Issue 82 Cover_Issue 26 cover 09/04/2015 13:38 Page 1

82
MAY/JUNE 2015 • £6.50 UK $15.99
www.mengafvmodeller.com
May / June 2015
Meng AFV Modeller

LEE-WAY
Fabio Sacchi’s Tunisian M3
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CONTENTS
2 Cougar 6x6 MRAP
Domingo Hernández Martin builds the brand new Meng Models Cougar.

10 Cougar Details
Photos of the real vehicle by Patrick Winnepenninckx and Ralph Zwilling.

16 M3 Lee
Fabio Sacchi upgrades the Accademy kit to Model a Tunisian M3.

24 “Roll Over Beethoven” Part One

Robert Doepp describes his latest 1:10 scratchbuilt masterpiece.

30 Ethiopian Tank Refurbishment Facility

Moustafa Assad gives an intriguing insight into how the Ethiopians are
refurbishing old Soviet era vehicles.

24 Leopard 2A6
Tamiya’s classic kit detailed by Jian Geo.

44 Keeping Track
More new releases

56 “Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz...”

Mini Art’s MB L1500A modelled by Bernhard Lustig.

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Domingo Hernández Martin

takes the new 1:35 6x6
Cougar MRAP from Meng
for a test drive
The Cougar MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush
Protected) has been developed from South
African Defence Force designs for vehicles
that are able to withstand mine and IED
attack with a ‘V’ shaped chassis designed to
deflect the bast out and away from the
vehicle. Developed in 2004 in response to the
IED threat to troops in Iraq the Cougar has
been extremely effective and a modified
version known as Mastif has also been
adopted by British forces.

We asked Domingo to tackle the new Meng

kit to see how it assembled and to bring it to
life with one of his great paint finishes with
some useful tips and techniques on how to
replicate his stunning looking model.

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BUILD

Starting work on assembling the Cougar I could The bottom of the chassis looks very complicated
not help being impressed with its unquestionable but in reality is very simple to build.
quality. Construction is pleasingly simple and Some of the interior details are very well
straight forward with excellent levels of detail. I represented by photoetch, I did however have
started with the lower hull, building the 3 axles some problems with the fit of the radio racks and
and the corresponding wheels with the kit I found it necessary to make some adjustments
allowing the front wheels to be turned if desired. with Evergreen plastic.

The interior will need to be painted before moving ahead with the rest of the All vehicle interior lights were painted with Ammo clear acrylic paints.
construction so I started by priming the interior parts before painting them.

Above To fix the lenses

and clear parts I used
Tamiya gloss varnish X-
22, in this case after
painting aluminium inside
the fitting to give a
reflective appearance.

Right The fenders were

reworked slightly by
softening the sharp edges
and adding some slight
dents for a less pristine
appearance.

One element that has great detail is the instrument panel, after applying a
base coat of black, I applied the decals and finished with a drop of gloss
varnish. The rest of the details were painted with a brush using tones of grey
4
used to pick out the switch details across the instrument panel.
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BUILD

Above Almost ready to close up the

interior and you can see the flexible
plastic seatbelts on the crew seats.

Left The Meng kit comes together

perfectly with exact alignment between
the top and bottom. A very simple tip
is to glue one side so that they are
perfectly aligned and after it has
completely dried, glue the other. This
will avoid having to use putty to fill
gaps. In this photo you can see a
perfect fit of both parts.

Below The completed model prepared

for painting, with many delicate parts
in position for the photo. Antennas
were modified to remove them without
breaking them by adding a of wire pin
at their base. Coloured clear window
parts mean they simply need masking
with no need to paint them.

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COLOUR

I do not usually have predetermined painting procedure but I began by I started painting the lower hull of the model with Tamiya XF-59 Desert Sand
priming the model, testing for the first time the primer from Ammo which I which allowed me to shade the paint in that area of shadow.
found provided an excellent base.

I also applied the same colour over the top of the model to create the dark Before going further, I focused on the exhaust muffler, a very visible and
shadow areas under the final colour. characteristic feature of these vehicles.

I sprayed the exhaust with Tamiya XF-16 Flat After letting it dry I polished it slightly as the grain With Lifecolor Tensocrom ‘Fuel’ transparent
Aluminium after masking the rest of the area. of the paint is quite thick. acrylic I added the pink markings that can be
seen in some photos.

Using hairspray technique I added the chipped The rest of the model was clarified by spraying Desert Sand Buff with Tamiya XF-57 and XF-2 White
paint finish over the muffler. using shading to break up the large surfaces.

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COLOUR

I began the process of weathering by applying oil washes in the dark While waiting for the oils to dry, I applied some patches of Tensocrom White
recesses and wear zones and small amounts of Mud Wash Brown faded with Oxide from Lifecolor to fade selected areas.
a dry flat brush and areas of more highlight with Snow White paint.

Unless some dust is added on these parts the

exhaust is nearly finished.

Above The effects of shading on the model can be seen in this photo. Left One of the things I did to
customize the model was to replace the door glass with a temporary repair armour plate painted with
rusty colours and textured with a sponge.

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COLOUR

Not forgetting the machine The micro chipping marks I applied with Vallejo
gun position on the roof, I applied the German Camo Black splashing it with a brush.
same colours as the rest of the model except The rest of the exhaust system was also painted with Keep in mind that subsequent processes will
the inner hatch brush painted in grey and buff. the Tensocrom colours. cover many of them and make them more
integrated.

One of the hardest things the modeller has to simulate the dust of the desert After applying it across the surface, I used a sponge to unify it and give the
on a vehicle without it seeming unreal. I used the rainmarks effects product effect of raindrops on the dust.
from Ammo, which is lighter than the model colour.

The finished effect can be seen in this photo and it was then allowed to dry. In some specific areas I applied some of Tamiya XF-55 Deck to break the
You can build up this technique with additional layers until you get the effect symmetry of the spots.
you want.

Of course on the clear parts it is more noticeable and you can see the effect I took advantage of letting the model dry for a couple of days by starting to
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of these microdots of dust. work on the wheels. The tires come with an excellent surface texture but
must be treated a bit to grip the paint. They were washed thoroughly with
water and a drop of detergent and after priming the wheels, I painted the
rims with Gaia 002 Gloss Black.
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COLOUR

The rubber was painted with Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black and drops of XF-15 Flat A light coat of Tamiya XF-57 Buff was sprayed around the rims on both sides
Flesh. of the wheels.

Using North Africa Dust, European Earth and pigment fixer from Ammo I On the lower part of the model I began to apply the same pigments as used
added dirt and dust trying not make all wheels the same. on the wheels with a large brush.

To fix it I used a syringe to add a few drops of Tamiya X-20 acrylic thinners. To avoid monotony I used various colours applied by spattering them using a
stick and a long brush.

The final details are few washes in the corners, transmission I added some wiring systems to the vehicle for realism and break up the monochrome sand 9
with Engine Grime and Fresh Engine Oil. scheme.
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COUGAR

The windows are always a bit delicate to deal with using dust, so after Another detail to add interest, in this case at the back is a sign cut to size
masking, I applied Matt Base from Tamiya with airbrush leaving a thin layer and placed with some masking tape painted grey to simulate duct tape.
that is easily treatable.

The turret completed with all elements in place. The machine gun was The direction indicators are painted using Tamiya X-26
finished with semi-Gloss Black and some graphite effects on the edges. Clear Orange. A detail of duct tape on the front fender
of the model to repair a small collision, was made with
masking tape painted with Vallejo Oily Steel.

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COUGAR

This kit was a pleasure to work on and it provides the choice to build the
Cougar 6x6 as I modelled or the Cougar 6x6 HEV, which carries the spare
wheels on each side of the body. The truth is that I built the model out of the
box and it has been designed with some clever features to make it easier to
build and paint, to enjoy and have fun! I was happy to overlook the very
slightly long bonnet and I think the overall finished look of the Cougar
captures the look of the real vehicle.

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Cougar JERRV in service in Afghanistan. The JERRV

is the Joint EOD Rapid Reaction Vehicle.

COUGAR IN DETAIL
Photos by Patrick Winnepenninckx & Ralph Zwilling

Cougar HEV on exercise mounting a L134A1 40mm

Grenade Machine Gun

Another view of the Cougar JERRV, note

the towing strap stowed on the bumper.

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Pink heat rings around the exhaust muffler

are a common feature of the Cougar.

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Cougar HEV: HEV stands for Heavy Engineer Vehicle.

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Details of the 40mm Grenade MG turret on the

Cougar HEV.

Views of the spare wheel mounting.

