Model Military International - Issue 196 August 2022

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196

FREE 180 metres of


masking tape! HEDGEROW RUNNER Jeff Shiu Miniatures
120mm GI Running
ISSUE
August 2022

MOBILE AIR
DEFENCE
Trumpeter’s 1:35
5cm Flak 41 auf
Selbstfahrlafette

ISSUE
196
August 2022

£5.25

Gecko Models’
1:35 amphibian

WHAT A LARC!
INSIDE: Military Vehicle Lexicon Part 2
Small Arms n Incoming n Small Scale n Book Reviews n 1:48 scale n and more...
Contents - Issue 196 August 2022
REGULARS
p 4 NEWS
What’s new in the world of military
modelling

26 p 54 INCOMING
Accessories, model supplies and more

p 56 SMALL SCALE
News and new releases in 1:72 and
smaller

p 58 BOOKS
Military and modelling in print

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

p 65 NEXT ISSUE
What to look forward to next time

p 66 LAST POST
Forces from the UK (C Company The
Royal Welsh and The Mercian Regiment),
Germany and Lithuania take part in a
CBRN attack serial during Exercise Iron
Wolf 2022 at the Kaunas Training Area
in Lithuania

FEATURES
p 6 THINK TANK
Military Vehicle Lexicon Pt. 2 by Tomasz
Basarabowicz

p 14 PREVIEW
Dragon 1:35 StuG III Ausf G
COVER
FEATURE
p 16 WHAT A LARC!
Gecko Models’ 1:35 scale amphibian by
Clayton Ockerby
16
p 26 MOBILE AIR DEFENCE
Patrick Dorn tackles Trumpeter’s 1:35
5cm Flak 41 auf Selbstfahrlafette

p 34 TWO FRONTS
Tasca / Asuka’s 1:35 M4A3 76w
Sherman by Jesse Naughton

p 46 HEDGEROW RUNNER
Matt Wellhouser describes his Jeff Shiu
34 Miniatures 120mm GI Running With .30
Calibre Machine Gun.

p 52 SMALL ARMS CORNER


British Smooth Bore Muzzle Loading
(SBML) 4.2” Mortar

© Doolittle Media Ltd 2022


Tel: (UK) 01525 222573
Email: [email protected]
Address: Doolittle Media Ltd., The Granary,
Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Model Military International is published monthly by
Doolittle Media Ltd. Reproduction in part or whole of
any text, photograph or illustration without written
permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While
due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military
International is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot
accept liability for errors or omissions.
ISSN 1749-8864

August 2022 - Model Military International 3


Newsline - August 2022
MMI Newsdesk, The Granary, Doolittle Lane,
Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574
Email:[email protected]

AIR-GRAPHICS
NEW SMALL SCALE
MILITARY RELEASES
A
ir-Graphics has announced a number of
forthcoming 1:72 scale military vehicle
releases.
These include a Bv202 Snow Cat, 105mm
Pack Howitzer and Peugeot P4 due in mid-July 2022.
Other sets will be available by the end of the year.
Thanks to Air-Graphics for the news and images
https://air-graphics.uk

AIRFIX 1:35 BRUMMBAR


A
irfix has just released their new 1:35 scale Brummbar
Mid Production kit. I am assuming this is a rebox of the
recent Academy kit with new marking options.
We’ll have more details in a future issue.
Thanks to Airfix for the information and images www.airfix.com

NEW VESPID 1:72 V


espid Models has announced their A couple of prototypes were made and a
next kit release - VS720011 a schmalturm, albeit badly damaged by post
PzKfw V Panther Ausf F, with the war gunnery training on the ranges, survives
Schmalturm. at Bovington Tank Museum.
Originally intended for the Panther II, it was The kit is due for release late this year.

PANTHER AUSF. F ultimately decided that the schmalturm


would be mated with the standard hull of the
Panther Ausf G.
Thanks to Vespid Models for the information
and images https://www.facebook.com/
vespidmodels/

4 Model Military International - August 2022


Think Tank - MILITARY VEHICLE LEXICON PART TWO
Crossley armoured car, 6 September 1930.
The vehicle is in three-colour camouflage pattern.

MILITARY VEHICLE
LEXICON PART TWO Tomasz Basarabowicz guides us through the world of military vehicles, A to Z.
This second instalment covers Argentina.
ARGENTINA the Argentinians by the Italians, but there is no a Caballo Nos. 1, 8, 10. The most widely known
The first armoured fighting vehicle that found unequivocal confirmation. "combat" actions of Argentinian Crossley
its way to the Republic of Argentina was an The next armoured vehicles, this time include participation in several coup d’etats and
Italian light tank Fiat 3000 Mod. 21. It was actually operated by the Argentine Army, were revolutions, such as in the revolution of 1930
shown to the public for the first time during British Vickers Crossley Model 1926 armoured when General Jose Felix Uriburu stood against
a parade on 25 May 1924. And perhaps there cars. Six vehicles were purchased and delivered the incumbent president, Hipolito Yrigoyen,
would be nothing unusual about it, if not for the to Argentina in early 1928. They were publicly and during the coup on 4 June 1943 when the
fact that the solemnly parading tank sported shown during the Independence Day parade on Government of President Ramon Castillo was
Italian markings (a tricolore pennant with the 9 July 1928 (according to some information, overthrown.
coat of arms of the House of Savoy, the vehicle the purchase was only completed in November After their withdrawal from the Army –
itself in the three-tone camouflage pattern 1928). Further purchases of armoured cars probably in the early 1940s at the latest – they
standard for this period), and was escorted of this type were planned, so that a section were used by the Federal Police.
by a detachment of Italian marines from the of these vehicles would be the part of each Their camouflage scheme was overall sand,
San Marco Battalion. The Italians arrived in infantry division of the Argentine Army. The typical for British Indian pattern vehicles, with
Argentina on a courtesy visit, hoping to expand armoured cars, sporting consecutive numbers irregular olive green patches painted on in
military contacts between the two countries from C 1 to C 6, were divided into three sections Argentina. The markings consisted only of black
(an Italian air force mission went to Argentina of two vehicles each – Seccion de Automoviles identification numbers on the hull sides. In 1937,
right after the end of World War One). It cannot Blindados – which were subordinated to three they were shown re-painted in an overall gloss
be ruled out that the tank was then donated to cavalry regiments: Regimentos de Granaderos olive green colour with blue-and-white national

6 Model Military International - August 2022


The same vehicle surrounded by a group of officers. Vickers Crossley photographed on 4 June 1943.

Another Crossley photographed on the same day. Independence Day Parade, 9 July 1938. Crossley Platoon on the march.

The front of the same parade. Tempo 1200 all-terrain vehicle the lead. In the background there is a Crossley Next shot of the Crossley armoured cars during the same parade. Overall gloss paint can
carrying a colour party. be seen.

markings on the hull sides, above which there In 1938, the Tanque Liviano Vickers, Modelo The Vickers tanks in Argentine service were
was a black semicircular inscription "Ejercito Argentino 1938 – the Vickers tanks were given painted in an overall gloss olive green colour,
Argentino", the numbers were placed under the such a designation in the service of the country with a cockade in light blue and white colours
national colours. – took part in large-scale manoeuvres together painted on both sides of the turret – in 1938
The next purchase of armoured vehicles by with cavalry units on the training area of the there was a semicircular inscription "Ejercito
the Argentine Army was also made in Britain Provincia de Entre Rios. Argentino" painted above the cockade, and
– this time they were Vickers Carden Loyd Upon their arrival in Argentina, the Vickers "Agrupacion de Arsenales" painted in three
Model 1934 light tanks. Out of twelve machines were assigned to the Comando de Arsenales lines below it. After some time, first the
ordered in 1937, six were delivered in April Battalion. Nevertheless, the tank company inscription under the cockade was removed, and
and June of the following year. They bore the together with a motorised infantry company then the semicircular inscription above it was
manufacturer's registration numbers VAE and a machine gun section formed the painted over. A black number in a yellow circle
1991 – VAE 2002, while in Argentina they were Destacamento de Exploracion (Reconnaissance was painted on the rear of the turret and on the
marked with consecutive numbers from 1 to 12. Detachment) subordinate to the 6th Infantry front upper part of the hull.
Traditionally, new weapons were presented to Division. They were retired from service in the Also at the end of the 1930s, the Hispano
the public during the parade on 9 July 1938. Army in 1946 with the deliveries of new vehicles Argentina Fabrica de Automobiles (HAFDASA)
The unit formed for the time of the presentation from post-war purchases. It cannot be ruled out plant at the request of the Army developed its
– Compania de Tanques – was commanded by that the tanks were then transferred to Policia own armoured car design on the chassis of a
Capt. Jose S.M. Salinas. Federal force. 4x4 lorry, powered by a 95 HP HAFDASA fuel A

August 2022 - Model Military International 7


Think Tank - MILITARY VEHICLE LEXICON PART TWO

A Crossley photographed during the coup on 6 September 1930. Two Crossleys photographed during an unidentified ceremony. Note the early two-tone camouflage pattern.

An armoured car HAFDASA Criollo photographed on 9 July 1938.

Tempo 1200 all-terrain vehicle. In the background a company of Vickers tanks can be seen. Vickers Carden Loyd Model 1934 light tank (Vickers Modelo 1938). On the the turret the
markings of the Argentine armour can be seen.

B engine. These vehicles, called Criollo (Creole), machines were allocated as follows: six tanks, Vickers Model 1938 tanks and a section of
were produced in a small quantity, probably six all Crossleys and four Criollos formed part of Crossley armoured cars.
vehicles only. In addition to their basic task as the Batallon de Arsenales. The remaining six During World War Two, Argentina, due to
reconnaissance vehicles, they could also act as Vickers tanks were assigned to the Seccion its pro-German political sympathies, was not
armoured personnel carriers for transporting up de Exploracion (Recconnaissance Section), included in the Lend-Lease programme, which
to 12 troops. They were armed with two Madsen established at the Escuela de Infanteria (School to differing extents functioned rather well in
Model 1926 machine guns. of Infantry), and the other two Criollo armoured all other South American countries. Therefore,
Just before the outbreak of World War Two, cars were used at the Escuela de Caballeria and due to the inability to purchase the desired
the Argentine Army expressed an interest in (School of Cavalry). armoured equipment in European countries,
the acquisition of up to 160 tanks weighing 7-14 By an order of 1 October 1943, the Escuela Argentina, as the premier country on the South
tons in Europe. There were even talks with the de Tropas Mecanizadas was established in American continent, made an effort to develop
Czech CKD company over the purchase of LT. Villa Martinelli (Province of Buenos Aires). its very own design.
38 tanks. The annexation of Czechoslovakia It consisted of a command section and an In the years 1942-43 at the Arsenal Esteban
shattered these ambitious plans, and so at infantry battalion with two motorised infantry de Luca in Buenos Aires, Col. Alfredo Aquiles
the outbreak of the war Argentina had a total companies, a machine gun company and a Baisi designed and built a wooden mock-up of
of 24 armoured vehicles, namely six Crossley mortar section plus the Agrupacion Blindada. a 35-ton medium tank. Originally called Nahuel
and six HAFDASA Criollo armoured cars plus The "armoured group" was formed from 1a marca DL 43, eventually the official name was
the Vickers Model 1938 light tanks. These Compania de Tanques Ligeros, equipped with Nahuel Modelo Baisi 1943, with "nahuel" in the

8 Model Military International - August 2022


Parade on 9 July 1938. The serial numbers are visible on the front of the Vickers’ hulls. On the back of the turret, tactical numbers are painted in black on a yellow oval.

Vickers Mod. 38.


Visible is the Argentine Indian Araukano language meaning “jaguar”.
cockade in white and In 1943 the first prototype was built,
light blue colours. sporting the serial number C 252 (C 251 was
the designation of the wooden model), and
demonstrated to the then Minister of War,
later President, Col. Juan Domingo Peron. A
decision was also made to commence serial
production of the vehicle. The new design was
shown in public at an exhibition on 4 June
1944, organised on the occasion of the first
anniversary of the Revolution of 1943. A year
later, on 9 July 1945, the first ten new Nahuel
tanks paraded down the Avenida del Libertador
in Buenos Aires – the leading machine with
the number C 121 was driven personally by
the designer. These first ten Nahuel tanks
were handed over to the Escuela de Tropas
Mecanizadas earlier, in the early January
1945, and by then the school had grown into a
motorised infantry battalion (two companies),
a motorised support company, a motorised
artillery battery, an engineer section and two
medium tank companies (Nahuel tanks) plus a
recce group (one reconnaissance company with
Crossley armoured cars and one company of
Vickers light tanks).
Only a total of 23 Nahuel tanks of the
planned batch of 30 were produced. Some of
them went as far south as to the Agrupacion
Patagonica. Observed serial numbers are C
73, C 130, C 121, C 122. The reason for the
suspension of the production was, among
others, a huge amount of very cheap post-war
surplus equipment available on the international
markets, e.g. just 20 cents per 1 kg was the
cost of any surplus Sherman tank! In 1950,
there were still 13 Nahuel tanks reported as
operational by the Argentine Army.
Their camouflage was overall maroon with
earth-olive colour, on both sides of the turret a
light blue and white cockade, above which there
was a white, semicircular inscription "Ejercito
Argentino", and under it "Agrup. Patag." was
painted. The serial numbers were painted in a
A close-up of the front of the Vickers hull. The tactical marking “2” is also noticeable, repeated on the rear of the turret. light colour (white?) on both sides of the hull
The German M.35 helmet of the tank commander is also noteworthy.
and at the rear of the vehicle. A

August 2022 - Model Military International 9


Think Tank - MILITARY VEHICLE LEXICON PART TWO

Vickers Company after maneuvers at Entre Rios, October 1946. Vickers tank platoon during the parade on 9 July 1938.

