Plastic Warriors

Revell M997 HUMMWV Rebuild

2012-02-04T00:03:00.000+13:00

I received a batch of prebuilt and loved HUMMWV's a few years ago, and they have gathered dust in their desert sand colour ever since.

Over the past week I have been chipping away at rebuilding and repainting them.

This is the first finished example, a Revell M997 Ambulance.

Decals are from the spares box, which has taken a hammering in the Red Cross section. I really needed more square ones but you work with what you have got.

More eye candy than use for gaming, it would have been a shame to leave it out.

Model on!

The Spares Box 3 : The Decals Box

2012-02-02T23:30:00.000+13:00

I have noticed that with everyone's spares box postings that an important part of the spares factor has been missed.

Of course I am talking about the decals box. I never throw a any spare decals away, they are pure gold when you need them.

I use a shoe box, however I would like to bring into service a photo album type of system so my exploration adventures are shortened.

Model on!

Challenger I MBT Repaint

2012-02-01T23:08:00.000+13:00

I have been away for a few days, so here is an update on what I did in the weekend. I grabbed a couple of the Combat Tanks Magazine Challenger I diecast models and decided to repaint them. To me the scheme is too dark for a mid 80's Challenger I.

Compare this photo to the model. Maybe the magazine looked at a Challenger II scheme which appears more darker.

So I gave it a flatter green scheme and painted over some sliver parts. The foreground shot is a repaint compared to the original behind.

I then added a few spare decals. I kept this one a little brighter to show a fresh tank.

While this one I gave a heavy dark wash to show heavy use. I still have to add some mud.

This is the full Squadron (Or Company in US Armoured Units, or a Troop in US Cavarly Units). The Challenger in the centre is a Revell kit.

Some armour at last for the Cold War Brit's. Model on!

1980's Cold War British Bn Pt4 Support Coy

2012-01-29T19:24:00.000+13:00

The final posting about the 1980's British Infantry Battalion. Above the Battalion Command Stand and Land Rover. Matchbox figure.

The Anti Tank Platoon equipped with L6 WOMBAT, as seen in a previous post.

SFMG Platoon. The tripod mount not evident as I used the Revell SFMG for my 1980's Royal Marine Battalion.

81mm Mortar Platoon, and transport. Hotch potch Mortar made from spares.

Recon Platoon and transport. Both Matchbox NATO Para's.

Pioneer Platoon, Revell German Pioneer with swapped legs, cut away equipment and a trimmed hat to try and make it look like a crap hat. I also added the roll of wire. The other figure is one of those Matchbox Superking figures that came with the diecast vehicles in the 70's and 80's. I replaced the head an helmet.

The Full Battalion, heroes every one of them!

Model on!

TOW

2012-01-28T16:54:00.002+13:00

I have been scratch building a Tube launched Optically tracked Wire command data link guided missile Stand for my Cold War US forces.

I was inspired after reading one of Brian posts from http://afistfullofplastic.blogspot.com/2012/01/tow-stands.html ,it was also apparent that my Battalion HQ needed something a little better than a M47 Dragon stand to deal with the Soviet metal storm. This will be classed as a separate weapon due to the long range of its flight and tactical emplacement on the battlefield.

Airfix 8th Army Vickers stand with a 1/35 scale 105mm shell and a spare part from a 1/35 M47 Dragon for the optic's. The barrel/missle was some spare part that I could not ID.

The spare missile tube is a piece of sprue cut down. Both figures are ESCI with the loader being a NATO Ground Crew pose with a fritz helmet attached.

The missile end is a little too long but other than that I am well pleased with the result.

Model on!

L6 WOMBAT

2012-01-26T23:27:00.001+13:00

For my Anti Tank Platoon organic to the Cold War British Battalion I wanted something a little more original than a Milan, I wanted a WOMBAT!

I used tow pieces of sprue, some parts from the spares box and two wheels from a old Jeep.

Not my best work, but I am reasonably happy with the look of it.

Figures are of course Matchbox NATO Para's with minor conversions.

The .50 Cal spotter rifle is the propeller shaft of a Airfix LCM III cut back

This was my last stand to finish the Support Company off, so that sub unit will probably be the next post.

Model on!

The Spares Box 2 : 1/144 Aircraft

2012-01-25T23:36:00.001+13:00

This is the last lot of aircraft, with all in fairly rough shape. Academy Minicraft and perhaps a few Dragon kits as well. I think I can rescue 80% of them and was thinking of a type of Red Flag Wargame use for them.

Jaguars, one of which I should be able to make a new tail for.

One Tornado, I am sure there is another one around somewhere.

Four Phantoms, mostly all the parts are there. You can never have enough Rhino's.

F111, missing drop tanks, but a useful asset.

F16's, One is a D model and I have found a few more parts while taken these photo's.

Marine air power, an F/A 18 and AV 8B Harrier.

Lastly a F5F Tiger II, again I will have to fabricate a tail. Quite inspired to do something about these, but it will have to wait as I have a TOW to scratchbuild.

Model on.

1980's Cold War British Bn Pt3 C Coy

2012-01-24T22:05:00.000+13:00

Far too hot to get up into the loft tonight and get some photo's for the spares box posting tonight so it will have to be the Third and final Rifle Company of my 1980's British Infantry Battalion.

First Platoon, again the standard Matchbox figures with head swaps.

For the Command Stand I managed to pop in a old ESCI NATO figure. He looks a bit of a muncher!

Final Platoon Stand, I really should have cut back the bi-pod for the L4. Quite glad to get these out of the way as I can now move onto the Support Company.

Model on!

The Spares Box 1 : 1/72 Aircraft

2012-01-24T00:02:00.000+13:00

In carrying out a little email tag with Tim from http://megablitzandmore.blogspot.com/ and Al "http://20thcenturywargames.blogspot.com/ " I mentioned that we all should do a post or two on the legend of the spares box.

The spares box is something that all gamers and modelers probably have tucked under the table, just within reach. I love the spares box as it opens so much more opportunities in projecting what you want to show on the table.

If you have a problem like myself, you may have more than one spares box. I actually do not know how many boxes/containers I have in current action, it must be more than ten and while I am carrying out this blog quest I plan to cut them down a bit.

First up we have the Aircraft box in 1/72. While sorting this shot I cut down four boxes into two-ish.

First container is the loose parts. Not much to show here, lots of canopies (Sorry Tim, no Phantom II types), landing gear and weaponry, fuel tanks etc. Also a complete set of bi plane wings for a Matchbox Fairey Swordfish.

A couple of Cold War planes now, with a Academy Mig 21 and Hasegawa A4M. The Fishbed is missing the Canopy but I may fudge one on at some stage. The Skyhawk is complete an just needs painting.

More Cold War action with two Airfix Jaguar GR1's. Enough to rebuild a complete example, maybe two. I love the Jaguar, while I was at RAF Cranwell on exchange a couple of years ago I mentioned in the Mess that it was a shame that they had been retired as I had a soft spot for them...Within fifteen minutes transport had been laid on and I was taken to RAF Syerston where there are two sitting on a dispersal apron and used for Officer Training aids. A great time was had by all (Well probably just me). I just google mapped RAF Syerston and they are still there, so one day I may diorama that scene, especially as they are in the awesome winter scheme.

Even more Cold War examples with two Mirage III's.One Airfix Mirage III and the other is another manufacturer that I don't know. Ideas?

Last of the Cold War parts, Airfix F86D and the remains of a Matchbox GR1 Harrier. Unknown what I will do with these. I really want a GR3!

WW2 springs into action with a Hasegawa Mustang and a unknown type of Spitfire. These may end up as crashed markers.

Me 109's, Airfix I think and enough to complete at least one. I have no German aircraft in the fleet so this would be welcome, perhaps in a month or two I will get onto it.

The dregs...Half a C130 fuselage and a 1/100 Bell Kiowa minus the skids and glass. Again I have just been hanging onto these with no set plans.

Next up 1/144 Wrecks!

Matchbox Panzer II ohne Aufbau

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000+13:00

This post is a bit of a blast from the past. Back in Febuary 2009 http://plasticwarriors.blogspot.com/2009/02/nice-surpise.html I posted that I had received a Matchbox Panzer II without a turret and was planning on converting it into a Ohne Aufbau or turret less engineering/pioneer vehicle.

