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Issue 144 April 2018 www.modelmilitary.com

HUBERT FROM ‘ALLO ‘ALLO! Scratch Built 1:35 scale “Little Tank” from the 1980s TV Series

FAST SCOUT

Painting Tamiya’s 1:48 Dingo Mk.II

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless

INSIDE: p 01 CoverMMI 144B 1

ON THE AIR

Meng 1:35 M911 & M747 Semi-Trailer ■ Kinetic 1:35 M3A3 Bradley ■ MiniArt 1:35 SU-85 Model 1944 Early ■ 1:35 Panther A Build ■ and more...

April 2018 / £4.75 / Issue 144

06/02/2018 09:49

AVAILABLE in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series NEW How to Build The Steel Wheeled Tiger I A New and revised edition of the ultimate guide to building the Tiger I Steel Wheeled version by Angus Creighton. The new revised edition includes: ■ Early-batch Sturmtiger, using Tamiya’s 1:35 kit with factory zimmerit, ModelKasten battle-tracks ■ Late-batch Sturmtiger, using Tamiya’s 1:35 kit, Dragon late pattern road wheels, extra frontal armour, no zimmerit, ModelKasten battle-tracks ■ Dragon’s 1:35 Tiger I (SPzAbt 510 194445), ModelKasten transport tracks ■ and more...

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Contents - Issue 144 April 2018 REGULARS p 4 NEWS

What’s new in the world of military modelling

p 58 BOOKS

The latest military and modelling titles in print

p 60 1:48 SCALE

News and opinion in the world of 1:48 by Luke Pitt

p 66 LAST POST

British Army Farewells Lynx Helicopter

FEATURES p 6 THINK TANK

AML-60 Walk Around by Zack Sex

p 12 PREVIEW

Meng 1:35 U.S M911 C-HET (8x6) & M747

p 14 ON THE AIR!

IBG’s 1:35 scale Bedford QLR Radio Truckby Tony Bell

p 26 PREVIEW

Kinetic 1:35 M3A3 Bradley

p 28 HUBERT THE LITTLE TANK The armoured car from ‘Allo ‘Allo!, scratch built by Kamil Feliks Sztarbala

p 40 PREVIEW

MiniArt 1:35 SU-85 Model 1944

p 42 PANTHER 326

Dragon 1:35 Panther Ausf. A by Gary Edmundson

p 52 FAST SCOUT

Tamiya 1:48 Dingo Mk.II by Brett Green

©Doolittle Media Ltd 2018 Tel: (UK) 01525 222573 Email: enquiries@doolittlemedia.com Address: Doolittle Media Ltd., Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Model Military International is published monthly by Doolittle Media Ltd. Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

ISSN 1749-8864

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Newsline - April 2018

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

IPSWICH IPMS 2018 MODEL SHOW Ipswich IPMS is happy to announce the date and venue for their 2018 Model Show. The Exhibition will be on Saturday 23rd June 2018, at the Ipswich and District Indoor Bowling Club, 136 Rushmere Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 4JU. The venue has parking, a bar, and a hot food outlet. There will be vintage buses running around a circuit, stopping at each site. At the museum there will be R.C cars and lorries and slot car racing, plus railway and bus orientated stands. A complete ticket for all is about £9.50. General entry will be 1 or 2 pounds.

TIKI TIGER

Dragon has already launched a number of 1:35 scale kits depicting variants of the famous and formidable Tiger I tank used by Germany. The latest kit to hit shop shelves is a Tiger I Early-Production version representing the famous “TiKi” fielded by the Das Reich Division. This tank operated with 8./SS-Pz.Rgt.2. It is unclear what the name refers to, whether a girlfriend of a crewmember or a contraction of “Tiger Kind” (i.e. Tiger Child). This company was formed in November 1942 and its first mission was Kharkov. Decals for tank number ‘812’ are included, a number used until April 1943. “TiKi” was destroyed later that year after participating in the Battle of Kursk too. The arrival of this 1:35 scale kit at the turn of the New Year is a nice surprise from Dragon, allowing modellers to create “TiKi” straight from the box. It is a long-waited normal Tiger I early production from Dragon.“TiKi”from the Das Reich Division is very well known, so it’s convenient to have everything included all in one place. This kit inherits existing components from other Tigers but, where necessary, new parts have been specifically created too. These include the gun mantlet, the stowage bin on the back of the turret and the spare-track bracket. Some on-vehicle equipment is new too. To ease assembly, the tank includes convenient DS tracks as well. Thanks to The Hobby Company for the information and images www.hobbyco.net

NORTH SOMERSET MODELLERS SOCIETY 2018 MODEL SHOW Sunday 8th July 2018, North Somerset Modellers Society Model Show to be held at: THE HELICOPTER MUSEUM Weston Heliport Locking Moor Road Weston-Super-Mare North Somerset BS24 8PP from 10am to 5.30pm See Museum website for admission charges Free parking, Light refreshments only due to building work. Raffle for a Helicopter Flight (not on the day) For more information please contact John Annegarn on 01934417742 or john.annegarn@sky.com

ZVEZDA 2018 NEW RELEASES

IBG NEW RELEASES

Zvezda has announced an exciting list of brand new military and figure releases for 2018. These include: MILITARY 1:35 • 1:35 Ural 4320 Truck • 1:35 T-90 MS Russian MBT • 1:35 TBMP T-15 Armata Russ. Fighting Vehicle • 1:35 Russian Tank Crew - Combat version • 1:35 Russian Tank Crew - Parade version • 1:35 Soviet Medium Tank T-34/85 (new moulds) • 1:35 Soviet S.P.Gun SU-100 (new moulds) • 1:35 Terminator 2 Russ.Fire Support Vehicle MILITARY 1:72 • 1:72 Panzer IV Ausf.H • 1:72 Ferdinand Sd.Kfz.184 • 1:72 T-14 Armata • 1:72 Soviet Heavy Tank T-35 MILITARY SMALL SETS • 1:72 German Anti Tank Rifle Team • 1:72 German Sniper Team • 1:100 T-44 Soviet Tank • 1:100 SU-76M Soviet S.P.Gun Thanks to Zvezda for the information and images.

IBG has announced four brand-new 1:72 scale kits to be released in 2018. The first - a Type 3 Chi-Nu will come out in the end of February. The full list is as follows: • 1:72 scale Type 1 Chi-He - Japanese Medium Tank • 1:72 scale Type 2 Ho-I - Japanese Infantry Support Tank • 1:72 scale Type 3 Chi-Nu - Japanese Medium Tank • 1:72 scale Type 3 Chi-Nu Kai - Japanese Medium Tank More details will be available closer to release. Thanks to IBG for the information and images http://en.ibg.com.pl

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MISSION MODELS PREMIUM HOBBY PAINTS, PRIMERS & ADDITIVES

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Think Tank - AML-60 Walk Around

AML-60 WALK AROUND With the release of Takom’s series of 1:35 scale AML-APCs, Zack Sex brings us the first of two photo walk arounds of the AML-60 and AML-90 armoured cars.

ree French forces made major use of light armoured cars in North Africa and Vietnam. Allied designs such as the M8 Greyhound and the Ferret had proved popular with the French Army; but major counter insurgency campaign evolving in Algeria demanded a fast, lightly armed APC capable of deploying indirect fire in quick counter ambush actions. To this end, a 60mm Brandt gun mortar in conjunction with a pair of MAS AA-52 machine guns were fitted. The use of the AML-60 in Algeria during clashes with FLN guerrillas proved how effective this pocket APC was although it could not stop Algeria’s march to independence. Such developments did not go unnoticed in neighbouring Portugal, a country whose army

was in deep trouble in its African colonies of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, Portugal purchased her AMLs over a long period and at preferential prices from Panhard. Over a number of years and due to service in Africa, Portuguese forces would alter their AMLs transmissions, engines and clutches for economic and reliability reasons, bringing them to the level of South Africa’s modified Eland 60s and 90’s. South African AML-60s led the charge with a small number of AML-90 into Angola in 1975 with Portugal withdraw, their forces got as far as the out skirts of the capital Lunuda only to meet Cuban T34 and Bm21 sent by the USSR to protect the fledgling MPLA government that had managed to take power.

The South African army was to spend the next 20 years launching long range border raids and counter insurgency campaigns in Namibia. The Eland manfactured AML-60 and 90s were to play a major role in these bloody actions. A number of South Africa’s Ratel troop carriers were also to have AML-60s mounted on their upper hulls. The Irish Army AML-60s were to see deployment on the border with Northern Ireland during the troubles and also in UN white livery in Lebanon. The AML-60s, while never as popular or eye catching as the larger 90mm DEFA low-pressure cannon-armed AML-90, was to play a major role in the evolution of modern armoured car design while taking in part in some of the major post

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An AML-60 of the South African Defence Force.

Overall rear three-quarter view.

Engine access hatches and rear vent.

Rear side view of the turret and hull.

Detail of the right turret side.

Fittings on the front right mudguard.

View from the front right hand side. April 2018 - Model Military International 7

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Think Tank - AML-60 Walk Around Vision ports and turret hatch.

Looking in through the right-side hull crew hatch.

The main armament is a 60mm Brandt gun mortar.

Mount on top of the front of the turret.

Rear external stowage box.

Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position viewed from above.

Turret spotlight and cable reel.

Profile view of the South African AML-60.

Deta mirr

Left

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Irish AML-60 of 2 Cav Sqn.

Detail view of the front mudguard mounted mirror and fittings.

A fire extinguisher is mounted on the mudguard.

Tyre and wheel detail.

Left front mudguard.

Weld beads are of interest in this view of the turret side.

The spare tyre is mounted to the left side of the hull. April 2018 - Model Military International 9

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Think Tank - AML-60 Walk Around

Susp Full side view of the Irish AML-60.

Rear view. The rubber mud flaps are of interest.

Side view of the 60mm Brandt gun mortar. A cover is in place.

View of the top of the turret and mantlet.

Front view of the 60mm Brandt gun mortar and two machine guns.

The hull crew access hatch.

Exhaust and engine access hatches.

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Rear towing point.

A rear view of the turret.

Suspension detail.

High front view of the turret.

The two spotlights.

Rear three-quarter view of the Irish AML-60.

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KIT PREVIEW

U.S M911 C-HET (8x6) & M747 Heavy Equipment Semi-Trailer • Kit No. SS-013

Moulding quality is excellent.

The kit’s clear parts.

OSHKOSH B’GOSH!

Two photo-etched frets are included.

Meng Models has released a 1:35 scale Oshkosh M911 prime mover and M747 trailer package. The Editor takes an early look at this large and impressive kit.

he Oshkosh M911 is a heavy-load truck produced by the Oshkosh Corporation in the 1970s, and used by the US Army. In the second half of the 1970s, the US Army procured 1,000 of the heavy-haul truck together with the four-axle M747 semitrailer for road transportation of Main Battle Tanks and other heavy loads. The Oshkosh M911 was also used with the US Army units stationed in Europe. The Oshkosh M911 has a crew of three, weighs 18.2 tonnes, and has a payload capacity of 68.95 tonnes. The Oshkosh M911 is powered by a 12,060 cm3, 435 hp V8 diesel engine with turbocharger.* When Tamiya released their 1:35 scale Dragon Wagon in 1998, I wrote: “This is not a model. It is a demonstration of power”. Over the intervening 20 years, we have seen an escalating war of kit detail, tiny parts and complexity. It is not uncommon to find new military model releases with greater than 1,000 or even 1,500 parts. Despite the prevalence of these mega-kits, there are some subjects that radiate a wow factor regardless of parts count. The Dragon Wagon was one of these. Meng’s brand-new U.S M911 and Semi-Trailer is undoubtedly another. Meng’s 1:35 scale U.S M911

C-HET (8x6) & M747 Heavy Equipment Semi-Trailer comprises 852 parts on 15 sand coloured sprues, 30 parts in clear, two photo-etched frets, six metal axles, 30 soft vinyl tyres, six vinyl shock absorbers, five pre-sized and self-adhesive mirrors, 28 polythene caps, a roll of twisted wire, lengths of red and blue covered wire, self-adhesive masks for the windows and decals for two options. The multi-media parts are used very effectively. Features of the kit include removable trailer, movable loading ramps, the front wheels may be posed to taste, the trailer’s centre wheels may be posed in the raised or lowered position thanks to alternative air spring parts, cab doors are separate and may be posed open or closed and more. Moulding quality of the plastic parts is first rate. I’m not usually a fan of vinyl tyres but these ones look very good with raised lettering and crisp tread detail. The separate tyres will certainly make painting the wheels easier. The photo-etched frets offer a modest 25 parts. The tread plate and front grille are the highlights here. Self-adhesive masks are provided for the windows. The outlines are printed onto the masks and you’ll need to cut these out with a sharp knife or small scissors before application. Metal parts are provided for

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the winch cable, trailer axles and pneumatic lines. The self-adhesive mirrors are a nice touch too. The decal sheet is quite small, and most of the markings are placards and stencils. Two marking options are offered – one in overall Sand and one in three-colour Euro camouflage. Meng’s 1:35 scale U.S M911 C-HET (8x6) & M747 Heavy Equipment Semi-Trailer is a large and deeply impressive kit. It will be a remarkable model by itself, but its appeal will be even greater if a tank is added as payload, either on the trailer or in the process of being loaded. Either way, Meng’s big 1:35 scale M911 and M747 package will be an absorbing project for experienced modellers. ■

Metal cable and trailer axles.

