Beyond The Sprues
Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: uarkram on January 29, 2015, 07:26:59 AM
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Just joined, so I'm the new guy, or FNG. Here are pics of some of my whifs.
Two German, and two American.
Mark.
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Very interesting. Welcome to the asylum.
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Hi Mark,
Glad you joined up. Now I don't have to post links of your WIP from Missing-Lynx :)
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No FNG's here, unless you're talking about this;
(http://i459.photobucket.com/albums/qq311/GPlachy/Hovertank/2907FrontView.jpg)
;)
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How do I make the pics full sized, and not the small ones you have to click on to see the detail? Is it just me or does the computer hate me?
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Sorry, no idea, mate, I've always posted them full-sized - don't know how to do it any other way. :-\
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How do I make the pics full sized, and not the small ones you have to click on to see the detail? Is it just me or does the computer hate me?
PM sent that hopefully explains and provides a solution to the problem.
Some topics, including "how to" explanations and instructions on posting images can be found in this sub-forum: Forum Notices (http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?board=2.0)
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Nice entry mate.
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O.K. I think I got posting pics figured out.
I changed the title of this thread, so instead of making a new one every time just look for the updates.
I posted this on M-L, so if you have seen it already you can go make a PB&J. :)
My next project after I finish my M33, General Hood (I will post pics of it so everyone is up to speed).
The next one will be a M65, Gen. McClellan. It will be kind of like a T42 (American), but with M48 parts instead of M47 ones.
These are pics of a spare turret on my T42 chassis. A whole lot of work, and parts will go into it. New track guards, tracks, drive train, engine deck, rear end, main gun, and commanders cupola to name a few. Base kit will be Tamiya's old M41 Walker Bulldog.
If I can get this to work right, I'll post the pics of the Hood.
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Welcome to BTS! You've got some totally off-the-charts talent, Mark!
Looks like one big, mean monster you've got in the works as well!
Will enjoy your next update on that one,
Brian da Basher
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Here are some pics of my M33 General J.B. Hood turret. I'm not going to post all the pics, because of space limitations, but the ones to give you a general idea of what's going on.
This all started with me wondering what to do with DML's M103. I decided not to do all the corrections needed to make it accurate, but to 'whif' it instead. I took an old Linberg 1/32, M46 turret and cut it apart to make a larger one to fit the M103 chassis. The chassis will get a new nose, like the one on an M47. Thus reborn it will be the Hood.
Enjoy!
p.s. still having problems figuring out how to post full sized pics, but it's early, and I only had one cup of coffee, and I'm doing this before I have to go to work.
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This is where I'm at now. I mocked it up on a M47 chassis just so you get the general idea.
Should be able to post new pics this weekend.
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What's the gun?
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What's the gun?
BFG or RBFG? ;)
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It's a RBFG! A 1/25 Centurion Mk. III barrel from Tamiya. I sanded down the counter weight at the end of the tube, then wrapped blue painters tape around it, then covered it with Squadron green putty, and sanded some more. The gun is huge, but it fits the turret.
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Interesting. a 20pdr was 84mm. Therefore a 1/25 20pdr barrel in 1/35 scales to 117.6mm. Assuming some scaling errors (or fudge fact if you prefer…), this would allow you to potentially have it set as 120mm.
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I'd say IBFG! :-\
But that's OK, we're all used to a certain lack of connectivity with the Real World around here. ;)
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The next one will be a M65, Gen. McClellan. It will be kind of like a T42 (American), but with M48 parts instead of M47 ones.
These are pics of a spare turret on my T42 chassis. A whole lot of work, and parts will go into it. New track guards, tracks, drive train, engine deck, rear end, main gun, and commanders cupola to name a few. Base kit will be Tamiya's old M41 Walker Bulldog.
That looks like a great combination of tank parts. I like your idea of modifying the engine deck, the M41 never really looked complete with that small area covering the engine and transmission. I hope to do something similar to an M41 along with some other improvements.
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I like the Tamiya M41's, it's a cool looking tank, and it's easy to convert. Plus I don't have to feel guilty about cutting it apart!
For the engine deck, I'm thinking lots of vents & grills, to give it that 50's look. I'll square off the back end, and put M48 rear grill doors on it. That's the plan anyway.
I'm not going to do much with the turret, just replace the M1 commanders cupola with a 'Urdan' style one, and replace the 90mm with a 105.
But that's putting the cart before the horse, 'cause I have to finish the Hood first. Speaking of which, I will post new pics of it today. It's 7:30 a.m. here on the east coast, and already have put in a hour and a half at the bench (this is my break time).
Came up with a new idea last night. A M88 with all the recovery gear stripped off, and converted to a assultgun/ tank-destroyer. I'm thinking maybe a 203mm barrel from a M110A2, just 'cause I have two of them in the pile. The name I came up with is M43 Crusher.
What do you think? Too over the top? Nah! ;D
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Nothing adds to the intimidation factor more than a BFG!
I like the way you think! For some reason, I keep imagining this one in some of that colorful W.W. I style camo.
I blame the cold medicine.
Thanks for another fantastic update, Mark!
Brian da Basher
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Came up with a new idea last night. A M88 with all the recovery gear stripped off, and converted to a assultgun/ tank-destroyer.
I like your thinking! :)
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Got some stuff done today, turret is mostly done, just have to add the .30 cal mount, and the grab handles. Added 1mm rod to the edge of the mantlet dust cover, and the gun collar. Replaced the old loaders periscope with one from Verlinden. The bore excavator received detail with styreen tube, cut thin.
The front plate was cut from the lower hull, and the replacement test fitted.
As usual I mocked it up to see any potential problems down the line.
Here ya go!
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By the gpds, that's a beast. It looks like it would have to deploy a rear spade when firing...
