Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Showcase & Gallery => Topic started by: ripley on May 03, 2017, 09:28:09 pm

Title: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 03, 2017, 09:28:09 pm
Picked up my third Rubicon SU-85/122 kit the other day and decided to build it as a German SPG based on this photo:
(https://s16.postimg.org/6r6pm1thd/Beute_SU-85_r.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6r6pm1thd/)
And since I'm actually pre thinking my build this time ( not rushing into it as usual :-[ ) , I am going to try and post my progress . I'm using the Tank Power SU-85/100/122 and Peko SU-85/100 books as my main reference as well as various pictures in assorted books from my collection
(https://s18.postimg.org/67q1l7111/Tank_Power.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/67q1l7111/)

(https://s10.postimg.org/cdyhbv0np/Peko.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/cdyhbv0np/)
 I will try explain my reasons for any changes or additons to the kit and try to remember  to post reference pictures for clarification .  Hopefully some of you might find this of some  interest ,and hopefully I will remember to post stuff as I progress in the build and  not just post the finished kit in a weeks time ( as I usually do  :-[)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 04, 2017, 01:00:39 am
Looking forward to your build.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 04, 2017, 10:24:46 am
Where to begin ? Looking through my books I noticed that there were 2 versions of the SU-85 , One had lift hooks on the gun mantle and long handrail on the casement sides ( same as the SU-122 which the 85 was based on ) .
(https://s27.postimg.org/aclqs9lfj/Ball_mount_-_lift_hooks.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/aclqs9lfj/)

(https://s18.postimg.org/jtg8u5gcl/Lift_hooks_-_long_side_rail.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jtg8u5gcl/)
And a later version which had lift rings on the mantle and a short hand rail . This the version I'm going to build


(https://s9.postimg.org/bdfbovqsr/Lift_rings_-_short_side_rail.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/bdfbovqsr/)
So I added rings ( ex model rail road bits ) as well as liquid green stuff to give the ball mount a rougher cast texture . This is done by painting on the LGS , and stippling with a stiff brush till the desired texture is achieved . Usually I do this a couple of times during the build till I'm happy  with the result.
(https://s11.postimg.org/le6xng0jj/Ball_mount_-_rings_1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/le6xng0jj/)
I also like to add open vision ports on the driver's hatch as well as the cast texture . Some are very rough , others almost smooth , see above
(https://s27.postimg.org/ouu5jl3v3/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ouu5jl3v3/)

(https://s24.postimg.org/g024lyaa9/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/g024lyaa9/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 04, 2017, 10:38:34 am
Green stuff is also added to the armored exhaust covers as well as the differential covers on the hull rear . Again quite a variation in texture
(https://s24.postimg.org/878q3qvg1/dif_1d.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/878q3qvg1/)

(https://s17.postimg.org/oishioiq3/dif_2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/oishioiq3/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/f0uhiu0ct/Ex_Guard.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/f0uhiu0ct/)
This is another pattern of exhaust cover for T-34s ( Factory No 183 )
(https://s21.postimg.org/apqi1cgv7/ex_1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/apqi1cgv7/)
Standard cover
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: Pinky on May 04, 2017, 11:17:10 am
Thanks for sharing this, Ripley.  It's very enjoyable watching this build progress. 
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 04, 2017, 12:08:49 pm
It's something new for me , trying to remember to make notes on what I'm doing and why , as well as finding pictures of the real thing to help explain whats going on .  I might add a crew , at a later date so I decided to open the driver's hatch . Easy to do on the Rubicon kit as the actual hatch is a separate piece . Step 1 , drill a line of small holes with pin vise
(https://s2.postimg.org/gd93rx6o5/drill.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/gd93rx6o5/)
Step 2 , carefully cut along dotted line  ::) and remove unwanted plastic , file to suit
(https://s7.postimg.org/yyl4gyxh3/cut.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/yyl4gyxh3/)
Step 3 , add hatch ( after adding internal parts if wanted  and crew figure) - this is my original SU-85 hull as an example

(https://s28.postimg.org/e2stikktl/SU-85_b.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/e2stikktl/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 05, 2017, 11:36:13 am
I've always thought the pistol ports and hand rails as a real identifying mark of WW2 Russian tanks , but in this scale they really don't stand out .
(https://s21.postimg.org/i5y7h2zk3/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/i5y7h2zk3/)
They should look like this
(https://s13.postimg.org/keud9dnbn/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/keud9dnbn/)
So I changed them , adding plastic rod for the hand rail and a slice of larger rod for the port
(https://s2.postimg.org/cyv1tiath/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/cyv1tiath/)
I should have made the rails out of wire and had them more realistic looking  but as this is going to end up as  a game piece and get handled a lot I went plastic for a more 3D effect than the kit moldings  . One of my first T-34s got the full treatment but the rails  never survived the trip to the game store and its first game .
(https://s22.postimg.org/v7yf3sxa5/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/v7yf3sxa5/)
The rear of the casement got a new  vision slit as well as hand  rail and pistol port . 
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: H0ffmn on May 05, 2017, 12:04:17 pm
I've used a pin vice and drilled into the hull or turret or whatever part that I've wanted to put wire hand rails, and super glued the wire ends into the holes. It is much stronger than just gluing them onto the surface.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: Pinky on May 05, 2017, 12:34:46 pm
Replacing these components seems like a good idea.  But I would round off the ends of the handrails so they look more as though they bend - if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 05, 2017, 08:54:10 pm
Pin vise and wire  is the way to go , but after adding full hand rails to my first couple of T-34s ( about a dozen on each ) it sort of lost its magic  ::) . One T-34 fully hand railed is fun , a dozen tanks ? , no  :) . That's the problem I find with going all out and adding extra  detail ,   to have to go back and bring the previous kits  to the same standard  is no fun at all . 
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 06, 2017, 10:48:00 am
Heeding pinky's advise I sanded the ends of the hand rails ...I think green stuff will fix the damage . lol .  Another iconic piece that says Soviet tank to me is the cross cut saw
(https://s29.postimg.org/i68f9sl1f/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/i68f9sl1f/)
Every T-34 based type seemed to have one located behind the tool box on the left fender . ( Seen also on JS tanks and SPGs and on the fender on early KV types ,late KVs had it in the large fender box ). You need some square & round plastic strip , as well as some sheet plastic
(https://s12.postimg.org/5yewte8mx/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5yewte8mx/)
Cut the square 6/10s of an inch long , slightly bend in middle . ( size eyeballed from BA T-34 ). Cut plastic sheet slightly narrower than V . Glue V on to sheet . Add round rod to ends as handles , cut to size / trim sheet
(https://s13.postimg.org/qd10jrltf/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qd10jrltf/)
Finished saw
(https://s30.postimg.org/y54ccs0ul/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/y54ccs0ul/)

(https://s7.postimg.org/7w933ywhj/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/7w933ywhj/)
Saw added to BA T-34/85
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: Pinky on May 06, 2017, 02:15:45 pm
Nice.  And definitely iconic.  I hope Rubicon include a couple of these when they do the Soviet stowage set.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 06, 2017, 03:57:57 pm
Nice.  And definitely iconic.  I hope Rubicon include a couple of these when they do the Soviet stowage set.
I second both sentiments.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 07, 2017, 11:54:15 pm
You guys have built enough kits that I don't have to show you step by step , anyway paints drying  and I think I found the decals I want . So I decided to add some detail to the SU-122 casement as they can be swapped out to give you gun options for game play . These are my original 2 SU s
(https://s8.postimg.org/sitk7ap1d/SU_122_-_85.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/sitk7ap1d/)
Again I added rod for hand rails ,  a larger pistol port and opened the Drivers vision port
(https://s24.postimg.org/s5pya7n1d/122_r2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/s5pya7n1d/)

(https://s21.postimg.org/9j2kbiw0z/122_r3.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/9j2kbiw0z/)
Rubicon missed the pistol port and vision slit on the rear ( 1 ) and the rear vision port on the hull roof ( 2 ) ( Tamiya missed this in 1/35 as well ) , so I added 1 and decided to skip 2 .. ::) little too much work in that one in this scale
(https://s21.postimg.org/i2oh837lv/122_r1_LI.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/i2oh837lv/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 08, 2017, 10:16:04 am
Just crew ,  hatches , fuel drums , a stowage bin and Notek light to add and this SU is finished . My inspiration was a couple of propaganda  pictures of freshly painted SU-85s in service with the 23 Panzer Div summer 1944 . I'll dirty mine up as if its seen a bit of combat . Not sure if I'm happy with the crosses on the hull sides , weathering might help
(https://s18.postimg.org/m6fcchif9/IMG_20170507_200115003.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/m6fcchif9/)
Here's a shot of all 3 .
(https://s4.postimg.org/6ivlgju7d/IMG_20170507_195856685.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6ivlgju7d/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: Pinky on May 08, 2017, 11:04:32 am
The cross is a bit off, but then they were often a bit crude - especially the oversize ones painted on captured vehicles.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on May 08, 2017, 09:41:34 pm
The side decals are from some 70s era bi plane kit IRC , very thick and very shiny . So I went over them with paint to try and dull them down as well as give them a more hand painted look . Not sure if they're finished yet , might retouch them after work , need a little time away to get fresh eyes on the project . Probably would have been better to add the pistol port after the decals , they did not want to conform to the shape no matter how much decal fluid I used , ended up cutting that corner off .  After all this time modelling you would think I would just do that out of habit , but oh no , I'm sure it will fit perfectly , no problem  ::)
Title: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 15, 2017, 12:35:38 am
Not much more to do really , add crew ( on order ) , stowage and weather , but I've been side tracked  :-[ . A buddy wanted some spare parts , so I got some RTV rubber and cast some for him . And that led to me casting up ammo boxes and various bits and pieces including a Pzr IV cupola to add to one of my T-34s , guess I've got another Beute panzer to find decals for
(https://s27.postimg.org/s5cwllpyn/IMG_20170514_102044.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/s5cwllpyn/)

(https://s10.postimg.org/shrjcocgl/IMG_20170512_211616.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/shrjcocgl/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on June 23, 2017, 11:03:03 am
The SU is  still waiting for a crew and I've moved on to other things . I built 3 20mm scale PSC  T-70s for one of my buddies and found the kits quite nice , will have to find some others on sale , just as a fun build . Also did a little work on my tank riders , now I have 8 on the rear of a BA T-34 . Trying to build some in a more action type pose jumping off a tank , not quite there yet
(https://s12.postimg.org/eahdbbjw9/IMG_20170612_162245.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/eahdbbjw9/)
Some where in the last few weeks I built the BA JS 2 , not a bad kit , it needs some cast texture added to turret and hull , I found the pistol ports to be very flat , usually very prominent . Also added cast detail to the rear machine gun , although looking through a pile of pictures there were many variations in texture as well as casting factory marks
(https://s24.postimg.org/gf92xzzdd/IS_2_turret_rear_2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/gf92xzzdd/)

(https://s21.postimg.org/fq6a4vvv7/IS_2_turret_rear_1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fq6a4vvv7/)

(https://s12.postimg.org/84z7qdp49/IS_2_turret_rear_3.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/84z7qdp49/)

(https://s11.postimg.org/lclsazpof/IMG_20170613_092411.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/lclsazpof/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on June 23, 2017, 11:17:42 am
Next build  BA KV1 / 2 . Hmm , bit of a let down in IMO ( I had to buy 2  ::) ) . The KV 1 turret hatch is too big , they included  the ring on which the hatch rotates as part of the hatch , hence the hole in the roof is too big . No way to fix it without loosing the ring detail . Guess I'm going for a closed hatch . And they did the same thing with the hull hatch , pictures show it to be almost a copy of and the same size as the two round hatches on the rear deck ( transmission access ) . The KV 2 turret hatch is the perfect size . But the internal hatch detail is wrong . The locking bars on the kit form a Y on the real deal it's an upside down Y , the same locking mecanism is also on the round rear hatches . And last but not least they left off the pistol port on the rear and left side of the KV 2 turret , to me it was a wtf moment , how could you miss those ? Any way I'm going to try and build one KV 2 as a knocked vehicle , so far I've been working on the broken track and the front idler wheel
(https://s16.postimg.org/d1w5tbvyp/IMG_20170622_204057254.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/d1w5tbvyp/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 23, 2017, 02:42:35 pm
Useful information, I bought the KV kit at Salute (they had sold out of the IS2).

I will look out for the pistol ports (now you have mentioned it, they are obvious on the photographs and plates in the New Vanguard book.

Are the cast numbers raised or inset?

Some of their decisions do seem a bit odd, plus unlike our Gracious Host's they do not seem to want (potential) customer feedback during the design process.
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: Lenzman on June 23, 2017, 05:52:02 pm
Mahlzeit

Nice conversion you did. The knocked out KV is great.
I´ve got some ideas to improve them. You should replace the suggested handlebars by the use of some wire.
Also there is an easy way to add some structure to. You apply some plastic cement on the area and treat it with a toothbrush.


Greetings
Marco
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on June 23, 2017, 08:08:57 pm
Thks guys . The casting numbers are raised , I tried shaving some off the tabs on the  sprues but they are too thin . Academy gives you a whole series of letters and numbers for just this purpose in their 1/35 US tank kits , I know I've got some somewhere ,oh well  ::) . Also you can get them in resin as decals , might have to find some for my next JS 2 . Yes wire works well for the grab bars and  ladder rungs (I use paper clips myself ) , I have built some larger scale kits with that . As these are gaming pieces ,( at least  one day I might play ,) or I build them and then give them to friends  who play BA  , so I think its better to make them a little more sturdy , nothing like spending half your gaming time looking for and fixing tiny broken parts  ;D . Instead of adding liquid glue , which works well, I've been using liquid green stuff . Sometimes the glue melts  tiny detail parts  :o
(https://s29.postimg.org/o831zjoz7/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/o831zjoz7/)
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 23, 2017, 09:11:13 pm
I textured my Sherman turrets using liquid poly (and also to fill some of the gaps) using the supplied brush.

The T34 (may I one day finish it) had the turret covered with a Milliput slurry.

I did add hand rails on the T34 turret, but could have used thinner wire.