Self-adhesive window masks are provided too.

Reflective material is supplied for the mirrors.

Red and Blue covered wire for the hydraulic lines. Soft vinyl tyres and shock absorbers.

Thanks to Meng Model for the sample www.meng-model.com

* Historical background adapted from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oshkosh_M911

The small kit decal sheet.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless • Kit No. 35017

ON THE AIR! Tony Bell builds and details IBG’s new Bedford QLR Radio Truck.

n the 1920s, General Motors produced commercial vehicles for the British market in the town of Luton, Bedfordshire. The initial models were known as “Chevrolet Bedfords”, but the “Chevrolet” was soon dropped and they became known simply as “Bedfords.” In 1935, Bedford produced its first military vehicle, the 15 cwt MW series of trucks. At the outbreak

of the Second World War, Bedford developed the three ton QL 4x4, production of which commenced in early 1941. Numerous variants were quickly spawned, including the QLD (general service), QLC (tanker), QLT (troop carrier), QLB (Bofors AA gun tractor), the topless QL 6 pounder anti-tank gun Portee and QLR (wireless). By the end of the war, over 50,000 Bedford QLs had been produced.

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IBG’s evocative box art.

06/02/2018 10:54

IBG’S BEDFORD KIT AND AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES In 1979, Military Modeller magazine published a series of articles and plans detailing how to convert the Peerless-Max Portee kit to the QLD, QLT and QLR. The adolescent me was captivated by these articles and although I was able to scratch build the rear bed of the QLD from the plans, the compound curves of the cab were beyond my skills. I would have to wait several decades until 2013 when IBG would release a closed cab kit of this iconic British truck. Prior to the release of IBG’s range of Bedford QL kits in 2013, the only injection moulded option was the old but still quite nice open cab QL Portee kit by PeerlessMax, which has subsequently been re-boxed by Airfix, Italeri, Tomy and Revell. Apart from scratch building, if you wanted a closed cab variant your only options were resin conversions from either PlusModel or Accurate Armour. PlusModel also produces a full resin kit of the Bedford QLR. Inside the box are one clear sprue with 11 parts for the various windows of the cab and radio body, and 264 parts on four grey sprues, two of which are common with the other kits in the series,

and two of which are specific to the QLR. The moulding quality has something of a short run feel to it, with a number of very large sprue gates and somewhat heavy mould parting seams to clean up. A JLC razor saw was ideal for removing the parts from the trees while minimizing the risk of damage. Some parts exhibited prominent sink marks, notably the engine starter motor and the headlights. Detail is quite nice, although some of the parts such as the front fenders and the rear mud flaps are quite thick and chunky looking. The 20 page instruction booklet, printed in Polish and English, features nice clear diagrams with paint callouts for Vallejo colours only. A well printed decal sheet provides markings for two subjects, one from the Polish 1st Armoured Division HQ in England, spring 1944, and one from Divisional Artillery HQ, 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division in Germany, April 1945. Overall shape and accuracy appears to be quite good, although there are a handful of details that are missing or inappropriate for a wartime vehicle. Terry Ashley’s comprehensive review of the IBG QL kits on the Perth Military Modelling Site web site was invaluable for identifying and

Gathering the elements.

addressing these issues. From Terry’s review, the issues with the cab are, a) Missing windscreen wipers. b) Missing “Semaphore” turn indicator. c) Missing the stamped reinforcing ridge on the fenders. d) Missing gas detection paint panel. e) Post-war wing mirrors. f) Missing tow shackles at the leaf spring mountings. g) Missing starter crank, mounting bracket and retaining chain. h) Post-war tyre tread. i) The fender support brackets

were only fitted post-war. I also noted that wartime Bedfords only had one headlamp on the passenger’s side, with the driver’s side sporting an empty bracket. Fortunately, there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades to address these shortcomings. I chose to use the Eduard and PART photoetch sets, along with resin wheels featuring accurate wartime treads from Panzer Art. The Eduard and PART photoetch sets complement each other rather well, with little overlap between the two. A

The workbench has been cleared and readied for the Bedford.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless • Kit No. 35017

Construction starts with the chassis frame, which is a typical rails and rungs assembly.

Extensive use of photo-etched brass means that ideally soldering should be used for maximum strength

SOLDERING Given the extensive use of brass bits throughout this project and the delicate nature of many of the assemblies, I decided at the outset that I would solder things together whenever possible for maximum strength. Soldering small parts is a useful part of a modeller’s skillset, but quite distinct from most other modelling skills. The first step is to remove any surface oxide from the brass. A fibreglass scratch pen is a handy tool to scrub the parts clean while they are still on the fret, a gentle touch being necessary to avoid damaging the more delicate pieces. Fine sandpaper also does the trick. After removing the parts and cleaning up the attachment points, I apply flux paste to the join and hold the parts together with stainless steel tweezers. I cut a very small sliver of solder and place it at the join (the paste helps hold it in place) and then

heat the join with either a mini torch or soldering gun until the solder flows. Another method is to clean and flux the brass as above and use a soldering iron to "tin" (i.e. apply a thin layer of solder) one of the mating surfaces and then hold them together with tweezers and heat them with a torch until the solder melts and fuses. Typically only a second or two of direct heat is needed to melt the solder. Any longer than that and you run the risk of overheating the parts, softening (annealing) them and oxidizing the surface. With either method, if there is a nearby join that I don't want to melt, I simply wrap it with a small scrap of wet paper towel to protect it from the heat. Jeweller's files and wet & dry sandpaper take care of any excess solder, and any flux paste residue can be cleaned up with lacquer thinner.

COLOURS The basic colour of Commonwealth vehicles in NW Europe was SCC15 British Olive Drab, with soft skins commonly painted with a disruptive camouflage in SCC14 Black (or Charcoal). For SCC15 I used Mike Starmer’s recipe and mixed 5 parts XF-81 RAF Dark Green with 1 part XF-58 Olive Green and 1 parts XF-71 Cockpit Green. I added some XF-49 Khaki to lighten it up a bit, plus some X22 Clear to make it more durable and to give it a bit of a sheen. The SCC14 is simply XF-69 NATO Black.

The treads on the kit wheels feature a post-war pattern, so instead I used resin replacements from Panzer Art.

ENGINE AND CHASSIS

Mike Starmer’s book on British Army Camouflage in North Western Europe. His paint formulae may also be found online.

Construction starts with the chassis frame, which is a typical rails and rungs assembly. Considering how critical it is to the overall alignment of the finished model, I took great care to ensure that it was completely square and true and used liquid cement during assembly in order to give myself time to tweak and adjust it. I left off the forward most crosspiece (A12), electing instead to attach it to the cab. I figured that if the frame ended up warped then I could shim the cab level. I added the missing tow shackles from brass rod bent to shape with the ends flattened by squashing them with pliers. Due to some minor mould

Details

shift, it was easier to remove some small details entirely and replace them with sheet styrene rather than attempt to clean up the parts, most notably the drive shaft universal joints bearings end caps and some bits on the brake cylinder. The mounting points for the leaf springs was a little vague and I particular care to ensure they were properly located and aligned. Each axle is built up from several sections with ample opportunity for misalignment, so great care is needed to ensue these critical assemblies are straight and true. The driveshaft from the engine to the transfer case was a bit too short, so I cut it in two and drilled out the ends to receive a piece of brass rod. By drilling the holes

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It was easier to remove some small details entirely and replace them with sheet styrene rather than attempt to clean up the parts.

Details were added to the engine including spark plug leads. Brass rod was also employed.

deeper than the rod, I was able to adjust the length exactly. The fuel tanks received some love in the form of sheet styrene and stretched sprue, while the PART photoetched spare wheel rack was a vast improvement over the rather heavy injection moulded assembly. The treads on the kit wheels feature a post-war pattern, so instead I used resin replacements from Panzer Art, which also included more accurate and more detailed hubs. After removing the resin wheels from their pour stubs, I carefully sanded a flat spot on each one to suggest the weight of the vehicle. I took care to ensure

that the flats were even and that the chassis sat nice and level. The Bedfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine was a licence produced variant of the immensely successful Chevrolet â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stoveboltâ&#x20AC;? inline six cylinder engine. Knowing this, Google yielded lots of useful pictures. The kit provides the basic shape and, augmented by Eduard photoetch, it builds up into a nice little replica. Keeping the engine separate from the chassis for ease of painting, I painted it Tamiya XF-23 Light Blue, and the transmission SCC15. Even though the engine would not be visible on the finished model (aside from the oil pan), I decided to have some fun painting and weathering it. I

gave it a wash of Raw Umber oil paint, followed by chipping using a torn piece of sponge foam and a black-brown colour mixed from Vallejo paints. The key to sponge chipping is to dab any excess paint on a paper towel so that barely any remains on the foam. By constantly changing the orientation one can avoid any repetitive patterning. I overdid it a little (OK, a lot), but this was more for the practice anyway. Oil stains were added using AK Interactive AK-084 Engine Oil applied in multiple layers, some neat and some thinned. On the bottom of the oil pan I sprinkled some MiG Black Smoke pigment onto the wet AK Engine Oil to create heavier stains. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless • Kit No. 35017

The Bedford’s engine was a licence produced variant of the immensely successful Chevrolet “Stovebolt” inline six cylinder. The model was painted with Tamiya XF-23 Light Blue, and the transmission SCC15. The engine was also treated to a wash of Raw Umber oil paint, followed by chipping using a torn piece of sponge foam and a black-brown colour.

The fuel tanks received some love in the form of sheet styrene and stretched sprue.

The painted engine and fuel tank.

The key to sponge chipping is to dab any excess paint on a paper towel so that barely any remains on the foam.

Soldering was the best way to get a strong and clean bond between the metal parts.

The chassis, completed and painted.

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The interior of the cab is fairly basic and benefitted from some extra detailing.

The seats received cushions sculpted from epoxy putty with seat back covers from strips of Washi masking tape.

The dashboard was replaced with a photoetch part.

B DRIVERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAB The interior of the cab is fairly basic and benefitted from some extra detailing. The seats received cushions sculpted from epoxy putty with seat back covers from strips of Washi masking tape, and I added the ribbing to the rear wall using Evergreen styrene strip. The dashboard was replaced with a photoetch part, but the triangular bits on the sides were the at the wrong angle, so I cut them off and trimmed them to fit. The kit plastic gear levers were perfectly adequate, however it was simpler to make new ones from brass rod and sprue than it was to clean up the mould parting lines. The dash mounted grab handles were fashioned from bent solder. I painted the interior SCC15 lightened with XF-49 Khaki and picked out the details with a Raw Umber oil paint pin wash. I airbrushed some shadows using a mix of XF-85 Rubber Black and XF-68 NATO Brown heavily thinned (9:1 thinner to paint) with pure isopropyl alcohol. As I did on the engine, I chipped the paint using sponge foam and Vallejo dark brown (Chocolate Brown and Black), with some high points picked out with a graphite pencil. Some MiG pigments were dabbed into the corners and fixed with mineral spirits to represent an accumulation of dust and dirt. The front, sides and rear fit together reasonably well but alignment aids were minimal, so trimming and test fitting were the order of the day. One notable fit issue is that the lateral frame member on the underside at the rear interferes with the fenders, requiring about 5mm to be trimmed from each end. PART photoetch brass fenders replaced the thick kit pieces, and all the brackets and boxes were soldered to ensure a good, strong assembly that would withstand handling. I attached them with superglue and used lengths of fine solder along the joins to represent the weather stripping. I left the roof unattached so I could mask the window openings from the inside and add the transparencies after painting. A

The front, sides and rear fit together reasonably well but alignment aids were minimal, so trimming and test fitting were the order of the day.

One notable fit issue is that the lateral frame member on the underside at the rear interferes with the fenders, requiring about 5mm to be trimmed from each end.

I painted the interior SCC15 lightened with XF-49 Khaki and picked out the details with a Raw Umber oil paint pin wash.

I airbrushed some shadows using a mix of heavily thinned XF-85 Rubber Black and XF-68 NATO Brown. The interior components painted and left for later assembly.

The cab is being test fitted with the other components here. April 2018 - Model Military International 19

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FEATURE ARTICLE

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless • Kit No. 35017

RADIO VAN The rear body is a flat pack assembly with separate doors that can be posed open or closed. The large flat floor and wall pieces were warp free and the fit was excellent. On the real QLR the colour of the interior walls was Eau de Nil with a cream ceiling. For the Eau de Nil I used Tamiya XF-21 Sky which is probably a little too green, but given the limited visibility into the interior I wasn’t too fussed about absolute accuracy. The cream ceiling colour was mixed from Tamiya Liquid Surface Primer White with a touch of XF-57 Buff. For the linoleum floor I used XF-79 Deck Brown Linoleum. The wooden finish of the table tops was achieved with artists’ oil paint on top of Tamiya XF-15 Flesh, a technique that I honed on WWI aircraft models. Starting by placing a dab of oil paint on a piece of corrugated cardboard and leaving it for about 30 min to draw out the excess linseed oil, I mixed it with a bit of stand oil drying medium and then brushed a thin coat over the XF-15 and created the grain by dragging it with a clean rake brush. The oil paint remains workable for several

hours (and takes a couple of days to dry), allowing plenty of time to play around with it to get it just right. The No. 19 wireless set and mini switchboard are nicely detailed and could benefit from extra attention in the form of cords and cables, but I elected to simply paint them and crack the doors open to allow just a glimpse. The kit does not provide any antenna mounts, so I used the excellent turned brass and photoetch items from RB Model. As with most of the other brass on the model, I soldered these together for strength. Assembling the body was hassle free, with the parts fitting well without any fettling beyond a light sanding of the mating edges. I would have left the roof removable to allow the interior to be viewed but there was a gap of about quarter of a millimetre at one end, so I left it separate for painting and weathering and then glued it in place. The rack of tent poles mounted above the right rear wheel was a single, somewhat unconvincing part so I used brass strip and Evergreen styrene rod to fashion a replacement. A

The colour of the interior walls was Eau de Nil with a cream ceiling.

The rear body is a flat pack assembly with separate doors that can be posed open or closed.

The large flat floor and wall pieces were warp free.

The wooden finish of the table tops was achieved with artists’ oil paint on top of Tamiya XF-15 Flesh.

Fit was excellent.

A dab of oil paint is mixed with a bit of stand oil drying medium and then brushed in a thin coat over the XF-15 and created the grain by dragging it with a clean rake brush.

The No. 19 wireless set and mini switchboard are nicely detailed and could benefit from extra attention in the form of cords and cables. I elected to simply paint the radio and switchboard then crack the doors open to allow just a glimpse.

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For the linoleum floor I used XF-79 Deck Brown Linoleum.

An overall view of the back office!

The rack of tent poles mounted above the right rear wheel was a single, somewhat unconvincing part so I used brass strip and Evergreen styrene rod to fashion a replacement.

A ladder was scratch built from brass rod to replace the somewhat clunky kit item.

Assembling the body was hassle free.

This is a highly visible feature and well worth the extra work.

All the brackets and boxes were soldered to ensure a good, strong assembly.

Support frames were scratch build for under the top stowage box.

The excellent turned brass and photoetch PART photoetch brass fenders replaced antenna mounts from RB Model were used here. the thick kit pieces.

The model is now ready for camouflage painting.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless • Kit No. 35017

Keeping the chassis, cab and radio body separate, the windows were masked from the inside and primed the subassemblies with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black.

I used Silly Putty to mask the “Mickey Mouse” camouflage, consulting reference photos to establish the pattern. To make the “ears” I rolled different sized balls of Silly Putty and squashed them in place. Next I airbrushed the SCC15.

B PAINT AND MARKINGS Keeping the chassis, cab and radio body separate, I masked the windows from the inside and primed the subassemblies with Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black, thinned with Mr. Color Levelling Thinner. Next I sprayed Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black and used added some variation by airbrushing heavily thinned XF-1 Flat Black in the recesses and corners, and I hit the highlights with NATO Black lightened with XF-57 Buff, also heavily thinned. I used Silly Putty to mask the “Mickey Mouse” camouflage, consulting reference photos to establish the pattern. To make the “ears” I rolled different sized balls of Silly Putty and squashed them in place. Next I airbrushed the SCC15, taking care to direct the flow of paint perpendicular to the model’s surface in order to avoid any buildup at the edges of the Silly Putty masking. I wanted to depict an anonymous 1st Canadian Army rear echelon vehicle, which were typically devoid of unit and formation markings. The only decal I used was the bridging number “6” on the right front fender. The Allied stars on the sides and roof along with the War Department numbers on the cab and rear doors were all painted using masks cut with a computer controlled Silhouette Portrait stencil cutter. For these markings I used Tamiya XF-2 Flat White cut with XF-57 Buff so it wasn’t quite so stark on the darker camouflage colours. I painted the tyres Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black and freehand airbrushed the wheel rims SCC15, not concerning myself with masking as weathering would obscure any minor overspray. Once the basic camouflage was complete, I removed the masking and installed the windows. Using the injection moulded kit windows as templates, I fashioned replacements from acetate cut using the Silhouette Portrait.

I wanted to depict an anonymous 1st Canadian Army rear echelon vehicle, which were typically devoid of unit and formation markings. The sub-assemblies were painted separately.

The Allied stars on the sides and roof along with the War Department numbers on the cab and rear doors were all painted using masks.

Tyres were painted Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black. The wheel rims were painted SCC15. Masking was not necessary as weathering would obscure any minor overspray.

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Ready for final weathering and finishing touches. The main components have been assembled without glue at this time.

WEATHERING Weathering was done primarily with pigments and oils. The first step was to give the subassemblies a pin wash of Raw Umber oil paint thinned with low odour mineral spirits. I made the wash fairly heavy and cleaned up any excess with cotton swabs and paint brushes moistened with thinner. Switching my attention to the chassis, I mixed up a couple of shades of pigments, mixing different grey pigments in with MiG European Dust to reduce the intensity a bit. I dabbed and poked the pigments onto the chassis parts and fixed them in place with low odour thinner. Greasy spots like the driveshaft universal joints and wheel bearings were picked out with a heavy Raw Umber wash, plus some AK Engine Oil. I sprinkled pigment in the wheel rims and fixed them in place with thinner and airbrushed heavily thinned Tamiya XF-57 Buff on the sidewalls of the tyres. Then I brushed a slurry of pigment and thinner in the treads and removed the excess with a stiff brush after it had dried, finally smearing black pigment on the treads using my finger. I applied some sponge chipping to the cab and radio van, keeping it subtle and understated as this was a support vehicle and would not have been subject to the same abuse as a front line combat vehicle. A

Pigment was sprinkled in the wheel rims and fixed them in place with thinner and airbrushed heavily thinned Tamiya XF-57 Buff on the sidewalls of the tyres. A slurry of pigment and thinner was brushed in the treads and removed the excess with a stiff brush Switching my attention to the chassis, I mixed up a couple of shades of pigments, mixing different grey pigments in with MiG European Dust to reduce the intensity a bit.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless • Kit No. 35017

B Next I created an overall dusty

appearance with several filters of Titanium Buff oil paint. Here the trick of drawing out the excess linseed oil using cardboard really pays off, allowing the paint to be thinned right down and leaving a dead flat finish. Oils were also used to create vertical streaks and rain marks by applying dabs pulling them downward and feathering them out with a brush moistened with thinner. I misted some Tamiya Buff heavily thinned with rubbing alcohol on the lower 3rd of the model and scrubbed some MiG European Dust into the paint where more dust and dirt would accumulate. A dusty, dirty model with spotlessly clean windows would look odd, so I cut some Tamiya tape in the shape of the wiper pattern and misted a very light coat of more heavily thinned XF-57 Buff over all windows, and brushed on a little MiG pigment mixed with water to depict the accumulation of dirt at the wipers’ limit of travel. I took a brush moistened with Tamiya Lacquer thinner to the rest of the windows and cleaned off most of the “dust,” leaving an accumulation around the edges as if the crew had wiped them clean with rags.

DETAILS AND FINAL TOUCHES

Next I created an overall dusty appearance with several filters of Titanium Buff oil paint.

I misted some Tamiya Buff heavily thinned with rubbing alcohol on the lower 3rd of the model.

Oils were also used to create vertical streaks and rain marks.

Some MiG European Dust was scrubbed into the paint where more dust and dirt would accumulate.

We can glimpse the switchboard and Dario through the partially opened door.

With most of the handling of the model behind me I attached the more delicate details. The wing mirror stalks were made from brass wire, and the reflective mirror surfaces from Mylar cut on (you guessed it) the Silhouette Portrait and attached with Future. I hollowed out the one blackout headlamp, painted it silver and filled it with clear 5 minute epoxy, while the unused driver’s side headlamp provided the blackout hood. The turn signal lamps each received a little dab of 5 minute epoxy mixed with a tiny bit of white oil paint for a milky appearance. The final little touch was to hang a turned brass bucket by RB Model from the rear hitch. I replicated the look of galvanized steel by first airbrushing it with Alclad Duraluminum and then sponging lighter and darker shades of silver mixed from Vallejo Air Chrome Silver and Black.

CONCLUSION I had to wait almost four decades to do it, but I was finally able to put a Bedford QLR in the display cabinet. While not without some challenges, this was a very enjoyable, if fiddly, project. Having just picked up IBG’s latest Scammell Pioneer SV2S it is obvious that IBG has upped their game considerably in the past couple of years. ■

I cut some Tamiya tape in the shape of the wiper pattern and misted a very light coat of more heavily thinned XF-57 Buff over all windows, and brushed on a little MiG pigment mixed with water to depict the accumulation of dirt at the wipers’ limit of travel.

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I had to wait almost four decades to do it, but I was finally able to put a Bedford QLR in the display cabinet.

The final little touch was to hang a turned brass bucket by RB Model from the rear hitch

I hollowed out the one blackout headlamp, painted it silver and filled it with clear 5 minute epoxy.

Modelspec IBG Models 1:35 Bedford QLR Wireless Kit No. 35017 Kit Materials Used:

IBG’s Bedford was well worth the wait!

