193

FREE 180 metres of

masking tape!
SPORTS CAR TANK DESTROYER
Painting Tamiya’s new 1:35 M18 Hellcat U.S. Tank Destroyer
ISSUE
May 2022

QUEEN OF
THE DESERT
IN THE SNOW
A fish out of water story

ISSUE
193
May 2022

GAMMA-GERÄT
£4.95

Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät

INSIDE: Italeri 1:35 Korean War T-34/85 n 17 pdr

SP Achilles Walk Around n and more...
Contents - Issue 193 May 2022
REGULARS
p 4 NEWS
What’s new in the world of military
modelling

p 56 INCOMING
Accessories, model supplies and more

p 57 SMALL SCALE
News and new releases in 1:72 and
smaller

p 58 BOOKS
Military and modelling in print

p 60 1:48 SCALE
The latest news and reviews in Quarter
Inch Scale with Luke Pitt

p 65 NEXT ISSUE
40 What to look forward to next time

p 66 LAST POST
Pathfinders pack a punch as first in for
Global Response Force

FEATURES
p 6 THINK TANK
17 pdr SP Achilles Walk Around by
48 Zack Sex

p 14 PREVIEW
Italeri 1:35 Korean War T-34/85

p 16 OFF-ROAD TRACTOR ON ECCENTRIC

FOOTWEAR
Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A
built and detailed by Karel Sutt
COVER
FEATURE
p 28 GAMMA-GERÄT
Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm
Gamma-Gerät by Gary Edmundson

p 40 SPORTS CAR TANK DESTROYER Pt. 2

Tamiya 1:35 M18 U.S. Tank Destroyer by
Brett Green

p 48 QUEEN OF THE DESERT IN THE SNOW

Tamiya 1:35 “Red Army” Matilda Mk.III/
IV Infantry Tank by Lukas Kasuba

16
© Doolittle Media Ltd 2022
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Email: enquiries@doolittlemedia.com
Address: Doolittle Media Ltd.,
The Granary, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe,
Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Model Military International is
published monthly by Doolittle Media
Ltd. Reproduction in part or whole of
any text, photograph or illustration
without written permission from
the publisher is strictly prohibited.
While due care is taken to ensure
the contents of Model Military
International is accurate, the
publishers and printers cannot accept
liability for errors or omissions.
ISSN 1749-8864

May 2022 - Model Military International 3

 Newsline - May 2022
MMI Newsdesk, The Granary, Doolittle Lane,
Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574
Email:editor@modelmilitary.com

GECKO MODELS
NEW RELEASES
Gecko Model has sent images of these interesting
forthcoming releases:
• 35GM0009 1:35 US Army Light Type III Skid Steer Loader
(M400W) with Bar Track
• 35GM0012 1:35 Daimler Armoured Car Mk.II (WW II
Version)
• 35GM0039 1:35 US Navy LARC-V (Extra Armoured
Version)
• 35GM0044 1:35 “WELCOME” NW Europe, June 1944 n

Thanks to Gecko Model for the information and images

www.gecko-models.com

BLAST MODELS
NEW RELEASES
Blast Models has announced six new releases, all available
now from Blast Models' website:
• BL35416F - WWII LOKOMOTIVE DRIVER N1 WITH LAMP
• BL35417F - WWII LOKOMOTIVE DRIVER N2 WATCHING
• BL35418F - WWII LOKOMOTIVE DRIVER N3 WAITING
• BL35419F - WWII LOKOMOTIVE DRIVER N4 TALKING
• BL35423K - US M4A1 SHERMAN STOWAGE- ASUKA/
TASKA
• BL35425K - BRITISH CRUSADER STOWAGE – BORDER n

Thanks to Blast Models for the information and images

www.blast-models.eu/en/

MODEL SCENE
LASER CUT FLOWERS
Model Scene has released two new laser cut plants
in 1:35 scale:
• Product code VG3-020 Valeriana
• Product Code VG3-023 Mullein
Both sets contain everything you need to complete
realistic flowers for your layout and dioramas
including precisely cut sheets of paper leaves,
a coloured mixture of foam crumb for realistic
modelling of flower parts, for the mullein also
laser-cut flowers made of yellow paper and green
wire for the base of the stem.
Retail price for both kits is 6,50€. n

Thanks to Model Scene for the

information and images
http://www.fast-webshop.com/model-scene

NOW BACK IN STOCK

HOW TO BUILD... the Tamiya Bristol Beaufighter - £12.95 +p&p
HOW TO BUILD... the Tamiya Fairey Swordfish - £11.95 +p&p
Limited Stock - order now at www.doolittlemedia.com

4 Model Military International - May 2022

 Think Tank - 17pdr SP Achilles Walk Around
Front three quarter view of an Achilles wearing the shield of the
Guards Armoured division, while the white 77 in red and blue
indicates a vehicle of the Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery.

17PDR SP ACHILLES
WALK AROUND
Zack Sex brings us a walkaround on the Achilles SP gun and the weapon within, the sometimes
overlooked match for the much vaunted German 88 – the British Ordnance QF 17 pounder.

D
uring the early stages of World War weapon that was capable of penetrating 140 the long range gun being mounted in the rear
Two, British and Commonwealth amour mm of armour at 500 meters with a range of of Valentine tank hulls with a lightly armoured
units found themselves considerably ammunition such as AP, capped and ballistic case mate and christened the Archer while
outgunned by anti-tank guns, Flak 88s capped while armour piercing discarding sabot the late war Cruiser, the Comet, mounted
and Panzers of the Reich. could penetrate 209mm at 500 and 192m at a a compact version of the 17 pounder with a
Experience in the North Africa showed that kilometre. slightly shorter barrel.
the 6 pounder gun would not be sufficient in The British army had been considering a low The best known of these, however, was the
dealing with new Panzer IV variants in terms silhouette self-propelled gun presumably akin Sherman Firefly, a tank conversion that was
of range, or tanks like the Tiger and Panther in to the Sturmgeschutz III it had encountered in always in demand but not produced in sufficient
terms of armour penetration. the Western Desert, but with a preference for numbers to fully supply Sherman units that
In the towed 17 pounder anti-tank gun the a rotating turret rather than a fixed gun as on were mainly stocked with the American 75mm
British army had a weapon on par with the the German models. It was with this in mind armed variants. Indeed, because of their lethal
German Pak and Flak variants of its dreaded that consideration was given to mounting the 17 main armament, the Firefly was specially
88mm gun. pounder in various vehicles. targeted by their German foe.
The 17 pounder was a highly versatile A number of options were examined with With the idea of making more 17 pounders

6 Model Military International - May 2022

mobile or self-propelled and augmenting the
Firefly tank units, the Royal Arsenal based at
Woolich set about mounting the 17 pounder
in an appropriate lighter armoured mount in
the form of the opened topped American built
M10 replacing the original 3 inch gun with the
British weapon.
The M10 became available in 1942,with
numbers of the earlier T70 hull variants being
adapted into Achilles in 1943, plenty of time
one would think for many of these conversions
to be made available by D-Day. Strangely,
fewer than 200 were produced by that date.
Later T71 variants of the M10 with their original
armament that could not take the weight of the
17 pounder also served with the British army in
Europe. These were were used as replacements
in Achilles units but were not held in the same
regard by their crews.
The Achilles’ D-Day highlight was when a
battery of the 62nd Anti-Tank Regiment of the
Royal Canadian Artillery engaged and destroyed
thirteen Panzer IVs and Panthers of the 12th SS
Hitlerjugend during Operation Charnwood.
The Achilles served in France, Italy and
into Germany by which time many crews had
added light armoured roofs to protect from
the elements but also hand grenades and shell The weary crew of this tank destroyer prepare to go back into action, the driver in his British army leather jerkin while a fellow crew
member wears a distinct M376 helmet introduced late in WWII. This was the same shape as the paratroop helmet.
splinters much the same way as American
forces did to their M10 and M36 Jacksons.
Achilles SP gun served in the British Army for
many years after the war with a small number
even finding their way into the ranks of the
Israeli Defence Forces. n The front of the Achilles is bedecked with spare road wheels and rubber padded track shoes. Of note is the green and black green camo
with Micky Mouse ears pattern shown to good effect here.

May 2022 - Model Military International 7

 Think Tank - 17pdr SP Achilles Walk Around

A side three quarter view of the Achilles showing spare drive wheel sprockets different than those fitted, jerry cans, ammo boxes and track cleats. Of note is the counter weight fitted to the 17 pounder on the Achilles SP.

Detail shot of the front drive sprocket and two differing solid road wheels just some of the models that Detail shot of hull and turret side stowage Ammo boxes, Jerry cans, netting, tarps and of course a
can be found on Sherman based tank destroyers with a VVSS suspension. blinking great tea pot, all strapped to the vehicle - modelers take note.

Side view of the rear engine deck showing the sold idler wheel and grouser rack found on the A rear view of the Achilles showing a number of the stowed tools and fittings vital for everyday
Achilles,M10 and M36 Jackson. maintenance, of note is the lower section of a wadding cover fitted to the exhaust area.

8 Model Military International - May 2022

The left hand side rear three quarter view of the Achilles showing to good effect the pair of large stowage bins fitted to later model M10’s and all Achilles.

A ever vigilant crew member keeping is eyes peeled

for Panzers of various marks but also tank hunter
teams armed with the dreaded Panzerfausts, the
Luftwaffe made very little appearances at Normandy
so air attack was not a concern.

Top shot of the Achilles engine deck showing the standard Sherman type deck. Of note is the very simple
barrel clamp or travel lock.

May 2022 - Model Military International 9

 Think Tank - 17pdr SP Achilles Walk Around

Close up of the rear idler and Bogie assembly, Vertical Volute Spring System (VVSS), with the “offset Detail view of the front drive sprocket showing its simple plate design with a crew spanner in place.
roller” and skid. This is the most common type that can be found on Sherman and tank destroyer variants.

The 17 pounder Achilles’ front mantlet featuring a water proofing cover. Despite this and all its stowed gear, the
clean lines of this classic tank destroyer are still obvious. Close up of the rear
of the Achilles turret
showing the stowed 17
pounder ammunition in
position and one of the
rear stowage bins.

A rear view of the Achilles open topped turret with 17 pounder ammunition stacked in rows against the rear turret. Detail shot of the large breach block of the 17 pounder gun as fitted into the Achilles turret
This would have been an extremely wet and cold spot during the winter of 1944 and 1945. complete with crew guards in place,

10 Model Military International - May 2022

A front three quarter view of an Achilles Mk.II as preserved in Latrun Here we see the uncovered mantlet and updates added by the IDF including a main searchlight fitting and French made smoke launchers
mounted on the turret sides.

The Jaffa based Achilles lacks it smoke launchers. Of interest is the rear fitted crew ladder and stowage rack.

May 2022 - Model Military International 11

 Think Tank - 17pdr SP Achilles Walk Around

The basis of the Achilles, the large front gun shield of the 17 pounder gun. Rear view of the 17 pounder gun’s breech block, This weapon had a large recoil when fired.

Side view of the 17 pounder crew station with its swivel and elevation wheels. Detail shot of the massive breech block and tidy design and layout of this weapon.

Detail image of the

quintessential 17
pounder muzzle brake,
although it looks more
like a muzzle pot than
a brake.

Left hand side view

of the 17 pounder
muzzle break on an ex
Irish Defence Forces
example.

Right hand side view of the towed 17 pounder also referred to as the Achilles by its producers.

12 Model Military International - May 2022

The 17 pounder mounted
on the Achilles somewhat
more famous cousin the
Sherman Firefly complete
with its painted pattern
designed to disguise the
length of its barrel as
devised artist Rex Whistler
then serving in the Guards
Armoured Division.

Also to utilize the 17

pounder was the A34
Comet using a compact
version of the gun.

The Archer used the

Vickers Valentine as a
basis for its 17 pounder
mount, a rather ungainly
looking vehicle, which as
in this case saw post war
use with the Egyptian army
before capture by the IDF.

A side profile of the

Archer showing its Heath
Robinson-like armoured
structure built around the
rear of the Valentine so
as to accommodate the
lengthy 17 pounder.

May 2022 - Model Military International 13

KIT PREVIEW Italeri 1:35 T-34/85 ‘Korean War’ • Kit No. 6585

The main upper hull piece.

Andy King
reports on
Italeri’s newest
T-34/85 release,
and builds the
model too.

NORTH KOREAN EXPEDITION

The turret features some weird cast effect.