I wonder if the cast numbers are something for the Soviet stowage set?
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: ripley on June 23, 2017, 09:31:13 pm
Might work better as a small detail set sort of like Rubicon 's decal sets . If you look at WW2 Russian tank walkarounds you'll notice cast marks / numbers on T-34 driver hatches and the cast bump out for the bow machine gun , as well on the lower rear casting for sprockets . Some cast KV 1 turrets have it , and its also on the cast mantle of SU 85 / 100s as well as the JSU series . And its hit and miss , depending which factory made them , hence the 3 JS turret pictures above . Would most modellers even bother in this scale , not to mention the game guys ? I know I'm going to on the next JS I build , but of the half dozen guys I know locally who build and play , I seem to be the only one whose thinking out of the box on every kit he builds  ::) .
Title: Re: Jgd Pz SU 85(r) WIP
Post by: Ballardian on June 23, 2017, 10:19:08 pm
 Nice work on the IS2 & I like the way your abandoned KV2 is going.
  I find the Mr Surfacer products pretty reliable for adding casting texture (though I suppose all they really are is a variant on the liquid green stuff theme), as you can ususally guarantee some sort of consistency in its 'grain'.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 25, 2017, 11:58:02 pm
A couple of up dates . Here's the tank riders I've tried to catch in the act of landing .
(https://s21.postimg.org/apgwe92v7/T34-85_89b.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/apgwe92v7/)
This was just a straight leg swap , but I overlooked one guy having puttees and the other guy , tall boots  ::) Green stuff to the rescue . I gave one guy loose hemet straps to try and depict motion ,what do you think ?
(https://s7.postimg.org/y3pszb2g7/JS_2_c.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/y3pszb2g7/)
Here's a rear shot of my Stalin showing the cast effects on the turret , just added some very thin strip plastic around the MG mount and then covered with GS . Quite effective IMO  8)
(https://s8.postimg.org/l099rtazl/IMG_20170625_084329788.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/l099rtazl/)
More work on the KV hull , added damage to the fender and I decided to scratch a open fender box . I've done this before in 1/35 so its not too hard . Getting the lid curve is a little tricky though . What to do , cut to size then curve  or curve then try to cut to size . A half dozen pieces of plastic later and a few nicks to the  fingers with the Xacto and I think this will do . Now to find kit to put in the box . The Wydawnictwo Militaria / Tank Power  vol. LXXXI  ( KW vol. III ) 320  book has diagrams of what's in each box ( Polish text / English captions )
(https://s12.postimg.org/x3nnf1bnt/IMG_20170625_095841518.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/x3nnf1bnt/)

(https://s2.postimg.org/br0aqorp1/IMG_20170625_095847073.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/br0aqorp1/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 26, 2017, 03:21:23 am
Very nice.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 18, 2017, 11:07:27 am
Its been a while since I've done any model work ,mostly watching movies  ::) . Started to work on fixing the overly large hatch on the KV hull , the turret one is going to get a pass ( for now .. ) as there's too much detail to replicate when you try to correct it . So , the molded hull hatch includes the roof ring molded to it
(https://s21.postimg.org/oeb6yevo3/hatch_1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/oeb6yevo3/)
So I trimmed off the ring from the hatch  and added the ring to the hull using .8 mm square rod curved around a nail to get a tight circle of plastic which was then cut to fit
(https://s17.postimg.org/tafz2jzkb/hatch_2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/tafz2jzkb/)
Now , this looks much better
(https://s13.postimg.org/yzuifyw03/hatch_3.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/yzuifyw03/)
And , just for fun I decided to try and make the half crew figure ( I have 3 of these guys ) a full figure using the lower legs of the Tamiya 1/48 French farmer from Tamiya British figure set . Holster and map case are BA parts from the spares box . Didn't turn out too bad if I say so myself
(https://s13.postimg.org/qxh262lmr/crew.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qxh262lmr/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 18, 2017, 02:59:16 pm
Excellent.
I cannot wait to see it painted.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 21, 2017, 07:31:17 am
Still no work done on my tanks  ::) But my Russian Calvary is coming along quite nicely . They're a Perry Civil War Calvary / BA Russians kit bash . Vey easy to cut them up , the tricky part is finding   arms that don't make riders look spastic
(https://s3.postimg.org/iy48i58tr/IMG_20170809_131925.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/iy48i58tr/)

(https://s3.postimg.org/6kreb8j5b/IMG_20170813_105427766.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6kreb8j5b/)

(https://s3.postimg.org/taqj482cv/IMG_20170820_171526595.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/taqj482cv/)
This conversion will work with BA Japanese and German plastics as well , I had a few legless bodies around from various projects to test it on . My next project will be a horse transported anti tank rifle ( and an horse drawn  artillery piece , gonna have to buy more horses ::) )
(https://s3.postimg.org/ha533huy7/dfgh.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ha533huy7/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on October 09, 2017, 08:53:01 am
Nothing much done in  1/56 lately except converting and painting more Russian tank crews and troops .( I really hate trying to make unique figures by combining plastic , metal and  resin parts )  Built a few tank kits , but they are the Meng World War Toons cartoon / egg type tanks . Scale is all over the place with these things . The  Tiger I being scale 1/35 wide but only half as long , the Tiger II turret is almost as long as it's  hull , so there's no driver hatches and only a partial engine deck .  And the Sherrman is 3 inches long and 2 inches wide and  looks funny  balancing on one wheel station . Of course I couldn't just build them out of the box . Various tools and tank bits from the parts box replaced kit pieces that irked me  ::) . And I completely replaced the Sherman toy like  track , sprocket , idler and road wheels with 1/35 scale Academy / Dragon parts , they fit perfectly   :) . They also have a  KV II out now ( IMO the AFV one is a much nicer kit ) , with a T-34 and a Panzer III N coming soon . Always nice to have a little fun hobby time for a change
(https://s1.postimg.org/591rjq6kcb/Meng_WWT_Tiger_I_a.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/591rjq6kcb/)

(https://s1.postimg.org/6moanrjriz/Meng_WWT_Tiger_II_b.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6moanrjriz/)

(https://s1.postimg.org/77xya2fpu3/Meng_WWT_Sherman_a.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/77xya2fpu3/)

(https://s1.postimg.org/202nn2o7wb/MENG_World_War_Toons.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/202nn2o7wb/)
Should be back to 1/56 later this week as I have some kits coming from NWS in Florida  , now that things are getting back to normal after their hurricane ;D
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on October 09, 2017, 03:37:44 pm
Cute.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 07, 2018, 08:42:47 am
Finally getting back to building my KV kit . Today I added what to me is a must have on KV tanks , the tow cables and the side hooks that holds them on .  The cables ends are 1/48 resin pieces from Gaso.Line out of France . You get 5 pairs of  cable ends ( 5 x 2 ), Tiger , Panther , Pzr IV , T-34 and KV , at least tha'ts what they look like to me , you also get a couple of lengths of braided metal thread for the cables . I ordered 2 sets as you need 4 ends for each vehicle . I made the  side hooks out of some plastic rod and some brass posts with a loop on the end (  boat or railroad parts from years gone by , amazing what you can find in the parts box if you look long enough   ) Simple , just drill holes in end of rod , add brass ( all part sizes just eye balled from pictures , no calipers or tape measures here ) . Same with cutting the thread , just  enough so I can hook the tow eye over the shackle on the nose .
(https://s9.postimg.org/gi9maiy3v/parts.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/gi9maiy3v/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/yxu37xjy3/wip_2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/yxu37xjy3/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/qfkn3m0kr/wip_4.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qfkn3m0kr/)
Once I get the crazy glue off my fingers , I'll get to work on the crew and the second KV in my stash while I still remember how I did this  ::)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 07, 2018, 07:05:02 pm
Looks like a nice build (the alternative turrets are shown off well).

Post Image is sulking and not allowing me to see the attachment, that might be a problem at my end.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 09, 2018, 12:38:29 pm
Decided to forgo a crew for now  and add a few Germans checking out the KO'd Russian giants . Need to convert a figure to be peering in the open hatch and climbing on the KV II's turret rungs  , but all I have at the moment a built Germans , best order a sprue or 2 soon
(https://s9.postimg.org/jvja74vx7/IMG_20180108_212121475.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jvja74vx7/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/7gwi6tjuj/IMG_20180108_212150975.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/7gwi6tjuj/)
Just a 2 digit number on the KV I . Nothing on the KV II . There's a Russian site ( www.kv1ehkranami.narod.ru/kv2.html ) with pictures of about 125 different knocked out or abandoned  KV IIs , the only ones with markings on the turret sides are in German use . And only 5 have the large rear hatch open ,,again in German hands . I have not seen any pictures of KV IIs with propaganda slogans so prevalent in the decal packs , Maybe they had them when they fought the Finns ? None of the ones the  Germans photographed had them
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 26, 2018, 10:10:12 am
After getting sidetracked for a while ...don't ask
(https://s9.postimg.org/93y7m6crv/IMG_20180125_182831691.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/93y7m6crv/)
I decided to get to work on my Churchill Mk IV AVRE , first up add front attachment
(https://s9.postimg.org/g7631td2j/IMG_20180123_213232569.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/g7631td2j/)
So after making a left and right ( PIA ) , Its on to the rear mounts , much easier as they are the same . Will have to copy these in resin before I glue them on
(https://s9.postimg.org/opfj65z0r/IMG_20180125_180915113.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/opfj65z0r/)
Next its work on the bow gunners redesigned hatch  ( picture from Panzerserra website )
(https://s9.postimg.org/gwove7nwr/Churchill-_CIRD_031.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/gwove7nwr/)
With any luck I'll finish this on the weekend , and on Monday    the 20mm turret and Stummel parts will arrive for my 250s  :D
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 26, 2018, 04:52:30 pm
That looks good.

I am never distracted.http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/messing-about-with-boats.html (http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/messing-about-with-boats.html)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 27, 2018, 11:59:50 pm
Ah , your into that pirate version of Frostgrave . How are the new Pirate / native and snake men (?) figures ? I was thinking getting some of the figure sprues for kit bashing purposes ., you know Dwarf bodies with WW2 German helmets and gas masks , armed with MP 40s , kind of thing ..got to find a use for all those extra bits I got kicking around . I find I have so many ideas that when a project bogs down , ie: no RTV rubber to cast bits . I have to build something else to keep from effing stuff up .  ::) On my Churchill I managed to save a whole upper track run as its not needed because of the fenders . So I plan to cast it in 3 - 5 link pieces to add to Fireflys and Shermans . But having no RTV . means I have to wait , but my M4s are calling to me , " add extra armor " , I can't tune them out . I sometimes wish I could just build stuff out of the box and be happy with the result , unfortuntely I haven't build out of the box in about 25 years and there's no going back , kit bashes and conversions are too much fun
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 28, 2018, 03:12:56 am
I have not got any yet (the Snake men are renders only so far). The Frostgrave sprues often make a nice distraction. I bought a dwarf sprue at Salute last year. There are a couple of people on Lead Adventures combining the  cultists and various arms (Imperial Guard and Wargames Factory).

The KV has been my kit of the day, the majority is together, the KV2 turret is still in bits while the replacement rungs set (and I sand off the fingerprints where the glue leaked through)

Good plan on the track links, I have to get some more from the German stowage set for my Hercules project.

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 28, 2018, 06:26:14 am
I've got one of those wire bending thingys you were using on order , so I guess I have a lot of handles to remove and replace in my future
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 13, 2018, 12:38:00 pm
Just some stowage and weathering and I'll call this AVRE finished . I managed to get a second Petard mortar ( thanks Bruce ) so I can use either turret on the modified hull . Not a bad kit , pity they don't give doubles of some of the turret bits , map case , antennas ,  turret stowage box  It seems a shame to have 2 turret choices and about 7 guns to pick from and you only can build ONE !   ::). You have to adjust the internals on the Mk III turret as the Petard insn't meant to mount in that plastic  turret, but it was mounted in the real Mk III . Crew are a couple of Company B ( ? ) metal figures and a Tamiya 1/48 figure . Stowage is Tamiya ( large tarp ) Rubicon ( Panther track ) and various pieces of BA kit which I cast in resin . The second stowage box is also a resin piece , I've made a few for some of the local gamers .
(https://s9.postimg.org/rgbiet6qj/Side.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/rgbiet6qj/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/t6ujgvgq3/Mk_IV.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/t6ujgvgq3/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/oyzr7khp7/Mk_III.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/oyzr7khp7/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/h693fljfv/Top.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/h693fljfv/)
The mortar bomb was painted a off white / grey , and pretty much filled up the mortr tube , so I added them . I just noticed I forgot to remove some mold lines on the sides of the barrel  :-[
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on February 13, 2018, 04:50:00 pm
That is very good.

The AVRE fittings are impressive. Must go back and see how you did it (I have another Churchill still in its box).

Skimping on the turret bits is a bit annoying (at least you have two out of three complete turrets in the Crusader - I think the missing bin is in the Allied Stowage set).
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 13, 2018, 09:38:14 pm
The Crusader was a great kit , but  I never really noticed if you can build 2 regular type turrets , I wanted the AA version and passed the rest of the parts on to Bruce who was upgrading some Warlord resin Crusaders . I wonder if the fuel can  would fit on the rear of the Churchill ? ( T-34 ones are too short ) I'm going cast the rear side mount as I made a pattern , so if you want a couple and a stowage box , let me know . The front mounts were a pain , having to make a left and right ,lots of trial and error trying to get the angles correct , must of cut up a 12 x 12 inch sheet of plastic to make them . Probably should have made some to cast but got impatient after all that
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 26, 2018, 12:36:58 am
Ok , I'm going to take one for the team, Just ordered a BA Puma , going to convert it to a 234/3 using the parts in the Rubicon 250/9 Stummel Expansion kit . That supplies the gun goodies , and  I found some  steering wheels and seats from  parts box  , hopefully I get the kit before the excitement of the idea / build cools off and I go work on some Dwarfs . So watch this space
(https://s9.postimg.org/tfwt16eob/Sd_Kfz_234-4.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/tfwt16eob/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on February 26, 2018, 01:24:04 am
Looking forward to seeing this built.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 28, 2018, 10:59:12 pm
Some early test fittings for my 234/3 conversion, using my Puma hull  . The Rubicon gun mount is a little larger width wise than the 234 hull . So its a matter of do I cut it narrower and add the bends on the sides , or do I scratch a whole new mount ?
(https://s9.postimg.org/nf1ggmrkb/R_Side_view.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/nf1ggmrkb/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/741ckdry3/Top_view.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/741ckdry3/)
 I noticed there seem to be a few angle differences  in side shields in various vehicles ( or is it just the angle of the picture ? )
(https://s9.postimg.org/uwanvl9az/i549176.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/uwanvl9az/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/beg0fxf0r/Bovington_234-3.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/beg0fxf0r/)
Any one know if the Bovington vehicle is a museum rebuild or is it as built ?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 06, 2018, 09:13:27 am
Well got side tracked on the 234 and 251 vehicle conversions . By the time I decided what I wanted to build and headed down to the LHS to get them , both the Puma and 251 D kit had been sold , to one of my buddies  ::) . So , instead I picked up a Meng T-34 egg tank
(https://s9.postimg.org/7c7en3j4r/Meng_T-34_a.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/7c7en3j4r/)
Its a little too cartoon tank  for my taste , really not loving the dual commander's hatches , so I did a little kit bashing . I was thinking of adding !/35 scale wheels and indi link track , but while I have wheels galore , I only had enough track for about 3/4s of what I needed for both sides . Well maybe the next one

(https://s9.postimg.org/qhanwx2yj/Meng_T-34_b.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qhanwx2yj/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/avtcd01az/Meng_T-34_c.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/avtcd01az/)
I added some 1/35 parts , the ammo box and tarp are Tamiya , the bow gun and tow cables are from IRC an old Zevda kit . I replaced the flared gun barrel with a plastic barrel from the BA Churchill and the radio antenna is an unused part from the Rubicon SU-85 kit.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 06, 2018, 04:12:20 pm
Very cute. Well done.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 07, 2018, 08:44:39 am
They really are lots of fun to build  . I like to go through the parts box and try to   make them a little more "realistic " looking , but they look great just out of the box . The LHS has the Panzer III N in stock , so that will probably be the next one I play with . Heard that Meng  have a Firefly and Panzer IV ( or was it Panther ? ) coming next in this series . Sorry I got all excited when I heard Firefly and tuned out the rest .... ::)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 11, 2018, 12:26:31 pm
Picked up my 251 D today ( for my 251/9 kit bash ) , and as I had time to kill while the base coat on its drying .... I thought I might try something like this
(https://s9.postimg.org/m4227vu3f/IMG_20180310_211636784.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/m4227vu3f/)
Will have to remove the driver and add gun parts to the turret interior , but I should end up with a broken down / knocked out Panzer IV
I picked the left side hatch because the right hatch has the fans mounted to it and I have no bits in the parts box that look like it  and I have  no idea how to scratch it  ::)
(https://s9.postimg.org/3ohlapl6j/IMG_8773.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/3ohlapl6j/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 11, 2018, 03:58:54 pm
That is amazing.

