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Modelling Grassland and Landscape Detailing

Featuring Weeds and Wild Flowers, Hedges, Roads and Pavements, Mud, Puddles and Rivers by Gordon Gravett. This book is a great follow up, to the two books published on Modelling Trees. Full Colour, 108 pages.

£24.95

£13.99

creating miniature FX for Day of the Doctor! • Batwing against the moon diorama! • Avengers Assemble Quinjet by Fantastic Plastic! • New BSG Viper colours and mini-diorama project! • Captain Cardboard huge 15” diameter 2001 Aries 1B! • Captain Scarlet/Thunderbirds original Martian Excursion Vehicle studio miniature tracked down and renovated! Awesome shots of this rarest of models! fanciful! • Barry Ford’s amazing Creature From the Black Lagoon build! ...Plus much, much more. £14.95

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Realistic Wood Effects

First book of this new collection (Learning series) in a small format. This collection is oriented to help modelers through different modeling tasks. This volume is dedicated to paint different types of wood, planes, ships, tools, accessories etc. 83 pages, full colour, Published by A.K Interactive.

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Army Wheels in Detail Sci.fi & Fantasy Modeller Volume 33 Centurion in Detail 10 Humber F.W.D 4 X 4 Volume Thirty-Three’s must-read contents include: • Defending Arcadia - part 2 This publication contains detailed photos, historical photos, scale drawings, detailed drawings from the instruction manual and colour profiles. 44 pages.

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Variants Mk.12,ARV.AVRE165,Brigade Layer,IDF Shot KAI,Swedish Stridsvagn 104.

Published by Wings and Wheels Publications.Paperback,105 pages,full colour.

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Airbrush Essential Training DVD This is an initiation DVD

to give the first steps with a double action airbrush, how to clean, basic maintenance, basic use to help the novel modeler to keep away his fears of using this tool.Running time 57 min. In English narration. Published

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Tankograd 7028 - ANZAC Army Vehicles Vehicles of the Modern New Zealand and Australian Armies 64 pages, 134 colour photographs.

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Tankograd 3021 - M60, M60A1, M728 The M60 / M60A1 / M60A1 (AOS) / M60A1 (RISE) MBTs and the M728 CEV in Service with the US Army 64 pages,

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Tankograd 5048 - Unimog U1300L The Legendary 2-ton Unimog Truck in German Army Service Part 2 - Cargo Truck

Tankograd 5049 - Unimog KV Tanks on the Battlefield Art of Modelling 03 World War Two Photobook Series Volume 5. Published by Painting Techniques: 30,5CM SFL BAR, U1300L The Legendary PeKo, Hardback, 128 pages, black & white photo’s.

Beginners: Trumpeter SBD 1/2 ‘DAUNT2-ton Unimog Truck in LESS’-Techniques: MasterBox British £23.99 German Army Service MK I ‘MALE’ Tank-Painting Techniques: Part 3 - Special Variants Mig Productions KV-2X Heavy Walking

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64 pages, 160 colour photographs and one four-side technical drawing in 1/35 scale

Camouflage Profile Guide Waffen SS Colors Through 80

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64 pages,130 colour photographs and five graphics.

Dutch Leopard 1 Armoured fist of the Royal Dutch Army is a richly illustrated book, accessible to both the uninitiated, the modeller and the enthusiast. From a military historical perspective I believe the book accomplishes the goal of explaining in detail the saga of the Dutch Leopard 1. From a modelling perspective, the book provides a good textual and pictorial view of the modifications done to the Dutch Leopards over the years should a modelling project be undertaken. £17.50

Tank-Techniques: Meng Models Achzarit Early-Tip: Working with Vinyltracks-Tip: How to construct round PE-buckets?

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AK Learning Series Panzer Crew Uniforms

Abrams Squad Volume 5

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

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The Modern Modelling Magazine is the FIRST magazine in the world devoted to Modern Warfare modelling. Here you will find the best articles of the best modellers and writers in the world. Step by step articles, painting techniques, building techniques, illustrated reports.

Different approaches, techniques and step-by-step instructions are covered in more than 400 photographs and associated texts to inspire you, the reader, to make your own creations.

The Weathering Magazine 7

Inside, the theme of snow and ice is covered in depth with all of the techniques needed to set our models in a winter environment with plenty of Ice and Snow. From how to make a spectacular frozen diorama to adding subtle snow effects on a T34. Furthermore, this issue has 16 additional pages to learn and enjoy even more. As always, these techniques will be explained by the best modelers in the world. £8.99

The Challenger 1 Main Battle Tank

Was Great Britain’s second purposedesigned Main Battle Tank and served as the spear point of the Royal Armoured Corps for nearly 20 years. A4, 80 pages, 280 archive photos

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Tankograd 5047 - Unimog U1300L The Legendary 2-ton Unimog Truck in German Army Service Part 1 - Development 64 pages, 34 B/W photos, 27 colour photos, 20 facsimile documents and 20 graphics. £13.99

Scale Model Addict 4 Groundwork,Vignettes & Dioramas This issue will help to guide you through some of the methods and techniques as well as inspire you to dream up your own scenes in which you can display your hard work.

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British Military Trucks of World War One - Types and Variants of British-Built and Non-BritishBuilt Trucks in British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Flying Corps Service 1914-18 Published

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Contents - Issue 99 July 2014 14

20

42

REGULARS

FEATURES

p 4 NEWS

p 6 THINK TANK

p 26 FLORAL BOOM

p 52 SMALL SCALE

p 14 KURDU CHRYSALIS

p 32 PREVIEW

What’s new in the world of military modelling The latest in the world of 1:72 scale and smaller

p 54 INCOMING

MMI’s thoughts on the latest kits and accessories

p 56 BOOKS

Roundup of the latest modelling and reference titles

p 58 1:48 SCALE

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

p 66 LAST POST

Late breaking news and ramblings from the Editor

Rhodesian MAPVs by Stuart Ransley Ojay 1:35 Rhodesian Kudu Mine Protected Vehicle by Stuart Ransley

p 18 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Tiger I

p 20 BIG FLAK ON TRACKS

Bronco 1:35 Versuchsflakwagen 8.8cm Flak 41 auf Sonderfahrgestell conversion by Gary Edmundson

p 25 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Kettenkrad

34

Trumpeter 1:35 2S3 by Vladimir Adamec Bronco 1:35 Buffalo

p 34 UPSIZE ME!

1:35 scale Tamiya T-55 Enigma upgraded by Chris Wauchop

©ADH Publishing Ltd 2014

p 40 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Jagdpanther

p 42 THE UNIVERSAL TRUCK

Tamiya 1:48 scale GMC CCKW 2.5 ton 750 Gal. Airfield Fuel Tanker by Brett Green

p 60 SHOW REPORT

Meng Model Contest at the China Hobby Show 2014

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

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

ISSN 1749-8864 July 2014 - Model Military International 3

p 03 Contents 099.indd 3

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Newsline - July ’14 COMING SOON FROM TAMIYA

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

Tamiya has some new release announcements for the 2014 Shizuoka Hobby Show: Kit No. 35337 – 1:35 British Paratroopers with Small Motorcycle. This set will include four figures and two small folding motorcycles.

Photo-etched parts will be provided to represent the spokes and the chains.

Accessories are also offered, including packs, water bottles, rifles and Sten Guns.

Kit No. 37016 – 1:35 German 1 Ton Half Track Sd.Kfz.10. This is a reissue of the old but still quite respectable Italeri kit, with the addition of three Tamiya figures, enhanced detail parts and new markings for four vehicles.

Kit No. 25174 – Limited Edition 1:35 British Sherman VC Firefly. Tasca’s gorgeous Firefly, now reboxed by Tamiya. Five figures from Tamiya Item No. 35223 1:35 British Infantry on Patrol are included, as are four marking options to recreate British Army, Polish and New Zealand units.

Thanks to Tamiya for the images and information www.tamiya.com

BRONCO NEW RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENTS

STUG: Assault Gun Units In The East, Bagration to Berlin, Volume II Dennis Oliver advises that the latest Oliver Publishing title, STUG: Assault Gun Units In The East, Bagration to Berlin, Volume II, is complete. This book is based on the usual format of 13 full colour pages featuring over 30 different vehicles, highlighting the colours and field modifications that make these latewar assault guns so interesting. Add to that organisational charts and unit histories and this book finishes what Volume I began. Copies of the book will be available in the first weeks of May and may be ordered direct from ADH Publishing.

Available online from ADH Books www.adhbooks.com

Bronco continues its hectic release schedule with five new announcements: • Kit No. CB35145 – Buffalo 6x6 MPCV with Slat Armour and Spaced Armour • Kit No. CB35163 – British Airborne 75mm Pack Howitzer and Jeep • Kit No. CB35175 – Horch Staff Car (Kfz. 15) Early Version • Kit No. CB35188 – Loyd Carrier No.2 Mk.II (I always thought it was spelt “Lloyd”, but it seems that I was wrong!)

• Kit No. AB3567 – WWII British Airborne Weapon and Equipment Set Also coming from Bronco, in 1;48 scale, is an Su-152 Russian Self-Propelled Gun. We will have full reviews of these kits when they are released. Times are good!

Thanks to Bronco Models for the information and images www.bronco-models.com

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Think Tank - Mine and Ambush Protected Vehicles Part 1

A Police Mine Protected Land Rover. Not the deflector plates behind the front wheels and the roll bars. (photo by John Gray).

MINE AND AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLES PART 1 - RHODESIAN MEDIUM SIZED MINE PROTECTED PATROL AND CIVILIAN VEHICLES

Stuart Ransley describes the origins of Mine and Ambush Protected Vehicles, starting with the pioneering designs of Rhodesia.

T

he current family of MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles have proven to be highly effective at combating the mine and IED threat in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. They are now being produced in large numbers by many different countries. The main feature of the current designs is the V Shaped hull, which is designed to direct the blast from a mine detonation away from the occupants.

This design is not a new one. In fact, it was originally developed over 40 years ago, not by one of the world’s Super Powers but two small countries at the southern end of the African continent.

Both Rhodesia and South Africa were facing insurgency conflicts where guerrilla-laid land mines were indiscriminately killing and wounding soldiers and civilians alike. These mine-protected designs were accomplished with minimal resources and finance. It took 30 years for the rest of the world to “discover” how well they worked.

In this part we will be looking at

the early Rhodesian designs that utilised a medium sized chassis such as the Land Rover and Land Cruiser for patrol and civilian work.

BACKGROUND The 1950s and 60s saw great political upheaval on the African Continent. Many European countries began to shed or lose their colonial possessions, which changed the face of Africa.

In 1963 Britain granted full independence to Northern Rhodesia, which became Zambia.

Southern Rhodesia, indignant at not being granted independence, unilaterally declared independence from Britain on 11th November 1965. This act precipitated a prolonged guerrilla war which began initially as a low intensity ‘Police Action’ but due to the support to the nationalist movement from the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact allies as well as China the ‘Bush War’ intensified and by the 1970s threatened to escalate to a full scale conventional war that would engulf most of the region.

In 1979, both sides came together and a negotiated ceasefire resulted. Elections were held in March 1980; these were overseen by monitors from Commonwealth Countries and resulted in the creation of the independent state of Zimbabwe.

The insurgency in Rhodesia began in July 1960 with riots and civil disturbances. 1966 – 1972 saw a series of incursions by small groups of poorly trained and equipped guerrillas in the Zambezi Valley. Their aim was to destabilise rural infrastructure but were largely unsuccessful. Support in the form of weapons and training began to be provided by the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China from the early 1970s causing the war to intensify. The ,land mine became the guerrillas preferred weapon, with the most common types of anti-tank mines used being Russian made TMH/TM46 metallic and Chinese made TMD-B wooden box mines (the wooden box mines were unsuccessful due to the voracious African termites eating anything wooden that was

buried for too long).

Later in the war, Russian made non-metallic TMBa-III and Yugoslavian made TMA-3 mines were supplied. These mines generally consisted of a block of 5-7 kgs of explosive encased in a container made from metal, wood or plastic fitted with a pressure activated detonator. This pressure switch was usually activated by a weight of 175 – 200kgs. There were other improvised devices that required less pressure to activate attached to an electric detonator. These were so sensitive that a bicycle or donkey cart would trigger them. As the war went on mines were often boosted with other explosives, grenades, RPG rockets and Mortar bombs. Several mines were often stacked in the same hole to cause greater effect.

Mines were used to great effect by guerrilla forces. They destroyed vital transport, disrupted communications, killed and maimed both soldiers and civilians, lowered morale and required considerable resources in time, material and personnel to counter.

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Another view of a Police Mine Protected Land Rover, taken at the Umvukwes Police Station.

Note the bullet hole in the windscreen. (photo by Betty Calvert)

The Hyena. This vehicle was produced in South Africa and used a Ford F250 Chassis. (photo by John Gray)

A side view of a Rhino Mk 1. The Rhino was the first type of mine protected vehicle and was built on a Land Rover chassis. John Gray remembers “It was very basic and as the seats were made of plywood it wasn’t long before you got “saddle sore” especially on dirt roads. It also wasn’t bullet proof. (photo by John Gray)

The use of land mines by guerrillas in Rhodesia had been anticipated by the security forces from the late 1960s as the Portuguese were facing the same threat in Mozambique from ‘Frelimo’ Guerrillas and had suffered 70% of their casualties to mines. A notebook from a guerrilla captured by the Rhodesian Police (BSAP) was studied, giving the security forces a warning that mines were going to be used.

The first land mine detonated in the bush war was on 27th April 1971, killing three soldiers, followed by a second incident on the 20th July 1972 which involved a Police Land Rover. The third incident occurred on 30th August 1972 at the Mana Pools Game Reserve where a civilian car detonated a mine that badly injured the driver.

At the beginning of the war, Counter Insurgency was a BSAP operation. After the first Land mine incidents the Police began to look at ways to protect Officers from this threat. They first turned to the Portuguese forces fighting in Mozambique, who generally

used engineers walking in front of slow moving convoys probing the ground with long poles. This method was not suitable for the Security Forces. There were attempts at mine protection using heavy rubber conveyer belting fixed in the wheel arches and cab surfaces or capsules mounted on the rear of a vehicle that were designed to be blasted off in the event of a mine detonation, all failed! In mid-1972 the BSAP sent Officers to observe work done on mine protection being developed in South Africa.

The South Africans, facing a similar problem in South West Africa (now Namibia) had developed a purpose built mine resistant vehicle known as the Camel. It was built on a Ford F250 chassis and pioneered the concept of the V shaped blast capsule that directed the blast away from the occupants. This concept was so successful it became the core feature of all future mine protected vehicles. In 1975 Rhodesia purchased 146 vehicles now known as the Hyena. A

A side view of a Rhino Mk 1. (photo by John Gray)

Front view of a Rhino Mk 1. This one is fitted with a windscreen. Most weren’t. (photo by John Gray)

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Think Tank - Mine and Ambush Protected Vehicles Part 1

This was the version of the Rhino produced for the Army. It was a big improvement on the earlier Mk 1. (photo by John Gray)

View inside the Kudu. This vehicle was designed to protect the occupants from mines and small arms fire. The outer zig-zag shaped plates destablised bullets and stopped them from penetrating the inner armour. (photo by John Gray)

B THE RHINO AND THE MINE PROTECTED

LAND ROVER (MPLR)

The increasing guerrilla mine laying activities pushed the BSAP to quickly design and produce an effective mine and ambush protected vehicle. They had a need for a small mine protected vehicle to allow 2 Officers to be sent out to investigate a criminal complaint.

Mines or no mines normal everyday Police work had to continue. It was decided to use the Land Rover chassis as the Police had large numbers available. They had to work out how to give a normal Land Rover mine protection and secondly develop a fully mine protected vehicle on a Land Rover chassis.

THE RHINO In December 1972, using the basic concepts from the South African Camel/Hyena, the first Rhodesian

Mine and ambush protected vehicle came to reality. It was put together by Superintendent Don Hollingworth of the BSAP Armaments Branch and a team of civilian Engineers at Morewear Engineering in Salisbury.

A trial capsule was produced and tested that proved the concept would work. Further design work and testing was carried out on a final prototype and it entered production in mid-1973, quite an achievement.

The Land Rover was virtually striped down to the chassis. A capsule with a 90 degree V shape on the bottom was added. The capsule was made from 8mm thick mild steel from the base to half way up the sides then 3mm mild steel was used above that. There was no covering above the engine apart from canvas. All fittings were

One of the most common vehicles used by the Police was the Kudu. This one is fitted with Mac’s Cannon for all round defence. They were fired by the driver via a control panel next to his seat and delivered a broadside like a ship of the line. (photo by John Gray)

A side view of a 6 seat Kudu. (photo by Betty Calvert)

stripped from the outside of the vehicle so that the blast forces could be directed away from the vehicle. At first it was called the Moon Buggy but was re named Rhino after its hard and unyielding seats were tried out for the first time and the comment “better call it the Rhino-sore-arse” was heard.

The name stuck.

The Rhino was to become one of the most successful vehicles of its kind used in the bush war. The Army was also impressed with it and went on to build, their own, slightly modified version.

THE MINE PROTECTED LAND ROVER In parallel with the work developing the Rhino, the Police Armaments Branch began to look at ways to mine protect the Land Rover in its standard configuration. After testing various methods on Land

Rover wrecks they found that an arrangement of steel plates fixed to the chassis between the wheels and the cab along with plates fixed to the floor of the cab would deflect enough of the blast from a mine to preserve the lives of the driver and passenger. A full prototype was constructed on a brand new Land Rover supplied by the Army. It had a TM46 antitank mine placed under each wheel. These were then detonated simultaneously. Only the cab was left! If there had been occupants strapped in inside the cab they would have survived. The mine protection consisted of angled box sections devised to absorb the blast by collapsing and deflecting it onto the engine welded to the chassis inside the front wheel arches. Deflector plates were also added to the chassis between

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Testing the Kudu for its effectiveness at surviving a mine detonation. Note the vehicle in the foreground, the bonnet has been blown upwards as have the bullet tumbler screens but the capsule is untouched.