A
T-34/85 has been in the hatches closed. transparent and made new grills
the Italeri catalogue for The kit has link-and-length and from heat-stretched sprue, the top
many years however a vinyl tracks included however grills were thinned using a scalpel.
new-tool kit appeared in both feature mould-pin marks, the This wasn’t a hard job and doing
2018 with this Korean War re-box vinyl tracks being the worst for this to the grills really improved
following in 2021. Inside the box them. The good news is that the the look. Also it’s worth bearing in
you get five sprues moulded in pin marks on the plastic tracks are mind that these grills got pretty
green plastic, a metal gun barrel, raised and easier to deal with, also beaten up and bent due to the
vinyl tracks, a length of string (for the upper runs of track includes crew standing on them so they
the tow cable), a sheet of etch and ‘track-sag’ so these are the ones don’t have to look perfect.
a decal sheet. to use. Having built the kit very Four colour and marking options New early-style road wheels are supplied.
The main differences between recently I can confidently report are included - three North Korean
this kit and the original release are that the link-and-length tracks fit and one Chinese T34/85 - all of
that the rear smoke discharger very well too. which are in overall green with the
drums are included and it features A photo-etched fame is provided Chinese version possibly the most
an early pattern turret and solid for the rear engine access hatch colourful as it has red stars on the
road wheels that had the rubber (part 6PE) which is very nice, turret.
tyres. however as no engine is included Decals are printed by Zanchetti
Moulding quality is pretty good in the kit so it’s pretty pointless Buccinasco and are very good
with a small amount of flash fitting it. quality-wise, indeed I had no issues
in places, mould-pin marks are The instructions direct you to applying them to my model and the
confined to out of the way areas put all the exterior detail on the white numbers I used were opaque
and there is some minor sinkage on upper hull before joining it to the even over a green background. A partial selection of interior details are offered.
a couple of parts. lower hull however I glued the hull Like I said, having built this kit
Detail is okay bearing in mind parts together first after sorting last year I was generally impressed
T-34s are pretty chunky tanks out the running gear. That way I with it and being Italeri it was
anyway but the cast texture on was able to fill and sand the large pretty quick to go together too.
the hull and turret is weird and gaps underneath where the upper I guess it’s a bit naughty to bill
really needs reworking with Mr hull sides met the lower hull and this model as having a full interior
Surfacer or similar. The air intakes not worry about destroying any when it has even less than the
on the upper hull are moulded solid details. original release so if interiors are
and there is no clear lens for the The turret does have some your thing then you need to look
headlight. interior detail (bar the periscopes elsewhere such as the Miniart
The kit’s photo-etched fret.
The original kit boasted a full in the cupola) but there is still T-34/85s that do have full (and I
interior (although it wasn’t really) a lot missing, for me anyway, mean FULL) interior details. The
but for some reason this one only so I skipped steps 16 to 19 in solid periscopes and lack of a
has about half of that included. the instructions except for the clear lens for the headlight was an
Only the turret interior, the floor Commander’s hatch. The external annoying omission but there are
beneath the turret, rear firewall fuel tanks have the handles aftermarket lenses available.
and interior suspension housings moulded on but these are solid Some of the details in this kit
are present with no drivers so I removed them and replaced are simplified but even with the
position included or periscope them with strips of sheet brass. As modest amount of scratch building
details on the inside of the mentioned the four air intake grills I have mentioned, it’s not very
commanders cupola, even putting on the upper hull are moulded solid difficult to improve the look with Turned metal barrel.
a crew figure in the turret wouldn’t so I sanded the side ones right the most basic materials and
hide the omissions so best to keep down until the plastic was almost decent references plus etch is
provided in the kit for the most
prominent part (the rear engine
grill) anyway.
Personally I enjoyed building this
kit and I hope that you do too!
Recommended! n

Thanks to The Hobby Company

Limited for the sample
www.hobbyco.net
The kit includes a choice of vinyl and link and length plastic tracks. Both suffer from ejector pin marks
on the inner surfaces.
Markings are supplied for four options.
14 Model Military International - May 2022
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FEATURE ARTICLE Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A • Kit No. 449

OFF-ROAD TRACTOR ON
ECCENTRIC FOOTWEAR Karel Sutt builds and details Plus Model’s 1:35 scale
Italian Pavesi P4/100-30A artillery tractor.

O
ne of the greatest tractors were used to haul Italian Pavesi-Tolotti of Milan. The most by the Italian Army as a gun tractor.
pleasures for any heavy artillery guns and therefore remarkable aspect of this ingenious A few of these vehicles were still
modeller is choosing it fits into my model collection. The machine was its articulated chassis in use in the Second World War.
a new model project. Obice da 305/17 De Stefano built so that the front and rear ends Interestingly, this vehicle was
Amongst a plethora of possibilities by me recently is in front of me in could move laterally and vertically able to overcome slope gradient
I eventually decided on Plus my display cabinet it looks to be almost independently of each 75 ° and provided excellent
Model’s 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A, waiting for something to haul it. other. The P4 had a four cylinder, mobility regardless of terrain.
Kit No. 449. I also wanted my next project to 7000 cc, water-cooled motor In contrast to other all-terrain
Maybe it's just me, but I have be 1:35 scale. that developed 48 horsepower at vehicles, the P4 was prohibitively
always admired everything that I could not be indifferent to 1250rpm. expensive for civilian clients so its
is a bit out of the ordinary. The these clues calling out to me. Each large diameter wheel application was mainly in the Army,
first thing that struck me was the (1300 mm) was fitted with ten where money was a secondary
bicycle-style design of the wheels, A PEEK BACK INTO HISTORY grousers that were normally folded consideration to performance.
additionally with something that The Pavesi tractor was one of the inward on the wheels, but could be Beside the Regio Esercito, the
looks like a folding claw around the earliest vehicles capable of four- folded outward to provide extra P4 served in other countries such
wheels rims. wheel drive cross-country work traction when necessary The P4 as Hungary, Bulgaria and Germany. A
The second sufficient argument was, originally as an agricultural could be easily adapted to military
for my wallet was that Pavesi machine. It was produced by requirements and was used widely

16 Model Military International - May 2022

Assembly The model as supplied.

I removed half of the fairing under both front fenders to gain a better partial view of the engine.

The most obvious place to start is the chassis even though much of it
would be invisible on the finished model. At the front of the chassis, Air vents in the bonnet of the Pavesi were moulded solid. I used a I remade hood and fender latches to be more realistic. I did the same with
the first item to receive detailing was the engine assembly. This couple of tools including a scriber, file plus mid-grit sandpaper to a lever, probably a handbrake, and its mechanism located on the driver’s
needed cables, throttle linkages, fan blades and inspection port. open the individual vents and let the air through. It took a bit of right hand.
scribing and filing but with some care you can get a good result.
May 2022 - Model Military International 17
FEATURE ARTICLE Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A • Kit No. 449

I used one of the photo-etched parts, copper wire, a little pieces of I had to repair some of the 40 foldable grousers/paddles due Part 80 is only partially usable, so I had to replace the bent resin
Evergreen‘s rod and lead wire to detail the auxiliary starter fuel tank to holes in their bodies. For this task I used Tamiya grey putty shaft with another metal one. The outer cylinder on the wire/metal
located on the upper hood. thinned slightly with blue-capped Mr Leveling Thinner. shaft was created with putty.

A folding platform is attached to the rear side of the car. I adapted a swivel I had to make bigger clamps for pioneer tools such as Detail on the wheel hubs and rims were enhanced with a scriber, file and
device to replace its resin rod with a piece of a broken drill bit, then added a the shovel and pickaxe. Parts M28 and M32 from the 0,5mm drill bit. The holes for wire spokes on the wheel’s inner side were
reinforcing bar at the platform’s deck. A pin worked very well for this purpose. included photo-etched fret are too short and don’t fit deepened to improve the fit.
the thick tools handles. It only took a moment to bend
thin aluminium strips as replacements.

I cut off one of two

connecting pins on all
parts No. 90. This made
them easier connected at
the rim. The holes and pins
are not perfectly lined up
straight from the box.

Photo-etched parts M10

have a locking function
in the system of hinged
spades and must be bent
twice to correspond with
reality. At the same time
I treated the surface with
AK Photoetch burnishing
medium.

I made a new centre for each wheel hub with more obvious screws. I equipped each headlight with two bulbs. First I drilled two shallow holes from the Having read the instruction I was a little confused how
For this task I handmade a steel dimple set. First I cut out the rear with a 0,7mm drill bit, then inserted toothpicks with paint on the tips. One bulb should I build the tail lights. In the end I used just photo-
aluminium circles with a hollow hole punch then pressed out an in each headlight I painted blue (235 Intense Blue from Abt.502 range) and the etcched part M33 and made the rest myself including
appropriate shape and finally glued the four studs in place. other Umton’s Silver shade. I depicted access to the bulbs with two lead caps. cabling. I coloured gemstone stickers with X-27 Clear Red
then glued them and finally framed them with appropriately
shaped zinco-lead sheet.

18 Model Military International - May 2022

 All parts are numbered on their mould pour-blocks and the numbers are pretty well
spatially shaped. That gave me an idea. I cut off two number 5s and glued them onto the
The reason for my uncertainty was a brake light’s bulb attached at the resin carriage under number 23. Instruction‘s page front and rear of the vehicle. This was for quick identification when the vehicles were
14 displays under number 23 a rope pulley and the aforementioned bulb is under Part No. 100. I did not find any part with disassembled in a repair plant. It might not be accurate but I thought it might be an
the number 100 in the box. interesting detail.

I completely re-scratch-built the dashboard to make it more realistic and fit better between
the sides of the hood. It was not a difficult task to make a new one with spar box alternatives.
This was painted with Vallejo Model Color 081, 004, 111,170, 029 plus Panzer Aces 301 Light
Rust and XF- 6 Copper. I equipped one of the gauges with a pointer made of 0,2mm wire and I replaced the hitch pin for the towing point with a As I studied reference photos there‘s one photo where the
instead of glass I applied drop of Mr. Hobby varnish better looking scratch built one. photoetched part M39 is mounted differently, 180° rotated in
contrast of picture in the instructions

Something extra
B At this stage the model was finished
but I felt the it still needed something
extra that didn‘t come with model but
could improve the overall impression
- perhaps a machine gun . Of course
an Italian machine gun. Unfortunately
the Fiat-Revelli modello 1914 machine
gun doesn’t exist in 1:35 scale so my
challenge was to scratch build one
along with a mount and ammo box.
I used photo-etched scrap and other
various parts from my former projects.
For the machine gun barrel MG barrel
I used ø0,2mm shortened syringe
needle inserted in a sprue polystyrene
rod depicting barrel’s cooling jacket.
Painting was done in these steps The completed machine gun. For better orientation a map should be found in any military vehicle. A simple map holder with
– Tamiya X-18 Semi-Gloss Black for one of the maps from Duplicata sheet fulfilled this requirement. Don’t worry that the map
water cooling jacket, a mix of Vallejo displays part of Germany. It is imperceptible in this scale.
77.711 Magnesium and 180 Gunmetal
Blue for the machine gun body, XF-28
Dark Copper plus XF-93, mix of X-33
Bronze with drop of XF-28 Dark
Cooper for the machine gun mount.
I must mention one pitfall. Be
careful when assembling part 74.
The delicate bull bar was difficult to
remove from the resin mould pour
block and my aging hands damaged/
broke it. Thanks to Mr. Petr Vesely
from Plus Model who generously
helped me with advice and sent
another of the same piece so I was
able to continue. A I fixed two spare links on each back fender with a screwed-on bar The inner side of the hood just beside the seats was enhanced with a pocket for small
personal items such as cigars, gloves, canteen, etc.

May 2022 - Model Military International 19

 FEATURE ARTICLE Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A • Kit No. 449

As the last improvement I equipped the To make the painting stages

car with a starting handle easier the model was built
as sub-assemblies.

Painting
B Painting of automobile kits is a somewhat more complex
operation than it is on most other types of model. It is good to
see each part as an unique in itself prior to these completed
‘uniques’ being brought together for final assembly.

First and without further ado a light coat of Mr.Surfacer 1500 was applied, purely to give the base This was left to dry completely, overnight ideally. The model subassemblies were airbrushed with a thinned
coat something to stick to other than shiny resin. coat of Vallejo Metal Color 77.712 Steel. I used Vallejo 71.061 Thinner.

