This is Tamiya’s venerable Sdkfz.222, from the recent reboxing with the P/E parts, new figures and Jerry cans. It was built more or less OOTB, with the exception of the coaxial MG, which came from a DML kit. I can’t remember if the tow cable was included, but it was that nylon string which is nigh impossible to cut with scissors. I chopped it with a sharp X-Acto knife and dipped the ends in CA glue. The Jerry can brackets were made from an old glue tube. (Who says tube cement has no use these days?)
Model Master enamels were used, starting with a panzer grau basecoat under Afrika Korps yellow. Pastels were used for weathering, although an observant model buddy noted that the reddish brown dirt was probably not typical of the African/Mediterranean theatre. Ah well, I arbitrarily chose the color because it contrasted with the yellow.
I didn’t get around to building the motorcycle or figures yet, although I did test fit the gunner to make sure I could squeeze him into place inside the barren turret. Although Tamiya’s Sdkfz.222 has been surpassed by newer kits, it was a fun build. (Which I think is what Tamiya kits are all about!)
Looking at the photos, I just noticed that I forgot to add a radio antenna - oopsie. I added the lead wire for it, under the base though.
Great work on your 222 especially the jerry can holders! [Y] This is it! I am going to build mine sooner than expected as I have the most recent Tamiya release… I need a break from all of the indy tracks! [:P]
I bought the kit on a whim, even though I normally don’t build wheeled AFVs. In this day and age of 750+ part super detailed armor kits, it was a nice relaxing build. My first armor model was a Tamiya M3 Lee back in 1976 or so, and I was amazed at the quality of the overall product. I pulled my first stretched sprue antenna using the guide in the instruction sheet, and from then on decided that Tamiya was THE company to go to for armor kits!
Of course, a lot of things have changed since those carefree days but I still enjoy building Tamiya kits, even the old ones.
Don’t worry, just keep building! Tamiya kits are designed to be fun to build, and that to me is a very important point. I know that we have been spoiled with uber-detailed models in the last few years, but sometimes simpler is better IMHO. (My M3 Lee was done up with glossy yellow green camouflage over the unpainted O.D. plastic. I swabbed Pactra Authentic International “Weather” over the whole lot when I was done! It ended its days on the BB gun firing range, but the “Tamiya experience” left a lasting impression on me.)
These older Tamiya kits kind of remind me of Revell 1/48 aircraft, you can get them for a pretty cheap price and they dress up very nicely. I’m starting to love Academy’s offerings too, easing myself into big part counts and interiors. It’s also nice to have a LHS that prices really really cheap. Been at armor about 6 months and I’m about ready to pick up something from Dragon or AFV (I have Dragon’s Jagdtiger from a few years ago in my stash, it’s terrifying).
I used dabs of dark brown paint followed by just a little pencil lead for my chipping. I am still learning how to weather in the current fashionable styles and tried to go a little heavier than what I usually do. But the guys in the club said “not enough!”
Yeah, that nylon string tow cable material gave me fits the first time I encountered it. I pretty much destroyed it when I tried cutting it with scissors. The PE grenade screens went together OK. I applied CA glue with a toothpick to the joints and carefully sanded them to eliminate the seams.
A 200 series GB? I have one of those eight wheeled jobbies with a PAK 40 - A Sdkfz.234/something or another. You can tell I’m not a German armored car specialist!
Hun Hunter - I think you are approaching armor models in a sensible way. Try to avoid open-topped vehicles for now, as the part count and assembly complexity go way up. I might draw flak for saying this, but I have added small details to my armor models, only to not notice them once they were finished. Personally, I think if you are building for enjoyment, don’t worry about the micro-details and just have fun.
And yes, indie tracks are a major pain in the butt. My first set was in the Academy M3 Stuart. Juggling the track pads between the end connectors drove me nearly mad! For your first kit with indie tracks, go for something that has single piece segments like a T-34.
BTW - Does anyone know what those cans on the front of the Sdkfz.222 are? Spare oil? Deodorant? Beer?
Funny you mention a T-34, I just did Tamiya’s oldish SU-85 and was thinking about how sweet a T-34 would be to do.
As for interiors, I did Academy’s M7 Priest kit which had a simple but fun amount of detail and interior work, doing their Hellcat right now, has a little more detail. Baby steps, with the internet I feel like I’ve crammed a decade worth of trial and error and knowledge into the last year. How some of you guys did this without the net… was it by candle light?
As for those cans, I was wondering the same thing myself, I ended up going with the Tunisia variant. Those were suggested for the Crete variant weren’t they?
Looks Good! I just picked up this kit at my local hobby lobby a few days ago cuz it was on clearance for $15 (normally $45)…i couldn’t resist. Definitely looking forward to building it now after seeing yours.
You built a Priest with no problems? If you tackled an open-topped SPG, then you are ready for pretty much anything! I look forward to seeing your builds! [Y]
