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LOorRMR Y
odels’
Mirr
1:35 CMP C15A
OPERATION
COBRA 1944
Tamiya’s 1:48 M10 PT. 2
HEAVY
HITTER Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale
U.S. M40 Self Propelled Gun
INSIDE:
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Dragon 1:35 StuH 42 ■ Dragon 1:35 M60 ■ Rye Field Models
M1A1 Abrams ■ Yorkshire War Weekend 2016 ■ and more...
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Reviews of the latest historical and
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p 59 SMALL SCALE
Reviews of 1:72 scale and smaller.
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p 66 LAST POST
Dragon 1:35 Jagdtiger Henschel
Production Type w/12.8cm Pak80
(L/66).
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p 6 THINK TANK
M12 and M40 SPGs.
p 14 PREVIEW
Dragon 1:35 StuH 42.
p 28 DESERT LORRY
Mirror Models’ 1:35 scale CMP C15A
lorry diorama by Jose Brito.
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Rye Field Models 1:35 M1A1 Desert
Storm.
Jagdpanzer IV Part 1:
L/48 (Sd.Kfz. 162).
Nuts & Bolts Vol. 37
T
he next Nuts & Bolts title will be
Volume 37 on the early versions
of the Jadgpanzer IV, also called
“Guderian’s duck”. This was
first designed in 1942 on an order of the
Heereswaffenamt to VOMAG and first
introduced in 1944 was basically a new
successor to the Sturmgeschütz. There
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M12 AND M40 SELF-PROPELLED GUNS Bruce Culver explores the origins, development, production
and deployment of the M12 and M40 Self-Propelled Guns.
T
raditionally, artillery has adopted using rapid motorized great conflict got their first taste enormous losses in the war rebuilt
been called the “king troop movement. Towing and of mobile warfare during this first their economies and prayed for
of battle”, and in both emplacing artillery pieces takes “Russian Front” campaign. continued peace. A few far-sighted
World Wars in the 20th a certain amount of time. For individuals saw the need for better
century, artillery fire caused more the largely stagnant lines on the SELF-PROPELLED WEAPONS IN THE WEST mechanization. While J.F.C. Fuller
casualties than any other weapon. Western front in WWI, this was In the west, the British and in England pushed for an all-tank
Throughout recent human history, not a difficult situation, since once Germans both experimented with force, a number of other leaders
one of the problems in planning artillery was emplaced, it often did self-propelled weapons, mounting saw the need for a combined arms
for the use of artillery has been not move that much. The concern anti-aircraft guns on trucks and approach with tanks, artillery,
getting the guns to where they are was supplying artillery units with artillery pieces on a tank chassis, infantry and scouting units working
needed. In pre-industrial times, the vast amounts of ammunition such as the Gun Carrier, Mk I used together. They included Basil
infantry travelled by foot and expended in the great barrages by British units, and a German Liddell Hart in England, Adna
artillery was typically drawn by common in the Great War. prototype based on the A7V- Chaffee in the United States, Heinz
horses and could keep up with the On the Eastern Front, Germany derived Überlandwagen cargo Guderian in Germany and Gifford
movement of troops. A typical gun and Imperial Russia engaged in vehicle, mounting two field guns LeQuesne Martel in France.
section was pulled by a team of a far different kind of warfare. on pedestal mounts. However, Under pressure from Liddell Hart
horses and included the gun and While resources were more limited these were almost all improvised and others, the British proposed a
a caisson carrying ammunition than in the Western Campaign, weapons, many having a number of demonstration of the new theories
supplies and equipment. This had war on the Eastern Front involved problems in use. The truck-based and formed the Experimental
not changed for several hundred rapid movement with infantry types required good roads or firm Mechanised Force (EMF) in May
years, since the development of transported in trucks and ground to be mobile, and most 1927. This organization was to test
larger wheeled artillery pieces. supported by armoured cars and generally provided no protection the concept of combined arms,
The adoption of motorized cavalry for reconnaissance and for the crews. using elements of the British Army,
transport for infantry and support assaults, and truck-towed artillery After the end of the Great including tanks, armoured cars,
troops presented a problem for for fire support. Many German War, military budgets were cut artillery and infantry in lorries.
artillery units, as new tactics were officers prominent in the next as nations that had suffered the Chief among the developments
This M12 of the 987th Field Artillery Battalion (FA Bn), seen north of Caumont, France in June 1944, was loaded with This M12 of the 987th FA Bn was seen near Bayeux, France, in June 1944 during the
separate rounds, shells and bagged powder charges. The shell was placed in a carrier and a ramming crew pushed it Normandy campaign. They were primarily used for direct fire missions due to the limited
into the barrel as seen here. elevation for the gun. They proved to be excellent in this role, and were valued for it.
B weapon. Often M12s were placed on INTO PRODUCTION Works remanufactured the 74 M12s accurate observation of artillery
earthen or built-up ramps to raise In mid-1942, Ordnance placed from February to May 1944. fire against enemy formations,
the front of the vehicle to increase orders for first 50, then 100, M12 The reworked M12s and M30s and the maximum range of the
the maximum elevation of the gun GMCs and a similar number of were assigned to the 258th, 557th, M12’s 155mm gun, 21,982 yards
for indirect fire. M30 cargo carriers. Deliveries ran 558th, 987th, and 991st Field (20,100m) allowed engagement of
Although the M12 was based on from September 1942 through Artillery Battalions (FA Bn), and targets outside the range of any
the chassis of the M3 medium tank, March 1943. Army Ground Forces landed in Normandy supporting other land-based artillery.
there were significant changes, stated that the 100 vehicles made the advance from the coast. As mentioned, the maximum
chief among the repositioning of would meet all projected needs, Although manoeuvrability in the elevation of the M12’s 155mm gun
the air-cooled Continental radial so they were used for training bocage country was poor, the was limited to only 30 degrees,
engine amidships to allow for the and developing tactics for self- M12s were able to keep up with the making the vehicle less suitable
gun mounting in the rear. While propelled heavy artillery, and a advancing troops and were often for high-angle indirect fire.
the T6 pilot had the early M3 significant number were placed in the only heavy artillery available. Improvised ramps of earth or built-
medium tank bogies, all production storage. Additional changes were Piper L-4 liaison planes operated up structures allowed the M12 to
models had the later heavy bogies recommended as discovered in the by many front line units provided fire at longer ranges than normal.
of the M4 medium tank. While training, and in the planning for
the driver and assistant driver the upcoming Normandy landings,
were protected in the forward it was intended to upgrade and
superstructure, the gun crew of modify 74 of the M12s and a similar
four men was out in the open. A number of M30 cargo carriers for
tarpaulin and removable frames use on the European continent. The
provided some weather protection decision was made in December
on the move. 1943 and Baldwin Locomotive
The M12 became famous as a “bunker buster”, as seen here near Grossenich, Germany in This M12 of the 557th FA Bn was seen near Morteau, France in November 1944. Note the folding chocks used to
November 1944. A penetrating shell could go through 7 feet (2.1 meters) of concrete before brace the forward tracks to stabilize the vehicle, the partial sand shields (usually removed), and the hoop frames
exploding, and one or two hits were usually enough to take a bunker out of action. for the cover tarpaulin.