I then started applying a lighter shade to the raised parts. For this so-called pre-shining I used Followed stippling in a random pattern with a piece of sponge soaked in different coloured chemicals. I used
Vallejo 77.704 Pale Burnt Metal diluted with isopropyl alcohol. The highlight colour was carefully the paint pot lid to dip the sponge in. Dab some paint on the sponge and then touch the sponge on the napkin
sprayed into the centre of each panel and fenders. For the best results try to keep the airbrush to get rid of excess paint - the less paint the better! The colour palette was used chiefly on the undersides of
nozzle close to the model. vehicle. I planned to reveal part of those aged and metal spots later.

20 Model Military International - May 2022

Weathering Continues
Before the next step based on the hairspray technique, the previous work was covered with Mr. Super Clear varnish as the protection
layer. From my experience the water will not harm the dried basecoat but I was not willing to ruin the previous effort so being in the sure
that was repeated before any next step where the hairspray entered the scene. A

As the next layer I used a mix of Tamiya acrylic XF-7+ XF-9+drop of After a one hour break most of this layer was removed with the help of a The same process was repeated on the vehicle’s upper sides.
XF-3 sprayed over the Taft hair-spray layer. This rusty shade should toothpick, flat brush and tap water. This is the usual way for the hairspray In this case I used XF-18 Medium Blue supplemented by
depict primer/under-top-colour in use of most machinery producers. technique. Vallejo Metal Color 77.712 Exhaust Manifold. I airbrushed
this metal shade over randomly masked areas shortly after I
finished the hairspray effect on the blue.

I did not pour out but applied a slightly blue mist on the sidewalls
around the seat bases. The seats were painted with Vallejo Model
Colors - cushions with 142 US Field Drab and the backrests with the
same colour with drop of 140 Flat Brown. The details of the engine are
mostly hidden from an observer’s eye but I still painted it nicely, as if
they were visible. For this precise work I used large range of colours
such as Vallejo Model Color 169,180,091,110,171,074,029 and Tamiya‘s
XF-28, X-33, XF-84. All colours were brushed with Winsor & Newton
000 fine brush. I muted a little too significant colour on the frame
with strongly diluted Vallejo Metal Color77.703.

May 2022 - Model Military International 21

FEATURE ARTICLE Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A • Kit No. 449

Here we see after I had masked the lower frames, engine space and auditorium for the crew.

I airbrushed a two-colour camouflage pattern over the vehicle. To keep the

plausibility of the Italian top colours I opted for a sand colour (70%XF-59 + 15%XF-
3 + 15%XF-2) that came on the fenders, wheels and sideways. Haphazardly mixed
green shade ( XF-67+XF-2+XF-8+XF-21) was intended only for the hood to get a
greater camo diversity. That's all accompanied by hairspray method

The sand colour on the wheel rims was carefully painted with a brush. This was a simpler The rubber sample was highlighted with a fine brush Colour unity of the wheel rim was broken up with tiny and
way then with the airbrush. Rubber wheel lining was painted with XF-85 Rubber Black. and ash grey pigment. This was applied to the sample subtle stains. I touched some places around the rim with a
notches via Humbrol Enamel Thinner and fixed with Mig brush soaked in a mix of Umton’s Gold Ochre with Vallejo
Pigment Fixer AK Crusted Light Deposit and let it spread. The result was
controlled with a make-up sponge slightly soaked in a thinner.

The next task was unify the camouflage, to add more colour
variety and interesting tones to the surface. I applied couple of
oil filters such as Gold Ochre, Abt.235 Intense Blue and Abt. 010
Yellow all lightened with drop of Titanium Umton white and heavily
diluted with AK047 White Spirit. Those were brushed gradually to
allow twelve hours break between drying times of each layer.

The kit provides a decal sheet where you can find two
doubled different registration plates. For one of those pairs I
wanted two registration plate holders as well so made them
from thin aluminium strip.

Weathering of the interior

was almost finished. It was
only left to add some touches
with a thin brush soaked in
AK‘s Moss Deposits / Light,
Mid, Dark Rust Deposits and
Rust Streaks. To tone down
the appearance I used fading
technique of randomly
applying dots on the inner
sidewalls of the vehicle. The
I used a Kingdom of Italy flag from Combat Miniatures. The paint was them blended with
1°Reggimento and inscription Torino from Yellow House a flat wide brush moistened
Club decal were custom made and originally intended for with white spirit applied in
a Fiat 2000 tank. I applied a coat of gloss varnish to place a vertical motion, almost to
the decals with the help of Mr. Mark Setter and Softer for be unseen.
perfect adherence to the surface.

22 Model Military International - May 2022

The final appearance work on the the grousers was light blue and reddish I then continued with a green colour applied with a piece To redefine detail and to simulate areas of bare metal on the
oil colours. I applied these colours with a 1.5mm eyelash Micro Brush. of sponge. With the same green I refreshed the wheel’s rim grousers, I dry brushed the highest edges with a silver pencil -
design, only touched very gently and the result controlled with Albrecht Dürer-Faber Castell - in combination with a common
a moistened make-up sponge. graphite pencil.

I prepared a home-
made so called
This was
Wauchop mixture
followed by a
of Umton‘s Iron
general wash
Oxide Black + Burnt
to deepen the
Sienna and drop of
details on the
Light Vermillion oils.
wheels…
When partially dry I
moistened AK047 with
white spirit applied
with a make-up
sponge, brush and
napkin to remove
most of the excess.
I partly removed the
top colour including
underlayers from
some of the wheel’s
wires with the help
of isopropyl-alcohol.
This is an easy, quick
…and a pin and effective way to
wash on the remove unwanted
rest of the elements. It helped
vehicle. the final wheel
appearance greatly.

During one of the drying

periods I blackened the copper
wires with AK Burnishing
Medium. They are intended as
the connection rods between
“theTheearliest
Pavesi tractor was one of
vehicles capable of
both carts located under the
frames and I'd guess as one of four-wheel drive cross-country
the control device’s elements.
Not to waste the burnishing
liquid I used a shortened brush
work was, originally as an
container flatted and welded
agricultural machine...
on one of the sides.

The front bumper is an ideal

place to add some chips of the
”
most varied shapes and sizes.
All were painted one by one
with Vallejo Metal Colors and
rest in camo colours, hairspray
assisted of course. By the way,
I saved the rest of the colours
in syringes for future projects.
The green colour was sealed
airtight in syringe for two
years, which I now use without
any problem.

I made two connecting rods/shafts from steel rod to hold both carts together.

May 2022 - Model Military International 23

FEATURE ARTICLE Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A • Kit No. 449

Time to get the sub-assemblies together.

Be careful of the alignment of both carts. Test fit all parts thoroughly
before you even think of glue. Check the fit of everything. Twice.

24 Model Military International - May 2022

 BASE
B For the base (this can’t be described as a diorama
as it’s so basic) I put a layer of thick PVA adhesive
onto a cover deck from my favourite chocolate
ice cream and added crushed sandstones plus
the same brand sand to provide some texture
to represent the ground where the oddly spoked
wheels will find application.
I reinforced the inner cover with a mixture of
gypsum, water and a little white glue. A cheap
varnish was used. Tamiya XF-64 and XF-59 were
airbrushed to decorate the frame. A

I did not plan anything more complicated than a simple base.

May 2022 - Model Military International 25

FEATURE ARTICLE Plus Model 1:35 Pavesi P4/100-30A • Kit No. 449

“were
A few of these vehicles
still in use in the
Second World War...
”

26 Model Military International - May 2022

B CONCLUSION to build. It has certain pitfalls and
This was an interesting build even it is certainly not as easy build for
for someone whose first love isn‘t the beginner. Even so, a modeller
really wheeled vehicles. This was with a few kits under their belts
my first car model since I was should be able to finish this kit.
a teenage modelling greenhorn In summary, the fit of all the
and I enjoyed it regardless of its parts was very good indeed and
intricacy. I was also impressed by the
When I view this model from all packaging, the photo-etched fret
angles it appears to me that Plus full of small parts and last but not
Model has done an excellent job of least the subject itself which was
capturing the exotic look of this all excellent. n
odd Italian subject. It is amazing to
Communication with the
have such model next to the tanks
manufacturer during my build
and artillery on my display shelf.
was first rate.
On the other hand I’m not going Thanks Plus Model!
to say that this was the easiest kit www.plusmodel.cz

May 2022 - Model Military International 27

FEATURE ARTICLE Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät

GAMMA
Gary Edmundson builds the Panzer Concepts 1:35
scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät along with its gantry
crane in a 1916 scene on the Western Front.

I
n 1909 the Germans started to develop an up-scaled
version of their first siege gun, the 30.5cm Beta-Gerät,
since it was deemed incapable of success against the new
steel & concrete fortifications of the French and Belgians.
The result was the enormous 42cm Gamma-Gerät which
weighed 150 metric tons and had to be emplaced using rail
lines and a 25-ton gantry crane. The gun platform had to be
placed on a foundation of steel and timber which was set in
an excavated pit. Ten of these weapons were built before and
during the Great War, used on both the eastern and western
fronts. One 42cm Gamma-Gerät survived and was used by the
German army in World War Two, against Liege in Belgium, and
then later in the siege of Sevastopol.
I bought the Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale model of this
Artillery piece as soon as it was released, along with the
gantry crane and built the model to represent one in place on
the Western Front in 1916. A

28 Model Military International - May 2022

A-GERÄT

May 2022 - Model Military International 29

 FEATURE ARTICLE Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät

B THE KIT
Having recently built the Panzer
Concepts 28cm ‘Bruno’ rail gun, I was
surprised to see most of the parts in
this kit being direct 3D printed, with
the majority mounted on their many
supports. There were a few of the larger
parts that were resin castings, and also
included was some styrene rod. The
instruction sheets for both crane and
gun were downloaded PDF files through
the Panzer Concepts website. After
checking through the instruction sheet
thoroughly and identifying all of the
parts when my kit arrived, I found that The kit parts consisted
the two small elevating gears for the gun mainly of high resolution
were missing, and after corresponding 3D printed resin.
with Panzer Concepts I was sent some in
the mail, along with a few other delicate
extras that may have come in handy if I’d
broken them.
A small amount of the printed parts
had some course “grain” lines, where
they’d been perhaps printed at a lower
resolution than others. Happily there
were few of these, and some careful
scraping with a sharp blade cleaned up
the worst of them.
I have to admit that care was needed
when trimming the more brittle resin of
the 3D printed parts, as they wouldn’t Clamps helped align the main gun supports when gluing the Test-fitting was important to check throughout early stages of construction.
take much stress, and I had to glue back structure together.
together a number of smaller parts that
snapped apart as I worked with them.
There was a mountain of the small sup-
ports to remove, and being brittle they
seem to have flown everywhere when
I cut through them with pliers. I’m still
finding them all over. Any careful sepa-
rating was done slowly with a razor saw.
As with a lot of resin, there was some
warping of both cast and 3D printed
parts. I was able to straighten out
everything by immersing the parts in hot
water, and then bending them back into
shape against the cool surface of my
kitchen counter top. The locking mechanism of the gun breech was replicated beautifully. Fine detail was also replicated on the outside of the gun breech.

Although difficult to see in the final model, the area

underneath the gun cradle is accurately detailed.
Several sizes of styrene rod
were used to make the various
drive shafts on the model.

30 Model Military International - May 2022

The printed instruction sheet from a PDF file from Panzer Concepts Cast resin connectors were drilled out just big enough to firmly grip Left side handrails.
website contained a guide to cut and bend the brass rods for the the 0.8mm brass rod for the railings.
handrails.

