Tamiya Panzer II French Campaign

Here is the second part of my project, tamiya's superb panzer II. I built one way back in 2009 not long after the kit came out and enjoyed it thoroughly back then so I'm sure it will be as much fun this time around.  

ICM Panhard 178 Construction Complete

A nice and easy finish to the Panhard with just a few finishing parts added to the model. As you can see I've left some of the hatches off for the time being as I'm intending to display an abandoned vehicle during the fall of France. 

The resin wheels are also seen here and very crisp and clean they are too. Next up the second part of my idea so stay tuned!

ICM Panhard 178 Progress

The build has been going very well indeed with the interior all painted up and lightly weathered for now. This was followed by closing up the model. I took my time here and double checked the fit of each section before committing to glue.This ensured a near perfect fit with nice tight panel joints and no real clean up. 

I then worked getting the turret together and again this all went well with no issues. I did replace the machine gun barrel with a length of brass tube and had to make hinge brackets for the turret rear doors as they are missing on the kit but strangely shown in the instructions.

Lastly for this update I've added all the drive shafts and wheel hubs to the model. I've got a set of panzer art replacement resin wheels which just fit perfectly onto the hubs but can be left off for painting.

   

ICM Panhard 178

Finally some bench time and as you've guessed already the BMP has gone back in the box due to lack of enthusiasm for the subject. So in yet another effort to get something done I've gone for the rather nice ICM Panhard 178 armoured car. I have a bit of a thing for armoured cars and especially French ones as they are just so cool. 

The 178 is no exception being very advanced for it's time and for the early war period sported some great camo schemes and markings. The ICM kit has been in the loft for a very long time and I chanced upon it whilst having a bit of a tidy up. The kit is very very nice having a decent interior and engine and excellent detail throughout. 

Currently working on painting and weathering the interior which I think will look rather good once complete. 

  

IPMS Avon Show 4th August 2024

Yesterday saw Stonehenge Modellers make the quick trip down the M4 to Thornbury for the IPMS Avon show. This was only the second show this year we have displayed at so I was really looking forward to it. As usual finding our tables and navigating through the halls was a breeze thanks to the very good organisation and we were set up and ready in record time. 

Sadly due to lack of mojo on both our parts the display had to fall back on some old builds, but as Brian said some of his display were so old they were practically new again! This year I thought there were more traders in attendance as well as a few more new clubs. Once the show was open to the public it was extremely busy with plenty of visitors enjoying the three halls packed with displays.

Having a good look around early on to get some pictures there were some smashing models on display and a very healthy trade being done at the various trade stands around the halls. Also this year Avon included a competition again but unfortunately I never made it that far to have a look. However I think it was well supported.

So as usual yet again a fantastic show with loads to see and plenty of things to lighten the wallet. Thanks to all at Avon for another cracking day.