Finally yesterday looking for something different to work on I actually did it.

In a rather simple piece of conversion work I added a roof to the turret ring. I also added a towing wire, MG42 and some sort of handle rail at the front.

And some stowage to the rear deck.

The roof to the turret ring was a Fujimi Sherman turret floor, and the surrounding area was the floor from a Fujimi Panzer IV.

Stowage was gathered from the spares box, with a jerrican from Al. Hard plastic figure from an old kit that I cannot remember. He does look very much like a Tamyia figure though...Perhaps ex Hasegawa.

All in all, not a bad hours work I think.

Model on!

OP Galvanic" Tarawa Pt5 Final Moves

2012-01-21T16:20:00.002+13:00

The last post in this series from our Battle of Tarawa Day 1. Above Davids Regiment pushes forward and manages to regain some of its momentum lost after Banzai charges and Suicide Tank Hunter rolls.

My share of Air Support aimed at the defences around the Airfield. David was a generous Commander and it always seemed to be my turn with the Air Support.

With the addition of a under strength Company of Shermans, my blocking force became hammer and aggressively entered the Japanese lair. At the top right hand corner Japanese Armour decides the time is right for a counterattack...

Which was not successful at all. The rounds simply bounced off the Sherman, much to my delight and Al's disappointment.

LVT advancing into a ville with Infantry support. The Japanese continued to contest this area even though they were in danger of getting cut off.

The Sherman Company starts to swing into the rear of the Airfield defences after the abortive armour attack. My Marine Battalion here had almost spanned the width of the island and with Davids Regiments to the centre actually onto the airfield proper it was tim for night to fall and the USMC to consolidate their gains.

Thus came the end of the game. Truly epic work from David in supplying a super map to work with. He really put a lot of work into (with lots of help from his slaves) this and it payed off. Kudos David, and cheers for the three Pill boxes!

Al as usual was a great host and rounded off the scenery and layout well. Ten out of ten to both of them.

Model on...

Unimog 404 S

2012-01-20T23:25:00.000+13:00

I have had this kicking around for around 9 months or so, and after a visit to the dentist today I decided to do something simple so I painted it up.

I need it for my Cold War British Battalion's Anti Tank Platoon, something to tow the WOMBAT. I have scratchbuilt a WOMBAT for the ORBAT and could not be naffed throwing another Land Rover into the mix.

In doing a little research this morning I came across a British Unimog 404S towing a WOMBAT in Berlin in the 1970's, so that was that.

ROCO Mini Tanks 404S, with simple paint job.

I like it, perhaps it is because of the basic-ness of it.

Model on!

1980's Cold War British Bn Pt2 B Coy

2012-01-19T23:30:00.002+13:00

Tonight's follies see's the 2nd 1980's British Infantry Company of my newly formed Battalion. All figures once again are Matchbox.

Rifle Platoon with GPMG figure wearing the normal headswap helmet.

Command Stand again both figures having to deal with helmets rather than berets.

And the last Rifle Platoon. I think the helmets conversions really make these poses more squaddie like.

Model on!

D Coy 2nd Bn 3rd NZ Div

2012-01-19T10:28:00.001+13:00

The last of my Kiwi Battalion Rifle Companies. This 4th Company represents a increase over most other Commonwealth Battalion units due to NZ reinforcement efforts.

Command Stand with two Airfix conversions from the 8th Army set.

Rifle Platoon Stand, with Matchbox British Infantry and 8th Army figures.

The last Platoon stand, again both Matchbox figures. The figure on the left is a ANZAC pose with a helmet head swap.

Support Company under construction.

Cold War Brits Painting: Pt3 Sealing

2012-01-18T23:56:00.000+13:00

With the painting phase over I now base the figures. For CD3 I use two figures per stand to represent a Platoon. After the base has dried I dip the stand into a mixture of warm water and PVA glue. This gives the figures a protective seal that really works to stop chipping and wearing. I know some of you use varnish and so forth, I am simply far to cheap to spend money on this side of it when the PVA seems to work just as well.

I then leave under a light for an hour or two to harden.

Final Product...Or is it? I could add a wash now, but with DPM I am finding that the deeping of the colours hides the pattern, so I am leaving it off for these Brit's at least. I hope some of you found this interesting, at least Nick now has some idea's on painting disruptive patterns.

Model on!

OP Galvanic" Tarawa Pt4

2012-01-18T10:31:00.000+13:00

Still more Tarawa action, Green Beach seen here with Japanese strong points waiting for attention from my Marine Battalion.

Red 2 showing the mayhem of Japanese Arty and Tank hunter stands. The LVT's suffered as they did in real life.

I receive a Company of Shermans as reinforcements. Along with my Stuart this gave my Infantry a edge and I started to make some real progress.

Above, I get my Pack Howitzer off the beach and prepare to support my attack on the buildings at the end of the Airfield. The M3 and first Company awaited another Company before pressing in an attack.

My Company of Shermans start outflanking the Green Beach area defences and along with the blocking Company of my Marines head for the centre of the action. Japanese Armour now started to appear in my sector, giving my lead Rifle Platoons a puckering feeling down under.

Al's Japanese defensive possie at the end of the Airfield. Hits were achieved on this area, but those determined Japanese continued to hold...Which was rather ungentlemanly like.

Extended line attack going in on a ville.

My Arty support set up and in action. Davids 75mm gun and a jeep from my stash that I secretly added to my landing craft wave.

Cold War Brits Painting: Pt2 Scheming

2012-01-17T19:35:00.000+13:00

The second phase of the way I paint my DPM Brit's starts with a Khaki Grey as the base for all the clothing. I lightly almost dry brush this layer on

I use a Flat Green then for the 58 Pattern Webbing. I also dab some small splotches on the uniform as well.

A darker Olive Drab is then added again in blotches.

WW2 English Uniform (Khaki) is spotted on next. It does not matter if the colours overlap. from a distance I think it gives the red/brown shade in the pattern without overdoing it.

To break up the darker shades I apply British Tank Crew in slashes with about 3-4 per limb size area. If you want a CS 95 Uniform then stop at this stage. The colours look about right for this scheme here.

Instead of the yellow/sand in the pattern which does not really mix well at this scale, I use Japanese Uniform which I think is bright enough to carry it.

A closer view of this stage.

It is now that I add what I think really identifies the Uniform as the DPM pattern...The black swathes. I have used a Humbrol Enamel here only because it was all I had that was dark enough. Even then it was No 85 Coal. Y shapes and wide N's. There is no need to over do this stage, but don't under do it either. The narrower the better I think.

Another shot of the Black applied.

The final major painting stage is a brush over of German Tank Crew Black with is a really dark Grey/Light Black. Here I painted it on the Metalwork of the SLR to contrast the Black Plastic furniture of the weapon. I also repainted the Beret and darkened the boots.

Finishing touches next...

Bored yet...

Cold War Brits Painting: Pt1 Prep

2012-01-17T09:58:00.000+13:00

I have been persuaded to show how I painted up my Col War British. No secrets here, and there are quite a few painting guides out there on the net as well. Step 1 is when I base them on a plastic lid to start the preparation stage. I use blue tac.

Step2 is the wash in dishwashing liquid. This is very important to remove the oil from the surface of the plastic. The manufacturing process an handling with bare hands leaves a light oil on the figures and can cause problems later on.

Step3 is leave to dry naturally.

Step4 is the black undercoat. Some people use white, but I use black. If I miss some while painting it looks as though it is part of the DPM. I think it adds depth as well.

The last stage is adding the flesh colour. I always add the skin tone now. Next stage actual uniform.

1980's Cold War British Bn Pt1

2012-01-16T09:32:00.002+13:00

Since getting back from the Tarawa Battle (Still some more to come)I have been working on building a 1980's British Battalion. They are pretty generic and can be a Regular Battalion or maybe a TA Battalion. As my genre is about 1986 it probably is more suited to the TA, as the SLR's and Stirling would be on the way out of Regular Infantry formations by then.

Command Stand, all figures are Matchbox NATO Paratroops with a few Head/Helmet swaps.

Rifle Platoon. Helmets came from the Revell Late War British.

