mmi.84.2013

UK D istributors

. . i n c o r p o r a t i n g

Focus No.9 Panther Ausf A

A series of "walk around" prepared with the collaboration of the French Saumur Tank Museum. 50 Pages, Black/White photos, Colour Walkaround section.

£11.99

British Military Trucks of World War 2 For the very first time, an overview of manufacturers’ designs, major truck types and their variants is now at hand.

£34.99

Tankograd 6026 - U.S. WW II M32, M31B1, M32B2, M32B3 Tank Recovery Vehicles 48 pages with 150-200 illustrations, among them WW2 action photos, colour photos and technical drawings.

£9.99

Stug - Assault Gun units in the East Bagration to Berlin Vol 1

Oliver Publishing. Superbly detailed colour profiles, black and white archive photographs, comprehensive organisational and equipment charts, unit histories and maps.

r e a d e r

of

T-34 On The Battlefield WW2 Photobook Series

This book deals with the deployed tanks from World War 2. The first volume concentrates on the T-34, designed by the Soviets. 111 pages, 103 large sized photographs, hardback.

£21.99

British Military Trucks in Wehrmacht Service

This book is the companion volume to Tankograd’s ‘British Military Trucks of World War 2’. 304 pages, 547 black and white photographs, 425 of which hitherto unpublished!

£34.99

Panzer Aces Profiles.

Guide to Camouflage and Insignia of the German Tanks 1933-1945

Richly illustrated throughout, many colour plates, a number of period pictures, detailed captions, colour profiles of the mythical German Tanks. 72 pages.

£17.99

Military Aviation in Northern Ireland

A fabulous collection of historic aviation photographs illustrating the history of military aviation in Northern Ireland from 1913 to the present day. 120 pages, 200 colour illustrations.

£8.99

T ankograd m a i l

o r d e r

1945 German Colors, Camouflage Profile Guide

72 pages, more than 180 color renderings showing the many camouflage patterns used on common vehicles, and oddities used by the German forces.

£18.99

£14.99

Tankograd 5040 ‘Emma’ The MAN 630 L2 A / L2AE 5-ton Truck in Modern German Army Service

Tankograd 4018 Henschel 33 3-ton 6x4 Trucks in Reichswehr and in Wehrmacht Service

£13.99

£13.99

95 colour photographs, 82 b&w photographs and 12 graphics, 72 pages.

Illustrated throughout with 142 black&white photographs, 64 pages.

Diamond T 4 ton-Truck Walk Around

For this book, the finest preserved examples of the classic Diamond T were sought out and extensively photographed, resulting in a volume packed with 227 color photographs augmented by five period black-and-white photos.

£16.99

Building Dioramas Stone Objects

chapters include, Flower Holders, Tombstones, Fountains, Waterworks, Equestrian Monument, and Mausoleum, Full Colour, 64 Pages.

£12.99

Bookworld Wholesale Ltd.

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£9.99

USS Texas Squadron at Sea

This massive, 152-page addition to the Squadron at Sea series tells the tale of the Texas and her crew. Over 350 black-and-white and color photos, five line drawings, as well as nine color profile illustrations.

£16.99

Model Laboratory - Sd.Kfz. 171 G W/Steel Road Wheels

Magazine devoted to one single model - Panther Ausf.G with Steel Road Wheels. How to build and paint a Panther. 32 Pages, A-4 format, four colour profiles, models gallery and products and products analysis.

£5.50

MILITƒRFAHRZEUG

1-2013 Canadian CMPs in Wehrmacht Service, sGeBAF BISON Wrecker, Austrian Leopard 2A4 with ‘Fence’, Army Museum Dublin, Exercise Caravan Guard II/88, T-26 with improvised AddOn Armour, plus much more, 56 pages, fully illustrated.

b o o k s

The Weathering Magazine “Dust”

The Weathering Magazine Issue 2 will study the effects of Dust and Dirt using a wide range of products and painting techniques demonstrated by the world’s best modelers.

£8.99

Tankograd 3018 M520 Goer - M561 Gama Goat Articulated Trucks of the US Army in the Cold War

Interceptor Force is the companion volume to Colin Oven’s “Strategic Force”, and covers a similar time period, from 1950 until the dissolution of Fighter Command in 1968. 62 pages.

£9.99

The new book on the StuG III includes seven subjects, spread over 96 pages.

£19.99

Tankograd 6025 U.S. WW II WhiteBrockway-Corbitt 6-ton 6x6 Trucks

74 colour photographs and 80 b&w photographs, 72 pages.

48 pages with 150-200 illustrations, among them WW2 action photos, colour photos and technical drawings.

The Weathering Magazine “Chipping”

The Czechoslovak Army 1945-1954

£13.99

In this issue we will describe indepth the weathering effects, known as Chipping with the help of a wide range of products and the latest painting techniques, such as sponge, salt, specialist chipping products, brush, and masking fluids.

£8.99

Interceptor Force Fighter Command 1950-1968

On Display Vol.2 Stug III

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

£21.95

£9.99

This publication contains over 350 historical photos of the construction and development of the Czechoslovak Army in 1945 - 1954. Format A4. Soft cover. 128 pages.

£19.99

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

£19.95

Wholesale terms available to genuine outlets. if you are a publisher looking for a wholesaler or distributor in the UK please contact us: info@bookworldws.co.uk

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Contents - Issue 84 April 2013 24

16

48

REGULARS

FEATURES

p 4 NEWS

p 6 THINK TANK

What’s new in the world of military modelling

p 52 FIGURES

All the news about new figure releases

p 53 BOOKS

Roundup of recent titles

p 54 INCOMING

MMI’s thoughts on the latest kits and accessories

p 58 1:48 SCALE

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

p 66 LAST AST POST

Late breaking news and ramblings from the Editor

German Armoured Car Development by Bruce Culver

p 14 PREVIEW

Tamiya 1:35 BT-7 Model 1937

p 16 8-RAD, 8 MAN!

Brett Green builds Tamiya’s brand new 1:48 Sd.Kfz.232

p 24 WHAM BAM SUPER TANK Steve Zaloga builds and provides reference for Dragon’s 1:35 scale T28 Heavy Tank

36

p 32 INTERVIEW

David Fletcher, Tank Museum Historian

p 34 PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 scale Marder II Ausf. D

p 36 SURVIVAL KIT

Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale M1A2 SEP TUSK II Abrams

by Anthony Sheedy ©ADH Publishing Ltd 2013

p 44 PREVIEW

Kinetic 1:35 RG-31

p 46 TINY TANKETTE

Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” by Harvey Low

p 51 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Tank

p 57 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Ostwind

p 61 PREVIEW

Model Victoria 1:35 Fiat Berlina

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 April 2013 - Model Military International 3

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Newsline - April’13

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

Italeri 1:35 Renault FT-17 for 2013

Italeri has announced a forthcoming release of a 1:35 scale Renault FT-17. Italeri state that this is an all-new kit, which will be very welcome due to the long history and widespread usage of this iconic vehicle.

The kit number is 6512, and we will advise more information, including the release date, as it comes to hand.

By the way, I am reliably informed that the correct nomenclature is simply “Renault FT”!

Thanks to Italeri for the information and image www.italeri.com

INSIDE THE ARMOUR NEW CHURCHILL AND CENTURION UPGRADES Inside the Armour has two new releases, both available right now: Churchill MkV/VI Corrected Turret Base Centurion Turret Mk5/6/11 (IR) – Item No. 35072 Item No. 35064 This corrects the faulty AFV Club Turret Turret for IR Equipped Centurions with Base with an accurate armoured ring twin MGs (co-ax and ranging). Suitable and contours. AFV Club incorrectly sat for Australian, Canadian, British and the armoured ring on their MkV and VI some IDF Centurions. kits on top of the turret race. It should go The new turret features all over cast around the race. texture, improved IT lamp mount, This part direct swaps for the AFV Club improved welds and cast on canvas part correcting the issue with no fuss, no mantlet cover. hassle and no ‘plastic surgery’ Both releases are available now from This part is also usable for AVREs using Inside the Armour’s website ww.insidethearmour.com the MkV standard turret. The price is £5.

Mirror Models 1:35 Russian T20 Komsomoletz Mirror Models has announced a new-tool 1:35 scale Russian T20 Komsomoletz tractor for release in February-March 2013.

This kit may be finished as a Model 1937 or a Model 1938 late.

Mirror Models has released an image of a test build. The track section and running gear is a CAD rendering.

Their 1:35 scale CMP Chevy C15A Van Lorry with Cab13 will be available by the time this magazine is in your hands.

Thanks to Mirror Models for the images and information www.mirror-models.com

AIRFIX TANKS APP

If you like fast action point of view war games, the new Airfix App titled ‘Airfix Tanks’ will keep you alert and on the move. The fast moving action takes place in arenas – the more battles you win, the more levels you unlock and the fighting continues on.

With 16 levels to combat through, you get to master the art of tactical warfare on a variety of battlegrounds - fighting enemy tanks that stand in your way.

Airfix Tanks is a 3D game you can play on your iPhone or Android phone wherever you are, whenever you like – tweaking your war skills to beat the enemy.

This follows up the immensely successful Airfix Dogfight from 2012 (still available).

These Game Apps produced and marketed by Sabec Ltd in association with Airfix. Darrell Burge, Marketing Manager of Airfix said “Having these great Game Apps out there takes the Airfix brand to a new consumer, which can only lead to more customers for our superb kit range. Not only that, they’re great to play too!”

The Airfix Tanks App is available to download now on iPhone and Android devices.

Thanks to Airfix for the information www.airfix.com

KIT FORM SERVICES NEW RELEASES IN 1:24 SCALE Kit Form Services continue their commitment to 1:24 scale with three new releases: TQ-203 Truck Half Ton Lightweight Airportable The kit comprises some 58 resin parts, 53 parts in white metal, & approx 116 in brass etch. Water slide decals for Military Police, Parachute Regiment & Royal Marines plus all data plates, gauges & VRN are included. The model also includes optional resin & etch parts for the earlier version with the inboard head lights. A 120mm Wombat conversion will also be available for the kit during 2013.

Price inc UK vat £96.00 (£80.00 for export to non EU countries) TQ-206 & TQ-207 Trailer Half-Ton Sankey Mk1 & Mk2 These kits each feature a one-piece brass etch body tub, which is very easy to fold & assemble. Both kits come complete with period VRN & plastic strip to create the internal duckboard.

Landing legs may be posed grounded or stowed & both kits come complete with road tyres, handbrake & over-run brake linkages plus a Solartex load cover with cutting template.

Price each inc UK vat £35.00 (£29.16 for export to non EU countries) Both available online from Kit Form Services website www.kitformservices.com

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Squadron/Signal Publications Over 250 books offering a wealth of information SQUADRON/SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS MODELLING REFERENCE BOOKS Squadron Signal Publications is one of the best known and most extensive ranges of modelling reference books ever published, featuring high quality photographs of aircraft, tanks, ships and more in action, as well as an ever-expanding range of ‘walk-around’ volumes which show the subject inside and out in crystal-clear photographs - perfect for superdetailing projects.

The books have been helping modellers to add essential details, find markings and apply paint schemes to aircraft, armour and ship models for many years, and the great news is that Squadron Signal books are now easier to find than ever before, because ADH Publishing, the company that brings you this magazine each month, is importing them from the USA. You can find Squadron Signal at good model and book shops, and you can also check www.adhbooks.com to see what we have on offer!

Please call us now for full details of prices, availability and range; UK (+44) 01525 222573

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

This Walk Around examines the armored and soft-skin versions of this massive vehicle, and its trailers, through hundreds of color photos and some of the finest restored examples in existence. The reader is visually taken over, under, and through these vehicles from front bumper to loading ramp.

Illustrated with over 230 photographs. 80 pages.

SS27031 - DIAMOND T 4 TON TRUCK (Soft Cover) SS67031 - DIAMOND T 4 TON TRUCK (Hard Cover)

SS39001 - FERDINAND/ELEFANT DETAIL (Soft cover) SS79001 - FERDINAND/ELEFANT DETAIL (Hard cover)

As it became increasingly apparent that the United States could not avoid getting involved in World War II, the U.S. Army stepped up its efforts at modernization and industrial mobilization. Toward this end, the Quartermaster Corps ordered a series of 4-ton 6x6 trucks from Chicagobased Diamond T Motor Car Company. The chassis of the artillery prime mover was adapted for use a dump truck, a long-wheelbase truck to transport bridging equipment, and what would become the U.S. Army’s standard medium wrecker during WWII. The design of the Diamond T was so successful that it is widely recognized as the forerunner of the Army’s post-WWII M-series trucks, which were utilized for 50 years. For this book, the finest preserved examples of the classic Diamond T were sought out and extensively photographed, resulting in a volume packed with 227 color photographs augmented by five period black-and-white photos.

In an effort to turn the proverbial lemon, in the form of an unsuccessful Tiger design, into lemonade, Porsche engineers at the behest of the German army, converted the failed chassis into one of the largest and most potent tank destroyer designs of World War II. Initially fielded as the Ferdinand, the vehicles were further modified, and ultimately given a new - and apt - name: ‘Elefant.’ This new volume explores not only the combat history of both the Ferdinand and Elefant, but also chronicles the development of the ill-fated Porsche Tiger design through 88 period black-and-white photos.

Further enhancing its utility to the enthusiast, 110 full-color photos of the only surviving examples of each type illustrate the nuances of the construction and subsequent wartime modification of these giant tank killers. Also features 16 detailed line drawings as well as 15 masterful color profiles; 80 pages.

SS27026 - M551 Sheridan Walk Around (Soft cover) SS67026 - M551 Sheridan Walk Around (Hard cover) First deployed in combat in Vietnam, the M551 Sheridan is the first U.S. tank to be fully amphibious and also airborne capable. Though maintenance problems and issues with the gun-launcher system caused the M551 to be withdrawn from most active Army units in the late 1970s, it continued to serve the 82nd Airborne Division as the only armored vehicle in the Army’s inventory that could be air dropped. With the 82nd, the Sheridan took part in the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 and in the war against Iraq in 1990-1991. The last M551s were withdrawn from U.S. service in 2003. Based on photographic studies of various M551s, volume offers readers the first-ever up close look at the Sheridan. Coverage of the basic M551 begins with the suspension and works its way around the exterior of the tank, into the engine compartment and finishes with a detailed look at the vehicle’s interior.

Photos of the sub-variants of the M551 Sheridan, such as the “Product Improvement Program,” A1, and VISMODs round out this profile of the versatile historic tank.

Illustrated by more than 240 photographs plus eight detailed line drawings. 80 pages.

ALSO FROM ADH BOOKS...

Firefly Collection No 2 - STUG: Assault Gun Units In The East, Bagration To Berlin

ADH Publishing, in collaboration with The Oliver Publishing Group, is proud to announce a new series of books for the modeller, military enthusiast and general reader.

Each title will include: • Superbly rendered and meticulously researched colour profiles • Black and white period photographs sourced from the world’s major archives and private collections • Background history • Detailed orders of battle and tables of organisation The second title in this series, STUG: Assault Gun Units In The East, Bagration To Berlin, will be the first volume in a two part set and will also include: • Histories of the German Army’s assault gun units, volume two will contain Waffen SS, Luftwaffe and obscure units • Colour artwork by Dennis Oliver depicting over 40 different vehicles with details of unit markings and insignia • Explanation of vehicle characteristics and production and field modifications • Campaign maps and diagrams

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

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Think Tank - German Armoured Car Development The Belgian Minerva armoured car was an armoured body mounted on an automobile chassis to carry a machine gun and crew. It was relatively small and fast, and proved to be an effective weapon that upset many German military moves.

GERMAN ARMOURED CAR DEVELOPMENT Bruce Culver examines the background and development of German wheeled armoured cars in the Second World War.

T

he development and use of armoured cars by German forces had their beginnings at the start of World War I in 1914. In keeping with the Schlieffen Plan for the attack on France on the Western Front, the bulk of the German forces were to invade Belgium and then move into France. The Belgian Army, a fraction of the size of the German forces, nonetheless put up stiff resistance, delaying the German advance.

During the German siege of Antwerp in 1914, the Belgians mounted a series of attacks and raids on the besieging troops, using light armoured cars to disrupt local areas in the German positions, conduct reconnaissance and capture prisoners for interrogation.

The primary vehicle used was the Minerva armoured car, a chassis of the Belgian Minerva automobile fitted with an open riveted armoured body made of

4mm plate and mounting an 8mm Hotchkiss light machine gun in an armoured shield. Most of the cars also carried riflemen for protection and as marksmen.

GERMAN ARMOURED CAR GENESIS After the front lines in Belgium stabilised (the Germans didn’t conquer all of Belgium), the Minervas were sent to the Russian Front to fight against Austrian troops in Galicia. The effectiveness of these cars impressed the German General Staff and they decided to build armoured cars for their formations. However, the German Army had no experience designing armoured vehicles, so the manufacturers were left to design them. Instead of copying the basic idea behind the Minerva car – a light small armoured car that was manoeuvrable and relatively fast – the German motor car companies designed large heavy armoured vehicles almost as

big as the tanks that would later dominate the later WWI battlefield.

Among these were the Buessing A5P, an enormous 4-wheel vehicle built on a heavy truck chassis, weighing over 10 tonnes and having a crew of 10. Armour ranged from 6-9mm thick and was riveted.

The A5P featured all-wheel drive

and had a high ground clearance to move over rough ground; top road speed was 34km/h. It had a double-ended layout with two driving stations and could be driven in either direction, a feature that would appear in later German armoured car designs.

It was 9.5m long, 3.5m high and

In response to the threat of the Minerva car, the Germans designed several large armoured vehicles like this Buessing A5P, a huge wheeled tank that proved unsuitable for the conditions on the Western front. It was widely used on the Russian front, where the lines were fluid and armies were mobile. It was typical of German armoured vehicles of the time – heavy with a large crew.

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2.1m wide. Armament was three 7.92mm MG08 or MG15 machine guns, though a few received 20mm cannon. The A5P went into service in 1916 and served on the Russian front until the revolution in 1917, when the Bolshevik government sued for peace.

Another heavy armoured car used by Germany in WWI was the Ehrhardt EV/4, a large square box-shaped vehicle again built with a riveted steel armour body on a heavy truck chassis. It was smaller than the huge A5P, only 5.3m long, but still weighed well over 7 tonnes. It had a more conventional layout with the engine in front and a large square box body in the rear with a turret on the roof.

Armour thickness was up to 9mm and like the Buessing A5P, the Ehrhardt EV/4 had 4-wheel drive.

The hard rubber tyres and high weight, however, kept the EV/4 from being able to travel across any kind of rough terrain; the vehicle was limited to hard roads and level hard ground. The front wheels did have extended rims to provide extra flotation in mud, but its mobility was still poor.

The crew of nine manned three 7.92mm machine guns. Top speed was 61km/h on roads.

In World War I, all the German armoured cars served on the Eastern Front against Russian troops. By the time they had entered production in 1915-16, the Western Front had become a static war of attrition with no need for mobile armoured cars, and with torn up battlefields that would have stopped the most capable vehicles. The Eastern Front, however, was a war of movement where reconnaissance and manoeuvre were important and where many future Panzer officers were learning new skills and tactics. Regrettably for the Germans, their large ungainly wheeled tanks were not fast enough or capable of going offroad enough to make a great contribution. But insightful leaders had seen the possibilities of the mobile war Germany was fighting, with sweeping movement, good use of cavalry and truck-borne infantry supported by towed artillery, and the early rise of combined arms that would prove so effective – the next time…..

Between the Wars Following the Armistice in 1918 and the Treaty of Versailles that mandated Germany’s surrender and reparations, the German army was demobilised and many weapons were surrendered.

Germany was not allowed to have armoured vehicles except

for internal policing duties, and this gave a second wind to such vehicles as the Ehrhardt EV/4 and the similar Daimler gep.

