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Issue 139 November 2017 www.modelmilitary.com

GUIDE FSV TECH 1:35 M113A Painting a

IAN AMPHIB s’ 1:35 T-38 Hobby Bos

LAST ROLL OF THE DICE nomag SS100

INSIDE: p 01 Cover MMI 139B.indd 1

llerwagen, Ha Takom’s 1:35 Takom V-2 Rocket, Mei 1:35 Grille Initial Production ■ 1:35 StuG III Ausf. E ■ 1:35 LAV-25 ■ 1:35 Zil-131 ■ 1:35 A10 Cruiser Tank ■ and more...

November 2017 / £4.50 / Issue 139

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Contents - Issue 139 November 2017 REGULARS

6

p 4 NEWS

26

What’s new in the world of military modelling

p 58 BOOKS

The latest in modelling, technology and historical publications

p 59 1:48 SCALE

News and opinion in the world of 1:48 by Luke Pitt

p 60 SMALL SCALE

New accessory, tool and kit releases in 1:72 scale and smaller

p 66 LAST POST

UK M3 Amphibious Rig

50

FEATURES p 6 THINK TANK

The V-2 Rocket and the Conquest of Space by John Osselaer

p 14 LAST ROLL OF THE DICE

Takom’s 1:35 scale V-2, Meillerwagen and Hanomag SS100 truck combination by Pawel Rzymski.

p 24 PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. E

p 26 DESERT CRUISER Part One

Bronco Models 1:35 A10 Cruiser Tank by Brett Green

p 34 PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Grille Initial Production

p 36 EASTERN AMPHIBIAN

36

Hobby Boss 1:35 T-38 by by Almeria Modelismo Team

p 46 SMALL ARMS CORNER

Japanese Type 3 Wood Pecker Heavy Machine Gun

p 50 TECH GUIDE

Painting a Tamiya 1:35 M113A FSV

by Clayton Ockerby

p 56 PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 Zil-131

©Doolittle Media Ltd 2017 Tel: (UK) 01525 222573 Fax: (UK) 01525 222574 Email: enquiries@doolittlemedia.com Address: Doolittle Media Ltd., Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Model Military International is published monthly by Doolittle Media Ltd. Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

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Newsline - November 2017

MMI Newsdesk, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574 Email:editor@modelmilitary.com

KFS MINIATURES NEW RELEASES

NEW MILITARY TITLES FROM

KFS miniatures 35-005 - 1:35 WWII Era Recovery Tools for Allied Vehicles This upgrade set is recommended for 1:35 scale Scammell Pioneer S2VS from IBG Models and other models of Allied recovery and tow vehicles. It contains various tools that were commonly seen on such vehicles. All parts are cast in resin, and are delivered in unbuilt and unpainted condition.

Price: 15$ + 6$ shipping www.kfs-miniatures.com/135-wwii-recovery-tools-set/ KFS miniatures 35-004 - 1:35 WLA Female Tractor Driver This set contains one unbuilt and unpainted 1:35 scale figure of a female tractor driver from Woman’s Lands Army, based on a vintage recruitment poster. The figure fits the 1:35 scale Case VAI tractor kit from Thunder Model.

Price: 12$ + 6$ shipping www.kfs-miniatures.com/135-wla-female-tractor-driver/ Order proceeding time - 7 days.

Thanks to KFS Miniatures for the images and information www.kfs-miniatures.com

COPPER STATE MODELS 1:35 LANCHESTER ARMOURED CAR Copper State Models has released new photos of sprues for its forthcoming first AFV kit, the WWI Lanchester armoured car.

The kit has been in development for 2 years and will be 1:35 scale plastic (not a resin kit).

At this stage it is hoped the model will be ready for release for Christmas this year although no final date is available yet.

More photos and details when they become available!

For further information please visit the Copper State Models Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/copperstatemodels/ Copper State Models website: http://www.copperstatemodels.com

NEW BOOKS IN THE FIREFLY COLLECTION Dennis Oliver has sent us information on the next book in the Firefly Collection: After a long break, production of the Firefly Collection books has recommenced.

The books will be the same size and format of the old Firefly titles but will have a new look and layout. They will still contain the same amount of detailed information and high quality colour artwork from me and Stephen Andrew.

The first title will be Panther and Jagdpanther Units, Eastern Front. This is the second part of the series that we started two years ago. www.bookworldws.co.uk//panther-p-7518.html Bookworld Publishing in the UK will be handling the printing and distribution of the books and they are taking pre-orders now www.bookworldws.co.uk//panther-p-7518.html Thanks to Dennis Oliver for the details.

OSPREY PUBLISHING This September, Osprey Publishing is releasing books on two of the most famous tanks that Germany produced during World War II.

PANTHER The German Panther is one of the most famous, and greatest, tanks of World War II. Often considered the most elegant tank design of the war, it embodied a balance of firepower, armour protection and mobility unmatched by any other tank of the period.

This new study by German armour expert Thomas Anderson draws upon original German archival material to tell the story of the birth of the Panther and its success on the battlefield. This impressively illustrated volume is a unique history of one of the most famous tanks of World War II. PUBLISHING: September 2017 - ISBN: 9781472827036 - FORMAT: Hardback PRICE: £20

Now publishing in paperback!

TIGER The Tiger tank was a beast of a machine which dominated the battlefields of Europe with its astonishing size, speed and firepower, which continues to fascinate more than 70 years after it was first designed. Revealing its design and development history, Thomas Anderson draws upon original German archival material to tell the story of one of the most feared weapons of World War II. PUBLISHING: September 2017 - ISBN: 9781472822048 - PRICE: £18

Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the information and images www.ospreypublishing.com

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Think Tank - The V-2 Rocket and the Conquest of Space

T

he German V-2 rocket, or A-4 for Aggregate 4 (Assembly 4), entered military service by the end of World War II. It is undoubtedly one of most fascinating weapons of the whole conflict. The rocket represented such a technological leap forward it created a whole new class of weapons, the ballistic missiles. Also known as the Vergeltungswaffe 2 in the Nazi propaganda, it was developed and deployed under a most vicious and degenerate regime.

Nonetheless it paved the way for one of man's biggest dreams: the conquest of space. From the modest beginnings at the Verein für Raumschiffahrt (Society for Space Travel), over the relentless testing at Peenemünde to the 'giant leap for mankind', this is also the story of one extraordinary man: Wernher von Braun.

This Think Tank will not solely focus on history and technical aspects for fear of losing readers over far too complicated technical explanations. It will also touch upon the human side and bring part of a story that tainted the legend of the V-2.

THE VERY EARLY DAYS: SOCIETY FOR SPACE TRAVEL

THE V-2 ROCKET AND THE CONQUEST OF SPACE John Osselaer explores the technical and human history of Germany’s infamous vengeance weapon, the V-2 rocket.

Telling the story of the V-2 rocket poses a challenge. While for other weaponry one can rely on a reference framework of previous designs and related technologies, the V-2 was the first of its kind and therefore requires a different approach. This unique aspect was essential for the rocket to ever see the light of day as we will see shortly.

The history of the V-2 can be traced back to a small group of 'rocket enthusiasts' who in the late 1920s and early 1930s experimented with rockets in the Verein für Raumschiffahrt (VfR), an organization created

by Professor Hermann Oberth, the author of 'Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen' (The Rocket Into Interplanetary Space). One of the members of this Society for Space Travel was a young Wernher von Braun, the man who would eventually put us on the moon.

Although the activities of the VfR were characterized by experiments carried out with limited means, they attracted the attention of the military. The reason for this lay in the unique nature of rockets. By the time the Treaty of Versailles put down its harsh restrictions on the German military, rockets were an unknown entity and therefore not forbidden.

By 1930 the military establishment

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Members of the Verein Fⁿr Raumschiffahrt, with Wernher von Braun second from the right (Library of Congress).

found this loophole and decided to launch a rocket program. Captain Walter Dornberger was appointed head of this program and work started at the Kummersdorf Artillery Range near Berlin.

To maintain a veil of secrecy the establishment was called 'Experimental Station West'.

In the meantime the VfR had grown to more than 1,000 members and the rockets that were being created and tested became bigger and more powerful.

The road was bumpy with many failures and frustrations, but a dedicated group kept on pushing forward and von Braun took up an increasingly important role.

The VfR even obtained a new testing location, an abandoned ammunition storage site in the northern suburbs of Berlin.

Although the location was pretty shabby, it served the Society very well and they dubbed it the 'Raketenflugplatz' or Rocket Flying Place.

Although the great depression was felt hard in Germany, the group managed to build out a machine shop and acquire materials by relentlessly soliciting companies and individuals. They kept building and launching rockets, even though membership of the VfR dropped considerably, many members no longer being able to pay their contribution.

Things changed dramatically when the Army started taking an interest in the VfR.

VON BRAUN, THE RESTLESS GENIUS For almost two years Walter Dornberger had tried to get German industrial companies to take an interest in developing rockets, without success. He realised that the German army would have to do it themselves and he started scouting for the brains to help in the design and development of military-grade rockets. Dornberger and his

Wernher von Braun surrendering to the Americans on May 2nd, 1945.

superior, Major Ritter von Horstig, visited the 'Raketenflugplatz' and were demonstrated a couple of rockets. A further demonstration at Kummersdorf was far from impressive, but still warranted further work and the most promising of the VfR members was hired: Wernher von Braun.

The early efforts of von Braun under the auspices of the Army can be summed up as 'great balls of fire' since most experiments blew up in quite a spectacular way.

Nonetheless progress was made on the theoretical and conceptual front. A test stand was created and a new 650-pound thrust engine proved reliable enough to attempt a first flying rocket.

The Wehrmacht's first rocket was named 'Aggregate' for Assembly and the A-1 was born.

Unfortunately the A-1 motor exploded during testing, but that didn't put off von Braun who decided to immediately move on to an improved version, the A-2.

Here we touch upon one of the most striking features of von Braun, a relentless drive to keep moving forward even in the face of countless disappointments and tremendous challenges. This quality of von Braun oozes from his comprehensive biography.

Reading through the book one often wonders how he managed all the tasks and challenges set upon him. This becomes particularly clear when the whole rocket development enterprise moved to a much larger, more remote and more secretive location: Peenemünde.

A-4 Rocket (copyright Hubert Cance).

Post-war NASA portrait of Wernher von Braun.

A-4 on launch pad (copyright Hubert Cance).

MOMMA SAID 'PEENEMÜNDE'!

The A-2 von Braun developed had its gyroscope in the middle of the rocket body and that proved to be a very effective measure. With the success of the rocket the Army provided more funds. It had become clear that Kummersdorf was becoming to A

A-4 on Meilerwagen transport trailer (copyright Hubert Cance).

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Think Tank - The V-2 Rocket and the Conquest of Space B small for the test flights of these

Remnants of a V-2 engine in the tunnels of Dora Mittelbau.

bigger rockets. A solution had to be found. While visiting his family von Braun's mother brought up the idea of the island of Usedom, near Peenemünde on the Baltic Sea. Dornberger found this idea very satisfactory and saw to it that the required property was purchased. The next phase in the development of Germany's ballistic missile was about to begin. An extraordinary effort to build modern infrastructure started at what was to become the Heeresversuchsstelle Peenemünde.

Meanwhile back in Kummersdorf rockets were getting bigger with the advent of the A-3. This rocket was much more sophisticated with a three-axis stabilization system that made use of accelerometers. For the first time a serious effort for guidance was provide by gyroscopes that were electronically linked to vanes in the exhaust that allowed to deflect the exhaust jet and thus alter the course of the rocket.

It was also much larger than all previous rockets, being 21 feet tall. The engine generated a thrust of 3.300 pounds. Although the A-3 performed well during static firings at Kummersdorf the flight tests near Peenemünde revealed many problems with the guidance system. A lot more research would be required, but in the meantime the design work for the larger artillery rocket, that would eventually become the A-4 or V-2, was being laid out.

GOING A-1, 2, 3, 4; V-2 KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR

Gyroscopes strewn on the floor at Dora Mittelbau.

The development of the V-2 wasn't a one-man show of course.

