61
Work In Progress / Re: The Panzer III Digital Library - Gun Barrels 200314
« on: March 14, 2020, 03:04:17 am »
Excellent news! Glad to hear your factory is coming back online. And glad to hear there are 5 barrels for the Pz III kit!
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62
Work In Progress / Re: RESIN Project - Soviet STZ-3 & STZ-5 Tractors 200309
« on: March 10, 2020, 12:43:01 am »
I love these! Resin or not, I am getting them both!
63
Wish Lists / Re: Decal sheet for stowage packs
« on: March 02, 2020, 10:27:32 am »
I like this idea!
64
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Feb 2020 - Morris C8 Quad 200201
« on: February 02, 2020, 12:55:30 am »
Very nice! Looking forward to this Early War kit!
65
Work In Progress / Re: New Project of the Month - Dec 2019 - M26 Pershing 191202
« on: December 03, 2019, 02:06:44 am »
This is exciting news! Especially for those of us interested in gaming the Korean War.
The M26 (armed with a 90mm M3 gun), the M26A1 (armed with an improved 90mm M3A1 gun) and the M45 (an M26 armed with a 105mm howitzer) all saw service in Korea. As was mentioned, their power-to-weight ratio was such that they had difficulty dealing with the hilly terrain, and units armed with these tanks had them replaced during the first half of 1951. So they were only in-theater in numbers for 6 months (August 1950 to January 1951) before they were phased out starting in February, but that is when most of the armor-on-armor conflicts happened, and when the war was most fluid.
For those (like me) who enjoy numbers:
By the end of 1950, a total of 1,326 US and 96 British tanks had been delivered to Korea, as follows:
M24 Chaffee 138 10%
M4 Sherman 679 51% (including M4A3(76) and M4A3(105) variants)
M26 Pershing 309 23% (mostly M26 and M26A1, very few M45)
M46 Patton 200 15%
Centurion Mk III (A41) 64
Churchill Mk VII (A22) 20
Cromwell Mk VIII (A27M) 12
We already have the excellent Rubicon M4A3E8 kit that can be used to build the (76) HVSS and (105) HVSS versions, so this new kit means those building US forces for Korea will go from about 50% of tanks available as plastic kits, to nearly 75% available as plastic kits.
Again, great news for those interested in gaming the Korean War!
The M26 (armed with a 90mm M3 gun), the M26A1 (armed with an improved 90mm M3A1 gun) and the M45 (an M26 armed with a 105mm howitzer) all saw service in Korea. As was mentioned, their power-to-weight ratio was such that they had difficulty dealing with the hilly terrain, and units armed with these tanks had them replaced during the first half of 1951. So they were only in-theater in numbers for 6 months (August 1950 to January 1951) before they were phased out starting in February, but that is when most of the armor-on-armor conflicts happened, and when the war was most fluid.
For those (like me) who enjoy numbers:
By the end of 1950, a total of 1,326 US and 96 British tanks had been delivered to Korea, as follows:
M24 Chaffee 138 10%
M4 Sherman 679 51% (including M4A3(76) and M4A3(105) variants)
M26 Pershing 309 23% (mostly M26 and M26A1, very few M45)
M46 Patton 200 15%
Centurion Mk III (A41) 64
Churchill Mk VII (A22) 20
Cromwell Mk VIII (A27M) 12
We already have the excellent Rubicon M4A3E8 kit that can be used to build the (76) HVSS and (105) HVSS versions, so this new kit means those building US forces for Korea will go from about 50% of tanks available as plastic kits, to nearly 75% available as plastic kits.
Again, great news for those interested in gaming the Korean War!
66
Work In Progress / Re: The Panzer III Digital Library - TS1 Plastic 190506
« on: December 01, 2019, 12:11:07 pm »
I am sure Rubicon will fix the issue as well. And they will do so without resorting to measures that would make them look less than professional to both the gaming and modeling worlds. Somebody, somewhere is going to eat the cost of remaking the mold, and the final kit, while delayed, will include the proper parts.
