Airfix Lee/Grant scrapped together from a Donation and bits from the Scrap Box.

The different coloured pieces of plastic tells the sorry tale in itself. This "baby" Grant Tank on the right comes from multiple parents .. at least one brown/orange, one yellow and one green Airfix Lee/Grant kit (plus some hobby store plastic-card, a curved front from what I think was a M36 Jackson, "Sherman(?)" rollers and a PSC storage box to cover a bodged hull to chassis seam). A Frankenstein of sorts or patchwork quilt, but rather than a sad model discarded to the bin, it has a new least of life. I also loved the "edge of your seat" challenge in the making of it (see below, in its front facing Grant guise):  

The rear shot shows the white plastic-card surfaces where the composite spare parts-did not quite stretch or cover enough (see below, though it has to be said working with "old brittle plastic" from the 1970's or 1980's is a curse as it had a tendency to crumble or splinter under pressure - this was a peculiar challenge for me as I had to first disassemble the previous attempt at building it [basically a carcass] and reassemble it [from a haphazard trapezoid to a more regular rectangular cross section]): 

The Lee part of the tale is just a turret swap as it shares the hull, so with a newly completed Lee turret you have the option of two types of tank (see below, the Lee turret was taken from the "original" orange/brown plastic kit - where the majority of the pieces for this kit came from - again care being taken with its brittleness as the Lee turret has some fiddly MG parts): 

Just remembered: The final note is that the "green" track came from the "spare" (as in the more detailed track option) in the new Airfix Sherman Firefly kit I have already made. There you go, I have one more tank to fight the Axis with. It also just shows you the usefulness of keeping a spares box (or two).  

Matilda No.9

Waltzing Matilda No.9 has been put together (see below):

As per the hysteria of pre-WWI Dreadnought building competitions "We want ten!" (Psst, actually eleven for the Western Desert if truth be told, two for Russia and another two more for the Pacific in 2015, before Airfix stops selling the kit).

Command Decision: Western Desert OoB: 
I have three companies of three, so therefore by my reckoning I need a Regimental HQ Tank plus a modified Matilda II Close Support (CS) platoon tank!

Airfix Matilda II

I remember this kit fondly from my childhood, despite the fiddly wheel arrangement that my tiny little hands had so much trouble with.

The Matilda II "Queen of the Desert" with turret hatches cut open ready for a tank commander to hop in (see below):

It is still a nice little kit that holds its own despite its age (see below):

So much so I made two using the excuse Airfix drop their kits in and out of production "so get them while you can" (see below)

Note: The tank commanders are from PSC via their Bren Carrier pack of three.

The crazy ambition is to work up to a CD II/III Western Desert RTR (ten in total required). I already have five at the moment so ten by the end of year (one of which has to be converted to a CS tank) does not seem too big an ask.

Why ... er I will get back to you later, as my DAK is minimal, but that could change. Mind you the ANZACs and Russians had Matilda's too.

The Canny New Cromwell from Airfix

Following on from the new nasty new King Tiger II from Airfix (boo hiss, too big and too nasty for the Western Allies) is the one that was always missing from any source when I was a kid, a Cromwell at last! The closest was the Matchbox  conversion of a Comet (the likes of which I never dared attempt as a pimply teenager.)

So .. even though I had seven ['three' from Revell, 'two' from HaT, 'one' from Frontline Models and 'one' from Cromwell Models] the Airfix one was just a must. I was not disappointed, in fact I'd give it a 100% on the pleasure to build scale. Top marks as it is well detailed, perfect molding but best yet, it has the best track ever (and noy just Airfix).

The molded plastic in a "one piece" assembly, brilliant, as it incorporates authentic sag over the wheels, without the multi-part nightmare of tiny pieces going and not going together. Did I say it was brilliant yet? Yes I did, well I meant it (see below):

:)

Well the tester was a success, superb in fact so I plan to get another two kits to flush out another squadron for a Command Decision RTR OoB (sourcing the Sherman Fireflies to go with it from the Sherman RTR I have or another "source" hint [PSC]).

A very yummy modelling experience which made my Xmas break :)

Plastic Soldier Company M4A1 (British) 75mm Shermans and my RTR Project

Hot on the tails of constructing the Russian T70's from the Plastic Soldier Company I made three of the (commander type) M4A1 Shermans for my late-1944 RTR project (see below):

Again they are very impressive, though it has to be said on the big side of 1/72 (certainly in close company of Airfix 1/76 and 1/76 Matchbox kits). There is a slight bit of confusion on the packaging as it incorrectly states that US (76mm) and British (75mm) versions can be made, but in fact only the latter British kit can be made (which was thankfully what I wanted). The kits go together well and are sweet being assembled in less that half an hour (nearer fifteen minutes if truth be told). The instructions are clear with only a minor discrepancy in the assembly of the front of the hull, the kit being actually simpler with one 'cast' front (the instructions showed two ribbed, riveted struts, similar to the Airfix models).