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If you think that's a beast, wait until you see the E-150 Imperial Tiger. The barrel is as long as the E-100 chassis! I started it in '08, but it got put away when I moved. But I think it's time to complete the old girl. It is next in line. I have been doing American stuff for two years now, so I think it's time for some Kraut metal. ;)
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The muzzle brake is the cherry on top of that enormous piece of fire-power in my book!
Sure looks like it'd utterly destroy anything that even just looked at it funny!
Just killer!
Brian da Basher
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Yesterday I teased you with my description of my E-150 Imperial Tiger.
Here are the pics. Don't say I didn't warn ya!
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Just a quick update today. Got the upper, and lower hull cut out. Next I'm going to put in the lower nose plate. Once it is nice and square, then I will install the new upper piece. I'm taking my time, and doing ALOT of dry fitting.
That's all for now.
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Came up with a new idea last night. A M88 with all the recovery gear stripped off, and converted to a assultgun/ tank-destroyer. I'm thinking maybe a 203mm barrel from a M110A2, just 'cause I have two of them in the pile. The name I came up with is M43 Crusher.
What do you think? Too over the top? Nah! ;D
I was thinking about this a bit more. Maybe go with something like the Brummbär gun set up for this idea:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Sturmpanzer.Saumur.0008gkp7.jpg)
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Glad you brought this topic up. I have been doing some thinking on it as well.
From the basic chassis you could do two versions of it. The assault-gun would have a short barreled 203 mm howitzer or even a 165 mm demolition gun for those pesky buildings and strong points. The ball mount would look cool, but I would make it bigger to take a bigger gun than a 150.
The tank-destroyer version could mount a slightly longer version of a M68, 105 mm, or a 120mm gun. If you really want to get funky you could mount a T140, 105 mm L/65 or a T123/T179 (same gun) 120mm L/60. For the modern look use a Rheinmetall L/55 120 mm. Any of those guns would put holes in T-44/54/55's and Js-4/7's.
The side doors would have to go, and the roof rearranged. The direct vision ports at the top of the front plate would be filled in, and a ball-mount m.g. added to the right front.
It is a cool idea, and if you want to build one go ahead, because I'm not going to do one anytime soon. I'm having problems getting the front plate to fit on the Hood.
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Is up pose your 203mm version would fall nicely between the 150mm Brummbär and the 380mm Sturmtiger:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Sturmtiger_2.jpg)
Either way the look should be much the same.
Maybe make the Assault M88 a West German one since they operate M88s as well?
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Yuppers! I also thought of doing an IDF version, since they also use the M88. You could mount a captured 152 mm on it. ;)
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Since it snowed here in P.A. last night, and we have been talking about assault-guns, here are pics of my StuH 7. I built this with street fighting in mind.
Base kit is DML's Panther II, with E-100 tracks, drivers, idelers, and road wheels. The E road wheels are on the Panther swing arms, with the help of spacers/ adapters made from styreen tube. The superstructure , and all the details are scratch-built, or came from the spare parts boxes.
The main gun is a 203 mm, from a Verlinden update set for a M-107/ 110. The sub-turret isn't for air defense, but to shoot at guys on the upper stories of buildings.
I hoped to post pics of the completed Hood hull, but I ran into some problems.
This was built in 2001, but re-built in '09, when some details were changed, and the winter whitewash was put on.
Enjoy.
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:)
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Oh, yeah! That's cool! 8)
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Thank you gentlemen for the kind words.
Some times I have flashes of brilliance, but most of the time I just muddle through. ;) ;D
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Some mighty fine work there. Keep it up. :)
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Hello Everyone, by now I wanted to post pics of the Hood hull, but I'm still having problems that I will go into once I get it finished.
So instead I thought I would post pics of my E-10 Feld Mouse. This is one of my favorites, and was on display at a local hobby shop.
Base kit is Trumpeter E-10 with the PaK 39 removed. The hole was filled in, and smoothed over. A ball mount m.g. and the drivers visor were then added, and supplemental armor made from .03 sheet and 1mm brass hex bolts finished off the front plate.
Details on the roof were removed, but the drivers hatch, and the rear loading hatches were kept intact. The large bulge on the engine deck removed, the hole filled in, and the edges hidden with styreen rod.
The turret is all from the spare parts box. A resin BTR turret is the base, with rocket rails from a 1/48 aircraft kit. The SS-11 missiles are from Heller, IR gear from Dragon, 20 mm mantlet is a part of a pen, and a metal barrel from someone. (can't remember who's).
The hard edge cammo is made with the silly putty method, with ALOT of little dots.
Hope you like it.
Mark.
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I do like that.
I have an E-10 in my stash, and a cunning plan I may get to one day, I can only hope it looks as good as yours.
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Cool
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Volkodav,
Thank you for the kind sentiment.
If you have a 'Puma' turret you could make the tank version of the E-10. I was going to replace the 50 mm gun with an automatic 37 mm one.
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Finally front plate is on the Hood!
This part of the conversion gave me the most problems. I used a extra front plate from an old Lunar M-46 Patton conversion set. The plate was twisted/ warped four ways till Sunday. I thinnned the plate down with my Dremel, and used a hairdryer to straiten it out. I still have to blend it in with putty, but the hard part is over.
The last pics shows it next to the M-46A3, (m47 hull) just for size comparison.
I think it looks wicked. 8)
Hope you like it, I do.
Armor Mark
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Three pics of the hull construction.
The first pic shows the 'bench' I put in for the half-figures for the crew.
The other two show the hull haves glued together.
Enjoy!
Armor Mark
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Volkodav,
Thank you for the kind sentiment.
If you have a 'Puma' turret you could make the tank version of the E-10. I was going to replace the 50 mm gun with an automatic 37 mm one.
Actually thinking Korean war SP AT / assault gun (as opposed to tank destroyer), an SP replacement for towed 6pdr guns in Commonwealth (specifically Australian) Infantry battalions.
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Volkodav,
Thank you for the kind sentiment.