The first post-war Independence Day parade, 9 July 1945. Vickers are leading, the Nahuel tanks Argentine Nahuel DL-43 tank during the last inspection preceding the first public presentation of the
in the background. vehicle on 4 June 1944. The influence of the American M3 and M4 designs is clearly visible.

Trials of the still incomplete tank at the Esteban de Luca Arsenal, May 1944. Tank still without turret and front hull plate. In a driver’s seat a car constructor, Lt. Baisi. Among the officials there were representatives
of the military junta that ruled Argentina at the time, incl. the Prime Minister, General Edelmiro Farrel and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of War, Col. Juan Peron.

10 Model Military International - August 2022


B Interestingly, the tank was driven by rather armoured vehicles. The order was carried out
unique FMA Lorraine-Dietrich 12 EB, 12 V 500 in 1939-40, and the tractors were supplied to
HP, and armed with a quite obsolete 75 mm the 6th Artillery Regiment. In 1943, the Ministry
Krupp 75/30 Model 1909 gun with one co-axial of War of the Republic of Argentina contracted
Browning 12.7 mm and as many as three the Argentine subsidiary of the International
Madsen Model 1926 7.65 mm calibre machine Harvester to produce a total of 140 artillery
guns mounted in the hull. Most likely, the last tractors of the W30 and W9 types (they differed
six production vehicles were armed with Bofors in, for example, their propulsion). To Argentine
75 mm L/40 Model 1935 guns and only one 7.62 gunners they were known under the name of
machine gun. Yacare. As for this type of vehicles, they were
The Buenos Aires Department of the Policia equipped with quite a powerful armament of two
The completed Nahuel, still at the Esteban de Luca, May 1944.
National cockades are visible on the turret. Federal until the 1940s employed several (at Madsen machine guns and a 20 mm Oerlikon
least five) armoured cars with a rotating turret, cannon each.
built most likely in 1929, on an Extremely dynamic post-war expansion of the
International Harvester chassis. armoured units of the Argentine Army deserve
It is worth mentioning that a separate study. A significant amount of post-
in 1938 the Argentine Army war surplus equipment was purchased then,
commissioned the Esteban de including Sherman and Sherman Firefly tanks,
Luca Arsenal works to convert T16 carriers and M5 and M9 halftracks, and the
twelve Thornycroft Amazon 6x6 chassis of Crusader tanks was used to develop a
artillery tractors into half-track local self-propelled gun design. n

The Nahuel tanks during the parade on 9 July 1945.

A cast turret of the Nahuel tank. A co-axial machine gun can be seen. There are three Danish-manufactured Madsen machine guns fitted
in the front plate. The idea apparently copied from the first M4A1
Sherman tanks.

August 2022 - Model Military International 11


Think Tank
The back of the
Nahuel tank hull.

Lt. Col. Alfredo A. Baisi, the tank designer, during the first parade when the Nahuel tanks participated, 9 July 1944.

At the Esteban de Luca Arsenal, work is underway on the Nahuel’s power unit - the Lorraine Dietrich 12 An armoured car on International Harvester chassis, used by the Federal Police.
EB engine.

A surprising mixture of old and new. The T16 transporters precede the column of Vickers Modelo 1938 tanks on 9 July 1947.

12 Model Military International - August 2022


KIT PREVIEW Italeri 1:35 Panzer IV Ausf. H • Kit No. 6578

OLD
TROOPER
Andy King revisits Italeri’s veteran
1:35 scale Panzer IV Ausf. H.

T
his particular kit of the Panzer IV for the top run of track means you can model from the 2nd Panzer Division training area,
has been in the Italeri catalogue the ‘track sag’ better. If you were REALLY France, March 1944 in a tri-tonal scheme;
since 1974 when the company was pedantic you could always drill the guide horns two overall dark yellow panzer IV’s, one from
originally known as Italaerei. It has and hollow them out with a craft knife but check the 2nd German Elite Division, 2nd Elite
been re-issued a few times over the years by your references as images exist of both types Panzerkorps, South Ukraine, Winter 1943/44
them and also different manufacturers such as of track fitted with hollow and solid guide horns and interestingly the other comes from an
Testors, Tomy and Zvezda. (sometimes both on the same vehicle). Italian unit, the Ejercito de Tierra, Regimiento
As you can imagine then, this is not going One thing I did notice on the instructions de Ifanteria Acorazada/ Alcazar de Toledo n.61,
to be ‘state-of-the-art’ tooling as details are which is an improvement on detail is that Italeri Madrid, 1944. Lastly there is a vehicle from
typical of kits made in the 1970’s such as the provide new parts (17C and 18C) for the front the 5th German Elite Division, Korsun Pocket,
turret is devoid of any screw-head details such mudguard hinges and requires the original Ukraine, January 1944 that is in a tri-tonal
as those found on Dragon Panzer IV’s and moulded-on ones to be removed. Thankfully the scheme but overpainted with whitewash. Quite
although a tread pattern is represented on on-vehicle equipment is moulded separately where Italeri got the ‘Elite’ moniker from I’m not
the top side of the fenders, it isn’t replicated and not on the hull, all they require are some sure as in my years of modelling German WW2
underneath. decent tool clamps which these days can be armour, I have never heard of it but no doubt
So what do you get sourced from the 3D printing world as well somebody out there will be furiously writing to
for your money? In the as etched ones. the editor after reading this. Sorry Brett!
box there are seven The machine guns for the hull and The decals are nicely printed by Zanchetti
sprues moulded in grey commanders cupola really need replacing Buccinasco and look to be good quality, it’s also
polystyrene, vinyl one- as the cooling holes on the turret mounted nice to see the ‘braun ark’ stencil included for
piece tracks, a metal barrel one are represented with raised dots while the gun mantlet. Braun ark was the hydraulic
and (it has to be said) a the hull machine gun features nothing at all. fluid used in the guns recoil system and
rather nice decal sheet. The biggest thing to address is that usually not included on decal sheets by other
Considering the age of the tooling the the model does not have any of the anti- manufacturers, again you would have had to look
moulding quality is surprisingly good with just magnetic paste (zimmerit) applied and this to after-market decal producers such as Archer.
a few bits of flash on some parts plus the usual particular version of the Panzer IV would have Although the kit is approaching the 50-year
seam lines, where it falls down a bit is with the had it, only the late production Ausf. H and J’s mark, it is a sound but basic model and although
amount of mould-pin marks that are present didn’t feature it as the application of zimmerit it has been surpassed by the likes of Panzer IVs
such as on the backs of the ‘shurzen’ or skirt was discontinued in September 1944. These from Dragon and Border, with some work it can
armour pieces and underneath the fenders. days there are various after-market products be turned into something pretty decent. You
Some sink marks are also visible in the centres for putting zimmerit on a model such as resin also have to consider the difference in price too
of the skirt armour that will be difficult to sets by ATAK, metal etch sets by Eduard (not as Dragon kits (especially here in the UK) are
rectify without destroying the detail. my favourite way to be honest) or you can do it slowly making their way to triple-figures and
The kit provides the original vinyl tracks and yourself with modelling putty and the zimmerit for the cost of an etch set, this still comes in
the link-and-length type and here again both are application tools available. When I built this less price-wise. Advanced modellers may look
plagued with mould-pin marks, the vinyl ones actual kit waaaay back in the 1990’s I did the down on it as you don’t have the finesse of the
have pin marks on the outer faces while the zimmerit with an electrical soldering iron that Dragon kits with the manufacturers logo on the
link-and-length ones feature quite deep ones on had the tip shaped to match the pattern, taking tyres, the tread pattern detail repeated on the
the inner faces so take your pick. Also both sets great care not to either burn myself or melt the fenders etc but to me this is still a good starting
of tracks have solid guide horns even though model. Those were the days! point and for newcomers to the hobby it’s not a
the illustration in the instructions show hollow Colours and markings are provided for five huge investment either. n
ones. Personally I would go for the link-and- vehicles; a Panzer IV from the 12th Panzer
length type as although the pin marks will be Division, Babrujsk, Belarus, July 1944 in a two- Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for
tedious to fill and clean up, the separate links tone green and dark yellow camouflage; one the review sample www.hobbyco.net

14 Model Military International - August 2022


SQUADRON BOOKS
NEW!
10266
F/A-18 Hornet & Super Hornet In Action
This book is written by author David Doyle. Line illustrations are done by Ike Anderson and
the cover (front and back) artwork is done by Piotr Forkasiewicz.

80 pages full colour.

In Action® books are books that trace the development of a single type of aircraft,
armoured vehicle, or ship from prototype to the final production variant. Experimental or
“one-off” variants can also be included. The first In Action® book was published in 1971.

About the Author: David Doyle’s earliest published works appeared in periodicals aimed at the historic military vehicle restoration hobby. By
1999 this included regular features in leading hobby publications, appearing regularly in US, English and Polish magazines. Soon, this expanded
to publications aimed at scale model enthusiasts as well. In 2003 his first book was published, and since that time has written more than 200
additional titles, with aviation and nautical topics joining his initial efforts concerning vehicles. He and his wife Denise live in west Tennessee.

...................................................................................................................................................................................... £16.99 + p&p

THIS IS JUST A SELECTION OF OUR RANGE AT


WWW.DOOLITTLEMEDIA.COM
FEATURE ARTICLE Gecko Models 1:35 LARC-V (Vietnam War) US Army Amphibious Cargo Vehicle • Kit No. 35GM0038

WHAT A LARC!
Clayton Ockerby builds the brand new
Gecko Models 1:35 scale LARC-V (Vietnam
War) US Army Amphibious Cargo Vehicle.

16 Model Military International - August 2022


I
sn’t it always the way…? I
start building the old, hard to
find, resin LARC-V from Hobby
Fan and no sooner had the
first drop of CA glue hit the resin
than Gecko Models announce they
will be releasing the subject as
a mainstream plastic kit. On the
one hand I was really excited by
the announcement as the long-
neglected subject would now be
available to the masses, but on
the other hand I was annoyed the
modelling gods had messed with
me again! How many times has this
happened to you? I know we have
all been there.
I had actually built the resin kit
for a friend of mine. Of course he
wasn’t satisfied with just one LARC
on his display shelf, he needed two.
As soon as the news of the release
dropped he asked me if I would
build the Gecko Models release
for him. This time though, he was
asking for it to be displayed in a
specific way. He wanted to be able
to show it as a waterline model. He
also asked that the weathering on
this display be kept to a minimum
to represent a reasonably well
maintained, sea-worthy vessel (as
the last model I had weathered in
a somewhat heavy-handed way…
as us armour modellers tend to do
from time to time).
Challenge accepted I thought,
and I set about the build. A

August 2022 - Model Military International 17


FEATURE ARTICLE Gecko Models 1:35 LARC-V (Vietnam War) US Army Amphibious Cargo Vehicle • Kit No. 35GM0038

The wheel assemblies were a couple


of pieces fixed together. Inner tread
and the two outer walls of the tyres
complete the piece. The inner tread
section has a clearly defined ‘flat’
spot on it to show the ‘weight’ of the
vehicle when sitting on the ground,
but the outer walls don’t seem to
have the same flatness. I’ll be posing
the model suspended, so it wouldn’t
be an issue but something to
consider if you were wanting to pose
the model on a flat surface.

Light and aerial parts are attached the front section


and the access hatch assembly is pre-assembled.

The rear section is now assembled.


Here we can see the grill covering
the radiator and the two engine
maintenance hatches. Assembly
was very straight forward, and all
pieces were fitting as they should.

The cargo deck is provided in two sections. The


check plate pattern is well represented as are
the tiedowns and various hatches. The rear
wall is glued in place. The model allows for a
.50 cal to be present at the rear of the deck
and the circular mounting place can be clearly
see here. I won’t be including the weapon
however I will need to ‘hide’ the mounting plate
with stowage to better represent the vehicle I
am trying to replicate. Trying the remove the
plate and retexture the section would be near
on impossible due to the fine surface detail.

The drivers’ cabin is next up. Grab rails are attached,


and the top hatch is set in place. In hindsight it would
have been nice to pose that in the open position to
better help highlight the detail in the cabin. The floor
section of the cabin sees the brake and accelerator
pedals set in place also.

The propellor and the wheel mounts


are now assembled. The wheel
mounts had some pretty nasty
seam lines through them. They
were tidied up to a reasonable
finish using a sharp scalpel. Given
the fact they would be almost
impossible to see behind the huge
The instrument panel / dash assembly is complete wheels I didn’t worry too much
and the three seats for the driver and passengers about making these pieces perfect.
are attached to the rear wall of the cabin. Pick your battles I say.

18 Model Military International - August 2022


The wheel mounts and
propellor sections as well
as the rudder are attached
The front wheels include the steering arms. These
to the single section of the
are static which means the wheels are only poseable
hull. The rear grill has also
in the forward direction. Some scratch building
been fitted in place.
would be required to pose the wheels in a turned
position. Again…for another time maybe?

The instrument panel is primed and painted in acrylics. The kit comes
with decals for the dials, and they do add a lovely detail to the section.
A small touch of Wet Effects from AK was dropped into each of the
dials to present the glass lenses in the instruments.

The seat section is primed


in Mr Surfacer 1200 and the
padded areas of the seats are
brush painted using Black
Grey and highlighted with a
spray of light grey.

I would usually paint my wheels using a circular spraying template or


sometimes by hand. These wheels presented a bit of a challenge because
of the balloon-like shape of them and the sheer size. I wanted to spray
the rubber sections to get a good, even coverage. I first painted the inner
wheel hubs in the grey colour and once dry, liquid mask from VMS was
brush painted around the edges of the grey and the rubber colour (a mix
of German Grey and Black) was applied. Once dry the liquid mask was
removed using a blob of bluetack and rubbing it over the masked sections.