(Photo by Piet Henning via Dudley Wall)

A rear view of a Kudu Mk10 showing the location of the fuel tank. (photo by John Gray)

Inside the Kudu Town. (photo by John Gray)

the cab and the rear wheels. 6 mm steel plate was added to the floor of the cab and this extended up into the foot wells. Heavy conveyor belting was also added to vulnerable areas including the rear of the cab. The combined weight of the modifications added an extra

The Kudu M10 was the best of the Kudu designs. It was designed to counter “under belly blasts” this vehicle was of a Monocoque design that did away with the need to use the chassis of a donor vehicle. It also had the position of the fuel tank moved from the side to the rear. The tank was designed to blast away from the vehicle during a mine detonation. (photo by John Gray)

The driver’s seat in a Kudu. Behind the handbrake is the firing panel for the Mac’s Cannon. John Gray states, “When in a hostile area, a key was used to arm the panel. If ambushed you ran your fingers down the buttons delivering a broadside of shrapnel.” (photo by John Gray).

Not often photographed, the Kudu Town was designed for use by the Police Urban Emergency Unit.

They had bullet protection but were not mine protected as they only operated in urban areas. They had low sides and no doors to make entry and exit easy. The two pictured here belonged to the Umtali UEU. (photo by John Gray)

ton to the vehicles weight. This required the original leaf springs to be replaced with stronger ones.

Roll bars were fitted to the cab as well as 3 point harnesses for the driver and passenger. The carrying of passengers in the rear tray was discouraged then in 1979

banned outright due to mounting casualties from mine detonations.

The concept was approved by the Police, who then had most of their Land Rover fleet mine protected.

The design was so successful that it became the standard method used to protect all the Land Rovers

used by the Security Forces. It was also made available to the civilian market with several manufacturers offering new vehicles or conversion of existing ones.

Although it was vulnerable to ambush, the MPLR was well suited to the role of patrol or Quick A

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Think Tank - Mine and Ambush Protected Vehicles Part 1

Front view of a Leopard. (photo by John Gray)

Rear view of a Leopard, outside the radio workshops in Umtali. (photo by John Gray)

Side view of a Leopard. (photo by John Gray)

Side view of a Cougar. Note the bullet tumbler screens on the side of the vehicle. (photo by John Gray)

B Reaction Vehicle. A large number

of Police vehicles were converted to gunships. The conversion consisted of 2 or 3 AK47s fixed to the vehicle facing outwards and rigged to fire their whole magazine at the pull of a cable.

The MPLR gave the Rhodesians an economical and basically safe vehicle. However towards the end of the war the guerrillas had started to use boosted or multiple mines, the MPLR’s protection was no match for these weapons and as such its use was restricted in some ”hot” areas.

THE OJAY/KUDU There was a growing need for mine and ambush protected vehicles for use by Farmers, Government Departments and other nonmilitary users that were required to travel in Rural areas. The success of the Rhino influenced Morewear Industries to develop their own improved mine and ambush protected design. It was based initially on the Land Rover

chassis and was named OJAY after Morewear’s Chief Draughtsman Ted Owen and sales manager William Jeffery. It was later renamed Kudu, to conform to the custom of naming mine protected vehicles after animals.

The hull of the Kudu used the 90-degree V shape of the Rhino but the front had a greater angle so as to deflect the blast from a front wheel detonation. The hull sides had two major corrugations so as to present fewer flat surfaces making it harder for a projectile to pierce the sides of the vehicle.

Over these were fitted with slatted tumbler or defector screens spaced approximately 200mm from the sides of the hull. These screens were designed to cause a rifle bullet to tumble after it went through the screen thus reducing the projectile’s ability to penetrate the hull; they also gave protection against RPG rockets.

The engine was unprotected at the sides but covered by a long bonnet made from 16-gauge mild

steel. All windows were made from 40mm armoured glass by Pilkington. Access to the vehicle was via a double door in the rear of the vehicle; this was later changed to a single door. This door had to remain closed when driving to maintain the strength of the capsule in a mine detonation.

On the 31st March 1977, Army Engineers put the Kudu through a series of tests to judge how effective its protection against mines and small arms fire was.

They judged it to be between 80-90% effective.

Morewear established a production line for the Kudu that was turning out more vehicles than any other. This combined with an aggressive marketing campaign enabled Morewear to become the market leader in mineprotected vehicles. The Kudu filled a much need gap for the Police, other Government Departments and in the Civilian sector and saved many lives.

The Kudu was available in

several variants: Kudu 4 seat, Kudu 6 seat, Kudu 8 seat, Kudu Township, Kudu Ram and the Kudu Mk10. The Mk10 was the final design and came about due to the requirements of greater protection from boosted mines and “under belly blasts.”

THE MONOCOQUE VEHICLES LEOPARD Ernest Konschel had trained as a mechanical engineer in Britain and returned to Rhodesia to set up and run a precision engineering business in the capital Salisbury.

He eventually sold this business and returned to farming. In 1973 Margie Ward, a cousin of Konschel’s wife, died in Hospital as a result of injuries caused by a land mine. Margie Ward’s death hit Konschel hard, so he began to look at how he could use his own skills to protect others against the threat of land mines.

In 1974 Konschel, together with James Higginson and Skollie Schoultz began to look at the levels

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A view of the Leopard interior, engine and fuel tank. There was space for up to five people including the driver. (Photo by John Gray)

The driving position of the Cougar and the seats for four passengers. The interior is purposely spartan to reduce the risk of fire if hit. (photo by John Gray)

NEXT TIME In part 2 we will be taking a look at the development and design of the Mine and Ambush Protected Troop Carrying Vehicle or MAP TCV.

Acknowledgements A special thanks goes to John Gray for allowing me to use his superb photo collection. He took these during his service with the BSAP British South Africa Police (Rhodesian Police). This is the first time this unique collection has been published.

Thanks also go to the late Betty Calvert who took several photos that I have used here. They were taken at the Umvukwes Police Station 1979-1980.

Front view of a Cougar parked at a service station. (photo by Betty Calvert)

of protection provided by the Mine Protected Land Rover and believed they could be improved. He had studied the effects of mines on unprotected vehicles and found that if the wheels were moved out from under the vehicle there would be minimal obstacles to the blast thus reducing the damage caused. Konschel, Schoultz and Higginson perfected a design and built a prototype in Higginson’s backyard. It was tested by the Army at the Inkomo Ranges and passed successfully. The design was enlarged and a production Prototype was produced at Willowvale Motor Industries from components made by Precision Grinders of Salisbury. It went through final testing in May 1975, which it passed and went into full scale production. In keeping with tradition it was named the Leopard.

The Leopard was a new concept of vehicle as it did away with the traditional form of chassis. It was designed so that the front axle or the rear axle and engine would detach in a mine explosion. If this did happen a standard towing bar could be fitted to recover the vehicle. Its centre of gravity was

low so that it would remain upright after a detonation but was fitted with roll bars in case it did roll.

The Leopard used the automotive components from a VW Kombi and as such was initially underpowered and had some other problems. 800 Leopards were produced through six versions during the war before it was succeeded by the Cougar.

COUGAR After his success with the Leopard, Konschel started design work in 1975 on a new vehicle. The Volkswagen engine that was fitted to the Leopard was at its limits due to the added weight of the hull and as such had to be left unprotected against small arms fire. With the war escalating, The guerrillas began using land mines to initiate ambushes and as such the need to provide protection to the engine became paramount.

The Cougar’s hull was a V shape construction and was of a Monocoque design. This meant that the chassis of the donor vehicle wasn’t used as the hull provided the rigid backbone for the vehicle.

The engine was located at the front of the vehicle in the hull thus

protecting it from mine blasts and small arms fire. Access to the vehicle was through a rear door.

This door had to remain shut whilst the vehicle was on the move so as to maintain the rigidity of the hull.

All glass was armoured and bullet tumbler screens were fitted to the sides of the vehicle.

Originally the Cougar used Land Rover Engines and components.

These were not ideal but they were an improvement on the Volkswagen engine of the Leopard. Later, when they became available, Nissan Patrol engines and components were used that improved the Cougars performance greatly.

The Cougar was produced in a number of variants including: - 4 and 6 seat (Land Rover), 4 and 6 seat (Nissan), and Hi-Boy (increased ground clearance. Three Hi-Boy Cougars were fitted with a rotating MG Turret for use as airfield defence by the Rhodesian Air Force).

The Cougar was assembled

by Puzey & Payne, who charged R$3,500 for the capsule and R$300 to fit it to a donor vehicle supplied by the customer.

There were several other vehicles developed by other manufacturers some were successful others were not.

RAIL VEHICLES Rhodesia depended heavily on its rail network during the war.

Several trains struck mines so it was decided to use vehicles such as the Rhino, Kudu and Cougar to patrol the railway. Initially they had their axels shortened and fitted with flanged rail wheels but this played havoc with the wheel bearings so a common rail chassis was developed which the capsules from the fore mentioned vehicles could be fitted. These vehicles would be sent out ahead of trains and would deal with any incidents.

They were much less expensive to fix than a locomotive.

These vehicles were used by Government Departments, Security Forces and civilians alike and became a part of life, particularly in rural areas. They were credited with saving many lives, both civilian and Military. There was a need for larger versions of these vehicles for troop carrying purposes. ■

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Ojay 1:35 Rhodesian Kudu Mine Protected Vehicle

KUDU CHRYSALIS ------------It surely ain’t no butterfly, but Stuart Ransley transforms Ojay’s 1:35 scale resin Kudu rail vehicle kit into the standard road going version using parts from a Tamiya Pink Panther Land Rover kit, Evergreen plastic and equal quantities of patience and faith!

W

hen I was thirteen, I received a number of photos from my Grandmother of strange looking army vehicles from a country called Rhodesia.

She had gone on a holiday to Southern Africa to see her brother and they had spent Christmas 1979 in Rhodesia at a place called Umvukwes. My interest was hooked and I have searched for information on these vehicles and kits for years.

After a chance discussion with Andrew Judson, who told me of a resin kit he had seen on Ebay called the Ojay, I decided to take a look. I found a resin kit of a Rhodesian Ojay/Kudu Mine Protected Vehicle on a rail chassis in 1:35 scale. There was no maker listed but from the picture of the completed model on the box it looked pretty good so I paid the $150 “Buy it Now” and a week later it arrived.

To say I was disappointed would be an understatement! Most of the parts were covered in flash, the chassis was badly warped and many of the thinner parts were broken. The price tag was the only thing that stopped me from throwing it into the trash.

ASSEMBLY I spent some time searching for reference on the Internet and found a few pictures on the “New Rhodesian Forum”. I spent a day cleaning up the parts and laying them out. The chassis was straightened by dipping it into a bowl of boiling water then pushing it down on a flat surface. Once this was completed I began to assemble the rail chassis. This went together fairly easily except for the drive belts that went to the rear bogies. These were broken so I replaced them with strips of thin plastic card.

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The first attempt – construction as a rail vehicle is well underway, but it didn’t get any further!

Plans for the wheeled version of the Rhodesian four-seater Kudu.

It was at this stage that I discovered a major error in the kit.

The rear bogies were positioned on the outside of the chassis rails when they should have been on the inside. I had progressed too far with construction to correct it, although there was a mesh guard that went over the rear of the chassis that would hide the error. I began to assemble the engine and crew capsule.

A standard Land Rover engine powered the Ojay/Kudu rail vehicles. The engine provided with the kit looks like it belongs in a 5 tonne truck. Even so, I persevered with construction. I assembled the crew capsule; but it needed some straightening due to warping. This was then fixed to the chassis and then given an undercoat of Citadel “Chaos Black” sprays.

I discovered one more error.

After checking my reference I discovered that the rear wall of the crew capsule should be a concertina shape like the rest of the hull, not the flat shape that is provided in the kit. To say I was not happy would be an understatement.

After much swearing and cursing I stood up to walk away from my modelling bench and managed to knock the model off the top, smashing it on the floor. I then went outside to cool off. $150 wasted, I thought.

As I began to clean up the mess on the floor I noticed that the crew capsule was still intact but the rest was smashed beyond repair.

As I was thinking about how much money I had wasted an idea came to me. These vehicles were built on Land Rover chassis. I had a number of Tamiya Land Rover kits in my collection so I opened one and

checked if the crew capsule would fit. It did! I removed the capsule mounting points from the remains of the chassis, salvaged the two fuel tanks and the bonnet and front grill. The rest went into the garbage bin.

TAKE TWO I started work on the Land Rover chassis by carefully removing the moulded on floor pan and seats. Once this was done, the rest of the suspension and axles were assembled as per the kit instructions. The kit was the Tamiya Pink Panther SAS Land Rover so the wheels were unsuitable, so I used a set of standard Land Rover wheels produced by Mouse House Enterprises. The chassis was completed and set aside to dry.

I then checked my references to decide on what version of the Kudu I was going to build. The crew capsule looked about right for the four seat version with a carry tray on the back. This tray was a shortened version of a standard Land Rover rear tray so I assembled the rear tray from the Pink Panther kit then using a razor saw cut it through the middle of the wheel arches. The sand channel mounting blocks were removed from the sides and smoothed over. I then dry fitted the tray and capsule to the chassis so as to mark where the capsule mounting blocks would be fitted, these were then fixed to the chassis using Supaglue and set aside to dry.

I began work on the crew capsule by fitting new seats, steering wheel, and other controls.

The seats on the Kudu had no cushioning on them except for some carpet so the new seats

were made from evergreen styrene sheet. There was no glazing provided in the kit for the windows so I cut these from Evergreen clear styrene sheet and fixed them in place with canopy glue.

Before I fixed the capsule to the chassis I painted the inside of the capsule Vallejo 70897 Bronze Green as this was the closest match to the “Government Green” that most of these vehicles were painted in.

These vehicles were used well beyond their economic life so I

went all out on the weathering. I started by adding a pin wash of Mig Dark Wash to the inside of the crew capsule. Once this was dry I dry brushed several lighter shades of the Bronze Green over the inside. I then went to work adding some paint wear on the floor of the capsule by using VallejoBurnt Umber applied with a small piece of sponge. After this was dry I added a pinwash of Mig European Dust to the edges of the floor and seats, then using a soft brush feathered the effect after it dried. A

The new Land Rover-based chassis completed and primed. The moulded floor pan and seats removed, engine fuel tanks and capsule mounting blocks in place.

Rear tray completed and primed.

Rear tray attached to the chassis.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Ojay 1:35 Rhodesian Kudu Mine Protected Vehicle

A view from the rear showing the unique panels of the Rhodesian Kurdu.

Take Two – The salvaged kit blast capsule and bonnet sitting on the chassis to check the fit.

I ended up discarding the kit bonnet and grill and scratch building a new one.

B The kit bonnet and front grill

were discarded as the grill was too small. I needed two headlights so I carefully removed the two from the kit part then shaped them. These were then set aside whilst I started work on the grill. This was cut from 30 thou Evergreen Styrene.

The holes for the headlights were drilled and the headlights fixed in place. I found an engine in my spares box and added it to the chassis.

The radiator from the original kit was fixed in front of the engine.

The Kudu had its engine protected from the sides by two plates; these were cut from 20 thou Evergreen styrene and glued in place. I then added the two fuel tanks to the middle of the chassis and set it aside to dry overnight.

PAINTING The chassis and rear tray were undercoated using Citadel “Chaos Black” spray. I then began to build the new concertina rear for the crew capsule. This proved to be easier than expected and looked much better than the flat surface provided with the kit. This was carefully undercoated by hand and set aside to dry.

I masked off all the windows on the capsule then sprayed it, the chassis, front grille, Bonnet and rear tray with Vallejo70897 Bronze Green. After the bronze green had dried overnight, I dry assembled the vehicle and began the fading process by spraying a light coat of Tamiya XF-53 neutral grey over the whole vehicle from about a 45 degree angle above

Roll bars under construction, and pin wash complete.

Roll bars complete.

Tissue soaked in watered-down PVA glue was used for the canvas cover.

it. This was repeated twice to get the right effect. After this was completed and allowed to dry the whole vehicle was given a pin wash using Mig Dark Wash.

All the parts were now glued in place and set aside for 24 hours to dry.

The headlights were next, with the inside reflectors painted silver and the clear lenses fixed in place with canopy glue.

Work now began on the roll bars for the top of the vehicle. These were formed from 2mm Evergreen styrene rod by wrapping the rod round a soft drink can then heating the plastic with a hair dryer on a high setting until the rod softens then pushing the can into a bowl of cold water. These were then attached to the vehicle and painted to match the rest of the vehicle.

The canvas cover to go over this was next, starting with some scale mesh from Mouse House. This was bent into the same shape as the roll bars then tissue was soaked in watered down PVA glue and laced over the top of the mesh and dried with a hair drier. The same process was done with the underside and set aside to dry overnight.

Tissue was then used for the front of the canvas cover by attaching it to the vehicle, above the front window then up to the front roll bar. This was then soaked with watered down PVA glue and carefully dried with a hair dryer.

Once this dried I then painted the inside canvas sections with Tamyia XF-49 Khaki. The top section was then added and fixed in place with supaglue. Further sections of tissue were added to the front of the canvas to cover the join then painted the same as the inside.

THE BASE Once this was completed I left the model to dry overnight. It was at this stage I thought the model needed something extra. I had never attempted a diorama base before so I thought I would give it a go. But what sort of base should it be?

I went looking on the Internet and found a collection of photos of various Rhodesian vehicles by John Gray. I found a picture of a section of road leading out of the Capital where vehicle convoys formed up so this was where I was going to place the Kudu. I contacted John, who gave me permission to publish the photos in this article.

The base was built on an off cut of pine. This was sanded, stained and varnished, The groundwork was added using pre-coloured wood filler. This took about two days to dry properly.

After this I added a section of tarred road at a 45 degree angle across the corner of the base using a new product I found called Simply Road Base. This stuff was so easy to use and really looked the part when dry.

The Police Warning Sign was made from off cuts of styrene and assembled. I made up the text for the sign on my computer, printed it off and fixed it to the sign. The base was the drilled and the sign fixed to the base beside the road.

The section of road I was modelling was all gravel and dirt off the tarred section, so this was added next using “Modelling Sand” from Games Workshop. This “Sand” has grains of all sizes including small rocks and really looks good.