B mass of the gun and mount, but open body like the M12. The crew ammunition carrier, the T30, was and subsequent testing was so
the general layout was the same was again seated to the left of designed, but only five were built. successful that the last two pilots
as the M12. Special castings were the gun in the rear compartment. The contract was cancelled and were converted to mount the 8 in.
added to adapt the wider hulls The 155mm M1, M1A1, or M2 was they were converted back to T83 (20.3cm) M1 howitzer, these two
to the standard M4 power train mounted in the rear compartment gun vehicles. The eventual practice vehicles being designated as T89.
components. As with the M12, and a cable-operated spade and was to use the M4A1 high speed Firing with the M1 howitzer was also
there was no special armour rear wall were at the rear. The tractor and M23 ammunition highly successful, and as part of
protection for the crew, as the T83 T83 could carry 20 rounds of trailer, which carried 96 rounds of the ‘Zebra’ mission to the European
was a long-range weapon. ready ammunition, again using 155mm ammunition for the M1 gun. theatre, one T83 and one T89 were
Two drivers were in the front separate shells and bagged The tractor also carried additional prepared for overseas shipping and
of the hull with the engine moved propellant charges. members of the gun crew. sent to the ETO. The T89 had been
up behind them and the 155mm M1 Unlike the M12, there was no The first T83 pilot vehicle built to accept either the 155mm M1
gun was mounted in the rear in an ammunition vehicle. A prototype was delivered in July 1944 or the 8 in. M1 howitzer. A
M12s of the 991st FA Bn fire on German lines near St. Lo, France
in July 1944. Note the use of ramps in front to improve the
limited elevation of the 155mm guns, increasing the effective
range as indirect fire artillery, a common expedient practice.
This M12 supported troops of Patton’s Third Army in Echternath, Luxembourg in February 1945. The 557th FA Bn was part of the 9th Army as indicated on the M12 “The Persuader”, seen crossing a
The 155mm gun was very effective in reducing fortified or built-up targets like masonry buildings pontoon bridge over the Roer River near Linnich, Germany in February 1945. The 557th FA Bn often
commonly found in cities. Note the extended end connectors, many of them broken off. applied unit ID markings with chalk as extra stowage hid them.
This M30 cargo carrier of the 557th FA Bn crossed a temporary bridge near Linnich, Germany M12s supporting the 11th Armoured Division fire on German positions near Pruem, Germany in February 1945.
in February 1945. Note the European-manufactured extended end connectors EECs and the Timed multiple artillery fire was one of the most effective uses of artillery, and was a standard artillery tactic,
welded rebar railings to carry extra supplies. still used today.
This M12 was attached to the 103rd Infantry Division, seen here advancing in the fighting for Seen with the gun in full recoil during firing, this M12 was assigned to the 991st FA Bn, in the fighting for
the Siegfried Line in Germany in March 1945. M12s had by then achieved a good reputation for Normandy. Note the use of the camouflage netting for cover, supported by the tarpaulin hoop frames. The
attacking enemy fortified bunkers and other strong points. unit sign was red with gray markings.
Field conditions in Europe in the fall of 1944 and all through 1945 were often quite bad, as seen here. The T83 pilot model for the new self-propelled 155mm M2 “long Tom” gun proved to be a successful
Thick mud and rain eventually required added extended end connectors (EECs) to improve flotation. design and needed little reworking before being adopted as the M40 GMC. It was similar in layout to
The shells were laid on tarpaulins to keep them clean. the earlier M12, which was too small to carry the M2 weapon.
The M40 was too late to be standardized in time to serve in numbers in WW2. A T83 pilot Due to concerns about the limited protection for the M40 crew, a wood mockup was created to show a proposed
of the M40 and a T89 pilot of the 8 in (205mm) Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC) were crew armoured cover. The pilot was modified as seen here, but the extra armour was not adopted as the M40
sent to Europe for testing along with T26E3 Pershing heavy tanks in early 1945. usually operated well behind the front lines.
POST-WAR
The M40 and M43 were the
standard heavy artillery and heavy
The T83 pilot for the M40 GMC was sent to the European theater in This M40 GMC served in C Battery of the 204th FA Bn in Korea. The 155mm
howitzer weapons for the post-
early 1945 with the “Cobra” T26E3 Pershing tanks and the T89 8 in M2 gun proved to be an excellent weapon against Chinese fortifications and
war Army, despite their limited pilot HMC. They were both used by the 991st FA Bn in action, the T89 earthworks, and they served during the war. Each battery had four gun sections
numbers. Their next war took also mounting a 155mm M2 “Long Tom” gun for a time. of a gun and a supply vehicle.
place on the Korean peninsula,
where they proved to be very The maximum range of the 155mm M2 was over 25,700 yards
successful, providing accurate (23,500m), making it a versatile weapon. M40 GMCs often fired
fire support in difficult terrain. in a timed target barrage in which different guns fired at different
After the lines settled into a more times so that all the shells impacted on the target simultaneously.
stable situation, the M40s and
M43s often fired from prepared
positions, but in the earlier fluid
period, their mobility and effective
fire were widely appreciated.
Both the 155mm M1 and M1 8
in. howitzer had reputations for
extremely good accuracy. The
M1 howitzer was so admired that
Ordnance tried for some time
to duplicate its accurate fire
in different calibres and barrel
lengths, but never quite reached
the capability of the 8 in. design.
LEGACY
The M40 and M43 served for
a number of years after Korea
until they were replaced by more
advanced designs. The British
adopted the M40 as the “155mm
SP, M40” and named it the
‘Cardinal’ after their practice of
naming self-propelled artillery
after religious clergy. The M40
has fared fairly well in terms of
numbers left: at least eight are
known to exist. The M12, serving
in a war zone, and obsolescent at
the end of that conflict, was not
so fortunate. All of the M12 GMCs
and M30 cargo carriers in Europe
were scrapped. The lone survivor
is a prototype that was displayed
at Aberdeen Proving Ground
for decades. It was recently The M43 Howitzer Motor Carriage (HMC) was essentially identical to This M43 HMC was in A Co., 1st Bn of the Republic of Korea (ROK) 5th
transferred to the Army’s Artillery the M40 but mounted an M1 or M2 8 in (205mm) howitzer. The chassis Infantry Division, photographed near the “Punchbowl” in 1951 during the
School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and superstructure were the same as the M40. Only 48 were built before Korean War, following the Inchon landings, the Chinese intervention, and
production halted at the end of the war. the later 1951 advance to the north.
the last of the breed, but with an
enviable reputation. ■
This M40 GMC served during
the Korean War, the first major
combat use of the M40. The
155mm M2 long gun had a
greater range and the M40 could
elevate the gun higher, making
the vehicle very useful for both
direct and indirect fire missions.
Dragon has
mixed some
sprues from
earlier releases
and added new
parts to create
an interesting New parts are found here.
infantry
support Stug.
Graham Tetley
takes a look. Superb detail on the casemate side.
Just
UK - £2.45
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Tiger
A Modern study of Fgst.NR. 250031
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Includes:
■ a full exterior walk-around,
■ a complete documentation of the interior
Available direct from our offices on
HEAVY
HITTER
PART TWO – FIGURES, ACCESSORIES AND PAINTING
Brett Green builds and paints the eight figures included with Tamiya’s new 1:35
scale U.S. M40 Self Propelled Gun, and also paints and weathers the vehicle.
16 Model Military International - February 2017
The heads received a sprayed coat of Tamiya White Primer… …followed by a base colour of Tamiya XF-15 Flesh.