August 2022 - Model Military International 19


FEATURE ARTICLE Gecko Models 1:35 LARC-V (Vietnam War) US Army Amphibious Cargo Vehicle • Kit No. 35GM0038

The back of the cabin is open, so this


needed to be masked by stuffing sponge
pieces in the void. This was good enough
to protect the interior from overspray.
The model then received a primer coat of
Mr Surfacer 1200. The primer helps unite
the finish as well as allow us to paint the
etch parts in subsequent steps.

The cabin and front assemblies as well as the deck sections are all
attached to the large single piece hull section. Clear parts are fitting in the
cabin using pva glue and then carefully masked. A small amount of filler is
also required to hide some pretty obvious gaps in the joins. The kit comes
with photo-etch pieces to represent the rope brackets. The kit came with
a bending jig on one of the sprues, but of course I threw that out without
knowing I would need it! With the jig missing the pieces were bent around As fate would have it, the colour
a fine paintbrush handle to give them the rounded shape. They were then of the primer was very close
attached to the plastic parts using super glue. The cargo skirts were also to the colour I was aiming for,
dry fitted at this time but could easily be removed for painting and access. so I made the decision to use
that as my base colour. Visual
interest was added to the base
coat by highlighting sections
(mainly horizontal sections)
using Light Grey from MRP.

Then, inversely the


shadows were added. A
thinned mix of IJN Grey
was airbrushed through
recesses and areas where
natural shadows may
appear. This technique
immediately gives the
model greater visual depth
and makes it look more
like the real things and
less like a toy.

I hadn’t realised how visible the exhaust pipe was through the
mesh shroud. I had to carefully remove one side of the etch
piece from the deck section so the piece could be painted.
The pipe was painted using a brush and sponging on rust
toned acrylic paints. Once dried the etch screen was bent
back into shape and reattached using super glue.

The rubber bumpers that run around the length of the vehicle were painted in a dark grey and The pre-painted wheels are now attached to the vehicle and assembly is all but complete.
attached to the main section. Pre-painting these parts ensured a clean line between the dark
grey and the light grey pieces.

20 Model Military International - August 2022


A pin wash using
Starship Filth enamel
wash is applied. The
dirty brownish grey
To add further variation to the grey palette small dots of white and German Grey Highlight Oil
colour works beautifully
pints and applied to the upper sections of the sides. Then a flat brush moistened with enamel
with the neutral grey
thinner is used to blend the dots in a downward motion. The effect adds subtle variation to the
tones of the model.
finish and helps represent the look of weathered paint.

I managed to source some interesting additions for the model through a company called Thachweave Although the brief was to make a predominantly ‘well maintained’ looking vehicle, it was all looking a
Products. They hand weave the bumpers using cotton. The bumpers and the cargo net add an organic little too clean for my liking. Small sections of focused weathering can help convey the used look without
touch to the model. I stained the cotton in a diluted brown paint mix to add some ‘age’ to the piece. The making the model look like its clinging to life. Small Aluminium chips were painted around the radiator
kit comes with old tyres to be used as bumpers also, so I doubled up by drilling small holes in these and grill using a fine brush. The grills over the exhaust pipes were lightly chipped using Black Brown from
adding them to the length of rope. Vallejo and dabbing the paint on with a small piece of sea sponge.

Initially the cargo skirts were painted in the same grey as the rest
of the vehicle. I wanted to help differentiate these parts from the
rest of the model. A thinned mix of Khaki Drab was sprayed over the
part to act as a filter. The effect is subtle but helped suggest the
material was different to the body of the vehicle.

August 2022 - Model Military International 21


FEATURE ARTICLE Gecko Models 1:35 LARC-V (Vietnam War) US Army Amphibious Cargo Vehicle • Kit No. 35GM0038

It was important to give the vehicle a purpose, so the cargo was


always going to be an important part of the build. Modern Oil drums
and other bits and pieces were painted and weathered. The cargo net
(as mentioned earlier) came from Thachweave Products and was an The stowage was set in place. The cargo net was soaked in a diluted mix of PVA glue prior to being draped in
effective way to add something unique to the cargo bed as well as be an place. The wetness helped allow the net to look as though it had weight to it. Once dry it was held in place.
easy way to hide the machine gun mount on the bed of the cargo deck. The cargo straps were made using lengths of plumbers’ tape. It is flexible and surprisingly good to work with.

B CONCLUSION to my happy place was greatly There can be no comparison This is such a unique vehicle and
Even though I’d built a Hobby appreciated. between the Hobby Fan kit and this such fun to build. I may have just
Fan LARC around 6 months prior This is a simple kit and would release. Gecko has produced a far inspired myself to make a third
I still enjoyed the journey theat be within reach of most modellers. superior model. I’ve seen the Hobby one, only this time in Aussie Three
this new release presented. It’s a It does take a little bit of planning Fan boxing going for big dollars on Tone Camouflage. So many models,
completely different skill set and with the painting, and there is a eBay in the past…so there is clearly so little time… n
thought process. Working with great deal of surface area to paint, a demand for the subject. For those
resin is close to my idea of hobby so make sure you stock up on your people with the Hobby Fan boxing Clayton Ockerby
Hell, so the fact I could crack out colours and make sure your room unfortunately the hay-day for the Facebook/workbenchhobbies
the Tamiya Extra Thin and go back has decent ventilation. kit has long passed.

The challenge now was to present the model as a waterline version but so it
could be accessed for viewing…so a resin pour was out of the question. I didn’t
realise how tricky it would be to draw the shape of the hull to the size I needed
it to be so it wouldn’t just slip through the cavity. After about 4 attempts I
managed to draw the shape that would do the job.
The top section is 3mm laser cut acrylic and the supports are acrylic rod.
To finish the effect, I designed a title layered over a waterscape. It was printed
on my digital printer with a matte finish and attached to the top of the base.
It worked better than I had hoped and really finished the model off beautifully.

22 Model Military International - August 2022


August 2022 - Model Military International 23
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FEATURE ARTICLE Trumpeter 1:35 5cm Flak 41 auf Selbstfahrlafette • Kit No. 09513

Patrick Dorn tackles Trumpeter’s


1:35 scale Sd.Kfz. 7 with the
Rheinmetall 5cm Flak 41 gun. MOBIL

26 Model Military International - August 2022


LE AIR DEFENCE
U
ntil now, a 5cm Flak 41 PE parts, colouring and markings.
on the Sd.Kfz. 7 half- The kit is completed by two
track could only be built vinyl tires for the Sd.Kfz.7, a
by using a conversion or splashboard with clear plastic
as a combination of two kits and for windows and headlights, four
was therefore correspondingly (!) photo-etched frets, wire and
expensive. Trumpeter has recently thread, and a sheet of decals for
released a complete kit that now the vehicle's markings. In all, 775
makes this rare model possible parts, 20 sprues, and 59 photo-
from one kit. Let’s take a closer etched parts. Wow.
look at how it goes together. The vehicle may be built in
the driving position, or with the
IN THE BOX side walls folded out and four
The new Trumpeter kit comes additional extendable supports
very lavishly equipped, which is that stabilise the vehicle during
why the box is really big this time. firefights. I chose the latter option
Besides 10 large grey sprues, a as it looks a bit more lively. I also
single link chain and the detailed established a steering angle of the
building instructions, 2 additional front axle and implemented minor
information sheets in colour are other modifications like an open
included, which offer many more engine hood. A
details on the use of the included

August 2022 - Model Military International 27


FEATURE ARTICLE Trumpeter 1:35 5cm Flak 41 auf Selbstfahrlafette • Kit No. 09513

Detailed engine.
The vehicle frame, engine block and engine winch feature very good detail,

B CONSTRUCTION level of detail is very good, many and may not be without damage to TRACK LINKS
The build went as well as you - even the finest - details like previously mentioned fine details. The single track links of the kit
would expect from a Trumpeter rivets, screws, the instrument The running gear with its 15 is also of good quality and does
kit. Fit is very good, but some panel are really well done. Also the individual wheels per side is not not really need to be replaced.
parts have gaps (e.g. the vehicle "upholstered" seat and backrests exactly simple in design, just like Again, this is time-consuming,
cabin in the area of the side or rivets, welds etc. are a nice in the original, but it is very well since each chain link consists of
parts and the dashboard cover) detail ex-factory – additional reproduced. Although many wheels three components but it is worth
that can be corrected by sanding detailing not required! have to be mounted in a nested the effort.
some parts or by applying slight The chassis and also the flak way, the chassis is assembled I used a well-known method and
pressure during gluing. Sanding itself are quite complex and need relatively quickly. The axle mounts started with the bottom and pre-
is required, however, due to some time due to the abundance are designed more or less as a assembled about 10-15 track links
moulding and ejection marks on of parts. The instructions have rocker and take two wheels. If each for the area around the drive
many components. gaps here and there, which you don't glue in the wheel axles, and rear idler wheel then glued
The chassis was a bit warped you have to fill yourself with assembly is much easier because them together. After about 5-10
in this kit, which required some imagination and experience. This the wheels can be put on the axles minutes, the glue has set, but the
minor rework on various parts, is not the end of the world, but and then rotated. You then have chain is still malleable. The chain
plus there was a lot of moulding it runs the risk of wrong the option of simply inserting can now be carefully placed around
flash to clean up. assembly, which in turn the inner wheels into the double the drive sprocket or idler wheel
In general I can say that the leads to corrections, which wheels and can use the axles as a and can be adjusted with no hurry.
can sometimes be costly painting aid at the same time. It is important that the chain links

Steering gear is
completely movable.

“ Until now, a 5cm


Flak 41 on the Sd.Kfz.
Many components allow for
a highly detailed chassis.

7 half-track could only


Chassis and substructure
be realised by means of - except for front wheels -
completely assembled.
a conversion kit or as
a combination of two
kits and was therefore
correspondingly
expensive...

28 Model Military International - August 2022


5cm Flak with brass
tube from Schatton.

Many photo-etched parts are also


for the Flak included in the kit.

Single track links consisting of three


components per chain link.

engage in the teeth of the drive Therefore, I decided to depict later, the clear windshield remains to be reworked as the vents are
sprocket wheel, otherwise there the engine cowling without the side intact. closed by the casting. My attempt
will be a gap between the chain and flaps. I saw this field modification I have depicted the front axle to drill out these openings in the
the drive wheel, which I wanted to on some reference pictures. This with a steering angle. I also muzzle brake unfortunately failed.
avoid at all costs. Light pressure keeps the very well detailed engine flattened the tyres slightly to The problem was the modeler, who
in this area and multiple eyeballing visible and it additionally enlivens represent a more natural sinking should have been more careful.
from different perspectives helped the model a bit in my eyes. of the rubber due to the weight of Lessons Learned!
to mount the drive properly. I pasted an old tea bag on the the vehicle. To achieve this effect, After a coffee and some
underside of the engine cowling, I filled some Magic Sculpt (a two- considerations I decided to use
ENGINE which is supposed to simulate an part modelling compound) into the a brass barrel from German
The engine including transmission insulating mat. This was a little tyre, mounted it on the rims and manufacturer Schatton, which
are really successful parts of the experiment of mine. Later this applied some pressure vertically is inexpensive and of excellent
kit and depict a Maybach HL62 detail is hardly visible. from above until the 2k compound quality. A real enrichment for
TUK. Consisting of many well For the windshield or clear had hardened. the model.
detailed parts, however, it is often plastic parts, Trumpeter supplies The photo-etched part are all I made some more small
a pity when the engine disappears a masking film which protects the included in the kit and to my eye changes, e.g. I built a mounting aid
behind the hood. plastic during painting. Peeled off they add a lot to the model. An for the small inner shield, made
additional photo-etched set is not from leftovers of one of the photo-
really necessary, but of course etched frets included in the kit. I
remains an additional option for the cut the rivets out of 1.5m plastic
one or the other modeler among us. plates with a riveting tool and
The muzzle brake of the flak has glued them on with superglue. A

Sd.Kfz 7 ready mounted, support struts


folded out and movable. The kit offers a
lot – photo-etched parts, detailed engine,
padded seats, vinyl tyres, cables.

Folding windshield, masking


film to protect the clear parts
in the kit.

August 2022 - Model Military International 29


FEATURE ARTICLE Trumpeter 1:35 5cm Flak 41 auf Selbstfahrlafette • Kit No. 09513

B PAINTING
I primed the model with red-brown
The model primed with
primer for automotive paints, acrylic based automotive
straight from the spray can. I can corrosion primer.
get this stuff inexpensively at the
local hardware store and it serves
its purpose very well. The primer
is very fine, shrinks a bit as it dries
and thus strengthens the bond Painted with Tamiya XF-63 German
of the different materials a bit. In Grey and XF-53 Neutral Grey.
addition, the slightly matte surface
is a very good starting point for
the following layers of paint. After
some hours drying time a layer of
hairspray followed, then directly
afterwards the colour XF-63
German Grey from Tamiya, which
I mix with about 20% clear coat
for a silk matt surface. I thinned all
Tamiya paints for airbrushing with
100% isopropyl alcohol.
I sprayed a very subtle cloudy
pattern with Tamiya XF-53 Neutral
Grey. This gives a less monotonous
appearance and was often visible
in my reference photos. Details
like the rubber tyres of the wheels,
the rubber pads of the track, tools,
lights, dashboard etc. I painted
afterwards with a brush and
ordinary acrylic paints.
The reddish brown colour still
shines through in some places. This
effect was reduced and partially
covered by the following steps.
I painted the engine block by
hand. I used different colours and
mixtures, mainly the Vallejo Arcyl
colours brown, black, light blue, Engine block painted and aged. Engine block painted with acrylics and aged with oil paints.
beige. By mixing these colours I
Chipping with
painted all the other facets on the
brush and water.
engine block. Vallejo colours can
be thinned with water, I applied
several thin coats giving me a very
smooth surface with no visible
brush strokes.
However, I did not overdo it. I
will say the one or other paint stain
you will not see later due to the
hood and the subsequent aging.
As an additional detail I mounted
a V-belt made of a thin thread
(company EZ-Line, fine) and fixed
it with some super glue.