Another important figure in the development of the rocket was Dr. Walter Thiel, who joined the Kummersdorf team to work on the development of the propulsion system. Thiel had to overcome the erratic combustion of the propellant which was causing serious problems. He developed injection nozzles that atomized the propellants. He furthermore reduced the length of the combustion chamber and started clustering groups of injectors to arrive at a motor with no less than 25-ton thrust. Things were progressing, but by no means could there be any thought of mass production of anything reliable.

The preliminary design specifications for the A-4 were largely dictated by practical considerations such as the ability of being transported through railroad tunnels and through small villages. The new rocket would

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V-2 launch pad.

Today you can still find parts of rockets in the tunnels at Dora Mittelbau.

be 45 feet long, about five feet in diameter, with a fin span of 11 feet. The propellants where to be liquid oxygen and alcohol for a 25-ton thrust for 60 seconds.

These specifications would bring the launch weight of the rocket to 12 tons.

The guidance system of the A-3 had failed considerably. It was decided that another test missile was needed to work on this aspect with a redesigned airframe and guidance system. That became the A-5, which resembled the A-4, but about half the size. By the fall of 1939 the new guidance system was ready and it worked! However, by now World War II had commenced and with Germany's blitz victories the rocket development program was no longer a priority.

Peenemünde's staff was even drafted! Dornberger did all he could to get the A-4 higher on the priority list again. Not without difficulty he succeeded by using all he had in his arsenal: ruse, bypassing, etc. Work continued at Peenemünde and by the spring of 1942 the first A-4 was ready. The first test launches were failures and new doubts on the program were being raised. Dornberger and von Braun were also getting nervous. October 3, 1942 would mark a historic moment. An A-4 would be launched and a new failure would surely mean the end of the program. Liquid oxygen vapors were building up pressure in the tank. Upon ignition, the propellant started flowing into the combustion chamber. Next a turbopump started forcing liquid oxygen and alcohol in the injector cups. The rocket lifted off the launch stand. It climbed slowly

and started to pitch correctly.

It continued to accelerate and complete its 50° pitch. The A-4 reached its peak altitude of 60 miles and then began its parabolic arc back to earth. The launch was a total success. For the first time in history a man-made object reached outer space!

BETRAYED BY THE V-1 In 1939 the German Luftwaffe had started its on rocket program, albeit on a more modest principle.

The result would be the V-1, the first of the Nazi's Vergeltungswaffe program. Although completely different from the V-2 because of its concept, size and propulsion (a pulse-jet engine) the V-1 would have a serious impact on the V-2 development in a particular way. The V-1 was also tested at Peenemünde. This weapon required a long launch ramp to gather enough speed for flight.

The Allies had already caught

rumours of secret weapons being developed and had picked up unusual activity at the Baltic coast. Aerial reconnaissance of the region was intensified. Secret intelligence got involved and gradually the evidence was building up. Constance Babington Smith, an RAF officer, detected a launch ramp with a strange, small aircraft while examining a reconnaissance photograph. Further examination of aerial photographs removed any doubt; Peenemünde was about to get a ‘visit’.

Operation 'Hydra' was planned for weeks. Bomber Command was preparing for a massive raid.

On August 17, 1943 the RAF bombers took to the air for their night bombing raid. A diversionary raid was set up to lure the Germans into a false sense of security. At 11h30 the sirens sounded at Peenemünde with the bombers of the diversionary attack flying over without

harm. An hour later the actual raid started. Three waves of bombers hit Peenemünde. The first group targeted the housing area, while a second wave hit the pre-production shops and the final wave unloaded their deadly cargo above the laboratories.

By the raid was over more than 1,500 tons of high-explosive and 280 tons of incendiary had been dropped. Nonetheless damage was not dramatic. The wind tunnel and the liquid oxygen plant were undamaged.

Most of the senior staff survived, but two important figures lost their lives: Dr. Thiel and Chief Engineer Walther. Most casualties unfortunately fell among the foreign prisoners who worked at the site.

The bombing raid had another consequence. The SS under Himmler now had a good excuse for getting involved. Himmler proposed moving all production A

V-1 fuselage in the tunnels of Dora Mittelbau.

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Think Tank - The V-2 Rocket and the Conquest of Space B underground to safeguard from bombing. He further suggested work on the rockets being carried out by concentration camp inmates since they were cut off from the outside world anyway, an excellent measure for security. The suffering it would entail would forever taint the history of the V-2.

DORA MITTELBAU HELL UNDER THE EARTH Gerhard Degenkolb was appointed as head of the A-4 production by Albert Speer. He was put under a lot of pressure to begin mass production with a monthly target set for no less than 1.800 missiles.

That was a very ambitious target to say the least considering that at that point the missiles were still being handcrafted at PeenemĂźnde. At first multiple factories were being considered until Himmler proposed to take production underground. A suitable location was found near the town of Nordhausen, in the Harz mountains. The Kohnstein Mountain was selected for tunnelling, an ambitious and gargantuan task. That didn't put off Himmler and his cohorts. They created a 'Mittelwerk', a stateowned corporation, and started drawing from a gigantic pool of concentration camp prisoners.

The first group of prisoners arrived in August 1943 and were housed in camp named 'Dora'.

SS BrigadefĂźhrer Hans Kammler oversaw the construction of the Mittelwerk and Dora. Kammler was an extraordinarily fanatic and ruthless figure who would create conditions that led to the gruesome death of thousands of inmates.

In September 1943, the prisoners moved from their tents in Dora into the dark, oxygenpoor tunnels. Conditions were absolutely horrible for the unlucky souls who hand-carved the tunnels and production rooms. People died by the dozen, about 250

a day, from undernourishment, exhaustion, disease and the brutal treatment by the 'Kapos'. These guards usually were common criminals who exhorted a sadistic treatment in order to maintain their 'privileged' status. They also set examples by hanging inmates from the tunnel ceilings and other forms of public execution, including murdering workers with power tools. Dora was rightfully called the hell of concentration camps. An estimated 20,000 people died in a relatively short period of time. That wouldn't put off those who wanted to see their vengeance weapons deployed in great numbers.

Eventually both the V-1 and the V-2 would be built in the enormous tunnel complex that had been carved out in the Kohnstein Mountain. Today Dora Mittelbau is a site of remembrance and some remaining tunnels may be visited with a guide. A deliberate choice was made to leave all that was found untouched after reopening one of the blown-up tunnels.

Both the Americans, who liberated Dora and, in the process, my wife's grandfather, Martin Wolff, and the Soviets who took over later plundered the site, with the Soviets blowing up most of the galleries and tunnels after they were done with it. In the damp tunnels one can find a corroded V-2 engine and a launching platform.

In between the rock debris parts of missiles can be seen, even stacks of gyroscopes. Even if you are fascinated by the technology of the rockets you cannot escape the thought that it all came at the cost of a human suffering we can hardly imagine nowadays. Did von Braun and the other main figures in the V-2 story know about this?

Without a doubt they did. The question remains if they would have been in a position to change much, von Braun having brushed with the SS before.

When the Americans liberated

Dora Mittelbau in April 1945 they immediately commenced shipping out as much material as they could. They didn't find complete rockets, but plenty of rockets in various stages of construction and vast quantities of parts. Before the site was handed over to the Soviets they transferred 640 tons of material by train to the Belgian port of Antwerp where it was immediately shipped off to the United States. A British mission also visited Dora Mittelbau. The members were totally shaken by what they found.

In their report they talked about the epitome of megalomaniac V-2 cutaway. production without any regard for humanitarian considerations.

VENGEANCE UNLEASHED The human suffering caused by the V-2 would obviously not only be limited to the consequences of its production. After all, this was a weapon, a delivery system for explosives, and the Nazi regime would use it to its full extent. The regime was intent on finding a way to take revenge for the colossal bombing of Germany by the Allied air fleet. By now, the Luftwaffe had wasted to a meagre shadow of its former strength. The longer the war carried on, the more bombers got through Germany's air defences and returned to their bases.

Hitler wanted the Vergeltungswaffe, hence the letter 'V', deployed in great numbers to bring the terror back to the Great Britain and hopefully dissuade the country from blasting Germany's cities.

By this stage of the war, when Germany was being pushed back on all fronts and was taking a terrible beating, the regime also desperately needed something to revive the hope and trust of the German people. Goebels' propaganda machine exploited the new vengeance weapons to the fullest and promised the Germans that these Wunderwaffe or wonder weapons would turn the tide of the

La Coupole (The Dome) is a gigantic dome-shaped launch bunker in Wizernes. Photo by Rogine Loger.

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V-2 engine at La Coupole. Photo by Rogine Loger.

A V-2 rocket suspended from the dome of La Coupole. Photo by Rogine Loger.

war. Goebels warned the enemy that they would face obliteration by the new weapons coming into service.

New developments of World War II would have an impact on the use of the V-weapons. On 6 June 1944 the Allies landed in Normandy and the liberation of Europe began. Exactly a week later the first V-1 was launched at London; a new 'Blitz' had begun.

Soon up to 100 V-1s a day were launched at southern England from the French and Dutch coast.

The allies set out to bombing the launching sites. They also set up belts of anti-aircraft guns and sent out Spitfires and Hurricanes to intercept the so-called 'doodlebug'. They managed to take down a lot of rockets before

V-2 engine at Koblenz (@ Wehrtechnischen Studiensammlung, Koblenz).

those hit their target.

The V-2 however would prove to be unstoppable. The rocket dropped to earth at speeds of up to 3,600 km/h (more than 2,200 m/h). There was no way of taking on an incoming V-2. The side effect of this high impact speed is that the rocket usually buried itself deep in the ground before exploding, reducing the effect of its 738kg Amatol Fp60/40 warhead.

The total surprise caused by a V-2 impact earned it the nickname 'sudden death'.

LA COUPOLE AND LE BLOCKHAUS The initial idea was to launch V-2 missiles from gigantic bunkers that served for stocking, assembling and launching the weapons. In the north of France two of these

gigantic constructions remain to testify this concept. La Coupole (The Dome) is a gigantic domeshaped launch bunker in Wizernes.

Still under construction, the Allies tried to take it out with Tallboy bombs and other bombing raids.

The didn't succeed to crack the massive dome, but the caused enough damage for construction work to stop. Had the bunker gone operational it would have been possible to launch dozens of missiles a day towards London.

The gigantic complex had huge facilities for storage and launch preparation. Today La Coupole is an underground History Center where one visitors circuit is entirely dedicated to the V-weapons and the conquest of space.

Not far from La Coupole, in Éperlecques you can find Le Blockhaus (The Bunker) another huge concrete construction. The bunker was to also to serve as a construction and launch facility, with more emphasis on the construction. It also had a liquid oxygen factory and a bomb-proof train station for receiving rockets by train from Germany. Just like La Coupole this bunker would never be finalized because of repeated allied bombing. Today the site can be visited; there is also a V-1 on an

Upper section detail of the V-2 engine (@ Wehrtechnischen Studiensammlung, Koblenz).

authentic launch ramp in front of the bunker.

THE LONDON AND ANTWERP BLITZ The first V-2 hit London on 8 September, 1944. British censorship was fast to cover up the huge damage the device caused and the sudden nature of its impact. Not to much avail though, because London and other British cities would be the target of the V-weapons for another six months. As the Allies continued their liberation of Europe it became increasingly difficult for the Germans to maintain their launching sites. The last V-2 to be fired on the UK from the region of The Hague in the Netherlands hit the town of Orpington on March 27, 1945.

In the meantime, the war situation has changed dramatically.

The Allies liberated the city of Antwerp early September 1944.

However, the Scheldt estuary would remain in German hands until early November. From that moment on the port could be used to ship huge amounts of men and supplies straight into the heart of Allied operations.

The German High Command obviously grasped the importance of Antwerp. Hitler even referred to

A

Lower section of the V-2 engine (@ Wehrtechnischen Studiensammlung, Koblenz).

