Redcoat2966

That looks awesome mate........really been a pleasure to follow along. Interesting way to do the bio terrain....... Cheers Simon

That's some build blog Kelscale, really enjoyable to read. You have a lot more patience than I mate, really detailed......definitely will re-read if I pick one of these up. That Kugelblitz was nice mate, lovely weathering on that.......... look forward to seeing this finished. Regards Simon.

Looks interesting, I'll follow along. I have to say, looks a complicated thing for such a tiny vehicle..........I've heard Miniart can be over engineered at times. Look forward to seeing it progress. Regards Simon.

Finally found the time Bertie to read through the thread......some nice up detailing on the Archer. I liked the tarpaulin and the toilet paper, that came out looking the part. The rusted arches on the Austin is a really nice touch mate.....10 out of 10 for that. It's those little details that can make a piece stand out a lot. Your putting me to shame as regards the diio as well for the project.....it something I really should get down to. keep up the good work......looking forward to seeing it in the RFI section. Cheers Simon.

Hi Steve, thank you for those kind words. I do follow Nightshift a lot and he has given me many pointers on some methods of weathering, and the sequence of the build. I have tried some of his techniques, one as you mentioned the high contrast light and dark and also the oil dot method. I have to be honest, they didn't work for me. I might try the oil dot one more time on another project, and to see if it works better than it has to date. As regards weathering, some might say it's too "worn", but I do a lot of research and I have to be honest........Axis AFV's and soft skins do look a little worse for wear.....more so than Allied as we could just get a new one......not something the Germans had the luxury of. I recently saw a set on images of engineers retrieving some Tigers neck deep in mud. I can't imagine the Allies would have bothered if it was too far gone..... Thanks again Steve, really appreciate the comparison........now I just have to work out how to monetise the efforts like Nightshift has..... Do you ever get to go to any model show's?......maybe try and meet up one day and say hi face to face..... Cheers mate Simon.

Afternoon all..........I hope the weekend is going well and you all got time at the bench.....I decided as my Flak 36 arrived to jump back onto the Panther with an ad-hoc Flak dropped in place of the turret. A nice Tamiya kit, quick to build (less than a day)...... I intend to keep the Flak somewhat cleaner than the rest of the piece, intimating that the Panther chassis has seen some active service and has been relegated to this Flak role. I'm in two minds on a three tone camo' on the Flak......will make that decision prior to the chipping, wear and tear. Off to do some chores, maybe back at the bench later. Cheers Simon.

Thanks to you both for taking a look and liking what you see...........I'm trying to take some better more accurate colour pix with my phone (not the easiest thing to do).....after posting this replay I'll upload them and change them out. Thanks again Cheers Simon.

Superb attention to detail Kristjan, as always....pleasure to see.....looking forward to the next posting on progress... Regards Simon.

cheers Steve, thanks for that. I think I might go for the Panzerart upgrade. Or…..I might scratch build it. Have to see how the purchase budget allows….many thanks again for confirming for me👍👍👍

Cheers Steve........and yes, Panzerart do the Panther alternative too........look forward to seeing anything you have. Looks something un-usual to have on the Tiger I I'm trying to finish.

That's not just nice, that's a cracking Tiger and piece of workSteve, really nice.......the figures really make the piece. Wish I had the patience to do them, as they do make this scene as you have built here......10 out of 10. Is this something you intend to enter for anything.......like a show or somewhere....if not, I think you should consider. I have a question for you on Tigers.....or anyone else on this thread. Is this something real or just some fantasy something or other..... Supposedly it's a wooden sapper “Bruckentafel”....I've never seen anything like this before. Is there some photo evidence of it in use? Any help would be appreciated as I would get it and put it on the Tiger I have languishing in the wings. Cheers Simon.