If you have a 'Puma' turret you could make the tank version of the E-10. I was going to replace the 50 mm gun with an automatic 37 mm one.
Actually thinking Korean war SP AT / assault gun (as opposed to tank destroyer), an SP replacement for towed 6pdr guns in Commonwealth (specifically Australian) Infantry battalions.
AFAIU, all 6 Pdrs had been replaced well and truly by 17 Pdrs by then...
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Hey Volkodav,
I would use an E-25 or a 38(D) chassis with 'E' road wheels. Just because of the greater internal volume, you can up-gun if you want, and the crew won't be squished.
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Hey Volkodav,
I would use an E-25 or a 38(D) chassis with 'E' road wheels. Just because of the greater internal volume, you can up-gun if you want, and the crew won't be squished.
Yes but I have the E-10 in the stash
Anyway I have high jacked the thread for long enough, your superb effort just reminded me of my long delayed plans
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Volkodav,
Have you thought about a Leopard/ Panther chassis for your assault-gun? Since the Leopard (WW 2, not the modern one) was built with Panther parts you could cut a Panther apart and make it shorter. If you look at my StuH 7, I used a Panther II hull, with the roof cut out, and a new superstructure made from plastic sheet. You could do that to a Panther chassis, you could create a whole family of vehicles, SPG's, APC's, TD's, etc,etc based on the shorter chassis.
Here is my thought process on how/ why I create the stuff I do.
June 6/7, !944, Normandy.
The counter attack that was launched by the Germans on the 6th-7th, was successful, and a join up between the British, and American beach heads impossible. Someone finally calls the 17th Kreigsmarine district, and tells them to attack. The Germans launch a fierce naval counterattack with 'S' boats, and coastal midget submarines. The shipping used to support the landings take a beating, and fully 2/3 of the transports are sunk or damaged. At the same time the counterattack on land gains momentum, and the beach heads retaken. The invasion fails. Ike takes the blame, resigns, and is sent back to the U.S. in disgrace. The Churchill government in thrown into a panic, and is toppled. The Labor Party takes over with the promise of peace. The English people are sick of the war, and call for an armistice.
President Roosevelt has no choice but to go along and sign a separate armistice with Germany. The Germans demand that all the Lend-lease that is going to Russia be stopped immediately, and go to Germany instead. The Germans tell the President that if he doesn't do it, the East coast cities, will be bombed with a new type of weapon, the atom bomb (that they don't have any is beside the point). The next day flights of Me-264's are spotted flying above New York, Boston, Washington, and Norfolk Virginia. The Americans quickly cave-in to the demand.
When the Russians find out what happened they go ballistic. They see the separate armistice as a stab in the back, and a conspiracy to corrupt the revolution. They still need the goods produced by America, but where to get them?
The Japanese government reacts the same way, accusing the Germans of selling them out to the U.S. They drop out of the Pact of Steel, but need resources to continue the war, but where to get them?
The Russian, and Japanese governments start talking to each other. A deal is worked out in which the Russians will provide the raw materials, and the Japanese will produce them in their factories in Korea, Mongolia, and Siberia. A whole new realignment of the power blocs takes place.
In my warped world, it's the Anglo-Germans vs. Russo-Sino.
Just my thinking in a nut shell.
Anyway, I textured the entire hull of the Hood yesterday. It snowed here again, so I had to do something. Since all the conversion work is done with I should be able to put it together pretty quick. Enjoy the pics.
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Chugging right along. Should get this done by the weekend.
I think it looks Bad-A**!
Mark
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What a beast!
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Badd A**ed Brothers.
Mark
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Very nice work. Bad to the bone! ;)
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Big Bad Mo____ F___er! 8)
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Still plodding along on the Hood. I'm doing the road wheels, and with 4 sprue gates on each part I have been doing alot of clean-up.
So to prove I'm still alive and kicking, I present my Pz.Kpw. VII 'Cheeta'.
Base kit is Tamiya's MBT Leopard (1969 vintage), with DML King Tiger ideler, drive sprocket, and road wheels. Tracks are the Hobby Boss single link ones for the KT. I rearranged the turret roof, and put the commanders cupola on the left side, instead of the right. The exhaust pipes, gun, and turret details all came from the spares box.
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Sorry I haven't posted new pics of the Hood, but life has gotten in the way again.
As we (or I) speak, the front sections of the fenders are drying, so within the next 48 hours I should have the tracks on, so you can see my vision (or madness, whichever).
In the mean time, my StuG IV, Lang. Of all the TD's I have built I think it's the coolest.
Base kit is... you guessed it...Tamiya's 1970's StuG IV (mid-production), converted to a Ausf. J, (three return rollers, late idelers, drive sprockets, and late exhaust pipes, etc). Reshaped the front step of the superstructure, and added a front extension with a ball-mount m.g., and hatch from the parts box. Tamiya's I.R. gear from the Panther kit, was placed on the commanders coupola. New main gun, and sight from sprare-parts, and scratch-built armor panels,for the engine deck.
Enjoy
Mark.
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Hello All,
I know you guys have been following the the Hood build, but I am moving....again. I was hoping to at least get the suspension done, and most of the small parts on, but alas, it's not to be.
The good news is that the place I'm moving into is twice the size of my current abode. That means I will have an ENTIRE room for my workshop, not just a card table in the corner. The new place is about 1500 yards away, so it won't be too much of a hassle.
While packing up the pile of plastic, I came across my Sd.Kfz. 234, which was packed up when I moved in 2008. Talk about a long term project. :D
I built this because I wanted to put side skirts on an armored car. The only parts I need to add are the turret smoke dischargers, the tools, and spare tire. Camouflage is going to be grey, and Dark Yellow with dots of green, and brown on top. The turret is from an ICM Luchs, with twin 20mm's.
Enjoy.
Mark
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I it's been awhile, but here are pics of the General Hood.