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Think Tank - The V-2 Rocket and the Conquest of Space B it as 'the key of the situation' and wanted the city levelled. Antwerp would become the primary target of German V-attacks with a first V-2 hitting Brasschaat, near Antwerp, on October 7, 1944.

It was the first of thousands of vengeance weapons fired at the area. Many citizens left the city as the attacks increased with mounting casualties and material damage. Antwerp became a desolate city. A particularly dramatic impact took place on November 27th when a V-2 hit the busiest crossroads of Antwerp, De Keyserlei and the Teniersplaats (Tenier Square) at noon, just while a British column of vehicles was passing. This attack cost the lives of 128 civilians and soldiers.

Before the end of the year almost 600 vengeance weapons had hit Antwerp.

It is not within the scope of this article to go into detail about all the strikes, but the gravity of the situation can be illustrated by an historical fact. The attacks reached such an intensity that even the tough dockworkers demanded 'danger money' to keep working and when this didn't come about fast enough they went on strike. The city of Antwerp and the surrounding region would be subjected to further strikes until March 30, 1945 when the last V-1 struck without causing casualties.

Only three days earlier a final V-2 had taken the lives of 23 people.

The V-terror was finally over.

V-2 dimensions.

CONCLUSION The development of the V-2 is without a doubt one of the major scientific achievements of World War II. However, it came at a terrible human cost.

It also came at an exorbitant financial cost. The vast amounts of resources the German put in the program could easily have been invested in weaponry with a more direct impact on the war.

The regime nonetheless kept supporting the development of the rockets in a vain hope that they would turn the tide of the war, but also for mere propaganda purposes.

The rockets came at the right moment to give the demoralized German people some hope for a last-minute victory.

In the end the V-2 didn't change the course of the war, but it was at the base of the conquest of space.

Under the supervision of Wernher von Braun, the US started a missile development program that would eventually lead to the Saturn V and the first man on the moon.

The giant leap for mankind had its humble beginnings in a group of rocket enthusiasts in the 1920s. It would take almost half a century and an insane amount of effort and human suffering to reach the goal of setting foot on the moon.

Merely eight years after the moon landing, having realised his own personal dreams, Wernher von Braun died of cancer and joined the stars he had always dreamed of. â–

Le Blockhaus, France.

A picture showing the devastation at Cinema Rex in Antwerp where 576 people lost their lives (Copyright CEGES-SOMA).

Sudden death at the Rex Cinema In preparation of the Ardennes Offensive the Germans intensified their attacks on the city. On 16 December 'Cinema Rex', on Antwerp's busiest street De Keyserlei, was featuring 'The Plainsman'. Nearly 1,200 people were watching the movie when at 15h20 a bright flash and thundering crash interrupted the movie. Chilling cries and complete darkness... A V-2 had fallen straight on the movie theatre. The carnage was beyond believe. People came crawling from underneath the rubble, their clothes ripped apart, covered in blood and dust. From all sides people came rushing to the site to help. They had to endure horrible sights of victims who were maimed beyond recognition. The attack was a devastating blow to the morale of the people of Antwerp. The fire department, the Red Cross, clerics, doctors, nurses all helped with the rescue effort and the with recovering the bodies. They were numbed by the events. It took more than a week to clear the rubble. No less than 567 bodies were recovered and 291 people were injured, making this the deadliest attack with a V-weapon of the war.

A map of the region of Antwerp showing all impacts of V-weapons (Copyright CEGES-SOMA).

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Takom V-2 Rocket, Meillerwagen, Hanomag SS100 • Kit No. 2030

L L O R T S LA E C I D E H T OF new 1:35 ’s m o k a T s mski build en and Hanomag y z R l e w a P Meillerwagation. , 2 V le a c s ck combin u r t 0 0 1 S S

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L CE

T

he V-2 was the German Vergeltungswaffe 2, a "Retribution Weapon 2". It was the world's first longrange guided ballistic missile.

The missile with a liquidpropellant rocket engine was developed during the Second World War in Germany as a "vengeance weapon", assigned to attack Allied cities as retaliation for the Allied bombings against German cities.

Research into military use of long range rockets began when the studies of graduate student Wernher von Braun attracted the attention of the German Army. A series of prototypes culminated in the A-4, which went to war as the

V-2. Beginning in September 1944, over 3,000 V-2s were launched by the German Wehrmacht against Allied targets.

The rocket was 14 metres long and weighed around 13 tons at launching. The payload was about 725 kg of high explosive.

Horizontal range was about 320 km and the peak altitude usually reached was around 80 km.

The V-2 rocket also became the first artificial object to cross the boundary of space on 20 June 1944. The first attacks took place on the beginning of September 1944 (Targets: Paris and London).

The last missile was launched on 27th of March 1945.

The Takom kit 2030 “V-2 Rocket Meillerwagen Hanomag SS100WWII”, the German V-2 Rocket Transporter / Erector, was on top of my wish list as soon as the announcement was made.

Pre-ordered and delivered for Christmas it was my perfect “self present” under the Christmas tree!

The kit consists of 17 light grey sprues, one clear parts sprue, one small photo-etched fret, a total of 15 vinyl tires (some for the Hanomag and others for the trailer), two brass chains, and two small decal sheets. The build is divided (as expected) into three sub builds: the missile, the truck and of course the trailer. The

complexity of the sub builds has the same order with the missile sub build being a… box shaker!

LET’S GET IT DONE! I decided to start with the V2 missile. The main missile body is made of four pieces which come together very well. Once you attach the front and rear section of the rocket together (using an intermediary ring) and tail fins there is very few things left to be done. Few smaller parts and it is done. Quick and easy. The built missile is pretty impressive - it is 40cm long - with a lot of fine details out of the box. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Takom V-2 Rocket, Meillerwagen, Hanomag SS100 • Kit No. 2030

Compressed air bottles.

The upper part of the trailer.

The trailer frame with supplied photo-etched parts.

B THE TRAILER When you have a missile, it would be nice to be able to mount it on something, so the second build was the trailer.

The trailer is by far the most complicated part of the whole build. There are a great number of parts and small details to put together. Happily the fit is very good but patience, dexterity and some modelling experience is required.

One of the biggest pains were the small side bars (parts C25, C62 G20,21 etc). There are well over 40 to fix and they are more than fragile afterwards. I had to reattach quite a few of them as some felt off while manipulating the kit.

Because of the complexity, I would recommend this kit only to an experienced intermediate / experienced modeller.

The trailer may be built in launch and transport position, which are nice options. It suggests quite a number of possibilities especially when it is a part of a diorama.

The last sub-build was the

Hanomag SS100 truck. The build consists of 25 steps. It is easier than the trailer but close study of the manual is needed in some steps. I would advise to fit parts F38/39 (headlamps) and F4/F5 (width indicators) at the very end.

Those two are very fragile and may break during the build especially when you need to turn the unfinished truck upside down.

Leaf spring suspension units.

PAINTING THE V2

Trailer details under construction.

For the paint job of the missile I choose the hard-edged camouflage with green and white-cream stripes; the second option in the instructions.

After first masking with Tamiya masking tape, the green Ammo Mig 004 ResedagrĂźn colour was thinly sprayed on the base Dunkelgelb color (a mix of Tamiya Dark Yellow and Buff). Then the masking had to be done once again in order to spray the second camouflage colour (Tamiya White + some Buff to break the colour). With the camouflage done, the final step was a pin wash using Dark and Brown Wash. A

The front steering section is taking shape.

Vinyl tyres are supplied.

The front steering section complete.

Wheels and tyres assembled.

Front missile mount.

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The first steps in building the chassis.

Cabin seats.

Further work on the chassis and mudguards.

More work on the chassis.

Let's start putting things together!

It really will be a truck!

It is a truck!

Engine cover assembled.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Takom V-2 Rocket, Meillerwagen, Hanomag SS100 • Kit No. 2030

Main missile body.

Rear section.

V2 missile parts.

Test fitting the elements before painting.

The built missile is pretty impressive “ it is 40cm long - with a lot of fine details out of the box... ”

Basic paint with a mix of Tamiya Dark Yellow and Buff.

The second round of masking.

Masking with Tamiya tape.

First camouflage applied Ammo Mig 004 Resedagrün.

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B PAINTING THE HANOMAG SS100

AND TRAILER

White camouflage sprayed.

Looking at the proposed camouflage I wasn’t sure which one to pick, so before starting the painting of the truck and trailer some research had to be done. After some internet digging and asking friends (thank you Bernard!) it became clear that it was the Luftwaffe that was in charge of transportation the V2 to their launch sites.

Knowing that most second line unit vehicles were left in Panzer Grey I was convinced to pick the famous German grey colour.

After gently cleaning the truck and trailer from any dust and grease the painting started. After priming both models the Tamiya XF-24 Dark Grey was applied.

Next, highlights were made with Tamiya XF-53. The effort was mainly concentrated in the middle of the panels and on higher raised parts in order to create the desired effect. With the greys done it was the time work even more on the tint. The Luftwaffe grey is told to be more on the bluish side so I decide to treat both models (the truck and the trailer) with P240 Blue for Panzer Grey ready to use filter.

In order to break down a little bit the dominant grey colour a rusty wash was applied on the engine cover and the roof of the truck and some parts of the trailer. From the descriptions and pictures I found the rear units’ vehicles had often a faded/worn look. To obtain this effect 3 oil paints were used. First WhiteTitan and after Copper Oxide Blue as well as Faded Dark Yellow (both from Abteilung 502). A

Dark washes applied.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Takom V-2 Rocket, Meillerwagen, Hanomag SS100 • Kit No. 2030

Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey was applied in some place to highlight some areas of the model.

Basic grey paint using Tamiya XF-24 Dark Grey.

Blue filter and Rust Effects from Mig Productions.

Fading done using Titan white oil paint.

Dark washes and decals applied.

Further fading done using Abteiling 502 Copper Oxide Blue and Faded Dark Yellow oil paints.

This is a subtle but effective step.

This was applied to the trailer too.

Light colour base for chipping (mapping).

Dark chips applied over lighter base.

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Weathering on the tyres.

Wheels, windscreen and side windows installed.

Streaking with ready to use AK fluids.

Right side view.

B To add more depth a dark pin wash was applied

Final dusting using dry pigments.

Front steering wheels finished.

in all recesses and around bolts. The next evening when everything dried I was able to start the work on chipping. The method I often use is called “mapping”.

It consists of making first bigger chip with a tint lighter than the base paint and then using a much darker ton to make a smaller chip inside. For this purpose I used Vallejo Light Grey 70990 and AK Interactive chipping Color (AK711).

Approaching the end it was the right time to take care of tyres. First they were painted with Dark Rubber from Panzer Aces series acrylic paint. Then, Gulf War Sand and Europe Dust dry pigments from Mig Productions were applied with a brush and a Thinner for Washes was used to fix them on the tires.

When the pigments dried the excess was brushed away leaving nicely weathered tires. To add even some more variation to the surface Dark Streaking Grime AK 024 and Light Rust Wash AK 046 were used to create streaks and some light rust traces here and there.

The final step was to apply few fuel stains using AK 025 fuel stains liquid from AK Interactive and dry pigments (the same as on tires) on the truck and trailer in order to create a general dusty look. ■

Fuel stains.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Takom V-2 Rocket, Meillerwagen, Hanomag SS100 • Kit No. 2030

The completed trailer from the left side…

…and the right.

The dusty truck.

This is a nice model in its own right.

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The trailer with its cargo in place.

Careful weathering makes all the difference.

All the pieces brought together.

trailer is by far the most complicated part “ofThe the whole build. There is a great number of parts and small details to put together... �

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KIT PREVIEW

Bronco Models 1:35 Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. E Sd.Kfz. 142/1 • Kit No CB-35119

The one-piece lower hull tub.

Main superstructure part.

BARBAROSSA STUG

Early and late style drive sprockets are included.

Andrew Judson examines Bronco’s latest entry to their new 1:35 scale Sturmgeschutz III family – the Ausf. E.

T

he Stug III has been manufactured by several companies now, all being welcomed to the modelling world, and now it’s Bronco’s turn with this great variant of a popular machine, and I have to say that it won’t let you down.

