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69
March / April 2013
6.50 UK $14.95
www.afvmodeller.com
THE VERY BEST IN SCALE ARMOUR MODELLING
Don Steppe
GULLY
Alexander Zelenkovs
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Issue 69 cover_Issue 26 cover 13/02/2013 16:40 Page 1
69 Ads:Layout 1 14/02/2013 15:15 Page 1
2 Don Steppe Gully
Alexander Zelenkov describes his Eastern Front diorama
12 Berlin 1945
The second part of Aitor Azkues stunning riverside diorama
20 New Zealand Special Air Service Humvee
Mark Neville describes his fully loaded Tamiya Humvee with AC Models conversion
26 Afghan Humvees
Patrick Winnepenninckx presents some modelling inspirtation and reference of
Humvees operating with Afghan forces
34 Sturer Emil
Joo Carrasco-Guerra builds Trumpeters 12.8cm Selbstfahrlafette L/61
44 Keeping Track
More new releases
56 Libyan Liberator
Meng Models Pick Up converted into an improvised rocket launcher by Kamil Sztarbala
CONTENTS
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originated by AFV Modeller ltd become the publishers copyright under copyright law.
Reproduction in any form requires the written consent of the publisher. Whilst every
care is taken to avoid mistakes AFV Modeller ltd. cannot be liable in any way for errors
or ommissions.
AFV Modeller is published Bimonthly by
AFV Modeller ltd
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Editor and Designer: David Parker
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ISSN 1747-4183
1
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T A K E I T F O R A S P I N . . .
( M O R E I N F O O N P A G E 2 1 )
W W W. A F V M O D E L L E R . C O M / D I G I T A L
I N T E R A C T I V E
F E A T U R E
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 13:07 Page 1
2
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 32
3
Don Steppe
The Idea for this diorama did not come to me
right away. Usually I am inspired to work after
seeing archive photos or films, and
sometimes after reading veterans memoirs
but with this diorama it was different. I did not
have any single source of inspiration for this
diorama idea. I wanted make something
about the fighting in Southern sector of
Eastern Front in Summer-Autumn of 1942. At
this time the German offensive against the
Caucasus and Stalingrad had the Red Army
engaged in heavy defensive battles. After
seeing many dioramas and figures I felt there
were omissions. Many modellers make
dioramas, but what we can see there?
Typically Germans near a burned out tank,
Germans briefing with pointing figures, Soviet
troops walking, Americans shooting, German
repairing a tank and this is all. Are these
scenes really representative? Veterans
accounts rarely talk about walking and
shooting solders. Usually veterans remember
very cold and very hot weather, tiredness, and
constant danger from air attacks and artillery
fire. Between 60-80% of deaths on the
Eastern front in WWII were caused by artillery
fire and 56.8% of wounded Russian soldiers
had splinter wounds.
GULLY
Modelled and described by Alexander Zelenkov
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 33
It is no surprise that the Russian Army
Artillery were called Gods of war, but
when do we see artillery in dioramas?
Usually modellers make artillery on the
march or Anti-tank guns firing but never
any depiction of the influence of artillery
fire. We rarely see even a simple shell-hole.
I wanted to try and do something on this
theme.
I decided that the main object of the
diorama will be figures. It will depict
soldiers taking cover from artillery fire. The
figures that I wanted were not
manufactured by any firm, and so I decided
to sculpt them myself. At this time I had
some sculpting experience, but the task
would be demanding. Usually I am inspired
to work from wartime photos, but I could
not find any good photos of soldiers under
fire. WWII photographs were not taken in
extremely dangerous situations or the
photos are poor quality with limited view
because soldiers are hiding in narrow
trenches. I thought about a trench diorama,
but trenches usually were deep and narrow,
and you can see only helmets and the
backs of the soldiers, not ideal for a
diorama. A diorama should be piece of art
and should show an artistic interpretation of
reality, and so I decided not to make a
trench but a more spacious covered
environment.
4
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 34
I sculpted my figures from Apoxie Sculpt A+B material over a copper wire
armature. You also can try making figures from other A+B material like Magic
Sculp, FIXIT, Green Stuff, Milliput etc. I will not go into detail about the sculpting
here as it is a complex and time-consuming procedure which we do not have
space for now. Learning to sculpt or make figure conversion is the way to go if you
want make really interesting and unique dioramas.
I tried to show the fear and psychological effect of the danger in my Soviet
infantrymen. I tried to give individual features to each figure. I did not want to show
my figures as a grey crowd of mannequins in different poses. Each person has
their own character. First a young soldier cowers in fear after nearby explosion, a
second soldier feels fear but tries to keep control. A third slumbers in exhaustion
and a fourth older veteran with an MG smokes a Russian makhorka. The fifth, an
officer tries to control the situation and speaks with the sixth, a signaler who is
trying to contact their unit by field telephone. I also made a wounded soldier for
more drama and this soldier has received some medical, but may not evacuated
under enemy fire. I made each figure with its own character, but all the figures
should look like soldiers from a common unit of a single army, with the same
uniforms, weapons, and the same uniform colours. These figures are now
available in my resin Stalingrad range.
5
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 35
The Figures were painted with artists
tempera polyvinyl acetate colours. A deep
flat surface is the main feature of this paint
and an important feature for good painting
of figures from hot and dusty Don Steppe. A
slight sheen for faces, hands, boots and
leather belts was made by gently polishing
them with cotton buds.
I want to write few words about Russian
khaki WWII Soviet uniform colour. Russian
khaki has no exact shade. Soviet uniform
has very many variations, from a saturated
grey-green to yellow and from beige to off-
white. Soviet uniform were made in very
many different factories. Not evey factory
had a standard dye or consistent quality.
Therefore even new Soviet uniforms and
equipment had various shades of khaki.
Along with the influence of sun, dust and
washing the colours changed again. In the
Red Army very often soldiers used old
second-hand uniforms after mending, so
we should not paint Soviet soldiers in a
gaudy green colour. Try to show pale
shades for older items and a bit brighter
shades for newer items. Remember that
equipment (gasmask bags, for example)
would be issued to soldiers at the same
time so would probably fade uniformly. It is
a small detail that will show that our
soldiers are from one unit.
It is especially interesting to show uniform
details from the USA and UK with lend-
lease supply.
6
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7
Characteristic features of American
supplies were brown leather boots (Soviet
soldiers boots were only made from black
leather), green plastic buttons with the
Soviet star (Soviet buttons are made from
metal) and wide leather belts with big
buckles. I set my diorama in the summer of
1942 and American supplies were not very
evident in the Red Army in this period, but I
painted brown leather shoes on two
soldiers.
The next step was to finalise the diorama
composition. The soldiers should situated in
shelter. A trench is unacceptable as I
discussed earlier. Roadside ditches is not
good solution soldiers would need to lie in
shallow cover. Cover behind railway
embankment perhaps? Maybe, but then I
should make part of railway. An empty
railway? No, that wont be interesting.
Maybe a burned out T-34 on railroad and
signal nearby? Yes, it would be interesting,
but eight small crouched figures would be
lost on this big diorama. No, I should
contrive another compositional solution. But
a tank should be included anyway. I was
painting the figures already, but work on
the base had not advanced. I cannot find a
composition solution yet. Then I
remembered a photo of a KV-1 tank that
had got stuck in a gully. I even found two
photos of this tank from different
viewpoints. The Tank in the photo had
tipped into the gully called a balka and
become stuck. It was a great idea for the
diorama! The KV is a big brutal tank, but in
this situation the tank will not overwhelm
the small figures. Furthermore the slope of
the gully and position of the tank make a
good composition with dynamic changes in
height. I chose the opposite slope of the
gully as my foreground as It would show
the shape of gully and show the sheltering
figures. I found the best composition finally
after many sketches and test fitting.
I checked my stock of plastic kits and found
Trumpeters KV-1 model 1942 No. 00360.
This kit was not entirely satisfactory as it
had the late simplified rear hull, and the
tank in the photo had the early bent rear
hull. I hesitated but decided that I could
easily make new bent stern from heated
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 37
plastic and A+B putty. I added ABER
photoetch and made a new front applique
armour panel from styrene sheet (the kit
armour has insufficient height). Weld beads
were added with A+B putty and rough cut
edges around the armour plate were
added. I enhanced the rough cast texture
of the turret with white Tamiya putty and
solvent. I added casting numbers on the
turret using sprue numbers from old plastic
kits. On the engine deck I added new bolts
with Masterclub resin bolts and opened the
pistol port on left side of turret. Good
reference for work on the model were
photos of the KV-1 from Aberdeen Proving
Ground which is a similar variant to my
model.
Also I made some interior for the turret and
drivers position from styrene rod, sheets,
aluminium foil and a gun breech from
Dragons T-34. The Interior was kept quite
primitive because you cant see much
through the open hatches. I painted the
interior before finishing the build and
because the illumination of the interior is
very specific I first painted all the interior in
deep flat black. Next I painted in lighter
tints the peripheral details and more light
shades the details under the open hatches
(and light source). The effect is like that of a
Rembrandt painting light picks out only
some important details from the dark and
you cant see the full interior.
Track links are from the kit, but modified.
The Tank in the wartime photo had tried to
get out of the gully, so the upper run of the
tracks is stretched taught. The kit upper
tracks are sagged so I made them straight
with hair dryer and steel rulers. Also using
the hair dryer I made damage to the left
fender like in the archive photos. I made a
paper mask for the tank (with a small
window) so that the Hot air from hair dryer
would not damage other parts of the tank.
I fixed the tank hull with two screws onto a
wooden bar to handle it during painting.
The tank was painted with Tamiya acrylic.
Russian tank 4BO colour which I mixed
approximately and a bit lighter for future
weathering. I used artists tempera polyvinyl
acetate colour for filters (blue, yellow,
brown and green).
8
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 38
Chips and scratches (not many as the tank
is almost new) made with acrylic paint and
a graphite pencil. Mapping with oil paint.
Washing and pigments from MIG
Productions. I used Mr.Metal Color metallic
paint for the fresh metal surface on rollers
and track links - a very good and realistic
paint! You can add more shine afterwards
by polishing with cotton buds. Thicker dirt is
made from pigments, plaster, acrylic resin,
sand and water for a very realistic result.
I cut out the outline of the sole of boots
from a rubber eraser as a stamp to imitate
footprints on the tank. I paint exhaust with
mix of pigments and tempera color. A deep
matt surface is obligatory for the exhausts.