Kraftwagen armoured cars built for the German police in the early 1920s. They were all large and tall, giving a visual impression of power that could be used to intimidate crowds, and spacious enough inside to carry a number of troops.

The German General Staff, concerned about the national security of the country, began planning ways around the restrictions of the Versailles Treaty. The Allied International Armistice Control Commission was tasked to keep Germany disarmed, so a cat-and-mouse game ensued, with the Germans trying to develop better weapons and the Commission trying to stop them. Among the needs the General Staff foresaw were better armoured cars, favoured because they were less expensive than tracked vehicles and because the extensive road network in Germany and Europe allowed them to be used in more places, reducing the disadvantage of their inferior cross-country performance.

Under the direction of General Hans von Seekt, the Reichswehr (the army of the Weimar Republic in Germany) began a program of developing new weapons as it rebuilt an effective fighting force.

They succeeded beyond their wildest initial dreams…..

This Erhardt EV/4 armoured car, seen on the Russian front, was smaller than the Buessing, but still was far heavier and less mobile than the Minerva. The extended rims were fitted to provide extra flotation in mud and soft ground. Note the all-riveted construction and solid butyl rubber tires.

At the end of World War I, Germany was forced to disband her military, but some vehicles were allowed for internal police duties. This post-war Kfz 3 served in the Reichswehr. Built by Krupp on a Daimler tractor chassis, this design was unarmed and used for personnel transport and observation duties. At least two of these survived WW2 to be used in the battle of Berlin in 1945.

New Weapons for a New Era By 1926, the Reichswehr had let contracts for several innovative experimental designs for armoured cars from three manufacturers: Daimler-Benz, Buessing-NAG and Magirus. They were to have either 8 or 10-wheel fully independent suspensions and be capable of crossing rough terrain and even swimming across inland waterways – lakes and rivers. DaimlerBenz and Magirus built 8-wheel vehicles; Buessing-NAG built a 10-wheel prototype. All had fully independent suspensions, all-wheel drive, multiple axle steering, and two driving stations, allowing them to be driven in either direction.

To reduce weight, the Magirus prototype had cast aluminium wheels.

The Daimler-Benz and Magirus entries looked much alike with futuristic curved armour and a round conical turret from Rheinmetall. The turret fitted to the Magirus design had two MG 08 machine guns, but a 37mm cannon was planned for the future.

Tests done in 1930 were successful overall, but Germany couldn’t afford to produce such weapons. A

The Magirus ARW (achtradwagen – eight-wheel vehicle) was an experimental armoured car built in the late 1920s to develop more advanced concepts. It was one of the designs tested secretly at Kazan in Russia in the early 1930s, but was not adopted due to its complexity and high cost.

Economic reality forced German military leaders to cancel the complex experimental vehicles in favor of simpler affordable examples. The Kfz 13s seen here were simple armoured bodies fitted to DaimlerBenz and Adler automobile chasses, mounting a single MG 13 light machine gun. The companion Kfz 14 served as a light radio armoured car. These cars were painted in the pre-war scheme of dark grey and brown. Note they still have “RW” license plates (Reichswehr).

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Think Tank - German Armoured Car Development

The Sd.Kfz. 231,232 and 263 were built on three different truck chassis types. This Sd.Kfz. 231 used the Magirus 6x4 truck chassis. The bodies were very similar; major differences were in the front mudguards and the shape of the nose section and louvers.

The invasion of Poland happened before the Germans had completed their military expansion and older vehicles, like this Sd.Kfz. 231 on a Buessing NAG chassis, were still in widespread use. Note the white cross on the upper side covered with a layer of fresh mud, and the front cross smeared to make it less conspicuous. The basic colour scheme was dark grey and dark brown.

“Salzburg” was a Sd.Kfz. 231 on the Buessing chassis, seen here in the invasion of France in 1940.

It was assigned to 2nd Panzer Division and carries the symbol for the 2nd armoured car company.

This vehicle is in a dark grey/dark brown colour scheme, but the dust makes it look like one colour.

Another view of “Salzburg” shows the general lines of the Sd.Kfz. 231/232 series of armoured cars.

The large white “G” identified the Panzer formations led by Gen. Heinz Guderian during the campaign in France. The long chassis restricted cross-country performance over obstacles.

This line of armoured cars shows different makes of vehicles in the same unit. The Sd.Kfz. 232 in front and the Sd.Kfz. 231 behind it are both Daimler-Benz types and the Sd.Kfz. 232 in third place is a Magirus chassis car. Note the mottled camouflage schemes on the first two vehicles.

The Kfz 13 was a first-line light armoured car during these training maneuvers in the spring of 1935.

Its civilian-type chassis design limited its off-road performance considerably, but Europe’s good road network still allowed it to serve as an effective support vehicle.

B Building to a Budget The critical economic situation in Germany during the depression forced the army to drop the complex machines that they had developed and replace them with much simpler and cheaper alternatives. Ironically, they chose the concept the Belgians had chosen in WWI for the Minerva car: a simple light armoured body fitted to a heavy automobile chassis for a light armoured car.

They also desired a larger armour body mounted on a truck chassis for a heavy armoured car. These

technically simple designs were inexpensive, they were easier to build and German industry could turn out the numbers of vehicles needed to equip all the units being formed and to conduct the necessary training.

The army had acquired a number of civilian cars as m.Pkw. (o) (medium passenger cars with open tops), and developed an armoured body that was fitted to a strengthened chassis. The frontal armour was proof only against 7.92mm AP ammunition and the rest of the plates were protection

against standard 7.92 ball ammunition, considered sufficient for the purpose. The great majority of the cars built used an Adler auto chassis; about 12% used a DaimlerBenz chassis. There were various improvements to the cooling and electrical systems as well. The chassis was typical for the period, with rear wheel drive.

There were two basic vehicles in this family. The Kfz 13 was the armoured machine gun carrier, mounting an MG 13 on a 360 degree rotating pedestal mount aimed manually by the gunner. The

mount could be raised and lowered by the gunner in the seat, and the system was spring-assisted. The Kfz 14 was the armoured radio car, fitted with a short-range 5-watt radio and a folding frame antenna; the only weapons were carried by the crew. 116 Kfz 13s and 30 Kfz 14s were assembled

by Daimler-Benz from 1932-35.

As they were quite limited in their cross-country performance, their main contribution was in training hundreds of troops in the use of armoured vehicles, with manoeuvres being held on

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The Magirus chassis was used to build most of the early 6-wheel armoured cars like this Sd.Kfz. 232 radio car. The similar Sd.Kfz. 263 had a fixed turret armed with only one MG 13 in a ball mount. The 6-wheel vehicles were largely confined to roads and flat open terrain.

This Magirus Sd.Kfz. 232 is festooned with garlands of evergreen boughs as it enters a town in Austria in 1938. The two-colour grey/brown colour scheme is painted in large cloud patches. Only 68 Magirusbased armoured cars were built, but it was still the most common variant.

The 8-wheel armoured cars were all assembled by Buessing. Behind this Sd.Kfz. 231 is a Daimler-Benz built Sd.Kfz. 232 (6rad). The Sd.Kfz. 231 is a 1. series early example, shown by the flat plate type vision ports and flaps.

It carries the early-war two colour scheme of dark grey/dark brown.

This high rear view shows how the hull for the Sd.Kfz. 231 (8rad) was essentially reversed from that of the 6-wheel version. Now the long engine deck was in the rear with the rear driving position right in front of it. Though complex, these 8-wheel vehicles had excellent performance.

a regular basis to augment the classroom theory. They did serve in the Polish campaign.

There was also a need for as larger, more heavily armed type, and the army developed a simple armoured body of well-angled plates that could be fitted to a modified 6x4 truck chassis to provide a useful heavy armoured car. Although the body was standardized, there were three different chassis designs, from Daimler-Benz, Buessing-NAG and Magirus. They could be identified by the design of the front armour and fenders on each variant. The development started in 1930 and trials started in 1932.

The new armoured cars were initially known as gep.Kraftwagen (armoured cars), Kfz 67, (Fu)Kfz 67a (radio car), or (Fu)Kfz 67b, and featured a second driving position in the rear so the vehicle could be driven in either direction as needed. The chassis design was a standard truck type with single front wheels and dual rear wheels on double axles. Only the rear wheels were powered, so these heavy armoured vehicles had

poor cross-country performance, as with the Kfz 13/14 light cars.

Nonetheless, they provided good training during the 1930s and decent service during the Polish and French campaigns early in WW2. The presence of a good road network allowed them to support German troops in many areas of Europe as long as the ground was hard and dry, and the local terrain was relatively flat.

There were three variants in the series. The first (Kfz 67) was an armoured car mounting a 2cm KwK 30 cannon and a 7.92mm MG 13 in a rotating turret. The second (Kfz 67a) was a radio vehicle mounting the same turret and armament, but fitted with extra radios and a large frame antenna over the turret and hull. The third type was the Kfz 67b, which carried a 100-watt longrange radio. It looked very similar to the other models but the turret was fixed in position and it carried only an MG 13 in the turret. All 12 Kfz 67b vehicles were built on the Magirus chassis. All had crews of four men: commander and gunner in the turret and two drivers in the hull.

This early Sd.Kfz. 231 shows how the multi-axle chassis allowed the vehicle to traverse rough terrain by supporting the centre of the car so it wouldn’t bottom out. These cars had 8-wheel drive and 8-wheel steering for better maneuverability, plus decent speed on open roads.

With the development of the 8-wheel armoured cars by Buessing-NAG, the names for the 6-wheel cars were changed.

They were designated schwerer Panzerspaehwagen (s.PzSpWg) Sd.Kfz. 231 (6rad) and s.PzSpWg (Fu) Sd.Kfz. 232 (6rad) in 1936.

In 1937 the Kfz 67b became the

Sd.Kfz. 263 (6rad). Survivors served well into the rest of the war in policing and other secondary duties where their poor performance was not important.

8-Wheel Heavy Armoured Cars In 1935, Buessing-NAG began development of a new series of

A

A heavy coating of dust often caused the two-colour scheme to appear to be overall dark grey, as seen on this Sd.Kfz. 231 (8rad) in France in 1940. The open Balkenkreuz replaced the solid type used in Poland.

Note the white ID panels painted on the rear decks of both this and the Sd.Kfz. 232 (6rad) in front.

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Think Tank - German Armoured Car Development

This 1. series Sd.Kfz. 231 carries the markings of the Hermann Goering division, the ground armoured division of the Luftwaffe, This car has been upgraded with the spaced frontal armour specified in 1940. Overall colour is dark grey, markings are all in white.

One of the very few Sd.Kfz. 231/232 examples left, this is a 1. series Sd.Kfz. 231 with the 1940 added front armour. This view shows very well the layout of the 8-wheel steering – note that the front and rear wheels turn more than the inner two wheels sets. This was necessary to reduce tyre wear and stress on the differential units in the suspension.

B

This 1. series Sd.Kfz. 232 (8rad) operated during the Polish campaign in 1939. Colours are dark grey and dark brown and markings are in white. The white markings proved to be tempting targets and later were often toned down with yellow paint or even mud.

This is a 3. series Sd.Kfz. 232 of Hermann Goering division seen on Sicily in 1943. The base colour appears to be dark yellow and there is a very fine scribbled overspray in olive green and red brown. At this point, front-line units did the final camouflage painting of their vehicles.

This is a fine portrait of the late production 5. series Sd.Kfz. 232 radio car. The later models of the Sd.Kfz. 232 replaced the prominent frame antenna array with the less conspicuous star pole. Note the new front tube bumper, cutaway front fenders and redesigned simpler hull front armour plates.

One of the subjects of the new Tamiya kit, “Seydlitz” was a 2. series Sd.Kfz. 232 seen in Greece in 1941. Like many Mediterranean locales, Greece had a good deal of limestone in its soil and this usually covered and lightened the dark grey paints to a great degee. Note the Notek light moved to the centre of the added front armour plate. It usually was mounted on the left front fender.

Russian troops on a Lend-Lease Churchill tank pass a 2. series Sd.Kfz. 232 with an interesting winter camouflage scheme of the three standard colours, dark yellow, olive green and red brown with a partial daubed on coat of white. The tactical sign is for an armoured car company. Above it is the temporary division sign that 19. Panzer Division used during the Kursk offensive.

The Sd.Kfz. 263 was developed to carry more radios than could be fitted into the Sd.Kfz. 232. Here in a parade are the old and the new. On the left is a 1. series Sd.Kfz. 263 (8rad); on the right, a Sd.Kfz. 232 (6rad) on a Daimler-Benz chassis. The 6-wheel vehicle had a normal turret; the 8-wheel version had an extended fixed superstructure for even more room.

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B heavy armoured cars, with 8-wheel drive and 8-wheel steering, fully independent suspension with leaf springs, two driving stations, and a purpose-built chassis. It was referred to as the achtradwagen (Buessing-NAG) (8-wheel vehicle from Buessing). The basic design was reminiscent of the 6-wheel cars except the engine was in the rear, not the front, and the advanced chassis and suspension greatly improved cross-country performance.

As with the 6-wheel series there were three variants: the basic armoured car had a rotating turret mounting a 2cm KwK 30 and an MG 13, armour from 8mm to 14.5mm with deck and roof armour of 5.5mm, most plates being angled to improve protection. The crew was four men: commander and gunner in the turret and two drivers in the hull. The radio car was very similar except for the extra radios and the usual frame antenna above the turret and hull.

Later models removed the frame antenna and used a rod with a star-shaped top. The last version had a larger fixed superstructure like the Sd.Kfz. 263 (6rad) and mounted the same 100-watt longrange radio set. It had a crew of five: commander, two radio operators and two drivers. A single MG 13 was mounted in the upper front plate.

The vehicles were accepted for service in 1937, designated as Sd.Kfz. 233 (basic armoured car) and Sd.Kfz. 234 (turreted radio car). In 1940, the designations were changed again. The basic armoured car became the s.PzSpWg 231 (8rad); the radio car became the s.PzSpWg 232 (8rad); and the larger radio vehicle became the PzFuWg 263 (8rad) These were all built in five series, starting in 1937 and ending in A

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The Sd.Kfz. 263 (8rad) was used in Africa by the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) from the beginning of the campaign. This example has been covered in a slurry of local mud to cover the original dark grey paint, a common practice in the first months of the desert war.

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Another DAK. T.Kfz. 263 (8rad) shows the extensive stowage that was found on most vehicles used in North Africa. The jerry cans were dark grey with white crosses indicating their use for water. Note the unditching mat of small logs and metal mesh attached to the nose armour.

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This Sd.Kfz. 263 (8rad), seen in Russia in overall brushed-on white, wears chains on the front wheels. The real value of such camouflage was to reduce the chance of being seen from the air – a parked vehicle that blended well into its surroundings was often overlooked.

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: April 2013 - Model Military International 11 www.hannants.co.uk/cgi-bin/mailinglist.pl

14/02/2013 15:34

Think Tank - German Armoured Car Development

The Sd.Kfz. 233 was introduced in North Africa, and basically was a Sd.Kfz. 263 chassis with the upper part of the superstructure removed and the 7.5cm L/24 howitzer and mount from the early StuG III installed next to the driver. This was originally a 1. series early production Sd.Kfz. 263.

B 1943. Each series introduced

changes in equipment and details, but the basic design didn’t change during production. One major visible change was the addition of a spaced armour structure to protect the front of the vehicle. This Zusatzpanzer was also back-fitted to older vehicles in 1940.

The chassis in particular reflected the experience with the 1930 experimental types.

Each wheel had an independent suspension arm sprung on a leaf spring. The chassis featured allwheel drive and all-wheel steering,

The Sd.Kfz. 233 was an important source of mobile infantry fire support against enemy fortified positions, but its thin armour and open construction provided little protection for the crew.

giving it cross-country ability approaching that of a tank. The end wheel sets turned more sharply to steer than the centre sets, which reduced stress on the differentials and the chassis as well as the tyres.

Upgunning In 1942, the final model of the Sd.Kfz. 231 series appeared. As the Germans up-gunned many early StuG III assault guns, surplus StuK 37 L/24 guns and mounts were installed in Sd.Kfz. 263s converted by removing the upper superstructure. There was

sufficient room only for 32 rounds of ammunition. This vehicle was designated the Sd.Kfz. 233. The low sides and open top did not provide much crew protection. Late models were built on new chassis originally intended for the Sd.Kfz. 263, which ended production.

These late models had more powerful engines and extended upper side and rear armour plates.

The major flaws in the 8-wheel armoured cars were that they were somewhat top-heavy, and the all-wheel steering at high speeds could lead to control problems. But

for the traditional roles of scouting and fast reconnaissance, with a top speed of 83km/h on roads and decent cross-country capability, the Sd.Kfz. 231 series was one of the most effective armoured cars in WW2, with superior trenchcrossing abilities and a main gun effective against other armoured cars in service.

In 1940, plans were started to design a new armoured car to eliminate the disadvantages of the Sd.Kfz. 231 series and produce a less complex vehicle more suitable for tropical areas of operation. It

Another early Sd.Kfz. 233, seen in Tunisia, which turned out to have a temperate climate. Note the combination of tropical pith helmets and wool overcoats to protect the crew from the cold desert nights. This vehicle is in a desert two-colour scheme applied in sprayed patches.

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US troops captured many German vehicles in the Tunisian campaign, including this mid-production Sd.Kfz. 233. The later models had raised side armour plates to protect the crew and ammunition better.

This vehicle is also in the two-colour desert camouflage.

was to be based on the Sd.Kfz. 231 type, but with better armour protection, a unit body with the armour shell itself mounting all the suspension and power train components, an advanced diesel engine, larger wheels and tyres for better flotation and at least the same good top speed and crosscountry capability. Buessing-NAG was tasked with the development of the vehicle and Tatra-Werke in Czechoslovakia was to develop the 12-cylinder air-cooled diesel engine. Armour was to be 30mm in front and 8-10mm elsewhere on

the hull and turret.

There were four versions of this new series. The first to be ordered mounted a 5cm KwK 39 L/60 gun in a modified experimental tank turret – this was the s.PzSpWg (5cm) Sd.Kfz. 234, eventually renamed the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 in early 1944. 101 were built, and most of them were expended during the Normandy fighting in 1944.

The second version, the one originally intended, carried a 2cm KwK 38 and an MG 42 in a simplified Hanglafette (suspended mount) turret, and was the main

This Sd.Kfz. 234/1 was built in 1945 and bears the factory standard camouflage scheme in three colours. 230 of these heavy scout cars were built and used on all fronts. They had good armour and a good turn of speed on roads, making them valuable in reconnaissance duties.

The Sd.Kfz. 234/3 was a direct successor to the Sd.Kfz. 233, but featured the “universal” gun mount on the hull roof for the 7.5cm StuK 51 L/24. The sides were raised with added 8mm plates as for the late Sd.Kfz. 233s, and both driving positions were retained.

The Sd.Kfz. 234/1 seen here was actually the second production model of the new heavy armoured car type. The wheels and tyres were significantly larger than for the Sd.Kfz. 231/232 series for better flotation at their higher weight. The armament was 1-2cm KwK 38 and 1-7.92mm MG 42.

production variant, 230 being constructed between June 1944 and March 1945. They were widely used to the end of the war, primarily in the reconnaissance battalions of Panzer Divisions.

The third version was the Sd.Kfz. 234/3. carrying the later “universal” mount for the 7.5cm StuK 51 L/24 howitzer on the roof of the driving compartment with an MG 42 as the secondary weapon. It replaced the Sd.Kfz. 233, and 90 were built until December 1944, when the line was stopped to build the last model,

the Sd.Kfz. 234/4. This was the /3 open body adapted to mount the 7.5cm Pak 40 L/46 anti-tank gun.