B XF-67 NATO Green. I then mixed a faded shade. Further highlights WEAPONS OF MASS PRODUCTION box using Blu-Tack. They were
paler shade by adding XF-21 Sky. I were dry-brushed using various Tamiya supplies a generous supply stuck into the Blu-Tack nose-first,
masked the tunics from two figures shades of Vallejo acrylics, creating of shells and their packing with effectively masking the tip too.
and the trousers from another two more variety and fading to the their M40 kit. This was not precise, but I was able
figures and sprayed them in the basic uniform colours. I chose to use the beautiful to touch up the demarcation with a
paler shade. I also sprayed two The helmets were sprayed with turned brass shells included with fine brush afterwards.
complete figures in this mix. Tamiya XF-61 Olive Drab. A couple Tamiya’s optional metal barrel set The masked shells were sprayed
A wash of thinned Mig of paler mixes were sprayed over for the two rounds used directly Tamiya XF-61 Olive Drab, followed
Productions 502 Abteilung four of these, resulting in subtle by the figures – one for the by two coats of Future Floor Polish.
Abt.050 Olive Green oil paint variation. kneeling crew figure and one in The masks were removed and the
mixed with Winsor & Newton Lamp The heads, helmets and bodies the loading crutch. yellow stencil decals applied to the
Black was brushed over the darker were now assembled. I masked a band around each glossy surface. I quite liked the
uniform colour and allowed to dry. The figure painting was shell with Tamiya tape cut to the look of the dark, glossy Olive Drab
A thin wash of the Olive Green oil completed with two coats of Alclad appropriate width. The rounds paired with the shiny metal finish,
paint alone was applied over the II Flat Clear. were then attached to a small paint so I dispensed with the flat coat. A
This was followed by a fairly heavy wash of Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna thinned with
Ronson lighter fluid.
Painting of the skin tones continued with mixes of Vallejo The eyes and mouths were highlighted
Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone and 342 Highlights Flesh. with a very thin mix of Vallejo Panzer
Aces 337 Highlight Ger. (Black)
applied with a 10/0 brush.
The bodies were prepared with a coat of Tamiya Grey Primer straight from the
spray can.
Selective
trousers and
tunics were
masked off in
preparation for
a faded coat.
The contrast looks extreme here but this will be toned down by the shading and highlights.
B NEW PAINT IN TOWN 022 Olive Drab Faded 3 sprayed peeling. Sanding results in a nice I then did some light dry-
I prefaced the camouflage painting on horizontal surfaces and the feathered edge. This augurs well brushing in a pale shade of Olive
with an overall coat of Tamiya Grey top of some of the prominent for hairspray technique and other Drab using a soft, wide brush.
Primer straight from the spray can. vertical surfaces. Finally, selective weathering. Details such as tool heads and
This revealed a few visible seams. I highlights were sprayed using • Future over the top of the paint handles, vision blocks, spare track
mixed some super glue with talcum MMP-021 Olive Drab Faded 2. does not darken the colour (some links, tow cables and tyres were
powder to create a fast-setting, Here are my observations about other paints do darken under picked out using Vallejo acrylics
easily sandable filler and spread it using these new Mission Model Future). and a fine brush.
on the seams. A few minutes later acrylic paints: The entire exterior of the model
it was dry enough to sand flat. • I like the squeezable plastic I didn’t want to hide the fading was sprayed with Future floor
Mission Models has just bottles. You can unscrew and effect under layers of filters and polish and the kit decals were
launched a new range of acrylic remove the tops as well as use washes, so I kept my weathering applied. These behaved perfectly
model paints. They also offer the built in dropper. fairly low key. I applied a selective under a coat of Mr Mark Setter
paint thinners and a polyurethane • I also really like the Olive Drab pin wash to bolts, panel lines and decal setting solution. The decals
mix additive. The poly additive is base and fading shades. structural features using an acrylic were then sealed under another
designed to increase durability. • All the colours dried noticeably wash of Future floor polish, water coat of Future floor polish.
I had a chance to test these out darker than the colour in the plus a few drops of Tamiya XF-1 Flat When dry, the entire model was
on my M40. bottle. Black and XF-64 Red Brown paints. coated with Alclad II Klear Kote A
I started with a mix that was • The paint sprayed perfectly
too thin (i.e. too much thinner), so through my Iwata HP C+ airbrush.
initial coverage was not perfect. There wasn’t a hint of clogging or
Jon Tamkin from Mission Models spiderwebbing.
advised me to forget what I knew • Odor is almost non-existent -
The primer coat revealed a
about model paint thinning when very family (i.e. wife) friendly. couple of visible seams. These
using these paints. Even though • The paint does spray more were filled and sanded before
the mix might look thick in the smoothly with some poly in the painting commenced.
cup, it would spray well and cover mix.
completely with a small amount • The paint stays quite thick
of thinner and poly. He suggested looking and wet on the model’s
a mix of 20 drops paint, three surface, but it self-levels
drops drops of thinner and two beautifully to a smooth, hard
drops of poly. finish with just a hint of eggshell
I sprayed the entire model in the satin.
base Olive Drab shade, Item No. • Once a full coat was applied,
MMP-026. subsequent coats were effortless.
This was followed by a 50/50 • When dry, the paint is tough and
mix of the base shade and MMP- sandable. There is no lifting or
Mission Models’ new range of acrylic paints Mission Models also offers thinners, a At first I sprayed with a mix that was too thin. Even so, the paint was tough
were used for the camouflage colours. polyurethane additive and a grey primer. and sandable with a nice feathered edge.
An acrylic wash was mixed from Future floor This was applied as a selective pin wash to bolts, panel lines and
polish, water plus a few drops of Tamiya XF-1 structural features.
Finally, selective highlights Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown paints.
were sprayed using MMP-021
Olive Drab Faded 2.
CONCLUSION
Tamiya's 1:35 scale M40 SPG is a
well detailed model with a nicely
fitted out fighting compartment
and a set of crew figures that lifts
it into the category of instant
vignette.
The decision to include full
length flexible tracks is entirely
appropriate considering the tracks
are "live" on HVSS suspension
and were therefore stretched taut
while fitted to the vehicle, and the
workable nature of the gun and
other features is a useful attribute.
I really enjoyed this project, and
Loose MIG Pigments
I am pleased with the overall effect
were scattered on the
of the eight crew figures combined fighting compartment
with the vehicle. ■ floor and rear deck of
the vehicle. These were
Modelspec sealed with Alclad II
Klear Kote Flat.
Tamiya 1:35 U.S. Self-Propelled 155mm Gun M40.
Kit No. 35351
Accessories and Decals:
Tamiya Detail-Up Parts Series Item No. 12670 -
1:35 U.S. M40 Metal Gun Barrel Set
Tools and Materials:
Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement
Revell Contacta Professional Cement
Selley’s Supa Glue
Tamiya 10mm Masking Tape
Gator’s Grip Acrylic Glue
Paints and Finishing Products:
Mission Models acrylic paints, thinners and
polyurethane additive
Tamiya Acrylics
Vallejo Acrylics
Future Floor Polish
Alclad II Klear Kote Flat
Strips of self-adhesive
Chrome bare metal foil were
used to represent the sliding
sections of the equilibrators.
F R E E
G I F T WO R T H
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Surname............................................................................................................................................... ■■
Maestro only
LORRY
in Canada during World War II
to British Army specifications for use in
the armies of the British Commonwealth
Allies. Standard designs were drawn up
just before the beginning of the war.
CMP trucks were also sent to the
Soviet Union following the German
invasion of Russia as part of Canada's
Lend-Lease program to the Allies. During
the war, CMP trucks saw service around
the world in the North African Campaign,
the Allied invasion of Sicily, the Italian
Campaign, the Russian Front, the Burma
Campaign, the Battle of the Philippines
José Brito creates a North African scene (1941-42), the liberation of Northwest
for Mirror Models’ 1:35 scale C15A lorry. Europe, and the Western Allied invasion
of Germany.