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FABIO SACCHI
takes on the challenge
of the 1:35 Academy kit
M3 Lee Medium Tank with a 75mm gun in the casemate and a
37mm gun in turret, an old concept that
At the beginning of WWII, the U.S. was still employed in the French Char
Army’s situation in terms of armoured B1Bis and in the less powerful Italian
forces was extremely poor both in M11/39. The Design was far from optimal
number and in quality. Only after German but it was relatively easy to build. The
victories using new tank warfare primary objective was not to have the
doctrines did the U.S. Army start an best medium tank in the world, but have
urgent tank development program. a lot of “reasonable” operational tanks.
The first medium tank was mostly an During its relatively short production life,
“interim” solution based on a less than it underwent several modifications and
satisfactory M2A1 design, but armed was the test bed for alternative power

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units which were then exploited in its kit are the engine deck (1mm too short)
successor: the M4 Sherman. By 1943 the and the turret gun axis is off by 2mm
M3 was obsolete as a combat tank but making the gun barrel sit awkwardly too
was still used with good results in the PTO, low. The Good news is that the overall
while in Europe it was employed for casemate dimensions are quite good,
training or converted in M31 recovery though a challenge to assemble due to the
vehicles. multiple part design. The lower hull
measures respectably well too.
The model I thought the kit was worth a try, and
I always wanted to make an M3 lee but thanks to some aftermarket help, actually
realistically the Tamiya kit was too incorrect turned into a really fun project.
to bring it to an acceptable level, at least
for my expectations. We need also to The subject
remember that it is a strange combination I do like Olive Drab very much, and the
of parts of an M3 and a diesel powered infinity of shades (yes far more than 50!)
M3A2, so not good! For a period, a you can replicate, so my choice was a U.S.
Canadian Company, Armoured Brigade operated tank in North Africa.
Models, marketed a full resin kit which was Yes, its true that U.S. Marines used them
considered top notch. Unfortunately the too in the Pacific but they were M3A2 with
Internet and e.commerce were not at the the diesel powerplant, and this would have
level they are today and I missed out on meant additional surgery.
buying one. I opted for a battered M3 of 1st A.D. soon
Finally Academy announced and released after the Kasserine disaster. It would have
an M3 kit, but, as often happens with been a mid production M3 with stamped
Academy, it turned out to be a mixed bag. wheels, longer M2A1 75mm gun, “quickfix”
Actually, the first production run was fishtail exhaust kit and more efficient
plagued by incorrect bogey heights. Even if external air cleaners.
this issue was later corrected, still the
detail and finesse are not the best.
Apart from the bogies, major faults of this 17
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Project ingredients care is needed in gluing the sections of place. Fishtails were modified by using an
My kit was an initial batch with the wrong bolts as an unwanted recess is left at the M4 exhaust system. An additional
bogies, I therefore bought a set of TASCA base. I sparingly used Mr Dissolved Putty modification was the external square-type
Early Bogies, a Passion Model M2A1 to fill the recess, taking care not to ruin any air cleaners, I borrowed these from a
75mm barrel for the Sherman together with bolt detail. Flanges are in reality two lips Dragon kit, but they will be fixed to some
an Armorscale 37mm M7 Gun, some 0.30 held together by the bolts. Just to enhance side wall extensions on the upper engine
barrels and initial Stamped Wheels from the fact it would be good to scribe a line in deck...more on this later.
Formations. the centre. Then it’s time to recreate the As I planned to change the moulded
Tracks are a problem. M3s wore T41 track rough casting appearance of the parts. I engine air intake with a photoetched mesh,
which is not available in any aftermarket use Mr Surfacer 500 stippled with a stiff looking inside it would simply look empty, I
catalogue...well, almost. Model Kasten T51 brush. Should it look too rough as after therefore adapted some fuel tanks and a
tracks are moulded with rubber pads with waiting at least a day, Mr Surfacer 500 portion of an engine from Verlinden set
the same thickness on both sides...so they tends to shrink and level. If it is still too dedicated to the M4. This was all painted
became an ideal choice to substitute the rough, it is simple enough to paint the prior to closing the hull. With the lower hull
stiff rubber bands. Nowadays Bronco’s T51 surface with Tamiya Green Cap adhesive to ready it was time to focus on the upper
set would give the same result as well as smooth down the effect. During this hull.
Dragon T41 in DS styrene. treatment ensure that all seam lines
Some photoetched pieces from scrap box between the cover and the flange also
increased some of the finer details also. disappear. Remember to reproduce two
As I was planning a fair amount of small notches on the top of flange that
improvements, I decided to divide the corresponds with the two hull 0.30 Cals.
project in subassemblies so that I could
tackle one challenge a time: Lower Hull, Once I was happy with the tranny cover, I
Upper Hull, Turret and Running Gear. took care of the rear wall. Academy’s kit is
designed to mount the “pepperpot” type
Lower Hull exhausts. Soon after entering service, it
Dimensionally we are ok, give or take a was realised that they were overheating the
fraction of millimetre. Areas of rear engine wall. A quick-fix solution was
improvement here are the front designed by substituting them with simple
transmission cover and rear wall. The three fishtail exhausts pointing downwards. To
piece transmission cover is pretty basic but reproduce this mod, the raised moulded
useable. Instead of following the details around the original exhausts needs
instructions, I built it completely, including to be carved away and 6 symmetrical
the upper bolted flange which was, by the holes of 0.30mm diameter need to be
way, part of the casting process. Some drilled where fixing bolts were originally in

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Upper Hull different story with the rear casemate wall. After all these tweaks a final job was to add
As said before, the upper hull dimensions After several dry-runs and some trimming, I some bolt heads or rivet heads to detail the
are ok, some bolt heads are missing for my ended up with a fair amount of filler on the version I wanted to depict. One rivet has to
subject, but this is not a mistake per-se but joint with the roof. The left hand side of the be added on the left sidewall and additional
most likely details from different production rear wall bolting is wrong. Instead of rivets, 5 on the right side. Again,these
plants. Here, the advice is to carefully check this plate was fixed with round head screws, modifications are NOT kit errors but simply
photos to correctly reproduce these this is to allow an easy dismounting of the production variations.
elements. What was driving me crazy was 75mm gun. The gun casemate was a cast I also changed the six bolts fixing the gun
the gluing sequence of the parts composing part, for this reason I treated the surface casemate to the roof reinforcing bar with
the upper hull. There are seven pieces that with Mr Surfacer 500 continuing on the gun Bronco castle nuts, which are much better
need to fit together perfectly. A fraction of a shield. In addition, its shape (a full circle) is defined.
millimetre mistake in the first joint and by not 100% correct. With photos of the real I turned then to the engine deck area. As
the end all seven pieces will not fit anymore! thing it is possible to detect a “flat” area I’ve said, it’s 1mm short but I did not want
I started with both sides kept in place with around the gun rotor shield and the rebuild it entirely so I opted for cosmetic
Gunze extra thin cement. It dries so quickly presence of two counter-sunk bolts per improvements. This includes a thinning
that it will be hard to move out of position part. down of the rear plate and reconstructing
during curing. Once the alignment is Another incorrect detail on the cast gun the rear joints with plastic strip. Being a
checked and correct, all other parts will fit casemate are the 5 bolts for fixing the mid/late model, I had to recreate the steel
with no major issues. I was lucky: all 3 sandshield. I reshaped the area and added extensions at the rear engine deck where
frontal parts went together pretty well a 0.40mm strip creating the lip on which the the new external air filters were then
without the need for filler but it was a bolts were replaced. attached.

These extentions were welded to the

original armour plates, so some heat-
stretched styrene was applied and later
worked with Tamiya thin cement and a
blade to reproduce the weld beads.
Some major work is needed here to
scratchbuild the toolboxes, Academy ones
are simply fantasy. This was done with
sturdy 1mm plastic card.
A last touch was to drill away the moulded
engine air intake grill and I substitute it
with an Eduard one I recovered from
the spares box. With that, most of
upper hull was complete.
Just after having shown the photos of
the complete build, a modelling friend
advised me about a glaring kit error: the
rear mudguards are far too long as they
protrude from the rear wall instead of
ending flush. I therefore removed the parts
and shortened them by about 3mm. The
vertical profile needs to be reshaped a tad
but once reinstalled they fitted perfectly.