Grey and clear injection moulded styrene, waterslide decals. Accessories Used: Panzer Art: RE35-261 Bedford QLC Firestone Road Wheels RB Model: 35A07 Aerial Base for British Tanks, 35D09 Metal Bucket PART: P35-254 Bedford QLD General Service Eduard: 36315 Bedford QL Series; XT212 Bedford QL Series Masking Set Paints and Finishing Products: Tamiya Acrylics: XF-1 Flat Black, XF-2 Flat White, XF-10 Flat Brown, XF-15 Flesh, XF-21 Sky, X22 Clear, XF-23 Light Blue, XF-49 Khaki, XF-57 Buff, XF-58 Olive Green, XF-59 Desert Yellow, XF-68 NATO Brown, XF-69 NATO Black, XF-71 Cockpit Green, XF-79 Deck Brown Linoleum, XF-81 RAF Dark Green, XF-85 Rubber Black Alclad II Lacquers: ALC-102 Duraluminum Vallejo Acrylics; 71.057 Black, 71.064 Chrome Silver, 70.303 Yellowish Rust, 70.872 Chocolate Brown Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1500 Black AK Interactive; AK 082 Engine Grime, AK 084 Engine Oil MiG Pigments; P023 Black Smoke, P028 European Dust, P035 Panzer Grey Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oils; Raw Umber, Titanium Buff References: Bedford QL 3-ton WWII Trucks in Detail, published by WWP Wings & Wheels Publications, 2012, ISBN 978-8087509104 Bedford at War: Classic Military Vehicle, published by Kelsey Publishing Ltd., 2005, ISBN 978-1873098721 The only decal I used was the bridging number “6” on the right front fender.

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KIT PREVIEW

Kinetic 1:35 M3A3 Bradley CFV • Kit No. K61014

Decals are printed perfectly by Cartograf.

Kinetic has released a 1:35 scale kit of the latest version of the M3A3 Bradley. The Editor takes a look.

UPGRADED BRADLEY T

he M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (CFV) is an American tracked armoured reconnaissance vehicle used by heavy armoured cavalry units in the United States Army. The M3 Bradley CFV is very similar to the M2 Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) and is fielded with the same twoman 25mm Bushmaster Cannon turret with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. It only varies from the M2 in a few subtle ways and by role. The M3 is classified as an armoured reconnaissance and scout vehicle and does away with the firing ports found in the M2 series. The M3 also carries more TOW missiles as well as more ammunition for its 25mm and 7.62mm guns. The Bradley family as a whole was originally intended to support the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), but ended up replacing it altogether. Today, the Bradley is fielded in conjunction with the M1 Abrams series of main battle tanks and often accompanies infantry squads into combat. In the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Bradleys and their 25mm cannon / TOW anti-tank missile combination destroyed more enemy tanks than the M1 Abram. Only three Bradleys were lost to enemy fire, however, at least 17 were lost to friendly fire. Improvements to the Bradley family have included enhanced identification features, as well as anti-tank missile countermeasures (for first generation wire-guided missiles only) and improved armour protection in the form of ERA. The M3A3 model of the Bradley uses enhanced information and communication equipment,

a central processing unit, and information displays for the vehicle commander and squad leader. The M3A3 is compatible with the inter-vehicular communication system of the M1A2 Abrams tank and AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter. The commander has an independent thermal viewer and a new integrated sight unit called the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS), which allows automatic gun adjustments, automatic boresighting, and tracking of dual targets. The roof is reinforced with titanium armour. Many M3A3s were converted from M3A2s. Kinetic has released a 1:35 scale M3A3 Bradley that is based on the sprues of 2014’s Orochi kit. Kinetic’s 1:35 scale M3A3 Bradley comprises 375 parts in grey plastic, 30 parts in clear, 18 polythene caps and one fret of photo-etched parts. As far as I can tell, the main differences are the colour of the plastic (grey for Kinetic and sand coloured for Orochi); and new link and length tracks in this latest version. The Orochi kit had individual links, so the Kinetic tracks will be faster and easier to assemble. The decal sheet is different too. The hull is made up from two main parts – a lower tub and upper superstructure. The turret is similarly conventional with

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upper and lower halves. Surface textures are generally crisp and include important elements such as non-slip texture and raised bolt heads. The running gear is based on separate swing arms. The road wheels are made up from five parts each. A polythene cap is trapped between the outer and inner road wheels, followed by outer and inner plastic tyres. The link and length tracks are well detailed. There are some small and shallow ejector circles on the inside surface of the track lengths, but I think these will be pretty much invisible once the model is complete. The individual links are attached to the sprue at four points each. The photo-etched fret offers mesh. Clear parts are supplied for vision blocks. The decal sheet provides a number jungle and stencil markings. This looks like a solid and well detailed exterior display piece. Its relatively modest parts count also means that Kinetic’s 1:35 M3A3 Bradley should be pretty straightforward to build. ■

Moulding quality is first rate.

The upper turret part.

Non-slip texture is nicely done.

Rear upper hatch part.

Optional ERA is included.

Kinetic Models are available online from Lucky Model www.luckymodel.com Link and length tracks are included.

The kit includes a photo-etched fret.

The one-piece upper hull.

* Historical information courtesy of Wikipedia.

The clear sprue.

06/02/2018 11:01

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Scratch Built 1:35 Hubert, the “Little Tank” from ‘Allo ‘Allo!

HUBERT

AKA LT. GRUBER’S LITTLE TANK FROM ‘ALLO ‘ALLO!

Kamil Feliks Sztarbala scratch-builds a mocked-up armoured car from the classic 1980s TV comedy, ‘Allo ‘Allo!

ur younger readers may never have heard of the British TV comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo!, but for many of those that are now in their thirties or forties, the story of René Artois, the owner of a small café in occupied France, is a true classic. Even though this TV series featured many colourful characters, a few of them really stuck in the memories of each and every viewer. Without a doubt, one of these was definitely Lt. Gruber and his ‘little tank’. Of course, we all recall the latter as a real Sd.Kfz. 222, but at the time when the series was aired, there was no internet nor any rivet-counters. In fact, ‘Hubert’, as the vehicle was called by Gruber, was a rather modestly successful replica, built on the chassis of a British light artillery tractor or armoured car. In particular, the Humber armoured car is often mentioned as the chassis donor. Following this, I initially thought that I could replicate the dummy Sd.Kfz. 222 in 1:35 scale, using Bronco’s Humber kit. However, whilst watching a number of episodes… I mean, upon closer inspection of the reference material… I discovered that neither the Humber nor any other vehicle available as 1:35 scale plastic kit could be used without some serious modifications. Through the good offices of IBG Models, I received a couple of spare sprues, including the chassis elements of their 1:35 Chevrolet C15 kit. This was supplemented with a set of resin Humber AC wheels from PanzerArt. The rest had to be built from scratch. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Scratch Built 1:35 Hubert, the “Little Tank” from ‘Allo ‘Allo!

CONSTRUCTION

The kit and accessories are brought together.

Construction started with the chassis and running gear. I left the engine and other parts that protruded over the chassis frame as separate elements, as their attachement at this stage would impede the construction of the hull.

To fit the wheels, I had to slightly alter the disc brakes. I also created the new hubcaps in accordance with the reference images.

Once I’d shortened the chassis frame, I could begin fitting the hull floor. Firstly, I cut a rectangular piece of 0.7mm styrene sheet to a suitable size.

Next, I made an opening for the engine.

Through trial and error, I determined the shape of the lower half of the hull side…

…which was subsequently duplicated using a piece of 0.7mm styrene sheet.

The hull side halves were then glued to the floor and fixed in position with tiny triangular ribs.

After another examination of reference photos, I scratch built the front and rear walls of the hull…

…and added the small upper side wall sections.

This allowed me to adjust the roof. I shaped the rear area of this…

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…and cut out the aperture for the turret, using Olfa’s compass cutter.

06/02/2018 11:06

Now, I had to cut the front area of the roof to the correct shape.

Whilst building the engine deck, I discovered that the front hull plate had the wrong shape and inclination. Fortunately, the correction wasn’t really difficult.

I progressively attached the subsequent ‘armour’ plates to the hull.

Of course, I was following the example of the replica used in ‘Allo ‘Allo!, which was very different from a real Sd.Kfz. 222, as can be noted on this picture, using Tamiya’s kit as comparison.

Eventually, I managed to reproduce the shape of the dummy ‘Hubert’ quite accurately.

Using a rotary tool, I milled out wheel arch apertures in order to fit the steering mechanism.

The interior was equipped with two seats and some plastic tubing, which had to act as the gun base.

With the hull complete, I could focus on the fenders. In the first instance, I replicated the rear ones, as they partly formed a joint section with the rear hull plate.

A special angle measuring tool was very useful for determining the shape of the specific fender plates, which were then cut from pieces of 0.5mm styrene sheet.

To create the front fenders, I first added the horizontal plates, as their size was the easiest to ascertain.

Next, I added the remaining elements.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Scratch Built 1:35 Hubert, the “Little Tank” from ‘Allo ‘Allo!

The edges were taped with lengths of 0.25 x 2.5mm styrene strip.

It was possible to use some small details sourced from Tamiya’s Sd.Kfz. 222 kit during the fitting out of this model…

To make the spare wheel support frame, I used various styrene cut into angles, plus some thick rod.

The wheel itself was borrowed from Tamiya’s Quad Gun Tractor kit. To The side stowage bin required more attention, as I had to ensure the suit it to the spare wheel role, I had to remove some of the screws, and proper shape of the wall sections. drill tiny holes in those positions.

The reproduction of the distinctive rivets located on the front hull plate was a lot easier. I drilled shallow holes in the correct positions, using a 0.4 mm drill bit, held with a pin vise.

These apertures were filled with droplets of Tamiya Extra Thin I could now add a box to the front plate, and detail it with some spare Cement, and subsequently plugged with tiny glass balls, applied with a photo-etched parts. wet brush. BGA solder balls would work equally as well.

The jerry cans, donated by one of the DML kits, were mounted within the photo-etched racks. The latter came from Eduard’s update set for Tamiya’s Sd.Kfz. 222.

Another two stowage bins were cut from sections of 5mm styrene sheet, and further improved with extra detail, added from lengths of styrene rod of a suitable shape.

I then again used parts from Tamiya’s Sd.Kfz. 222 kit, such as tools and lights.

The same kit supplied the turret and armament. The MG 34 machine gun was however replaced with a more refined representation, borrowed from a DML kit.

I also had to plug the sighting slit in the turret…

…and remove the locating pins for the side vision ports, as ‘Hubert’ lacked them.

…but the vision ports in the front part of the vehicle had to be scratched from lengths of 4 x 4mm styrene rod.

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The searchlight from a Bronco kit was attached to a scratch built mount.

â&#x20AC;Śand other small details, including the bumper ends, and brass outline markers from RB Model.

Finally, I added the hingesâ&#x20AC;Ś

The model was ready for painting.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Scratch Built 1:35 Hubert, the “Little Tank” from ‘Allo ‘Allo!

PAINTING Even though single-coloured models are the easiest to paint in an attractive manner, in this case I encountered a few small problems. First of all, the ‘little tank’ of Lt. Gruber was always presented in perfect condition. This excluded the addition of any paint chips, scratches or rust, which usually add visual interest to models of armoured fighting vehicles. Moreover, I had to be more moderate with the application of various tricks that are associated with creating light and shade effects, or colour modulation, as any exaggeration would lead to an unnatural result.

The painting process was started by priming the entire model, including its interior, with a layer of Tamiya XF-1 ‘Flat Black’.

Mr.Hobby H331 ‘Dark Sea Gray’ was used to highlight the edges and emphasize the light on the edgy hull. I also added some vertical streaks.

My next step was to airbrush Mr.Color C40 ‘German Gray’ over all exterior surfaces, minus the tires. I allowed the black primer to slightly show through the base coat.

The effect was strengthened with a slightly lighter grey tone, ie. Mr.Color C307 ‘FS36320 Gray’. This paint was applied more precisely and in smaller quantities than the previous one. At this stage, I also accentuated the details.

