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Hello everyone, This is my take on the most feared German tank of the North African campaign, Panzer IV 'Special'. It was the first attempt to mount KwK 40 L/43 anti-tank gun to the tank, and although it was Panzer III that was intended to fight other tanks on the battlefield, Panzer IV was selected to be equipped with KwK 40 L/43 due to the bigger diameter of the turret ring. It was mounted on Panzer IV Ausf. F, and to distinguish it from the short-barreled version of Ausf. F that was equipped with 7.5 cm KwK L/24, this one was called F2. It was soon renamed to Ausf. G, but it will remain F2 for a few more months, to avoid already existing contracts with factories for Panzer IV F production. So basically, Ausf. F2 and Ausf. G is the same tank. There is no clear distinction between them, although at least among the modelers' community, an earlier version of Ausf. G, with a ball-shaped muzzle break and the presence of observation visors on the sides of the turret, is considered to be an Ausf F2. Panzer IV 'Special' first appeared in North Africa in May 1942, when 9 tanks were delivered to Deutsche Afrika Korps. Their first action was Operation Venezia, which was the prelude to the Battle of Gazala. These tanks were rushed into battle straight from the docks, thus most of them appear without any unit markings on photographs. Until July 1942, there were only 2 'Specials' left. A few more deliveries took place before October, so there were 30 of them present at the Second Battle of El Alamein. This model should represent F2, one of those tanks that fought at El Alamein. This one belonged to the 21st Panzer Division, tank number 215, although, it is visible on the photos that it was renumbered and its previous number was 411. I was not able to find out why it was renumbered. The tank was abandoned during the battle and captured by the British. I didn't find out what happened with its crew. The border Model kit number BT-004 is absolutely fantastic! One of my favorites builds so far. Easy to build and yet, the details are great. Perfect balance IMO. I've seen some complaints on the Internet that the kit is more suited for Ausf. G and that is true, although the changes required to make it F2 are really not a big deal, basically rearranging tools on the fenders and removing a few features. Also, some changes were needed in order to accurately represent this particular vehicle, such as adding jerrycan holders, additional toolbox, etc. but really nothing major. The only issue I had with the kit are the tracks. They are link-and-length tracks, and one section of the tracks that run down from the idler wheels has no sag at all. Pitty because the rest of the tracks looks great. It seems that this tank was painted in RAL 8020. There are no signs of a disruptive pattern though. I painted it with an MRP version of 8020. It looks quite convincing to me, although it lost some of its purple tone once I applied dust pigments over it, making it look more like a Light Stone. Stowage is mostly Value Gear, except sandbags which I molded using Miluput. Additional toolbox attached to the left side and spare wheel holders are scratch-built. And here's the real thing: Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback. Cheers, Nenad

Hello everyone, My initial idea was to build Dragon's Sherman II kit in 9th Lancers markings. However, after finding out that all 9L tanks that I was able to identify in my references were Lima built, while Dragon's kit was PSC built one, I decided to build Dragon kit as 3rd Hussars one, that I was able to identify as PSC built tank, and to build Asuka Sherman II kit as 9th Lancers, Lima built tank. It turned out to be an opportunity to compare those two kits. So, there are two finished models in this RFI: Asuka kit No. No. 35-014, built as Lima manufactured tank, identified as T125063, of the 9th Lancers regiment, that participated in El Alamein battle as a part of 2nd Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division. After the battle, regiment participated in a frantic chase for a few days until they reached Fuka. This build is intended to represent the tank that survived the battle and participated in this pursuit. Dragon kit No. 6447, built as PSC manufactured tank identified as T144976 of the 3rd Hussars regiment, that participated El Alamein battle as a part of 9th Armoured Brigade, then attached to 2nd New Zealand Division. This regiment participated in the initial breakthrough during operation Supercharge, suffering great casualties. However, this 9AB brigade charge proved crucial in punching the hole in Axis lines that was heavily exploited afterwards by the 1st Armoured Division. I decided to build this kit as a tank ready for battle, that went through some training during one month period, but is in relatively good condition. Kits are mostly built OOB, with some smaller changes and additions according to the reference photos I was using. The only AM additions are Panda tracks used on Asuka kit, Miniart stowage and AFV Club jerrycans. Decals are combination of kit provided ones, ToRo and Archer Fine Transfers. Both tanks are painted with a combination of Gunze and MRP paints and Vallejo paints for detail painting. Weathered with Mig's Nature effects and pigments. You can find more in WIP section here. Here's the the Asuka 9th Lancers tank: And one on a black background: And here's the real thing I tried to represent: And this is the Dragon, 3rd Hussars tank: Black background: And this is one of the reference photos I was using: Thanks for looking and thanks for feedback! Cheers, Nenad

