Monday 29 June 2015

Another new build! (PART 1)


I really need to stop starting new kits before finishing current builds. I've lost count on the builds currently in progress, however, I have a good excuse with this one, and that's that I've joined a group build over on YoutTube.  

It's the first time I've attempted such a modern machine, but looking at the quality of this lovely new Meng kit, I'm going to have an enjoyable experience.

(Photo credit - google images)

The photo above is of an M3A3 in Iraq wearing the 'BUSK' armour, and this will be the inspiration for my build.  I would like to break up the desert yellow with NATO camo, and also have some armour skirt sections missing, odd coloured road wheels, and other such points of interest.

See part 2 HERE

Tuesday 16 June 2015

1/48 Tamiya Heinkel He 162 (Part 1)

It's been a while since I've built an aircraft, so I decided to start a Luftwaffe Group Build on my YouTube channel;  this enabled me to get back into aviation kits while also being sociable.  If you're reading this blog entry and want to join in, the group build runs from now until Sept 30th, 2015. It's a 'just-for-fun' build but should prove to be interesting as group builds are an excellent way of socializing with other modellers while sharing and learning new techniques, and most importantly, having fun!  Click here for details.

Here is the kit I have chosen for my entry into the Luftwaffe group build.  The box-art was so enticing I've already started my entry. 



Above: a strange looking bird, but very appealing none-the-less!


Above: not too many parts so shouldn't take long to assemble.


Above: undercarriage components.


Above: tail section and engine ready for wiring up; I'll admit, I'm not looking forward to that part!


Above: well, I guess Tamiya has to keep the modeller on their feet with at least a few challenges!

See part 2 HERE

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Another new build - Tamiya's 1/35 Jagdpanther (part 1)

The kit below is quite old, not as old as the Tamiya gun tractor I've just completed, but quite old none the less. There are no model shops where I live - not one........  Therefore I have to buy everything online. So, when this particular kit (one which I've seen many times for silly high prices) suddenly appeared for an unbelievably reasonable price, I of course had to buy it immediately. One of my favourite armoured machines of WWII is the Jagdpanzer 38(t), so this big brother to  the little tank hunter is an exciting machine to build.


Below: Okay, so last night, despite having a few kits on the go, I reached for the top of my modest stash with the expectation and excitement most modellers must feel, and lifted my Jagdpanther down. As with most Tamiya kits, the parts are clean so I don't expect too much trouble while assembling the kit.  I have previously made a few notes about little changes I would like to make, and I'll document them on this blog as I work on them.


Below: I have managed to add a lot of components to both the upper part of the hull and the engine deck.  I also fitted the escape hatch which has some nice interior detail enabling it to be left open if I wish. I didn't replace the grab handles with brass ones as the kit versions are good enough.


Below: As you can see I bought myself some photo-etch engine grills.  These are the ones recommended in the kit instructions and are for a late Panther G which has the same engine deck complete with crew heater.  Strangely enough, the instructions that came with the PE state the set is not suitable for this kit!  I have offered the pieces up and they look like they'll fit just fine - fingers crossed :) 


Below: I used my trusty sanding sticks and thinned out the plastic mud guards/fenders.  In reality these were very thin metal.  Once thinned they can be slowly manipulated with your fingers and bent into your required shape (be patient and don't over do it or they'll snap off, especially if you've over-thinned the plastic).  To make sure they look natural, I use WWII photos and emulate a real machine's mud guards.  You can also add some glue underneath to soften the plastic and help manipulate the shape.


Below: in this WWII photo that I used as one of my references you can see the mud guards/fenders are bent inwards towards the tracks, and it looks as though one is actually rubbing on the turning track. My Jagdpanther is a later version than the one pictured and will not have any Zimmerit. 


More soon..................

See part 2 HERE