The round tactical symbol I painted with a
mask (made with a puncher). On the
photos I could see the tactical number on
left side of turret painted pretty neatly (may
be with stencil), but number on right side of
turret painted pretty crudely. I painted the
turret numbers by hand with acrylic colour.
I began the base work. I made test fittings
and decided on a standard A4 size for my
base. The size of the base should not be
large (because tank and figures will be lost
in a big space) and not too small (it should
show the landscape and the scene should
not be crowded). I bought a standard A4
photo frame and the fit was ideal.
I made the sides of the base from styrene
and to keep down the weight I using
expanding building foam to infill the volume
of the groundwork. I cut out the relief of the
base with knife after foam had cured and it
cuts easily. After this I applied an aerosol
primer using an acrylic primer, as an
enamel primer can damage the foam
base.
I made the final fitting of the tank and
figures. The end of the work is near, but for
the final positions of the figures I needed
additional fitting and sketches. I painted the
sides of the base with Tamiya acrylic and
applied a lacquer. I protected side of base
with masking tape. The KV tank was
fastened onto base with strong
construction glue. The surface of the earth
inside the gully was made like the built up
earth on the tank a mix of pigments,
acrylic resin, plaster, small stone, sand and
water. The main pigment I used was MIG
P234 Rubble Dust, but I used other
pigments for variations in the shades of the
surface also. Obviously these will differ in
different areas. The topsoil for example,
and freshly disturbed earth around the tank.
But I kept all these tints within a tight colour
range so that the dust on the vehicle and
figures was the same. 9
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:48 Page 39
10
I added accumulated dirt to the tank and
base with care. I added mud in all the
recesses, inside the sprockets, below the
fenders, between track links and hull etc.
using a small brush. This is essential to
make the model believable, taking care to
consider mobile parts of the chassis where
mud would be dislodged. Next I added
small stones, pigments and grass. The
grass made from natural flax, the coarse
bristles from large paint brushes and spikes
of feather-grass. I added a few modest
wildflowers made from paper. I fastened
these things with white glue. White glue is
very useful for diorama building with a long
working time, good adhesion it dries flat
and transparent. Pigments were applied
with MIG Pigment fixer. Figures were fixed
to the base with CA glue.
After this I was working on the smaller
details. It is very careful and tiring work. I
made weapon belts (from lead foil), some
scattered uniforms and equipment (from
paper and A+B putty), ammo belts and an
ammo box (from photoetch), used
bandages and dressing packs (from paper),
the signal cable reel (wire and plastic). I
made the telephone line from copper wire.
The tank tow cable is from the kit. I tore it
apart as if it had snapped in the attempt to
recover the vehicle. I made log on right
fender from old wooden handle of a brush
and A+B putty. I added small dark washes
near the figures and small items. I believe
what this wash is necessary to seat them
into the landscape.
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:49 Page 40
Well, the diorama is finished! I removed the
masking tape, fastened the dioramas
name plate and copies of the wartime
photos. I also carefully turned over and
shook the diorama and blew the diorama
with an air brush to dislodge any loose
debris. This final test guarantees long life
for your work and you will not find loose
elements dislodged on your way to a model
show!
A couple of words about the photos to end.
I took my photos with two simple table
fluorescent lamps. I used a textile
background. I recommended shooting
dioramas with a wide-angle zoom lens. The
18 mm position of 18-55 mm kit DSLR lens
is very useful and the wide-angle lens adds
perspective and brings life to the photos of
your diorama.
11
AFV-69 March-April 2013:AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 12:49 Page 41
12
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 9
BERLIN
1 9 4 5
PART TWO AITOR AZKUES
13
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 10
Tiger II
I used an old Tamiya kit to which I added the barrel and
the corresponding photoetch from ABER. Likewise the
incredible Fruilmodel tracks are an indispensable
accessory for this kit and any kit for that matter.
I have also applied a slight texture to the surface of the
tank using liquid glue, which softened the plastic surface
before I gently stippled the surface with an old stiff bristle
brush. Once dry, I used fine sandpaper dampened well
with water to smooth the entire surface which gives an
excellent texture to the armour plate.
The painting process began with the base colours which
are applied with an airbrush and Model Air brand. For the
different effects of weathering I used several different
products from AK Interactive and some pigments from
MIG Productions.
VEHICLES
14
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 11
15
Stug III "G"
This vehicle comes from
Dragon and belongs to their
smart kit range which lives
up to its name as it really
does not require any other
aftermarket upgrades or
details.
It has excellent detail and
goes together really well.
The only thing extra which I
added were the tracks, with
Modelkasten ones which I
had to hand although this
model comes with
individual link "Magic tracks"
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 12
"Ostwind"
At the time I built this diorama there was very
little reference on this vehicle and no state of the
art kits! I had to build my Ostwind using parts
from different kits. For the hull I used a Tamiya Pz
IV J with wheels replaced with ones from Tristar.
Tracks are Fruilmodel and the radio operator's
hatch are by New Connection Models, as are the
turret and internal gun mount details. The flak is
by Italeri with some Eduard photoetch. I almost
forgot, the gun barrel is from Aber! I also had to
modify the position of the radio operator hatch to
make accurate for the Ostwind The late style
engine exhausts are made from plastic tube.
For painting I had very little information to work
from. I had not yet seen the magnificent " Nuts
and Bolts" book, for this vehicle, so it was more
myth than something real. I painted it with a
recovered chassis to which the factory had
mounted an unpainted turret and installed a gun
from another vehicle, a typical late war
improvisation. In the new references, we have
discovered several operating units with this
vehicle and a hard-edged three colour
camouflage schemes.
16
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 13
Railcar
The railcar comes from Trumpeter
and is of very good quality with
great details such like the wood
grain texture. The railcar was both
easy to assemble and paint.
I wanted to represent a wagon
featuring a search light,
improvised at the last minute for
the defence of the city, located at
an important point, as was the
bridge serving the metro and
anti-aircraft support, and also
abandoned.
The light is from AFV Club and is
of high quality, but not all that
easy to assemble, due to its
many small parts. Still, worth a
purchase. As for the search light
power supply generator, this was
built from scratch using plastic
card, although there are resin
versions available on the market.
17
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 14
FIGURES
The figures are predominantly
from Alpine (I used 4 of their
figures), 2 are from Platoon and
the radio operator is by Royal
Model. The two dead figures in
the centre of the diorama are
from Verlinden.
The quality of all 9 figures is
excellent.
18
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:56 Page 15
19
Berlin45:Layout 1 14/02/2013 11:57 Page 16
20
NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL AIR SERVICE
HUMVEE
Mark Neville loads up Tamiyas 1:35
Humvee with the AC Models conversion
Nostalgia plays a big part in modelling for
me, remember the feeling of standing in
your local hobby shop clutching that
hard-earned pocket money presented with
a wall of kits and taking what seemed like
hours to choose?...One of the kits I
remember fondly was the Tamiya SAS
Willys jeep, a kind of desert hot-rod loaded
up to the gunnels with all manner of
equipment for those long range missions,
and what of the figures?
Sporting head scarves and long beards
the crew were straight from the pages of a
Commando comic book.
Fast-forward thirty-odd years and this
conversion from AC Models immediately
struck me as the modern version of that
classic kit, not my usual modelling cup of
tea but what a great looking Hummer with
fantastic figures, it was just begging to be
built!
NZ SAS humvee- Mark (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:24 Page 1
21
With selected articles you can now view new
interactive content via our website. For a
complete 360 view of the model simply visit
www.afvmodeller.com/digital to access the
360 Portal, select the appropriate article and
enter the Username and Pass Code shown
below.
You can use your PC/Mac to view the featured
model from all round, just keep an eye out for
the 360 symbol in future issues!
Username: AFV Pass Code: 36982
NZ SAS humvee- Mark (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:25 Page 2
22
AC Models of New Zealand may be a familiar name to you if you
indulge in figure painting on occasion. Andy Cairns is the sculptor
and man behind the business renowned for his large scale busts
(stop sniggering) and historical subjects, Andy previously
released the figures in this set as one of his first forays into 1:35.
Andys sculpting has a very particular style which appeals to me
as it suits my style of painting, a kind of sculpted sketch
concentrating on the anatomy and pose which always have a
very natural feel. The conversion is packaged in a stout
corrugated pack which hadnt suffered from its posting from the
other side of the World. The presentation is very Old School with
the cottage industry feel we were used to in the past with plenty
of cleaning up of the grey resin required. The majority of the
chunks of resin are the Humvees stowage which are a very good
fit to the Tamiya kit with the field modified and built lockers and
boxes already complete with items attached. The nature of the
vehicle sort-of suits the hand-crafted feel of the masters, no CAD
rendering or rapid prototyping here which means the soft
stowage has a very convincing look to it but some of the items
such as the grenade launcher ring mount, ammo boxes and the
GPMG and mount are poorly defined in places and the detail soft
- requiring some old fashioned clean-up. Another negative are
the assembly instructions which consist of a few photos of the
complete unpainted model and some shots of the actual vehicle,
not adequate in my opinion resulting in lots of dry-fits and head
scratching especially for a novice in modern equipment like
myself.
There is a very generous selection of equipment, much of which I
havent had room to add, and a choice of ammo cans to suit the
grenade launcher or a .50cal. The spare wheel supplied matches
the Tamiya kit parts for tread pattern (by the way, AC Models
state that this conversion would fit Academys Humvees also)
and is designed to fit in front of the mass of fuel and water cans.
The cans are cast all together which certainly speeds-up
assembly, individual cans are also supplied. The crews huge
bergens are designed to fit on the modified tail-gate and are
beautifully rendered. You can find a few photographs of trail bikes
tied down to these tail-gates which would make an interesting
feature as a few are available in 1:35.
The clean-up time of the resin parts is compensated for by the
speed of which the Tamiya kit goes together, Ive used the
M1025 kit but as the upper structures are largely unused any
version would be suitable. This is really one of those Tamiya
classics, great detail and fit makeing assembly a breeze, and as
already mentioned, the conversion fits very well which allowed
me to drop in many of the larger chunks after painting them
separately.
The figures are undoubtedly for me the focal point of the finished
model, excellent figures with very little preparation they fit into
place with a natural look and feel not often seen with vehicle
crews. These guys ooze character and although are sculpted as
NZ SAS could easily pass for several nations special forces in
their generic modern gear.
THE CONVERSION
Be prepared for some clean-up
of the resin parts although the
fit is very good throughout.