Right side handrails

CONSTRUCTION OF THE GUN & PLATFORM
The gun’s main support frame was put
together with the help of small clamps, plac-
ing the gun cradle in position to keep every-
thing properly aligned. With a large amount
of super glue needed for these parts, a fair
bit of test-fitting was carried out to make
sure it would all line up in one try.
There were a couple of small grab
handles needed for the front and rear of
the gun support, which were bent from
0.5mm brass wire, and glued into pre- Brass wire 0.5mm and a Hold & Fold tool were
drilled holes. My miniature drill set came in used to make numerous handles.
handy for this. There were numerous larger
(2-3mm) holes to drill out in the process
of building the kit, a lot of them called
out in millimetres or fractions there of.
Surprisingly the local hardware shops didn’t
carry metric drill bits, but Amazon is a great
source of those things, and I had a lovely
set delivered to my door in three days.
One advantage of the instruction guide
provided by Panzer Concepts are the
numerous “in construction” photos of a
build by the owner BJ DeBekker. These
proved useful when a discrepancy popped
up with part orientation or the size of rod/ The kit of the 25t Crane was all 3D printed resin parts. Removal of the many supports was tedious, and had to be done carefully due
wire needed in certain steps. The fine to the brittle nature of the resin.
traverse adjustment rods were called out
as 0.5mm, but it was obvious from photos
(and actual references) they should be at
Rail lines for the Some smaller
least 0.8mm, for example. crane were cast detail was broken
After straightening the platform sections in resin, and the off the main parts,
for the main gun support frame, they were roller-chains had and was replaced
cemented in place and fit quite well. I left very fine detail. with copper wire.
off all small parts like the hand wheels,
gun sight and crank handles until the end
of construction, because I know I’d break
them off during handling otherwise.
Veering from the suggested sequence in
the guide, I added the hand rails to the gun
mount platform sections before attaching
the ammunition ramp sub-assembly. The
individual pieces of 0.8mm brass rod railing
were cut using a printed-off page from
the instruction PDF file. Unfortunately I’d
selected “fit to page” for the print-out,
Construction of the crane involved pinning together
and ended up cutting the entire bunch at a
the many parts with styrene and brass rods.
smaller scale than needed. Thankfully most
of the lengths were salvaged when I printed
out the proper size and mixed & matched
what was needed, and bent new pieces for
the ladders and gun breach area. I believe I
used a full pack of five 12 inch lengths.
The sections of railing are joined by resin
cast connectors and ends, which I drilled
out just enough to allow the 0.8mm rod to
Once aligned on its track,
be tight enough to hold firmly. This allowed all of the pinned joints
The chain sections had to be secured with super
fitting and adjusting the height and length glue, and a section of it was shown “lifted” so as could be set securely with
of the railing to achieve proper alignment. A to not drag on the ground. super glue.

May 2022 - Model Military International 31

 FEATURE ARTICLE Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät

B AMMUNITION RAMP MAIN GUN nature of the resin some small handles were
After straightening the sides of the ammunition The gun assembly was straightforward with broken off which I replaced with copper wire.
ramp, it was assembled around the three middle the resin barrel fitting the 3D printed housing The crane was pieced together by drilling
components with super glue. There was a so well that it didn’t need any glue. The cast and pinning the numerous joints, and to prepare
discrepancy with the orientation of the upper breech assembly is a model in itself, with the everything properly before using the super
part B12, which showed a cable pulley facing lines of stepped steel for the locking mechanism glue, virtually all if it had to be loosely pinned
forward as opposed to the photo of the build beautifully rendered in miniature. together to check proper alignment. It seemed
in the instruction guide. A quick PM to Panzer The rear breech assembly was cemented in like dealing with wet noodles before anything
Concepts solved the question - the instruction place, and the small amount of gap was filled was cemented into place, and even after I’d
guide was correct and the the pulley sits at the with epoxy putty. I tried using Magic Sculpt for determined all was straight and applied the
front of the assembly. the first time (instead of my go-to Aves brand) super glue, there was still a slight mis-alignment
A small trolly sits at the upper rear of the and was pleased with how it mixed up and of the assembly. This was rectified at the end,
ramp’s platform, and I noticed two small handles applied with my silicon tipped sculpting tools. when I had the track sections on which the
on it in the diagram. These were not present The underside of the gun assembly has crane sat fastened to the base of the diorama,
on the part itself, so I made them from 0.5mm plenty of added detail, and thin solder wire and pinned each wheel in place using 0.5mm
brass wire. was used to make an oil line. Ten small oil pots brass wire.
The instruction sheet does call for brass were cemented in place on the top of the gun The chain sections were little works of art,
rod or wire for the ammunition trolley that cradle which I may have chopped off the runner replicating the heavy rolling chain as one would
sits at the bottom of the ramp, and I believe it making them a bit short, but not that noticeable. find on a bicycle, but of course much larger. The
should be thinner than the 0.5mm asked for, The geared elevation arcs on either side were support tackle was raised and lowered using
so I used 0.3mm tubing which I had handy. This reinforced with lengths of 0.8mm brass wire large winches on each side.
same tubing was also used for the ammunition making the whole assembly quite rigid.
transport trolley that delivered the shells and PAINTING THE SUB-ASSEMBLIES
charges on a small rail line coming from the left BUILDING THE CRANE Beginning with an overall coat of Tamiya’s XF-1
of the gun platform. The entire kit of the 25t crane (bought as a Flat Black to darken the recesses of the model,
There were cables to add to the pulley separate item) was 3D printed parts, apart for the gun, platform and ammo ramp I built up
mechanisms on each side of the ramp, and from the 3mm tubing needed for the four a colour of Field Grey using several thin coats of
one long one in the middle that winched up long supports front and rear. Most of the time XF-22 RLM Grey diluted down by 1:3 parts paint
the trolley that held the warhead and powder needed building the crane was spent trimming to thinner. I left the overall finish to look a bit
charge. For this I used a thick style of stretchy away the many supports from the parts. Some mottled, and allowed the detail to stand above
EZ-Line thread, drilling holes with a 0.5mm drill of the parts did show a fair amount of ridges the shadows. To add to the mottled appearance,
and cementing with super glue. due to the printing process. Due to the brittle I airbrushed a lighter shade of the XF-22, adding
a few drops of XF-55 Deck Tan, through a RB
Productions etched metal splatter screen.
This was done randomly, holding the screen at
various distances from the model’s surface, and

Ammunition was led to the gun along a short section of rail on Planks of wood that ran the perimeter of the base were cut from thin
a trolley. Small parts that did not print off well were added with balsa using a Cutter from RPToolz.
styrene sheet.

Before any painting commenced,

the layout of the model was
checked n a plywood base cut
for the diorama display.

32 Model Military International - May 2022

Shown in its black pre-shade undercoating, the ammunition ramp
had cables added using thick EZ-Line thread.

doing the same with the distance of the airbrush

tip from the screen. Any results that looked harsh The subassemblies of the gun were painted with several thin coats of Tamiya XF-22 RLM Grey.
or odd, I sprayed over again to blend it out with
the original XF-22 colour. I did leave the back
platform area black, since more brass railing work
had to be added once the ammo ramp was added.
I had to paint and weather the winched
ammunition trolley before cementing it onto the
ramp, along with the rear of the gun’s platform
because these areas would be difficult to access
after the ramp was put in place.
The gun was painted as per the base and
mount. I left the breech flat black, and rubbed on
Uschi’s metal polishing powder Steel type 4009.
This was applied to both inside and outside of the
breech area, imparting a nice metal appearance.
I decided to paint the crane assembly using
a neutral grey to give a bit of variation to the
overall scene I was creating. Again starting with a
flat black undercoat, I sprayed on a dilute mix of
Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey in thin layers, building
The two carriages used to handle the ammunition were painted and weathered before the the one on the right had to be added to the ammo ramp.
the colour up over a few sessions. I always have to
judge the level of colour after the paint has dried,
and later come back to consider the results with
fresh eyes.

COMBINING THE GUN MOUNT PLATFORM AND THE AMMO RAMP

I cemented the upper gun mount assembly to
the large base ensuring it was centred correctly.
There was enough super glue on it to make a very
large, permanent bond. The ammunition ramp was
secured to the main structure in two places using
3mm rods which had to line up, which thankfully
they did. The upper rod sat buried inside some of
the structure, and I had to fit a slightly narrower
rod into place trying to coax it into place with
tweezers, cementing the joints using super glue on
the end of a piece of wire to reach them.
With these two assemblies joined securely I
was now able to finish building the brass railing
sections at the back, keeping them level and
straight with the existing ones at the forward
section of the platforms. I chose to keep the
swinging section by the breech closed since it With the ramp added to the gun mount, the entire assembly could now be completed.
looked more tidy. This piece of railing swung
around to allow the breech to fully open,
and formed a bar over the stair access when
positioned that way. Although the kit provides a
nicely rendered hinge for this, it was fragile and
mine broke after a few swings and had to be glued
permanently in place. With the railings complete,
the rest of the assembly could be painted to
match the rest.
I have always added a protective coat of
Tamiya X-22 gloss over the initial paintwork.
In addition to safeguarding the finish during
handling, it adds a realistic sheen to parts like the
gun barrel, for instance. A The left of the structure, showing the addition of the ladder and Now that the handrails and ladders had been installed and aligned to
remaining handrails. the ones installed earlier, the rest of the structure could be painted
and weathered.

May 2022 - Model Military International 33

 FEATURE ARTICLE Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät

B WEATHERING paintwork show an accumulation of dirt. since any mineral spirit treatment afterward
For me, the entire painting process involves To spot-wash the entire model (including would dissolve the silver enamel and leave an
a beginning to the weathered look of a model. the crane) took several sessions of doing irreversible mess.
After using the previously mentioned splatter small areas at a time. Successive bouts of the Also added throughout the weathering
masks to add a mottled look to the paint finish, I acrylic dirt being airbrushed here and there, process were paint chips, where I randomly
airbrushed the lower parts of the gun assembly and spot-washes with the diluted oil paints added tiny patches of dark grey with the tip of
and crane with a mix I refer to as “greyish dirt” were repeated, each time enhancing detail and a 000 brush. These were placed anywhere that
made up from earth coloured left-over Tamiya building on the weathered look. Since these the crew would work climbing on the structure
acrylic. This mix is an accumulation of colour artillery pieces were subject to the damp and handling the heavy ammunition etc.
that I add to when dumping a few drops of climate of Europe, I added Burnt Sienna oil One of the final steps of the process involved
acrylic when finishing a painting session. paint to some of the final spot-washes to give a the addition of chalk pastel powders of various
The addition of this colour gives a dusty rusting effect. The tread plate of the platforms tones and colours. Since these can have a very
look to everything, and although concentrated were given more of a rusty weathering than the stark effect, very small amounts were placed on
more near the bottom, it essentially goes gun, for example. The metal would have been the appropriate areas of the model using an old
everywhere. I also use a fine setting on the more flimsy, well worn, and the gun would have fine tipped brush, and lightly dusted into place,
airbrush and add vertical streaks to bring been more protected from the elements. blending the appearance, then adding more
in subtle staining effects. I also gave the I added a metallized look to emulate freshly where needed. Earth colours for dirt, and brown
horizontal surfaces a fine airbrushing of a worn paintwork to the tops of the railings and & orange for rust were mostly used, making sure
lighter colour mixed from the base of X-22, the breech area by drybrushing silver enamel they were placed everywhere they were needed
which gave a faded effect to the paint. that had been toned down with raw umber oil for an overall balanced look. I took photos and
Next, the model got an overall wash of dark paint. Also receiving this treatment was the reviewed them just to see the progress through
oil paint around the details. I mixed up a diluted large rolling chain sections on the crane. I a slightly different set of eyes, then modified
amount of Winsor & Newton Series 1 black and leave this stage to near the end of the process, things based on the reassessment.
raw umber with some mineral
spirits and after soaking a
small area to work with clean
mineral spirit, added the paint
with a fine tipped brush. The
paint soaked into just the edges
of detail, and was left to dry
for about 20 minutes. Some
modellers refer to this as spot-
washing. When the spirits have
dried somewhat, a wider brush,
slightly dampened with the
spirits is passed over the area
again, blending out any tide
marks, and dragged downward
Finally all of the smaller
to add to the staining effects. items could be added at
This process enhances detail, the end of construction like
and begins to make the hand wheels, gun sight, and
the side caps for the gun
mount, all painted in situ.

The weathering process involved

countless steps of the addition of
oil paint washes, pastel chalks,
dry brushing, and paint chips.