The stamped wheels differ from the

ones later used on Shermans as they
lack the 6 reinforcing ribs. A very rare
pattern which I was actually only able
to spot on Tunisia M3s.
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Turret I sanded away the cast rib and added the doing this a small gap on the top of armour
Turret dimensions are pretty good. front reinforcement made with some epoxy case needs to be filled with epoxy putty.
Curiously enough ACADEMY decided to putty further textured with Mr Surfacer 500. This will improve the final look and it will
depict a vertical cast reinforcement, which With a piece of styrene strip I then added align the gun with the aiming sight
unfortunately was not present on most of the missing visor tilt support. correctly. I finally detailed the twin-fold
the Tunisia M3s, but they overlooked the Now it’s time to tackle the major issue: the hatch by adding some bolts and the
cast reinforcement at the left hand front incorrect gun axle height. The surgery is protective pads.
and the tilt support for turret visor is simply rather simple, cutting away the gun armour
missing. extension and re-gluing it 2.5mm higher, by

Painting and weathering

I start always with a coat of primer, very useful to spot small
inaccuracies, especially with the number of modifications
applied to this kit. After that I airbrushed the areas on the turret
and on the hull where the yellow (Gaianotes Sunshine Yellow)
markings sit. On this I applied the masks for stars, lines and the
tactical sign over which I applied a dark coat of Gunze Olive
Drab 2 lacquer. I applied the highlights by mixing increasing
quantities of Gaianotes Light Green to the base colour.
Lacquers spray well, unfortunately in the meantime I’ve
developed an allergy to lacquer thinner and can’t use them
anymore. At least 2 to 3 days is needed for a perfectly dry finish.
I then painted tools with acrylics from Lifecolor.
With the model now ready with it’s first coat of colour and
highlights, I applied some dots of oil colours and faded them
with a flat brush lightly (and I really mean lightly) moistened with
quick drying petroleum from the Windsor & Newton range. It has
the advantage of helping oils to dry pretty flat. Later a pin wash
was applied to highlight the details.

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There is a rather comprehensive number of photos of M3s in Tunisia

and all of them share a rather battered look and dust, dust and more
dust. I wanted to reproduce this dusty look but avoid the flat and dull
appearance which is normally associated with dust effects. I decided
therefore to use Humbrol enamels and Oils. Far more controllable
than pigments and easy to “erase” in case of mistakes.
One tip: Work within areas, do not attempt to cover the whole tank in
one go. Enamel tones used in order were Desert Sand, Khaki, Brown
Bess and Khaki Drab. I applied the enamels in a 60/40 ratio (60
thinner/40 colour), let them dry for 20-30 minutes and then blend
everything with a flat brush moistened with thinner. Leave at least
one day drying time between each tone, this will avoid the colours
mixing instead of building in layers. At the end of dust application its
time for scuffing. Dust tends to be scuffed away by crew movement
around the vehicle. Scuffing and the associated slight “shine” is

achieved by careful drybrushing oil paints; Olive Green, and, in

deeper shaded areas, Paynes Grey and Cassel Earth.
Add these effects gradually, this will avoid something overdone and
also it will help you to focus more on some areas than others
avoiding a very monotone appearance. You may notice that tracks look rather loose, on M3s and M4s they
Fuel streaks are made by mixing Lifecolor Oil effect and Kerosene should be very tight. Very true, but photos in Tunisia during the Kasserine
from their Tensocrom colours range. Once dry, the stains were battles, show instead loose tracks. This was due to a long march the 1st
enhanced with red oil colour. Oils leaks are also reproduced with Armor Div. had to undertake to reach the front which heavily wore the
Lifecolor Oil effect. tracks and didn’t allow the crews maintenance time.

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The tanker is a modified

Rosengrandt sculpting and
masterfully painted and
“weathered” by my friend Fabio
Mosca.

The base is a squared piece of light

polystyrene covered with a thin
layer of Celluclay. Celluclay is able
to deliver a nice texture and I
avoided the tendency to crack by
adding a few drops of white glue
into the mix. It will also improve the
adherence to polystyrene. The
South Tunisian narrow gauge
railway was created from modified
RPM parts.

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Robert Doepp describes

his completely
scratchbuilt 1:10 model

Part One

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1:10

"Roll over Beethoven"

Panther commander of the Pz.Brig. 105, Stolberg, September 1944
When I introduced a few images of the unpainted model in a well The Original
known social network one comment was: "Oh I'm sorry, did I blow The model is based on a wartime photograph. Unfortunately I
up your tank? Let me play the violin for you". I was a bit shocked could neither find out any details about its origin nor who may hold
by this interpretation of the scene, which I of course had not had the copyright. Taken with heavy backlight it is rather small and of
in mind. I was fascinated instead by the contrast between the poor quality. The tanker looks down towards the photographer
cultured delicacy of the fragile violin and the tough aggression of standing beside the vehicle.
the tank, a complete opposite to anything cultured. So contrast I was pretty sure that it would be wise to make my figure look
was the main theme for me when I was working on this project, straight at the eye level of the observer instead. Besides the poor
which obviously open to differing interpretations. quality of the photo prevented me from trying to exactly reproduce
I have tried to emphasize my interpretation by integrating a small this particular soldier. Nevertheless I have adopted the grin seen
speaker into the wooden base to play an extract of Beethoven’s in the picture, some of the main characteristics of the face and
violin concert in D Major, opus 61, which is interrupted by the the basic posture as well as the uniform he presumably wore.
sound of a "Panther" tank, several battle noises including a Stuka The Panther shown had an extremely rough zimmerit pattern,
raid and Hitler’s declaration of war against Poland. which Ron Hayes convinced me was an MNH manufactured
This is of course a very different approach to the “Roll over vehicle from between July and September 1944. Consequently I
Beethoven” theme than the original Chuck Berry song! depicted the interior details that a late war Panther Ausf. G would
have shown, in particular the late style periscope mounts 25
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1
produced since July 1944 (Panzer Tracts, 5-169) and the late style
layout of the turret roof including a newly designed mount for the
scissors periscope, electrical cables mounted in metal tubing, the
commanders small lamp mounted directly to the copula and a
simplified mount for the Panzerkasten 21 (commanders intercom box).
Unfortunately it is not totally clear when these internal changes were
introduced. At least the October produced MAN example well
documented in spectacular new book “Nürnberg’s Panzer Factory” by
MacDougall/Neely showed all of them (p.181). In addition most likely
the famous disc-pattern camouflage was employed at MNH for the
camouflage of this Panther. The lack of quality in the photo frustrated
me, because it made some guess work necessary. But fortunately this
also makes it hard to disprove the assumptions that I have made!

Construction:
2
I decided not to base my project on any commercially available kit but
to take on the challenge of making figure and tank section completely
from scratch. I chose a new scale for me: 1:10. Its a popular scale for
bust modelling and it offered me the opportunity for a high level of
detail.

I started on the tank with some scaled up copies of the plans from

3
Jentz/Doyle’s “Panzer Tracts” to establish the necessary dimensions
of the planned circular cut out section of Panther starting by making
the turret roof armour plate (Pic 1). Because the special zimmerit
pattern was one of the most striking aspects of the tank the upper
sections of the side and back armour plates were to be done as well.
To fix the sidewalls exact angles I made a frame of the exact
dimensions, which could later on be adapted to hold the completed
turret section (Pic 2).

4 5

6 7

Next I started to make the cupola, which

8 was completely made from circular discs

of plastic card of differing thickness,
which I cut out slightly oversize and then,
filed and sanded it smooth after gluing
them together. The late style Panther
copula protruded from the turret and
therefore protected the commanders
head with thick cast armour surrounding
its seven periscopes. This characteristic
makes the model’s periscope slots
difficult to reach from the inside. So
these had to be done before the copulas
lower end was glued (Pics 3-5). Weld
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9 10

11 12 13

14

beads were added and textured with home made tools (Pic 9). For periscopes themselves were cast from clear material from a
the first time I used a tap drill to make screw threads for many plastic master (Pic 13) using epoxy-resin E45GA from the German
fixings, which did not make sense in every single case but made Breddermann company (Pic 14). Very thin self-adhesive sections
them helpfully removeable in others - and it was a nice new of mirror foil were added afterwards for extra realism (Pic 15).
experience (Pic 10). In addition it offered the opportunity to make Brass tube was used to add the wiring to the turret roof (Pic 16)
the late style periscope mounts a working system (Pic 11). The and the completed turret interior is show in Pic 18.

15 16 17

18

19

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20 21 22

23

Constructing the Figure

To keep the figure from interfering with the
tank cupola the turret was completely
finished before I started and figure
sculpting. The work started with a basic 24 25
‘skeleton’ made from plastic tube, which
established the basic dimensions (Pic 20).
My next task was to make the violin as the
figures head and left hand had to be
exactly fitted around the violin. (Pics 21-23).
Head and hands had to be finished at an
early stage of the sculpting with frequent
test fitting required (Pics 24-25). The
detachable head allowed me to work on
this separately gradually building up the
features as this sequence shows (Pics 26-
30) Afterwards sculpting followed the usual
path starting from a simplified ‘naked’ body
and building up the details, adding to the
more and more detailed uniform. (Pics 33-
36). Elements like the headphones, throat
mic and weapon were constructed from
plastic card.

