Issue 92 Cover.

qxp_Issue 26 cover 05/12/2016 15:02 Page 1

92
JAN/FEB 2017 • £6.50 UK $15.99
www.mengafvmodeller.com
January / February 2016
Meng AFV Modeller

7UP
F4 PHANTOMS OVERHEAD
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CONTENTS
2 No-Fly Zone
Sean Lynch gets to grips with the Gepard from Meng.

10 Street-fighting T-72
Fabrizio Pincelli builds a real bruiser from the vintage Tamiya kit.

20 Hedgerow Hunter
Graeme Newman’s Normandy Jagdpanther vignette.

28 Panzerkampfwagen IV Part 10
The Editor continues detailing Trumpeter’s 1:16 kit.

36 7up
Pete Usher’s Magnificent Seven Hue diorama.

44 Keeping Track
New releases.

56 Chilean Chariot
Tito Costa’s AMX-30B2 crosses the line.

SEASONS GREETINGS
Best Wishes from all of us at AFV Modeller

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1
ISSN 2059-4305 or ommissions.
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M E N G ’ S B R A N D N E W B I G C AT

M
uch as the West German Armoured Divisions needed close air
support protection provided by the Gepard, we modellers needed
an up to date model of the Gepard to go with our recent releases of
Leopards. Not surprisingly, the manufactures (Meng and Takom) who have
given us new moulds of Leopards have now each given us a model of the
Gepard. This article will take a look at the Meng Gepard 1A1/A2.

Meng has listened to the criticisms of the suspension of their initial Leopard kit
and improved the suspension for subsequent Leopards and the Gepard. This
is especially important here since the suspension wont be hidden behind the
side skirts as these weren’t fitted for the most part on the Gepard (more on
the skirts later). What follows will be a look at the build of the kit. I will try to
address some of the issues that was found and what I did with them. I must
say that the Meng kit is really good overall, but there are a few items that
could use some attention on the lower hull. Before you start, you will need to
decide on whether you want to build an A1 or A2. I chose the A2 due to the
additional stowage boxes on the hull and turret.

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Sean M Lynch
checks out the Cheetah

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LETS GET ROLLING

Whether or not the side skirts are on, the which allows for the suspension to be show that the Gepards used the 8 bolt hub.
most noticeable item on the suspension will articulated if desired. Consequently some However, looking through photos in the
be the road wheels. The original Meng road simplifications are made, by not connecting Tankograd Flugabwehrpanzer der
wheel had been criticized for the tire being the shock absorbers to the suspension Bundeswehr 1956 – Heute, a few photos of
a bit too thick and not having detail on the arms, however, this is not visible once the in service Gepards with the 15 bolt hub can
rear face. Meng added detail to the rear wheels are installed. The detail is good be observed. I had previously built the
face, but the poly cap doesn’t permit overall. Additionally, they have the correct Meng Leopard 1A3/A4 which had both
complete accuracy. It is a tradeoff to have spacing between the 3rd and 4th road types of hubs available and didn’t use the 8
the poly cap, which I tend to prefer for ease wheels to account for the lengthened bolt hub for that build. I used the spare
of fit onto the suspension arms. The profile Gepard hull. One other thing to note is that front half of the sprocket with the 8 bolt
of the tires is not noticeable until you look there are two types of return rollers on the hubs for the Gepard.
real hard with a reference photo in front of real vehicle. The inner rollers, numbers 2
you. While the road wheels can be lived and 4, should have face plate that is
with on the final product, an argument flush with the outer wheel so as not to
could be made to replace them with interfere with the track guide teeth.
aftermarket wheels. The bottom of the lower hull also has
the hull reinforcements for the APU.
The suspension arms have have the
correct inward angle and they are also two There have been questions about the
parts, which allows for the correct inner hub for the drive sprocket in the kit,
detail. Meng uses a torsion bar approach, which is a 15 bolt hub. Most photos

One of the complaints about Meng’s first Leopard 1A3/A4 kit was The one error found on the upper hull is the APU access hatch
the lack of depth to the rear exhaust grills. Meng have taken shape. This is incorrectly represented as rectangular and the rear
heed of this and here the exhaust grills have a convincing depth side of the hatch should be at angle, which I roughly sketched out
and spacing. One minor item that will be visible with skirts off is with a black marker. The existing molded line was filled
the presence of a curved bilge exhaust plate under each grill as with putty, sanded and the correct line scribed (I don’t scribe very
well as under the crew heater exhaust port. This detail was easily often and can use some more practice at it). This fix was
added with a piece of plastic card cut and bent to the proper relatively quick and easy.
shape. I do have to admit that I forgot to add the bilge under the What is clearly evident in the above photos is the anti-slip texture
crew heater exhaust. Meng molded onto the upper surfaces. This matches the
reference photos and looks right for the scale.
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Left The Gepard fielded the side skirts on the

earliest versions until around 1978. Meng has
provided the full skirts and indicates for them to be
installed. However, these were not used on the A1
and A2 variants in German service. Only the front
and rear mud guards were used. You will need the
very front bar from the side skirts for the front mud
guard. If you don’t, there will be a gap between
the hull and the guard.

Meng has used moulding technology to

great extent throughout the kit and moulded
all the perforations in various plates and
covers all the way through. The APU
exhaust cover is no exception and at first
glance looks great. However, the molded
holes appear round instead of the actual
square shape. This can be lived with,
though I am sure some aftermarket
company will release PE to correct this.

Meng has moulded some of the handles as

solid. These were removed and replaced.
Meng has done a very good job with the
rear hull extension. If you are going to add
the provided stowage bags you will need to
drill holes in the rear hull. The stowage bags
themselves are made of a flexible plastic
material. This material can be glued with
Tamiya Thin Cement. However, the soft
material makes it hard to clean up and
seam lines. I found that the best way to
clean up any excess flash was to use steel
wool. Some putty was used to clean up any
flaws.

The kit provides just the right amount of PE

for items such as the engine intake screen.
Extra items such as clear plastic lenses and
nylon string for a tow cable is provided. I
decided that the nylon tow cable is just a bit
too thick on instead used some spare
copper cable. The distinctive tool box found
on the A2 version can be seen here. The
molding of this toolbox as well as the others
around the hull is excellent.

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REACH FOR THE SKY

Up to this point I have pointed out several issues, all to do with the hull.
Most of these are minor and relatively easy to fix or are just not that
noticeable unless you are fanatical. Now it is time to show the turret. The
best word to describe the turret is impressive! The prominent feature of the
Gepard is the twin 35mm guns which externally mounted in protective pods
on each side of the turret. Meng has accurately captured all the details of
these while keeping construction very simple. Separate gun barrels for the
A1 and A2 are provided as well as a set of practice barrels which could be
used on either of the variants. The barrels of the guns are one piece with
the suppressors for the A1 and A2 requiring smaller
parts complete them. The only addition that I
felt was needed for the turret were the
chains for the smoke grenade
launchers, which are not included.

The rear compartment the houses the

electronics for the Gepard can be shown
open or closed. The internal components
have a reasonable level of detail. The A2
variant gets a cooling unit added to the
back of the turret.

NATO TONES

The first parts painted were the clear parts. All optics and
the warning light were base painted silver. These were then
painted with transparent colours, blue for optics, red for the
laser range finder and orange for the warning indicator. I left
the headlight lenses clear. The periscopes were masked and
installed.The first color painted was the green. I have found
that a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Air Russian Green and Gunship
Green creates a good match for Bundeswehr NATO green.
Tamiya NATO Black and Red Brown were used to complete
the camouflage scheme. The recommended scheme in the
instructions was followed, with some adjustments made
from observing reference photos.

Highlight details such as bolt heads were painting a lighter

shade of the base colour. A gloss coat was applied and
decals added. You do have four choices for decals, 2 for the
A1 and 2 for the A2. I chose version B, 3rd Battery, 12th
Armored Air-Defense Gun Battalion, Bundeswehr, Hardheim
purely because it has a graffiti smiley face on the rear of the
vehicle! A pin wash of AK Interactive’s wash for NATO tanks
really brings out the depth of the vehicle and starts to bring
it to life.

A coat of Vallejo Satin varnish removed the glossy finish but

still kept a warm tone to the paint and decals. Details such
the tail lights and tow cable were painted. All masks were
removed. The front headlight interiors were painted silver. A
pieces of Mylar was punched out and installed behind the
clear lenses. The kit provided mirrored lenses for the drivers
review mirrors and these were installed at the is time.
Graphite was rubbed on the gun barrels to give a metallic
feel to them.

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Images of the Gepard show them to be well

maintained with very little scuffing to the paint
work. I did want to show wear on the edges of the
vehicle without going to the extreme of chipping. To
accomplish this I turned to the old trick of dry
brushing. In this case I used black Humbrol enamel
dry brushed onto select edges to show some wear.

The references photos in the Tankograd title show

Gepards in varying degrees of filth. I decided to
combine the effects seen in a few photos for my
rendition of the vehicle. I am an armor modeller, so
of course this meant dirt and mud. To start I
airbrushed Vallejo Chipping medium onto selected
areas of the model. Once this dried I sprayed a mix
of Tamiya Flat Earth and Buff over those areas. After
allowing this to dry for around 20 minutes I stippled
those area with short, stiff bristled brushed wetted
with hot water. This created a broken, spattered
effect to the first layer of dirt. A thinner mix of the
Flat Earth and Buff was applied to areas of
accumulations as well as over the chipped areas.