67
Work In Progress / Re: 2cm FlaK 30 Light AA Gun - 3D Prototype 191126
« on: November 26, 2019, 05:20:15 am »
This looks wonderful! Love that it can be built with or without shield, and that it can be mounted on an SdKfz 10/4, placed on the bround, or mounted to the frame of the SdAh 51 trailer!!!
68
Work In Progress / Re: SdKfz 10 - SdKfz 10 3D Prototype 191122
« on: November 25, 2019, 12:21:14 am »
As a gamer first and foremost, it is certainly fine plopping down a model and saying it is something else. And an Ausf B acting as an Ausf A is, as you say, a no-brainer. They are very close visually. And almost nobody would know the difference. I don't fault Rubicon for opting for the Ausf B. Sprue space is limited, and you go with the best you can do.
However, that same stance is why most companies crank out late war tanks, because people want to field the biggest, baddest versions of stuff. And that almost always means that Early War Gamers (such as myself) get left doing substitutions. Again, I get it. Business decisions must be made, or you don't stay in business.
I am simply hoping that Rubicon can find a way to include the bits needed to increase the number of models/variants.
They are giving us ( for example) two full canvas tilts, one with windows open, and one closed. I would rather get a closed version only, and use the sprue space to provide early pattern wheels. As Rubicon have stated regarding the side panels that slide down, if people want them "open" they can cut those panels off themselves. Well, we can cut open the windows if we want them open. Saving that place on the sprues for other options.
Not complaining. Simply trying to point out certain Early War Gamer options.
For example, when it comes to the 10/4 model, they were made with no rifle racks on fenders up until January 1940. From that point onward, they had open rifle racks. Two years later, starting in January 1942, those rifle racks became covered. I am hoping we get both uncovered and covered versions of those rifle racks. That way we can build a pre-1940 version, a 1940-1941 version, and a 1942+ version.
I LOVE the fact that the 10/4 shown has the loading ramps on the front, and the pulleys behind the driver and co-driver. If those are molded on instead of an add-on part, then I will need to remove them for a Poland 1939 campaign, because those didn't make an appearance until January 1940. And they were phased out by the end of 1941, so anyone making a 1942+ version might want to consider removing them as well. So I am hoping those bits are a separate piece that can be added to the model or left off. Again, not complaining. Just suggesting.
From a marketing point of view, having a kit that can state "Kit can be used to make an Ausf A or Ausf B, with two versions of covered rifle racks, and with or without loading tramps and compressed air tanks" sounds like it can represent closer a wider variety of vehicles. A kit that says "Build an Sd.Kfz 1940-1941 Ausf B with late pattern road wheels" is way more limited.
However, that same stance is why most companies crank out late war tanks, because people want to field the biggest, baddest versions of stuff. And that almost always means that Early War Gamers (such as myself) get left doing substitutions. Again, I get it. Business decisions must be made, or you don't stay in business.
I am simply hoping that Rubicon can find a way to include the bits needed to increase the number of models/variants.
They are giving us ( for example) two full canvas tilts, one with windows open, and one closed. I would rather get a closed version only, and use the sprue space to provide early pattern wheels. As Rubicon have stated regarding the side panels that slide down, if people want them "open" they can cut those panels off themselves. Well, we can cut open the windows if we want them open. Saving that place on the sprues for other options.
Not complaining. Simply trying to point out certain Early War Gamer options.
For example, when it comes to the 10/4 model, they were made with no rifle racks on fenders up until January 1940. From that point onward, they had open rifle racks. Two years later, starting in January 1942, those rifle racks became covered. I am hoping we get both uncovered and covered versions of those rifle racks. That way we can build a pre-1940 version, a 1940-1941 version, and a 1942+ version.
I LOVE the fact that the 10/4 shown has the loading ramps on the front, and the pulleys behind the driver and co-driver. If those are molded on instead of an add-on part, then I will need to remove them for a Poland 1939 campaign, because those didn't make an appearance until January 1940. And they were phased out by the end of 1941, so anyone making a 1942+ version might want to consider removing them as well. So I am hoping those bits are a separate piece that can be added to the model or left off. Again, not complaining. Just suggesting.