2nd Rifle Platoon. I think these are a little later period than Al's version http://20thcenturywargames.blogspot.com/2011/06/cold-war-british-infantry.html of the same units.

Alpha Company complete, quite nice to get back to some Cold War Stuff. I have a scratch built WOMBAT on the table at the moment...Good times.

Model on!

"OP Galvanic" Tarawa Pt3

2012-01-15T11:29:00.002+13:00

On Red 1, facing my Battalion of Marines are a Battalion size group of Japanese. Looking above you can see they are emplaced, and three stands of Infantry are hidden in the village. A heavy going type area is directly in front of the ville.

I decided to split my Battalion into two groups, with the Tank Platoon accompanying the Weapons, and A,B Companies moving forward once through the obstacles to put pressure on the Airfield buildings area that has approximately two Japanese Battalions around it. While the last of my Rifle Companies are used as a blocking force on the other Battalion of Japanese to my south.

The last of my troops are off the beach when a Battalion of Davids Regiment of Marines land to the centre. Note the pillbox in the centre of the photo. This was to plague Davids landing for a few turns. You can already see smoke from a destroyed AMTRAC.

With the M3 Stuart, my assault force advances. I have a Platoon of 75mm Pack Howitzer setting up just off the beach in support.

While on Red 3 Davids troops advance inland and reach the outskirts of the Airfield. Here all manner of hell breaks lose, with suicide tank hunters and Banzai charges forcefully halting the advance. Soon the area was a mass of burning vehicles.

The village at Red 3 giving Davids troops grief.

Eye Candy F4U. I had to slip this in somewhere. A Marine Corsair on a run to the rear.

The Japanese manage to let loose their Armour. This plucky Platoon races down the airfield and seems unstopable.

On my beach I keep on pushing forward at a cautious advance rate.

While a lone Company of my troops with a AMTRAC in support keep the Japanese from any advance.

Airfix PR.XIX Twin Build

2012-01-14T18:44:00.001+13:00

Having decided to build all the 1/72 Airfix Spitfires that he could lay his hands on, Dave has just emailed me the latest examples.

The PR.XIX was Griffon powered and having picked up one kit, Dave was lucky enough to get another donated to him by Chintz. Nice one Phil.

Sweden used these from 1949 until 1955, and had 50 or so airframes delivered.

Dave started brush painting these but he said it was a bit of a mess, so he went back to using a airbrush.

Dave also complained about the Mirco-Sol he uses for the decals. The solution seems to have given up the ghost in the heat of the Summer, hence the shiny look.

A nice tandem build all the same. Great work Dave.

"OP Galvanic" Tarawa Pt2

2012-01-13T10:35:00.002+13:00

Naval Gunfire Support phase, and didn't they do well! Most visable strong points were targeted and with reasonable dice were destroyed. The salty sand from the beaches were not ideal for cementing apparently. Burst marker above on Red 1.

Coastal guns on Red 3 were a major target. Before...

And after...

Looking from Red 1 the first wave about to hit the reef.

Red 1 again (This was my beach, hence most of my shots are about it), AMTRAC's over the reef and hit the beach. Looking good so far.

Red 2 and 3 with Davids troops going ashore, what could go wrong.

What could go wrong was intense Japanese artillery fire from their Mountain Guns. Here on my beach 2 DUKW's are targeted, before disgorging their loads.

Good hits here, but I managed to spread the markers around. The next morale turn however saw them pinned.

The landing frontage, with the second wave stopped by a neap tide on the reef.

David's Red 3 beach with his Marines dismounting, he still faced intense fire from the Pillboxs shown.

Meanwhile on Red 1, I get some M3 Stuart support to help my Battalion.

Both waves in Red 1. I sent my Landingcraft and AMTRAC's straight back. However I held onto one to give a little support to C Coy who faced a fortified ville.

Naval Gunfire Support phases over, and we started to get Air Support, here a F4U starts a run on the Pillbox line.

More to come of course...

"OP Galvanic" Tarawa Pt1

2012-01-12T11:46:00.000+13:00

Having arrived at Al's with my hasty painted Marine Battalion I was greeted with David Russell's most excellent map of the operational area we were to game. David has been putting in major time and effort into this and it payed off aces. Al and Dave had already set up most of the island and with some items from myself we changed a few minor points over a few drinks. The drinks theme was as important as the game to all of us on a hot summer day.

The set up was based on mapping of the defensive positions of the Japanese, and apart from the Eastern tip of the island which Dave had left off it was a fair representation. We were only to game the first days action, with forces of this size the CD3 game movement is almost played out in a real time scale.

During this time Dave and I being the US Forces naturally we sent sent out some final recon of the island before retiring to a BBQ and a few more drinks.

Red Beach 1, this was my nut to crack. I was to command the 3/2nd USMC and Al had myself outnumbered two to one in this sector.

The Airfield area, another mass of Japanese forces based here.

The Airfield again with well sited defensive positions.

Coastal Defence Guns with a unrestricted field of fire to the harbour.

Red 2 and 3 beach was to be Davids AO. He had the majority of the USMC element to land and command.

The loading of our forces being carried out. Thankfully our amphibious fleet has been slowly growing and we are managing to fit at least a decent first wave into our games.

Red Beach 1 closest leading out to Red 2 and 3.

My Battalions first two Companies lead out towards the island with the barbed wire reef rapidly getting closer.

Red 1 beach, just prior to the Naval gunfire phase, those pill boxes need to be subjected to a little attention.

Of which they were, note the rubble replacing the pill boxes. Next post landing.

More Spitfire Action

2012-01-12T09:05:00.001+13:00

I have been away for a couple of days conducting operations on Tarawa, of which I will start to post a AAR after I have recovered enough. In the meantime waiting in my email inbox were these photo's from Dave of his latest completed model, Airfix 1/72 Spitfire...The new tooling.

It looks like a heck of alot more detail in these kits compared to the old classics. Dave reckon's the detail level is about what you would expect from a 1/48 scale model.

Lovely work as ever from Dave who seems to be on a bit of a Spitfire fetish at the moment.

Cheers Dave, and model on!

C Coy 2nd Bn 3rd NZ Div

2012-01-09T21:34:00.001+13:00

Battling on with my Kiwi's, and I must say now that if they seem a little shiny it's because I have been PVA-ing for Africa in an attempt to seal a large amount of figures I have painted. It gives them a nice 'Britains look'. Above the Command stand of C Coy. Officer is another converted Airfix 8th Army figure, this time with a Lemon Squeezer. The dude in the rear is a Matchbox ANZAC with a helmet instead of a bush hat.

Rifle Platoon with two Matchbox conversions. To the rear is a 8th Army pose with a forage cap replacing the beret/balmoral. The Bren gunner is from the Infantry set and again the Lemon Squeezer fills in for the helmet.

Last Rifle Platoon with two Matchbox poses. Standard British Infantry to the rear, while to the fore headswap ANZAC in KD's.

Full Company attack. Burning the midnight oil at the moment with Tarawa around the corner. Yesterday I painted and based a whole Marine Battalion of which a rather poor standard was obtained. At least they are nice and shiny as well!

Model on!

Bunker 4

2012-01-09T09:59:00.000+13:00

I think this will be the last one, as Al and Dave want to get into the Tarawa game tomorrow.

I have had this awhile, but I thought it needed a bit of a spruce up.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHSB4U8RoRk/Th6_e8bMm1I/AAAAAAAAFug/q8w4nDvFoo8/s1600/7-9.jpg

Your Matchbox base from the Humber Armoured Car I believe with a Fujimi or Hasegawa Bunker, although I cannot find the set on PSR.

Basic repaint dark wash and I added sand for the crater. The colours look more Pacific now.

Modelling on!

F4U Eye Candy

2012-01-09T00:30:00.003+13:00

I made this up out of a wreck of a 1/72 RNZAF F4U Corsair I have had lying around basically in this shape for 30 or so years. No idea of the make.

I simply cut it with a hacksaw and plonked it as is onto a base.

I found a wheel from the spares box, but could not find a propeller. So I made on out of a nail file handle.

Flock and sand along with some twigs finished it off.

I think it has a nice Pacific feel to it.

Model on!

Bunker 3 !