The box has a nice clear colour side profile drawing of the vehicle, as serving in the Russian campaign.

Inside the box we are greeted with six sprues and the lower tub, plus an upper structure in a tan coloured plastic, a set of individual track links in a dark brown plastic, two photo-etched frets and two lengths of copper cable, a brass barrel, a small sprue of fine wing nuts in grey plastic, a small decal sheet with two vehicle options and lastly the instructions.

Parts total comes to 536, making this a well detailed kit, taking into account that 232 are

track links.

Looking at the actual parts, I can say that this is a high quality product requiring minimal clean up, and detail is very crisp.

You get a choice of a plastic barrel and a brass one. Most would jump right at the latter, although take into consideration that the plastic barrel has rifling inside whereas the brass does not.

Either will look great though, once on and painted.

The decals appear to be very well printed and, as mentioned, give the builder two choices. StuG. Abt.190.East Front Russia 1941/2 and StuG.Abt.Grossdeutschland, East Front, Russia 1941/2.

The instructions are well written and illustrated, being easy to understand and offering a logical order of assembly.

The actual build starts with the driveline and the lower hull, providing a very nice looking gun breech and structure. This is

then followed on with the upper structure and details.

Next is the assembly of the tracks, taking care that they are cleaned up after removing them from the sprues, for good fitment.

These are very nicely detailed as well, with hollowed guide horns.

Lastly are the fenders and all the equipment that go on them, and the build is complete.

Painting this cool machine, if you go out of box, you get two choices….Panzer Grey or Panzer Grey!

Lovely detail on the road wheels.

Four photo-etched frets are included.

CONCLUSION In summary, I would say that this is a very nice kit, and one well worth grabbing. A job well done to team Bronco!

Highly Recommended. ■

Thanks to Bronco for the sample http://www.cn-bronco. com/en/index.php

Optional turned brass parts are provided for the 75mm gun barrel.

Separate wing nuts are a nice detailing touch.

Copper wire for the tow cable and the track assembly jig.

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The kit includes workable individual track links.

Two Panzer Grey options are offered on the kit’s decal sheet.

15/09/2017 10:13

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bronco 1:35 scale British Cruiser Tank A10 Mk.I / IA / IA CS • Kit No. CB35150

DESERT CRUISER PART ONE - CONSTRUCTION

Bronco’s brand new A10 Cruiser Tank is first to market as an injection moulded kit. In the first instalment of this two part series, Brett Green builds the kit.

Bronco’s box art suggests some peculiar camouflage colours.

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The one-piece lower hull tub.

A number of armament options are offered, including the 3.7” Close Support gun barrel.

The kit-supplied photo-etched fret.

I

t might seem hard to believe considering the increasing avalanche of new releases over the last decade, but there are still some subjects that are not covered by mainstream injection-moulded kits.

Although I have a half a shelf full of resin Accurate Armour kits that have been superseded by nice new injection-moulded releases – Cromwell, Valentines, Centaur and more – much of my wish list for some early WWII and oddball military subjects remains unanswered.

Several of these subjects were in the Cromwell Models range, but I hadn’t had any luck getting hold of them.

I was delighted back in 2013 when Inside the Armour released a 1:35 scale full kit of the A10 Cruiser Tank, although that was a very limited run resin offering that is no longer available.

But as the old saying goes, you wait ages for a bus and then two turn up at the same time. Within weeks of each other, we had announcements from the brand-new company

The main turret shell.

The link and length tracks are well detailed.

Upper hull.

Parts are sensibly broken down. The one-piece spring and shock absorber parts look good.

Clear parts are provided for the headlight and spotlight lenses, as well as periscopes.

Gecko Models and also from Bronco that they will be releasing injection moulded 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser kits.

Based on the pre-release announcements, Gecko Models will be offering three separate kits – a British 2 Pdr gun tank, a British 3.7” Close Support version and a German Beutepanzer. The Gecko kits will have a full interior and workable individual link tracks.

Bronco is the first to market and a sample of the kit has just hit the MMI desk.

Bronco’s A10 Cruiser may be built as Mk.I or Mk.IA 2 Pdr versions, a Mk.IA 3.7” CS or a captured Beutepanzer from the one box.

The Bronco kit contains a modest 222 parts in dark yellow injection moulded plastic, five parts in clear, 18 parts on a single photo-etched fret and markings for six varied options.

Parts breakdown is refreshingly simple and exterior detail looks great, peppered as it is with domed rivets and bolt heads.

The lower hull is a tub, speeding assembly, and the turret shell is moulded with sides,

Seven marking options are offered on the decal sheet.

roof and rear panel. Turret hatches may be posed open or closed. The driver’s and radio operator’s hatches could be modified to pose open without too much trouble too. Optional gun shields and machine guns are provided for the Mk.I and Mk.IA. The running gear is nicely detailed but broken down simply. There are four suspension units comprising just nine parts each, including plastic moulded springs. The suspension units are fixed in the neutral (flat) position.

Tracks are link and length, with a straight top and bottom run joined by individual links that wrap around the drive sprockets and idler wheels. There are only 17 track parts per side.

The track parts feature crisp and excellent track pad, side and inside face detail.

Handles, lifting rings and other small details are separate parts.

Bronco also includes a perforated photoetched heat shield for the muffler.

Clear parts are offered for the spotlight and scopes. A

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bronco 1:35 scale British Cruiser Tank A10 Mk.I / IA / IA CS • Kit No. CB35150

Each bogie unit is made up from seven parts plus wheels.

B MARKING OPTIONS A whopping seven marking options are offered, ranging from Khaki Green and Dark Green; Light Stone and Slate; Portland Stone, Brown and Slate; Olive Drab and Blue Black; Portland Stone, Rust and Silver Grey; and even Panzer Grey!

Although the colours on the box art perpetuate the now-debunked myth of the blue Caunter camouflage colour, the callouts in the instruction appear to be correct right down to quoting SCC paint numbers. The instructions also offer paint colour suggestions for British camouflage colours equivalents in the Mr Color lacquer range.

MIKE STARMER ANALYSIS British military colours expert Mike Starmer has also added some comments about the colours and markings suggested by the kit instructions:

These photo-etched parts will be essential structural elements of the suspension.

One bogie assembled. The triangular cover has not been glued in place at this stage.

Three wheels have been attached to the lower bogie truck.

The return roller is glued to the triangular cover, but it should not be fixed to the lower bogie truck at this stage.

“Basically the only scheme properly advised is the captured tank. All of the others are inaccurate.

The BEF example does not show the actual method that the disruptive banding was applied, and certainly not in Black. Also, Khaki Green 3 is not green but actually a brown shade like a deep Olive Drab.

The side view in three stripes of Caunter is fine but without the other four 4 views of the pattern it becomes almost useless for the modeller.

The scheme of multi-coloured angular patches is pure fantasy whilst that for 3 and 5 RTRs in two colours is not quite accurate and lacks one of the disruptive stripes, again useless without the four views or photographs.

Furthermore, Brown / Light Purple Brown 49 were not used in the Caunter patterning.” A

The photo-etched parts are bent using a pair of long-nose electrical pliers.

The only area that “ presented any challenge

was the running gear, which was a bit wobbly...

”

The photo-etched parts have been attached to the lower hull using super glue.

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You will have the best chance of aligning the wheels if you leave the middle wheel off each bogie until the suspension is almost complete.

Note the alignment of the photo-etched parts.

The bogie truck is glued in place, then the triangular section is glued over the top.

The bogies in place. The centre wheels of the bogie trucks have been glued in place now.

The suspension assembly is quite wobbly with a fair amount of room for error, so take time and care when aligning the parts.

The hull was weighted down with a bottle of Tamiya Cement as the glue on the suspension set. This helped ensure that all the wheels touched the ground at the same time.

Rear hull parts.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bronco 1:35 scale British Cruiser Tank A10 Mk.I / IA / IA CS • Kit No. CB35150

The first step fitting the tracks was to glue seven individual tracks around the drive sprocket.

The characteristic drive sprockets were assembled.

One side of the link-and-length tracks plus the drive sprockets.

The drive sprocket fitted to the forward rear hull.

The rear link of a six-link length was bent upwards to assist the alignment with the individual links on the drive sprocket.

The straight bottom run was now glued to the bottom of the road wheels.

The remaining links and lengths were attached, then the completed tracks and hull were weighted down with two bottles of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement.

The six-link length bridges the gap between the straight bottom run and the drive sprocket.

The long top run was glued to the drive sprocket, the return rollers and the idler wheel.

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Weighing down the suspension and tracks avoids the dreaded “floating wheels” syndrome!

Forward upper hull parts ready for assembly.

The radiator intake is made up from four separate sections per side.

One of the completed side intakes.

Photo-etched parts are provided for the muffler’s perforated heat shield and other detail parts.

The basic upper hull.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Bronco 1:35 scale British Cruiser Tank A10 Mk.I / IA / IA CS • Kit No. CB35150

B CONSTRUCTION The model was built straight from the box with no aftermarket or scratch built additions at all.

The modest parts count translated to a fast build.

The only area that presented any challenge was the running gear, which was a bit wobbly. The join between the axles and the road wheels was particularly sloppy. I found that it was best to only glue the outer two road wheels to each bogie truck until the suspension was glued to the lower hull.

Otherwise, assembly was done according to the instructions.

I particularly liked the link and length tracks. They are nicely detailed, fit accurately and are made up from only 17 links and lengths on each side. ■

The upper and lower hull sub-assemblies are glued together.

Fit of the upper hull is good, but careful test-fitting is advisable before reaching for the glue.

Modelspec Bronco 1:35 scale British Cruiser Tank A10 Mk.I / IA / IA CS Kit No. CB35150 Materials Used: • Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement • Revell Contacta Glue • Selleys Super Glue ✓ High level of detail; accurate; straightforward engineering. ✗ Wobbly suspension Available from Thanks to Bronco for the sample http://www.cn-bronco.com/en/index.php

Rating

Stowage boxes significantly alter the geometry of the upper hull sides.

Boxes and fittings have been secured to the left side too.

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The 3.7� howitzer option was used for my model.

The assembled mantlet.

The main turret parts.

The turret includes a spotlight.

The clear lens will be installed after painting is complete.

The domed rivets are quite effective.

The turret and hull are brought together.

Next time we will paint the A10 in the Caunter Scheme.

NEXT TIME: Next time we will add a crew and paint the A10 in the desert Caunter Scheme.

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KIT PREVIEW

Dragon 1:35 Geschutzwagen 38H fur s.IG.33/1 Initial Production • Kit No. 6857

Superstructure detail.

Dragon has added a four person crew to the Cyberhobby Grille H for this high quality release.

INITIAL GRILLE AUSF. H

B

ased on the Czech 38(t) chassis, the first prototype of the Grille was made in 1942 and, thankfully for us, photographed in some detail. Full production started from February 1943 with 90 vehicles being made in the first batch. It was light and agile and had excellent mobility, plus it was found that the tracks and road wheels had a long service life.

This kit is an almost exact re-release of the Cyberhobby kit 6270 from 2009. In fact, the only changes are that a sprue of German infantry equipment has been swapped for a 4-figure crew set and a new etched fret is included.

The Cyberhobby kit was somewhat of a one-off in that it represented the first prototype vehicle that was photographed outside the BMM factory. It therefore has unique features (tool stowage, internal layout, different gun crutch, slotted gun frontal armour amongst others) that were not seen on the production vehicles.

An initial inspection of the box contents reveals an overall high level of detail and crisp mouldings that are typical Dragon.

Technically nothing is new in plastic here as it was all seen in 2009 and in the previous release.

Included with it is a metal barrel with rifling, pre-bent wire for the

Notek cable, an etched metal fret, a set of crew figures and the Magic Tracks are back. These have two knock-out pins on the inner surface of each link but some lovely casting marks molded in. Regarding the figures, these are Dragon’s 6016 set and date from 1993 but, unfortunately, these figures are plagued by flowlines on all parts except the arms, heads & jerrycan. Two of the figures (the one passing a shell to the one leaning over) are rather pointless for this vehicle as there is nowhere for the leaning figure to go! Still, it’s a nice touch.