34 Model Military International - May 2022

FIGURES AND DIORAMA BASE
I wanted to depict the artillery gun with the
crane positioned just behind, and some crew
members placed here and there to give some
life to the big scene, and also show a size
perspective showing how large this equipment
was. The foundation structure for the gun
mount (buried underground) was an optional
part of the kit package available separately,
but I just wanted the upper section, and found
an illustration in Osprey’s book “42cm “Big Several figures were constructed for the diorama using various parts from numerous manufacturers. Heads were painted separately using Vallejo
Bertha” And German Siege Artillery Of World acrylics.
War I” which presented exactly how I wanted
to display my model.
I have constantly had a difficult time finding
figures for WW1 dioramas, and for this model I
needed at least half a dozen crew members to
meet my needs. By combining a few parts from
various manufacturers, I was able to make up
an adequate crew and made use of some newly
acquired resin heads from a manufacturer in
Germany called Jon Smith Modellbau. They
were beautifully sculpted and had a variety
of different positions of their cloth caps, seen
typically of the troops manning these guns. I
also made use of some Dragon Models WW2
German Artillery Crew parts, adding mostly The figure’s uniforms were first base coated in flat black, then airbrushed with a mix of Vallejo Field Blue and Field Grey.
arms and legs to create the poses I needed.
When I thought my diorama was finished, I
had my wife examine the display. After careful
judgment, she suggested that two additional
figures were needed at the rear, to balance
the diorama as a whole. As a result, I built and
painted eight figures which was more than
planned but made the resulting work that
much better. In addition to the many bits and
pieces I used to construct these miniatures, I
used Magic Sculpt epoxy putty to fill gaps and
reshape areas as needed.
The figures were painted with Vallejo
acrylics after base coating the uniforms in flat Shading, highlighting and details were picked out with Various Vallejo acrylics.
black. For the early War Field Grey I combined
Vallejo Field Blue 70.964 with their German
WW2 Field Grey 70.830. Artillery troops
had a black band on their field caps (I had
erroneously painted my Big Bertha crew with
red ones on a previous project). The faces
and hands were base coated in Vallejo Beige
Red 70.804, and shaded and highlighted with
variations of that base colour.
I laid the model out on a plywood base cut
to 20” x 9.5” making sure it was set at an
angle. One of the most fundamental points in
diorama layout is not to have a subject set
parallel to the edge of the base, in my opinion.
I chopped several miniature wooden planks
from thin balsa wood using my newly acquired
The officer was made of parts This figure has a head from Jon Smith The figures’ head gear sports black head-bands used by the artillery
RPToolz Cutter (a very well-made replacement
from Dragon, ICM, Warriors and Modellbau featuring service-issue branch.
for my well worn out Chopper). These planks Model Cellar. spectacles that have elastic supports
ran the perimeter of the gun’s base, covering suitable for use with a gas mask.
the foundation and rail lines used when this
equipment was assembled. Once glued in place
around the base, the balsa pieces were stained
darker with thinned oil paint using Ochre, Raw
Umber, Burnt Sienna. They were given random
amounts of paint to give a realistic look, after
which some stains and spills were added using
some diluted black oil paint which was soaked
into a larger brush, and “flicked” onto the area
by tapping the bristles.
The rail lines for the crane were positioned
and cut at the very edge of the base. I drilled
holes in the resin rail lines and set them onto
the base with brass wire for a firm support
for the crane, which I also secured to the lines
with small segments of brass wire. A Coloured Celluclay was spread onto the base after fastening down the crane rails and perimeter for the gun mount.

May 2022 - Model Military International 35

 FEATURE ARTICLE Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät

B Celluclay papier-mâché was mixed with some

water, white glue and Liquitex raw sienna &
burnt umber acrylic paint and spread very
thinly over all. With the groundwork still wet,
I added some sand and grit, along with some
Forest Litter from Hudson & Allen. The edges
of the base were trimmed using strips of black
artist’s matte board purchased at a local
picture framing shop.

CONCLUSION
At the end of the project, I sent BJ DeBekker
some notes on the instruction discrepancies
I had found. BJ was most helpful with any
queries I had about the kit, and it was great to
help out in return by doing that.
In summary I’m happy that I decided to
purchase the 25t crane associated with this
artillery piece, and added the number of figures
necessary to bring it to life. This kit by Panzer
Concepts was well researched and produced,
giving modellers a very accurate representation
in miniature of this iconic piece of artillery. n

Modelspec Hudson & Allen forest litter and other fine grit was added to the groundwork.

Panzer Concepts 1:35 scale 42cm Gamma-Gerät with 25t Crane

Figures and Accessories Used:
• Jon Smith Modellbau 1:35 German Heads with Field Cap GSSH03
• Master Box British and German soldiers, Somme Battle, 1916 MB35158
• ICM 1:35 scale WW1 German Infantry 35679
• Dragon Models German Field Howitzer Gun Crew 6461
Tools and Materials Used:
• Tamiya Basic Putty
• Walter Products 3.5x - 90x Trinocular Stereo Microscope with a 144LED
ring light WP-1AFZ-IFR07-5N
• Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes
• Tiger razor saw
• Magic Sculpt epoxy putty
• Tamiya Extra Fine Cement
• Lepage Super Glue Liquid Pro adhesive
• Lepage Multi-Purpose white glue
• Celluclay papier-mâché
• Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CRplus Airbrush
• Tamiya Masking Tape
• RPToolz Cutter
• Micro drill set
• 0.5mm brass wire
• Evergreen styrene rod (various sizes) Earth coloured pastel chalk powder was brushed onto horizontal surfaces such as the walkways.
• K&S 0.032” brass rod #8160
Paints and Finishing Products Used:
• Tamiya Acrylic paints and thinner as listed in the paint callouts.
• Winsor & Newton Oil Paint Series 1 554 Raw Umber, 331 Ivory Black,
• Vallejo Acrylic paints as listed in the paint callouts
• Testors ModelMaster enamel Silver Chrome trim
• Rembrandt artists chalk pastels
• Liquitex Raw Sienna and Burnt Umber acrylic paint.
• Uschi Steel Type polishing powder Item 4009
• Mineral Spirit thinner
• Hudson & Allen Forest Litter
References:
• Osprey New Vangard #205 42cm “Big Bertha” and German Siege
Artillery of World War 1 by M.Romanych & M.Rupp
• Various images supplied by Panzer Concepts owner BJ DeBekker

I chose to use a 42cm warhead already built and painted but left over from a previous project.
Orange chalk pastel was used to simulate rust deposits on the rail lines

36 Model Military International - May 2022

The crane was pinned to the rails using 0.5mm brass wire form a strong support. All of the figures were pinned to their places using brass wire.

The rolling chains on the

crane were dry brushed
with silver enamel to
create a metallic sheen.

May 2022 - Model Military International 37

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FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 M18 U.S. Tank Destroyer • Kit No. 35376

SPORTS CAR
TANK DESTROYE
PART TWO - PAINTING, WEATHERING AND FIGURES
Brett Green paints
and weathers
Tamiya’s 1:35 scale
M18 Hellcat U.S. Tank
Destroyer, also adding
a hodge-podge crew.

L
ast time Brett built Tamiya’s 1:35 scale
M18 Hellcat U.S. Tank Destroyer. We pick
up the story with painting.

PAINTING
I recently picked up a can of Vallejo’s 28005
Aerosol US Olive Drab. This is presented in
a big 400 ml can, and includes two spray
nozzles – one (relatively) fine and one with a
wider spray pattern. I was curious to see how
it performed.
I sprayed straight onto the bare plastic
using the small nozzle. The paint went on
smoothly and quite specifically directed
without much billowing vapor.
The paint dried to a very smooth flat finish
within minutes of being placed outside in the
Sydney summer sun. I was very happy with the
colour and the toughness of this base colour.
A mix of Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab and
XF-60 Dark Yellow was sprayed in streaks and
spots on the hull and turret. This represented
both highlights and light dust.
Next, the mantlet cover was brush painted
with Vallejo Panzer Aces 314 – Canvas.
A pale olive mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces
315 Light Mud and 318 Highlight US Army
Tank Crew was then dry-brushed over raised
structural features. Tools and tracks were now
picked out with Vallejo acrylics.
Following two coats of Future floor polish,
Tamiya’s Panel Line Access Colour (Dark
Brown) was selectively brushed over raised
and recessed features. I used a 50/50 mix of
Vallejo Panzer Aces 310 Old Wood and 311 New
Wood for the tool handles.
Decals were applied over the glossy Future
coat too. They performed perfectly.
The basic paint job was sealed with two
coats of Winsor & Newton Galeria Flat Varnish. A

40 Model Military International - May 2022

ER

May 2022 - Model Military International 41

FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 M18 U.S. Tank Destroyer • Kit No. 35376

I liked the Tamiya figure

but I wanted to depict
a more complete crew.
I originally assembled
and painted these guys
for Tasca’s M4A3E2
Sherman back in 2015.
The kit-supplied figure.

Painting is underway.
Various Vallejo acrylics
were used her, all
applied by brush.

The completed
standalone figure.

I recently picked up a can of Vallejo’s 28005

Aerosol US Olive Drab and used it on my
Hellcat. I was impressed with the results.

A mix of Tamiya XF-51 Khaki Drab

and XF-60 Dark Yellow was sprayed
in streaks and spots on the hull
and turret. This represented both
highlights and light dust.

“ I really wanted to crew up my

Hellcat so I took a look at what I
had that might fit into the tight
confines of its turret...
”

Stains and shadows were

airbrushed using a thin mix of
Tamiya’s acrylic XF-1 Flat Black
The mantlet cover was brush painted and XF-79 Linoleum Deck Brown.
with Vallejo Panzer Aces 314 – Canvas.

42 Model Military International - May 2022

 A pale olive mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 315 Light
Mud and 318 Highlight US Army Tank Crew was
dry-brushed over raised structural features.

The raw dry-brushed result.

This will be tined down later.

Following two coats of Future floor polish,

Tamiya’s Panel Line Access Colour (Dark
Brown) was selectively brushed over
raised and recessed features.

Tools and tracks were now

picked out with Vallejo acrylics.

I used a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Panzer

Aces 310 Old Wood and 311 New
Wood for the tool handles.

The decals and basic

paint job are done.

May 2022 - Model Military International 43

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 M18 U.S. Tank Destroyer • Kit No. 35376

B AIR IDENTIFICATION An Air Identification panel was added to lend

I also decided to add an Air Identification panel some bright contrast to the otherwise drab
finish. A small section was cut from a strip
to lend some bright contrast to the otherwise of Kneadatite Blue/Yellow Epoxy Putty Tape.
drab finish.
Air Identification Panels were used in the
European Theatre from D-Day until the end
of the war as a way for Allied aircrews to The ball of mixed
distinguish German from US and British vehicles putty was then
on the ground. rolled several times
Two versions were available – either 12 feet using a glass jar,
sprinkled with
long and 28 inches wide; or a shorter 6 foot The two colours were rolled talcum powder to
long pennant. and kneaded together until avoid sticking.
I decided to paint my panel in bright orange they became a uniform green.
(Tamiya X-6 Orange) with a dark brown border.
The panel was made from Kneadatite Blue/
Yellow Epoxy Putty Tape. The two colours were
rolled and kneaded together until they become
a uniform green. The ball of mixed putty was
then rolled several times using a glass jar,
sprinkled with talcum powder to avoid sticking.
Once the putty was rolled into a flat sheet, it
was cut to size with a straight edge, lay upon
the engine deck to allow it to conform to the
lumps and bumps, and allowed to set.
Once set, it can be removed from the engine I made a simple template from a Post It Note.
The rolled Milliput was then cut to size.
deck and painted separately.

FINAL WEATHERING The rectangle of still-pliable

The engine deck was dusted with Mig Pigments, putty was laid onto the engine
although I scrubbed most of this off with a deck and gently pressed into
damp brush later on. the hills and valleys.
A layer of dust was sprayed onto the lower
hull and hull sides using heavily thinned XF-55 When the putty was allowed to
Flat Deck Tan. I was quite happy with this effect. set overnight, it was removed
Stains and shadows were airbrushed using a from the engine deck, which was
thin mix of Tamiya’s acrylic XF-1 Flat Black and then dusted with Mig Pigments.
XF-79 Linoleum Deck Brown, with an emphasis
on the upper side hull areas.
Easy Mud Item No. 21101 – Standard Light was
brushed on and then wiped off the tracks and
wheels. A

A layer of dust was sprayed onto the

lower hull and hull sides using heavily
thinned XF-55 Flat Deck Tan.

Easy Mud Item No. 21101 – Standard

Light was brushed on and wiped off
the tracks and wheels.

44 Model Military International - May 2022

 The .50 cal machine gun
has been fitted here.

The Air Identification Panel was

painted Tamiya X-26 Orange, then
masked to spray a dark brown
border. The painted panel was
then simply laid over the surface
textures of the engine deck.

I scrubbed of the The detail of the .50 cal machine gun may be appreciated here.
pigments off the
engine deck.

The supplied figure posing

next to the Hellcat.

May 2022 - Model Military International 45

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 M18 U.S. Tank Destroyer • Kit No. 35376

B FIGURES
The improvised crew figures were
Tamiya supplies a very nice single standalone
fitted into the completed model.
figure in a generic casual pose. Detail and
sculpting are excellent, as is fit.
I painted him up with Vallejo acrylics applied
by brush.
However, I really wanted to crew up my
Hellcat so I took a look at what I had that
might fit into the tight confines of its turret. I
eventually unearthed a US armour crew packed
in tissue paper and a ziplock plastic bag. These
were originally assembled and painted for
Tasca’s M4A3E2 Sherman back in 2015.
This blonde guy in the cupola is from Alpine,
the figure in the helmet from an decades-old
Yanks set, and the gunner is made up from a
Warriors upper body and a Hornet head.