WEATHERING
The aging process began with
slight chipping. This simulates Filter with very diluted
damage to the paint application paint (Tamiya Buff).
or abrasion due to heavy use. The
hairspray method was used for
this, which is quite easy to apply
and can create very
realistic effects.
I used a brush and some water
to discreetly coat heavily used
areas on the vehicle. The water
dissolves the hairspray, which
also dissolves the paint above
it and can be removed with a
stiff brush. Depending on the
intensity, this creates a very fine,
irregular image of worn surfaces.
It is important that the brush is
almost dry, otherwise the effect
is more difficult to control, quickly
becomes too coarse and thus not Engine mounted and engine
realistic. compartment aged.
In the following process I
painted details like the tool (brush
and acrylic paints) and applied a
filter over the whole model using
Airbrush (Tamiya Buff).
Filters are layers of paint with
very heavily thinned paint, applied
with the airbrush over the entire
model. Heavily thinned here
means paint and thinner in a 10%
to 90% ratio.
In the area of the landing gear
I applied 2 layers, also you can do
this step several times, you have
a high degree of control due to
the strong dilution and run less
risk of going one step too far and
overdoing it.
This was followed by light
so-called washes with black oil
paint and in a 2nd pass with a A bird's eye view of
mixture of white and Vandyke the weathered engine
Brown. I dilute the oil paints and compartment.
with turpentine substitute from
the hardware store, since this
combination has a different
chemical base than acrylic paints
and thus does not attack or
dissolve them. At this stage I also
installed the engine and
aged the entire bike.
Mainly by means of
highly diluted oil paint
(beige as a mixture of gold
ochre and white) in several
layers. This creates an even
covering surface and by using
the capillary effect I could
reach all the places where
the brush cannot.
In the area of the
gun mount I followed
the application of
pigments to simulate dust, mud
and general dirt. I use ordinary
artist pigments of no brand from
a local artist store, some bucks
only. A mixture of brown, white
and earth tones resulted in a light The pigment mix shows
coarse dirt, mud and sand.
brown, sandy hue.
With the model lying on its side,
I applied the pigments accordingly
and fixed them with a mixture
of isopropyl alcohol and matte
Tamiya clear coat in an 80:20 Detail view of the pigments
ratio. I let the clear coat drip onto fixed with heavily thinned
the pigments and run into all matt clear lacquer.
corners. After drying, the pigments
are slightly fixed, but you should
not be able to reach them with
your fingers. A

August 2022 - Model Military International 31


FEATURE ARTICLE Trumpeter 1:35 5cm Flak 41 auf Selbstfahrlafette

B Other aging around the entire Modelspec


model took a relatively long time.
For this I used oil colours black, Trumpeter 1:35 5cm Flak 41 auf Selbstfahrlafette,
brown, sienna, white, gold ochre. Kit No. 09513
With this, all other colour tones
Accessories and Modelling
can be mixed and many effects can Products Used:
be achieved, e.g. washed-out or
sun-bleached colour areas, colour • Brass Flak Gun from Schatton Scale Modeling
No. #3538
damage, dirt etc.
This part is the most fun for me, Tools and Material Used:
because you can be very creative, • UHU plastic glue
mistakes are relatively easy to • Loctite 60s super glue gel
correct and in the result no model • Tamiya masking tape (various widths)
is like the other. • Airbus Rich AS-2
Finally, a layer of dust followed • Punch & Die set
with the airbrush and very diluted • Soldering Iron
paint (Tamiya Buff mixed with a Paints and Materials Used:
little brown). Light and subtle, a
• Tamiya Acrylics XF-63 German Grey, XF-53 Neutral
little stronger in the lower area of
Grey, XF-57 Buff
the undercarriage. Some details
• Vincent Car Primer, Spray Can (Red Oxide)
were highlighted afterwards, e.g. • Hair Spray (Middle Strong)
the rubber pads of the chain were • Lukas and Schminke Oil Paints - Black, Dark Brown,
dry painted with some dark grey to Ochre, White
name just one example. • Pigments (Black, Earth, White, Ochre)
Reference Sources:
CONCLUSION
This model was overall fun to • Sd.Kfz.7 - 8 ton Zugkraftwagen - Dr.Nicolaus Hettler
build and offers the opportunity to • German artillery weapons in the Second World
depict a vehicle built only in small War. Ian V. Hogg: 1st edition, Motorbuch Verlag,
numbers with only one kit. Stuttgart 1978
The model is relatively • Weaponry in the Second World War, Paragon 2007
challenging, includes a lot of parts
which require some rework.
With the included vinyl tyres
and almost 60 photo-etched parts,
wire and masking template for the
windshields, a colour template for
camouflage painting, decal sheet
etc. it is really lush.
The build instructions are
coherent overall, apart from 2
minor errors, there are essentially
2 build options possible (transport
condition and combat ready with
side supports extended).
In summary, this is a really
great kit and therefore
absolutely recommended. n

32 Model Military International - August 2022


“ In summary, this is
a really great kit and
therefore absolutely
recommended...

August 2022 - Model Military International 33


FEATURE ARTICLE Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W • Kit No. 35-019

34 Model Military International - August 2022


TWO FRONTS
761ST TB IN EUROPE
Jesse Naughton finishes a long-planned
project for an upgraded M4A3 76w Sherman
using the Tasca / Asuka kit.

August 2022 - Model Military International 35


FEATURE ARTICLE Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W • Kit No. 35-019

T
he M4A3 76w was a
variant of the Sherman
tank built in 1944. It had
the upgraded 76mm
gun, which had better anti-tank
performance, but still utilized the
VVSS suspension in its late form,
but very similar to Sherman tanks
before. The welded hull utilized
the larger hatches for driver and
codriver. These Shermans were
built by 2 different factories,
Fisher and Chrysler. The Tasca/
Asuka kit depicts a Chrysler built
vehicle, which matched the photos
I was using as inspiration.

INTRO
The 761st Tank Battalion was one
of the few African American US
Army Tank Battalions that found
its way to fight in Europe during
WWII within a still segregated US
Army. Although members faced
numerous challenges during
training stateside, once in Europe,
the unit distinguished itself on
the battlefield. A number of books
have been written about the unit; Obligatory pile-o-parts.
with potentially the best known
being “Brothers in Arms: The Epic
Story of the 761st Tank Battalion,
WWII’s Forgotten Heroes”, by
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar… yes, the
basketball player.
I had been planning on this
build for a number of years,
slowly accumulating parts. When
I heard about the M3/M4 Group
Build being put on by the Plastic Bogie progress, with an
Posse Podcast, and since I was example of the “spacer”
in-between projects, I figured it plate used in lieu of the
rubber/sponge pieces.
would be game on.
The diorama depicts the tank
crew of a 761st Sherman coming Final drive with cast texture from Mr. Surfacer, casting marks from Bogie rear.
up a rise past three soldiers Archer, and the styrene tow hooks. The tow cable clamp (from
watching as the tank approaches. Formations) was later replaced with a 3d printed version.
The goal was create a sense of
tension between the soldiers on
both sides.

Wiring up
siren.

Epoxy putty was used to create the weld


beads at the headlight mounting bosses.
Upper hull progress with Mr. Surfacer
cast texture, TMD ventilator cover, brass
.30 barrel, and Archer weld beads on the
hull sides. As typical, the Asuka upper
hull is a joy to build.

More putty.

The detailed front hull, with epoxy welds beads, brass .30 cal, and 3D printed
headlight, siren, and tow cable details.
36 Model Military International -
Hull side with bogies installed, and TMD tools. The mix
of road wheels added a bit of visual interest. Fine Molds
provided the PE periscope guards in the front hatches.
Punched bolts were added detail on the rear stowage shelf.

Construction complete. The barrel shown is


actually from the Dragon kit, as it’s a single
piece. It was later replaced with a DEF Model
The other side. aluminium barrel. Tracks are progressing.

THE KIT CONSTRUCTION – UPPER HULL rod and strip created the earlier straps, as well as ventilator cover
Initially released in 2010, this kit The kit goes together extremely tow hook brackets found on these and tow cable guide on the front
was first large hatch, welded hull well, right out of the box. However, tanks via reference. left hull behind the driver position.
Sherman produced, followed up I’m not much of an out-of-the-box MJ Miniatures 3D printed lights Hatch handles were bent out of
closely by their M4A3E8 Easy guy, so I started making tweaks. and siren guards were added as stiff steel wire, and periscope
Eight and M4A3E2 Jumbo kits. Mr. Surfacer was used to enhance well. This was the first time using guards and hatch latches were
This kit, at the time, was arguably cast textures, Archer weld beads these 3d printed parts, and they added from a set of Fine Molds
the best M4A3 76w kit available. and casting marks were utilized to are immediately a must-have, photo-etch for the Sherman. A
The kit utilizes Tasca’s infamous add some nice detail, and Tamiya being much thinner than even the
“flat pack” lower hull that epoxy putty helped create some best plastic pieces, and thicker
builds up beautifully with a little welds for details like the light and easier to shape than PE
attention to the directions, their guards, splash shields, lift hooks, options, which had been the go-to
workable, although sometimes and travel lock on the front hull. A previously. As a quick tip, these 3d
considered silly, suspension small copper wire was added to the printed details should be painted or
bogies, a small photo-etched fret, horn as well. at least primed pretty quickly after
and rubber band tracks. Brass barrels from RB replaced installation per their directions.
kit parts with I used Tiger Model Designs’
some minor (TMD) M6 periscopes for the hatch
surgery, and periscope to depict empty holders.
some styrene Additionally, I used their tools with

Details of the face/head-ectomy Three of the completed heads. Stowage trials, getting the right mix of
to convert the figures to the randomness and what fit together. Some of the
African Americans. This was details previously added (tools on engine deck
daunting as a first timer. and details of the shelf were removed).

Initial test-fit for the diorama idea;


making sure the figures would
work together and tell the story.

August 2022 - Model Military International 37


FEATURE ARTICLE Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W • Kit No. 35-019

High contrast shot


of the turret after
the black primer to
show of the Bondo
glazing putty.

Primed and Initial OD laid down. All paints thinned with Mr. Leveling Thinner. Colours
ready for paint. were added in thinner and thinner applications to create variety and interest.

B TMD also supplied the vehicle finishing touches to the lower rear of these tanks. TURRET
tools on the rear of the hull. hull plate, to match photos of the While the kit rubber band tracks For the turret, I mostly used the
These include moulded straps, 761st tanks, which has field added are ok… for Sherman tracks, I tend kit parts, although augmented
although some were replaced tank/infantry phones. to prefer Panda Plastic tracks. with a metal barrel from DEF,
with 3d printed versions from MJ They carry an assortment of empty periscope from TMD for
miniatures again. These again were LOWER HULL AND SUSPENSION different Sherman track styles, the hatches, details from the Fine
my first time using these, and while The suspension bogies came and are quite easy to assemble Molds photo-etched set, and some
fantastically detailed and clean, do next, and went together per the compared to some competitors. styrene rod and disc for the smoke
look a bit uniform when three are directions. However, instead of Also, they are friction fit, with no grenade launcher to sit proud of
used right next to each other. using the small foam inserts, a glue needed for the main track, and the turret, which matched photo
Small PE chain was utilized for piece of .040 plastic was used as therefore stay workable, so you references. A small retainer chain
the armoured fuel/oil/water caps a spacer to lock in the ride height. can play around with how they sit. was added there as well.
on the hull, and drain holes were Tasca provides both the stamped That said, for this project, I needed The kit .50 cal is still quite
drilled into the armoured shields and open spoke road wheels in to get a set of their extended good (although lacking the trigger
per photo references. Eureka this kit, to which I augmented with end connectors. And while they levers), and was used with minor
supplied their tow cable, which is some spares from an old Dragon kit are moulded quite nicely, the clean-up. The brackets to hold the
another go-to on my projects, as to give some interest. Additionally, attachment points aren’t as solid .50 cal on the rear of the turret
string and picture hanging wire just the four mounting holes in the as you would like, so some care were thinned down to better
never look right to my eye, and front facing side of the bogie were is needed to keep them aligned. approximate scale thickness.
the ends from Eureka are always added with an awl. Tasca again Typically, on any particular build Lastly, originally a brass antenna
fantastic. gives options for the drive sprocket session, I would try to knock out base was utilized, although that
A resin .30 cal ammo box and and idler, and I chose the styles ~10 links, so that by the end of was later replaced with a lovely 3d
piece of solder wire were the that matched my photo references construction, I had my two full runs. printed version from T-Rex, which

Cutting the mask for the rear deck, using the decal sheet Painting the marking. Finished painting on the rear deck. Decal sheet.
as a master. This was the lone painted marking. I had zero
confidence that the decal would sit nicely on the engine
deck. Paint for the rear deck.

First round of brush


painting details and
adding decals. Note
the colour difference
between the glacis
and drive sprocket.
The wood board
is a piece of balsa
wood. The trap from
Tamiya epoxy putty.
Initial painting of the tools, prior to the black camo application. Vallejo was used for all the detail painting.
38 Model Military International - August 2022 The weep holes in the armoured shields for the turret and fuel caps are shown.
Black camo applied. This was a
mix of Tamiya flat black with some
Tamiya OD mixed into keep the
colors somewhat complimentary
in tone and value.

