(I’ve just posted this as part of my now complete WIP thread for my 1/48 Flakpanzer but thought some of you might like to see some of the other stuff on there…)
I sat down this afternoon and sorted the figures out-I wasn’t sure if I was going to use them or not as I’d never painted figures before and had no intention of using them if they looked awful! Problem being they were supposed to be seated and put in place before the top half of the turret was affixed BUT they just about squeezed in and, imo, really work well.
I chose the reversed winter uniform as I thought they would look lost in the cammo turret (the lazy buggers haven’t got round to doing the whitewash yet) [:)]
I also got rid of the old antennae and stretched a fresh piece of sprue-much better now.
I also had John Ham who is the regional rep for MAFVA who just happens to live round the corner pop in for a cup of tea and to talk models. We’ve swapped Emails a few times but have never met before. Top bloke; He gave me a cracking book to read, very dated now (first print 1980) but still some great tips to go on. He has got a beautiful AB that he bought for cost price but has never used that he’s letting me have-it’s still unmarked in it’s original case! All I need now is my compressor and I’m there!!!
He bought round some of his work too. He still builds some of the old 1/76 Matchbox stuff and has been building for longer than I’ve been alive. His work is just stunning and on such a tiny scale! I had to grab some photos…
My crewmen (don’t worry-the guy sat on the right has had his facial features sorted now, 1/48 Tamiya figures ain’t great from what I’ve heard though)…
My new / old modelling book (cost $6.95 US)…
Some of John’s 1/76 work…
Thanks for looking lads,
I’ll be starting my Marder III next weekend which I have ‘plans’ for-watch this space [;)]
Actually for a first try with figures, theyre not half bad. Good first try and that is great to hear you got an airbrush your builds a least mine did will start to improve by 100 percent, good luck to you
Well I’ve got the AB-I just need to get the compressor sorted now!
The figures turned out a LOT better than I’d dare hope tbh. They are just so bloody difficult to get any decent facial features in 1/48. I’ve looked at the figures that come with this 1/35 Marder I picked up and they look a hell of a lot easier to paint!
There’s still the commander to come, he’s just wearing a slightly different uniform and is holding a pair of binos, scanning the sky. Not sure what to do with him as this piece isn’t on a base or anything? I could stand him on the rear of the hull I suppose?
She’s come up nicely with the crew figs in place Nice work for your first figs too, 1/35th scale figs will be easier in your future builds. [:)]
The replacement antenna looks much better than theone you had on there before.
It was very generous of your new friend to give you an airbrush - I’m sure you’ll make good use of it. Once you get the hang of it, it will greatly enhance your nuilds and your enjoyment of the hobby. As usual, if you have any questions anout airbrushing, just ask.
It’s also good that you have someone local who can see your builds in person and offer advice and assistance.
I believe that’s the Alkett version of the Jagdpanzer IV L/70 - “stepped” front and higher superstructure, it was built in smaller numbers than the more familiar “low-profile” (Vomag?) version.
Well, I’ve got the airbrush-now just need the compressor and other bits! Not long 'til Christmas!
I’ve just been looking at the figures with my 1/35 Marder-they should be much easier!!!
I don’t know if anyone noticed but the guy with the badly painted face sat on the right as you look at the Flakpanzer had his helmet on backwards (DOH)!
It’s a bloody good job I only had that head and helmet held on with blue tack for the photo because when I first saw it up close in the photo I realised how bad it was and then duly noticed the helmet whilst I removed it for repainting the face!
In the flesh (excuse the pun) the features are so small you can’t notice any problems but once again when the photo is up big on the computer screen every single little fault just SCREAMS at you!