Though not really suitable as an anti-tank gun due to its poor crew protection, the Sd.Kfz. 234/4 did provide a decent mobile platform for the Pak 40, and used from ambush, it could be an effective weapon. 36 rounds of ammunition could be carried in built-in racks.

About 90 Sd.Kfz. 234/4s were completed from December 1944 to April 1945, but as with so many advanced German developments, they were too little, too late. n

The Sd.Kfz. 234/2 was actually the initial production model, armed with the 5cm KwK 39 L/60 used in late PzKpfw IIIs. Most of these were issued to divisions refitting in France and were lost during the campaign in Normandy and France. Survivors served to the end of the war.

Abandoned at the end of hostilities in May 1945, this practically new Sd.Kfz. 234/4 had a surrender white flag jammed into the muzzle of its 7.5cm Pak 40 gun. This vehicle is also painted in the official factory three-colour scheme used in 1945.

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KIT PREVIEW

Tamiya 1:35 Russian BT-7 (Model 1937) • Kit No. 35327

Tamiya expands their BT-7 family with a new 1:35 scale Model 1937 featuring new tracks, new turret and more. Luke Pitt takes a look.

FAST TANK T amiya’s new 1:35 scale model of the BT-7 is the one that I have been waiting for. This is the third in the “BT” series from this manufacturer.

The kit has some 220 parts moulded in dark green plastic over 8 sprues. The cover art on this release is outstanding, adorning the now familiar white box top.

The instructions provided are both easy to read and well laid out.

Other kit manufacturers would benefit from looking at these.

The hull represents a BT-7 late version, which includes the latestyle, short-pitch tracks.

The lower hull is supplied as a flat pack with separate parts for the hull sides, floor, rear hull and nose. This parts breakdown is necessary to authentically reproduce the characteristic inner and outer hull construction of the Christie suspension design.

Assembly jigs are provided for the road wheels and for the photoetched mesh on the engine deck.

The mesh pattern is a little dense (in pitch) for my liking, but is perfectly adequate. The assembly

of these items is almost foolproof with no gaps in evidence. This is a real testament to the way this kit is engineered.

Options include poseable hatches for the turret crew and the driver. Most of the tools and minor fitting on the hull are provided as separate fittings, which has its obvious advantages.

The conical main turret, which has a quite complex shape, is provided as a three piece moulding. Two crew figures are included. The poses are good and the decal sheet provides some nicely printed rank badges. Like the other “BT” kits released by Tamiya, this kit includes a length of chain in the proper pitch, and a clear sprue for the headlight lenses and visor blocks. Three marking choices are provided, two in Russian service and one in German. All are in standard Russian green.

The new short-pitch tracks are supplied as link and length, which has its good points and bad points.

How so, you may ask? Well, while the tracks are very well detailed and extremely easy to assemble,

in my opinion they look a tad too thick in profile. The die-hard detail fanatics may want to drill out the distinctive track pin inserts as they are represented as flat disks when they should in fact be holes.

This is not a hard task by any means, just time consuming.

This new version of the BT-7 from Tamiya is accurate in shape, has logical build steps, is easy to build and has a low part count. As can be reliably expected from this manufacturer, the model is also a breeze to build. For example, I assembled the entire lower hull in less than an hour. It is without a doubt a much better kit than the old Zvezda example and can be heartily recommended as a very worthwhile purchase. Even though I have commented on both the tracks and rear screen mesh, they are in reality very minor points and for most modellers would hardly be an issue. Highly Recommended. ■

The brand new turret.

The Model 1937 featured two oval turret hatches.

The kit includes two new figures.

These are nicely moulded and detailed.

This model features the short-pitch tracks.

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

Tracks are provided as link and length, making assembly fast and easy.

The nickel-plated photo-etched fret includes mesh for the engine deck grille.

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The decal sheet includes uniform markings for the two Soviet figures.

All the parts are beautifully moulded.

14/02/2013 15:36

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14/02/2013 14:12

8-RAD, MAN FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German 8 Wheeled Heavy Armoured Car Sd.Kfz.232 • Kit No. 32574

The Editor builds Tamiya’s newest 1:48 scale military model, the Sd.Kfz. 232 eight-wheeled heavy armoured car.

B

ussing-NAG was commissioned to design an eight-wheeled heavy armoured car early in 1934. Before the end of the year they had produced a prototype that incorporated eight-wheel drive and eight-wheel steering with front and rear driver positions. Powered by a 150hp petrol engine, the vehicle could reach a top speed of 90 kph and was fitted with a turret carrying a KwK 30 20mm cannon

and an MG 34 machine gun.

During production the relatively thin 14.5mm armour was supplemented with additional, factory fitted, frontal armour plating. Being equipped with an Fu.11 radio, the Sd.Kfz.232 became the eyes and ears of the Wehrmacht and were deployed as armoured reconnaissance vehicles and on all fronts.

Tamiya released their original 1:35 scale Sd.Kfz. 232 way back

Moulding is up to Tamiya’s expected high standards.

The two-piece wheels are very nicely done.

in 1974, but revived and revised the kit in 2009 with two additional sprues of improved detail parts, a turned metal 20mm gun barrel, stowage and new decals.

We have seen some impressive builds since the 1:35 scale kit’s re-release, including Chris Wauchop’s Afrika Corps 8-Rad in Issue 67 of Model Military International magazine.

Tamiya has now released a 1:48 scale version of the Sd.Kfz. 232 as

The distinctive clothes rail antenna.

part of its growing medium-scale Military Miniature series.

IN THE BOX The new kit comprises 119 parts on four sprues of dark grey plastic plus markings for two vehicles.

The lower hull is moulded as a single plastic part with some of the underbody detail moulded in place – no heavy metal options offered here! Two pairs of nicely detail leaf springs are made up from just

A

Holes must be drilled into the chassis for the tow hooks.

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AN!

A dusty “Seydlitz’ depicted on Tamiya’s attractive box art.

The main hull pieces awaiting assembly.

The upper hull is secured with two long locating pins.

No poly caps on this model!

A

The basic hull assembly. I managed to gouge out a few small chunks of plastic when cleaning up the sprue attachment stubs. These were filled later on.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German 8 Wheeled Heavy Armoured Car Sd.Kfz.232 • Kit No. 32574

The leaf spring and axle sub-assemblies.

The layered approach for the suspension is very effective.

Leaf springs and axles attached to the hull.

The back of the horn units and the top of the mudguards were drilled out to accommodate electrical cable, represented using fine wire.

The wheels and mudguards, ready for assembly.

B three pieces each, to which are

added the main suspension, axles and drive shafts.

Stowage and tool detail on the fenders and hull are all separate parts. Small detail parts such as the headlights, exhausts and width indicators are all nicely done.

The guns are designed to elevate and depress in the front of the turret, and the Commander’s hatch may be posed open or closed.

A half-figure of a Commander in a generic European uniform is included too.

The two-door rear hatch is

separate too, but it is not designed to be displayed open (there is nothing to see inside even if you did the necessary surgery).

The characteristic clothes rail antenna is well done. It attaches to the turret via an unglued join that allows the turret to rotate even after the antenna is in place.Two marking options are offered: 1. 2nd Company Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion, 5th Panzer Division, Balkan Front 1941. This vehicle is finished in overall Panzer Grey and sports the vehicle name “Seydlitz”.

The wheels are installed on locating pins on the end of the axles. Fit is predictably good.

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2. 1st Company, 19th Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion, 19th Panzer Division, Kursk, Russia, Summer 1943. This vehicle is finished in Dark Yellow with Dark Green disruptive camouflage.

The decals are typical of Tamiya – semi-gloss in finish and in good register. Athough they sometimes look a bit thick on the backing paper, I have always managed good results with Tamiya decals. They sit down nicely and the carrier film disappears under a coat of varnish.

NOTHING TO SEE HERE..

Tamiya’s 1:48 scale kits are typically very fast and easy to build, and this new Sd.Kfz.232 is no exception.

There is very little to report except that fit is flawless throughout, and the detail is very good indeed.

I particularly liked Tamiya’s layered approach to the running gear and suspension. The chassis is the base layer, with some detail moulded in place. The leaf spring units are the next layer, while the front and rear axle and drive train

It is always a good sign when all eight wheels touch the ground simultaneously!

The main hull sub-assemblies have been brought together here.

14/02/2013 15:37

assemblies are the icing on the running gear cake. Very effective.

The wheels do not use polythene caps. Instead, they are glued straight to locating pins on the end of the axles. The fit is good here too – a snug press fit for some, with a few slightly looser but still perfectly aligned once glued in place.

The only improvements I made were to hollow out the ends of the fender-mounted horns (parts A23) and fit wiring to the back; and to drill out the muzzles of the 2cm cannon and the machine gun.

Next time I would also probably replace the width indicator poles with fine steel wire. If you don’t feel like doing this yourself, Aber already offers a set of replacement width indicators in turned brass and photo-etch (Item No. 48A19).

Some of the stowage was sourced from after-market sets.

These three generic 1:48 scale sets are from Plus Model.

Kneadatite Blue Yellow Epoxy Putty was used to create some custom packs and rolled tarpaulins. The putty is kneaded and rolled into sheets before forming it into various shapes. These are a few early experiments.

PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES Bruce Culver has supplied a good photo of my chosen subject, “Seydlitz”, in the accompanying reference article. The photo shows the vehicle with a jerry can tied to the front and a cover draped over a box on the front fender. Additional packs and boxes may also be seen on the rear of the vehicle.

I wanted to replicate this busy stowage. I started with three 1:48 scale accessory sets from Plus Models: • 4021 Ammunition Containers Germany WWII • 4022 Fuel Stock Equipment Germany WWII • 4023 Ammun. And Medical Aid Containers Germany WWII A couple of resin parts were taken from each set, leaving a big bonus for my 1:48 scale spares box.

I also liked a couple of the stowage items in Black Dog’s 1:48 scale Sd.Kfz.250/3 Accessories Set; in particular the tunic draped on the deck and the bundle of packs, cans and water bottles.

A few items in Black Dog’s Sd.Kfz.250/3 Accessories Set were also applicable to my Sd.Kfz. 232.

The contents of the Black Dog resin set.

Here are some of the final results, pressed into place so that they drape naturally over hard surfaces. A copper wire handle has been added to the resin bucket.

More packs and tarps have been added to the other side. M Workshop’s Non Fuzzy String has been used to represent tie-down ropes.

Stowage has also been stuffed into the void between the front of the hull and the spaced armour. Jerry cans have been “tied” to the sides here too, as shown by a reference photo.

EUREKA! Every now and then, you might be lucky enough to stumble across a technique that makes a big difference to your modelling.

I have used Kneadatite BlueYellow Epoxy Putty on a half dozen projects. Until now I have tried to reduce the tackiness of the mixed putty by working on a surface of greaseproof paper, and keeping the putty, the rolling tool (usually a glass jar) and cutting tools wet.

The results have been better than I have managed with other epoxy putties, but stickiness continued to be a barrier to clean handling.

This time, I took up an idea first mentioned to me by Luke Pitt – using Johnson’s Baby Powder to keep the putty low-tack and A

The model ready for paint.

The distinctive antenna has not been glued in place at this stage.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German 8 Wheeled Heavy Armoured Car Sd.Kfz.232 • Kit No. 32574

B workable. It worked beautifully –

much better than water.

Another variation was that I cut the mixed and rolled putty into rectangles and narrow strips, then left them to partially set for between 30 minutes and an hour before shaping them into straps and rolled tarps. I made a separate top flap for one of the packs, cutting it to shape and then adding two short strips of Kneadatite as straps.

Now a few resin boxes and packs from the Plus Models sets were glued to the fenders and hull sides of the model.

While the custom made packs and tarps were still workable, these were pressed into place over the contours of the vehicle and the resin stowage. The objective here is to make the drape and weight of the putty tarps and packs look natural.

A short length of mixed Kneadatite was also rolled up and carefully stuffed in the space between the step and a stowage box on the left side of the vehicle. A resin pack and a ball of Kneadatite were also pushed into the void between the front of the hull and the armoured nose extension.

With the main stowage items glued in place, I added some M Workshop Non-Fuzzy String to represent tie-down ropes.

I assembled the distinctive clothes rail aerial separately and carefully test-fitted it to the locating holes in the rear hull deck and the top of the turret before the glue had set to ensure correct alignment. The fit was so good that I decided to leave it off until after the model had been painted and weathered.

The model was prepared for paint with a base coat of Tamiya Grey Primer straight from the can.

The base colour for the exterior was Tamiya acrylic XF-24 Dark Grey. This was followed by an irregular application of XF-63 German Grey, with an emphasis on shadow areas.

The kit decals were applied over patches of Future Floor Polish followed by a couple of coats of Testor’s Model Master Flat Clear Lacquer Finish.

Disaster? Maybe not. This pale discoloration may look like permanent damage, but it completely disappeared under another coat of Future floor polish.

AK Interactive’s Filter and Wash for Panzer Grey were used on this model.

A flat coat has been applied over the decals. The wash and filter have left a subtly varied Panzer Grey finish.

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The packs, tarps and the spare tunic were all picked out with Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush.

Special attention was directed to the cuff, collar and shoulder board piping of the uniform tunic.

Around six different shades were used for the various tarps and packs, but you’d be hard pressed to pick the difference between some of them!

The detail painting appears a bit stark at this stage, but the hard edges will be toned down with a later oil wash and a dusty coat.

Tamiya’s Commander (left) and the resin guy from Gaso.

Line’s crew set (right).

The Commander has been painted with Vallejo Mode Aces acrylics and an oil wash.

GOT DEM LOW DOWN PANZER GREY BLUES My subject, Seydlitz, was painted overall Panzer Grey but a reference photo shows it to be faded by a heavy layer of dust. This added some interest to an otherwise potentially dark and drab finish.

First, the entire model was prepared with Tamiya’s Grey Primer straight from the spray can. This step is especially useful when multimedia parts and putty have been used. The primer makes it much easier to identify gaps and other imperfections before the camouflage coat commences.

In this case, there were a few small gaps to fill where the side guardrails met the hull. These were quickly dealt with using a few spots of Tamiya Surfacer applied with the tip of a toothpick.

The base colour for the exterior was Tamiya acrylic XF-24 Dark Grey. This was followed by an irregular application of XF-63 German Grey, with an emphasis on shadow areas.

The kit decals were applied over patches of Future Floor Polish followed by a couple of coats of Testor’s Model Master Flat Clear Lacquer Finish.

A heavily thinned mix of XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown

was now sprayed along major structural features followed by a thin coat of AK Interactive’s AK 071 Blue Filter for Panzer Grey.

While still damp, AK 070 Brown Blue Wash for Panzer Grey thinned with Mineral Turpentine was applied selectively to recessed features and shadow areas.

The edges of the hull and turret were treated to a “chipping” coat consisting of Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylic 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black) daubed on with a small, almost dry piece of sponge. The sponge was also lightly dabbed onto the hull sides, the front and rear decks and the turret roof. Finally, a 2B pencil was run along some of the sharp edges to suggest heavier wear and tear.

The packs, tarps and the spare tunic were all picked out with Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush.

Special attention was directed to the cuff, collar and shoulder board piping of the uniform tunic.

Dust was sprayed onto the body of the vehicle using a very thin mix of XF-57 Buff. This effect was built up gradually, starting with the wheels, then moving onto the mudguards and tapering off towards the top of the hull.

The dust was emphasised on the A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 German 8 Wheeled Heavy Armoured Car Sd.Kfz.232 • Kit No. 32574

face. This is an easy way to lend some extra depth and variation to facial features.

Once the piping and other details had been picked out, the figure received several thin coats of Testor’s Model Master Flat Clear Lacquer Finish.

All together now!

The Commander has a nice high vantage point.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

B front and rear of the hull. Finally,

Tamiya’s “Light Sand” pigment from their Weathering Set #1 was applied to the rear of the hull and especially the spare tyre.

The very last weathering step was a generous coat of AK Interactive’s Dark Brown Wash to the eight road tyres, taking care to avoid the wheels themselves.

This restored a visible demarcation between the wheels and tyres.

THE MAN IN COMMAND Tamiya supplies a Commander figure whose detail and facial features are pretty good, but I had

a 1:48 scale set of German tank crew figures from Gaso.Line that I had been itching to use. It is just a shame that so little of the figure is visible between the hatch and the low canopy of the aerial.

The Commander was prepared by trimming the sides of his arms so that he would fit into the tight hatch, followed by a coat of Tamiya’s Fine White Primer straight from the can.

Vallejo Model Colour acrylics were used to paint the face and the uniform. A thin wash of Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna oil paint was also brushed onto the painted

The 2cm main gun and the turret machine gun were sprayed with Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black then rubbed with a 2B pencil to deliver a gunmetal sheen. These were secured into the mantlet, taking care not to smear glue onto the painted plastic. The Commander was glued into the turret too, and the turret twisted home.

The fit of the rear mounts for the clothes rail aerial was so tight that glue was probably not strictly required, but I used a sparing swipe of Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement just in case.

jumped on the bandwagon with resin conversions, stowage, decals and photo-etched upgrades. The relatively small number of parts means a quick build, and all the examples I have built have featured perfect fit. In my opinion, the size of a 1:48 scale military vehicle is, in the words of Goldilocks, “just right” too. Not too big, and not too small.

Tamiya has delivered another great 1:48 scale military kit with their brand new Sd.Kfz. 232. May the family continue to grow! ■

CONCLUSION I regularly hear modellers claiming that there will be no more mainstream 1:48 scale military model kits, yet Tamiya continues to pump out winner after winner.

I really like these 1:48 scale kits, and I think they deserve success in the modelling marketplace. They are nicely detailed straight from the box, but they also represent a good basis for conversions and super-detailing. A number of after market companies have

Dust was sprayed onto the body of the vehicle using a very thin mix of XF-57 Buff.

Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 German 8 Wheeled Heavy Armoured Car Sd.Kfz.232 Kit No. 32574 Accessories and Modelling Products: Plus Model (all 1:48 scale) - 4021 Ammunition Containers Germany WWII; 4022 Fuel Stock Equipment Germany WWII; 4023 Ammun. And Medical Aid Containers Germany WWII. Black Dog 1:48 Item No. T48022 – Sd.Kfz.250/3 Accessories Set Kneadatite Blue Yellow Epoxy Putty Tape Gaso.Line Item No GAS50365 – German Tank Crew M Workshop Non-Fuzzy String Tools and Materials Used: Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Revell Contacta Professional Cement Selley’s Supa Glue Tamiya Masking Tape (various widths) Tamiya Liquid Surface Primer Iwata HP-CH Airbrush Paints and Finishing Used: Tamiya Acrylics - XF-1 Flat Black; XF-19 Sky Grey; XF-24 Dark Grey; XF-57 Buff; XF-61 Dark Green; XF-63 German Grey; XF-64 Red Brown; XF-69 NATO Black; XF-74 Olive Drab (JGSDF).

Tamiya Spray Can - Grey Primer.

Vallejo Panzer Aces Acrylics - 304 Track Primer; 307 Red Tail Light; 311 New Wood; 312 Leather Belt; 314 Canvas; 316 Dark Mud; 333 Germ. Tkcr.

(Black); 334 Germ. Tkcr. I (Feldgrau); 335 Germ.

Tkcr. II (Feldgrau); 336 Afrika Korps Tankcrew; 338 Highlight Germ. Tkcr. I (Feldgrau); 341 Flesh Base; 342 Highlight Flesh.

Vallejo Model Colour Acrylics - 70826 German Cam. Medium Brown; 919 Foundation White.

Future Floor Polish.

Testor’s Model Master Flat Clear Lacquer Finish.

AK Interactive – AK 072 Weathering Set for Early Panzers. ✓ Superb fit; good level of detail; high quality decals; crew figure included. ✗ Thick width gauge poles.