This was fixed to the base using PVA glue and allowed to dry.

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Ac

Sp Jud and pro Na the

The groundwork for the base was added using pre-coloured wood filler.

Some sections of long grass were added using Woodland Scenics “Field Grass”. The colour of the sand was almost perfect but needed something extra so I added some Mig Pigment “European Dust” in patches over the base to add some colour variation. Once this was done I masked off the timber sections of the base and gave the groundwork several light coats of Testor’s Dullcote matt varnish to fix everything down.

THE FIGURE After this was dry I placed the Kudu on it and was quite happy with the results but it still needed something else! I decided to try my first figure, but no one produces a specific Rhodesian figure in 1:35 scale. I would have to scratch build!

After a visit to a local hobby shop I found the Academy French Foreign Legion set. There were two figures wearing shorts in the set. In Rhodesia at the time shorts were popular in both the Military and the Police so the Academy set was used as the base for my figure. His webbing was made up using bits from my spares box as well as his cap.

I added an FN Rifle using the set from Firestorm Hobbies.

The figure was adapted from the Academy French Foreign Legion set.

A diagonal section of tarred road was created from Simply Roadbase.

Gravel and dirt was represented with “Modelling Sand” from Games Workshop.

Modelspec The text for the sign was made on my computer.

The frame was simply bits of styrene off-cuts glued together.

He looked pretty good but now came the hard part. I used the LifeColor Flesh paint set on his face, arms and legs. The shorts were Tamiya XF-49, the shirt was painted using Tamiya XF-57 Buff as the base with the camouflage pattern made up of XF-64 Red Brown and XF-67 NATO Green. All webbing was painted with XF-67 NATO Green then dry-brushed with a mix of NATO Green and White.

While the figure was drying, I went back to the vehicle and added some dust and dried mud using Mig European Dust Pigment. The vehicle and the figure were then fixed to the base using PVA glue.

I added a dusting of pigment over the boots of the figure and around the base of the wheels as the finishing touch.

Ojay 1:35 Rhodesian Kudu Mine Protected Vehicle Accessories and Materials Parts from Tamiya Kit No. 35076 – SAS Land Rover, Pink Panther, Evergreen Styrene (various) Paints and Finishing Products Tamiya Paints: XF-67 NATO Green, XF-64 Red Brown, XF-57 Buff, XF-49 Khaki, XF-53 Neutral Grey Vallejo Acrylic 70897 - Bronze Green ✓ Unique and interesting subject. ✗ Warpage, major inaccuracies, rough casting.

CONCLUSION I am very happy with the results I achieved considering this might have otherwise been an expensive disaster. This was my first chance to build one of these early mine protected vehicles and I have plans to build more. ■

Available from All good model shops Worldwide.

Rating

Some sections of long grass were added using Woodland Scenics “Field Grass”.

The colour of the sand was almost perfect but needed something extra so I added some Mig Pigment “European Dust” in patches over the base to add some colour variation.

Acknowledgements Special thanks go to Andrew Judson for his assistance and encouragement with this project and Phil Evans, Paul Napier and the members of the New Rhodesian Forum.

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Tiger I Mid-Production w/zimmerit Smart Kit • Kit No. 6700

TIGER D ragon has kitted a couple of incarnations of the Tiger and this time around it’s been given the moulded Zimmerit which they have more or less perfected. This particular kit is a mid-production variant.

In the box is a stack of grey styrene, two sprues of clear styrene, etchy stuff for the engine grills and other bits, a small length of wire (presumably for the headlight cable), a rather nice decal sheet and DS vinyl tracks.

Again, there are a lot of optional parts marked as not for use so your collection of Tiger bits will grow considerably.

The standard of moulding is very good on the styrene bits (except for mould lines inside the engine deck louvres, which may or may not be hidden by the etch screens), however the DS Vinyl tracks do have flash present that will be tedious to remove. Also, due to overly tight packaging, a couple of guide horns have been bent over and being vinyl will be virtually impossible to rectify. I did have a brief moment of joy when I saw the individual track links on the four sprues with the axles until I realised that they were just spare links for the turret. Oh well… where is the website for Fruilmodel?

Anyway, looking at the main feature of this kit and I have to say the moulded Zimmerit is

Andy King likes the new 1:35 scale Tiger I Mid-Production with Zimmerit, but would much prefer to see individual link Magic Tracks on Dragon’s German and Soviet WWII subjects.

great. Dragon has incorporated the two different patterns of Zimm that featured on Tigers as the hull was smaller and narrower and the turret was broader. The way the turret is moulded has resulted in a couple of light vertical mould lines down the Zimmerit but these will be relatively easy to clean up.

There is not a lot of interior detail bar a gun breech and a couple of seats in the turret, but if you want the hatches open there are a couple of aftermarket sets readily available.

Dragon seems to have abandoned metal barrels altogether now in favour of slidemoulded items. This one is okay and will clean up well without leaving a flat spot along the length, but I do prefer metal barrels.

Exterior detail is very good and my only nit-pick is that the moulded tool clamps are rather thick and would look better scraped down or replaced with aftermarket etched parts. There are also optional parts such as road wheels, hatches and turret ventilator but you would have to check your references as to which particular vehicle they belong to as they can date which production run they were used for (if you want to be totally accurate that is).

For the Painting and Markings section you have a choice of nine vehicles, two of which are in

A photo-etched fret is included.

…with accurately broad pattern on the turret. Dragin has pretty much perfected their injection moulded zimmerit.

MIT ZIMMERIT

winter camouflage and the rest in the standard three-tone scheme.

Units covered here are 1./s.

Pz.Abt.506 (1st Schwere Panzer Abteilung or Heavy Tank Division), Western Ukraine, April-May 1944; s.Pz.Abt.503, Panzerregiment Bake, Cherkassy Pocket, February 1944; Panzerkampfgruppe Strachwitz, s.Pz.Abt.502, Narva Front, Estonia, Feb-March 1944; two from 1./s.Pz.Abt.507, Poland 1944; s.Pz.Abt.508, Anzio, Italy, February 1944 and three specific Tigers from 3/.s.SS-Pz.Abt.101, Mons, France, Spring 1944 commanded by Unterscharfuhrer Heinrich Ritter, Untersturmfuhrer Thomas Amselgruber and Untersturmfuhrer Alfred Gunther.

Colours listed are from the Mr Hobby and Model Master paint ranges.

This one should please the Tiger fans (me included), the only let down being the DS vinyl tracks. I’ve mentioned it before in my reviews but I’m going to say it again - considering the price of Dragon kits, they should include the individual link Magic Tracks that were in their kits originally - and this applies to anything with DS Vinyl tracks, especially German and Soviet WWII stuff.

Dragon should also take a look at how they package them as it is bending the guide horns and rendering them pretty much useless.

Because of this issue I can only say it is ‘recommended but with reservations’ but if you want to improve the rating in my reviews Dragon then throw in a set of Magic Tracks as standard in future and you have a deal. ■

Thanks to The Hobby Company for the review sample www.hobbyco.net The decal sheet is packed full of useful marking options.

Lovely fine zimmerit pattern on the hull parts…

Fine weld detail on the road wheels.

The rear engine deck textures are excellent too.

The top of the turret – more subtle textures here.

The tool clasps are a bit chunky.

The fly in the ointment – bent guide horns and lots of fine flash on the flexible tracks will be hard to fix.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

ronco 1:35 er uc DML 1:35

a wagen . cm a

mm a 37 3 in1 • Kit No. 6

1 au Sonder a rge te Pz.S .I c • Kit No.

-3506

c a i

7

BIG FLAK ON TRACKS Gary Edmundson combines Bronco’s 1:35 scale Versuchsflakwagen with Dragon’s 8.8cm Flak 37 kit to deliver a rare and unique version of this mobile Flak platform.

D

ragon Models Ltd. collaborated with Bronco to produce the 1:35 Versuchsflakwagen 8.8cm Flak 41 auf Sonderfahrgestell (Pz. Sfl.IVc). Kit No.CB-35062. A future collaboration was discussed to make a kit of the same vehicle chassis mounting the 8.8cm Flak 37, and I received some test parts to review some time last year. Since I had most of the components to build the kit (short of the instruction sheet and photoetched parts), I decided to tackle the project and see how well it went together. DML kindly supplied the kit parts and a preliminary set of instructions.

The tiny amount of reference I had on this vehicle said that three of them were built by Krupp in late 1942 based on chassis destined for a cancelled project.

Tests with both the Flak 37 and Flak 41 were conducted, with conflicting information as to which was done first. Rumour has it that the vehicles saw action later in Italy, but pictures and confirming accounts have yet to surface to verify this. The chassis was based on a much-modernized Panzer IV, and all sides were designed to drop down allowing 360 degree traverse of the gun. The vehicle had a crew of 8, and weighed 26 tons, and had a Maybach HL90 engine.

The ve from th

Etched for a P

The real thing.

The kit design

The gu line) to

20 Model Military International - July 2014

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CONSTRUCTION

The vehicle’s jack block and jack were replaced with larger, more detailed examples Many of the tool brackets came from on old set of “On The Mark” etched metal for from the spare’s box the Panzer IV. The tow cables were from the Karaya range.

Etched metal screen was “liberated” from an old Eduard set of Thoma Schurtzen for a Panzer IV.

Tamiya’s idler adjustment wrenches were placed in a base made from scrap styrene, with an On The Mark p.e. bracket.

The kit tracks resemble ModelKasten design, with workability due to its pinned design.

The running gear was tacked together temporarily to determine the length of each track run. 108 links matched the instruction sheet’s estimate.

The gun shield on DML’s Flak 37 had to be notched out (as shown by the penciled The gun placement had to be test fitted to ensure alignment of the travel lock line) to accept the gun assembly with the small shield as seen in reference photos. assembly.

A multitude of torsion bar suspension units were cemented into the hull to mount the interleaved road wheels. The swing-arms had to be carefully positioned as the glue dried to ensure proper alignment. To construct the track runs, the road wheels had to be loosely positioned in place along with the idlers and drive sprockets. The tracks were a “pinned” design, made to be workable similar to Model Kasten tracks (with a similarly coloured brown plastic!). Quite a few hours were spent trimming and sorting the individual tracks, some of which were a little mal-formed.

Enough were supplied with plenty of extras to the 108 links per side, and some spare links for the font of the hull.

Since I had no etched metal screens for the engine deck, I scrounged material from an old Eduard brand set of Panzer IV Thoma Schurtzen I had in the spares box, cutting the necessary patterns with Tamiya’s special scissors designed for the task.

These and other etched metal bits were attached using cyano glue.

I replaced some of the kit’s tools and vehicle equipment with some spare DML or Tamiya parts, notably the vehicle jack and block, which seemed under-sized. The photo etched tool brackets were taken from an old “On The Mark” etched metal set for the Panzer IV, which I’m not even sure is available any more.

The towing cables mounted on the glacis were made using Karaya’s TC002 cable and ends from a DML Pz IV. They were wrapped around the three spare track links, which were mounted using spare DML brackets. The lifting loops on the front of the vehicle were bent from brass rod, since the kit supplied loops were a bit weak looking. The same brass rod was also used for the tow hook mounts.

Retaining chains for the various locking pins were cut from fine modelling chain (42 links per inch) product number 256 manufactured

by Campbell Scale Models of Tustin California, which was purchased at a model railroad shop. They were attached with help from fine twisted copper wire.

For items like the rear Notek light brush guard and locking hasps for the rifle stowage I took a strip of etched brass from an old Aber set and cut the sections A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

ronco 1:35 er uc DML 1:35

a wagen . cm a

mm a 37 3 in1 • Kit No. 6

1 au Sonder a rge te Pz.S .I c • Kit No.

-3506

c a i

7

The track runs were airbrushed using Floquil’s (now unavailable) Weathered Black. The lacquer-based paint resists subsequent acrylic washes

After priming with Tamiya Flat Black XF-1, The hull’s components were airbrushed Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow.

The detail was then washed with raw umber and black oil paints.

B needed. The moulded tool clasps

were replaced with Aber’s set number 35A093. I have to re-teach myself how to assemble these tricky bits of metal every time I go through a project, with a few of the pieces frequently flying out of the tweezers never to be seen again.

8.8CM FLAK 37 I had DML kit no. 6287, the 88mm Flak 37 “3 in 1”. With all of the options in the box I was able to determine what needed to be made up to match the reference photos I was working from in my old copy of the Encyclopedia of German Tanks (Chamberlain, Doyle, Jentz). I used the metal barrel with the larger collar part B12. Even though the normal shield is used

on this vehicle, I used the “pressed shield” optional parts G15, G16, G17, G18 and G19 for the smaller upper shield that rides above the barrel. The large main shield had to be notched out to accept this, as could be seen in the reference photos of the actual vehicle.

Bronco’s new parts for the gun included a lower main gun mount for the chassis, a travel lock assembly for the barrel, and a variation of the elevation hand wheel and right hand crew seat mount.

Due to complete incompetence on my part, I glued the base for the gun mount in backwards. This irreversible screw-up placed the hand wheels at the front of the assembly instead of the rear, where they belong.

After a couple of light washes of dirt-coloured pastel chalks, the high points of the tracks were drybrushed with a mix of silver enamel and raw umber oil paint.

After being painted separately, the DML 88mm gun was mounted into the Bronco chassis (notice the mount facing the wrong direction!)

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With the side panels all in the raised position, the imposing appearance of the large vehicle is evident.

The rear panel had gun cleaning rods mounted at an angle.

PAINTING THE VEHICLE AND GUN All subassemblies were airbrushed with Tamiya’s XF-1 Flat Black with a touch of XF-64 Red Brown mixed in. The dark base acts as a preshadow so the final colour (XF-60 Dark Yellow) can be sprayed on in a diluted form, allowing a mottled and weathered look to the finish.

The road wheels were finished separately so that the rubber tyres

could be painted using 862 Black Grey Vallejo acrylic.

The metal portions of the vehicle’s tools were painted with dark grey acrylic and then dry brushed using silver enamel mixed with a touch of raw umber oil paint. I typically don’t paint the jack block a wooden colour since wartime photos tend to strongly suggest that they were painted

the same colour as the vehicle itself. Examples taken from Tiger I vehicles in Normandy had them painted black – as an option.

Detail and weathering were added by dampening the model’s surface with mineral spirit, and adding a diluted dark brown oil paint. Winsor & Newton Raw Umber, Black and Raw Sienna were mixed in varied amounts to accomplish this job. A larger brush moistened with mineral spirit ensured no tide marks by daubing the edges of pigment, and heavier spots of pigment were dragged down the surface of the model to give a streaked, dirty appearance.

A few small scratch marks were made by painting tiny marks around the crew hatches and some of the edges where some wear and tear would be evident. This was kept to a minimum to maintain a clean appearance of a newer test vehicle undergoing trials.

ADDING FIGURES

With the configuration finalized, the model had an appropriately sized base cut from plywood, and a block of polystyrene trimmed to form an elevation at the rear corner.

Groundwork from a mixture of Celluclay, Aves Master Mache and a few small pebbles was spread in a thin layer over the surface

The two figures added to the model were taken from the DML kit no.6574 German Warriors 194041. These characters were chosen for their unique domestic poses,

The base was airbrushed using dirt coloured acrylic, and had some static grass glued randomly in place using thinned white glue.

suiting up for another session at the testing grounds. The sculpting on the figures was quite well done, and although I typically replace the heads with resin ones I found it unnecessary and used the ones provided in the kit.

After base-coating the figures with Tamiya’s spray can primer, they were airbrushed black. To give the uniforms a shaded look, I airbrushed them with Tamiya’s XF-65 Field Grey by just misting it on allowing the black to represent the shadows. I finished them using Vallejo acrylics for both the uniforms and flesh tones. For the German uniforms I like using Vallejo’s Olive Grey 888 mixed with either black or buff to darken or highlight respectively.

DISPLAY BASE The base was cut from a piece of 3/4” plywood. I took a chunk of Styrofoam and trimmed it to make a bank, gluing it in place with white glue. Celluclay and Aves Master Mash were mixed together with some water and spread onto the surface of the base like pizza dough. After pressing in a little gravel and sand, the base was A

After adding some taller grass mat from Heki, the base was again airbrushed with a diluted mix of the groundwork colour to tone down the look.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

ronco 1:35 er uc DML 1:35

a wagen . cm a

mm a 37 3 in1 • Kit No. 6

1 au Sonder a rge te Pz.S .I c • Kit No.

-3506

c a i

7

Modelspec B set aside to dry. The area where

the model’s tracks were to sit was devoid of any of the clay and gravel. Dirt coloured acrylic was airbrushed onto the base to colour it, and the colour was then varied by adding darker and lighter amounts of surplus paint here and there. I keep some of the old leftover diluted airbrush mixes for just this purpose.

After spreading some diluted white glue here and there, I added some static grass, and then later applied some taller long grass mat from a railroad model supplies company called Heki. After the adhesive for the grass had dried, I again airbrushed a light dusting of the base colour over everything, allowing the appearance to blend cohesively.

Before the addition of the grass, an outline of the sides of the base had been traced onto black picture-matting board. After being cut out, these sides formed a presentable border for the bare plywood on the base edges. After placing the model on the base, the figures were attached by metal pegs to the vehicle, near the joint of the folding side.

Bronco 1:35 Versuchsflakwagen 8.8cm Flak 41 auf Sonderfahrgestell (Pz.Sfl.IVc). Kit No.CB-35062 (chassis) DML kit no. 6287, the 88mm Flak 37 “3 in1” Accessories used Aber 35A93 German Clasps and Clamps Eduard 35310 JgdPz IV Mesh Shield On the MarkModels TMP3518 p.e. detail set for Panzer IV. Tools and Materials Used Tamiya Extra Fine Cement, Tamiya Basic Putty, Loctite 404 instant adhesive, Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CRplus Airbrush, 10mm, 18mm, 40mm Tamiya Masking Tape, 0.5mm brass rod.

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.

Future floor acrylic (Johnson’s Pledge).

Solvaset Decal setting solution.

Floquil F110017 Weathered Black.

Mineral Spirit thinner.

Two figures from the DML set no.6574 German Warriors 1940-41. They were painted with Vallejo acrylics, including the hands and faces.

