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 Contents - Issue 88 August 2013
42

46

REGULARS FEATURES
p 4 NEWS p 6 THINK TANK p 42 SON OF A GUN
Whats new in the world of A10 Cruiser Tank by Andrew Judsons 1:35 scale
military modelling Peter Brown Kinetic M109A2

p 52 FIGURES p 14 GREEK ADVENTURE p 46 HAVE PIXIE SUIT,

New figures releases Inside the Armour A10 WILL TRAVEL!
Cruiser Tank by Brett Green Young Miniatures 1:10
p 53 DIARY DATES British Tanker Bust by
Shows and Competitions p 22 PREVIEW Matt Wellhouser
around the world HobbyBoss 1:35 T-26
p 50 BUILD PREVIEW
p 54 INCOMING p 24 BIG BAD BAZ MiniArt 1:35 GAZ-AA truck
MMIs thoughts on the latest Anthony Sheedy builds by Graham Tetley
kits and accessories Mengs 1:35 Merkava Mk.3 ADH Publishing Ltd 2013
BAZ with Mine Roller p 58 PREVIEW
p 55 BOOKS Riich Models 1:35 Tel: (UK) 01525 222573
Roundup of recent titles p 30 COLOURFUL RENAULT Universal Carrier Fax: (UK) 01525 222574
Brach Models 1:35 French Email: enquiries@modelmilitary.com
p 56 1:48 SCALE R35 by Steve Zaloga p 59 PREVIEW Address: ADH Publishing,
Luke Pitt explores 1:48 scale Dragon 1:35 25 Pdr Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,
military models, figures and p 35 PREVIEW with Limber Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
accessories Meng 1:35 Pickup w/ZU-23-2 Model Military International is
p 60 PREVIEW published monthly by ADH Publishing.
p 66 LAST POST p 36 THINK TANK Dragon 1:35 Panzer III Reproduction in part or whole of any
text, photograph or illustration without
Late breaking M109 by Stuart Ransley Ausf. G Early written permission from the publisher
is strictly prohibited. While due care is
news and taken to ensure the contents of
ramblings p 61 PREVIEW Model Military International is accurate,
the publishers and printers cannot
from the HobbyBoss 1:35 Panzer I accept liability for errors or omissions.
Editor Ausf. F ISSN 1749-8864

24 August 2013 - Model Military International 3

p 03 Contents 088B.indd 3 14/06/2013 10:02

 Newsline - August13
A Sound Like Thunder:
Mortain And Falaise, August 1944
The next title in Oliver Publishings Firefly Collection, A Sound Like
Thunder: Mortain And Falaise, August 1944, will be available soon.
Focusing on the last battles of the Normandy Campaign, this book
includes:
13 pages of full colour artwork depicting over 40 different vehicles
including armoured cars, half-tracks, assault guns, Panzer IV, Panther
and Tiger tanks
Black and white archive photographs, many never before reproduced
Campaign maps and histories of the units involved
Detailed tables showing vehicle types and allocations, and more
Although this book is grounded in the same period as Oliver
Publishings previous, out of print title Panzers In The Bocage (which now
sells for over US$350 on Amazon!), it is not a re-print and contains new
text, photographs and illustrations.
Copies of this book and other Firefly Collection titles may be ordered
direct from ADH Publishing at www.adhbooks.com
Nuts & Bolts Vol.30:
Nebel-, Panzer- und Vielfachwerfer
The newest title from Nuts and Bolts is Volume 30, Nebel-, Panzer-
und Vielfachwerfer.
The new book should be available now.
It is 208 pages A4, glue-bound, and contains approx. 391 photos, of
these 250 contemporary photos from manuals and from the front in
black and white, a number of them previously unpublished; 113 colour
photos of the surviving vehicles in public and private collections,
28 colour photos of the two models from Tony Greenland & Vinnie
Branigan, English / German captions, 46 pages English / German text,
several charts, 24 pages scale drawings of all versions and details
in 1:35 scale from John Rue, 9 pages of camouflage schemes from
Laurent Lecocq, and tables of organization of units (Kriegstrke-
Nachweisungen KStN) having these weapons in their arsenal.
For further details please visit the Nuts and Bolts website
www.nuts-bolts.de
4 Model Military International - August 2013
p 04 News 088B.indd 4
MMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill,
Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574
Email:editor@modelmilitary.com
Inside the Armour Leopard 2 Upgrades
Inside the Armour has announced three new releases:
35065X Leopard 2A5/A6 Deluxe Upgrade - Includes ITA 35065
photo-etched and resin set plus ITA L44/55 Barrel and Bronco
Leopard 2 Tracks. The total is over 430 PE parts, 18 resin parts and
around 580 Styrene Parts.
This will be a very comprehensive detailing solution for your
Revell, Tamiya or Hobbyboss Leopard 2A5 or 2A6
35074 Rheinmettal 120mm L44/L55 - Optional L44 or L55 parts
included, 3 different muzzles (very early L44, later L44 and L55
muzzles), collimator, improved bore excavator and resin recoil
gusset. 4 turned brass parts, 6 resin parts. Provides parts for one
barrel. Suitable for Revell and Hobbyboss Leopards. May be used
with Tamiya with some 'surgery'.
This item was announced before but was withdrawn before sale
to correct the bore evacuator and to add three new muzzles.
35078 Bren Sten and Thompson Slings - set comprises PE Slings
and 'furniture'.
3 Bren Slings
5 Sten Slings
5 Thompson Slings
All slings come with many
spare parts to account for
losses. The slings themselves
have detailed ends representing
the metal end clips.
All three items are in stock and on sale now at
www.insidethearmour.com
The Great Escape on Blu-Ray
In celebration of the birthday of
iconic Hollywood legend Steve
McQueen who would have turned
83-years-old this year, Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and
Twentieth Century Fox Home
Entertainment will release The
Great Escape on Blu-ray for the
first time in the UK on 3 June
2013. Directed by Academy Award
nominee John Sturges, catch
one of AFIs 100 Most Thrilling
American Films in an all-new masterful 4K transfer.
Based on a true story, The Great Escape is a motion picture
that entertains, captivates, thrills and stirs (Variety). In 1943,
the Germans opened a maximum security prison-of-war camp,
designed to hold even the craftiest escape artists. By doing so, they
unwittingly assembled the finest escape team in military history
- brilliantly portrayed by Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles
Bronson, and James Coburn- who worked on what became the largest
prison breakout ever attempted. The Blu-ray comes fully loaded
with over three hours of special features including commentary
with Director Sturges and crew, multiple making of featurettes, the
original theatrical trailer and more.
For more information, visit www.mgm.com
14/06/2013 10:45
 Think Tank - A10 Cruiser Tank
This is the A9E1 prototype showing the slow motion suspension
and the obvious difference between the A9 and A10, the two small
machine gun turrets at the side of the driver. Several detail changes
were made before the design was finalised for production such as
the conical tops to these turrets. (Tank Museum)

A10 CRUISER TANK

Peter Brown describes the development, deployment and operations of the British A10 Cruiser Tank.

A
t the outbreak of
WWII, the British Army
classified its tanks under
three main categories -
Light Tanks for scouting and use
in areas where roads and bridges
would not support heavier vehicles
Cruiser Tanks as the main
equipment of Armoured Divisions
Infantry Tanks indended to
accompany infantry attacks
The first Cruiser was the A9,
developed in the early 1930s by
Vickers using its slow motion
suspension with two bogie units
each having one large and two
smaller wheels. A10 was initially
intended to be an Infantry Tank
using many components from the
A9 but with thicker armour. The
A10E1 prototype T1479 BMM833
was delivered in October 1936.
Maximum armour thickness was
30mm, which was over double
that of the A9, however when
the minimum armour for Infantry
Tanks was set at 60mm it was
downgraded to a Heavy Cruiser.
Various modifications and trials
were carried out including a change
from a Rolls-Royce Phantom II
engine to one from AEC and fitting
a self-sealing extra fuel tank on
the left-hand front mudguard. In
September 1939 it was fitted with
extra weights to simulate heavier
armour and tested against the
A12E1 Matilda prototype as part of
the development of the Valentine
Infantry Tank. When it was of no
further use it was disposed of in
August 1940.
General design and layout
was similar to A9 apart from the
lack of sub-turrets. The official
Instruction Book covered both
types. One other difference was
the extra fuel tank in the hull
front by the driver on the A10.
This increased the capacity to
98 gallons to compensate for the
extra fuel consumption due to its
greater weight and allow a similar
radius of action. It was fitted with
a water-cooled 150hp six-cylinder
AEC Type 179 petrol engine, the
gearbox had five forward and
one reverse gear and the rear-
mounted transmission drove the
tracks through sprockets also at
the back. Its three-man turret was
rectangular and was balanced by
a No 9 radio set. Traverse was
hydraulic with manual backup.
The style of naming used by
British tanks was changed in
June 1940. Originally they were
known by the specification code
used when the initial design
was requested but this made it
difficult to tell whether a tank was
Light, Cruiser or Infantry. A new
system included the class and
official documents were changed
to reflect this though reports and
War Diaries used the older style for
some time. (Another change in 1941
to give tanks names like Crusader
and Churchill only applied to those
in production or yet to come)
As A10 was the second type of
Cruiser it became known as the
Cruiser II with variants denoted by
letters -
A10 Mk I or Cruiser II carried 2pdr
and .303 Vickers gun in a No 1
type gun mounting and no hull
machine gun. These tanks had a
four-man crew.
A10 Mk Ia or Cruiser IIA had a
2pdr and coaxial 7.92mm BESA
in the No 3 Mk I mounting plus
another BESA in the hull which
meant they had a five-man crew.
A10CS Mk Ia or Cruiser IICS
carried 3.7 Mortar and coaxial
BESA with a BESA in the hull, it
had a five-man crew.
Four production contracts were
placed -
10 from Vickers with census
numbers T8091-T8100 and civil
registrations PMX448-PMX457
75 from Birmingham Railway
Carriage & Wagon Co Ltd,
T5909-T5983 RMV264-
RMV338. These were 13 Mk I and
the rest Mk Ia
75 from Metropolitan-Cammell
Carriage & Wagon Co Ltd with
census numbers T9191-T9265,
these did not have civilian
registrations. These included 12
Mk I and 30 CS
100 were to have been built by
Crabtree though this was reduced
to 10 with census numbers
T15115-T15124 A