Hi guys, Starting WIP thread after quite some time. Struggling to make some time to do any modeling so its hard to squize writing WIP as well, although I enjoy doing it, and even more, following other people's WIP threads. Anyway, it's Dragon kit No. 6447. Looks nice at first glance. The only concern are DS tracks. I hate them, not as much as vinyl but still. However, this one looks very nicely molded and surprisingly, they arrived undamaged, so I'll probably go with them. PE fenders looks like something that might be a bit of a trouble and they arrived damaged a bit. Initially, I planed to build it as 9th Lancers T-145063. This one: I like this neatly applied camouflage and it's also a very nice reference photo. However, there is a problem. This tank is Lima built one, while Dragon provides PSC one in the kit. So I'll have to look further. I would like to avoid converting it to Lima one because Dragon provides very nicely molded riveted lower hull and it would be shame to shave it. There are quite a few confirmed PSC built tanks photographed around Alamein period, but unfortunately, all of the photos I found for which I am 100% sure that it is PSC built tank are missing census number, making it impossible to identify them. So at the end I will probably have to choose between two tanks that are likely PSC built but I can not be 100% sure. First one is T-145045, belonging to 9th Lancers. More likely it's Lima built, but there is a chance it is PSC built. It's missing additional cable clamp and it has rounded fabricated grouser cover typical to PSC built tanks (according to SoS). Other option is T-146029 of the HQ of 2nd AB. It is more likely it is PSC built (no tail light guard, not additional clamp). Although, I would rather like to go with the official scheme applied by 9th Lancers. There is a third one which is also identified as PSC, and it is this one: It is identified as T-74418, which is listed in the 24th Armored Brigade's War Diary in late October (45th RTR), according to Sherman Minutia website. However, I was not able to find any reference photo after it was assigned to its unit and after desert camouflage was applied and I have no idea what was typical camouflage of 45th RTR in order to improvise. Anyway, I'll probably go with T-145045 and consider it PSC built, but I would like to here from you guys what do you think. More to come probably over the weekend. Cheers, Nenad

I am currently building the Asuka/Tasca Direct Vision Sherman II (35-014), as used at the Battle of El Alamein, and I’ve hit a wee snag. According to the instructions, and the odd photo I’ve found, 9th Lancers’ Shermans carried a jerrycan on the left rear of the hull. The problem is that the instructions simply show it ‘stuck’ in place - which, obviously, it can’t have been in real life. All of the photos I’ve seen are too small and/or grainy to really make out what sort of method was used to secure the can in place, other than that there’s a strap running up around the can and under the handles. Does anyone have any definitive information on the ‘holder’ for the can please?