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By spraying a transparent layer of Mr.Hobby H95 ‘Smoke Gray’, I enhanced the appearance of the shadows. I could now apply the decals, and paint various details. Lifecolor acrylics from CS-20 ‘Weathered Wood Set’ were brushed on the shovel handle, whilst ‘Tire Black’ from the same manufacturer, was used to create the appropriate colour on the rubber parts. I also used Vallejo 70991 ‘Dark Sea Grey’ for painting the jerry cans, and AK-Interactive AK798 ‘Gunmetal’ to finish the guns and shovel blade.

This allowed me to attach the mesh turret covers, and seal the paintwork with a layer of satin varnish.

06/02/2018 11:08

Details were brought out with AK-Interactive AK070 ‘Brown-Blue Wash Any excess can be usually removed with a paper towel… for Panzer Gray Vehicles’. I applied the enamel products around the small details and into various nooks and crannies, using a brush.

…although in some less-accessible areas, I had to employ cotton buds for this purpose.

Once the enamel had fully dried, I could proceed with the weathering.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Scratch Built 1:35 Hubert, the “Little Tank” from ‘Allo ‘Allo!

WEATHERING As mentioned earlier, the specifics of the movie prop forced me to be very subtle in creating any wear and tear, but I didn’t want to give up completely, because even a car used just for Sunday shopping shows some signs of usage. Therefore, I decided to add very fine damage to the paint layer and a little dirt resulting from field recording. The main, or perhaps the only entry hatch of the dummy vehicle, was located in the rear area. It was logical that in this region, there would be at least a few scratches present. These were painted with Vallejo 70883 ‘Silver Gray’.

I also added a few tiny spots to the door sill and edges, using A.MIG-044 ‘Chipping Color’.

The lower areas of the hull were airbrushed with AK-Interactive’s AK017 ‘Earth Effects’ and AK015 ‘Dust Effects’ enamels, heavily diluted with white spirit. This was especially the case around the inner surfaces of the wheel arches. Next, I created some small mud splashes by speckling the chosen areas with Tamiya Weathering Sticks ‘Mud’ and ‘Sand’, mixed with a little water.

The above mentioned treatments were repeated on the wheels and chassis frame. Afterwards, I added some dirt to the tire tread. For this purpose, I gently tapped the surface with Tamiya Weathering Stick ‘Light Earth’.

I then fixed the hull to the chassis and attached some details that were left separate for the painting and weathering processes.

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FIGURES The ‘little tank’ certainly needed a crew. I not only had to take care of recreating the vehicle’s commander, Lt. Gruber, but to also include his ghost driver, Clarence. The latter remained a ghost character in the TV series, much in the same way as in my model.

With the body assembled, I could determine the height of the platform in order to fit the figure within the vehicle.

Next, I sculpted the sleeve from Magic Sculpt.

The figure of Clarence was created by Finally, a steering wheel sourced from IBG’s Chevrolet kit modifying a U.S. driver sourced from my was placed within his hands. spares. I cut its legs in such a way that it could be fitted inside hull, and replaced the head with one wearing the German Feldmütze.

The platform was fitted to the vehicle.

The figure was test fitted on the platform.

The same epoxy putty was used to create the head.

Replicating Lt. Gruber required more effort. The mannequin was built from torso and leg parts that came from DML’s German Officers set. I only drilled an aperture for the neck within the collar.

For the right arm, I utilized a plastic part from the aforementioned DML set, which required only minor adjustment. However, the left arm had to be made from scratch. Firstly, I created a skeleton from wire, and glued a resin hand to this.

I then added the adjutant’s Aiguillette, made from braided 0.2mm tin wire, and shoulder straps represented with tiny pieces of thin styrene strip. The gloves were sculpted from two-part epoxy putty.

Finally, I fitted the cap to the head, glued them together, and posed the resulting element within the aperture in the collar.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Scratch Built 1:35 Hubert, the “Little Tank” from ‘Allo ‘Allo!

Lt. Gruber in his little tank!

I didn’t pay a lot of attention to finishing Clarence, as he would disappear inside the vehicle anyway.

Clarence in the vehicle. In the case of Lt. Gruber figure, I began by painting the face. For this purpose, I used the reliable AK-Interactive AK3010 ‘Flesh and Skin Colors’ set. The basic colour of the uniform was applied with three tones from AK-Interactive AK3090 ‘WWI German Uniforms’ set, whilst the remaining details were brushed with various colours from Vallejo Model Color range.

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The finished figure was glued to the platform placed inside the ‘little tank’.

Sometimes, the only way that you will be able to model a specialised subject is to build it from scratch.

We won’t be seeing this one from a major manufacturer any time soon!

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KIT PREVIEW

MiniArt 1:35 SU-85 Early Production Model 1944 Interior Kit • Kit No. 35204

Engine fan and interior parts.

The kit’s decal sheet.

Internal fuel tanks.

FULL INTERIOR! The Editor examines one of the latest in MiniArt’s 1:35 scale Soviet tank destroyer family – the SU-85 Early Production Model 1944 Interior Kit.

arly in World War II, Soviet tanks such as the T-34 and KV-1 had adequate firepower to defeat any of the German tanks then available. By the autumn of 1942, Soviet forces began to encounter the new German Tiger tank, with armour too thick to be penetrated by the 76.2 mm guns used in the T-34 and KV tanks at a safe range. The Soviet command also had reports of the Panther tank, that was in development then and possessed thicker armour than the Tiger; both represented an advance in German tank design. Although the Panther was not seen in combat until July 1943, the new generation of German vehicles meant the Red Army would need a new, more powerful main gun for their armoured formations. In May 1943, work was begun on a new anti-tank gun. Military planners directed the design bureaus of both Gen. Vasiliy Grabin and Gen. Fyodor Petrov to modify the 85 mm antiaircraft gun for use as an antitank weapon. Petrov’s bureau developed the D-5 85 mm gun. Though much too large for the T-34 or KV-1 turret, it was thought the gun could be mounted upon the chassis of the SU-122 selfpropelled gun to give the weapon mobility. The version of this gun intended to be mounted upon the SU-85 was called the D-5S, with the “S” standing for selfpropelled. Initially the production factory at Uralmash rejected the proposed design. Nevertheless, the

administrators at Uralmash were persuaded to proceed, and the new design was put into production. The weapon was later modified to include a telescopic sight and a new ball gun mantlet. The SU-85 was a modification of the earlier SU-122 selfpropelled howitzer, essentially replacing the 122 mm M-30S howitzer of the SU-122 with a D-5T high-velocity 85 mm antitank gun. The D-5T was capable of penetrating the Tiger I from 1000 m. The vehicle had a low profile and excellent mobility. Initially given an armoured commander’s cap on the first batch, the SU-85’s observational optics were improved by the introduction of a standard commander’s cupola - the same as on the T-34/76 model 1942. In addition to the already existing prismatic observation sights installed in left side and rear. On later vehicles, the same optics were added, almost allowing allaround observation. One of MiniArt’s latest additions to their SU-122 / 85 / 100 family is this SU-85 Early Production Model 1944 Interior Kit. The biggest difference between the MiniArt SU-85 Model 1943 reviewed recently and this release is the inclusion of a full interior – both fighting compartment and engine compartment. MiniArt’s 1:35 scale this SU-85 Early Production Model 1944 Interior Kit comprises more than 1,000 parts in grey plastic, 10 parts in clear plastic, 73 parts in photo-etch and markings for a whopping 12 vehicles.

This compares with 530 grey plastic parts in the non-interior kit, so nearly half the parts are for the interior alone. And that interior is very comprehensive, with all the fittings, ammo racks packed with two varieties of shell, gun breech, engine, radiator and much more. By contrast, the exterior appears to be quite straightforward. These is a core of parts including the flat-pack lower hull and the upper half shell. The latter really only provides the engine deck and the track guards, with the superstructure comprising separate mantlet, sides, rear and roof. The vents on the sided of the engine deck are hollowed out, and MiniArt offers optional solid plastic or photo-etched mesh for the rear deck grille. The running gear is beautifully detailed, and the road wheels are crisply presented. The tyres are the perforated variety. On vehicle equipment looks good, including a pair of all-plastic tow cables! The decal sheet is noteworthy too, offering a whopping 12 options in a choice of winter and summer camouflage. SU-85 Early Production Model 1944 Interior Kit is a very well detailed model and should be appropriate for experienced modellers. If you rate the appeal of your models by the time spent on a challenging and detailed project, this model will be great value! ■

Shell stowage.

Engine parts.

Three styles of ammo are included.

Interior detail parts.

The kit offers a generous 12 marking options.

Thanks to Creative Models Australia for the sample www.creativemodels.com.au Options include summer and winter finishes.

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NEW in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series

How to Build... TAMIYA 1:32 F4U-1A and F4U-1D CORSAIR

When Tamiya released their 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc in 2009, they set a new standard for plastic model kits. Each model since then has seen incremental improvements. Just when you think the series can’t get any better, Tamiya goes and proves you wrong. Their 1:32 scale Birdcage Corsair was released in mid-2013. This was an outstanding kit in every respect. Tamiya expanded their 1:32 scale Corsair family with an F4U-1A in late 2014. This kit included several new sprues and offered a wider range of camouflage and marking possibilities. Tamiya has now completed the -1 trio with their new 1:32 scale F4U-1D Corsair. Once again, this kit includes a significant number of brand new sprues to depict the unique attributes of this variant. We can also marvel at the kit’s subtle surface textures, high level of detail, clever parts breakdown and accuracy. In this new book, we provide an exhaustive stepby-step illustrated guide to building and detailing the 1:32 scale F4U-1D and F4U-1A, offering plenty of inspiration with two different configurations and colour schemes.

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06/02/2018 11:29

PANTHER 326 FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon Models 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production • Kit No. 6358

’d always wanted to depict a Panther Ausf. A from a skirmish occurring between 3rd Company 12th SS Panzer Regiment and Canadian Fireflies of the Elgin Regiment near Norrey-en-Bessin on June 9th 1944. Panther “326” was able to retreat and was photographed as it parked in the main street of nearby Villenueve. While touring a few WWII battlegrounds in northwest France, friends and I located the spot using Georges Bernage’s great reference The Panzers and The Battle of Normandy.

Having an exquisite set of resin miniatures sculpted by John Rosengrant kicking around in my stash for a number of years, I decided it was time to add them to the DML Ausf A kit and create a similar scene to the one depicted on the figure’s box photos. This kit I chose was the Premium edition of the DML Panther Ausf.A which included a full set of etched metal details, magic tracks, and a turned aluminium barrel, although I ended up replacing a lot of that with some better detailed aftermarket accessories. A

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Gary Edmundson recreates a scene during a lull in the fighting at Normandy.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon Models 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production • Kit No. 6358

B ZIMMERIT The kit does not include the Zimmerit texture which all Panther A types had. The variation in patterns was wide, depending on the factory supplying the vehicle. The Zimmerit pattern on this Panther is hard to determine from the period photos – they just aren’t clear enough. Most references (including Ron Volstad’s artwork for the other release of this model) suggest that the pattern of squares was what it probably had, but I opted for a scheme shown in an earlier Spielberger/Feist publication on the Panther tank which depicted an early Panther A in detail from all angles. That pattern showed horizontal lines of ridges, squared off in small sections. Perhaps not historically accurate but I felt I had a better chance of emulating that look as opposed to others. Using Aves epoxy putty “Apoxie Sculpt”, and the Spielberger/Feist Panther book as a detailed guide, I added a pea-sized lump to the surface of the model, and worked one section at a time. By thinning it down as flat as I could get it, and working it with a screwdriver, I placed the horizontal pattern in place before sectioning off the squares with a thin six-inch ruler’s straight edge. I used tap water to dampen the surface and help the tools not stick to the putty. I had to add components to the turret and hull like tool storage frames and details to the rear hull initially so that the putty could be worked around them as on the real vehicle. Although a lot of it could not be seen easily, I also added Zimmerit pattern to the lower hull above the running gear. The process was slow and laborious, and I can see why this task puts modellers off doing it.

