I thought I’d share my latest project, the 1/48 Hasegawa HS 129 B-2 tank buster sporting the big MK 103 motorkannon in 10.(Pz)SG 9 markings on the Eastern front. I suppose in some ways it could be considered the grandpappy to the A-10, a slow moving plane with a big gun with it main purpose being tank destruction. I like subjects that were built for one main purpose.
This kit is quite simple and pretty much just falls together. I added PE belts, thats about it. This was my first real attempt at the common Eastern front winter distempering. It would be the standard RLM 70/71 over 65 then with white distempering disruptive patterns, which was field applied. I started by using MRP RLM 70/71, because it was all I had in these colors. Big mistake. This paint is too shiny and translucent and I quickly remembered why I mothballed it. I will never understand the big whoop about it. It’s garbage. I decided to start over after grabbing some AK Real Colors which my local hobby shop fortunately carries. The white was Tamiya white dirtied up with a touch of light gray. I tried to leave a hint of the original splinter pattern showing through. This was my most challenging scheme to date as I had to repaint it several times before I was happy with it. It was supposed to be more intricate that this, but I eventually gave up and fudged quite a bit of it. The main makings were painted on with Montex. It then got a brown Ammo/Mig oil filter wash to dirty things up.
White K was reportedly flown in march of 1944 by Lt. Walter Krause whom I could find absolutely nothing about.
Lawdog, this looks FANTASTIC! Your weathering, especiallyon the undersides looks so convincing and I really like the wintewr camo scheme. I’ved got this kit sitting in its box as a “Shelf Queen” and you’ve motivated me to get it out and finish it. Beautiful work!
Really nice job. I’ve always liked this plane… and now you made me go pick one up on ebay [:P]. The winter camo looks great. I like the B2. The B3 sounds awesome withe the 75mm cannon but aesthetically it looks a bit goofy.
Another fine one for the Joe’s model works, great job. Totally realistic appearance of a well used operational airplane, and this aircraft was one of my favorites of the era. I think they looked designed for a very specific purpose.
I really enjoy seeing all of these posts from you lately, such useful build and finish details, plus the photos to make the package complete. You contribute so much to the forums, and you make me want to be a more capable model builder. Thanks for it all.
Thanks Patrick. You always say the nicest things. With winter coming I’ve had a bit more free time to post. Still busy at the bench though. Aside from the new 1/48 Tamiya P-38J, I have several 1/32 builds scheduled as well. These include the Hobby Boss P-61, Zoukei-Mura HS 129, Tamiya P-51, Trumpy P-40E, and the Hobby Boss A-26. Perhaps I’ll start doing work in progress threads again.
Now sir, that is one fine looking aircraft. I really have No Negative comments, not that I would mention either, except it ain’t in My Showcase! That’s a very well thought out job in all areas.