I haven't done any work on it in a month, so sorry to the guys who are following this build.
Since I changed the front end, and made it longer, I had to extend the front fenders. The tracks are VERY loose, because I didn't add the return rollers, tires, and taped the tracks together, but you get the general idea.
Here are the pics. Hope you enjoy them.
Armor Mark.
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Just a small update on General Hood.
The suspension is on, and I'm painting road wheels. The seperate tire/rim might have the correct 'lip' pattern, but they are a pain to assemble.
I'm adding small parts to the fenders, and gathering up stowage, and ammo cans to pile on it.
Enjoy.
Mark.
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I was messing around with my M-41, and I was swapping turrets between tanks.
I put the turrets from the Super-Patton, and the Hood.
These are just nuts, and in an odd sort of way, look good.
Enjoy!
Mark.
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Serious turret & firepower work going on here :)
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I have a small General Hood update.
I scratch-built a exhaust deflector, painted the auxiliary muffler, and added the frame for the tool rack. Since the gun travel lock is to small for my barrel, I left it off. The tow cable, tools, and head lights have been left off for ease of painting.
It's looking good.
Enjoy!
Mark.
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Added the machine guns. The turret kit guns were replaced with ones from the Academy U.S. machine gun set, the co-ax .50 cal barrel is from Tamiya, and the bow .30 cal is from Italeri. All muzzles are drilled out.
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I know it's been awhile since I updated because I moved, so here it is.
I got this a few years from my buddy who was given it as a junk kit. The only thing he said to me was "Do something with it." O.K., no problem.
I cut the roof off of it to remove the gun mount, and got rid of the rocket launcher. I glued a Panther schmal turn mantlet to the ball, added an extension, mounted a 128mm, and muzzle break from the spare parts. I will add a new roof laid out more like a stug's, and give it a new paint job. That's it. I call it a SturmBar, base kit is from Tamiya.
Enjoy!
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That worked out rather well for that Sturm Tiger. I suppose now it would be called a JagPanzer Tiger?
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Interesting
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Very nice Mark! So, there'd be four different Panzerjäger Tiger variants. How about Sd Kfz 187 Panzerjäger Tiger Ausf C for the Sturmmörser conversion?
- Sd Kfz 184 Panzerjäger Tiger (P) Ferdinand/Elephant
- Sd Kfz 185 Panzerjäger Tiger Ausf B (8.8 cm PaK 43)
- Sd Kfz 186 Panzerjäger Tiger Ausf B (12.8 cm PaK 44)
- Sd Kfz 187 Panzerjäger Tiger Ausf C (12.8 cm PaK 44)
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I personally like Panzerjager Tiger, but maybe it should something else.
I got it: Fluffy Tiger! ;D
Call it what you want, it's just a quick and dirty conversion.
Mark
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Hello All,
I am not dead, as far as I know anyway, but did a commission build.
A guy I met at work wanted a model of the tank he served in as a gunner, so I told him I would make one for him.
The base kit is Tamiya's M60A1 w/ reactive armor, Kit #35157, built OTB with the only addition was a search-light from a M48A3.
It's markings are from 3rd Cav, Tank troop H, Germay 1967.
The gold bore evacuator was awarded for excellence in gunnery.
Enjoy.
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Since the M60 is done, it's back to work on the JadgBar. Added supports for the roof, and test fitted it, boxed in the hole for the gun sight and added a piece of tubing to mount the I.R. sight on. The roof parts came from the spares box. I still have to add bolt detail, and lifting hooks to the roof.
Enjoy.
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After finding cat hair in the paint, I stripped it using Easy Off oven cleaner. The armored fan housing, gunners, loaders hatches all came from DML's E-100, and are really thick. So I recessed them in the roof, marked and drilled out the bolt locations using a .021 bit in a pin vice, but when I looked for the hex rod to add the bolts, I discovered I was fresh out. Crap! So now I have an excuse to visit the hobby-shop after work!
I think I'm going to call this a JagdBar.
Enjoy.
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More progress.
Added weld seam to the base of the commanders coupola, I.R. vision device for the driver, replaced the black-out light with a I.R. one and mounted a larger I.R. light to the top of the front plate.
Shot the primer coat about 10 minuets ago, and it looks ALOT better than it did.
Enjoy.
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I see you appear to have upgraded the Hull MG too
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I do hope you're going to put a mantlet on the main gun to protect the mounting?
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No I'm not, because I have grown to like the looks of it as is, besides I already started painting it! :)
I'm painting it in Luftwaffe colors because a cool and unusual vehicle needs a unusual paint job.
Painted the lower hull and superstructure in Model Master DunkelGrun, RLM 71. The upper part of the superstructure, and most of the barrel will
be in MM HellBlau, RLM 65, with SchwarzGrun, RLM 70 in a random cloud pattern to help break up the outline of the beast.
It's kind of like a form of deceptive cammo.
Enjoy!
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Hello Everyone,
I have been moving right along with the JagdBar project, but I haven't been posting pics.
So to get everyone caught up, this will be a multiple post.
The first set of pics shows the paint job, and I.R gear that on the beast.
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While looking at the beast, I thought something was "wrong with it", but I couldn't put my finger on it.
Then it hit me, it needed range finders. I dug through the parts boxes, and came up with a set from a
Panther 'F', but when I mocked them up on the tank they looked too small, so I scratch-built my own.
The first pic shows the total number of parts, six total.
Second pic is the lenses I made from pieces of clear sprue,
which fit into the holes I drilled into the .22 cal. projectiles (bullets),
which slide into the adapter collars that attach to the side plates.
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And finally, 3 pics of the range-finders mounted.
Now I just have to wire up the I.R. lights, add handels to the hatches, and add tools.
I don't know what markings I'm going to put on it, but I think I will use yellow/blue numbers.
I think that would look better then the red/black ones.
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Looking good.
What have you done with the hull MG - looks like it is up gunned as well.
