Meng Husky TSV Review

I've now had a good look at this kit and have just done a small in box review which you can find in the reviews section, enjoy!

On Track Show Prep

The models are all packed up and the admin is done for the trip down to Folkestone on Friday afternoon for the first show of the year for Stonehenge modellers. I'm looking forward to the start of our show year especially catching up with old friends as we usually do. Speaking of which a certain Mr Badman will be making the trip to the show from Germany again this year so I expect a few beers to disappear on Friday night! 

Finnish Marksman Turret Complete

The turret is now all finished and the model is ready for paint. As you can see not a great deal was done to enhance the turret, rather I replaced or enhanced what was glaringly obvious. One good thing is that all the turret vision blocks can be left off until after painting which is very handy. It will be off for a wash today and I'm thinking of taking it to the on track show this weekend as a WIP.

Finnish Marksman Turret

I've now started work on the turret for the model and have added a few improvements to it. Mostly enhancing areas and adding missing detail. There's quite a bit to do here and as it's going to be the main focus of the model I've been improving the basic kit independent sights.

Bovington Tank Museum Model Show

Today I've been off hobnobbing with Brian and my mate Chris, aka Soapy down at the tank museum for their annual model show. So after picking up Brian on the way we swiftly arrived at Bovi and met up with Chris. Much modelling bollocks and general piss taking ensued mixed in with a look around the various model club displays, trade stands and the museums exhibits. 

IPMS Romsey had a really interesting display with a cracking diorama depicting tiger 131 based on actual pictures of the tank when first captured. It was extremely well done and very fitting what with the real 131 displayed just down the way in the tiger section. What could be more fitting? It certainly inspired me and gave me some good ideas for when I tackle my kit later this year.

We also again had a chat with Spud Murphy and admired his excellent models. I really liked what he was doing with the takom chieftain amongst others he had on display. I also noticed that the gekko A10 kit was a popular choice on the display tables and very nice they looked too in their various marks, I may have to pick one up at some point.

This year I actually went with a bit of a shopping list and managed to snag the new Meng Husky and a bonus Trumpeter chally 2 for £20! Filler and matt varnish where also on my hit list so in the bag they went too. Again I had a great time and it was nice to start the modelling show year off with a trip the the museum as well, it gets the old creative juices flowing I find. 

 A couple of old mincers!

My stash additions,

Churchill Weathering

So a small amount of weathering has been done on the model using oils to make some washes and add a pin wash. I'll also add a small amount of oil dot fading before attacking with pigments. 

Now he can get to me in the cave Fang the cat is now my new modelling buddy. Quite distracting when he decides to sit on the bench and demand a fuss!

More D.I.Y

In between prepping the ceiling for painting I've also blocked up the old door to the man cave. Now the cave actually feels part of the house and more importantly it's more secure and warmer. I always used to get a vicious draft coming through in the winter which always made it bloody cold in the evenings. 

Eventually the block work will get plastered, probably when I empty the cave and rip up the carpet. I will be moving the light switch soon though which is a simple job. 

I have been modelling but only doing a small bit of work on the Churchill. I'm hoping to have it done before next weekend, which by the way is the on track show in Folkestone. 

Home Improvements

Just before our holiday we had some work done on our conservatory, having a new roof fitted with a much more thermally efficient rating compared to the old polycarbonate roof. The interior is now ready for decorating but before that gets tackled I've had the new door opening to the man cave opened up. 

Whilst the conservatory, or sun room as I'm calling it now, is empty it made sense to get the new doorway done. This is the first phase of the man cave refurbishment which will be done in small stages. The old door into the cave will be getting blocked up this week too.

Winter Sun

Bet you all wondered what had happened with no posts for a week eh? Well as part of my retirement celebrations we have just had a smashing week in the winter sun on the island of Lanzarote. It was a brilliant week, not least as we missed all the snow, disruption and the cold temperatures!  

This year we hired a small villa perfect for two and I must say the peace and space that provided was very nice indeed. We did very little apart from relax and read! Just the ticket after the busy last few months. Now back home things will pick up with a few d.i.y tasks to do and the start of the man cave renovations.