The late (as in Firefly equipped) 1944 British RTR project now has amassed the following tank complement as per the Command Decision OrBat (see below):

Note: Each row is a "Squadron" with:

• Plastic Soldier Company Sherman M4A1 75mm  x 1
• Airfix Sherman M4 x 2
• MatchBox (Revell) Sherman M4 Firefly x 1

The "Command Squadron" is a:

• Airfix Sherman M4 x 1 (I will have to 'tart' it up with a commander figure found from somewhere)
• Britannia Miniature (resin) 105mm M4A3 Sherman (with a 'too American' looking tank commander)

Still missing from the OrBat is the a (AA) Crusader Tank and the Sherman ARV, which until I can "metal-up" with these up vehicles I will sub in the 'plastic' Airfix Bofor 40mm AA kit and the Scammel Tank Transporter, as they only play minor "supporting roles" on the tabletop. Still lots of WIP to do (including decals) but the tanks are assembled (I even have a spare Firefly [though at time of writing 'unmade'] kit in the bag to add in if need be [I was thiking of the Hell's Highway, Market Garden Operation], as the officers of the British Guards Armoured Division apparently had managed to acquire some 'extra' spares with that useful 17 pounders - it's useful to be well connected with procurement).

Modern (Post WWII) Russian T-55A (1968)

It feels like cheating getting ready made kits but it was a bargain to boot.

Upfront I must confess I have been very envious of the wargamer blogger tales of the Tank Magazine miniatures from down south (NZ and Oz). In the UK I seemed to totally miss its appearance. However I found this little chap sitting in an outlet that sells/specialises in end-of-stock specials (aka the Yorkshire Trading Store).

T-55A Polish Army Prague(Czechoslovakia) - 1968

No magazine just the tank retailing at £2.99, sadly there was only this kit and one other left in stock. It is very nicely put together, functional as per the real thing. It did have a minor accident with a wheel came off as I unshipped it but I managed to repair it with a bit of superglue :)

Something for a Chieftain or a Centurion to poke its nose at circa 1970! 20mm Skirmish game material I think.

The Joy of Airfix (4): "B" Squadron RTR

A whole bunch of raw plastic Shermans. To be strictly correct three Airfix and one Revell (old Matchbox). This gaggle is intended to form "B" Squadron of my 1944 post D-Day (even Arnhem) 20mm Command Decision RTR. Plenty of plastic still needed but getting there :)

Say what you like but the Airfix Sherman is still a cheap clean kit that is little fuss to put together and I do like the new Airfix track plastic.

Now where did I leave the Black Matt undercoat?

Twenty One days (plus) in the bush and I find a Hedgehog

[Non-Wargaming rant part]
To some "bush" would mean a tour of duty in a far off steaming jungle or a Kohima scenario. However in my perverse reality this is literally a bush clearing/replanting exercise in the front garden which has kept me away from the computer.

I say "bush" to you but secretly I view them as the "enemy" now, individually named and hated. My viewpoint changed soon after the first hand-to-hand engagement when I was  cut, bruised, bleeding and even left for dead by the wife in the front garden. Each bush is seven years old, deep-rooted with no intention of moving! It is a pity my rules of engagement state they have to be taken alive and replanted elsewhere.

Eleven of thirteen down and just two to go, then I can turf it with a placid bit of English lawn grass that should behave itself and also serve as a cricket wicket.

[Back to the Wargaming bit]
I think the real-life version of this little chap from Airfix (the Austrailian Matilda Hedgehog) would have come in very useful:

The state of play of my version:

Each night coming back somewhat "bushed" I relaxed and kept myself sane by laying into my collection unmade "to do" models and a cold beer. The logic being that I am pushed for space and a completed model takes up far less space than the boxed kit. I have to say that the old Airfix kits (even with new bits added) are still a pleasure to make especially since the track plastic is now a much nicer and forgiving material to work with.

Great link to Matilda Far East Variants:
I would like to get both the flame-thrower Frog and Bulldozer versions in 1/72 or 1/76 too.

Likewise I have great respect for the Trumpeter kits (a KV-1 and a Pershing) I made as they set a new standard of excellence in detail and construction (IMHO), though certainly not fast-builds. The only down-side with my mass build approach is that I now have an overflowing "to be painted" collection box and they will not be wargame ready for a long time. In fact I sense the urge to do something in a smaller scale again :)

On the up-side I have also been busy "actually wargaming" and will post on the DBMM Ancient Campaign, a DBA, a Warsaw Pact v NATO modern, a WWI dogfight and a Peninsular Napoleonic campaign in due course.

Thank gawd I didn't have to mention the football. It is good to be back blogging :)

North African Campaign: 8th Army RTR Crusader Squadron

Digging around in the old "model box" I came across a vintage (made some eleven or twelve years ago) squadron of Hasagawa 6pdr armed Crusader III's in North African colours.

They are obviously looking for some DAK or Italians which is a pity because I have not painted many to date, concentrating my early/mid war Germans on France and Russia.