CMP trucks also saw service in
post-war conflicts in Indonesia, French
Indochina, and the Portuguese colonies
in Africa. Most CMP trucks were
manufactured by the Chevrolet division
of General Motors of Canada Ltd and
by the Ford Motor Company of Canada.
Just over 400,000 CMP trucks were
manufactured in Canada, accounting
for roughly half of the 815,729 military
vehicles made in Canada during World
War II. Chevrolet-built CMP trucks had
a 215 cu in (3.5 L), 85 bhp (63.4 kW)
straight-6 overhead-valve engine. Cab
design changed twice, first designed
at Ford, second and third cab designs -
called No. 11, 12 and 13. First two types
were similar; the main difference being a
two-part radiator grille in No.12 cab, its
upper part was opened with a bonnet,
which was known as the "Alligator cab".
The production of CMP truck bodies
in Canada was subcontracted out to
smaller companies in Ontario and
Manitoba, organized into the wartime
Steel Body Manufacturers Association
by the Department of Munitions and
Supply.
The wide variety of truck body designs
included general service, water tanker,
fuel tanker, vehicle recovery, dental
clinic, mobile laundry, wireless house,
machinery, folding boat transport, and
anti-tank gun portee.
Construction
The resin parts provided in the kit are flawless and with a super nice Small modelling saws are very useful to remove resin blocks. All we Once sanded, the resin item looks really nice and the tyre pattern is
detail. Some resin blocks need to be removed and this task can be have to do is make the cut very near to the final part and use a sand undamaged. That’s why we always make the cut near the resin part
easily achieved with the help of a small saw. paper to finish the job. and finish the job with a sand paper.
To get the best shapes and results I usually use tools from Small Shop These small parts will be used in the suspension and according the Small metallic parts were glued in place with the help of Deluxe
Tools. We can make hundreds of these small parts and always with the clear and concise step-by-step instruction pictures. Materials Rocket Hot. Being an ultra-thin glue solution, it’s ideal to
same shape and size. Once done, all we have to do is glue them in place. work in the capillarity method.
The engine is also very detailed and a pleasure to build. Sadly will be For the modeller who wants to show the engine, Mirror Models kit Mirror Models kit provide a very complete photo-etch sheet and with
completely invisible once the model finished. provides clear parts for the hood and like that the engine will be parts covering the entire model. They will improve and add an extra
visible. touch of detail. To get the best results from the photo-etch parts, I
use tools from the Small Shop range. They make this task much easier
and are really time savers.
Small sink holes were filled in the new Perfect Plastic Putty from Deluxe
Materials. This new putty is water soluble, dries fast and once dry is
rock hard. Can be easily sanded and the final touch is very smooth.
Some other sink markings can easily be removed with the help of a round point scalpel.
30 Model Military International - February 2017
PAINTING
Several details before painting. All those details will make the difference
once the model finished.
The decals were cut from the sheet with the help of a brand new scalpel. Mirror Models decals are The decal is submerged into water and all we have to do is wait a few minutes until the decal peel from
crisply printed and do not have much flash. the underlay sheet.
A small quantity of MIG Productions Decal Set was applied. This formula will increase the decal adhesion The decal is gently transferred to the desired spot with the help of tweezers.
into the model surface.
The excess of water is removed with the help of a cotton bud. In this stage we can also make some Once the decal in the final place we apply MIG Productions Decal Softener. This formula will soften the
corrections to the decal position. decal and increase the setting. Let the decal untouched and when the formula is fully dry, the decal will
look great and will look like painted over the surface.
A well thinned layer of MIG Productions Mud Splash was also Several MIG Productions filters were applied in the side vertical surfaces in MIG Productions oil colours Buff and Basic Flesh Tone were
applied in the rear cargo door. order to increase the colour variation. applied to represent the humidity streaks in the body frame
MIG Productions Standard rust Effects and Light Rust Effects washes were applied as pin washes. Pin The dusty look was achieved in Mig Productions pigments. Several colours must be used in order to get a
washes must be applied in very small quantities and in the most prominent recessed parts. more realistic look. In the meantime we must have some care. The colours must be accurate and in the right
spots. Also, we must not overdo this process; otherwise our model will look inaccurate and unrealistic.
34 Model Military International - February 2017
Value Gear is a new company specialized in military accessories., All the Value Gear items were airbrushed in Vallejo Surface Once the primer was dry, the wooden boxes were airbrushed in
Especially tents, tarps and boxes. The detail is amazing and the Primer 70601 Grey Primer. Vallejo primers dry very fast and turn Vallejo Model Air colours. In this particular case, with colours from
resin casting totally flawless so I decided to try them! the surface very smooth, ideal for airbrushing. They must be their new Vallejo AFV Painting System – Russian Green 4BO.
airbrushed in several layers in order to keep the surface detail.
The oil or fuel drums were airbrushed in a grey colour and then For an accurate and realistic weathering and finishing, several Several washes from MIG Productions were combined to get that
thousands of small scratches were applied with the help of a small washes and filters from MIG Productions range, were applied. extra touch of realism to the wooden boxes.
sponge. The colour applied was the Vallejo Model Colour SS Cam.
Black Brown (2).
Like the spare tracks are in metal (Friulmodel), all we have to do is sand the paint job and show the metal
underneath. The final look is very accurate and realistic.
Base and Diorama I’m a diorama builder and this project was no exception.
This time I decided to use an item from MIG Productions.
The Panzer III & Stug III Stalingrad Base. Depict the name,
this item can be used in a wide range of situations. In this
case I will use it in a North of Africa scenario.
This is a massive
plaster item and the
detail is top quality.
The tank track markings must be disguised and nothing better for this task than using the new Metal barbed wire poles from the Portuguese company RMG were applied. This stuff is a common presence in my
MIG Productions MUD solutions. In this case the P500 Europe Dry Mud (Fine Texture) and P501 projects and this time it was no exception. Small items like that can add an extra touch of realism to the scene.
Europe Dry Mud (Rough Texture). Both combined to achieve a convincing ground texture. Also, they can tell a story or add an historical / geographical background.
Once dry, several pigment colours were applied directly from the jar and fixed in place with the
help of MIG Productions Pigment Fixer.
The metal poles and barbed wire were weathered with the help of MIG Productions Standard
Rust Effects and Light Rust Effects washes.
The base wood parts were weathered in MIG Productions Wood Ageing Solution and Dark washes.
Figures
CONCLUSION
Modelspec
Mirror Models 1:35 CMP C15A Lorry Van Truck.
Kit No. 35101
Items Used:
• 1:35 Mig Productions - Afrika Korps Motorcyclist -
MP 35-319
• 1:35 Mig Productions - The Panzer III & Stug III
Stalingrad Base – MP 35-007
• 1:35 RMG Resin Models - Metal barbed wire poles
– Item 002
• MiniNatur (several items)
• Model Scene (several items)
• 1:35 U-Model, Palm Tree
• Value Gear Details (several items)
Materials and Paints:
• Hood glue
• Deluxe Materials glue solutions
• Heat isolation foam
• Wood base
• Injected plastic
• Resin parts
• Plastic card
• Metal parts
• Vallejo primers, acrylics and thinners
• MIG Productions oils, washes, pigments, filters
and thinners
• Graphite soft pencil
• Plus Model Lead Wire
References Used:
Several internet sites and forums
Rating
Lovely moulding.