2012-01-08T09:51:00.001+13:00

The third in my series of bunkers for Tawara, sees a Company position.

Clay sandbags, gravel, twigs and a few items from the spares box.

A little bit of wrapping due to where I left it overnight to dry. I will counteract it by painting the base underside.

Some bushes and grass to break it up a little.

Scale comparisons.

The palm of course is another Matchbox item from the Wespe set.

So...Everyone sick of bunkers yet...?

Airfix Japanese Company No1

2012-01-06T18:41:00.003+13:00

The start of my Japanese forces will see a CD3 Battalion solely based on the Airfix Japanese figures. This is because I have a couple of hundred of them and would like to thin them down a tad. Above Rifle Platoon with the figure on the left has had a head swap with the helmet replaced with the cap. I have carried out a lot of swaps with these figures to get more poses into the Battalion.

2nd Rifle Platoon, and probably the Command stand. Both figures have had conversions carried out with a rifleman being made into a LMG operator and the rifleman having a head swap.

Last Rifle Platoon, again with two head swaps.

Full Company frontage. These had lots of flash and at times it was quite disheartening working with them. I also found references about the uniform colours very vague with no single standard being apparent. So forgive me if they seem a little uniform.

Model on!

Bunker 2

2012-01-06T16:35:00.000+13:00

Back from a short camping break and time for a catch up. The second of my Bunkers for Tarawa complete.

Another simple build, think upside down watch tower planted on a base.

Again rocks and twigs from the driveway.

Sprinkling of sand and a little flock and its sorted.

Even if it's used for eye candy I am still happy about the outcome.

Possible Company possie with the first Bunker.

More to come tonight...

Revell Mitsubishi Zero/Zeke

2012-01-04T15:33:00.001+13:00

The latest from Dave, who was quite disappointed to find the kit was produced in 1962

No time for further comments as I am off on a short break.

Lovely job anyway I think! Model on...

Bunker!

2012-01-04T00:06:00.000+13:00

With Al and his mate Dave about to launch into Tarawa in a few days I thought I had better help with some of the scenery. Op Galvanic saw the US Marines having to face 500+ Bunkers and Pillbox's in a area barely 2000 yds long and 700 yrds wide.

I made a quite generic type fortification and as always have based it on some vinyl flooring.

10 points if anyone can guess what the Pillbox is made of...

Twigs from the driveway made up the logs on the base.

Along with some crushed metal stones from the same. Sand and flocking added with PVA.

Palm tree attached from the Matchbox Wespe set. A must say it was a nice wee project that I completed in about an hour after the glue dried. So nice in fact I made a few more.

Model on!

B Coy 2nd Bn 3rd NZ Div 1942

2012-01-01T23:27:00.001+13:00

Battling on into the New Year with B Company. Above Command Stand base.

1st Rifle Platoon Stand.

2nd Platoon. I try to include at least one LMG in each Company stand.

Company outing.

This Platoon has Matchbox's 8th Army in the rear with Airfix WW1 US Army head swap, while the foreground has the British Infantry with Airfix Forage cap head swap from the Luftwaffe set.

Matchbox 8th Army Bren gunner again with Airfix WW1 US Army headswap. The rear soldier is a standard Matchbox British Infantry pose.

The standard Airfix 8th Army pose is souped up with the SD cap replaced with a helmet. Interesting enough I have seen Hong Kong copies with this very pose created. The rear soldier in the stand is another Matchbox British Infantry pose with forage cap.

New Years Reflections and Plans

2012-01-01T13:27:00.002+13:00

It's that time of year again to reflect on matters and plan some new distractions, and with everyone else doing it I might as well add my two cents. My last completed modelling project of the year was the above 1:1 scale Rustic BBQ which I knocked up during yesterday afternoon, happy to report it worked a treat and along with copious amounts of lager the food was quite enjoyable.

2011 saw a good increase of the previous years output, but as I was oversea's for a couple of months in total this was no surprise. My Cold war projects actually got some game time and proved to be good fun with some unexpected results and situations. My Mid to late War British have been getting a push of late and it is pleasing to see an almost complete ORBAT of some sort.

British Para Brigade 44/45 is just about there, and I need to push this along a little further.

Nothing German painted this year, and it's good to give them a break, however they will return in 2012 in some sort of project.

As always my motivation and foil for gaming has been Al from http://20thcenturywargames.blogspot.com/ who has helped me along and prodded me when necessary, I think this works both ways really and I can always count on the Bootneck for a bite.

My good mate Dave (Spanky) has as always been contributing some good work, and I thank him for that, and his comments via email, which for the most part cannot be posted due to their unbias nature. Dave has also managed to provide me some good kits, which really were needed. Best of luck for the new posting Dave.

My other mate Phil (Chintz) has always been keen on commenting when he is not overwhelmed by earthquakes, and he has of late been doing some work for me behind the scenes, sourcing paints and other guff. Cheers Phil and lets see some progress on those Brit's.

Gerard Davey another local has completed a number of projects for me and Al, an they really do complete some units, that otherwise we would be stuck on. Cheers for that Gerard.

Special thanks to Tim Gow from http://megablitzandmore.blogspot.com/ who made Al and I's day when he dispatched a package of models and figures. Much appreciated that package was some major parts of it will feature this year.

My commenters deserve a pat on the back, for helping me along with progress. Steve, Rich, Paul, Mork, Thanos, The Belgian, Dimitri, Geordie, Don,Easternfunker, Steven,Erhntly and Hugh in particular are thanked for their observations. It really does help when you get feedback on subjects. Cheers to anyone I missed.

So for 2012 I am planning on the following...Note planning may actually differ from doing...

German Airborne Units for Crete, and Italy etc. Tim has kindly provided me a start up package and hopefully Al will show me some direction.

Japanese Regimental size Unit. Again Tim has given me some figures that will be the base for a decent size formation. I have also my Airfix Japanese to add to that an some Matchbox samples. And yesterday I started planning the units. Al has a decent size Japanese Army so I may just plug the gaps so to speak.

More Cold War projects, these will be oddball formations and units, but nothing to major. I have a number of these really to base and paint already.

Festung NZ will continue, and I am almost there I think, the development of the Japanese will spur this on I think.

Base some more scenery. Getting there, but I need to putter away more often and field it.

Finish my late war Brit's. I have to rebased a Brigade size unit, simple but I really struggle in actually pulling my finger out and doing this. Must try harder.

Thats all I can think of for now, and as my hangover is growing I think I will have a lie done.

Model on 2012!

A Coy 2nd Bn 3rd NZ Div 1942

2011-12-31T11:45:00.000+13:00

I have been working on these over the last week or so, and with a donation of Airfix WW1 American's from Al I have manged to field a Battalion. Able to use for Home Defence Forces or 1940-43 in the Med and Greece, Crete.

A Coy Command Stand, with two Matchbox conversions. Helmet replaced on the charging figure with a lemon squeezer (or as the US call them campaign cap) while the Officer to the rear from the British Infantry set has head swap with forage cap from Airfix Luftwaffe set and a arm and weapon replacement.

Simple lemon squeezer hat swap. Some figures in Battle Dress, while some are in KD summer uniform. This is quite a common thing, and if you look at pictures from Greece and Crete it crops up all the time.

No conversions here, simple Matchbox 8th Army and British Infantry.

Rear shot of the Command Stand.

And another rear shot of a Platoon showing the lemon squeezer.

Model on into the New Year dudes.

Type 97 (Late) Fujimi Tanks

2011-12-30T17:47:00.001+13:00

I have been rebuilding these two tanks for a couple of nights now, and as I finished them this afternoon it was time for a photofest.

We need two for the Battle of Tarawa which will be taking place at Al's in a week or so.

I gave them a pretty generic scheme, which was basically just made up after looking at a few colour plates. I think with Japanese Armour, colour is more important than pattern.

Seen here with my only painted up Japanese Infantry from Airfix. Tim from http://megablitzandmore.blogspot.com/ kindly has donated a stash of old ESCI poses which I really most get around to painting .

Again a heavy black wash to finish. Armour in the Far East and Pacific really received a hammering from the elements, so they need to look tired.

As usual I am well pleased to get these out of the to do category.