CONCLUSION
This is a gorgeous depiction
of America's WWII sports-car tank destroyer.
Tamiya's M18 leaps ahead of the Academy
and AFV Club kits to be the best Hellcat in 1:35
scale - or any other scale for that matter.
Assembly is a joy with clever parts
breakdown and flawless fit.
Tamiya has delivered another instant
classic. n

Modelspec
Tamiya 1:35 M18 U.S. Tank Destroyer Kit No. 35376
Accessories Used:
• Crew Figures: Yanks Item No. 9617 (one figure)
• Alpine Miniatures Item No. 35116 – WW2 US AFV Crew Set (one figure)
• Warriors Item No. 35474 – U.S. Late War Pershing Crew (gunner’s body)
• Hornet Item No. HUH 08 – USA Tank Crews Heads WW2 (gunner’s head) A wet-looking oil wash was
applied to the road wheels
Tools and Materials: and lower hull sides.
• Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement
• Gator’s Acrylic Glue
• Milliput White Two-Part Epoxy Putty
• Revell Contacta Cement
• Selley’s Super Glue The final coat was Winsor &
• Kneadatite Blue/Yellow Epoxy Putty Tap Newton Galeria Flat Varnish.
• Iwata HP-CH Airbrush
Paints and Finishing Products:
• Vallejo 28005 Aerosol US Olive Drab
• Tamiya Spray Cans –Grey Primer; Fine White Primer.
• Tamiya Acrylic – X-26 Orange; X-27 Clear Red; XF-1 Flat Black; XF-51
Khaki Drab; XF-55 Flat Deck Tan; XF-60 Dark Yellow; XF-64 Red Brown.
• Vallejo Model Colour – 70862 Black Grey; 70863 Gunmetal Grey; 70865
Oily Steel; 919 Foundation White.
• Vallejo Panzer Aces: 310 Old Wood; 311 New Wood; 314 Canvas;
315 Light Mud; 337 Highlight Ger. (Black).
• Future Floor Polish
• Tamiya Panel Line Accent Colour (Dark Brown)
• Winsor & Newton Galeria Flat Varnish
• Easy Mud Item No. 21101 – Standard Light
• Vallejo Item No. 26807 - Diorama Effects European Thick Mud 200ml
• MIG Productions – P410 Oil and Grease Stain Mixture.
• Sepia coloured Prismacolor Pencil

3 High level of detail; superb moulding; excellent fit.

7 A few ejector pin circles here and there.
Available from
Purchased by Author
Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited
www.hobbyco.net

* Historical summary courtesy of Wikipedia

46 Model Military International - May 2022

The track pads were wiped a cloth
dipped in Rub ‘n’ Buff Pewter.
The lower front and rear hull were
flicked with an acrylic mud mixture.

The Air Identification Panel

adds a splash of colour.

May 2022 - Model Military International 47

FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 “Red Army” Matilda Mk.III/IV Infantry Tank • Kit No.35355

QUEEN OF THE DESERT

IN THE SNOW
A FISH OUT OF WATER STORY
Lukas Kasuba builds Tamiya’s well-known
1:35 scale Matilda in a less well-known finish.

T
he Matilda tank was
manufactured by Britain
and earned most of its
fame in the North African
campaign.
However, between 1941 and
1943, some 1,084 Matildas were
shipped to the Soviet Union. Only
918 were received by the Red
Army, however, as the others
likely never made it to the end
of the Arctic Convoys as a
result of German Attacks.
The Soviets received one-
third of the entire 2987
vehicle production run
of the Matilda.

IN THE BOX
Tamiya has a rich history
of Matilda tooling going
all the way back to
1973. This was the box I
originally purchased and
started but soon after that I
got my hands on most recent
release. This was the one from
2017 using a re-tooled sprue
layout compared to the 2009
boxing. This Matilda package has
all the parts from 2009 edition
minus vinyl tracks and new link
and length tracks to suit the
Soviet version. A

48 Model Military International - May 2022

 “ The Matilda tank was
manufactured by Britain and
earned most of its fame in the
North African campaign...
”
May 2022 - Model Military International 49
 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 “Red Army” Matilda Mk.III/IV Infantry Tank • Kit No.35355

B CONSTRUCTION
I’d say that it is no surprise to Put together in a jiffy, I only added little
bit of texture to main hull and primed the
say that this is what you would bogies with Mr.Hobby’s black surfacer.
typically expect from Tamiya. I
was looking for something quick to
put together as a platform for new
techniques that I have been keen Originally I was going
to try on similar subject. for resin stowage, later
I originally intended to use replaced by a wooden crate.
Aizu masking tape was used
conversion to make an Aussie to imitate the pipe wrap.
version but in the end I went for an
almost straight from the box build
with only few minor additions. I
added a metal barrel for machine
gun in the turret. This was
I primed the entire vehicle with all the pieces
mainly because I lost the plastic in place. No issues to be reported at this point
piece to carpet and I had metal so it was straight on to the green base coat.
replacement available at the time.
I added a resin wooden crate to
replace the kit’s stowage.
For the log I found little twig
on my balcony. It already had
a perfect texture so I only cut
it approximate size based on
photographs. It was then primed
together with model and painted
separately.
Most of the material used for
debris was also find on my balcony
or in nearby backyard together
with dried seagrass from AK
interactive diorama set.
Aizu masking tape was used to
represent asbestos wrap for the
pipes on the back hull.

WHITEWASH ON BRITISH GREEN First layers of green laid down.

Now for the fun part. While the
build took only one day including
a lot of procrastination and many
coffee breaks, the paint job was
going to be a different matter. I
have built white washed vehicles
before using the hairspray
technique. For this tank, armed
with new knowledge acquired
watching tutorials online, it was
time to put them to the test.
First, I lay down coat of Mr.
Hobby black surfacer 1500. Next I
prepared many shades of Tamiya’s
suggested base colour. I came up
After all the green shades.
with four batches to be applied in Ready for whitewash paint.
various steps. I started with one
that was closest to the XF-49
Khaki 1 to 2 of XF-62. Mixed with
Tamiya’s lacquer thinner, a decent
portion of X-22 clear and few
drops of Mr. Retarder Mild. This
is one of the new things I wanted
to try. The flow of the paint was
I airbrushed the entire tank with two
exceptional. This mix was used to thin layers of heavy chipping fluid
create all green base tones. from AK Interactive. Note that the
Next I created a slightly darker front mirror is missing here and the
mix using few drops of XF-69 and main headlight is still in place.
adding more thinner. I used this to
spray in all corners and dark(er)
places of the tank.
Third was the mix of lighter
version of the original adding drop
of XF-2 and XF-55 also thinned
down to give me more control over
the result.
Here I could start with giving life
to the tank. A

50 Model Military International - May 2022

 XF-2 Flat White serves
as base for Washable
White Paint. Contrasts on the turret
virtually disappeared.

No need for extra caution. Any spills

or overpaint can be easily hidden
in later steps or became part of the
weathering process.

Oils applied over

the white wash
using white spirit
to blend them.

Various shades of oils are used to add interest

Seagrass was attached by using heavily diluted PVA glue.

Note that the headlight is missing. I knocked it off but
coincidently pictures showing Matilda’s used in the East are
missing them too so I decided not to reattach it.

The unditching log was attached

using piece of string

May 2022 - Model Military International 51

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 “Red Army” Matilda Mk.III/IV Infantry Tank • Kit No.35355

Wet Fluid Effect diluted with white spirit and applied in the corners using capillarity of the surface. More blending done using oil paints where I felt it was needed.

B And finally, the fourth was

the lightest of all, creating the
highlights. This all was for the
green coat and was in some ways
exaggerated. The reason for this
is that in following steps lot of this
effect is heavily toned down and
with some muddy areas lost all Mud was applied with brush
together. Still, it makes for good and sprinkled from the bottom
airbrush exercise. towards to the top.
With this green paint exercise
out of the way it was time to
come up with white paint plan
next. I had previously only used
chipping with one type of medium
and struggled to figure out how
to use washable white paint
successfully for the task.
I started by applying two thin
layers of chipping fluid from
AK interactive. As soon as it
dried I airbrushed Tamiya XF-2
Flat White over it. I made sure
that it was almost dust like in
application. Once it had dried, I
White effects are toned down
used an old brush and started to
little bit too much at this point.
chip the paint away. I didn’t want
to keep most of the paint as the
intention was to use this as a base
for washable white in later steps.
This allowed me to be quite heavy
handed. I repeated this step once
again in places I wanted to create
more texture.

52 Model Military International - May 2022

 After this layer dried I sprayed
the entire model with light coat
All of the debris is created from of Tamiya XF-86 Flat clear. It
dead leaves found on my balcony isn’t dead flat and only served as
combined with dried seagrass. a protection from activating the
chipping fluid when washable white
was going to be brush painted.
AK interactive Washable white
paint interested me ever since it
has been announced as it sounded
like a great idea but after couple
of fails previously I tucked it away
and forgotten about it thinking that
XF-2 over hairspray or chipping
fluid is all I will ever use for these
subjects. As it happened, recently
I watched great tutorial when I
realised what I was doing wrong
and that small area approach and
brush is way to success.
I started with turret to test the
water. I applied well mixed paint
in small areas and started with
washing it off with clean water
straight away. This brought the
desirable control over the final
effect. I proceeded with same way
for the rest of the kit. Now it was
green and white it was time for
weathering. A

I used white oil paint from Abteilung to bring that whitewash feel to it. Its also allowed me to show the It looks like wither wash camouflage again.
paint streaks that would appear when hastily applied in the field.

White wash applied over the tools as well. A wooden crate replaced original stowage piece that came with the kit

May 2022 - Model Military International 53

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 “Red Army” Matilda Mk.III/IV Infantry Tank • Kit No.35355

It now looks more like

winter tank again.

B WEATHERING
Instead of a traditional pin
wash and then applying mud I went for,
let’s say a more sophisticated approach
but using mixes of various shades
prepared from oil paint and moving from
panel to panel. I originally saw this in
Mike Rinaldi’s work and though I would
add it to my range of techniques.
For mud I used mix of enamel based
products that are available on market. I
started with splashes of dry earth from
AMMO mig which I then kept darkening
as I moved through the process. This
product comes with medium density Note that from mirror came and
and those lumps of material really help went few times during the build.
with adding the realism into the mud.
To make sure the mud and dirt looked
wet, I mixed AK 017 Earth Effect from
AK Interactive with wet effect fluid
and thinned it down with white spirit.
This was sprinkled in less likely to be
wet areas and flooded where it would
accumulate over the time.
The finishing touch was Uschi’s metal
polishing powder to add some metallic
feel to the model. I usually use just
my finger to rub the edges where the
chipping is.

FIGURE
The kit is provided with two figures
posing out of opened hatches. And
although they look brilliant, I opted out
from including these in my finished
product. Something that’s on the list to
learn in the future.

CONCLUSION
If you are looking for quick build of
subject with great history this really
ticks the box. Are you looking for
something to try new things without
wanting to go all out with detailing or
base for multi aftermarket expedition? This subject was a big turnaround
Still ticks the boxes. from original idea of an Aussie version
Although Tamiya’s Matida is four but I am very happy with how all these
years old it still stands tall in comparison new techniques turned out.
with more modern releases. n

54 Model Military International - May 2022

 With fine touch of Uschi’s steel powder
and graphite stick I highlighted some of
the edges here and there.

Modelspec
Tamiya 1:35 “Red Army” Matilda Mk.III/IV
Kit No.35355
Accessories and Products Used
• Wooden crate from Value gear set No.
• Metal gun barrel from RB models
• Wooden stick from my balcony
• Aizu masking tape 1mm
• Dried Seagrass from AK interactive
Tools and Materials Used
• Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement
• Zap-a-gap super glue
• Aizu masking tape
• Harder&Steenbeck Evolution Airbrush
Paints and Weathering Materials
• Mr.Hobby surfacer black 1500
• Mr.Hobby dissolved putty
• Mr.Hobby surfacer 500
• Mr Retarder Mild
• Tamiya lacquer thinner retarder type
• Tamiya acrylics - XF-1 flat black, XF-55 Deck tan,
XF-69 Nato black,XF-62 Olive drab ,XF-49 Khaki,
XF-2 Flat white, XF-86 Flat clear, X-22 Clear
• Abteilung 502 oil paints
• AK interactive - AK089 Heavy chipping fluid, AK017
Earth effects, AK 079 wet effects fluid, AK4113 Dark
rust deposits, AK751 Washable White Paint

“ British armour sent to

the east was often hastily
• Ammo Mig - 1755 Wet ground, 1405 Dark mud, 1750
Dry earth
• Uschi vander Rosten polishing powder steel type
3 Quick build, great fit with not many parts, link
and length tracks
painted in the field with 7 None.
Available from
white wash paint often Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby
Company Limited, www.hobbyco.net and available
showing still dripping wet from all good model shops Worldwide.

all over the tank...