SUMMARY The challenge of putting together a model from test parts with a rudimentary set of instructions made for an interesting build.

Limited references and improvising

References: some of the detail made for a satisfying conclusion to a model that I probably wouldn’t have normally chosen as a project, but am very pleased that I’d decided to take it on. ■

Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two ✓ High level of detail; interesting and unique subject. ✗ Some undersized parts; challenging due to oneoff nature of the project.

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

Rating The figures were added to the vignette to add some life and give a size perspective to the model.

The side panels were supported by drilling through the rear hinge location and passing a copper wire through for some strength. Support rods were given an extra drop of cyano glue also for this purpose.

The figures and equipment were painted using the fine artwork on the DML box top as a reference.

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Sd.K z. Ketten rad ar Production w/in antrie arren • Kit No. 63 1

Graham Tetley reacquaints himself with Dragon’s small but nicely detailed 1:35 scale Sd.Kfz.2 Kettenkrad, now with an Infantriekarren.

HALF BIKE HALF TRACK

D

ragon’s 1:35 scale Kettenkrad has been with us some years now, and this version is a re-box of the earlier ‘Premium Edition’ kit with different hull sides, but with the Pak 37 & figures swapped out for the Infantriekarren.

What we have in the box are six plastic sprues containing 129 parts of which 22 are unused.

There is a figure (which is not called out in the instructions) and also included is the etched fret from the Premium release of a few years ago (kit 6446) as well as DS Tracks. The decals are lovely and, for this release, have some really nifty decals for the instrument panels. Nice!

Some cutting and carving will be needed during construction of this model. One area of difficulty is that the instructions tell you to remove the solid areas in-between the handrails on the hull sides.

There are cut lines on the inside of the parts, but this will be an absolute bear to accomplish and keep the rails in one piece. Dragon really should have provided the rails as separate parts. Part A13,

the engine cover, also needs its plastic grilles cutting out to be replaced with the etched alternatives.

This is one of Dragon’s earlier kits and whilst good, the detail in some places is a little clunky.

Generally though, this should go together quite easily. The Infantriekarren we have seen before and this is provided sans stowage - come on Dragon, the boxart shows us some jerry cans in there so would it have really been too much to include something?

Moving to the full-length flexible DS tracks, personally I am not a fan of them but on first inspection thought that these here were pretty good. Then I noticed the moulding points and my heart sank. They are not easy to remove and do detract from the overall effect. Yes, I know that separate link parts (as in the earlier kits) are fiddly but including them as an option would have been nice.

Dragon kits are renowned for their instructional errors but I only found one in this kit. The blurb on the back of the box makes reference to a newly tooled Notek

light, but nowhere is it shown in the instructions. Step 8 has you build the front forks, but no light, and then Hey Presto, in Step 8 it magically appears! Other than that, everything is quite clear.

The base Kettenkrad is a lovely little kit and this will build into a fine replica, but I feel it is just missing that little bit of razzle-dazzle that Dragon usually provide. It gets a 7/10 from me. ■

The front forks and the new Notek light.

Road wheel detail.

Detail on the DS tracks.

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

Those dashboard dials are cool!

All the goodies!

A photo-etched fret is included.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Trum eter 1:35 So iet S3 15 MM Se -Pro e ed owitzer

ar

er ion • Kit No. 055 3

FLORAL

BOOM Vladimir Adamec offers a case study in painting and weathering Trumpeter’s 1:35 scale 2S3 Akatsiya (Acacia) self-propelled howitzer.

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W

hen it comes to modern Russian armour, modellers usually tend to think of the T-series of Russian main battle tanks or maybe their BTR/BMP line of armoured personnel carriers.

However there’s more to Russian armour than that…

Like its opponents and allies, the Russian army realised the need as early as WWII for mobile artillery vehicles that would be able to keep pace with fast assault tank and mechanised units and support them during the breaching operations. For this purpose, a number of vehicles were developed, usually on a platforms shared with the battle tanks.

After WWII, this development of artillery vehicles continued and Russian designers came up with

a series of self-propelled artillery pieces that were, somewhat ironically, named after flowers: 2S1 Gvozdika (Carnation), 2S3 Akatsiya (Acacia), 2S4 Tyulpan (Tulip), 2S5 Giatsint (Hyacinth), 2S7 Pion (Peony). These were followed by 2S9 Nona and 2S19 Msta, these however did not follow the “flower” series naming convention.

T2S3 Akatsiya is a self-propelled howitzer developed in 1969 as a response to the American M109.

Its production started in 1970 and in modified versions lasted until the late 1980s. 2S3 is equipped with 152mm howitzer, which is almost identical to the D-20 towed version. Its main ammunition is HE-FRAG, though HEAT-FS, HE-RAP, AP-T, illuminating, smoke, incendiary, flechette and scatter mine ammunition are also

available. The howitzer is also capable of firing F-38 Krasnopol laser-guided rocket-assisted projectiles and nuclear projectiles.

Though 2S3 was primarily used by the Red Army and its Warsaw Pact allies, it was exported in small numbers and is currently used by number of European, Asian and African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Georgia, Libya, Syria and Iraq.

Though not well known, it’s combat history is not short, having been used in Afghanistan; in a number of wars in the former republics of the Soviet Union (Tajikistan, Chechnya, South Ossetia), as well as in the more recent civil war conflicts in Syria and Libya. A

The space under the turret rear is where entrenching blade can be stowed in alternative to being mounted in the front.

The massive turret housing the howitzer and overhanging most of the rear hull dominates the model.

The howitzer may be positioned in large range of elevations or in the locked position.

The top of the front hull has plenty of surface details. Check the sprues and the instructions carefully as some of the handles at the front are not called out, but miraculously appear on the vehicle.

Construction finished and the model is ready for painting. Details of the vehicle are well represented in this kit. Only a few small handles were replaced with metal wire.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Trum eter 1:35 So iet S3 15 MM Se -Pro e ed owitzer

ar

er ion • Kit No. 055 3

Tamiya Fine Primer was applied from can. A few quick passes are sufficient to cover the model.

The individual track links are perfectly moulded and detail is great even from the sides. These were the best in-box individual link tracks that I have used so far.

B TRUMPETER’S 1:35 2S3 IN THE BOX Trumpeter has built a leading position among plastic model producers when it comes to modern Russian armour over the past few years. One of the more recent additions to their model line-up is 2S3 Akatsiya released in early 2013.

It seems that Trumpeter sets the quality bar higher with each of their releases and this kit is no exception. It comes in typical white-and-grey box packed with 9 regular sprues, 3 separate mouldings for the turret, upper and lower hull, 30 smaller sprues with track links, small photo-etched fret and decals. The parts are nicely moulded, with a good level of detail. Barrel is provided in two halves and as it has quite complex shape, some modellers may wait for aftermarket replacement.

CONSTRUCTION Construction of the kit was a smooth affair, although there were few moments that left me scratching my head. Fit of the parts is excellent and the instructions are easy to follow.

The few photo-etched parts are

Tamiya XF-67 NATO Green was applied as base coat. It is not too dark, but sufficient if you plan intensive weathering.

mostly simple with only the cover for gun sights on the left side of the turret being tricky to properly align. As is typical for me, I did not follow the construction steps order from the instructions, which might have been the reason for a small gap between the fenders and upper hull at the rear of the model, but this was easy to fill and it is partially covered by the overhanging turret.

The barrel is provided in two halves, but the fit is very good and with a little bit of putty and patience I was able to build it without any visible seams. It can be positioned in a wide range of elevations or it can also be shown fixed in the travel lock.

Front light guard frames are an excellent piece of moulding and Trumpeter has to be commended for achieving such fine level of detail.

The self-entrenching blade is also nicely moulded in one piece and may be positioned at the front or at the rear of the hull. I left it separate to have better access to front hull during painting and weathering.

Winsor & Newton oil paints were used to pick out the details. The proportion of the paints was varied to achieve the right level of contrast to the underlying color of specific areas.

Modulation and highlights were done using the base coat color lightened with Tamiya Yellow Green XF-4 and Flat White XF-2.

Wash and highlights are an essential basis of the weathering process. Enhanced contrast achieved by these may be clearly seen from the model.

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Detail of the front hull. Every weathering phase was done in number of steps, covering one or two panels at a time while making sure that the overall look is consistent.

Decals were applied using the trusty Micro Set and Micro Sol solutions. This side went fine. The other gave me some headaches.

One of the highlights of the kit is the tracks, which are provided as single-links. The tracks are moulded in small sprues each containing eight links and have excellent detail from all sides and require minimum cleaning. Links click into each other and the fit is great, so the tracks are easy to put together and don’t come apart during painting and weathering.

These were easily the best singlelink tracks I have used so far.

THE TRICKY PARTS… Trumpeter took a novel approach with the tool brackets, in more then one sense. Each bracket is made of a single plastic piece (the bracket) and a small photoetch strip for the handle.

When put together they look quite

good, but you cannot really fit any tools into them and for some reason there are no tools included in the kit. So you end up with the whole right side of the hull with nice tool brackets, but without the tools. I am not sure of the reason for such a decision.

Similarly, the machine gun on the turret has very nicely moulded gun mount with great detail. However, when I tried to mount the machine gun into the mount I found that it sits too low and is misaligned with the ammo box holder.

The tracks were primed first. I used grey primer this time to make application of the dark base coat easier.

The area behind the wheels and running gear was weathered before the rest of the vehicle. Akatsiya is now ready to get its tracks.

Unfortunately, very little photo documentation is available for this vehicle and most is of vehicles from museums and static displays that have the machine gun removed, so it is hard to say how the machine gun should be positioned exactly.

Aside from the above issues, construction was straightforward and I have only replaced the smallest handles on the hull and turret with ones made from a wire.

PAINTING AND WEATHERING My first idea for this project was to paint Akatsiya in colours from the current Syrian or Libyan conflicts, but eventually I changed my mind.

I decided to challenge myself on what could I get out of the Russian green finish.

The model was first primed in Tamiya Fine Primer (white) in the spray can and a few imperfections that I have missed before were corrected. For the base coat I used Tamiya`s NATO Green XF-67, which is bit lighter than I normally use for pre-shading, but my intention was to have relatively light green finish that would provide a good canvas for weathering that would tone it down.

Modulation and highlights were progressively added with the Base colour lightened with Tamiya acrylic Flat White XF-2 and Yellow Green XF-4, so that they would be paler in shade, but still preserve the vibrancy of the colour. The mixes I used were as follows: • First highlight: 2 parts XF-67 + 2

A

Polished steel effect was achieved using the AK’s Dark Steel pigment. This was rubbed onto the tracks with my fingers.

The assembled lengths of track. The tracks went together perfectly and they held tight during painting and weathering.

Tamiya Khaki Drab XF-51 was airbrushed as the first step in track painting. It is a nice brownish colour that provides a good basis for the heavy weathering that follows.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Trum eter 1:35 So iet S3 15 MM Se -Pro e ed owitzer

ar

er ion • Kit No. 055 3

Pigments were the main tools used for weathering the lower hull. Variance in the colour was achieved by mixing the multiple colour pigments that can be seen here.

B parts XF-4 + 1 part XF-2.

• highlight: 2 parts XF-67 + 3 parts XF-4 + 3 parts XF-2.

• hir highlight: 2 parts XF-67 + parts XF-4 + 5 parts XF-5. s a s r th a i s th i al highlights r sig i i a tl light r a i high trast t th rigi al as l r h i i g th pai ts r th highlights thi th r tha th as at pai t as th s r t is t a th highlights sl l starti g ith r tra spar t la r a sl l il i g th pa it th lati as high p i ts a s r a r pi t r r shi g th ith il pai ts t rs t sti g t g t th right l l trast s i s r t s il pai t i r a t r ight a apl s ll h a t i th s t pai ts as ari p i g h th r th tails r th ar as pai t i l r l s t th as r th lat ar as ighlighti g as ll th appli ati t ra ti s ar r ash r gr hi l s h ash as appli ith r sh ri g s all ar as a th as li t ith s all r lat r sh til th sir i t sit th ash t as a hi t is i p rta t t s a pai t r sh that is t ith a l r il thi r r th li ti g r r sh ill pl t l li t th ash a li i at th t ha th sha s ar tails a iti al a appli ati th pi ash as a si g a i i s r t s la a r t r

MARKINGS pla as t appl ar i gs t pi al r its r th gha ista ar rt at l

t th la ph t tati artill r hi l s r this li t th a t ar i gs s ssia its ar t that l ar s t ith g ri rals ta r is s al s t r th r ssia hi l s r th gha th atr p rati s h s r l appli t th si s th t rr t si g tr st i r ta i r l s l ti s F r s r as th ar i gs si t p r tl s thl t th th r si th als ha ri l s that ha t rr t th g tl sa i g a t hi g p ith ar li s th als r p r tl r air r sh a h a il thi light at th i -t pai t s r th l t p th t r th trasti g hit l r th rals hippi g as a t a hi th t a hi l ith p rati al hist r that as still r g larl ai tai s pt th i t sit r lati l rat hippi g as sl l r r shi g a i i s r t s la a r t r si g a r s all r sh t r th il pai t hips ri th r ghl str a i g as a i pla s h r it as sist t ith th pla t th hips th pp r g s th h ll a t rr t t ra ti tr a i g ri a r r il pai t r s r this t l th ar i gs a hippi g ithi th rall l th l a a iti al r il a a l as ath ri g as a a ari t t th larg ar as th r t h ll a t p th t rr t appi g as a si g ltipl r sha s il pai ts that r appli i s all ts a th s t ith

Pigments were applied in a heavier layer and with the same pigment mix to match the weathering of the hull behind them.

agai

Detail of the rear of the vehicle. Even on this modern vehicle, the sag of the tracks is visible on the photos of the actual vehicle

ist pai t r sh s that gra al tra siti r r at r i g i ltipl st ps th ts that i tl at ral r rr t a r r

PIGMENTS pt r l r h ll th appli ati pig ts as als li it ig ts r appli t r rs a r i s h r st a s il l at rall a lat a r h r th s

l

t asil r a ti s r i t ra ti ith ir t i r t sha s r i r r6 i r t pig ts r r ti s ra g ar r s r s at th l r h ll light r sha i g sl l a t ar th pp r parts th l appli pig ts si g a l r r sh si r2 a r s ra ig ts r i i t pla air r shi g th r th

Larger sized panels on the front hull offer a canvas for a number of weathering techniques, one of the most effective being streaking. This was done using a combination of AK’s products and oil paints.

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Modelspec

The limited markings for this vehicle were sourced from Bison’s decals for Russian tanks in Afghanistan.

Trumpeter 1:35 Soviet 2S3 152MM Self-Propelled Howitzer – Early Version Kit No. 05543 Accessories used Bison Decal set 35101 – Soviet tanks in Afghanistan Paints & finishing products Tamiya Fine Surface Primer Tamiya acrylics: Nato Green (XF-67); Flat White (XF2); Yellow Green XF-4; Khaki Drab XF-51 Tamiya Lacquer Thinner; Tamiya Acrylic Thinner (X-20A) Winsor & Newton oil paints: Burnt Umber (076); Ivory Black (331); Naples Yellow (422); Permanent Green Light (48) AK Interactive: Dark Brown Wash for green vehicles (AK-045); Dark Streaking Grime for Dark Green vehicles (AK-024); Dark Steel Pigment (AK-086); Odorless thinner (AK-050) Mig Productions pigments: various earth tones

The monotony of the large turret roof area was broken up by using mapping with oils and controlled application of pigments.

✓ Original subject; sharp moulding and details; excellent fit. ✗ Missing tools, turret machine gun mount.

Available from Left side of the vehicle. The empty tool brackets are a bit of enigma with this model.

Trumpeter kits are distributed in the UK by Pocketbond

Rating with Tamiya Acrylic thinner.

This thinner has to be applied in bursts, starting relatively far from the model surface to avoid the pigments being blown away by the air stream and closing in as small amounts of the thinner slowly fix the pigments in place. In the end, the surface should be barely moist with the thinner, not soaking wet, so that the pigment effects are soft and pigments are not simply flooding the surface.

TRACKS The tracks were primed with grey Tamiya primer and then painted with Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab, which is nice earthy tone of brown that works very well as an under layer for the application of pigments. The metallic look on the edges and high points were achieved by rubbing in the Dark Steel pigment from

AK Interactive range with fingers along the tracks. In the end, the pigments were added using the same method as the rest of the model, but using larger amounts of pigments to build volume.

CONCLUSION Trumpeter’s 1:35 scale 2S3 Akatsiya is an original and unique looking vehicle, and it is a very

good representation of the real thing. Aside from few issues, the kit is typical of what modellers can expect these days and I thoroughly enjoyed this project, which can be finished in quite short period of time. Given the operational history of the vehicle, possibilities for using it in vignette or diorama settings are plentiful. ■

The finished model. The quality of moulding of some details of this kit, such as the front light guards, is top class.

Chipping of the model was limited as can be seen on the turret walls. It is important to combine different weathering tools consistently - such as chipping and streaking in this case.

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KIT PREVIEW

ronco 1:35 u a o 6 6 MP

w/S at rmour • Kit No

-35101

Tyre sidewalls feature authentic rippling effect.

Andrew Judson examines Bronco’s 1:35 scale Buffalo 6x6 MPCV w/Slat Armour.

The upper body and the clever tyre treads.

SLAT HAPPY! B ronco has proven to be a manufacturer of fine quality kits in both WWII and modern subjects, and here is another to add to their excellent range. The Buffalo has been done by them before, but now we have this new variant with slat armour and the added bonus of the remote weapon system.

I was extremely impressed on opening the box, being confronted by a bulging bunch of plastic sprues, filled with many parts.

By many, I mean exactly that, with 978 plastic parts, a sheet of photo etch parts, two lengths of soft plastic pipe, a sheet of decals and an extensive 35 page instruction sheet.

Looking at the parts, you get what was in the first kit, and then there’s all the extras such as the bar armour, the remote weapon system which is optional, and some extra parts in the interior including radios, and the control system for the weapon system. The quality of the parts is very high, with crisp and clean mouldings, no sink marks or flash

to clean up and the over all level of detail is amazing. What was a big stand out for me was the slat armour that comes in 17 sections to be placed around the vehicle on the many mounting points. I was thinking that the slats would be overly thick and out of scale, but boy was I wrong. They are absolutely beautiful, with very fine slats and detail throughout.