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Yup, sure did.
I had a spare 20mm barrel laying around, so why not?
The role I envision for this TD, is long range tank killer, of course. Picture this sitting on the reverse slope on a ridge in the plains of central Russia, just waiting. That's why I painted the upper casement a light blue. From a long distance it will blend into the sky line. The Mg. 34 just wouldn't cut the mustard.
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JagdBar update.
Let me tell you how much Archer Fine Transfers kicks butt.
Ordered Tuesday, shipped out the same day, and they got here (PA) today. Thank you Archer.
Added a platform for the commander to stand on, and cut a hole in the roof for him. That should do it, because I'm not making anymore changes.
I should get most of the weathering done this weekend.
Enjoy!
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Nice :) Those range-finders do make all the difference.
... I had a spare 20mm barrel laying around ...
MG151/20?
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Thanks apophenia. The range finders do look good, but the yellow/blue numbers set it off.
The JagdBar is assembled, with all parts attached, and markings added. The shield with the vulture head on it is from StuG Abtl. 259. That decal came out of the old Tamiya JagdPanzer IV kit. The sheet has markings for 2 StuG's on it, but aren't called out on the instruction sheet.
I'm going to let it set overnight, and I'll spray the first gloss coat tomorrow.
I think it looks pretty good.
Enjoy!
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Went back and followed build postings. Bang up job bringing it all together :)
Heck of a long barrel high velocity gun. Must be an experience inside when it fires.
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No kidding, and VERY cramped with the range-finder equipment, and a 20mm auto-cannon +ammo.
If I build another one I will do it a lot different. I would place the casement at the rear, and extend the hull slightly. The driver would have his own compartment at the left front.
Since someone else built this I didn't have a choice, I just went with it.
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Nice design and re-build, looks mean with that BIG gun.
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I call it a SturmBar
Make that Sturm Bär and you have "Storm Bear" - which seems quite appropriate for me. ;)
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I thought of Sturm Bar, but it can also mean assault. With Jagd you know it's on the hunt, besides I have something in mind for the Storm Bear. ;)
This is the first steps in weathering. After I sprayed on the clear gloss coat, 48 hours later I did my black wash. I used Tamiya X-19,Smoke (clear black) because it is easy to use, and since they are acrylic based they won't harm the enamel base.
I didn't do any panel fading, 'cause I like the paint the way it is. I'll add a dirt wash next, and a final wash of Burnt Umber, with some dry-brushing for good measure.
Enjoy.
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While waiting for the black wash to dry on the bear, I was going through parts boxes, and found ANOTHER box queen. Last count that makes an even dozen. Started in '07, packed up when I moved in '08, and hasn't been touched since.
It's my version of a Flak Panther mounting a automatic 75mm cannon, also in there were parts to a radar. I pulled it out and assembled it (it was in sub-assembly's), and it didn't look half bad. While looking at it I saw that the gun mount was out of alignment, then I saw why. The turret is an old solid resin one (Cromwell's, I think), and the flanges that hold the mantlet in the turret weren't completely cast all the way, and had a sort of wave in it. Then I saw problem #2, the rectangular part of the mantlet was warped in two axis.
Then my A.M.S. kicked in.
The fixes for both problems were simple, just took a little time. The first was solved by sanding down the sides of the round part of the mantlet, getting them square, and adding new flanges from styreen rod.
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Problem #2 was fixed by adding 2mm square shims to the upper right/ lower left sides of the top/bottom plates. I then cut new plates from .02 sheet them added them. The valleys on the sides were filled in down the center with .02 strip. I took the BIG sanding stick, squared them off, added .005 sheet plates. While I was at it I marked the front plate, drilled a hole in it, made a new plate from .02, drilled a hole in that, and attached it to the mantlet.
I added short pieces of rod to the front/back of the top plate for the weld seams, I well texture them later. The dust cover was coated with green putty, to make it look like an armored cover.
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The hole was drilled to accept a short length of aluminum tube. A slightly larger tube was slipped into the dust cover ( made from the ear protector that the doctors use), which in turn had the barrel slipped into it. 3 pieces of tubing, and a dust cover, will ensure that the gun is always on target.
The barrel has a piece of styreen tube in the muzzel end for scale thickness.
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The automatic gun would need an extension for the auto-loader, more ammo storage, r/o, and radar set. I liked the rear hatch, so I flipped it up-side down and cut it off. The resulting flat spot is where the extension will go.
I drew out a quick overhead view of the extended turret to check spacing, and layout, and the black line is center, and is for alignment.
A couple of problems have popped up, but they are fixable. The chassis is an old DML Panther 'F' with the heating tower, and the extended turret won't fit with it in place. Instead of chopping up the engine deck, cut off the turret ring, move it 5 mm to the rear, and your done. The turret will still clear the hatches in front after you move it forward.
The other problems have to do with the radar, but I'm not at that stage yet.
All this took place in the last 3 days, while weathering the bear, and yes I went work.
Enjoy!
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Love it! May well copy it! :)
Granddaddy of the Otomatic 76-mm SPAAG:
(http://www.military-today.com/artillery/otomatic.jpg)
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Liking the Flak Panther more than the JagdBar, but both are excellent builds. 8)
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Thanks guys.
The Flak panther is my own design, but the bear is just a conversion of someone else's work. Trying to make a silk purse from a sows ear.
When I do another conversion of a SturmTiger it won't look like that at all. The one I designed has the casement at the rear, and looks so much cooler, at least in my mind!
I have another design for a 3 barreled, 75mm Flak gun with the barrels arranged 'Gatling' style. The gun mount is pretty big, so it is restricted to a E-100 sized chassis or larger. If I can find my little green book (where I put my designs), I'll take a pic of the drawing I made and post it.
If any of you guys want to copy an idea of mine, go right ahead. There have been many times when I have gotten inspiration from other modelers, many who are on this site.