01
Because of all of the intricate
shapes I would recommend a
black or very dark base-coat
02
TAMIYA WITH AC MODELS CONVERSION
NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL AIR SERVICE
NZ SAS humvee- Mark (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:25 Page 3
With the figures and the rest of the resin
parts dry-fitted in place the Humvee
takes on an organic appearance, with so
many intricate shapes I decided to give a
primer coat of flat black (from Lifecolor)
to act as a pre-shade which suits both
the interior green and overspayed sand
colour of the exterior. With the pressure
set low on the Iwata I was able to get in
close to all the nooks and crannies with
the black, I didnt thin the Lifecolor as
much as usual allowing good
coverage quickly and good
adhesion to the plastic and
resin.
The figures, jerry cans, ammo
boxes and some stowage
were all given the black
base-coat treatment.
These parts were drilled
and fitted with cocktail sticks
which in turn are pushed into a block of
polystyrene to allow easy handling
throughout painting. I allowed the black
to dry for a couple of days which
provided me a very tough base to work
on.
PRE-PAINTING
23
Applying the sand colour with the
airbrush in a constant direction from
above creates shadows and depth.
03
The interior green is applied as washes
over the sand and black which have
already created the highlights and shadows
05
04
AK Interactive filters add further depth and tone
to the sand colour. Dark ready to use washes,
also from AK Interactive, pick out surface details.
The figures can be added after
everything else is in place (with the
exception of the steering wheel)
06
HUMVEE
NZ SAS humvee- Mark (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:26 Page 4
24
THE PAINTING
TAMIYA WITH AC MODELS CONVERSION
NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL AIR SERVICE
The conversion comes with a couple of
prints of the subject vehicle in Afghanistan,
a quick internet search found these very
same shots which allowed me to enlarge
them on screen for colour reference.
Flicking through my available paint I
decided on a colour from AK Interactives
DAK set, RAL 7027 Grau- which is in reality
a sandy-brown. The base colour wasnt too
critical as I tend to use lots of washes and
filters which in turn change the base colour
somewhat. Using the airbrush at a
constant angle the sand colour was
gradually applied concentrating the
strongest coverage on the upper surfaces
letting the black show through as
shadowed areas. This technique works
well if done gradually, I also used this
method on the stowage and the figures
painted separately, letting the sand colour
double-up as a light source for the
highlights adding a good start to the
shading and contrasts of further colours.
The stowage lockers and boxes on the
Humvee appear to have been built from
heavy plywood or MDF with a random
over-spray of red-brown (probably from an
aerosol) which I re-created with some fine
airbrushing. The interior metalwork
appears to be in its factory dark green,
with the black shadow already in place and
the sand colour catching the highlights all
that was needed were some washes of
dilute Russian Green acrylic followed by
some subtle dry brushing of the dash and
radio details. A coat of Vallejo Black-grey
was left to dry on the tyres and the filters
and washes could be started. Ive become
a bit of a convert to the ready to use magic
potions such as filters and washes, for one
were sent samples to review so its only
fair to put them to the test and theyre also
very convenient and consistant. The
majority of these products are enamel
based and perform pretty much the same,
AK Interactive and MIG Productions are the
ones Ive tried with excellent results but
you must frequently shake the bottles to
suspend the pigment, before and during
use.
Ive found the washes work best if the area
being worked on is dampened first with
clean thinner (as you would with oil paint or
an enamel wash) details such as the rivets
on the side panels were individually picked
out with a fine spotter brush loaded with
AKs Dark Brown Wash. Ive also found
mixing some of the pigment residue from
the cap or neck of the bottle allows
variation in the strength of the wash.
Detail painting and the stowage was done
entirely with acrylics from Lifecolour mixed
referring to the colour shots to hand, with
many of the colours so similar I found it
helped to keep strong contrasts between
the shading and highlights. Weapons were
undercoated with a wash of Vallejo Air
Black which has a subtle sheen followed by
a rub of pencil graphite. Many parts of the
grenade launcher appear to be in the
Humvees original green finish and the
GPMG on the side mount has crudely
applied cammo paint in the photographs.
The conversion supplies a length of ammo
cast in white metal and an array of ammo
containers.
AK Interactives European Earth pigment
powder looked a favourable match to the
photographs to provide the ingrained dirt
of the tyres. The powder was laded on
heavy in a dry state then removed from the
high spots with a stiff bristled brush. A
quick and easy method which matched the
reference shots.
A little sparkle was added with the front
headlamps from SKP Model, these are
from another modern US vehicle set but
proved a good fit. SKP have the edge over
many of the available lamps as the lenses
are moulded to a photoetched nickel
reflector adding that extra touch of realism.
The figures were painted in the same way
as the stowage with a black base-coat and
the sand colour sprayed in a way to
provide directional light giving a great
guide as to where to place highlights and
shade. From the little reference (as youd
expect due to the nature of their
operations) on the NZ SAS in Afghanistan
you can still see a large variety of uniforms
and equipment. A desert DPM camo
uniform very similar to the British version
seemed commonly used, and more
importantly the easiest to replicate!
With colour print-outs taped to my desk
the colours were mixed by eye from
Lifecolor acrylics following the strong
contrasts applied elsewhere.
NZ SAS humvee- Mark (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:26 Page 5
25
CONCLUSION
This conversion set initially appears to have a few
weak spots, mainly with the vehicle hard parts in
their rendering and casting. Lately weve seen
CAD produced masters cast with the latest
industrial techniques resulting in resin parts that
require minimal preparation with incredible fine
detail. This kit is old school, some seam lines to
remove and flash on some parts but this time is
repayed with the simple assembly of plug-in
chunks and the easy build of the Tamiya kit.
Once all the components start to come
together you just cant wait to start painting,
its not often you get figures that look so natural
in a vehicle-and what a vehicle!
CONVERSION SET
WITH FIGURES:
www.acmodels.co.nz
(SK Miniatures are a UK distributor)
PHOTO REFERENCE:
http://www.hfmodeling.com/modules.
php?op=modload&name=SquawkBo
x&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id
=185475&page=1
Thanks to Hobby Link Japan for the
Tamiya kit 35263 M1025 Humvee
HUMVEE
NZ SAS humvee- Mark (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:26 Page 6
26
HUMVEES
Patrick Winnepenninckx presents
some modelling inspiration and
reference of Humvees operating with
Afghan forces.
More or less 7550 Humvees have been delivered to the
ANA of which at least 2500 are of the M1151 & M1152
type. ANA Humvees come in several versions; its force
is mainly composed of the M1114 weapons carrier, the
M1114 & M1151 road clearance vehicle, the M1151
Enhanced Capacity Vehicle (ECV) weapons carrier, the
M1152 ECV troop carrier & guntruck and the M1113
4-litter ambulance. Afghan Humvees appear in two
possible colours: a plain desert yellow or a 4-tone
camouflage pattern composed of desert yellow which
has been applied over the standard US colours
(olive-green, dark-brown and black).
Since mid 2010 the Afghan National Police (ANP) and
the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) also
started to receive armoured Humvees. The ANP
Humvees are painted in a distinctive dark green colour,
the ANCOP vehicles are plain desert yellow.
The newly formed Afghan National Army or ANA
consists of more than 160,000 men incorporated in less
than 10 years. The army is being structured according to
US / Western doctrine and at this point mainly consists
of Light Infantry Kandaks (Battalions). These units are
almost exclusively equipped with American vehicles:
Ford Ranger pick-ups and Humvees.
A M1151 weapons carrier & a
M1152 Guntruck. Note the
different colour schemes in
use in the Afghan army
An ANA M1114 securing the entrance of an army camp with a
green (with US camo pattern) engine hood. Also note the home
made sun screen made of Hesco Bastions and a poncho.
AFGHAN
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:33 Page 1
M1113 based Humvee ambulance. Note the HHC (HouseHold
Company) and 1-2-209 (1st Kandak 2nd brigade 209th Corps)
unit markings on the vehicle.
Above Overview of the engine of a M1152 cargo Humvee. Below Afghan National Police (ANP) M1114 Humvee in the distinctive dark
green colour. Note the picture of Massoud on the windshield and the ANP
symbol on the side rear.
27
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:33 Page 2
4
An Afghan army M1114 with some unusual features. The Humvee
has the US army colour pattern and some markings. Does this
mean this Humvee was in US service first?! Note the green engine
hood and the desert yellow armour package.
Left An Afghan army M1114 with some crudely
applied lettering.
Right A close-up of impact damage on the
protective glass, both would be nice touches on a
model.
An ANA M1151 on an Afghan FOB. Note the sun screen made
of Hesco Bastions and a poncho.
Take a look at the range of 1:35 weapon stations from Live
Resin we featured last issue, superb upgrades for your project.
28
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:33 Page 3
Top view of an ANA M11151. Note the
accumulated dust on top of the vehicle.
An army Humvee conducting guard duties in an Afghan
city. Note the unit marking on the door and the Afghan
soldier is still wearing the older US style camo uniform.
Side view of a M1151. ANA vehicles have a lot of problems with their
batteries, especially in winter time.
ANA M1152 guntruck on the move
ANA M1154s showing the interior of the rear storage
area and details of the tail-gate and spare wheel carrier
29
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:33 Page 4
6
The detached roller device viewed from the rear The rear of one of the banks of lamps fitted
Close up of the Humvees mount for the mine roller.
Note the missing headlamp and subsequent wiring
conectors left behind.
Each ANA Brigade has a Road Clearance Company (RCC) equipped with Humvees fitted with mine-rollers and jammers.
Both the M1114 and the M1151 weapons carrier can be equipped with the road clearance device.
30
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:34 Page 5
7
The M1152 cargo / troop carrier version
Note the bow fitted for a canvass
cover and the exhaust stack
ANA M1151 of Road Clearance Coy
/ 2nd Brigade / 209th Corps seen
during LOC clearing operations.
This front view gives an impression of the
size of the roller set-up. Note the black IR
lamps fitted along with floodlamps.
Close-up of the
jammer mast. Both E.T.
Model and Voyager
produce a great
selection of upgrades
and accessories for
Humvees in 1:35 but I
dont recall seeing this
exact one?
31
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:34 Page 6
Overview of the cargo area
showing a heavy covering of dust
On patrol, M1152 guntruck belonging to
the Afghan Civil Order Police (ANCOP).
M1152 guntruck in the
three-tone scheme
Tarpaulin (almost!) fitted on this cargo truck.
Note the Afghan flag mounted
An excellent overview of the guntruck interior, again,
note how heavy the dust lies inside the vehicle
32
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:34 Page 7
RCC M1151 Humvee and HMT trailer driving
on Highway 1 between Kabul and Kunduz.