26 27 30

28 29

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31 33 34

32

33 34 35

36

The project continues in the next Issue 29

AFV-82 May-June 2015_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 09/04/2015 14:41 Page 30

Part of a massive Soviet style military facility,

and possibly built during the Soviet influence
we find this T-55 turret sitting on a tuning
stand. These were used in training and fine
tuning of turrets before they are fitted to their
hulls. The turret is almost brand new.

Reactive armor bricks receiving a fresh coat of paint.Note

that all bricks have been numbered and are devoid of their
explosive charge.

One of the most fascinating projects I installed. The fender received a metal to deflect incoming RPG projectiles and
could see was an attempt to convert T-55 frame on which a new metal box explodes the warhead away from the main
and T-62 hulls to form a kind of a new construction was built. fighting compartment.
heavy tank concept. The earlier attempts The new construction houses a new form The conversion will increase the overall
at protecting the T-55 tanks saw the of the fuel cells, is continuous, and is height of the T-62 hull and will cause the
installation of new boxes on the fenders. shaped in an angle so as to protect the turret to be sitting within the now raised
The second version being built here shows turret base. The various fixture points will superstructure. However, the main gun will
a totally new approach. then receive reactive armour bricks which not be able to fire at 0 angle when rotated
This very early T-62 has had its side fender will be mated to become a forward facing and must always be adjusted to +8
totally removed, and a new platform V shape. The intended shape is supposed degrees on left and right positions. Surely

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a concern for the crew when in action. and welded over for unknown reasons. The exposed ammunition configuration. By any
camouflage pattern is reminiscent of the standards an explosive upgrade…
An early T-62 turret with the distinctive early ‘80s when the communist Derg was The sheer size of the new carousel will
rounded shape and the simplified loaders ruling the country. make any maintenance in the engine bay a
hatch is also being converted to be mated I could only wonder when seeing this T-62 challenge to the mechanics. I could not
to the new hull. The turret has been turret is the validity of the project! Why confirm it, but I have serious doubts that
soldiering for a long time and has received would anybody want to cut open a T-62 the turret would actually be traversable
no less than 3 sure hits or kills in its past. turret and try to install an external auto once mated to the new hull with its raised
Countless weld marks can be visible at loader carousel? The extra stowage place sides…
various locations. All side rails and given with the new autoloader is surely
attachment points have been removed, negated when considering the fully

tank refurbishment
ETHIOPIAN facillity by Moustafa Assad

A completed T-55 tank has seen

refurbishment and has received the first
pattern of side boxes which lacked the
reactive armour package. The side
A spare late model T-55 hull sits idle fenders are a late addition and are still
ready for a future upgrade project.
unpainted.

Another late model T-55 hull sits idle with a large stock of brand

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The German Leopard 2 main battle tank series are my favourite of the smallest parts included which is always welcome!
modern tanks, this is my excuse for collecting all the kits available; Although the kit’s rubber track has good detail I purchased the
Tamiya, Italeri, Revell and Hobby boss. Kits include the basic A4, Trumpeter workable track links which have more finesse. Each
A5 and A6. track link consists of four parts in a resilient styrene, the sprue
Tamiya’s Leopard 2A6 is not a new tooling, but based on an connection is designed on the hidden side helping with clean-up
earlier listing (No.35242) Leopard 2A5 with the longer L55 gun time. With patience, assembly work is not complicated, the set
barrel, transparent lights, two crew figures and road signs. The also includes two resin drive sprockets and idler wheel, but with
difference between the appearance of the two models is really the shape and detail as-per the kit parts I opted not to use them.
only the gun barrel. Even though this model is already ten years
old, in my opinion it’s the most accurate. It continues also the With my PE and tracks ready it was time to make a detail-rich
Tamiya tradition of being easy to assemble. Leopard 2A6!
To add more details, I used Voyager’s Leopard 2A5 upgrade set
containing seven photoetch frets, although it is one of Voyager 's
first products the design is very user-friendly with spares of some

LEOPARD

A6
Jian Geo details
Tamiya’s classic 1:35 kit

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Tamiya’s kit assembled very well with not too many errors to fix
and no filler required. My only modification was to enlarge the
holes which mount the suspension arms so that you can
manually adjust the height of each road wheel (only required if
you’re mounting onto uneven groundwork). On the rear engine
deck I added weld beads with stretched sprue around the cooling
fan housings and on the side skirts and hull side connecting point
I made new accurately shaped pieces from plastic card (see
picture above).

Voyager use various thicknesses of brass in their upgrade set

which does look beautiful, but this beautiful detail only comes
with some demanding intricate work resulting in tired eyes and
fingers at times! This becomes all the more frustrating when
discovering parts are of the wrong dimensions, such as the
loader's cupola. At many points I had to convince myself all of this
photoetch work would be worth the extra effort, especially when I
ruined the engine fan mesh using too much adhesive meaning I
had to buy some replacements.

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Periscopes and sighting optics are an paper and finally polished with Tamiya a hint of colour, looking very neat and
important visual effect of modern armour polishing compound. The edges were adding a certain ‘glint’ of realism to the
models. Tamiya provides a thin plastic painted clear green for the vision blocks. In finished model. With the periscopes put
transparent panel, too thin to properly the same way, I transformed the aside for fitting later I primed the areas of
reflect transparent green or clear blue. The panoramic and Gunner’s sight with clear brass with Tamiya Metal Primer then an
Leopard 2A6 periscopes are large and red and clear blue, again along the edges overall coat of Mr Surfacer 1000 which was
easily made with 2mm acrylic. Shaped with of the parts. Once in place, the light left to dry.
a file and sanded with 800,1500 and 2000 reflection of these transparent parts shows

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Collecting images from the internet I found to provide a strong barrier. adhesive which I replicated with a fine
a variety in the tones of greens and browns NATO Green base colour covered the brush and Vallejo 70950 Black mixed with
used and decided to copy the brighter entire model and once dry, Mr. Masking Sol Vallejo 71039 Hull Red and 70977 Desert
hues to give my Leopard 2A6 some lively R was applied with a No.0 brush to define Yellow.
colour. Although the real tank’s camouflage the edges of the brown then black. This Decals were applied onto locally sprayed
is soft edged, it is so fine that it looks like a method is suitable for use on a flat surface. gloss varnish to minimise any edges or
hard edged pattern which I thought would Convex or complex shapes were best silvering. Tamiya offers a total of four
look more realistic in 1:35. Using Gunze Mr. masked first with Silly Putty then edges vehicle identification numbers : Munster
Masking Sol R and Silly Putty I created the completed with Mr. Masking Sol R. The Armour School / 2nd company, 104th
masks I needed to airbrush the standard camouflage pattern for the A6 panzer battalion/3rd Company, 403rd
camouflage. I chose the Gunze NATO was followed and it was satisfying to Panzer Battalion and 5th Company, 203rd
camouflage set adding a little brighter remove the messy looking masking to Panzer Battalion, I chose the 2nd company,
vibrance; TC10 NATO Green with C44 Tan reveal the smooth three-tone paintwork. 104th panzer battalion. Further internet
and C4 Yellow, TC11 NATO Brown with C43 The turret and the hull are covered by anti- studies show the Leopard actually belongs
Wood Brown and TC12 NATO Black with slip sections, the hull areas being different to the first 102 Armoured Brigade, 13th
C62 White. The NATO Green was not the to the turret. The hull has anti-slip mats Panzergrenadier Division. Mr Mask
first colour applied; because I wanted to which are separately attached to the metal Softener was applied to the decals to bed
create scratches later, Gunze C-21 Middle surface for maintenance reasons. Some them down around details and a final coat
Stone and Vallejo 70.978 covered the side can be inconsistent with the surrounding of matt varnish gives a uniform finish.
skirts and then Gunze GX-100 Super Clear metal colours and have a residue of

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The Leopard’s roadwheels have a very The anodised finish of the silver ring was
particular look which I was keen to achieved with oil paint washes with the bolt
accurately reproduce. Starting with my detail highlighted with a black wash.The
base colour NATO green I created my own bolts were picked out with pure silver and
masks using card and a cutting compass. some chipping through to the primer
The central ring first received an airbrushed around the rims was carefully picked out
coat of Vallejo silver which provides a with a fine brush. Further interest is added
strong contrast against the green. More with the rusted bare metal sprocket ring
masks were cut to allow me to airbrush the and the red lube points. Two of the
tyres, both the black and silver could of roadwheels of my subject Leopard
course be brush painted but I feel the extra appeared in an overall green, again, added
effort to spray the colours is worth it. visual interest.

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The first stage of colouring the tracks was a base-coat The inner face of the tracks was first masked with Using a technique learned from modeller Adam Wilder
of Gunze black with a touch of silver to add a metallic tape along the areas where the roadwheels make I added brighter speckles of fresh oxidisation by
sheen. This was airbrushed and allowed plenty of time contact and then given an airbrushed coat of loading a paintbrush with a heavily diluted mix and
to dry. Tamiya NATO brown. Again, a tiny amount of silver blowing through the bristles with the airbrush resulting
was added. in a random splattered texture.