900 here was basically complete but missing a track. I found one that was not a perfect match, but will do the job.

678, needed more work, and I actually broke it open and re mounted the lower hull to the upper hull. Both were missing the rear turret MG, and still are. I am far to lazy to add these in at the moment.

This pair makes a understrength Company and is the real start of my Japanese Forces.

Model on!

Actual Christmas Haul

2011-12-29T08:49:00.001+13:00

For Christmas, the wife grabbed me a complete DVD edition of the Pacific. Chuffed about this because it is what I actually asked for. I missed it last year on TV as I was overseas when it was on. And a couple of brushes and Humbrol paints.

From my good mate Phil, he picked me up some paints and washes from Christchurch, which as the paint supply situation over here is quite grim it was a good thing. Nice one mate!

And my ole chum Al, managed to score myself a Matchbox Album 1980 and he donated me a selection of WW2 NZ Home Guard, Territorial Army figure stands. Blooming useful they are as well. Quite a nice haul I think.

Model on!

Airfix Spitfire VB

2011-12-28T12:36:00.002+13:00

Dave being Dave managed to knock this together over a couple of days.

Manufactured 1986 and brought for $2.50 NZD off an online auction site.

Super effort Dave

Pre-Xmas Haul Pt2

2011-12-27T09:52:00.001+13:00

More of the pre Christmas haul, along with the Railway buildings and associated item I picked up were these Modern 70's-80's trucks. They will fit right in with the Cold war era. Above a Mercedes Benz or Damiler Benz 2632 (I think) Concrete mixer. Perfect for a Engineer Troop stand vehicle. The hubs on this have been glued the wrong way and try as I might I cannot get them off. The green paint will hide this. I think the Manufacturer is Kibri.

Again another concrete mixer, but the tractor unit can be used for other taskings. Maybe another 2632 or perhaps a 2628. Really good detail on this model.

More Mercedes/ Damiler Benz hardware here, a 1632 looking at it. The tralier is a star here, just right for Engineering units Bailey Bridges. Herpa maybe?

But wait another Mercedes/ Damiler Benz. canopy covered decks make it suitable to go straight into a Transport Troop after painting. Maybe a 1320?

Scania 112 with lowboy trailer, just right for transporting armour.

DAF 2600 or 2800, freakingly ugly unit, which will stay as it is.

A switch point for eye candy

And lastly a decent size box of spare vehicle parts. This is very welcome, you can never have enough spare parts.

Matchbox M16 Conversion Complete

2011-12-26T09:49:00.001+13:00

I finished this off the other night with the application of some decals and a good old fashioned dirty up.

I hate putting the star on the bonnet, but it looks rather naked with it.

Not much modelling carried out yesterday, in fact none other than a 1:1 scale trampoline.

Seen here with the Airfix rebuild I carried out earlier in the month.

Model on dudes! And remember to post your model hauls so I can drool over them.

Airfix Gurkha's

2011-12-24T23:56:00.001+13:00

The last in Daves trio of World War Two far eastern figure fest ends with Airfix's well intentioned but maligned Gurkhas. Again Dave has painted them up a treat, but the fact they are wearing a tunic spoils the actual figures.

Safari suits aside these are well thought out figures for the most part with only a couple of questionable poses.

Since it's 5 minutes to Christmas day I had better wrap this up.

Cheers again Dave, and well painted. Merry Christmas!

Airfix Australian Infantry

2011-12-24T09:18:00.000+13:00

As a companion to the Matchbox ANZAC set, Dave has rustled up a few Airfix Australians. I do enjoy the early model Thompson gun and the inclusion of the US supplied gaiters.

These blend into the Matchbox figures with ease, not surprisingly as Hugh from the very informative

http://smallscaleworld.blogspot.com/ as pointed out the sculpture work was carried out by the same person. And a pat on the back is deserved to this man for his wonderful work.

Again Dave has used a lovely faded shade for the military denims. Super stuff Dave...But wait there's more to come!

Matchbox ANZAC's

2011-12-23T23:52:00.002+13:00

Dave again has sent me a plethora of photos of his latest projects, with the first post of three I am hoping to squeeze in before Christmas we have Matchbox (Soon to be re-released from Revell) ANZAC's.

Bren gun team with the No1 reaching for the spare barrel, which the No2 should be carrying, after all that's what a No2 is supposed to be for.

Charging rifleman with SMLE. Lovely detail on these poses, probably the first set to include rifle bandoleers on the pose.

Vickers MMG, super looking gun moulding, and much better than Matchbox's British Infantry.

Officer/NCO and Signaler type along with another rifleman. One of the best Signaler poses out there I think.

Unfortunately the only weak links in the set are I believe the actual Mortar, which is a rather clumsy affair like all Matchbox Mortars and the wounded fella which takes up a pose while not actually being very useful. Super moulding again however.

More charging and another Officer type, the best thing about all these poses is that they all seem to fit together.

Firing poses with another Bren pose. The amount of poses in this set is flippin fantastic.

The bloke on the left is missing his mule Dave where's his mule?

Great work Dave, with the faded jungle green look perfectly carried out. Well done.

Pre-Xmas Haul Pt1

2011-12-23T19:10:00.000+13:00

I picked all this up on an online auction last week for under $22NZD, which I thought was a swimmingly good price. First up Faller Fences, always useful for housing and field scenery.

A set of two PECO bridge trusses, which will be used to make me a new bridge. The Airfix Pontoon Bridge is fine, but sometimes you need something else.

Vollmer Silo, which is listed on another auction for $70 NZD! For use in an industrial setting.

Water tower, make unknown. In good order and will be used as part of my railway area.

Faller? small factory, again straight into the industrial estate.

Faller again? Railway station.

Faller I think again Railway control station, which may double for a Coldwar airport control.

And lastly for tonight's post a set of three out houses or sheds. More to come from this buy tomorrow.

Model on.

ESCI Russian Grenadiers

2011-12-23T09:35:00.000+13:00

Sneaking in right before Christmas is Daves latest work ESCI Russian Grenadiers.

These figures were released almost 25 years ago, and have that classic ESCI look.

They arrived on my email last night so have probably been posted on the Airfix Tribute Forum by now.

Nicely painted Dave, and Merry mismis to you as well.

Ho Ho Ho

2011-12-22T14:20:00.001+13:00

After my final work break up last night I arrived home in quite good cheer, not too merry however to stop me getting a little work up in the loft done.

The finished product is of course an Airfix Father Christmas.

I think the tin hat really suits Santa myself.

Ho Ho Ho!

Matchbox M16 Conversion

2011-12-21T11:43:00.001+13:00

Not much of a update this post, more of a catch up. Last month I fixed up a Matchbox AA halftrack that had been kicking around for far too long. I have had three of these purchased/rescued second hand over the last couple of years, and all have been broken, or missing parts. This one in the background (Foreground is a Airfix kit) is the most recent and complete as it actually had the AA gun, but in true form was missing the barrels for the quad .50 cals. Far too lazy to replace the barrels I decided to put this into my Motorized British Battalion transport stock.

Wheels and tracks re-aligned and re-mounted. This was a mission as the superglue holding them had melted the plastic.

Basic vehicle finished. I have always thought that the Airfix Halftrack set of rear tracks is superior to the Matchbox. The one piece Airfix assembly just looks correct compared to the one above, after 3 or four attempts this was the best I could achieve.

I gave it a quick paint into my current version of 44/45 British vehicles and added a Matchbox tarp from the Protez and Pak36 set. Not a perfect fit but pretty good. I miss the tarp that used to come with the Airfix Halftrack...Whatever happened to that?

I then added some putty around the edges of the tarp to fill it out more and hide the gaps. A sand then paint.

All set for the decal's. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow. Last day at work for the year, thank goodness for that, I don't think I can stand another Christmas party!

Model on.

Kim Jong-il - Dead!

2011-12-19T18:57:00.001+13:00

Shocking bit of news this: I only had dinner with Al Kim Jong Il on Saturday.

Kim Jong Il, North Korea's mercurial and enigmatic leader whose iron rule and nuclear ambitions dominated world security fears for more than a decade, has died. He was 69.

