just the obvious subjects to start with: An M1A1 Abrams, a T-55 and a T-72. I’d buy three of each.

Best Regards, Ed Granger

TORO MODEL

1:48 SCALE WILLYS JEEP IN POLISH SERVICE ITEM NO. 48D16

Decal sheets always come in handy when producing a vehicle from a particular unit. This new decal sheet from Toro Model does just that, covering eight marking variations for the Jeep in Polish service. While all of vehicles are in Olive Drab, the difference lies in the subtle variation of codes and markings.

The decals themselves are very thin and should conform to most surfaces with commercially available preparations. Overall this is a well worthwhile decal sheet with the different size “hood” stars being more than welcome.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Toro Models for the sample www.toro-model.pl Luke Pitt

And our second response comes from Andy Tingey: I would like any or all versions of the Churchill tank. The following would also be most welcome (based on the Sherman chassis) the Priest, Sexton, Lee or Grant. To be honest I have a raft of other requests and these are; Stuarts (all versions) Vickers Mk 6, Early Cruisers, US half tracks, German Sdkf7 half track (and a crew for the 88 would be nice). A Scammell transporter and also the recovery versions. A Matador gun tractor and various field guns for it. Cold war tanks (of any nation).

Also, can you ask Airfix to back date their Warrior (I know you can’t). I'm sure more will come to mind in the coming weeks.

Thanks, Andy December 2014 - Model Military International 59

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Book Reviews

MOUSE HOUSE ENTERPRISES

ISRAELI IMPROVISED ARMOURED VEHICLES AND JEEPS 1947-49

BY JOHN MYSZKA ISBN: 0-9577586-4-2

The fledgling state of Israel had to fight for its survival from the day it was recognised by the UN but it was hampered by various arms embargos. A long history of improvising protected vehicles used to protect the Jewish Settlers from well organised Arab militias who had no such arms embargos was drawn upon resulting in a vast array of improvised armoured vehicles. These were used extensively in the late 1940s offering protection for Israeli Convoys and as AFV’s in the open conflict of that period.

This title presents the reader with a vast photographic collection of the vast array of improvised vehicles that could be found in Israel during that tumultuous period.

The collection is in Black and white however and supplemented with line drawings throughout. The author has amassed over 260 photos which presents the full spectrum of such vehicles in service of the fledgling Israeli Army .

The pictures cover a vast spectrum of military vehicles from WWII and pre-war era including variants of: • Civilian trucks; • CMP 15 and 30cwt trucks; • Roadblock buster trucks; • US 1.5 ton 4x4 trucks; • US 2.5 ton 6x6 trucks; • Dodge weapons carrier; • White scout car; • Locally built armoured cars; • C15TA armoured trucks; • Otter recce cars; • Marmon Herrington Mk.IVF; • M5 half tracks • 6 pounder halftracks; • 20mm turreted half tracks • 37mm turreted halftracks; • Armed jeeps; and • Armoured Jeeps.

In addition, the author gives a good historical background and in depth description and data on the individual subjects which makes for an interesting read. It is by no means just a pictorial collection but a reference aimed at the modeller, historian and enthusiast alike. Rounding out this excellent title are Appendices and an excellent bibliography covering: • Israeli Operation names; • Major Israeli military units during the War of Independence • Selected Bibliography; and • Sandwich armoured models.

This title expands on earlier titles about Israeli Armour however many of the drawings that overlap with this title have been revised as a result of more up to date research. The author has used his knowledge to present the reader with a well catalogued and captioned collection of photographs. His depth of knowledge is apparent in the informative captions that provide a lot more than just what the vehicle is.

The book is lavishly illustrated with rare period shots of vehicles in service many (if not all) of which have never been seen before in other publications. This is a great all round reference on a very broad subject and I found the layout and structure well balanced and sensible with sharp print reproduction.

Highly Recommended.

Review sample supplied by Mouse House Enterprises www.mheaust.com.au Al Bowie

HEIMDAL PUBLISHING

J’AI SURVECU DANS MON PANZER

BY ARMIN BOTTGER ISBN: 978-2-84048-336-6

Heimdal produce high quality books related to campaigns of various wars amongst other things.

This amazing title roughly translates to “I survived my tank”. It is the wartime memoirs of a German Radio operator serving in tanks (12 Sqn 24 Pz Regt 24 Pz Div).

It is as much a photographic history as it is a written one and it contains many rare colour shots of the author’s unit and places served both in and out of action. The author served from December 1940 until war’s end in France, Italy, the Eastern Front and Prussia where he was wounded near the war’s end.

