PlaStix

Hi Craig. You have really done a superb job with the whitewash. If you do decide to paint any more areas with the white you could try stippling it very thinly in several layers. It's how I did my first white wash on the Pz.III at the end of last year. Any streaking of the paint I then did after the stippled layers were dried and I used a very fine brush but again with very thinned paint. It meant I got the steak effects how I wanted them. If you do decide to try this, practice on some scrap first. Looking forward to seeing more. Kind regards, Stix

JGSDF TYPE 10 TANK Tamiya 1/48 This kit was my project for the Britmodeller 10th Anniversary Group Build. Before starting making this kit I was not aware of this tank at all. I did a bit of checking up on the details and this is a sort of summary from various sources, including Wikipedia and Brett Green's review on missing-lynx.com: JGSDF's Type 10 is a fourth generation main battle tank designed as a replacement for the retired Type 74 and the currently serving Type 90 tanks. Work started on the Type 10 in 1996 and over 100 are currently in service. Weighing in at 44 tons, the Type 10 is six tons lighter than the Type 90 and smaller than its predecessors, but it still manages to pack a wallop thanks to its Japan Steel Works 120 mm smooth-bore cannon. The Type 10's cannon is fitted with an auto-loader which means only three crew members are needed – a Commander, driver and gunner. A coaxial machine gun is fitted, and a further external .50 cal may be fitted to the Commander’s cupola. The Type 10’s uses a nano-crystal steel and modular ceramic composite armour which has significantly improved its defensive capabilities compared to the Type 90. Power is supplied by a 1,200 hp V8 diesel engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission, delivering a top speed of 70 km/h in both directions. The Type 10 also features Hydropneumatic Active Suspension which allows it to adjust its stance and absorbs recoil when firing. The Type 10 tank is equipped with something called a C4I system (Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence). This can be incorporated into the JGSDF network to enable sharing of information among tanks, as well as connected to the infantry's outdoor computer network "Regiment Command Control System" (ReCS) to facilitate integrated military operations with the infantry troops. As usual with Tamiya 1/48 AFV kits, this was a pleasure to build. Kit: 1/48 Tamiya Kit No. 32588 Paints: Revell, Humbrol, Citadel and Railmatch acrylics all applied by paintbrush. EDIT - THERE IS A LINK IN MY SIGNATURE AT THE BOTTOM OF MY POSTS TO A VIDEO SHOWING HOW I DID SOME OF THE PAINTING ON THIS TANK Extras: Wire mesh (from a cooking spaltter guard) for inside the rear turret basket, aerials from stretched sprue and headlight guards made from scrap PE grills. WIP: Here This tank has a lot of surface detailing on the upper surfaces which I think Tamiya has captured really well: Tamiya also included a commander figure: As the light was quite nice the day before yesterday I took some photos of the Type 10 on my Spitfire display base which includes a sky background: This was my first proper larger scale modern tank build and the weathering of it was trickier than I expected. With the WW2 AFVs I usually build I feel I can usually get away with slightly heavier weathering whereas most photos of this tank online seem to show it on parade grounds or taking part in demonstrations and exercises. There are some very dusty or dirty versions but nothing really worn. I have seen a rather well worn/weathered version in a magazine but it looked like it had been in very heavy fighting for many years. So on mine I opted for some light weathering here and there. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment in my build thread and to the hosts of the GB. Kind regards, Stix PS The poll is now open in the M3/M4 Medium Tank STGB - make sure your cast you vote!

It's going to be a while before I actually start this GB build because I've got two other GB builds on the go already - one on the way to being complete - the other hardly started. It looks like I'm going to be the obvious one who makes a Hurricane Mk.I - everyone else who has started their build threads so far seems to be going for more adventurous projects. Oh well....... This is the kit - Airfix's new tool 1/48 version: And I'm going to make it as this version: .......basically because I was lucky enough to see it at the Victory Show a couple of years back - the show takes place less than a mile from our house and the aircraft fly over us all weekend. A few photos from the airshow: If you would like to know more about the actual aircraft there is a website: www.hurricaneheritage.com I also took some close-ups of lots of the detail - which I hope will be useful and I have some video of it too - on the ground and in flight. If I get time I'm currently planning to motorise the prop and have it displayed in flight. If I think time is going to be too tight I may do it without the motor and display it on the ground - we'll see. One thing - I won't have to worry about much weathering! Comments and suggestions welcome. Kind regards, Stix