Full tank with all


base painting,
decals, and most
detail painting.

was “pre-bent”, which matched putty and just smeared it around, STOWAGE driver position in my spares box.
my plan to have the aerial tied mostly with my finger. It does American Shermans in Europe are Where the S&T figures didn’t work
down. The aerial itself was created start to harden up fairly quickly, known for their stowage, and the out, Alpine to the rescue. For the
using brass rod, with Albion tubing but lacquer thinner will allow some photos of the 761st tanks didn’t tanker on the back deck, I had to
pieces fit over it to simulate the working time. I don’t typically go deviate from that stereotype. The do some very minor adjustments
connectors. First time using the heavy handed, but wanted to on stowage on the tank is a mix of to get him to lean at an angle that
Albion stuff, and it’s magical. this particular project, based on bits and pieces out of my spares looked plausible from the side,
The most obvious modification some photos in Son of Sherman. box. There’s pieces from Legends, and an epoxy tarp provided a nice
to the turret was the application of I characterized the technique as Verlinden, Blast, Tasca’s Jerry armrest.
the cast texture. I had previously slathering on some peanut butter. cans, space track from Panda, and The heads… well Hornet makes
always used a stippled Mr. Tasca’s excellent plastic .30 tarps made from Tamiya epoxy a couple of nice sets of African
Surfacer, however, I wanted to cal and tripod were added after putty all blended to try to create heads so I had some minor and
try something with a bit more painting, which is a great little a natural look to the crew added some major surgery to accomplish.
emphasis. I used Bondo glazing addition, although I did replace stowage. Fortunately, the heads between
the barrel, the figures I had were close enough
mostly FIGURES that headgear could mostly be
because I Fortunately, I had a set of the hard swapped without too much fuss.
may have to find S&T Tankers and NCO from The tank Commander however…
broken the years ago that had been sitting well I couldn’t figure my way how
kit one by around waiting for the right time, to replace the tanker helmet
accident… and well this was it. Additionally, I without ruining it, so I came to the
oops. found a torso that worked for the conclusion that I had to saw off the A

Initial base painting of the


figures was airbrushed. This
came after a coat of black Tank commander painted up. Figure closeups.
Mr Surfacer 1500 primer

The cap on this figure is from Alpine. The head is Comments provided by Barry Biediger. The completed tank crew.
from Hornet, and the hair is sculpted with Tamiya
epoxy putty
August 2022 - Model Military International 39
FEATURE ARTICLE Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W • Kit No. 35-019

The base construction, built up using Styrofoam in layers to build elevation, along with Initial layout on paper to get an idea of figure locations. Mock-up of terrain. The elevated corner to the top right
cardboard strips. Pink iso insulation foam created the rock wall. was thinned down on the final product to even out the
scene a little.

B figure’s face. With really only minor mind I was going for, so I grabbed bit rough, I was able to clean it up
epoxy putty to clean up the seam, up a few Tamiya paint colours, via brush after the fact. The
it actually came out really well, and including Olive Drab, Khaki, Desert stowage, tools, tires, etc
isn’t noticeable! I was pretty happy Yellow, and Flat yellow. Thinning all were all picked out with a
with that. of them with MLT, I first sprayed brush and Vallejo colours.
The three standing soldiers the whole thing with OD. Then I For the black camouflage, I
are straight from S&T and Alpine. progressively went to each lighter used Tamiya Flat Black and added
Great figures, and the poses just colour, thinned more and more, and around 10% of Tamiya Olive Drab
worked flawlessly for the story I added some subtle variety. The to pull the colours together a bit
was trying to tell. final flat yellow was done pretty more. I made sure the turret was
vivid, as the colour was becoming installed, and sprayed right over
TIME TO PAINT… a bit too desaturated grey. I don’t decals, tools, etc… wherever the
Tank: Like many armour guys, I typically get as sophisticated as crew would have sprayed. After
paint the whole tank as complete doing typical “colour modulation” letting that dry…I looked at the
as possible. I don’t typically prime, or “cloud patterns”, but try to keep complete thing, and found it to
Soldiers detail
but given the number of different it fairly random, while generally be too green for what I had in my painting closeups.
materials (resin, metal, epoxy going a bit lighter on the upper head. So taking out the trusty Vallejo and Reaper
putty, plastic, copper), I hit the surfacer. I tend to create some colour wheel… if I want to pull the paints were used
overall tank with a layer of black vertical streaking variation during colours away from green, I need throughout.
Mr. Surfacer 1500, thinned with the process. to add red. That sounded scary,
Mr. Leveling Thinner (MLT). That I knew I was going to add the so I put an EXTREMELY thinned
gave a nice base, and also by field applied black camo, so I went down flat red in the airbrush,
homogenizing the finish, a final ahead and did my decals and detail and started on the bottom of
inspection can be done to look for painting at this stage. Decals came the hull, as any good experiment
any issues with the surface finish. from a mix of Tasca, Star Decals, should… The result was actually
With a few little areas cleaned and Dragon. The rear deck star great. It pulled the overall colour
up, it was time to shoot the Olive was painted on, using a mask made away from being too green, and
Drab. I had a certain “look” in my from the decal paper itself. While a I was really happy. This is what’s

3D printed aerial base. The antenna


was made with Albion tubing as the
connectors between sections. After
testing with aluminium, I settled on a
brass rod for the aerial itself.

Texture was added to the Aerial construction using Albion tubing and brass rod.
lower hull via pigments and
pigment fixer added via syringe.
I later switched to Sand and
Gravel glue, which was more
permanent, but will strip paint
if you’re overzealous.

Aerial mock-up.
40 Model Military International - August 2022
Lower hull weathering. After the pigment application, enamels were used to add some additional Enamels were used to add additional colour. Pigments were used to add texture. In this
tones to the lower hull. The scratches along the hull sides were added with acrylic paint, heavily case, a wet application method was used to
thinned. Later, some additional scratches were added using AK’s coloured pencils. help the pigments adhere.

typically called a filter, although the tracks were the all-metal black for a starting base colour. figures are wearing similar gear, I
in my case, it was sprayed rather T54E1 design. I used a mixture of Since the tracks were previously did vary the colour mixes slightly to
than brushed out of the bottle. Tamiya Metallic Grey, Flat Earth, primed in black so no bare plastic avoid complete uniformity. I’m by
It was fairly light coloured, but and whatever other remnants was showing, I intentionally did not no means an expert figure painter,
I knew the weathering process I dump out of my airbrush as a put on the best coverage, allowing but having good figures makes
would darken it up. starting base layer for tracks. I some variation of colour. things so much easier. I also ended
On this particular Sherman, like this colour rather than pure buying a set of 4x reading glasses
FIGURES for cheap on Amazon to give
The figures were initially painted myself a better view. Like many
with Tamiya base colours over the novice figure painters, I still try to
same black Mr Surfacer primer. get way too much coverage with a
That set the stage for painting with single layer, but… well you’ll never
Vallejo acrylics. Since many of the get better if you don’t work at it. A

The front hull after initial weathering. Additionally, the insides of “Whoops”… the siren guard
the headlights were painted with a Molotov chrome marker. Clear damaged during weathering.
lenses would be added later.

Weathering on complete
tank almost finished. Most
effects on the hull and
turret are enamels with
some oil work to bring out
some additional contrast.

Closeup of enamel effects creating dust around surface detail. The raised edges
were dry-brushed with a very dark green, almost black to provide a burnished
look where the crew would have wiped away dust and left grease and oil.

The tracks were finished first with pigments, again fixed with sand and gravel glue. Initially, the natural metal finish was added with
a pencil, although later painted with acrylic paint to make those finishes pop.

August 2022 - Model Military International 41


FEATURE ARTICLE Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W • Kit No. 35-019

B WEATHERING
I started with the lower hull, and I
really wanted to try and recreate
the build-up of mud, dirt, and
dust that was common in the
photo references I had. I used a
combination of Ammo thick soil,
and pigments from CMK to begin
to build up volume. The pigments
were kept in place by use of
Ammo’s Sand and Gravel glue. Big
word of caution...Sand and Gravel
glue will strip your paint if you’re
not careful. That said, it’s much
stronger than typical pigment
fixer, which is why I ended up using
it, applied with a syringe to put
it only where I wanted it, and not
have to touch the pigments with
a brush. Lots and lots of layers
were added to slowly build up the
volume. I started with a lighter
dust colour with more coverage, Completed model with tank crew.
and then a medium colour with less
coverage, and then a darker colour that they are a good compliment to products did the heavy lifting on the The next step, and one I have
with the least coverage, and then the rest of the weathering arsenal. upper hull and turret surfaces. On started doing some recent builds,
came back and added some variety The tracks were applied with the this model, I didn’t use a traditional and essentially a modification of
where it was useful. Those same same materials as the lower hull. wash or panel line application. an old technique… dry brushing. I
colours were used on the bogies, This was very messy, and done However, with the application of use oil paints, similar to the base
front lower hull, rear lower hull, inside a cardboard box, because the the dust colours, those of course colours, but darker, so in this
and lower hull sides. goal is to be random and provide do tend to follow creases and panel case, a dark green colour, and hit
The idler, teeth of the drive variation, and there’s no way not to lines, and simulate dirt and dust high points in certain areas. It’s
sprocket, and to a lesser degree, make a mess with pigments. Again, that has become entrenched in not consistent, but it does help
the return rollers were hit with Sand and Gravel glue really “glued” those areas. Again, I played with a to provide that burnished look
graphite from a pencil to bring out the weathering to the tracks. few different tones to add variety, of where hands have removed
a metallic sheen to indicate wear. Lastly, Vallejo silver was brush while keeping those tones all in dust and dirt on lift lugs, handles,
Scratches were made painted onto the track ribs to pull the same family. I again use a lot hatches, tools, etc. It further
horizontally along the hull sides out that bright finish that makes of up/down brush movement along breaks up the dust and dirt
with the AK pencils. This was my them pop. the vertical sides to add subtle tones, providing some additional
first time using them, and I found From there, various AK enamel streaking effects and variation. contrast. n

Basswood was added to create a nice border for the terrain on the The main terrain is old school Celluclay. Additional wood spackling Small details added to the base include a resin crushed Jerry can,
base. Cardboard helped to add the elevation contours. was added to create some additional textured terrain. The track and resin tree stumps.
locations, covered in masking paint, were left bare as this time.

Painting of the base


was done via airbrush,
using desaturated greys
and browns. The stone
wall was picked out with
varying shades of acrylic
paints to add variation.

1Detail shot of the underside. I mostly used the underside as a


testbed for the effects I was going after. The tracks’ colour variations,
matching the hull are apparent here.

42 Model Military International - August 2022


The leaves are a mix of hobby products and leaves from the yard cut with a leaf cutting tool. The bits of
grass are a mix of sea grass and some grass clumps. All material is secured with sand and gravel glue.

Test fit with the tank on the base. Close-up of the terrain wash.

August 2022 - Model Military International 43


FEATURE ARTICLE Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W • Kit No. 35-019

44 Model Military International - August 2022


Modelspec
Tasca 1:35 M4A3 76W. Kit No. 35-019
Aftermarket Items Used:
• Panda Plastics – T54E1 tracks and extended end
connectors
• MJ Miniatures Sherman detail set
• Fine Molds – Sherman PE set
• TMD US Periscopes
• TMD US Tools with straps
• TMD footman loops
• Legend – various stowage
• Blast Models – stowage
• Verlinden - stowage
• Eureka – tow cable, .30 cal barrel
• RB barrel - .30 cal barrel
• S&T – figures
• Alpine – figures
• Hornet – figure heads
• DEF Model – 76mm barrel
• Archer – weld beads and casting marks

Shout Outs:
TJ Haller, and the rest of the Plastic Posse
Podcast, for organizing the group build, and to that
community of great modelers who were positive and
helpful throughout the build.
Daniel Buchmeier for helping me think through the
story and elements of the diorama, and for coming
up with the name, Two Fronts.
Barry Biediger for his time and suggestions for
figure painting.

August 2022 - Model Military International 45


FEATURE ARTICLE Jeff Shiu Miniatures 120mm GI Running With .30 Calibre Machine Gun • Item No. JS120046

46 Model Military International - August 2022


HEDGEROW
RUNNER
Matt Wellhouser adds a base to Jeff Shiu Miniatures’
dynamic 120mm .30 can machine gunner on the run.

M
ost of the time, larger scale times, I use small brass rod to pin parts GROUNDWORK
figures are fairly static. They together- just in case. On this figure I had I worked out the basic groundwork when
are at rest or some type to figure out how to mount he figure to assembling the figure to make sure the
of relaxed pose. Jeff Shiu the base. It is important to do this early figure was at the right angles and the
produces a large range of 120mm, 200mm in the process, because you do not want ground work had spots for the boots. The
and even 1:6 scale figures. to drill holes and handle a freshly painted groundwork started with A&B putty and
This kit caught my eye because of the figure later. Brass rod was inserted into made some basic shapes on the base.
movement – dynamic pose. I am a fan of both legs- the longer one in the left leg- There was a natural crevice in the wood
modelling WWII American GI subjects, so I the hole was drilled up to the knee. The base, so I wanted to incorporate that into
knew I had to paint this on up. I envisioned other was shorter, because of the lack of the landscape. At this point, I was just
the final result being a GI running through space to drill the hole. I like to use two working on the soil- later on I will add
the hedgerows in Normandy. part epoxy for resin and metal figures. the vegetation. A coating of Celluclay (a
This kit is cast in resin and is made up ACC or superglue can be used for small Plaster of Paris papier-mâché product)
from 16 parts. Per usual, I clean all the parts. I usually use A&B two part putty for was tinted with brown craft paint and
castings and test fit the pieces. Often filling gaps and holes. spread on the base. I marked my pre- A

The kit is cast in resin and is made up from 16 parts. It is important to figure out how to mount he figure to the base early in the process, because
you do not want to drill holes and handle a freshly painted figure later

August 2022 - Model Military International 47


FEATURE ARTICLE Jeff Shiu Miniatures 120mm GI Running With .30 Calibre Machine Gun • Item No. JS120046

B drilled holes with a toothpick. Once the


Celluclay was setting, I pushed the figure into
the semi-wet ground work to mark the spot.