6 Model Military International - August 2013

p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 6 14/06/2013 10:49

 A10E1 prototype T1479 BMM833 in its original form.
This front view shows that it is in effect an A9 fitted
with heavier armour and without the small turrets
for machine guns. (Tank Museum)

A10E1 after modifications to the hull front made it more like

the production version. Hull machine gun which looks to be a
dummy. The cupola on the turret was not fitted on production
vehicles while the undercuts on the front corners of the turrets
were found on the early tanks. After the changes it would be
easy to think this was a different tank but the registration
number shows it was the same vehicle. (Tank Museum)

August 2013 - Model Military International 7

p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 7 14/06/2013 10:49

 Think Tank - A10 Cruiser Tank
B This gave a total of 170 tanks
built made up from 35 Mk I, 105 Mk
Ia and 30 Mk Ia CS. The first was
delivered at the end of 1939. Main
production ran until October 1940
although delays meant that the
Crabtree tanks were not built until
1941 with the last delivered in July.
Original documents such as War
Diaries and tank strength reports
were often vague as to sub-types.
Any type of A10 including CS tanks
could be listed as A10 regardless
of its correct designation. The
following accounts use the same
designations as used in the original
sources.
Official photos of 1st Armoured Division in France
in 1940 are not common. This is the only shot of
an A10 the author could find in the Imperial War
Museum. Its original caption dates it between
26-29 May 1940, part of a short series under
general title In the Battle Areas. It is described
as Tank of 2nd Armoured Bde guarding point
at Foucanon during operations on the Somme.
The arm of service number 3 identifies it as
Headquarters 2nd Armoured Brigade. Barely
visible under the camouflage net on the lower
edge of the glacis is 1st Armoured Divisions white
rhino sign. Bridge Class 14 on a yellow disc can
be clearly seen. The armoured cover over the
mantlet shows up well, black beret and cap badge
of the soldier in the commanders hatch shows he
was RTR while the other crew member prefers a
standard steel helmet. (IWM)

Early Service
As of May 1939 the official War
Establishment for a British
Armoured Division was to be one
Light Armoured Brigade with each
of its three Armoured Regiments
having 58 Light and Light Cruiser
Tanks - these being A9 or A13
Mk I - while the Heavy Armoured
Brigades three Regiments would
have 26 Light Cruisers, 6 CS
Cruisers and 15 Heavy Cruisers
- A13 Mk II or A10. Division and
Brigade HQs would have a mix
of Light and Heavy Cruisers. A
new Establishment introduced in Royal Hussars (Prince of Waless operational. Attempts to break strength with 65 Cruisers and 64
March 1940 replaced the mixed Own) plus 3rd Armoured Brigade out to Gravelines failed and the Light Tanks in working order. A10
equipment of the Armoured composed of the 2nd, 3rd and few remaining tanks were driven suffered badly in terms of faults
Regiments with 52 Cruisers. 5th Battalions of the Royal Tank into the sea when they ran low on with just two lost to enemy action
However, there were not enough Regiment. Although more Cruisers petrol. Over half the Battalions compared to 12 with mechanical
Cruisers available to complete were received, when the Division men were evacuated before faults. Composite regiments were
even the two existing Armoured was sent to France after the fighting ceased on the 26th, and formed from remaining tanks as
Divisions - 1st in the United German attack in May 1940 it more were able to escape later. the Division was pushed back
Kingdom and 7th in Egypt - in this still had many Light Tanks as well The remainder of the Division towards Cherbourg where they
manner. Both had a mix of Light as A9, A10 and A13 Mk I and II landed at Cherbourg on 21st May. embarked on the 18th, arriving at
and Cruiser Tanks with A10 and A13 Cruisers. It attempted to advance over the Southampton during the night. A
series initially only used in the UK. 3RTR was sent as part of a River Somme but lack of spares few tanks were brought back but
1st Armoured Division at that force to hold Calais. Landing on and replacements reduced it most were lost including 31 A10 out
time consisted of 2nd Armoured 22nd May with 21 Light Tanks strength almost as much from of a total of around 100 Cruisers.
Brigade with The Queen's Bays and 30 Cruisers including some breakdowns as from tanks knocked An analysis of the equipment
(2nd Dragoon Guards), 9th A10, by the 25th only three out. By end of May they were and organisation of the 1st
Queen's Royal Lancers and 10th Cruisers and four Light Tanks were down to around half their initial Armoured Division was not

After returning in the UK, 5RTR received new tanks including A9 and A10. These photos from July 1940 as captioned as Cruiser Mk I tanks of 5th Royal Tank Regiment, 3rd Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division
on Thursley Common, Surrey. Markings are sparse with just the Divisions rhino on the front, squadron symbols on the turrets and vehicle names on the stowage bins, T9236 was EGGESFORD while EGREMONTs
serial was T584-something with the last digit obscured by the bin. This is a later vehicle with coaxial and hull Besa machine guns. Just visible is the broad white line around the upper edge of the turret used as an
air-ground recognition marking, in the rear view most of the open loaders hatch is white. (IWM)

8 Model Military International - August 2013

p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 8 18/06/2013 10:49

 Part of a series of photos from late 1940 showing tanks somewhere in England. Most probably this was T9251 AMBUSH of 1RTR shows the thicker barrel of the 3.7 Mortar and the contrast between the then-
near Bovington Camp in Dorset where men were trained in all aspects of manning tanks. Mix of vehicles standard colours used on British army vehicles, G3 Khaki Green and G4 Dark Green. (IWM)
is typical of training establishments, an early A10 is closest to the camera following several A13s with a
Matilda near the front of the column. (IWM)

complementary about the A10 and
A9, saying both were slow and
underpowered with tracks offering
poor grip and short life.
Units were re-equipped with
whatever tanks were available
including A9, A10 and A13 series
which some took with them as they
moved to Egypt. A detailed list for
the end of 1940 states -
1st Armoured Division - 129
Cruisers including 3 A9, 10 A9CS,
2 A10 and 6 A10CS plus 141 Light
Tanks
2nd Armoured Division - 163
Cruisers including 6 A9CS, 73
A10 and 13 A10CS plus 169 Light
Tanks
7th Armoured Division had 60
Cruisers listed as A9 but they
had A9CS and A10 by this stage,
along with 144 Light Tanks
As newer tanks came into
use and units went abroad there
were fewer older Cruisers in the
UK. Figures for June, July and
August 1941 showed 6 A10CS, 8
A9CS and around two dozen A13
Mk II Cruiser IVA in 1st Armoured
Division alongside Covenanters and
Crusaders but none with any other
unit. By the end of September 1st
Armoured had moved to the Middle
East and no A10 were listed in
the UK although training schools
retained a few.
North Africa
The early desert battles were
fought with Light Tanks and a
few A9, the first A10 only arrived
in Egypt towards the end of
1940. The Tank Situation for
7th Armoured Division on 20th
October recorded several Light
Tanks Mk VI series and that most
Cruisers were A9 apart from
2RTR which had A9CS, A10 and
A13 Mk IIA. Another 18 A10 were
expected to arrive shortly and be
ready for action by mid-November.
1RTR received some in November
and 6RTR received two in early
December but exchanged one with
4th Armoured Brigade HQ for an
A9. All these would be needed as a
major offensive was planned. This
was Operation COMPASS which
began on 9th December 1940,
figures from a few days before
there was shortage of 106 Cruisers
but 140 more Light tanks than
required and that many tanks were
in workshops.
2RTR advanced to Sidi Barrani
in early December losing some
tanks including at least one A10.
On the 20th they had 4 A9, 7
A10, 11 A13 and a dozen Light
Tanks. 1RTRs War Diary stated
that on 31st December they had
16 A9 and A10, 16 Light Tanks and
two Scout Cars. 6RTR were less
specific on their tanks but the
Brigade records say that the 18th
of January they handed 13 Light
Tanks and 11 Cruisers to 1RTR,
2RTR and 7th Hussars but does
not say what types.
1941 started well enough. On
5th January Australian troops
took Bardia and on the 22nd
Tobruk was captured with the main
body of the Italian forces cut off
at Beda Fomm on 7th February.
British tank strength was 95 Light
Tanks and around 50 Cruisers. 4th
Armoured Brigade - 3rd Hussars,
7th Hussars and 2RTR - with
infantry from the Rifle Brigade and
artillery support attacked them.
2RTR was the strongest unit with
25 Cruisers which were mostly
A13, they claimed 79 Italian tanks
and put their own losses at an A13
and two A9. After this action they
were moved to the Nile Delta and
re-equipped with more A9, A10 and
A13 which were reported as being
in a poor state. Transfers of tanks
were common as was the switching
of regiments within Brigades. 3rd
Armoured Brigade recorded one
such change on 25th January,
3RTR were to be detached from
the Brigade and transfer some
Cruisers to 5RTR, which would
leave 3RTR equipped solely with
Mk IIA and 5RTR with six Mk IICS
and 46 Mk IVA.
A report dated 15th February
1941 listed problems with various
tanks in North Africa including
A10 and A9. These included clutch
problems due to a lack of dust
proofing, tyre problems with
rubber bonded on canvas types
failing while rubber bonded on
a steel base were satisfactory,
securing bolts on the suspension
units working lose which meant the
tanks had to be all but gutted to
fix as the bolts had to be held from
inside, and also bolts on the track
adjuster hubs shearing. In addition,
turret roller housings on A10
fractured, this was put down to A10
turrets being heavier than A9.
As at 20th February 1941, the
day that the first German forces
were encountered, the Tank
State in the Middle East was
summarised as -
Light
Tanks Cruisers
7th Armoured Division 165 82
2nd Armoured Division 52 66
Base Ordnance Depots etc 172 55 A

Part of a series of photos taken on 5th October 1940 of 2RTR unloading in Egypt. Newsreel film this event is online at Pathe Gazettes website as clip 1143.05 E699 shows an unusual view looking down on the tank
showing the white turret top band. This tank has the hull machine gun mounting blanked off while the other has the mounting but its machine guns are not fitted. Markings vary in style and position, 1st Armoured
Divisions white rhino can be seen both with and without the oval surround. Also seen are the arm of service sign 61 on a green square, Mobilisation Number 0046 in small white characters apparently without the
coloured strips also used. Note also the sun helmets still commonly used at this time. (IWM)