I keep looking at the spare turret parts from the T34/76, but have not started on it.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 11, 2018, 11:26:46 pm
Upon further research ( I always seem to rush in and start glueing stuff when I get an idea  ::) ), it seems that there is a large radiator over the left side of the engine . In most pictures , its usually removed so the engine can be worked on . So , I don't need the engine in there , just the rad . That's easier
So ,I just cut down an Academy M 113 rad , added a few pipes and its almost done . Just have to carefully sand the resin door I made ( hull pressed into plastersine ) thinner so I can open up the cooling slats
 
(https://s9.postimg.org/emtbbu3fv/Image419.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/emtbbu3fv/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/lbzus6wl7/IMG_20180311_091735237.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/lbzus6wl7/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/fp3hupu2j/Trumpeter_1-16_scale.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/fp3hupu2j/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 12, 2018, 12:23:58 am
Excellent.

All I have managed is to base some Modern PLA and undercoat the Studebaker and a Evil Bear Foxhound.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 12, 2018, 01:55:13 am
That sounds like you've made some progress at least . Funny how you go great guns and finish one  kit in mere days and the next one seems to drag on for weeks and sometimes months . I've got some 1/35 Dragon rail cars I started about 10 years ago I still have to complete  :-[
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 18, 2018, 09:02:33 am
A little more work on my latest Panzer IV . I made the engine hatch by pressing the hull in plastercine and casting it in a thin coat of resin , I made about 6 that turned out . Sanded the hatch flat , cut out the cooling slats and added a set of slats to the rear of the door . Really they should be inset in the door but too much work involved in that , as you sand the resin thinner it softens  and bends  ::) That's why you make multiple copies  ;D
(https://s9.postimg.org/ubvrs1rzv/Hatch_cover_-_resin.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ubvrs1rzv/)
After adding the engine hatch , I worked on the turret doors adding internal features , vision and pistol ports . In reality the pistol port should be recessed in the door , but again way too much work for little gain , a square on the door gives the impression of a port , and most people seeing it won't know the difference .
(https://s9.postimg.org/p1qt0bzwr/Rear.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/p1qt0bzwr/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/k33altqyz/Front.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/k33altqyz/)
I also added a number of bolts to the Driver's plate , making it look like a late G  with the bolted on extra 30mm plate . I also added part of  a recoil guard in turret which would be visible through the open hatches . The crewman is one of the guys from the BA plastic Uni Carrier , metal head , headphones round his neck and Panzer tunic style coller from thin plastic sheet
(https://s9.postimg.org/6yxq9e6pn/Engine_Hatch_-_Gun_Guard.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6yxq9e6pn/)
I still have one more BA plastic IV to build ,  , although I don't mind having multiples of a kit ( I have 7 IVs ) , I want them to be all a little different so I'll probably turn it into a J with mesh side screens . Here's the Panzer IVs I completed so far .
(https://s9.postimg.org/3s36pvwl7/Panzer_IV_s.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/3s36pvwl7/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 18, 2018, 04:28:19 pm
That is amazing. That crew conversion is great.

Did DAK crews only have grey coveralls?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 18, 2018, 10:34:49 pm
Only at the start , then they got the sand colored gear .
(https://s9.postimg.org/9hap1n28b/Miniart.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/9hap1n28b/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/ktnajg5sb/350721_LI.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ktnajg5sb/)
1/35 scale boxes for reference . IRC they also used a lot of captured British clothing , lot of pics of Germans bundled up in Brit greatcoats ,etc . For being so effin' hot during the day the desert can get very cold at night
(https://s9.postimg.org/too4u6kcr/35141.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/too4u6kcr/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 18, 2018, 10:42:29 pm
Thanks, that is good to know - my Marder crew are base coated Vallejo German Camouflage mid brown with the intention of lots of faded highlights.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 14, 2018, 10:49:06 pm
Pretty quiet around here this weekend , did everybody go to Salute ? ( lucky b@stards ! )  Just thought I'ld post a few pictures of various figures I've been working on over the last while while waiting for stuff to arrive for some of my other vehicle builds . First off , I grabbed some Empress ( Duh , Black Tree Design figures   :-[ ) metal figures a while back on one of their sales ( Hmm , they seem to have them every week  ::) ) A nice Russian Maxim MG with 2 man crew . The gunners pose needed a little tweaking ( bend with plyers ) and adjust the base to raise the gun a bit to fit his hands , I cast a few extra ammo cans to scatter about the base , 
(https://s7.postimg.cc/dr9f7jjdj/Empress_Rusian_Maxim_a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/dr9f7jjdj/)

(https://s7.postimg.cc/hc5aqdqdj/Empress_Rusian_Maxim_b.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/hc5aqdqdj/)
I also picked up a set of dead Russians and Germans . You get 5 figures in various dead looking poses , some had an arm or leg missing , weather that was on purpose or a miscast I'm not sure . I added the omitted part from the BA parts box as well as a weapon or two . They're not the best figures , but look the part of dead dudes . A couple of the German figures had very heavy flash , so they are on hold till I figure out how to fix them .
(https://s7.postimg.cc/ofd66cyhj/Empress_Russian_Dead.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ofd66cyhj/)

(https://s7.postimg.cc/k7mzaumaf/Empress_German_Dead.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/k7mzaumaf/)                       T he dead horse was an after thought , really don't know what I'm going to use it for             
(https://s7.postimg.cc/49e9l2fbb/Dead_Horse.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/49e9l2fbb/)
The Medic and Surrendering figures are pretty good , I added a helmet and canteen to the wounded guy's hand and used green stuff to give the POW long pants , hiding his jack boots , so he could be used as a Panzer crew figure , As he has no personal gear on his belt you can add bits from the BA plastic Germans , he got a pistol holster
(https://s7.postimg.cc/506zqihl3/Empress_Medic_Hands_Up_BA_-_Out_of_Gas.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/506zqihl3/)
The 3rd guy is a BA body with Tamiya 1/48 gas cans , . And for something completely different , I picked up a box of Star Wars Legion Rebels ./ Don't know if I'mg going to go all out and pick up the core box , or even play the game , but the figures were a nice distraction . Not much room for conversions , the arms are attached to the weapons  and have different distances between shoulders and are a plug fit so you can;t really swap them around . But I've added GW ammo pouches and grenades and I've seen a few guys making head swaps . I also picked up a X wing model , because why not , its Star Wars !
(https://s7.postimg.cc/c4oszjwk7/Star_Wars_Legion_-_Rebels.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/c4oszjwk7/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 14, 2018, 11:54:25 pm
It was a lovely day in Docklands.

You seem to have kept yourself busy, nice conversions.

Sarissa Precision had a nice spaceport with monorail terminal, might be useful terrain for your rebels - Anvil were not doing their resin Regiments today, otherwise I would have had some non Star Wars rebels to face my storm troopers.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 08, 2018, 07:44:38 am
Picked up a Rubicon Panther D/A this weekend ( still waiting for my Puma from the LHS  ::) )  I've decided I want to build it as an early / mid D . So I have to remove the pilsen mounts from the turret roof , as well as the close defence weapon and loaders periscope . I saved the periscope as I have to add it to the bow gunner's front . I also need a second headlight , and I have to reposition the handles on the driver / mg hatches . The turret needs triple smoke dischargers on the sides , as well as the 3 pistol ports and the " communication " hatch on the commander's side of the turret . And lastly move the jack horizontally under the exhausts . All real easy things to do , mostly slicing bits off with a sharp chisel blade , and glueing bits on from the parts box . If I really want to go crazy I could remover every other outer rim bolt on the road wheels , early wheels had 16 , but were prone to rim failure , so the later rims had 32 . Maybe I'll just skip that part  ::)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/5lrui4emf/D_front_-_rear.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5lrui4emf/)

(https://s31.postimg.cc/kuhrvwvg7/D_top_view.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kuhrvwvg7/)
If it all works out I should end up with something like this
(https://s31.postimg.cc/urssp05mv/V_2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/urssp05mv/)
Or maybe this ....
(https://s31.postimg.cc/5e8szgg7r/V_R02.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5e8szgg7r/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 08, 2018, 03:36:41 pm
Good luck, you do set yourself some challenges.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Pinky on May 08, 2018, 06:07:43 pm
My first Rubicon kit was a Panther Ausf D.  I made most of the modifications you mention, as well as scratchbuilding the angular stowage box that some of the early Panthers had fitted to the hull side.  You'll also need to scratchbuild new (single) exhausts.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 08, 2018, 08:32:57 pm
It the exhausts that are going to be problem I think . Its the molded on bits that make it tricky .  Might just swap some out from one of my Warlord Panthers or might just leave them . So many pictures show a myriad of variations on Panther builds , including a D mail slot bow gun with a late G chin gun mantlet  , those crazy Germans  ::)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 08, 2018, 08:58:26 pm
The problem will go away when this sprue is ready...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Panther/Panther%20NEW%20180122-07_zpswgymf2vq.jpg)

;)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 09, 2018, 07:28:48 am
Maybe I'll just tack the rear plate to the tank and rework it when this sprue is released . Any idea when its shipping ???
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Rubicon Models on May 09, 2018, 12:06:11 pm
It will initially come with the Jagdpanther kit, but we are looking into selling this as a separate sprue for the old Panthers (just in case someone would like an upgrade).
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 09, 2018, 02:53:48 pm
It will initially come with the Jagdpanther kit, but we are looking into selling this as a separate sprue for the old Panthers (just in case someone would like an upgrade).
And used Revell Contacta ^___^
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 12, 2018, 09:40:06 am
Little bit of work on my Panther D . Removed late roof detail and filled / sanded turret .
(https://s31.postimg.cc/pdoi0rq0n/late_roof_details_removed.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/pdoi0rq0n/)

(https://s31.postimg.cc/5vtukunxz/after_filling_sanding.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5vtukunxz/)
Then added the pistol ports on both sides and rear of turret , as well added communication hatch and a row of 3 bolts
(https://s31.postimg.cc/mwcqtmvvb/pistol_prt_-_communcation_hatch_WIP.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/mwcqtmvvb/)
Still need to clean up by some delicate sanding and scrapping with a very sharp chisel blade . Pictures of the actual turret sides are a little confusing , external detail shows the hatches about midway up the turret side
(https://s31.postimg.cc/5j2geyvh3/panther_ausf_d_14_of_31.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5j2geyvh3/)
But interior pictures show the hatches closer to the turret's lower edge ???
(https://s31.postimg.cc/x7p3m4v8n/D_mid_commander.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/x7p3m4v8n/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 12, 2018, 03:11:02 pm
Nice work.

Those port positions are confusing.is there a wide structure at the bottom of the inside of the turret that houses the turret bearing?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 12, 2018, 09:55:29 pm
The turret pretty much fits flat on the hull roof .  Here is a picture of a very early D , I've outlined the bottom of the bump out for the commader's hatch , still port in the low position . It seems the   Germans changed and upgraded things every 10 or 15 vehicles produced ( Tiger 1  ::) )   , maybe its just a variation from  one factory . Still looking for interior pictures of later D with pistol ports and cast commander's cupola .
(https://s31.postimg.cc/ai04axglj/D_early_commander_LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ai04axglj/)
Anyway I've got it looking like the external pictures I'm using as inspiration so I'll leave it be . Of course once I get it finished I'll find a whole site of pictures showing me all the stuff I was unsure about and / or built wrong  :-[ lol
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 15, 2018, 11:45:50 am
Just a little done on my Panther D , sort of got side tracked  ::)
(https://s31.postimg.cc/r91ooonyf/Meng_Panther_egg_tank.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/r91ooonyf/)
Just saw on a up date of new releases from the big Japanese hobby show, Meng have a Firefly , M 26 Pershing and a SOMUA S35 egg tank coming as well as a few more egg battleships and what looks like a sub . Fun times ahead .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 03, 2018, 07:47:02 am
Both the D Panther and the 234/3 have been put hold for a while . Got a new project on the go , Tiger IIs  . Picked up a Zug box of  3 BA King Tigers . And although you get the choice of both turret styles , you can only complete one . Well that won't do says I . A long look through my parts box , and I can build 3 hulls and 4 complete turrets . 1st up a  Tiger II (P) of the sPzAbt. 316 (Fkl ) , a unit which had those Bogward remote control demolition vehicles and Goliaths , which was  attached to the Panzer Lehr in Normndy
(https://s33.postimg.cc/gmjahfoa3/IMG_20180702_163121835.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/gmjahfoa3/)
Still a work in progress , needs crew and weathering , etc  This unit had 5 or 6 Tiger II (P) tanks , really not sure how many or what the numbers were ( # 01 , 02 , 10 , 11 , 12 & some publications list a #03 )  , but they all had large numbers on the turret sides  ( #10 had number on turret rear ), but only 2 had German crosses on the hull sides , And considering that after 70 odd years only about 5 photos each have been found of numbers 01 , 02,   & 12 , 20 pictures of #11 ( almost all from the same angle ) , 2 pictures of #10 , and  only 1 picture of# 3 .  Since there very little info confirmed on this unit , except that they had early Tiger II (P)s , I numbered mine 13
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Ballardian on July 03, 2018, 06:13:18 pm