Thanks Simon .....yes, three years; but very happy with the outcome. Worth the experimentation with some new techniques. Thanks Stix 👍, working my way through the backlog...........my 37mm FLAK arrived today, so back on the Panther, get that one ticked off the list. Still trying to track down a PE set and barrel to upgrade the Tamiya kit. Cheers

Hi Francis, thanks for that....appreciate it, and makes the effort worth while. Three years in the making, but a good subject to experiment on as it has broad large areas to try things out on........as good as the Hunting Tiger. My advice to anyone is experiment, experiment and try out different mediums.......on this I started using liquid watercolours......mixed with matt varnish and airbrushed. It's more of a transparent use of colour rather than paint which can hide effects and colours beneath.....learnt a lot also with pigments to create the mud on wheels and lower chassis......might try some different next time than using only pigments to build up heavy mud deposits. Anyway, that's enough of my ramblings..........thanks again mate.....

I'm exactly in the same place Bob, I've set myself the task of finalising......let me count....1,2,3, mmmmm 4, 5............12 yep 12.......love to know where they all bloody came from Some may just get retired to the salvage yard to be broken up for parts. I must look out to see if there's a suitable GB I can look at......at least it gives me an excuse to start a new kit....

Yeah, had my eye on one of those Quad tractors on Ebay a few months ago; but it went for more than I was prepared to pay. Saw a nice example of build on the web with a full scratch built interior......need to look into some more British soft skins to have a change of subject. Regards Simon.

Cheers mate.......decided after taking a look at all the Dunkelgelb and green in the display cabinet, that something distinctive was in order......... It's going to be a very dusty one too, as that's something I need to perfect better than I have to date. So, I'm experimenting with a AK Dust Effects light wash for European dust. Picked it up some time ago....thought it should get some use. Cheers Simon.

Morning all.......back on the KT. After the change back to the red primer, I've taken the plunge for a dramatic Dunkelgelb camo' scheme applied last minute before going out to combat. At the moment it's very bright with near white centre's to the larger camo' spots. I'm experimenting in intensity of colour and brightness, as I want to see where it stands after weathering. Once I have the first filter on it will start to calm down. Well, that's all for now and maybe post some more later today or later in the week. All the best and enjoy the rest of the weekend. Simon.

Thanks Stuart. Mud effects are something I've steered away from in the past not wanting to mess up a final project, but took the full plunge on this one with pigments. I'm yet to try mud effects from MIG which I picked up recently. Maybe on a King Tiger I'm working on at present. Thanks Lee, and yes I do have to take the plunge on a diorama at some point this year. I might get my present project off the bench and have a go. Better when the warm weather comes as it can be a messy affair; so outside could help. Hi Neil, cheers mate and yes it will make and I hope a couple of finalised projects been wanting attention over the last couple of years. See you at the next meet..... Hi Bob, I might invest in the Ferdinand and do the Kursk version at some point if I see one for a good price. Make one of them the first one you kick off after all the chores you've been saddled with......... And a general thanks to all who've dropped by and commented.......

Cheers Bob, yeah the ATAK isn't cheap, even more so since Brexit and COVID. I have though set myself a challenge on the next required build to do my own Zim'. Never done it before, so will have to do some trials first. Do you have this Dragon Elephant, or another make? Regards Simon.

Thanks both........took some time, but I'm very happy with the results. Intend to take it to MAFVA meet tomorrow for the rest of the member's to take a look....

Nice bit of weathering....I especially like the subtle dust layers you have. That something I'm still battling with myself. Nice all round, good job..... Cheers and regards Redcoat

Nice bit of weathering on that one Carius, I really like it a lot........nice subtle touch overall and looks like it's been across the dunes a few times...I remember building the original 1976 release when I was kid....prompts me to look at some British soft skins from the Desert war for the future. Cheers... Simon.

Well chap's, here's it is finished.......well for now..

Evening all.......finally finished the Elephant........ It's been on the bench since March 2019, nearly as long as it took to design and build these things in the first place.... I'm still pondering some additional dried splashed mud or not.....I need to be in the right frame of mind to not over do it, if I do at all. Anyway, here she is with a figure to give it some scale. Cheers all.... Simon.

Careful Bob, you might get your self cancelled....., we have to be PC at all times, you might upset a Woke member, who self identifies as a Tulip, or what ever......... .......but, I agree, very funny how it's a single sex world in those chores.... Thanks everyone, appreciate the praise on this one. I've nearly finished it and look forward to getting it in the RFI section. Thanks again to all who've popped by for a look.... Simon.