Dragon provides us with a fully detailed interior including a transmission and basic engine & cooling fan arrangement. The fighting compartment is very well done although the layout of this prototype differed from the production vehicles. My references sadly only show the production vehicles but for many it won’t be a great issue. In fact, all the parts are in this kit to allow you to do a production version, so seek out 6270’s instructions on Google if you need to. A full radio arrangement is there and one improvement from 6720 is that we get an etched part that acts as a cover for the radios. We also get the option to display four of the shell containers open with etch for the shell straps.

The Sig.33 is beautifully done and that is all I will say on the matter.

Parts are provided as supports for a cover to go over the fighting compartment but you will have to make that cover yourself. To tie such a cover down there are many

miniscule etched tie-down loops and hoops in etch that you can apply to the superstructure sides.

The instructions on this one are very busy with many subassemblies called out along the way but, in typical Dragon fashion, there are a couple of things to be aware of. These are: • The assembly of the suspension units is confusing as you are best gluing Parts A13 & 16 to the hull tub and then attaching the leaf springs to the peg that is molded onto the hull tub. This one has caught me out previously.

• Do not fix the shovel and pick as shown because photos of the real prototype show them lying flat on the fender with the pick lying at an angle on top of the shovel.

• On the subject of the pick, we get straps for all of the tool (etched part MA21) but not the pick. There are six MA21’s on the fret but the instructions call out for seven to be used. The error is that we are asked to use two MA21’s on the jack whereas it should be, I think, part MA46. I am not convinced that dragon have provided a correct part so be careful.

I like this one. With a little research there is enough here to build both the prototype an initial production Grille.

I also like that we have a comprehensive etched fret and Magic Tracks and whilst the figures are a nice touch, maybe another set would have been better or just replaced with crew equipment.

I will give it 1 9/10 as it loses points for instructional errors but will still give it a highly recommended. ■

Here are the shells…

…and the empty containers.

The crew figures.

You can see here the ugly flow lines.

Rifling inside the barrel.

Magic Tracks with casting number detail.

Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the sample www.hobbyco.net

Parts on the etched fret.

Road wheel detail.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Hobby Boss 1:35 T-38 Amphibious Light Tank • Kit No. 83865

EASTERN AMPHIBIAN

by Almeria Modelismo Team: Assembly: Francisco José Pinos Cabrera Painting: Francisco Lao Moya, Carlos Alba López and Joaquín García Gázquez Figure: Paulino Barros López

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T

he T-38 was a development of the earlier T-37, to improve its performance and to solve some faults of the previous design.

The T-38 kept several of the T-37´s features, like the GAZ-AA engine and hand – powered turret. This turret was moved from the right side to the left. It had wider and lower profile than its predecessor, improving its buoyancy and navigation in the water.

The T-38 was developed as a reconnaissance and infantry support vehicle. As a reconnaissance vehicle it had the advantages of a very low profile, good autonomy and wading capabilities. On the other hand, its light armour, the weak weaponry (a single machine gun) and the lack of a radio in most T-38s, made that their use in combat and reconnaissance missions was limited.

It also suffered the overloading through the water. It was unable to support two soldiers while it was floating, so 120-150kg overloading let water into the vehicle through the commander´s porthole, often resulting in the vehicle sinking.

All of these shortcomings were solved by the T-40, successor of the T-38, but only a few of these vehicles were manufactured before WWII. This situation made that the T-37A and the T-38 were part of most amphibious vehicles of the Red Army.

From 1936 to 1937 1,228 T-38 tanks were produced. Later, in 1939 after a two-year break 112 more were manufactured.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Hobby Boss 1:35 T-38 Amphibious Light Tank • Kit No. 83865

THE MODEL KIT Hobby Boss is producing some not so well-known subjects, which not long ago you could only find from minor brands or even as resin kits.

The T-38 is one of those subjects. It is a nice build, with good fit and a small photo-etched fret enough for detailing the kit. The small individual track links are hard to build, but with a little loving care they will look perfect.

In fact, we do not need much more to enjoy a nice model.

Once a year, Almería Modelismo members come together to build a model that is raffled at our annual contest, the Clinic Modelista. We do this to make something different and to enjoy it, so that is what this project is all about.

This model is the result.

We can build a well-detailed model straight from the box to obtain an excellent result.

The photo-etched fret, even being quite small, is still enough. It offers several racks for tools, pipes and the engine grille.

The only after market has been the exhaust, replaced by another hollowed one made of metal.

ASSEMBLY Assembly is quick and easy. In a few sessions the model is ready to paint.

PAINTING Every paint job starts with the airbrush base. This base is essential to be used to support all the following processes.

It must suit fine and concealing in a perfect way, so applying it by several coats is really important.

For me, Tamiya and Gunze Sangyo acrylics are the best, which you can also mix them perfectly together.

Base coat - 55% XF-61 Dark Green + 20% XF-5 Flat Green + 20% XF-8 Flat Blue + 5% XF-13 IJA Green 1st Highlight - Base coat + XF-4 Yellow Green + XF-57 Buff + XF-2 White.

2nd Highlght - Previous mix + XF-4 Yellow Green + XF-57 Buff + XF-2 White.

Shading - Base coat + XF-1 Black.

The airbrushing has been applied using zenith lighting and dividing the model’s planes by vertical and horizontal.

Translucent mixes have been applied on the horizontal surfaces such as the turret top, fenders, hull top and on the engine cover.

Vertical planes are shaded, allowing the base coat just like it was applied at the beginning.

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Finally, little clouds are made using the clearer and darker mixes to give worn and stained feeling.

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DETAILS, CHIPPING AND TOOLS A brush and Vallejo acrylics are used in these steps.

The sides were made of wood, so the scratches are made by mixing 70.986 Deck Tan with 70.856 Ochre Brown Worn portholes and general scratches are made by mixing 70.950 Black and 70.982 Cavalry Brown, modifying the proportions between each application.

The tracks were painted with the previous mix, but adding a bit of 70.873 US Field Drab. The parts that are prone polishing are painted using 70.856 Oily Steel with drybrush technique.

Tools are also painted using several Vallejo wood acrylics. The metallic part of the spade is painted applying a black base coat and later polished with graphite dust.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Hobby Boss 1:35 T-38 Amphibious Light Tank • Kit No. 83865

MUD AND EARTH ON THE LOWER SURFACES To simulate mud and earth accumulation on the lower parts of the model, the best thing we can use is pigment dust. There are many ways to fix them to the model, but I prefer to use diluted oils with enamel thinner. Also, we can vary these oils to give more colour range to the model.

We start by applying pigments to the areas that we want to be muddy. We have used a mix made of several earthy pigments to get a customised result.

To fix them, we apply the earthy mix made from oils with a brush and a toothpick. We can use any earthy colour. Do not hesitate in trying different mixes until you obtain your favourite tone.

On the front and the glacis we use the same technique in a different way. Once the pigment is fixed and before it dries, a part of the pigment is removed with a moistened brush, leaving dirt and earth stains on the surface.

We get diversity and authenticity alternating different pigments and oils.

We proceed the same way on the horizontal surfaces, because they are prone to accumulate earth and dirt and we fix the pigments using diluted oils with enamels thinner.

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THE EXHAUST PIPE We start applying by a rusty oil wash.

Before it dries, rusty pigments are placed on it.

For finishing, we shade the tailpipe with black pigment.

You can also stipple with a thick brush moistened in 70.981 Orange Brown acrylic.

DIRT STAINS Surfaces of military vehicles are prone to accumulate a lot of stains because of crew bustle, fuel, engine oil, etc.

A good method to simulate bustle stains is sepia oil.

With diluted sepia oil, we stain the logical areas that would be worn due to crew activity.

We let it dry about fifteen minutes and then we blend it all over the surface with a brush.

Here you can see how these stains are focused near the access covers and areas where crew used to move upon.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Hobby Boss 1:35 T-38 Amphibious Light Tank • Kit No. 83865

Oil, grease and fuel stains are simulated by mixing black and bitumen oils. We modify the proportions in each application.

ADDITIONAL EFFECTS Just as the different pigment and oil coats dry, we add details and tones with diluted oils applications. It is interesting to mix several colours, with the objective to obtain mud and dry earth tones. This will provide authenticity to our model.

We made footprints using Calibre35’s silicone shoes moistened with a pigment and oil mix.

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THE FIGURE

By Paulino Barros Pérez

The figure is by Stalingrad (Ref. S-3053 “Russian Soldier 19401945”). It is very expressive and has a well detailed face. On the other hand, in some areas the modelling and moulding is not very fine.

However, the faults can be easily solved and after some minor modifications it sits on the model.

This figure is perfect for our project.

Due to work circumstances, I gave up modelling years ago. Now I have restarted focusing on figure painting, the discipline I like the most.

THE FACE I am really lucky because I have learned figure painting basics from two excellent international masters. They are José Hernández and Pepe Gallardo.

In this case, I have painted the face as I learned at José Hernandez’s workshop.

Vallejo acrylic color references: Base coat: - 70.876 Sand Brown + 70.921 British Uniform + 70.909 Vermillion.

Highlights - Base coat + 70.845 Sunny Skin Tone + 70.928 Light Flesh.

Shading - Base coat + 70.814 Burnt Red + 70.889 USA Olive Drab.

- Glazes with 70.945 Magenta and Indian Shadow SC23 (scale 75).

The cap is painted using 70.921 British Uniform as a base coat.

70.845 Sunny Skin Tone has been used for highlights and 70.950 Black as shading.

THE UNIFORM The uniform is painted with mixes used

by Joaquin Garcia Gazquez. The painting has been developed at Pepe Gallardo´s workshop under his guidance and advice.

Base coat: - 70.924 Russian Uniform + a bit of 70.880 Khaki Grey + a bit of X-21 Flat Base de Tamiya to eliminate any shine.

Highlights: - Base coat + 70.880 Khaki Grey + 70.845 Sunny Skin Tone. Previous+ 70.845 Sunny Skin Tone.

Shades: - Base coat + 70.888 Olive Grey + 70.941 Burnt Umber + 70.596 Glaze Medium.

- Previous + 70.888 Olive Grey + 70.950 Black.

Boots are painted using 70.941 Burnt Umber y 113 Raw Sienna de Arte Deco from Vallejo, imitating the felt texture with dotting technique.

The mug and metals are painted with printer inks.

Finally, dirt stains and tonal changes with oils are created. These oil applications must be well diluted and letting every coat really well.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Hobby Boss 1:35 T-38 Amphibious Light Tank • Kit No. 83865

GROUNDWORK Every vehicle looks much better on any decorated base that represents its environment.

As you will see, preparing a base might be easier than you can imagine.

We start using a commercial item from Model Scene: F630 “Heathland”.

It is important to adjust the base size to the vehicle’s. For that, a circle To give the feeling that our model is not floating on the grass, we of the Model Scene’s reference and another made of cupboard are cut remove two strips from the groundwork. Now, we can attach the model using a compass-cutter. with glue.

Using “Diorama Texture Paint, Soil Effect” from Tamiya, the furrows are refilled. We let it dry for a few minutes and then we press the model against the base. With this, track prints are created on the ground.

Next, we paint the field with Tamiya acrylics, moderating contrasts and giving a more authentically looking to the ensemble.

The result of the airbrush work.

The cut surpluses are shredded using a scissors. They are mixed with glue, water and a bit of 70.887 Brown Violet acrylic paint.

Once the vehicle is glued and on the definitive place, weeds are fixed on the tracks.

Finally, remnants of crushed grass are placed on the track prints.

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Small Arms Corner - Wood Pecker Type 3, 1914 (Japanese)

SPECIFICATIONS: Calibre: ....................... 6.5 mm System of Operation:.. Gas. Automatic only.

Feed Device: ............... 30 round metal strips Sights: ........................ Front: Barley corn with protective ears.

Rear: Could be fitted with folding AA sights and tangent with aperture.

Length: ....................... Overall 47”. Barrel 29”.