 Nice one, WG do a Borgward model & with Rubicon's Goliath due to appear it looks like you're covered  :)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 03, 2018, 07:36:57 pm
Great minds think alike , lol .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 14, 2018, 10:35:35 am
My Tigers are coming along slowly . I haven't decided on cammo and marking for the 3rd Tiger  , and I still need crew . I wonder when Rubicon's plastic German crew will be released ?
(https://s33.postimg.cc/co6uhda8b/IMG_20180713_202127051.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/co6uhda8b/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 21, 2018, 08:07:28 am
I finally finished my second Tiger II ( sans full crew ) . Although you get the knight  decals for the Pz.Abt. 505 , the turret sides have full zim . You have to remove a square in the zim as this unit's marking were on the turret side plate .  Dosn't really help with keeping magnetic mines off the turret sides , but it looks very cool . You also have to find yourself a set of turret numbers in 3 different sizes , Large ones on the turret rear , middle size ones on the gun close to the turret and smaller ones on the barrel . Unfortunetly , I couldn't find all three sizes of the same   black number with a  white outline , so I used all white numbers .And its a real mish mash of numbers using decals from  Rubicon  , Warlord  & Tamiya .
(https://s33.postimg.cc/xhh5rzvzv/IMG_20180720_174205606.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/xhh5rzvzv/)

(https://s33.postimg.cc/jb1ewty0b/IMG_20180720_174236590.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/jb1ewty0b/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 21, 2018, 03:22:47 pm
Nice job on that.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 01, 2018, 11:07:52 am
Still spinning my wheels on the 3rd Tiger and my Panther still sitting gathering dust  ::) , but I did pick up the latest Meng Toon Tank , a Somua S-35 . Man did the French ever have some weird cammo schemes ....
(https://s33.postimg.cc/43ajecph7/IMG_20180731_204309000.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/43ajecph7/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 01, 2018, 03:38:16 pm
Aw cute - not normally the response to a tank, except possibly Leona's tank "Bonaparte".

Very distinctive camouflage.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Ballardian on August 01, 2018, 09:06:52 pm

 Nice :) They look like fun kits (Soda Pop minis also do some Chibi-esque models, though I dont know if they're similarly scaled, a Pz IV & an M4 with some infantry for each).
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 02, 2018, 01:38:04 am
Thanks guys . They are kind of fun to build . If you look them up on the net you find guys that try and make them look as scale / real as possible with tank bits from various scale kits . Others go all  cartoony with strange color schemes and crews . A Pinky and The Brain Sherman is one I really like . Have also seen guys kit bashing them for 40K , seems like they make great vehicles for Orks  . I'll have to checkout the Soda Pop figures , thanks . You can get about 11 diferrent toon  tanks , 5 ships and a sub plus 4  planes from Meng .  AFV Modeller makes a couple of KVs and a Pzr IV in this style , plus Fujimi makes half a dozen or so . Hasegowa and Tiger do a bunch of fighters , both WW2 and jets , so there's  something for everybody  ;D
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 02, 2018, 05:57:21 am
There is a guy on Lead Adventures who is building a large Space Dwarf force using them.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 15, 2018, 10:12:28 am
Those Meng kits sure are getting popular . There is a company called RetrokiT that is making resin parts for them . M4A3 Sherman hull , the late 76mm Sherman turret ,  Stug III early hull , Sturm Tiger hull , a couple of KV I turrets , as well a T-34/85 turret ,a 3 piece Sherman transmission cover and a pair of 50 cal mgs . Guess I'm going to have to track some pieces down , although price wise it seems a resin turret costs as much as the inital kit  ::) . On to hobby , I've been working on my Poles in Berlin 45 conversions . I used plastic winter Russians , removed heavy felt boots in needed , and added heads with the Polish "rotatywka "" from Studio Siberia , which funny enough  is based in Siberia , so  delivery took a while , but all round get price and service .  I added bits of cobblestone sheet as well as model rail road coal/ cinders to give the base a damaged urban look . Still needs some Plastruct beams and channel as metal scrap and maybe some broken wood pieces ( stir sticks ) .
(https://s33.postimg.cc/ldk37pocb/RTE001parts.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ldk37pocb/)

(https://s33.postimg.cc/6hlk05fij/IMG_20180812_105643803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6hlk05fij/)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Pinky on August 17, 2018, 12:03:27 am
I always read your updates, Ripley, even if I don't comment often.  It's great to see how fast your many projects proceed, compared to my glacial pace. 

These bubble tanks look like fun.  Your Somua is very cool. They have rubber band tracks, right?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 17, 2018, 01:24:36 am
Nice looking infantry.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 17, 2018, 09:35:04 am
Thanks guys . My many projects , lol . I think that's my problem , I've got too many projects on the go all at once . Still got a Tiger II , a Panzer IV , Panther D , ( all about 3/4s done ) , both a resin and a plastic Japanese Ha-Go Type 97 , as well as two  250 half tracks , a 251 and a BMW with side car to start .Plus  couple of 1/72 planes , a Meng Toon Plane and a Zvezda 1/144 Stuka , and numerous  Rubicon kit figures as well as BA sprues for kit bashing  And . I still haven't finished my Russian Cavalry yet  :-[ . Although too many kits might seem like a problem , you can never get bored , cause you just box one kit and start another . The trick is getting ALL the pieces back in the box !
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on September 21, 2018, 11:09:29 am
Finished my last Tiger and tank riders . Its taken almost 2 months to get those 6 Paras sorted  ::) , but finely done .  Of the  6 bodies in  the BA FJ sprue  , 3 were built stock , 2 had a leg swapped and the seated figure has lower legs from the BA plastic German seated set added . 
(https://i.postimg.cc/PLNBT1Xn/IMG_20180908_205650556.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLNBT1Xn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/HjH17c3X/IMG_20180920_070726720.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HjH17c3X)
And as I was able to make the fourth  turret  using extra parts from Rubicon's Tiger I , I decided to model it as battle damaged .
(https://i.postimg.cc/D4mgbPN7/IMG_20180920_065121516.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D4mgbPN7)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on September 21, 2018, 07:28:50 pm
Nice job.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 12, 2019, 01:58:52 pm
Finally got my Panther finished , must of have taken me a year  :-[ . But now its done . I added the pistol ports and message hatch to the turret to make it an early D . Also added some plastic rod to the C hooks to give their mounting a little more 3d look . I added the posts front and rear to hold the tow cables , which I haven't made yet .  ::) I should have changed the exhausts as they're more a G version , but with Rubicon's plastic being so hard I didn't think I could remove the molded on parts without really messing up the rear plate , plus I really didn't want to try and make exhaust pipes
(https://i.postimg.cc/7GJGGJ3c/IMG-20190109-125820.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7GJGGJ3c)

(https://i.postimg.cc/SJfXMh9y/IMG-20190109-125830.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJfXMh9y)
And over the last week I built 3 PSC 1/72 T-70 tanks for a buddy . I made one a captured tank used by the Germans , one pretty much built out of the box , and the third one I built as if it was knocked out with the commander dead in the turret and the driver bailed out
(https://i.postimg.cc/N2y3wBwR/IMG-20190111-051802109.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N2y3wBwR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Mn0hw9g3/IMG-20190111-051744803.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mn0hw9g3)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 14, 2019, 03:19:27 am
Very nice.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 15, 2019, 07:51:17 am
Thanks . I really like the Panther kit , and it will be a lot easier now to make the various sub versions with the 2 rear plates and the variety of exhaust pipes in the Jadgpanzer kit . Tha T-70 are really nice  PSC kits , of which  I've built  6 so far for Larry , I really love the look of that small tank ( plus you get 3 in a kit for about $20 ) . I'm hoping Rubicon produce one in plastic before I give in to getting a Warlord resin one during one of their sales  ::)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 21, 2019, 12:30:21 pm
WIP on my 251/9 . Its the Rubicon 251 D with their "Stummel " 75mm gun expansion kit .  The kit goes together very well , no problems at all  ( that haven't been user error ) , who reads the kit instructions ?   I decided to shorten the smaller tarp that came with the base kit using a razor saw and miter box , just for something different . Its not glued on ( press fits nicely ) so if I don't like the look when the kit is finished I can remove it . Decided to use a driver figure from Rubicon's 250 kit , he's a couple of mm too high with a helmet head , might try a wedge cap next , or bare headed . Could always sand his butt as a last resort  ::) .As   I now have two 251 upper hulls for the parts box , I was thinking of cutting out the doors on one of  the hoods and trying to find  an engine to depict a broken down vehicle , but that's a future project
(https://i.postimg.cc/Rq2Zb6sk/IMG-20190120-210858937.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Rq2Zb6sk)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 23, 2019, 04:12:48 pm
Nice work.

With the spare bodies, are you going to cut the doors from one and the hole from the other?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 23, 2019, 09:23:46 pm
That's the plan, giving me a second chance if I eff it up  ::) . Probably be a little tricky as Rubicon's plastic is hard compared to Warlords , need to change blades a couple of times to get a clean cut . For some reason the stock 251 kit has thinner plastic under the hood doors than the expansion kit hulls which are the same thickness as the rest of the kit .So I'll probably try to remove the doors from stock hull 1st , if that dosn't work out , I'll remove the other doors and sand the hell out of them to make them "scale" thickness ( or just make my own out of plastruct sheet )
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 28, 2019, 11:40:15 am
I've done a little work  on my 251-9 , mostly interior bits and  trying to get the crew to fit
(https://i.postimg.cc/ph6Gtkdn/IMG-20190127-202050872.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ph6Gtkdn)
Some pictures show the right hand side rear bench and some don't , as it was removable . I decided to install it and will probably add a extra crew man or two . As I was checking out pictures of the real thing for reference I noticed that the rear doors are installed with the internal locking bars narrow at the top , wide at the bottom .

(https://i.postimg.cc/MX0MNHrz/IMG-20190127-145043-2-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MX0MNHrz)
Rubicon's plans on all three 251 D kits show the door installed upside down
(https://i.postimg.cc/kBfsSq8v/IMG-20190127-144746-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBfsSq8v)
Gonna cut  them some slack on that mistake though , as when I built my 1st 251 D a year ago I also checked out a couple of museum tracks and they show the doors as Rubicon drew them  so that's how I installed them . Thankfully it was an easy fix ... note to self , don't trust museum rebuilds  ::)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 18, 2019, 07:01:17 am
Still working on crew for my 251/9 , plus have been reworking the crew figures for the other three 251s I've got as I just found a couple of BA German figure sprues to use for parts . As I take a break from test fitting ( and cutting up ) arms , I decided to start on my Type 97 tank . Since most pictures I can find show knocked out tanks , I decided to go down that route . 1st up add some transmission / reduction gear housing type things which will be visible through the front hatches , as most pictures show these hatches blown or forced open . Type 95 for reference
(https://i.postimg.cc/z3SY17Kf/Type-95.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3SY17Kf)

(https://i.postimg.cc/62Jgk4QR/IMG-20190217-154310147.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62Jgk4QR)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on February 18, 2019, 07:05:09 pm
You do make your life difficult ^__^.

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 19, 2019, 12:01:19 am
True  ::) , but its better to add that stuff now , before the hull parts are glued together , than decide to try and add stuff like that after the kit is glued . And yes I have done that kind of thing working with tweezers through very small hole  :o Sometimes it's best to buy the  kit and look at the parts and think about the build for a month or two , rather  than jump right in and half way through the build  get a great idea about adding interior bits or opening hatches . Trashed a lot of 1/35 kits doing that in my youth...
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on February 19, 2019, 03:19:32 am
Sometimes it's best to buy the  kit and look at the parts and think about the build for a month or two , rather  than jump right in and half way through the build  get a great idea...
Such as the cheek armour on my M4 kit...
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 19, 2019, 12:13:19 pm
When cheek/ side hull armor was added at the factory ( year ? )  , it was also  shipped over seas in kit form to be   welded on to tanks already in combat.   So if you glued it on sloppy like  ::) it would just look like bad welding done by a forward work shop . I have seen some sketchy looking hull side plates ( M4A1 ) weld jobs . Later of course the cheek patch was integail with the turret casting as were the   side pieces on the  M4A1 hull
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on February 19, 2019, 04:16:00 pm
I applied the cheek armour with no problems. The problem was I assembled the base kit and then had a look through the British Tanks In Normandy book for example stowage for 33rd Armoured Division and discovered no photographs of Sherman Is with cheek armour. Some of them do not have the pistol port (number 66 for example), so they probably have the improved turret castings... They do however have the M34A1 mantlet.

The Sherman Minutia (http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/turret_types/75mm_turrets.html (http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/turret_types/75mm_turrets.html)). Turrets were supplied with the cheek armour spring to summer 1943, going over to improved castings summer to end 1943.

The thing that always amazes me is that production had ceased on Sherman 75s six to eight months before D-Day (except A3s).
http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/data/sherman_production.html (http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/data/sherman_production.html)

Of course if anyone is doing some French M4s, there is the option of the cheek armour over the improved casting which is really messy.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 19, 2019, 08:55:00 pm
Well , you can find the occasional strange Sherman out there which dosn't match the rest in the Squadron . All the 75mm turrets were interchangeable so you might have one with out cheek armor ., if the turret was replaced . Same would go for gun mantle , drive sprockets, HVSS /VSS wheel assemblies or even 3 different pattern road wheels on one side . The 75mm Sherman was the Lego tank of WW2 IMO  :D
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 20, 2019, 11:46:11 am
I'm not that happy with this kit , I was under the impression you got 2 complete turrets like the KV kit . You don't , you get ALMOST 2 complete turrets . Only 1 commander's cupola is included , although you get 2 sets of hatch covers . As well you only get 2  armored machine gun barrels and one front driver's plate and you  get 2 complete upper hulls though including 2 sets of exhausts . I was figuring on building one tank and burying the other trackless hull as a pill box . Guess I'm going to have to set it deeper in the base to hide the missing bits .   One Type 97 WIP
(https://i.postimg.cc/gr1wMPvZ/IMG-20190219-202815619-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gr1wMPvZ)
The items marked in red are what you need to complete the second hull .Hm, what to do .....idea ! I decided to use the closed commander's hatch part left over from a BA Panzer IV , I have a few . Its the right shape , and almost the perfect size to fit in the hole in the turret roof . I added a few bits of plastic to represent ( I think ) vision ports , what ever they are they show up in pictures . I used extra machine gun barrel from the BA plastic Japanese set for the turret rear gun , not perfect but looks the part . I'm also adding some plastic strip to the front of the hull to replace the missing panel ,as it will be buried it probably won't be seen , but ....