PAINTING THE FACE AND HANDS


On to painting! The figure was cleaned up and
primed with Tamiya Grey Primer from the
spray can. Then I used Vallejo Black Primer
to base coat. Since the head is moulded
with the figure, I had to paint it in place. I
used the basic colours (all Vallejo) of Brown
Sand, Burnt Cadmium Red, Basic Skintone
and Black. Brown Sand is the base colour,
Highlighted with Basic Skintone; shadows
were laid in using Burnt Cadmium Red mixed
with Brown Sand, then adding more Cadmium
Red and Black for the deepest shadow areas.
Just remember to keep your mixes thin and
don’t overload the brush with paint. For
the eyes, I use a lightened mix of the flesh
highlight plus Off White- this forms the basic Since the head is moulded with the figure, I had to paint it in place. For the eyes, I use a lightened mix of the flesh highlight plus Off
eyeball. Then I decided to use a medium White- this forms the basic eyeball. Then I decided to use a medium
blue colour or brown for the iris. The pupil blue colour or brown for the iris. The pupil is a small dot of black
is a small dot of black. Tip- Modelers have a
dreaded fear of painting eyeballs. Usually they
end up with crazy eyes- on pointing one way
and the other another. Easy fix- don’t have
your figure looking dead straight ahead. Have
him looking off to the side or off centre. Once The jacket was the typical combat jacket that US GIs
finished, I overcoat the eyes with Future clear wore in Europe. I like to use Vallejo Khaki as a base,
acrylic floor polish (Johnsons Klear). then Burnt Umber (with a little black) for shadows

THE UNIFORM
The jacket was the typical combat jacket that
US GIs wore in Europe. I like to use Vallejo
Khaki as a base, then Burnt Umber (with a
little black) for shadows. Highlights are Khaki
with a light colour such as JoSonja’s Naples
Yellow Hue or Vallejo Sand Yellow. Tip- once
you have the jacket (or whatever item you are
painting) done; carefully hit the edges with
a lighter shade of the base colour. This and
some dark pin washes along seam lines with
make it pop. Jacket highlights are
The trousers were painted Vallejo English Khaki with a light colour
such as JoSonja’s
Uniform, then shaded with Burnt Umber and Naples Yellow Hue or
highlighted with Vallejo Sunny Skintone. This Vallejo Sand Yellow.
is probably one of the easiest colours to shade
and highlight- so if you are starting out, give
it a go.
The leggings are a khaki colour, so to
switch it up a bit I used Vallejo Green Brown,
Khaki Grey and Khaki to make up a mix that
was a little different from the jacket. You can
use the same colours as the jacket for shade
and highlights.
The boots are Vallejo Leather Brown with
Flat Earth, then a lighter shade for the wear
spots. All of the combat gear was painted in
various shades of green and drab- there is
no set rules here- The colour of this stuff
varied considerably. Believe it or not,
Vallejo German Field Grey makes a
nice muted green colour.
The pistol holster was base
coated with Vallejo Red Leather
with Brown Leather mixed in. I
shaded with Burnt Umber, the edges
get a bit of Vallejo Orange Brown.
The bayonet scabbard was painted
Vallejo Olive Grey, with a little Olive Drab
mixed in. Once dry, I rubbed my finger in
powdered graphite (just rub a pencil on a
sanding stick) gave it a metallic look).
The machine gun was base coated flat

48 Model Military International - August 2022


The GI’s helmet was base coated with A pencil rubbed along the edge
Vallejo Olive Drab, and then I added some makes the helmet pop. The
Russian Green to lighten it up a bit. I like chinstrap gets the khaki colour
to spray this with the airbrush, but you treatment as well.
can use a paintbrush as well.

black, and then the finger and graphite trick


was used to shine it up. I also use a standard
pencil to hit some of the edges to accentuate
wear. Silver Prismacolor or similar type artist
pencils will add realism too.
The GI’s helmet was base coated with
Vallejo Olive Drab, and then I added some
Russian Green to lighten it up a bit. I like to
spray this with the airbrush, but you can use
a paintbrush as well. The leather liner strap
was painted using the same technique as the
holster. I give the helmet a light wash with
Sepia oil paint and thinners- wait about 15
minutes and wipe it off. Once dry, the finger
and graphite go to work. A pencil rubbed
along the edge makes the helmet pop. The
chinstrap gets the khaki colour treatment
as well.
The base block. The groundwork started with A&B putty and made some
PAINTING AND DETAILING THE BASE basic shapes on the base.
Once I was satisfied with the figure,
I turned my attention to the base
- Khaki mixed with Flat Earth and
washes of dark browns and black
prepared the “dirt”. I used a product
called Silflor Plane Tree Foliage
“Summer” for the vegetation. It comes
as a small mat, and you simply tear off
the amount you need. I secured it with
white glue (PVA).
Once dry, I used varied browns, greens,
oranges, yellows to paint the product. It is a
little too bright straight out of the package. I
like to use various pigments to tint the ground
as well as the soldiers knees, elbows, etc. –
places that get dirty.
The figure is mounted onto the base and
ground colours are worked up into the lower
extremities.
What a great figure - not too many parts,
and it could certainly be incorporated with
another GI for a small vignette. n

A product called Silflor Plane


Tree Foliage “Summer” was
used for the vegetation.

August 2022 - Model Military International 49


FEATURE ARTICLE Jeff Shiu Miniatures 120mm GI Running With .30 Calibre Machine Gun • Item No. JS120046

50 Model Military International - August 2022


“- not
What a great figure
too many parts,
and it could certainly be
incorporated with another
GI for a small vignette...

August 2022 - Model Military International 51


Small Arms Corner - Smooth Bore Mortar Mk.II

A view of the forward brace.

52 Model Military International - August 2022


The pivoting base allows firing in any direction. The sight.

SMOOTH BORE MORTAR MK.II


T
he British Smooth Bore Muzzle The 4.2” mortar underwent several
Loading (SBML) 4.2” Mortar was modifications including wheeled base plate.
designed and produced during the The SB Mk.II was withdrawn from service in
Second World War when it was found the early 1980s with the introduction of the
that a heavier mortar was required to support L5 Pack Howitzer.* n
infantry soldiers.
Based on the chemical weapons of the First SPECIFICATIONS
World War, the British version differed from
ACTION: Smooth Bore;
the US 4.2” mortar, which featured a rifled
Muzzle-Loading
barrel.
Both HE (9.1 kg) and smoke (10.2 kg) CALIBRE: 4.2 inch (110 mm)
ammunition was used. Smoke included LENGTH (BARREL): 64” (1.6 metres)
WP and Base Ejection, and in World War II WEIGHT:
other types for practice. Two charges were
- Mk 2 Barrel: 92 lb (42 kg)
available. In World War II, both streamlined
and cylindrical bombs were available. - Tripod: 112 lb (51 kg)
Chemical munitions included the MK I - No 2 baseplate: 120 lb (54 kg)
chemical mortar bomb with Mustard gas (HS - Auxiliary baseplate: 318 lb (144 kg)
or HT fillings).
- Mobile baseplate: 602 lb (273 kg)
The SB 4.2” mortar was first used by the
Australian Army during the Pacific Campaign RATE-OF-FIRE:
of the Second World War. It remained in - 20 for 1 minute
service with the Australian Army for several - 15 for 3 minutes
decades and saw service both in the Korean
- 10 rpm sustained
and Vietnam Wars.
RANGE: 4,100 yd (3,700 m) Two mortar rounds.

August 2022 - Model Military International 53


Incoming
AMMO BY MIG JIMENEZ
STUG III AUSF. G
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR
ARMOUR SET
ITEM NO. A-MIG 7187
AMMO’s latest addition to their vehicle paint range
is a set of twelve colours used on the exterior and
interior of the Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G.
The colours in this set cover not only camouflage
colours of these mid to late-war Stug IIIs, but also
the driver’s compartment, fighting compartment
and engine bay.
There are a couple of metallic colours in the box.
I haven’t used AMMO acrylic metallics yet. I’ll look
forward to taking them for a test drive soon.
The paints are acrylic. The bottles are squeezable
plastic. They are capped with a screw-top plastic lid.
The twelve plastic bottles are packed securely in two
cardboard trays inside a cardboard box.
The specific AMMO paints included are:
- A.MIG-0032 Satin Black
- A.MIG-0033 Rubber & Tires
- A.MIG-0014 RAL 8012 ROTBRAUN
- A.MIG-0010 RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb Mid war
- A.MIG-0002 RAL 6003 OLIVGRÜN OPT.2
- A.MIG-0015 RAL 8017 Schokobraun
- A.MIG-0017 Cremeweiss
- A.MIG-0190 Metallic Old Brass
- A.MIG-0218 RLM 66 Schwartzgrau
- A.MIG-0096 Crystal Periscope Green
- A.MIG-0045 Gun Metal
- A.MIG-0036 Old Wood
Of course, these colours are not exclusively used on
the Sturmgeschutz III. They will also apply to many
other German vehicles used from the mid-war until
the end of the war.
Recommended.
Thanks to AMMO by Mig Jimenez for the sample
www.migjimenez.com/en/
Brett Green

AMMO BY MIG JIMENEZ


FIGURES SET
WAFFEN SS AUTUMN CAMO. GERMAN EINCHENLAUBMUSTER SET
ITEM NO. A.MIG-7041
Here’s a very useful set for anyone who paints The paints themselves are contained in a
German WWII figures. This is Item No. A.MIG- familiar shaped squeezable plastic bottle with
7041 in their Figures Set series, Waffen SS screw cap. They have a metal rattle ball inside
Autumn Camo. German Einchenlaubmuster. to make sure the paint will be thoroughly
Here’s what AMMO has to say about the set: mixed after shaking the bottle.
“This pack includes the six colours needed This new uniform painting set from AMMO
to paint the distinctive and complex German by MIG Jimenez will be useful to armour and
Eichenlaubmuster (‘Oak leaf’) camouflage figure modellers.
in its Autumn version, worn by units of the All the paints are also available separately.
Waffen-SS from1941 (Oak A) and 1943 (Oak B) Recommended.
through the end of WWII. Most garments were Thanks to AMMO by MIG Jimenez for the
reversible, with spring camouflage on one side sample www.migjimenez.com
and autumn camouflage on the other.” Brett Green
The six acrylic paints are:
- AMMO. F-502 OUTLINING BLACK
- AMMO. F-507 MATT EARTH
- AMMO. F-533 DARK BROWN
- AMMO. F-557 BROWN ORANGE
- AMMO. F-558 BEIGE PINK
- AMMO. F-559 ORANGE RUST
They are packed in a clear plastic box.
The rear of the box contains two images of a
painted figure – front and back views – with a
guide to what colour goes where.

54 Model Military International - August 2022


AMMO BY MIG JIMENEZ
FIGURES SET
ERBSENMUSTER PEA DOT CAMOUFLAGE FIGURES SET
ITEM NO. A.MIG-7042
This is another release in AMMO’s Figures Set series, Item No. A.MIG-7042,
Erbsenmuster Pea Dot Camouflage Figures Set.
The six acrylic paints are:
- AMMO. F-510 Figure Paints Uniform Sand Yellow FS-32555
- AMMO. F-533 Figure Paints Dark Brown
- AMMO. F-547 Figure Paints Pale Earth
- AMMO. F-555 Figure Paints Lime Green
- AMMO. F-556 Figure Paints Dark Green
- AMMO. F-558 Figure Paints Beige Pink
They are packed in a clear plastic box.
Here’s what AMMO has to say about the set:
“The different tones were distributed in small dots over larger colour
patches. The pattern was used on various garments including field
jackets and trousers and was used until the end of WWII.”
The rear of the box contains two images of a painted figure – front and
back views – with a guide to what colour goes where.
The paints themselves are contained in a familiar shaped squeezable plastic
bottle with screw cap. They have a metal rattle ball inside to make sure the
paint will be thoroughly mixed after shaking the bottle.
Recommended.
Thanks to AMMO by MIG Jimenez for the sample www.migjimenez.com
Brett Green

AMMO BY MIG JIMENEZ


WINTERIZER REAL SNOW SET
ITEM NO. A.MIG-7458
AMMO has released a boxed set of products to
recreate the texture of snow in its many different
forms on any surface including terrain, vehicles
and buildings.
The individual products in the box are:
- A.MIG-2080 POWDER SNOW
- A.MIG-2081 WET SNOW
- A.MIG-2082 SNOW BINDER
- A.MIG-2057 GLOSSY LUCKY VARNISH (17 mL)
The Powder Snow is designed to be used with the
Snow Binder to hold the Powder Snow in place.
The powder is incredibly fine but may be cleaned
up easily without leaving any residue.
The Wet Snow may be brushed or dabbed onto
almost any surface.
The glossy varnish will be a helpful finishing touch.
The package is rounded out with a small 12
page booklet illustrating techniques for applying
the snow to various different surfaces including
vehicles, grass and hard surfaces.
Here’s what AMMO has to say about the set:
“Winterizer contains all the products required
to recreate the texture of snow on any surface
including terrain, vehicles, and buildings.
This product has been designed for easy use,
particularly for beginners.
With the products included in this set, you will
be able to recreate recently fallen pure white
snow to the distinctive slush and refreezing
of the thaw. The unique formula ensures near
identical real snow in any scale from 1:16 to
1:72, adding a stunning finish to your models,
scenes and dioramas.
These products can be diluted with water to
make them more fluid. Once dry, you can apply
effects with oils and enamels over the snow
effect to obtain extremely realistic results.
Non-toxic.”
This looks like a really useful and versatile set for
diorama and vehicle modellers.
Recommended.
Thanks to AMMO by MIG Jimenez for the sample
www.migjimenez.com
Brett Green