Kim's death 17 years after he inherited power from his father was announced on Monday by the state television from the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. The country's "Dear Leader" - reputed to have had a taste for cigars, cognac and gourmet cuisine - was believed to have had diabetes and heart disease.

One more crackpot down, and about blooming time. No doubt another idiot will take his place.

Unexpected Christmas Gift

2011-12-18T23:09:00.000+13:00

I attended my RSA (Returned Servicemen Association) Dinner last night and when my Xmas Cracker was pulled (no pun intended) this is what came out.

Maybe its a cow or calf my however my wife thought it was a sheep, but the tail looks to long to me. Watch out as it sneaks into a shot (painted) in the next few weeks, I will give 10 points to whoever spots it first.

Pegasus LCVP Pt2

2011-12-18T10:12:00.000+13:00

I was lucky enough to get some time in yesterday finishing of the Pegasus LCVP construction phase.

I say phase but I mean 10 minutes. Lovely fit, with just a wee bit of putty added at the stern to fill a gap.

A quick wash in soapy water to remove the oil from the plastic then a coat of primer.

I mixed a couple of greys from my sons poster paint and gave it a disruptive sea scheme. I was getting sick of just painting them grey and I have seen them with similar patterns. The LCVP behind is a Airfix Heller kit which is better detailed but my monies on the Pegasus kit for wargaming. Note I broke one of the .50 Cals off, I was in a hurry and it will be fixed without a hassle. This part of the kit is a little fragile an could have been better designed I think.

Model on!

Current Projects

2011-12-16T22:48:00.002+13:00

Today as I have freaking stupid head cold and the attention of a nat I have not carried any real progress. Instead I shall post a review of current projects which festoon my workspace. First up is a trio of Fujimi Type 97 (late) Chi Ha armour. I brought these as is and hope to have them ready by Christmas for a wargame I have to supply to Al's "Week of Wargaming".

Almost finished is this Gun Emplacement. I just need to sort the top and give the gun a bit of detail. An hour to finish I think.

Artillery position made out of super clay. Needs flocking and the bags need a paint so about 30 minutes to completion.

More defensive fun, this time a log structure. Again flocking and a bit of paint on the logs, I also might add some planks to floor it. An hour or so I guess.

Radar Installation, with still quite a bit of work to be done, I am basing this on one that was on the entrance to the Wellington Heads

And lastly 1942 3rd (NZ) Division Infantry. Based on a number of Airfix and Matchbox figures with conversions. I have painting them in the summer weight KD uniform as the JG's used in the Pacific had not been issued (Dyed) until early 43 I believe.

Still lots to do and not so sure I will fit it all in, I guess I will just have to model on I suppose.

Zvezda 122mm Gun

2011-12-14T22:27:00.002+13:00

A quick catch up post on the Zvezda 122mm Gun that I picked up last month. I have had this finished for a few weeks now but had forgotten about it. Trying to clean up the table tonight drew it to my attention.

Nothing too fancy about it, although I was unhappy about my work with the arm attachments to the figures. My boo boo, not Zvezda's.

I still might putty the gaps up yet as they really bug me. In other news I completed construction on the Pegasus LCVP tonight and converted some figures, so all is not lost.

Model on!

Pegasus LCVP

2011-12-13T23:06:00.002+13:00

Another $5.00 NZD purchase is this Easy Build kit from Pegasus, and they are not kidding about the easy part.

I have a wee fetish for landing craft which I cannot really understand, and having being confined to Airfix and Heller kits this will make a nice change. I also have a Airfix LCVP kit waiting as well so I might kill two birds with one stone.

Model on!

More Matador Madness Final

2011-12-12T22:41:00.003+13:00

Painted last night and a very light wash tonight see's the end of the Airfix Matador.

I don't really care for the hook on the front, seems a little dodgy to me.

Especially pleased with the rear tarp. I think it's a major improvement on the kit piece.

Decals again from the Airfix Bedford QLD, and of course I replaced the US driver with the Airfix Universal (Bren) Carrier Driver.

Both Matadors complete. I have four Scammell tyres left...Should I convert another one...?

Model on!

Emhar Whippet - Endstate

2011-12-11T22:34:00.003+13:00

Spending twenty minutes here and there over the weekend I managed to bring the Christmas Whippet to an endstate of sorts.

Given the conditions of the Western front in the final years of the First World I wanted it to have a muddy dirty look.

I also wanted it fairly oily, however in some places I overdid it I think. My bottle of wash is nearly empty and not as consistent as I thought it would be.

Decals were from the set, and they have a good range to choose from. I gave this Whippet a mixture to keep it fairly generic.

I suppose I will have to wrap it now, that could take longer than the actual construction.

Model on!

RNZAF Aerodrome Defence Unit

2011-12-10T23:21:00.004+13:00

As part of my Festung NZ project (Thanks Tim, the name has catched on) I need to include a Squadron from the RNZAF Aerodrome Defence Unit. Used to defend Airfields and Air Force installations, these SQN's were the Kiwi version of the RAF Regiment. Above this stand ( No 1 Flight) has 8th Army and British Infantry from Matchbox. All these figures are all painted into the standard summer uniform of KD's with a mix of trousers and shorts. The 37 pattern webbing is painted into the RNZAF's green/grey colour, which was still around up until the early 80's when I was a Cadet.

Matchbox and a Airfix 8th Army conversion, which seemed like a good idea at the time, make up No 2 Flight.

And for No 3 Flight we have another mix including the classic Airfix 8th Army Bren gunner. A bugger of a pose to include on a stand.

Command Stand or HQ Flight from Airfix.

The complete SQN, which will be rated as trained. Something a bit from left field, I could also use it as No 1 RNZAF Aerodrome Construction Squadron which saw service in Malaya and Singapore.

More Matador Madness 2

2011-12-10T09:48:00.002+13:00

I finished off the build part of the Matador yesterday, with the Airfix Scammell wheels attached after placing spacers under the axle leaf springs.

I also cut down another GMC tarp for the rear, and filled the gap at the top with putty. The gap at the bottom will be left unattached, just like the real thing.

Last off were the front lights, which were plastic indicator lights from a old 1/24 scale truck. Next up the painting.

Model on!

Emhar Whippet - 20 Minute Kit

2011-12-08T22:48:00.005+13:00

This kitset arrived a couple of weeks ago, I picked it up as part of a bulk buy that when worked out it only $5.00 NZD, which I was rapt about. I had some time to kill this afternoon and decided to get into it. It said on the box 10 yrs +, but I thought I could do it quicker.

Only 22 parts, each of which is nicely detailed and flash free, sweet!

Stage one, hull exhausts and fuel tank, 5 minutes.

Driving and gunnery turret. The MG's maybe a little thick, but that makes them more wargame friendly I think. 5 minutes.

Engine deck and driving turret assembly. I did have a little trouble aligning the deck, but it was soon sorted using a little more pressure. 5 minutes.

Tracks added and we are done. 20 minutes of totally hassle free building. This incidentally is my first WW1 kit, but after painting I will probably give it as a Christmas gift to a bloke I know who used to use cold water from a dogs bowl to apply decals and wonder why he had troubles.

He needs all the help he can get I reckon. Model on!

More Matador Madness

2011-12-07T23:09:00.003+13:00

All this work with the Matador rebuild has made me pick a unmade kit from the box and start again. Its probably been five or so years since the last time I built the Airfix kit, and I remember that it was a build of two halves. Some stages good, but then again I seem to recall that the deck and tarp may have been a little tricky.

Stage one, the cab. Relativity simple work, but this example had quite a bit of flash to remove (But since the mold is 49 years old this year I can forgive that). The driver with the M1 US helmet is a mystery, why put him in there? You could always pretend he is a Soviet driver I suppose as the mother country supplied the USSR with a few thousand of them. I used a Airfix driver from the Universal Carrier set instead.

Stage two the deck and tarp. Not as bad as I remember. A good idea is to use superglue here and work piece by piece instead of just wacking two sides on at once. The tarp is shockingly undetailed, and is hard to get just right. I plane to add the rear end of a GMC tarp like with the other Matador to upgrade it.

Stage three are the boxes under the deck and the mud guards. The boxes look a little small, but everything fits well.

