Jump to content

Panzer IV Ausf H


Ratch

Recommended Posts

I don't think I've posted in this section before. It's not that I don't build AFVs, but not that many, and certainly not up to the standard of you guys. Anyway, I've had this in the stash for around 10 years, so time I did something with it.

48936817817_ab26805442_z.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
There's a nice reference picture in the Squadron book I'm using as a basis for a vignette like this...
48936633076_1a95c55460_z.jpgDSC_0003 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
Partial assembly, sprayed the interior white.
48936085303_68080099b3_z.jpgDSC_0006 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

Feedback & advice is always welcome.

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cheers Steve, I revisited the Vallejo AFV Techniques DVD to refresh my memory. I adapted the priming shown to use Vallejo Acrylic 74604 German Dark Yellow RAL7028 for the basic colour then mixed with 74660 Gloss Black for the shaded areas and then 74601 Grey Polyurethane Surface Primer for a lightened base. I then sprayed random areas of Vallejo Model Air 71025 Panzer Dark Yellow RAL7027, 71041 Tank Brown RAL8017 and then 71016 US Dark Green RAL6014. These same colours were stippled with an old, raggedy brush to depict an Ambush Scheme.
48957976653_569cac7c5a_z.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The decals were applied using Vallejo 73212 Decal Medium and Vallejo 73213 Decal Fix. I think this is the first time I've used these products. They're a bit thicker in consistency than Microsol/set, but they've worked OK.
48968072173_5585777a9e_z.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

Following this I did a pin wash using Vallejo Game Color 73203 Umber Wash.
48968795857_e2474f79c6_z.jpgDSC_0002 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48968072158_2ea2562a17_z.jpgDSC_0003 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48968072123_71035bc74f_z.jpgDSC_0004 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

I painted the return rollers and the tyres on the road wheels.
48968072093_ca81f336ba_z.jpgDSC_0005 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I selected a picture frame that the vignette could sit on and cut a piece of hardboard to the correct size. This was painted with Daler – Rowney Graduate Acrylic 247 Raw Umber and 375 Sap Green. I then spread PVA over the board and sprinkled Expo Landscape Scenics 591-32 Autumn Flock and 591-83 Mid Green Scatter with Javis Countryside Scenics JHG1 Static Grass Spring Mix, JS17 Scatter Heath Green, JS31 Dark Earth, JS32 Scatter Dark Brown and JS70 Scatter Summer Mixture. These were sprinkled randomly over the base.
48975091938_1326f49c93_z.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

The next technique involved chipping the paintwork. Firstly, random dabs of 70977 were painted around the hatches and other areas where chipping might occur. This was followed with a similar treatment of 70995 167 and 70863 179. A mix of 71029 and 71037 was airbrushed over selected areas for a covering of dust. 
48975820282_b774402e4d_z.jpgDSC_0002 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Roger :cheers:

The model was treated to another wash of Vallejo Game Color 73203 Umber Wash, thinned with water, as a filter to tie the paintwork together. 
48980664338_99fe3b5451_z.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

Quite often I think “what’s the point of all this?” Its my impatience talking to me. Then you get to a point in the process where you think “this is working” and this is that moment. I can see it coming together. 
48981409312_25f8e37842_z.jpgDSC_0002 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
71080 with 70597 was used to make rust stains.

 

Just some basics done on the figures.
48980664313_d9c5857d68_z.jpgDSC_0006 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I then moved onto the tracks spraying 71072 over the central portion of the tracks that rub against the return rollers. This was masked and 71025 mixed with 71027 was used again on the tracks this time mixed with some 70540. 
48986980052_1f124bfa21_z.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

When dry Mig Pigments P033 Dark Mud / P232 Dry Mud / P234 Rubbed Dust was applied to the tracks with Mig Pigment Fixer. I then dry brushed Mig Pigments P231 Gun Metal over the cleats. I then returned to stage 2 and added the return rollers. I then revisited stage 4 to fix the road wheels, idler wheels and drive sprockets. The tracks were added as per stage 10. 
48986980042_75868583e6_z.jpgDSC_0002 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

Returning to stage 7 I added the machine gun, spare wheel retaining rod and tools. 
48986784886_18232c2ba3_z.jpgDSC_0003 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48986223658_6c8fd76df7_z.jpgDSC_0004 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

Stage 8 made the corresponding tool additions on the other side. 
48986223643_c7f010a8db_z.jpgDSC_0005 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

Stage 9 added the towing hawser. I completed stage 10 by adding a bracket. Stage 13 was completed with the addition of the machine gun beside the main barrel.

 

A bit more paint has been put on the figures and I started contemplating which one should go in the turret - this one is based on Michael Wittmann...
48986223638_795d7bfec4_z.jpgDSC_0006 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

Then there's the officer in a reversible uniform...
48986979967_0cc3ec8c70_z.jpgDSC_0008 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

Then there's the guy in the black tanker's uniform I'm using a Lance-Corporal and a Lieutenant for reference...
48986223608_dcc4cf41f1_z.jpgDSC_0009 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

A teaser
48986785461_0b3f9c15a6_z.jpgDSC_0010 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I made the aerial by stretching some sprue, as described in stage 17. The spare tracks were also fixed at this stage as was the side Schürtzen. 

48989751638_86ac544423_c.jpgDSC_0003 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48989751608_5f03200066_c.jpgDSC_0004 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48989751588_e236251133_c.jpgDSC_0005 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48989751583_dc4d9a2926_c.jpgDSC_0006 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr
48990306366_bf353d2ed8_c.jpgDSC_0007 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cheers Ozzy, a little natural detritus was fixed in little nooks and crannies using AK Interactive AK775 Matt Varnish. Now I turned to the figures and the additional components that would be placed in the vignette. Pieces were selected and fixed to other pieces. The figures were painted, and the tank was whitewashed with Humbrol Enamel Wash AV202 White. I tried to do this sparingly to allow the ambush scheme to show through, at least in places. 

48995691466_cac4ebe420_c.jpgDSC_0004 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

I lightly airbrushed Vallejo Model Air 71001 White over the diorama base with a view to give it a frosty appearance. I then fixed one of the figures in the turret and fixed the hatch too, I was then ready to fix the pieces in the diorama. Everything was glued down with PVA, starting with the tank, which had to be positioned on the track marks I had made on the base. 
48996454977_26fdf4a714_c.jpgDSC_0001 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

After several trials I had a good idea of what I wanted in the composition of the vignette. The oil-drums and Jerry cans clustered together. The two seated figured beside the table, a map, sub-machine gun, pistol and holster and a bottle of wine strewn across it. The figures sitting amongst the various crates and tools, a rabbit ready for the pot, various packs and tent rolls. The military policeman hopes to ingratiate himself to share in the grub. Another member of the crew has spotted some chickens and deliberates purloining them.
48995711588_15700892ab_c.jpgDSC_0002 by Richard Linnell, on Flickr

 

I have enjoyed this build, particularly the new methods of weathering I've tried. Its hard to break out of the comfort zone we sometimes settle into, but sometimes those scary techniques that frightened us in the past give us a sense of achievement when we actually bite the bullet and try them. Thanks to all who have stopped by and commented. I hope you've enjoyed the journey as much as me.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...