Close up of the weapon mount and
protective shields. Note how the position
of the shields can be adjusted by hand
Front bulkhead of the guntruck
Underside of the weapons station
showing the pivot mount. Note the
bunjee cords and ammo box holder
Rear door latch and handles on the guntruck
33
Afghan Humvees article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:34 Page 8
12.8cm Selbstfahrlafette L/61
Modelled by
Joo Carrasco-Guerra
Recently a friend offered me
Trumpeters 1:35 kit of German
12.8cm Selbstfahrlafette L/61
"Sturer Emil. Although my
passion is for WWII AFVs, I must
confess I wasnt familiar with the
vehicle, so before I started
working on the model I did some
research, looking for all the
available information and images
of the real vehicle and also of
reviews of this kit.
34
After consulting several sources on the
internet and technical libraries, I gathered
all the information I needed concerning the
real Sturer Emil, namely from:
Panzer Tracts nr. 7-3 - Panzerjaeger, by
Thomas Jentz and Hillary Doyle and AFV
Modeller nr. 25, issue of
November-December 2005, article Sturer
Emil, by Thomas Anderson, which contains
an enlightening history of this tank-killer and
several priceless photos of the real vehicle
in trials and in action, as well as a
walkaround of the surviving one displayed
in the Kubinka Tank Museum, in Moscow.
Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:05 Page 1
35
Trumpeter 1:35
To sum up, the 12.8cm Selbstfahrlafette auf VK3001(H)
"Sturer Emil" (Stubborn Emil) was an experimental
German self-propelled anti-tank gun projected to deal
with the new generation of Russian T-34 and KV series
tanks. Its base was the chassis of the experimental
Henschel VK3001. This chassis was then extended to
receive the huge and powerful Rheinmetall 12.8cm K
L/61 gun (based on the 12.8cm FlaK 40).
Two vehicles (named Max and Moritz) were built, both
of which served - not for long - on the Eastern Front in
the 3rd company 521st sPA and the 2nd Panzer
Division.
Even though, there were several problems due to slow
speed and lack of compatibility with other armoured
and mechanical equipment, during action the two
Sturer Emils engaged effectively targets at ranges
that the Russians could only dream of at that time. In
open ground the Sturer was a supreme tank buster.
Fortunately for the Russians, one vehicle was destroyed
(there is not much data on this), and the other was
abandoned by its crew and captured intact at
Stalingrad, in January 1943, with 22 kill marks painted
on its barrel. This is the one presently displayed and
well preserved in the Kubinka Tank Museum.
Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:06 Page 2
In 2005, Trumpeter released the kit nr. 00350, German 12.8cm
Selbstfahrlafette L/61 "Sturer Emil. The kit consists of a total of 278
parts in light grey plastic and a set of full length rubber tracks. It
comes with a small decal sheet providing markings for trial and
operational versions of Sturer Emil and very clear instructions with
a separate coloured sheet, showing the overall Panzer Grey
painting scheme used as well as the position of the decals.
The kit is characterized by very good quality injection moulded
plastic, accurate dimensions and details with some cast texture on
certain parts and nice bolt head and weld seam details on the hull
panels and wheels with precise fitting. This kit provides any
modeller with a straight forward build without any major problems.
In fact, one can build an impressive model just out of the box
without any aftermarket sets. Moreover, it is not expensive.
Not withstanding the above, I opted to replace the rubber tracks
with the excellent ATL-86 set from Friulmodelismo, Eduards
photoetched set nr. 35819 and the turned metal barrel from Jordi
Rubio. I also added a tow cable from RMG Models, an antenna
and metal ammunitions from RB Model and two jerrycans and a
jack from my spare box.
Trumpeters Kit
The jerrycans support container was made using
copper foil. The jerrycans are from the Tamiya set.
Those jerrycans are seen in lots of photos of the
Sturer Emil. So, it is strange that they are missing
from the kit. Tool clips are PEs from Eduard.
The drivers bay hatch mechanism (spring and
articulation), which was visible when open,
was scratchbuilt with copper materials.
The canvas hull cover which was fixed on the rear
hull superstructure, according to several photos,
was not a part of this kit. I made it using grey
Milliput and the fixation belts using copper wire and
foil. The jack came from the spares box.
36
Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:06 Page 3
Decals were applied with
Microscales Micro Set and
sealed with Matt Varnish.
As mentioned before, this was a straight
forward build, without any problems. No
putty was needed to fit parts. I just added
weld seams, using stretched sprue, to
some panels, namely in the front and rear
hull, drivers compartment and upper
superstructure.
I constructed the model in sections: the
wheels set, hull, hull superstructure,
interior, gun structure and tracks. These
sub-assemblies would only be joined once
the overall painting was completed (easier
this way).
The full length rubber tracks provided with
the kit are excellent, with details on both
sides, end pin details and open guide horns
on all links and free of flash. Nevertheless, I
opted to use the track links set from
Friulmodelismo, since this permits to
replicate the tracks sag over the return
rollers, so evident in the vehicle.
Some smaller details were also added: the
jerrycans support, the tow cable, the
antenna, the hull canvas cover and the
jack. These were either scratchbuilt or
came from the spare box.
The radio antenna wire and its small
protection plate, made with copper cable
and foil. Eduards photoetched set served
to upgrade interior detail, tools clips, and
so on.
The wheels set sub-assembly was
somehow time consuming and boring (24
wheels plus idlers, return rollers, etc!) but it
all went well too, and in the end it looks
great.
Black Red acrylic mixed with a little bit of
Brown Iron Oxide pigment, both from Vallejo,
replicate the German red primer in the
chassis plate and fenders.
A wash of diluted oils was applied by brush, enhancing several details. As
the surfaces were painted with acrylics there is no need to seal it with a
coat of varnish or future, since there is no risk of reaction with the wash.
The many old black and white photos of the real
vehicle leave us with doubts regarding its true
painting scheme during operations in Russia. It is
supposed that Sturer Emil was overall painted in
German grey. However, some photos give the idea
that it had some spots of red brown over grey. There
are also some photos suggesting that during winter
it received a white paint wash. However, the lack of
clarity of these photos, including the effects of dust
and other natural elements over the vehicle, dont
allow a definative conclusion on this. So, I choose
the safer way: the German grey scheme.
Vallejos acrylic polyurethane Grey Primer was used
for better adhesion of the acrylics. This primer is very
good: dries fast, its resilient, gives a smooth and
uniform matt finish. The model was painted in
German Grey mixed with white. The center of the
plates was airbrushed with a lighter tone.
Aftermarket turned metal german hand grenades and Sturers ammo from RB Model.
Small upgrades or just personal choice, these make quite a difference.
Weights were added to the breech to counter-ballance the metal
barrel. Although good quality, I chose Fruil tracks over the kit parts.
Painting the Monster
37
Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:06 Page 4
More washes were used
to represent grease and
oil staining.
Brown Earth Paste from Vallejo and European Dust, Russian Earth
and Beach Sand pigments from MIG, simulate mud and other
residues resulting from the all-terrain action.
Tracks were painted with a matte black primer in spray and then scrubbed
with graphite powder. Then these received the same treatment of the
wheels and chassis plate.
I finished the model by joining all
different sub-assemblies and
airbrushing a very transparent mix of
matt varnish with some drops of dark yellow, more intensely in the lower
parts, giving a subtle dusty look to this huge anti-tank vehicle.
This is not a rule, but in this step I usually apply a wash, followed
by some chipping (if required), oils and finally the pigments.
The wash was made using a mix of black and burnt sienna oils
significantly diluted in turpentine and a drop of liquid soap. I
prefer to make my own wash mixture, allthough the
pre-prepared washes available on the market are very helpful.
The wash was brushed on every corner and detail before the
excess was removed with white spirit applied where applicable.
Next, I added some chipping using a sponge and a very thin
brush with black grey or very dark brown acrylics. The
weathering effects, resulting from moisture, rain, dust, oil, fuel
stains and all bad treatment of an operational vehicle in combat,
were made using oils (black, burnt sienna, natural sienna, blue
and titanium white). These effects were obtained by dragging or
rubbing small oil dots with a thin brush wet in turpentine on
certain surfaces. The lower hull and wheel set were scrubbed
with a hard brush in areas with an appropriate Brown Earth
Paste from Vallejo and European Dust, Russian Earth and Beach
Sand pigments from MIG, simulating mud and other residues
resulting from the all-terrain action.
Special attention was given to the exhaust
unit, which was painted with Oily Steel
acrylic, washed and brushed with the same
MIG pigments used in the lower parts.
Weathering effects were achieved with oils applied by
brush and worked with turpentine. Subtle variations
are achieved giving life to the monotone grey.
Weathering Effects
38
Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:06 Page 5
39
This model was very well appreciated
in recent contests in Portugal by the
IPMS-Portugal and the Montijo
Modelling Association.
For this model I have produced a
display stand using a scenic carpet
from the Czech brand Modelscene, cut
and glued on a MDF plate and a frame
of slats of balsa wood, painted black.
The track trails were cut out from the
carpet and filled with Vallejos Earth
Brown Paste, marked with the tracks.
The simplicity of this carpet is an
added value allowing any modeller to
draw up a realistic-looking base.
Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:06 Page 6
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Stu Emil article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 12:06 Page 8
69 Ads:Layout 1 14/02/2013 15:15 Page 2
69 Ads:Layout 1 14/02/2013 15:16 Page 5
KEEPING TRACK
new releases
44
Italeri 1:35 Land Rover 109' LWB
A welcome re-release from Italeri of this version of the iconic Land
Rover seen the World over during the 1970s and 80s. The kit
remains unchanged from it's previous release now in a pleasing
pale grey styrene along with a clear sprue of glazing and lamp
lenses. A typically 'Italeri' dated tooling provides a decent level of
detail although not up to the standards of some more recent
productions (like the Hobby Boss Defender). The series III is
certainly ripe for conversion and served well by aftermarket parts,
as usual wheels are first in line for replacement if you're looking to
improve the detail on some older tooled kits. In the tradition of the
Land Rover itself the kit is simple but still provides an option of
open cab doors and tailgate. A full rear canvas covering the cargo
area is included which is passable but easily improved with a little
work to add some finer creasing and texture with your favourite
putty. A couple of options of British markings (IFOR and a medical
vehicle) are new but hardly extensive. As a re-release this kit is
good value making it ripe for some aftermarket upgrades and
conversion and a worthwhile addition to any 1970s to present day
diorama in civilian colours even?