Nevertheless they are an exciting bunch as they are also useful for Tunisia with its eclectic collection of old British and new American kit. Those with fine eyesight may even see decals on the mud-flaps. Wonders will never cease!

As you can see from below I went for "the desert has been rather rough on me look."

This three tank squadron is part of a two squadron formation (I always had the aim of making it to a full three squadron regiment at some point). The currently "part-painted" other squadron being earlier Airfix Crusader I's armed with a 2pdr pop-gun and wacky lewis gun turret at the front. The third squadron was then intended/planned to be comprised of Airfix Crusader II's (just mounting the 2pdrs losing the silly lewis turret) but alas Airfix seem to have discontinued their Crusader kits for the time being.

Methinks unless Airfix releases the Crusader again this regiment will never be finished as intended. Never mind Monty! My get out clause is that around El Alemain all sorts of tanks were thrown together into tank regiments. They seemed to be one light squadron of Crusaders (mixed types) and two "heavies" of Grant/Sherman mixed groups, So I just need to paint up more of the latter.

The "Iron Fist" (see my bookshelf) has a good chapter on the Supercharge operation in the El Alemain battle.
  .

"A" Squadron RTR 20mm Command Decision

Stepping back from 1945 to 1944 to the OoB of a British Armoured Division, Tank Regiment, Squadron we get the famous three Shermans (Airfix) and a Firefly (Matchbox/Revel).

Again no decals (yet), but work on a second ("B") squadron is ongoing. I will have to work a little special camouflage on the Firefly as the tankers cunningly painted the underside end of the 17pdr barrel light sky blue as an optical trick to shortened the look of the gun, taken from the recent Revel box art. The idea being to make the Firefly slightly less conspicuous to German eyes.  

Also as work in progress in the RTR Regiment Command "odds and sods" vehicles. This is more of an interesting fix to what I actually have rather than one-to-one match with historical OoB kit, more of this later. I fancy an Arnhem XXX Corp scenario is fermenting in my fertile mind.

JagdPanzer IV Kit Information and Painting Description

As requested (and with a little bit of retrospective updating from other models kits done since)

The JagdPanzer IV's shown in the previous post are actually original Esci kits.
Something I bought "seventeen years" ago! (Ah, the shame of it all)

Since that time they hibernated in a box untouched (shall we call this a gestation period) before seeing the light of day, an instruction manual and plastic (liquid) glue. They then hung about in a draw with other naked plastic kits until about five years ago when the huge pot of black Tamiya matt came their way. Again another period of darkness (in the Pz Mk IV cupboard) until inspired by other WWII 20mm bloggers and a pot of Tamiya dark yellow XF-60 the late war paint scheme project came to life.

The painting went as follows:

Matt Black (Tamiya XF1)


Above kit being a 1/76 Fujimi KonigTiger (Porsche Turret).

Matt Dark Yellow (Tamiya XF60)- leaving lots of dark shady cracks black highlighted in rather an extreme way:


The above kit being a 1/76 Fujimi KoingTiger (Henschel Turret), just being started.


The above kit being a 1/76 Fujimi Tiger, primed yellow. As a footnote to this part, I use a a large (Size 3) brush, so I can be rather rough and ready but cover a lot of area quickly as I essentially wash over the model (and totally repaint it) in the next step.

Metallic Black (Anita's Acrylics) neat on track and tools

The above is the 1/76 Fujimi (Henschel) KonigTiger given base metallic shade to track and tools.

The radical bit: Black oily wash of a watered down Metallic Black, yes you get lots of floaty shiny bits but it suits an oily, dirty panzer look (IMHO). The Hasagawa 1/72 Tiger is starting to look raw, mean and hungry.

Likewise the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger above has lost that parade ground sparkle and starts to look roughly treated.

(Above) Matt Red Brown (Tamiya XF-64) blotches and stripes on the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger

(Above) Matt Dark Green (Tamiya XF-61) blotches and stripes on the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger

Then came the part Games Workshop can take credit for as I highlighted up a shade with:

(Above) Matt Red Brown (Tamilya XF-64) with Matt Flat Earth (Tamiya XF-54) on the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger. As a final highlight the the above mixture with a touch of Yellow (Tamiya XF-3)

(Above) Matt Dark Green (Tamiya XF-61) with a touch of Yellow (Tamiya XF-3) on the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger

(Above) Matt Dark Yellow (Tamiya XF-60) with a touch of White (Tamiya XF-2) on the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger

(Above) GW Citadel paint "Bolt Gun" to highlight the shiny metal part.on the Fujimi 1/76 (Henschel) KonigTiger

Then the fun bit with the spots (and a bit of touching up after when the blotches go amiss). Cover/leathers we painted initially Matt Red Brown and shaded with GW "Bestial Brown" and "Snakeskin Leather".

The final product with a quick twirl for the audience.


The kit above is one of the Esci 1/72 KonigTigers.

The only thing left is to decal it at some point in the future

;)