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

A 2B pencil was run along some of the sharp edges to suggest wear and tear.

Rating

The dust was emphasised on the front and rear of the hull. Finally, Tamiya’s “Light Sand” pigment from their Weathering Set #1 was applied to the rear of the hull and especially the spare tyre.

AK Interactive’s Dark Brown Wash was brushed onto the eight road tyres, taking care to avoid the wheels themselves.

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

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Telephone: 01273 705420 Mobile: 07973 551470

EDUARD FEB RELEASES PE-SETS 36232 Canadian AVGP Grizzly 1/35..............................Tru £16.50 36234 LVT-4 exterior 1/35.........................................AFV £18.00 36240 LVT-4 interior 1/35......................................... AFV £15.00 36242 IDF Merkava Mk.IIID 1/35..............................Meng £16.50 36247 LVT-4 Cal. 0.30 boxes colour 1/35.................... AFV £14.00 36248 LVT-4 Cal. 0.50 boxes colour 1/35................... AFV £14.00 48752 Lynx Mk.88 exterior 1/48................................. Air £15.00 48761 Voyager Space Probe 1/48............................... Has £19.00 49624 Lynx Mk.88 seatbelts 1/48................................Air £11.00 49625 Lynx Mk.88 interior S.A. 1/48........................... Air £16.50 ZOOMS FE625 Lynx Mk.88 interior S.A. 1/48.............................Air £8.50

MASKS JX147 Westland Lynx Mk.88 1/32.................................Rev £8.50 XT211 L 4500 Büssing NAG wheels 1/35.......................AFV £7.50

BIG-ED SETS BIG7279 PLANTS I. Temperate zone 1/72.............................£48.00 BIG5314 USS ARIZONA 1941 1/350.........................Hob Boss £46.00 EDUARD MARCH RELEASES PE-SETS 36236 DB G-4 (1939) 1/35......................................... ICM £18.00 36250 DB G-4 staff car tire chains 1/35......................ICM £11.00 36251 Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer 1/35......................... Aca £18.00 48759 Lynx AH.7 exterior 1/48................................... Air £15.00 49628 Lynx AH.7 interior S.A. 1/48...............................Air £11.00 49629 Lynx AH.7 seatbelts 1/48...................................Air £11.00 53076 Z-39 destroyer 1/350.......................................Dra £19.00

ZOOMS FE628 Lynx AH.7 interior S.A. 1/48...............................Air £11.00

MASKS XT206 L 4500 Büssing NAG windows 1/35.................... ICM £6.50 XT208 Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer wheels 1/35.................Aca £7.50 XT209 Simca 5 staff car 1/35.....................................Tam £5.00

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BIG-ED SETS BIG3578 FAUNA I. 1/35......................................................£29.00 BIG4980 A-6E TRAM 1/48..............................................KIN £65.00 DRAGON KITS D6723 Rommel and His Staff Set (North Africa).................£14.99 D7481 SAS Raider 4x4 Truck Northwest............................£10.95 D4640 1/144 TR-1A......................................................... £16.50 D7485 1/72 IJN Type 2 Amphibious Tank...........................£19.99 D6573 Sherman III DV Early............................................ £39.99 D6760 Sexton II 25 Pdr SP.............................................. £39.99 D6582 1/35 Stug.IV Mid Prod............................................£47.50 D6603 1/35 T-34 1943 ‘FORMOCHKA’..................................£47.50 D6639 Panzer III (5cm) Ausf G Early...................................£TBA D6423 Marder II Mid.........................................................£TBA D6767 IJN Type 95 Light Tank Early....................................£TBA D6724 SAS 1/4T Car...........................................................£TBA

REVELL April 2013 RE03233 Dingo 2A2............................................................£19.99 RE04842 Space Ship Two ...................................................£17.99 RE05114 Sub Type IXc....................................................... £69.99 RE06688 Kit Fisto’s Starfighter........................................... £22.99 RE06689 Pio Koon’s Starfighter.......................................... £22.99 RE06690 X-Fighter Fighter................................................. £49.99 RE07076 VW T1 Transporter................................................ £26.99 RE07083 VW Kafer 1500......................................................£19.99 IBG MODELS IB35015 Bedford QLD G.S Truck.............................................£TBA IB35016 Bedford QLT...........................................................£TBA IB35017 Bedford QLR...........................................................£TBA IB35018 Bedford QLB...........................................................£TBA IB35019 Chevrolet C15A No 13 Cab........................................£TBA MIRROR MODELS (FUTURE RELEASES) CMP Chevy HUP Cab 13.............................................................£TBA US Diamond T 4T Truck.............................................................£TBA CMP Ford FAT...........................................................................£TBA M5 High Speed Tractor.............................................................£TBA

Morris Commercial C8 Quad......................................................£TBA CMP C30 Chevy GS Truck Cab 13................................................£TBA Morris Commercial CS8 GS........................................................£TBA CMP F60L Ford Workshop Lorry Cab 11/12...................................£TBA MM35106 CMP C15TA Ambulance.............................................£TBA MM35104 CMP C15A Water Tank Lorry.....................................£TBA MM35105 CMP F15 Ford Truck Cab 11/12...................................£TBA BRONCO MODELS BM35085 Humber A/Car MkII............................................. £Phone BM35097 PzJaeger II 7.62mm Marder IID (R)....................... £Phone BM35107 G.P.W 1/4t Truck w/37mm Gun.............................. £Phone BM35121 Hungarian 44.M Zrinyi I 75mm............................. £Phone BM35127 SdKfz 233 7.5cm (1942)....................................... £Phone BM35139 M-24 Chaffee Korean.............................................£37.99 BM35109 Su-152 Sept 43....................................................£36.99 BM35110 KV-85................................................................ £Phone BM35124 8 Rad PzFunkwagen SdKFZ 263............................. £Phone BM35062 Versuchsflakwagen 88mm .................................. £Phone BM35161 M-22 Locust (T9E1)............................................. £Phone BM35113 Su-152 Early....................................................... £Phone BM35104 1/35th Type XXIII U-Boat...................................... £Phone BM35159 US Truck Crew.................................................... £Phone

MINI ART UMA35137 Pushing Russian Soldiers........................................£8.99 UMA35147 L1500a Kfz 70 Personnel car................................. £29.99 UMA35148 Op Market Garden Netherlands 44............................£TBA UMA35151 U.S Horsemen Normandy 44....................................£TBA UMA35132 German Tank Crew . ...............................................£TBA UMA35089 101st Airborne 1944.................................................£TBA UMA35140 Soviet Art Tractor Late......................................... £29.99 RIICH MODELS (FUTURE RELEASES) RV35014 East Meets West Figs..............................................£TBA RV35011 U/Carrier MkI w/Crew..............................................£TBA TAMIYA TA12647 Tiger 1 Mid/Late Zimmeritt Sheet............................£8.99 TA12648 Tiger II Henschel Zimmeritt Sheet...........................£8.99 TA12649 Tiger II Porsche Zimmeritt Sheet.............................£8.99

TA12650 TA32572 TA32573 TA32574 TA35326 TA35327 TA37012 TA35328

Panzer IV Zimmeritt Sheet......................................£8.99 1/48th Matilda MkIII/IV......................................... £24.99 Mobelwagen Flak 43............................................ £24.99 SdKfz 232..............................................................£TBA M1A2 SEP TUSK II................................................. £59.99 BT-7 Model 1937................................................... £44.99 M-109A6 Paladin (ita)........................................... £39.99 Israeli Tiran 5.........................................................£TBA

MENG MODELS TS-004 AUF 1 S/P Howitzer.................................................£TBA TS-005 Mervaka Mk3 w/Dalet mine roller.............................£TBA AFV CLUB AF35263 AF35S66 AF35163 AF35227 AF35S67 AF35158 AF35S54 AF35228 AF35246

SdKfz 263.......................................................... £Phone German Duster M-42A1............................................£TBA Bofors 40mm M1.....................................................£TBA AEC Command Dorchester................................... £Phone AAV7A1 Ram/RS w/EAAK..........................................£TBA German Hunting Crew (5)........................................£TBA Churchill MkIII w/QF 75mm MkV Gun.........................£TBA Schwimmwagen 128................................................£TBA US .50 Cal M/G set..................................................£TBA

NEW Panzerwrecks 14 Ostfront 2...............£17.00 Prices correct at time of going to print POSTAGE RATES Etch/large letter size = £1.50 Small Packet = £3.50 Parcel = £5.00

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11/02/2013 16:00

FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 T28 Super Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6750

WHAM BAM SUPE Steve Zaloga finishes Dragon’s new 1:35 scale T28 Heavy Tank in a striking “What If” scheme.

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The M28A1 invades Japan in 1946.

T

he popular online game "World of Tanks" has been spilling over into the modelling world in recent months. The wargamers' fascination with super-heavy tanks has encouraged model firms to bring out kits of these beasts, first the Meng Tortoise, and now the Dragon T28 heavy tank.

THE KIT

PER TANK

The new Dragon kit prompted a fair amount of controversy on the Missing-Lynx website when it first appeared in late 2012. The kit employs many of the HVSS suspension elements from Dragon's earlier Sherman kits. However, the T28 pilots actually used a related, but slightly smaller set of suspension components. For example, the Sherman's T80 track as in the kit was 23 inches wide; the T28 used 19.5 inch wide track.

As a result, the kit scales out a bit wide (5.5 vs. 5.12 inch) compared to historical data. There is no quick fix for this since the dimensional issues are spread out. Regardless of the dimensional issues, I was interested in building the kit due to the unique subject matter. This is something of trying to "make lemonade out of a lemon." The T28 never reached production, but maybe if it had, it would have used standard Sherman components. So I decided to build the M28A1 "production" version of a notional version employed in Operation Downfall: the 1946 invasion of Japan.

Overall, the new kit is very good, but certainly not up to the best of the Dragon kits. At times, I suspect that Dragon has a set of "A" list projects that get extra-attention, and "B" list subjects that get a quick push out the door. Their T28 kit strikes me as "B" list. Aside from the dimensional issues, there are a lot of small features that are adequate but not wonderful. For example, there was no effort made to depict casting numbers on some of the large parts. Many tools are missing, and the kit comes without radio masts fitted. These are mostly minor issues, but suggest that Dragon was in a hurry with the kit. That griping aside, the kit is big and fun to build.

The first issue that modellers have to confront is how much time they wish to spend on the suspension. The HVSS bogies are extremely complex, and most of the detail will be completely hidden

when the model is completed. I decided to build this as a "fun" project and so I only used the essential parts for the suspension bogies. As a result, I had the suspension done in a few evenings of work.

CHANGES TO THE KIT I decided against any efforts to accurise the kit beyond some cosmetic changes. The two cranes provided in the kit are adequate, but could use some super-detailing.

I wanted to enhance the casting effect on the gun mantlet, so I used the tried-and-true method of dinging it up using a Dremel motor tool and some round cutting bits.

Once I had added some surface irregularity, I blended it in using liquid cement. Keep in mind that parts of the casting such as the front face were machined flat. I also replaced the cover over the telescope.

The kit comes with a fret of photo-etch. Some of this is useful, but I was not keen on using photoetch for the side stowage bins. It is hard to get clean joints on PE box edges, and so I replaced them with new ones made from sheet plastic. While I was working on this area, I also added some track tools that are otherwise missing from the kit. These tools are used to hold the track links together when repairing track, and I made these up from sheet plastic. I did a few other cosmetic changes such as improving the skate rail on the roof .50 cal machine gun mount.

As long as I was going to do a fanciful 1946 tank, I decided to add a few "late-war" additions. The US Army was playing with smoke dispensers in 1944-45. A small number made it to the European Theatre, but they never became widely used. I added some on the front corners of my "M28A1" using various bits from the spares box including smoke candles from the Model Kasten StuG III set.

Another late war feature that wasn't ready before the war ended was the T1 Skink self-protection device. This was a miniature multishot flamethrower intended to protect tanks against short-range Japanese lunge mine attacks. I made up a set of six of these from spare bits in the kit and a mounting made from some bits out of the spares box. Finally, I gave my tank crewman a set of Type Z infra-red night driving binoculars. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 T28 Super Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6750

A

I used an absolute minimum of parts on the suspension since so little will be seen on the finished model. I also only used about one and a half track lengths for the same reason. The Dragon DS styrene track can be easily glued even if a full set is not used.

Casting irregularities were added to the mantlet by striking it was a round burr. The surface was then blended by “painting” it with liquid cement. Notice that the face of the mantlet was machined flat on the real part.

I scratch built a set of stowage bins on the right side instead of using the kit photo-etch parts. Likewise, the track repair tools were made from scratch.

C

I put a lip around the machine gun ring to improve its appearance.

B PAINTING THE M28A1 Since this model depicts the fictitious M28A1 production tank, I had a little bit more freedom with regard to markings. US tankers in World War II were not as fond of elaborate colour schemes as US aircraft crew, but I decided to take a hint from the 1950 Korean War Tiger faces, and give my M28A1 a bit more character. I rummaged through my 1:48 aircraft decal sheets, and found some colourful markings on the Aeromaster Thunderbolts over Europe sheet.

The various white stars and numbers came from the spares box, mainly from the always-useful Archer dry-transfer sheets.

A couple of the “1946” features are shown here, the T1 Skink projector I added some PE straps to the kit tools out of my stash of Sherman and the smoke mortars.

PE sheets. Another T1 Skink is seen here. The entirely fictitious Skink mounting was made from half of a 1:87 Grandt Line model railroad truck.

My basic colour scheme on the model is Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab lightened with XF-60 Dark Yellow for scale effect. On 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, spraying the side plates in olive drab, applying a barrier coat of clear lacquer, then a coat of hairspray. I then applied the tan/brown mix and chipped away at it to create a more irregular appearing coat.

While attending the AMPS-East show in Danbury, Connecticut this past September, I picked up some of the AK Interactive weathering paints and decided to try them on this project. I used the AK022 Africa Dust Effects to add a light dirt glaze over the olive drab. Once dry, I went back over it with a drybrush mixture of Humbrol Matt 155 Olive drab mixed with a bit of black oil paint. By applying a dark dry-brush over the light dirt colour, it's possible to create some nice weathering effects that pops out the texture of castings on the tank.

I used Tamiya Smoke to duplicate the "scorched" areas near the Skink devices. The tank crewman

This photo provides a good view of the Aeromaster P-47 decals, which fit surprisingly well on the mantlet after being tortured into submission with repeated coats of Microscale Micro Sol decal softener.

is an S&T figure with a Type Z IR goggles made from bits out of the spares box.

Overall, this was a fun "whatif" project and results in a very attractive and unusual model. ■

Modelspec Dragon 1:35 T28 Super Heavy Tank

Kit No. 6750

Accessories Used: Aeromaster “Thunderbolts over Europe: the 405th FG in Color” decal sheet SP 48-11B S&T STP 35004 US Tank crewman Paints & Finishing Products 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) ✓ Interesting subject, good moulding and assembly, turned aluminium barrel. ✗ Dimensional accuracy issues, missing tools and minor details.

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

Rating

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A

B

C

D

A, A close-up of the right side showing the new bins and tools as well as the weathering effects of a light dirt glaze followed by a dark dry-brushing.

B, The latest in 1946 fashion - IR goggles for the tank driver.

C, A detail view showing the casting texture on the mantlet.

D, Another view of the kit's casting effects heightened by a light dirt glaze followed by dark dry-brushing.

Views of the finished model after painting.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 T28 Super Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6750

A rare view of the secret T1 Skink self-protection device. This device remained secret for many years since it was still under consideration as late as the 1960s for tactical deployment.

A historical photo of the US Army Signal Corps Type Z infra-red driving binoculars.

Above right: A view of the US 1945 era smoke devices fitted to a M4 76mm tank to give a sense of scale.

Right: A view of the 1945 era US Army smoke devices.

T28 Heavy Tank Historical Background T

by Steve Zaloga

he T28 heavy tank, like its British counterpart the Tortoise, was built as an assault tank to deal with the threat of the German Westwall fortification line. Development work started much too late in September 1943 for any hope of using it on the Siegfried line.

Instead, the US Army used M12 155mm GMC self-propelled guns to attack the Westwall bunkers starting in September 1944.

Regardless of its late start, the Army Service Forces approved the start of the T28 heavy assault tank project in March 1944, armed with the powerful new T5E1 105mm

tank gun and protected by 12 inch (305mm) frontal armour.

The requirement was to provide sufficient protection against a German 88mm gun fired from 1,100 yards. Since the tank was designed for attacking fixed fortifications, its configuration was based on a fixed casemate rather than a

turret. Due to its extreme weight, approaching 95 tons combat loaded, the designers came up with the idea of using two parallel sets of tracks on both sides to provide adequate ground floatation. Design was managed by Project Engineer Daniel Smith at the RAD Division of the Detroit Arsenal. Since the

Pilot No. 1 was extensively photographed at Aberdeen Proving Ground during its trials. In this view, the muzzle brake has a protective cover fitted.

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T28 was so wide (179.2 inches/14.9 foot/4.5 meter) a unique suspension system was designed.

The outer suspension sets could be removed during transit to allow the T28 tank to be transported using existing means. The war ended before Paccar (Pacific Car and Foundry) completed a pilot, so the contract was amended to reduce the program to the production of only two pilots. In the meantime, Ordnance decided to re-classify the T28 from a tank to a gun motor carriage due to its lack of turret, and so on 8 March 1945, it became the T95 105mm GMC. To further confuse matters, in June 1946 it was reclassified again, this time as the T28 superheavy tank.

Pilot No. 1 (registration number 40226809) arrived at Aberdeen Proving Ground in December 1945 and Pilot No. 2 (registration number 40226810) was sent to the Armour School at Ft. Knox in January 1946. The teams at Aberdeen Proving Ground recommended in October 1947 that no further test work be undertaken on the T28 since by this date, the T29 heavy tank had appeared which mounted the same gun in a more versatile turret. Some trials continued later, including 1947 trials on the Chesapeake Bay examining the loading and unloading of the tank from an LST. Pilot 2 was damaged by an engine fire at the Yuma Proving Grounds in 1947 and was sold for scrap.

The army planned to retain the APG T28 at the Ordnance Museum, but for mysterious reasons, the vehicle ended up at Ft. Belvoir south of Washington DC. It was rediscovered in the woods in 1974, and restored at the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox.

Its odyssey has continued in recent years as the US Army conducts a half-witted program to scatter its technological heritage to the winds, with the T28 recently being sent off to Ft. Benning and an uncertain fate. n

A front view of T28 Pilot No. 1 (T95-1) at APG.

A view of the left rear quarter of T28 Pilot No. 1 at APG.

A left side view of T28 Pilot No. 1 (T95-1) at APG.

A right side view of T28 Pilot No. 1 (T95-1) at APG.

A rear view of T28 Pilot No. 1 (T95-1) at APG.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon 1:35 T28 Super Heavy Tank • Kit No. 6750

An overhead view of the left side of T28 Pilot No. 1 (T95-1) at APG.

An overhead view of T28 Pilot No. 1 (T95-1) at APG.

To facilitate movement of this exceptionally wide tank, the outer suspension sets could be separated from the vehicle and towed behind to narrow its overall width.

This overhead view shows the two outer suspension sets in the towing mode. This would make an interesting option for the Dragon kit, although the kit does not include all the detail necessary to do so.

Left: An overhead view of the T28 showing two of the radio sockets in use.

Right: In 1947, Pilot No. 1 was tested on Chesapeake Bay to determine the practicality of sea travel using a standard LST Landing ship tank.

Below right: This is Pilot No. 1 at APG in 1951 after its retirement with the outer suspension set removed.

Below: A nice view of the T28 during its trials showing its wide and squat appearance.

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The T28 Pilot No. 1 while at Fort Knox in the 1990s.

A rear view of the T28 at Ft. Knox.

