06/24 Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 I’ve not done much modelling of late, having been distracted for several years by toy trains, then moving house, a new role at work and loads of other excuses. As part of the house move, I got rid of a lot of the stash, since it became painfully evident that even if I could retire tomorrow, I would never build it all, and that I was, in fact, a collector of boxes and part-built kits, rather than a modeller. Alongside that, I’ve had a growing interest in wargaming - painting up and playing solo Five Parsecs games. What’s all that got to do with anything, well I’ve also had a long-term interest in “cold war gone hot” type scenarios, based on the crises which happened in my youth. I’ve decided to combine my interests (apart from the toy trains!) and build/play some form of solo RPG/wargames campaign set in a fictional engagement across the inner German border in the 1980s. To that end, I’ve started acquiring, building, and fussing about with various 20mm/1:76/1:72 scale miniatures, models and so on. (Note that, in common with all 06/24 builds, none of these are finished yet!) This thread is just to track these – it’d fall foul of some rule somewhere, since I model flying things and ground pounding things with equal ineptitude, and without firm distinctions. So I've stuck it in here (which will still be wrong!) Also, some of these are diecasts (albeit I usually take them apart and tweak them.) So, sit back, put Major Tom or 99 Red Balloons on the Walkman, and take trip back to the 1980s that never were with me… by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Harrier GR.3 wip by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr After by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Bedford MK/MJ by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Bedford MK/MJ by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 scale Zil-157 models by Omega K/ICM by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 scale Zil-157 models by Omega K/ICM by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 scale Zil-157 models by Omega K/ICM by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted July 26, 2022 Author Share Posted July 26, 2022 A little progress on the third Zil, before the football Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted July 26, 2022 Author Share Posted July 26, 2022 The Omega/ICM Zil captures the pugnacious look of the real thing, but the kit betrays it’s origins in a total absence of locating pins, and the most vague instructions. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at photos of the real thing but ultimately there has inevitably been some guesswork as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted July 27, 2022 Author Share Posted July 27, 2022 In true 06/24 fashion, I have a grand plan, which I’ll probably fail to complete, but ambition is all. So my current mix of builds and buys is as follows: UK (BAOR and others) In hand On order Beaver 1 Bedford MK 2 Bedford MK Refueller 1 Challenger 1 1 Chieftain 4 Chipmunk 1 Gazelle 1 Harrier GR.3 2 1 Harrier T.4 1 Landrover 101 2 Landrover 109 4 Landrover 88 1 1 Lynx AH.1 2 Samson 1 Scimitar 1 Scorpion 1 Stalwart 2 Trailer 1 3/4 Ton G.S. 1 NATO In hand On order A10 1 Biber 1 Gepard 1 Leopard 1A5 1 M113A1 1 M163A1 1 M60A3 1 MBB Bo.105 2 UH-60A 1 Warsaw Pact In hand On order BM-21 1 BRDM-2 1 BTR-60PB 2 3 T-55 2 1 T-72 1 1 Zil-157 3 Civilian In hand On order Beetle 1 1 Islander 1 Porsche 1 Skyvan 2 I’m trying keep the scale inconsistencies to a minimum, but to some extent it is driven by finding what I consider to be the best available representation – so the Bedfords are the Airfix/JB Models version, I have both the S&S and Butlers versions but they don’t convince in the same way the JB version does. So long as they are consistent with each other, the fact that they are slightly out of scale with the Landrovers (for example) isn’t immediately obvious. Having said that, I’m trying for 1:72 where possible - not that this is always straightforward – there is an easy diecast source for Landrover Lightweights in 1:76 for example, but these might look odd alongside the 109s, so I’ve got an S&S example, and one on order from Air Graphics. The 101s, by contrast, look fine, perhaps because the shape and proportions are so different in real life as well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted July 27, 2022 Author Share Posted July 27, 2022 The three Zil-157s are finished, ready for paint. Well almost, I need to find a way to make six consistent wing mirrors. Zil-157 convoy by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Zil-157 convoy by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted July 28, 2022 Author Share Posted July 28, 2022 Mother hen and three chicks. Or something 😉 Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 4, 2022 Author Share Posted August 4, 2022 If the 99 Luftballons ever drifted over Berlin, then the Gatow Chippies might have taken a look. Early days, but thinking about how to improve the old Airfix kit. 1:72 Airfix Chipmunk T.10 by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr The seats are intended for the Airfix Gladiator, but I think once there’s a floor, some sidewall gubbins and sticks, they should look the part. I imagine the belts are all wrong, but with the canopy on, who will know… 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 6, 2022 Author Share Posted August 6, 2022 Something simple, the PSC T-55AM, a lovely straightforward build. Maybe not the most detailed, but suitable cannon fodder for gaming. In the background, three Wee Friends/Friendship Models resins, a BRDM-2, an M113 A1 and M577A1. Had the chance to catch up with Ian Hanratty of Friendship at Claymore 2022 today, and pleased to learn he is slowly re-releasing the ex-CMSC range. Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 7, 2022 Author Share Posted August 7, 2022 Wee Friends M577 and M113 by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr The khaki plastic bits are spares from an Italeri M163, shots in primer/MERDC base colour to follow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 8, 2022 Author Share Posted August 8, 2022 M163 VADS Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr The gun and turret are pretty poor, few details added but more to do. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 8, 2022 Author Share Posted August 8, 2022 T-55A and T-55AM2B - Plastic Solider Company quick builds, nice and robust for gaming, lacking a little in detail (the coax sight and gun probably being the most egregious omissions. Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr One or two simple added details, a turret bin on the AM2B and some replacement handrails on the -55A, I remembered to slave the Searchlight to the elevated barrel. The gunners hatch lacks any interior detail, so I’m waiting on some filler to harden to sculpt into something vaguely appropriate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 8, 2022 Author Share Posted August 8, 2022 Revell and PSC kits. The Revell kit has been a disappointment, lovely details but poorly moulded, massive seams and divots in parts. So much so I’ve decided to scrap it and use the mine plough parts on one of the PSC chassis. I’m sure the more talented among you will feel this is sacrilege but I get too little hobby time to waste it on something I’m not enjoying. 1:72 scale T-55 by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 scale T-55 by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 scale T-55 by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr The poor quality can be seen on the “thing” on the rear plate, it was misaligned, so not square, and both sides has substantial hollows. The reinforced glacis was cut out and then sanded like one might a resin part. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 10, 2022 Author Share Posted August 10, 2022 The Revell parts continue to disappoint, requiring an inordinate amount of clean up. Nonetheless, the KMT-6 fitted T-55A continues to evolve: Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr It looks the part at the head of the first platoon. Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 13, 2022 Author Share Posted August 13, 2022 More PSC T-55 silliness, Frankentank and Igor… Frankentank first, using the engine and transmission from the Italeri version, with a Czech built rear engine deck from the Revell, and work in progress “open” drivers hatch. Frankentank and Igor by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Frankentank and Igor by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr I did briefly contemplate adding wiring to the engine, but as you can see, it’s barely visible so for now at least, sanity prevails. Igor meanwhile, is a VT-55A a Czech built ARV used by the East Germans among others. Conversion bits by S and S models, bodging by me: Frankentank and Igor by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 14, 2022 Author Share Posted August 14, 2022 Steady progress on Frankentank, Igor and the final bog standard T-55 A T-55A by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr “Igor” by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr T-55A, Frankentank and Igor by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 21, 2022 Author Share Posted August 21, 2022 One of my unholy grails is a decent 1/72 scale Landrover Lightweight. Skybirds make a diecast, but it’s a series II, while the Oxford diecast in 1/76 just looks tiny and toylike alongside the cararama 109s. I bought an S&S models one, which would be ok for gaming, but wasn’t accurate enough for my scale modelling tuned eye. So next I tried the Air Graphic one. Not cheap, but beautifully cast resin. Unfortunately, its also far too short, with a wheelbase that scales closer to 80” than 88” However, it’s far too nice a casting to just give up. It seems the shortness is a mixture of 1mm too short bonnet and front wings, and a similar amount in the doors/rear bed area. Out with the brave pills, and a razor saw, and two 1mm/40 thou plasticard inserts sort the length. The hood and screen are recycled Cararama, as will be the wheels, and as you can see, I’ve cut and shut a Cararama chassis to approx the right length. It’ll need a channel carving into the body to fit, more brave pills required. 