August 2022 - Model Military International 55


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

VESPID MODELS
1:72 SCALE
Pz.KPfW. V PaNthER aUsf. G aUsf.G LatE PRoDUctIoN
KIt No. Vs720003
The Panther was a German medium tank In a separate zip-lock bag is the alternative
deployed during World War II on the Eastern white metal turned barrel and a 3-D printed
and Western Fronts in Europe from mid-1943 muzzle brake - plastic ones are included as well.
until the end of the war in 1945. It had the Also included are two photo-etched frets,
ordnance inventory designation of Sd.Kfz. 171. one for the engine vent gauze covers and
The Panther was intended to counter the Soviet sundry handles and external fittings, and the
T-34 and to replace the Panzer III and Panzer other a set of individual side armour plates
IV. In practice however, it served alongside the for modellers who don’t wish to use the
Panzer IV and the heavier Tiger I until the end continuous plastic ones on another sprue.
of the war. Finally there is a small decal sheet with
It is considered one of the best tanks of World markings for four examples, these being:
War II for its excellent firepower and protection, • ‘332’ in Poland , Autumn 1944,
although its reliability was less impressive. • ‘331’ in Bonn, March 1945,
The Panther was a compromise. While having • ‘113’ in Oberschlesien, in what was
essentially the same engine as the Tiger I, it had Czechoslovakia, March 1945, and
more efficient frontal hull armour, better gun • an unknown one in Germany in January 1945
penetration, was lighter and faster, and could with all markings obliterated by white winter
traverse rough terrain better than the Tiger I. paint.
The trade-off was weaker side armour, which Each example is in a variation of the sand/
made it vulnerable to flanking fire. green/chestnut colours and present the
The Panther was a German medium tank modeller with difficult choices I reckon! They
deployed during World War II on the Eastern all look very attractive. The first three are fitted
and Western Fronts in Europe from mid-1943 with side-armour.
until the end of the war in 1945. It had the The plastic itself is of top quality, beautifully
ordnance inventory designation of Sd.Kfz. 171. moulded with surface details that are superb
The Panther was intended to counter the Soviet and will come up a treat under a layer of
T-34 and to replace the Panzer III and Panzer paint. The sectioned tracks will go together to
IV. In practice however, it served alongside the produce a realistic fit and sag in this scale - each
Panzer IV and the heavier Tiger I until the end length consisting of twenty long and short
of the war. pieces and six spares for attaching to the tank
The Panther proved to be effective in open for additional armour or repairs. Each link is
country and long range engagements, but did very nicely detailed. The wheels and tyres are
not provide enough high explosive firepower moulded as whole units so no separate rims
against infantry. to fiddle with!! The 3-D printed muzzle brake
The Panther Ausf. G was the third production is just a work of art. Three mantlets are on the
series with a number of incremental changes sprue, the early one and the very late one plus
and improvements, built by MAN, Daimler- the one used here. Harking back to the ancient
Benz, MNH. 3,126 were built between March Airfix kit, you can still rotate the turret and
1944 and April 1945. * move the barrel up and down - such fun!
These kits provide us with an amazing range of Instructions are in the form of clear exploded
vehicles in the ‘one true scale’ with wonderful annotated drawings - ten steps on a folded
detail and lovely mouldings, along with a double-sided sheet some 900x210mm
massive parts count and realistic sectioned with colour camo drawings and a table of
tracks. Unlike some kits in this series there are recommended paint colours from Mr Hobby,
only 20-odd parts that are not used from the Hobby Color, Humbrol and Tamiya. The
sprues. different exhausts for each scheme are shown
The kit comes in a sturdy top-opening box with in step 10.
a nice rendition of ‘113’ on the top. This is an absolute cracker of a kit and is likely
The kit consists of several sprues, all in separate to draw me away from my aircraft building.
sealed bags, with three larger ones containing Highly recommended to the small-scale AFV
the running gear and hull details, three medium builder.
sized ones with the track work and turret Highly Recommended.
details, a pair of small ones with alternative idler Thanks to Vespid Models for the sample
sprockets and wheels, and a very small one https://www.facebook.com/vespidmodels/
with the cupola-mounted machine-gun. Graham Carter
Packaged separately are the turret and hull top
and bottom. * info from Wikipedia

56 Model Military International - August 2022


DRAGON
1:72 SCALE
GTK BOXER A2
KIT NO. 7680
The Boxer is an 8x8 armoured vehicle
produced in Germany by ARTEC. Its unique
feature is that it has been designed to
be modular and interchangeable mission
modules can be added to its standard drive
platform. With a combat weight of 36.5
tonnes, the A2 features a roof-mounted
FLW 200 remote-controlled weapon station
mounting a 40mm automatic grenade
launcher. Its initial rollout was in 2009 to the
German Bundeswehr.
Dragon has settled on the A2 version, which
was introduced into service in 2015, as its
newest 1:72 scale Armor Pro model kit.
Coming in a standard box with a picture of
the real thing on the top, CAD drawings on
the sides and 4-view painting guide on the
back, there are 6 sprues in total comprising
of 37 plastic parts, 8 vinyl tyres, four metal
shafts, on set of decals and some black
metallic stickers for the vision blocks.
First impressions are very good. The upper
and lower hull are single slide-moulded parts
with an excellent level of detail represented.
Dragon have even replicated the very fine
non-slip sections on the upper hull. The
weapons station is good for the scale and
the commander’s and rear door can be
posed open or closed. No figures or etched
parts are provided and personally would
have liked to have seen a figure in the box. I
would comment as well that Dragon do not
provide the tow hooks in the box.
A test fit of the upper & lower hull, rear and
front plate reveals no issues at all. The wheel
hubs push-fit onto the metal shafts and it
all sits nice & flat. The tyres fit snugly to the
rims and the tread detail is good, matching
well to the real thing on the box top. The
instructions are clear with no errors and
model is built over four steps. The low parts
count will ensure a speedy build, in fact
the painting is what will take you the time
with this. As with all 1:72nd kits, this would
benefit from things such as the aerials and
wing mirror mounts being replaced with
brass wire.
This is a straightforward & simple kit with
a level of detail that is very good and fit of
parts even better. I would like to have seen
the tow hooks and a figure in the box (more
so the tow hooks as they are so obvious on
the box top) so these omissions mean that I
can’t give it a perfect score. At a UK price of
between £16 & £20 it is good value, and I
would give an 8/10.
Recommended.
Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for
the sample www.hobbyco.net
Graham Tetley

August 2022 - Model Military International 57


Book Reviews
ISRAELI GOD’S
CHARIOTS VOLUME
MERKAVA SIMAN 1
TANKS IN IDF
SERVICE - PART 2
SABINGA MARTIN PUBLICATIONS
BY DR ROBERT MANASHEROB
ISBN 978-1-7325489-3-0
US$40.00

US NAVY TANKS OF
FRIGATES D-DAY 1944
OF THE ARMOR ON
COLD WAR
OSPREY NEW VANGUARD 297, 2002 THE BEACHES
BY MARK STILLE
ISBN 978 1 4728 40151 6 OF NORMANDY
US Navy frigates never fulfilled their mission
to sink Soviet subs during the Cold War, but AND SOUTHERN
performed peacetime duties, and at times
of global tension, in wars, and on exercise
with NATO and Allied navies. They served
FRANCE
OSPREY NEW VANGUARD 296, 2021
in Pacific and Atlantic Fleets; they fought in BY STEVEN J ZALOGA
the Vietnam War, tackled Khmer Rouge ship ISBN 978 1 4728 4664 8
hijackers, and battled the Iranian Navy; they
provided tanker protection in the Persian Gulf;
You may have thought that Tanks of D-Day was all about Percy Hobart’s Funnies. Not so. This collaboration
and they were at the Cuban Missile Crisis.
between the author and writer Peter Brown takes a broader look at the gun tanks that landed on the British,
Rooted in the destroyer escorts of WWII,
Canadian and US beaches, and also includes the counterattacking German Panzers on 6th June.
convoy protection and anti-submarine
The 79th Armoured Division essentials are there – the Sherman DDs, Crabs, plus deep-wading tanks; Churchill
warfare, the Dealey Class ships were the first
AVREs with specialist equipment, SBG bridges, fascines, and carpet laying Bobbins, log carriers and RolyPolys,
purpose-built Cold War frigates – intended
and Crocodiles. US forces used a smaller range of tanks, Sherman DDs – also supplying the British with some
cheap mass produced vessels to counter the
US manufactured DDs, Sherman deep-waders and M1 Sherman Dozers for engineer tasks. Stuart V and M5
expanding Soviet submarine fleet. The earlier
Light tanks were among the waders. Some tanks never made D-Day: Canal Defence Lights after night landing
classes like Claud Jones, Bronstein, Garcia
plans were abandoned; Valentine DDs; the abortive US T1 Sherman based Armored Engineer Vehicle and T40
and Brooke were built in relatively small
Whizbang rocket launcher; Sherman Crocodiles were delayed; US orders for British manufactured Crabs and
numbers differing in size, armament, and
Sherman based funnies were not delivered, nor British requested M1 Dozers. Centaurs, 17-pdr Fireflies and
propulsion systems in trying to achieve cost-
Shermans were positioned on British Gunfire Support LCTs, and Shermans on US LCTs.
effectiveness balance
Almost half the book covers the differing experiences and tank battles on each invasion beach. Extras are
Anti-submarine weapons increased in
the Dragoon landings and Dieppe disaster.
sophistication from depth charges, Hedgehog
There are many informatively captioned photos, though some of the Funnies are regulars, and the first rate
bomb launchers, homing torpedoes to range
artwork needs mention. Altogether a good package.
extending rocket-assisted torpedoes, anti-
Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the sample www.ospreypublishing.com
submarine drones and helicopters for the
Recommended.
larger ships. Corresponding developments in
John Ham
search sonars, search and weapons directing
radars culminated in the most numerous
and multi-purpose Knox and Perry Class
escorts some with anti-ship and air defence
missile systems. Following the collapse of the
Soviet Union ship numbers were reduced,
some exported to foreign navies. Photos
and artwork comparative profiles illustrate
representatives of each class and there are
notes on all 133 frigates built.
Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the sample
www.ospreypublishing.com
Recommended.
John Ham

58 Model Military International - August 2022


The second part of this series on the Merkava These new tanks were assigned to one exercise while a number show that bane of the
(SIMBK-25 covered design and development) is Company in a Battalion of the 7th Brigade. They tankers life - repairing damaged tracks - which
about the Mk 1 in its early service in the Israeli were to be used to train crews who would then offer great inspiration for dioramas. There is a

2
Defence Forces. It follows the same format of pass on their skills first to the other Companies short section making up a walk-around which
the earlier books in the series, with detailed of the Battalion and then to other Battalions in was not made easy by these tanks still being
text, lots of photos in black & white and colour, the Brigade. In addition they were told to use regarded as secret when they first appeared.
scale plans and colour plates of camouflage and the tanks hard so as to find any weaknesses Four sets of five-view plans illustrate variations
markings. in components, allowing better ones to be in these tanks, some with the side skirts not
Merkavas were designed to give the greatest designed and installed as soon as possible. This fitted showing the suspension units. Finally
possible protection to their most important had a downside in reducing the number of there are camouflage and markings details with
components, that is, their crews. As well tanks in full working order as stocks of spares side views of eight specific tanks, most also have
as the unusual layout with the engine and had yet to be built up. Slow production made partial front and rear views for additional details.
transmission at the front and a turret with this worse but once the factory workers had This series can be summed up as “all you might
a narrow front profile, various parts were had a strongly-worded lecture that situation want to know about Israeli AFVs” and this latest
also designed to increase the overall level of improved. book lives up to the high standard set by the
protection. One innovative idea was the door All this is covered in the text. Some excellent earlier ones.
at the back of the hull which made stocking up photos are used throughout the book, including Thanks to Sabinga Martin Publications for the
with ammunition easier and also allowed the many half-page and full-page images showing sample www.sabingamartin.com
crews to escape in the safest manner if the tank tanks from the outside and even some glimpses Recommended.
was disabled. inside. Several show tanks and crews on Peter Brown

The period from D-Day on 6th June to late


August saw fierce fighting between Allied and
German forces in the Normandy area. It is a
campaign that has received a lot of attention
and it is covered here by Steve Zaloga in his
usual style with solid research presented in a
readable form. Several nations fought on the
Allied side, in alphabetical order Britain, Canada,
France, Poland and the United States. Their
armoured units can be broadly divided into two
categories, British, Canadian and Polish Divisions
were organised in a similar manner using a wide
range of tanks while the French followed the US
system with fewer types.
Coverage begins with an overview of the
campaign listing the major attacks and battles.
The different organisations come next divided
as mentioned above going on to the tanks
themselves. On the British side each class is
covered - Cruisers in the form of Shermans and
Cromwells, Infantry Tanks which were Churchills
including the specialised AVREs, Tank Destroyers
ie M10’s with the original 3” and re-armed
17pdr guns then Light Tanks which were mostly
American-built Stuarts with a few Tetrarch.
For the Americans the options are limited to
Shermans in most roles plus M5A1 Stuarts, the
French were similar but used the M3A3. The
Tank Destroyer Force had a mix of M10 self-
propelled guns or towed 3” ones.
As a result of the actions in Normandy some
tactical lessons were learned and quickly applied,
mostly on the British side. One problem was

ALLIED TANKS IN the German Panther and Tiger tanks, how


these were taken on is covered with technical

NORMANDY 1944
OSPREY NEW VANGUARD 294
details of the main guns used. The chapter on
tank losses makes sobering reading, especially
one sentence - “On average, one tanker was
killed and one wounded every time a tank was
BY STEVEN J ZALOGA, FELIPE RODRÍGUEZ
knocked out.”
ISBN: 9781472843241
Along with the text there is a good selection
£11.99
of original black and white photos plus a few
REVIEWED BY PETER BROWN
colour ones. These include some oddities such
as American Sherman Crabs. Colour plates show
typical tanks and specific actions which give an
insight into paint schemes and markings.
While there is a lot to cover in such a few
pages this is all done well. For those wanting
to go into more detail a useful list of books is
provided.
Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the sample
www.ospreypublishing.com
Recommended.
Peter Brown