Andy King
discovers the
changes and
improvements
in Dragon’s
latest attempt The improved hull looks better at the front.
at the M60
family.
M60 IMPROVED
T
he M60 tank was issues. In this new kit the hull is could try brushing on liquid glue
developed from the now 2mm longer, which makes to try and smooth them out.
Moulding quality is all you Excellent detail on
earlier M48 Patton the front glacis plate angle look Only one colour option is given
would expect. the road wheels.
in 1957 and entered better, the front hull to the turret for an overall green (which should
service with the US Army in ring is 3mm wider, the drivers really be a satin finish) M60 from
1960. It had a crew of four, was escape hatch underneath is the 2nd Battalion, 64th Armour
armed with the 105mm M68 now oval and new tooled engine Regiment 1964 but doesn’t give
gun, weighed in at over 45 tons, doors have been added. The any clue as to where the tank was
had an operational range of 300 side loading air cleaners from stationed. Colour call outs are
miles (500km) and could reach the M48 are included but these from the Mr Hobby range only.
30 mph (48km/h) on open roads. are correct for the early M60, It’s the first time an early M60
The tank has undergone many the aluminium road wheels with has been produced in 1:35 as
upgrades over the years and the reinforcing fins are correct, prior to this the only way to get
although it was retired from US the turret is newly tooled and one involved back dating either
The turret.
service in the 1990s the M60 is compared to photos matches the Tamiya, Academy or ESCI/ Italeri
still being used today by other shape pretty well and the tracks kits with a Chesapeake Model
nations and incredibly the subject are the early T97E2 type. Design turret which I doubt is
of a planned major upgrade by The hull and turret have the available anymore.
Raytheon, the M60A3 SLEP nice ‘cast’ texture that featured As I said earlier, Dragon’s
(Service Life Extension Plan). on their M60A2, the indent for M60A2 got a real kicking after it
This is the second M60 that the filler cap on the left has now was released (including by yours
Dragon has released recently (the been removed as there is only truly) and I must admit that when
first being the M60A2), and this one on M60s and overall the I received this one I wasn’t very
particular version is the first of detail on parts is what we have hopeful, especially when looking
the family. As before, there are come to expect from Dragon. at the sprues and seeing M48
parts from Dragon’s earlier M48 That’s the good stuff out of stamped on them. Drive sprockets.
so for this kit you get nine sprues the way so it’s onto the nit-picks. However, things HAVE been
moulded in grey styrene, one To kick off the gun barrel seems improved upon (apart from the
clear sprue, a small decal sheet, too thin in diameter, there are tracks) and it appears Dragon is
an even smaller sheet of etch no lightening holes in the drive actually listening to the concerns
metal, a length of wire, DS Vinyl sprockets, no cover is included raised by others. It’s not perfect
gun mantlet and barrel covers for the MG in the commanders and still needs some extras like
and DS Vinyl tracks. cupola, the DS Vinyl cover for a new barrel and tracks but it
When Dragon released their the gun mantlet is from the M48 bodes well for any future M60
M60A2 it was received poorly and slightly too big and the vinyl family members after a decidedly
due to the errors included such tracks have mould-pin marks shaky start. ■
as the use of parts from the on some of the inside faces
Thanks to The Hobby Company
M48, the hull length and the and along with the flash will be
Limited for the sample
rear engine doors being the main difficult to remove although you
www.hobbyco.net
The tracks are the same as the flawed M60A2.
Kit decals.
40 Model Military International - February 2017
This includes:
£29 .99
■ a detailed study of the engine compartment.
■ a history of the vehicle from capture to present date
■ a veteran interview with the driver of Maj. Leuder
s p&p plu ■ a history of the vehicle from capture to present date
■ a technical article by Liejon Schoot and Rob Veenendaal
on the Vorpanzer design
www.doolittlemedia.comwww.doolittlemedia.comwww.doolittlemedia.com
OPERATION
COBRA 1944
PART TWO – FIGURES AND BASE
Kamil Feliks Sztarbala details and paints the crew figures and also
builds the base for his 1:48 scale Operation Cobra diorama.
FIGURES
The gunner and commander were sourced from
Gasoline’s ‘US & French TD M10 Crew’ set. As the Next, I made a few more cuts in
figures had been originally posed for sitting on the different places, and subsequently
turret edges, they required some modification. glued the leg into the desired pose.
Once the figures had been assembled and primed with Tamiya XF-1 ‘Flat Black’, I could
then deal with the uniforms. The jackets were airbrushed with AK-interactive AK3072 Next, I painted the combat gear with AK-interactive AK3076 ‘Canvas Tone’. Highlights
‘M-42 Uniform Green Ochre Khaki’. This base colour was mixed with Vallejo 70917 were created with a mixture of the base tone and Vallejo 70986 ‘Deck Tan’, whilst for
‘Beige’ for adding the highlights and Vallejo 70941 ‘Burnt Umber’ for the shadows. the shadows, I added a small quantity of Vallejo 70302 ‘Dark Rust’.
Afterwards,
I painted the
leggings in the
same way as the
combat gear.
BASE
I began setting up the scene during the kit construction process. Once I’d assembled the figures,
I chose the best arrangement.
The mixture was applied over chosen areas with a metal spatula. Before it had fully dried, I smoothed the surface with a wetted finger. When the surface was dry, but still malleable, I imprinted the tracks
with a DYI tool…
…and added further track marks by running an old kit with movable Any imprints that were too distinct, were smoothed by tapping a Finally, I imprinted the M10’s tracks in the position where the kit would
wheels, across the ground. piece of dry sponge onto the surface. be attached, in order to ensure its proper adhesion to the ground.
The enamels were distributed along the road surface with a long-bristled brush. Afterwards, I poured Reality In Scale SCAT03 ‘Nature-in-a-Pot Fine Autumn Forest Scatter’ over the
roadsides, and fixed this with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel Glue’.
SCAT01 ‘Stony Meadow Scatter’ from the same manufacturer, was additionally applied over the front Next, I selected a few short lengths of tiny root material, soaked them with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel
area of the base. Various mixtures of groundwork scatter material available from the Dutch company, Glue’, and subsequently dipped in Landscapes in Detail LANDS-102 ‘Mosses’. This way, I created some
allow for easy and realistic representation of meadows, litter and other overgrown terrain surfaces. small bushes…
…which were then fixed with white glue. The finished vegetation was again sealed with A.MiG-2012 ‘Sand and Gravel Glue’.
The area behind the vehicle had to be utilized somehow. The idea Once I’d sealed the paper sign with a layer of clear varnish, I glued it The front side of the sign was attached to a piece of masking tape,
came after browsing some archive photos. One of these featured a to a piece of 0.25mm styrene sheet, and cut the latter to the correct allowing for priming the backside with flat black. Next, I rubbed Uschi
‘Touring Club de France’ sign. I draw a similar sign in a few sizes that shape. I then recreated the screws with lengths of 0.1mm plastic rod. van der Rosten’s ‘Metal Polishing Powder Steel Type’ onto the surface.
would be suitable for 1:48 scale, using MS Paint, and printed this onto
a thin paper sheet.