Our first look at some items in the range available from Reality In
Scale starting with a real centrepiece to a scene 'North African
Housefront'. This resin-cast building facia is very lightweight due to
the resin including micro-balloons with excellent fine surface detail
and subtle textures. The set comes packaged in a sturdy box and
includes detailed instructions and photo reference. Along with the
resin parts are some extra details such as brass door fittings and a
piece of material for a curtain (a little overscale in my opinion) The
set also includes carpets which are printed on a flock material for
a realistic look. The texture and print detail are very fine with the
designs lending themselves to various scales and eras. Assembly
is very simple leaving you to focus on painting to bring this facade
to life. Highly recommended. A nice compliment to the building
would be 35164 'Food Supplies', cleanly cast in cream resin this
set is a finely detailed selection of vegetables in wooden crates
(with some decals supplied for the crates) bread and meats. Some
printed accessories now with 35190 WWII era maps which are
finely detailed and output on very thin stock featuring thirty
European and Russian battle grounds. Judging by these samples
the large and varied range is very much worth investigation. Set
35005 is a set of German WWII air recognition flags which are
printed directly onto a very fine fabric which means they can be
draped realistically. Thanks to UK stockists Historex Agents for our
samples.
Reality In Scale Diorama Accessories
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:40 Page 44
Italeri 1:35 U.S. Gun Truck
45
Meng are certainly one of the most high profile manufacturers to
hit the market in recent years with strong marketing and a
genuine interest in what modellers want. At the Scale Model
World show in November they announced this kit (and had the
decency to display the actual vehicle from the Tank Museum on
their stand!) certainly a surprise release met with enthusiasm from
post-war armour modellers. Meng's presentation of their kits is
second to none, quality packaging is always a nice starting point
and you certainly feel you've got value for money with a quick flick
through the contents. Dark green individually bagged sprues
make up the bulk of the kit along with five brown sprues holding
the track parts, a small photoetched fret of mainly perforated
mesh for the exhaust mufflers, an excellent thin flexible rubber
mantlet cover, clear parts for vision blocks and lenses, some poly-
caps for the road wheels and a small decal sheet. Moulding
quality is excellent with some incredibly fine parts which will
require care when removing from the sprues. A single piece hull
'tub' provides a solid basis to add the running gear to with
individual suspension arms and a superb level of detail. The track
is assembled from two parts per link for ultimate detail and the
laborious task should be speeded up by the assembly jig
supplied. Meng's assembly instructions are very clear and
produced in a friendly small format which doesn't cover your work
space! The AMX follows the usual build process finishing with the
turret. One goodie we're not given is a single piece metal barrel,
this is probably due to the ventilation holes running the length of
it's underside represented very sharply but resulting in a seam to
clean up either side of the barrel. Meng's obvious effort and
attention to detail with their kits really shows and they're quickly
becoming very highly regarded as a major player in our hobby. If
you're into post-war armour you've probably ordered one, if you're
into French armour you've probably ordered two, if you fancy a
nice out-of-the-box build of something different this kit is highly
recommended. Bravo!
Meng 1:35 AMX30B
I suspect modellers of modern U.S. hardware would have been
quite excited to see Italeri's news some time back about the
release of an OIF guntruck depicting a well photographed M-923
'Iron Horse' with extensive armour ad-ons. Unfortunately this isn't
the truck which has actually been released and we're served a
much watered down version which is pretty much the original
release with some tagged-on sections of sprue. The new
elements are attached to the sprue carrying the wheel parts 'good
news' I thought presuming the tyres had been modified from
previous releases, unfortunately not and many modellers will look
to aftermarket parts to dress-up this kit (Real Model, Legend and
D.E.F. spring to mind including excellent wheel replacements in
resin). The Hardox armour parts to create the rear 'box' and cab
doors are new but over-scale and there's also a pedestal mount
.50 Cal. So basically, if you have the 'standard' truck kit you'd be
better off making your own armour from plastic card and
spending your cash on some upgrade parts, this is an inexpensive
Italeri kit which is close to twenty years old and needs some work
to bring it up to standards we're used to today.
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:40 Page 45
new releases
We have of course already seen the Dragon Wirbelwind in two
different versions and I think we are all agreed that it is the current
state of the art kit and default choice for this subject. In this third
release there are a few differences and the biggest one is the
provision of a zimmerit finish. Dragon have mastered the
reproduction of the textured finish with considerable skill and if it is
something that you hate to have to do then this will be very
welcome. The kit draws on zimmerit parts from previous releases
like the Brummbar to provide some of the parts and there are also
new pieces like the bolted on glacis armour panels. Even though
we have seen it before we are still impressed by the two-piece
turret moulding with its ultra-thin edges and superb weld detail
along both internal and external panels. This version of the kit has
ditched the individual link Magic Tracks and replaced them with
DS Styrene rubber band tracks which may not be to everyones
taste. The quad 20mm Flak is well detailed and the muzzles of the
guns have been pushed about as far as is possible in injection
moulding, and there being plenty of aftermarket replacements if
you wish to go that bit further. The kit includes a photoetched fret
with intake covers, track guard brackets, ring sight and other
small fittings and comes with metal tow rope and clear moulded
vision blocks. A handful of individual track links are provided to fit
out the spare track racks too. Impressive stuff again from Dragon
and the pain-free zimmerit will be welcomed by many its just a
shame that the original magic tracks did not make it into the mix
in this version.
Dragon 1:35 Flakpanzer IV Ausf.G Wirbelwind
Dragon 1:35 Leichte (Funk) Pz.Kpfw.1 Ausf A
DML present another Panzer I 'Smart Kit' here in the form of the
Ausf.A radio vehicle. The busy box presents a huge amount of
parts for such a diminutive little tank, many parts are destined for
the spares box as you'd expect, we've a mix of sprues from
previous Pz.Is along with specific parts for this variant the main
one being the fixed turret. The moulding and detail are Dragon at
their best, absolutely crisp with minimal seams to clean across
the grey sprues. A clear sprue is also present providing vision
blocks and lamp lenses with suitable etched brass parts which will
further enhance the delicate detail. The weld beads and recessed
screw heads are so beautifully fine a thin coat of paint will be
required to get the most from the kit's detail. Magic Track is ready
de-sprued with fantastic finesse but may prove a challenge to
assemble due to the tiny links. A very comprehensive interior is
provided with a fully detailed radio installation and transmission
allowing the large hatches to be modelled open should you wish.
Being a pre-war vehicle there's a choice of two or three tone
camo patterns and also the easier finishing option of overall
dunkelgrau. Dragon are to be praised for these recent Panzer Is,
beautifully detailed models straight from the box.
46
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:40 Page 46
Revell 1:35 Leopard 2A4/A4NL
Builders of more modern machines will be pleased to see Revell
using their base A6/A6M kit to produce the classic A4, this one
boxed as the 'NL' as originally supplied to the Dutch army but also
used in this form by many armies including Greece and Spain. As
well as the hull from the A6 kit the main new parts are housed on
a new sprue housing the slab sided turret. Revell's dark green
styrene is no doubt a help when it comes to applying the paint but
doesn't show the nice detail off at it's best, some very fine
moulding is present with anti-slip textures and an excellent effect
on the rear intake grilles. When we first looked at this kit in it's A6
guise the upper hull looked decidedly warped, it has no side
panels as these are moulded to the lower hull sides. I've nipped
some of the larger parts off the sprues and can report that a dry
fit looks promising with the Leopard having a definite kicked-up
angle to the rear deck. The lower hull being of a multi-plate
assembly is very well detailed with separate torsion arms and well
detailed wheels. Tracks are two-part vinyl with good detail
although a few ejector pin marks will be hard to remove, many of
you will look to the wide choice of aftermarket track available.
Seven versions of markings are included and call-outs for the
various countries specific fittings are throughout the instructions to
keep you on your toes. This is a really nice new tooling from Revell
and I'm sure we'll see other A4 versions released giving us budget
priced kits with the option to add aftermarket photoetch, tracks
etc should you wish without blowing your modelling budget.
www.revell.eu has more details and good toy and model shops
usually stock Revell kits.
Zvezda 1:35 Tiger 1 Ausf.E Early Production
Its is always a brave manufacturer who tackles the iconic Tiger 1
in 1:35 and with the intimate details of the Tiger familiar to most
modellers now, there is little or no room for error. So how have
Zvezda done with their new kit? Well first impressions are
generally very favourable. The quality of moulding is excellent and
the kit provides a well detailed turret interior and comes with
some excellent rubber band tracks with open teeth equivalent to
the Dragon DS versions. Roadwheels are excellent with nice weld
detail and Continental logos on the tires, no complaints here!
Moving to the hull we have individual swing arm suspension and
some basic radiator fan detail for the engine bay. However the left
hand side of the hull has a distinct quilted appearance with sink
marks between the side skirt fitting lugs along the side plate. This
effect is not present on the right hand side on our sample. Moving
to the hull deck plate and the headlamp brackets and cables are
clearly wrong. Also incorrect are the rearmost engine deck grilles
where the interconnecting webs are far more curved than on the
real thing. The Tiger is provided with the full Feifel system and
Zvezda have made a good attempt at the twisted ribbed hoses
that run across the deck but the hoses look undersized and the
pattern needs to be more defined. The kit provides S mines but
they are solid tubes. A choice of two sets of markings are
provided on the simple decal sheet and there is a clear sprue for
the periscopes. Overall then not perfect but pretty good and at a
budget price. The most tricky things to correct will be those
engine deck grilles but dont dismiss this one out of hand as it has
a lot of positive points.
47
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:40 Page 47
new releases
I am really pleased to see Blitz releasing a model of the Laffly
W15 TCC as the old Alby kit has long been out of production and
this is one of those ungainly but inherently attractive vehicles and
it is a welcome addition to Blitz's growing range of resin kits.
Quality is as usual with Blitz, excellent with clean bubble-free
castings and only minimal wispy bits of flash. A detailed ladder
frame chassis is supplied with all the drivetrain components and
you have the option of articulating the suspension on the rear
axels like the real vehicle. Tires and wheel hubs are moulded
separately which does almost inevitably mean a gap between the
two which will have to be filled. The louvered bonnet is crisply
detailed and the cab provides all the pedals, levers and
instrument panel. The flexible joint between the bonnet and cab
has to be made from your epoxy putty of choice. The headlamps
are cleverly moulded as hollowed out reflectors with a bulb leaving
the modeller to add the glass lens. The 1939 model 47mm gun
also looks good with a great scale thickness to the gun shields
and the kit also provides the FM 24/29 machine gun with a choice
of roof top or gun shield mounting. A simple decal sheet provides
roundels and registration plate cockades and numbers but no
instrument dials sadly. The kit is designed to be easy to build
without hundreds of parts but without compromising detail. Its a
big thumbs up from us for this one and no doubt from other
French armour fans.