From a marketing point of view, having a kit that can state "Kit can be used to make an Ausf A or Ausf B, with two versions of covered rifle racks, and with or without loading tramps and compressed air tanks" sounds like it can represent closer a wider variety of vehicles. A kit that says "Build an Sd.Kfz 1940-1941 Ausf B with late pattern road wheels" is way more limited.
69
Work In Progress / Re: SdKfz 10 - SdKfz 10 3D Prototype 191122
« on: November 24, 2019, 05:16:19 am »
I assumed that while the most visible difference between an Ausf A and Ausf B was the tailgate panel, you would probably not want to just make two tailgates. The underside (for scale modelers) would need to be correct, and that essentially makes it a whole new kit.
I would URGE you however, to find a way to support a second set of tracks with the early pattern. They are easily the most recognizable difference between the earliest vehicles, and the later ones. I can attempt a kitbash of the tail panel on my own if I really want to. But there is no way to model an early pattern road wheel set.
There is countless photo evidence of early pattern wheels on vehicles fighting during the late war period, not just SdKfz 10 vehicles, but the 10/4 and 10/5 as well.
But however it turns out, thanks for taking my post under advisement!
I would URGE you however, to find a way to support a second set of tracks with the early pattern. They are easily the most recognizable difference between the earliest vehicles, and the later ones. I can attempt a kitbash of the tail panel on my own if I really want to. But there is no way to model an early pattern road wheel set.
There is countless photo evidence of early pattern wheels on vehicles fighting during the late war period, not just SdKfz 10 vehicles, but the 10/4 and 10/5 as well.
But however it turns out, thanks for taking my post under advisement!
70
Work In Progress / Re: SdKfz 10 - SdKfz 10 3D Prototype 191122
« on: November 23, 2019, 11:41:55 am »
What I Hope We Get For a Rubicon Sd.Kfz. 10 Model
As this is my favorite German half track (and I realize I am likely alone in this regard), I am hoping Rubicon really do it up right. And by that I mean, provide as many options as possible, so that as many different makes and models as possible can be built.
To that end, I shall ramble on a bit about this vehicle, and interject from time to time with model options. I hope this all makes sense.
Sd.Kfz 10 Ausf A : Deliveries began in October 1938. Base vehicle had a standard chassis and standard outer road wheels (see drawing below). The windshield could fold forward, had a canvas cover (to prevent glare), and could even be removed. A convertible canvas top was mounted on the upper part of the rear body. It fastened to the windshield when erected. Four canvas side pieces could be attached to protect the crew from the weather. About 3,300 were manufactured to this initial design. Vehicles built to this standard served from the very first campaign of the war, to the very last.
Model Notes: So I hope Rubicon provides us with the parts to make this initial vehicle. As stated, over 3,300 were built to these specifications, including those that saw service during the earliest parts of the war. Needed: Standard Hull. Standard Wheels. Canvas Tilt (three possible options: up fully enclosed, up with no side panels, and down).
Major Update #1: The first pattern of road wheels had five wide-mouth cut-outs and narrow spokes. To increase the towing weight capacity, a second pattern of road wheels were introduced which had five narrow-mouth cutouts with wider, reinforced spokes. Starting in early 1940, and phased in at different times during the next 20 months by different manufacturers, these reinforced road wheels replaced standard road wheels in production. By the start of 1942 all new production used reinforced road wheels.
Model Notes: So we need a second set of road wheels. Early Pattern were used exclusively from 1938 until 1940. And then they started phasing out during 1940 and 1941. They were no longer part of new construction starting 1942. In terms of what Rubicon has shown us so far, they have shown us the reinforced road wheels. If we don't get the Early Pattern road wheels, then we cannot build any of those 3,300+ early machines. And that would be sad. To create an early war machine, and then only supply the parts to make a later model.
Major Update #2: Sd.Kfz. 10 Ausf B : Starting in April 1940 (at one manufacturer), and phased in gradually over the next 20 months by the other six manufacturers, the base model received a reinforced rear hull. This was designed to increase towing weight capacity. By the start of 1942 all new production used reinforced rear hulls.