(https://i.postimg.cc/DWVkDBx5/IMG-20190219-202825718-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DWVkDBx5)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 01, 2019, 11:30:28 am
Well I've finished the tank , but I still want to mount it on a base for which I need to pick up some air dry clay . I had some but it went hard  ::)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XZZ6CBgV/IMG-20190228-201028332.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XZZ6CBgV)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3yP5CrL2/IMG-20190228-201102487.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yP5CrL2)

(https://i.postimg.cc/47VC8CMq/IMG-20190228-200946493.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/47VC8CMq)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9zP5Zhyq/IMG-20190228-201017394.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zP5Zhyq)
I've got a variety of plastic shrubbery from the dollar store , some GW sci fi ferns as well as ground foams and lichens so a jungle type  base will really make it pop , I hope . I'm going for the jungle with cobble stones look here  :D
(https://i.postimg.cc/SnCvFLVY/IMG-20190228-201138180.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnCvFLVY)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 03, 2019, 11:36:04 pm
Nice job on that.

I'm going for the jungle with cobble stones look here
Very post apocalypse.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 04, 2019, 02:49:34 am
Thanks . Its probably going to end up as a scenery piece once I get the base sorted . Then I'll probably give it to one of my friends who plays Japanese
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 03, 2019, 09:49:45 am
Latest project , Italeri M3A1 . Nice little kit , choice of the early welded or later cast turret , but typical  Italeri you only get one gun and mount .  Nice set of decals for US , Brits in the desert and Russian via lend lease  as well as half torso commanders for the 3 Allies . .The only tricky bit on the build was a couple of track pieces , they had the sprue gate in a bad spot which needed some cutting and sanding , the other track bits were a piece of cake , good build  all round . I also decided to make a couple of display type bases using some foam core board "borrowed" from work . I made one into a country side type grass field and the other I used some plastic cobble stone sheet to make a road and also added a bit of height to one side using more foam board . The ground cover on both is a mix of fine and course Woodland ground cover with a couple types of spagnum moss that I got from a craft shop . Crushed it makes great looking weeds , left longer it can pass as broken / dead tree branches
(https://i.postimg.cc/kBygxY82/IMG-20190430-164206743.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBygxY82)

(https://i.postimg.cc/YLzMzjv5/IMG-20190502-191535167.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLzMzjv5)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MvtzcM2R/IMG-20190502-191607510.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvtzcM2R)

(https://i.postimg.cc/0zM5LkFw/IMG-20190502-191620989.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zM5LkFw)
Thinking about adding a fence to the roadside and maybe a abandoned Jerry can or fuel drum to the field , but then again that might give the base a flavor  of a certain place or time period , maybe just leave it generic ?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 03, 2019, 08:23:02 pm
Nice work on the tank and the bases.

I would leave the bases generic.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 03, 2019, 10:47:59 pm
Thanks . I think your right , generic . Maybe a couple of scenic plastic bits that aren't glued down so can be used as game scenery as well ? I mostly made these as a base for taking photos , althougth I realize that stuff like  JS II & Tigers really don't fit . Oh well I guess I'll make a larger one
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 05, 2019, 09:42:54 am
 Haven't been to interested in building my own 1/56 stuff lately ,  but have built and  painted 3 resin Type - 97 Japanese tanks  for one of my friends . Typical Warlord kits , some warpage and some short shots on the metal pieces , but they turned out alright .
(https://i.postimg.cc/CRCMpGFh/IMG-20190508-130956.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CRCMpGFh)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MntkYd6Q/IMG-20190526-124308.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MntkYd6Q)
I did finally finish a couple of Meng "egg"kits , a Tu-2 Russian bomber and a Matilda tank . I added 1/48 scale crew to the cockpit just for fun , you really can't see them that well through the thick plastic canopy , but you do know something is in there
(https://i.postimg.cc/vgsNFnZs/Tu-2-crew.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vgsNFnZs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/1fj7R23M/Meng-Tu-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fj7R23M)
I decided to add some more realistic detail to the Matilda ( 3 turret  lift rings , instead of kit supplied 1 ,etc ) , I also changed out the short stubby cartoon main gun , replaced a few bibs and bobs with stuff from the parts box . I'm probably going to add a Tamiya 1/35 tanker and maybe your standard Russian tank gear ( rolled tarp and un ditching log ) . This kit was really fun , I'm thinking of getting a 2nd one and paint it in a Caunter desert scheme
(https://i.postimg.cc/YGLqVJ0V/Meng-Matilda.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGLqVJ0V)
Oh and little hobby tip . I used some pieces of plastic screen to give the resin exhaust guards on the 97s a more realistic appearance .
(https://i.postimg.cc/yg0C0BkV/IMG-20190508-131050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yg0C0BkV)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 05, 2019, 03:21:16 pm
Well done on the Type 97s.

That Matilda looks cute, I will have to look out for one.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 06, 2019, 07:14:59 am
Thank you . I sort fudged the paint schemes as I used colors I had at hand ( Russian green , German panzer yellow and black brown ) , but with a wash they look the part . The Matilda was very nice little kit , probably one of the best Meng has done so far , But it's  their next release I'm really looking forward to , # 15 a Tiger P . I've only seen a built up version on one of the hobby show news pages but it looks like it will kit bash nicely with some 1/35 Dragon / Tamiya kit parts I've got clogging up my parts box .
(https://i.postimg.cc/NLm2fcKG/wwt-015zm.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NLm2fcKG)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Ballardian on June 06, 2019, 09:54:51 pm

 Nice job on the Type 97's and the Meng Toons (fun little kits) :)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 07, 2019, 07:05:43 am
Thanks . Yes the Meng kits are a lot of fun , but really easy to get caught up in kit bashing them than building them right out of the box . I found an after market company that makes resin turrets and hulls to convert them into different models ( ie , Tiger I to a SturmTiger ) but the price for the resin bits are twice the price of the kit  . Well maybe I'll just get one ….
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 09, 2019, 11:27:17 am
After adding the logs , tarp and crew man , and giving it a dirty wash , I'm calling the Matilda done .
(https://i.postimg.cc/mtVkvqVT/IMG-20190608-210459301-HDR-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mtVkvqVT)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JDwz3W75/IMG-20190608-210533467.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JDwz3W75)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jCbzKp6f/IMG-20190608-210544540.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jCbzKp6f)
And I also managed to finally finish (only been at it about a year ) a Zvezda 1/72 scale ZIS - 3 76mm gun . Again another project for a friend . I decided to add some spent shell casings ( plastic rod ) and a few ammo boxes ( some .80 plastic for the box and scribed plastic siding for the lid ) just to give some detail to the base
(https://i.postimg.cc/G9CSNSH7/IMG-20190608-205739499.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9CSNSH7)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xkmtpKYV/IMG-20190608-205847386.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xkmtpKYV)
I find these Meng tanks and 1/72 scale kits a nice diversion , as I sometimes lose my inspiration on my 1/56 kits . I spend a week or two ( or a year ) working on these and I come away refreshed and ready to tackle my next conversion / kit bash project . I only I could learn to love things just built out of the box
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 09, 2019, 09:41:53 pm
Very nice.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 10, 2019, 01:52:04 am
Thanks . Those 1/72 kits are nice but man are the parts small . I used to build Airfix and Matchbox kits back in the day , but I can't remember the pieces being this small … of course I'm 50 years older , my  eye sight isn't 20/20 and I seem to be all thumbs some days , but a fun project non the less . Next side project a 1/00 scale tiger II , but not till I finish my 250/9 kitbash
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 25, 2019, 11:28:23 am
Almost finished my 250/9 neu build . The 20mm turret expansion kit is great but I noticed the vision hatch on the early 222 style turret has the hinges on the bottom which , according to photos is wrong
(https://i.postimg.cc/18GzQXqS/IMG-20190620-215749858.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/18GzQXqS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/QKmRmLBR/IMG-20190620-215815890.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKmRmLBR)
While I could have removed and replaced the hinges , I decided to open up the vision port and will add the hatch cover . I intend to add the turret to a 250 alte  to depict  a knocked out vehicle , open rear door , damaged fenders , maybe an engine and damaged front wheels . So although I've started work on the gun mount , the half track part of the kit is in the mail .


(https://i.postimg.cc/XpRz5cYf/IMG-20190624-210606398.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XpRz5cYf)
Still working on crew figures and a camo scheme  for this vehicle . I omitted the interior as you can't see anything with the crew in the turret , so lots of goodies for the parts box .
(https://i.postimg.cc/N21rzcRf/IMG-20190624-210448424.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N21rzcRf)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 25, 2019, 03:27:18 pm
Very nice.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 29, 2019, 07:25:30 am
Finished off the 250/9 . Just added a stowage box to the rear door , a tow cable and a Jerry can . The Rubicon figures I was going to use as crew just didn't fit that well so I hunted through the spares box and found some JTFM resin seated Germans that I purchased a few years ago .  More 25mm than 28 IMO but with a little surgery they fit into the turret just fine
(https://i.postimg.cc/Q9ZgnbcZ/IMG-20190624-210448424.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q9ZgnbcZ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/w74XdHDV/IMG-20190628-170312628.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w74XdHDV)

(https://i.postimg.cc/VJ3XdRG0/IMG-20190628-170422021.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VJ3XdRG0)

(https://i.postimg.cc/BL3DCvGq/IMG-20190628-170324936.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BL3DCvGq)

(https://i.postimg.cc/V5Ynr5Rg/IMG-20190628-170727200.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5Ynr5Rg)
Although I was disappointed with them when I first got them , they have served me well by becoming drivers in  my 2  Warlord and my 2 Rubicon 251 half tracks , and now a turret crew for my 250/9 . Both Warlord and Rubicon plastic figures would be a problem to sit  in these turrets , a Perry plastic figure  being of slighter build would probably work out better until we get a dedicated crew set from Rubicon , Yes the tow cable is really bigger than the cable usually issued with these vehicles . I wanted to add a cable  but  unfortunately I don't have any smaller sized tow eyes  so I made do ( for now ), anyone got any ideas where to find any smaller ones  ?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 05, 2019, 05:06:25 am
Started work on my Matilda . I wonder who designed this for Warlord as some parts are rather PSC thick
(https://i.postimg.cc/2q3cFfy7/IMG-20190704-124904093.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2q3cFfy7)
It's a nicely detailed kit but it does omit a few things  , no gunner's sight in mantle , no pistol port on turret and interior hatch detail . As well , most of the small detail parts have no pins or location holes so have your research info for placement  handy .
(https://i.postimg.cc/TL5CWq1d/IMG-20190704-124949124.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TL5CWq1d)
My library is lacking on the Matilda  and I haven't found , as of yet , a go to site on the web for info on all production changes in the hull and turret , so its a picture here , and another picture there . And as usual , the item I interested in is the one thing the photographer ignored totally . Still looking for a couple of good over head pictures / stowage diagrams showing the tool placement on the upper hull either side of the turret . Here's 3 different pistol ports I've found . I have no idea as to when in the production time line they appeared though . I just added a rounded rim one as I had the plastic shape already
(https://i.postimg.cc/R6PJ9j4q/round-rim.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6PJ9j4q)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kBRR31ZX/square-rim.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kBRR31ZX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/dh87D7wb/armored-hinge.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dh87D7wb)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Pinky on July 05, 2019, 12:05:15 pm
Interesting build, Ripley.  Does it feature the raised suspension seen on BEF tanks?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 05, 2019, 01:53:31 pm
Yes it does include both wheel types  .The BEF version has a separate track run while the regular version has molded on track
(https://i.postimg.cc/JyyhDy1R/IMG-20190704-234814263.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JyyhDy1R)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 16, 2019, 07:10:32 am
Here's my finished Russian Matilda . Except for the missing pistol port on the turret and no mounting points for all the external stowage bits , a very nice little kit . As well as the pistol port ,  I added a sledge hammer and 2 piece pick from the parts box  to the upper hull and tow rings to the mounts on the rear . I also added some internals to the turret hatches
(https://i.postimg.cc/bSygp2BG/IMG-0333.gif) (https://postimg.cc/bSygp2BG)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fkDBx6Rw/IMG-20190715-075816861.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkDBx6Rw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sGgYtCM7/IMG-20190715-075750705.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sGgYtCM7)
The crew are a couple of plastic Warlord figures and a resin figure by JTFM ( ? ) I left them removable so I can also show this as a knocked out /captured tank
(https://i.postimg.cc/MczvsbMj/IMG-20190715-075611932.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MczvsbMj)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 16, 2019, 08:34:54 pm
Nice work.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 17, 2019, 07:13:16 am
Thanks
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 18, 2019, 10:43:14 am
Next on the bench , the CMP 15cwt truck . I was thinking of modelling as a Russian  lend lease item , but it seems that Ivan only got about 30 of these . He got lots more of the 3 ton truck , so that idea will have to wait for the Bedford kit .  I figure I can built both the covered and uncovered version of the truck bed , by gluing the floor to the frame and leaving the other components as removable pieces . No idea what I'm going to add to the open rear yet , ammo boxes , fuel drums , or maybe troops . Will wait for inspiration to strike ….
(https://i.postimg.cc/zyVzDFcK/IMG-20190717-165828070.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyVzDFcK)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LYM2TK63/IMG-20190717-165810439.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYM2TK63)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 20, 2019, 11:10:58 am
So I got the cargo box and tarp hoops finished . Take care with these as the plastic ( in my kit ) was very brittle . They also are very much a PIA to glue on , seemed to me they are a smidge wider than the box , But it all worked after a little swearing and super gluing parts to my fingers .

For those of you wanting to super detail the cab , here's a diagram from one of the tech manuals
(https://i.postimg.cc/FYjjd1Rg/CMP-15cwt-1a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FYjjd1Rg)
and here's the list of what's what .
(https://i.postimg.cc/689QcQch/CMP-15cwt-1b.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/689QcQch)
Might have to get another kit and open the cab doors …...
(https://i.postimg.cc/QV15nHgL/IMG-20190719-182906458.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QV15nHgL)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 20, 2019, 03:38:10 pm
Nice.