Blitz 1:35 Laffly W15 TCC
Something of a treat now with the delightful diminutive French
reconnaissance tank which is already in the Blitz 1:35 catalogue
released in 1:16 and the companies first release in this scale. The
kit comprises separate hull sides, chunky upper hull casting, bow
and rear panels and solid turret. Big location strips mean that the
basic hull plates all locate together with confidence and the
modeller will have to fabricate his own hull floor. You can have the
basic shape of the vehicle assembled within a couple of hours!
Rivet detail across the kit is excellent and very consistent. The
turret has a large hatch-shaped cut out but I would have preferred
a true hollow turret in this scale. The running gear is a simple
design and beautifully replicated right down to the slotted rims on
the idlers wheels. The bogie frames are well detailed too with
castellated nuts and delicate lip detail around their edges which
has proved susceptible to damage in one or two places on our
example. Tracks are individual link which means something of a
slog to clean them up and assemble them but is the only effective
way to handle them in this scale. The intake grilles for the engine
have been moulded as separate parts which is a great help in
cleaning them up. The kit is available in 3 different versions
depending on your choice of turret and our sample is the ZT1 with
the 13.2mm cannon which has its ribbed barrel perfectly
replicated. No decals were included in our sample but at this
scale thats not too much of a problem. This is a great looking
model and with a choice of colourful camouflage schemes to
tempt us we cant help but recommend this!
Blitz 1:16 AMR 35
48
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:40 Page 48
Stalingrad 1:35 figures
49
Some of our favourite figure releases come from the hugely
talented Russian sculptor and modeller Alexander Zelenkov the
creator of our KV-1 diorama featured in this issue, under his
'Stalingrad' brand. The anatomy, sculpting, detail and casting of
these figures is second to none. The three Red Army officers
would work as a group or individually, S-3575 points holding a
map, S-3574 stands holding binoculars and S-3573 stands hand
on hip in a greatcoat. Russian civilians available here which would
enhance any Eastern front vignette or diorama S-3543 'Russian
girl with buckets' and S-3544 'Refugee children' are beautifully
sculpted with great finesse. Pretty much as good as it gets for
figures in this scale, populate your diorama or enjoy painting all
that crisp detail as stand alone figures. Details of these and the
full range at www.stalingrad.diorama.ru.
Model Scene grass and groundwork
MIG Productions
As used in our Sturer Emil feature this issue this is a very
impressive range of ready-made groundwork from Czech
manufacturer 'Model Scene'. The wide range covers various
seasons in suitable colours with variations on the theme
such as 'Forest Floor' and 'Stoney Steppe' as our sample
pictured. The mix of grass, foliage and stones has a real
modeller's touch - so much so that nobody would know
you've 'cheated'. The mat can be formed across contours
and is easily cut down from it's A4 size. Certainly one of the
most impressive instant groundwork we've seen. Historex
Agents kindly provided our sample from stock.
More new releases to expand the vast MIG Productions range of
finishing products starting with three new ready to use filters.
These heavily diluted colours work straight from the jar to give
subtle colour variations and effects such as fading paint. P-423 is
Dark Green Grey, P-424 Japan Navy Blue (handy for some of the
recent Dragon subjects) and P-425 Green For Allied Tanks.
Three new colours also in the famous MIG Pigments range P-053
Old Brick Red, P-054 Alkaline Dust (very light which will provide
good contrast) and P-055 Cream Rust which looks very suitable
for exhaust mufflers.
A new trio of metallic oil colours join the 502 Abteilung range
under the Metal Power banner. ABT 200 is a rich gold, ABT 205
is a bright silver, and ABT 210 copper. With a thick paste
consistency and strong pigment these tubes should last many
years, as oil colours do, if sealed correctly after use. In all cases
the metallic pigment is a little grainy for our liking, certainly for
smaller scales. www.migproductions.com is the place to visit for
more details and Worldwide stockists.
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:40 Page 49
It is our pleasure to announce some new releases from the fathers
of photoetch, Aber. Quiet for some time now Aber are back with a
brass bang reminding us of the very high standards they set
offering the ultimate detail upgrades. Starting with some generic
items, 35A119 is a sheet of Marston Mat planks (surely suitable for
1:32 aircraft also) and 35A121 which is a very useful set of wiper
arms and rear view mirrors for 1930/40s cars and soft-skins. If
Russian armour is your thing R-33 will provide you with three aerial
bases and masts for T-34s to T72s. On to barrels with 35 L-80 for
the M2 .50cal comprising of the barrel and perforated collar with
ammo box holder and a few rounds of ammo, 35 L-89 is for any
German Flak 38 L/65 equipped piece providing a spare barrel box
and two barrels. Still on a German theme, 35 L-106 will add finesse
to your Pz II with the Kw.K 30 and MG 34. Turning their attentions
to recent Tamiya releases 35 247 is a basic set for the BT-42
providing tool boxes, numerous brackets and small fittings and
turned brass fire extinguishers, pistol port plugs and barrel cleaning
rods. 35 248 gives you a full set of fenders / mud guards for the
Finnish assault gun. A couple of Tamiya kits that look so much
better with some detail upgrades are the Israeli Shermans. 35 250
is for the M1 including toolboxes, engine deck mesh, periscopes
and a whole load of fine detail. The M51 Super Sherman gets the
treatment with 35 251 providing all of the fine brackets, light
guards and extra detail you could want and 35 252 takes things a
step further with all of the tool boxes and fenders along with some
brass tube and rod to create various fittings including the barrel
clamp frame. www.aber.net.pl will give an insight to the huge range
and if you're in the UK, Historex Agents are the distributor.
ABER
35 L-106
35 251
35 252
35 247
35 248
35 250
35 A121
35 A119
R35
35 L-89 35 L-80
50
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:41 Page 50
We've been very impressed by the previous releases from author
Craig Ellis featuring his '8-wheels good' collection of period
photographs of Panzer Ivs and variants. This latest release will
certainly be of interest if you have the volumes 1-5 of the series as
the book is split into chapters updating information and using
newly obtained photographs for each volume. Some of the shots
include new angles of vehicles previously featured in the usual
large format. The rare nature of the photographs means that
quality varies from 'very good' to 'excellent' but the real beauty is
the subjects, fantastic modelling inspiration with very detailed
captions. As well as being a must to anyone with the previous
releases in their collection, this Update volume serves as an
excellent taster of the series as it covers early to late vehicles and
variants.Indispensible reference on the PzKpfw IV with a great mix
of interesting un-seen photographs and well researched detailed
captions. The titles can be ordered from the Blurb website
www.blurb.com, go to bookstore and put 8wheels-good into the
search box to see all of the titles available.
Where do they keep finding them? Another exciting edition of the
Panzerwrecks series gathers another stunning collection of
archive images covering knocked out or abandoned Axis
equipment from the Eastern front. This volume features fold out
gatefold covers for a panoramic view of Pz.Beob.Wg.III dwarfed by
the ISU-152 parked next to it and the back cover shows a burned
out SS Pz.Abt.503 King Tiger. This is a familiar image but I have
not seen it reproduced at this size or quality. Tiger fans will find
more material inside and the book begins with three different
Tiger 1 subjects before moving onto the Stug III including
interesting examples with spaced armour modifications and
another concrete encased example without a cupola but split
hatches instead! There are several all around views of this vehicle
providing plenty of modelling reference. The Stug fest continues
with several other sad looking examples including a rarer partly
submerged Stug IV. Next are pictures of both Hummel and Wespe
and then several pictures of Panther Ausf.Ds abandoned in Narva.
More Panthers follow with a whitewashed Ausf.A, and late model
Ausf.G. A finnish BT42 makes a rare appearance along with the
former French Panhard armoured car. Another rarity is a French
7.5cm gun mounted on a captured Russian T-26 chassis featured
in a series of pictures. The RSO/01 is featured in several different
pictures and there is a series of pictures of the same intact
looking Panther A. The SdKfz.251is next including a rare Flamm
251/16 example. Hungarian armour is covered with the Nimrod
and Turan and then we have more Panthers and Tigers and some
Panzer IVs including Bulgarian examples. Nashorn and Marder II
feature next along with Jagdpanzer IV, Mobelwagen and another
late model Panther complete with IR stowage box. Quality all the
way as usual from Panzerwrecks and essential reference for Axis
armour fans.
51
Panzerwrecks 14 Ostfront 2
By Lee Archer and William Auerbach
Published by Panzerwrecks landscape softback 96 pages
ISBN 978-1-908032-04-1 www.panzerwrecks.com
PzKpfw IV at the front- Update No.1 Vol 1-5
Published by 8wheels-good
softback, portrait format, 80 pages
ISBN 978-0-9563655-8-3
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1102388#author-bookshelf
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:41 Page 51
More bumper brass upgrades from ET Models so much that we are
struggling to fit it all in! For Mengs Tortoise kit set E35-156 provides
superb new tow ropes, hatch pads, track guard brackets, exhaust
muffler straps and wonderful textured stowage straps. Merkavas
next and set E35-158 is a basic set (with ten frets!) for the Meng
Merkava 3D. This provides new engine deck grilles, rear stowage
bins, mudflaps, replacement ammo racks for the MGs as well as
new lifting loops and placards for the armour panels and all the
assorted latches. Very imressive are the tiny shaped springs for the
antenna mounts. A superb set! E35-163 provides new side skirts for
the same kit and if you want to go all the way E35-087 is a new
turret basket floor and the ball and chains again for the Meng kit.
Set E35-094 is a basic set for the Academy Merkava IV. This 8 fret
set includes a tow rope and those excellent springs again and has
all the grilles, latches and photoetched chains for the turret basket.
