Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: Frank3k on August 24, 2015, 09:25:54 AM

Title: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Frank3k on August 24, 2015, 09:25:54 AM
In 1935, Peru bought 24 LTL tanks (Czech name for the Panzer 38(t) ) and used them in their border war with Ecuador, in 1941. Pleased with the results, in 1942 Peru decided to buy more tanks (surreptitiously) from the Germans.
Going through the Spanish embassy, Peru and Germany came to an agreement: Peru would buy 20 slightly used Panzer 38(t) Ausf E/F removed from the front lines. Delivery would be made through neutral Spain, but due to the worsening war situation for the Germans, only 10 tanks were delivered by 1943.
The Panzer 38(t) and LTP tanks once again proved their worth in the combined border war against Columbia and Ecuador in 1944-45.

This tank is based on the surprisingly nice (and cheap) Trumpeter 1/35 Pzkpfz 38t Ausf E/F  kit. There were no Peruvian 38(t)s, so I based some of the features on the LTP tank.

The Trumpeter kit comes with a well detailed turret interior/gun but no tank interior. I had many parts left over from the Tasca Panzer 38(t) interior, so I used those parts to give a hint of an interior:

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5736/20640958740_ed1dcf3ee4_o.jpg)
The floor is a PE mesh screen.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/646/20828992525_2c0d26def1_o.jpg)
The figure is from Miniart, with a hat and binoculars from a DML figure kit. The mudflaps on the front are seen on the Peruvian LTP.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/657/20828992285_fc0487d9ba_o.jpg)
The rear rack is from the otherwise unbuildable MS-01/T-18 tank from Eastern Express. The fuel tank is from Tamiya and the four jerry cans are leftovers from the Tamiya Semovente M40. I didn't feel like detailing them, so I threw a "tarp" made of thin wrapping tissue over the whole thing. The rope is thin wool/silk sock yarn that my wife gave me for "model parts".


(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/639/20206376594_532901a139_o.jpg)
The bags on the side are from Tamiya. Surprisingly, the Miniart figure (from a British tanker set) has convincing South American features. I used the Brian "Buzzbomb" Thewlis method of figure painting, although I didn't get as good a result as he does.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/644/20640958090_42d70dbd29_o.jpg)

Unlike most Bronco kits, this Trumpeter kit has excellent fit and logical assembly, reasonable and appropriate PE use, great detailing and not too many parts. The tracks are mostly individual links, but they didn't take long to assemble.

Thanks for looking!
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Steve Blazo on August 24, 2015, 10:21:42 AM
Looks good, nice build.
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: ChernayaAkula on August 24, 2015, 12:31:32 PM
Great selection of subject and build!  :)
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: LemonJello on August 24, 2015, 08:10:29 PM
Really nice work! The figure sets it apart, I think.
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 25, 2015, 03:13:14 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Frank3k on August 25, 2015, 04:35:05 AM
Thanks guys. The figure needs a coat of flat or satin finish.
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: finsrin on August 25, 2015, 05:53:20 AM
Great selection of subject and build!  :)

Like he said.....
Details - tools, canvas, bucket, colors, mud flaps, and especially that figure show together well :)
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Old Wombat on August 25, 2015, 07:30:27 AM
I have a soft spot for Czech tanks & yours looks great! 8)

Figure is very good, too - the face is excellent! :)
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Camthalion on August 25, 2015, 05:40:16 PM
cool.  Very nice
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Weaver on August 26, 2015, 03:03:32 AM
That looks great - well done!
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 26, 2015, 03:12:49 AM
Little bit of info on real world Peruvian LTP tanks (http://ftr-wot.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/ltp-tanque-39-peruan-legend.html)
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Frank3k on August 26, 2015, 05:08:50 AM
I saw that article; I was tempted to try that camo pattern.

 I don't think the camo on the current vehicle is original - the multicolor camo on the wheels would probably make them stand out under motion.
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 26, 2015, 06:22:53 AM
It would be tempting to also do a Peruvian Panzer III
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Buzzbomb on August 26, 2015, 06:43:21 AM
Nice job. That it very well finished
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: apophenia on August 26, 2015, 07:38:37 AM
Lovely build of a great subject!  :)
Title: Re: Peruvian Panzer 38(t)
Post by: Dr. YoKai on August 27, 2015, 06:45:10 AM
Boy, talk about long-lived! Not many tanks can boast a near-fifty year career.

Great build, Frank. The stowage and the figure really set it off.