That is dedication.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 20, 2019, 08:16:53 pm
Dedication , stupidity or an obsessive compulsion , my Doctor hasn't given me  a diagnosis yet .  lol
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 22, 2019, 08:11:30 am
I found the driver figure had trouble sitting flat in the seat using the supplied arms and steering wheel piece , his elbow jammed against the engine cover . So I removed the left arm and hand , and replaced it with the rolled sleeve left arm from the standing figure .  I also gave him a Warlord head with a commo cover on the helmet ( Uni carrier kit ) . Then I added a Enfield rifle to the floor mounts by each door , of course the guns are too tall, so I cut them down to fit ( a good use for all those Enfields with bayonets you get on the weapons sprue ) You can just see them through the side windows when the roof is on , in hindsight I could have just used a brown painted piece of plastic
(https://i.postimg.cc/2Vc7sJgv/IMG-20190721-102158043.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2Vc7sJgv)

(https://i.postimg.cc/qNWXRKJv/IMG-20190721-172904350.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNWXRKJv)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ppTDJCyd/IMG-20190721-172921846.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppTDJCyd)
The ammo boxes in the rear are Rubicon Stowage set parts ( A13 { Allied } ,A 15 { German } ) . I thought they were too long ( scaled out over 6 feet ) , so I cut them in half , added an end and the cross pieces . I then cast a bunch of them to make ammo box piles , as they look ( to me ) like the wooden 4 round  75mm ammo crates used by the Allies , they end up on Shermans , Churchills and Cromwells . The Germans also had similar boxes so I made a bunch of them for Jerry's use as well . Yes the allied star is put on crooked ,it seems the Canadians got a little pissed off by the Yanks joining the party late and taking over control of the war , so as a protest they made a shoddy job of adding the US star to their vehicles . I've read that they got in trouble if the brass caught wind of it but the local command seemed to let it slide
(https://i.postimg.cc/SJ1Nc7zk/ford3ton-2-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJ1Nc7zk)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 22, 2019, 05:42:01 pm
Interesting about the stars.

Those crates look good.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Captain Blood on July 22, 2019, 07:46:09 pm
Yes, the driver is not a good fit in this kit. i found the same thing. Stowage looks good though  :)
I do think there are too many large items and not enough small tool boxes, crates etc in the two stowage sets. Hopefully there will be German and Allied stowage sets 2, which will include a selection of smaller boxes.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 25, 2019, 11:42:53 am
Hopefully in the next stowage sets we get identifiable  ammo boxes ( 25 pounder , etc )

Finished the CMP with crew , decals and a light wash . I added decals to make it a vehicle of the 8th Field Squadron Royal Canadian Engineers  ( 41 on light blue ) , 4th Canadian Armored Brigade ( maple leaf on green ). All 4 of my Canadian vehicles are marked for the 4th CAB
(https://i.postimg.cc/phQLVBtg/IMG-20190724-212018791.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/phQLVBtg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/6T99LnKp/IMG-20190724-211954072.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6T99LnKp)

(https://i.postimg.cc/KKZ9sG8B/IMG-20190724-211944873-LI-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KKZ9sG8B)
I added the exhaust pipe ( circled in red ) and a muffler which were missing from the kit
(https://i.postimg.cc/xqk6ZFnx/muffler-exhaust-pipe.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqk6ZFnx)
Also painted the outside row of wheel nuts red on the 2 piece rims(  if you loosened these with air in the tire it could blow apart and kill you )  , although my lousy camera work doesn't show it
(https://i.postimg.cc/LhZVDY3G/Ford-CMP-15cwt-4x4-GS-6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhZVDY3G)
The real deal for clarity . Still have to add a tow cable to the front bumper bar when I find one the right size
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Ballardian on July 25, 2019, 10:27:57 pm

 Cool diorama, nicely done :)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 26, 2019, 12:22:40 am
Thanks
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 29, 2019, 11:26:45 am
Checking out the net for inspiration on my next project , the  Char B1 bis . I want to build it as a knocked out / abandoned  French vehicle , so I'm gathering pictures of damaged vehicles and internal views
(https://i.postimg.cc/xcyLNPbQ/x-10.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xcyLNPbQ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/5YCC45MZ/x-6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5YCC45MZ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RJ1JfMhd/b1bis-05.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJ1JfMhd)
Lots of good stuff out there on the  www,chars-francais.net site . They seem to have pictures of all 365 of these that were built , although all info is in French .

Lots of interesting paint schemes to choose from ...
(https://i.postimg.cc/cgyRP1K7/b1biscamo-3tons-taches.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgyRP1K7)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wyXXzKJC/b1biscamo-flocage.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wyXXzKJC)
Unlike the bland OD color with white stars of the Sherman , each Char B was an individual with its own markings , name and color scheme , so hopefully I'll find enough info on the French names  the decal sheet supplies . If not I'll have to build a German flame thrower  version , while a much cooler weapon IMO , its got a much blander paint scheme
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Captain Blood on July 29, 2019, 05:34:13 pm
Very tidy job on the CMP truck.

Yes, WW2 French AFV camo schemes are completely nuts and seemingly endless in variation of colours and patterns. Tres Gallic  ;)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 29, 2019, 07:45:15 pm
Looking at some of the color prints of French tanks ,  the Char B  schemes were rather boring compared to the smaller Renault and Hotchkiss tanks . Some of those had 5 or 6 colors , including PURPLE !!!
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 04, 2019, 11:51:04 pm
Just some info on the CMP I've found since I've finished the kit . The window flap on the doors was plastic / canvas attached to the plastic window insert . If the window is removed ( stored in bag on cab rear wall ) , there should be nothing in window frame .
(https://i.postimg.cc/hfJW8Qpb/CMP-13-Chev-cab-controls-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfJW8Qpb)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9RxKZc9n/IMG-20190724-211944873-LI-2-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9RxKZc9n)

(https://i.postimg.cc/t7M8gCp1/c8-c60-13-15990.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7M8gCp1)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LJd7zCq2/1944-Chevrolet-CMP-8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LJd7zCq2)
So , if you don't add the window "glass " remove the flap . It's kind  of hard to do once the kit is built , so I'm going to leave it be , but the next one I'll get right . ALSO , note placement of pick handle and head on truck box
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 05, 2019, 12:10:17 am
Now an update on my Char B  build . I wanted to have the rear sprocket bare of track , but there is minimal teeth detail and making a double row of plastic  sprocket teeth is not something I want to spend time on . Although ,I seen steam punk detail parts ,  ( a bag of various size sprockets ) , that with a lot of filing and sanding (  lots ! ) could be made to work . Might have to get some for a future build .
(https://i.postimg.cc/VdyvCwF6/German-soldiers-examining-knocked-out-Char-B1-bis.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VdyvCwF6)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9rVV2QpG/IMG-20190801-184126604.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9rVV2QpG)
As the front idler wheel is molded to side panel , replacing it is going to be a pain , so I added a little detail to simulate the rims . It probably won't be seen once the track is added but just in case

(https://i.postimg.cc/Q91t6n8s/Char-B1-bis-tank-249-named-RAPIDE-of-the-8th-BCC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q91t6n8s)

(https://i.postimg.cc/2VVyqxMz/IMG-20190804-093023860.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2VVyqxMz)

(https://i.postimg.cc/JsSpwPVt/x-6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JsSpwPVt)
I've also made a few castings of the crew side door by pressing it into plasterscene . Looking at how the kit is molded I figure I'm going to ruin the plastic door cutting it out , so better safe than sorry right ?

(https://i.postimg.cc/06wPxWz4/IMG-20190804-092910158.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/06wPxWz4)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 05, 2019, 02:22:52 am
That is dedication.

Nice work.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 06, 2019, 09:41:33 am
LOL , sometimes I think its a little bit of stupidity not dedication . But , I do like having a unique vehicle that no one else has . A lot of guys I know just build straight out of the box , no removing or adding parts to make it more realistic , which , to me is boring . I do like a bit of a challenge , something to get my creative juices flowing like this build . I want to add some detail that  , I assume ( hope ) will be seen through the open side door
(https://i.postimg.cc/Btq5wxx0/int-1-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Btq5wxx0)
On the left ( red ) is a large vertical spring with MG ammo drums mounted on the inside surface , then there is a vertical 75mm ammo rack ( blue ) on the right side . Here's a picture of some unknown persons 1/6 scale scratch build from google
(https://i.postimg.cc/0MHNnRYr/DSC04390-LI.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MHNnRYr)
And here is the same modeler's crew door , a little more detail than I'm going to add , his looks like it actually locks the door !
(https://i.postimg.cc/GBX33wSz/DSCN2941.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GBX33wSz)
Got 2 ideas for the spring as I have nothing like it in the parts box . 1. use a spring from a ball point pen , cut to length , 2. wrap the central post tightly in heavy thread to simulate the springs coils . Number 2 is probably easier as the thread and plastic core are easy to cut to length as apposed to the metal spring . Here goes nothing ...
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 10, 2019, 07:21:53 am
I managed to cut the side door open without much trouble . I decided to use the thread wrapped "spring " adding a top plate and some stiffening rods and nuts on the top , of course you can't see them once it's installed , BUT I know they're there . Still haven't got the ammo rack sorted , will keep trying .
(https://i.postimg.cc/2qKCs225/IMG-20190809-170756850.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qKCs225)
Pictures show broken track in nice curly loops or bent in a mess , because of how the track is cast I went for the mess version . Still not quite sure , so the various bits are still mostly tacked together , not glued . I will look at it again tomorrow and see if it still works for me
(https://i.postimg.cc/SJ1q2Zbf/IMG-20190809-170715637.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJ1q2Zbf)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 10, 2019, 03:45:32 pm
More nice work.

Does the track come as two halves or slightly more pieces, either way you have made it look like links.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 10, 2019, 08:23:01 pm
The track is typical Warlord , 4 pieces , a top and bottom run with smaller ( 4-5 link ) pieces for front and rear section . The track is very simple , with no teeth  like  Matilda / Churchill track , and the track pads  overlap hiding the join unlike say Tiger / KV track , so its easy to make straight  cuts as opposed to trying to notch out the interlocking bits of  the Tiger / KV  track . 
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 15, 2019, 11:10:24 am
More work on the Char B . I added a machine gun and 47mm breech to the turret ,  a couple of squares  of plastic to represent the side vision blocks and the turret traverse wheel . Except for some padding ( turret race / roof ) that's all that's in the turret , and you can barely see any of it
(https://i.postimg.cc/1gQ02CLg/IMG-20190813-193934276.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gQ02CLg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LgnjLrZW/turret-interior.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgnjLrZW)
 I also added internal working to the side crew door , not exact but enough to look the part .
(https://i.postimg.cc/4mc9Gvvp/IMG-20190814-204544425.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mc9Gvvp)
I used this 1/6 scale model WIP as my pattern .Wish I could find out if he completed this tank
(https://i.postimg.cc/ph9dZxqK/DSCN2940.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ph9dZxqK)
If you look close you can see that his door latches will actually work …..wow !
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 15, 2019, 03:30:45 pm
Inspiring work.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 16, 2019, 07:05:44 am
Thanks . Now to find an easy paint scheme
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 20, 2019, 11:28:41 am
I chose a generic   3 color scheme with a black outline between the colors. The decal set from Warlord is lacking in some things and generous in others , For example , you only  get 2 French rondels , but some tanks have 4 ( turret sides , glacis  and engine deck ) others just 1 ( engine deck ) . You get 6 each of medium size  card suit decals ( diamond , club , heart , spade ) , plus 2 larger diamonds ? I mixed and matched decals to get a look that looked good to me, in fact I used numbers from a Russian decal set as the kit supplied ones just didn't look right IMO . To be fair , the Char B is a strange vehicle in that the turret is oddly shaped and the hull side panels are not twinned on either side of the tank ( ie : crew door / air grill ) so you can't exactly match the decals on either side like a Sherman or Tiger . Still needs a wash and I'm probably going to set it on it's own scenic base as I want to have the side door  left ajar  ( not open flat  against the hull ). Anyone know of any surrendering French tank crew figures ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/4nKrMdDb/IMG-20190819-205606090.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4nKrMdDb)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sMzqvJvw/IMG-20190819-205640476.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMzqvJvw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cvdks4bz/IMG-20190819-205649986.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cvdks4bz)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9w31sW9J/IMG-20190819-210219069.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9w31sW9J)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 21, 2019, 04:33:46 am
Very nice.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on August 21, 2019, 07:02:43 am
Thanks .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on September 30, 2019, 04:20:19 am
Got a bit side tracked at an Edmonton hobby shop this morning . They didn't have any 1/56 kits , but they did have a old kit I've been interested in for ages ( 10 + years ) at a great price


(https://i.postimg.cc/cKf0NfHH/IMG-20190929-131543587.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKf0NfHH)
A Trumpeter 1/16 scale T-34 / 85 turret with it's 1/56 little brother on top . Full interior , ammo , individual track links , not a week end type build !
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on October 01, 2019, 01:21:05 pm
That is a contrast.