August 2013 - Model Military International 9

p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 9 14/06/2013 10:49

 Think Tank - A10 Cruiser Tank
B By 8th March there was still a
shortage of Cruisers with 6RTR
using captured Italian tanks to
make up their numbers. When
the Germans pushed forward on
31st March, A10 formed a fair
proportion of the Cruiser strength -
Light
Tanks VI A9 A9CS A10 A10CS A13 wet. Luckily they had been
series
Total for 1st April 368 66 6 89 12 85
12th April with units 176 28 6 28 12 29
12th April in Depots 148 38 - 28 - 16
Total for 12th April 324 66 6 56 12 45
3RTR took A10s and A13s with
them when they sailed to North
Africa from Liverpool in October
1940. Their War Diary recorded
on 25th January 1941 28 Mk. IVA
tanks handed to 5RTR. 28 Mk. IIAs
taken over though it does not
record that the A10s were not in
good order with many having badly
worn tracks. According to 3rd
Armoured Brigade order of 24th
January the intention for the two
units was -
(i) 3 R Tanks is to remain in Egypt
in B.T.E. reserve, composed as
follows:-
1 Tank Mk IVA
31 Tanks i.e. H.Q. & 2 Sqns Mk IIA
14 Tanks i.e. 1 Sqn Mk VIB (Lights)
6 Tanks Mk IIACS
(ii) 5 R Tanks is to form part of 3
Armd Bde in 2 Armd Div bound for
Libya forthwith. Composition:-
46 Tanks, H.Q. & 3 Sqns Mk IVA
6 Tanks Mk IIACS
(iii) 14 Mk IIA Tanks are to be held
in general reserve by RAOC
While not specified, the CS
tanks would be split up in the
various Squadron HQs. 3RTRs
Light Tanks were to come from
Kings Dragoon Guards at a date
to be notified later. In the event
his did not happen, though there
were changes to the softskin or B
Vehicle strengths. 5RTR used its
A10CS in Squadron HQ but they
were found to be too slow to keep
up with the Mk IVA they were
passed to 2RTR.
In May 2RTR were again in
action during Operation BREVITY.
Its HQ had four Cruiser IVA, A
Squadron had four A9 Cruiser I
and twelve A10 Cruiser IIA while C
Squadron had three Mk I, nine Mk
IIA and four Mk IVA By the 16th
their operational strenght was six
Cruiser I, 17 Mk IIA and seven Mk
IVA and more tanks were later lost
mainly to mechanical problems.
Greek Interlude
The campaign in Greece was the
one occasion when A10s were the
main equipment of a regiment.
1st Armoured Brigade made up of
3RTR with A10 and 4th Hussars in
Light Tanks was the British part
of a force including Australian
10 Model Military International - August 2013
p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 10
and New Zealand troops sent to
aid the Greeks. Their task was to
guard the Florina pass in the north-
western frontier between Greece
and Yugoslavia. 3RTR moved to
Alexandria to take ship for Greece,
arriving on 10th and 11th March.
Conditions were cold and
issued with battledress in
Egypt. By the 18th all were
in place around Amyntaion,
the War Diary stating Tank
country was noted, and all
routes, paths, villages explored.
Very suitable country for A10s if
complete reliance could be placed
on tracks, which were old and
needed replacement badly. This
was to prove prophetic.
Germany attacked on 6th
April but it was to be some days
before 3RTR were in action. Bad
weather continued, moves were
planned then cancelled but from
the 11th they fell back losing tanks
to mechanical problems including
broken tracks which they could
not repair as they had no spares.
Some German tanks were claimed
as knocked out though an attempt
to shoot down a Lufwaffe plane
with a 2pdr was not successful.
By the 14th a composite Squadron
was formed from eight tanks of
A Squadron the sole remaining
B Squadron tank and two from
C Squadron plus two more from
Regimental HQ. These tanks were
steadily lost as they retreated.
On the 27th those men who could
reach the coast sailed to Crete.
Back in Africa
Of the replacement tanks sent to
Preparation of tanks after landing included fitting them with sandshields and a rack for 2 gallon cans on
North Africa, only a few were A10.
the back of the hull plus repainting in the then-current Caunter scheme. In both A9 and A10, air flow
Between 18th April and 11th July through the engine was in from the left and out through the right louvre. To cut down the intake of dust,
1941 336 vehicles were repaired or sandshields were only fitted on the left side as is clear from these photos. Other than dating them as
prepared by base workshops in the November 1940 and listing them as an RTR battalion the original caption does not help identification, a
Middle East, 267 being new arrivals later note saying it was 4th Armoured Brigade narrows the choice to 2RTR or 6RTR. No unit markings
but of these only 27 A10 were are visible and some of the turret tactical signs may have been painted out suggesting someones A
Squadron used these tanks at some time and even the shades of the B Squadron signs appear to vary.
repaired and another nine had E999 shows the signalling lamp raised through the small circular flap in the roof, E1002 shows work
been received from the UK. Tracks being done on the engine and one track is off for repair or replacement. Men in berets are probably the
were a big problem for both A10 crew while the right-hand man in sun helmet could be an RAOC fitter? (IWM)
and A9, and in June tanks awaiting
issue in depots were having tracks
removed to supply urgent demands
for spares in frontline units.
Every available track was sent
forward, and tanks in depots had
to be modified to take Australian
tracks which would delay issue
to 7th Hussars. Unfortunately no
details of these Australian tracks
were recorded.
They were still being used,
though usually in small numbers
in each unit at Regimental or
Squadron HQ as CS vehicles. As
examples, on 23rd March 5RTR
had 53 A13 and of its six A10CS,
only half of them fit for action
while the others had problems with Men of 8th Hussars eat Christmas Pudding made from army biscuits, prunes, marmalade and rum
clutches and steering clutches. alongside their A10 at the end of December 1940. The range of clothing is worth noting, including a
greatcoat - it does get cold in the desert in winter! - pullovers and variations on civilian jackets worn over
1RTR in Tobruk included A10
overalls with balaclavas and Service Dress caps. Pistol holsters also vary. About the only standard items
are the plates and happy expressions, which may be because of the marmalade... (IWM)
14/06/2013 10:49
 Europes Number One Model Shops

www.hannants.co.uk
NEW from
Bronco Models

CB35069
US Light Tank M-24
Chaffee (WWII
Prod.) with Tank
Crew Set
37.99

CB35084
British/Common-
wealth Bofors Gun
crew set
11.99

CB35089
1:35 Bruckenleger
Auf Pz.Kpfw.II
ausf D1
27.99

CB35098
among its varied collection of Enlarged from a more distant view this photo of an unidentified A10 taken near Derna 1:35 British/Com-
AFVs though records often do in early February 1941 shows some interesting details including spare tyres for the monwealth AFV
not differentiate between them road wheels tied to the turret, recognition flags on the lowered radio aerials and steel Crew set
helmets hung over the headlights to protect them and cut down reflections. Apart from 11.20
and A9. By the start of August the B Squadron tac sign no markings are visible. (IWM)
There several reorganisations the
Regiment consisted of -
Regimental HQ - 4 Light Tanks
CB35102
A Squadron - 2 A9, 5 A10 and 9
US 155mm
Light Tanks
Howitzer M114A1
B Squadron - 4 A9, 4 A10 and 8
(Vietnam War)
Light Tanks 22.50
C Squadron - 13 A13 with two in
workshops
D Squadron 7RTR attached CB35103
- 17 Matildas including one in German Telemeter
workshops, 4 Light Tanks KDO Mod.40 with
Other units still used a few Sd.Anh 52 Trailer
early Cruisers. During Operation (Kommando-Gert 40)
Battleaxe, on July 15th 2RTR 19.99
had 10 A9, 11 A10 and 21 A13 Mk
II though by the dawn on the 17th
they were down to 3 A9, 7 A10
and 5 A13s. On 11th August, 7th
Hussars had A9, A10 and A13 Mk ZB48002
II but their A9 were to be replaced 1:48 T17E2 Stag-
with A10 hound A.A.
As at 7th September, the 19.99
Cruiser Tank State gave -

In Middle Under Running Schools Available

East Repair etc
I A9 48 10 38 6 32 H.G.Hannant Ltd,
II A10 42 9 33 2 31 Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 3LZ, England.
IV A13 85 18 67 3 64
VI A15 67 14 53 2 51 Open from 09.00 to 17.30 Monday to Saturday.
Totals 242 51 191 13 178
Phone: 00 44 (0)1502 517444 (8 lines)
Lists of tanks expected to be
0845 130 72 48 local rate
received around this time included from UK phones only (NOT mobiles)
only one Mk II due in October and Fax: 00 44 (0)1502 500521
two more in November with most E-Mail: sales@hannants.co.uk
British Cruisers to be the new Mk
VI Crusaders. On 5th October, A10s A
Seen in the background of a shot of tanks of the Tobruk garrison photographed in Web Site: www.hannants.co.uk
September 1941 is one of their A10s. Tanks were often dug in for protection and
concealment, others including captured ones were used as pillboxes. (IWM) To join our mailing list so you receive our free weekly
email news letter please use this link:
July 2013 - Model Military International 11
www.hannants.co.uk/cgi-bin/mailinglist.pl