I wanted to add just a bit more of

a random dust later to the
vehicle. I decided to use some
earth colored enamels, in
particular Wilder Mud Spatter.
This is painted in random
patterns on the upper surfaces.
After drying for around 10
minutes, they are stippled with a
damp brush. This paint was also
used to give a light wash to the
no slip texture which would
accumulate dirt. The Wilder paint
was also used to create some
rain streaks and was flicked onto
the front surfaces with a brush to 7
add some more mud spatter.
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Areas of moisture were created by painting a mix

of AK Interactive Water Effects and Wash Brown.
The final step was to add some black pigment to
the exhaust grills to simulate the exhaust stains.

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AND FINALLY...
For such a complex-looking vehicle the
parts count is relatively small with nice
engineering and excellent detail that
results in a quick and very enjoyable
project straight from the box.
Another great ‘Big Cat’
from Meng.

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(2012), largely seen Worldwide on TV and against RPGs by laying blocks of reactive

T
he T-72, after the T55, is the tank
with most prolific production after where many videos show the turret blowing armour; Kontakt-1 ERA. Thanks to their
WWII with figures of around 30,000 off because of an RPG hit. Precisely for this intensive use in the bitter street battles,
units. In Syria, the tank is famous for it’s reason, all the T-72As were converted to T- many T-72AVs fought without side skirts
participation in the Battle of Darayya 72AVs in order to increase the protection and were still prone to RPG attack, there
were many complaints from the
Republican Guard. As with many conflicts
throughout history, field applied protection
started to be seen utilising whatever was
at hand to save the crews and vehicles.
These subjects have always captured the
imagination of modellers...

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After seeing a photo that showed a T-72 with some

‘homemade’ protection I knew I just had to build it. After
viewing all the features of AV versions, I decided to buy
the blocks in photoetch, putting my patience to the test!
The Tamiya veteran is the T-72M (ref. 35160) to which I
added the Miniarm turret T-72AV (ref. B35050), Voyager
detailing sets for the side skirts and ERA blocks (ref .
PE35353, and PEA201 PEA205), the trusty Friulmodel
To construct the turret ’baskets’ brass Brass rod was then placed into
tracks (ref. ATL-11) and finally the barrel without thermal
strip was laid onto upturned masking position aided by the sticky masking
tape. tape. protection from Magic Model (ref. MM3509). Wheels are
spares from a Trumpeter kit.

Flux was added with a fine brush... and the solder ‘welds’ carefully added.

Only the strength provided by

soldering allowed the curve to
be formed around an aluminium
bar replicating the rough and
ready look.

The Voyager ERA blocks were never going to folding tool helped speed up the assembly Attachment fixings were cut from styrene rod
be easy or quick to assemble but I hope the and allowed greater control. Again, soldering and CA glued into place, reversed masking
results are worth the time invested. I found would avoid any frustrating breakages further tape again providing a helping hand.
some square-nosed pliers rather than a into the build.

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Friuls are best treated to a 0.5mm A home-made cutting jig speeds up The pins slide easily into place, a dot A razor saw ensures a neat cut on
drill run through the pin holes. the time to cut the wires to a constant of CA glue in the hole keeps them in larger resin components.
length. place safely.

The Das clay can be rolled to a desired thickness and cut into then cut into self-coloured ‘bricks’. Magic Sculpt putty with a thin plastic bag material
strips... wrap forms the sandbags.

The Tamiya kit fits well as you’d expect and realistic look. Larger resin parts had the constructed from individual pieces using
is a pleasure to build but suffers a few moulding sprue removed with a fine saw liquid putty to give the effect of the mortar.
accuracy problems. Voyager sets are great blade and for smaller delicate parts I After painting was finished the debris was
but you have to work carefully and arm always use wire cutters. The Voyager set strewn on the model (follow pictures of the
yourself with patience! To cut the kit was also useful for some of the finer turret real vehicles for the most dramatic effects)
mudguards away I progressively scribed details. It was time now to mount the and fixed with the excellent AK Interactive
the line with a P cutter. You just have to ‘baskets’ around the turret. Working from ‘Sand and Gravel Fixer’, applied with a
pay attention to the first incision with a my reference these were filled with all brush. You can also use a pipette to apply
lighter touch, the plastic is quite thick but manner of rubble, the bricks are the liquid, but be careful not to overdo it so
don’t try to apply particularly effective being made from air- the fluid puddles, it would prove very
too much pressure. drying ‘Das’ modelling clay. The clay is difficult to remove.
ERA blocks are ready coloured and can be rolled flat To replicate modern sandbags I used a
constructed one by before being cut with a blade from a utility method with two-part epoxy putty ‘Magic
one and soldered to the base plate. I knife. The rubble is a mixture of putty Sculpt’ covered with a thin plastic bag
prefer to solder when possible as it’s powder, grit, the remains of the material applied with Bostic glue, the neck
strong and resilient. I had to reconstruct bricks, sand and pigments with of the bag is tied-off with fine thread and
the supports for the blocks to the front of dusty shades. The clusters of the bag pushed into the model before the
the turret with a thin copper foil folded and bricks were putty dries giving a natural weighted look.
glued to the turret. The resin Miniarm turret
is beautiful, full of details that give a very

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After so much handling the

model was broken into sub-
assemblies and cleaned
with alcohol spirit.
Primer was applied straight
from an aerosol.

The colour of the Russian

green wasn’t critical as not
much would eventually be
seen. A clear gloss coat
gives a good barrier before
an application of hairspray.

The Syrian yellow, is a

mix of Desert Yellow
and Clear Yellow.

The ‘Hairspray’ technique is well documented now

and is a quick and easy way to produce random
wear and chipping. Using old brushes and warm
water I scrubbed the areas I wanted to show worn
through to the base green. The scrubbing action
naturally replicates this by catching raised areas
and edges. Work on small areas at a time for
greater control.
Flat Sand acrylic from Italeri
was used to highlight
smaller relief details.

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With the base colours

complete it was time to
get heavy with the dust. A
mix of two AK Dust Effects
was applied like a wash.
Before this had dried on
the wheels I sprinkled
some fine sand to add
texture.

The dusting process was

carried throughout
concentrating on upper flat
surfaces and ‘pushing’ the
mix into corners where dirt
would accumulate.

With the dust effects complete I

could concentrate on the detail
painting such as tyres and ERA
blocks.Note how the fine sand has
been used again to add texture to
the skirt armour.

Finally it was time to get the tracks on. When dry, pigment fixer was sprayed in While the fixer was still wet a heavy On the inside contact surface black and
A satin dark grey metallic was mixed a heavy coat... random coat of pigments were applied dark steel pigments were used. Excess
and applied over the primered Friul and allowed to dry. pigment is brushed off before fitting.
white metal links.

Wet fuel and grease stains were added

creating a nice touch of realism against A darker brown tone was mixed ...which was applied in shadow AK Gravel and Sand fixer was helpful in fixing the
the dry dust. from AK Dust Effects... areas to give contrasts. debris in place.

15

Final touches include some dark oil paint washes

to create damp areas in the dust...
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I’m pleased that I captured the

look of this streetfighter. There is a
lot of time involved with the
photoetch ERA blocks but along
with the Miniarm turret and other
additions the detail is lifted to
another level.

The T-72 has a very sleek shape

and already has me thinking about
building another...maybe a B1
version this time!

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HEDGEROW
HUNTER
M O D E L L E D B Y G R A E M E N E W M A N

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The Dragon early Jagdpanther is a superb kit and represents the

Hong Kong company at their very best. I picked this kit up at a
show for a very modest sum back in 2008 and in conjunction
with Fedorowicz’s superlative war diary of Schwere Jagdpanzer
Battalion 654 set about building a representation of one of the
units Jagdpanthers as they appeared in Normandy. Until this
tome was published there was scant in-depth information on the
units activities in the late summer of 1944, a few repetitive
pictures of the unit’s 1st company on assembly manoeuvres in
Mailly le Camp and the odd photo of the retreat to the Seine
were familiar to most interested in the topic. The war diary
describes the day to day trials and tribulations of the troops on
the ground and along with a multitude of photos most of the
story can be pieced together. A further superb photo reference is
Ruckmarsch the retreat of the German forces out of Normandy,
published by After the Battle, inspirational stuff!