A typical Zimmerit pattern used on Panthers operated by the 12th SS Pz.Rgt. in Normandy was fashioned from Aves Apoxie Sculpt

Parts A and B of the putty were combined and pressed onto the surface of the model

The putty was worked as flat as possible with the help of water across a workable area, and the excess trimmed from the edges

Using a screwdriver, ridges were made in a horizontal pattern, keeping them A squared pattern was added to the ridges using a thin straight edge from more or less level with the ground, or bottom of the turret in this case. a 6 inch metal ruler.

Zimmerit was added to the hull studying photos of where it was applied or left clean. Figures were also test-fitted at this point.

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DML’s kit –supplied engine deck screens seemed a bit course

TRACKS The Magic Tracks that came with the model were discarded in favour of a set of Model Kasten set that I had picked up previously. The detail on these were a bit more crisp than the DML kit ones. The problem with the MK tracks is that each guide horn has to be individually glued in place, requiring plenty of trimming from the plastic runner, and being exposed to plenty of Tamiya’s Extra Thin cement vapour along the way.

Alliance Modelworks screens were more representative of the real thing.

Spare track hangers were improved by using thin metal from an old tune of contact cement, ink eraser brush filaments, and miniature chain from a model railroad shop.

ModelKasten tracks replaced the kit’s Magic Tracks.

EXTERIOR DETAILS When I attached the engine deck grills supplied with the kit, they seemed to obscure the vent openings too much. I obtained a set of screens from Alliance Modelworks which were much finer, and they looked more the business when installed. DML’s parts for attaching the spare track links to the hull seemed a bit clunky, so new ones were fashioned from styrene and thin strips of soft metal from an empty tube of contact cement. I bent filaments from an ink eraser brush to make the retaining pins for the spare track links, and added miniature chain picked up years ago at a model railroad shop. The tool clasps were from Aber’s photo-etched line of products. They are workable, and every time I set out to make the dozen or so needed for a new project I have to re-learn how to manage assembling them. A decent set of tweezers, a steady hand, heavy magnification, and all the patience you can muster are needed! A length of Karaya copper cable had two end-connecters attached, replacing the tow cable provided in the kit which more resembles picture hanging wire.

Workable Aber tool clasps were added to the tool stowage

The small track-tension cable wrapped around the jack block was a piece of annealed cable from an old drafting table.

PAINTING THE VEHICLE To give the model a pre-shade it was airbrushed with a mixture of Tamiya’s XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown, ensuring that all of the nooks and crannies were covered. XF-60 Dark Yellow diluted with Tamiya’s thinner X-20A was A April 2018 - Model Military International 45

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon Models 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production • Kit No. 6358

B misted onto the surface allowing

the dark base coat to show through as shadow, with the colour slowly being built up in large, wider areas. By taking time to slowly add the colour, enough variance can be added to the painted surface. The camouflage pattern of Panther 326 was studied from the period photos, and German camo green UA206 and red brown UA 211 were airbrushed on using colours from Lifecolour’s acrylic range. The aluminium parts provided for the hull skirts were first primed with Tamiya’s Grey Lacquer before receiving the previously mentioned colours. Although the primer helped the paint stick, these metal parts were very easy to scratch and care and touch-ups were needed later in the process. Details such as spare track links, tools, hull machine gun and exhaust stacks were then painted in Vallejo acrylics

MARKINGS Because of the Zimmerit creating an uneven surface, use of decals was avoided. The turret numbers were painted using the kit’s decal sheet as a stencil. The numbers were carefully removed using a sharp Xacto blade, then the sheet was placed over the model and airbrushed using a toned down red (XF-7 with a bit of XF-1 Black added). Once removed, the numbers were outlined with a thin line of off-white. The national crosses on

Worn metal on the road wheels was shown by rubbing the surface with graphite from an HB pencil

After pre-shading the model with a very dark brown acrylic mix, he overall dark yellow colour was airbrushed on using Tamiya’s XF-60

ModelKasten’s tracks were painted with a lacquer based dark brown paint

Earth coloured chalk pastels were ground into a tin plate, mixed with Tamiya acrylic thinner, and applied to the tracks. Later, they were “metalized” by rubbing a toned-down silver enamel onto the high points.

the hull sides were hand painted with a brush, first pencilling in the pattern and then working with Vallejo Black Grey and Off White.

WEATHERING The surface of the model was then given a dark oil paint wash. Working on small sections at a time, the surface was dampened with mineral spirits, and then diluted oil paint was applied to the details and crevices. If a tide mark appeared, it was blended away with a second, dry brush. By

A stencil was made from the decal sheet to paint on the turret numbers.

dragging the brush in a downward direction, the painted surface can be given a mottled, streaked appearance indicative of spills and precipitation. The wheels were also given the oil paint wash, along with extra attention to the hubs where grease would gather. Lead pencil graphite was rubbed onto the parts where contact with the tracks would occur giving a metallic sheen without it seeming bright and garish. The metal parts of the tools and machine gun were initially painted

The improvised stencil was positioned onto the turret on each of the three sides using Tamiya’s masking tape.

National crosses on the hull sides were hand-painted with dark grey and off-white Vallejo acrylics.

either black or dark grey, and then highlighted with a mix of silver enamel and dark umber oil paint. Tracks were painted with what little Floquil Dark Brown I have left. Since the paint was lacquer based, it can be washed over with a mix of earth coloured pastel chalks diluted with Tamiya acrylic thinner. It was my go-to track paint but is no longer available. When the pastel/thinner mix dried, I drybrushed the tracks with the silver/ dark umber oil mix to give a worn, metalized look. A

Tamiya XF-7 toned down with a touch of black was airbrushed over the stencil to create the initial numbers. These were then filled in with similar shade of Vallejo acrylic, and then traced with thin lines of off-white.

A wash of thinned oil paint was applied to the model using raw umber and black. The entire model was covered, but the paint was concentrated in certain areas to show dirt accumulation, and detail enhancement.

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Lifecolor brand paints were used for the green and brown camouflage patches that were airbrushed on the model.

The exhaust stacks were painted dark grey, but weathered heavily with brown and orange artist chalk pastels.

The muzzle break was painted distinctly dark grey, since it seemed common to cover this when the barrel received (if at all) the camo paint.

The model was drybrushed with a lighter shade of German dark yellow in some areas to enhance the appearance of the Zimmerit and other features.

Some small scratches were added to the paint around high-traffic areas using dark grey acrylic and a 000 brush, but these were kept to a minimum.

The engine deck was given a few fluid spill marks and scuffs with various acrylics.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Dragon Models 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production • Kit No. 6358

The figures were finished overall in Vallejo acrylics, and oil paints for the faces.

S&T’s Panzer Commander by John Rosengrant is one of four resin figures by this company that were used for this project.

B The tailpipes were weathered by

adding rusty spots with dark brown acrylic paint, then rubbing brown, black & orange pastels over them. Paint chips were added using dark grey acrylic and a fine, pointed brush. They were kept to a minimum, and concentrated around the higher traffic areas. Parts of the vehicle which would have had the paint worn off by the tracks like the drive sprocket teeth, rear idler

and return rollers were all drybrushed with the “metalizer” mixture of silver enamel and raw umber oil paint.

ADDING FIGURES As previously mentioned, John Rosengrant’s figures are nicely sculpted and feature uniforms of the Waffen SS which go along with the subject. Each figure was airbrushed black, and then a lighter base uniform colour of khaki was sprayed over that. With some help from Calvin Tan’s Osprey book on

painting camouflage uniforms, I painted each figure’s outfit using Vallejo colours mapped out in that reference. Two of the figures received pea-pattern tunics, and the other two featured an oakleaf pattern for variety. The faces and hands were primed a dark flesh colour, and painted using oils.

DISPLAY BASE A small section of Styrofoam was glued onto a piece of plywood, and Celluclay papier-mâché was

mixed with a bit of water, white glue and acrylic paint colour to form the groundwork. Sand and small grit were pressed into the soft mix after it was spread onto the base, and some dried decorative foliage was pressed into the background. Various colours of static grass were also pressed into place randomly. Artist’s matte board was glued to the sides of the plywood to give it a finished look, and a road sign from MK35 was positioned in front of the vehicle to indicate a Normandy setting.

The base was constructed using plywood with a small bank of Styrofoam for relief.

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CONCLUSION After finishing the Zimmerit job on this model, it languished in a box for over two years before I revived my effort to get it done. Partly due to other projects attracting my avid attention, and partly because armour modelling can be extremely tedious at times (track links, tool clasps, retaining chains, etc). Interest was rekindled by sitting down and spending small amounts of time on painting the figures, then needing to find them a nice “home”. It was a lot of fun re-joining the world of armour modelling after a brief hiatus! ■

The scene depicts Panther 326 of 12th SS Pz Regt. In the Normandy area, early June 1944.

Modelspec Dragon Models 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.171 Panther A Late Production Kit No. 6358 Accessories Used: Aber 35A93 German Clasps and Clamps ModelKasten SK-10 Late Panther working tracks Alliance Modelworks LW35013 1:35 Grill Mesh Dragon Panther A/D S&T 35013 Panzer Commander Standing Normandy S&T 35014 Panther Crew 12thSS Normandy Tools and Materials Used: Tamiya Extra Fine Cement, Aves Apoxie Sculpt Loctite 404 instant adhesive Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CRplus Airbrush, 10mm, 18mm, 40mm Tamiya Masking Tape, Paints and Finishing Products: Tamiya Acrylic paints as listed in the paint callouts. Winsor & Newton Oil Paint Series 1 554 Raw Umber, 331 Ivory Black Vallejo Acrylic paints as listed in the paint callouts Testors enamel Silver Mineral Spirit thinner

The figures are beautifully sculpted.

References: Panzers in Saumur No.2 Achtung Panzer #4 The Panzers and the Battle of Normandy – Georges Bernage Panzerkampfwagen V Panther - Spielberger & Feist Osprey Modelling No.30 Modelling the Panther Tank - S. Van Beveren Osprey Modeling No. 23 Modelling Waffen-SS Figures – C. Tan

Celluclay and various other groundwork products made for a realistic setting.

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06/02/2018 11:31

FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 Dingo Mk.II • Kit No. 32581

FAST SCOUT The Editor paints and weathers Tamiya’s 1:48 scale Daimler Dingo Mk.II.

he Daimler Scout Car, known in service as the Daimler "Dingo" (after the Australian wild dog), was a British light fast four-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle also used in the liaison role during the Second World War.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX Tamiya’s 1:48 scale Dingo Mk.II Scout Car was released in early 2015. Supplied on a two sprues, the kit comprises 57 parts in dark green plastic, which includes eleven parts for the two-man crew.

Surface features are mostly raised and all crisp. Even the exhaust and muffler are moulded to the hull side.

The model is extremely simple, with all hatches and visors moulded closed. Interior details are limited to seats for the two crew members, a steering wheel, internal visor detail and a fuel tank. Each axle with its two springs and shock absorbers are supplied as a single part. The steering is fixed in the straight-ahead position. Surface detail is by way of mostly raised detail for the hatches, doors, tie-downs and rivets, plus nicely moulded hinges. Ejector pin circles are limited to the insides of the hull, but they are quite visible when the model is built. The tyres are moulded in two pieces each from polystyrene plastic and the hub and tread texture looks good. There is a raised moulding seam along the centreline of each tyre and not really any detail to speak of on the back of the wheel. These are attached to the axle by simply gluing them in place – no poly caps here. On-vehicle tools comprise a shovel and a jack. The Bren gun is not included, as the passenger’s visor is moulded shut Markings are supplied for a single vehicle attached to 5th Guards Armoured Brigade. The vehicle is finished in Dark Green with a disruptive Mickey Mouse pattern in Black. A

The floor of the body is supplied as a separate part.

Fenders are moulded with recessed areas for various fittings.

Forward and rear body parts.

Smaller details are well moulded.

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ed.

Springs and shocks are moulded to the axles.