A light coating of Tamiya buff added a dusty feel and Gentle dry-brushing of Tamiya Titanium Silver A final touch was some dried-on mud and dust done
toned down the contrast of the brighter rust. The adds to the metallic effect of the inner face of the with small applications of pigment powders. The
exterior of the track pads were now picked out in track. This colour was also used to pick out some tracks were now ready to mount onto the running
Vallejo black. of the track connectors suggesting new fittings. gear.

With modern armour we have the luxury of an abundance

of colour photographs of the subjects to help modellers
achieve very realistic weathering. With the A6 the widest
part of the vehicle are the hull skirts, photos showed
scuffing and scratching of these. As mentioned earlier I’d
undercoated these areas with yellow/green and middle
stone topped

off with a barrier coat of clear. The top coats of colour can be easily
removed with a sharp blade and softened with some thinner.
Revealing the base colour this way (as it happens on the actual
Leopard) results in a more realistic appearance.
Paint chips can take on many shapes and tones, camo colours of
brown and black may just be scratched through to the base green
while deeper chipped paint may be through to the primer or bare

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metal which may rust a little.

Vallejo 70978 Dark Yellow, 70951 White and 70977 Desert
Yellow, applied with a 00 brush replicate the tones of primer
while brown rust tones were mixed with Vallejo Red Brown
and Hull Red. Again, studying closely you reference images
and replicating the damage and where it’s most likely to occur
will make for a realistic finish.

MIG oil colours 080 Wash Brown, 155 German three-tone

fading, 092 German Ochre and 165 Faded UN White were
used to make heavily diluted filter colours which harmonised
the three camouflage tones. Rather than use the usual dark
washes to highlight details, my reference showed
accumulated light dust in the recesses and around fixings.
Tamiya’s XF-57 Buff was used as a diluted wash further
worked with clean turpentine using a flat brush for larger areas
and a small brush to create streaks and rain marks.
More dirt and dust was applied with a flat brush and MIG P232
Dry Mud and P028 Europe Dust allowing it to collect around
details. A final application of dust was airbrushed
concentrating on the lower and rear hull. In contrast to the dry
dust, some grease and oil stains on the rear hull were added
with Gunze GX109 Clear Brown.

The kit provides clear moulded lamp lenses. Mr Color Silver

No.8 provides the reflector and Tamiya clear orange and red
The vehicle crew figures are based on the kit parts with gives a realistic sparkle, and after masking, the base green
some modifications and extra detailing. was airbrushed. Reference shots show the lights and number
plates are wiped clean by the crews which all adds interest to
the finished model.

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The base was created from a polystyrene

sheet with a covering of DAS Pronto air-dry
clay to form the shape of the dirt-track road.
PVA glue was used to fix the texture made
from fine grit and railway modelling grass.
The kit’s ‘rubber band’ tracks were used to
form the patterns of the Leopard’s footprints
in the earth. Tamiya XF-57 Buff, XF-60 Dark
Yellow, XF-59 Desert Yellow and XF-1 white
were airbrushed over the entire groundwork
creating light and shade with XF-67 dry-
brushed to give a more realistic shade to
the grass.

Final thoughts
With the photoetch, individual track links
and extra detailing my Leopard 2A6 was a
lengthy project. The Tamiya kit still can look
very nice built straight from the box but the
extra work takes the detail to a more
satisfying level.

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new releases
KEEPING TRACK

MENG 1:35 A7V Tank (Krupp)

The World War One kit bonanza continues and Meng have joined photoetched brass mesh covers. The 57mm main gun is fully
the party with this very welcome release of the German A7V tank, detailed to the point of being a stand alone model in its own right
a subject that has long been in demand by modellers. The kit itself and there are also some superbly moulded Maxim machine guns,
is everything we have become familiar with from Meng kits and with ammunition belts and ammunition boxes. Gunner’s seats, an
offers a remarkably detailed replica of the vehicle with a virtually ammunition bin for the gun and a rifle rack all add to the busy look
fully detailed interior provided. The twin motors are not provided of the interior. The four parts that form the box-shaped
probably as their central location under the raised driver’s platform superstructure have excellent rivet detail moulded on both interior
and flanked by radiators means that they cannot be seen. The and exterior surfaces. All the doors, hatches and inspection covers
modified Holt tractor running gear is all replicated with three are moulded individually to allow the interior detail to be seen and
individual bogie units which are mounted on a surprisingly detailed the same goes for the visors on the raised driving ‘cupola’ and its
floor plate with final drive housings. Tracks are comprised of two roof hatch. Nylon rope is provided to make the tow ropes stowed
parts per link, the pad and the interlocking rails on the inside which on the vehicle roof and a single marking scheme for “Schnuck” is
snap together. With the chassis assembled its on to the interior provided on the decal sheet. Its hard not to be impressed with the
44 and the very detailed Driver’s compartment with big padded interior detail provided in the kit and which will allow maximum
armchair style seats and assorted levers and pedals. Below this flexibility depending on wether you want to show it off or not. Look
platform the radiators are mounted and they come with out for our full build review coming in Issue 83!
AFV-82 May-June 2015_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 09/04/2015 16:53 Page 45

132a Divisione Corazzata Ariete

By David Zambon
Published by Caraktere
Softback format, 127 pages, French text
ISBN 978 2 916403 05 2
www.caraktere.com
Number Four in Caraktere’s ‘Units’ series gives us a superb enough visual information in the form of diagrams and maps to
collection of shots from the Italian unit fighting in Africa, in common outline the action and help place the images making this a very
with other publications from our French friends many images are worthwhile addition to the library of any enthusiast of the Italian
fresh from their own recources. The photos are accompanied by army of the period, or in fact anyone with an interest in the North
some top-quality colour plates of soft-skins and armour including African campaign with a selection of KO’d British armour on show.
the AB41, M13 and M14 along with some of the more obscure Another high quality publication from Caraktere who do have some
subjects which are available as superb resin kits from Italy’s Brach of their releases available in Engish also, take a look over at their
and Model Victoria. Even if you struggle to read French, there’s website www.caraktere.com

HLU35081

HLX48358

HLU35080
HLH72040

HLH72038

HLH72039

HLX48360

Hauler HLX48359

Hauler can always be relied on for something different and with resin wheel rims and tyres included, HLX48359 is for another
produce some very sensible upgrades in several scales. Tamiya kit, the Dingo Mk.II and finally in forty-eighth HLX48360
Photoetch in 1:72 is not for the fainthearted but will enhance any 'Steel Containers' which appear to be a more modern
braille-scale miniature; HLH72038 is a set of tiny valve hand warehouse/pallet type affair. A couple of 1:35 diorama accessories
wheels, HLH72039 is a comprehensive detail set for the MK72 with HLU35080 a set of resin cast barrels and milk churns (four of
Sd,Kfz. 250/1 and HLH72040 will look superb on Revell's Flak 36. each) and HLU35081 which is a resin solid fuel burning stove. All
Hauler are saviours to the quarter-scale modeller and there's quality throughout as you'd expect from Hauler, www.hauler.cz
45
more in 1:48 with HLX48358 for Tamiya's German sidecar combo
AFV-82 May-June 2015_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 10/04/2015 09:48 Page 46

Trumpeter 1:16 Panzer IV

Ausf.H
Here is a release that has been keenly anticipated and now at last the support brackets for the whole system. Other pleasing
it has arrived in its suit case-sized box with carrying handle touches are the four MG 34s, two without shoulder stocks to
packed with plastic, 7 photoetched frets, aluminium gun barrel, mount inside the tank and a choice of armoured barrel sleeve or
copper tow ropes and miniature mudflap springs. As with regular perforated sleeve for the AA cupola mount. Inside the tank
Trumpeter’s other 1:16 tank kits there is a fully detailed interior the quality continues although there are one or two parts that are
and the kit provides a number of optional parts like a choice of missing. The hull floor escape hatch is moulded on the outside of
idler design, return roller design and four different machine guns. the hull but missing inside. The radio transformer rack behind the
It is immediately apparent that this kit is a big improvement on for radio operator is not included but a photoetched radio rack is
example the King Tiger. The level of finesse is superb with provided happily. There are some missing details in the engine
accurately rendered weld beads, even present on the underside bay, like the connections between the engine and exhaust muffler
of the turret and flush screw heads replicated along with tiny and no MG ammunition sacks are provided. One other area that
castellated nuts. This time there are clear moulded periscopes looks like it may be improved is the Gunner’s sight. A full mix of
and all the vehicle tools are provided with photoetched clasps or ammunition is provided with separate etched base plates and
separate thinly moulded fittings for the more complex brackets. there is even the turret floor mounted ammunition crate. Decal
The individual link tracks look superb and come with plastic pins sheets offer a choice of four schemes and stencilled markings for
to connect them. The suspension brackets have casting numbers the shells along with instrument dials. Overall this is a simply
46 and the separate black plastic (not vinyl) tires have manufacturers stunning kit and well worth every penny. Stand by for some
name (deliberately misspelt) and size moulded on. A full set of extensive coverage in future issues!
schurzen is provided in plastic with a nice scale thickness as are
AFV-82 May-June 2015_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 09/04/2015 16:56 Page 47