Another fine version of your very amusing vignette Darby. Shame the original took a fall but it's good to know the idea is still in existance via this one. Excellently done! Kind regards, Stix

Looks like a good start Lloyd. Not seen this kit so I will be interested to see how it builds up. Kind regards, Stix

As requested: 1/35 Takom - Chinese Medium Tank Type 59 Kind regards, Stix

"Report back........not bring it back!!" M4A1 vignette This was my project for the M3/M4 Sherman, Single Type Group Build down in the Group Build Section. On 9th June 1944 M4A1 Sherman Tank 'Goldie' was part of the 66th Armoured Regiment that landed at Normandy. During the landing it was fitted with wading gear but this was removed shortly after it arrived. A week after arriving the 66th was part of the 2nd Armoured Regiment and took part in the 'Battle of Bloody Gulch' which took place near Carentan. The German forces in the battle were made up from the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division and 6th Fallschirmjäger Regiment. American forces consisted of the 501st, 502nd and 506th, Parachute Infantry Regiments of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division, reinforced by the U.S. 2nd Armored Division of which 'Goldie' was a part. The German forces were decisively defeated during the battle and the American victory led to the linkup of forces from Utah and Omaha beaches, creating a secure lodgement area for further American operations. The headquarters of the German forces during the battle was a manor house in the area and the American soldiers nicknamed the road running past the manor "Bloody Gulch" after a place mentioned in a popular western movie. I have modelled my version on how 'Goldie' may have looked travelling across the countryside on it's way towards Carentan. The Vignette - One of the things that bugged me while I was making this project was that the tank commander figure seemed to be smiling - it just didn't seem to fit with the idea I originally had. So I tried to think of things that might have made him smile on the way to battle over the fields near Carentan. I have made scenes before where I have used road signs to indicate the location and then it dawned on me I could make the scene as if one of the crew had been sent to check out what the road sign on the other side of the fence said - but, rather than reading it and reporting back, he's broken it off and is carrying it back. In my head the crew member next to the Sherman is saying "He said report back...not bring it back!!...." .....anyway........ Kit: 1/35 Eduard/Tasca Paints: Humbrol, Revell, Citadel and Railmatch Acrylics all applied by brush. Extras: Tank figures set from Dragon , stowage items from AFV CLUB, Tamiya and Dragon, plus Towing Cable wire kindly supplied by @modelling minion Base: MDF, filler, Woodlands Scenics mixed turf and various tufts from Army Painter. The fencing was made from wooden coffee stirrers and the signs are from Matho Models. The puddles were made from layers of Humbrol Enamel Gloss Varnish. WIP: Here More photos of just the Sherman and base, without the background, can be found here: in the RFI section These photos below were taken on my Spitfire display base which has a sky backboard: A couple of the above in black & white: ...and finally a photo of the base before the Sherman and figures were added: This was a thoroughly enjoyable project made in a great GB. It was the first all Armour GB on Britmodeller and the hosts @Sgt.Squarehead and @Ozzy were very attentive and supportive. Thanks must also go to everyone who took the time to comment or offer advice in my thread. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Clive. You are way too kind but thank you. Kind regards, Stix

M4A1 Sherman - “Goldie” 3rd Battalion, 66th Armoured Regiment, 2nd Armoured Regiment Normandy 1944 This was my project for the M3/M4 Sherman, Single Type Group Build down in the Group Build Section. On 9th June 1944 M4A1 Sherman Tank 'Goldie' was part of the 66th Armoured Regiment that landed at Normandy. During the landing it was fitted with wading gear but this was removed shortly after it arrived. A week after arriving the 66th was part of the 2nd Armoured Regiment and took part in the 'Battle of Bloody Gulch' which took place near Carentan. The German forces in the battle were made up from the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division and 6th Fallschirmjäger Regiment. American forces consisted of the 501st, 502nd and 506th, Parachute Infantry Regiments of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division, reinforced by the U.S. 2nd Armored Division of which 'Goldie' was a part. The German forces were decisively defeated during the battle and the American victory led to the linkup of forces from Utah and Omaha beaches, creating a secure area for further American operations. The headquarters of the German forces during the battle was a manor house in the area and the American soldiers nicknamed the road running past the manor "Bloody Gulch" after a place mentioned in a popular western movie. I have modelled my version on how 'Goldie' may have looked travelling across the countryside on it's way towards Carentan. Kit: 1/35 Eduard/Tasca Paints: Humbrol, Revell, Citadel and Railmatch Acrylics all applied by brush Extras: Tank figures set from Dragon , stowage items from AFV CLUB, Tamiya and Dragon, plus Towing Cable wire kindly supplied by @modelling minion Base: MDF, filler, Woodlands Scenics mixed turf and various tufts from Army Painter. The fencing was made from wooden coffee stirrers and the signs are from Matho Models WIP: Here Vignette photos: Here Edit: The idea behind the scene: One of the things that bugged me while I was making this project was that the tank commander figure seemed to be smiling - it just didn't seem to fit with the idea I originally had. So I tried to think of things that might have made him smile on the way to battle over the fields near Carentan. I have made scenes before where I have used road signs to indicate the location and then it dawned on me I could make the scene as if one of the crew had been sent to check out what the road sign on the other side of the fence said - but, rather than reading it and reporting back, he's broken it off and is carrying it back. In my head the crew member next to the Sherman is saying "He said report back...not bring it back!!...." This was a thoroughly enjoyable project made in a great GB. It was the first all Armour GB on Britmodeller and the hosts @Sgt.Squarehead and @Ozzy were very attentive and supportive. Thanks must also go to everyone who took the time to comment or offer advice in my thread. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Exdraken and thank you! Kind regards, Stix