The wheels are the same as the first kit release, with the treads and separate sidewalls, although there a several options in this area for resin replacements. The weapons system is very well done as an extra option giving you the choice of a .50 cal MG or an M240B MG, both very well cast and detailed. If one chooses, they could be replaced with resin options although I don’t see a real need to do this. The rest of the parts are also very nice although there are many very fine bits where extreme care will be needed when removing and handling. Don’t let the carpet monster get these!

As I mentioned earlier, the

instruction book is very detailed with well drawn diagrams and sequence of parts construction.

In total there are 59 construction steps to complete this build - not one for the beginner or faint-hearted. At the end of the instructions there is a decal and colour guide for a vehicle, unit unknown, in the desert sand colour.

Bronco’s 1:35 scale Buffalo 6x6 MPCV w/Slat Armour is an exciting though complex kit, and one that should interest those interested in modern subject, such as myself. I am sure once built and painted up, this is going to be one impressive looking beast of a machine.

I highly recommend this kit to all, although I do caution beginners to maybe wait before tackling this one. It is a lot of kit in one box!

Beautifully done Bronco. Thank you. ■

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

The body sidewalls.

Interior parts are included too.

17 sections of slat armour are provided. These are impressively fine.

Thirsty? Have a 1:35 scale bottle of water!

Plenty of clear parts are supplied for the various lights and windows.

Stencil and instrument dials on the kit’s decal sheet.

More multi-media – two grades of vinyl tubing.

The kit’s photo-etched fret.

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Halifax Modellers World

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IBG MODELS 1/35 SCALE IBG35022 Marmon Herrington Mk.II..£29.99 IBG35017 Bedford QLR ........................£29.99 ACADEMY 1/35 SCALE AC13281 Magach 6B Gal Batash IDF .£29.99 BRONCO MODELS 1/35 SCALE CB35168 6Pdr ATG Airborne w/crew.. £21.99 AB3562 British Field Accessories ..£11.99

TRUMPETER 1/35 SCALE TM05566 T-80BV Russian MBT .........£40.00 TM05535 ASLAV-PC Phase 3.............£29.99 TM01543 BTR-60PA APC ....................£29.99

TAMIYA 1/35 SCALE TA35335 Nashorn................................£44.99

AFV MODELS 1/35 SCALE AF35236 AEC Matador Early.............£44.99 AF35253 Churchill 3 inch Gun...........£39.99

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FEATURE ARTICLE:

Tami a 1:35 Ira i Tan T-55

nigma • Kit No. 353

UPSIZE ME! Chris Wauchop details and paints Tamiya’s 1:35 scale up-armoured Iraqi T-55 Enigma.

T

he T-34 was the backbone of the Soviet Union’s armoured force from 1941 onward. Although the powerful IS-2 and IS-3 were also developed during the Great Patriotic War, a strong focus was kept on the mass production of the effective, but by no means perfect, T-34.

By 1943, Soviet tanks found themselves pitted against daunting German super-Panzers and tank destroyers including Tigers and Panthers. It was clear that future enemies would also field such dangerous adversaries, so work

began on a new Soviet tank design that was up to the challenge.

The prototype for the new T-54 tank was produced just before the end of the war, in February 1945.

This was an all-new design with a low silhouette and rounded turret, with five large road wheels on each side, powered by a 12 cylinder diesel engine and armed with the 100 mm D-10T cannon.

The T-55 was initially developed as a response to the need for nuclear, biological, and chemical protection of the vehicle and its crew. The T-55 received the new V-55 12-cylinder 4-stroke one-

chamber 38.88 litre water-cooled diesel engine, improved armour and increased ammunition stowage.

The T-54 and T-55 are simple tanks that are relatively inexpensive to maintain and easy to crew. These attributes have made the T-54/55 very popular as an export type to Warsaw Pact, Middle Eastern and developing nations.

Over a period of six decades, the T-54/55 has been subject to many upgrades and modifications, and holds the distinction of being the most numerous tank in history.

Production is estimated to be between 86,000 and 100,000.

Iraq took delivery of thousands of T-54s and T-55s from 1958 until 1985. These were used comprehensively in the Iran Iraq wars, against Coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War and again in 2002’s Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Around 1,500 T-54s, T-55s and TR-580s were in service with the Iraqi Regular Army in 1990, with 500 remaining in 2002.

The T-55 “Enigma” was an Iraqi attempt to upgrade the armour of the ageing T-55 during the 1980s. The Iraqi designation of this unique type is unknown – the name “Enigma” was bestowed on the

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The upper hull is a modified moulding with prominent mounts for the appliqué armour.

Ballast is supplied for the back of the turret.

The distinctive “wing” armour sections for the front of the turret.

The side armour pieces are moulded as full lengths in inside and outside sections.

The new Enigma kit is packed under typically attractive Tamiya box art.

vehicle by Coalition forces during the 1991 Gulf War. The Enigma appears to have been used as a Command vehicle in regular T-55 units. The type saw combat against Coalition forces in 1991, although the additional armour appears to have done little to protect it from heavy losses.

TAMIYA’S NEW 1:35 SCALE T-55 ENIGMA Tamiya’s 1:35 scale T-55 kit was released in 2002 and became an instant classic thanks to its high level of detail, accuracy and ease of assembly. It is still the best T-55 kit available in 2014.

Tamiya has taken advantage of this excellent base kit to deliver an Iraqi T-55 Enigma.

Although the running gear, lower hull and some of the detail parts are from the original boxing, much of this kit is new or modified.

Now moulded in dark yellow, Tamiya’s 1:35 scale T-55 Enigma comprises approximately 382 plastic parts, four large polythene caps, ten small polythene caps, I small sheet of vinyl mesh and two full-length flexible vinyl tracks.

Two of the sprues and the upper hull are brand new, while the turret has also been modified A

A nicely moulded crew figure is supplied. He could be used in the turret or standing beside his tank.

Tamiya has also modified the original T-55 turret to permit installation of the various unique armour and other fittings.

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FEATURE ARTICLE:

Tami a 1:35 Ira i Tan T-55

nigma • Kit No. 353

B to accommodate the armour

segments and other fittings.

All the parts, whether from 2002 or 2012, are moulded to the same outstanding level of quality.

The suspension features separate swing arms, so the wheels may be posed on uneven terrain if the modeller wishes.

The road wheels, idler wheels and drive sprockets are held in place with polythene caps. I was a little surprised that Tamiya did not take the opportunity to offer a set of link and length tracks with this new kit, but there are plenty of options available for replacements - Friulmodel and Modelkasten being the best - if you don’t like the flexible vinyl tracks.

Vinyl mesh is supplied for the grilles on the engine deck, and the large external fuel drums on the back of the vehicle are included in this kit too.

The gun barrel is broken down into left and right halves with an end piece.

An Iraqi tanker figure is included.

There are no decals in the kit.

CONSTRUCTION SUMMARY Basic construction was straightforward, as you would expect from a Tamiya kit.

Scratch built parts and small details from Eduard’s photo-etched update set added to the time and the eyestrain, but they all made a noticeable difference to the finished model.

Specifically, the following additions and enhancements were made: • it l s a s th appli were roughed up with the aid of a motor tool.

• ll th r l s a s r a or enhanced using liquid cement, stretched sprue and the point of a needle.

• l i g as a t th fender fuel cells.

• st l - ha l s r replaced with copper wire.

• pla l plasti spri gs for front-hinged armour with coiled copper wire.

• rat h- ilt th hi g ar rs locking mechanism using plastic rod and strip, brass wire and spar its • pla it h a light ag ith item made using .020 plastic rod.

• it a a li g t all electrical fittings.

• p ai sp tlight ra added internal details.

• ri r s hat h t r al details.

• pla it s ai g arr l with item from Aber.

• s ri g lts t r t A

The plumbing for the fender-mounted fuel cells was the first addition made to the model. This was made using copper wire for the fuel lines and brass tube for the connectors.

The kit exhaust shroud was replaced with a scratch-built item made by embossing a piece of thick aluminium foil (cut from a take-away food container) over the kit part. The bracket supporting the shroud was cut from .010 plastic strip. Also seen in this shot are replacement brass wire handles on the stowage bin latches and the wiring and mounting detail for the rear formation light.

In this shot quite a bit of added detail is seen, including a new headlight cage made from .020 plastic rod (probably a bit too thick) and also electrical wiring conduit made from same. All weld seams have received a bit of extra roughening treatment from my motor tool fitted with a fairly coarse dental burr.

The locking mechanism for the hinged portion of the turret armour was made using rod and strip, brass rod, fine wire (for the spring) and a photo-etched nut from the spares drawer. Also visible in this shot is the electrical conduit and wiring for the front formation lights and the horn, which is just visible below the turret armour locking handle.

The kit’s plastic turret armour hinge springs were replaced with items made by coiling fine wire around a brass rod of the appropriate diameter. Also visible in this shot is the scratch-built water tank and plumbing for the driver’s vision port washing system. The photo-etched treadplate cap on the gunsight and brass tube aerial mount may also be seen.

After opening the main I/R spotlight’s front flap, some internal details needed to be added. These included a tiny spring, a very short length of brass tube, a hinge pin and circular seal cut from plastic card. Later examination of my photographic reference revealed that the seal should be a solid disc! Oh well.

Also seen in this shot is the mudguard detail. This included some photoetch and some scratch built items. The rear end of Aber’s beautiful turned aluminium 100mm D-10T gun barrel is also seen in this shot.

Although a beautiful little model in its own right, the kit's Dushka heavy machine gun does benefit from the addition of a few extra details. These include the folded gun sight and rear trigger mechanism handles from the Eduard photo-etched detail set as well as various scratch-built locking handles and a cable linking the rear and side triggers. A grab handle and locking latch have also been added to the inside of the hatch-lid.

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After studying various photo-references I chose the Bovington Museum example as my main reference.

In this shot, most of the additions that were made to the turret can be seen including a scratch-built hatch-lid catch, copper wire tie-down loops, brass wire locking handles on the stowage box lids and lots of enhanced weld seams on the rear bracket, especially where it joins the main turret. The heaviest seams were formed by gluing lengths of stretched sprue along the join using lots of liquid cement to soften the plastic. While still soft, a needle was used to add the texture.

Eduard’s photo-etchecd engine screens, fuel-drum straps, brackets, latches and lots of scratch-built detail may be seen in this view.

The model was given a light coat of Alclad Grey Primer.

At this stage I decided to add nuts and bolts to the front appliquĂŠ armour panels. This was done by drilling a hole through the round kit bolt heads, then inserting and gluing a length of the appropriate diameter brass wire in place. After searching through my spares drawer, plenty of the right sized P/E nuts were found and glued over the wire bolts.

The main camouflage colour was next. This colour is my own mix made with 20% Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow, 10% XF-59 Desert Yellow and 70% XF-2 Flat White and was sprayed over the entire model.

The wheels have been removed and were painted and weathered separately. This photo was taken after a gloss coat and a very thin black/brown oil wash had been applied.

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FEATURE ARTICLE:

Tami a 1:35 Ira i Tan T-55

nigma • Kit No. 353

Chipping and rust spots were added with a fine paintbrush.

Careful weathering brings out the detail in weld beads and other raised features.

The original green camouflage colour is shown behind the desert yellow paint in places.

Staining around the auxiliary fuel tank filler points.

B appliqué armour.

•

ts

tra tail a t r ar hi l si g plasti sh t plasti r rass t a ph t t h • it tra s r r pla ith r ti s si ra t -

PAINTING ith l

str ti pl t th as gi a light at

l la r ri r t this stag i t a ts a lts t th r t appli ar r pa ls his as rilli g a h l thr gh th r it lt h a s th i s rti g a gl i g a l gth th appr priat ia t r rass ir i pla t r s ar hi g thr gh spar s ra r pl t th right si ph t - t h ts r a gl r th ir lts

h ai a lag l r as t his is i a ith 2 a i a XF-6 ar ll XFs rt ll a 7 XF-2 Flat hit a as spra r th tir l h h ls r r a pai t s parat l g t th ath ri g r a ti hips a s rat h s r ar ll pai t si g a i r sh a a i a i a r li XF-

Flat la a XF-6 r s tl sha i g as th appli si g th air r sh l a ith a r thi i th sa l rs his as ar ll spra i a al g a r ss ar as ar th ha st tl t a als ar th ar as h r th hips a s rat h s ha pai t r thi la r il ash as als appli ■

Modelspec Tamiya 1:35 Iraqi Tank T-55 “Enigma” Kit No. 35324 Accessories Used: Aber D-10T 100mm Barrel for T-55 (Item No. 35L-07) Eduard T-55 Enigma detail set (Item No. 35244) WWII PRODUCTIONS T-55 TRACK (Item No. 35008) Paints & Finishing Products: Tamiya Acrylics - XF-60 Dark Yellow; XF-59 Desert Yellow; XF-2 Flat White; XF-64 Red Brown and XF-1Flat Black. ✓ Fantastic fit; good level of detail. ✗ None noted.

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

Rating

Tracks are individual resin “click-link” items from WWII Productions.

The extra armour transforms the clean lines of the T-55.

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The two big fuel drums were painted different shades for some variety.

The work done on the exhaust shroud may be appreciated after painting. The mix of thinned Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown has been sprayed around the exhaust outlet.

Tamiya’s fabric moulding is very convincing, further enhanced with careful weathering.

The detailed and painted DShK machine gun.

Enigma in profile.

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 agd ant er

The new mantlet features authentic cast texture.

Smart Kit • Kit No. 660

The superstructure roof.

The rear deck on the newly-tooled G2 hull.

Slide moulded plastic barrel.

LATE JAGDPANTHER Andy King gets his hands on Dragon’s long-awaited late version of the Jagdpanther – the G2.

C

onsidered to be one of the best tank killers of WWII, the story of the Sd.Kfz 173 Jagdpanther began in early 1942. The initial design stemmed from the requirement for a heavy assault gun vehicle that mounted a KwK L/71 8.8cm gun .The industrial giant of Friedrich Krupp AG presented two conceptual drawings, one for a vehicle powered by a Deutz-Stern Diesel motor and the other for a Maybach HL 90 engine to the Heeres Waffenamt (the people who issued the requirement).

In October 1942, responsibility for the design of the new vehicle was handed over to Daimler Benz as production was due to start in their plant in 1943, although Krupp was still to assist with the project.

Production started in 1943 with the first five machines ready in January 1944 for Waffenamt inspectors. Because of Allied air raids, production of the Jagdpanther at the MIAG (Muehlenbau und Industrie A.G.)

plant remained at a low rate so contracts were awarded to MNH (Maschinenfabrik NiedersachsenHannover) and MBA (Maschinenbau und Bahnbedarf) to help increase it.

The first unit to get their hands on the Jagdpanther was the 654th Schwere Panzer Abteilung who traded in their Ferdinands for the new model. The vehicles finally arrived by train in May 1944, going into combat two months later against Allied forces in Normandy.

Dragon has previously kitted the Jagdpanther G1 in its early and mid-production forms (with and without zimmerit) and now for the first time we have the late production G2.

The hull is essentially similar in appearance to the earlier G1 however the rear of the superstructure had a steeper angle which lengthened the engine deck. It also featured smaller air intakes with sliding shutters and a heating unit for the crew on the left circular air cooler. Other differences included the coolant

Photo-etch and decals.

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and fuel filler caps being the same diameter, flame-dampening exhausts (Flammvernichter) and the various on-vehicle tools moved to the rear hull plate.

Looking in the rather packed box there are nineteen sprues in grey styrene, separate upper and lower hulls, a clear sprue for the periscopes, a photo-etched etch fret, a small decal sheet and DS Vinyl tracks… more on those later.

As per usual you have a load of parts that are not required for use and this lessens what may be to some a rather daunting parts count especially as there are no individual track links. All styrene parts are well moulded and virtually flash free with no evidence of sink marks anywhere. The sprues are a mix of ones from the earlier Jagdpanther G1 and Panther G with sprue ‘P’ featuring a new-tool upper hull. The only interior parts are a basic gun breech and air intakes for under the engine deck but with the mesh covers you wouldn’t see them anyway.

The tracks are nicely detailed…

Starting with the running gear, be careful with the rear idlers as the correct later pattern 665mm diameter ones are packaged separately (in the bag with the clear bits). There is also a choice between a return roller or skid on either side of the lower hull so you need to check references as to which was fitted and when. This leads me onto the tracks and all I have to say is ‘dear oh dear’, as the detail is good but there is a lot of flash that although small it is very noticeable and will have to be removed. Also in my sample some of the guide horns have been bent right over due to the packaging and will be nigh on impossible to rectify. PLEASE Dragon will you include the original individual track links as in my view DS Vinyl just does not work for the sagging tracks of these German vehicles.

Anyway deep breath Andy, and moving onto the rear hull you need to open the flashed over holes in the rear plate for the tool stowage. The attachment brackets

…but they suffer from fine flash and folded-over guide horns.

Historical information from my Jagdpanther bible ‘Panzertracts No.9-3. ISBN 0-9771643-0-6

07/05/2014 16:30

Nice fine crisp wheel detail.

Engine ventilator covers.

for the flame dampeners are okay but would be better replaced with brass strip. Also, the tools have the clamps moulded on and look a bit clunky but if you thin them down a bit it would improve the look somewhat. Oddly enough there are two etched metal tool clamps supplied for the engine deck so it would have been nice of Dragon to supply more for the rest of the tools.

The engine deck has a few optional parts here and there such as two types of armoured louvre for the right-hand circular air vent (parts A9 or A10), air scoops (P11 or C2) plus the rectangular air intakes on the right and the crew heater on the left can be positioned with open or closed vents.

The tube for the barrel cleaning rods and the spare track hangers

3-0-6

at the rear are shown as being optional but most photos of Jagdpanther G2s show them to be fitted, the tube for the cleaning rods usually being virtually flat!