Comprehensive is the only word that comes close. Modern Russian
next with S35-012 which is a value package for the Trumpeter T-62
1972 kit and this 9 fret set covers everything! Track guards,
stowage boxes, engine deck panels and grilles, fuel tank brackets
and a huge list of other details. For the BTR-60PB from Trumpeter is
catered for by set E35-152 with a daunting underside grille to
assemble from interlocking bars, new instrument panel, exhaust
covers, improved hinge detail, new running boards, gun mount,
resin gun barrel, antennas and brass co-ax barrel. The Trumpeter
BRDM-2 gets the same treatment with set E35-157. For the Zvezda
T-90 there are a set of new engine grilles EA35-086. There is also a
value pack for the ASU-85 S35-013. Modern American now and we
begin with the staggering M1A2 SEP Tusk II upgrade set for the
Dragon kit. This 26 fret set is so big it comes in a weighty box. You
have complete sets of the new hull and turret armour panels, each
individually assembled this will be tough going even for the
photoetch enthusiast but with undeniably impressive results. Clear
plastic sheets are provided to make the additional cupola armour
and all the MGs get the usual upgrade treatment. Not your casual
couple of evenings build! For the Hobbyboss M1070 HET with CPK
Cab set E35-134 gives you all the additional armour panels with
1.2mm clear plastic for the glazing panels and great touches like
the perforated crew steps. E35-140 is an Anti IED Device and
antennas with the set including resin parts. German WWII sees
comprehensive sets for the Dragon King Tiger, E35-102, Tamiya
Tiger 1, E35-164 and fenders/side skirts for the same kit E35-090.
Engine grilles for the Tamiya Tiger 1 are also released separately as
EA35-088. E35-166 is designed for the Tamiya German Bicycle. We
wrap up with replacement resin wheels with RSOV weighted wheels
for the Hobbyboss kit and as usual ET have mixed the positions of
the lettering on the side walls. Set ER35-044 provides some superb
Willys Jeep wheels.
E.T. Model Upgrades
EA35-156
52
EA35-152
EA35-157
EA35-086 EA35-088
S35-12
EA35-163
EA35-158
EA35-158
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:41 Page 52
EA35-087
53
EA35-094
EA35-134
EA35-161
ER35-044
ER35-046
S35-013
ET35-140
ET35-090
EA35-166
EA35-102
EA35-164
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:41 Page 53
Master Box 1:35 figures
We'll look at these two sets of Dragon figures together as they're so
similar in approach. The first set consist of four individual figures
depicting a wide variety of Waffen SS uniforms from early to mid
war and looking like stand alone subjects. Sculpting and moulding is
to a good standard all-round and the sprues of Gen2 weapons and
equipment are superb but we find we're repeating ourselves yet
again when it comes to these Dragon sets; the poses are just so
generic! Very good quality but very uninspiring.
The second set is an improvement as these four figures interact
with each other to create a typical planning conference scene in
North Africa. The figures are well designed with multi part great-
coats a nice touch. Uniform and insignia detail is very fine and
sharp although I would have liked to have seen the facial
expressions with more life as if engaged in conversation. Ideal for
AFV Club's imminent release of the Dorchester as depicted on the
box-art.
A perfect complement to Meng's pick-up kits (as featured in this issue) is
this set of figures comprising of a woman walking (wearing to my limited
knowledge an Abaya?) a young girl wearing a hijab carrying a bag, a
young boy and a para-military looking chap. These figures certainly fill a
gap in the market for modellers of modern subjects. The glossy finish to
the single grey sprue doesn't do the detail and finesse any favours which
on close inspection is very good, these should paint-up well once
assembled.
Pigment powders have been on the market for some time now and most
manufacturers of hobby finishing materials have their own range. This new
range by Pinnacle has a wide range of thirty two colours including various
natural shades such as 'Light Sand' and 'Dark Mud' along with colours applicable
to vehicle finishes like 'Faded Olive Drab'. The powders perform pretty much the
same as others available both dry and wet, the main difference here is the large
quantity of 50ml packaged in a flat round dish (as you'd see cosmetics
contained in) offering very good value if you use powders frequently.
www.model-supplies.org.uk is the place to view the range of colours and order.
Dragon 1:35 'German Elite Infantry'
Dragon 1:35 'Rommel and Staff'
Meng 1:35 'Middle Easterners'
Pinnacle Modelling Supplies weathering pigments
Always top marks for originality, MB continue to impress with the
subject and quality of their injection moulded figure sets. Mr.
Karaschuk's box art is so nice we can excuse the fact that the
figures sometimes don't match the illustrations exactly (usually
more figures are included than the artwork shows). This first set
will be most welcome by diorama modellers 'Women of WWII era'
are four female figures and a child The styles are period perfect
and would suit any Western Europe or American scene from the
40's. Moulding is excellent and they should prove a pleasure, and
also a nice change, to paint. Now here's a set and a half, and a
ready made diorama from MB; 'Friendly Boxing Match' contains
nine superbly animated figures of US and British Airborne troops
enjoying an impromptu boxing bout to relieve the boredom pre D-
Day. Moulding is precise and detail excellent especially the facial
expressions, so critical when figures are interacting to this degree.
This really is a terrific group of figures.
This magic potion allows a
better base colour to your
photoetch and brass turned
parts. Submerse your de-
greased metal parts in the
solution mixed with the same
amount of water and a
chemical reaction takes place
leaving a black finish to the
surface. The solution can be
stored and re-used several
times and needs no more
specific handling than your
usual paints and thinners. The
finish is particularly effective on
gun barrels and has a benifit
over paint in that no crisp detail
is lost. www.uschivdr.com has
more information and tutorials
on this and other finishing
products in the range.
Uschi Van Der Rosten
Blackening Agent
54
AFV-69 March-April 2013_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 14/02/2013 10:41 Page 54
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A&E Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved. PQube is a registered trademark of PQube Ltd. PlayStation 3 and PS3 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Kinect, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft
group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All rights reserved. PQube is a registered trademark of PQube Ltd.
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69 Ads:Layout 1 14/02/2013 15:16 Page 6
56
Libyan Rebel conversion of the MENG 1:35 kit
Kamil Sztarbalas
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 1
57
Firstly, the Chinese manufacturer quite quickly responded to
the market need, secondly, the designers didnt forget about
spectacular packaging of the product. A nice box with a
decent artwork shouts Buy me!. Purchasers of the kit will not
be disappointed after opening the box. Inside there are a few
sprues made of black, grey, white, and transparent styrene, a
decal sheet, a small photo-etched fret and a set of rubber
tires. The car body is moulded almost as a one part thanks to
slide-mould technology and secured within a small cardboard
box. The assembly guide is nicely designed, clear, and
legible. However, the most important thing is that the parts on
the sprues look very good.
The details are crisp and subtle, the ejector pin marks are
cleverly arranged, and you wont find any flash and sink
marks either. Clear parts are thin and perfectly transparent.
The only decals really worth mentioning are the instrument
dials. Generally speaking, the whole kit appears to be very
attractive, even if some design solutions such as rubber tyres
and colourful sprues are more typical of 1:24 civilian car kits,
but then this is a civilian vehicle! Theres also a rigid-looking
figure included in the kit, which is rather a funny feature.
Lastly, I need to mention that there are some errors in the
assembly guide.
Highly mobile and readily available, the
pick-up truck is utilized the World over by
rebel forces as improvised weapons
carriers and armoured vehicles.
It seems that MENG MODEL make a successful and impressive debut.
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 2
58
The start of building stage
confirms the first impressions
of the kit,The use of black
styrene was not an ideal
choice, although the
sprues looks nice, it can be
hard to spot areas requiring
cleaning up or reworking and
where to trim and position parts.
Wheel mountings are quite strangely designed. Their shape might
suggest that we should have vinyl polycaps to push into the hubs
which is a popular solution in civilian car kits. You wont find any of
these in the box, even moulded in styrene.
The steering arm connecting the front wheels will not hold the
hooks without a slight modification, a small tab of styrene is
enough to hold the parts and remain moveable.
The assembly of the body had to be started by painting the cab
interior. I only added seat belt buckles made from pieces of
styrene. The interior was airbrushed with various shades of grey,
with Tamiya Masking Tape to mask the colour boundaries. Details
were brush painted with Vallejo acrylics. I also made miniature
windscreen wipers from pieces of black Oramask stencil film.
I applied AK-interactives Dark Brown Wash and dry-brushed the
edges with grey acrylic paint to bring out the details.
Next I sprayed the whole interior with Mr.Super Clear satin coat.
When it dried, I followed up by coating the seat upholsteries with
Lifecolors matt varnish.
Then I could add some dirt, using Tamiya Weathering Sticks
applied with dampened brush, as well as cardboard boxes, the
indispensable Kalashnikovs, and some assorted junk for a lived-in
look.
Assembly
To reduce the
amount of paintwork
in the interior, which
would not be too
exposed in the
finished kit, I cut off
the a piece of black
adhesive tape in the
shape of roof lining.
Another issue appeared during the positioning
of the front axle cover. It had to be squeezed
and glued with C.A. adhesive. Fortunately, the
next steps were easy and completing the
whole chassis took me a total of two hours.
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 3
Painting
Using a motor tool burr and sandpaper, I added numerous dents and
other damages into the body. Next I coated it with Tamiya Hull Red.
The body was ready for applying two layers of
AK-interactives Worn Effects fluid with some salt
added in places to act as a random mask. When
it dried, I airbrushed it with Vallejo Off-White and
added some shading with a mixture of base paint
and Middlestone. To improve the properties of
these acrylics as well as to get a satin surface, I
diluted the Vallejo paints with Sidolux. Many
modellers favour Johnson's Future floor wax over
dedicated gloss varnishes. In Poland, a product
called Sidolux is often used for the same
modelling purposes. My tests indicate that it also
works very well as a thinner for Vallejo acrylics,
especially when we want to apply them with an
airbrush. However, Ive never used Future, so I
cant say if it works for diluting Vallejo paints also.
Then I made the scratches and paint chips according to the
instructions of AK-interactives fluid. After dampening the surface I
scratched the paint layer with toothpick and blunt-edged scalpel.
59
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 4
Having the cargo bed already assembled, I
could build the rocket launcher mount. I
started by making the main pillar from a
2mm styrene rod which afterwards was
attached to a special mount fixed into the
roll-bar. The construction of launcher mount
was inspired by photos of real vehicles with
the same armament. An ordinary car jack
found in my spare parts stash was
employed as the launcher elevating device!
The UB-32 pod comes from one of my
resin conversion sets. Here it had to be
modified by adding some details.
I also decided to scratch build the ammo
box. The shapes of rocket bodies were built
from styrene rods and supplemented with
pieces of Tamiya Masking Tape which
imitate the plastic covers of the folded fins.
The finished missiles were connected with
imitations of wooden separators. Then I
scratch built two ammo boxes - one
closed, and one open which had to be filled
with rockets.