The 654 battalion was committed piecemeal 2nd Company first

in the fighting south of Caen, then the 3rd Company in the neck
of the falaise pocket, by the time the 1st Company was
committed the battalion was ordered to withdraw beyond the
Seine, the battalion therefore made a withdrawal in an ad hoc
fashion heading for the crossings at Elbeuf. Although the
Jagdpanther was a superb tank destroyer like other later war
German vehicles it suffered from over engineering and poor fuel
economy added to poor engine life and transmission/ final drive
issues. This was trying for the maintenance crews at the best of
times but a living nightmare on forced marches with supply of
fuel, spares and ammunition being decimated by the Allied air
campaign. When taking this into account it is remarkable that
approx. 50 per cent of the battalion escaped, reading the diaries

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and examining photographic evidence it becomes apparent that of

the knocked out vehicles, many were abandoned and destroyed by
their crews due to a lack of spares or fuel, this is where the air
campaign did the damage in smashing the German logistic network
rather than claiming every vehicle as a kill (all armies are guilty of
this). Some interesting modifications by the field maintenance crews
were carried out after experience in the enclosed Normandy
countryside, most of the side mounted tools fittings were removed
and placed at locations on the rear of the vehicle. The reason for
this was in undergrowth these got snagged, damaged or lost, this
information was sent back to the assembly firms and later
implemented on later vehicles. These modifications are evident on
photos of the 2nd and 3rd companies.

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Even superb kits can be improved upon, in this case it’s the soft Flicking through Ruckmarsch I wished to create a small and
fittings, mudguards, and stowage bins etc. the items that are simple scene of the Jagdpanther halted on the retreat to the
easily damaged as evidenced by photographic evidence. As these Seine with some discussion of the best route. Units became
were sheet metal items etched brass is the ideal medium for jumbled on the road march with each heading for appropriate
these items and has a scale thickness second to none. The main crossing points. It wasn’t quite that organised but there was a
armament on this vehicle is the enormous 88mm Pak43/71 there general area to head for. Researching these few days it became
is nothing wrong with the kits gun but it is the monobloc version. apparent there was a period of poor weather this is evident in the
Photos show both early and late vehicles with monobloc and two famous photo of the Jagdpanther crews with Umbrella’s and goes
piece barrels, and preferring the look of the two piece barrel I someway to explaining the escape of this unit.
opted for Aber’s beautiful offering of this focal point. The kit is a The inclusion of Tamiya’s Zundap 350 and Aber set relieved me of
straightforward build but you have to be aware of the new tool hours of my life but when the two are mated together a superb
placement as described above, zimmerit, any etched brass and miniature can be achieved, the figures are all Dragon, Alpine with
damaged areas. The zimmerit was created using miliput and some minor mods and hornet
duro both can be rolled to a wafer thin sheet using talc to stop it heads apart from the
sticking and tearing this has the effect of causing a thin but dry motorcyclist which is Tamiya with
medium, to reconstitute the sticking properties water in the case a replacement head. The
of miliput and turps in the case of duro was gently brushed on the figures were painted in oils,
surfaces of the putties that were to be placed on the vehicle. The enamels and for much of
reason for the two different putties is that I found that miliput is the camouflage
fine for most areas but the small fiddly areas duro gave better Lifecolor acrylics
adhesive properties, a homemade zimmerit tool was constructed which give truly matt
out of plastic card and fine rod, actually I made two a large and a finish great for cloth.
smaller one for tight areas. Aber’s stowage bins were used and Pictures of the 654
this is one area where etched brass is in a league of its own, Battalion show a
these were suitably damaged and left open and filled to give an mixture of uniforms
impression of urgency. Other fittings were made from scraps of from field grey
aluminium sheet and plastic sheet. The Magic tracks as supplied assault gun to
are superb and once glued together and allowed to semi set can reed green
be draped around the wheels and the characteristic Panther sag and black
can be achieved.

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panzer crew uniforms this is reflected in the scene. A mixture of metalled surface which has been laid over original cobbles, the
Enamels and acrylics was used on the vehicles suitably toned surface shows signs of wear and as do the edges. My other
back to scale colour. Mud is put on before painting this is a passion is cycling and I plough high mileage along
simple mix of flour water and some PVA glue, after painting Northumberland’s farm lanes many were once main routes but
further layers of pigments are used to finesse. Care has to be now reflect a bygone age so I have a mental imprint of roads that
taken with any washes on the Zimmerit as it can intensify the typify the era. I was careful to create a gentle camber which
effect. I wanted to replicate the practice of foliage on vehicles a adds to the realism no road is a flat billiard table, the surface is
characteristic of the Normandy campaign and as evidenced by simply model railroad ballast of various grades sieved onto a bed
photos, this was achieved by using seafoam as the skeleton of of white glue starting with large and ending with fine particulates.
the foliage with leaves punched out of aluminium foil. The punch To give a realistic finish this is painted in various shades ending
is obtained from Green Stuff World (they do several now); each with mud tones to reflect the filthy surfaces. The foliage by the
stroke punches out four different pattern leaves and is a real sides of the road is simply dried Lavender shaped and painted,
asset if foliage is your thing. The process however is fairly long- the roadside signpost is an MK editions item with etched ivy, the
winded, it is surprising how many leaves are required, I painted a location is painted to reflect historical accuracy. The SS despatch
sheet of Kitchen Aluminium foil green then started to punch. rider and infantryman add further interest and posed a challenge
Each leaf is then superglued to the seafoam care was taken to in trying to get the pattern and colours correct. Finally a bit of
limit the amount of foliage as contrary to the original purpose you individuality is added to the vehicle with some items on the
don’t want to hide the vehicle, a balance has to be achieved ! engine deck, open stowage boxes and subtle damage to various
The country road is supposed to reflect roads of the period a parts of the vehicle.

26
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Panzerkampfwagen
David Parker builds Trumpeter’s 1:16 kit Part Ten

Part ten already and in this I followed up on the work on the hull done. Although the basic structure of the kit was reasonable there
roof adding more missing detail and adding the later style hatch were numerous missing details to be added and some more
splash guards to the front hatches. With this complete I returned structural shape changes to be made as well. In total I spent
to work on the main gun where there was still a lot of work to be almost 2 months working on the corrections to the main gun.

Still working on the hull roof interior I added the cross beam where the two These were glued into position making sure that the new rim aligned as
plates meet and I needed to add the lip around the hatch rim. I carefully cut a accurately as possible with the existing hatch rim. Once fully dry the vertical
pair of rims from thin plastic card using the hatch opening to mark the size. face of the rim was sanded and selectively filled.

Another missing detail is this lug 1 on the edge of the hatch rim which the On the exterior I started work on the new hatch splash guards which were
hatch lock mechanism locates against to lock the hatch in place. simply made from plastic strip and located using Hilary Doyle’s plans which I
enlarged for the purpose. I also added the water drain slots at the corners.

I then added the weld beads to the splash guards using Magic Sculp, which I I also added the welds at the corners where the spalsh guards join.
textured and then ‘softened’ with a damp brush.
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Back to the main gun now and more work on the recoil shield which is missing Here the parts have been fitted to the shield and I also added the arm onto
the mechanism which activates the breech block when the gun recoils and the side of the breech block which engages with the cam on the shield.
ejects the shell casing. The parts are shown here before being fitted.

Testing the alignment of the new parts you can see how they interact. As I worked I spotted more errors with the gun shield and I realised that the
lower portion is too long so I removed the shaded area.

4 6 5

I added a new weld bead where the two sections join using melted red On the inside of the shield is a small electrical switch box 5 which connects
plastic rod. There were sink marks on the shield so I removed the bolt detail with the pin 6 on the frame. This safety switch prevents the gun from being
to clean this up before adding new blots. I drilled the missing holes 3 and 4 fired unless the hinged frame is locked in place so the pin connects.
for the electical cables.

8 8 10

11
7 9

Further structural changes to the recoil guard which in reality is wider where it I also added the external bracing panels 9 to the top and bottom of the
meets the gun mantlet 7. Access holes were also added to the top and side of shield. The ‘gun ready’ light 10 was fitted to the side of the shield along with
the shield 8. the two missing bolts 11.
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11

Above I began to add the electrical cables

which I made from the chord provided in
13 Tamiya 1:48 armour kits. Self-adhesive
aluminium foil was used for the clasps with
12 photoetched bolt detail. The mounting
plate 11 for the gunsight was also fitted to
the gun shield.

Left Inside the shield I removed the section

of incorrect full length recoil rail 12 and
added the four fixing lugs 13 that bolt the
rail to the shield. On the lower shield I
formed a new bracket 14 from brass strip
for the connector which contacts the
breech to power the firing circuit.

14

This tiny box is the gun safety switch, the gunner has to press the button to The box sits on a small bracket mounted on the side of the bracket for the
activate the firing circuit once he has loaded the gun which in turn activates a counterbalance arm, both of which I scratchbuilt.
light to tell the gunner that he can fire the gun.

On the side of the safety box is a control arm which I made using flattened lead Test fitting the parts together and you can see how the arm on the box is
30 solder. activated by the cam on top of the breech.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 05/12/2016 12:15 Page 31

As so often happens you find that something you thought you had completed More information came to light about the face of the mantlet which has a pair
is incorrect and you have to return to it and in this case it is the left hand of semi-circular rubber buffers either side of the opening for the gun barrel.
recoil cylinder which is a different design to the right hand one. I cut down the These were not an easy shape to make so I used some flattened lengths of
original cylinder before adding new tube, a salvaged bolt head along with new 1.5mm diameter lead solder which I then bent to shape and sanded.
brass rod pistons.