p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 11 14/06/2013 10:49

 Think Tank - A10 Cruiser Tank
B were only listed in 7th Hussars
- they had 18 plus 5 A9 and 13
Cruiser Mk IVA - with six more in
reserve in 7th Armoured Divisions
Ordnance Field Park and 15 more
in Base Ordnance Works although
the Tobruk tanks were not
included. These would be included
in the total in a report dated 4th
November 1941 recorded 52 Mk
II in the Middle East with four
earmarked for training, along with
approximately 60 Mk I and 98 Mk
IV. Mk I was by this time obsolete
and being withdrawn while the
others were obsolescent, Mk II was
slow and out of date while Mk IV
were old with thin armour.
The next major offensive aimed
at relieving Tobruk was code-
named Operation CRUSADER and
set for 19th November. This would
include 7th Armoured Division
expanded with 22nd Armoured
Brigade with its three Armoured
Brigades using a variety of tanks.
4th Armoured Brigade mostly
used the then-new American M3
Light Tank Stuart, 7th Armoured
Brigade operated a mix of British
tanks including A9CS and A10 in
Brigade HQ, 7th Hussars had A10,
A13 and Crusaders, 2RTR had
A13 and 6RTR used Crusaders
while 22nd Armoured Brigade
were outfitted with Crusaders.
1RTR in Tobruk still had its mix of
tanks listed above. All these units
fought over the next few weeks
losing many tanks. Between 18th
November and 26th December
1941, 7th Armoured Divisions
workshops received 17 Cruiser
I and II but only repaired two
with the rest evacuated to Base
Ordnance Workshops.
Swan Song
After CRUSADER, the few A10s
that remained in North Africa
soldiered on. As late as the end
of January 1942 it was thought
that a number of Mk IIA Cruisers
could remain in operational use
until the end of 1942, after that
they could be used for training only
so spare parts would be needed for
the whole of the year. Numbers on
hand appear confused, one report
on 2nd February said there
were 26 Cruiser II with units
plus another 10 in Workshop,
while another on the 4th gave 15
with units and 11 in Workshops.
As more British Crusaders,
American Stuart M3 Light and
the new Grant M3 Medium tanks
became available their value
decreased.
Early in 1942 it was decided
to reinforce the Light Tanks and
armoured cars on Cyprus with
older Cruiser tanks. By mid-April
12 Model Military International - August 2013
p 06-12 A10Cruiser TT 088B.indd 12
some 40 including four Cruiser II
and two Valentines were shipped
to the island with more Cruiser
IVA coming in June and later more
Valentines so that by 18th August
there were 18 Valentines and 45
assorted Cruisers. These were used
by the Yorkshire Hussars until they
were replaced by 4th Queens Own
Hussars in January 1943. When
the Hussars left for Egypt in June
no tank unit was sent to take over.
In October permission was sought
to write then off as they were not
required in Cyprus or elsewhere
in the Middle East. They were
probably scrapped locally.
A detailed report on tanks lost
Taken by a German soldier, this shot of BONNIE II of B Squadron 3RTR in Greece is one of several which have
in the Middle East up to the end appeared for sale on Ebay. Other photos of A10 in Greece show the small horizontal dust flap in front on the
of 1942 recorded 85 Cruiser A10 headlight on the drivers side, some vehicles having another on the opposite side. These vehicles were equipped
series - 2 Mk II, 72 Mk IIA and 11 as other desert tanks though they were painted in a variation of the Caunter camouflage scheme intended for
IIACS. None were listed as being use in the Sudan with Light Purple Brown over the basic Light Stone or a more unusual pattern using wavy lines in
darker colours over the lighter shade. (Authors Collection)
lost at sea. At home all the early
Cruisers Mks I to IV were regarded
as suitable for training only, by
January 1943 they to be used
while spare parts allowed or by
cannibalisation. Finally on 11th
September 1943 it was ordered
that all remaining early Cruisers
were to be broken up for scrap as
soon as possible.
Only one A10 survived being
scrapped. It survives in the
collection of the Tank Museum at
Bovington. Its brass identification
plate states Tank Cruiser
Close Support Mark IIA Vickers-
Armstrong Design O.P.821 WD No
T-9264 Date 1940 which makes
it one of the last Metropolitan-
Cammell Carriage & Wagon Co Ltd
vehicles.
A10 Cruiser II A9 Cruiser I
Length 18 4 19
Width 8 3.5 8 2.5 A few A10 were sent to Cyprus in April 1942 along with other older Cruisers and some Valentines. A series of
Height 8 8.5 8 8.5 photos showing A Famous British Cavalry Regiment exercising with them in May. At the time the tanks were
Ground Clearance 18 18 manned by the Yorkshire Hussars, a Territorial Army unit. The Valentines appear to be without their 2pdr
Weight Unladen 12 tons 4.5 cwt 10 tons 16.25 cwt guns but the A10s and A13s were fully equipped as for the desert including extra fuel tanks and in the case of
Weight Laden w/crew 13 tons 15.5 cwt 12 tons 7.25 cwt one A10 even sand shields on the left-hand side! (IWM)
Max armour thickness 30mm 14mm
Speed 16mph 25mph
Engine AEC Type A179
6-cylinder producing 150hp at
2,200rpm
P.S. As a quick reference guide
to the designations of early-war
British tanks, the following may be
useful - n
Original A-number Type from June40 Name from July41
A.9 Cruiser Mk I -
A.10 Cruiser Mk II -
A.11 Infantry Mk I (Matilda was used
but the type was
obsolete)
A.12 Infantry Mk II Matilda
A.13 Mk I Cruiser Mk III -
A.13 Mk II Cruiser Mk IV -
A.13 Mk III Cruiser Mk V Covenanter
A.15 Cruiser Mk VI Crusader
A.17 Light Mk VII Tetrarch
A.22 Infantry Mk IV Churchill
Valentine Infantry Mk III Valentine
One one-off conversion was this A10 fitted with equipment to launch a 30 folding bridge using a mechanical
system driven by a power take-off from the engine. It was not adopted for service but the gear was fitted to
Valentines and Covenanters which saw service in the later years of WWII. (Tank Museum)
14/06/2013 10:49
 LSA Models
s
t
the E du a
www.lsamodels.co.ukrd s p ec i a li s
Telephone: 01273 705420 Mobile: 07973 551470
JUNE RELEASES FOR EDUARD
PE-SETS
53079 Prince of Wales 1/350.................................. Tam 21.50
53089 Prince of Wales crans/railings 1/350.......... Tam 15.50
53092 Prince of Wales lifeboats 1/350................... Tam 15.50
BIG-ED sets
BIG3579 PLANTS III. Tropic / Subtropical 1/35.................. 38.25
JULY RELEASES FOR EDUARD
BIG-ED sets
BIG3580 LVT-4 1/35......................................................AFV 51.50
NEW DRAGON DUE MAY/JUNE
D6743 1/35 German Brandenberg Troops....................... 14.99
D6772 1/35 SdKfz 234/4 Panzerspahwagen................... 49.99
D6749 1/35th 15cm Stug Inf Wagen 33.............................TBA
D7236 1/72 Flakpanzer V COELIAN............................... 19.99
D7487 1/72 Flakpanzer 341 mit 2cm Flak...................... 21.50
D7490 1/72 Panzerfahre Gepanzertw.............................. 19.99
D7492 1/72 VK.45.02(P).................................................. 19.99
D7504 1/72nd Long Range Desert Patrol Car W/Gun..... 18.99
D11017 1/72 Apollo II Saturn V....................................... 137.50
D6742 Gebirgsjagers Crete 41......................................... 14.99
D6593 Stug III Ausf G Late Dec 44.................................. 49.99
D6766 Maultier Ambulance.............................................. 49.99
D6483 3.7cm Flak 37....................................................... 19.50
D6712 IJN Type 2 (Ka-Mi)................................................ 54.99
D6555 Jap Army Inf Peleliu 44........................................ 15.99
D6774 25 Pdr Field Gun Mk II w/limber.......................... 35.99
D6772 SdKfz 234/4........................................................... 49.99
D6777 Type 95 Light Tank Hokuman...................................TBA
D6779 Panzer IV Ausf D DAK .............................................TBA
D3544 M-48 A3 Model B.....................................................TBA
D6745 S.A.S Jeep................................................................TBA
D6719 5cm Pak 38 (sf) 1T Halftrack..................................TBA
D6480 Panzer I with mine layer..........................................TBA
D6744 Soviet Inf winter 44..................................................TBA
D7497 1/72nd Panzer IV Ausf H w/schurzen......................TBA
ITALERI MAY-JUNE
7068 M-48 A2C.............................................................. 10.99
6170 WW11 Japanese Inf................................................ 7.50
6391 M-60 Blazer........................................................... 25.50
TRUMPETER
TP01555 T-62 ERA model 1962........................................... 32.99
TP05556 BMP-1P IFV........................................................... 27.99
p13 ADs Collated 088.indd 8
TP05571 2S1 Russian S/P Howitzer.................................... 37.99
TP05326 USS Indianapolis CA-35 1945.............................. 49.99
TP02519 MSTA-S.....................................................................TBA
MIRROR MODELS (FUTURE RELEASES)
MM35800 US Diamond T 968A 4T Truck (hard & soft tops)...TBA
MM35801 US Diamond T969 Wrecker.....................................TBA
MM35122 CMP CGT Field Art Tractor cab 13..........................TBA
MM35603 Marmon Herrington Mk II........................................TBA
MM35900 Morris Commercial C8 Quad...................................TBA
MM35121 CMP C8A Heavy Utility Cab 13................................TBA
MM35901 Morris Commercial CS8 GS....................................TBA
MM35161 CMP C60L GS Truck cab 13....................................TBA
MM35106 CMP C15TA Ambulance........................................... Due
MM35104 CMP C15A Water Tank Lorry cab 11 & 12.............TBA
MM35105 CMP F15 Ford Truck................................................TBA
MM35851 US Caterpillar D7 Tractor.........................................TBA
MM35300 Italian 20mm Breda Gun..........................................TBA
MM35200 Russian T-20 Art Tractor..........................................TBA
MM35831 US Indian 741B M/Cycle..........................................TBA
MM35204 Russian Fuel Trailer.................................................TBA
MM35126 CMP Ford F.A.T cab 13............................................TBA
MM35821 US M5 High Speed Tractor......................................TBA
MM35181 CMP F60L Ford Workshop Lorry.............................TBA
MM35151 CMP C30 Chevy GS Truck........................................TBA
BRONCO MODELS
BM35065 Panzer 35T (SKP).....................................................TBA
BM35127 SdKfz 233 7.5cm (1942)...................................... Phone
BM35139 M-24 Chaffee Korean............................................ 37.99
BM35109 Su-152 Sept 43..................................................... 36.99
BM35110 KV-85.................................................................... Phone
BM35124 8 Rad PzFunkwagen SdKFZ 263......................... Phone
BM35062 Versuchsflakwagen 88mm .................................. 56.50
BM35113 Su-152 Early.......................................................... 36.99
BM35143 Panzer 1 Ausf F (VK1801).......................................TBA
BM35165 Italian Topolini open top w/lady...............................TBA
BM35166 M-24 Chaffee Indochina..........................................TBA
BM35140 WWII Brit/Commonwealth Correspodents..............TBA
BM35154 Panzer II Ausf J .......................................................TBA
BM35156 Italian Topolino DAK w/German figs........................TBA
BM35162 US M-22 Locust T9E1..............................................TBA
BM35039 DFS-230 Gliger w/German Paras...........................TBA
AB3551 25 Pdr Ammo Set No 27 Limber W/Cover..............TBA
AB3563 T97E2 Track links (M48/60)....................................TBA
MASTERBOX
MX35097 Vickers Gun Team................................................. 10.99
n-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm
Retail Shop Open MoWed
nesdays)
MX35077 U.S Artillery Crew................................................... 9.99
MX35149 German playing Football......................................... 8.99
MINI ART
UMA35137 Pushing Russian Soldiers....................................... 8.99
UMA35147 L1500a Kfz 70 Personnel car............................... 29.99
UMA35148 Op Market Garden Netherlands 44......................... 8.99
UMA35151 U.S Horsemen Normandy 44...................................TBA
UMA35132 German Tank Crew ................................................. 8.99
UMA35089 101st Airborne 1944................................................TBA
UMA35140 Soviet Art Tractor Late.......................................... 29.99
UMA35152 AEC Mk I A/Car.........................................................TBA
UMA35150 Merc Benz 1500A Cargo..........................................TBA
UMA35145 BZ-38 Refueller........................................................TBA
UMA35149 Gaz 03-30.................................................................TBA
UMA35156 Gaz 05-193...............................................................TBA
UMA38001 European Tram.........................................................TBA
UMA35155 AEC Mk II A/Car.................................................... 32.99
UMA35558 Euro Farmyard...................................................... 32.99
UMA16030 Ernst Udet WWI Ace............................................. 11.99
UMA35163 German Paras & Tankers Italy 43......................... 8.99
RIICH MODELS (FUTURE RELEASES)
RV35014 East Meets West Figs..............................................TBA
RV35011 U/Carrier MkI w/Crew..............................................TBA
RV35018 6 Pdr MkIV A/Tank Gun............................................TBA
RV30009 M1/6 Pdr Ammo Set................................................TBA
RV35024 Artillery Tractor CT3 601 (r)....................................TBA
RV35025 STZ-5 NATI Katyushka.............................................TBA