Wheels are broken down into two pieces The two crew figures are broken down with each. separate arms and head.

Figure detail is good and the poses are quite versatile.

Decals are supplied for a single vehicle from 5th Guards Armoured Brigade.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 Dingo Mk.II • Kit No. 32581

B SPEED BUILDING As you can probably tell from my in-box description, this is a very simple kit. Construction was correspondingly fast and easy. I actually have already described construction of this kit back in Issue 108, but it won’t take up much space to recap! I started building the model around 1:00pm and was finished basic construction by 2:30pm on the same day, including the time required to take and edit the photographs. There are no tricks or traps to speak of, but next time I would spend some time filling and sanding the ejector pin marks on the upper inside of the hull sides. Fit is as good as you would expect of a recent Tamiya kit. I did think that the model looked a little bare straight from the box. Once it was finished, I checked my reference books and online sources, but surprisingly few Dingoes carried much in the way of stowage. Despite this inconvenient fact, I decided to pull out my poetic licence and add some scratch built packs and tarps from Kneadatite two-part epoxy putty, plus 1:48 scale British packs and boxes from Black Dog and Verlinden resin sets. I will be using this vehicle in a larger diorama in future, so stay tuned!

The basic interior parts assembled.

The main body halves have been assembled here.

The interior parts simply drop in to the body. Fenders and body parts ready to the added.

A fair amount of detail is visible through the open top.

PAINTING AND MARKINGS With all the stowage in place, the model was first sprayed with two coats of Tamiya’s Grey Primer straight from the can. I had just received a sample of the new Sparmax Max-4 airbrush from The Airbrush Company, so I took the opportunity to try it out on this model. I was very pleased with the results. The base colour is Mr Color’s lacquer 304 – FS34087 Olive Drab. I sprayed a lighter shade on horizontal surfaces, near the top of the turret and hull sides, and the top third of the glacis plate. This was a mix of Mr Color Olive Drab and a decanted quantity of Tamiya TS-68 Wooden Deck Tan (a spray can colour).

This, in turn, is simply glued to the bottom of the hull.

Not much detail on the back of the wheels!

The simplicity of the kit’s running gear is obvious here.

Axles and shock absorbers added to the bottom of the body.

Voila! A lunchtime Dingo!

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Initial weathering comprised an overall brushed coat of SIN Industries P423 Dark Green Grey Filter. When this had dried, I applied a more selective pin wash using Winsor & Newton Oil Colour 35 – Raw Umber, thinned with mineral turpentine. The turps was also used to clean up any stray wash. The model was now sprayed with three thin coats of Future Floor Polish, and decals were applied. I wanted to finish my Humber in markings from an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment of 11th Armoured Division in Normandy. Decals are from Fighting 48th! and Archer Fine Transfers.

I added some scratch built tarps and rolls, with resin packs and boxes from Black Dog and Verlinden resin sets.

FIFTY SHADES OF DRAB Well, maybe not quite fifty, but I did want to break up the single colour of the basic vehicle. I thought the best way to do this was to use the stowage as a colour showcase. Even so, I did not want a harlequin finish so I chose shades that were similar to the Olive Drab base colour, but with enough variety to create some visual impact. A selection of Vallejo paints were used: • Vallejo Model Color –70893 US Dark Green; 70921 English Uniform; 70988 Khaki. • Vallejo Panzer Aces –317 British Tankcrew; 318 US Army Tankcrew. Straps were picked out with Panzer Aces 312 Leather Belt, while 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black) and 337 Highlight Ger. (Black) were employed for shading, outlines, tyres and metallic objects including tool heads, the jack and the machine gun barrel. The painted stowage was now brushed with a wash of Raw Umber oil paint, once again thinned with turpentine. Wooden tool handles were painted with a base coat of XF-59 Desert Yellow, with a thinned coat of XF-26 Clear Orange, followed by fine streaking with Vallejo Model Color 847 Dark Sand. The model was now sprayed with two thin coats of Alclad Flat Clear lacquer, then treated to dark brown-black “chipping” using J’s Work Chipping Effect Pen Set. The lower areas of the vehicle were sprayed with a very thin coat – around 10% paint and 90% thinner – of Tamiya XF-57 Buff, representing dust kicked up from the ground. A

The model first received a coat of Tamiya Grey Primer, straight from the spray can.

The base colour is Mr Color’s lacquer 304 – FS34087 Olive Drab

Initial weathering comprised an overall brushed coat of SIN Industries P423 Dark Green Grey Filter.

When this had dried, I applied a more selective pin wash using Winsor & Newton Oil Colour 35 – Raw Umber, thinned with mineral turpentine.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Tamiya 1:48 Dingo Mk.II • Kit No. 32581

B Easy Mud – 21105 European

Earth was stippled onto the wheels, tyres and the lower surfaces of the vehicle including the insides of the wheel arches. I rubbed most of the Easy Mud off the wheels and tyres using a soft cloth, leaving a pleasing residue in the treads and behind the raised hub detail. The very last job was to highlight some of the edges of the vehicle and the machine gun with a 2B pencil.

The turps was also used to clean up any stray wash.

CONCLUSION Tamiya’s Dingo is very simple in parts breakdown and construction, but will fit the bill either as a standalone display piece or in a larger scene. ■

Modelspec Tamiya 1:48 Dingo Mk.II

The model was now sprayed with three thin coats of Future Floor Polish, and decals were applied.

Kit No. 32581

Accessories Used: Fighting 48th! 1:48 scale Decals - British Armoured Divisions NWE, Set 1; Set 3; Set 4; Set 8 Archer Fine Transfers: Item No. AR35084 – British War Department Numbers; Item No. AR77033 – UK & Commonwealth AOS Signs. Tools and Materials Used: Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Revell Contacta Professional Cement Selley’s Supa Glue Gator’s Grip Acrylic Glue Kneadatite Blue-Yellow Epoxy Tape Tamiya Masking Tape (various widths) Sparmax Max-4 Airbrush J’s Work Chipping Effect Pen Set Paints and Finishing Products: Vehicle Mr Color 304 – FS34087 Olive Drab Tamiya Spray Can Lacquer – Grey Primer; TS-68 Wooden Deck Tan Tamiya Acrylics – XF-57 Buff SIN Industries – P423 Dark Green Grey Filter MIG Productions – P222 Neutral Wash Winsor & Newton Oil Colour 35 – Raw Umber Future Floor Polish Alclad Flat Clear Easy Mud – 21105 European Earth 2B Pencil Stowage & Details Vallejo Model Color – 70862 Black Grey; 70893 US Dark Green; 70921English Uniform; 70988 Khaki; 847 Dark Sand. Vallejo Panzer Aces – 312 Leather Belt; 317 British Tankcrew; 318 US Army Tankcrew; 333 Germ. Tkcr. (Black); 337 Highlight Ger. (Black) Tamiya Acrylics – X-26 Clear Orange; XF-1 Flat Black; XF-59 Desert Yellow;

Tyres were painted separately.

✓ Simple construction; crisp surface features; decent level of detail. ✗ Some simplified detail. Available from Thanks to Tamiya for the sample www.tamiya.com Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited www.hobbyco.net

Rating

Stowage was used as a drab colour showcase to provide some variation to the base shade.

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The model was now sprayed with two thin coats of Alclad Flat Clear lacquer, then treated to dark brown-black “chipping” using J’s Work Chipping Effect Pen Set.

The very last job was to highlight some of the edges of the vehicle and the machine gun with a 2B pencil.

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Book Reviews CHURCHILL TANKS - BRITISH ARMY NORTH WEST EUROPE 1944-45 PEN AND SWORD BOOKS BY DENNIS OLIVER ISBN: 9-781526-710888

Disclaimer: In the interests of fairness, openness and objectivity the reviewer declares up front that he is a personal friend of the Author. Despite this we hope that you find this a factual and objective review. This is another excellent title in Dennis Oliver’s collaboration with Pen and Sword Books Tank Craft range. This is a series of books aimed at the modeller covering the better-known Tanks of World War Two, in this case, the Churchill Heavy Infantry Tank and its deployment in North West Europe from June 44 until VE day. This title follows the format of its successors and is a great concise history of the Churchill’s employment in the North-West Europe campaign 1944-45. It covers both the specialised armoured engineer variants as well as the excellent Infantry support tank. Like other titles by the Author, he really fits a lot in a small space and he has researched this one well. The book is broken into sections as follows: • Introduction • The Army Tank Brigades • Camouflage and Markings • Model Showcase • Modelling Products • 1st Assault Bde Royal Engineers • Technical details and specifications

• Appendix • Product contact list This title is packed full of useful information such as tank strengths, markings guides and a chart of vehicle names in 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards to name a few. The colour plates are what we have come to expect from the Author and cover a variety of gun tanks and AVRE variants. Each has explanatory notes and detail insets for markings etc. The Model Gallery has a range of stunningly built 1:35 scale models in full colour that the modeller should find inspiring. To aid them in the quest to replicate one of these a great modellers resource section covers the Major kits available and the aftermarket accessories for these. This book will appeal to fans of British armour, modellers, wargamers and historians alike. Modellers should find many an interesting scene to depict within its pages and information on how to get the resources to model one. I have been waiting for a title devoted to the Churchill from Dennis for a long time and this one did not disappoint. Very much worth the long wait Highly Recommended as are the other titles in this series. Available online from Pen and Sword Books https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Al Bowie

M1 ABRAMS MAIN BATTLE TANK FROM 1980 (M1, M1A1 AND M1A2 MODELS) OWNER’S WORKSHOP MANUAL HAYNES PUBLISHING BY BRUCE NEWSOME, PHD, AND GREGORY WALTON ISBN: 978 1 78521 099 0 We all know Haynes for their automotive and motorcycle workshop manuals, and now here we are with tanks - how cool is that? Though it says Workshop Manual, this is more like a very complete history and evolution of the Abrams tank. It comes packaged in an A4 hard glossy cover with 156 semi-gloss pages full of Abrams information. There are 256 colour photos, one black and white, and 59 technical drawings. As I have already mentioned, this title covers the full developmental history from 1980 up to 2015, covering the initial development program, and its path to what we have today. Also covered is the roll of the crew and a lot of technical data on its different systems and armament. There is also a history on its active role in conflicts, and its variations.