15 16

As part of the revised work I made a new connecting block 15 on the left side A quick test fit shows the slider locating correctly in the recoil rail 16.
of the breech. This block carries a pair of sliders which engage with the
U-shaped rail inside the gun recoil shield.

Staying with the shield I added the remaining parts of the firing circuit
connector. The ribbed plug on the end of the cable was made by engraving
parallel lines into some plastic rod. Below The slider makes contact with the
wedge 17 which extends from the base of the breech block.

17

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18

Staying under the gun, the hydraulic safety switch has not been included in the With the basic shapes formed I began adding the small details. The mounting
kit so I had to start from scratch. I used 5mm diameter Albion Alloys brass tube lugs 18 were formed from rod which was filed through with a circular file to
as a basis for the cylinder. This was filled with plastic tube and a wrap of pewter create a semi-circular slot in the rod. Cutting the slot on the centreline makes 2
foil added around it. The mounting plate was cut from plastic and then backed matching lugs. On the opposite side the four mounting bolts were added and
with brass to increase its strength. the switch is ready to be mounted on the gun mount.

19

Bitter experience has taught me to check the fit of parts and with this part sitting The switch is mounted between the two sides of the shield with a small bracket
under the gun and above the turret ring this was especially important. 19 on the underside.

I began to add the electrical connections for the switch using the same Tamiya spaces but eventually everything was connected up. Once again I used small
chord, sprayed with Mr Surfacer help seal it and to help in shaping it. Numerous strips of self-adhesive aluminium tape and photoetched bolts to add the cable
tight turns and loops make it a difficult job to feed the chord around the tight clasps.

20

On the underside of the breech I added these Another missing small detail was this pair of screws Getting smaller still, I added these three tiny lugs on
missing parts 20 which are part of the mechanism on the face of the recuperator mounting. ABER the face of the breech. I used Albion Alloy’s superb
which lowers the breech block. photoetched screw heads were used for this. 0.3mm tube, both Aluminium and brass to see
32 which was the best.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 05/12/2016 12:15 Page 33

Finally it was time to bring all the components together for some photos.
Many parts have not been fixed to make them easier when it comes to
the painting stage.

The completed underside of the gun, much of this detail may seem
pointless but if the turret is removed from the completed model this
area does becomes visible.

It is always good to finish one of the main sub-assemblies and although the
gun is done, this one still needs the co-axial MG mount to be addressed and
there is the spent shell bag that hangs under the recoil guard and the gun
controls to be dealt with. Still plenty to be done!

An interesting comparison between my reworked gun and the from the box version. The project continues in the next Issue 33
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AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 06/12/2016 10:59 Page 36

7UP
F4 PHANTOMS OVERHEAD

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modelled & described by Pete Usher

One of the most notorious battles of the

Vietnam War was fought in the Battle of
Hue City during the Tet offensive in 1969.
One thing that made the battle somewhat
different from other battles was the
withdrawal of air support for the Marines
whose job it was to regain the city. Air
support was denied due to the historical
buildings and temples in the city. The
Marines on the ground had to fight their
way through the city house by house and
room by room; There air cover did not
return until the Vietnamese forces where
on the outskirts of the city. The idea for the
diorama was born from these events. I
wanted to create a diorama showing US
forces looking up at the first waves of F4
phantoms coming in over the war-torn city.

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M48 build
Dragon models first bought out the 1:35
M48A3 Mod.B some years ago as part of
their Modern AFV Series Kit No. 3544; I
was tempted to buy this kit but I knew it
would only be a matter of time before the
A3 turned up.
The M48 A3 was an outstanding kit to build
with only a few modifications needed to
bring it up to where I wanted it to be. Mud
release holes were drilled in the rear
sprocket. Weld seams added around the
rear deck, tin fenders where made to I used some sticky back foil to make a template the cut the hole where the resin part would go, are a
little filing and reworking it fitted nicely in position.
replace the plastic kit parts; this was so I
could represent them as being bent and
buckled as they all appeared to be in the
references I saw in Hue City.

I filled any tiny gaps with filler and blended it with the rest of the turret.

Bravo Six figures were the perfect addition

to the M48 and essential to convey the story
of the passing overhead jets. Some
A large disappointment was the rubber conversion was necessary to make them all
look up but apart from that they are more or less
mantlet cover that is provided by DML, as
original.They are seen here before they were
you can see I intended to use the kit adapted.
supplied part but the more I looked at it the
more it just didn’t look right, the worst point
is the securing buckles that run around the
edge of the mantlet cover. They were just
too chunky. After some time looking
around on the internet I found the M48A3
Mantlet & AN/VSS-1 Searchlight from
Legend Productions - Nr. LF1268. I have
use legend before and there upgrade parts
are second to none.

Stowage
Legend make an outstanding stowage set
for the, M48A3 Vietnam Stowage set II, has
everything you need to give your M48 a
real lived in feel. I particularly like the 40
bofors round boxes that line the rear of the
turret to give some protection from rocket
attacks. In the reference I found they came
in a variety of colours and also saw them
attached in their original aluminium silver.

M48 Painting
Looking at the reference I had the M48’s
they appeared to be a very dark Olive
drab. With all the dust from the fighting
they soon became thick with dirt from the
battle in the city; with only exposed areas
of the original olive drab showing through
from where the Marines climbed around on
the outside.
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First of all I painted the kit in a base coat of Olive drab from an AK interactive more dusty patchy appearance.
modulation set. The original olive drab was mixed with Kaki drab to build a

An old-school technique I thought would be ideal to show the original colour Once the acrylic dry-brushing stage was dry; the first step was a thin layer of
was dry-brushing with a dark green 80% black 20% , this technique was thinner and a Mig Dark wash was applied onto the panel to highlight the
started in the centre with a heavier application then feathered out towards panel recesses and details.
the edges for a softer appearance. To tone down and harmonise the colours
I needed to fade and blend them.

A selection of oil paints where rendered over the A quick blast with a hair dryer quickly evaporates To add some interest to the area I added some 39
area further softening the darker colour below. the thinner in the oil paints so a light dusting of dry Black green chipping with a small sponge using
powder can be applied. Vallejo Black green.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 06/12/2016 10:59 Page 40

The final step was a light application of dry mud in isolated spots to give I was happy with this multi-level technique, and deployed it across the
further interest to each section. vehicle.

Diorama Construction

I had a good idea what I wanted the end result to The first step or the dio was the tarmac street. The Standard red modelling clay from my local
look like so I played around with the kit on paper polystyrene from the back of a frozen pizza was the hobby shop was warmed up in my hands and
40 first to get the right size etc., then cut the shape perfect material for what I wanted. Kitchen roll was rolled out to a very thin layer about 1-2mm.
in Styrofoam. glued onto the polystyrene using PVA glue, this would
act as the key for the next stage. Once dry the pizza
backing was cut to shape with scissors.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 06/12/2016 10:59 Page 41

The thin clay was placed over the polystyrene and A hair dryer was used to speed up the curing process. As it starts to dry the thin pizza backing can be
pressed down by rolling a rolling pin over the flexed and Bent making cracks in the thin Clay, further manipulation of the clay opens up the cracks,
surface. giving a really nice affect.

As I discovered, Tarmac comes in many different A pedestrian crossing was added and aged using the hairspray technique.
shades, I started by giving the clay 2 coats of
Tamiya German grey. This was highlighted with
some Vallejo colour’s to break up the base coat
and emphasize the cracks on the surface.

MIg 232, was mixed with well with tap water and
sponged over the road, this process was repeated
a few times until I was happy with the results.

The decaying city wall was created from the same material as the base,
Styrofoam. The brickwork was defined using a craft knife, and a cocktail stick 41
used to expand the joints. I have tried many different ways of creating the
correct look on old brickwork, but this I have found is the best.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 06/12/2016 10:59 Page 42

The entire wall was sprayed with Vallejo 71038 / Decorators filler mixed fairly wet was spread over and pushed into the joints of the brickwork. A damp
71041 as a foundation colour. Sand yellow was sponge regularly cleaned in a bowl of water starts to remove the excess filler, the brickwork will start to
used to pick out individual bricks, the affect might appear.
look a little bright at this stage but the following
processes mute the base-colours down.

Some filler will get stuck in the recessed of the To finish off the wall, pastes and powders were
corroded brickwork, this will need to be removed. worked in the brickwork to give a nice patchwork
A small blade or wet brush can also be helpful to affect.
remove the filler.

7up Billboard
All the main components of the diorama are now finished apart
from one, the 7up billboard. I looked around on the internet and
found a picture of a retro 7 up ad. But I couldn’t get away from
the fact that it looked printed with all the miniature ink jet dots,
Examining the billboards in Vietnamese cities at the time they
looked hand painted not giant posters with this idea in my mind
I decided to hand paint over the printed sign. A little like
painting by colour and not numbers! To give a war torn feel,
some of the sign was ripped off and frayed to recreate the
shattered ply board. Bullet holes where peppered across the
sign with a motor tool. 2 layers of matt varnish sealed in the
washes and pigments I used to further distress the giant sign.

The original rubber tracks suppled in the Dragonl kit were used
to add track marks in the tarmac. Corrugated iron roofing,
made from tin sheet, mixed herbs and 1:35 scale leaves, plant
roots and individual bricks plus a random chair was added to
the street scene to give further dimension and story to the
diorama.