There are two types of stowage bin to choose from on the rear of the superstructure, on the roof the ’scissor’ periscope for the loader can be modelled in the raised position and the flare gun cover can be open or closed. The barrel is a slide-moulded item (which is pretty standard on Dragon stuff nowadays) and looks the part, especially the muzzle brake although personally I’d replace it with a turned metal aftermarket item such as one from RB Models.

Markings are supplied for three vehicles, one from II./ Panzer-Lehr Regiment 130, Germany 1945 and two unidentified ones both

The hull machine gun cover.

of which are also dated 1945 in Germany and East Prussia. Colours quoted are from the GSI Aqueous Hobby Colour/Mr Colour and Model Master ranges.

We’ve had to wait a while for a new Jagdpanther G2, and it is nice to finally see it. Admittedly it’s just the upper hull that has been retooled and most of the bits are from earlier Jagdpanthers but it is still very welcome.

Now Dragon will probably hate me for this but here it comes and it’s the tracks. I have stated before that I can understand why DS Vinyl tracks are included as some people find individual links fiddly, but unless you are going to mould the vinyl things perfectly then it will probably take you longer to remove the flash than assemble the links - and being vinyl it won’t

be THAT easy to remove either.

The very least they can do is throw in a set of individual links that were in the original releases of the Jagdpanther G1. As it stands, now I will have to source a set of tracks from the aftermarket and the vinyl ones filed under ‘B’ (for bin). Either that or contact Dragon’s customer care for replacements.

It’s a G2 and I’m very pleased about that and I’d love to give this kit a ‘Highly Recommended’ but the tracks for me personally are a deal breaker, mainly for the fact that I will have to get decent ones from elsewhere. With that in mind it will have to be a ‘Recommended but with reservations’. Sorry Dragon! ■

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

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THE UNIVERS KIT PREVIEW

Tami a 1:

S

1/ Ton 6 6 ir ie d ue Truc • Kit No. 3 57

The Editor il s th st it i a i a s : scale Military Miniature s se ries, the G 2 t 7 al ir i l F l a r MC CCKW

I

f the M4 Sherman was the Universal Tank, then the GMC CCKW must surely be the Universal Truck.

The GMC CCKW is a 2.5 ton 6X6 U.S. Army cargo truck that saw service in World War II and the Korean War, often referred to as a "Deuce and a Half" or "Jimmy".

More than 500,000 rolled off the production line by the end of the Second World War, making it the backbone of the essential

and ultimately successful Allied logistical effort.

The CCKW came in many variants based on the open or closed cab, and Long Wheel Base (LWB 353) or Short Wheel Base (SWB 352). In addition to the cargo truck, these included: • at r ta r7 al • F l ta r7 al • p • Flat • r a ai t a r

Van • tr a • -6 tr a • 27 r i r • 27 r i r • h i al r i r • tal p rati g r a • rgi al r a • at r p ri i ati tr • Fir gi ra t r a Initially, all versions were of closed cab design with all steel cargo beds. However, as the war

progressed, an open cab version was designed that had fixed 'half doors' and canvas top/sides and the steel bed was replaced by a wooden one to conserve metal.

The wood bed proved unsatisfactory and a composite bed with steel sides and framing, but with wooden slats for the bed, was developed.

Later on the 'wood/steel' composite bed was replaced by an all steel composite bed.* A

* Histo

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RSAL TRUCK This is another GMC fuel truck variant - the short wheel base tanker.

This wartime version certainly has a rear window in the cab. Note the angle of the bonnet (hood) in profile too.

A GMC CCKW Air Compressor Truck, photographed at the Marshallmuseum in The Netherlands. This gives an excellent view of the shape of the grille, which would have been the same on the 750 Gal fuel tanker (photo by AlfvanBeem)

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KIT PREVIEW

Tami a 1:

S

1/ Ton 6 6 ir ie d ue Truc • Kit No. 3 57

B IN THE BOX

Decals are offered for two vehicles.

The new hard top cab is moulded with the top of the bonnet.

The wheels are plastic and supplied in two parts each.

The doors are moulded separately, and may be posed open if desired.

The distinctive grille.

Vinyl hose and wire are provided too.

Two standing figures are included.

The clear parts.

Tamiya released a 1:48 scale GMC 2 1/2 ton truck in 2007. This represented a later version with the soft-top cab. The kit was typical of Tamiya's 1:48 scale kits of the time, featuring a good level of detail, excellent fit and a metal chassis.

Fast-forward seven years and Tamiya's latest 1:48 scale release is a GMC 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck.

The new kit differs from the original release in a number of important respects, apart from the obvious fuel tank. Firstly, it represents an early hard-top version with metal roof and doors.

I cannot see any reason why the cabs from this kit and the earlier cargo truck could not be swapped, offering some interesting crosskitting opportunities. The second difference is that the metal chassis has been dispensed with and replaced with a plastic part. This is certainly easier to work with.

Tamiya's new US 2 1/2 Ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck comprises 145 parts in dark green plastic, six parts in clear, a length of flexible vinyl hose, a length of metal wire and markings for two vehicles.

Detail underside of the plastic chassis is built up via separate leaf springs, a nice one-piece axle and driveshaft unit, and some smaller separate details.

The cab interior looks good (no pedals again though), with the instrument dials being provided as decals.

The cab roof and top of the bonnet are moulded as one part, and the split windscreen is a single clear moulding. Clear side windows are also provided if you wish to depict them rolled up. The doors are separate, and may be posed open or closed.

The fuel tank is broken down logically. A rolled flexible hose is a nice touch. A length of enamelled wire is inserted into vinyl tube to allow it to hold its shape as it is rolled around a drum. This unit may be displayed thanks to the separate doors on the cabinet. Indeed, Tamiya supplies two standing figures including a refuelling guy who can hold the end of the hose. The second standing figure is an infantryman leaning against the vehicle. A third seated driver figure is also included, although he appears to be a leftover from the cargo truck and is not mentioned in the instructions.

Markings are provided for two vehicles.

ACCURACY After I had finished building my model, there were some questions raised about accuracy of the model on various online Forums.

One is the lack of a rear window in the cab.

Photos of a restored example show a rear window, but I have not been able to find any evidence one way or another of the rear window in a wartime longwheelbase 750 gallon fuel truck as depicted by Tamiya’s kit. The area is hard to see in black-andwhite wartime photos as it is in shadow, compounded by the close proximity of the front of the fuel tank itself. This is not to say that rear window is not there, so you should make up your own mind whether you think it is worth cutting it out of the kit cab.

The other question is the slope of the bonnet and the shape of the grille. Viewed from a high threequarter angle, the bonnet does look to have excessive slope to the front. However, when compared to a straight side profile, the angle looks pretty good.

What is clearer, though, is that the front grille and the headlight brush guards are compressed.

They look squashed and short when compared to reference photos.

Overall though, Tamiya’s model certainly looks like a GMC CCMK!

CONSTRUCTION Construction was generally very straightforward. This model could easily be built in under a day.

I built mine almost straight from the box. The only deviations I hade from the instructions was to omit the clear side windows (I thought that it would be more representative to have the windows rolled down), and to leave the wheels off until painting was complete.

I did not bother to add foot pedals as they are hidden deep in the recesses of the closed cab, but it would not have taken much time or trouble to do so.

A few minutes was spent ageing the leather bench seat with airbrushed shading, an oil wash and subtle dry brushing. Interior details such as the steering wheel and the shift knobs were painted black before the cab was sealed.

My only word of caution relates to the fitting of the cab to the front fender / running board (Part B6), and its subsequent attachment to the chassis (Part P1).

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The assembled chassis and drive train. Detail is good in this area.

Chassis and drive train parts laid out in preparation for assembly.

I had clearly made an error, as the assembled cab floated several millimetres above the chassis. I urge you to test-fit these subassemblies before glue is applied to avoid this problem.

In the end, I cut out the central section of the fender assembly, and also cut a recess into the corresponding area of the chassis.

This allowed the cab to sit down flush on the chassis rails, eliminating the gap.

There is also a gap between the top of the running board and the floor of the cab, but this seems to be an unavoidable feature. If you

want to pose the doors open, you will need to cover this gap with plastic strip or sheet.

The wheels have been assembled and the tread roughed up with a coarse sanding stick. This also eliminates the feint raised seam line.

ANY COLOUR YOU WANT… There is not a lot of choice when it comes to painting a GMC CCKW truck. The vast majority of the half million trucks built during WWII were finished in good ol’ Olive Drab.

I decided to try something a little bit different this time.

Rather than prime the model with Tamiya grey primer then paint with acrylics, I thought I would skip a step by spraying the model with

Tamiya’s aerosol can TS-5 Olive Drab. This lacquer paint would act as a primer, offering “tooth” for the later coats, as well as acting as the base colour.

I had decided to depict the windows open, so I had earlier masked the inside of the side windows with Tamiya tape. I also masked the split windscreen prior to fitting it to the cab. I carefully cut around the windscreen wipers

The three upper cab parts have been assembled. Note that lack of a rear window.

The simple interior is quite adequate inside the closed cab.

The lower cab elements including the painted interior.

There really is no way to paint the inside of the cab once it is assembled with the doors closed, so now is a good time!

and the frame with a new Olfa knife blade. The windscreen was then secured with a sparing application of Revell Contacta cement.

What followed was two sessions of 30 seconds painting with the spray can held about 45 cm from the surface of the plastic. Now that was an easy paint job!

However, I was not quite finished yet. A

View from the top.

Steering wheel, gear and transmission shifts are included, but no pedals.

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KIT PREVIEW

Tami a 1:

S

1/ Ton 6 6 ir ie d ue Truc • Kit No. 3 57

Many wartime photos show the side windows rolled down so I decided to omit the clear parts. The window openings were masked with Tamiya tape prior to the doors being fitted.

B ADDING SOME VARIETY I airbrushed a very thin mix of Tamiya XF-1 and XF-64 along hinge lines, door edges, panel lines and recessed areas.

Tamiya’s TS-5 Olive Drab is fairly dark, so I decided to paint horizontal surfaces and highlights in a paler shade. My initial choice was Gunze H78 Olive Drab (2).

However, upon application, it turned out that this was almost a perfect match for the base TS-5 coat! I added around 15% Tamiya TS-60 Dark Yellow to obtain a lighter shade. This worked a treat. Rather than spray in large patches, I blended the edges of the highlights with streaks and mottles, and added more vertical streaks to the sides and rear of the truck.

The model was then sprayed with three coats of undiluted Future Floor Polish to provide a high-gloss surface for the decals.

Tamiya’s decals sometimes look thick on their backing sheet but in my experience they perform very well on the model. Even the large

The cab takes shape.

circled star on the cab roof settled down nicely over the compound curves after a brushed coat of Solvaset decal setting solution.

The downside of using Solvaset over Future Floor Polish is that it often leaves prominent white stains when it dries. Fortunately, the solution is easy and 100% effective. Simply spray the effected areas with another coat of Future Floor Polish and the stain will disappear before your eyes – or in the next few minutes.

The rear bumpers and the edges of the front bumper bar were painted white instead of using the kit-supplied decals.

While the model was still glossy, I mixed up a dark wash using Winsor & Newtown Lamp Black and Raw Umber oil paints, thinned with Humbrol Enamel Thinners.

I have been searching for the ideal wash thinning medium for many years, and I think I have finally found it. Humbrol Enamel Thinners is pleasantly low-odour, but even more importantly it thins the oil paints without separation

The bottom of the cab prior to the installation of the fenders and running boards.

Tamiya supplies copper wire to fit inside the vinyl hoses.

The wire helps the vinyl hold its shape – nice touch.

One end of the vinyl hose was glued to each reel before the halves were assembled.

was generally “Construction very straightforward.

This model could easily be built in under a day...

”

The hoses could then be rolled on to the reels.

Tamiya supplies some of the internal structures, although most will be hidden under the top cover.

The side box covers are moulded with the grab rails in place.

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I had to carve out a section of plastic between the running boards to help the cab to sit down flush on the chassis rails.

I also cut out a corresponding area on the top of the chassis. I am sure this would have been avoidable if I had test-fitted thoroughly before gluing the parts together.

Don’t make the same mistake as I did!

The masked doors have now been fitted.

The various kit sub-assemblies prior to painting.

10mm Tamiya tape was applied to the split windscreen and carefully cut around the frames and windscreen wipers.

of the pigments, and flows nicely along raised and recessed features of the model. It dries fairly quickly too.

At this point, the shovel and the hose were picked out using Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush.

DUST, MUD AND FINISHING TOUCHES Upon examining the painted model, I thought that the mounts for the side mirrors looked a bit chunky. It is never too late to make improvements so I carefully cut the kit parts off at the base and scratch built new poles from brass rod. Two round mirrors were

The masked windscreen was glued in place before painting.

A

The passenger’s side hose reel doors were glued open. I really should have done something about those raised ejector pin circles though!

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KIT PREVIEW

Tami a 1:

S

1/ Ton 6 6 ir ie d ue Truc • Kit No. 3 57

The model after its base coat of Tamiya TS-5, straight from the spray can.

The wheels were sprayed at the same time. Note that the headlights are separate and being sprayed here too.

B

A very thin mix of Tamiya XF-1 and XF-64 was airbrushed along hinge lines, door edges, panel lines and recessed areas.

A blend of Gunze acrylic H78 Olive Drab (2) and about 15% Tamiya TS-60 Dark Yellow was sprayed thinly as a highlight coat.

Rather than spray in large patches, I blended the edges of the highlights with streaks and mottles, and added more vertical streaks to the sides and rear of the truck.

I have been “ searching for the ideal

The model was then sprayed with three coats of undiluted Future Floor Polish.

wash thinning medium for many years, and I think I have finally found it...

”

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…but this was easily fixed with another undiluted coat of Future.

Solvaset setting solution left an alarming white residue…

B cut from thin scrap plastic sheet

using my Waldron Punch and Die Set. The reflective surfaces for the mirrors were punched from self-adhesive Bare Metal Foil “New Improved Chrome”. While I had the Waldron punch set up, I also punched a plastic circle for a Bridge Class Disk. The mirrors and disk were painted, and then added to the vehicle before final weathering.

I feel that I have never completely gotten the hang of using pigments, especially over large areas. I find it safer to represent large dusty areas with the airbrush.

After a flat coat to seal the decal, I sprayed a heavily thinned

coat of Tamiya XF-57 Buff on the lower areas of the truck, followed by vertical streaking and a heavier coat in areas of natural dust accumulation such as the back of the vehicle.

The wheels were also painted and weathered at this time. The tyres were brush painted with a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 337 Highlight Ger (Black) and Model Colour 70995 German Grey. This results in a nice dirty brown-grey base tyre colour. This was followed by a stippled coat of Maru Easy Mud’s “European Earth” shade, ensuring that the chunky compound got into recesses and details. Make sure you use an old stiff brush for this job.

Once this has dried to a crusty finish, I brushed a coat of thinned Winsor & Newton Lamp Black and Raw Umber oil wash, with special emphasis around the wheel hub and nuts. When this had dried, the face of the wheel was lightly scrubbed against a cloth to expose a clean section of tyre and emphasise the dirt and oil in the recesses.

The final touch was some MIG Pigments applied selectively on the lower rear part of the body, and also around the mudguards and running boards. This lent a subtle texture effect to the sprayed dust finish. A

New mirrors and a Bridge Class Disk were made from fine brass rod, scrap plastic sheet and a Waldron Punch and Die set.

This was followed by a stippled coat of Maru Easy Mud’s “European Earth” shade.

The tyres were brush painted with a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 337 Highlight Ger (Black) and Model Colour 70995 German Grey.

The Easy Mud dries to a nice crusty finish.

A Winsor & Newton Lamp Black and Raw Umber oil wash was brushed overall, but especially around the wheel hub and nuts.

When this had dried, the face of the wheel was lightly scrubbed against a cloth to expose a clean section of tyre and emphasise the dirt and oil in the recesses.

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KIT PREVIEW

Tami a 1:

S

1/ Ton 6 6 ir ie d ue Truc • Kit No. 3 57

Modelspec

B CONCLUSION

A heavily thinned coat of Tamiya XF-57 Buff was sprayed on the lower areas of the truck.

Tamiya has delivered an interesting crossover subject with appeal to both military and aircraft modellers.

This new 1:48 scale US 2 1/2 Ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck is well detailed, offers useful options including poseable cab doors and hose, and with the inclusion of the two standing figures it is almost a "vignette in a box". Of course, it will be transformed into a fullblown diorama with an aircraft by its side.

The cross kitting opportunities between this early hard cab version and the soft-top cargo truck are quite exciting too.

This is another nice release in Tamiya's 1:48 scale range that will be welcomed by a wide range o f modellers. ■

Tamiya 1:48 US 2 1/2 Ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck.

Kit No. 32579 Tools and Materials Used Waldron Punch and Die Set Evergreen Plastic Card Fine Brass Rod Bare Metal Foil - New Improved Chrome Revell Contacta Cement Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement Tamiya Masking Tape (various widths) Tamiya Surface Primer Paints & Finishing Products Tamiya Aerosol Spray Cans – TS-5 Olive Drab Tamiya Acrylics – X-18 Semi Gloss Black; XF-1 Flat Black: XF-57 Buff; XF-60 Dark Yellow: XF-64 Red Brown.

Gunze-Sagyo Acrylic - H78 Olive Drab (2) Vallejo Panzer Aces Acrylics – 311 New Wood; 337 Highlight Ger (Black) Vallejo Model Colour Acrylics - 919 Foundation White; 70995 German Grey Future Floor Polish Winsor & Newton Oil Paints – Lamp Black; Raw Umber Humbrol Enamel Thinners Solvaset Decal Setting Solution Alclad II Klear Kote Flat – ALC 314 Maru Easy Mud Item No. 21105 – European Earth MIG Pigments – P039 Industrial City Dirt and P415 Light European Earth (50:50 mix) ✓ Interesting and useful crossover subject for military and aircraft modellers; good level of detail and moulding; generally excellent fit. ✗ Some inconvenient ejector pin circles; stumpy grille.

The shovel was painted with Vallejo acrylics.

Tamiya’s 1:48 scale Airfield Fuel Truck is a versatile subject that will be welcomed by military and aircraft modellers.

Available from Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample.

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

Rating

MIG Pigments were applied selectively on the lower rear part of the body, and also around the mudguards and running boards.