RV35006 M-109 A6 Palindin SPG...........................................TBA
TAMIYA
TA60324 1/32 Birdcage Corsair...................................... 119.99
TA35329 JGSDF Type 10 MBT................................................TBA
MENG MODELS
SS-002 D9R Doobt Bulldozer................................................TBA
TS-003 AMX-30B French BMT......................................... 44.99
TS-004 French AUF 1 S/P Howitzer.................................. 51.99
TS-005 Mervaka Mk3 w/Dalet mine roller........................ 51.99
TS-006 Russian T-90A MTB.................................................TBA
VS-003 Gaz 233 014 Tiger....................................................TBA
HS-001 Middle East figs....................................................... 6.99
SPS-001 Rubber Tyres for Dioramas.....................................TBA
SPS-002 Drink Bottles.............................................................TBA
AFV CLUB
AF35263 SdKfz 263.............................................................. 42.99
(Closed
AF35S66 German Duster M-42A1........................................ 49.99
AF35163 Bofors 40mm M1.................................................. 29.99
AF35S67 AAV7A1 Ram/RS w/EAAK.......................................TBA
AF35S54 Churchill MkIII w/QF 75mm MkV Gun.....................TBA
AF35228 Schwimmwagen 128...............................................TBA
AF35236 AEC Matador............................................................TBA
AF35246 US .50 Cal M/G set..................................................TBA
AF35257 German Fuel/Water tank set....................................TBA
AF35258 WWII British Fuel Tank set......................................TBA
AG35039 Nato 155mm How Ammo........................................TBA
AF35049 AEC Dorchester Early...............................................TBA
AF35236 AEC Matador Early...................................................TBA
AF35158 Hunting Crew (5)......................................................TBA
AF35145 T-34/85 model 44/45 .............................................TBA
AF35273 AEC A/car Mk III.......................................................TBA
PANDA MODELS
PH16001 Panzer 38T Ausf E/F.................................................TBA
HOBBY BOSS
HBB83801 U.S White 666 Cargo (hard top)..............................TBA
HBB85503 U.S M-19 Tank Transporter......................................TBA
HBB83804 Panzer I Ausf F (VK1801)..................................... 24.99
HBB82601 Tiger I (1/16th)...................................................... 69.99
ACADEMY
TW13280 Panzer 35 (T)............................................................TBA
KINETIC MODELS
KN61010 RG-31 Mk 3 Canada.................................................TBA
KN61011 4x4 MRAP Truck ......................................................TBA
KN62001 1/48th R-11 US/NATO Fuel Truck............................TBA
Prices correct at time of going to print
Postage charges (within UK)
Lge Letter ................................................................................. 1.50
Small Parcel 1kg ....................................................................... 3.50
Small Parcel 2kg......................................................................... 5.00
Med Parcel 1kg........................................................................... 6.50
Courier up to 25Kg...................................................................... 8.00
Retail Shop at:
151 Sackville Road, Hove, East Sussex BN33HD
E-Mail: tam.mag@lsamodels.co.uk
Web: www.lsamodels.co.uk
Tel: 0044 (0)1273 705420
13/06/2013 15:05
 FEATURE ARTICLE Inside the Armour 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser Kit No. 35056
The Editor tackles a
full resin kit Inside
the Armours 1:35
scale A10 Cruiser tank.
AEGEAN CRUISER
I
t might seem hard to believe
considering the increasing
avalanche of new releases over
the last few years, but there
are still some subjects that are not
covered by mainstream injection-
moulded kits.
Although I have a half a shelf
full of resin Accurate Armour
kits that have been superseded
by nice new injection-moulded
releases Cromwell, Valentines,
Centaur and more much of my
wish list for some early WWII and
oddball military subjects remains
unanswered.
Several of these subjects were
in the Cromwell Models range, but
14 Model Military International - August 2013
p 14-21 A10Cruiser 088B.indd 14
PART ONE - CONSTRUCTION
I hadnt had any luck getting hold
of them.
I was therefore delighted to
learn that Inside the Armour was
planning to supplement their
multimedia vehicle interiors with
resin conversions and full kits based
on Cromwells back catalogue.
The first of these 1:35 scale full
kits was the Covenanter Mk.I/II/
IV. Kit No. 35045, released in early
2012 and a subject very high on my
wish list.
More recently, Inside the
Armour has also released a 1:35
scale full kit of the A10 Cruiser
Tank, kit no. 35056.
IN THE BOX
Inside the Armours 1:35 scale A10
is made up from 124 resin parts,
which includes 26 new resin parts
compared to the original Cromwell
Models release, plus an all-new
photo-etched fret with 21 parts.
The kit now includes three
mudguard options, an optional
fuel tank, all new suspension and
turned metal barrels. I actually
thought one of the large side
mudguards was missing, but
apparently this style was only
fitted to the left side!
The kit also includes a resin
Commander half figure for the
turret hatch, who is sculpted with
plenty of personality.
The resin is well cast. Many
parts are surrounded by feather-
like resin flash, but this may be
quickly removed with a sharp blade
and/or a stiff brush.
The hull is presented as a single
large casting with a separate floor.
Rivet detail (both on the hull and
elsewhere) is even and impressive.
There was only one casting flaw
on my sample the bottom rear
corner of the turret is distorted,
sort of melted, and rivet detail on
one side of the turret rear was
missing.
Many of the smaller raised
details such as handholds are cast
14/06/2013 10:50
 onto the turret and hull, reducing
the number of parts required.
The tracks are supplied as
resin lengths with individual links
for wrapping around the drive
sprockets and idler wheels.
The turned metal 2 pdr and Besa
gun barrels are lovely.
Instructions are supplied in
PDF format on a disk. These kick
off with some general advice for
working with resin and photo-
etched parts, followed by 28 steps,
principally illustrations and large
part numbers, guiding your way
through construction. The different
fittings for Greek, North African
and Home Front A10s are clearly
pointed out in Steps 27 and 28.
No decals are included, and no
camouflage options are suggested
in the instruction sheet.
NAME YOUR POISON
I have to admit to being a bit
wary of the newest generation
of mainstream injection-moulded
1,000 part + super kits.
There is one quite valid
argument that these kits offer
unparalleled detail and great value
in terms of money spent vs. hours
of amusement. However, I always
have one eye on the deadline, and
the greater number of parts means
a bigger time commitment on my
part.
On the other hand, a multimedia
kit such as ITAs A10 Cruiser can
look very appealing in the box.
Parts count is modest (only 124
resin parts in this case), much of
the detail is cast in place, and the
subject might not be available as a
mass-market injection moulded kit.
However, it is important to keep
in mind that the trials associated
with a limited production resin kit
might not be obvious by simply
perusing the parts. The challenges
will often only reveal themselves
during the build itself.
In the end, there may be little
difference in the time and effort
required to build a 1,000 part
injection moulded kit and a resin
kit with 124 parts plus photo-etch.
The real difference is the skill set,
techniques and attitude required
for the projects.
GETTING STARTED
The first step in tackling ITAs A10
Cruiser was to dispense with the
casting blocks and fine resin waste.
There is nothing fancy required
here just a bit of quality time
spent with a sharp hobby knife, a
razor saw and a sanding stick.
Most of the parts can easily be
separated from their casting blocks
p 14-21 A10Cruiser 088B.indd 15
and strips with nothing fancier
than scoring and slicing with a
sharp hobby knife. Once the parts
have been removed, it is a simple
matter to clean up the resin waste.
Once again, a sharp knife will
make short work of this in most
instances.
A handful of parts are connected
via thicker casting blocks. A razor
saw is the safest tool for this job.
I spent around 3 - 4 hours
in two sessions preparing the
parts for assembly a very The hull is essentially an
impressive one-piece casting with
worthwhile investment. Once they much detail crisply cast in place.
were cleaned up, the parts were
separated into plastic ziplock bags
to await assembly. All the resin parts require clean-up,
but it is not as difficult or as time
consuming as it might look.
HULL AND RUNNING GEAR
For my adhesive, I chose a slow-
setting thick super glue available
cheaply from my local supermarket
(Selleys Supa Glue in the 3ml
tube). I also used Zip Kicker super
glue accelerator to lock parts in
place when required.
I used three full 3ml tubes of
glue during this project.
The first parts to be assembled
were the main hull and the
separate floor. Fit was not exactly
stellar in this area, with gaps at
the back, front and sides, but
the bottom of the hull will be
completely out of view unless the
model is turned upside down.
Once the floor had been secured
with thick slow setting super glue,
the gaps were filled with Milliput
two-part epoxy putty. The excess
putty was wiped away with my
improvised trowel (actually an
old staple remover) and a damp
fingertip.
This cleared the way to starting
work on the running gear.
First, the shock absorbers (4 x
Part 13) were detailed with resin
bolts from an old Verlinden set, Some of the parts are cast onto strips, and many are surrounded by a featherlike wafer of resin waste.
and short lengths of plastic rod.
The road wheels were then glued
to the main suspension units two
small wheels and one large on
each. One of the centre mounts
was warped, so I tried to bend
it back into shape but it broke
off in the process. Murphys Law
compounded this problem, as I
dropped the small broken arm onto The new photo-etched fret offers some really useful details, The turned brass 2 pdr and Besa machine
the carpet and lost it forever (or at in particular the mesh heat cover for the muffler. gun barrels are simply luxurious.
least until after I have finished the
model)!
Plan B involved drilling holes
into the back of the orphaned road
wheel and the suspension unit, and The main components from
mounting the wheel using a short one of the four suspension
length of copper rod. units. Note that the resin
My main focus when assembling extension on the shock
the suspension units was to make absorber is part of the
suspension dont cut it off!
sure that all three wheels touched A
August 2013 - Model Military International 15
14/06/2013 10:50
 FEATURE ARTICLE
B the ground at the same time. This
objective was met with three of
the units, but the large road wheel
on the fourth suspension was
significantly higher than the two
smaller wheels. To correct this
problem, I removed the middle
wheel, drilled a higher mounting
point on the suspension unit,
drilled a corresponding hole in the
back of the small middle wheel and
pinned the wheel in line with the
other two. Voila! Problem solved.
When test-fitting the suspension
units and the tracks, I found that
the wheels were a very tight
squeeze between the guide teeth.
A little extra space was gained
by sanding the inside of the guide
teeth with an appropriately sized
coarse sanding stick.
The instructions suggest a
peculiar sequence for assembling
the suspension units, tracks and
hull, but it works. First, join two
The bottom of the hull is sealed with a separate resin floor.
16 Model Military International - August 2013
p 14-21 A10Cruiser 088B.indd 16
Inside the Armour 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser Kit No. 35056
lengths of track, making sure that
the edge with the cast-on track
pin detail is facing outwards.
Next, glue the wheels from the
assembled suspension units onto
the track. The instructions advise
some measurements from outer
wheel axle on one side to outer
wheel axle on the other, and Verlinden produces a set of nuts and bolts that are designed to be One of these nuts was glued to the
sliced off their solid resin backing sheet. end of each shock absorber. A short
also the gap between the centre length of plastic rod was also glued
wheels. However, when test fitting in place.
my parts I came up with different
measurements. On my kit, the
distance between the two outer
wheel axles was around 82 mm
(84 m in the instructions); while
the gap between the two centre
wheels was 4 mm (the instructions
suggest 2 mm).
I think that the best policy is
for you to thoroughly test-fit and
make the measurements yourself.
Before gluing the suspension
units to the hull, the photo-etched Each of the sprocket holes needs to be cleared The track lengths may be carefully scored and sliced
mounts A and B are folded into of resin waste. The tip of a sharp hobby blade off their casting strips using the same knife. When
makes short work of this task. fitting the tracks, take care to make sure that the edge
with the cast-on track pin detail is facing outward.
Test fitting revealed a very tight fit between the road
wheels and the track guide teeth. A coarse sanding stick
was used to slightly widen the gap.
The instructions suggest
a most peculiar sequence
for assembling the running
gear and tracks. First, two
lengths of track are glued
together. Then, the two
suspension units are glued
directly to the tracks.
The kits origins are immortalised
inside the resin hull.
The fit is not particularly good, but the gaps are quickly filled using Milliput two-part epoxy putty.
14/06/2013 10:50
 The mounts for the main suspension units are provided as
photo-etched parts.