Enjoy!
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While the clear coat is drying on the Bear, I made the radar dish for the Flak Panther.
The frame of the dish is a LEGO part I traded with my son for. The blue thing pointing at the dish is a ornament from one of those little Christmas trees you set on the table. The mesh is from a Tamiya M-48A3 kit, it's the stuff they give you to put on the turret basket. The rest is spare parts, a paperclip, and styreen rod, sheet, tube, etc. I still have to add wiring, and more electrical parts.
I made the radar first, so I can see how much space it will take up. I was going to do a lattice type mount, but I didn't think it would be strong enough, too fragile. The rest of the turret is soaking in Easy Off oven cleaner, to get the old paint & primer off.
If it seems tilted or off center, it is. I used silly putty to hold it together for the pics. It's in 3 pieces for painting.
Enjoy.
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Looking good
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Been working alot the past few days, but managed to get some stuff done.
The Bear clear coat is dry, so today I can start dry-brushing.
I added detail to the control panel on the radar. 2 switches, 3 gauges, and 4 buttons are in there now. The turret body has been stripped, and is ready for surgery.
With the Labor Day holiday coming up I should be able to get some bench time in, hopefully.
That's it for now, Enjoy.
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The Flak Panther project is rolling right along.
The radar is complete, wired up, and primed. I put a cast texture on the armored gun cover, and am cutting out the plates for the extension.
I'm taking my time while adding the extension, because the resin is getting brittle, and I don't want to cause more damage then I have to.
Since the other flak panzers are named after winds and weather, I was thinking about Lightning Storm. That's a cool name, but I am open to suggestions.
Enjoy.
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Since the other flak panzers are named after winds and weather, I was thinking about Lightning Storm. That's a cool name, but I am open to suggestions.
Lightning Storm translates (to the best of my knowledge) as "Gewitter". An alternate might be "Blitzeinschlag" which is "Lightning Strike".
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'Lightning Strike', that sounds cool, and I like it.
The extension is complete and looks alright, but has highlighted 2 other problems I didn't see coming.
First the extension pics.
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The first problem is my own fault. The radar is too big for the turret, and takes up too much space. The R.O. will have almost no room for his hatch, and other equipment. I'm going to make a whole new radar, andI have smaller dishes, but have to find them first.
The second problem is tied into the first ( and is the more serious of the two). The roof lay out with the existing details is wrong. When it was a two man turret the set-up was fine, gunner on the left, commander on the right, but since I made the turret larger it looks like crap to me.
Normally changing details is no problem, unless the turret is solid resin. You have to be VERY careful when doing that, so the vibration from the motor-tool won't crack the resin. The entire lay-out needs to be re-done or else it won't look right. I want to move the commander to the rear, and give him a cupola. The close in defense mortar, and the smaller round port have to be removed.
Enjoy.
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Made some progress today.
Radars #2 & 3 were mostly assembled, and put on the turret to check the spacing.
Like radar #1 both are made from spare parts. #2 is a smaller dish with odds, and ends. #3 is a cap from a pill bottle, with sheet styrene added to both ends, and fared in with thinned green putty. The mount is the gun mount from a Tamiya Sd.Kfz. 222.
I think just on the space limitations I'm going with #2.
The poor Bear is still waiting to be dry-brushed. I'll get to him on my day off this week.
Enjoy.
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Someone asked me what I'm using for parts ( forgot who asked).
Short answer, everything I can get my hands on. Old jewelry, beads, leftover kit parts, watch parts for gears. Any scale, any time period, as long as it's the shape I need.
I usually don't buy new AM parts, except if it's a commission build. I can make what I need faster & cheaper then a company can ship it to me from half-way around the world. ;)
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Two weeks ago I said I would post a pic of a 3 barreled flak gun I designed. Today I found the book where I put my designs. I am sharing this with all of you in the hope that someone takes this idea, and makes something wicked with it. The image is upside down so you might want to save it, then print it out. The date that's in the book is May 8, 2009. V.E. Day.
Just for the record: You have my permission to use this idea, and go nuts with it.
Enjoy!
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Flak Panther update.
Got done adding all the weld seams to the turret, finally. I thought I could do it all in one day, but I took my time.
The problem is/was the resin is getting really brittle. Sharp jolts can/will cause the resin to spall, even though it's a solid casting, it's also 30 years old.
I used .04 half-round rod, attached with Testors, liquid cement. I know, I know, you can't use Testors with resin parts, right?
Wrong, it's an 'old school' trick that has been around forever. You can also attach photo-etch parts with Testors.
Enjoy.
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Over the weekend I picked up a Leopard 1A4, and a M-247 'SGT. York' both from Tamiya.
I made a large caliber Gatling from 3/32nd aluminum tube, and 5 road-wheels from a Tamiya Sd.Kfz. 251 junk kit. This isn't my next project, just trying out some idea's. I would change the shape a little, to give it a new look, and maybe put the turret on a new chassis.
Just messin' around.
Enjoy.
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Got this in the mail today, a M8A1, heavy cargo tractor. Got it from Valhalla (Denbigh Hobby Center, Newport News Virginia), the place where you find the weird stuff.
The name on the box says Modelcraft, but it's the old Blue Tank kit. Oh joy, Great, just my luck. I don't know how much of the kit I'm going to have to replace, but since it's Blue Tank kit I will say 85% to 99.9%. It's the only game in town if you want one of these (as far as I know).
I'm not going to convert this to anything else, just replace the crappy detail. I don't have any books with the M8 (cargo) info in it, I'm going to need help researching this one. If anyone have references to it, please let me know.
Thanks, Enjoy.
(ps. paid under $40 for it.)
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If you had the old Renwal Skysweeper 75mm Anti-Aircraft Gun you would have a great match up since that M8 HST kit is configured as the prime mover for the Skysweeper. A bit of cutting and you might be able to create a cargo bed for the M8 HST and convert it to a standard cargo carrier.