Model Notes: The hull that is shown by Rubicon is the Ausf B hull. The main differences between the original hull and the reinforced hull are (a) the under-carriage is reinforced (which is not visible unless you overturn the model), and (b) the rear facing panel. It is my hope that Rubicon design both rear panels, so that a model maker can use the Ausf A (unreinforced hull) tail, or the Ausf B (reinforced) tail. The hull that Rubicon has shown us is the reinforced Ausf B hull.
Extra Bits : Compressed Air Tank for Air Brakes: Starting in late 1942 (September) and continuing on until the end of the war, a special version of the standard engine was produced which would compress air into a cylinder that was used to feed air brakes. The addition of air brakes allowed the Sd.Kfz. 10 to tow heavier weapons: 7.5cm PaK 40 AT gun (1.5 ton), 15cm sIG 33 infantry gun (2 ton), and the 10.5cm leFH 18 howitzer (3.5 ton). Thousands of these special engines were built between late 1942 and the end of vehicle production in late 1944. By my calculation, over half of all Ausf B models had the compressed air tank fitted.
Model Notes: I am hoping Rubicon give us the air cylinder and extra bits to mount on the rear plate. If you want to see a compressed air tank, check out the image above of the Ausf B model. A large cylinder (almost the width of the vehicle) is shown at the rear.
I am specifically targeting the base 10 model, but the above applies to the 10/4 and 10/5 as well. Those built up until 1940 used early pattern road wheels and standard hull, those built starting 1942 were built using late pattern road wheels and reinforced hull. And then we have a two-year period of 1940-1941 where the road wheels changed from early to late pattern, and the hull changed from standard to reinforced. This phased in at different times during this two years. There were seven manufacturers and they all phased in at different times.
Final Note: I love seeing the canvas tilt provided (both up and down versions). If Rubicon don't wish to provide separate rear plates to support standard versus reinforced hulls, I understand. But I REALLY hope they provide both sets of road wheels. I would like to have a proper model for Poland 1939 and France 1940.
From what I have gathered, total production was 13,988 across all types. My best analysis of the production figures know, and best guess at the production figures that didn't survive the war, leads me to the following:
SdKfz 10 Ausf A = 3,300 (from 1938 - 1941)
SdKfz 10 Ausf B = 3,637 (from 1940 - 1944)
SdKfz 10/1, 10/2 and 10/3 = 537 (from 1939 - 1941)
SdKfz 10/4 = 3,234 (from 1939 - 1942) Some of these were on Ausf A hulls, and some of these were on Ausf B hulls
SdKfz 10/5 = 3,280 (from 1942 - 1944) All of these were on Ausf B hulls
As this is my favorite German half track (and I realize I am likely alone in this regard), I am hoping Rubicon really do it up right. And by that I mean, provide as many options as possible, so that as many different makes and models as possible can be built.
To that end, I shall ramble on a bit about this vehicle, and interject from time to time with model options. I hope this all makes sense.
Sd.Kfz 10 Ausf A : Deliveries began in October 1938. Base vehicle had a standard chassis and standard outer road wheels (see drawing below). The windshield could fold forward, had a canvas cover (to prevent glare), and could even be removed. A convertible canvas top was mounted on the upper part of the rear body. It fastened to the windshield when erected. Four canvas side pieces could be attached to protect the crew from the weather. About 3,300 were manufactured to this initial design. Vehicles built to this standard served from the very first campaign of the war, to the very last.
Model Notes: So I hope Rubicon provides us with the parts to make this initial vehicle. As stated, over 3,300 were built to these specifications, including those that saw service during the earliest parts of the war. Needed: Standard Hull. Standard Wheels. Canvas Tilt (three possible options: up fully enclosed, up with no side panels, and down).
Major Update #1: The first pattern of road wheels had five wide-mouth cut-outs and narrow spokes. To increase the towing weight capacity, a second pattern of road wheels were introduced which had five narrow-mouth cutouts with wider, reinforced spokes. Starting in early 1940, and phased in at different times during the next 20 months by different manufacturers, these reinforced road wheels replaced standard road wheels in production. By the start of 1942 all new production used reinforced road wheels.