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A round-up of the latest news and releases in 1:72 and 1:76 MIRAGE HOBBY, POLAND 1:72 SCALE PZ.KPFW. IV B & D KIT NOS. 72852 & 72854

Both kits come in Mirage Hobby’s standard end-opening and slightly flimsy boxes featuring attractive artwork. Six styrene sprues, vinyl tracks and recovery-cables are sealed in a cellophane bag, along with a photo-etched (PE) fret and decals further protected in their own zip-lock polythene bag.

The instructions consist provide a brief historical outline and use Polish and English. They feature CAD rendered constructional images, which are not always a popular choice, but in this case work well enough. There is no parts map.

The instructions deal with the photo-etched parts on a separate page to those covering the assembly of the styrene parts, even though in some cases the photo-etched parts are alternate choices to the styrene ones! In the case of the Pz.IVD, the instructions are very confusing as they refer to PE part numbers that are not provided, and fail to mention some that are. Also, the illustration used is of an Ausf. B or C hull, not a D’s. Mirage Hobby needs to improve this aspect of their instructions.

The colours and marking guides provide a shaded six-view drawing of each markings option, with paint colours crossreferenced to the Vallejo and Humbrol paint ranges. Decals locations are well illustrated, and include additional detail sketches where very small markings are concerned. The colour & markings guides are in fact quite good general arrangement drawings, and the instructions direct the builder to check these where some detail parts options are offered.

There looks to be a distinct production difference between the running gear sprues and those of the hull and turret; with the running gear appearing to be a slightly crisper moulding. The running gear sprues look as if they are from a galvanised-spray epoxy tool, whilst the hull and turret sprues look more like a straight epoxy mould. This may be because the double the number of suspension sprues must be produced for every hull and turret, meaning twice the tool wear, and so a more robust mould is needed. Regardless of this opinion, there is plenty of detail captured throughout, with some fine parts included.

Sprue gates are generally quite narrow. Most ejector pin marks are out of the way, and none are a problem. There is quite a smattering of flash noticeable on the hull sprues. Fortunately, the numerous suspension components are largely flash-free.

Only vinyl tracks are provided, but these are very fine with nice detail and crisp moulding. I know some favour linkable styrene tracks, but I think in this case that vinyl has enabled Mirage to render more realistic scale tracks than they could have in styrene.

The vinyl recovery cables are let down a seam of flash and numerous sprue gates. I can see these being binned and replaced.

The photo-etched fret is well produced and caters mainly for the two ends of the track guards (a nice scale touch, and ideal for a bit of scrunching out of shape if desired). Photo etch is also used for various stowage racks, but as mentioned earlier, I was confused regarding some parts relating to the Pz. IVD. Like many Mirage Hobby AFV kits, their Pz. IVs are designed to enable a variety of versions to be covered using shared tooling where possible. Assembly will be slightly more demanding than, say, Dragon or Trumpeter kits that use slide-moulds. However, it is apparent that Mirage understands what many AFV enthusiasts appreciate in kit design, as all the crew hatches, engine and transmission covers are moulded separately to be modelled open if desired. However, the cupola hatches are joined, and the internal faces of all the hatches have no detail. No interior detail is provided either, but at least the kits are ready for aftermarket detail sets and crew figures.

Another plus is that ancillary tools and many smaller details are moulded as separate items. Of course, all of these aspects count somewhat against war-gamers who seek fast assembly and robustness.

Both kits capture the key features associated of the version being represented, such as the differences in the B’s straight and D’s dog-legged driver’s and radio operator’s front armour, “pen-nib” gun barrel, optional turret bustle and antenna guard, applicable choices of gun-mantlet, plus no less than three styles of road wheel, three drive sprocket types, and two choices of idler. The running gear choices are cross-referenced to the colour & marking guides, although one style of road wheel is not applicable to either of the boxings reviewed here. There is no appliqué armour option as retrofitted to some Aufs Ds. Colours & Markings Markings options for the two kits are as follows: • Pz.K w. I Kit 7 5 : • t om an II atta ion 1 t Panzer egiment 1 t Panzer Di i ion Po and 1 3 .

• nd Panzer egiment 1 t Panzer Di i ion Normand ring 1 3.

• nd Panzer egiment 1 t Panzer Di i ion Saint-Martin-de- re ne Normand ring 1 • Pz. K w. I D Kit 7 5 : t om an 3rd Panzer Di i ion rance 1 0.

.

Conclusion I i e t e a roac Mirage o ta e wit it 1:7 it and a our a man o en atc e and e arate anci ar art a i ractica e. I a o i e t e en i e u e o P to render greater ca e ine e. T e e it are c ear itc ed toward t e 1:7 scale armour enthusiast, the cost of this being greater assembly complexity than some other brand kits. The increased parts count also means more clean-up to do, as with attendant flash issues and the like. These are minor setbacks I can happily live wit in e c ange or w at a ear to e nice rendered ear er ion o t e Pz. K w. I in t i ca e.

Mirage’s instructions leave some room for improvement. Most notably, they should integrate the use of photo-etch at the same stage of their instructions as the styrene alternatives they replace. Above all, they should ensure the instructions relate to the PE parts provided, as this was not the case with the Pz. IVD. In tructiona gri e a ide t e e are nice it and we come addition to t e range o Pz. I er ion a ai a e in 1:7 ca e. T e may need a little more work than some other brands to assemble, but they are ideal for those who like to portray their AFV’s with crew members visible, or hatches open. Of course, the latter will require some scratch-built or after-market detail added.

As a relative newcomer to small scale armour modelling I have yet to build a Mirage Hobby kit, so my assessment is restricted to a “first look” appraisal. However, I definitely recommend the two kits reviewed here.

Both Recommended.

Thanks to Mirage Hobby for the review samples www.mirage-hobby.com.pl Mark J Davies Where to buy: • www. annant .co.u or 1 .

• www. uadron.com or S 1 .

• www.mode ime .com or €13.33

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DRAGON ARMOR PRO

1:72 SCALE TYPE 2 ‘KA-MI’ W/FLOATING PONTOON (LATE PRODUCTION) KIT NO. 7486 Dragon continues its series of Japanese light tanks with the amphibious version of the Type 2 ‘Ka-mi’.

This is the original vehicle with the fore and aft floatation pontoons added.

The kit comes in the standard Dragon lid & tray box, featuring excellent artwork by Ron Volstad, and consists of two large sprues, upper and lower hulls, DS tracks, a single photo-etched grill and a small sheet of decals. The instruction sheet is of the exploded diagram type and includes four painting and marking options.

The quality of the moulding is excellent with no flash or sink marks in evidence. The level of detail is very high with much use made of slide moulding, especially on the hull and larger pieces of the pontoons, featuring fine rivets, welds and panel lines. The running gear is also nicely produced with the road wheels moulded onto the suspension arms which. When connected to the hull allows for a certain amount of articulation if required. The turret is also well detailed with opening hatches and wading extension for the commander with open vision ports. One of the best features of the whole kit is the pair of light machine guns for the hull and turret. These are extremely well detailed and it is a shame that much of them will be hidden inside the tank!

The DS tracks are very small but well detailed and the one photo-etched piece, the curved guard grill over the exhaust, will enhance the look of the finished model. One cautionary note is warranted; however - great care must be exercised removing all the small and delicate parts in this kit from the sprues to avoid damage.

With careful painting and weathering this kit will build into a stunning display model despite its small size and monochrome paint scheme. This is a fine addition to the Dragon 1:72 scale range.

Highly Recommended.

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

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Incoming

ITALERI TAMIYA

1:35 SCALE BRITISH PARATROOPER & BICYCLES SET KIT NO. 35333

British paratroopers of the Second World War had a number of transport options, but the most portable and flexible – quite literally – would have to be the BSA Paratrooper's Folding Airborne Bicycle, sometimes called the Parabike. This was a lightweight bicycle designed to fold with the turn of two wing nuts. The Parabike could be dropped along with the paratrooper, who would simply hang on to the folded bike during their drop.

More than 60,000 Parabikes were manufactured during the Second World War. Tamiya expands its British model and figure range with this new 1:35 scale British Paratrooper & Bicycles Set. The set comprises 49 injection-moulded parts in dark olive coloured plastic. Two complete bicycles and figures are included.

The bicycles may be assembled either deployed or folded. If folded, two simple cuts must be made midway along the fullstretch frame. The handles are separate so these may be glued in either position, depending on which option you choose.

The bikes are extremely simple, being made up from only seven parts each. Detail is generally delicate with the exception of the wheel spokes, which are very heavy. I am sure that someone will offer photoetched replacements for these soon.

The figures look quite good, with natural poses. Each has alternative heads – one with the beret and another with a helmet, although I am sure that some will prefer to replace the Tamiya heads with after market items from companies such as Hornet or Alpine.

One figure sits astride his bike while the other is standing alongside his, holding the handlebar. Alternative arms are also offered for both figures. Nice touch. Various packs and two rifles round out the package.

Instructions for assembling the bicycles are provided on a small piece of paper, while part numbers and colours for the figures are called out in four full-colour photos on the back of the box.

This is a nice little vignette-in-abox, or it will also be an interesting accompaniment to a vehicle or a larger diorama.

Recommended.

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

1:35 SCALE ‘HILLBILLY’ GUN TRUCK • KIT NO. 6513 Following on from the truck reviewed a few issues ago, Italeri is now maximising the moulds by giving us another gun truck. Yeah!

Comprising of approximately 215 parts and one length of twine we have most of the basic M923 kit with some tweaks to Sprue ‘C’. This gives us the additional parts for the large bull-bar and its mounts to the chassis.

Moulding is clean and crisp with a little flash present on my kit, there are also some knock-out pin marks on the inner faces of the cargo bed parts, mud flaps and others that will need filling if you are concerned.

A small clear sprue provides parts for the windscreen and headlights. Two marking options are provided – a three tone camouflage scheme for the 1st Infantry Division, Iraq 2009, and an overall sand coloured vehicle from the 1st Cavalry Division, Iraq, 2010.

One thing that I like about Italeri kits is that the instructions are foolproof.

This one contains 16 clearly drawn, uncluttered, steps that are easy to follow.

First impressions are that this is a very basic kit. The two part wheels have a tread pattern on them that bears no resemblance to the real thing so you may wish to replace them. All catches and latches are moulded solid and the wood grain texture on the cargo bed parts is a little heavy. A standout for me is the perforated exhaust cover that is moulded onto the exhaust box – this cries out for an etched part to replace it and the whole part is very crude.

My construction comments in my previous review will apply to this kit as it is 95% identical. It is a very basic and simple kit that, for me, is a little too basic. That said, the kit’s retail price is very reasonable so you have pennies to spare on detail parts if you so wish. As a starter it needs a new set of tyres and some etch for that muffler.

For a beginner to the hobby, or just for a weekend break, it is an inexpensive and simple kit to put together. I give it 6/10.

Recommended.

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

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ITALERI

1:35 SCALE M108 KIT NO. 6518

According to Wikipedia, The M108 Howitzer was first introduced in the early 1960s.

It used the same hull and turret as the 155 mm M109 self-propelled howitzer, and components of the M113 armoured vehicle, but was phased out soon after the Vietnam War. It was found that the M109's 155 mm calibre was considered better fitted for the modern war.

The M108 was used in several NATO countries and this kit depicts some of those alternatives, with markings included for Brazilian, Australian and American vehicles.

This is the only model we have of an M108 in 1:35 scale and comprises of approximately 230 parts, with a further 372 (yes, 372!) for the tracks. Moulded in light grey plastic, there is a tiny bit of flash on some parts but no moulding imperfections.

Detail is acceptable throughout, but in typical Italeri style it is soft and crude in many places and not really up to today’s standards. We have many parts that date from the first release of this kit and the ‘Upgraded Molds’ tag on the box appears to relate to the new parts for the turret and gun on Sprue C. Worthy of note are the new tracks which are actually quite good. Available as separate set, Italeri have designed then so that there is an upper and lower trackpad that sandwiches in-between them the connecting pins. This is very Bronco-ish is style and is absolutely fantastic for replicating the sag on the upper track run. A handy jig is provided to help you assemble them.

The instructions are clear, well drawn, and foolproof – a highlight of Italeri kits for me.

This is a kit of a unique vehicle, but it is a shame that the detail isn’t really up to today’s standards. Ordinarily, I would say that this would be an ideal kit for the beginner but the inclusion of the tracks may put some beginners off. Perhaps it would have been appropriate for Italeri to include a set of one-piece tracks in the box to cater for everyone.

The kit will provide a great base for detailing and the more enterprising modellers may wish to use the parts here to backdate one of the many M109 kits available.

It gets a 6/10 from me.

Recommended.

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

AMMO OF MIG JIMINEZ

ITEM NO. A.MIG-7107 1935-1945 SOVIET CAMOUFLAGES SET

Although the name Mig Jiminez is well known, “Ammo of Mig Jiminez” seems to be a relatively new brand to the market.

Mr Jiminez’s newest venture has been quick to release a six-bottle acrylic paint set for Soviet vehicles from the years 1935 to 1945.

The set includes the almost universal 4BO Green (this was used both as a primer and a camouflage colour), 7K Sand, 6K Brown; and two green colours of the interwar period also seen at the beginning of World War II, plus 3BAU and a green protective coating. This set also includes Item No. A.MIG 024 for washable winter camouflage.

The front of the box states that the paint colours have been subject to scale effect reduction – in other words, presented a bit paler compared to the original colour to take the smaller scale of our models into account.

The paints are neatly packed into a sliding tray inside a colour cardboard box. The 17 ml squeeze-bottles are reminiscent of Vallejo of acrylic bottles.

The back of the box contains artwork of five Soviet tanks wearing different combinations of the camouflage colours, which should offer some nice inspiration for new modelling projects.

I am sure that Ammo of Mig Jiminez’s “Soviet Camouflages” set will be warmly welcomed by modellers of WWII Russian (and related) vehicles. I’ll look forward to trying them out on my next Soviet project.

Recommended.

Thanks to Ammo of Mig Jiminez for the sample www.migjimenez.com Brett Green

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Book Reviews OKH TOY FACTORY THE NIBELUNGENWERK: TANK PRODUCTION IN ST. VALENTIN

BY MICHAEL WINNINGER ISBN: 978-3905944051 CASEMATE PUBLISHING

This is a follow up to the largely pictorial book penned by the same author; “The Nibelungenwerk in St. Valentin 1939 to 1945 - Armoured Vehicles Made in St. Valentin”. As the titles suggest, the subject matter of these books is the Nibelungenwerk AFV factory located in Austria. The name “Toy Factory” originates from the codename of ‘toys’ that German officials used during wartime when referring to AFV’s.

The Nibelungenwerk was an immense establishment, covering a 60 hectare site of cleared land within the Herzograd forest. Constructed from the ground up during WWII, the factory was purpose built with the sole objective of manufacturing armoured fighting vehicles for the Third Reich. Decommissioned at war’s end, when active the factory produced such vehicles as the Panzer IV, VK4501(P) (predecessor to the Tiger), Jagdpanzer IV, Jagdtiger, and armoured railcars. The factory also manufactured Panzer IV hulls, to be shipped to other tank factories and finished off as variants such as the Brummbar for example.

Comprising of 366 B&W pages with an abundance of period photos, charts, maps, etc, the book contains virtually everything you could want to know about the Nibelungenwerk, from conception through to the factory’s demise. Although the panzers constructed at the Nibelungenwerk are a key feature within the book, the contents predominantly focus on the factory itself and also provide insight into the daily life of the factory workers.

Reading through the book gave me a new found respect for the magnitude of infrastructure behind the production of Germany’s panzers. The Nibelungenwerk was not just a huge factory that made tanks, it was a community with its own residential development to house factory workers, an onsite fire station, medical staff, and much more. In addition, given the time period and also the minds behind the operation of the factory, the working population was consequently heavily segregated forming the catalyst for many moving stories, as touched on within the book.

I found this book to be fascinating and it really helped me put panzer production into perspective. Having spent a lot of time studying the vehicles themselves, it was interesting to delve deeper and learn about where these tanks actually came from and the conditions in which they were made.

With that in mind, I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in finding out more about the ‘behind the scenes’ of panzer production.

Recommended.

Thanks to Casemate Publishing for the sample www.casematepublishing.co.uk Alex Dutt

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SOVIET SUBMACHINE GUNS OF WORLD WAR II WEAPON SERIES NO. 33

BY CHRIS MCNAB ISBN: 9781782007944 OSPREY PUBLISHING

The submachine gun (SMG) came to be the embodiment of the Soviet fighting spirit during World War II. From 1943, the Red Army’s preference for close-quarters combat resulted in entire infantry units being equipped with nothing but SMGs. By deploying multiple SMG-armed companies and battalions, the Red Army was able to develop ferocious firepower in urban warfare and position assaults, the soldiers keeping within the SMG’s effective range of about 150m to nullify the German skills in armoured and manoeuvre warfare, artillery support and aerial bombardment.

The latest title in Osprey Publishing’s Weapon series is “Soviet Submachine Guns of World War II”. This release covers the PPD-40, the iconic PPSh41 and PPS submachine guns.

The book commences with a slightly macabre but entirely relevant discussion of the speed of incapacitation and death after being hit with a bullet, and the need for a weapon that would decisively down an enemy with a series of rapid rounds. To quote the author, “The submachine gun (SMG) is the perfect weapon for this horrible purpose”.

The Chapters continue to describe Soviet development and adoption of the submachine gun, their use, their impact in the war and on the post-war New World Order, and a comparison with other submachine guns of the era. Interestingly, the author concludes that the PPSh-41 or PPS were superior to both the US Thompson gun and the MP 40 in terms of robustness and rate of fire. The simple construction and reliability of the PPSh-41 and the PPS were major factors in their battlefield success.

The book concludes with a Glossary, Bibliography and Index.

Chris McNab’s text is readable and informative throughout, and the story of the Soviet submachine gun is ably supported by well-reproduced and helpfully captioned photographs plus illustrations by Steve Noon and Alan Gilliland.