Aber
We begin our look at the latest Aber releases with their cleaning rods combine brass parts with wooden shafts. Braided
magnificent 1:16 boxed set ‘Exclusive Edition’ 16 K02 which is a metal tow cables come with brass eyes and turned brass collars.
combined conversion/upgrade set to convert the Tamiya Tiger 1 to There are a total of seventeen photoetched frets, many of which
one of the s.Pz.Abt. 501 vehicles serving in Tunisia. This is a big have been carried over from Aber’s original Tiger 1 upgrade but
box of bits with multiple turned brass, resin and photoetched there are also quite a few new parts. Aside from all the expected
parts provided for what is truely a de-luxe upgrade set. 501 tool clasps and tow rope clasps the set gives you the new front
vehicles were distinguished by their unique treadplate front mudflaps, replacement fenders, full front hatch mechanisms,
mudflaps, headlamp brackets, slotted exhaust covers and rear engine deck screens, Fiefel hoses, rear mudguards, exhaust
track link racks, all of which are provided in the set. There are new covers, turret bin, parts to detail the crew headphones and
resin sections for the front of the hull to give the correct profile uniform insignia and even a bucket to hang off the back. It is
and a resin part to plug the turret escape hatch and to model the without doubt a very comprehensive set and not something suited
early pistol port configuration. Beautifully machined metal parts to the novice modeller. To get the best out of this you need to be
are provided for a complete replacement gun barrel, Smoke very comfortable in working with photoetched parts but at this
grenade launchers with grenades, covers for the launchers and scale these details are very visible and the work pays off in the
even decals for the grenades. There is a new fire extinguisher with finished results. Stunning detail for those who demand the very
decals, machine guns for hull and turret, front hatch hinges and best from their large scale modelling and you cannot help but be
tow hooks and machined parts to create the binocular driver’s impressed with the scope and quality of this superb package.
visor openings. There are also parts to assist in converting the www.aber.net.pl for details of this and the rest of the Aber range. 47
Fiefel air filter boxes including jigs to shape the curved parts. Gun
AFV-82 May-June 2015_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 09/04/2015 17:13 Page 48

ABER 1:35 Gun Barrels

35 L-93 We have three new barrel sets from Aber in

their usual style with precision machined
aluminium and brass parts along with
photoetch where appropriate. 35 L-93 is a
barrel for the 40mm Bofors Anti-aircraft
Gun. Along with the barrel itself it provides
the prominent recoil spring which is a nice
35 L-157 touch. Set 35 L-137 is a U.S. 76mm M1A2
barrel as mounted on the later Shermans
35 L-137
and M-18 Hellcat. The superb single piece
muzzle brake is threaded to screw onto the
35 L-137 end of the barrel with its separate collar.
The last set 35 L-157 is a German 75mm
KwK 37 as mounted on the Panzer III Ausf
N, Panzer IV Ausf A-F1 and Stug III Ausf A-
E. The set come with a choice of two
patterns of collar, one plain and one with
locking screws. for details of these and the
rest of the range visit www.aber.net.pl

Revell 1:35 Series III (109" / LWB)

If you have the Italeri Long Wheel Base landy, then you already scale appearance. If you're improving this kit a set of resin wheels
have this kit. Revell's re-box looks unchanged and comes in a nice would be a good investment, the old-school split mouldings just
pale grey with some good moulding offering a build as simple as don't have the tread detail. Conversion and diorama potential with
the Land Rover itself with separate body panels mounting to a the Land Rover is ripe, anywhere in the World from the early 70s
single piece floor / chassis. Being an older tooling we've got a little to present day they've been put through their paces. It seems
flash here and there with a few knock-out pin marks to take care such a shame that there days are numbered, the Defender being
of but no big deal. The canvass cover is a good starting point for the last of the breed. A good base kit which will still detail-up
some more work on the texture perhaps and the flat glazing nicely. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model
would be better replaced with some acetate sheet for a better retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en

MK35
France’s MK35 certainly come up with some great off-beat figures either World War. F248 is an older gent with some belongings
in 1:35 to spark the imagination, here’s a few new releases to bundled together (easily converted into carrying a multitude of
inspire a vignette or diorama. A French movie camera man in objects) and very nicely sculpted he is too. My favourite has to be
Tanker’s gear is depicted with F249, F247 is a nicely sculpted U.S the young woman negotiating her way around a honking
figure who looks like he’s been souvenir hunting with a German goose,F250, she’s sporting a large brimmed hat and guarding
48 helmet and also a puppy to look after! closely a basket of vegetables. Great stuff as usual from MK, find
MK35 always deliver excellent civilian figures as demonstrated out more about their range at www.mk35.com.
here, these two would suit any Western European scene from
AFV-82 May-June 2015_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 10/04/2015 11:25 Page 49

Partly assembled model

Accurate Armour 1:35 Danish Leopard 2A5DK Conversion Sets (for Tamiya or Hobby Boss kits)
A couple of smashing conversions to adapt either the Tamiya or the new bow armour sits atop the kit parts but you will need to
the Hobby Boss Leopard 2A5 kits to the version operated by the sand off the base kit ant-slip panels before fitting it. Fitting the new
Danes. These vehicles feature redesigned bow armour similar to APU to the hull requires you to cut away the corner of the hull in
the Swedish STRV 122, completely redesigned rear turret and a order to fit the new part, and careful measuring allowed me to do
remodelled auxiliary power unit built into the rear corner of the hull this without any problems. Similarly you have to chop off the back
as well as other smaller changes like turret top stowage bins and of the turret and blank off the opening in order to add the new
new smoke grenades. Certainly not an easy set of modifications to boxes but it is nothing very difficult to achieve. New vehicle tools
make so it is great to see Accurate Armour providing this set and with detailed clasps are provided and there is a jig to assist in
the quality is really top notch too. The set provides all the resin shaping the front headlamp guards A small photoetch fret provides
conversion parts required and its quite a collection! The new parts grilles for the air conditioning unit, front mudflaps and guard cages.
for the rear of the turret are crisply detailed and the set provides Two decal sheets provides a choice of unit markings and generic
optional track grousers to mount on the rails running around the markings. This will save a lot of work if you want to model the
sides of the boxes. In the Tamiya version there is a complete Danish Leopard with its attractive bright green camouflage - highly
replacement rear hull panel which marries perfectly to the kit and recommended. www.accurate-armour.com

Revell 1:35 ZiL-131

If you're a fan of typical no-nonsense Russian design then these won't be a quick build but should look very nice straight out of the
ZiL trucks will surely appeal. They've been around since the late box. Thankfully there's no over-scale wood grain effect on the
sixties and in true Russian fashion didn't change a great deal cargo bed and if you want some inspiration to produce your own
being used in their masses throughout the former Communist canvass cover look no further than our Merc truck feature in this
states. Revell have re-boxed several ICM kits recently and this is issue. Some of you might shun the tyres in favour of some
what we have here, five sprues in ICM's usual tan coloured aftermarket resin wheels as the detail is limited with the soft vinyl
styrene, a clear sprue and some vinyl tyres. Typically of Eastern moulding, we looked at some beauties last issue from DEF which
European kits, there's no 'big chunks' in the box, all of the come with a front grille upgrade. This is a very nice kit with great
structures being built up from separate panels including the potential for conversions and being boxed by Revell will make it
chassis rails (probably very similar to the actual vehicle). This will more readily available and very affordable. Revell model kits are
make for some careful alignment during assembly. We can't vouch available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit 49
for the fit of the parts but the moulding and detail is very good www.revell.de/en
with excellent chassis and engine. With a lot of finer parts this
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Dragon 1:35 Pz.Kpfw. III (FL) Ausf.M with schürzen

If your pile of DML Panzer III kits is almost as tall as you are, this speak highly enough of these Panzer IIIs from Dragon which must
could be the one you need to reach the required height! This is a rank as some of the best from the brand and also amongst the
later PzIII with the overhang to the rear deck and the wading most detailed German armour kits available, the tooling showing
exhaust muffler, this kit also comes with pre-cut metal armour no signs of age and beautiful sharp, crisp detail throughout. As
skirts and the DS one piece tracks which aren't to everyones taste usual all of the access hatches can be posed open but there's no
but will speed up assembly and have to be admired for their detail behind the mantlet so it will be up to the modeller to source
detail. A unique small sprue contains some up-armoured plate reference if you want to show turret internals. Two Eastern front
parts and of course the flame throwing tube which is very nicely markings are offered to complete another multi-media kit which
moulded in a single piece including the small igniter. We can't will produce a stunning model straight from the box.

