FineScale Modeler Orphaned Armor Group Build 2014

Modeling Subjects Group Builds
1

Hello and welcome to the FineScale Modeler Orphaned Armor Group Build 2014!

Aaron and I wanted to do a group build for all the armor fans on the FSM Forum, but with a twist.

Here are the rules:

You can model any era and any sort of armored fighting vehicle, in any scale you choose, so long as it was a real AFV. No what-ifs or sci-fi.

Second, your AFV must wear markings other than those of its country of origin. No Tigers in German crosses; no T-34s in Soviet red stars. AFVs captured, sold to, or repurposed by other countries all work. A Marder in German markings doesn’t fit; but a Panzer IV in Syrian service would. Think atypical markings. An Israeli Super Sherman would be acceptable.

Third, please, if at all possible, provide an image of the AFV you are going to model.

The group build will start on Aug. 1, 2014, and finish on Feb 28, 2015.

To start things off, Aaron is going to build an Italeri 1/35 scale Italian M13/40 in Australian service. I’m going to model a Tamiya 1/35 scale Matilda in German markings in Libya, 1942.

We’ve got our art staff working on a ribbon for the GB and will reveal it as soon as it’s finished.

If we can get six of you to climb in, this group build is a go.

The deadline for signing up for the group build is July 31, 2014.

Aaron Skinner - Italeri 1/35 scale Italian M13/40 in Australian service

Tim Kidwell - Tamiya 1/35 scale Matilda in German markings, Libya, 1942

Bish - Tamiya 1/35 scale Su 85 in German markings

Eagle90 - Tamiya 1/35 scale T-34/76 in German service

Shivinigh - Dragon 1/72 scale Stug III in Russian markings (Su-75)

Jibber - Tamiya 1/35 scale King Tiger II, U.S. markings, 1944 (kit TBA)

GMorrison - Dragon 1/35 scale ISU 152, Egyptian service, 1967

Jeaton01 - Bandai 1/48 scale T-34/76 in German service

Schatten Spartan - Dragon 1/35 M4A2 Late w/ Tasca suspension in German markings

Jgeratic - Vulcan 1/35 scale British Light Tank Mk.VIB in Italian markings.

Deattilio - Academy 1/35 scale LVTP7, AmTrac in Royal Thai Marines service

Gamera - HobbyBoss 1/35 scale T-26 in Nationalist Chinese markings

P mitch - Trumpeter 1/35 scale Hotchkiss 39H in German markings

Stikpusher - Italeri 1/35 scale M-113 in ARVN (Army of the Republic of South Vietnam) service, Battle of Ap Bac, 1963

Bobbaily - Dragon 1/35 scale T-34/76 in German service

Chuck Davis - Hasegawa 1/72 scale M2/M3 halftrack in Israeli service, modified with Daimler turret

CodyJ - Trumpeter 1/72 scale KV-2 in German markings

RBaer - Tamiya 1/35 scale Israeli M1 Super Sherman

Sasho - TBD (Meng FT-17 or new tool Mark V; service TBD)

Garzonh - Dragon 1/35 scale SdKfz 165 Hummel in Russian markings

Blitzwing - Trumpeter 1/35 scale Hotchkiss 39H in German markings

Waynec - Trumpeter 1/35 scale BM-21 Grad Libyan rebel scheme

Wiccan Warrior - Dragon 1/35 scale BTR-70 in Pakistani UN service

Rob Gronovius - Revell-Monogram 1/35 scale M48A2 (with Lo Models M48/M60 conversion set) in West German markings

2

I must need my head looking into, but I am game. Put me down for a Tamiya 1/35th Su 85 in German markings yet. I haven’t decided on which one, many images just show crosses with nu numbers or other markings, but I would like to try and do one belonging to a specific unit.

3

Absolutely! Put me in coach! This will be one of the first few armor kits I do! I’m working an 88 now and have a couple of more to do before this one starts! This is so cool! I’m being stretched in genres of modeling I never did! Thanks so much guys for doing another great GB!

Not sure what I will build. I have a M4A3E2 Sherman, but not sure if one had ever been captured and used. I’ll research this (unless anyone knows off the top of their head). If not…I’LL BUY SOMETHING! That will break my heart!

Thanks again everyone!

Eagle90

P.S. I’m seeing the same doctor Bish is!!!

4

I promise that I will finish this one on time if you let me in with Dragon’s 1/72 scale Stug III done in Russians markings as an SU-75

5

Guys put me in, I’d like a few days to research some armor I’d see recently. An American Sherman tagged by Germans and German armor tagged by the US. It’s a crazy war……

Question: What about vehicles tagged by the UN? A couple examples I can think of right off is a British Schmitar or a French AUF1.