To add the rust effects, I used the water-based liquid The post was made from a piece of foam Next, I airbrushed a layer of AK-Interactive Thanks to this technique, I could now easily add some
weathering pigments from LifeColor’s LP02 ‘Rust Wizard’ PVC. I wiped its surface with coarse AK088 ‘Worn Effects Fluid’ over the post. This realistic damage to the paint layer with a wet brush.
set. These were blown from a brush onto the surface. sandpaper to create the woodgrain, and was followed by painting it with Tamiya XF-2
subsequently gave it a suitable colour by ‘Flat White’ that had been purposely diluted
applying a small quantity of brown oil paint. with water to weaken the paint adhesion.
Afterwards, I attached the sign to the post, and added some The finished sign was mounted into a small aperture in the ground.
fine, rusty streaks, using LifeColor’s liquid pigment.
Rating
M
y wife is always being a Bradford lad I don’t need BOYS’ TOYS D, chassis number 90678, from
searching for different to use the motorway to get there. This year, I wanted to see Jon ‘Sonderverband 288’ that was
things to do and places Unfortunately, the typical British Phillip’s restored Stug IIID. I have in North Africa in Summer 1942.
to go with our daughter weather meant that it rained most been following this on Facebook It was captured by the British in
so you can imagine her face when of the Saturday but that didn’t for some time and the Yorkshire North Africa and was taken to the
I suggested trudging through a deter the hardy souls that turned War Weekend was to be its first UK for tests and study. It ended up
muddy field looking at tanks. One up. The Sunday was better with outing. I missed it running around being recovered from the Pirbright
had to resort to a little subterfuge a little bit of blue skies and fewer the arena but even static it is firing range by Kevin Wheatcroft
to persuade her though – for a showers, but at least it provided a simply superb and I hope that the but Jon Phillips then acquired it
few days before I kept asking my modeller’s lesson on what running accompanying photos show just and fully restored it to running
daughter (she is 2 and a half years through mud looks like on a tank! how much work has been put in to condition. I didn’t have the heart to
old) if she wants to see the tanks. The show is divided into six get this former wreck into what tell the re-enactors that they were
So a few days of Hollie saying ‘I areas, the German, Allied WWII, it is today. The back story is that all wearing the wrong uniforms for
want to see tanks’ worked a treat! Post War and WW1 areas are where it is an Sd.Kfz. 142 Stug. III Ausf. the desert!
You see, there are many military we find the vehicles and re-enactor
vehicle shows around the UK but displays and then there is a
very rarely are they in my back Vendor area and the battle arena.
yard. Every year though around Food drink were also there with
300 vintage vehicles descend on a display of 1940’s Entertainment
Hunsworth Farm in East Bierley, and dancing in the main Marquee.
Bradford, to churn up some dirt There was a beer Tent (Bradford’s
and entertain us Yorkshire folk. Salamander Brewery were in
The venue is ideal to get to, being attendance) however the ale was
just off the M62 and at the centre not at 1940’s prices and I was
of the motorway network, but driving!
Beautifully restored
Stug IIID.
All serious peace talks need a good Hog Roast. Wanna buy a Jerry can?
The American brough at M36 Jackson to the party. Bradford City Centre watch out!
Something not quite right with this Chaffee. Plenty of softskins on show.
This was the Stug’s first public showing. Panzer Porn at its best. Getting her into tanks at an early age!
ITALERI
1:35 SCALE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN INFANTRY AND ITALIAN INFANTRY
KIT NOS. 6528 AND 6532
Recently arrived for review are these two sets of undercuts on pockets, shoulder straps etc., all M91 rifles and carbines, M1889 revolvers, Glisenti
figures from Italeri depicting Austro-Hungarian the little indents on the webbing straps make the M1910 and Berretta M1915 pistols, bayonets,
and Italian troops from WWI. figures really stand out, facial features are also trench clubs, grenades etc and three types of
Now the mere mention of Italeri and figures very nicely rendered too. the Adrian helmet. Personal equipment such as
in the same sentence usually causes me some The figures are posed as advancing into battle canteens, backpacks, entrenching tools are also
concern and trepidation as, let’s face it, their and all wear the grey uniform of the period, included.
figures were never the best. However when I interestingly the box art shows the figures Assembly instructions in both sets are printed
opened the boxes I was very relieved to see the wearing helmets whilst the printed instructions on a separate sheet and colours quoted are for
ICM logo on the sprues so this review will be a show them wearing peaked caps. Both types Italeri’s own paint range along with Federal
bit longer! of headwear are included so you can mix and Standard equivalents.
Starting with the Austro-Hungarian set and match if you wish. The weapons (from set If you can get past the iffy box artwork when
as usual with ICM you get four figures and a 35671) in the kit include Schwarzlose M1908 and looking at these two sets, be assured that the
selection of personal equipment on one sprue 1912 machine guns, Mannlicher M1895 rifles quality of the figures inside is far better and well
and more equipment and weapons on a second. and carbines, Steyr M1912 pistols and holsters, worth the investment, although if you can get
Moulding quality is good with only a little flash bayonets, grenades and trench knives. them in the original ICM boxes they will be a bit
here and there although there are seam lines on For the set of Italian infantry, the comments cheaper.
most parts but these are easily removed with a about moulding and detail quality apply equally, Definitely Recommended!
sharp blade. the figures are again posed as advancing and Many thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for
The moulding detail is very good indeed and not weapons (from set 35686) include Villar-Perosa the sample www.hobbyco.net
far off the quality of resin figures. Things like the M1915 sub-machine guns, Mannlicher-Carcano Brett Green
HAULER
1:35 SCALE MILITARY PROVISIONS
ITEM NO. HLU35091
This versatile set will really add life to your figures,
creating an instant vignette or additional detail for a
diorama.
Hauler has provided a wide range of fresh food,
containers and even a wheeled cart made up from 42
parts in perfectly cast grey resin.
There are several wooden boxes full of fruit and
vegetables, large bread rolls, cheese, wine bottles,
buckets, two different sacks of potatoes, a milk urn, a
knife and some smallgoods. The resin trolley is made up
from several pieces including separate spoked wheels.
Cleanup should not be difficult and
painting will be downright fun.
These provisions should cover several
projects, and will represent a very useful
addition to your accessory drawer.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Hauler for the sample
www.hauler.cz
Brett Green
DESERT STORMER
Moulding quality is excellent.
T
he M1 Abrams is tanks. It added protection in and should still look great on the
an American third- the rear and side of the tank to finished model. A clear sprue is included.
generation main battle improve fighting ability in urban Rye Field’s surface textures
tank. Highly mobile, environments.* are the best of all the Abrams
designed for modern armoured Ryefield released a 1:35 scale kits currently available, with
ground warfare, the M1 is well M1A1 TUSK / M1A2 SEP Abrams convincing and restrained non-slip
armed and heavily armoured. TUSK 1 / M1A2 SEP Abrams texture on the top of the hull and
Notable features include the TUSK II kit in 2016. This was an the turret.
use of a powerful multi-fuel impressive and highly detailed The instructions are laid out
turbine engine, the adoption of model with 1,899 parts. I was logically and the options are
sophisticated composite armour, suitably impressed, with my only clearly indicated in different
and separate ammunition storage real criticism relating to the sections and with colour coding. The tracks are all new and will be much easier to
in a blow-out compartment for somewhat intimidating tracks with Baskets and railings are all assemble.
crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 six parts per link. My point was presented in injection moulded
short tons (almost 62 metric that the Abrams’ track is “live”, plastic, and they look great.
tons), it is one of the heaviest and therefore does not sag at The road wheels are attached
main battle tanks in service. all along the top run. Unless you to swing arms, which in turn
Three main versions of the M1 want to display your Abrams on attach to workable torsion bars.