A useful view of the Ft. Knox T28 showing the details of the front hull casting.

A detail view of the Ft. Knox T28 showing one of the two cranes used for attaching and detaching the outer suspension set.

A detail view of the T28 suspension.

A detail view of the right side showing the stowage bins.

A close-up view of the crane. The kit crane is a bit simplified.

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INTERVIEW

TANK MUSEUM HISTORIAN DAVID FLETCHER MBE

The Tank Museum at Bovington, workplace for David Fletcher since 1982.

The Editor catches up with the Tank Museum’s long-time Historian David Fletcher in November 2012, just before his retirement.

“

A CHAT WITH TANK MUSEUM HIST

T

he Tank Museum’s pioneering historian, David Fletcher MBE, was kind enough to spend some time with me on my recent visit, where I asked him about the origins of his long tenure at Bovington, his visions for the Museum’s future, his writing and plans for retirement.

David:

I don’t think I did really. I came here on a regular basis for years just to do a bit of research. I spent some years in Australia then came back again. One day, I walked in and they said, “Oh, the lady who runs the shop is leaving, and since you’ve mainly worked in shops, would you like the job?”

There was no interview, nothing. As long as you said yes, you got the job. Then I gradually took over the library, which was much more conducive to my interest.

Brett:

I’m here today at Bovington with the Tank Museum’s historian David Fletcher. Thank you very much for joining us, David.

David:

Pleasure.

Brett:

Do you remember what year it was that you started working here?

Brett:

What sparked your initial interest in military history?

David:

Oh, exactly. I first worked here in April 1982 and I’ve been here ever since.

David:

Just coming here. We moved down to Dorset, and one day a friend of mine, who was in the army, came along and said, “you’ve got to see this place.” So I came over here, and that got me going. I suddenly realised that there was a whole culture of things in those days. Nobody was interested in tanks. So I could go off and immerse myself in them without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Brett:

So, you started out working in the shop. How did you go from there to the point today where you are really inextricably linked to the Tank Museum?

David:

I started off in the shop, and I used to do a bit of relief work with the librarian, helping him out, answering queries and that sort of thing. Then he was taken very ill, and I was appointed librarian. After that it just rolled on and on. When George Forty was the curator here, he encouraged me to start writing.

It just kind of grew exponentially. There was no planning. I never planned a thing in my life.

Brett:

George Forty - what a fabulous mentor to have.

David:

Yes, George was great fun. We got on well together.

Brett:

What is your current role at the Tank Museum?

David:

As historian I’m the one they come to when they’ve got any really technical queries. The only thing is that with the advent of the new museum, we’ve got new stuff, and I’ve got to bear in mind that I have to be replaced. So we’re now sort of gradually educating them up to same standard. My role is a bit ambivalent at the moment, and it’s beginning to fade down a little, I think.

Brett:

I see there’s quite a bit of construction going on outside as well.

David:

What they’re doing is erecting a new range of buildings, which are going to be used to house all the tanks that we haven’t got room for in the main museum. It’s all those scruffy looking things that need doing up. Exhibits that needs fetching in out of the rain and that sort of thing.

Brett:

So, the exhibits and bits and pieces that are outside at the moment will be undercover.

Brett:

When was that?

David:

That would have been the early 1960s.

Brett:

I suppose it would have been a very different place in the early 1960s.

David:

Yes, it was structured more for military instruction than anything else. The tanks were just categorised into national groups everywhere. There was no attempt to relate them to one another. The one thing I remember very clearly was the smell!

Brett:

Yes, I know what you mean. I suppose it was the same here as it was in Australia in the early 1960s. There were a lot of vehicles around but there wasn’t really any emphasis on preservation. There wasn’t a great deal of thought given to the value of the vehicles either.

David:

That’s right. At that time they had the attitude here, for instance, where because they’ve got a Saladin they couldn’t see the need to have a Saracen because they’re both six wheeled vehicles and what would you want both for? I said, “Well you do. You need to show all the variations of everything.” I’ve always been a grabber of things whenever they’re going. Now you’ll find they’re trying to get rid of them again because they’re cluttering the place up.

When did you realise, though, that military history would be a career for you rather than just an interest?

Brett:

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New developments at the Tank Museum mean that displays currently exposed to the elements including this Churchill David Fletcher has plans to write a detailed volume on British armoured cars from the Second tank will soon be housed indoors.

World War.

What I’d like is a more comprehensive collection of World War II and other “vehicles but there are not many available that we don’t already have... ”

HISTORIAN DAVID FLETCHER MBE David:

Hopefully, yes.

Brett:

That is great news. Do you have a vision for future exhibits or for the museum overall?

David:

I am planning on leaving before long and therefore the museum will have to carry on on its own. What I’d like is a more comprehensive collection of World War II and other vehicles but there are not many available that we don’t already have. And some more up to date stuff, but of course they’ll see this as any new vehicle coming in has to be balanced by one going out, so you don’t get anywhere. It’s always been tempting to want new things, but when you’ve got to get rid of something, it makes it very hard.

Brett:

Let’s talk about David Fletcher the author for a little while. I have a number of your books including, The Universal Tank, a fantastic book. That was one of the first armour history books really gave me a different view of the armour world after I read it. Mr. Churchill’s Tank and a number of Osprey Vanguard and New Vanguard titles also had a big influence. Do you have a tally of how many books you’ve actually written over the years?

David:

No, I’ve lost count. Some of them you can’t really call written.

They’re just photo albums with captions. Others I’ve written.

Others I’ve edited. I just don’t know. Its far too many.

Brett:

It’s certainly plenty and I’m very pleased that you have. Do you have any new titles in the pipeline at the moment?

David:

I’ve got two for Osprey that I’m working on at the moment.

One’s about the Whippet and the other about the Light Mk.VI. I’ve got four or five other titles that I’d like to do if they’ll take them, but that’s up to them. I’ve got some heavy-duty, longwinded things that I’d like to do too, but again, that’s going to depend. If I’ve got more time at home, more time to write, and of course they still have to sell it. I’d like to do one on British armoured cars from the Second World War. That’s a huge subject. I’d really like to do that. Also, the 79th Armoured Division, which is my other great favourite. I’d like to do something more detailed on that.

Brett:

Publishing is at an interesting point at the moment, isn’t it? The print publication media is still around, but there are all the new emerging media as well, with the ability to publish onto iPads and PCs, with multimedia publishing on YouTube and so forth. Have you dabbled in that side of things at all?

David:

I’ve tried not to. Anything modern terrifies me, so I’ll try not to do it. I did a thing, a recording on Little Willie that they put on

YouTube, but it was a conventional recording of me, waffling on about Little Willie and its importance, which they thought they’d like to do. No, otherwise I haven’t yet.

Brett:

Most of our readers are fairly keen military modellers. Have you ever tried your hand at modelling at all?

David:

A little bit, years ago, but I was never very good at it. I much prefer research and finding out the technical details rather than making models. Added to which, where the hell do you put them?

Brett:

Yes, that’s always a problem.

David:

They start taking over the house.

Brett:

They certainly do.

David:

I collect railway locomotives. That’s bad enough. They take up loads of room. Every flat surface is covered in railway locomotives.

Brett:

Running or scale models?

David:

They’re scale models. They’re meant to run, but I won’t run them. They’re only there as static exhibits as far as I’m concerned.

Brett:

In large scale or small scale?

David:

No, OO scale.

Brett:

That’s very interesting. I suppose we all need something a little bit away from the general…

David:

Oh, I think you do. Especially when you make what is after all a sort of hobby into a job. You’ve got to have something to escape to. Had it not been for tanks, I would have been probably writing and doing stuff on railways. But there you’re competing with a lot of people who’ve been at it for years.

There’s where you’ve got to be a bit wary. Whereas tanks, you can write near all rubbish, and people will buy it.

Brett:

I’m quite sure you haven’t done that! David, thank you very much for joining us. It’s been a pleasure talking to you and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

David:

Thank you!

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KIT PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 Panzerjaeger II Fuer 7.62cm Pak36 (Sd.Kfz.132) Marder II D • Kit No. GB-35097

The lower hull is broken down into multiple pieces.

Here are the sides.

MORE THAN A MOUTHFUL Luke Pitt delves into the mass of parts that make up Bronco’s latest WWII German release, the 1:35 scale Panzerjaeger II Fuer 7.62cm Pak36 (Sd.Kfz.132) – or Marder II D to you and me.

T

he title of this new Bronco kit is quite a mouthful, nevertheless the Marder II D was an attempt by the German army to build an effective anti-tank weapon platform from existing components. At the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, a large number of the quite excellent Soviet 7.62cm guns were captured. The Germans re-bored this weapon to accept their 7.5cm ammunition to produce the Pak 36. This weapon was then mounted on the disappointing Pz.Kpfw.II chassis. Depending on which referece source that you consult, somewhere more than 200 conversions where made. The vehicle was effective but suffered from a large profile (making it an easy target) and poor cross country performance.

The kit is presented behind the now familiar Bronco box with a crisp illustration adorning the box top lid. A large 30-page instruction booklet is included with 36 construction steps. The instructions are well laid out and easy to follow, In fact, I see an improvement in clarity with these instructions. When opening the box, you are confronted (and I do mean confronted)! with 871

parts over 21 sprues. After the initial shock delivered by the sheer number of parts included and reviewing the instructions it becomes apparent that Bronco has combined parts from their Panzerkampfwagen II kit (CB355061) and their German Pak 36 kit (CB35056). When disregarding the parts not needed, but including the additional parts required for this version, the part count is reduced to 617 with 296 of these for the individual tracks.

Parts are moulded to a very high standard with no flash present on any of the sprues. The upper Pak 36 armour is handled well, being both thin and having no knock out marks on either surface.

The lower hull is made up of four basic parts, the floor, both sides and a rear panel. The fit is superb resulting in a perfectly square assembly without the need for any trimming. The side panels have the suspension mountings with the other suspension being separate.

The drive sprockets are in two halves and have the correct 8 rib variation. The road wheels have excellent rim/hub details with separate vinyl tyre sections. The tracks included are of the later D2 type and are both appropriate for this vehicle and very well done. A

The generous photo-etched fret.

large photo-etched fret is included that provides the rear basket enclosure and most of the small exterior fittings. Nine marking choices are included with six being in overall Panzer Grey, one in sand and two three-colour camouflage examples.

In summary, this is a very good kit and is in my view better than all other Marder II kits that have preceded it. The kit is essentially state of the art and includes all of the materials you will need to make a quite stunning model right out of the box. After reviewing this kit I do believe there will be a large number of aftermarket sets for the kits that have preceded it floating around on Ebay. The kit is that good. The only negative apart from putting all the sprues back in the box after this review is the sheer number of parts. This may put a lot of modellers off.

Bronco seems to have a particular mind set about manufacturing their kits with a large number of parts. If you enjoy building as I do, then this may be the kit for you.

Highly Recommended. ■

Thanks to Bronco Models for the review sample www.bronco-model.com

The superstructure sides, front and back make up a precisely fitting box.

Sprues from Bronco’s earlier Panzer II and Pak 36 kits are included, so you’ll have a lot of spare parts!

Lots and lots of small parts too.

Tracks are made up from individual links.

Guide horns are hollow – impressive.

No less than nine marking schemes are offered.

The modest clear sprue provides two episcopes.

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Win these fantastic Special Armour kits!

Tamiya Model Magazine International and MPM Production bring one lucky reader the chance to win these new injected detail kits from Special Armour: SS-100 1/72 (SA72001), A4/V2 (SA72003) and A4/V2 Prototypes (SA72014).

Just send your name and address on a postcard or on a sealed envelope to: MMI 084 Kit Competition, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK and answer this simple question:

How many V2s were launched as Military Rockets against Allied targets during the war?

A. Over 1500

B. Over 2000

C. Over 3000

This is open to all our readers worldwide. You’ve got until 31st May to enter.

Competition rules Employees/volunteers working for CMK, MPM Production and associated companies and their families are not permitted to enter. The first (correct) entry drawn will win. Entries are limited to one person per household/person. The winner’s name will be published in a future edition of Tamiya Model Magazine International. All entries received must reach ADH Publishing by 31st May when the draw takes place. Open to readers worldwide.

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KIT REVIEW

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

SURVIVAL KIT Anthony Sheedy builds a test shot of Tamiya’s 1:35 scale M1A2 SEP Abrams TUSK II. Just like the real vehicle, this kit represents a significant upgrade of the original model.

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

symmetric Conflict. The Israelis started it. The blame lies squarely with them. Sure, they might argue it takes two to tango, and they might even be right. Maybe.

The IDF may even point out that if anyone is to blame, it’s a new kind of enemy in a new kind of battlefield. It’s an enemy that doesn’t have tanks, aircraft, bases or even an identifiable command and it’s an enemy that chooses where, when and how it fights.

Insurgents of the past chose to fight away from

the cities, in rural or jungle areas where they had the advantage.

The notable exception this author can think of was the 1968 Tet offensive, where the Viet-Cong and NVA took the fight into the South Vietnamese Capital and other smaller southern cities.

The Gaza strip offers little in the way of jungle and the enemy had little choice but to fight the IDF in the towns and cities of Gaza and Lebanon and thus ‘Asymmetric Conflict’ was born. Essentially, this means a violent conflict between a formal military and an informal,

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The Abrams TUSK program “ started during 2004 with the

intention of improving the survivability, lethality and situational awareness of the tank and crew while operating in urban areas... poorly equipped, but resilient opponent.

Because of an widespread underestimation of the enemy by the Israeli Army hierarchy, the IDF found out the hard way that its fleet of Merkavas were not as suited to urban fighting as they envisaged nor the enemy as impotent. Many tanks and crews were lost before the IDF identified its weaknesses and added their Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) upgrades to the Merkava fleet.

Their tanks became festooned with extra armour, the crew were

provided with better visibility and communication, especially with dismounted infantry, easier means of towing or of being towed if tanks were disabled and more close in weaponry. It was these LIC additions that the Israelis added to Merkava that inspired the Americans to develop TUSK for Abrams. The Abrams TUSK program started during 2004 with the intention of improving the survivability, lethality and situational awareness of the tank and crew while operating in urban areas. The first TUSK equipped

tanks started patrolling Iraqi cities from mid 2007.

I find it difficult to understand why it took so long for the Americans to add the Tank Urban Survivability Kit (TUSK) and then refine it a short time later with the upgraded TUSK II to their Abrams SEP (System Enhanced Program) fleet, considering that the enemy they were facing used similar tactics and were in fact trained by the same Lebanese or Iranian IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and EFP (Explosive Formed Penetrator) ‘bomb makers’ who

”

were a thorn in the side of the closely allied IDF. Incidentally the IDF were also providing intel to the US about the latest insurgent tactics it was exposed too, as what was happening in Gaza would show up in Iraq or Afghanistan several months later. In Iraq however, the most insidious of these terrorist tactics was the vehicle borne IED, whereby a suicide bomber drove his explosive laden steed into an American convoy resulting in massive casualties and very little the convoy could do to defend against such a threat. A

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KIT REVIEW

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

The upper hull is supplied on a new sprue.

The upper section of the revised turret.

TUSK II armour elements.

More new parts, including the cupola.

The new barrel and rear hull panel.

Small detail parts on one of a number of new sprues.

The two new multi-part figures.

The glueable vinyl Big Foot tracks.

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

B TAMIYA’S 1:35 ABRAMS M1A2 SEP TUSK II Tamiya has surprised us with the release of the Abrams M1A2 SEP TUSK II, in that many predicted yet another German subject.

However the company seems to be on quite a modern kick with the Iraqi T-55 Enigma, Abrams TUSK and rumour of IDF Tiran 5, the Israeli modified T-55 on the way. I’m not complaining, and will welcome with open wallet any new modern Tamiya subject. The new M1A2 SEP Abrams kit enables the modeller to build both the TUSK I and TUSK II variants as seen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Besides the excellent all new TUSK sprues, the kit is basically the 2003 M1A2, along with half of the accessory sprues from the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) which contain the CIP panels as well as two all-new excellent figures (which weren’t finished for the article due to time constraints) as well as the world’s smallest decal sheet containing markings for 3 sand coloured vehicle options. Consult

Google images though, as there are some pretty interesting three colour Abrams with sand TUSK packs added which will be another project for me down the road.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW The base kit was first released as the M1 Abrams in 1982, and has been rereleased as M1A1, M1A1 with mine plow, M1A2, M1A2 (OIF) and finally M1A2 SEP TUSK II. The TUSK incarnation involves the largest number of additions and upgrades of any of the previous Abrams released by Tamiya and herein lies the problem. A number of the parts still show their 1982 heritage while the TUSK parts are the crisply detailed components we’ve come to expect from the latest Tamiya release. To me, the obviously deficiencies of the kit are the running gear and the weaponry. The road wheels look undersized and under detailed; and more critically the drive sprockets are still as they came in the 1992 M1A1 release, which is without the four lightening holes. The

other head scratcher is why didn’t Tamiya at least provide two .50 cal machine guns of the same tooling.

One is the old 1992 M1A1 version while the other one is all new tooling. Although these parts allow the modeller to detail and improve on the basic kit, I must say I feel slightly disappointed that Tamiya didn’t improve these components prior to release. Having just completed an Aussie Abrams using the DML M1A2 SEP as the base, the difference between the running gear of the two is stark and I really wish Tamiya had at least updated the drive sprockets and given us two new tooling .50 cal MG’s.

I should point out that that as this is a pre-production test shot some of the parts will probably be changed before the official release arrives.

You may wonder why the model appears in grey plastic, rather than the sand colour of the previous Abrams kits. The answer is because this is a pre-production model and not the official release.

This also meant that there were

no letters to identify the sprues and no numbers on the sprues to identify the parts. This build is the first time I have received a model before it has been officially released and I was quite excited about it, and the challenge of nutting out where things went as the early draft of the instructions came with a second A4 sheet which contained a vague change of location for some of the parts listed in the official instructions.

GETTING UNDERWAY The instructions direct you to start with the lower hull and road wheels, however I deviated from and built the hull and turret before the TUSK II sections so that I could get my spacing correct before committing to the armour package locations on the hull and turret. I was sceptical about the 2012 parts fitting onto the 1982 parts. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried about the age difference as the TUSK armour located flawlessly onto the turret and hull. As the turret is a reworked version A

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The TUSK package adds substantial width and height to the Abrams

The dark grey is the Games Workshop non-slip texture paint, a feature missing from the kit.

The Commander’s and Loader’s station TUSK additions have been meticulously reproduced.

The Commander’s spotlight is provided in clear plastic for a crystal clear lens.

The TUSK armour makes for a very ‘busy’ turret.

Smoke launchers were borrowed from a DML kit as they better detailed.

Brass wire was used to reproduce the fender springs.

Armoured glass greatly improves the crew’s protection while allowing for 360 degree visibility.

This shot shows the bulky belly armour as well as the DML A-frame.

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KIT REVIEW

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

This angle really shows off how much the TUSK armour has changed the Abrams’ low silhouette

Tamiya has “ surprised us with

the release of the Abrams M1A2 SEP TUSK II, in that many predicted yet another German subject...

”

B

Grey Primer is a must to check for imperfections before adding colour.

I always like how the primer coat unifies the models appearance.

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XF-78 is a new colour for Tamiya designed for the Battleship Yamato, however it is also an excellent choice to replicate CARC Sand.

I mixed the XF-78 with Tamiya Lacquer thinners, which gives the paint a semi-gloss finish, ideal for modern armour.

The challenge of adding interest to a single colour vehicle was made easier using oils and pastel chalk for weathering.

Mud was made from pastel and resin and flicked onto the tank using a toothbrush.

Oil and fuel stains are universally seen on Abrams operating in arid environments.