This is an interesting title that offers valuable background, useful photos and attractive artwork to the modeller and armchair historian alike.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the sample www.ospreypublishing.com Brett Green

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07/05/2014 16:38

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

WHAT’S ALL THIS CRAZY TALK ABOUT 1:48 SCALE BEING DEAD?

W

ith the number of 1:48 scale kits out there, it is far from being dead. You know, I heard in the beginning, the scale will never take off and I don’t want to swap my 1:35 scale collection for 1:48, or there are just not enough of this-and-that in that scale.

Well, you know what? All of this is true to some degree, but the scale is still here and it is still growing –perhaps not as quickly as I would have hoped, but it still is here.

If you look at the Tamiya range for instance, it now comprises of well over 80 kits. If you build all of them at the rate of 10 a year that’s 8 years of builds alone. If on the other hand you can only

manage around 5 builds a year that’s 16 years worth of builds. This of course doesn’t take into account all the other makers out there and the aftermarket conversions and full kits.

Put simply, if you built every 1:48 scale kit on the market today at say 8 builds a year, you would be hard pressed to complete them all in a 20-year stretch. So no, the scale is not dead and in the coming months I can tell you that a resin manufacturer will release a range of ten new resin figures that will by all accounts be outstanding.

Added to that, Bronco has seen fit to release another 1:48 scale kit and the aftermarket guys are still producing updates.

The cynics amongst us will no doubt point out that

generally 1:48 scale kits are not as well detailed or have same fatal flaw that well just don’t seem to make the scale as popular as 1:35. Those same cynics I might add, will also complain about how overly complex 1:35 scale kits have become!

The real strength of this scale is its size. It is just big enough to detail up if you so desire and just small enough to leave as is.

I have seen a number of 1:48 scale models lately that are just stunning built straight out of the box.

So what’s all this crazy talk about the scale being dead?

It’s not, plain and simple.

Until next time Luke Pitt

ATTACK SQUADRON

1:48 SCALE MQ-8B FIRE SCOUT US NAVY DRONE HELICOPTER KIT NO. 48003

Before I hear howls of discontent from our readers about why I’m reviewing this piece in the 1:48 scale column, I would like to point out that it is a military kit and it is 1:48 scale. Yes, I know what you’re going it say as it has no wheels or tracks but really, why confine ourselves to merely those items?

It might also be said why do we confine ourselves to anything post 1935 (but that’s another matter entirely).

We live in a time of autonomous warfare were physical contact may well be thing of the past. It has crept into almost every facet of our modern lives.

I won’t comment on whether it is a good or a bad, it simply is. The MQ-8B Helicopter is part of the new wave of drones that the US military hope to better manage it peace keeping activities.

A total of 24 MQ-8Bs are to be deployed on the Navy's Littoral Combat Ships from 2014 onwards. It has been said that the Fire Scout will significantly contribute to the American Navy's primary missions of anti-submarine warfare, surface and mine warfare.

So what about the kit? Consisting of 43 resin pieces a small photo etch fret and decal sheet, the kit is without a doubt a finely rendered piece. The main body features both recessed and raised detail. The detail is some of the best I have seen in this scale and is a credit to the designer involved. All of the other resin pieces are produced to the same high standard and if pressed I believe you could clean up and complete this model in a matter of hours, not days that would normally be the case. A small photo etch fret with 14 parts and a decal sheet with three marking choices are included. The four pages of instructions are noteworthy as they are both clear and easy to follow. I must say, I am highly impressed with this little kit. It is different and very well done.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Attack Squadron for the sample http://attacksquadron.pl Luke Pitt

58 Model Military International - July 2014

p 58 48Scale 099B.indd 58

19/05/2014 15:32

DON’TT MISS A THING....

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

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

• • • • • • • •

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Issue 79

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Issue 81

Issue 82

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

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

• • • • • •

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

• • • • • • • • •

Issue 83

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• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Bronco 1:35 M22 Locust Dragon 1:35 Wirbelwind Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Light Tank Ha-Go MiniArt 1:35 MB Type 170V Bronco 1:35 Buffalo 6x6 MPCV Bronco 1:35 Hunber Mk.II Cyberhobby 1:35 Panzer II with mineroller • Dragon 1:35 Panzer 38(t) Ausf. S » and more...

• • • • •

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

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

Tamiya 1:35 BT-7 Model 1937 Tamiya 1:48 Sd.Kfz.232 Bronco 1:35 scale Marder II Ausf. D Tamiya 1:35 M1A2 SEP TUSK II Abrams Kinetic 1:35 RG-31 Pit-Road 1:35 Type 92 “Early Version” Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Tank Dragon 1:35 Ostwind Model Victoria 1:35 Fiat Berlina » and more...

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

• • • •

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

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

Dragon 1:35 Panzer I Ausf. A Leichte Funk Bronco 1:35 M24 Chaffee 1:35 Tamiya StuG III Ausf.G kit Airfix 1:48 Supacat Jackal Meng Model 1:35 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer AUF1 MiniArt 1:35 Ya-12 Italeri 1:35 Gun Truck Bronco 1:35 88mm Flak 41 Gun Bronco 1:35 Su-152 » and more...

Issue 87

Issue 88

Issue 89

Issue 90

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Bronco 1:35 Versuchsflakwagen Dragon 1:35 Type 95 Ha-Go Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV Ausf. H Tasca 1:35 M32B1 Recovery Vehicle Dragon 1:35 Sherman III DV Inside the Armour A10 Cruiser Trumpeter 1:35 8.8cm Pak 43 auf Leichte Waffentraeger • Bronco 1:35 25 pdr Ammo Set and Limber » and more...

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FREE 1:35 DECALS! 1:35 HobbyBoss Leopard 2A6M CAN Tamiya 1:35 Tiran 5 HobbyBoss 1:35 Toldi Meng 1:35 AUF1 Dragon 1:35 M4A2 Sherman Trumpeter 1:35 German 12.8cm PAK 44 Waffentrager Krupp 1 » and more...

Inside the Armour A10 Cruiser Tank HobbyBoss 1:35 T-26 Meng 1:35 Merkava Mk.3 BAZ w/ Mine Roller Brach Models 1:35 French R35 Meng 1:35 Pickup w/ZU-23-2 1:35 Kinetic M109A2 MiniArt 1:35 GAZ-AA truck Riich Models 1:35 Universal Carrier Dragon 1:35 25 Pdr with Limber » and more...

Kinetic 1:35 R-11 MRAP Meng 1:35 D9R Bulldozer Dragon 1:35 M48A3 Mod B Zvezda 1:35 BMD Panzer II Diorama Meng 1:35 T-90 Tamiya 1:35 Japanese Type 10 tank Dragon 1:35 Flak 37 Bronco 1:35 Fiat Topolino » and more...

Issue 91

Issue 92

Issue 93

Issue 94

• 1:48 Panther A Conversion • Dragon 1:35 StuG III Ausf. G Late Production • Tamiya 1:35 Merkava 1 • Bronco 1:35 Jeep w/ 37mm Anti-Tank Gun • Dragon 1:72 Churchill in a diorama • Bronco 1:35 Korean War M24 Chaffee • Young Miniatures’ 1:10 Battle of Jang-Jin Reservoir 1950 bust » and more...

• Tamiya 1:48 BA-64B • 1:48 Tamiya 1:48 Steyr Kommandeurwagen • HobbyBoss 1:35 Hungarian Light Tank Toldi III (C40) • HobbyBoss 1:35 Panhard EBR-11 • ICM 1:35 Packard Twelve • HobbyBoss 1:35 Meng Shi • Bronco 1:35 Valentine Mk.IX • Panda 1:35 Object 279 • ICM 1:35 Leader’s Car » and more...

• Academy 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. 35(t) • Dragon 1:35 Panzer IV • MiniArt 1:35 GAZ-AAA Model 1943 Cargo Truck • Bronco 1:35 75mm Zrinyi • ICM 1:35 Mercedes Typ G4 • Tasca 1:35 M32B1 Recovery Vehicle with scratch-built mine roller • Trumpeter 1:35 BRDM-2 » and more...

• Tamiya 1:35 scale Gama Goat • Dragon 1:35 Waffentrager Pt.2 • Dragon 1:35 Sexton SPG Normandy diorama • Young Miniatures 1:10 British Infantryman Somme 1916 • Dragon 1:35 Zugkraftwagen 1t • Meng 1:35 Leopard 1A3/1A4 • Bronco 1:35 Korean War M24 Chaffee • ScaleACT 2013 Show report » and more...

Issue 95

Issue 96

Issue 97

Issue 98

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• Tamiya’s 1:48 scale GAZ-MM Truck • Bronco Panzer I Ausf. F • Italeri’s LCVP and Revell’s LCM in a 1:35 scale diorama • ZiS-30 conversion from Mirror Models 1:35 Komsomoletz • Small-scale Nashorn wreck • Takom 1:35 Leopard C2 MEXAS kit and Trackjam Conversion » and more...

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HobbyBoss 1:35 T-26 Meng Model 1:35 Achzarit WWI Tanks showcase Tamiya & AFV Club 1:48 Sd.Kfz. 251 kits ICM 1:35 Type G4 (W31) Neo for Iwata pistol trigger airbrush Tamiya 1:35 Ford Mutt Dragon 1:35 SAS Jeep Bronco 1:35 Valentine Mk.XI » and more...

Diopark 1:35 Mercedes modern sedan Resicast Wading Sherman Mk.III conv Dragon 1:35 Tauchpanzer III Meng Model’s 1:35 Char 2C Italeri Opel Maultier Hobby Boss 1:35 German Sd.Kfz. 254 Xact Scale Models 1:35 T-80U Bronco 1:35 Panzer I Ausf. F Tamiya 1:35 revamped LRDG Command Car » and more...

Takom’s 1:35 Leopard C2A1 MEXAS Tamiya 1:35 Panther Ausf. G Late Version Tunnel Rats In Vietnam Reference 1:35 Vietnam War vignette Bronvo 1:35 6 pdr Bronco 1:35 M24 in Indochina Tamiya 1:35 Tilly by Tamiya 1:35 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck Bronco CV-3-33 » and more...

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07/05/2014 15:44

SHOW REPORT

Meng Model Contest at Hobby Expo China 2014

MENG’S

A.

The Editor makes a whirlwind visit to China as part of a panel of modellers judging Meng Model’s debut competition at the Hobby Expo China 2014

DEBUT MODEL CONTEST AT HOBBY EXPO CHINA 2014 M

The old gatehouse of the Forbidden City in central Beijing.

This China Southern A380 Airbus flew the leg from Guangzhou to Beijing.

eng Model announced that that they would hold their first model contest this year, with entries submitted online and the final judging to be done at the 2014 Hobby Expo China in Beijing.

Meng invited myself, Adam Wilder, David Parker and Kristof Pulinckx to judge their debut competition; and to attend Hobby Expo China so that we could personally adjudicate the shortlisted entries and present the awards.

We saw some of the sights while we were in Beijing too. On Tuesday, Kristof (flying in from Belgium), David (from the UK) and I (from Sydney) had converged on China. Dinner in central Beijing was followed by a walk past the attractively lit Forbidden City, the National Museum and a heavily guarded Tiananmen Square - amazing to see these iconic landmarks close up.

Adam Wilder arrived in Beijing in time for the competition .

In addition to the competition, Meng brought many display models, held a hands-on modeller’s workshop and also announced a forthcoming release – the BMPT Terminator. This is a futuristic antiaircraft turret mounted on a T-72 chassis.

The judging, Q & A panel discussion, signings, photo sessions and awards ceremony were all managed with clockwork precision by Meng's friendly team. We were also pleased to meet so many local modellers, who seemed very enthusiastic about the state of the hobby.

We would like to express our gratitude to Meng’s friendly and efficient team, who made our trip an unforgettable experience. ■

The architecture and decor of the exhibition building seems to be inspired by Russian/Soviet styles - very striking!

60 Model Military International - July 2014

p 60-61 Show 099B.indd 60

07/05/2014 16:39

C.

E.

G.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

A. The crowded streets of Beijing.

B. Meng Model’s Beijing office is located in the space age “Galaxy” building.

C. Meng’s competition stand at the Hobby Expo China 2014.

D. (Left to right) Kristof Pulinckx, Brett Green, David Parker and Adam Wilder during judging deliberations.

E&F. Meng Model announced a 1:35 scale BMPT Terminator at the show. Sprues and an assembled test shot were on hand.

G. Adam Wilder signs a winner’s trophy.

H. Local modellers attended in large numbers, and were very enthusiastic about the hobby.

H.

July 2014 - Model Military International 61

p 60-61 Show 099B.indd 61

07/05/2014 16:40

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

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

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

SCHATTON BARRELS

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD

PLUS MODEL

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

(Creative Models in UK)

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MIG PRODUCTIONS

PANZERWRECKS

IAN ALLAN

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

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

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

BLAST MODELS

Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com

MODELING ARTISAN MORI

UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model

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

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

SWANN-MORTON

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

TAMIYA JAPAN

Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 JAPAN www.tamiya.com

TAMIYA UK;

THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666 enquiries@hobbyco.net www.hobbyco.net

TRUMPETER

www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK

VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS (Historex in UK)

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

VALLEJO

(Creative Models in UK)

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

VLS CORPORATION (LSA in UK)

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

WHITE ENSIGN

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

WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA

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

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

SBX MODEL SHOP

ZVEZDA

SBLC

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

(The Hobby Company in UK)

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

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

64 Model Military International - July 2014

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ISSUE No.99 July 2014, Published June 5th 2014 Editor;

Brett Green

Group Editor;

Marcus Nicholls

Publisher;

Alan Harman

Graphic Design;

Alex Hall

Advertising Sales;

Claire Alley

Advertising Assistant;

Joe Brown

Office Manager;

Paula Gray

Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie MMI Website;

TOLDI TANK HUNTER Thomas Morgan’s 1:35 scale HobbyBoss conversion.

Luke Pitt builds Dragon’s M2A2 Half Track in 1:35 scale and includes some lively passengers; accompanied by a detailed Think Tank reference article by Bruce Culver.

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Model Military International is published on the first Thursday of each month by; ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX UK www.modelmilitary.com Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574 Editorial enquiries; Email; editor@modelmilitary.com

Next Issue On sale 3rd July 2014

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

Advertisements are accepted for publication in Model Military International only on ADH Publishing’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address above. All advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address above.

Matt Wellhouser presents his large scale Young Miniatures Panther Commander bust.

...and much more!

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

FOR YOUR SAFETY Don’t forget, when using solvents such as glues, paints, thinners and cleaning agents, always ventilate your work area thoroughly and wear a face mask.

When using power tools, side cutters or any tool that can suddenly break or create highspeed airborne particles, wear approved eye protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please always model in safety!

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK £56 Europe £69 Worldwide (Airmail) Binders; £8.50 plus postage (UK £2.45, Euro £4.45, World £6.45) For all orders, please call; (UK) +44(0)1525 222573 or visit www.modelmilitary.com Back Issues; Back Issues are available at the current cover price. See the latest back issues advert or visit www.modelmilitary.com The paper used in this magazine is manufactured at the Leipa Georg Mill and is 100% recycled using de-inked pulp. The mill conforms fully with the requirements of both FSC and PEFC and carries the full accreditations for their environmental policies.

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All the news and new releases from the big show at Shizuoka!

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SHIZUOKA 2014

ADH Web Team

July 2014 - Model Military International 65

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The Last Post..

O W T N O T N A xamines the Graham Tetley eld that be earliest?) newest (or shou Panzer II family. of Dragon’s 1:35

C

Those lovely Magic Tracks

Marking options

Teeny tiny writing

The photo-etched fret

ontinuing with their Panzer II releases, this kit draws together parts from several others to give us a decent representation of an ‘A’. If you have any of Dragon’s previous Panzer II’s then this one holds no surprises.

The Ausf.A’s anti-aircraft machine gun mount

DRAGON MODELS 1:35 PZ.KPFW.II AUSF A. KIT NO. 6687

WHAT’S IN THE BOX? There is nothing much really new about this release so if you are expecting something radical, you will be disappointed. Using parts mainly from the earlier Ausf B kit, we have everything needed for an ‘A’. To my eye, the upper hull part N1 has been re-tooled to delete the bullet splashguard, however the separate splash guard part is provided but not used. There is also a new brass fret, plus a decal sheet giving the builder six options – one from the Greek campaign, the rest from Russia. All told there are in excess of 800 parts to this one kit, including the Magic Tracks, but around 230 are not used so it will not be an evening build and your spares box will be happy.

Dragon gives us a fairly complete interior with this kit and we now have a full ammunition complement as well as the radios. You can build it so that the upper hull remains separate (I did this on the Cyberhobby Panzer II with Mineroller) to show off all of this detail. To be fair to Dragon, not a lot can be seen through the open hatches so it depends on personal preference as to whether you complete the interior or not. The turret internals are really good, with the main 2cm gun being a work of art. The mount for the co-axial MG34 is a bit sloppy so be careful to test fit, but this is the only headache in this part of the kit.

Optional tools are provided (ones with molded on clamps or ones without), as well as clear parts for periscopes. Molding throughout is clean and crisp with no visible pin marks or flash, and if it is anything like the ‘C’ kit there should be no major fit issues.

Thankfully, the Tracks are of the ‘Marmite’ variety (Magic – you either love them or hate them!) but for such a visible track run Magic Tracks get my vote every time. There are split views here and it would be good if Dragon included optional DS Tracks for those that hate individual links.

The instructions are in the usual Dragon style and I recommend care and study before construction commences. It would be good if we had some internal painting guides, but other than that everything is clear.

Internal ammo stowage

Detail on the glacis parts

The hatch underside hasn’t been ignored either

Turret part detail and those lovely little hooks

Countersunk screw detail on the early turret

The Ausf. A’s distinctive curved glacis

CONCLUSION There is nothing radically new here, but what we have is definitely an Ausf ‘A’. Detail is really sharp and plentiful and there are no moulding imperfections present. It is typical Dragon and, for those of us that like Panzer II’s, comes highly recommended with a 9/10 from me. ■

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

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D3548 Dragon Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG See the full Dragon range at www.hobbyco.net Find us on facebook Dragon models are available from all good model shops search Plastic Kits UK

p 67 Dragon 099.indd 8

www.hobbyco.net

07/05/2014 15:52