Like most Heimdal books, this one is written in French and I believe from what I can translate to have been translated from the German account. Not being a French speaker myself, this would be my only complaint about this book but for a modeller wanting inspiration and with the online translation available today I still recommend it highly for the amazing photos it contains.

The unit was equipped with the Pz III & IV medium tank and many photos of the author’s tank and many others are found within. Other tanks and assault guns included in the book the Stug III and the Panther as well as aircraft, trains, Cars and artillery.

Despite being in a language I do not understand, I still enjoyed this title just for the outstanding photographic montage of one man’s service in armour during the Second World War. Highly recommended to fans of German armour in WWII. Highly Recommended.

Review Sample supplied by Casemate Publishing www.casematepublishing.co.uk Al Bowie

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OSPREY COMBAT # 7 ANDREA PRESS

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH SCALE MODELS - A COMPLETE GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JM VILLALBA ISBN: 978-84-96658-50-9

Given the rise of Internet usage by modellers, photographing models has become a valuable channel to present your work.

Whilst many books have been written on photographing scale models, this is the first I have seen dedicated to digital photography.

This is a soft cover title on good glossy paper with excellent image quality and is written around the use of a Canon DSLR but the steps described translate easily to other camera types including some compacts, phones and tablets. The title is logical and easy to follow using photos of the settings etc to illustrate the point.

The sections that make up the book are as follows: • Pictures and Scale Models • Photography Basics (Focus, Depth of field, exposure, ISO, White Balance, Formats, Parameters and Settings) • Cameras (Choosing, Compacts, Interchangeable lenses, tablets & phones) • Photography Set (Backgrounds, spotlights, tripods etc) • Set Lighting (Natural , Artificial, Flash) • Shooting Scale Models I found this title very informative and the information is presented well in easy to follow steps. A nice bonus is the lovely models used to illustrate the processes and a gallery is included at the end.

Highly recommended to the modeller that wants to get the best out of their model photography.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Andrea Press for the sample www.andreapresspublishing.com/en/ Al Bowie

GERMAN INFANTRYMAN VS SOVIET RIFLEMAN - BARBAROSSA 1941

BY DAVID CAMPBELL ISBN: 978-1-4728-0324-5

Osprey’s latest title in the new COMBAT Series is devoted to a comparison of German and Russian Infantry against the backdrop of the Barbarossa Campaign in 1941. This is my first look at this new series and it reminds me of their Duel series, which compares weapons of two combatants in a particular conflict examining their various strengths and weaknesses.

Within the 80 pages, the author uses many photographs, charts, maps, tables and diagrams and diagrams to give the reader an understanding of the soldiers themselves, the tactics employed and how training, tactics, morale and equipment effects performance. The book begins with an introduction covering the Barbarossa campaign then a detailed analysis of the opposing sides including: • Origins and Combat Role • Recruitment, morale and logistics • Leadership & Communications • Armament, training and tactics Following this are three chapters that detail and analyse three battles from the campaign; Zhlobin 6 Jul 41; Smolensk 15 – 23 Jul 41 and Vas’kovo – Voroshilovo 23 – 27 Jul 41Smolensk.

Next is the author’s analysis covering lessons learned by both sides; the Aftermath; Unit Organisations and a bibliography.

This title packs a lot into its 80 pages and offers insights into the realities of combat through expert analysis and first-hand accounts. It supports this with strategic and tactical maps, colour plates and many photographs. It is highly recommended to the military scholar, wargamer historian and even the modeller. I found this title extremely interesting and a great read.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the sample www.ospreypublishing.com Al Bowie

December 2014 - Model Military International 61

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BUYERS GUIDE>>>>>>>>> AVID READER

Tel: 01299 823 330 Fax:01299 829 970

Unit 10, Hodfar Road, Sandy lane Ind Estate, Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9QB

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1/48 website: www.parabellum.co.uk

HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD

Tel: 01422 349157

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

email: sales@ parabellum.co.uk

MASTERCARD/VISA

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OPEN 10.00AM - 5.30PM, THURS & FRI OPEN UNTIL 7.00PM

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1/2 MILE FROM RAF MUSEUM

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ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE! IF YOU ARE READING THIS THEN SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS. FOR INFORMATION, CALL GARETH LIDDIATT ON 01525 222573

WEB BROWSER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> eduard.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 adalbertus@adalbertus.com.pl 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 smartmodelling@smart7.fsworld.co.uk

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 info@badgerairbrush.com (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 info@deluxematerials.com Tel; 01529 455 0340

DRAGON MODELS

(The Hobby Company in UK)

