Bullbasket

I must be the odd one out then, because although I was growing up in the late 50s and early 60's, I only ever play music from that time, now and again. I had a much older brother who was always buying 78RPM's of R&R legends such as Bill Haley, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard etc, and although my record buying started with an ex juke box Elvis recording, and went on to be dominated by The Beatles, Stones et al. when I'm working in my room, apart from the obvious Tangerine Dream CDs, I mostly play stuff from the 70s, 80s and a little from the 90s, but not much. So basically, my musical interest was programmed during my 30-50 year old period. ELO, Genesis, Super Tramp. For me, that is when some of the best groups and solo artists were around. I lost interest in everything else when Punk and then (C)rap took over. John.

Looks like an interesting subject. Just remember though Rob, when it's finished, don't take it to the park and float it on the pond.. John.

I'll see you 57, and raise you 65. I got hooked from the moment that I first heard Ricochet playing. I could add many of their albums to my list, but for outstanding ones I'd have to say; Ricochet Hyperborea Underwater Sunlight Exit & Poland. Agree with you about The Division Bell. I was playing it yesterday, along with A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Other than those, I would add; Out of the Blue. Born in the USA Breakfast in America So Invisible touch The Wall Magnetic Fields Tango in he Night. The Best of The Eagles. There are many more that I could add to the list, but they're my stand out ones. John.

No, I can see it too Keith. I think it's an Everton supporter, and it's just seen last nights score against Chelsea Coming on very well MD, despite all of the fit problems. John.

That was my thoughts exactly Darryl. You can have just so much of a good thing. Yes, a bit to early for that. They were still using hammer and nails. Certainly are a bit long in the tooth, but still good kits, especially if you're prepared to do some work on them. I'm not going to go overboard with this one. I'm saving that for the actual Mk.l kit that I have. Glad to have you watching Darryl. John.

Will do (hopefully). Thanks Ivan. John.

Many thanks to all of you for your comments. I'm just going to have to look at as many photos of Crusaders as I can to see if I can work out how those links are attached. John.

While I'm waiting on the tracks for my IDF M1 to arrive, I thought this would be a good time to make a start on this one. I'd seen a colour profile of a Crusader Mk.l which was very different to any other cammo scheme, therefore, decision made. First hurdle, deciding which scale to build it in. I had the Tamiya Mk.ll, which has the correct mantlet, but being pedantic, I decided that I wanted to do it in 1/35th, but the ones that I had in the stash are both Mk.ls. So an order with Jadar Hobbies was placed, and 10 days later, it arrived. Some things will need changing, but, hopefully, this will do the job. I don't think that decals will be too much of a problem, as there doesn't appear to be any kind of markings on the side, apart from the T number. The pattern for the cammo scheme is going to be pure conjecture, as I only have a profile for the left side. But again, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. So a little preamble before I get started. Crusader Mk.l & ll were a bit of a mish mash and trying to identify the mark is a bit of a minefield. John Tapsell was very helpful with some info in a thread in Armour Discussion by Era. Some think that if it has the auxiliary turret, then it's a Mk.l, but there are Mk.lls with the turret. By the same token, there were Mk'1s without the turret. Also, Crusaders having the cast mantlet are often referred to as being exclusively Mk.lls, but as can be seen in the profile and photo, the tank that I am about to build is a Mk.l with the cast mantlet. On checking through the sprues, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Italeri have finally done something about that step in the front of both track guards. I expect the Mk.lll from Tamiya has something to do with that. Also, as I may have already said, I'm going to mix and match with the Mk.l that I have, because in the Mk.ll kit, the auxiliary turret opening has been blanked off, so I will use the upper hull from the Mk.l kit. So without further waffle, on with the build. This is the tank that I am going to attempt to replicate. First a question. How is that length of spare track fixed on the RG track guard? Normally there is a frame that the links sit in and are secured to, but that one looks as though it is just sitting on top of the guard. Obviously it is secured somehow, but I've not seen this before. Any ideas? As already stated, the kit is the Italeri Crusader Mk.ll. So, first job was to assemble the lower hull. Once again, another improvement is the inclusion of the rivets on the lower hull side, but on this build, they won't be seen very easily because of the full length sand shields. Then the upper hull from the Mk.l kit was glued into place, clamped and left over night to harden. OK, we're off and running. Wheels, sprockets and idlers next. John.

Welcome aboard Brian. Glad to have another AFV modeller. Don't forget, if you want to post your photos on here, you will need a photo hosting site to upload them to first. John.

Looks like we both followed the same path. I used to build aircraft exclusively, until I saw the light, about 20 years ago. Nice work on the little treble 2 Milan. John.

Many thanks Keith. Yes, I'm quite happy with the way that it turned out. John.

Thanks a lot Simon. I was worried that the casting texture would look OTT, but once the paint went on, it's settled down quite nicely. John.

That really is coming on a treat Nik. The engine bay looks very convincing, and nice work with the etched brass supports for the jerry can rack. Really good work. John.

Great job Keith. It turned out really well. Nice one. John.

Good start Simon. In this scale, I'm sure that some of the photo etch is going to be a PITA to fit, but good luck with the build. John.

Thanks Ben, but I'm a little wary of ordering anything from outside of the EU, because I've been stung three times recently for import duties, and it's almost doubled the original price. John.

That's a great little model, and considering the scale, that figure is very well painted. Great work all round. John.

Primer coat on (Halfords Grey Auto Acrylic), and then a day later, the top coat (Mig IDF Green). I knew that I would find something that I had forgotten; The two mud flaps at the back of the track guards. Also, looking at the very poor photo that exists of this tank, I believe that it has got the two angle irons on the back of the turret. So these are two jobs which I'm going to have to do and try and not do too much damage to the paint job. Also, I've hit a blind alley......the tracks. I was attempting to assemble Bronco's T54E1 tracks, but if I want to retain what little sanity I have left, they are going to be kicked into touch. So now I'm looking around for replacement set. I think that AFV do a rubber band set, but I couldn't find anyone who was selling them. Therefore, If all else fails, it'll be a set of Panda Plastics track. IMO, one of the best on the market, but although the cost isn't too bad ($21.95) the postage is a rip off ($24.95). But if all else fails......... So, although I will still be doing some work on this project while I wait for some tracks to arrive, I'm going to make a start on the Crusader Mk.l. It's certainly not going to become another shelf queen. See you when there is some progress. John.

Nice work Sam. That's a good looking model. John.

Thanks a lot Nenad. I'm glad that you like it. John.

That is a superb rendition of a Battleaxe Crusader. I like everything about it. I did this version in both 1/35th and 1/48th, many years ago after reading an article in MM by Steve Zaloga. I'm about to start work on a Mk.l, but using the Mk.ll kit. Good luck with your Mk.ll. John.

Many thanks for your comment Vytautas. I appreciate it. John.

Very clever work with those emufflers Kristjan. Well done. John.

Oh I know exactly what you mean Vytautas. That is excellent and very skilled work that you've done there. The damage is very convincing. Nice work. John.

Excellent work Marcin. The weathering that you've achieved is first class. Nice one. John.