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new releases
KEEPING TRACK

Meng 1:35 GAZ Tiger-M

Following on from their Excellent GAZ 233014 Armoured High upgrade elements including new doors and dashboard. Moulding
Mobility Vehicle is this 'Tiger-M' GAZ 233115 SpN SPV. As with is ultra delicate and the kit is packed with fine detail throughout,
many Russian vehicles the 'M' denotes an upgraded machine, Meng's usual builder-friendly engineering is reported to offer a
these were originally reserved for special forces only but are now very trouble free and enjoyable build. Tyres are in a soft vinyl with
mass produced and used by the wider Russian military. The main superb moulding and sprue points on the inside rim and a small
visual differences are the tough-looking armoured bonnet (hood), photoetch fret gives us the radiator grille and mesh on the
air filter intake and smoke launchers. Mounted to the roof is a bonnet's upper surface. Decals thankfully include all of the camo
choice of an AGS-17 grenade launcher or 7.62mm MG and the finished surfaces on the inside so the modeller can pose all of the
actual vehicle has a new engine although no engine is included in doors open should they wish, the interior really does look
the kit. What's new is a re-worked body shell (a very impressive excellent. A cracking kit of a great looking vehicle.
piece of moulding indeed) and a sprue carrying the necessary

Meng 1:35 GAZ Tiger-M

'Sagged' wheel set
Now as we've mentioned, the tyres in
the new Tiger are rather nice, but
these are on another level! Resin
wheels always tend to have the edge
with enhanced finesse and ultra-crisp
tyre tread detail. Another touch of
realism is the weighted appearance
where the tyre bulges on contact with
the ground, two positions are included
(tyre in relation to the wheel and hub)
so you won't have an unrealistic
uniform appearance. The spare wheel
44 without hub is also included. Simply
superb upgrades.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:01 Page 45

Tamiya 1:35 M40

You have to love Tamiya's surprise releases, they just seem to expect from Tamiya with all brand new tooling with the exception
come from nowhere, and it's nice to see them just sticking to their of the suspension bogies from their recent Easy Eight. The bogies
guns (no pun intended) and doing their own thing their own way. aren't attached until the hull is completed, a simple affair with only
We had a 'designers' discussion in the office as to the longevity of a few photoetched grille inserts to jazz things up. Look at the
Tamiya's 'Military Miniatures' range packaging which basically delicate weld beads and fine tread plate detail, and unfortunately
hasn't changed in forty years or more, real testimony to the the not so delicate light guards, a pity the photoetch didn't extend
strength of this legendary brand. So what of this brand new M40 to providing these. There's options offered to have the gun in a
'Big Shot'? Well it's a pretty big production across seven large olive firing or transport mode with posable rear gate and 'spade' and an
green sprues, due to the make-up of the actual vehicle there's no open or closed breech. The gun can also elevate and traverse
big, chunky single piece upper hulls or the like; everything is should you wish. Tamiya have released an aluminium barrel set for
assembled in a flat plate style. Along with all the green plastic is a the kit, if you don't want to spend any more money you'll have to
bag of multi-media parts including metal chain, brass tubes, struggle with the kit one and glue two pieces of plastic together…
various threads and wire and clear styrene parts. A big bonus in shouldn't cause too much trouble. A few modellers I'm sure will
the kit is a set of eight figures to crew the big artillery piece, not replace the moulded-on handles and tie-downs, maybe even the
so long ago Tamiya figures were a little disappointing but times tracks, but even if you go for a straight out the box build this is
have changed, these are top-notch with excellent facial sure to be a very impressive display once finished. Of course
expressions and delicate creasing and features of the uniforms other M40 kits have been available in 1:35 for some time now
(allegedly from 3D scanning technology). The figures represent an (consulting my Tamiya history book they also released a 1:21 M40
action scene of a round being loaded complete with shells, racks in 1963!) but suffer numerous problems, it looks like Tamiya may
and propellant bags. The moulding throughout is excellent as we have nailed it now, only one way to find out and get building…

D-Day Miniatures
Very topical winter subjects for this time of year from D-Day
with two pairs of 1:35 German figures. 35073 is a nicely
sculpted duo representing SS Foreign Volunteers (should
suit a number of other scenarios though) one (a little
awkwardly it has to be said) holding a PPSH and the other
with an MG 42 on a sling. 35070 depicts Luftwaffe ground
crew in padded and quilted gear, one struggling with a
toolbox who could look great in a number of scenes. Very
nice figures which should prove a joy to paint.
www.ddayminiaturestudio.com is the place to visit for more
details.

Stalingrad
A change in direction from Stalingrad with some modern 1:35
subjects to add to their catalogue, simply some of the best figures
available with beautiful sculpting and casting. We have three
examples from a collection of Afghan rebels available and a pair of 45
bang up to date Russian tankers. www.stalingrad.diorama.ru -
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:01 Page 46

Ryefield Models M1A1/A2 with full interior

Ryefield models have already demonstrated that they are more reproduced or you could leave the turret roof panels separate? In
than able to tackle the complexities of replicating a tank interior the engine bay the kit has been designed so that you can show
and they have now applied these techniques to the Abrams which the engine removed with both the air filters and batteries provided
will please many modellers. This is a substantial kit with 25 but both these features will remain covered unless you cut open
sprues, 3 photoetched frets and 2 decal sheets. Naturally much is sections of the engine decks. The photoetched frets provide the
familiar from their TUSK kit but with optional parts for A1 or A2 assorted engine deck screens, the stowage basket grilles, the
versions it is well worth identifying the optional parts you need as turret basket screens and other guard plates for the turret basket.
in many cases they are very similar. The upper hull section is A word about the tracks which are the fully functioning 6 part per
beautifully moulded with a separate engine cover as you would link type which come with an assembly jig. Undeniably impressive
anticipate but I am told that there are a couple of other access but also extremely tedious to assemble! The kit comes with
panels which have to be removed on the real tank when the options for four different schemes although the first is a standard
engine is removed so some surgery will be required if that is how NATO scheme with no decals whatsoever whilst the other three
you choose to display the model. Helpfully the interior parts have are desert sand schemes. Colour references are called out along
been moulded in a pale grey plastic and there is plenty of crisp the way for the interior parts and there are a pair of colour cross-
detail on the various control panels along with great features like sections in the instruction booklet as well but it looks like some
46 the driver’s reclined seat. The turret ammunition lockers come additional reference may be advisable if you plan to open up all
with one open door to show off the shells which are fully the impressive interior.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:01 Page 47

Ryefield Models M1A1 Abrams 1991

Answering the demand for an accurate modern kit of the 1st Gulf Ryefield Abrams like the clear moulded wheel hub caps,
War Abrams, Ryefield Models have reworked their existing kit separately moulded fuel filler caps with photoetched chains and
backdating it to M1A1 configuration. This is a more stripped down there are of course all the photoetched engine deck grilles and
kit than their other Abrams releases with the biggest change mesh for the turret basket floor. The kit also provides a generous
being the simplified link and length track instead of the complex number of clear moulded water bottles along with .50 Cal
individual link which had six parts per link, here you get two long ammunition canisters, jerrycans and cooler boxes to help stow up
runs of track and individual links to join them along with separately the big turret basket. Although it is not mentioned in the
moulded teeth. This should make for a much quicker assembly instructions a set of draw bars is also provided. The kit provides a
but none of the track connectors are angled to go around the choice of three different markings although the decal sheet has
sprocket and idler so it remains to be seen if these can be bent to what looks like a fourth set of markings there is no mention of this
conform. The super crisp detail across the main moulding is a scheme? Top quality all round here and now surely the automatic
match for the best modern kits and the anti-slip texture is equally choice for anyone modelling a Gulf War Abrams.
well handled. You also get the other features from the other

BK-1603

BK-1602

BitsKrieg 1:16 Panzer IV roadwheels dampers for Ausf F to early Ausf H

Our friends at BitsKrieg have followed up on their Panzer IV late jigs to make it as easy as possible to position the dampers on the
pattern suspension dampers by releasing these two sets of early trumpeter hull. A superb set of updates that will certainly improve
pattern dampers, both designed for the 1:16 Trumpeter kits. Both the external appearance of the kit and will also allow modellers to
sets are suitable for Ausf.F to early Ausf H vehicles. The backdate the Ausf H kit to a more accurate early configuration
differences between the two are subtle with BK-1602 having a which is what the Trumpeter kit represents.
rounded profile to the cup which carries the rubber damper. As Full details of these and the other updates can be found at
the photos show both sets are ultra-crisp with crisp bolt details www.quickwheelstore.com 47
and subtle weld beads. The sets also come with laser cut card
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 48

Paper Panzer Productions

We love the smell of resin in the morning, and the guys from PPP always serve
up something interesting to get the imagination racing with 'What If' vehicles.
PPP35028 is a conversion for Trumpeter's E-50 / E-75 to create an absolute
mythical beast of a tank destroyer, 'Eber'. The set contains a full upper
superstructure, mantlet and optional details all beautifully cast in grey resin. A
huge aluminium '88' and brass antennae are also included. PPP35031 is also
designed for the E-50 / E-75 to fit the fat tracks from the 'Löwe' to give a much
wider and squat appearance, resin cast extended drives and idlers just leave
you needing your track of choice. www.paperpanzer.com tells you all you need
to know with the all-important secure shopping.
A brand new range of upgrades from Paper Panzers will be under the 'Allied
Arsenal' brand with the same high quality production but, as the name
suggests, for authentic Allied subjects. Keep an eye for www.allied-arsenal.com
going live, if the British A13 Cruiser early or late drive sprockets samples and
ammo tins are anything to go by there will be some superb upgrades to come.