August 2022 - Model Military International 59


1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases
WHEN YOU FINISH
A
s I write this, I’m gluing a model on large work area but as I build and paint, I would Crazy right? And looking at some of my modelling
to its base and I will attach the dust swear that the area I work in gets exponentially friends I’m not alone here, which begs the
cover later today. smaller and smaller as the build progresses to the question, why do we do it? Who knows? We are
I’ve been working on the model in point when I am working in an area that is only modellers!
question for some months. Unlike some, I have millimetres in square area! Luke Pitt
no deadlines to keep which can be a good and
sometimes a bad thing.
Most modellers are in the same boat as me and
produce what they want when they want, but here
lies the problem. If you have so much freedom,
most tend to waste time and I am no exception,
but the big payoff is cleaning the bench and
throwing all the unwanted plastic and paper into
the bin. Yes, that is oh so satisfying.
We modellers are mostly an untidy bunch.
Engrossed in the build we tend to leave paint and
tools scattered all over the place. I’m a bit of a tidy
freak and tend to get upset when I see a mess. I
know when I get bogged down in a build, which
I did many times during my latest build, I tend to
tidy up the workbench and start over. It gives me
impetus to get going again. When the build is over,
which again gives me great joy, is to disregard all
the unnecessary stuff on the bench - you know
the stuff, unopened kit boxes that you open up
and look inside and dream of what you can do
with it, to the specific tool that you were after and
had to empty out the whole storage area to find it
and now the tools are now somehow scattered all
around the workbench.
The same could be said for paint. They are
scattered all around the work bench making your
build and paint space smaller and smaller with
each addition to the paint selection. I have a fairly

FC MODEL TREND
AFRICAN WARLORDS MILITIA TANK CREW
1:48 SCALE
ITEM NO: 48478
This new figure set is a great addition to the ever-expanding
range of figures offered by FC Model Trend. Comprising four
figures in convincing casual poses, they have great facial
detail and general uniform - or lack thereof. These would
be well suited on the hull and turret of a T-55 for example.
The attachment points are well thought out as well as all are
on the back side of the figures and can be easily filled and
sanded if the need arises.
Thanks to FC Model Trend for the sample
www.fcmodeltrend.com
Recommended.
Luke Pitt

60 Model Military International - August 2022


Luke Pitt hosts MMI’s examination of the growing world
of 1:48 scale military models, figures and accessories.

MODEL 3D INT
M13/40 II SERIES
1:48 SCALE
KIT NO. NOT QUOTED
Oh, how I’ve wanted this in 1:48 scale.
The Carro Armato M13/40 was an Italian
World War II tank designed to replace the
M11/39 in the Italian Army at the start of
World War II.
It was the primary tank used by the
Italians throughout the war. The design
was influenced by the British Vickers
6-Ton and was based on the modified
chassis of the earlier M11/39.
Production of the M11/39 was cut
short in order to get the M13/40 into
production.
The name refers to "M" for Medio
(medium) according to the Italian tank
weight standards at the time, 13 tonnes
was the scheduled weight and 1940 the
initial year of production.
The kit comes in a black box with a mere
28 parts and a very small decal sheet
with most parts already separated from
the print sprues. The main armoured
body complete with the running gear
and tracks already attached is a one-piece
affair and is highly detailed with almost
invisible print lines.
The turret is in one piece with a boxed
in cut out crew hatch with the turret
hatches supplied in two parts. The top
crew compartment doors are separate
and highly detailed. The return rollers are
proved separately as is the cannon barrel
and various other pieces that make up
the entire tank.
The kit is a masterpiece in 3D printing
and is just so unique and to be honest
would take only a few hours to be
paint ready. It is a wonderful and quite
accurate addition to our 1:48 scale
choices.
Recommended.
Thanks to Model 3D Int for the sample
[email protected]
Luke Pitt

PARACEL MINIATURES
SAA TANK CREW
1:48 SCALE
ITEM NO. MINII4804
Another great figure set by this
producer. Four figures are included,
and each have very fine and accurate
uniform details. The facial detail on each
of the figures is particularly well done
as is the posing.
You really can’t go wrong with these
four they are masterfully done.
Recommended.
Thanks to Paracel Miniatures for the
sample
www.Paracelminiatures.com
Luke Pitt

August 2022 - Model Military International 61


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Contact Details - for companies featured in MMI...
ACCURATE ARMOUR/ DARTMOOR MILITARY MODELS MDC SCHATTON BARRELS
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION Haylis cottage, Budlake, Broadclyst Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany
Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, Exeter, EX5 3LJ, England Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3FW Fax; 09961 910 7826
Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland. Tel; 01392 881271 Fax; 01773 513344
Tel; 01475 743 955 www.dartmoormilitarymodels.com [email protected] SCHIFFER BOOKS
Fax; 01475 743746 www.modeldesignconstruction.com Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd,
www.accurate-armour.com DELUXE MATERIALS Atglen, PA, 19310 USA
www.deluxematerials.co.uk MODELING ARTISAN MORI www.schifferbooks.com
ADALBERTUS [email protected] http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~m.a.mori/index_eng.html
Iberyjska 7/49, 02-764, Warsaw, Poland Tel; 01529 455 0340 SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK
[email protected] MIG PRODUCTIONS Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue,
www.adalbertus.com.pl DRAGON MODELS (Creative Models in UK) Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK.
(The Hobby Company in UK) C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, Tel; 020 8392 8585, 020 8392 9876,
THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain email; [email protected]
Unit 7 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT, www.migproductions.com
Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF. Hong Kong Fax; (HK) 4110587 SCHUMO KITS
Tel; 08700 660 445 www.dragonmodelsltd.com MILICAST MODEL CO., www.schumo-kits.com
www.airbrushes.com (For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK) 9 Rannoch St., Battlefield, Glasgow G44 4DF, Scotland
Tel/Fax; 0141 633 1400 SDV MODEL
ALCLAD II LACQUER ECHELON FINE DETAILS [email protected] www.sdvmodel.cz
5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk, NR12 0LL Available from; wwwaccurate-armour.com & www.milicast.com
Tel; 01962 65216 http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kriegsketten/ SIMPLE 2 TRADE
Fax; 01692 652334 MISSION MODELS No 2 Hollywood Lane, Hollywood,
FRIENDSHIP MODELS (ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL) Birmingham, B47 5PP
ALPINE, ROYAL MODEL, ARTISAN 12 Delta Drive, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 8HR www.etchmate.com Tel; 0121 474 3030
MORI, YOSCI; SMARTMODELLING Tel; 0131 665 0866 www.missionmodels.com www.simple2trade.com
No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN. UK Mobile; 07877166225 Tel; 818 842 1885
Tel; 01883 734746 www.friendshipmodels.com Fax; 818 842 1886 SMARTMODELLING
[email protected] [email protected], (Swash, Tasca, Gap, Yosci, Royal Model)
GREAT NORTH ROADS [email protected], No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN UK
AMPERSAND PUBLISHING 9a Marcombe Road, Torquay, South Devon, TQ2 6LL [email protected] Tel; 01883 734746
(via Historex Agents in UK) Tel; 01803 400436 [email protected]
235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach, www.greatnorthroads.co.uk THE ARMORY; M&MODELS
Florida 33483-5543, USA email [email protected] 9329 S. Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA SQUADRON
Tel; 561-266 9686 http://home.earthlink.net/~mmodels/ 1115 Crowley Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 U.S.A
Fax; 561-266-9786 HANNANTS
Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD SWANN-MORTON
ARCHER Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ Tel; 01892 533036 Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ
(Historex in UK) Tel; 01502 517444 www.modelwholesaleuk.com Tel; +44 (0)114 234 4231
PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 27596-1277, USA Fax; 01502 500521 Fax; +44 (0)114 231 4966
www.archertransfers.co www.hannants.co.uk MONROE PERDU General: [email protected]
[email protected] Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, www.craftknives.com
BADGER AIR-BRUSH COMPANY Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
9128W Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 HIROBOY (Zero Paints) www.monroeperdu.com TAMIYA JAPAN
Tel; 847/678-3104 A1 Astwood Business Centre, Staverton Connection, Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku,
www.badgerairbrush.com Gloucester Road, Staverton, Cheltenham, GL51 0TF ORDNANCE MODELS Shizuoka 422-8610 JAPAN
email [email protected] Tel: 01684 252310 (UK office hours only) Via; www.steelmodels.com www.tamiya.com
(In the UK from www.shesto.co.uk) www.hiroboy.com
PACIFIC COAST MODELS TAMIYA UK;
BISON DECALS HISTOREX AGENTS Tel; 001 707 538 4850 THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED
Available from www.hannants.co.uk and Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, [email protected] Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK
www.pdi-model-supplies.com Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK www.pacmodels.com Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666
Tel; 01304 206720 [email protected]
BLAST MODELS Fax; 01304 204528. PANZERWRECKS www.hobbyco.net
Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com www.historex-agents.co.uk PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK
[email protected] www.panzerwrecks.com TRUMPETER
BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE www.trumpeter-china.com
Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est HOBBYLINK JAPAN PARAGRAFIX Pocketbond in the UK
Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1, 104 County Street, Suite 101, Attleboro MA 02703 USA
Tel; 01299 823330 Tochigi 327-0813, Japan Tel: +1 508.431.9800 VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS
Fax; 01299 829970 www.hlj.com http://www.paragrafix.biz (Historex in UK)
[email protected] [email protected] 811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA
HORNBY HOBBIES LTD (Airfix) www.verlinden-productions.com
CALIBRE 35 Westwood, Margate, Kent, CT9 4JX PLUS MODEL (Creative Models in UK)
Via Hannants in UK Tel; 01843 233500 Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. VALLEJO
www.hornby.com [email protected] (Creative Models in UK)
CAMMETT www.plusmodel.cz Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 - 08800
(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain
Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate, www.airconnection.on.ca POCKETBOND Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12
Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA (Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK) Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54
Tel; 01497 822757 IAN ALLAN Bachmann Europe PLC www.acrylicosvallejo.com
Email; [email protected] www.ianallanpublishing.com Moat Way, Barwell, Leics, LE9 8EY
www.cammett.co.uk Mail Order Dept 01455 254450 Tel; 01455 841756 VLS CORPORATION
[email protected] (LSA in UK)
CARRERA REVELL UK LTD. ICM (TRAKZ, WINGZ, CUSTOM DIORAMICS, WARRIORS);
Unit 10 Old Airfield Industrial Estate Kiev 02099, Ukraine, Borispolskaya 9 building 64. PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA) Lincoln County Industrial Park, 1011 Industrial Court,
Cheddington Lane, Tring, Herts, HP23 4QR Tel/fax; (+38044) 369-54-12 Unit 19B, Applin’s Farm, Farrington, Dorset DT11 8RA. Moscow Mills, Missouri 63362, USA
Tel. 01296 [email protected] [email protected] Tel/Fax; 01747 811 817 www.modelmecca.com
www.revell.de/en www.icm.com.ua www.psp-models.com
WHITE ENSIGN MODELS
CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS ITALERI (The Hobby Company in UK) QUICKBOOST (Toms Model Works)
Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, www.quickboost.net 8532 Lamar Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA
Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Bologna, Italy [email protected]
Leics UK. LE10 1YF Tel; 051 726037 SB MODELS www.whiteensignmodels.com
Tel; 01455 233 747, www.italeri.com UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model
Fax; 01455 233 737 P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA
[email protected] JUST BASES Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749 12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia
www.classic-publications.com 21 Graham Road, Paignton TQ3 1BB [email protected] Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205
Tel; 01803 558520 www.sbmodels.net Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207
CREATIVE MODELS LTD www.just-bases.co.uk [email protected]
(Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures) SBLC
Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome JUST KITS PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW ZVEZDA
Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. PE16 6TG 4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA [email protected] (The Hobby Company in UK)
Tel; 01354 760022 Tel; 01489 781177 Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region,
www.creativemodels.co.uk www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk SBX MODEL SHOP 141730 Russia
[email protected] Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 5DN [email protected]
Tel; 01473 464311 www.zvezda.org.ru
www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk

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

64 Model Military International - August 2022


Next Issue
On sale 4th August
PANZER
MAINSTAY ISSUE No.196 August 2022,
Tom Cockle builds the Published 7th July 2022
MiniArt 1:35 scale
Editor; Brett Green
Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.B
Publisher; Alan Harman
Graphic Design; Alex Hall
Advertising; Alan Harman
Administration; Gordon Angus
MMI Website; Doolittle Media
Web Team

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Z IS DEAD
Trumpeter 1:35 scale
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August 2022 - Model Military International 65


The Last Post...

OPERATION
IRON WOLF 2022
F
orces from the UK (C Company Response”. Currently taking place
The Royal Welsh and The in Poland and eight other countries,
Mercian Regiment), Germany they also include parachute drops and
and Lithuania take part in a helicopter assaults in North Macedonia.
CBRN attack serial during Exercise Iron In Estonia, 15,000 troops from 14
Wolf 2022 at the Kaunas Training Area countries are involved in exercise
in Lithuania. “Hedgehog”, one of the largest military
Troops from NATO Allies and drills in the country since 1991 and
partners are taking part in a series involving the US navy Wasp-class
of long-planned military exercises landing ship Kearsarge.
stretching from the High North to the Meanwhile, exercise “Iron Wolf” in
Balkans to enhance the readiness and Lithuania involves 3,000 Allied troops
interoperability of NATO forces. and around 1,000 vehicles, including
Two of the biggest drills, with around German Leopard 2 tanks. n
18,000 troops from twenty countries,
are “Defender Europe” and “Swift UK MOD © Crown Copyright 2022

66 Model Military International - August 2022


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