Good luck on the project.
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Remember building Aurora M8A1 kit back when. 1/48ish it seems.
Do like Skysweeper suggestion !
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The Aurora M8A1 was in 1/48 and I remember it fondly.
The Blue Tank M8 looks slightly better than their M4 18T kit.
Here's a build of the M8A1: http://www.ipmsstockholm.se/home/bluetank-m8a1-cargo-tractor/ (http://www.ipmsstockholm.se/home/bluetank-m8a1-cargo-tractor/)
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The turret for the Flak Panther is almost done. Just have to add hatch handles, and stowage boxes.
Pic 3 has some of the other turrets I have also been working on.
Enjoy.
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It is indeed the old Nitto / Bluetank kit! You can see where the moulds have suface rust which modelcraft just left in place and now you can have a pre-textured cab :-)
I want to do a tracked Honest John Launcher - a NATO counterpart to the tracked Scud.
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I remember building one of these many years ago. Must have been the Aurora kit. Didn't it have an artillery gun to go with it?
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I want to do a tracked Honest John Launcher - a NATO counterpart to the tracked Scud.
Great idea Graeme! Now if there were an actual 1:35th scale Honest John and launcher available...
Or better yet, make it a transporter-erector-launcher vehicle for the Lance missile? Time period overlaps for both systems so it is plausible. You could use the 1:35th scale resin kit from Hobby Fan (link to PMMS review of the Hobby Fan Lance SSM and M740 LZL* (http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/hobbyfan/hf024.htm)).
*LZL = Launcher, Zero Length
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A tracked Honest John? Sounds good to me.
A sneak peek at the new tank project.
Enjoy.
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Owgh! 140mm Leopard?!? :)
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Owgh! 140mm Leopard?!? :)
Maybe...
I would love it if someone released a modern 140mm barrel in 1/35.
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The gun isn't a 140 by any means.
It's a T208E1, 90mm gun that I scratch-built.
I'm making a 1950's Panther.
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The operation was a success, and the patient is resting easy.
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50's Panther progress.
It's getting there, but the white lines don't lie: there is still alot of work to do yet.
Enjoy!
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Oooo! Me likee! :)
Were you going to add a co-ax MG on the front turret face? Or a hull MG (which I wouldn't BTW)?
Paul
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Nice hybrid. I like where this is heading
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Thanks. This is going to be wicked cool.
Working on upper/lower hull now, suspension is next.
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Progress on the 50's Panther.
Have to add weld seams, and fill in the trenches Tamiya made. I'm going to use as many of the Panther fittings as I can through out the model. The suspension is going slower than I thought, because the lower hull differences between Leopard kits. It's tricky keeping everything lined up.
Enjoy.
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Very nice :)
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My first post of the new year.
After an extended holiday vacation it's time to get back to the bench. My resolution this year to finish some of the two dozen box queens i have, and not start any new projects until then.
So here is the Flak Panther II 'Lightning Storm' in primer. I think I'm going to do the chassis in cammo, and the turret in primer red. That way it will look like a new production turret on a older chassis. If it doesn't turn out the way I want, I'll paint the whole thing in cammo.
Enjoy.
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This is awesome!! great work. And I like the Lego radar ;)
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Whaddayaknow; comes together and works looking like that. :)
Good eye for the right styrene moves. Oh! and build skill.
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Nice! 8)
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General J.B. Hood is back on the bench.
In keeping with my resolution I brought the Hood out of storage so I can finish it.
Things to do, add fittings to turret, prime turret, paint, and weathering. It sounds like alot, but it's all straight forward.
I cleaned the bench, (cleared the decks for action) so I won't lose parts in the jumble of stuff.
For those of you seeing this for the first time, the base kit is the 'Black Death' M103A1, highly modified (see previous posts on this thread).
Enjoy.
Mark.
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Flak Panther II, 'Lightning Storm' update. Part 1.
While the glue is drying on the Hood, I got the painting done on the FP turret.
I base coated with Tamiya NATO brown, then I covered it in silly putty 'worms'.
Then did a cloud pattern with IJA Yellow-green, and NATO green.
It turned out better than I thought it would. What do you guys/gals think?
Enjoy.
Mark.
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Flak Panther II, 'Lightning Storm', part 2.
Enjoy.
Mark.
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The camo scheme is classified "PDG!"
Great scheme, works really well, & the build is on par with the paint job.
8)
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Excellent! Don't change a thing :)
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FlaK Panther II, update.
Painted the chassis the same way I painted the turret. Got it done this morning, pulled the masks 4 hours later, and mocked it up.
I like it!
The other tank in the pics is my M30, Gen. Chamberlin, 105mm gun LWMT. (light-weight, medium tank), don't ask.
Enjoy!
Mark.
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Mark, I'm really enjoying these updated on you work in progress projects but is there any chance we see more of the M30? I have some M41/T42 inspired projects in the works so that is right up my alley.
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Still "PDG", verging on "BG"! :)
I'm assuming it wasn't an actual camo scheme but it has that WW2 German camo look to it.
Excellent! ;)
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For Mr Deguerre,
My M30, General Chamberlin, LWMT, (light-weight, medium tank).
This started as a T42E1, which is a M41 chassis mounting a M47 Patton II turret, then it took a header off the shelf. The M3 90mm was snapped in two, so I cut the stump off and attached a M68, 105mm gun.
It was then reborn as the M30.
Enjoy,
Mark.
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Thanks so much for posting the photos of the M30! The T42 is a favorite of mine and I've always thought the turret looked better on it than on the M47. You could almost imagine that 105mm as a late upgrade kind of like Spain did on some of their M47s.
With most of the major post-WW2 US tanks now (or soon) available in injection molded kits, I would love for some company to offer the T42/T69 and some of the T95 family as well. Yeah, yeah, I'll add that to my pipe dream of the WW2 T14 and T23E3 while I'm at it! :icon_crap:
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Small Flak Panther update.
