Masterbox 1/72nd Mk 1 Male Tank Completed

The model is now all done and just in time for the Avon show on Sunday. I worked on the base yesterday after drilling out some holes the day before and adding the plaster. The groundwork is just plan plaster with no sand or gravel added as I thought it would look out of scale.

My next job was to spray the base with various earth tones and make up some wire pickets from wire and a little barbed wire from fine fuse wire. The tree stump is a bit of twig from the garden. Once dry I went over the base and model with pigments. The whole thing looks quite monotone but I think it looks rather good and portrays the desolation of the battlefield well.

I've really enjoyed this project and being as this is my first ever WW1 subject I think it's a fitting model to start with and also a fitting tribute to all who fought in the conflict.

Mk1 Male Tank Base

Here is my base work for the Mk 1. First off I attacked the wooden base I selected with some drill bits to add craters. Next up was a liberal application of filler  coloured with vallejo brown. I used a gloved finger to define the shell holes and add texture to the groundwork. No sand or grit was added as I felt it would be out of scale for this base. Next up I made some wire posts using lead wire and added a bit of twig from the garden for a shell damaged tree.

In all it took me about an hour to get the base sorted. Got to love this small scale stuff!

CV90-40 Saved From The Pile Of Doom

Remember this one? I started it last October but due to track issues it got put away on the shelf of doom. I was planning on using fruils but in the end I purchased some spade ace models tracks. First time I have used these and they are rather good. Cheaper than fruilmodel tracks and at least on this set the links have virtually no clean up.

Best thing is that they actually fit around the sprocket! So in between painting and weathering three models I'll slowly get the tracks sorted on this.

Mk1 Male & Stug Progress

I've been working on and off on the Mk 1 over the last week and have added a few filters then some oil fading. Today the little model had a coat of matt varnish sprayed on. As you can see all the oil work has really toned down the chipping added to the model and I think it looks just right. I'm now going to work on a small base for it then once that's sorted I'll start on the pigments.

The stug has now had all the tools picked out, a gloss coat and finally today the decals went on. Really like the colourful markings on this and the yellow death's head looks great with the contrasting grey main colour.

It's certainly a bit of a frenzy at the bench today, I've even got the M109 primed and sprayed the first colour coat on. No pictures till tomorrow though as it's still drying.

Modelling 0, Sorting Everything Else Out 1

Well July was a very slow month in the cave, just far too hot to spray paint about and personally I don't like sweating like a navvie when I'm just sitting down! However I did manage to get lots done around the house and earned a few brownie points in the process.
However now that the temperature is starting to drop I can now comfortably get back at it. Good job really as IPMS Avon's show is only a couple of weeks away and I'd really like to get the Mk1 and the stug done for that.

Stonehenge modellers trip to Belgium is now all sorted too with the euro shuttle and hotel booked. Just need to show some restraint over the next couple of months to save up some spending money! As I'm sure there will be many tempting items to purchase! oh and beer to drink as well!

Mk 1 Male Tank Washes

Even though it's hotter than the devil's arse here in the man cave I've managed to make a start on the weathering for the Mk1. I started out using a mixture of AK stuff but found it was far to grainy in appearance so switched to normal oils. First up was a very light coloured wash. I then followed up with a darked pin wash on all the deeper recesses. I could go and pin wash the hell out of this and do all the rivets but I think that would overwhelm the model, Especially in this small scale.

 
So the plan is just to add a couple more filters then add a little bit of oil fading and streaking.

Belgian M109 Even More Waffle!

The final bits have now been finished on the model. The Belgian specific drivers rear view mirrors where made up from a couple of spare leopard 1 mirrors then the mounts were made using plastic card and rod. Lastly the superb .50 cal was built up. The barrel's loose at the moment to aid painting hence the droopy look!

I've decided to use the kit tracks on this now basically as I'm in a lazy mood but also as a little celebration after finally getting a set of AFV club tracks to glue together. (possibly this decision with come back and boot me in the tender parts later on) So the models off for a wash and I can now sort out a couple of crew figures and stowage.

New Kit Reviews Page

I've just added a new page to the blog which you will find listed on the right hand side. I've also posted the first of the Castoff reviews there for you to read. I'm planning to put all future reviews on the dedicated page which will make it easier for me and hopefully for you to find all the reviews under one heading.
Edit, the second review for the Challenger 2 conversion has now been added enjoy!

Look What's Turned Up!!

My order from Castoff has now arrived, in fact it arrived just before I went on holiday and I've only just managed to have a good look at the contents. My initial thoughts are simply WOW! Terry at Castoff has done a superb job and the casting is crisp and clean and virtually no pin holes at all. The cast bar armour is particularly nice and finely done.

I will be doing a full review over the next couple of days and post it up with some pictures.

There's not much work being done at the bench at the moment mostly as I've run out of glue and the weather here in the UK is scorcio! (flipping hot) It's currently 29.3 c and 54% humidity in the man cave as I type this. Phew time for a cool one.

My Big Fat Greek Holiday

Just got back from a fabulous week on the lovely island of Lefkas or Lefkada in Greece. Too much food, beer and sun but I tried my best to get rid of all that mythos and alfa beer! I do enjoy going to Greece as the people are so friendly and welcoming and the scenery and colours are just stunning. The highlight of the holiday was a cruise aboard the M/S Christina and touring around the islands stopping at secluded bays for snorkelling and swimming. Then stopping off at a couple of islands to walk through sleepy villages.

The boat was kitted out with lounger type mattresses so no sitting on uncomfortable benches! A real treat that plus we had a superb lunch on board which was included in the price. I even managed a snooze after lunch it was that comfy!

Chieftain Mk9 Diorama "Winter Crossing"

The Chieftain and Land rover diorama is now complete. Very pleased with the final result and even though this has been a four month project I've enjoyed every minute of it. Especially re visiting the tamiya chieftain and applying all the knowledge and tricks I've learnt over the years. After all the last time I built this particular kit I was still in shorts!