Stage four the chassis. The leaf springs are a total pain in the butt. It may have been that I was tired but I kept on dropping them or misaligning them. I eventually used tweezers like I should have done from the start. As I am changing the wheels i left off some of the parts underneath until I get the axles sorted.

Mating of the stages. Again to ensure hassle free fit I used superglue and held it for a minute or so. Much better alignment than the one I made years ago.

Axles with donor wheels from the Airfix Scammell truck. The bigger tyres are needed. If you look at the Matador in the rear of the shot you will see they look too small. swap them if you can.

Model on

Airfix Matador Complete

2011-12-05T16:46:00.003+13:00

I burned the midnight oil this morning finishing the rebuilt Matador off.

The larger wheels are really needed to make the truck look correct. I believe the original wheels are on the small size.

Quite happy about the rear tarp, which I stole from the Airfix/Heller GMC. It only needed a little cutting down to fit. Decals were spares fro the Airfix QLD set.

I have a hopefully complete one of these waiting in a box in the stash, maybe this will be my next project...

AEC Mk II Armoured Car Scatchbuild Complete

2011-12-04T22:07:00.002+13:00

While working on the Matador, I managed to finish off the AEC Armoured Car.

Decals are a mix from the spares box, and may not be quite correct.

I gave it a heavy black wash, but decided against making it too muddy. It will be used as part of the Armoured Car Regiment HQ group, so it needed get too dirty.

Once again a big thank you to Gerard Davey for the construction. It's a winner I think.

Airfix Matador Rebuild

2011-12-04T14:51:00.003+13:00

In a bulk lot of preloved models I acquired a few months ago was this very sorry looking Airfix Matador. Looking to build up my mid to late war Brits of late I decided to fix it up.

Airfix 88mm Gun wheels had been used to replace the originals, and while it was probably better than nothing I thought it looked naff. Also the radiator was missing as well, and I think the fuel tank in on the wrong side.

First up I ripped off the wheels and axles. I have spare wheels from an old Airfix Scammell trailer, and these look about the right size, and nice and meaty to boot.

Radiator hash built from an GMC duce and a half, with a radiator cap from a sprue end. I did have another radiator type lined up, but about 20 seconds away from gluing I dropped it down the stairs, and that was the end of that...I was a little grumpy at the time believe you me, and I still cannot find it.

Leaf springs from another 88mm gun set I think.

Axle cut from sprue, along with some plastic on the rear springs to build the area up.

Wheels attached and a axle guard hashed into place. I also added some linkage rods to make it look a little less naked.

Some wire attached to the front, along with a headlamp next to the radiator.

I added a new end tarp, so it looked like it was hanging down flapping. I then filled the gaps with putty.

This looks much better I think, although it looks rather a lot more like the post war AEC Hippo. Whatever the case it will do me nicely. Next up painting.

Conflix Pillbox Set Duce

2011-12-04T14:36:00.002+13:00

Just for Nick from Christchurch who wanted a scale comparison. Figures are the 1/72 Revell and Italeri Soviets.

Conflix Pillbox Set

2011-12-03T23:08:00.002+13:00

I grabbed this set for $5.00 NZD, and for "Festung New Zealand" it seems a good buy.

I decided to dress up the bases with a bit of flock to add a little life to them.

The dugout is a nice little piece, and a Anti Tank Gun could be squeezed into it with any luck.

Working on another re build at the moment, hopefully some real progress on it will be shown tomorrow.

Model on!

AEC Mk II Armoured Car Scatchbuild Update

2011-12-01T22:35:00.003+13:00

With simmer in the air I decided tonight to get stuck into the AEC Armoured Car that Gerard Davey had kindly scatchbuilt for me. I added a BESA MG into the turret and cut down a 75mm PAK to resemble a 6 pounder. I also added towing hooks, some tarps, a pack and a stowage bin on the lower side.

Spare wheel, taken from the Airfix Scammell trailer, jerrican and a cam net.

Once the glue had set I gave it a base coat of British Racing Green, as I have an almost full can and could not be bothered brush painting the first layer.

A coat of Light Olive Green and touched up the tyres.

Tarps and jerricans were given a military green to contrast.

I probably will add a little foliage to the net once it is dry.

Decals next and some weathering. I have a good feeling about this.

Model on!

Easy Model M113A2

2011-11-30T22:30:00.004+13:00

I probably shouldn't have, but at $8.00 NZD how could I say no. I have a problem saying no as the other package that arrived for me today will testify in a later post.

Nicely detailed and painted, its ready to go. My only complaint are the ariel guards which are like the JB Models/ Airfix kit in being solid masses instead of steel bars.

It carries the mid 80's until modern US NATO disruptive scheme which is still alright to blend into my MERDC M113A1's.

Being an ambulance and with myself too lazy to change I will add this into a MECH BN HQ Company.

PST ZIS 6

2011-11-29T23:14:00.002+13:00

Possibly the worst kit I have ever constructed. Its a interesting build that seems simple but turns out quite tricky.

I tried to rebuild this the other day as it was very wonky and needed a major realignment.

Not much better really, look at those rear wheels, I really am ashamed.

Possible combo, the worst part about this is I have another one waiting to be built as the half track version.

AEC Mk II Armoured Car Scatchbuild

2011-11-28T18:30:00.003+13:00

A quick post tonight, as having just spent three days in the field I have not had time for modelling. Gerard Davey of Hokitika has managed to construct for myself a MkII AEC Armoured Car for use as Command Vehicle for my Armoured Car HQ Squadron. Al kindly dropped this stunner off on Friday.

The complete model is scratchbuilt and even the wheels are cast. The only thing I have to add is a 6 Pounder or even a 75mm main gun, and a lick of paint. Fantastic work Gerard!

I had to google up information about this vehicle which was constructed from AEC Matador truck components and was well thought of by its crews, and served until replaced by the Saladin in the late 1950's. Cheers Gerard and well done!

Italeri Spitfire Mk IX Complete

2011-11-25T18:23:00.000+13:00

Today's second post with Al throwing out a pilot for the Spitfire on the way past from his car, so I carried out a quick push and knocked the bugger off.

After painting the Rupert up I added the canopy and painted the rims.

Whoops I just noticed the tail wheel is missing, I must reattach that.

I added a fair amount of wear and tear on the paint job around the panel lines that would receive constant attention. Not too much I hope.

I then drilled a hole in the bottom for the stand, and that was that.

Very happy with the outcome considering the horror stories I had heard about it. I guess all the fix up work from the Kitech helicopters I constructed earlier this year gave me some good skills in fixing problems.

Model on.

Footbridge Engineering

2011-11-25T12:53:00.000+13:00

I have been bumbling around making a few improvised foot bridges for my Engineers to construct. The Airfix Pontoon Bridge is a bit of a gem, but really a little on the large size for strictly Infantry Units with CD3.

So I decided to make something that only the Infantry can use for improvised crossings.

Boats are from the Matchbox Commando kit and the Revell German Engineers. Ice cream sticks and matches were the order of the day as well as a good sample of PVA Glue. These can be joined together as a long structure or just as is for either Allied or Axis forces. Since they are in segments, each turn can be broken down into progress. I do not think the construction can get much more basic than that.

Model on!

Italeri Spitfire Mk IX

2011-11-24T16:42:00.001+13:00

Most of the construction complete. Dimitri from http://thecompletegreekgeek.blogspot.com/ warned me on a few issues on its construction and fit, but by actually not following the instructions and building it one side of the fuselage at a time I managed to cruise past any real issues.

However like most aircraft kits I build I did have to use a tad bit of putty. I also was disappointed to find that you can only build it with wheels down, and they are too thick to simply put in the wheel well without hanging out. My solution was to leave them off all together. You do not see the underside anyway.

Basecoat applied as well as the start of the disruptive scheme.

Disruptive scheme continued, as well as the matt yellow on the leading edges. I normally would not be naffed doing this but it really needs it to make it look like a Spitfire I think.

Decals applied. These were a dream to work with, no mess ups at all except for I did start too far forward with the rear band leading to the Squadron Code, Roundel and Aircraft Letter being a little too far forward as well. I will get over it rivet counters may weep however.

And here is where I am at. My bootneck mate Al has promised a pilot, so I will wait for one to show up before moving on with the canopy.

Model on!

