Hello all,
As an adult, I have tried to get back into modelling a few times, but failed to produce much. Typically, I’d focus too much on minutiae and lose perspective of a build, ultimately shoving partially completed builds in a box for a later date (which I still await).
Anyways, I have some time this summer and purchased a series of Tamiya 1:35 WWII German kits. Somehow, I overcame my inability to see projects through and have actually completed models! I know that these look pretty weak when compared to what I’ve seen you guys build (while lurking), but I’m strangely proud to have finished some models of my own.
I built all of these models OOB (Except for noted substitutes) and painted them with Model Master enamels, often from a Badger 105 Patriot.
My first build in a while was the classic Tamiya Panzer II (35009). I fondly recalled building that model when I was about 16 and spending the summer with my father. It was a fun model to return to and carried some sense of nostalgia. It was all OOB except for a replacement MG34 from the Tamiya WWII German Weapons pack (it was only slightly better than the machinegun-shaped blob with lumps) and a few old Tamiya Jerry-cans, for which I scratch-built a field-expedient holder for the rear deck. Further, my carpet ate some of the pioneer tools, so I scratch-built a sledge-hammer, some cheater pipes, and their mountings out of sprue, soldering wire, and a paper-clip. Since I haven’t messed around with decals in a long time, I made the mistake of using Micro Sol; it’s a great product, but I didn’t know how to use it, resulting in fractured decals. To make up for this, I tried to hand-paint the markings on the build. For all my mistakes, this model was pretty fun and perhaps the perfect kit by which to get back into the hobby.
Next, I built the Typ 82 Kubelwagen (35213). There’s nothing too remarkable about this little guy.
Lastly, I most recently finished the Sd.Kfz.223 (35268).
I love the super-angular lines of old German armored cars and recon vehicles, so I was super invested in this particular build. I wanted to ultimately be fairly proud of this build. Sadly, I found myself frustrated numerous times while simply trying to build up the body features. I tried my best to make everything work well, but I really feel like I failed on this one. I know I threw too much paint-wear on it, but I’m more annoyed that I didn’t do a better job of closing seams and masking (two points on a long, long list of shortcomings). Again, I replaced the MG34 from a Tamiya pack and added some tiny scratch bits, but I actually omitted many secondary parts which I had planned on using. Anyways, here it is:
Thank you very much for looking. I’d be very happy to hear some positive criticism. I really want to come back into this hobby in a bigger way than I started. Further, I totally want to improve with every action. I seem to experience modeling highs and lows, sometimes from minute to minute; I feel like I’m always fighting perfectionism.
Anyways, thank you again for looking! I’m unnaturally proud to have finished models. I look forward to learning a lot here and sharing in your your exciting hobby.