There are six chapters as follows: • The Abrams Story - From Past Requirements to Future Upgrades • Lethality - From Fighting Arrangements to Guns • Survivability - Armour, Resistance and Stealth • Mobility, Power, Ride, Drive and Carriage • Operations and Service • Abrams Variants There is also a Foreword at the start, an Introduction, and at the end, Abbreviations and Acronyms, Technical Data and lastly an Index. Overall, this is a very good publication on a subject that is popular amongst armour lovers and modellers abroad. I would highly recommend having this one in the library. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Haynes Publishing for the sample https://haynes.com/en-au/ Andrew Judson

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BLACK & WHITE TECHNIQUE AMMO BY MIG JIMENEZ BY JOSE LUIS LOPEZ A.MIG6016

SCALE MODEL HANDBOOK WWII GERMAN UNIFORMS, WWII SPECIAL NO. 2 THE MINIATURE FIGURE ART OF MAN JIN KIM MR BLACK PUBLICATIONS IN COOPERATION WITH MJ MINIATURES BY MAN JIN KIM Mr Black Publications is now a well known series for all figure modellers, covering a wide range of subjects, brands and scales anything to do with figures. Here we have Volume 2 in a special series on WWII subjects, this one by well-known Korean master modeller, Man Jin Kim. He is known for his amazing painting skills, his box art works for several well-known brands, and also his own company, MJ Miniatures, that supplies an incredible range of busts and now 1:35 scale figures. The book is A4 sized, soft cover on high grade paper, with 80 pages packed with many colour photos. There are seven chapters as follows: • Tools and Assembly • The Use of Acrylic Paints

• Painting the Face • Painting the Uniform • Painting Accessories • Making the groundwork Scenery • Gallery Each chapter is informative and supported by many great step-bystep photos, and the written content easy to understand. The Gallery at the end is quite spectacular with a show case of some of MJ’s stand-out pieces. This is worth owning for both the beginner and the skilled painter, and also great reference. I recommend this title. Recommended. Thanks to Mr Black Publications for the sample https://www. mrblackpublications.com Andrew Judson

Over the years that I have been modelling, there have been many styles, techniques and trends. Some only last for a short time, while others linger, and some evolve to a whole new style. This book, Black & White, does exactly that, showing you a new technique. The book comes in the form of a A4 soft cover, printed on high grade paper with 111 pages, all in colour, though there’s plenty of Black n White, hahaha! So what is the Black & White technique, you may well ask? Basically it is, without going into too much detail, a style where you start with a Black and White base, with shading, much like the pre-shade style. Then using thin layers of colour, you apply this over the top, until you have the desired effect of lighting and shadow. Interesting. There are seven chapters in this title as follows: • Working With Light as a Standout Element • Black and White Technique as

Answer to Need • Basic Ideas • Applying the Black & White Technique • The B&W Technique Applied to Multi Coloured Camouflage Schemes • Summary • Gallery The text is well written and easy to understand, and visually, it is excellent with many step-by-step pics on different subjects, showing you how to put this style to use. The Gallery at the end has some beautiful kits that have been done using this style. Overall, this is a very interesting title and style. It is one that I thinkI will have a go at myself This is a great title for those that would like to try something different or even the brave beginner. Recommended. Thanks to AMMO by Mig Jiminez for the sample http://www.migjimenez.com/en/ Andrew Judson

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1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases I’VE LOST MY LITTLE MODELLING DOG CALLED MOJO

es, it happens to all of us from time to time. It can take hours, weeks or sometimes even years to overcome. I’ve lost a few modelling friends to the lack of mojo over the years some have come back but many have never returned. Where did our collective mojo energy come from? I can only speak for myself and for me, it came from watching movies as a kid. One of my great passions in life is cinema, even as I kid I didn’t want to be on the screen I wanted to be behind it, telling a story or setting a scene. Now, if I was a logical person I would tell you that’s where my modelling mojo came from but its more that, I like small intricate things. Modelling it seemed, was a logical extension of that. Over the last few years I have been updating the house I live in and to be honest it has sapped a lot of my modelling mojo. The problem for me is, in my free time I like to let my mind revert to a one task, one execution routine. This is the complete antithesis of what I do for my real

job, but still. This whole home renovation process has put a severe dent in my modelling time. I used to enjoy spending hours of bench time but now it seems only minutes can be had. Given the restraints that I have imposed upon

myself, I seem to be losing some of the skills I once had. This became apparent when I had completed my 1:48 scale build of a Tank Workshop LRDG. The upgrade had been quite involved and I was keen to paint it. As I write, I’m up to my 3rd re-paint as each rendition was either incorrect or it simply did not appeal to me. It’s not so much the painting but rather the weathering. I’m torn between my usual subtle approach to the more popular extreme approach. This internal conflict is basically doing my head in and as a result, my mojo has suffered. I’ve tried the usual tricks like cleaning up my bench, tidying up and simply not doing any modelling for a few weeks, none have been fully successful thus far. I live in hope that my little lost modelling dog called Mojo will soon return.

Anyway I’m late for my mojo bus. Until next time! Luke Pitt

RED ZEBRA

1:48 SCALE FIGURES 3 AND 4

As I mentioned last month, Red Zebra won’t win any awards for naming their figures but honestly, these next two are equally as good as the one I reviewed last month. Figure Three is a gent in a shirt with the sleeves rolled up together with this arms crossed over his chest. Now, you’re also probably thinking gee that’s a boring pose but that’s the beauty of it. The figure will fit in almost any time frame from the 1800s onward. The figure’s face and head is one of the best I have seen in this scale, so good in fact that it has been used on all four figures released by this company! Figure Four has the same basic head but now comes with his hands on his hips together with rolled up sleeves and long pants. The hands in this figure are noteworthy as they are very well done. The boots on both of the figures are also impressive. In fact I like them so much that I wish they would release these as a separate accessary set by themselves . Don’t overlook these figures. Their applications are endless and they are very well done. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Red Zebra for the sample https://www.redzebramodels.co.uk Luke Pitt

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OKB GRIGOROV

1:48 SCALE TRACKS AND UPDATES ITEM NO. S48002 T54E2 TRACKS FOR THE M4 FAMILY OF TANKS ITEM NO. S48033 SPROCKETS FOR THE M4 FAMILY VVSS D47366A CASTINGS Unlike our 1:35 scale brothers, the 1:48 community doesn’t really have a lot of choices for aftermarket track replacements. Sure, most of the tracks on the Tamiya kits are fine, but for some variations or in some cases more refined detail are the order of the day. OKB Grigorov has been serving our smaller Braille scale brothers for years and come highly recommended for their accuracy and outstanding casting. The first sets up for review are the T54E2 Track for the M4 series of tanks. Six very well cast track sections including 30 track shoes are included. The method of bending the tracks round the sprockets and idler wheels can be accomplished by either the hair dryer or hot water methods. I would have preferred a few separate links for this process but on the other hand I’ve seen outstanding results with the previous methods. The second set are sprockets for the M4 family VVSS D47366A Castings and are masterfully done. Six sprockets are included and come with the front and rear sprocket faces joined by a central hub casting.

The castings are flawless and detail outstanding. Highly Recommended. Thanks to OKB Grigarov for the samples www.okbgrigorox.com Luke Pitt

ETA DIORAMA ACCESSORIES 1:48 SCALE ITEM 624: ORIGINAL WWII GERMAN “SIGNAL” MAGAZINES ITEM 628: GERMAN WWII UNDERWEAR AND BOXER SHORTS

The first item up for review is coded 624. It is printed on two thin sheets of high quality paper card. Measuring 11.5cm x 8cm, they include thirty Signal Magazines from various theatres of war. These are printed in full colour and the printing, as well as colour density, is first rate. The second item is 626 and is kinda off the wall. I think this is the first time I have ever seen underwear presented in modelling form. After you get over the initial surprise of this release and think about it, it makes sense as most of the time soldiers in the field do pretty mundane things like washing their underwear and putting it out to dry. These are presented in both front and rear forms and I believe you can glue them together and drape them, well anywhere really. These again are presented on thin paper and both the colour density and printing is first class. I can’t recommend these little sheets highly enough they will not disappoint. Highly Recommended. Thanks to ETA for the samples http://www.eta-diorama.com Luke Pitt

TORO MODELS

1:48 SCALE M4 SHERMAN EARLY VVSS M3 TYPE BOGIES ITEM NO. 48026

I believe this may be the first time that I have seen this type of bogie unit produced in 1:48 scale. Specifically designed for the Tamiya kits, they fit like a glove and are very well detailed. Each bogie consists of three very well cast resin pieces that almost slot together without glue. Make no mistake - this is a very high-quality update with very little clean up necessary on the castings themselves. Highly Recommended/. Thanks to Toro Models for the sample www.toro-model.com.pl Luke Pitt

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Available in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series How to Build... Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib New and revised for 2017 now including the Car Door and Bubbletop builds. The complete guide to building the amazing Airfix 1:24 scale Hawker Typhoon, written by Brett Green of HyperScale and Model Military fame. This new book features an exhaustive step-by-step guide to construction with modelling contributions by James Hatch, Brett, and Chris Wauchop. Hundreds of construction photos, reference images, a museum walk around, and how to get the very best from your big Typhoon kit a must have before you build the model!

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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

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

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/

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com

ORDNANCE MODELS

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

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

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA www.airconnection.on.ca

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

(ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL)

HANNANTS

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MISSION MODELS

MONROE PERDU

BLAST MODELS

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

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

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

IAN ALLAN

Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com

MILICAST MODEL CO.,

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

MDC

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

MODELING ARTISAN MORI

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

MIG PRODUCTIONS (Creative Models in UK)

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

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

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

PANZERWRECKS

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

PARAGRAFIX

104 County Street, Suite 101 Attleboro MA 02703 USA Tel: +1 508.431.9800 M-F 9am to 4pm EST http://www.paragrafix.biz pgms@paragrafix.biz

PLUS MODEL

(Creative Models in UK)

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)

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

SQUADRON

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

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

TRUMPETER

POCKETBOND

VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS

(Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK)

Bachmann Europe PLC Moat Way, Barwell, Leics, LE9 8EY Tel; 01455 841756 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 890285 www.revell.eu

SB MODELS

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

SBLC

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

www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK (Historex in UK)

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

VALLEJO

(Creative Models in UK)

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

VLS CORPORATION (LSA in UK)

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

WHITE ENSIGN MODELS (Toms Model Works)

8532 Lamar Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA Tomsmodelworks@aol.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

SCHATTON BARRELS

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

■ Please mention ‘Model Military International’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks! 64 Model Military International - April 2018

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Next Issue On sale 5 April 2018

ISSUE No.144 April 2018, Published 1st March 2018 Editor;

Brett Green

Group Editor;

Marcus Nicholls

Publisher;

Alan Harman

Graphic Design;

Alex Hall

Advertising Manager;

Sean Leslie

Office Manager;

Paula Gray

Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie MMI Website;

Doolittle Media Web Team

Printed by; Henry Stone Ltd, Oxfordshire Distributed by; Seymour Distribution 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com

WINTER HOWITZER

Dragon’s 1:35 scale M4 (105) Howitzer Tank by Gary Edmundson.

Model Military International is published on the first Thursday of each month by; Doolittle Media, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX UK www.modelmilitary.com Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email; enquiries@doolittlemedia.com

LANCHESTER

Brett Green builds Copper State Models’ brand new 1:35 scale WWI Lanchester armoured car.

Editorial enquiries; Email; editor@modelmilitary.com Advertising enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email; sean@doolittlemedia.com

Reproduction in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers can not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Advertisements are accepted for publication in Model Military International only on Doolittle Media’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address above. All advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address above.

PAINTING SOVIET 4BO CAMOUFLAGE

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £47 UK £59 Europe £72 Worldwide (Airmail)

Tech Guide by Clayton Ockerby

FOR YOUR SAFETY Don’t forget, when using solvents such as glues, paints, thinners and cleaning agents, always ventilate your work area thoroughly and wear a face mask. When using power tools, side cutters or any tool that can suddenly break or create highspeed airborne particles, wear approved eye protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please always model in safety!

HEAVY METAL

...and much more!

Michael Franz converts Meng Model’s D9R Doobi to a civilian bulldozer.

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

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.

The paper used on this title is from sustainable forestry

Order online now at; www.modelmilitary.com

Subscription enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email; enquiries@doolittlemedia.com

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The Last Post...

BRITISH ARMY BIDS FAREWELL TO THE LYNX HELICOPTER IN STYLE

The Army is to pay special tribute as one of its most ubiquitous aviation assets bows out of service.

he Lynx helicopter has had a long and distinguished career with the British Army stretching back nearly 40 years. Described as a primary battlefield utility helicopter, the venerable Lynx entered service back in 1978 and since then has been used to: destroy tanks, evacuate the wounded, gather intelligence, provide humanitarian support, rescue those in peril, wow the crowds at airshows and much more besides. It’s seen service across the globe from the freezing plains of Northern Canada to the dust bowls of the Middle East and has supported British troops on active service in Bosnia, Kuwait and Afghanistan. However, age has finally caught up with the Lynx and although it’ll be a tough act to follow, Wildcat will replace the Lynx. With its superior avionics uprated engines and improved capability it too will prove a formidable force over any battlefield of the future. To mark the Lynx’s decommissioning from British Army service, the Army Air Corps are to fly five of the last remaining airframes from RAF Odiham in Hampshire, where they are based, on a commemorative tour around England taking in some of the sites and locations to which the aircraft is most fondly associated: Middle Wallop, Upavon, Yeovil, Wattisham to name a few. The flight will culminate in an impressive ‘air procession’ along the length of the River Thames over Central London. ■

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