Next all parts of the
conversion were cast in
resin. Of course, it took
some time to prepare
the silicone moulds and
produce the conversion
set.
When the resin cast
conversion was ready, I
could finally assemble
the vehicle. Before I
attached the roll-bar to
the cargo bed I had to
paint it. First I coated it
with Mr.Color C8 Silver, which worked as a
primer and surfacer as well. Next I
airbrushed a few layers of Mr.Color Super
Metallic Chrome over it. Light and indicator
lenses were coloured with clear paints in
relevant shades and glued to the kit. The
indicator lens located near the dented
wheel arch was accordingly damaged
before painting.
The assembly of rocket launcher and its
mount was easy.
Only the ammo boxes required a little
cleaning. After cutting off their casting
blocks I had to recreate the woodgrain
effect, I rubbed their surfaces with coarse
sandpaper. I also added two handles bent
from copper wire to the rocket pod and its
mount.
Rocket Launcher
My next step was to paint the details such as mouldings and window
seals. Another layer of clear gloss varnish was necessary
to secure the paintwork on the whole body.
I also applied some Vallejo Dark Earth acrylic paste inside
the wheel arches which worked as a base for imitating dry
mud.
60
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 5
To imitate the sprayed white marking I applied a
few transparent layers of a mixture of Lifecolor
Tensocrom White, Lifecolors thinner, and a little
dishwashing liquid.
Next all parts of the conversion were cast in resin. Of course, it took
some time to prepare the silicone moulds and produce the
conversion set.
Then I airbrushed the UB-32 with Tamiya Flat
Aluminium, while its mount received a metallic
grey finish.
I thought that it would be a nice touch to paint the rocket launcher in the Libyan
national colours, previously used by the Kingdom of Libya between 1951 and 1969
and adopted by the rebel forces. My idea was inspired by photos of similarly
decorated rebel vehicles, which can be easily found while browsing the web.
Again, I started by coating the launcher with AK-interactives
Worn Effect fluid and followed up by painting it in
appropriate colours, using Vallejo acrylics.
Next I damaged the acrylic paint layer the
same way as on the ammo boxes.
The wooden ammo boxes were initially
sprayed with Tamiyas Flat Earth and Dark
Yellow.
Next I applied two layers of AK-interactives
Worn Effect fluid. When it dried, I airbrushed
the boxes with two shades of green acrylic
paints, recreating some highlights and
shadows. To damage the layers of acrylic
paints and thus recreate the worn appearance
of the boxes, I dampened them with water and
then scratched with a hard brush and
toothpick. Finally, I brought up the details and
made light discolouration, using
AK-interactives Dark Brown Wash.
61
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 6
Before I attached the rocket pod mount to
the vehicle, I had to paint some damage to
the chromed rollbar with Vallejo Glossy
Black, using a fine brush. Afterwards the
launcher mount was glued to the cargo
bed with C.A. adhesive and washed with
AK-Interactives Wash for NATO Camo
Vehicles.
The streaking and stained rust effects were
painted with AK-interactives Rust Streaks
enamel. Please note that I was removing
the excess of the paint not with a brush
dampened with White Spirit as suggested
by the manufacturer, but with dry brushes
and cotton buds. The main reason was the
glossy surface of the kit. If I followed the
instructions, I would completely wash off
the enamel liquid.
I decided to recreate some weathering
effects typical for a vehicle operated in
industrial area. It was mainly a matter of
choosing colours. First I airbrushed
AK-Interactives Engine Grime enamel over
the lower surfaces of the vehicle, most
intensively spraying it over the areas on
which most of dust is deposited in real
vehicles. The liquid should be sprayed from
a greater distance than other paints and
requires keeping a minimum air pressure.
When it dried a bit, I made some scratches
with a toothpick to expose the clean car
paintwork in some places.
The wheels were treated similarly. First I
sprayed a mist of Engine Grime over them
and made some abrasions on the rims.
Next I applied some AK-Interactive
Rainmarks for NATO Tanks enamel on the
tire treads. I also rubbed the tires contact
areas with coarse sandpaper.
Only a few final jobs were required. The
whole vehicle, including the windows, was
misted with AK-Interactives Rainmarks for
NATO Tanks enamel. Next I removed the
masks from the windshield, added a few
streaks to it, and then attached the wipers.
The edges of side windows were also
stained with AK-Interactive enamel fluids.
Finally I applied some fuel stains, using
AK-interactive fluid designed for that
purpose, and the kit was ready for the final
photo shoot.
Weathering and finishing touches
62
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 7
63
Rocket pick up article (Q8):Layout 1 14/02/2013 13:36 Page 8
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RS35187 1/35th Advertising Kiosk - 2 resin pcs. 13.00
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AFVMERKAVA3D BOOK Merkava D 15.00
The 1st book from Scale Model Handbook series on
figures gathers representative samples of many
historical periods, as well as different forms of
techniques. Here you will find the painting of
commercial pieces using acrylics, oils or enamels,
sculpting, conversions, work on ground presentation
and scenery, historical texts. ndeed, many different
aspects of figure modelling have been covered.
Contributors: Pietro Balloni, Alexandre Cortina
ScaIe ModeI Handbook -
FIGURE MODELLING 1
13.95
The 2nd book of the SMH series, which is publiced
every 3 months, is dedicated once again to miniature
figures. As in the first book, you will find articles on
painting with acrylics, oils or enamels, plus various
mixed techniques and instructions on how to make
groundwork and scenery for presentation. n this
volume a "Masteclass Figure Gallery is introduced
with many important pieces by Louis D'Orio.
Contributors: Alexandre Cortina Bonastre, Louis
D'Orio, Grigoris Marmatakis, Massimo Pasquali,
Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth.
ScaIe ModeI Handbook -
FIGURE MODELLING 2
13.95
ScaIe ModeI Handbook -
FIGURE MODELLING 3
The 3rd edition in the SMH series is also dedicated to
miniature figures. Well-known artists from around the
world have worked on the articles to give you all their
knowledge on miniature modelling and inspire you on
your next projects. Award-winning models,
step-by-step, techniques and history all gathered in a
52-page book with binding and matt laminated cover
of superior quality. Contributors: Grigoris Marmatakis,
Manolis Mitsotakis, Christos Panagiotopoulos,
Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth, Christos Stamatopoulos,
Kazufumi Tomori.
AOP350001 1/35th German Ruined Building, Type 1 17.35
AOP350002 1/35th German Fuel Drums, Type 1 8.65
AOP350003 1/35th Cobblestone Road Small, Type 1 8.65
AOP350004 1/35th Cobblestone Road Small, Type 2 8.65
AOP350005 1/35th Cobblestone Road Large, Type 1 11.25
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AOP350007 1/35th Cobblestone Set - Small 4.30
AOP350008 1/35th Cobblestone Set - Large 8.65
AOP350009 1/35th T-55 Enigma Update Set for Tamiya 8.65
AOP350010 1/35th Garbage Bins, Type 1 8.65
AOP350011 1/35th German Fuel Drums, Type 2 8.65
AOP350012 1/35th Civilian Fuel Drums (4pcs.) 8.65
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The 4th edition in the SMH series is dedicated to
miniature figures. Here you can find information and
instructions on how to paint female complexion using
acrylics and oils, the construction of a 2-figure
vignette and insights on making japanese patterns.
Two WW German themes on field grey and
camouflage together with a very interesting article
about a discontinued fantasy bust are completing this
exquisite edition. Contributors: Grigoris Marmatakis,
Aleksander Michelotti, Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth,
Christos Stamatopoulos, Kazufumi Tomori.
ScaIe ModeI Handbook -
FIGURE MODELLING 4
Mario Eens started modelling at an
early age and has been passionate
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passion has led him to taking part in
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international shows (Euro Militaire,
AMT, The Red Devils Awards, World
Expo). Mario has been writing in depth
articles on his models for years and
now he has dedicated his first DVD
production to the aspect of airbrushing
a model. n multiple chapters he shows
all of the necessary abilities required to
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and maintenance of your airbrush and
tools, to paint thinning, colour changes,
masking a model, airbrushing a base
coat and troubleshooting.
As if that wasn't enough, it also shows
you 10 different camo patterns.
Olivr Kovcs has spent many years
painting historical figures, and through
those years, his interest in figures from
the WW has grown. He finds painting the
various camouflage patterns of that time
especially interesting.
Between painting the boxart figures for
,Masterclass" and ,The Bodi", he has
taken the time to do this DVD with us.
Here he shows us, with the use of a wet
palette and acrylic paints, the process of
painting a 1/35 scale figurine from Alpine
Miniatures.
From head to toe, including of course the
camouflage pattern of the pants. We
present this to you in close-up view!
Have fun watching and learning!
- PAL DVD
- Customers from NTSC countries such as
USA, Mexico or Japan can use a PC
equipped with a DVD player and software
to watch this DVD.- Format 16:9
- Running Time 140 min
Adam WiIder - Authentic MetaI
Well known AFV modeller Adam
Wilder has teamed up with
MXpression to share some of his
trademark techniques. He shows
all the secrets needed to give
plastic the unique look of metal.
Starting with surface texturing
and weld seams he then moves
on to raw steel, polished
stainless steel and a primed
Ferdinand upper hull. After
finishing a heavily rusted exhaust
Adam finally creates the super
realistic sidewall of a burnt M113.
This DVD will surely be a great
inspiration for beginners and
advanced modellers alike!
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MXDVD03 DVD Adam Wilder Authentic Metal 13.25
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ScaIe ModeI Handbook -
FIGURE MODELLING 5
The 5th book from SMH series is coming with many
articles about box art painted figures. Learn
techniques and tips from the masters on how to paint
your models using either brushes or airbrush and
make your own scratch-built figure, following the
instructions of a master sculptor. This edition is
completed with an article on how to paint metallic
surfaces without using metallic colours! Contributors:
Mike Butler, Fernando Ruiz Ceano, Javier Gonzlez
(Arsies), Grigoris Marmatakis, Aleksander Michelotti,
Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth, Aleksandr Zelenkov.
6.75
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FIGURE MODELLING 5
13.95
This is the Sixth Edition in the Scale Model Handbook
Series, a series of modelling books dedicated to
miniature figures. Again, we've varied the themes and
historical periods of the subjects and presented more
sculpting and painting techniques.
CONTRIBUTORS
ANTONO FDEZ (PQU), JAVER GONZLEZ
(ARSES), GOR KORDYUKOV, RADEK PTUCH,
ERNESTO REYES STALHUTH, KAZUFUM
TOMOR, ALEX VARELA (GUAZZU).
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