B from 1982, it still retains the

thin armour plate on either side of the 120mm smoothbore main armament. To bring the kit up to today’s heavily armoured standard I simply sanded the weld off the turret roof and sides and added a new weld using 10 thou Slaters rod 1.5mm in from the plate’s edge to simulate the upgraded armour. Like all the previous Tamiya releases, the TUSK has no non-slip texture on the horizontal surfaces of the hull and turret, and as this is a noticeable feature it really needs to be added. Using the aforementioned DML Abrams as reference, I first masked off the areas that don’t have nonslip texture using thin strips of tape and Blu-Tack before adding the non-slip via an aerosol can of Games Workshop texture paint.

The non-slip is the dark grey areas on the model, and although the masking takes a little while to do it is worth the effort.

I had left over smoke launchers from my DML SEP kit, and as these were superior I substituted these

for the Tamiya ones. The DML launchers come with the smoke grenade or cap so I added them in a random fashion. These attached onto the turret with so little fuss they may as well have been made for the Tamiya Abrams.

The missing front fender springs are an obvious detail that needed adding and this was a pretty straightforward task that involved bending some 15 thou brass rod into shape and securing with loops made from the same material. The grab handle on the left side was also substituted with one made from copper wire, for no other reason than I lost the kit part.

Another of the M1A2 SEP & TUSK upgrades is the addition of a towing ‘A’ frame attached to the front of the hull. This is to allow for hook up to another vehicle for recovery in the shortest amount of time to reduce the crews exposure to attack. I had a built up ‘A-frame’ left over from my DML Abrams and to speed things up decided to substitute this for the totally useable one provided by Tamiya. A

I used oil paint and Future floor polish to add some gloss to the fuel staining.

The turret bustle was left empty, as it was found petrol bombs ignited the stowage, which dripped onto the engine deck got into the engine through the vents.

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KIT REVIEW

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

B PAINTING AND WEATHERING The now completed model was given a coat of grey primer and set aside to dry while I confirmed if I would go with a three colour scheme or just sand yellow. All of my reference showed the Abrams base colour was sand and the TUSK II additions were in the same sand CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) paint, whereas the TUSK I could have the TUSK components in sand on a 3 colour camo’d tank. I went with the sand option, and sprayed a base coat of Tamiya acrylic XF-78 Wooden Deck Tan. This colour looks slightly darker in the photos than it is in real life, and is a very good match for US sand coloured CARC paint.

I then faded this out by adding white to the XF-78 and airbrushing over the models highlights to get to some tonal variation into the paint job. The kit comes with three marking options; two depicting TUSK I variants and one TUSK II, all serving in Iraq. I choose option ‘A’ and marked my Abrams as belonging to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division purported to be operating in Baghdad 2008.

Once the decals were dry, I dull coated the entire model and applied oil washes of buff, light and dark brown to aim for the dusty effect seen on these vehicles while operating in the dusty urban asymmetric battlefield. A few layers of oils later and I wasn’t achieving the level of dustiness I had in mind. I decided at this point to risk using pastel chalk to gain the dusty look I was seeking.

I detest pigments as they are very hard to nearly impossible to remove once on, but pastel chalk is a lot more forgiving. I took the plunge and covered the entire model from top to bottom in two shades of sandy coloured Rembrandt Pastel chalk, before stabbing on lots of water over the top. This allows the pastel to move around on the surface and fall away from the high points into the lower points, like it would on the real vehicle. I was quite happy with the result once it was dry, and I was glad that I took the plunge.

Finally I mixed up the same pastel and resin to make slurry that I flicked onto the rear of the hull to further simulate the build up of mud and crud seen in the pictures of the Abrams in Iraq. The tracks were given many coats of black and brown oil washes before being given the same pastel treatment as the tank, before finishing them off with silver and gun metal dry brush over the tread faces and guide horns.

A barrel mounted .50 cal is more familiar on IDF armour than American. I have to admit though, it looks at home on the Abrams.

Various pastel and oil paints help to add interest to the CARC sand base coat.

CONCLUSION The model went together with typical Tamiya ease and my hat goes off to Tamiya for the seamless integration of their 2012 components onto what started out as a 30 year old kit.

Admittedly the Abrams kit has received facelifts over the years but the heritage is there to be seen and it is amazing to me that what they did all that time ago only needs to be modified slightly to bring the model up to today’s modellers’ expectation. ■

The Abrams looks tougher than Mike Tyson from this angle.

The added armour for the crew must have been quite reassuring and certainly looks the part.

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The model went together with typical Tamiya ease.

Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 M1A2 SEP ABRAMS TUSK II Paints & Finishing Products Games Workshop texture paint Tamiya Fine Grey Primer, Tamiya Acrylic XF-78 & XF-2, Winsor & Newton oil paints, Rembrandt Pastel Chalk References M1A1 / M1A2 SEP ABRAMS TUSK by Tankograd Publishing Search ‘Abrams TUSK’ in Google Images ✓ Easy construction; perfect fit; parts from different eras are seamlessly integrated; useful options for TUSK I or TUSK II; looks great when finished. ✗ Running gear is showing its age; a second newtool .50 cal machine gun would have been nice.

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

Rating

model went together with typical Tamiya “The ease and my hat goes off to Tamiya for the seamless integration of their 2012 components onto what started out as a 30 year old kit...

”

The tracks were given many coats of black and brown oil washes before being given the same pastel treatment as the tank

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KIT PREVIEW

Kinetic 1:35 RG-31 Mk.3 US Army Mine Protected Armoured Personnel Carrier • Kit No. K61012

The upper body looks like a stretched station wagon on the sprue.

Markings for three multinational vehicles are offered on the Cartograf-printed decal sheet.

MAD MAX’S STATION WAGON

Kinetic’s latest step in its exploration of modern MRAPs is a 1:35 scale RG-31 Mk.3 US Army Mine Protected Armoured Personnel Carrier. The Editor takes a look.

L

ooking like Mad Max’s family station wagon on steroids, The RG-31 Nyala is one of a new generation of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAP) that has been designed with a less aggressive appearance than traditional armoured vehicles, which has made it a choice of growing popularity with nonGovernment organisations, the United Nations and Police Forces in dangerous areas.

The RG-31 design is based on the South African Mamba Armoured Personnel Carrier, and is built around a V-shaped, blast resistant armoured monocoque hull and high suspension. The US Department of Defence rates the RG-31 as a Category 1 MRAP, and it is designed to survive the blast from two TM-57 anti-tank mines exploding simultaneously.

The RG-31 Mk.3 is the US Army Armoured Personnel Carrier version fitted with a Detroit Diesel engine.

Other versions of the RG-31 include the extended chassis Mk.5E, the US Mk.5 with a Cummins engine and the RG-31 Sabre cargo vehicle.

In addition to the US Army and South Africa, the RG-31 is operated by a growing number of organisations including London’s Metropolitan Police, the

The tyres are a big improvement over those in the M-ATV kit.

Canadian Army, Spain (including vehicles deployed to Lebanon and Afghanistan) and more.

Underneath the attractive box art, Kinetic’s new 1:35 scale M-ATV comprises approximately 203 parts in caramel coloured plastic, 25 parts in clear, 20 black vinyl parts and a photo-etched fret with 13 parts. Markings are provided for three 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 five steps of the instructions dealing with the suspension. The chassis is moulded as one main piece with suspension and drivetrain details being built up during these first five construction steps.

The upper body, including the engine hood, is nicely moulded in one piece and on the sprue it really does look like a beefed-up station wagon.

The interior provides the main features and some details – seats, bulkheads, instrument panel, steering wheel and pedals, transmission shift, treadplate floor, fire extinguishers and more. The instrument panel has raised moulded detail, although unfortunately we don’t get the dial decals supplied in the M-ATV kit.

The roof hatches and main rear door are moulded as separate parts and may be posed open.

The big rear door in particular features some nice interior handle and locking mechanism detail.

The hatch to the armoured roof machine gun turret may also be posed open.

Photo-etched parts are offered for the headlight guards and smaller brushguards. Headlight lenses and indicators are supplied as clear parts.

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The turret is fitted with large armoured glass sections in clear plastic and a well-detailed .50 cal machine gun. The clear parts for the armoured glass windscreen and side windows are very prominent too. Plugs for the distinctive weapon holes are supplied as separate parts.

The five black vinyl tyres are a big improvement over those supplied in the M-ATV, 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 three vehicles are provided - two US military in overall Sand; and one United Nations in White.

Kinetic also supplies two very useful bonuses - J’s Work’s Check Point Road Block Equipment Set; and Master Box’s four-figure “US Soldiers Check Point Iraq”.

Kinetic’s 1:35 scale RG-31 Mk.3 US Army Mine Protected Armoured Personnel Carrier is a really interesting kit. It is a unique subject in this scale, no other RG-31 being available as an injection-moulded kit. With its growing usage, there will be some interesting colour and marking possibilities.

It is also pleasing to see that this kit is an improvement over Kinetic’s debut 1/35 scale M-ATV in terms of detail and overall presentation; and it does so with significantly fewer parts. With the inclusion of both the J’s Work road block checkpoint and Master Box figure sets, $45.99 sounds like pretty good value too!

Kinetic is to be congratulated for their ongoing exploration of current MRAPs. Long may it continue. ■

The V-shaped armoured lower hull.

Interior detail includes seats.

The rear hatch is a separate part.

Small parts are well moulded.

Plenty of clear parts are included.

Available online from Lucky Model www.luckymodel.com The photo-etched fret.

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RG-31_Nyala#Production_history

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Join the Electronic Revolution A brand new way to enjoy Model Military International

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” • Kit No. P-4500

Pit-Road’s 1:35 scale Type 92 includes a photo-etched fret with some useful enhancements.

TINY TANKETTE THE JAPANESE TYPE 92

HEAVY ARMOURED VEHICLE Harvey Low describes the building and painting of Pit-Road’s 1:35 scale Type 92 Tankette.

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Photos by Vince Pugliese, and Harvey Low

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E

I

nitially designed for reconnaissance and infantry support in 1931, the Imperial Japanese Army’s “heavy a rmoured vehicle” (as the kit armoured box states), was actually a cross between a light tank and a small tankette. At only 3 tons, it was Japan’s first indigenously designed tank. Like all tanks, designers had to compromise between weaponry, speed, and armour. The Type 92 “Kei Sensha” was fast but very poorly armoured and armed. Only 167 were built and all saw extensive combat with the Army in China and Manchuria. It was never used in the Pacific campaign or by the Navy. The Type 92 was eventually replaced by the Type 94 Te-Ke.

THE KIT This kit is Pit-Road’s relatively recent 1:35 scale Type 92 “Early Version” (#P-4500). The late (post 1937) version, is also available from Pit-Road, and varies by an entirely

different bogie suspension, a revised gunner’s hull position with a Type 98 20mm gun, and turret armed 13mm heavy mg (compared with 2 x Type 91 6.5mm light mgs found on the early variant).

The kit comes with a painting guide, but only references Mr. Color synthetic based lacquer paints; although many crossreference colour charts are now readily available free on the Internet. No need for extras as this kit is simple in terms of parts, with my special release including photo-etch for the rear tail light details, miscellaneous details as option to replace various kit parts, and the much needed muffler grille.

In fact I did not use all the photoetch, as some etch details in my opinion are over-engineered and therefore unnecessary. If you have the kit without the photo-etched parts, I suggest simply replacing the muffler grill with photo-etched mesh from the spares box. A

The sprocket teeth required trimming to fit the tracks.

Underside sponson holes and openings were covered with styrene sheet.

The photo-etched details of the headlights were a challenge but added great interest to the model

Some of the mounting holes were filled with small styrene to ensure proper alignment of the wheels to the ground when installed later.

The rear light assembly, which consists of the small scratchbuilt lamp (cut from styrene tubing), and the assembly made from the supplied photo-etch that replaces kit part F11.

Painting the muffler.

The model prior to painting.

This is how I mounted the wheels and suspension onto a wooden jig with toothpicks to hold the tiny parts, and a simple Styrofoam block, for easier painting given the complexity of the camouflage scheme.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” • Kit No. P-4500

The Painting Sequence B BUILDING THIS “BEAST”

My colours of choice.

Camouflage finished with Blu-Tack still on the model.

Camouflage finished with Blu-Tack removed to show modulation effect.

Applying the filters to tone down the harshness of the colours slightly.

The kit is simply stunning, with a crispness and fit that results in a delight to build and paint. As a result of its flawless engineering and diminutive size, I built and painted it only in about three weeks. The only challenges were the headlight brush guard from the supplied photo-etch, which requires very careful measuring for placement (no locating holes) and assembly.

The other issue is the open undersides of the sponsons that overhang the lower hull, which was filled with a piece of styrene cut to shape. I also added a thin styrene sheet to cover the various location holes in the fenders on the underside. I covered up the second mounting hole for the boogie suspension using styrene punched out using a punch-and-dye set. This would permit freedom to ensure proper alignment of all the wheels to the ground when they are installed later. I used slow setting epoxy so they could be carefully aligned using a flat surface as the guide.

The turret went together without any issues, but there is no interior detail provided. Since I did not find nor possess any interior references for this vehicle, I left the main hatch in the closed position and saved the kit-supplied crew figure for another battle!

I also had to re-position the shovel, as it does not fit on the hull as indicated on the instructions. As for all those other little details, I drilled-out the headlights (parts F9, F17) and inserted MV lenses (LS40 and P/N-116) to provide a more realistic appearance. Tip: spray the lenses clear flat to reduce the lens reflection which is out-of-scale. I replaced the rear light assembly with PE provided in the kit and a new light cut from styrene tubing and painted red inside over dried white glue to simulate the red taillight. Other replacements included the concertina wire that I made using small gauge wire and a new mount pin to replace part F35.

Weathering products used to create subtle streaking and fading.

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Contrary to the kudos mentioned so far, the only big fault of this kit is with the tracks.

First, the tracks are somewhat two-dimensional and lack the detail found on other tracks of tankettes in this scale (to date no after-market replacement tracks exist). The biggest problem, however, is with the length of the tracks themselves. Even with gentle stretching that normally offsets this problem to some degree with short vinyl tracks, the fit is extremely tight around the suspension with no sag effect whatsoever. While this is not inaccurate as period photos show the tracks on these vehicles to be quite taunt, it would have been better to offer a bit more play with the tracks to assist with construction as well as effect. The teeth on the drive sprockets also have to be trimmed sharply to allow them to mate with the tracks.

A set of link and length tracks would have been a nice option. The vinyl tracks definitely detract from an otherwise stunning kit.

PAINTING I painted the vehicle based on the colour references provided in the kit using a four-colour scheme of a vehicle at Nanjing China circa 1941.

While the colour guide quotes Mr. Color paints, I used my own mix of Gunze-Sangyo acrylic paints based on the following formula for early war Japanese Army tank colours: • Brown base colour = Red Brown (H47) + 5% Yellow (H4) • Light Brown = Middle Stone (H71) • Earth Dark Brown = Mahogany (H84) + 5% White (H1) • Dark Olive Green = Field Green (H340) A note on Japanese armour colours: the “brown base colour” could be replaced with khaki, particularly for vehicles produced after 1937.

I painted the turret, hull, and bogie suspensions as separate sub-assemblies to ease in the camouflage painting. I used LePage blue Fun-Tak Mounting Putty to achieve a tight masking pattern for the camouflage. I modulated the colours to provide depth by spraying the recessed details within each respective colour using a darker tone by adding some black paint to each camouflage colour, and then over-spraying with a lighter tone by adding white and flesh to each colour. Keep the Blu-Tack on the model during this painting stage to prevent overspray on the neighbouring colours. I overemphasised the horizontal topsides for a faded effect, while avoiding modulating the colours on the lower hull

Weathering complete and the tracks glued on to the model.

The fit was very tight, resulting in a top run with no droop.

entirely as these areas will be covered by earth tones anyways during the weathering process.

While this stage takes time, I find it adds depth and is worth the effort, but be careful not to undo this work by over-weathering and thus losing the effect (see weathering stage).

I like to think of each subassembly as a model on its own.

The muffler/exhaust was first coated with a mix of plaster and Mr Surfacer 500, then painted in various shades of rust and red brown, followed by deep washes of dark and rust brown.

The tracks were painted separately and later glued in place with Super Glue. I painted the tracks in these steps:

1. Spray Tamiya IJN Linoleum Brown over all the tracks 2. Apply a wash of Winsor & Newton Raw Umber #554 thinned with Humbrol thinner; 3. Apply a thicker wash of Mig Productions’ 502 Abteilung Light Mud (abt125) 4. Dry brush with Tamiya Metallic Grey (XF-56); and 5. Apply a flat coat using Testor’s Model Master Acryl Flat.

to touch-up later if required.

No decals were provided in the kit, but period photos show that most vehicles did not sport unit or tactical markings like Ha-Go’s or Chi-ha’s later in the war.

However you will have to raid the decal spares if you want to have a numbered license plate. I used one taken from the Fine Molds 1:35 Chi-He kit (although many license plates were also over-painted).

Since I painted the vinyl tracks separately, there will be some flaking of the paint when they are assembled to the suspension later (particularly the drive sprockets), so I always keep notes of my painting steps so they can be used

WEATHERING

Chipping of the paintwork makes a big impact on the overall finish.

The muffler and heat guard in place.

I wanted to depict a tank that saw combat in an urban setting, and thus kept the mud and dirt to a minimum. First step is to tone down the colours (but retain the modulated effect of the earlier A

The forward superstructure and the hull machine gun.

Turret detail.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” • Kit No. P-4500

B painting stage). I did this by hand-

brushing two light filters using MIG Tan (P242). You can see the toned-down effect in the photos of the painting sequence. I did not overspray the colours overall, to blend them in any way as I wanted to retain the original colours and modulation as much as possible on this model.

I now airbrushed a light dusting of Tamiya Flat Earth (XF-52) on all undersides and wheels. Next I applied a wash of Winsor & Newton Raw Umber #554 thinned with Humbrol thinner, with pin wash details picked out with MIG Dark Wash over the entire vehicle. Now apply a very thin wash of MIG 502 Abteilung Light Mud (abt125) thinned with Humbrol thinner to the flat areas of the hull and turret to simulate tracked on dirt.

While I wanted a relatively clean vehicle, I still applied light mud using a mix of weathering powders (MIG Dry Mud P232 and Weathering System Dust Bowl Light Brown) of roughly 40% powder + MIG Acryl Resin (30%) + Plaster of Paris (30%) + few drops of Tamiya Deck Tan (XF-55). Note: Even though the instructions for MIG Resin indicate the avoidance of water, I always apply some anyways to water it down and it has never been an issue on my models. Focus on the lower areas and fenders. I kept this stage of weathering light to permit the camouflage colours to still show somewhat through the lower hull weathering.

Now for detailed weathering.

MIG Rain Marks was applied in downward streaks on all vertical surfaces. The effect is best over a flat finish. Oil stains were added mostly to the engine deck area and louvered hatches (that doubled as radiator grills) using MIG Oil & Grease Stain, plus my own mix of staining using an equal mix of Tamiya Clear Orange (XF-26), Clear Green (XF-25), and Hull Red

(XF-9). Dry weathering powders were applied using MIG Powders European Dust (P028), Brick Dust (P029), and Dry Mud (P232). I did not fix these powders with any thinner, as I wanted a dusty effect to simulate fighting among ruined concrete and brick. Next dry-brush all protruding details by adding pure white to each camouflage colour. Keep this stage light as dry brushing can get look exaggerated

in my opinion.

Finish up with chipping over all edges using pencil lead, and a coat of Testor’s Model Master Acryl Flat with a bit of gloss added.

CONCLUSION In summary, this was a very satisfying build of an historically significant Japanese vehicle, with the only negative aspect being the tracks. ■

kit is simply stunning, with “a The crispness and fit that results in a delight to build and paint... ”

Modelspec Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” Kit No. P-4500 Paints & Finishing Products Tamiya Acrylics Gunze-Sangyo Acrylics MIG Productions: Rain Marks; Oil and Grease Stain; Acryl Resin; Filters and Weathering Pigments.