Abrams have been deployed, the uneven ground (or buzz it around Once again, the road wheels are
M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating the lounge room), the workable sensibly and simply moulded
improved armament, protection, feature is not really relevant. The with the tyres as outer and inner
and electronics. These majority of the track run is hidden wheels.
* Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia.
improvements and other upgrades behind skirts and armour anyway. Most of the engineering The separate guide horns and some of the individual
to in-service tanks have allowed This new kit is specific to decisions to do with parts links.
this long-serving vehicle to remain Operation Desert Storm, being an breakdown seem to be quite
in front-line service. In addition, early (1991) version of the M1A1 modeller friendly.
development for the improved prior to the upgrades fitted after In common with their previous
M1A3 version has been known bitter experience in the urban Abrams release, I impressed with
since 2009. environs of Iraq. the quality of Ryefield Model’s
Due to the vulnerability of The kit comprises a much more 1:35 scale Desert Storm M1A1.
tanks in urban combat, the Tank build-friendly 557 parts in dark It is beautifully detailed, offers
Urban Survival Kit (or TUSK) yellow plastic, 202 parts in grey an interesting and historically
was issued to some M1 Abrams (tracks) and 75 parts in clear. important version and looks Lovely machine gun detail.
Let’s start with the tracks. eminently buildable, especially
These are brand new link-and- with the simpler tracks!
length affairs with long sections I look forward to seeing where
for the top and bottom runs Ryefield Model heads from now on!
plus 48 individual links to run Highly Recommended to
around the drive sprockets and experienced modellers. ■
idler wheels. The guide teeth are
separate parts. Compared to the Thanks to Ryefield Model
six-part links in the earlier release, for the sample
these will be a breeze to assemble www.ryefield-model.com
The kit’s photo-etch.
Markings for three
vehicles are supplied. February 2017 - Model Military International 57
LATE
LUCHS
The Editor unpacks Classy Hobby’s
latest large-scale Luchs.
T
he Panzer II was the backbone of the Despite being 30% heavier than the Panzer II links on the glacis, smoke dischargers o the turret
Panzercorps during the early Blitzkrieg Ausf. C, the Luchs lived up to its requirement for and additional armour on the lower forward hull.
campaigns. However, the Battle of speed. Its 180hp Maybach engine and six-speed The new kit comprises 510 parts in pale grey
France proved that the thin armour ZF transmission propelled the machine at over 60 plastic, 12 parts in clear and 208 track links in
and inadequate armament of the kilometres per hour. This speed was essential, as its brown plastic. Multimedia parts include a photo-
Panzer II made it unsuitable for operations against maximum armour of 30mm was no thicker than its etched fret with a further 70 parts, a length of
other tanks. Nevertheless, development of the obsolete predecessor. Armament comprised one KwK metal cable and a bag of steel track pins.
design continued. The final production model 38 20mm cannon and one co-axial machine gun. Moulding quality is generally very good, with just a
was the Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. L Sd.Kfz. 123 131 Luchs' were manufactured between April 1942 little bit of light flash here and there.
"Luchs" (Lynx). and May 1943. These vehicles were deployed to The kit is broken down conventionally, with a “flat
It was later redesignated Panzerspähwagen "Luchs". Wehrmacht Panzer and reconnaissance units on the pack” lower hull comprising a floor (incorporating
The Luchs was designed as a fast armoured Eastern and Western fronts. the front hull plate), sides and arear plate. The
reconnaissance vehicle. The general layout of the The final 31 Luchs were armed with the very space between the rear plate and the engine bay is
Ausf. L was similar to the Ausf. D and E versions of effective L/60 50mm anti-tank gun. filled with fan belt and engine fan detail. This detail
the Panzer II. The most noticeable distinguishing Classy Hobby released their 1:16 will be visible through the ventilator grilles on the
feature was the interleaved suspension, more Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. L Luchs in April 2016. engine deck, so it is very welcome.
commonly associated with the Tiger and Panther. The debut offering was the standard version. There is no other interior detail inside the hull.
In fact, with its stocky, squared-off design, Classy Hobby’s second 1:16 Panzerkampfwagen The running gear is made up from internal mounts
overlapping road wheels and general profile II Ausf. L Luchs represents one of the machines in for the working torsion bars, the torsion bars
somewhat resembling a Tiger I, this little vehicle service with the 4th Panzer Division. These Luchs’ themselves, and the relatively simple interleaved
must have given an unjustified shock to many were subtly different, being fitted with a rack on the road wheels, drive sprockets and idler wheel, shock
Allied and Soviet tank commanders! forward hull for idler wheel tyre sections, spare track absorbers and smaller detail parts. The wheels are
Lower hull plate. The upper hull centre section. Note the One of the separate hull side parts. Rear upper hull section with part of the rear
sprocket teeth moulded onto the turret ring. grill moulded in place.
Tools have clasp detail moulded in place. The upper turret shell. Nice radio face detail. The early-style rear turret plate and Commander’s hatch.
The modest-sized photo-etched fret. Clear parts including vision scopes and headlight lenses. Three marking schemes are included.
BRONCO
1:48 SCALE
GERMAN WWII JERRY CANS & OIL DRUMS
ITEM NO. FB4020
Bronco seems to be producing more aircraft related products of late and I
believe that this set is intended for that market segment. However, that’s not to
say that we armour guys can’t use a good product as well!
24 1:48 scale multi-part Jerry cans are included with each can consisting of 5
parts. Like their 1:35 scale counterparts, Bronco has nailed these and they are
the best 1:48 scale examples of these
available in plastic today. Eight oil drums
are included as well, in three different
varieties. Like the Jerry cans, these
are probably the best I have seen in
plastic. The ends even have inscriptions
on them. Rounding out the set is the
inclusion of two hand pumps. This set
is very impressive as their more detailed
than any of the other plastic renditions
that I have seen in 1:48 scale to date.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Bronco for the review
samples www.cn-bronco.com
Luke Pitt
TANK WORKSHOP
1:48 SCALE
OPEL BLITZ WHEELS (8 HOLE) STANDARD MILITARY TREAD
ITEM NO: TWS 48121
Tamiya has released two 1:48 scale Opel Blitz trucks over the years. The first
was a reboxing of the Italeri kit and the second was their own version.
Both kits had the six-holed pattern early wheel, which was a bit odd as
most photos show the latter pattern 8-hole pattern wheel. All this can now
be addressed with this new release from Tank Workshop. These wheels
were mastered by Dennis Loep via CAD and then 3D printed to form the
master on which these resin castings were based.
The casting exhibits a very fine pebble like texture but this is only apparent
under extreme magnification. To all intents and purposs, these are perfect
replacements for the Tamiya kits and exhibit far more detail in both tread
pattern and side wall detail than their plastic cousins.
The thing that always strikes me about Tank Workshop products is that they
are sensibly priced, and these are no exception.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to The Tank Workshop for the sample www.tankworkshop.com
TAMIYA
1:48 SCALE JAPANESE LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLE
KIT NO. 32590
This new 1:48 scale Tamiya kit of the Japanese Light Armoured Vehicle is
in fact the Komatsu LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) which is in service with
the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces. Introduced in 2002, the vehicle was
deployed in the Iraq War. The LAV is produced by the Komatsu Defense
Systems Division in Komatsu, Japan. The vehicle bears a passing resemblance
to the Panhard VBL (which in this reviewer’s mind is almost like an armored
sport car), that is in service with the French Army.