The edges are folded down using a pair of flat-nosed

electrical pliers.

The mounts were fixed in place with thick, slow setting
super glue.
The triangular return roller mounts were glued to the hull, Individual links are
then the suspension units, still attached to the track, were also supplied.
super-glued in place. Be prepared to do plenty of test
fitting and fiddling it is a bit tricky! The track links are
also brittle and very prone to breakage.

shape and glued onto the lower hull;
and the two triangular resin return
roller mounts are fitted to the
photo-etched mounts and the hull.
Another anomaly presents
itself here. The instructions make
no mention of the third (centre
mounted) return roller on each
side. I only noticed the third
roller in reference photos after
construction was well underway
and the running gear was
complete. I thought perhaps that
these were not fitted to all A10
Cruiser tanks, but examination of
reference photos confirmed that
they were.
Fortunately, Inside the Armour
actually provides the third return
rollers and their mounts in the box
they are just not identified in the
construction sequence. In a classic
case of do as I say and not as I
do, this would be the ideal time to
install the centre rollers (Parts 11 x
2) and their mounts (Parts 47 x 2).
In Step 9, instructions suggest
that seven individual links should
be glued to the drive sprockets
but I found that six worked better
for me. Similarly, the instructions
recommend five links for the idler
wheels, but I used four instead.
At this stage I drilled and pinned
the idler wheel. This allowed the
wheel to be adjusted when the
track lengths were glued to the top
and bottom of the idler.
Now the drive sprockets were
glued in place and the suspension
units, complete with the bottom
track runs, were test-fitted, jiggled,
fiddled and finally glued into place
with equal proportions of super
glue and bad language. The track
length broke apart into several
pieces on one side, so some
running repairs were in order. With
the suspension units glued to the
hull, there was now a small gap
on the track run between the two
middle wheels. An appropriate
width slice was cut from a spare
track link. This was glued into the
space as a shim.
Over the course of the following
few hours, the track lengths both
top run and bottom run broke
apart on several occasions. Just be
patient and all will be well. Handle
the tracks with care and reassure
yourself that the breakages can A

The instructions suggest seven individual links

should be glued to the sprockets but I found that
six worked better for me.

Similarly, the instructions recommend five links

for the idler wheels, but I used four instead. Note
that I have drilled and pinned the idler wheel.
This allowed the wheel to be adjusted when the The tracks are taking shape now. Note that the middle return roller is not fitted here. The instructions make no mention of this middle roller, although the parts are
track lengths were glued to the top and bottom supplied and it is clearly fitted in every reference photo I can find.
of the idler.

August 2013 - Model Military International 17

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 FEATURE ARTICLE
B be fixed. Fortunately, ITA supplies
plenty of spare lengths that can be
used for repairs.
In fact, if you are building the
North Africa and Greece version
with the big sand shield on the
port side and want to save yourself
some trouble, you can get away
with not fitting with the portside
top track run at all. Nobody will
ever notice it is missing behind the
sand shield!
Matching up the straight runs
with the idler wheels and the drive
sprockets was another fiddly task,
but there were a few pleasant
surprises. I thought that I would
have to heat the tracks with a
hairdryer to bend the straight
lengths always risky when
surrounded by other fine resin
The legs are a tight squeeze on the front fender. I found the best chance to find enough clear space was to
slice off all the raised detail in the area.
18 Model Military International - August 2013
p 14-21 A10Cruiser 088B.indd 18
Inside the Armour 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser Kit No. 35056
The photo-etched muffler guard was annealed over a
candle to soften the metal, making it easier to bend
into shape.
Some micro-folding The finished muffler
is required for in place. I am still
the drivers hatch not satisfied with the
locking hinge. positioning of the
exhaust pipe entering
the muffler though.
parts but I found that there was
enough flex for the tracks to be
bent without heating. Also, the
pinned idler wheels were a tight fit
and did not require gluing, so they
could be rotated to obtain the best
fit with the top and bottom lengths.
Flying Finish
Although the running gear
presented a number of challenges,
it looked good when it was finished.
Once this was out of the way,
construction proceeded very
quickly.
The hull fittings were glued in
place per the instructions. No real
problems here, although folding
the locking mechanism for the
drivers hatch was challenging. I
found the best way to do this was
The two-part muffler guard was bent with the assistance of Mission Models Multi-Tool
(Small) and UMM-USAs Rollmade II Rolling Tool.
to interlock the two photo-etched
parts and bend them around a
piece of fine copper wire.
The muffler and its two-part
photo-etched heat shield went
together exactly as advertised. The
photo-etched parts were annealed More brass origami is required for the legs
(softened) over a candle before of the fuel drum. The curved bend was
made first, then the legs were bent to the
they were bent into shape using
appropriate angle. This is what it should look
Mission Models Multi-Tool (Small) like on the inward facing side
and UMM-USAs Rollmade II Rolling
Tool. The holes in the edge of the
mesh guard clicked into place over
the corresponding resin mounting
plugs. Nice.
I had some trouble getting the
pipe from the hull to the muffler to
line up properly. Despite repeated
test-fitting and some trimming, I
am still not really happy with the
result. and the other side, viewed from underneath.
The fuel drum glued in place. The drum overhangs the edge of the fender.
14/06/2013 10:50