Zvezda 61 K 37mm AA Gun

2011-11-23T16:20:00.004+13:00

I finished this off yesterday with the painting of the crew figures.

While I had no issues with the wheels that Al had I did have a issue with the figures hands on the handles and dials. Not a major bit a little fiddly.

Overall ten out of ten for this kit and well done Zvezda for producing it. Nice that it can cover a long period of service as well.

I might pick up another one of these later on to complete a Unit, but being a AA gun it is not a real priority.

Weekend Update

2011-11-21T22:09:00.003+13:00

Just a quick update of my weekends progress. Image free due to problems with my uploading on my home broadband line, you will have to just put up with my ramblings.

I was away most of the weekend but in a burst last night I managed to finish the Zvevda 37mm Soviet Ki-61 AA Gun, and have 95 % finished the 122mm Howitzer. The crew for the Howitzer still needs touching up and based.

I also last night started the Italeri Mk IX Spitfire that Dimitri from http://thecompletegreekgeek.blogspot.com/ warned me about. To tell the truth its not as bad as I thought it might be, sure I will need to add some filler but I have to do that with most aircraft kits anyway.I have completed 90% of the build and tomorrow I will start the painting.

Not much progress tonight as the River is in flood and I had a steady stream of visitors stranded coming to visit.

Thats about it, for now. Model on.

Pre Christmas Haul

2011-11-19T10:22:00.008+13:00

Behind the scenes, Al and I have been carrying out some pre Christmas shopping. We stumbled across a Auction for nineteen 1/72 unbuilt kits at a very nice price of less than $5 NZ each, and at a price like that how could we resist. They arrived earlier this week and yesterday Al came around and we had a divvy up of the kits. To be fair to each other we did not take all the kits as there were some that did not interest either of us or we could not be bothered with. These we put back on a auction site to dispose of...And make more cash to buy other kits.

So this post is what was chosen and aquired by myself. Above a Italeri Mk9 Spitfire. I have not got much in the way of Mid-Late war Allied aircraft, so this will fill a large gap.

Another Spitfire from Italeri this a Mk5b which will probably get posted to my Allied far east forces.

To compliment my Mid - Late war Allied aircraft is a Airfix Tempest, I would have rather had a Typhoon, but this will do nicely for a while

Yipes another Huey, this should round off my Airborne Battalion lifts. It will be built as a Slick rather than a gunship.

The T-6 will be built as a generic COIN aircraft covering early post war.

This tracked AA gun from UM goes straight into the Mid -Late war German Panzer Grenadiers.

And lastly this tracked sIG will fit in for Late war Germans somewhere.

Not a bad haul, and something to restock the hoard with. If you think I did quite well, you should see what Al's end of the bargain was!

2nd Dual Purpose Position

2011-11-18T10:27:00.003+13:00

For those of you who are not yet bored with the latest run of Coastal Defences, here's another dual purpose position.

For this one I added a air raid shelter at the rear.

Again this is suitable for a large calibre gun and crew stand.

Or a anti aircraft gun and crew. I might yet add some sandbags to the entrance of the air raid shelter.

Model on!

Nissan Hut

2011-11-17T13:18:00.001+13:00

The latest scenery project is a Nissen Hut type structure.

I borrowed/stole this from the youngest son. Simple kids army toy set building painted up and based.

Thousand of these and their American cousins (the Quonset) were constructed during WW1 until WW2, so they can cover a good period range, and many countries.

The doors should really be on ends of the building, but that's rivet counting I think.

Nothing more than a piece of eye candy or perhaps a target, but I think it belongs on a wargame table, the boy however now its been painted and based thinks different!

Dual Action Structure

2011-11-16T13:15:00.003+13:00

Again another scatchbuild using balsa wood. The base can take either a AA gun or a ex Naval gun type.

Here with a 40mm Bofors. In NZ these mounts usually had a 3.7 "AA Gun, but when was the last time you saw this fantastic weapon in plastic...Never I bet.

The poster paint is a bit thin on the base, and I have since given another coat.

4, 5 or 6"Gun, hash build from Airfix 88 Flak and ESCI M12 Howitzer.

This type was usually mounted on the top of terrain features giving the weapon an unrestricted arc.

Model on!

Hedging 2 For Thanos

2011-11-15T13:01:00.001+13:00

Post to show Thanos what scale the hedging is. Brit Para's by ESCI and Revell.

Battery Observation Post

2011-11-14T13:20:00.003+13:00

The last of today's three post bonanza covering the weekends work is a little project Al and I have been conducting on the sly, namely at some stage in the new year to have a 1942 "What If" Invasion scenario of a area of New Zealand by Japan. I have been plugging away at this for a few weeks now, with quite a bit of time in research mode, and now with some coastal defences being constructed. I know Airfix have a couple of decent Coastal type emplacements, but the price and excess figures included in the sets have always put me off, besides where is the fun in a pre built structure!

So here is the first scratchbuild a Battery Observation post, used to direct the weapons at the targets. Balsa wood construction and flock on a base. Simple but it is for gaming and not for show.

Enough room inside the structure to fit two Platoons in, and the top comes off. I may add some wire later on.

Any ideas how to ramp this up, I thought about some splinter type camouflage but to my knowledge NZ never bothered with it.

Model on.

Hedging 1

2011-11-14T07:20:00.000+13:00

I made these up last night to better base my existing hedges or bocage.

Basic and simple, they suit me down to the ground. Thin strips of artificial turf/grass glued with PVA onto painted vinyl bases then flocked. I left some with gaps to give them a more irregular shape, which I probably will do more of with some stones filling the gaps.

These are a ongoing project and I have completed quite a few more with some of the lengths coming in at around 1ft or so. Total time per stand is around 3 minutes over 6 hours including drying time.

Steel Tetrahedral Anti Tank Obstacles

2011-11-14T06:36:00.001+13:00

These Airfix/Heller Tetrahedral Anti Tank Obstacles are from the excellent LCVP landing Craft set which contains a number of useful extras for building up Anti Tank defences.

Constructed about a week ago, I just have not had time to post them. One of the things I am finding while carrying out my scenery push is you can quite quickly put out lots of items if you just spend 10 minutes here and there.

You receive two per Landing Craft, and I am not sure if these were just used for beach defences, or for general lines of defence. Whatever the case I will be using them all over.

Just on a side note I am still having issues with the uploading of photos at home, at work however it is not worries, so you may find a flurry of posts in one day.

Model on!

Seoul 1985 Pt10 Jackhammer

2011-11-11T11:27:00.004+13:00

This post brings us up to date on the slogfest that is the Battle of Seoul 1985. Above NK Armour with Infantry support start to push into the Regular ROK Infantry positions. Good to see Al using his armour alongside his Infantry giving mutual support, something that he has been punished for not doing in previous games.

Just for Tim, some M551 Sheridan porn. This Unit despite an early loss of a Platoon really has started to make inroads into the game, by skirting around the flanks and generally extending the NK forces, without firing much ammunition.

Reserve "Homeland" force ROK Infantry consolidate their gains after pushing a force 3 times their size out of the Built up area behind US Airborne Units. Their lack of heavy weapons and urky morale was made up for by some nice dice rolls. I was lucky here and m not afraid to admit it.

Meanwhile on the other Flank the cut off Charlie Company of the Regular ROK Infantry struggle to repel the red masses from inside the Bank of South Korea. The eland of these fearless continues to be a thorn in Al's master plan which suits me just fine.

Motivated NK Infantry move towards the US/ROK line. I pity their eagerness, yet am impressed by the good order they show going to there fate. These are Al's figures here.

NK Anti Aircraft Support stands, the 12.7mm DShK gun is by Orion and is particularly fiddly to piece together. The Red advance seems to have gained some momentum.

Churchill Clean Up 4

2011-11-10T08:12:00.004+13:00

After spending the best part of the day on the range, I made it home tonight and managed to finish off a Squadron of Churchills.

While they are painted and decaled up they still will require weathering and muddying up. On the front face of each turret I plastered a individual number for each tank.

A good dark wash is also needed to flush out some details. This one above was literally thick with enamel paint prior to the repaint.

I have manged to make each Churchill a little different from each other, although the tank serial numbers maybe the same.

Model on.