” May 2022 - Model Military International 55
 Incoming
CUSTOM BASES
Custom Bases in a relatively new company associated
with Creative Models Australia.
As the name implies, the new company produces a
wide range of bases in a selection of sizes, shapes,
finishes and edges.
The bases are cut from MDF with the tops and
bottoms in a large choice of veneer finishes including
simulated woodgrain and other colours and textures.
The edging is presented in smooth raw MDF.
Custom Bases' website has these parameters listed for
their custom base designs:

STANDARD SIZES - RECTANGULAR

• 750mm x 200mm
• 430mm x 210mm
• 400mm x 200mm
• 300mm x 250mm
• 300mm x 200mm
• 270mm x 200m
• 270mm x 150mm
• 220mm x 150mm
• 200mm x 120mm

STANDARD SIZES – ROUND

• 400mm Diameter
• 300mm Diameter
• 200mm Diameter
• 170mm Diameter
• 120mm Diameter

STANDARD SIZES – OVAL

• 240mm x 150mm
• 150mm x 100mm

STANDARD SIZES - SQUARE

• 300mm x 300mm
• 250mm x 250mm
• 200mm x 200mm

FINISHES
• Raw MDF
• Jarrah – Textured finish
• Cuban Wood – Textured finish
• Euro Beech – Textured finish
• Red Cherry – Textured finish

EDGING
• Straight Edge
• Cove
• Half Round
• Bevel

CUSTOM BASES HAS SUPPLIED SIX SAMPLE BASES:

• Euro Beech 120mm Round Cove AUD$8.00
• Moroso Milan - Bevel CB-O2007C AUD$6.00
• Jarrah 200 x 120mm Cove AUD$9.00
• MDF 220 x 150mm Bevel AUD$6.00
• Zinc Works - Cove CB-R30010B AUD$12.00

These are quality bases for many applications,

whether they be figure, aircraft, military or vignette.
My only nit-pick is that it would have been nice to
have some options for finishing the raw MDF edges.
Custom Bases will be a nice finishing touch to display
your handiwork, regardless of size or subject.
Thanks to Custom Bases for the sample
www.custombases.com.au

56 Model Military International - May 2022

 Incoming
A round-up of the latest news and releases in 1:72 and 1:76

VESPID MODELS
1:72 sCaLE
JagDpaNthER sD.Kfz. 173 g1 LatE pRoDUCtIoN
KIt No. Vs720010
The Jagdpanther was a tank destroyer built by introduces their first 1:72 scale Jagdpanther kit. Several styles of rear hull stowage boxes are present
Germany during World War II based on the chassis Vespid's new 1:72 scale Jagdpanther Sd.Kfz. 173 on the sprues. Options are offered for two of these
of the Panther tank. G1 Late Production comprises 258 parts in grey styles.
The Jagdpanther combined the 8.8 cm Pak 43 coloured plastic, (29 marked not for use), 46 brass Optional superstructure rooves are included too.
anti-tank gun, similar to the main gun of the Tiger photo-etched parts, one pink 3D printed part, one The differences are subtle, but the main difference
II, and the armour and suspension of the Panther turned metal gun barrel, two lengths of fine twined appears to be an extra ventilator at the front of the
chassis. metal cable and decals for two marking options. roof.
It entered service in 1944 during the later stages This is a hefty parts count for a small-scale model A full complement of on-vehicle equipment and
of the war and served on the Eastern and Western but in addition to the parts not for use, there are spare track links is supplied. A choice of metal or
Fronts. also some options that will stay in the box. plastic tow cables is offered.
During the last stages of the war, limited German In common with Vespid’s previous releases, surface The plastic parts are impressively thin and crisply
production resulted in small production numbers, textures are superb with a combination of recessed detailed, but you will need to take care when you
shortage of spare parts, and shortened crew and raised structural features as appropriate. are removing these parts from the sprues.
training periods of younger operators. Moulding is perfect on my sample. A lovely turned metal gun barrel is provided as an
There were two main variants. The earlier G1 1944 Detail is excellent too. alternative to the kit’s plastic part.
model has a small welded main gun mantlet, one- Parts breakdown is conventional. The lower hull A pink coloured 3D printed muzzle brake is also
piece Pak 43/3 gun, a modified Panther A engine is moulded in one piece including the inner lower included. It is ready to use almost straight from its
deck, and had two vision openings for the driver. hull sides. Swing arms are separate pieces and small plastic bag.
The G2 Jagdpanther used a Panther Ausf. G engine keyed to ensure the correct alignment. Markings are supplied for two options – both in
deck, a larger gun mantlet bolted externally, and a A full set of late-style 32 bolt rubber-tyred road late-war three colour camouflage.
two-piece KwK 43/4 L/71 gun. wheels are supplied. The wheels are moulded as The decals are nicely printed and in register. Vespid
Some later G1 models had 'hybrid' G2 features such a single plastic part each - no vinyl tyres, thank Models’ 1:72 scale Jagdpanther is every bit as nice
as the larger G2 mantlet as changes to the design goodness. as its Panther predecessors.
were implemented. Zimmerit was applied to G1s Link and length tracks are included. Individual links
up to September 1944, then was withdrawn to are supplied to wrap around the drive sprockets CoNCLUsIoN
decrease production time. and idler wheels, with long top and bottom runs There is hardly any compromise in detail despite
Early Jagdpanthers had two vision openings for the and a few short runs to complete the tracks. Track the small scale of this model.
driver, whereas late versions had only one. link detail is great. Of course, this results in an inevitable buildability
The main gun originally had a monobloc gun The all-new upper hull and superstructure are trade-off. There are a number of tiny plastic and
barrel, but, May 1944-on, it was gradually replaced moulded as one main piece. photo-etched parts in the box and the parts count
by an economical two-part barrel after crews The engine deck is configures as a standard early would be more typical of a 1:35 scale kit, so the
determined barrel wear was uneven.* Panther Ausf. G engine vent layout. This seems to Vespid Jagdpanther will be best suited to an
be consistent with a late-production G1. experienced modeller.
IN thE Box Photo-etched mesh is supplied for the engine deck I'm looking forward to building this one!
Vespid Models added to their impressive 1:72 scale vents.
line-up with several Panther Ausf. G kits last year. The distinctive triple exhaust is supplied for the port Thanks to Vespid for the sample
As a logical extension, Vespid’s latest release side. *Historical text adapted from Wikipedia

May 2022 - Model Military International 57

 Book Reviews

THE BATTLE OF HUE 1968 - TANKS IN THE BATTLE

FIGHT FOR THE IMPERIAL CITY OF GERMANY 1945 -
BY JAMES WILLBANKS
OSPREY CAMPAIGN 371 WESTERN FRONT
BY STEVEN ZALOGA
ISBN 978 1 4728 4471 2
2021 OSPREY NEW VANGUARD 302
ISBN 978 1 4728 4811 6
2022

The Tet New Year offensive was a surprise and a shift from North This is becoming a substantial series of NVGs from this writer on tanks in
Vietnamese and Vietcong guerrilla warfare to conventional large scale Western Europe from D-Day until the end of the Cold War. This, perhaps the
attacks nationwide, planned to overrun the cities and ignite a popular most interesting of the WWII books (with collaborator Peter Brown), has not
uprising against the South Vietnamese government and US forces. Hue, only earlier tanks remaining in service, but also new types. These included:
the old capital in the north, was symbolically important, a fortress city with for Germany, the Tiger II, Jagdpanther, Nashorn, Jagdtiger, Pz. IV/70,
ramparts, high walls, formidable gate towers, surrounded by a moat and Jagdpanzer 38, Flammpanzer 38 flamethrower, and Sturmtiger Sturmmorser;
encircled by rivers and bridges. new US tanks were the 76mm M4s, T26E1 Pershing heavy tank, M24
The Hue City Front, a division sized formation of NVA regiments, regular Chaffee, specialist tanks -Sherman DDs for river crossings, T1E2 Mine
and local VC and sappers quickly captured the city, surrounding it with Rollers, T-34 Calliope, 105mm M4 assault tanks, and M10, M36 and M18
blocking forces to prevent reinforcement of trapped ARVN, US, and Allied tank destroyers; Britain and Canada had new Cromwell and Comet tanks,
forces in the Citadel and southern city. Sherman 17 pdr Fireflies, Valentine 17 pdr Archer tank destroyers, specialist
The initial US and Allied response was confused and slow, eventually Sherman DDs and Churchill Crocodile flamethrowers.
reinforcements reaching Hue by road, helicopter and landing craft on the As German Panzershrek and Panzerfaust attacks increased, US tanks added
waterways. Largely an infantry battle, progress was slow for relief forces extra sandbag or armour plate protection while British and Canadian tanks
in the narrow streets, walled welded on track links.
compounds and houses each Allied French, Czech and
becoming tenaciously defended Polish formations get a
NVA and VC strongpoints. mention.
M48 tanks and particularly Following a history of the
useful M50 tracked recoilless final year battles of WWII,
rifle carriers led attacks blasting and tactical organisational
through thick walls. doctrine, there is an analytical
Eventually all Vietnam War review of tank strengths
munitions were deployed - and losses, and combat
teargas, artillery, naval gunfire, effectiveness of tanks of the
helicopter gunships, airstrikes combatant nations, a striking
and napalm. Only after US statistic being the huge
forces isolated the city from NVA disparity in tank numbers in
reinforcement and resupply did favour of Allied armies of 1:18
the battle begin to turn, ending at beginning 1945 to 1:60 in
a 25 day siege. the last weeks of fighting.
City plans plot progress of Of the visuals, photos of
the battle in a somewhat US new tank types and first rate
weighted narrative. Photos and artwork by Felipe Rodriguez.
artwork give a sense of the close Recommended.
quarter fighting. Thanks to Osprey for the
Recommended. sample
Thanks to Osprey for the sample www.ospreypublishing.com
www.ospreypublishing.com John Ham
John Ham

58 Model Military International - May 2022

ARMIES OF THE PANZER III
IRAN-IRAQ WAR 1980-88
BY CHRIS MCNABB
BY THOMAS ANDERSON
OSPREY PUBLISHING
ISBN 978 1 4728 4587
OSPREY ELITE 239 2022 H/B. 304PP. £35
ISBN 978 1 4728 4557 3
2022

In the biggest conventional war since 1945 that also saw Iraqi use of From the secret Kama tank
chemical weapons, Saddam Hussein seized southern Iranian oilfields and experimentation base in 1930s Russia
took control of the Shatt-el-Arab waterway when the Islamic Republic of emerged the ZW- Zugfuhrerwagen,
Iran Army, the former Imperial Army of the Shah of Persia was purged and the future Panzer III, the Wehrmacht’s
downgraded. main battle tank for much of WWII.
Both Iran cleric Ayatollah Khomeini and Saddam Hussein sought to build Designed to breakthrough enemy
large armies of loyalist troops, eventually becoming larger than the reduced lines and fight tanks, accompanying
existing national armies: for Iran the extreme fundamentalist Pasdaran and Panzer IV tanks would attack
Basij formations noted for martyrdom massed frontal assaults; and in Iraq, strongpoints and antitank guns.
the Republican Guard better trained and receiving the best equipment. The Ausf A-D were test vehicles
Much equipment for both armies came from foreign suppliers resulting for new tank technologies,
in a wide variety of types in use, and home production copies of license- particularly suspension, engines and
manufactured small arms. Although both armies had large quantities of transmission, serving in the Blitzkrieg
tanks, SPGs, APCs, and artillery – British Chieftains and Scorpion light tanks, campaigns in Czechoslovakia and
US M47, M48, M60 tanks Poland, while Ausf E became the first
acquired by Iran; and for Iraqis series production tank.
- Soviet T-54, T-55, T-62 and Evaluation and after-action reports
T-72 MBTs, PT-76 light tanks, assess outcomes against opponent
BMPs, and Scud-C and Luna-M tanks and antitank guns, and
mobile tactical rockets - much technical deficiencies in the Western
of this account is focused on Campaigns, Balkans, North African
infantry ground forces (and and Russian theatres. Continually improving enemy tanks and weapons
army helicopter squadrons), spurred innovations in guns, ammunition, armour, spaced armour, and
describing organisation, panzerschurzen, from the short 37mm to the 50mm lang gun tanks, and
recruitment, training and front Ausf N 75mm gun versions.
line service of respective combat Tactics changed to counter adversaries like T-34 and KV tanks,
formations, with only a very withholding fire until short ranges and charging through tank
brief history of the 8 year war. concentrations to turn and fire at thinner rear plates.
Photos from commercial stock Climatic challenges in North Africa and Russia motivated better engine
and artwork centre on uniforms cooling, dust filtration, wider tracks and winterketten. Panzebefhlswagen
and small arms. command tanks were early important variants. Tauchpanzer diving tanks
Recommended. intended for invading England were later used in Russian river crossings.
Thanks to Osprey for the sample Other variants include StuG assault guns, sIG SPGs, Flammpanzer III,
www.ospreypublishing.com artillery observation tanks, Bergepanzer III, and munitionpanzer.
John Ham Best of all, hundreds of photos illustrate all Ausf versions, recovery
and repair operations, river crossings, opposing tanks and weapons,
plus oddities like loudspeaker propaganda tanks, holzgaz wood gas
generators, and crane tanks.
Recommended.
Thanks to Osprey for the sample www.ospreypublishing.com
John Ham