1:72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr In all honesty, if I were to do another I would probably scratchbuild the whole body, using the chassis and screen from another diecast as a donor. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 22, 2022 Author Share Posted August 22, 2022 Bitsbash 1/72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Bitsbash 1/72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Bitsbash 1/72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 1:72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 Landrover Lightweight by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 25, 2022 Author Share Posted August 25, 2022 The production line has switched back to Bedfords as they are sufficiently simple I can assemble them while listening to work calls! Some variety using parts from Wee Friends and a wee bit of scratchbuilding. 1:76 Bedford MJ by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:76 Bedford MJ by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:76 Bedford MJ by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:76 Bedford MJ by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 27, 2022 Author Share Posted August 27, 2022 The HIAB Bedford is progressing. Officially known as a CALM or “Crane (Atlas) Lorry Mounted” - this is the Army version with the short body, the RAF apparently used a version that folded to a lower height, and seem to have used the standard length body moved backwards on extended chassis rails. Wee Friends conversion for the Airfix/JB Bedford. 1:72 Bedford/Atlas CALM by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 Bedford/Atlas CALM by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1:72 Bedford/Atlas CALM by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted August 27, 2022 Share Posted August 27, 2022 Armour isn't my specialist subject, but this is an impressive looking production line you have going on here. We used to use lightweight Landies for towing Pumas around. Well over the official safe towing load! Keep up the good work. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted August 27, 2022 Author Share Posted August 27, 2022 1 hour ago, Pete in Lincs said: Armour isn't my specialist subject, but this is an impressive looking production line you have going on here. We used to use lightweight Landies for towing Pumas around. Well over the official safe towing load! Keep up the good work. Pete I have a soft spot for Pumas, ever since one landed on our school playing field in 1978. The pilot’s kids were at the same school, and I believe it was one of his final service flights. The most memorable day of my school life by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted September 4, 2022 Author Share Posted September 4, 2022 Apologies for the lack of updates, busy with real life etc. However, I’ve started a model of a 5 ton low mobility TK, using a cheap diecast as the base. Untitled by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Unfortunately this has highlighted the shortcomings of the JB cab, which is rather underscale I believe. However, any program to replace the other JB cabs will only happen if (a) I can get enough cheap diecasts to sacrifice and (b) I can find a big tin of can be bothered. In other news, I managed to drill out one cab for an open hatch for the HIAB version, no photos yet but it seemed to go without a hitch, which surprised me, drilling an 8 mm hole in a transparency not being something I thought would work, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted September 5, 2022 Author Share Posted September 5, 2022 Bit of a break from Bedfords this evening: Airfix Control Tower/Watch Office by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Airfix Control Tower/Watch Office by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Airfix Control Tower/Watch Office by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr One and a bit Airfix Control Towers (but you knew that already didn’t you). Not a kit I built in my youth, but one that always appealed. The extended version is completely fictional, just cut and shut to something that feels right. I am addressing the one serious flaw in the Airfix original, the unprototypical extension under the balcony, and may replace the rooftop visual control office with something more modern (at least, modern for 1985) but it remains, at best, a caricature of the real thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
06/24 Posted September 5, 2022 Author Share Posted September 5, 2022 To make the interior look better, and to give the model some rigidity, I’ve started skinning the inside of the ground floor with brick. Nothing is fixed yet, as I have some of the Flightpath etched windows on order to trial. Floors are simply 1mm plastic card cut to size, the first floor will rest on the brick inner walls and whatever internal partition walls I decide to include. If anyone has suggestions for a typical internal floor plan I’m all ears. Airfix Control Tower/Watch Office by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Airfix Control Tower/Watch Office by Jon Gwinnett, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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