Thanks,

Terry

6

ISU 152 in Egyptian service 1967.

Dragon 1/35

7

Bandai 1/48 T-34/76 in German service

8

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Sign me up for a captured German King Tiger by US troops.

The Tiger is identified as Pz.Abt 2-11 of 506. It was recovered by US troops on 12-15-1944 near the Ardennes.

Terry

9

This sounds like an awesome idea to me! I’m definitely in!

My first pick would’ve been a King Tiger in US markings, but since Terry is building one already, I’ll go with this rater unusually painted Sherman:

And some pics of the real deal:

Does anyone know what type of Sherman this is? I’m not really familiar with those tanks, but I’m guessing it’s either an A2 or A3? All the A1s had the cast hull AFAIK so it can’t be one of those and the hull looks way too short for an A4. I think I read something about most A2s being used in the Pacific campaign so it’s most likely an A3? Anyone willing to have a guess on that?

I’m not sure on the kit yet (it’s hard to sort that out without knowing which version I’m going to need), but I’m thinking along the lines of Tasca or Dragon. My LHS has all kits at 20-50% off ATM, so I’d be willing to get me one of those pricey Tasca Shermans if they have one…

Cheers, Clemens

10

Dang, now this is an interesting theme. I’ve got several ideas, but will wait a bit before deciding. Meanwhile, here are some subjects I’m considering:

Italian autoblinda, or a Pz III (g or j mark?) in Polish Carpathian markings. From what I’ve read, both were used for training in the desert, but never inserted into combat.

Captured Valentine pressed into German service, Tunisia:

Britsh light tank Mk.6 captured by Italians:

Kind of leaning towards the last one, but what happens if an actual photo can’t be found?

regards,

Jack

11

Jack: That Pz.III looks really interesting!

Terry: Here’s another pic and a short video for ya:

http://youtu.be/_w6PkViRnCQ

12

How about this one?

Would it fit the guidelines as well? It is a Panther in German service (which wouldn’t fit) but dressed up to look like a Vehicle (M10 Tank Destroyer) in American service. So technically it is an AFV with foreign markings… [;)]

13

This sounds most tempting… Would an ARVN M-113 work?

14

SS thanks I’m looking forward to this one, your pics and the video will really help.

I’d like to build it in the original condition when we reassigned it. I’d also like to think the Germans stole some of our Shermans, while the Allies “re-assigned” theirs….

15

You bet! So long as it’s not in U.S. markings. The more exotic, the cooler.

16

I knew someone would ask this question, particularly about Skorzeny. I think we should avoid false-flag disguises. Let’s stick with armor operated by countries other than those who built them. Although, a false-flag group build isn’t a bad idea either …

17

Count me in with Academy’s 1/35 LVTP7 which will be done as an AmTrac in service of the Royal Thai Marines. I’ll get a couple of my pictures scanned and loaded to show my subject.

18

Tim: Here’s what I was thinking of - Soviet made T-26s bought by the Nationalist Chinese. About halfway though the war Stalin predictably switched his support from Chang Kai-Shek’s Nationalists to Mao’s Communists making these orphans at least in my opinion.

The only Japanese tanks I could find in Chinese hands were some captured by the Soviets near the end of the war and donated to Mao’s troops. And they were just a bland Soviet green, not as much fun as the camoed T-26s.

I did find two photos of a very odd M3 Staurt captured by the Japanese in the Philippines and repainted in their own three colour camo. If I should get done early I might give that one a go with an old Tamiya kit I have in the stash.

Thanks again Tim and Aaron for hosting these!!!

19

WHOA! I love the response! It looks like we surpassed the six required in record time. We’ve got a group build.

Bish - So long as you continue to join our group builds, I think your one of the sanest men on the internet.

Eagle90 - After watching what you did on Mr. Scott, I’m sure you’ll kill the group build.

Shiv - It’s good to have you along, regardless of finishing. Just make sure you take the time between now and August to get Spidey finished. I want him in the HVGB Hall of Fame!

Jibber - Do you build everything as fast as you did Robby? If yes, you might need to add a second AFV. A UN tag isn’t quite what we’re thinking. Now, if you can find a Scimitar used by Jordan, that would work.

GMorrison - Aaron and I are very excited to see the ISU.

Jeaton - Welcome home!

Spartan - Most excellent to have you along.

Stik - We’d love to have you join up.

Jack - I’m voting for the Mk.6 (not that you asked or anything). That thing is oozing cool. I’ll clarify the rule. A photo or color plate or similar reference.

I can already tell we’re gonna have our hands full with you lot.

20

Orphans indeed! Perfect fit for the build, Gamera. Let me know the kit you’re using and scale and I’ll add it to the list.

You’re welcome. We’re just glad you guys are having a good time.