Airfix’s Cromwell IV

[81-er]

Here’s my latest completion, Airfix’s 1/35 Cromwell IV, depicted as a Northamptonshire Yeomanry machine from the kit decals. This one’s been quite a learning experience as this is my first tank build, I’m normally an aircraft modeller. However, it won’t be my last as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

I’d like to thank everyone who offered tips and advice during the build, especially @Bullbasket and @Kingsman

 

On to the photos. I know the hedge cutter wasn’t used in service, but I like the look of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few more shots on the bench, a bit closer to the true colours:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The WIP can be found below:

 

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235123484-airfix-135-cromwell-iv/

 

James

[Bullbasket]

Glad to hear that you got the AFV bug James. It is addictive. For a first effort, you've made a pretty good job of that Cromwell. I like the nice dusty finish. Nice one.

 

John.

[Keeff]

Very nice .... great weathering too! 👌

The hedgecutter looks like it should be there as standard! 

 

Keith 😁 

[modelling minion]

Great result James, a very nice looking Cromwell.

Glad to hear you will be buying more armour kits.

[81-er]

Thanks guys  Definitely happy with this, a mistakes, but then that's how we learn after all. At some point I'll get back to the Pz.Kpfw 743 build, but there's another Airfix Cromwell, an Airfix Tiger, and an AFV Club Scorpion in the stash already

 

James

[Watto]

Well I think for a "first attempt" you've done a great job. 

 

Are the tracks Link & Length? They look very nicely molded and seem to sit well in the road wheels. 

 

Looks really good 👍 what's next?

 

Watto. 

[FrancisGL]

Hi James,

For a first model, it looks at a very good level.
I'm sure the next one will be even better.

Cheers

Francis.👍

[81-er]

Thanks gents

 

2 hours ago, Watto said:

Are the tracks Link & Length? They look very nicely molded and seem to sit well in the road wheels. 

 

Looks really good 👍 what's next?

 

Yes, they're link and length (one of the many terms I've learnt). They were also my biggest issue with the build, as I got the geometry of them incorrect at the assembly stage and then couldn't get them back on the model after painting. If you have a nose at the build thread, you'll see where I went wrong.

 

As for what's next, polishing off a few of the WIP builds that are cluttering up the bench, then hopefully getting a Wellington in an unusual colour scheme done before Telford. I definitely see another tank happening before Xmas though

 

James

[Watto]

1 hour ago, 81-er said:

Thanks gents

 

 

Yes, they're link and length (one of the many terms I've learnt). They were also my biggest issue with the build, as I got the geometry of them incorrect at the assembly stage and then couldn't get them back on the model after painting. If you have a nose at the build thread, you'll see where I went wrong.

 

As for what's next, polishing off a few of the WIP builds that are cluttering up the bench, then hopefully getting a Wellington in an unusual colour scheme done before Telford. I definitely see another tank happening before Xmas though

 

James

Hi James, when I use Link & Length tracks I either leave a joint unglued so that I can take them off for painting, making the open joint my last job or glue them to the road wheels and return rollers and carefully remove the whole lot. You do have to ensure all parts are joined and as one though. 

 

I recently read a book on Villers Bocage that had lots of pictures of Cromwells which have me the appetite to build one, reading your post will probably mean Santa will be on the look out for one for me 🙂

 

I'll look out for your Wellington build .👍

 

Watto. 

[robgizlu]

Nice clean and crisp build

Rob

[Milan Mynar]

Excellent built, painted and weathered.

[81-er]

Thank you everyone

 

23 hours ago, Watto said:

Hi James, when I use Link & Length tracks I either leave a joint unglued so that I can take them off for painting, making the open joint my last job or glue them to the road wheels and return rollers and carefully remove the whole lot. You do have to ensure all parts are joined and as one though. 

 

I recently read a book on Villers Bocage that had lots of pictures of Cromwells which have me the appetite to build one, reading your post will probably mean Santa will be on the look out for one for me 🙂

 

I'll look out for your Wellington build .👍

 

Watto. 

 

My issue was actually that I'd followed a Youtube build and posed the tracks in an inaccurate way, which was ok before paint, but not after. Lesson learnt!

 

As for the Wellington, that one will be here. I should be starting to bash some plastic in about a week 

 

James

[Muchmirth]

Great job on this especially considering it’s your first…. You’ll enjoy that scorpion.

Paul

[81-er]

Thanks Paul

 

James

[The Spadgent]

Beautiful. Especially like the misted dirt. 🙌

[81-er]

Thanks mate  I'm really very happy with the dirt, especially up the rear. Even more so that I manage to do it all with pigments applied using some makeup applicators I got from eBay or Amazon

 

James

[corsaircorp]

Well done James !!

Congrats !!

CC

[The_Lancaster]

I really like this! The job you’ve done really shows off the boxy look of the vehicle. I love the dusty effect you’ve achieved as well. It really gives the impression of ‘the great swan’ of commonwealth movements post D-Day.

[81-er]

Thanks gents, very much appreciated

 

James