Sprayed the gloss coat 2 days ago, and let it set until today so it would fully cure. Next step is weathering, so that should be done by Monday.
The writing on the bottom of hull is date of completion (month-year), what it is, and my signature. I have to do that so nobody else can claim ownership of it.
Enjoy.
Mark.
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For Mr Deguerre,
My M30, General Chamberlin, LWMT, (light-weight, medium tank).
This started as a T42E1, which is a M41 chassis mounting a M47 Patton II turret, then it took a header off the shelf. The M3 90mm was snapped in two, so I cut the stump off and attached a M68, 105mm gun.
It was then reborn as the M30.
Enjoy,
Mark.
In bottom-right corner of last pic (in 4 pic series) there is an small tank ... that I like ??? 8)
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In bottom-right corner of last pic (in 4 pic series) there is an small tank ... that I like ??? 8)
Type 97 Chi-Ha with a modern turret?
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That was me just messing around, getting ideas.
It's Tamiya's Type 97 (late version) with a Verlinden resin turret that went on the M113 (can't remember the designation right now), mounting a 75mm, KwK 42 with a scratch-built bore excavator. I haven't converted any Japanese stuff yet, but I'm thinking about it.
I'm going to have to get another Type 97, because that one was built by my son and he said quote "Dad just paint it for me, don't do ANYTHING to it, just paint it." I didn't change a thing, I swear, I was only just thinking about it!
Enjoy,
Mark
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Mark, that combination looks great! I've often wondered how that turret would work on an M5 or M3A3 light tank,or perhaps an M24 Chaffee.
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Both hull and turret have sharp distinct lines, vrs smooth rounded. Think thatz why they work well together.
And as Jacques wrote;
Mark, that combination looks great! I've often wondered how that turret would work on an M5 or M3A3 light tank,or perhaps an M24 Chaffee.
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... a Verlinden resin turret that went on the M113 (can't remember the designation right now)...
Perhaps the Israeli 60mm HVMS turret for the M113?
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That's the one!
I have the master from the original kit, but I only have two complete turrets. One is going on a M-113 with extra armor, and the other is going on my tracked recon vehicle.
Messing around and mounted the turret on my wheeled recon vehicle.
Also mocked up the IFV turret on the wheeled chassis.
Enjoy.
Mark.
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Oooo, I like #2 (6w2.jpg) very much :)
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Seconded! And it looks awesome without the rear wheel mudguards.
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Nice !
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Armored Recon Vehicle update.
Finally got the armor layout done, third time is a charm! I didn't like the way it looked before, but I like it fine now!
Have to add all the details next, bumper, lights, smoke dischargers, etc.
The turret is armed with a 25mm Bushmaster, two TOW2 ATGM's, and a MRAAM (medium range, anti-aircraft missile). The Dish on the top is for the millimeter wave fire-control system.
I found some PANG (Pennsylvania Army National Guard) decals, and was thinking of adding Police markings also. I'm might also do it post-apocalypse style. I could go in a bunch of different directions with this.
Not sure yet, also this vehicle doesn't have a designation yet, so what do I call it?
Enjoy,
Mark
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Really cool! 8)
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Looking good.
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From Confederate gray to olive drab, General J.B. Hood rides again.
Sprayed the olive drab last night, but missed some spots on the lower hull, so I will do touch-up today. All the tools, machine guns, etc, are painted and ready to go. Just have to add markings, do weathering, and final assembly. That's it.
This turned out better then I hoped for. It ROCKS!
Enjoy.
Mark.
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That looks great!
Cheers,
Logan
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There is a local contest coming up on the 28th, so I'm getting the American armored force '46 ready.
(L to R)
M33, heavy tank, Gen. J.B. Hood
M46A3, medium tank, 'Super Patton',
M41GA2, light tank.
The M41 is good to go, no work needed.
M46, just have to wire the search light, and add the machine guns.
The Hood needs the most work, finish weathering, add detail parts, and final assembly.
Enjoy,
Mark.
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Hood update.
Just got the decals done on the Hood, it's still in the gloss coat.
Almost done.
Enjoy,
Mark.
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More Hood pics.
Last one is my progress on the TC.
Enjoy.
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from a distance, as in viewing your thumbnail image attachment the kill marks on the gun tube remind me of the Sherman Firefly 17pdr gun tubes that were painted white on the bottom portion of the gun tube as an attempt to mask the identity and type of weapon carried when amongst other 75mm gun Sherman tanks.
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Hey Jeff, you are right, from a distance it does look like a Firefly barrel.
Hood update.
Weathering is 90% done, and overall it's about 95% done. It will be finished by morning, so I'll take pics outside in the light.
The hull , and the co-axial machine guns are both .50 cals.
Enjoy,
Mark.
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What a breast! :)
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The General John Bell Hood, a.k.a. "the Beast" is done!
Took these pics outside this morning, just in time for the competition tomorrow.
Enjoy,
Mark.
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Did pretty well this past weekend considering this was my first competition in 26 years.
First place in the armor category, second in sci-fi / fantasy, second in dioramas, not bad.
M33 Gen. Hood, first
Road Warror Zombie Killer, second
Pz.kpfw. VII 'Cheeta' dio, second.
Enjoy,
Mark.
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Well done, mate! 8)
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Well done, mate! 8)
What he said. :)
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What they said! Keep it up :)
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Gen. Custer gets a new turret.
I replaced the old m46 style turret with a modified M48A3 turret for a more modern look. I replaced the 90 mm, with a M68, 105 mm from the spares box. Just have to add markings, and weather it to match the hull.
Enjoy.
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That is certainly a combination of turret and hull that I have never, ever considered. Looks to be a good match though. :)
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Yikes! Now that's one bad-a** tank!
That turret works like a charm!
Brian da Basher