Weight:....................... 122 lb with tripod Muzzle Velocity:.......... 2,434 feet per second Cycle Rate of Fire: ....... 450 – 550 rounds per minute

WOOD PECKER TYPE 3, 1914 (JAPANESE) The Type 3 heavy machine gun was based on the design of the Hotchkiss M1914. Although the Hotchkiss used 8 mm cartridges, from 1914 Japan produced the Type 3 under license from Hotchkiss using the 6.5 x 50 mm Arisaka ammunition.

It used an ammo strip for loading rounds.

Its tripod could be used as an anti-aircraft mounting, and special anti-aircraft sights were provided.

The Type 3 suffered from a very slow rate of fire resulting in a characteristic sound, hence its nickname, Wood Pecker.

During the 1930s, the weapon was upgraded to accept 7.7 mm ammunition, but apart from that the design remained essentially unchanged. The upgraded gun was renamed the Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun. Both designs saw widespread use by Japanese forces in World War Two. RPM offers a 1:35 scale kit of the Wood Pecker, which includes the tall AA mount as well as the standard tripod.

Bandiana Military Museum in Wodonga, around three hours north of Melbourne Australia, holds a well-preserved example of the Japanese Wood Pecker machine gun. ■

An overall view of the gun from the rear.

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The protected forward gun sight.

Detail view of the upper tripod.

The gun breech.

One of the tripod feet.

The coolant reservoir.

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15/09/2017 10:29

Tech Guide

- Painting an M113A1 – Fire Support Vehicle

PAINTING AN M113A1 FIRE SUPPORT VEHICLE Clayton Ockerby takes us step-by-step through the painting and weathering of the old Tamiya 1:35 scale M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle.

E

very year I make the same promise to myself, to build more Australian subjects… But as each year passes, I sadly don’t ever seem to realize my goal. Something new is released, or something interesting crosses the workbench, and next thing you know, nothing Australian ends up in the cabinet.

This year was going to be different, I promised myself yet again!

But again, four months into the year, I had a grand total of ZERO Australian models on the workbench.

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1

So with the Easter long weekend up my sleeve, and an ANZAC Day meeting on the horizon at my local modeling club, I jumped at the opportunity to get some Aussie armour underway.

With the clock ticking and a small window of opportunity in which to work, I needed to choose a kit that was going to be quick to build, and a relatively easy paint scheme to lay down.

I have had the old Tamiya M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle in my stash for quite some time, and had always overlooked it due to my fears of the old Tamiya soft detail and oversimplified engineering.

I figured in order to get a decent result from a kit like this, I would need to throw etch sets, resin upgrades and metal tracks into the mix.

Not to mention the hours of work required to make them fit… but given my self-imposed brief of simplicity, I figured this kit would be a good excuse to get some runs on the board, and take the first step for the year in realizing my goal. I would build the kit out of the box, and not sweat the small stuff. Get it built, painted, and on the table in under a week for the next club meet. A so I began…

2 The wheels are secured using poly caps, so removing them prior to painting was very simple. It is a shame that more manufactures don’t adopt this method of construction. It really makes sense.

HISTORY Developed by the Food Machinery Corp, the base M113 (or APC (Armoured Personel Carrier) as it was known), first saw action during the Vietnam war in 1963. The Vietcong referred to the vehicle as ‘Green Dragon’, due to it’s ability to navigate through thick jungle and take the battle to the enemy.

Interestingly, the vehicle’s armour was actually aluminium. Due to the lightweight nature of the material, this meant the vehicle was air transportable and somewhat amphibious.

Whilst the M113’s role as a front-line fighter has long been superseded by the likes of the Bradley, the vehicle is still in use in numerous support roles.

In excess of 80,000 M113s were delivered with more than 50 countries claiming to have used them. Those numbers make the M113 one of the most widely used armoured fighting vehicles in the world.

The M113 was produced in many variants, one being the subject of this model build, the M113A1 FSV (Fire Support Vehicle).

Australian Forces serving during the Vietnam conflict saw the benefits of the M113 and engineered them to suit their requirements.

In early 1970s, the turret from the Saladin, an armoured car of the day, was paired with the M113. This meant the Royal Australian Army Corps now had a lightweight, mobile, tracked vehicle with the firepower of a short barrel 76mm gun.

The model received an overall coat of Alclad Grey Microfiller and was left to dry overnight.

3 The barrels on the machine guns were now drilled out with the smallest drill bit that I could find. It’s these little details that will help elevate an old kit like this one to something reasonable.

Because the paint scheme on this vehicle is an overall Olive Drab, the challenge would be to extract some life from the scheme. In order to do that I would need to create artificial shadows and highlights. I began the paint job by pre-shading some shadows on the model. This was done using a thinned mix of Tamiya Rubber Black

4

THE BUILD As mentioned earlier, I was working in a very tight time frame, so I was going to build this one straight out of the box, rubber bands and all!

I won’t bore you with the build. In fact, if you blinked, you might miss it. The old Tamiya simplicity and fit came to the party. I literally had the construction complete and ready for paint in just over an hour. I was probably a little lazy with this one as I left a couple of gaping holes and a moulded Tamiya logo on the underside of the model. I won’t tell anyone if you don’t. A

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Tech Guide

- Painting an M113A1 – Fire Support Vehicle

5 Next a thinned layer of Vallejo Air, Olive Drab is sprayed over the model.

Keeping the mix thinned means we can carefully build the layer of paint up, but still maintain the shading we created in the earlier step. The effect is subtle, but will make a difference to the finished model.

6 Blends of Olive Drab, US Interior and Duck Egg Green are now sprayed on the horizontal and top edge surfaces. The effect is intended to create a faded look and artificial highlights. This will give the model greater visual depth, and help to add interest to the Olive Drab scheme.

7 In order to unify the highlights and shadows, and help the colours connect, the model now receives an all over filter, using MIG Productions, Deep Green Wash. This is best applied sparingly with a soft brush. Be careful not to overwork this process. Just apply it and let it settle naturally. Move your brush in logical directions. Try and imagine how water would flow off the surface and follow that with your stroke. You will also notice that some details such as the spade, lights and machine guns have been picked out using a fine brush and Vallejo acrylics.

8 The rubber band tracks are now sprayed in Tamiya Iron. I couldn’t tell you the last time I used rubber band tracks…

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9 The model is now treated to a gloss varnish, and once dry, the decals are applied. Micro Sol is used to soften and settle them, however the decals were fine by themselves.

10 To further enhance the faded and weathered look, I now apply a small amount of random dots of oil paint around the model. Light Mud from Abteilung, and Raw Umber are used. I have kept to the top edges of the model as the next stage will drag them through to the bottom of the model. It is worth noting here, the model also received a basic pin wash using a thinned mix of Raw Umber Oil paint.

11 Now, with a flat brush moistened with a quality white spirit, carefully drag the dots through the model.

As previously, think about the natural flow of things, and follow that direction. You will start to see the effect taking shape. If you go too far and remove too much, just start again.

12 Here we see the effect the dot rendering has had to the sides of the model. I have left some of the brown streaking considerably heavier to add some interest to the model.

13 Something I don’t generally do, but have decided to do on this model, was a touch of dry-brushing. A lightened mix of the Olive Drab was carefully dry-brushed over some of the parts on the model in an attempt to lift some of the detail. Again, the effect is subtle, but looks great on the finished model.

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Tech Guide

- Painting an M113A1 – Fire Support Vehicle

14 The skirts were now fitted to the sides of the model, and in order to achieve a dusty look, a 50/50 mix of Matt Varnish and US Modern Vehicles from AMMO, was sprayed along the lower edges of the model. Keep this refined. It is easy to go too far with this and wreck your model. Just remember, you can always go back and add more, but it is very difficult to take it off.

15

Gun Metal Pigment by AMMO was now buffed onto the gun barrels using the tip of a cotton bud. This is a very simple but effective way to create the illusion of metal.

17

Detail is basic on this old Tamiya kit, but fit was perfect.

16

Detail of mud and dust on the mudguards.

18

Decals settled down perfectly.

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B CONCLUSION I have to say that I surprised myself just how quickly this one came together. A couple of days on and off the bench and she was done. Yes, she could be sparked up with some aftermarket tracks, photo-etched grab handles and metal barrels but building this M113A1 out of the box was a really nice reminder of what modelling used to be like, and what got me into this hobby as a kid in the first place. Good fit, a quick and simple build and something that you could achieve a result from over a long weekend.

For those of you who are always threatening to build something, but never seem to get themselves to start, please use this build as a reminder of what can be achieved if you stop overthinking and over analysing, and just start building. It is a really rewarding thing to see your finished model on the table.

I am aware of the flaws and faults of the model and for once I am quite at peace with it. This build was never about perfection. It was about production. Get it in and get it out. It’s that simple. It was really quite refreshing.

So, the first Australian subject for the year and my build goal is underway. The question is now, when, and what will the next one be? â–

The Tamiya kit proved to be an excellent weathering canvas.

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KIT PREVIEW

Bronco 1:35 Russian Zil-131 Truck (Early Version) w/Winch • Kit No. CB35193

The impressive one-piece tarp.

Ray Green examines Bronco’s 1:35 scale early version Zil-131 truck.

EASTERN BLOC TRANSPORT

M

y only previous experience with anything by Bronco has been a set of working tracks for a Sherman, for a future project. I was therefore very keen to have a look at this kit.

Upon opening the large box, I was greeted with eight sprues, moulded in a light grey plastic, the engine bay, a nicely moulded rear tarp section with very fine canvas texture, seven vinyl tyres, a clear sprue, a sheet of photo etch, decals and some string.

My first impression? Wow! The other item that stood out was the instruction manual, but more on that later.

The model in the box represents an early version of the Zil-131, which began production in 1967 and continued production in various guises until 2012, when bankruptcy ceased production.

All the parts feature fine details where needed, including bolt heads, diamond plate patterns and the fine texture representing canvas for the tarp.

The vinyl tyres are crisply moulded and feature fine detail and tread There is some minor flash, particularly on the smaller round parts such as the exhaust and suspension, but nothing that a quick sand or scrape with your

favourite hobby knife won’t correct.

There are ejector pin marks and sinkholes, but these appear to be mostly in places where they will not be seen once the model has been built. There are some that seem to be in places that will be on show and added to that they look difficult to remove due to their physical placement on the part. This may be something to watch, but I can’t really visualize this until I start the actual build.

The engine is very detailed including all the requisite plumbing and electricals seemingly made up from a lot of tiny pieces to build this level of detail. When I build this, the hood is going to have to be up so as not to waste all that work! I feel that the engine will look amazing due to the amount of detail Bronco have provided.

Now, the instruction manual.

It is a 31 page A4 size monster with clear assembly diagrams throughout. The last four pages offer painting and decal placement instructions for one of the four included variants.

Bronco has thoughtfully included paint reference numbers for Hobby Colour, Mr. Hobby, Humbrol and Tamiya paint ranges, saving me looking up charts to match colours from paint ranges I

don’t personally have.

There are a few options to consider when building this kit, including having the doors and hood open or closed and having the tray covered or uncovered.

My initial thought is to build it as a small diorama representing a display in a museum with the doors and hood open and a near ‘showroom’ finish. This would make a nice contrast to most of my other military gear which is rusty, dusty and weathered. But this could change once building begins.

Speaking of the actual build, it looks to be quite challenging, with the manual showing around 40 steps, depending on which options you choose as you progress.

In summary, I think this model would be best suited to builders with intermediate or advanced skills due to the sheer number of parts and the amount of tiny components. Having said that, I think it will build into a very nice model, with lots of scope for weathering, loading up the tray with stuff or troops and generally letting your imagination go.

Could even make a nice zombie apocalypse survivors’ vehicle! ■

The front of the body.

Separate chassis parts.

The tray.

Wheel hub parts.

Thanks to Bronco for the sample http://www.cn-bronco. com/en/index.php

The kit’s clear sprue.

Decals and string.

Seven vinyl wheels are included.

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Photo-etched fret.