Master Club
Three new excellent track sets from
Russia’s Master Club, the first two suit any
of the new Takom or Tamiya’s AMX-13 in
1:35. MTL35090 are the all metal style link
and MTL35092 offers the rubber-pad style
with some great separate worn pads
provided in a soft black material. The ever
popular Kingtiger also gets treated to fully
working metal links to suit the mid version,
MTL35095 is the product code. Resin track
pins are provided for all, make sure you
clean the holes in the castings with a 0.5
drill bit to allow the pins to push into place.
Superb quality. www.masterclub.ru has
more details of the full range

Panzer Concept 1:35 FAMO 9/2 Crane Conversion

The sheer complexity of the Famo 9/2 with its huge 10 ton crane crane boom, assorted plastic rod and tube sections and a
has made it a daunting challenge even for the accomplished substantial length of chord to rig the crane. Comprehensive
scratchbuilder. Now at last Panzer Concepts have commendably instructions are available as PDF download and they use assembly
taken up the challenge of a modern multi-media conversion kit to photos along with CAD drawings to guide you through the build. It
convert the Tamiya Famo kit 35239. The kit provides a mix of well is very much a project for the experienced modeller just because
cast resin parts including the elongated chassis rails along with 3D of the complex nature of the model but the clear instructions
48
printed parts (the black material). Much like the resin these arrive appear to have been well thought out to make it as straight
with their printing frames still in place in case you are wondering forward as possible. Full details at www.panzerconcepts.com
what these are. The kit also provides an aluminium tube for the Brilliant and mad in equal measures!
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 49

Panzer Tracts No.4-3

Panzerkampfwagen IV
Ausf.H/J 1943 to 1945
By Hilary Doyle, Lukas Friedli,
Thomas Jentz
Published by Panzer Tracts
Softback format, 88 pages
www.panzertracts.com
A welcome addition to the Panzer Tracts catalogue is this new Panzer IV. Period photos are used to illustrate the different
study focussed on the Panzer IV Ausf.H and J. As fans of WW2 production variations and of course Hilary Doyle’s superb plans
German Armour will know the Panzer Tracts series offers some of are invaluable to the modeller with key details drawn at 1:10 scale
the most detailed and technically accurate studies, drawing on for added clarity. Along with the standard gun tanks the book also
original source material and first hand World-wide study of covers the Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV and
preserved vehicles. This new addition is of course no exception Panzerbefehlswagen IV. There is also information on the export
and offers some fascinating insights into the design and versions and their post war use. The back cover is taken up with a
production changes as well as explaining exactly what the useful chart showing the various production changes by date and
shurtzen armour was designed for, which comes as something of defined by Ausf. which is useful to both identify vehicle types and
a surprise! It is also fascinating to read of the monthly changes in to check for model accuracy. Highly recommended. Our sample
production types demanded of one of the companies kindly provided by www.bookworldws.co.uk
manufacturing the Panzer IV, to Panther, to Stug IV and back to

Scrapyard Armour
David Parker, Mark Neville, Andy Taylor
Published by AFV Modeller
Softback format, 116 pages
ISBN 9780 993564604
www.mengafvmodeller.com
Time to blow our own trumpet now and after all if you cannot say models we have also included forty pages of the real scrapyard
good things about your own productions here where can you? Our with details of a wide selection of different vehicles as well as the
latest publication has been in the works for several years due to ones which inspired the models. For a more independent view,
the complexity of one of the featured models. The book is based here some feedback we had from reader Francesco Majorana:
on a series of photos taken in a Russian tank scrapyard where a “I just received my copy of Scrapyard Armour. I'm very very happy
wide range of vehicles were to be found in various stages of with my purchase, well spent money. It's not just the quality of the
disassembly with many cut up into pieces. These pictures were paper, the pictures, the layout. It's the content that raises the bar.
the inspiration for three models with a cut up T-62 with upturned I mean finally a book in which all three aspects of our hobby are 49
turret proving a huge challenge which more than two years to represented at the top level: construction, yours is astonishing,
complete. Along with the detailed step by step coverage of the finishing and reference material. Thank you.”
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 50

DM35096 DM35097

DM35093 DM3507

DM35073

DEF. Model
The good guys from Korea, DEF. are keeping up with their DM35073. Continuing to look at the late T-34/85 this turret and
tremendous release rate and present their first injection moulded detail set is designed for Academy's Factory No.112 kit consisting
set, U.S. T158 workable track links for M1A1 and M1A2 SEP with of a superbly rendered 8 piece cast turret, mantlet, barrel and
unique guide horns included for the Republic of Korea K1A1 / A2 photoetched fret which includes lots of hull details also. DEF.'s
and K2. The parts are nicely moulded and links are designed to wheel sets are held in highest regard with top quality casting and
click together on the guide horn with separate outer pads. End detail, all where appropriate have a realistic weighted (sagged)
connectors are pre-spaced on the sprues to speed up assembly. effect on the tyre wall. An added bonus of self-adhesive painting
More precise Patton parts now with DM35072 for DML's M48A1 / masks is included in each set and the spare wheel if applicable.
A2 or Magach1 containing very worthwhile upgrades to complete DW35093 is for Trumpeter's US LAV-25, DW35096 for the Panhard
50 a new gun tube and mantlet (including a etched fastening strip) VBL and DW35097 for Roden's 1:35 M37 cargo truck. Highly
cupola cover and corrected drive sprockets. For AFV Club's recommended as usual; www.defmodel.com
M60A1 Patton, a superb barrel and mantlet is complete in set
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 51

Dragon 1:35 IDF Magach 3

Another version of DML's M48 is released in the 'Six Day War' style cupola with external .30 Cal mount seems the norm here as
series with a 'Magach 3' boxing. We've looked at many of these are armoured covers over the air filters, again, not present in the
M48 based kits lately and whilst decent and simple builds with kit. Most reference images seem to show a .50 Cal. mounted
some excellent detail, Dragon have failed to update any of the where the searchlight sits also which isn't an option offered. I'm
tooling to correct a few parts. This kit is basically the M48A3 from certainly no expert on IDF Magachs, maybe this kit could
what we can see with a additional sprue.The main gun in the kit is represent an initial batch vehicle without upgrades but it just
the (additional) sprue from Dragon's M60, noted of being a seems to lack some key features present in most period images,
questionable size anyway but the 3s were fitted with British 105 L7 a little lazy on first impressions Dragon, but the aftermarket guys
guns if I'm not mistaken? I don't think I've seen a 3 fitted with the (certainly DEF. and Legend) have sets to help build a 'typical'
style of cupola offered in the instructions, a low profile Sherman- Magach 3.

Mini Art
Always providing diorama builders with something to spark the sharp detail right down to casting numbers. 35207 is the product
imagination, Mini Art have a new batch of releases for that next code. We've seen some great figure sets released from Mini Art,
project. If our AMX-30 feature has got you thinking, here's some here's more to keep Allied modellers happy with another group of
brand new highly detailed European railway track; 35561 contains U.S. troops of the WWII period. Two GIs are posed snoozing /
around 700mm of track and 35568 is a track of around 350mm relaxing, two playing a card game and one sat on his helmet
with a dead end. A nice complement is set 35563 consisting of reading a newspaper. ‘German sitting civilians’ are five great period
four concrete telegraph poles, one is actually a double sided lamp subjects which could be a great touch to WWII dioramas. Good
post complete with clear parts. Detail and moulding is excellent. expressions and great sculpting as usual although unusually some
There's enough Champagne and Cognac for any army to celebrate moulding flash will need cleaning from our sample. A small printed
victory in set 35575 with sixteen wooden crates and green and sheet contains detailed magazines, newspapers and playing cards.
brown tinted bottles to fill them up with a neat little decal sheet to www.miniart-models.com will keep you up to date with their
suit. Straight from Mini Art's SU kits we looked at recently are these excellent quality releases with some downloadable catalogues also 51
individual link, workable 'waffle' tracks for T-34 based vehicles. The available.
detail is as good, if not better than resin versions with superb and
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 52

35L-198

35L-196

16 054
35L-211

35L-199
35L-205

16 055
35L-160

35L-208

25L-10

35 P-28
35L-189 35L-212

48 049 48 043 48 050 TCS 25

Aber
More precision from Poland with new releases from Aber. In 45mm and two 7.62 MG barrels and ammo drum. The same
sixteenth scale is 16 054 a superb U.S. MP48 antenna base and ammo drum is available in set 35P-28 which are superbly detailed
16 055 the multi piece antenna to suit. 35L-196 is an extensive In the forgotten scale of 1:25 is a T-34/85 ZiS-S-53 barrel and
set to detail the Vickers and Hotchkiss guns on Takom’s Mk.I three photoetch sets are new in 1:48; the first two are for AFV
Female, 35L-198 is more pre-war gun detail for the Hobby-Boss Club’s Sturmtiger, 48 043 is the basic detail set and 48 049 is to
Vickers Mk.I Medium as is 35L-199 which is a set of four 8mm re-create the fenders and exhaust covers. 48 050 will look
Hotchkiss barrels which would suit any ‘Whippet’.Still in 1:35 is excellent on Tamiya or Italeri’s Flak 36/37 to replace all of the
35L-211, an L/48 7.5cm for DML’s Sd.Kfz. 234/4, 35L-205 is a armour shields. Finally is a length of tow cable in stainless steel,
beautifully machined set for Takom’s ZSU-57-2, 35L-208 is a 1200mm long and 2.5mm diameter (looks pretty hefty to us even
beast of a barrel for Zvezda’s ISU-122 and 35L-160 is a multi-part for 1:16?) Aber’s superb quality is available Worldwide,
set to suit Trumpeter’s BMP1 or BMD1. 35L-189 is the legendary www.aber.net.pl will help you find a stockist near you of their vast
‘88’ to suit any kit of the Flak 36 or 37 and 35L-212 consists of the range.