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

ECHELON FINE DETAILS

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

FRIENDSHIP MODELS

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

GREAT NORTH ROADS

9a Marcombe Road, Torquay, South Devon, TQ2 6LL Tel; 01803 400436 www.greatnorthroads.co.uk email svfarrugia@yahoo.co.uk

HANNANTS

Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ, Tel; 01502 517444 Fax; 01502 500521 www.hannants.co.uk sales@hannants.co.uk

HISTOREX AGENTS

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

HOBBYLINK JAPAN

CAMMETT

(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber)

Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate, Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA Tel; 01497 822757 Email; cammettco@btinternet.com 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 midlandbooks@compuserve.com 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 info@creativemodels.co.uk

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

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

MILICAST MODEL CO.,

9 Rannoch St., Battlefield, Glasgow G44 4DF, Scotland Tel/Fax; 0141 633 1400 milicastmodels@hotmail.com www.milicast.com

MISSION MODELS

(ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL)

www.etchmate.com www.missionmodels.com Tel; 818 842 1885 Fax; 818 842 1886 info@missionmodels.com, sales@missionmodels.com, orders@missionmodels.com

THE ARMORY; M&MODELS

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

www.airconnection.on.ca

www.ianallanpublishing.com Mail Order Dept 01455 254450 Kiev 02099, Ukraine, Borispolskaya 9 building 64.

Tel/fax; (+38044) 369-54-12 export@icm.com.ua www.icm.com.ua

ITALERI

(The Hobby Company in UK)

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

JUST BASES

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

JUST KITS

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

SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK

Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK. Tel; 020 8392 8585, 020 8392 9876, email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk

SCHUMO KITS

www.schumo-kits.com

SDV MODEL www.sdvmodel.cz

SIMPLE 2 TRADE

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

SMARTMODELLING

No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN UK Tel; 01883 734746 smartmodelling@smart7.fsworld.co.uk

MONROE PERDU

SQUADRON

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

ORDNANCE MODELS Via; www.steelmodels.com

PACIFIC COAST MODELS Tel; 001 707 538 4850 info@pacmodels.com www.pacmodels.com

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

Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. plusmodel@plusmodel.cz www.plusmodel.cz

POCKETBOND LTD

(Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK)

PO Box 80, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, AL6 0ND Tel; 01707 391509 Fax; 01707 327 466 info@pocketbond.co.uk

PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA)

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

QUICKBOOST

www.quickboost.net

REVELL GmbH & Co. KG

LSA MODELS

SB MODELS

Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3FW Fax; 01773 513344 orders@modeldesignconstruction.com www.modeldesignconstruction.com

SCHIFFER BOOKS

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

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

MDC

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

Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com

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

(TASCA, MASTER BOX) Retail; 151 Sackville Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3HD, England.

Tel/Fax; 01273 705420 orders@lsamodels.co.uk www.lsamodels.co.uk

SCHATTON BARRELS

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD

PLUS MODEL

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

(Creative Models in UK)

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MIG PRODUCTIONS

PANZERWRECKS

IAN ALLAN

Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB Tel; 01299 823330 Fax; 01299 829970 info@bookworldws.co.uk

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

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

BLAST MODELS

Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com

MODELING ARTISAN MORI

UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model

P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY. Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749 sales@sbmodels.fsnet.co.uk www.sbmodels.net

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

SWANN-MORTON

Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ Tel; +44 (0)114 234 4231 Fax; +44 (0)114 231 4966 General: info@swann-morton.com 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 enquiries@hobbyco.net www.hobbyco.net

TRUMPETER

www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK

VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS (Historex in UK)

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

VALLEJO

(Creative Models in UK)

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

VLS CORPORATION (LSA in UK)

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

WHITE ENSIGN

Unit 5, Cobnash Industrial Estate, HR6 9RW Tel; 0844 415 0914 wem@onetel.com www.whiteensignmodels.com

WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA

PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK RICHARDSBLC@aol.com

12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205 Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207 ww2prod@optusnet.com.au

SBX MODEL SHOP

ZVEZDA

SBLC

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

(The Hobby Company in UK)

Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region, 141730 Russia office@zvezda.org.ru www.zvezda.org.ru

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

64 Model Military International - December 2014

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15/10/2014 12:19

Next Issue On sale 4th December, 2014

Editor;

Brett Green

Group Editor;

Marcus Nicholls

Publisher;

Alan Harman

Graphic Design;

Alex Hall

Advertising Manager;

Gareth Liddiatt

Advertising Assistant;

Joe Brown

Office Manager;

Paula Gray

Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie

STRYKER

MMI Website;

ADH Web Team

Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK

AFV Club’s 1:35 scale M1130 Stryker

by Alex Kutovenko.