15/09/2017 10:21

AVAILABLE in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series NEW How to Build The Steel Wheeled Tiger I A New and revised edition of the ultimate guide to building the Tiger I Steel Wheeled version by Angus Creighton.

The new revised edition includes: ■ Early-batch Sturmtiger, using Tamiya’s 1:35 kit with factory zimmerit, ModelKasten battle-tracks ■ Late-batch Sturmtiger, using Tamiya’s 1:35 kit, Dragon late pattern road wheels, extra frontal armour, no zimmerit, ModelKasten battle-tracks ■ Dragon’s 1:35 Tiger I (SPzAbt 510 194445), ModelKasten transport tracks ■ and more...

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www.doolittlemedia.comwww.doolittlemedia.comwww.doolittlemedia.com p 57 TigerSteel Book 139.indd 8

15/09/2017 10:40

Book Reviews BRITISH BATTLE TANKS

BRITISH MADE TANKS OF WORLD WAR II OSPREY PUBLISHING

BY DAVID FLETCHER ISBN: 978-1-4728-2003-7

David Fletcher MBE is well known to anyone with an interest in British AFVs and continues to add to the available knowledge pool on the subject with his followon title devoted to British Tanks.

This one takes up where the last title left off at the outbreak of WWII and covers British produced tanks used during World War II. David, in association with the Tank Museum Bovington, has already produced many soft cover OSPREY titles on subjects within this timeframe and this new hardcover title again is a compendium of those books in one volume with some additional information.

Compared to German AFVs, references on British AFVs and tanks tends to be very limited and patchy regarding some vehicles and it is pleasing to see this title adding to the pool of available reference.

This compendium packs a lot into its 272 pages and will not disappoint anyone with an interest in British Tanks or the history of armoured warfare.

The book is divided chronologically into ten chapters: 1. Introduction 2. Matilda Infantry Tank 3. A13 Cruiser tank 4. Crusader and Covenanter Cruiser Tanks 5. The Tanks of the Old Gang 6. Valentine Infantry Tank (By Bruce Oliver Newsome PhD) 7. Churchill Infantry Tank 8. Churchill Crocodile – Also covers Armoured Flamethrower development in detail on other types including the Sherman, Wasp Carrier etc.

9. Cromwell Cruiser Tank – Includes follow ons like the A34 Comet, Avenger TD Sp AA etc.

10. Other Types – A17 Tetrarch, A25 Harry Hopkins, A33 Excelsior and A39Tortoise This book is a study of the main British battle tanks and is broken down into the main types used in roughly the order of appearance on the battlefield. As indicated, it contains a number of previous Osprey New Vanguard titles, however it also contains information not covered in those and covers a subject not available as a separate title – the A13 Cruiser.

As with all David Fletcher titles I have read, it is well backed by good research and is in an easily readable style of writing that will satisfy the novice and pedant alike.

This is not the be all and end all reference on the subjects and would be considered an excellent overview or primer on the subject until more in depth studies become available. Some chapters cover a lot more than the chapter subject, particularly the Churchill Crocodile that covers the development of British armoured flamethrowers and their use. It further covers the follow-ons.

The Cromwell chapter covers associated designs such as the A34 Comet, Avenger TD and I feel this is the one failing of the book. A separate chapter on the Comet, which was the finest British tank of the war, and the first designed by the users and not self-serving industry, would have really rounded out this book.

This title offers excellent value for money and offers valuable reference for the modeller, historian and the armour enthusiast. Its colour plates are all preserved from the original titles and it also offers the benefit of a hard cover and additional plates.

The Author is an acknowledged authority on British armour and has used his association with the Bovington Tank Museum to the readers advantage providing a quality but budget priced reference on such an important subject in the history of armoured warfare. I cannot recommend this enough particularly as it is a one stop title on British armour of WWII at a bargain price.

Highly Recommended.

Review Sample procured by reviewer

58 Model Military International - November 2017

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15/09/2017 10:22

1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases IT’S A TRAP FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

T

he most frequent words that I use to newer players in the hobby are always take an interest in at least two separate subject choices, or better still three.

A lot of keen novices come into the hobby in a blaze of activity only to burn out a few months later. Worse still, their models and equipment then generally wind up on Forums with the notice “getting out of the hobby”.

Others get so absorbed with one modelling subject that they pursue it to the exclusion of all other subject choices. Yep, we’ve seen it all before haven’t we? Sometime the interest becomes so obsessive that intolerance creeps in and other model subjects and indeed even other scales tend to be looked on with contempt.

If your interest in modelling looks like being prematurely exhausted, try looking at the potential for expanding your interests.

This column is all about 1:48 scale, so you might like to try aircraft in this scale, or even ships.

Automotive modelling has always held an interest for me and I know there are many kits available in 1:43 scale, which is not too far off 1:48 scale, featuring detail that is unbelievable for the scale.

Modellers often get hung up in one scale or worse still one era. I have a friend who will only models 1:48 scale German armour… really! His

reasoning is simple. He can build multiple models of the same subject in different paint schemes.

He likes the family aspect of armour modelling, reproducing every mark of Stug III for example.

I’ve told him that he needs to get out more and do something a little different but he steadfastly refuses to budge, which I find a great shame as his

interest in the hobby seems to be on the wane.

So in my opinion there is no “one true scale” but rather “scale modelling”. It can and should be everything you want it to be.

Until Next Time Luke Pitt

HAULER

TORO MODELS

When Tamiya released this little modern Japanese armoured sports car as I like to call it, I was somewhat surprised at the subject choice.

The kit had some quite novel features including the great way they reproduced the tyre tread, but it lacked some finer details.

For the detail freaks out there, Hauler has again come to the rescue.

More than 150 photoetch pieces are included across one large and one small fret, together with 14 small resin pieces.

Almost all of the slightly overscale external fittings are replaced with photoetched parts.

Included on the photo-etch frets are a replacement front grill consisting of 11 pieces, two beautifully thin headlight guards, wiper blades and arms, a machine gun shield and mounts, smoke discharge bases, road wheels hub details, most of the external rear plate details, internal and external hatch details and side mirror mount updates.

The resin pieces consist of some very well done door handles replacing the solid examples on the kit, and four grab handles.

If you have a liking for this Japanese armoured car, then this update will lift the kit to the next detail level.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks Hauler for the sample www.hauler.cz Luke Pitt

As some Sherman tank modellers would know, there are more than 15 different types of track variations used on the Vertical Votute Spring Suspension of the tank.

Over the years there have been a few versions of the T41 track fitted to the 1:48 scale Tamiya Shermans but these can be a little hard to come by.

Toro Models has now released two versions of Sherman tracks. The first is the straight steel cast T49 tracks. The tracks are of the link and length variety and consist of 2 x 11cm , 2 x 8cm, 4 x 2cm and 18 individual track links. The masters were produced in a 3D rendering and then cast.

The casting is very well done but the cast gate is on one length of the track length, which obscures some of the connector detail on the track end connectors even with careful clean up.

The WE210 links take a different casting approach and have the casting block attached to the rubber portion of the link on 12 lengths of track and 18 individual tracks. I prefer this approach as it keeps the detail on the track end connectors and is much easier to clean up.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Toro Model for the samples http://www.toro-model.com.pl Luke Pitt

JGSDF KOMATSU LIGHT ARMOURED VEHICLE UPDATE ITEM NO. HLX48380

SHERMAN TRACKS ITEM NO. 48024 - T49 TRACKS ITEM NO. 48025 - WE-210 TRACKS

November 2017 - Model Military International 59

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15/09/2017 10:23

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

ZVEZDA

1:72 SCALE KING TIGER AUSF B (PRODUCTION TURRET) KIT NO. 5023

I received these three kits for review recently so I’ll start with the new one from Zvezda and it is a King Tiger with the production turret (or Henschel turret as it’s more widely known). It’s actually billed as a ‘snap-fit kit’ with no glue required which should make for an entertaining build judging by past experiences.

You get four sprues in the box moulded in tan styrene, two lengths of vinyl track (which for vinyl are pretty rigid) and a small decal sheet. All parts are well moulded with little to no flash and considering the scale the detail is OK although I feel the weld seams are a bit overdone and would not look out of place on a 1:35 model. No etch is supplied so you will need to source the mesh screens for the engine grills from the aftermarket, the gun barrel is one piece but will need the end of the muzzle brake drilling out as this is solid and most of the on-vehicle equipment is separate however some parts have been moulded on.

The mud guards are moulded as one either side so if you want to separate any of the panels you’ll need a hacksaw, also the way the lower hull ‘snap-fits’ into the upper hull you will be left with two large gaps either side which will be very awkward to fill in. All of the hatches are shut and the moulded grab handles on the front hatches and engine deck are solid and ideally need to be replaced with fine wire, the same goes for the separate handles as these are far too thick for the scale.

The tracks as stated above are vinyl and seem pretty stiff so you may need to warm them up before fitting them.

The decals supplied are okay but the crosses are slightly out of register so you will need to source some from elsewhere. Markings are for just one vehicle from Shwere Panzer Abteilung 503 on the Eastern Front in 1945 and depicts a three tone camouflage scheme - Andy King.

60 Model Military International - November 2017

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15/09/2017 10:24

DRAGON

1:72 SCALE STUG III AUSF. F • KIT NO. 7286

Next is the Dragon Stug III Ausf. F and all the kit parts are all on a single sprue with the exception of the tracks and lower hull. As we have come to expect from Dragon all parts are well moulded with no flash or sink marks and the detail is very good, however as with the Zvezda King Tiger all the hatches are shut and all the on-vehicle equipment is moulded on rather than separately. The barrel is one piece and the muzzle brake has a hole in it this time, no grab handles are moulded on or supplied so these will need to be added using fine wire and I must commend Dragon on the tread pattern on the fenders as this is very finely done.

The tracks are moulded in black vinyl and incorporate the wheels and return rollers with only the drive sprockets and rear idlers as separate items, track sag is moulded in.

Markings are for two vehicles; one in overall dark yellow from StuG Abteilung 201 on the Eastern Front, 1942 and the other is in a two-tone scheme of green over dark yellow and is from StuG Abteilung 191, again from the Eastern Front in 1942 - Andy King Thanks to The Hobby Company for the review samples www.hobbyco.net

DRAGON

1:72 SCALE PZ.KPFW. IV AUSF D • KIT NO. 7530

Lastly we come to the Dragon Panzer IV Ausf D and the comments regarding moulding quality and detail for the StuG III apply equally to this kit except for the large mould pin marks under the fenders. Again everything is on one sprue apart from the lower and upper hull, the turret and tracks and all the hatches are moulded shut.

Grab handles will need to be added using fine wire as there are none on this kit either but thinking about it now it’s just as well as they would only be over-scale anyway.

The tracks are the same as Stug III with the road wheels, return rollers and track sag moulded in, the drive sprockets and idlers being separate.

Colours and markings are for two vehicles in overall grey and feature one Panzer IV from Panzer Regt. 10, 8th Panzer Division, Balkans 1941 and the other is ‘411’ from 4.Kompanie, Panzer Regt 25, 7th Panzer Division in Russia 1940.

In conclusion, the Dragon kits certainly have the edge over the Zvezda King Tiger regarding the detail and quality of moulding but with some work the Zvezda KT will scrub up quite nicely although those gaps on the hull sides where the lower hull clicks into place will be tricky to hide as they are right on the top edge of the mudguards.

The lack of photo-etch is a problem as the mesh screens on a King Tiger are very prominent and means extra expense sourcing ones from the aftermarket. The vinyl tracks in the Dragon kits that incorporate the road wheels and return rollers is an interesting concept and luckily they are not afflicted with flash unlike the DS Vinyl in their 1:35 kits.

I can’t say I’m a fan of this approach but they would probably look okay after a coat of paint and some weathering.

All Recommended - Andy King Thanks to The Hobby Company for the review samples www.hobbyco.net November 2017 - Model Military International 61

p 60-61 SmallScale 139B.indd 61

15/09/2017 10:24

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www.missing-lynx.com www.hyperscale.com p 62 Buyers Guide 139.indd 62

15/09/2017 10:29

NEW in the ‘HOW TO BUILD...’ series NEW How to Build Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib New and revised for 2017 now including the Car Door and Bubbletop builds.