There were quite a few here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/forum/584-de-havilland-mega-gb/

Hi Col. Yeah it does seem pretty poor. They obviously have a standard moulded figure which they drop into their kits either not checking to see if it fits okay or just not caring. Well this is where I am as of this morning: The wing tops have been glued in place and all the smaller parts have been cleaned up ready for painting before being assembled. I haven't started work on any of the clear parts yet. I still need to attach the rear, lower, fuselage section (with the support tube) but the wiring needs sorting first: I have now filled the slight gaps at the root of each wing using Squadron White putty: There is still a bit of cleanup required. Finally I have drilled and cut out the insides of the ends of the exhausts: Hopefully I will get on to some painting tomorrow. Comments and suggestions welcome. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Jim. Hope you are keeping well. That is a great looking Centurion. I built this kit a while back but purchased the AFV Club individual link tracks off a fellow Britmodeller - glad I did now! You would never guess from the photos that there were any problems though. Very well done. Kind regards, Stix

Looks like a fascinating idea for a project. I'm in! Kind regards, Stix

Hi Badder. Hope you are keeping well. I am pleased that your project is progressing and so well. I have just been really studying your stowage photos above and I have to say it is looking really amazing! You have used similar items to the ones I used but the way you have painted and weathered them, then tied them down and added/secured them with the ropes has taken them to the next level. Awesome detailing! Kind regards, Stix

Hi Badder. Hope you are well. Thank you very much all you very kind comments. As always you are far too kind. I am pleased that your project is progressing and so well. Your stowage is looking really amazing. You have used similar items to the ones I used but the way you have painted them and tied them down and added/secured them with the ropes has taken them to the next level. Kind regards, Stix

Thank you very much Ozzy. With regards the Pz.IV GB - I keep changing my mind as to what I might build at the moment!! Good job it's still a ways off! Kind regards, Stix

Another fine looking build Steve. I do not know where you find the time! Kind regards, Stix

Very impressive Mark and wonderful extra detailing. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Mark. Looking great so far - lovely cockpit work! I've looked at this kit a couple of times in the LMS but now, having seen your build, I may have to aquire it! Kind regards, Stix

Yet another(!!!!) great build and quick again too! Well done. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Nigel. Sorry I'm a bit late to the party! Not been really following the Carriers GB. Great job so far - the cockpit looked impressive. Shame about the canopy but it will only really be you notices the fault. Looking forward to seeing the completed project! Kind regards, Stix

Hi Nigel. Hope you are well. As usual you are very kind. Thank you. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Craig and thank you very much! This is the first of the new Airfix 1/48 Hurricane kits I have built although I have another 3 in the stash. I don't think it will be too long before I build another! Thank you very much Col. The pilot was a bit tricky to get to fit the Hurricane (his legs are moulded in such a way that they do not fit in the pedal area at all - perhaps I should have removed the pedals!) which seems a bit odd to me. But he should look okay under the canopy. Thank you very much Blitz23. It is a very nice looking version of the Hurricane. Hi Mark and thank you - most kind. I will look forward to seeing your Hurricane build in progress. Hoping I get chance to do more on this at the weekend. Kind regards, Stix

Hi Ben. Welcome to the Pz.IV STGB. Great that we will have some more 1/72 Pz.IVs in the GB! I have added you to the participants list which can be found here. Kind regards, Stix