Hephaestus Design Studio

We're expecting to see aftermarket 3D printing on the
increase (think back to our feature in issue 89 on the full
Hotchkiss kit) and like that kit, these parts are available
through the Shapeways website. Basically Shapeways hold
the 3D drawings which the designer sends to them and the
prints are done on-demand, ordered via their website. These
sample parts show very fine detail and will look superb under
a coat of primer. There's two sets for Meng's D-9 'Doobi'
'dozer, one set is seamless hydraulic cylinders which replace
the two piece plastic ones in the initial kits and another set is
to show a disassembled final drive which allows the model to
be displayed with the final drive having maintenance
performed on it. A 1:35 V-2 rocket motor printed as a single
piece is very intricate and would make an interesting load in
an Allied track at the end of WWII.
http://www.shapeways.com/shops/hephaestus-design-studio
and
52
https://www.facebook.com/HephaestusDesignStudio/?ref=
bookmarks are the places to go for more details (literally!)
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 53

Volume 2 of this encyclopedia styled technique shading and highlighting effects including
guide focusses on interior's and base colours. markings. The whole book is visually based as
The author needs no introduction, unless you you'd expect with a nice clean layout and good
Encyclopedia of Armour are just starting out in the hobby you will have quality, easy to follow photographs which are
Modelling Techniques no doubt seen or heard of Mig and his ideal for those beginning to get the hang of the
Mig Jiménez pioneering work and products to help any basics and looking to progress to a higher level
Published by AMMO modeller achieve better finishing and of modelling. No matter what your standard of
Softback format, 150 pages weathering results. An introduction talks the work there's always something to learn or try-
ISBN 97884 94513084 reader through tools and materials in out with these guides and although there's
www.migjimenez.com preparation for the step-by-step studies of soft- obviously a bias towards AMMO's own range it
skin vehicle interiors, armoured vehicle interiors, doesn't detract from the flow of hints and tips
engines and then onto external base coats, offered.

The M60A2 in Detail, 'Don't call me Starship' is the humorous lifting turrets and some surprisingly damaged
Volume 2 introduction to this second volume dedicated to fenders and the likes; all great modelling
Chris Mrosko and Brett Avants detailing the service of the M60A2 with U.S. touches which you wouldn't automatically
Published by SABOT forces in the style of a photo album with associate with non-combat images. A second
Softback format, 128 pages detailed and obviously well researched section is a very comprehensive 'walkaround'
ISBN 9780997 377439 captions. Split into two sections, the first 'In the inside and out of the Littlefield Collection vehicle
www.sabotpub.com Field' is an excellent collection of in-action A2s in large format, clear photographs providing
on various exercises with some absolutely filthy perfect reference if you're embarking on a build
examples begging to be modelled! Interesting of one of the recently released M60 kits.
maintenance scenes are included with M88s

If you're a serious German armour modeller, Nuts had great respect for their accuracy, these
Nuts & Bolts Vol.37 & Bolts are familiar bi-words for reliable and in- coupled with the extensive walk-around section of
Jagdpanzer IV Part 1- depth reference. This thirty seventh volume several museum preserved vehicles and ones at
L-48 (Sd.Kfz 162) features the shorter barreled L-48 Jagdpanzer various stages of restoration really does give the
Joachim Baschin and Martin with the tried and tested format familiar to modeller a serious one-stop reference. The in-
Block collectors of the series. The history and technical depth coverage extends to radio sets, on-vehicle-
Published by Nuts & Bolts development is followed by the structure and equipment, gun breeches and zimmerit. A short
Softback format, 180 pages, history of the anti-tank units and a collection of section on modelling the Jagdpanzer has some
English and German text rare images split into those of technical interest, tips on zimmerit and the usual excellent colour
Western Front and Eastern Front. Image quality plates meaning this volume is sure to be another
varies but a high percentage are new to us and 'must have' to add to the German armour
53
all have detailed captions with call-outs of points modellers' library. Highly recommended reference
of interest. N&B's drawings and plans have always as always.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 54

Modelling WWI Tanks

Frédérik Astier
Published by Histoire Et Collections
Softback format, 128 pages
ISBN 978235 2504689
www.casematepublishers.co.uk

If you've been a reader for some time you may well remember Takom's Saint Chamond, Hobby Boss' Schneider CA1 and Meng's
some of the beautiful work we've featured by acclaimed French A7V and Renault FT. Each project is complemented by some
modeller Mr. Astier. This new book from the stable of 'Steel period reference images which is a nice touch. The photography,
Masters' showcases six Great War dioramas in great detail with presentation and overall feel of the book is excellent, as is the
step by step coverage of assembly, painting and weathering, modelling with plenty to learn for everyone. It's really set me off
figures and groundwork. We start with a comparison between thinking of WWI potential projects, a good gauge of this book's
Tamiya's and Takom's MkIV Male and Female, then projects with quality.

AMMO Some new sets of quality acrylics for spraying or brushing from Mig Jimenez’s AMMO, the first two sets of six colours tie-in
with Takom’s recent Kingtiger release, Volume 1 being interior (including brass and aluminium for shells) and Volume 2 for
the exterior (including wood and track colour). Two new ‘Smart Sets’ are also recently released, 17 is a four colour set of
modern French colours and 19 quite an obscure one containing three colours for Argentinian armour. www.migjimenez.com

Chieftain MBT, 1966 to

Present, Owners' Workshop
Manual
Dick Taylor
Published by Haynes
Hardback format, 156 pages
ISBN 9781284210594
www.haynes.com

Once you get over the tongue-in-cheek presentation of a Haynes of the technical make-up in great detail to give a detailed insight
Workshop Manual, you quickly realise that this is a very serious and first hand experience of what Chieftain did, and how it did it
piece of reference on Britain's famous Main Battle Tank of the Cold (or sometimes not; remember British Leyland of the seventies?). A
War period. The acclaimed author is in his fortieth(!) year of service fully detailed service history and tales of exports and action give
with the RTR, including commanding the Chieftain, so we should some good modelling ideas, even more so with the 'funnies', AVRE
54 most probably listen to what he has to say! Packed with images to and ARV variants. This is a great reference packed with photos
provide excellent modelling reference, the full Chieftain story and technical drawings plus very readable and excellent value.
unfolds from it's initial development and production to all aspects
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 07/12/2016 15:02 Page 55

Dragon 1:35 MIM-104B Patriot SAM System PAC-1

There is no denying that a 1:35 Patriot system is a monumental styrene is utilised for the tyre tread and outward facing side wall
display piece, unlike Shermans, T-55s or Tigers I'd think it would with sharp detail but that's about it from a 'multi-media' point of
be a safe bet that modellers would only ever build one of these view. I'd imagine most modellers embarking on a project as vast
(be it due to the sheer size or the cost!). So, from what we can as this will be experienced and at least expect some photoetch
gather Trumpeter produce a PAC 2 version which is available also included; the multitude of mesh walk-ways are crying out for it
as separate tractor unit and launcher / radar, AFV Club have re- and should really be included considering the asking price. I'm
boxed this with some extra detail parts. In the previous issue we sure this kit could be a real show-stopper when finished but that
looked at Dragon's release of the launcher and here it is again would be down to the subject and sheer size rather than levels of
complete with the HEMTT tractor unit, which to our surprise is detail demanded of more discerning modellers. Not having seen
actually the Italeri kit! Confused? So basically this gargantuan box the Trumpeter tooled kits in the flesh it's impossible to draw
contains the previously released launcher trailer complete with comparisons with Dragon's efforts but this kit doesn't include the
generator which can all be displayed in action or transport mode, radar trailer, something to bear in mind if you want to do a full
sprues from Italeri's HEMTT and new parts by Dragon to produce system in a diorama. A good kit but lacking the 'wow' factor for
the specific tractor version (chassis rails, coupling etc). All of the such a big project.
grey sprues are of similar standard, good if not great. DS soft