Resicast produces a gorgeously detailed set of British 4 gallon flimsies.
The only other tricky aspect of
the hull was the external fuel drum.
I have provided a couple of photos
showing the required shape of the
photo-etched mounts. Also, I found
that the raised detail cast on the
front portside fender needed to
be sliced off in order to provide
enough clear space for the mounts
and the fuel drum.
I damaged one of the resin
headlights when cleaning up the
part, so I contrived replacements
from Italeris Crusader kit. This
kit contains a spare set of lights,
which I drilled and mounted on
copper wire. These are actually
a later style, but it wont matter
as the lenses will eventually be
covered by helmets.
Two fire extinguishers are
provided but no mention of these
is made in the instructions. I fitted
them to the front starboard and
rear portside fenders.
There are also two mysterious
shapes with woodgrain texture
included possibly jack blocks -
but I left these in the box.
The turret was very
straightforward once the repairs
had been made to the distorted
p 14-21 A10Cruiser 088B.indd 19
I decided to make a
rack for these cans
from plastic strip,
angle and scrap sheet.
The lengths were cut
using my NorthWest
Short Line The
Chopper II.
bottom corner. The flawed
resin was sanded flat with a
coarse sanding stick, then the
imperfections were covered with
thin plastic sheet cut to size.
New rivets were punched from
my Waldron Sub-Miniature Punch
and Die Set, then fixed to the back
of the turret using super glue.
A FEW FINISHING TOUCHES
A number of wartime reference
photos show A10s in the Western
Desert and Greece fitted with a
rack for 4 gallon flimsies (cans for Bolts were formed using
petrol, oil or water) on the back the smallest punch from
my Historex Hexagonal
of the hull. Although I could not
Punch and Die set.
find a really good photo, I could
see enough detail to guess at the
approximate size and structure of
these improvised racks.
I started by cutting a floor for
the rack from styrene sheet. I
made sure the depth was sufficient
to fit a flimsy, while the width
matched the rear of the hull.
Dimensions were around 7.5 mm x
47.5 mm.
Next, four 11 mm lengths of
.060 plastic right angle were
cut and glued into each corner.
These were reinforced with fine A
The components
were assembled
using Tamiya Extra
Thin Liquid Cement.
A length of angle
strip was glued
underneath the
rack to form a solid
mounting point with
the rear of the hull.
The rack glued in place. Note that I have also installed a square piece of plastic next to the muffler. This will eventually
carry the Arm of Service sign.
August 2013 - Model Military International 19
14/06/2013 10:50
 FEATURE ARTICLE
20 Model Military International - August 2013
p 14-21 A10Cruiser 088B.indd 20
Inside the Armour 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser Kit No. 35056
The turret bottom
blanking plate is
riddled with gaps,
but it doesnt really
matter as you will
never see it on the
assembled model.
More important is
that the rebate for
the stowage box
is not sufficient to
let the turret sit
down properly on
the hull.
My faithful old Dremel Motor Tool blew up
during my last project, so it was time for a
new one. Guess which is which
After the area was sanded down, the back and
side faces of the turret stowage boxes were
replaced with strips of plastic cut to size. The
new rivet heads were added at this stage too.
B horizontal plastic strips. Two plain
plastic strips were also fitted to
the back of the rack, as well as a
backing plate.
A strip of angle was also glued
across the length of the bottom of
the floor. This acted as a positive
mounting point between the rack
The cutting wheel
attachment was and a convenient ridge on the
used to grind the back of the hull. Hexagonal rivets
rebate to a point punched from my Historex Punch
where the turret and Die set finished off the rack.
would sit down on The final touch was to add a
the hull.
square cut from scrap plastic on
the rear fender. This will carry the
Arm of Service sign
INTERMISSION
I do enjoy a good quality
multimedia model, and Inside the
Armours 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser
certainly falls into this category
with its excellent casting, high level
of detail and generally sound fit.
Despite some anxious moments
(well, perhaps hours) while working
The bottom of the on the tracks, this has been a very
turret displayed a enjoyable and satisfying project
casting flaw. It looked
so far.
as if it was melted,
and some rivet head Multimedia kits almost
always demand some level of
detail was missing
from the rear face of improvisation and creativity. They
the turret too. are a great way to expand your
modelling skills.
NEXT TIME:
Next time, Brett will scratch
build a little stowage, add a
couple of crew figures, and
paint the model.
New rivet heads were
punched from my
Waldron Sub-Miniature
Punch and Die Set.
Modelspec
Inside the Armour 1:35 scale A10 Cruiser Kit No. 35056
Accessories & Materials Used
Resicast Item No. 35.2343 4 Gallon Flimsies. 8 x
Shell, 8 x MT
Verlinden Item No. 0075 Nuts and Bolts
Evergreen Strip Styrene: No.101 - .010 x .030 Strip;
No. 124 - .020 x .080 Strip; No. 218 - .020 Rod; No.
219 - .025 Rod; No. 291 Angle .060.
Evergreen plastic sheet (scraps from larger sheets)
EF Designs Strip Styrene: 6mm x 0.25mm
Fine copper wire and fuse wire (various thicknesses)
Tools Used
Waldron Sub-Miniature Punch and Die Set
Historex Hexagonal Punch and Die Set
Mission Models Multi-Tool (Small)
NorthWest Short Line The Chopper II
UMM-USA Rollmade II Rolling Tool
CMK and Tamiya Saws
Flat Nose Electrical Pliers
Modelling Products Used
Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement
Revell Contacta Cement
Selleys Super Glue
Zip Kicker Super Glue Accelerator
Milliput White two-part epoxy putty
Tamiya Surfacer
Tamiya Masking Tape (6mm and 10mm)
Accurate; very high quality casting; relatively
low parts count; link and length tracks; useful
options; illustrated instructions; high level of
exterior detail; interesting subject; includes
Commander figure.
Distorted casting on bottom corner of the
turret; brittle track lengths; some vagueness
and omissions in instructions.
Available from
Thanks to Inside the Armour for the sample
www.insidethearmour.com
Rating
14/06/2013 10:50
 alw
Multimedia kits almost
ays demand some
level of improvisation
and creativity. They are a
great way to expand your
modelling skills...

A little more detail has been

added to the stowage boxes here.

Only minimal filler was

required, mainly in the places
where the sand skirts met the
mudguards and track guards.

August 2013 - Model Military International 21

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 KIT PREVIEW Hobbyboss 1:35 Soviet T-26 Light Infantry Tank Kit No. 82496

The T-26 saw

widespread service in
the Spanish Civil War The one-piece lower hull will speed things up.

and in the opening

stages of the Second
World War. Andy King
examines HobbyBoss
new 1:35 scale kit of
this important tank. The lower section of the turret. Note the nice rolled steel

STALINS IBERIAN
texture.

SPORTS
T
CAR he British Vickers Mk E
6 ton tank was designed
by Vickers-Armstrong
in 1928 and although
traces of flash here and there and
the only mould-pin marks visible
are on the main gun and underside
of the fenders, along with other
brackets which is nice as moulded
styrene ones can look quite
clunky, especially on such a small
tank like this.
The clothes rail antenna. Take care when removing this
from the sprues.

the British Army didnt place any
orders it was exported to many
other countries including Poland,
Brazil, Japan and China with the
Soviet Union developing it further
as the T-26. Initially the tank
featured twin turrets armed with
a machine gun in each one (Type
A) or a single turret equipped with
a short barrelled 47mm 3 pdr gun
(Type B) but in 1933 the Soviets
put a larger turret on it equipped
with a 45mm cannon and 7.62mm
MG (T-26 Mod 1933).
A logical follow on to
Trumpeters earlier twin-turreted
T-26 Model 1931 release, this
is the Model 1933 (although it
says Model 1935 on the box) and
is an early production version
featuring a riveted hull and gun
mantlet, square turret hatches
and un-armoured headlight, later
models having a welded hull and
mantlet and a round turret hatch.
In the typically sturdy
cardboard box you have 12
sprues and a one piece lower
hull moulded in
green styrene with
some delicate parts
wrapped in foam, 16
in brown styrene, a
bag full of individual
track links, one clear
sprue, a small sheet
of etched brass
and a decal sheet.
There is also an
A4 sheet of paper
for the two colour
schemes.
All parts are well
Markings are sup-
plied for two Spanish moulded with some
Civil War vehicles.
holes for various bits fixed
onto the top of them. Speaking
of holes, its nice to see that
HobbyBoss has made the effort
of tooling hollow items such as
the gun barrel, exhausts and horn.
Dimensionally the model checks
out okay length-wise but the width
is about 2mm too narrow, which
in my (very humble) opinion, is not
a deal breaker. Moulded detail is
good however to be nit-picky the
rivet detail could have been a bit
sharper and the bolt heads are
not that well defined, however the
only alternative is to remove them
all and replace them with styrene
ones made using a hexagonal
punch and die set.
The instructions follow a typical
sequence and starts with the
running gear. The suspension
looks quite delicate and made
to be moveable according to the
amount of no cement labels on
the sheet so this should be good
for a giggle or two, especially
when putting the tracks together.
The individual tracks are very
small and will require careful
removal. To put them together
you need to insert an even smaller
pin in either side although my
Tip of the Day here would be to
insert the pin, glue it THEN cut it
off the sprue when the glue has
set. There is a jig included to help
with the alignment of the links and
note that the track lengths are
handed too.
Moving on, and the rest of the
hull goes together with some
etched detail here and there
including the fender support
The turret is a two-piece item
and the hatches can be modelled
open or closed but as there is no
interior detail you may want to
keep them shut. The large aerial
for the 71-TK-1 radio that goes
on the outside is moulded in one
piece and will need some care to
clean up the mould seams and
remove from the sprue. The track links are small and designed to be workable.
The barrel is one piece and also
has mould seams top and bottom
so care will be needed when
removing them so as not to flat-
spot it. Also if you are choosing
the more colourful paint scheme
then it is worth leaving the gun The pins for the track links are positively tiny!
mantlet (part L2) off to make
painting easier. On another nit-
picky note the three lifting rings
on the turret top are moulded
standing up whereas looking at
photos of the real vehicle they
lie flat.
It is great to see an injection
moulded kit of an important
between the wars type and
HobbyBoss has done a good job
with this one. The chassis was
used for quite a few versions
plus the amount of different
operators will no doubt lead to Nice sharp detail on the drive sprocket.
more aftermarket decal sheets
appearing. This looks to be
another excellent little model from
HobbyBoss and has just gone to
the top of my to do list.
Highly recommended and
hopefully well see more pre-war
types appearing soon.
Thanks to Creative Models
for the review sample
www.creativemodels.co.uk Photo-etched parts are supplied with the kit.

22 Model Military International - August 2013

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Competition rules
Employees/volunteers working for CMK, MPM Production and associated companies and their families are not permitted to enter. The first (correct) entry drawn will win. Entries are limited to one
person per household/person. The winners name will be published in a future edition of Tamiya Model Magazine International. All entries received must reach ADH Publishing by 4th September
when the draw takes place. Open to readers worldwide.

p 23 ADs Collated 088.indd 2 18/06/2013 10:50

 FEATURE ARTICLE Meng Merkava Mk.3 BAZ w/Nochri Dalet Kit no. TS-005

BIG BAD B
Anthony Sheedy feeds his Israeli armour addiction with MENGs latest
addition to the Merkava family the Mk.3 BAZ with Mine Roller.

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 Mengs Merkava Mk.3 BAZ features striking box art.