Dragon 1:35 Saladin Mk.2

With their 'Black Label' sub-brand Dragon have been offering some are the exhaust outlets, .30 cal and mount (as shown in Mr
obscure subjects with some equally obscure kit features, a real Volstad's excellent box art) and the inside face of the hatches are
mixed bag in most cases. While not such an obscure subject, the completely void of detail. If you do want to leave the hatches open
Saladin six-wheeler is a good move from DML, we did have a more work will be required as there's no stepped lip around the
vintage motorised offering from Tamiya but 50s and 60s British openings. Some detail is clumpy and items such as the jerry can
vehicles are thin on the ground as plastic kits. I was pleasantly and tools are awful when referring to the actual items. The tyres
surprised when lifting the lid as to how few sprues are inside (of are moulded in Dragon's softer 'DS' styrene and are pretty decent,
course some of you will find this disappointing) with around a being such a main feature (thinking back to our Saracen in the
couple of hundred parts this should prove a quick build. As the previous issue) many will be looking to resin replacements. Six
50 other Black Label kits we've looked at there's a mixture of nice fine colour schemes are offered on the decal sheet. A good kit, if not a
moulding and detail and some very simplified areas which will great kit and a little pricey, but a very welcome vehicle subject long
require some extra work. A few omissions we noticed straight-off overdue as a modern styrene kit.
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D-Day Miniature Studio

More fantastic figures from Poland’s D-Day with four

Waffen SS subjects from the popular Ardennes
conflict which would make a lovely vignette project.
35025 is a tanker grabbing a bite to eat who would
interact nicely with 35026, another tanker with a
convincing relaxed pose. 35028 and 35029 are a pair
designed to fit a captured U.S. Jeep with the officer’s
uniform particularly nicely done. First rate quality
figures, check the range over at
www.ddayminiaturestudio.com

Tamiya 1:35 Toyota Model AB

I remember a conversation with someone who has been involved sprues, this is one of those kits which you could assemble in an
in the kit industry for many years, in which they said that a massive evening. As you'd expect there's a clear sprue for the 'screens and
percentage of Tamiya's kits are sold to their home market. That lamps and a small decal sheet. A nice driver figure is also included
would explain several of their releases in the past and none more and the highlight of the whole kit for me has to be the hood, either
so than this 1930s Toyota with the majority of this soft-top AB folded or erected the sculpting is beautiful, easily as good as the
version serving the Japanese military during WWII. There's still best resin versions available. Thankfully there's no heavy handed
something special about opening a new Tamiya kit with the familiar chrome plating leaving the modeller to use one of the effective
packaging and the sand-coloured sprues reminding me of some of paints now available or Bare Metal foil on the bumpers and
my favourite kits in the brand's heyday (FAMO, Wespe, hubcaps. Another lovely Tamiya kit but admittedly a very off-beat 51
Kubelwagen…) Tamiya's trademark simplicity and high quality subject for many of us.
moulding are immediate giving a cursory glance across the
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Revell 1:72 Sd.Kfz. 7/2

Revell continue to build on the neat small scale 8 tonne Sd.Kfz. 7 detailed and supplied in long lengths which Revell suggest using
with the 7/2 version mounting the Flak 36, a great looking hot water to aid with their shaping. The 3.7 gun is also nicely
combination with the armoured cab. The additional trailer sits on rendered with nice hand wheels and superb ammo clips, this can
top of the 'sonderanhanger' chassis which would carry the towed be displayed with the wooden sides dropped 'in action' should you
gun. Three sprues carry the parts for the half-track which shows wish. Decals offer four very different schemes which rounds off
some very nice detail and moulding from Revell with the wheels another impressive small scale release from Revell.
and chassis particularly impressive, maybe only the front tyres Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model
look a touch clumsy in small scale. The tracks are really well retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en

Verlinden Productions
More to populate a 1:35 urban diorama from Verlinden around 70mm length), 2822 which is a pair of concrete electricity
Productions. All include cleanly cast resin parts and all of the posts of different heights and 2823 provides a pair of lamp posts
required tubing, plastic rod etc to complete these very detailed suitable for post-war scenes (no pun intended). Historex are a
features. 2821 represents a fuel or water tank (fairly large at Verlinden distributer in the UK or check out verlindenonline.com

Revell 1:72 M60A3

Although we tend to build larger scale armour, we're often impressed link and should actually sit at the joint, if this is a detail you couldn't
with Revell's new-tooled small scale kits. This original 2004 release of live with you're probably a modeller who'd be looking to aftermarket
the M60A3 appears unchanged- a good thing though as this is a tracks anyway. The single piece upper hull is a great moulding with
really nice little kit. Also available as the A1 version along with an some fine and sharp detail, as is the turret but maybe not so much
israeli and dozer conversion this kit pretty much resigned the old Esci the split two-part barrel which looks like it could take some time to
offering to the swap meet pile. There's quite a lot of parts for a prep. Decals are new with two three-tone camo and two plain green
seventy-second vehicle which results in some good detail and finishes offered. Still a really nice kit from Revell. Revell model kits
52 features. The boat-like lower hull comes with separate trailing arms are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit
and shock absorbers and well detailed wheels. Tracks are link and www.revell.de/en
length with decent detail but note the guide teeth are centred on the
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Merkava Siman 2
By Michael Mass & Adam O’Brien
Published by Desert Eagle Publishing
Softback Portrait format, 83 pages
ISBN 978-965-91635-8-8
www.deserteagle-publishing.com
This is one of those books that just immediately has you wanting excellent reference for uniforms and some great relaxed poses
to make a model of the vehicles inside it and it is packed with like the bored-looking instructor slumped in his turret top-
colour photos of the Merkava 2 in service with the IDF. The book mounted seat. A detailed walkaround section is next with
begins with a helpful illustrated guide to all the different Merkava excellent reference pictures and diagrams. We especially liked the
types and derivatives before moving straight into photos of the shots of the randomly stowed turret basket and the heavily worn
vehicle in combat and in action and showing a vast difference in paint on the turret roof. Its a very complete and detailed study of
finishes as a result of the environment. There are some absolutely the vehicle which also includes a section on photos of the interior.
filthy vehicles caked in dust and oil stains which would make The Nochri Mine Roller system is also covered in detail along with
superb subjects to model. Mud covered examples operating on battering rams and towing adapters, and concludes with a
the Golan heights offer another equally attractive challenge. section on vehicle markings. Perfect modelling reference and an
Merkava crew are the subject of the next chapter providing essential book for fans of IDF Armour.

AMX-30 Family If you have any of MENG’s AMX-30 versions here’s a cracking visual reference in the Kagero
By M.P. Robinson ‘Photosniper’ series featuring studies of the AMX-30D recovery vehicle, the GCT and Au-F1 self
Published by Kagero propelled guns, AMX-30R Roland and AMX-30SA Shahine anti-aircraft missile launchers, AMX-30
Softback A4 format, 96 pages Bitube DCA anti-aircraft tank, AMX-30H Bridgelayer and the EBG armoured engineer vehicle. All
ISBN 978 83 64596 24 7 vehicles are covered with a good mix of text and photographs featuring overall views, action shots
www.casematepublishing.co.uk and good close-up reference providing great conversion reference and inspirational weathering
and colour schemes. Seven pages of nicely rendered colour plates have you itching to get building
as do the shots from the Iraqi base of the GCTs put out to pasture. Recommended reading for any 53
French armour fan.
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LW013