Diorama- The Perfection 2,

Structure and Vehicles
Kazuya Yoshioka
Published by DainipponKaiga Co Ltd
Softback format, 112 pages, Japanese text
ISBN 978449 9231909
www.kaiga.co.jp www.modelkasten.com
We're lucky enough to receive copies of the long standing us in the West but with such thorough step by step images and
Japanese magazine 'Armour Modelling' where Mr. Yoshioka illustrations the techniques are easily understood. The featured
showcases his diorama art, and he really does propel modelling to masterpiece depicts a scene post D-Day reminiscent of a scene
an art-form with his monthly series 'The Perfection' which has been from Saving Private Ryan with a KO'd Panzer IV H (although the
collated here into this volume focussing on the vehicles, buildings often misinterpreted Panzer-Lehr marking has set the Editor off on
and groundwork . It's rare to see such extreme detail bestowed on one…) and civilian car in a ruined street, a simply stunning piece
every element of a diorama, be it the vehicles, figures or furniture of work which any modeller will learn something from. Three of the 55
inside a destroyed building, everything gets the same level of author's other dioramas make a brief appearance too, all equally
attention and skill. Of course reading Japanese is beyond most of impressive. Modelling at it's highest level.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 06/12/2016 17:40 Page 56

AMX30B was purchased in the 1990s. The

T
he story of Chilean AMX 30 tanks is
rather complex. Far from being the first new tanks allowed completion of a fully
choice to purchase, it was a decision equipped MBT unit.
made out of necessity, after the failure to In spite of this, the purchase of Leopard 1V
initially purchase Leopard 1A2 tanks and later tanks in 1997 meant the beginning of the end
SK 105 Kurassier tank destroyers. In fact, the for the AMX. The AMX30 unit was completely
original order placed for 48 AMX30B and 2 transferred to Lanceros Armoured Cavalry
AMX30D ARVs was limited by a change in the Regiment, also in southern Chile, but in Puerto
French government’s policies towards the Natales’ garrison instead of Punta Arenas. In
Chilean military regime. The 19 MBTs and that unit, they served during their final years,
single ARV received early in the 1980s were before being replaced by the newly purchased
organized with M-41 light tanks in order to Leopards. But the final act of the AMX’s
complete a single “Grupo” (Battalion) which service was using them in a special
was deployed in southern Chile as part of the reconnaissance squadron that was part of
‘Dragones Armoured Cavalry Regiment’. Chorrillos Armoured Brigade. When all of the
Unlike other countries’ experiences with the spares parts were consumed, and the new
tank, the AMX 30 was well regarded in Chile. Leopard 2 arrived to the northern brigades
It was manned only by professional crews who making more Leopard 1V tanks available for
were able to cope with its idiosyncrasies and this role, the last AMX tanks were discharged
complexities. The tanks served very well in the and then scrapped.
Regiment until a new batch of second-hand

Chilean
Chariot

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Tito Costa ads a little spice to Meng’s AMX-B2

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When I decided to start my new project, ready to prime for paint. lift the detail. When applying the colour
I researched the most suitable kit for filters, I feel most comfortable when
assembling the B version. Meng’s B2 In order to make the painting process as using my old Humbrol Enamels in
version had excellent reviews and only easy as possible, I split the kit into different red ochre tones, applying them
small details were necessary to build the several subassemblies. For the base very thinned and in successive layers,
vehicle I decided to represent. The colour I used a 50/50 mixture of letting them dry for a couple of hours
assembly was made from the box, I just Tamiya’s Field Grey and Olive Green each. The following day, after the filters
added some details such as the canvas with a couple of Tamiya clear drops to were dry, I start applying some more
and camouflage net on the turret along prevent the so called “orange peel” focused filters by using an oil-dot filters
with the belts used for fastening the effect. Then I lightened the mix by technique. In this case I used Van Gogh
stowage on both sides of the turret’s adding buff and worked in some subtle oils, a brand you can easily find in my
racks. The main barrel and MG barrel colour modulation by gradual country of Chile. Small dots are blended
were replaced by using the excellent airbrushing. To finish the colour with a flat, soft brush giving subtle shifts
Orange Hobby sets. The assembly was modulation I lightened some raised of tones across the surfaces.
very simple throughout with no issues to details such as handles, hinges, tool
draw attention to, and I was quickly clasps, etc. with a fine brush helping to

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Using some masking tape and Tamiya On the spare track links I used the same
colours, I painted the gun’s yellow rings. technique, but with some more intensity to
For the markings, I didn’t use any decals, highlight those parts from the rest of the
but photo etched stencils by Lion Roar to vehicle. On the turret’s roof I made some
paint the tank’s licence plate and the text rust streaking with a mixture of both sepia
“Cazadores” on both sides of the gun. and burnt umber oils blended with clean
For washes, I used a mixture of AMMO thinners.
washes and sepia colour oils. For those
softer ones I just applied pure AMMO and For the exhaust mufflers I wanted to obtain
when I wanted to achieve a darker shadow, a weathered paint effect caused by
such as the ones in the engine grill mesh I temperature. I worked in three layers,
just added sepia oil to the AMMO base being the first one a Tamiya Clear Orange,
getting a darker tone and thicker mixture. then dry brush with a mixture of Black and
For the AMX’s paint weathering and Burnt Cadmium Red to outline the edges
damage I started by applying some very and replicate paint damage and rust
superficial chipping in a lighter tone than streaking. Finally, I applied dry black
the base colour mixed from acrylics. pigment to dust the exhaust pipe exits.
Heavier paint scuffing was replicated with
dry brushing dark brown enamel on the
edges of those surfaces that are most
exposed to contact. Finally, in order to
complete the process I applied more
chipping with acrylics in the same tone to
reinforce the effect on those most
vulnerable areas.

The railway crossing makes for

a dramatic pose and shows the
working suspension of the kit
very well.

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For dirt and dust effects on the upper part of the chassis, I used a For dirt and mud effects on the lower part of the hull and in order
mixture of AK and AMMO washes, by essentially using light ochre to try to get a wet appearance contrasted by some dry mud
tones since I wanted to achieve a contrast with the lower hull, areas, I applied a base layer with a mixture of both washes (Kursk
which would have darker tones to represent the humid conditions Soil) and pigments (Russian Earth), which is applied on the whole
of southern Chile. I started applying an initial mixture of 50/50 Dark lower part of the tank, including the wheels. Then I applied some
Earth and Kursk Soil. Then I progressively lightened this mixture by vertical streaking on the sides, increasing the concentration of the
adding North African Dust. On the final layer, and for representing mixture and lightening it with more Dark Mud pigment. I applied
dust streaking effects, I added some little White oil to this mixture. parallel lines in some cases, adding several layers in the same
area. If we don’t like the shape of those lines or think they are
excessive, they are easily blended with thinners.

Finally, using an old brush and toothpicks, I flicked some fresh

mud splashes by using a darker, thinned mixture of Russian Earth
and Dark Mud. You can also add some drops of glosscote to the
mixture in order to highlight the wet appearance.

The Meng tracks are particularly good; assembling requires a

certain care, especially in terms of the amount of glue required to
fix the links to each other. I recommend using one or two extra
track links than indicated in the instructions since the track may
get too tight if using the number indicated. For the painting I
applied a Tamiya acrylic base, mixing red and black, and some
dust and mud effects with pigments not forgetting to highlight any
60 contact surfaces.
AFV-92 Jan-Feb 2017.qxp_AFV/26 Jan/Feb 06 06/12/2016 17:40 Page 61

figures
For the figures, I used an AMX-30 Crew by
Djiti’s Productions. I didn’t have any
references about this brand, but I can
assure you they are really good indeed,
with well defined expressions and some
fine details.
The painting was with Vallejo and Scale 75
acrylic colours. The Chilean AMX tank
crews adopted the same uniform used by
the French, which is a pale olive green
one. For the loader’s figure I painted the
helmet with a three-tone, sand, black and
green camouflage pattern that was also
used as the first camouflage pattern for
the AMX-30B tanks Chile received in the
early 80’s

groundwork
For building the diorama base, I used 1.5
mm styrene sheet to build the edges of the
base. Then I filled the interior with balsa
wood in the lower section and DAS modelling
clay in the upper, in order to sculpt the
terrain. This way, you can get a very
resistant, yet lightweight base at the same
time. I painted the ground base coats with
Tamiya’s Earth colours.
For representing the railway, I used the 1:35
Trumpeter’s German Railway Track Set, by
cutting a railroad section in a length suitable to fit
the vignette’s orientation. To fill the base of the railroad, I
used some Woodland Scenics ‘Rocks’ in different sizes. The
Traffic Sign and railroad’s crossroad are scratch built with styrene
sheet and a set of 1:35 truck lights. The vegetation was made using
different sets from True Nature.

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Classic vignette or diorama

composition; the vehicle angled, not
parallel to the edges of the base
and a taller feature (the telegraph
pole) to draw the viewer’s eye from
foreground to background.

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I really enjoyed this project and

it’s not often you see armour from
my home country modelled, and I
hope you like the finished result.

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