The kit comprises 82 parts in dark green plastic, 9 parts in clear plastic, and
a decal sheet accompanied by a first rate instruction sheet. The molding is
first class, with no cleanup needed except for a few fine molding seams. The
detail is so fine in places it defies belief. For example, the small rivet detail of
the body sides is quite simply breathtaking. The tyre tread pattern with its
distinctive bias ply tire is reproduced in a clever way. Each wheel is providing
in front and rear sections onto which four tread sections are placed around
the rim. This will look familiar to anyone who has seen Tamiya’s 1:32
Mosquito as the same method, is employed.
The chassis is a one-piece plastic molding onto which are attached the
front and rear suspension units, and which in turn are made up from
separate drive units. The large body molding is a state of the art affair but,
unfortunately makes no provision for any of the crew doors to be modelled
in the open position. This is a shame as the interior is fairly well kitted
out. The crew seats have nice details, with the rear seats having separate
cushions with detail on the back plates.
The exterior details on this kit are superb, take for example the “stowage
rack” the thin round pipe that make up this rack are really impressive.
The roof has separate weapons ring in which the well-molded machine gun
can be mounted.
A small but rather nice decal sheet is provided. This includes the dial faces
for the instrument panel as well as markings for three brown and green
Japanese camouflaged examples.
To my mind, this is one of the best 1:48 scale armour releases produced by
Tamiya to date. Basically it looks like a pantographed version of their 1:35
scale offering. After putting a few of the main body parts together for this
review, I can report the kit just clicks together. Tamiya is the master of what I
would describe as “detailed simplicity” and this kit is further evidence of that.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Tamiya Japan for the sample www.tamiya.com
Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited
www.hobbyco.net
Luke Pitt
WEB BROWSER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
eduard.com www.hobbyco.net italeri.com
doolittlemedia.com
www.missing-lynx.com
www.hyperscale.com
Aleksandar Počuč
‘
SCALE MODELLING:
A LOVE STORY READY Modeller’s guide to
TO ASSEMBLE superdetailing, painting and
weathering aircraft of WWII’
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
book is intended for both
TECHNIQUES beginners and advanced
modellers as it covers wide variety
BUILDING THE AIRCRAFT of modelling tasks ranging from
■ SPITFIRE MK. IXC basic detailing, scratch-building,
■ P-47D THUNDERBOLT painting, weathering, machining
■ JU-87D ‘STUKA’ custom parts using resin as well as
scratch-building part from brass and
MAKING A DIORAMA
aluminium and of course, diorama
making. Basics about tools, paints
and modelling materials have
been covered as well. The book
revolves around three subjects,
P-47D Razorback, Spitfire Mk.IXc
and Junkers Ju-87D Stuka, all in
32nd scale. Step by step concept
will provide a good reference and
ideas to all WWII aircraft modellers
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DEFEAT IN 35 MM
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Graham Tetley
examines an
old favourite
with some new
additions.
JAGDTIGER
I
n 1944 the designers at Krupp proposed to install from being set back in the collar by about 4mm
a larger gun in the Jagdtiger superstructure. too far. The rumour for this error is that Dragon’s The etched steel parts.
Despite making the vehicle even more difficult to designers measured the Aberdeen example and its
move around, doing so would have resulted in the barrel is partly in recoil. Both barrels come split into
gun’s breach extending out of the Jagdtiger’s upper halves so be prepared to do some sanding to remove
casemate thus exposing the crew. The drawings the join lines. My method is to clamp the halves
for this proposed conversion show armoured sides together tightly, seal it with liquid glue and then,
extending from the rear superstructure out along when dry, smooth it down with wire wool.
the engine deck, but, as it never got past the draw- This is actually quite a simple build with the only
ing stage, we will never know what the real thing thing to watch out for being some small gaps where
would have looked like. the casemate front & rear join to the sides. All tools
For this release, Dragon gives us their standard have their straps moulded on with no clasps so seek
Jagdtiger model dating all the way back to 6050 in out etched parts if you wish. Dragon has provided
1995 and 6285 in 2005. We get with it a new sprue us with three-piece track guards and whilst it would
for the gun barrel and an updated sprue containing have been nice to have them all as individual parts
the drive sprockets and other smaller parts. With 15 the detail is adequate.
sprues in total, we also get an etched steel fret con- The kit’s Magic Tracks come in two parts and it
taining the engine grilles, tie downs & other bits plus was noticed that the smaller links do suffer from Close-up of the drive sprocket.
some wire for the tow ropes. The basic kit has stood flash. A test fit reveals that they are very tight so
the test of time well and has some crisp detail pre- I recommend you file the inners surfaces down.
sent on all parts. Sadly, the metal barrel and other Generally, I am a big fan of Magic Tracks but these
goodies from 6285 have been dropped from this kit will need some clean-up time devoted to each link.
but, love them or hate them (and I love them!), Magic Still, they are better that DS Tracks in my view.
Tracks are provided although each link has some Markings are limited to a series of simple crosses
knock-out pin marks that would benefit from being but, as this is a ‘What if?’ vehicle you can add what-
removed. There is some flash present on some of the ever markings you see fit.
parts but nothing major.
Being an older Dragon kit, the instructions are CONCLUSION
clear and uncluttered with no errors that I have yet As this is a model of a vehicle that only saw action
spotted. There is some very fine weld detail and cast on a drawing board I cannot be too critical of accu-
texture to the armour plate which needs no improve- racy. For Dragon to do a proper job we should have
ment. A basic gun breach is provided but please bear had in the box the extended armour panels for the
in mind that it would be incorrect for this particular engine deck but some plastic card can put that right.
version as would probably be its position on the I am told that this fictional Jagdtiger is a top scorer No detail skimped on the road wheels.
floor. However it does give you something to see in ‘World of Tanks’ so it is probably aimed at that
through the hatches if you wish to have them open. market – if so, it is one way that new modellers can
Not mentioned as an option, but you do get it on the find a way into this hobby so has to be welcomed.
sprues, is the gun barrel for the regular Jagdtiger The basic Jagdtiger kit is sound although it would
so you could build it as such if you wish. Do bear in benefit from some etched improvements, especially
mind though that the same gun mantlet & collar are for the tools and fenders. It comes recommended
provided in the kit and the original barrel suffered with a 6/10 from me. ■ Track links, and flash.
Zvezda’s T-14 Armata is perhaps the most accurate version of this kit on
the market. The complex geometry of the hull and the turret is perfectly
reproduced with a very high level of detail and a fine plastic texture. This
kit was engineered in cooperation with UralVagonZavod (UVZ), the Russian
factory that actually manufactured the real tank. Even the details of the
bottom lower hull are shown and all grilles are reproduced in fine plastic!
This kit consists of 410 parts with 10 grey plastic sprues and one with clear
parts. The tracks are in hard plastic segments and very easy to assemble.
Included are two decal sheets, one for the 2016 Victory Day parade in
Moscow, and one for the new Russian Army tank unit, established in 2016.
The T-14 Armata is a unique tank. For the first time in the tank history
Russian designers have transformed the turret into an unmanned combat
module and placed the crew in an isolated armoured capsule. The
Armata's complex armour supported by an active protection system is able
to withstand the hit of any existing anti-tank weapon. The powerful gun with
auto-loader directed by complex aiming system surpasses any existing or
forthcoming tanks of other countries.
Sign Up to our Newsletter Zvezda Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited,
on www.hobbyco.net Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG
Find us on facebook See the full Zvezda range at www.hobbyco.net
search Plastic Kits UK Zvezda models are available from all good model shops