The complete guide to building the amazing Airfix 1:24 scale Hawker Typhoon, written

by Brett Green of HyperScale and Model Military fame.

This new book features an exhaustive step-by-step guide to construction with modelling contributions by James Hatch, Brett, and Chris Wauchop.

Hundreds of construction photos, reference images, a museum walk around, and how to get the very best from your big Typhoon kit a must have before you build the model!

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Only

.95 £14 s p&p plu

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www.doolittlemedia.comwww.doolittlemedia.comwww.doolittlemedia.com p 63 Typhoon Book 139.indd 8

15/09/2017 10:30

Contact Details - for companies featured in MMI...

ACCURATE ARMOUR/ ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION

Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland.

Tel; 01475 743 955 Fax; 01475 743746 www.accurate-armour.com

ADALBERTUS

Iberyjska 7/49, 02-764 , Warsaw,Poland adalbertus@adalbertus.com.pl www.adalbertus.com.pl

THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd

Unit 7 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF. Tel; 08700 660 445 www.airbrushes.com

ALCLAD II LACQUER

5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk. NR12 0LL Tel; 01962 65216 Fax; 01692 652334

ALPINE, ROYAL MODEL, ARTISAN MORI, YOSCI; SMARTMODELLING No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN. UK Tel; 01883 734746 smartmodelling@smart7.fsworld.co.uk

AMPERSAND PUBLISHING (via Historex Agents in UK)

235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5543, USA Tel; 561-266 9686 Fax; 561-266-9786

ARCHER

(Historex in UK)

PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 27596-1277, USA www.archertransfers.co

BADGER AIR-BRUSH COMPANY 9128W Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 Tel; 847/678-3104 www.badgerairbrush.com email info@badgerairbrush.com (In the UK from www.shesto.co.uk)

BISON DECALS

Available from www.hannants.co.uk and www.pdi-model-supplies.com

DELUXE MATERIALS www.deluxematerials.co.uk info@deluxematerials.com Tel; 01529 455 0340

DRAGON MODELS

(The Hobby Company in UK)

Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT, Hong Kong Fax; (HK) 4110587 www.dragonmodelsltd.com (For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK)

ECHELON FINE DETAILS

Available from; wwwaccurate-armour.com & http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kriegsketten/

FRIENDSHIP MODELS

12 Delta Drive, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 8HR Tel; 0131 665 0866 Mobile; 07877166225 www.friendshipmodels.com

GREAT NORTH ROADS

CAMMETT

(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber)

Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate, Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA Tel; 01497 822757 Email; cammettco@btinternet.com www.cammett.co.uk

CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS

Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Leics UK. LE10 1YF Tel; 01455 233 747, Fax; 01455 233 737 midlandbooks@compuserve.com www.classic-publications.com

CREATIVE MODELS LTD

(Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures)

Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. PE16 6TG Tel; 01354 760022 www.creativemodels.co.uk info@creativemodels.co.uk

DARTMOOR MILITARY MODELS Haylis cottage, Budlake, Broadclyst Exeter, EX5 3LJ, England Tel; 01392 881271 www.dartmoormilitarymodels.com

www.etchmate.com www.missionmodels.com Tel; 818 842 1885 Fax; 818 842 1886 info@missionmodels.com, sales@missionmodels.com, orders@missionmodels.com

THE ARMORY; M&MODELS

9329 S. Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA http://home.earthlink.net/~mmodels/

MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD Tel; 01892 533036 www.modelwholesaleuk.com

ORDNANCE MODELS

Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ, Tel; 01502 517444 Fax; 01502 500521 www.hannants.co.uk sales@hannants.co.uk

HISTOREX AGENTS

Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK Tel; 01304 206720 Fax; 01304 204528. www.historex-agents.co.uk sales@historex-agents.co.uk

HOBBYLINK JAPAN

Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1, Tochigi 327-0813, Japan www.hlj.com

HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA www.airconnection.on.ca

ICM

Via Hannants in UK

(ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL)

HANNANTS

BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE

CALIBRE 35

MISSION MODELS

MONROE PERDU

BLAST MODELS

Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB Tel; 01299 823330 Fax; 01299 829970 info@bookworldws.co.uk

9 Rannoch St., Battlefield, Glasgow G44 4DF, Scotland Tel/Fax; 0141 633 1400 milicastmodels@hotmail.com www.milicast.com

9a Marcombe Road, Torquay, South Devon, TQ2 6LL Tel; 01803 400436 www.greatnorthroads.co.uk email svfarrugia@yahoo.co.uk

IAN ALLAN

Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com

MILICAST MODEL CO.,

www.ianallanpublishing.com Mail Order Dept 01455 254450 Kiev 02099, Ukraine, Borispolskaya 9 building 64.

Tel/fax; (+38044) 369-54-12 export@icm.com.ua www.icm.com.ua

ITALERI

(The Hobby Company in UK)

Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, Bologna, Italy, Tel; 051 726037 www.italeri.com

JUST BASES

21 Graham Road, Paignton TQ3 1BB Tel; 01803 558520 www.just-bases.co.uk

JUST KITS

4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA Tel; 01489 781177 www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk

MDC

Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3FW Fax; 01773 513344 orders@modeldesignconstruction.com www.modeldesignconstruction.com

MODELING ARTISAN MORI

http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~m.a.mori/index_eng.html

MIG PRODUCTIONS (Creative Models in UK)

C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain www.migproductions.com

Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA. www.monroeperdu.com Via; www.steelmodels.com

PACIFIC COAST MODELS Tel; 001 707 538 4850 info@pacmodels.com www.pacmodels.com

PANZERWRECKS

PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK www.panzerwrecks.com

PARAGRAFIX

104 County Street, Suite 101 Attleboro MA 02703 USA Tel: +1 508.431.9800 M-F 9am to 4pm EST http://www.paragrafix.biz pgms@paragrafix.biz

PLUS MODEL

(Creative Models in UK)

SCHIFFER BOOKS

Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd, Atglen, PA, 19310 USA www.schifferbooks.com

SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK

Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK. Tel; 020 8392 8585, 020 8392 9876, email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk

SCHUMO KITS

www.schumo-kits.com

SDV MODEL www.sdvmodel.cz

SIMPLE 2 TRADE

No 2 Hollywood Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham, B47 5PP Tel; 0121 474 3030 www.simple2trade.com

SMARTMODELLING

(Swash, Tasca, Gap, Yosci, Royal Model)

No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN UK Tel; 01883 734746 smartmodelling@smart7.fsworld.co.uk

SQUADRON

1115 Crowley Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 U.S.A

SWANN-MORTON

Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ Tel; +44 (0)114 234 4231 Fax; +44 (0)114 231 4966 General: info@swann-morton.com www.craftknives.com

TAMIYA JAPAN

Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 JAPAN www.tamiya.com

TAMIYA UK;

THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666 enquiries@hobbyco.net www.hobbyco.net

Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. plusmodel@plusmodel.cz www.plusmodel.cz

TRUMPETER

POCKETBOND

VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS

(Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK)

Bachmann Europe PLC Moat Way, Barwell, Leics, LE9 8EY Tel; 01455 841756 info@pocketbond.co.uk

PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA)

Unit 19B, Applin’s Farm, Farrington, Dorset DT11 8RA, UK Tel/Fax; 01747 811 817 www.psp-models.com

QUICKBOOST

www.quickboost.net

REVELL GmbH & Co. KG Orchard Mews, 18C High Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 5AH Tel; +44 (0) 1442 890285 www.revell.eu

SB MODELS

UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model

P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY. Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749 sales@sbmodels.fsnet.co.uk www.sbmodels.net

SBLC

PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK RICHARDSBLC@aol.com

SBX MODEL SHOP

Norwich Road, Ipswich. IP1 5DN Tel; 01473 464311 www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk

www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK (Historex in UK)

811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA www.verlinden-productions.com

VALLEJO

(Creative Models in UK)

Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 - 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12 Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54 www.acrylicosvallejo.com

VLS CORPORATION (LSA in UK)

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

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KURSK KAT

John Bonanni finishes Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Panther D as an Operation Citadel warrior

Next Issue On sale 2 November, 2017

ISSUE No.139 November 2017, Published October 5th 2017 Editor;

Brett Green

Group Editor;

Marcus Nicholls

Publisher;

Alan Harman

Graphic Design;

Alex Hall

Advertising Manager;

Sean Leslie

Office Manager;

Paula Gray

Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie Administration Assistant; Julie Lane MMI Website;

Doolittle Media Web Team

Printed by; Henry Stone Ltd, Oxfordshire Distributed by; Seymour Distribution 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com Model Military International is published on the first Thursday of each month by; Doolittle Media, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX UK www.modelmilitary.com Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574 Editorial enquiries; Email; editor@modelmilitary.com

A10 Cruiser

Advertising enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Email; sean@doolittlemedia.com

Brett Green paints Bronco’s 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser tank in the Caunter scheme.

Reproduction in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model Military International is accurate, the publishers and printers can not accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

FOR YOUR SAFETY Don’t forget, when using solvents such as glues, paints, thinners and cleaning agents, always ventilate your work area thoroughly and wear a face mask.

When using power tools, side cutters or any tool that can suddenly break or create highspeed airborne particles, wear approved eye protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please always model in safety!

...and much more!

Due to many influencing factors, we cannot guarantee the appearance of the above projects, but we’ll try our best!

TECH GUIDE – AIRBRUSH CLEANERS

John Miller test drives a number of cleaning options for airbrush.

SCAMMEL PART TWO

Kamil Feliks Sztarbala paints IBG’s Scammel and adds a figure plus a base.

Advertisements are accepted for publication in Model Military International only on Doolittle Media’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address above. All advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address above.

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK £56 Europe £69 Worldwide (Airmail) Binders; £8.50 plus postage (UK £2.45, Euro £4.45, World £6.45) For all orders, please call; (UK) +44(0)1525 222573 or visit www.modelmilitary.com Back Issues; Back Issues are available at the current cover price. See the latest back issues advert or visit www.modelmilitary.com The paper used in this magazine is manufactured at the Leipa Georg Mill and is 100% recycled using de-inked pulp. The mill conforms fully with the requirements of both FSC and PEFC and carries the full accreditations for their environmental policies.

© Doolittle Media 2017

The paper used on this title is from sustainable forestry

Order online now at; www.modelmilitary.com

Subscription enquiries; Tel; +44 (0)1525 222573 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574 Email; enquiries@doolittlemedia.com

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The Last Post...

G I R S U O I B I H UK M3 AMP

P

ictured is a UK M3 Amphibious Rig in Minden, Germany during a joint UK/German Bridging Operation.

The M3, operated by a Corps of Royal Engineer crew, is climbing up the bank after crossing the river Wesser.

The M3 Amphibious Rig is a selfpropelled amphibious bridging vehicle that is used for the passage of tanks and other vehicles across water obstacles.

The vehicle is operated by both UK and German armed forces.

The M3 is self-deployable by road, operating as a 4x4 wheeled vehicle with a maximum road speed of 50 mph.

It is driven into the water for amphibious operation, for which it deploys two large aluminium pontoons, unfolding them along the length of its hull.

In water, the M3 is propelled and steered by 2 fully traversable pump jets at speeds of up to 9mph.

The M3 amphibious rig can be driven into a river and used as a ferry or, when a number are joined together from bank to bank, as a bridge, capable of taking vehicles as heavy as the Challenger 2 main battle tank.

The M3 has a number of advantages over similar vehicles: • It can deploy pontoons on the move, in or out of water.

• It needs no on-site preparation to enter the water.

• It can be controlled from inside the cab when ‘swimming’ Its control functions have been automated allowing the crew to be reduced to three.

A single two-bay M3 can carry a Class 70 tracked vehicle, where two M2s would have been required for this task with additional buoyancy bags.

Eight M3 units and 24 soldiers can build a 100m bridge in 30 minutes compared with 12 M2s, 48 soldiers and a construction time of 45 minutes. ■

© Crown copyright

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