Testor’s Model Master Acryl Flat Finish.

References Tomczyk, Andrzej M. Japanese Armour Vol.1. AJ Press, Poland, 2002. ✓ Excellent detail; good fit; interesting subject. ✗ Poor tracks (too tight and underdetailed); no decals.

Available from Distributed in the UK by Pocketbond.

Rating

Pit-Road’s 1:35 scale Type 92 is a very satisfying build.

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Light Tank “Ha-Go” Early Production • Kit No. 6767

The fit between the upper and lower halves is flawless.

The upper and lower hull feature comprehensive surface detail.

JAPANESE LIGHT STANDARD TANK

The kit turret.

Luke Pitt is impressed with Dragon’s all-new 1:35 scale Type 95 “Ha-Go” Japanese Light Tank.

D

ragon’s 1:35 scale Type 95 Japanese tank is presented in a standard box with a first class illustration adorning the box top lid. In fact, this illustration is one of the best “in action” tank illustrations that I have seen. It depicts a group of tanks progressing down a road in Malaya in 1941.

The kit comprises 203 plastic parts (6 of which are clear), 51 photo etched parts and two lengths of flexible DS tracks The lower hull is moulded as a plastic tub and has full underside detail. The rivet detail on this moulding is some of the best that I have ever seen on a plastic model. The road wheels are very well detailed with the hubs exhibiting superb detail.

The inclusion of the “sealing wires” between the bolt heads on the road wheels is noteworthy as this feature is prominent on Japanese tanks of the period but not often rendered. They are however a tad thick. The rubber portion of the road wheel feature faint manufacturer’s marks (in Japanese) but I am told they don’t really describe anything.

The drive sprockets are presented in two halves and have detail on both sides of each sprocket. The characteristic boomerang shaped bogie assemblies are well done but you may need to leave off one of the photo etch spacers to achieve a snug fit.

The kit is supplied with two soft full length vinyl track mouldings

that are quite simply breathtaking in their execution. Not only are the guide teeth hollow but the end connectors are hollow as well. From my experience, the characteristic “sag “of most Japanese tanks is almost impossible to achieve in this medium but the upside is that the tracks can be glued together with normal plastic cement The upper hull comes as a separate central superstructure, with the front plate and rear engine access panels as separate pieces. The rivet heads and weld beads on the hull are accurate in both size and shape. These two features are some of the best renditions I have seen on a plastic kit for quite some time and are a credit to the designers involved.

The front hull inspection hatches and rear engine compartment doors are also separate parts; this presents the possibility of showing some internal detail for some future aftermarket sets that may arrive in the future.

The turret is split into two pieces with the main upper section presented as one-piece item with some wonderful weld bead and bolt head detail in evidence. There is a wealth of detail on the turret ring too. The main turret hatches are supplied as two pieces and very well detailed but just a little thick.

There are separate grab handles for the hatch and the turret moulding in particular features subtle weld seams. The grab handles are, in my view, a little overly thick and would be best

replaced with thin wire bent to shape.

The gun breech and associated hardware is worth mentioning as it is the best rendered example of this assembly I have seen in any scale. The gun barrel, for example, has a wonderful taper that is so good a replacement barrel would be a waste of money. The machine guns supplied are equally well done and are a marvel to look at.

The kit is supplied with a photoetched fret that includes items like the muffler guard road wheel inserts. Most of this is well done but I feel the muffler guard is a bit too thick.

Markings are included for four vehicles, each in the standard four colour camouflage of the period.

The model is a first class effort and a credit to both Dragon and the designers, as it is both accurate in shape and a vast improvement on the now 20-yearold Fine Molds kit. Of particular note is the variety of options included. The hatches may be modelled in either open or closed positions. The machine guns in particular are incredibly well detailed. and the main gun can be positioned off centre either to the right or left just like the real vehicle.

The only negative I can see is the omission of individual tracks.

Otherwise, 1:35 scale armour kits don’t come much better.

Highly recommended. ■

Dragon kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

One of the drive sprockets is assembled here.

The road wheels feature locking washers and lettering on the tyres.

The exquisite hull machine gun.

The running gear builds up quickly.

Full length DS tracks will be hard to drape along the top run, but the detail is great.

The photo-etched fret, minus a few pieces already assembled!

Clear parts are included.

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Incoming Book Reviews VIKING SUMMER

FIREFLY COLLECTION NO.1 • BY DENNIS OLIVER • ISBN: 978-0-9806593-9-9 • ADH PUBLISHING

This book, the first to spring from the collaboration of Oliver Publishing Group and ADH Publishing who are now distributing Oliver Publications, follows on from earlier titles available from The Oliver Publishing Group. This, the first in the Firefly Collection, covers the Nordic Volunteers SS Panzer Division Wiking (5 SS) in Poland 1944. It is similar in format to the earlier titles but offers additional pages of colour plates (13 in total) in its 33 pages.

The book is essentially a concise history of the 5 SS (Wiking) Panzer Division and its campaign in the retreat through Poland during 1944 when the division almost ceased to exist. It is supported by an excellent collection of photographs plus organisational and equipment charts. These are enhanced by thirteen pages of colour profiles of various major AFVs used by the Wiking Division. These have the usual informative captions that this range has become known for. Pictures are clear and presented in large format, usually 2-3 to a page allowing the reader to see the detail. The author has given a listing of equipment and organisation of the Tank Battalions in the form of charts which will prove useful for modellers and wargamers. The captions for the photos are detailed and in the majority of cases have identified the units the vehicles belonged to.

The colour plates cover a variety only the main AFVs used by 5 SS in the form of Panther Tanks and 251 half tracks but these plates cover a wide variety of interesting colour schemes. The author has speculated where details are not clear but this has been declared in the text. Where units could not be identified the Author has stated so.

Again I feel this book will appeal to fans of German Armour, modellers, wargamers and historians alike. Modellers should find many an interesting scene to depict within its pages.

Recommended.

Available online from ADH Books www.adhbooks.com Al Bowie

SCALE MODEL HANDBOOK

FIGURE MODELLING • VOLUMES 4 & 5 • MR BLACK PUBLICATIONS • ISSN 2241-1054

Being a keen figure modeller, I always welcome any good publications on figure modelling and painting, and the people from Mr Black Publications have come back with Volumes 4 & 5 of this great series of A4 soft bound 50 page books, Scale Model Handbook.

With in the semi gloss pages of the books are seven topics in Vol. 4 and eight in Vol. 5 covering from ancient to current to sci-fi figures in all different scales and some busts. The majority of these are Pegaso figures, which is to be expected when on the cover it states "Strongly Recommended by Pegaso Models" although there are some other brand names in there.

Each article is well written and easy to understand, though please understand that some are photos of the completed topic with text explaining the brand of figure, and a brief explanation of how it was built and painted, through to step by step type articles.

The photos are of excellent quality as are the actual works themselves, all done by some of the most prominent figure modellers of today from Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan, New Zealand and Russia.

As mentioned there is a wide choice of topics. Some that really stood out to me were a 75mm Ashiguru Warrior, Wehrmachtschutze im feldanzug, 1939 in Vol. 4 and Australian Digger in Kokoda Trail 1942 in Vol. 5. The rest are equally as good and really inspire you to dig out a figure and start painting.

This is a great series of books, and these two new volumes are welcome editions to this.

If you are a keen painter like myself, then these are well worth grabbing along with the others if you don't already have them. If you are just starting, grab them anyway, though they are not a beginner’s step by step type book. Enjoy the visions and read - it’s worth it.

Highly Recommended.

Available online from Mr Black Publications www.mrblackpublications.com Andrew Judson

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Incoming

HOBBYBOSS

1:35 SCALE T-26 LIGHT INFANTRY TANK MODEL 1931 KIT NO. 82494

The T-26 was a Soviet light infantry tank used during many conflicts of the 1930s as well as during World War II. It was a development of the British Vickers 6-Ton tank and is widely considered one of the most successful tank designs of the 1930s. It was produced in greater numbers than any other tank of the period, with more than 11,000 manufactured. During the 1930s, the USSR developed a record number of 53 variants of the T-26, including different combat vehicles based on its chassis (flame-throwing tanks, combat engineer vehicles, remotely controlled tanks, self-propelled guns, artillery tractors, armoured carriers). 23 of these were series-produced. Others were experimental models.

Though nearly obsolete by the beginning of World War II, the T-26 was the most numerous tank in the Red Army's armoured force during the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. The Soviet T-26 light tanks last saw use in August 1945, during the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. The T-26 was exported and used extensively in the armies of Spain, China and Turkey. In addition, captured T-26 light tanks were used by the Finnish, German, Romanian and Hungarian armies.

HobbyBoss has chosen the Model 1931 as its debut in the T-26 line. This is quite fitting, as it was the first indigenous adaption of the Vickers Six-Ton tank in Soviet service. This unusual vehicle was fitted with two small turrets fitted with one 7.62mm DT machine gun each. 100 T-26 Model 1931s were manufactured, out of a total of more than 11,000 in total of all variants.

HobbyBoss’ 1:35 scale T-26 Model 1931 comprises over 988 parts with a separate photo-etched fret containing 30 parts. The high parts count for such a small tank comes from the individual track links and pins needed to assemble them. Hobby Boss also includes a jig on which you can construct the links, keeping things properly aligned.

Several options are included in the kit, the first being two different engine intakes, and the second being either the twin machine gun turrets, or one of the machine guns being replace with a 37mm gun.

The Hobby Boss instructions are well drawn and include a separate full colour painting guide with two different marking options depending on which turret gun you use.

Although small once built, HobbyBoss has made sure that this is a very detailed model of a very important tank from WWII. Highly Recommended.

Available online from Creative Models Limited www.creativemodels.co.uk Jason Woollett

LIFECOLOR

SCENIC DETAILS COLOURS NORTH EUROPE VILLAGE DEBRIS AND RUBBLE 1 ITEM NO. MS07

I remember when Lifecolor first came out, and a lot of people were not sure how they would be.

If you asked the question today, however, it would be a very positive answer. Lifecolor has released so many paint sets, weathering sets, and individual colours that sometimes it is hard to keep up.

This small set is handy for all those that love to build not only kits, but also add them to a diorama, small or large. It is based on colours from WWII in Northern Europe as the title says, so that one can add all those dirty colours from the many buildings and structures that were destroyed over the years of the war, really adding life to your project.

I must admit that when I first saw this, I thought that the set was made up of pigments, but to my surprise were paints. All good!

The colours you get are UA737 Worn Brick, UA738 Deposited Dust, UA739 Broken Plaster. You would be able to use these on destroyed buildings to paint around damaged areas right out of the bottle, or you could make washes / tints to apply in piles of rubble, in the running gear of a vehicle, the list just goes on.

This is another welcome addition to the ever-expanding range from Lifecolor and always look forward to future releases, that I'm sure are just around the corner.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to The Airbrush Company Limited for the sample www.airbrushes.com Andrew Judson

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BRONCO

1:35 SCALE M1114 UP-ARMOURED HUMVEE W/XM153 CROWS II KIT NO. CB-35136

As a big fan of modern vehicle types, I really believe that we are being spoilt with all the great modern subjects hitting the shelves in recent years. Even better are different manufacturers, especially those from Bronco Models, releasing a big range of Humvee variants and this one is a very welcome addition to that expanding range.

When the Humvee was first deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, it was very quickly realised that extra protection was needed - a lot of protection - hence all of the up-armour variations you see. However, one area that was always difficult to protect was the crewserved weapon mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Even with all the extra armour and bulletproof glass panels, this was still not enough to protect the crew from sniper fire and the deadly blast from an IED. To solve this issue it was decided to start mounting remote weapon systems, CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station), to the roofs of the vehicles instead, allowing the operator to remain within the vehicle using a remote system where he can sight in and fire on a target with out being exposed. This system is quite advanced and also has Video, Thermal Imaging, and a Laser Range Finder. It can be mounted with various weapons, being, .50 cal M2, M240B and M249, and the MK19 Automatic Grenade Launcher. This system is also fitted to various other vehicles such as M1A2 Abrams, M1126 Stryker and many of the MRAP vehicles deployed in these conflict areas, making it a very versatile weapons system.

Now onto the kit. When you open the box you will find a lot in there - 15 sprues of parts, and the vehicles main body in plastic, a sheet of photo etch, and a decal sheet, adding up to a total of 394 parts, and of course there’s also a 18 page instruction booklet that is very well drawn and includes a nice colour guide at the end with several drawings of the vehicle and CROWS system.

The parts are in tan coloured plastic and appear to be very well moulded, with clean crisp detail, and look as though they will require only minimal clean up during construction.

There are some small and delicate parts, so care will be needed when handling these, and I would say that this kit is directed more towards the experienced modeller than the beginner, looking at the 31 stages it takes to construct this kit. But please, as a beginner, that does not mean that you should not purchase this kit. Just take your time when building it.

I like the fact that, with the Bronco offers some nice under bonnet detail. The interior and driver’s area is excellent, and includes all of the remote system, radio gear, Blue Force tracker and so forth. You also get a choice of the .50 cal or M240B to place on the CROWS as well as a couple of nice M4 carbines and various other bits of military hardware.

Also of note on this kit is the detail that has gone into the underside and suspension, taking six steps to complete, although I am not to sure of the three part wheels and tyres. Maybe a resin aftermarket set may be a better option, but I personally will wait and see how they look before I decide.

Lastly, the CROWS itself. This is a very nice little unit that appears to have plenty of detail, taking five steps to complete, and care will be need when constructing. As mentioned, you will have a choice of two weapons to place onto this.

In summary, I believe that this is a brilliant kit of this variant of Humvee, and well worth adding to the collection of kits to build, and I woud not hesitate in recommending this to all.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Bronco Models for the sample Andrew Judson

LIFECOLOR

COMBO PIGMENT AND COLOUR SET TRACKS, PAINTING & WEATHERING ITEM NO. SPG02

Lifecolor really knows how to spoil us modellers with all the different sets that are now available on the market and, yet again, here is another to make our hobby so much easier when trying to achieve all the effects we so love to apply to our kits these days.

This set is specifically designed for painting and weathering tracks, giving you a result that you thought only the pros could achieve; but now it is all in one box for all modellers to give a go.

In the box, there are three bottles of pigments being, PG105 Dry Dust, PG106 Damp Dust, PG110 Reflecting Agent. The are all nice tones, and will give a very effective finish to any application. I particularly like the reflecting Agent, to be rubbed on to the contact surfaces of metal tracks.

There are also three acrylic colours - UA904 Rubber Track, UA905 Intermediate Wear, UA906 Old Track. Again, all nice colours to apply to achieve a realistic finish on the tracks of a tank, and depending on where it is serving and the environment its in, will depend on the colours and pigments you use.

This is a very useful and versatile set from Lifecolor. It is well worth having on your model bench for that next project you decide to work on, and I am sure you will have a great set of tracks at the end of the day!

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to The Airbrush Company Limited for the sample www.airbrushes.com Andrew Judson

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Incoming HUSSAR

REPLACEMENT WHEELS 1:35 SCALE SET 35081 - FORD V3000 FOR THE ICM KIT (7 WHEELS WITH MILITARY TREAD) SET 35082 - FORD V3000 MAULTIER FOR THE ICM KIT (3 WHEELS WITH CIVILIAN TREAD) SET 35100 - BA-64 FOR THE VISION KIT (5 WHEELS WITH CIVILIAN TREAD)

To my knowledge, Hussar was the first mainstream manufacturer of high quality aftermarket resin wheels sets. Traditionally, wheels have been a great source of frustration to many modellers as most lacked detail or variations in tread patterns. Worse still, the inclusion of vinyl or rubber in some kits made removing mould lines an almost impossible task. Great strides have been made over recent years with the likes of Dragon and Bronco including multi-piece plastic wheels to accurately portray tread detail, however wheels come in lots of different shapes and sizes and this is where aftermarket wheel options come into play.

The three 1:35 scale wheel sets being reviewed here are: • Set 35081 Ford V3000 for the ICM kit (7 Wheels with Military tread) • Set 35082 Ford V3000 Maultier for the ICM kit (3 Wheels with civilian tread) • Set 3500 Ba-64 for the Vision kit (5 wheels with civilian tread) All of these sets have some very fine flash but have no casting plugs. The casting of these wheels is simply outstanding with no mould imperfections whatsoever. These wheels, unlike many others, are not direct resin reproductions of the wheels they replace but rather an entirely new design. The detail on all the wheels presented is outstanding with finely rendered sidewall and tread detail in evidence on all examples. They even include the little air valve on each wheel!

Where appropriate, the front drum brake casing has been incorporated into the front wheel.

The Ford wheels are most welcome as this is an area were the ICM kit really lets itself down. The Ba-64 wheels could be used for not only the Vision kit but also the old Tamiya GAZ or indeed the Plus models GAZ staff car. One other use for the Ba-64 wheels would be to remove the hub and replace it with the Italeri 1:48 Puma wheel hub as the tyres themselves are the correct diameter for that kit as well.

Highly recommended.

Available online from Air Connection www.airconnection.on.ca Luke Pitt

VALLEJO

UMTARNFARBEN GERMAN ISAF COLOR SET ACRYLIC PAINTS ITEM NO. 71 159

Vallejo has been around for some time now, and has proven itself one of the big contenders in the model paint industry. Over this time they have released many colours and sets, and here is the latest on offer. As far as I am concerned, this one has made me a very happy man.

What we have here is a set of colours for all us keen modern topic modellers of the German ISAF, so that one can do a vehicle in the new camouflage schemes that we are seeing currently serving in Afghanistan and Germany.

Umtarnfarben-Camouflage Change Colours is a system where the soldiers on the ground can adapt their vehicle to the terrain they are based in. This set consists of three colours used through the eighties, and five new colours that were released after 2000, due to the conflict in Afghanistan and the different landscapes encountered there. Depending on the area, the colours used to make the vehicle less visible will be different.

In the set you get eight new colours in the typical 17 ml bottle, all clearly marked with the colour inside.

The colours inside are as follows: • New colours after 2000 - RAL1039 Sandbeige, RAL1040 Lehmbeige, RAL8031 Sandbraun, RAL6040 Helloliv, RAL7050 Tarngrau.

• Old colours from the 1980s - RAL 8027 Lederbraun, RAL6031 Bronzegrun, RAL9021 Teerschwarz.

I am sure that this set will prove to be a very popular, and look forward to using them on my next project, a Revell GTK Boxer. I highly recommend this set to all.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Creative Models Limited for the sample www.creativemodels.co.uk Andrew Judson

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KIT PREVIEW

Model Victoria 1:35 Fiat Berlina 1100 A • Kit No. 40103

Even the fabric roof lining is cast into the inside of the body.

The lovely one-piece main body.

Lower body and chassis are cast as separate parts.

ITALIAN SALOON Luke Pitt concludes that Model Victoria’s 1:35 scale Fiat Berlina is the best military car kit that he has ever reviewed. Let’s see why...

T

his new 1:35 kit from Model Victoria represents a 1939 model Fiat Berlina sedan sometimes referred to as the “Musone”. This model differed from the 37 model by a different grille shape, uprated suspension and larger diameter wheels and tyres. Thousands of the 39 models were used by all branches of the Italian armed forces during World War II. This new resin kit from Model Victoria comes in quite a flimsy green box with an unpainted completed model adorning the box top lid The kit comprises some 91 cast resin pieces, a decal sheet and a medium size photo-etch ed fret with 83 pieces. The kit also comes with an outstanding figure leaning against the side of the vehicle.

