New Project, Tamiya Schwimmwagen Wide Wheel Version

Well as you can guess the Freccia IFV build has inevitably stalled and joined the shelf of doom for all half started/finished projects. I just struggled with the kit, mostly due to the really vague instructions and soft plastic & detail. Also the first bit of etch work really sucked the fun out of the build. 

Anyway after a long sulk and lots of dithering I decided something simple and tamiya would fit the bill. So on the bench went Tamiya's new version of their evergreen Schwimmwagen. This boxing comes with new wide wheels as well as a few extra tweaks to the kit and two very nice figures. 

Building was simple and easy with the only addition being a couple of tiny bits of brass etch mesh added to the rear intake openings. The figures build up dead easy and look excellent. I expect under paint they will look even better. 

Freccia IFV Progress

All the running gear is now on the model and the replacement resin wheels have been cleaned up and test fitted. They feature great detail and will paint up really well later on. Now I'll start adding the details to the hull.

Trumpeter VBM Freccia IFV

Now finally on the bench a new project in the form of Trumpeter's boxing of the Italian Freccia IFV. A very interesting vehicle, at least to me. Based on the Centauro hull and running gear this is quite a big beast. So far I've glued the two hull halves together, which needs care as the fit is quite vague. The axles and drive hubs and shafts are also going on now. 

I am using some very nice royal Model resin wheels for the kit so have also cut down the axles to accommodate the new wheels which by the way have really nice details.

 

Tamiya H39 Finished

After a very extended build the model is now finished and on it's simple base. The kit was excellent with great detail and very easy to put together. As you know I do like my small tanks, especially the French ones so this fits the bill perfectly. The kit supplied figure is one of tamiya's best and looks very nice once painted up. 

H39 Figure

Here is the figure all finished. painted using vallejo colours I tried a different approach to the leather jacket by using acrylics. My usual method is to paint using oils which does take some time to dry. Now I can crack on with the base.

Tamiya H39 An Update

Well after some time away from the bench due to a distinct lack of modelling mojo I've finally got back to finish off the weathering on the little tank. I went for a light effect as I did not want to cover it in too much weathering. I've also shelved the Dynamo figures and have instead used the kit figure which is just as good. 

Now with only the figure and a small base to deal with I think this should be finished pretty soon. 

 

H39 Filters & Pin Washes

A few filters and pin washes have now been applied as well as a matt varnish. So far so good, the next stages will be adding some mud and dust effects and perhaps some built up mud on the running gear. Not forgetting of course to sort the tracks out.