May 2022 - Model Military International 59

 1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases
A QUESTION OF DETAIL AND RESEARCH
T
he other day I decided that I wanted to between two different steam trains. They kinda
build an aircraft. look all the same to me. It’s the same with
Some of you who read this column may detailing really. I detail my models because I
think that I must be leaving the fold, like to. For me it brings with it a certain finesse
but no, that’s not the case. I simply want to build to the piece that in a sense only another
something other than an AFV. modeller can admire, but on the other hand
The aircraft is in 1:48 scale so I haven’t strayed most punters just don’t know it’s there.
too far off the well-trodden path but as I haven’t Putting the detail and reference into
finished one for well over 25 years, I am a little perspective, it seems not many people really
rusty on the details and research. care. To give you another example, like my
I posted a profile and wartime photo of the aircraft father before me I like working with wood.
in question and enquired about the accuracy of I can admire a good mitre cut and the
the profile compared to the picture I had found. finish that only wood can achieve. I admire
One reply caught my attention and that was “If the craftsmanship of a handmade piece of
you have to try that hard to distinguish colours no anything really - it gives the piece a view of its
one has really seen with human eyes for 80 years, maker, or even soul if you will. Yes, I admire
you’re making a fun thing too hard. If it’s dark grey lots of things from design to a fine piece of
or black, who is really going to know or care?” welding or machining. I used to work with a
Now I see the posters point as sometimes I spend very talented sheet metal worker. His bends
a little too much time on research on a particular and welding were second to none. I told him
subject I’m modelling, but funnily enough I find one day that I admired his work and he said
that kind of fun. Now I’m not the sort of guy to me “it’s fun to get things right and is also
who wants to know everything like what month humbling to know that someone notices it”.
a Panzer IV was made and by what factory as I So, as far as making fun a little too hard, well
find that sort of detail not to my liking. But I do it really depends. If you are having fun doing
like to make my models as accurate as possible it then its not hard at all, is it?
irrespective of what the general public may
perceive and let’s face it, the average punter really Until next month
can’t distinguish one tank from another at any rate. Luke Pitt
It would be like someone asking me the difference

GAS HANS
LIVE RESIN T-34 WAFER TYPE TRACKS
RUSSIAN MODERN MILITARY PILOT 3 1:48 SCALE
ITEM NO. LRM-48013 ITEM NO. T48001
Keeping with the aircraft theme mentioned in my opening comments Sometimes you don’t want all the fuss of putting tracks together and let’s face
in this column it’s only fitting that I include a pilot figure it they do take a lot of time. This is where this product comes in to play, cast in
This figure from Live Resin is simply outstanding. Everything exudes just two handed pieces, they are both remarkably thin and very well detailed.
quality from the unique Russian helmet to the G suit and the way the Clean-up is well thought out too as the side that is unseen (that sounds like a
fabric folds. ThiS is an outstanding 1:48 scale figure in every way. cool name for a movie) will basically never be visible so these fill a gap when
Thanks to Live Resin for the sample https://live-resin.com most of us that are time poor.
Highly Recommended. Our thanks go out to Gas Hans (love that name by the way) and they can be
Luke Pitt contacted on the following web address www.gashans.com
Recommended.
60 Model Military International - May 2022 Luke Pitt
 Luke Pitt hosts MMI’s examination of the growing world
of 1:48 scale military models, figures and accessories.

W-MODEL
1:48 SCALE
T-64A SOVIET MAIN BATTLE TANK
ITEM NO. WE02
The first question you need to ask when looking at
this kit for the first time is, where the heck is Kit No.
WEO1, I want that too! Yes, it’s that good.
Never in a million years would I have thought this
would be produced in 1:48 scale but here it is.
W-Model’s 1:48 scale T-64A comprises well over 100
finely-cast light grey resin pieces together with a 29
piece photo-etched fret and a turned aluminium
barrel. An 8-page instruction leaflet is also included.
After my initial excitement when opening the box, I
discovered that this tank was not all that large and
indeed a good deal smaller for instance than the T-72.
The parts suffer from some warpage, but these can
easily be rectified by the hot water method.
The hull is broken down into three main parts, these
being the lower hull and a two-piece upper hull.
When the casting blocks are removed a noticeable
gap between the upper and lower hulls is evident but
is largely covered by the cleverly designed two-piece
mud guard/toolbox combination. That’s not to say
some filling and hot water manipulation won’t be
required as that is generally the case with resin kits of
this nature. The roadwheels are supported by induvial
swing arms with their mounting to the hull having a
square locating plug to ensure the correct height and
angle degree.
The roadwheels are very well detailed with the correct
hub shape. The turret is a two-piece affair with the
upper and lower being supplied as separate parts.
Both the Commander’s and loader’s hatches are
separate and have detail on both the outer and inner
surfaces which in itself rare in a kit of this nature.
The tracks are worth mentioning as they are of a
soft flexible resin and cone in six sections. They are
wonderfully thin and very well detailed and are meant
to be flexible enough to bend round the front idler
and rear drive sprocket. I’m still a little unsure how
this will work when building but thinking out loud
you could cut and super glue the tracks to fit.
In-box reviews are just observations and my
observations on this kit are pretty positive. By year’s
end I should have this built so stay tuned.
Our thanks go out to W-model for providing
the review sample and this kit can be ordered
directly from them on the following e-mail address
wmodelkits@gmail.com
wmodelkitwmodelkits@gmail.coms@gmail.com
Highly Recommended.
Luke Pitt

May 2022 - Model Military International 61

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 Contact Details - for companies featured in MMI...
ACCURATE ARMOUR/ DARTMOOR MILITARY MODELS MDC SCHATTON BARRELS
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION Haylis cottage, Budlake, Broadclyst Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany
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sales@hannants.co.uk Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, www.craftknives.com
BADGER AIR-BRUSH COMPANY Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
9128W Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 HIROBOY (Zero Paints) www.monroeperdu.com TAMIYA JAPAN
Tel; 847/678-3104 A1 Astwood Business Centre, Staverton Connection, Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku,
www.badgerairbrush.com Gloucester Road, Staverton, Cheltenham, GL51 0TF ORDNANCE MODELS Shizuoka 422-8610 JAPAN
email info@badgerairbrush.com Tel: 01684 252310 (UK office hours only) Via; www.steelmodels.com www.tamiya.com
(In the UK from www.shesto.co.uk) www.hiroboy.com
PACIFIC COAST MODELS TAMIYA UK;
BISON DECALS HISTOREX AGENTS Tel; 001 707 538 4850 THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED
Available from www.hannants.co.uk and Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, info@pacmodels.com Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK
www.pdi-model-supplies.com Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK www.pacmodels.com Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666
Tel; 01304 206720 enquiries@hobbyco.net
BLAST MODELS Fax; 01304 204528. PANZERWRECKS www.hobbyco.net
Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com www.historex-agents.co.uk PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK
sales@historex-agents.co.uk www.panzerwrecks.com TRUMPETER
BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE www.trumpeter-china.com
Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est HOBBYLINK JAPAN PARAGRAFIX Pocketbond in the UK
Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1, 104 County Street, Suite 101, Attleboro MA 02703 USA
Tel; 01299 823330 Tochigi 327-0813, Japan Tel: +1 508.431.9800 VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS
Fax; 01299 829970 www.hlj.com http://www.paragrafix.biz (Historex in UK)
info@bookworldws.co.uk pgms@paragrafix.biz 811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA
HORNBY HOBBIES LTD (Airfix) www.verlinden-productions.com
CALIBRE 35 Westwood, Margate, Kent, CT9 4JX PLUS MODEL (Creative Models in UK)
Via Hannants in UK Tel; 01843 233500 Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. VALLEJO
www.hornby.com plusmodel@plusmodel.cz (Creative Models in UK)
CAMMETT www.plusmodel.cz Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 - 08800
(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain
Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate, www.airconnection.on.ca POCKETBOND Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12
Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA (Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK) Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54
Tel; 01497 822757 IAN ALLAN Bachmann Europe PLC www.acrylicosvallejo.com
Email; cammettco@btinternet.com www.ianallanpublishing.com Moat Way, Barwell, Leics, LE9 8EY
www.cammett.co.uk Mail Order Dept 01455 254450 Tel; 01455 841756 VLS CORPORATION
info@pocketbond.co.uk (LSA in UK)
CARRERA REVELL UK LTD. ICM (TRAKZ, WINGZ, CUSTOM DIORAMICS, WARRIORS);
Unit 10 Old Airfield Industrial Estate Kiev 02099, Ukraine, Borispolskaya 9 building 64. PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA) Lincoln County Industrial Park, 1011 Industrial Court,
Cheddington Lane, Tring, Herts, HP23 4QR Tel/fax; (+38044) 369-54-12 Unit 19B, Applin’s Farm, Farrington, Dorset DT11 8RA. Moscow Mills, Missouri 63362, USA
Tel. 01296 660291ukbranch@revell.de export@icm.com.ua Tel/Fax; 01747 811 817 www.modelmecca.com
www.revell.de/en www.icm.com.ua www.psp-models.com
WHITE ENSIGN MODELS
CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS ITALERI (The Hobby Company in UK) QUICKBOOST (Toms Model Works)
Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, www.quickboost.net 8532 Lamar Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA
Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Bologna, Italy Tomsmodelworks@aol.com
Leics UK. LE10 1YF Tel; 051 726037 SB MODELS www.whiteensignmodels.com
Tel; 01455 233 747, www.italeri.com UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model
Fax; 01455 233 737 P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA
midlandbooks@compuserve.com JUST BASES Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749 12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia
www.classic-publications.com 21 Graham Road, Paignton TQ3 1BB sales@sbmodels.fsnet.co.uk Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205
Tel; 01803 558520 www.sbmodels.net Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207
CREATIVE MODELS LTD www.just-bases.co.uk ww2prod@optusnet.com.au
(Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures) SBLC
Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome JUST KITS PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW ZVEZDA
Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. PE16 6TG 4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA RICHARDSBLC@aol.com (The Hobby Company in UK)
Tel; 01354 760022 Tel; 01489 781177 Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region,
www.creativemodels.co.uk www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk SBX MODEL SHOP 141730 Russia
info@creativemodels.co.uk Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 5DN office@zvezda.org.ru
Tel; 01473 464311 www.zvezda.org.ru
www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk

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

64 Model Military International - May 2022

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On sale 5th May ISSUE No.193 May 2022,
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...and much more! May 2022 - Model Military International 65

 The Last Post...

PATHFINDERS PACK A PUNCH

Pathfinders pack a punch as first in for Global Response Force.

T
he reconnaissance troops who are vital information back to assist mission planning. firepower to get themselves out of trouble.
first in for the British Army’s Global A key role is identifying drop zones and Out on the ranges from 24 to 28 January,
Response Force have tested their landing zones where the main body of troops troops practised fire and manoeuvre tactics in
firepower on the windswept STANTA can be parachuted or landed by helicopter. their RWMIK patrol vehicles, which are mounted
Ranges in Norfolk. Pathfinders work in small, self-sufficient patrols, with Heavy Machine Guns and Grenade Machine
The Pathfinders are the advance force for 16 either in vehicles or on foot. Guns. Soldiers also fired the potent and precise
Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, trained to While operating without being spotted NLAW anti-tank missile. n
infiltrate behind enemy lines to find and relay provides their best defence, troops need the
UK MOD © Crown Copyright 2022

66 Model Military International - May 2022

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