I look forward to seeing how that goes.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on October 01, 2019, 09:56:07 pm
The kit will be put a the bottom of the stash pile for the moment . Now I have to figure out where to build it . My bench never has more than a square foot of clear space on it at any given time , and the hull is probably 14 inches long .  I guess I'll build and paint it in sections when I get around to it . I wonder if I can find a couple of the 1/16 Russian tank crew figures that Trumpeter released years ago ? I managed to pick up the 1/16  Tamiya Russian  figure during the summer .  I've seen some 1/16 Russian figures in resin but $60 odd bucks or more each is a little much IMO
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on November 17, 2019, 12:23:18 pm
Another Meng egg tank , the Tiger (P) 45.01 . Not content to build it out of the box I decided to add some 1/35 tank parts to sort of get it to look like 003 the only operational Tiger (P) .
(https://i.postimg.cc/QVW6qQcG/tiger-P-300.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVW6qQcG)

(https://i.postimg.cc/87TtDx9N/t4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87TtDx9N)
The real thing had Zimmeritt and the added bolt on armor like the Ferdinand , and although I did think about adding both , I want these kits to be a fun distraction from scale modelling . Also my 35th scale parts box is getting a little low on cool bits and pieces , so I made do with what I could find hence the Stug cupola ring instead of a early Tiger type . And I bought a Tamiya IV D just to get stowage box , $ well spent as it IMO really adds to the kit . I might have over done it by adding the 1/35 scale Tiger barrel though , but I like it .
(https://i.postimg.cc/sQ8GHZdv/IMG-20191104-172853346.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQ8GHZdv)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wysjvfZj/IMG-20191116-204356101.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wysjvfZj)

(https://i.postimg.cc/dDw0vBnw/IMG-20191116-204432959.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dDw0vBnw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Dmv7Rzyz/IMG-20191116-204443430.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Dmv7Rzyz)
Its almost finished , just needing the decals to set and then a light wash to dirty it up a bit . Next egg Meng kit , their modern Type 99A MBT
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 17, 2019, 05:11:35 pm
Very nice work on that.
They look like fun kits.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on November 18, 2019, 12:13:46 am
Fun & frustrating at the same time . I've got 10 of these now and each of them seems to be designed by a different person . Some have wheel hub and nut details , while others the wheels are just plain . Some , the engine decks are mirrored ( left hatch / right hatch ) , others have a hatch on the left , a grill on the right and various filling hatches ( fuel , oil ? ) here and there . So its a bit hit and miss trying to "real world " them . They're really just made for kids to put together ( push fit , no glue ) right out of the box . Over all though they have been a lot of fun , which is sometimes needed in this hobby of 600 piece 1/35 scale track sets ( swear word !!! ) . Plus spending time trolling through the spare parts boxes , I have found bits  that I can use on my 1/56 stuff as well so its a win / win
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 15, 2020, 08:52:22 am
After finishing off my T-34/85 I decided to start on  a JS II . As I already built one a while ago , this one was quick to put together . I decided to give it a different  pattern to the casting on the turret than my first one . Going through my saved photos , I found 28 different casts , some rough , some  smooth , some with raised numbers /letters . Since I gave all my model RR raised  letter sets away to a buddy , who actually used them all ( b#stard ! ) , I settled on a smoother casting . And just to be a little bit different , I decided to give this one the hatch mounted AA mg .
(https://i.postimg.cc/0MwD9pWd/IMG-20200113-195120722.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MwD9pWd)
The kit piece is very flat , not at all like the real gun , so it was off to the parts box for a few bits and pieces
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbCvdp2M/IMG-20200113-194854549-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbCvdp2M)

(https://i.postimg.cc/FdNJ37h0/IMG-20200113-194452593.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FdNJ37h0)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 28, 2020, 12:49:42 am
Here's a couple of metal figures I finally got around to painting . 1st up , a German Propaganda Kompanie camera man , I'll think I might l use him in a diorama with some German troops checking out my knocked out KV II
(https://i.postimg.cc/BXZSC9f4/IMG-20200127-093215288.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXZSC9f4)
 The 2nd figure had his head replaced with a metal Warlord head  as the hat was badly molded on the original , as well the hands were replaced  with more detailed plastic ones from the parts box and I added a surrender flag out of gauze
(https://i.postimg.cc/K4WNFFc8/IMG-20200127-093254084.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4WNFFc8)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 28, 2020, 02:53:03 am
Excellent.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 17, 2020, 07:59:52 am
Been busy the last while , so didn't seem to finish anything .And then all of a sudden ,things seemed to get finished . Got myself my 4th box of PSC Russian 45mm AT guns ( I love these things ) . As I have 6 guns set up in firing position I thought I would  build a  crew moving their gun , something like this
(https://i.postimg.cc/sQf6fMPq/phoca-thumb-l-mod1937-03.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQf6fMPq)
The figures are from the BA plastic Russian set with a few leg swaps and the odd tweak to the hands .
(https://i.postimg.cc/Nyjm5mV6/IMG-20200302-105850.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Nyjm5mV6)
This wip has the 76mm Infantry gun which I decided to use elsewhere , so I changed it to the long barreled 45
(https://i.postimg.cc/K164yLbc/IMG-20200316-172630748.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K164yLbc)

(https://i.postimg.cc/m1kT9246/IMG-20200316-172642989.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1kT9246)

(https://i.postimg.cc/MXHwdHk9/IMG-20200316-172652866.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MXHwdHk9)
While researching the gun and its crews I found that there are 2 types of ammo boxes seen with the 45mm gun , a 10 round wooden box ( 2x5 rounds , 55-75 pounds ) and a metal brief case looking thing (5 rounds , 25 -35 pounds ) , the weight depends on type of rounds .
(https://i.postimg.cc/w32VTx7Y/45mm-5-rd-box-e.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w32VTx7Y)
So I made a few using Plastruct siding , giving the built crew 2 , having 2 more to add to figures I will build at a later date
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 17, 2020, 08:25:53 am
I managed to find some cheap air dry clay so I built a couple of large bases , a gun pit and a trench
(https://i.postimg.cc/w76mnNzY/IMG-20200316-172226006.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w76mnNzY)

(https://i.postimg.cc/t770kS1K/IMG-20200316-172209791.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t770kS1K)
I used stir sticks for the boards , plastic rod for the log   supports  and added some ground cover , GW spiky ferns and some barb wire. I used the same stuff for the trench , cutting the figures off at the thighs to keep the trench low on the table as opposed to those above ground GW types . I did the same thing  on my Japanese fox holes , the idea being you use full figures when the troops move out of the trench
(https://i.postimg.cc/TyYG6Rww/IMG-20200316-172453968.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyYG6Rww)

(https://i.postimg.cc/R3q8dqhc/IMG-20200316-172510051.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R3q8dqhc)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 17, 2020, 08:33:41 am
And … I picked up the latest Meng egg tank , a Pershing . Another fun kit to build , to which I added a few 1/35 scale pieces , boxes , tarp , spare track and a road wheel . And I just decaled it with bits and pieces from left over  1/56 sets .
(https://i.postimg.cc/7fhwdP5Z/IMG-20200316-172911616.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fhwdP5Z)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zV4ZQCmx/IMG-20200316-172743680-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zV4ZQCmx)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 17, 2020, 09:49:08 pm
Very nice.

They are cute.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on March 19, 2020, 09:25:06 pm
Haha ' looking good! Seen them around ofc but not something on my list to get....apart from a normal scale 28mm 1/56 scale Pershing.

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on March 20, 2020, 07:01:59 am
Thanks guys . The egg tanks are a fun distraction  from going or at least attempting to go full OCD on  scale model kits . I guess if we get shut down at work , I should have a few more kits ( & paint & glue ) in the stash other wise it's back to painting those dam garden gnomes
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 15, 2020, 11:45:27 am
I finished my T-26 , just waiting for a metal  crew to arrive from Bad Squido . Also  a plastic 38(t) , nice little kit , very easy build , shame about the molded on tools and over sized ribs on the fenders . I thought about removing them , but it was going to be way to much work , probably easier to make new fenders ….. so I just added some extra stowage to cover it up a bit
(https://i.postimg.cc/1fR3YvtK/IMG-20200412-152653791.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fR3YvtK)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PLy6KfFy/IMG-20200412-152719265.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLy6KfFy)

(https://i.postimg.cc/V5fJ3fZM/IMG-20200414-211802704-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5fJ3fZM)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xXcxgSSV/IMG-20200414-211815423-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXcxgSSV)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 15, 2020, 09:06:33 pm
Very nice work.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 15, 2020, 10:33:32 pm
Thanks .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on April 16, 2020, 12:50:57 am
Great stuff!

I need some grey Panzers in my life!  :-[
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 16, 2020, 05:05:49 am
Personally I prefer my panzers yellow . The 38(t) is only my 2nd grey one , the other being a Panzer IV D I kit bashed out of the BA plastic IV . I'm more a mid - late war guy , that way I get to build Tiger IIs , Stalins and hordes of T-34 85s
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on April 16, 2020, 07:52:03 am
O yeah I'm the same, 43 kursk, 44 take your pick, 45 berlin is my preferred eras. Iv got 15mm pz1s 2s and 3s all in grey...haha and even some in blue from along time ago when I 1st started getting into ww2 ...the paint was called panzer blue! How was I to know any better!  ;D ;D

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 22, 2020, 04:34:14 am
Here's my plastic SdKfz 139 Marder III . Same hull / track sprue from the 38(t) with another full sprue of upper hull , gun and crew . The 38(t) second sprue was about the size of a Rubicon tank crew figure set , but costs the same $ , wtf ?  If they're smart I'm sure the BA guys could wring  few more SPG type vehicles out of this hull......
(https://i.postimg.cc/p96Hq9z9/IMG-20200421-134149226-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p96Hq9z9)

(https://i.postimg.cc/YLpjwGDp/IMG-20200421-134200526-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLpjwGDp)

(https://i.postimg.cc/w3dwmqsg/IMG-20200421-134208928-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3dwmqsg)
Kit negatives IMO , overscale ribbing on the fenders and molded on tools , the 38(t) , Marder III , and the various other SPGs built on this hull had tools in different places , so one "size" won't fit all .
The gun shield is molded way too thick , as is the case in many kits of this type , not an easy fix by any means . The front crew ( driver / mg ) hatches molded closed and thick . And last but not least , the rear crew seats are molded flat on the rear hull sides , unlike the ones on their 20mm Marder III ( if these are indeed PSC  designed kits ) , a lost opportunity IMO
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Tracks on April 22, 2020, 10:08:29 am
Looks very nice ripley. Good job.

3 to 2 - Looks like you and I did the same thing with the crew. A third crew looked a bit crowed, so I based the figure separately (not in picture). Since his right leg is slightly raised, I got him standing on a small grass mound. I was going to use an ammo box, but it was to tall.

(https://i.postimg.cc/5jgk6TtR/Mrdr3-001-cp.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5jgk6TtR)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 22, 2020, 10:59:55 am
Really crowded with 3 figures back there . I'm going to use my guy as a tank commander eventually , maybe on the rear deck of a J Panther when I get one
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on April 24, 2020, 06:23:34 pm
Looking good! Nice little diorama road section you have there too!

My spare parts box is over flowing. Comes a point where sadly you just have to chuck all those extra bits  :-[

Started on the warlord Opel mautler last night, it's going to be fiddly. Just finished another Rubicon panther that I'll put up later and a bike and sude car from offensive miniatures.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 24, 2020, 11:43:07 pm
I've made 5 scenic bases for taking photos on , 4 of them 6x6 inches square and one about a foot square , just using plastic board I had laying around  . I use them as testing grounds for glues , scenery products , air dry clay , effects stuff like the GW texture paint and Vallejo muds . And I can also set up little dioramas at playtime . Its nice  to find out how glue ( super , glue gun , Gorilla ) affects your base if you add layers of plastic or foam core  ie : causing the base to bow , before you go and build a super detailed diorama for display and sale .
I never throw out extra parts , I separate them by scale and type / army ( Sherman parts / Russian weapons & equipment for example ) , put then in sandwich bag zip locks and have them handy when I hang about the local hobby shop . When chatting with people there I usually find folks who build the stuff I do , so pass the parts on to them . Locally we've developed quite a group of guys who swap parts and unwanted kits , a win /  win for everyone . I've  also sent parts  to guys in the community who have needed them , a pay it forward situation . You never know when you might  break or lose something that another member might have as an extra piece .
Here's the Pak 40 , my latest Rubicon build .
(https://i.postimg.cc/gLjYBsNY/IMG-20200421-133937660-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gLjYBsNY)

(https://i.postimg.cc/mhpMZ5xy/IMG-20200421-133945647-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mhpMZ5xy)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on April 25, 2020, 03:19:16 am
Pak40 is looking good. I'm just not a fan of plastic infantry sadly. I'm a metals guy when it comes to infantry unless you're talking vicktrix, but they cheat, their "28mm" infantry dwarf all other 28mm hence when they get that nice boost in detail. Just finished 120 of their viking for a customer, very nice...never want to see another viking again tho  ;D
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on April 25, 2020, 03:28:07 am
O I was quite happy withe basing on this one

(https://i.postimg.cc/QVggSzDh/IMG-5331.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QVggSzDh)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 25, 2020, 04:25:04 am
Basing looks good . How do Offensive figures scale to Rubicon and Warlords ( metal & plastic ) ? I like plastic because I can kit bash them into poses that no one else has , but yes some metal and resin have much better detail
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 25, 2020, 05:21:37 am
Finished off Rubicon's T-34/76 . Did the usual  by adding texture to parts that were cast  by using liquid green stuff . Also decided to swap out a few wheels just for variation .
(https://i.postimg.cc/fkHRVVBm/IMG-20200423-105228554.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fkHRVVBm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/SYFzHVZb/IMG-20200423-201925799.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYFzHVZb)
I managed to build both turrets from this kit as I have the lower turret piece left over from the SU sprue and I found the gun shield part left over from a  Warlord 76 kit . As well I have the Hex turret which is included as an extra in the 85 kit . So this turret I built as knocked out . The other 2 turrets await crew ( hex turret ) , and gun breach / crew ( the other pan turret )
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zvkz1ymv/IMG-20200424-090414387.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Zvkz1ymv)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on April 25, 2020, 05:49:09 am
I can certainly see that advantage to plastic in fairness. I dont do alot of kit bashing of infantry...food for thought.

I would say they are very similar to offensive. I find that in comparison to warlord both are smaller/thinner.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qzcSBvyn/20200424-223344.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qzcSBvyn)
From left to right, rubicon tank riders, offensive miniatures, black tree, warlord metal, warlord plastic.