LW010 LW012 LW009

LW008

LW014 LW015

Leopard Workshop 1:35 Leopard Upgrade Parts

We have a great new selection of upgrade parts for all things suspension set LW012 is an Export Suspension set for the Leopard 1
Leopard-related from our friends at Leopard Workshop and we begin as fitted to Belgian, Canadian, Italian and Norwegian vehicles and
with LW013 which is a complete set of replacement Leopard 2 designed to fit Meng / Revell / Italeri Leopard 1 kits. Along with the
roadwheels and idlers. These are designed for any Tamiya or Hobby dampers there are also small pattern idler wheels and again
Boss Leopard 2 with a straight fit on Tamiya axles while you will need instructions are provided. Exhaust grilles are next with a choice of two
to drill them out to fit Hobby Boss. Comparing them with the Tamiya Leopard 1 patterns. LW008 provides replacement welded exhaust
wheels you can see difference in detail right down to the central grilles and LW009 provides replacement cast exhaust grilles. These
lubrication point and these wheels have fully detailed rear face which will suit Meng / Revell / Italeri / Takom kits with a great looking depth
the kit wheels do not have. A helpful small instruction leaflet is to the slots and skirt mounts are also supplied attached to the right
included. Next is LW010 which is a leopard 1 Suspension Upgrade hand grilles. Finally we have two sets of stunning Canadian pattern
set designed to enhance Meng / Revell / Italeri Leopard 1 kits. The Aerials. LW014 is to suit the Leopard C2 and C2 Mexas and LW015
new swing arms in the set have been designed to fit any of the are for the 2A4M, CAN/2A6M CAN. The turned brass aerials are
Leopard Workshop wheel sets. New Dampers, shock absorbers and superbly delicate and a welcome upgrade as these are a pain to
return rollers are also included and there are illustrated guides to make yourself. Each set comes with a set of resin sockets to mount
assist in fitting them to your choice of Leopard 1. With the skirts them on the vehicle and an illustrated instruction leaflet to assist you.
removed from your model this set is going to be an essential and Top quality upgrades ideally timed to get the best from all those new
offers a significant upgrade on the level of kit detail. Staying with Leopard kits. More details of the range at www.leopardclub.ca

Lifecolor Acrylic Paints Leather Boxed Set

Another great addition to Lifecolor’s growing range of boxed acrylic and webbing. I am a big fan of Lifecolor paints as they always handle
paint sets which contain six different colours. This set is designed to well whether brush painting or airbrushing when they can be diluted
help in replicating leather in its various shades ranging from a very with water or using Lifecolor thinners. Easy to open tops and a squat
dark black/brown through to very light shades which would be ideal bottle design to avoid spillages only enhance the experience. For full
for replicating the pale undersides of some leathers or the more details of this set and the rest of the range the UK distributors who
exotic shades featured in some vehicles. Figure modellers will kindly supplied our sample are the Airbrush Company
certainly appreciate these and I can also see these colours being www.Airbrushes.com or visit www.astromodels.it
54 useful for seat cushions or padding on hatches as well as for straps
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“Oh Lord, Won’t You Buy Me

A Mercedes Benz…”
MiniArt’s MB l1500a modelled
by Bernhard Lustig
Over the last few years there have been lots of different fighting soldier. Many different companies like Magirus,
truck kits released in 1:35 scale. Not so long ago you’d Opel, Faun and Mercedes Benz produced trucks in
be excused for thinking the Opel Blitz was the only truck different sizes. Also, trucks from occupied countries were
used by the Germans in WW2. The enormous amount of pressed into service. The Mercedes Benz L 1500 A was
supplies needed by the Wehrmacht was a huge logistical developed as a light truck, but later used as a “schwerer
problem, with nine supply personnel serving each PKW” (heavy personal carrier).

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MiniArt’s Kit
A well detailed chassis and
engine can be built straight
from the box.

I decided to build the Cargo version, used by the

Africa Korps in North Africa. I received help from
my friend Martin Roth, who built the basic kit.
My job was to refine it and set it into the scene.

The kit contains a total of 240 grey styrene parts plus

two sprues with wooden barrels and other supplies.
There are also two small etched frets included which
gives a reasonable supplement to the kit. There is a full
engine compartment included, so you have the option to
build it with an open or closed engine hood.

Magic Sculp was rolled into thin sheets and was used to make the Headlamps are from Royal Model and the etched grille is an optional part
tarpaulin cover. from the kit.

All parts fit together very well, but Sculp. I prefer to roll the putty between softened with plastic glue. To enlarge the
because of the tiny details it’s more a kit baking paper so that nothing sticks display, I used an ammunition trailer from
for the experienced modeller. together, baby (talcum) powder also Tristar, which was built straight out of the
I added two jerrican holders to the helps. You must find a balance where the box. If you add a trailer to a German
fenders and changed the headlights to putty is thin enough to look natural, but WW2 truck, you have to build the
Royal Model’s ones. also thick enough to make for triangular sign on the cabin in a upright
I wanted the vehicle carrying a tarpaulin comfortable sculpting. First I worked on position, take note!
cover over the load bed so I switched the the ends, and once dried out I added the
plastic tarpaulin bows to exact copies top cover in one large sheet. The seam
made of copper wire for strength. lines you can see in the pictures are
The canvas was made of rolled out Magic made of thin Evergreen plastic strips

The trailer was taken from a Tristar Flakpanzer I kit, I only added some etched
parts from the sparebox

The kit was given a dark grey base using Lifecolour UA 207 Panzergrey
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D.A.K. Desert Colours

The vehicle received a black primer from Here I used Sepia and 502 Abteilung In my eyes a “must have” on Afrika-Korps
AK interactive. This primer gives a very Industrial Earth. vehicles is an air recognition flag. Again
thin and matt base for the following MIG Productions also offers a set of three rolled out Magic Sculp was used for this. I
colours. The entire vehicle was painted in filters specially for Afrika Korps vehicles did it in the same way as the tarpaulin.
Lifecolor UA 207 Panzer grey. Here I which were used to give a variation in Here I had the special challenge to sculpt
worked with the ‘hairspray’ technique. colours done in a very subtle way. All the it as if blowing in the wind. I formed the
Two layers of AK Interactive chipping filters I use I mix on a white tile together putty and supported it in the desired
medium were applied in this case. A mix with some white spirit. I feel I have more position with the help of Blu-tak which
of Lifecolour UA 201 Gelbbraun and UA control than using filters out of the bottle. can be removed when the putty is stiff.
202 Sandgrau (50:50) followed when the For the circle and the swastika I made
chipping medium is dried out completely. To get a worn effect, I added some more stencils cut out from Tamiya masking
A stiff brush and warm water was used to chipped paint. I prefer a Windsor & tape. You have to be careful that the
remove the sand-yellow paint in the Newton Series 7 ‘00’ brush to apply fine circle and swastika is on both sides of the
desired areas. Where the Africa Palm damage. For dust effects you will get flag at the exact same position!
symbols are located I added a thin layer good results with AK Interactive (AK 015)
of gloss varnish. Nordland models offers Dust effects in combination with a dose of
a large decal sheet with a great variation Mussini Napels yellow oil colour, of
of palm symbols in different sizes. course, both thinned with white spirit and
I always soften the colours of my models again mixed on a white tile.
with a thin filter of diluted artist oil colours.

A mix of Lifecolor No UA201 and UA202 was For air recognition a white bar is painted over the The exhaust was painted with the help of
airbrushed over a coat of AKI chipping medium in engine hood. Don’t forget the chipping medium the fantastic Life Colour Rust colours set.
thin random coats allowing the base-coat grey to before you spray the white (mixed with some
show through. drops of gloss varnish).

Chipping at the wooden loading platform was also done with

the grey basecolour

The windscreen also got a weathering with thinned AK Dust effects. I treated the
colour with white spirit to get an irregular effect.
All the edges, where most of the dust is gathered, got a pinwashing with AK Dust
effects and thinned Mussini Napels Yellow.
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The Scene

I always use clay for the base of my dioramas.

The track prints were done with old vinyl tracks.

At first I placed my truck on a simple wooden base to display it First I did a overspray of heavy thinned Tamiya Buff (9:1)
but realised that it lacked it’s natural environment; I decided to followed by chipping with wood and sand colours.
make a small vignette for it. The groundwork was sculpted with I was lucky to have a barbed wire set from RMG Resin Products
clay which was covered with fine sand and small stones. in stock. This is by far the best barbed wire you can get, but I
Model Victoria offers a set of German and Italian roadsigns think it’s no longer available.
used in the African theatre. The signs are printed directly on Miniart’s figure fits the scenario with the Mercedes truck
wood. The set is really complete and contains also a resin perfectly. The sculpting and the anatomy of the figure is
barrel and assorted balsa wood. excellent, I only added a Alpine head and painted him in
The colours of the roadsigns are really bright requiring some Humbrol enamels.
weathering.

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Sand and gravel was fixed by a mixture

of water and PVA woodglue.

I always start painting the groundwork in a dark

colour. Here I mixed some sand colours with
some drops of black. The first highlight is a
cloudy overspray without black. More highlights
followed with a brighter colour mix.
Small stones and gravel were highlighted with a
small brush in a light sand colour.

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Miniart 35 142 Mercedes Benz L 1500 A cargo truck

Miniart 35141 Afrika Korps German Tank Crew
Tristar 35 019 Flakpanzer I Ausf A
Royal Models 077 Headlights
Nordland models 55008 D.A.K. Palm Symbols
Great Wall Hobby L3514 German Jerrycans
Model Victoria 4059 German & Italian Roadsigns Afrika
RMG Resin Products RM 013 Barbed wire
Plus Model 116 Equipment of German kitchen Crockery

This model is dedicated to Alina & Alex

Rizhko from Miniart, based in Ukraine.

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