Model Notes: So we need a second set of road wheels. Early Pattern were used exclusively from 1938 until 1940. And then they started phasing out during 1940 and 1941. They were no longer part of new construction starting 1942. In terms of what Rubicon has shown us so far, they have shown us the reinforced road wheels. If we don't get the Early Pattern road wheels, then we cannot build any of those 3,300+ early machines. And that would be sad. To create an early war machine, and then only supply the parts to make a later model.
Major Update #2: Sd.Kfz. 10 Ausf B : Starting in April 1940 (at one manufacturer), and phased in gradually over the next 20 months by the other six manufacturers, the base model received a reinforced rear hull. This was designed to increase towing weight capacity. By the start of 1942 all new production used reinforced rear hulls.
Model Notes: The hull that is shown by Rubicon is the Ausf B hull. The main differences between the original hull and the reinforced hull are (a) the under-carriage is reinforced (which is not visible unless you overturn the model), and (b) the rear facing panel. It is my hope that Rubicon design both rear panels, so that a model maker can use the Ausf A (unreinforced hull) tail, or the Ausf B (reinforced) tail. The hull that Rubicon has shown us is the reinforced Ausf B hull.
Extra Bits : Compressed Air Tank for Air Brakes: Starting in late 1942 (September) and continuing on until the end of the war, a special version of the standard engine was produced which would compress air into a cylinder that was used to feed air brakes. The addition of air brakes allowed the Sd.Kfz. 10 to tow heavier weapons: 7.5cm PaK 40 AT gun (1.5 ton), 15cm sIG 33 infantry gun (2 ton), and the 10.5cm leFH 18 howitzer (3.5 ton). Thousands of these special engines were built between late 1942 and the end of vehicle production in late 1944. By my calculation, over half of all Ausf B models had the compressed air tank fitted.
Model Notes: I am hoping Rubicon give us the air cylinder and extra bits to mount on the rear plate. If you want to see a compressed air tank, check out the image above of the Ausf B model. A large cylinder (almost the width of the vehicle) is shown at the rear.
I am specifically targeting the base 10 model, but the above applies to the 10/4 and 10/5 as well. Those built up until 1940 used early pattern road wheels and standard hull, those built starting 1942 were built using late pattern road wheels and reinforced hull. And then we have a two-year period of 1940-1941 where the road wheels changed from early to late pattern, and the hull changed from standard to reinforced. This phased in at different times during this two years. There were seven manufacturers and they all phased in at different times.
Final Note: I love seeing the canvas tilt provided (both up and down versions). If Rubicon don't wish to provide separate rear plates to support standard versus reinforced hulls, I understand. But I REALLY hope they provide both sets of road wheels. I would like to have a proper model for Poland 1939 and France 1940.
From what I have gathered, total production was 13,988 across all types. My best analysis of the production figures know, and best guess at the production figures that didn't survive the war, leads me to the following:
SdKfz 10 Ausf A = 3,300 (from 1938 - 1941)
SdKfz 10 Ausf B = 3,637 (from 1940 - 1944)
SdKfz 10/1, 10/2 and 10/3 = 537 (from 1939 - 1941)
SdKfz 10/4 = 3,234 (from 1939 - 1942) Some of these were on Ausf A hulls, and some of these were on Ausf B hulls
SdKfz 10/5 = 3,280 (from 1942 - 1944) All of these were on Ausf B hulls
71
Work In Progress / Re: US 37mm M3 AT Gun - 3D Prototype 190614
« on: October 29, 2019, 09:21:59 am »
Hopefully Rubicon will have multiple sets of figures. This first set (which are obviously aimed at diorama makers), and an action set, aimed at gamers.
72
Work In Progress / Re: SdKfz 10 - SdKfz 10/4 3D Drawings 191018
« on: October 20, 2019, 12:04:38 am »
I am working my way through my previous research in this vehicle, so I can present a clear listing of what all would be required for a "full" kit, and I am sure it will all come down to sprue layout, but I suspect an all-in-one kit will not be possible. If by all-in people are hoping to get the guns in the back as well.
Don't see how they can include the vehicle itself, with all the needed bells and whistles, PLUS the three platforms it would take (one for the Flak 20, one for the Flak 38 and yet another one for mounting AT guns on a pedestal mount), plus the trailers (there were two main different ones). And then on top of that include the guns themselves.