Distributed by; Seymour Distribution 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000

OMAHA BEACH

Newstrade; Select Publisher Services 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com

CAUNTER SCHEME British camouflage reference

by Mike Starmer.

...and much more!

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

FOR YOUR SAFETY 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!

Wäscherei in der Französischen Straße

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A dramatic 1:35 scale scene of Omaha Beach by Jose Brito.

Kamil Feliks Sztarbala creates a post-war Berlin street.

ISSUE No.104 December 2014, Published November 6th 2014

December 2014 - Model Military International 65

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The Last Post...

The common Panzer III lower hull.

Gorgeous recessed screw detail on the turret.

The wheel detail is equally impressive.

COMMAND PANZER vinyl they are quite well detailed.

Anyway moving swiftly on and as a consequence of using parts from other kits you end up with a mix of sprues with the same identifying letters so a lot of care will be needed to sort these out when building the model. The turret interior is pretty sparse except for a breech for the main gun and although stage 24 of the instructions show some hull interior detail do not be fooled as it doesn’t exist.

The spaced armour and mounting brackets for the turret are commendably thin and the brackets will require care to remove them from the sprue so as not to break them as they are very delicate. The side skirts (or shurtzen) are metal so the ability to recreate damaged and bent plates will be easier to do.

The tread pattern on the fenders is very well done and it’s also replicated underneath which is nice as this area is usually left blank except for location holes and pin-marks.

The overall quality of the kit is great as Dragon do provide some lovely detailing but I can’t help feeling disappointed due mainly to the issue with the tracks. No doubt for advanced modellers they are a non-issue as these would be replaced plus you could always cover the DS Vinyl things in mud which may hide the flash and mould seam lines but what the mud cannot hide are the flattened guide horns. I do understand why vinyl tracks are in kits as some modellers find individual links too fiddly but I can’t help feeling that it’s a backward step as to get track sag you’ll have to stick pins through the hull sides just like how we used to do it 30 years ago.

With the high retail price tag already, I can’t say that I would be impressed having to spend yet more money on a set of decent tracks so Dragon really needs to address this problem as it’s not the first time I’ve seen it. I’ve said it before - if Dragon included the original individual track links as well as the vinyl stuff, then everybody would be happy.

Having said that, the current crop of Panzer IIIs from Dragon are the best on the market at the moment so even with the track issue I would say it’s recommended. ■

Cupola close-up.

Raised tread detail on the track guards.

Damaged Magic Tracks.

Plenty more photo-etch too!

Review sample courtesy of The Hobby Company Ltd www.hobbyco.net Kit decals.

Scale-thickness side skirts.

DRAGON 1:35 PZ. BEF. WG. III AUSF J W/SHURTZEN • KIT NO. 6570

T

he Panzer III was a German medium tank that saw service on all fronts more or less up until wars end in 1945 even though it had been outclassed by superior Allied armour. Heinz Guderian laid down the specifications for the tank as far back as 1934 with the companies of Krupp, Daimler-Benz, MAN and Rheinmetall all providing prototypes for testing by 1936.

Daimler-Benz won the contract and the first production Ausf ‘A’ rolled off the assembly line in 1937.

The tank was at one point the most numerical in the German Army inventory and went through various improvements such as increased armour and larger calibre guns until production stopped in 1943 although the chassis was used for the Sturmgeshutz selfpropelled gun.

One of the versions was the Panzerbefehlswagen. It was a command vehicle outfitted with radios. Usually the command tanks had dummy guns fitted but the Ausf J retained its 5cm main armament, although the bow and turret mounted MGs were removed. The tanks were easily identifiable by the amount of aerials fitted too.

This is another variant to add to the long line of Panzer IIIs from Dragon and the box is literally packed with plastic. Fourteen sprues are moulded in grey styrene, two clear sprues, a small sheet of etched metal, an even smaller decal sheet, metal ‘shurtzen’ plates and DS Vinyl tracks. As is typical there are sprues from other Panzer III’s, StuG III’s and even a couple from their Panzer IV’s thrown in and although you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of parts a lot are marked as ‘Not for use’ so the spares box will be getting a huge top-up.

All the styrene parts are cleanly moulded with little flash or pin marks evident so all is well and good there, unfortunately the same cannot be said of the DS Vinyl tracks. They are basically useless as in my sample they are packed into narrow plastic bags and, thanks to the amount of stuff in the box, the guide horns are virtually flattened in places and they cannot be straightened so aftermarket items will definitely be required. Also the tracks have some flash present and mould lines visible and with them being vinyl it will be almost impossible to remove. The only plus side is for

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D3554 Find us on facebook search Plastic Kits UK

p 67 Dragon 104.indd 8

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

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