Matilda MkIII (North Africa) - Tamiya 1/35

[Nigeyboy]

Hi all,

 

Blimey - where is this year going? It's October already . . . .

 

So since completing my first model in over 30 years earlier this year, I have been pottering around and putting some other kits together. So far I've completed 1 x Willys Jeep, 1 x SAS Willys Jeep, 1 x King Tiger and 1 x Quad with 25lb (all Tamiya). I'll add some pics of those to the Inspection forum in a few days (currently locked out of Flickr!!).

 

I really enjoyed putting those kits together. I have learned a lot and each time I feel my technique is getting a little better. So I've decided to create a new build thread. I've always loved the look of the Matilda, with its armoured sides and funky suspension! I've also taken on a bit of a liking to the North Africa campaign (see Willys / Quad above!). I think it because when the British went into N Africa in 1940 both us and the Italians had only just begun to develop tanks - both infantry and heavy. It was a baptism of fire on both ours and the Axis side and we had to learn and develop tactics quickly. I mean look at Germany - they initially fielded Panzer III and IV's, and ended up with some Tigers over there!

 

I've been reading up on the campaign, along with the exploits of the LRDG. There are no end of models I can get for this Theatre and the Matilda will be #3 in my slowly growing collection.

 

Hopefully I'll get some time over the next week to begin construction, so please feel free to drop in, follow my progress and help me with tips and tricks etc!!

 

Thanks all

 

Nige

[alexb2611]

Nice! I'm mid-way through a Tamiya 1/35 Matilda myself, just about to add the second (correct) Caunter scheme colour. I'll be interested to see your thoughts on the Tamiya kit, I found the two part lower hull/glacis a bit of a pain for gaps once the upper hull was added. Certainly compared to my first joyful experience with the Tamiya Sherman!

 

Cheers,

Alex

[Nigeyboy]

Hi Alex,

 

The Sherman E8 was my first kit after my 30 year break, and I agree - a great kit to get back into the hobby with.

 

I've had a look over the kit and it looks pretty nice. I'll bear in mind your comment about gaps when I get started!

 

Cheers

 

Nige

[alexb2611]

HI Nige,

 

It's a nice kit overall that's for sure - the only other feedback is that the drill points in the turret for the two versions need attention to select the right ones for the North Africa version

 

Cheers,

Alex

[Nigeyboy]

Funny you should mention that! I've looked through the instructions a few times and seen some holes need to be drilled. I don't yet have any drill bits so was planning on popping out today to pick some up!

[Graham Boak]

The point of a modelling blade should do the job, if you work it from both sides.  You can get a small pin vice to hold in your fingers, but a larger one you can rest against your palm is a better long term buy.  Or is it just the drill bits you lack?

 

Many years back I remember seeing one modeller using an Archimedes drill, operated by placing the thumb in a loop and sliding it up and down.   I've never seen one for sale: no doubt on the Internet somewhere...

[Nigeyboy]

Thanks Graham. I popped out at lunchtime and got a small hand vice (that fits in my palm) with 5 x drill bits ranging from 0.8mm to 1.8mm. Did the trick with no problem! Is this the type of drill you mentioned? 

 

So I've begun the build. I'm going with the 32nd Army Tank Brigade 1942 Libya version. Early stages right now as I've only had a couple of hours spare. First thing I did was read the instructions (modelling 101 right!?) and worked out how best to build the kit in stages. I don't currently have an airbrush so its a few select rattle cans and brush painting Vallejo Model Colour acryls for me!

 

I started with the hull and glacis plate. It all went together well, although I still have two pieces to attach. There is also a slight gap where the lower part of the plate meets the base of the hull. A tiny bit of putty will sort that out I think.

 

 

I then put together the various suspension and wheels - these are made up of a total of 20 road wheels split between 4 doubles and 2 singles.

 

 

 

Got to say. although the wheels will be all but hidden when the side armour plates go on, I'm looking forward to painting these - they are screaming out to be weathered and oiled up!!

 

I'll be priming the wheels first, followed by the lower and upper hulls when I've completed as much of them as I can. I don't think I'll join the upper / lower hulls until I'm confident I can apply the caunter paint scheme with as little bother as possible!

 

In other news it was my birthday yesterday. I now have a MkVII Churchill and a Valentine in the wings thanks to some good friends, and also some spending money from my family that will be put to good use over the coming weeks!!

 

Thanks for dropping in! I'm away this weekend so won't be back at the bench until next week.

 

Cheers all

 

Nige

 

 

 

 

Edited Friday at 02:08 PM by Nigeyboy

[echen]

Looks like a complicated paint job!

Good to see progress and looking forward to developments.

[PeteH1969]

Looking Good Nige

 

Are you going to change the tracks for after market?

 

Pete