If you mean "no-guns but everything else" then maybe we can get that.
Don't see how they can include the vehicle itself, with all the needed bells and whistles, PLUS the three platforms it would take (one for the Flak 20, one for the Flak 38 and yet another one for mounting AT guns on a pedestal mount), plus the trailers (there were two main different ones). And then on top of that include the guns themselves.
If you mean "no-guns but everything else" then maybe we can get that.
73
Work In Progress / Re: 2cm FlaK 30 Light AA Gun - 3D Drawings 191014 <-- NEW PROJECT!
« on: October 15, 2019, 08:26:49 pm »
Fantastic news! Lovely kit! Initially towed by the SdKfz. 10, it was eventually mounted on the back in a way that allowed it to be dismounted. This is a perfect companion to the SdKfz. 10. YES!!!
74
General Discussions / Re: WSS Great Wargaming Survey 2019 - Painted Figures 191004
« on: October 05, 2019, 01:02:13 am »
I did the survey but didn't get an email, and when I tried to take the survey again, they knew I had already done so.
So ... how do I go about ordering this sprue?
So ... how do I go about ordering this sprue?
75
Wish Lists / Re: Focusing on the more useful kits – wake up and smell the molded plastic!
« on: September 26, 2019, 06:39:00 am »
If you are looking for Early War Russian Front kit, to equip both sides, then so far from Rubicon you have:
Russian:
Multiple versions of the T-26 light tank. Of the 21K tanks Russia had in June 1941, over half were T-26
T-34/76 medium tank. Not many were present in June 1941 but they were there, and became more and more present as time went on.
BA-3/BA-6 and BA-10 Armored Cars. This represents about 3,900 of the armored cars available to Russia in June 1941. There were just over 6,100 armored cars when Barbarossa began, so this is the lion's share of any ACs Russia had.
GAZ-AA/AAA Trucks. Main transportation vehicle.
SU-85 is available from RM, and it came into service in 1942
SU-122 is available from RM, and it came into service in 1942 as well.
German:
Pz IV D/E Medium tank.
Kubelwagon. Main jeep.
Opal Blitz Trucks. Main transportation vehicle.
SdKfz 7 Halftrack. Main heavy transportation vehicle.
SdKfz 251/C and 251/1 D Halftrack. Main armored transportation vehicle.
Pz IV F2/J medium tank. Came into service in 1942.
And we have Pz IIIs in the pipeline somewhere. Not much fighting armor, and transportation heavy when it comes to the German side of things. I do wish we had a plastic Pz II (for example), and the SdKfz 222 seems to have dropped from their web site.
But not a bad assortment for Early War Russian Front.
Edit: Removed KV-1/KV-2 from the list (not Rubicon kits)
Russian:
Multiple versions of the T-26 light tank. Of the 21K tanks Russia had in June 1941, over half were T-26
T-34/76 medium tank. Not many were present in June 1941 but they were there, and became more and more present as time went on.
BA-3/BA-6 and BA-10 Armored Cars. This represents about 3,900 of the armored cars available to Russia in June 1941. There were just over 6,100 armored cars when Barbarossa began, so this is the lion's share of any ACs Russia had.
GAZ-AA/AAA Trucks. Main transportation vehicle.
SU-85 is available from RM, and it came into service in 1942
SU-122 is available from RM, and it came into service in 1942 as well.
German:
Pz IV D/E Medium tank.
Kubelwagon. Main jeep.
Opal Blitz Trucks. Main transportation vehicle.
SdKfz 7 Halftrack. Main heavy transportation vehicle.
SdKfz 251/C and 251/1 D Halftrack. Main armored transportation vehicle.
Pz IV F2/J medium tank. Came into service in 1942.
And we have Pz IIIs in the pipeline somewhere. Not much fighting armor, and transportation heavy when it comes to the German side of things. I do wish we had a plastic Pz II (for example), and the SdKfz 222 seems to have dropped from their web site.
But not a bad assortment for Early War Russian Front.
Edit: Removed KV-1/KV-2 from the list (not Rubicon kits)