I have been working on this one on and off for a couple of months, using a part-built Revell Hurricane IIc which I bought and tidied-up, and decals from the venerable old Esci Hurricane/Kittyhawk sheet. Given a choice of three or four conflicting profiles and no photograph I could find, I decided to please myself and stick with the kit-supplied spinner, painted in the undersurface colour (for which I chose Azure Blue), use Middle stone for the base colour of the nose and wing leading edges, and then use Dark Green to supply the pseudo-Italian style squiggles and rings (hence "sand and spinach" from the colour or "Spaghetti" from the shape.) I replaced the broken-off aerial mast with one cut from sprue but other than that and the decals it is built straight out of the box. I'm fairly happy with it. Underside: Topside: Head-on: "In December 1941 the squadron moved to Egypt for defensive duties, before in June 1942 beginning to fly offensive sweeps over the Western Desert in support of the 8th Army. The most dramatic incident in this period came during the German retreat after El Alamein. On 13 November Nos.213 and 238 Squadrons were moved to a desert base 180 miles to the east of Agedabia, and well behind enemy lines. Over the next two days they destroyed or damaged nearly 300 enemy vehicles, before withdrawing on 16 November before the Germans could react." (Rickard, J (pending), No. 213 Squadron (RAF): Second World War, http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/213_wwII.html)

Hello UK Sherman aficionados, I need help with my Dragon Models El Alamein Sherman II (M4A1) 1/35 model build. My plan is to build this tank of "B" squadron 3rd Royal Tank Regiment in October 1942. My questions: (1) Was the demarcation between the camo colours hard (brush painted) or soft (sprayed)? (2) Which type of the two grouser bin / gas tank vent covers on the upper hull at the back of the tank should I use? The choices are rounded or squared off covers. (3) The engine deck has depressions at the far corners next to the engine access door corners. Dragon have parts to fill in these depressions if the modeler wishes to. Which, if any, should I use? (4) Were three perpendicular straps across the back of the box attached to the rear of the turret usually used? (5) Should I add the lifting loops on the front and back of the VVSS bogies? And If so should they face up or down? (6) What paints are best match for Light Stone No.61 over Khaki Green No. 3? Even an answer to some of the questions would be welcome. Any other suggestions and points to make the model better would be much appreciated. Thanks for taking a look at this and for any help you can offer. Best, Dave

223 Sqn RAF, 232 Bomber Wing, Western Desert Air Force, November 1942 Another one off the production line; this is the ancient Frog Martin Baltimore kit, marked to represent one of the Desert Air Force light bombers that played a key part in the pivotal 2nd Battle of El Alamein and the subsequent retreat and of Rommel's Afrika Korps, 70 years ago this week. The Baltimore was a development of Martin's Maryland fast bomber, taking into account the combined experience of the French and Royal Air Forces during the early part of the Battle of France. The Aircraft were originally ordered by the French but passed to the UK after the French surrender as a mix of outright purchase and lend-lease. The RAF, RAAF HAF and SAAF used them solely in the Mediterranean and north African theatres, where their high speed and agility proved a key asset. Baltimores saw wide action in the close air support role, from Alam-el-Halfa and El-Alamein, through the Tunisian Campaign, the invasion of Sicily and on to the Italian mainland. After WW2, the robust and lightweight Baltimore saw further service as a high speed research aircraft with the US Navy, capable of Mach 0.74 in a dive. This is another "waif" Frog kit that I picked up very cheaply (a few pounds) several years back as a dirty bag of anonymous bits. In fact, I first thought it was a Maryland when I bought it and had intended to finish it in Malta-based Fleet Air Arm markings. A very few (three?) Baltimores did see Royal Navy service, but there are few pictures to use as references (I only found one and it was post-war overall silver) and in any event, I felt that the aircraft ought to be in its original desert guise, as this is where it made its most important contribution to WW2. The Baltimore was in fact a very successful design, but it gets comparatively little attention, probably since it was not used by the USAAF. There are a couple of more modern short-run kits available nowadays, but for a very long time Frog's offering was the only one available. First issued in 1963, the kit is very basic, representing (I think) the later Mk IV variant. Parts fit is variable; the wings and fuselage fitted very well, but the wing and tailplane to fuselage joints were very bad. Panel lines are lightly raised, but the transparencies are thick and not particularly clear, even after dipping in Klear/Future. My kit had no decals/transfers with it, so these are some generic ones from my spares box. FredT