(https://i.postimg.cc/xk1W4Vkm/20200424-223439.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xk1W4Vkm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bdt4MTvm/20200424-224020.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdt4MTvm)
Rubicon metal tank rider in black, offensive miniatures winter riders either side

(https://i.postimg.cc/BP4brv2p/20200424-224026.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BP4brv2p)

I bought the winter riders along with the reccy bike last month. When I opened the blister pack to take a photo I found these inside!
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on April 25, 2020, 06:29:09 am
Nice bonus figures . I was looking at their new FJ tank riders . I've already made some of my own with Warlord plastic FJs , but could use a few more .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 03, 2020, 12:56:27 am
Pretty much a standard out of the box built 250 with the radio added , the tricky part is trying to get 3 men in the rear .
(https://i.postimg.cc/QBTPpwg5/IMG-20200501-190638030.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QBTPpwg5)
Its too bad you only get one head with headphones on in the radio add on set , what with it having parts to build 2 command vehicles , luckily I've got 2 of the tank crew blister packs so lots of choices . Anybody know of any packs of metal / resin heads with headphones , I could use some more as at least 3 in each German tank crew wore them ( commander , driver , radio op/bow gunner ) and if you depict a vehicle with open hatches …. Could also use some bare heads with headphones  as they could be used for a variety of Armies
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on May 03, 2020, 04:01:33 am
nice! yes very cramped indeed. I have 250/3 to do myself, as well as 250/10 and 2x 250/1s and need to more 250/1s (waiting for the Friday sale). Picked up some of the marlord metal MG gunners to go in.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 04, 2020, 03:19:21 am
Yes that is crowded.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 06, 2020, 03:57:17 am
Another one done . It has a four man crew , driver , radio operator , officer and an observer . Really a tight fit so I trimmed feet and removed internal stowage to make them fit . The observer had his feet pretty much sanded off to get his shoulder beneath the antenna .
(https://i.postimg.cc/NKhpNMqZ/IMG-20200505-130526979-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NKhpNMqZ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bd7xPBCt/IMG-20200505-130458209.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bd7xPBCt)
I still have to add some external stowage , maybe a tarp , jerry can of water and some personal gear  ( canteens , bread bags ) . I removed the front left fender to give it a war weary look . Pictures show missing fenders with very little damage ( on 250 Neu and 251 D ) so I assume they were built with a limited amount of bolts or maybe spot welding . I also decided to give it mismatched decals , one side has just the numbers outline , this is seen on some photos , although I have no idea why ( no paint ? lack of time to paint ? just messing with modelers 70 years in the future ) ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/gXfNfkLw/IMG-20200505-125646253.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXfNfkLw)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 09, 2020, 01:48:02 am
Next build is the BA 10 armored car . I've decided to base it on a  picture that caught my eye , probably early 70s when I started to purchase Ballentine's WW2 books . The picture IRC was in the Kursk book , showing a German soldier running past what I thought was a weird 2 turreted Russian tank ( 4th picture down ) . Upon more reading and research , I discovered he was passing a knocked out BA 10 with it's turret to the rear , parked beside a KO'd KV II . What with all sorts of pictures being available via the internet , I've managed to find at least 8 of these vehicles from various angles , there's a KO'd T-26 on the other side of the KV ( picture taken days later ? )
(https://i.postimg.cc/kRQmCxZS/K-8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kRQmCxZS)
Here's 3 of the BA 10 , I assume its propaganda photos as it looks to be knocked out before the soldier looks inside it
(https://i.postimg.cc/gXd9Dwrk/K-1a.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXd9Dwrk)

(https://i.postimg.cc/grzFL6fg/K-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grzFL6fg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0wk85m4/K-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0wk85m4)
I was thinking of copying the 3rd picture with the open door and the soldier sprinting way , but I'm not having much luck getting a crisp resin copy of the door , plus the sides of the kit are very thick and will look wrong . Maybe a rethink and do the 2nd picture of the soldier at the door . So while I stew on that I've started to work on the track sections on the BA rear .
(https://i.postimg.cc/FfrgVNNX/track-3-X-8-pads-24.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FfrgVNNX)
The actual track came apart into three 8 pad pieces for each side ( 24 pads ) , the Rubicon kit part has 22 pads , I think I can stagger them enough to hide the fact pads are missing. Just got to straighten out the kit parts , and maybe replicate those track teeth . Or maybe not....24 teeth per side , 2 sides = 48 teeth , and the Rubicon plastic is a bitch to fool around with when kit bashing ….maybe just leave them off , no one will know but me ….
The BA series had a set of brackets on each side to hold the track , I found a close up picture on a BA 3 car , I assume the track hanging  across the rear on the BA 10 would act like extra armor ? Of course with the rear door on the  BA 3 they would have to use the racks

(https://i.postimg.cc/JGfWBpwj/BA-3-spare-track-stowage.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JGfWBpwj)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 12, 2020, 11:03:33 am
A real pain to try and cut up and straighten out the track sections , but I think this will do . I tried hanging it in realistic lengths across the rear  but it didn't really look quite right , so I started cutting links out from each side  until it worked . I decided to add a few left over links on the right side storage box ( Fuel ? ) just to break up the uniform look . Still needs a tarp hanging off the rear ,or maybe on the left box ? Still have headlights , bumper and few bits , then a minimum amount of decals . No visible markings on the BA or the KV in the pictures , but I do want something on the BA .
(https://i.postimg.cc/0bzCdmY1/IMG-20200511-204645090.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0bzCdmY1)

(https://i.postimg.cc/5Ytz9dpW/K-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Ytz9dpW)
Still have to convert a figure to match the photo , but all I have unbuilt is German Paras and camo smocked SS , guess I'll be ordering a sprue of early war type Germans next sprue sale
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 13, 2020, 01:50:23 am
Nice.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 14, 2020, 11:40:11 am
BA 10 is done . Nice build but I found the front fenders a little fiddley . Besides hanging the track sections I gave it a tarp and minimal decals . Next up I have 2 M3A1 Armored Cars , one for my Russians to tow the PSC 76mm Infantry gun and the other for my Canadians .
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ppv37P7C/IMG-20200513-204043425.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ppv37P7C)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Hct2RX2s/IMG-20200513-204019283.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hct2RX2s)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 13, 2020, 01:13:40 pm
The M3 AC is on hold for now as I work on a crew , so I decided to build another Cromwell . Already having one with the 75mm gun I thought I might build one with the howitzer . I used the howitzer left over  from the Italeri  Churchill kit , and  it fits perfectly .  I also decided to decal both Cromwells  for the same unit , the Poles 1st Armored division( 10th Mounted Rifles ) .
(https://i.postimg.cc/V5nX3wQt/IMG-20200612-224433288.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5nX3wQt)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7fXJkYB5/IMG-20200612-224459277.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fXJkYB5)

(https://i.postimg.cc/BLWXg8vV/IMG-20200612-224517330.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BLWXg8vV)

(https://i.postimg.cc/m1Bkv0C3/IMG-20200612-224534934.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1Bkv0C3)
I added various bit and pieces to the tanks , Rubicon stowage bin on the howitzer turret , other boxes I cast up in resin , Tamiya 1/48 gas cans ( really love the look of the 3 piece handles ) , some cast and plastic packs , spare wheels from the Crusader kit , and cam netting made from medical gauze "borrowed " from a 1st aid kit at work .  I've always loved the Cromwell ( I have 5 in 1/35 scale ) and I was really disappointed to find out Canada never used them in WW2 , although there are rumors ( no pictures found ) that we did get the ex Royal Marines  Centaurs and use them for one operation lasting about a week then traded them in for Archers . Any way the Canadians did do some joint operations with the Poles so I figure I can use them with my troops
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 13, 2020, 11:51:12 pm
Nice work.

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 14, 2020, 10:34:22 pm
Thanks .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on June 16, 2020, 07:09:22 am
Very nice! Just started on some 20mm cromwells for a commission job myself, Armour fast kits, went together quickly and not to much detailing to worry about at 20mm.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 16, 2020, 08:28:11 am
Thanks .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 18, 2020, 09:30:38 am
Did a little work on some seated troops for my M3 AC . I used the W plastic seated Germans , cutting their upper bodies apart and using the legs with the jack boots . I added Russian heads and weapons . As these will be in a vehicle I decided not to add personal gear
(https://i.postimg.cc/06Zzhx61/seated-Russians.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/06Zzhx61)
I had to take a 2mm slice out of the boots so their rears would sit on the wheel well and feet would touch the floor . As molded they don't fit well in the W halftracks .
And since I was in the kit bash mode , I converted another half dozen Russian troops into tank riders .
(https://i.postimg.cc/9z1jTM6h/23-wip.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9z1jTM6h)
Lots of leg swaps and arms from various W plastic sprues , and  if you look close you'll see one guy who ended up with a tall boot leg  and a leg with puttees painted black . And of course with building new figures , some of the older ones had to be removed and / or redesigned to fit , but I really like how they turned out .
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jy8TP3Xd/23-r.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jy8TP3Xd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/vx4Xc0RD/10-r.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vx4Xc0RD)

(https://i.postimg.cc/G4wzmPXh/8-r.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G4wzmPXh)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 19, 2020, 02:20:18 am
Nice work.

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 19, 2020, 11:27:58 am
Thank you . This kind of kit bashing is lots of fun . And I still have 3 more W T-34/85s that might get tank riders . Maybe a set of winter Russians  ? Hmm
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: neffer38 on June 24, 2020, 06:51:28 pm
Maybe a set of winter Russians  ? Hmm

You know it makes sense!

Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 02, 2020, 09:30:20 am
The M3 AC still sits awaiting a finished crew . Instead I built a Warlord  M-10 tank destroyer which I picked up on the last trip to the big city  . I was going make it an early version ( no turret counter weight )  in Soviet service but had a hard time making the groucers .                          So instead I decided to make it in Free French service with a full 5 man crew . Unfortunately the driver hatches don't look / fit right in the open position IMO ,so I closed them ( should have got the Rubicon tank destroyer crew blister , next time ) Any way , I managed to figure out a 3 man turret crew using the BA seated plastic German's lower bodies ( short boots ) and various upper torsos from the parts box .
(https://i.postimg.cc/p5HxDrLX/M-10-early-groucers-on-turret-rear.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p5HxDrLX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/NKMt8WBT/IMG-20200701-170908386-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NKMt8WBT)

(https://i.postimg.cc/p95t4z9L/IMG-20200701-170948555-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p95t4z9L)
I  based the decal placement on various photos from Google and a couple of French WW2 sites , although I have no idea which unit this combination represents . I liked the idea of the smaller stars with one off set on the turret top and 2 on the turret weight undersides . Decals were sourced from various sets , both Warlord and Rubicon . I also based the stowage placement on the same photos , I used stuff from Warlord , Rubicon , Tamiya 1/48 and the spare wheels I cast in resin . I added the D to the fuel cans as this vehicle used diesel fuel, the letters came from a 1/35 decal set . It still needs a few more bits on the engine deck and some weapons / ammo cans for the crew once they're finished ( 50 cal , Thompson , M1 carbine )
(https://i.postimg.cc/dZwPhf5h/IMG-20200701-170935894-HDR.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dZwPhf5h)
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 02, 2020, 03:29:22 pm
Very nice work.
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on July 03, 2020, 05:48:48 am
Thanks . Really disappointed my 1st idea didn't work out , I'll have to revisit that at another time . And now I find I'm getting low on arms that are suitable for crew figures . I seem to have used up all the non weapon holding arms from my BA sprues . Guess its time to order a few more
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on January 29, 2022, 10:53:45 am
Wow , its been a long time since I've posted any builds . Over the last year and a half  I've just repainted and decaled the kits  already had built , plus a few odd spues of troops .I did find out that the Howitzer barrel from the plastic Churchill just drops in to the Cromwell
(https://i.postimg.cc/rzKc7gLJ/Italeri-Cromwell-with-howiter-from-Churchill.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rzKc7gLJ)
Its only this past month I've really found my mojo and got back to building .
(https://i.postimg.cc/BtL9m6x7/Rubicon-M5-Stuart.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BtL9m6x7)

(https://i.postimg.cc/KRtXyHpn/Italeri-M5-Stuart.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KRtXyHpn)

(https://i.postimg.cc/gxKfx6Wj/Rubicon-Ford-GPA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxKfx6Wj)

(https://i.postimg.cc/HJZR2DjC/Rubicon-Jagdpanther-G2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJZR2DjC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bsrTxDkd/Tamiya-1-48-scale-BA-64-B-armoured-car.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsrTxDkd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/VrNSxMYC/Bad-Squido-female-Russian-Maxim-MG-team.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VrNSxMYC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ppj9MPtq/Italeri-Cromwells.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppj9MPtq)
Some of these still need stowage , the JP needs more foliage and the 3rd Cromwell will be finished as a knocked out vehicle . WIP on the bench , Bad Squido mortar team and Rubicon GAZ truck with Maxim machine gun mount
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on February 05, 2022, 10:28:54 am
This is the Rubicon GAZ truck with  the Quad Maxim from the blister pack . I used the "tracks " from my BA 10 armored car kit .
(https://i.postimg.cc/YjTBMSbb/GAZ-Quad-Maxim.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjTBMSbb)
So I can use the truck as regular transport , I built the guns on a removable base
(https://i.postimg.cc/4H65Dw8C/removable-gun-mount.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4H65Dw8C)

(https://i.postimg.cc/KR5fQqkB/GAZ-AAA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KR5fQqkB)
The MG kit was the best pewter kit I've ever built , really great detail .
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on May 17, 2022, 06:19:31 am
I decided I wanted to have tank riders on a Panther or Tiger  , but really don't want to glue them on so the tank can be used without them in a game . Going through my parts bin I realized I still have the second upper hull from my JPanther kit . Since I never glued the upper and lower hull of my JP together , I could swap them out , one having tank riders and one as a knocked out vehicle . The question then arises , do I have enough bits in my parts box to replicate the parts missing as you only get enough to complete one version of the JP ( unlike the SU 122 / 85 kit ,both upper hulls can be built) . Anyway I managed to kit bash a few pieces from evergreen styrene , decided to add the holders for the missing jack block and wire cutters as I had non . Here's my KO d version
(https://i.postimg.cc/KKk5Xcbg/Rubicon-Jagdpanther-G2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KKk5Xcbg)
This side has added side skirt rails and jack block holder
(https://i.postimg.cc/crxjp3bg/JP-b.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/crxjp3bg)
This view shows wire cutter holder . hatch cover for commander's periscopes , shell ejection port , and cleaning rod tube
(https://i.postimg.cc/HV85sZKf/JP-r.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HV85sZKf)
 On another matter , does anybody know of any store that has Army Painter Battlefields Poison Ivy in stock ? I like to use it as tree branch type camo on my tanks and local hobby shops have been out for over a year . Thks
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 19, 2022, 10:49:51 am
 Although I finished my 2nd JPanther upper hull and tank riders a while ago  , I'm finally getting around to posting pictures of them .
(https://i.postimg.cc/Mc7MDxH5/1-trying-to-make-things-fit.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mc7MDxH5)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nMRsT3Fy/2-a-few-leg-swaps-and-arms-from-various-German-sprues.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMRsT3Fy)

(https://i.postimg.cc/KkYGMyMR/3a-seated-figure-using-upper-FJ-torso-and-legs-from-seated-figure-set.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KkYGMyMR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xXS9Pmmr/3b-ditto.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXS9Pmmr)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9RShww2n/4-kneeling-mg-team-who-are-removable.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9RShww2n)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Sj2qFd7F/5-front-view.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Sj2qFd7F)

(https://i.postimg.cc/BXfWW0nH/6-rear-view-I-managed-to-get-9-FJ-to-fit.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXfWW0nH)
 
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 19, 2022, 11:05:16 am
The 4 standing figures had various leg swaps to make them fit , the 2 seated figures used upper torsos from the FJ set and legs from the seated German set ( short boots ) , I used the legs with the jack boots for my seated Russians  . The kneeling MG team is not glued on so can be used on the table . I used individual arms and weapon arm pairs  from 5 or 6 different  Warlord  German sets to get the look I wanted , so a lot of trial and error , but I think it turned out fine . 
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: Tracks on June 20, 2022, 09:12:07 am
(https://i.postimg.cc/BXfWW0nH/6-rear-view-I-managed-to-get-9-FJ-to-fit.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXfWW0nH)

Looking very good.
Are they permanently attached?
Title: Re: Various WIP
Post by: ripley on June 20, 2022, 09:54:02 am
The 4 standing and 2 seated are glued on . The 3 kneeling figures are removable .  I figured I had to do something with the extra JP hull from the Rubicon kit