The colour four page instructions are note worthy, as they are both simple and easy to follow. The kit is broken down into the engine assembly, lower chassis assembly on to which the engine and wheels are attached. The wheels and tyres are simply outstanding

castings and have a wonderful tread on them. The level of detail on all these fittings is astounding; the suspension for example is a thing of beauty, with almost all the detail found on the real thing translated down to a few resin pieces.

The main body casting is another example of both flawless casting and unparalleled accuracy.

How on earth this was cast is quite beyond me. The body with its unique lack of B pillar even has a representation of the internal roof lining, which is something I have never seen before in any car kit. Moving on to the interior, all the detail that is present in the real vehicle is basically reproduced in resin. The seats have a lovely feel to them as does the dashboard. All the doors are separate and are detailed both on the interior and exterior and even have a groove to accept the windows. The internal window winders are also included and are wonderfully detailed.

My attention was then drawn to the fit of the doors to the main

Textures of the seats and tyres are excellent.

body. This can (and often is) a major sticking point of models of this type, but, I can happily report, all four doors fit with almost no gaps present. The grille work and bonnet are cast as separate pieces are both thin and highly detailed. The grille work for example is “see through” and a credit to the master builder.

The photo-etched fret includes both the front and rear windshield surrounds that fit snugly into grooves intended for them on the main body casting. Other items include various internal and external fitting on the vehicle itself.

This is without a doubt the best military car kit I have yet reviewed. It is both accurate in shape and has a low parts count.

The level of detail present has to be seen to be believed. If you want to experience how good a resin kit can be, you need look no further.

Highly recommended. ■

The doors may be posed open if desired.

Bumpers and exhaust.

Thanks to Model Victoria for the sample www.modelvictoria.it

Interior details are well done and casting of all parts is first rate.

The photo-etched fret offers a further 83 pieces.

Markings are supplied for three Italian and one German vehicle.

An engine is supplied, which may be displayed under an open bonnet.

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

TRAPPED IN A STYLE N ow, I know that I have often talked about finding your own painting and building styles and I have encouraged all who read this little column to experiment with new techniques; but this month I’d like to open the debate on being trapped in a style.

We all tend to follow styles of famous modellers we see in print or on the web and I often wonder whether these guys ever do anything differently.

Is it a commercial reason? Or, more probably, a feeling that “well, if it is not broken don’t fix it”.

From a personal viewpoint I was looking at my built up model collection the other day and noticed something quite alarming. Most of my models have very little of what I would describe as extreme weathering, and most of my armour (yes, I do

make other things guys) have foliage attached on the vehicle itself in one place or another!

My inner voice screamed to me “so what are you making here dude, a model of a tank or some bloody mobile flower arrangement!”

There is a famous saying that goes something like this: “If you keep doing the same thing, then you’re going to get the same result”. I noticed on the web a few months ago how a quite famous modeller had, for one reason or another, reverted back to his original style of painting and presentation. Some commented it was a change for the better, while others lamented the fact that he had somehow lost his way and should revert back to his more recent style. It’s funny, isn’t it, that we are all attracted to a certain style.

What I am proposing is, if you’re a little like me and getting a bit frustrated in the way your built up collection is looking, think outside the box, go against the grain and venture outsize your comfort zone.

I will give you an example. I don’t like white washed vehicles. I really don’t know why. But I may have to push myself and do a vehicle in a white wash finish with extreme weathering and no foliage.

There I said it. Problem is, I don’t like change. It scares me.

Until next time

Luke Pitt

TANK WORKSHOP

1:48 SCALE PORSCHE JAGDTIGER CONVERSION ITEM NO. TWS 48103

PLUS MODEL

1:48 SCALE GERMAN AMMUNITION CONTAINERS ITEM NO. 4021

You have to hand it to Plus Model. They really do produce some interesting accessories in 1:48 scale.

This set has been around for quite a while but this is the first chance we have had to review it.

What is included is six different size ammunition containers used by the German Army during the Second Wold War. Three of each container are supplied together with a small decal sheet with the appropriate stencils for each container. While the casting is very good I would have likes a smaller pour gate.

Overall though, a very welcome update. If you’d like to see some of the containers in action, Brett Green has used several items from this set in his Sd.Kfz.232 article earlier in this issue.

Recommended.

Thanks to Plus Model for the sample www.plusmodel.cz Luke Pitt

Tank Workshop has just released a really clever 1:48 scale conversion. I have always liked the Porsche variation of the German Jadtiger and this new update tackles the tough bit of the conversion, namely the unique road wheels and suspension units.

This update features 31 cast parts made up of 16 road wheels, 8 suspension units, and 2 front idlers (in four parts) and a new lower hull assembly. A small CD is included that includes a photo essay on where all the parts fit. The quality of the cast parts is excellent and equal to anything in 1:48 scale.

However, some of the bolt details on the road wheels are a little soft in their execution.

This new update from Tank Workshop will please most German armour fans and goes most of the way to help produce this unique version of the Jadtiger.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to The Tank Workshop for the sample www.tankworkshop.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.

ROYAL MODELS

1:48SCALE ARDENNES HOUSE RUIN ITEM NO. 645

Royal Models is a brand that has always offered a premium product and this new release from them follows in a similar vein.

For a building, the kit has some quite innovative features. For example, the kit is entirely cast in resin and includes detail on both sides of the walls.

The outside stone pattern of the building proper is both pleasing to the eye and accurate in style.

The kit comprises 31 cast parts and includes items like, floor boards, the front door, two windows, a roof complete with rafters, roof tiles, a down pipe, a section guttering and tile floor. The upper floor boards have a fine wood grain texture together with outstanding stressed break points on the floor boards and joists. The casting is flaw less and the kit itself has a simple yet effective instruction sheet. I honestly cannot recall coming across a more complete house ruin than this one. The product package is so good, I hope that Royal Model will continue this line and expand it.

I for one would love to see a factory ruin in a similar vein.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Royal Model for the sample www.royalmodel.com/en/ Luke Pitt

VERLINDEN

1:48 SCALE LAMP POSTS AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS ITEM NO. 2373

This is quite a simple set from Verlinden but none the less very interesting. Their 1:48 scale Lamp Post and Traffic Lights set includes two traditional European street lamps and two sets of what look like French pre-war traffic signals.

The casting is good but the kits have a number of design compromises. The lamp posts have the clear lamp section cast as a solid piece and would best be replaced with a clear scratch built item using the cast piece as a guide.The traffic signal visors are noticeably thick and would be better replaced with plastic card.

Still, even with these shortcomings I like this set. It is unique and basically the only game in town.

Recommended.

Thanks to Verlinden for the sample www.verlindenonline.com Luke Pitt

HAULER

1:48 SCALE HLX48323: T17E1 STAGHOUND MK1 UPDATE FOR THE BRONCO KIT HLX48324: JS-2 UPDATE FOR THE TAMIYA KIT HLX48325:SD. KFZ 10 DEMAG UPDATE FOR THE BLUE CAT KIT HLX48328: 2CM FLAK 30 FOR THE ACE KIT Hauler has sent along four of their most recent photo-etched updates for review as noted above.

All of these updates offer finer replacement details than what is offered by the kits they are designed for. The set for the Staghound, for instance, offers replacement tie downs, periscope guards and various nick knacks that will greatly enhance the Bronco Kit. The JS-2 update is intended for post war versions of this tank and include the square mesh engine screens (wartime examples used a diamond mesh) and multiple updates for the hull including the stowage box. The Demag update offers a new dashboard and instrument cluster as well as a number of small fittings for outside the vehicle. The last update is designed for the Ace 2cm Flak 30 kit and includes some nicely done “in scale” gun shields and various other details for outside the gun. In summary, these updates offer the modeller a raft of very well thought out replacement parts and are well worthwhile.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hauler for the review samples www.hauler.cz Luke Pitt

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DON’TT MISS A THING....

Don’t worry, all the issues are still available to buy and full details are on the website @ www.modelmilitaryinternational.com

Only

£4.20 (UK) £5.25 (Europe) £6.45 (World-wide) including postage

Issue 61

Issue 62

Issue 63

• • • • • • • •

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

• • • • • • • •

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

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

Issue 64

Issue 65

Issue 66

Issue 67

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

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

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

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

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

Issue 68

Issue 69

Issue 70

Issue 71

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

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

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

• • • • • • • •

Issue 72

Issue 73

Issue 74

Issue 75

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • •

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

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

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

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

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

Issue 76

Issue 77

Issue 78

Issue 79

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

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

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

Issue 80

Issue 81

Issue 82

Issue 83

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

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• • • • • • • • •

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

Meng 1:35 super heavy Tortoise 1:35 Tamiya 1:35 Israeli M51 MVPA Show Report Brach Models 1:35 Somua SPG Tamiya 1:35 Elefant Pt2 Tamiya 1:35 scale M1A1 Abrams SEP TUSK I/II • Bronco 1:35 Post-War Chaffee • Italeri 1:35 StuG IV » and more...

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

Dragon 1:35 scale RSO/01 AFV Club 1:35 scale Bofors Zvezda 1:35 BTR-70 MA-7 Parc Models 1:35 T-20 Kosmomolets Bronco 1:35 scale Zrinyi Meng Model 1:35 Minenräumer IPMS ScaleModelworld 2012 1:72 scale T-72A conversion Bronco 1:35 scale Hotchkiss H39 » and more...

Bronco 1:35 scale M24 Chaffee Tristar 1:35 scale Panzer IV/70(A) Tankfest 2012 show report LZ Models 1:35 M29 Weasel Tamiya 1:35 scale Matilda conversion Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV Ausf.A MiniArt 1:35 scale YA-12 Dragon 1:35 Welded Hull Firefly Bronco 1:35 Jeep » and more...

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14/02/2013 14:14

KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 3.7cm Flak 43 Flakpanzer IV ‘Ostwind’ • Kit No. 6550

Dragon’s 1:35 scale Ostwind finally arrives.

Graham Tetley reports on the contents

FANTASTIC FLAK

I

t has been a while since Dragon first announced this kit but the wait has been worth it. Lots of love has been lavished on this latest Flak tank and, whilst photographic evidence of it is thin on the ground, according to their own ‘Inside Story’ for this kit they have had access to the vehicle’s technical manual. It certainly shows!

Dragon’s 1:35 scale Panzer IV continues to provide the basis for this kit and we get lots of generic Panzer IV sprues, as well as those from the Wirbelwind, Brummbar, Panzer IV H, J, and the L70. Quite a lot of this kit is brand new though and we get a new hull top, fenders and turret, as well as full sprue with the turret ring, upper hull sidewalls and rear plate plus some internal accessories. The etched frets are specific to this kit and the Flak 43 is also new and the highlight for me is lovely slide-moulded barrel. The moulding is typical

The lovely flak sidewalls.

The new etched frets with etched basket guards.

Dragon – clean and blemish free.

The instructions are busy with many sub-assemblies contained within the main assembly steps, but fortunately this is not a 3 in 1 kit so by Dragon standards the instructions are easier to follow.

The main hiccup that I can find is in Step 7 where an un-numbered part is shown being attached to the hull top to the offside rear of the turret ring. There are no location marks on the hull top itself and it looks to be either of Parts N14 or 15, but use it or leave it off, it is your choice after all.

Construction of the lower hull and suspension system is pretty conventional. The hull itself is a one-piece tub to which you attach the correct front and rear plates.

Alternate idlers are provided and you get to choose between the tubular version or the cast one : the latter contains two etched brass rings for the inner faces.

The eight suspension units are the simplified ‘Smart Kit’ versions that are superbly detailed. The road wheels have the manufacturer’s mark moulded on the rubber rims and you get plenty of spares for stowage. On the front glacis you get alternative plastic or metal parts for the spare track and a basic interior is present for below the turret. The tracks are ‘Magic’ and moulded in two shades of grey to differentiate the left and right hand sides.

Most of the upper hull parts are new. The fenders are beautifully detailed top and bottom and to these to add the tools with moulded on clasps.

Now let’s turn to the turret & gun. The Flak 43 is new for this kit and construction starts with the ammunition trays. The shells themselves are moulded in an 8-shell clip and attach to the feed tray. The gun is superbly moulded and the perforated muzzle is as

The new hull top - lovely!

Dragon shows their skill at representing weld beads.

good as a brass part, although the holes will benefit from the twist of a small drill. The cradle is a multi-part assembly that allows for full elevation of the gun and you attach the seats and sighting mechanisms to this cradle, There is some really fine detail on the cradle parts. Dragon have missed nothing here. Once the cradle is assembled you are then directed to add the shell basket. This comprises of a solid floor and some really fine tubular sides, care will be needed to get it all straight and level. Added to this are the etched basket parts representing the basket and, whilst the sides will need no bending, the front part will. Take your time and you will be fine.

The turret itself is a lovely twopart assembly where Dragon has reproduced the weld seams and other detail beautifully. The main turret front part has the turret ring moulded integrally and the infamous slide-moulds have been used here which have resulted in commendably thin sidewalls.

Markings are provided for 5 vehicles, but that said the markings only comprise of three Balkenkreuz. Photographic reference of the real thing is rare so just consult your Panzerwrecks collection.

Being a sucker for Flak vehicles my opinion may be somewhat skewed, but you cannot go far wrong with a Dragon Panzer IV. The new Ostwind parts are lovely, the Flak 43 especially so, and this fills a gap in the Panzer IV family.

Now Dragon, when will you grace us with a Mobelwagen?

Recommended without reservation. ■

What the flak!

Even the turret interior is detailed!

Nothing has been missed on the underside of the fenders.

And the tops are crawling with detail too.

Dragon kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net The new hull top with the larger turret ring.

April 2013 - Model Military International 61

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14/02/2013 15:57

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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

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

LSA MODELS

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

SCHIFFER BOOKS

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

SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK

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

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

Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com

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

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

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

SB MODELS

MDC

SBLC

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

SCHATTON BARRELS

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD

PLUS MODEL

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

(Creative Models in UK)

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MIG PRODUCTIONS

PANZERWRECKS

IAN ALLAN

Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB Tel; 01299 823330 Fax; 01299 829970 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 PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK RICHARDSBLC@aol.com

SBX MODEL SHOP

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

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

SWANN-MORTON

Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ Tel; +44 (0)114 234 4231 Fax; +44 (0)114 231 4966 General: 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 12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205 Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207 ww2prod@optusnet.com.au

ZVEZDA

(The Hobby Company in UK)

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

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

64 Model Military International - April 2013

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14/02/2013 15:57

Next Issue On sale 4th April 2013 ONE-ARMED MONSTER

ISSUE No.84 April 2013, Published March 7th 2013 Editor; Group Editor; Publisher; Graphic Design; Advertising Manager; Advertising Sales; Advertising Assistant; Office Manager; Administration Manager; MMI Website;

Mark Glidden builds Bronco’s 1:35 scale Buffalo MPCV.

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

Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK Distributed by; Seymour Distribution 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com Model Military International is published on the first Thursday of each month by; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX UK www.modelmilitary.com Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574

JAPANESE STALWART Steve Zaloga builds Dragon’s new 1:35 scale Type 95 Japanese Light Tank, and offers some useful reference as well.

Editorial enquiries; Email; editor@modelmilitary.com Advertising enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email; colin@adhpublishing.com

THE LITTLE GENERAL Part Two Bruce Culver’s Think Tank plus Brett Green’s Bronco 1:35 scale M24 Chaffee build conclude in this issue.

Don’t forget, when using solvents such as glues, paints, thinners and cleaning agents, always ventilate your work area thoroughly and wear a face mask.

When using power tools, side cutters or any tool that can suddenly break or create high-speed airborne particles, wear approved eye protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please always model in safety!

Gary Edmundson presents Cyberhobby’s 1:35 scale Panzer II with mineroller.

Advertisements are accepted for publication in Model Military International only on ADH Publishing’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address above. All advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address above.

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ROLLING ACROSS THE DESERT

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

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

...and much more!

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April 2013 - Model Military International 65

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14/02/2013 15:58

The LastS Post..

S-STOP

E R P P O T S -

P P O T S S S PRE

The subtle curves of the turret are captured well.

The upper hull.

The rear upper hull features some raised details moulded in place.

The perforated gun barrel is split down the centreline.

Check out the very finely moulded plastic turret basket detail.

Individual link tracks are provided.

An assembly jig will make this job a lot easier and more precise.

Clear parts including drivers visor and cupola insert.

The lower hull is presented in a single piece, making assembly easier.

Meng surprises everybody again with a brand new 1:35 scale AMX-30B, Kit No. TS-003. The Editor gets a look at an early release.

MENG AMX-30B T

he AMX-30 is a main battle tank designed by GIAT, and first delivered to the French Army in 1966.

The first five tanks were issued to the 501st Régiment de Chars de Combat (Tank Regiment) in August of that year.

The production version of the AMX-30 weighed 36 metric tons (40 short tons), and sacrificed protection for increased mobility.

The French believed that it would have required too much armour to protect against the latest antitank threats, thereby reducing the tank’s manoeuvrability. Protection, instead, was provided by the speed and the compact dimensions of the vehicle, including a height of 2.28 metres. It had a 105-millimetre (4.1 in) cannon, firing an advanced high explosive anti-tank warhead known as the Obus G. The Obus G used an outer shell, separated from the main charge by ball bearings, to allow the round to be spin stabilized by the gun without affecting the warhead inside. Mobility was provided by the 720 horsepower (540 kW) HS-110 diesel engine, although the troublesome transmission adversely affected the tank’s performance.

Due to the issues caused by the transmission, in 1979 the French Army began to modernise its fleet of tanks to AMX-30B2 standards, which included a new transmission, an improved engine and the introduction of a new fin-stabilized kinetic energy penetrator, amongst other improvements. Production of the AMX-30 also extended to

a number of variants, including the AMX-30D armoured recovery vehicle, the AMX-30R anti-aircraft gun system, a bridge-layer, the Pluton tactical nuclear missile launcher and a surface to air missile launcher.

As early as 1969, the AMX-30 and variants were ordered by Greece, soon followed by Spain.

In the coming years, the AMX-30 would be exported to Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Cyprus and Chile. By the end of production, 3,571 units of AMX-30s and its variants had been manufactured. Both Spain and Venezuela later began extensive modernization programs to extend the life of their vehicles and to bring their tanks up to more modern standards. In the 1991 Gulf War, AMX-30s were deployed by both the French and Qatari armies, and Qatari AMX-30s saw action against Iraqi forces at the Battle of Khafji.

However, France and most other nations replaced their AMX-30s with more up-to-date equipment by the end of the 20th century.* Meng Model’s 1:35 scale AMX30B is packed with parts – 370 in green plastic, 360 parts in brown for the individual track links, 17 in clear, 20 polythene caps, one photo-etched fret and markings for two vehicles.

All the plastic parts are cleanly moulded and sprue attachment points are fine, so cleanup will not be a chore.

The suspension is very impressive with workable shock absorbers and torsion bars. Wheels

are attached via polythene caps trapped between the halves.

Tracks are workable too, being made up from two pieces for each link. An assembly jig is supplied to assist assembly and alignment.

The complex engine deck is particularly well done with its network of vents, grilles and mesh covers.

The turret is also worthy of note thanks to the flexible vinyl dust cover behind the mantlet, and the tall Commander’s cupola – quite literally the crown of this model. I particularly like this busy area with the Commander’s machine gun and integrated spotlight, chunky periscope and all-round vision blocks.

The fine baskets around each side of the turret should look great when fitted too.

Meng’s 1:35 scale AMX-30B Main Battle Tank looks great in the box, and judging by reports from modellers who have worked on their earlier releases, this one should be a pleasure to build too.

I am not going to wait around too long to find out though – I will be starting on my AMX-30B shortly. The only question is, what finish will I apply? ■

Thanks to Meng Model for the sample www.meng-model.com

The photo-etched fret.

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* History courtesy of Wikipedia. More details may be found here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMX-30

Markings are supplied for two vehicles.

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

www.hobbyco.net

11/02/2013 15:57