BAZ B
ecause it can shoot down
attack helicopters.
If that isnt enough
to make the Merkava 3 The new turret parts.
BAZ bad, then Im out of ideas of
what will.
Hang on, Ive got one. Lets
add a mine roller. Its even more
impressive because BAZ doesnt
really need this anti-air capacity
currently, but should any of the
new powers emerging from the
Arab Spring Awakening decide to
action their rhetoric and attack
Israel then the IDF can rest
comfortably knowing theyve got
the capacity to shoot down the The large single upper and lower hull pieces.

one
enemys air cover (thats assuming
The tank was already the IDFs formidable F-16I Sufa
hasnt got there first) then roll up
of the toughest their mine fields before lobbing in
shells and a section of infantry to
looking vehicles around. mop up any enemy fighters who
are too dedicated to scamper.
The mine roller just BAZ (Falcon or Barak Zolher
in Hebrew, Shining or glaring
adds more menace to lightning depending on which
Internet translator you use) is
the already intimidating the codename of the Knight Mk
.3 fire control system (FCS). This
Merkava 3...

new system (still using the 120mm
smooth bore barrel) includes an
auto tracking and independent,
fully stabilised, panoramic
Commanders sight (much like the This kit includes well-moulded tarpaulins a
Abrams) that allows the Merkava nice touch!
to have an actual hunter/killer
capability. The BAZ FCS allows
for multiple target tracking and
engagement, while it and its target
are both moving. The two downed
drones stored at the Merkava
skunk works are testament to the
effectiveness of this system. For
the state of the art FCS to work, The clear sprue.
new sophisticated ammunition also
had to be developed and produced
by the Israeli Arms Industry,
including the 1st official use of
depleted uranium in the APFSDS-T
(Depleted Uranium Armor Piercing
Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot
Tracer).
Other than the Commanders
rotating sight, another main
The new vinyl tracks are well detailed, but they
difference to the earlier model are too long for the running gear.
Merkava 3 turret is that the
smaller oval shaped loaders
hatch has been replaced with
a larger round hatch similar to
the Commanders, which allows
better access. The chunkiness of
the front of the hull is due to the
engine being mounted in the front
of the vehicle, which is unique
to the Merkava variant of MBTs
and this feature is enhanced on A The kit decals are superb.

August 2013 - Model Military International 25

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 FEATURE ARTICLE
B the Merkava 3 due to the new
thickened driver and engine
armour package. Originally the
front mounted engine was to allow
extra protection for the driver, as
well as a rearward escape route
for the crew. After the lessons
learned during the 2006 intifada,
the IDF has scarified some ammo
to enable an infantry section to be
secreted in the rear of the tank to
protect it against terrorist attack
during the night or while operating
in built up areas.
SPRUES
MENG kicked off this heavyweight
family with the poster boy of IDF
Armour in the form of the Merkava
I chose to use the Blast Merkava 3 update set to speed up construction. This includes new turret basket
and ammo boxes, amongst other things.
The Blast smoke detectors are a welcome addition due to the scale thickness of the door.
26 Model Military International - August 2013
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Meng Merkava Mk.3 BAZ w/Nochri Dalet Kit no. TS-005
The MENG hull with Games
Workshop non-slip applied.
3D BAZ (see issue 78 of MMI),
which is the latest incarnation
of the tank. I am sure that their
decision to release a prequel in
the form the more commonly seen
slab sided Merkava 3 BAZ is a
reasonable idea sales-wise. Adding
the Nochri Dalet mine roller will
guarantee more kits walk off the
shelf due to there being many
IDF subjects where the roller
is used, not just Merkava. The
Nochri Dalet or roughly translated
Foreigner, Model D, mine roller
makes a tough looking tank even
tougher and once fitted the roller
adds nearly a half a length to
the tank. The thick chains and
cables are used to assist keep
the roller heading in the desired
direction, however extensive
driver training in all environments
must be undertaken as incorrect
manoeuvring will damage the roller
or tank or both.. The MENG roller
is the later type D (Dalet) easily
identified by the reinforced boxed
construction of the arms, rather
than welded tube construction seen
on the earlier version, which was
based off the Russian KMT-4 roller.
As with MENGs previous
Merkava, the modeller will have
to apply non-slip to the model.
This is a fairly simple process,
with masking of the areas where
there is no non-slip being the most
time consuming. I chose to use
Panzer Aces supplied the excellent IDF water can, while the aerial and base was taken from the Aussie
Armour set of the same name.
A spent case catch bag is a must have addition to IDF barrel mounted .50 cals, and this item is included
in the detail set.
Tamiya tape and Blu-Tack were used
to mask the nonslip free areas.
Tamiya tape and Blu-tac to mask
the nonslip free areas and Games
Workshop texture paint to add the
texture, however other modellers
have used fine sand to great
effect. The beauty of using sand
over texture paint is that one can
remove the non-slip in high wear
areas to create a damaged surface
in a more realistic way.
Many modellers wished MENG
had added the tarps for the
stowage bins on the hull and turret
along with crew weapons and
ammo boxes to their Merkava 3D.
I was very pleased to see MENG
listened to its customers and
added these details for the BAZ
release. Like any good politician
14/06/2013 10:53
 The MENG tracks are too long, and therefore the
model really can only be built without the side skirts
on. Once on though, this oversight is hidden.

I used 20 thou plastic

rod for the width
indictors, which
appears over scale
until painted.

Side skirt securing

chains were added
using left over ball
armour chain from my
Academy Merkava 4.

though, MENG has given with one
hand and taken with the other.
The chunkiness of the Sadly, the beautiful individual
front of the Merkava links found in the 3D kit have been
is due to the front substituted for rubber band tracks,
mounted engine, a
feature unique to
which Im sad to report are too
Merkava. long for the models running gear.
This isnt a problem if you plan to
add the side skirts, however its
still a let down.
Due to time constraints, I
chose to use the excellent Blast
Merkava 3 update set to speed up
construction and improve on kit
details. This includes new turret
and hull stowage baskets, ammo
boxes, crew weapons with mounts,
smoke grenade launchers and
grenade thrower and cage. The set
itself is worth it for the new cage,
as the kits one-piece moulded
item is quite average. The Blast
smoke detectors are a welcome
addition due to the scale thickness
of the door and the well-detailed
grenades. I added wiring conduits
to the launchers from lead wire
along with conduit brackets made
from lead foil and detailed with a
Panther road wheel nut and bolt.
I chose to add a Panzer Aces IDF
water can, which fits perfectly into
the kit mount, while the vertical
kit aerial mount was replaced
with an angled one taken from
the Aussie Armour aerial set. The
MENG .50 cal machine gun and
mount are exceptionally well done,
however a spent case catch bag is
a must-have addition to IDF barrel
mounted .50 cals. Fortunately
this item is included in the BLAST
detail set. I also added the manual
firing and cocking cables to the
solenoids and cocking handle of
the MG using copper wire.
Other details on the turret
include the rectangular armour
code plaques welded to the roof
armour module.
The kit gives you the option
of adding width indicators to the A

The Nochri Dalet or roughly translated Foreigner

mine roller makes a tough looking tank even tougher.
The thick chains and cables are used to keep the roller
heading in the desired direction.

The MENG roller is the later type (Mk 3)

easily identified by the reinforced boxed
construction of the arms, rather than tube.

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 FEATURE ARTICLE Meng Merkava Mk.3 BAZ w/Nochri Dalet Kit no. TS-005

Aerial view showing the mass of

the Merkava 3 BAZ and Nochri.

vehicle, the pastel chalk stuck

B hull, and in my
opinion the overall
look of the Merkava
3 is enhanced with
this feature. I used 20 thou
plastic rod for the width indictor
poles, which appears over scale
in the photos but once painted in
flat black looks fits the part nicely.
Also added to the hull were side
skirt securing chains, a feature
achieved using left over ball and
chain armour chain from my
Academy Merkava 4 turret.
COLOURS
I wanted to represent the model
in muddy conditions, where mud
and crud would build up on hull,
while the rain washed upper
surfaces would appear clean. An
example of this can be seen in
the contrast between the smoke
chargers and turret/hull roof.
Excellent reference can be found of
muddy Merkavas in AFV Modellers
must have Modelers guide to
the Merkava 3D where pictures
have been taken of filthy Merkava
3s at a firing range in a long ago
acquired Syrian army base.
With construction complete, I
started the weathering process by
mixing up mud and crud made from
static grass, Humbrol flat brown
paint and yellow concrete sand to
brush onto the areas of the tank
where it collects: suspension, front
and
rear of
the lower
hull, hull and turret
horizontal surfaces
where the crew drags it up
during entry to the tank. After the
mud was dry I primed the vehicle in
the familiar grey stuff.
The model includes markings for
2 Nochri equipped vehicles, one
from the Barak Brigade and the
other from the 460 Brigade during
the 2009 Cast Lead operation.
The kit decals are some of the best
Ive used; thin, minimal excess film
and strong enough to withstand
a bit of moving around to get the
positioning correct. I honestly do
not see the need to substitute
these decals unless you want to
depict a different vehicle entirely,
in which case there are many more
options available now with the new
Echelon items being the pick of the
litter in my opinion.
I would not recommend following
MENGs colour advice in the first
marking option colour as I found
the Gunze H27 Sandy Brown
far too brown to be realistic. My
recommendation
would be to follow
the colour advice for
option two, which I think is far more
accurate. That being said, I wanted
to go out on a limb so I used the
Vallejo Israeli primer as my base
coat and weathered from it. The
original primer colour was lightened
with Life Color 1973 sand before
clear coating with Future, applying
the excellent kit decals followed by
another coat of clear before adding
various washes. I airbrushed on
Tamiya Buff and Flat Earth around
the lower hull and under the turret
before applying the same colour
over the model heavily diluted with
tap water. Using a hair drying to
speed up the drying time allowed
me to start applying the Rembrandt
pastel chalks and oil wash chasers
to the tank. This mix really started
to add depth and tonal variation
to the mud and crud as well as the
vehicles surfaces. Like on the real
more to the anti-slip coated
surfaces than not creating
an effect where the smooth
surfaces looked to be washed
clean by the rain whereas the dirt
from these surfaces collected and
stayed in the non-slip. Streaks
were added to the vertical
surfaces using the same oil paints
to simulate the exhaust, fuel and
oil staining commonly seen on
active service Merkavas. The vinyl
tracks actually look quite good
under paint and I proceeded to
treat them with the same colours
and washes used on the tank, but
with gun metal highlights on the
guide teeth and links.
The IDF would pick up and
drop off mine rollers, rather than
assign one to a specific tank. This
is because every tank was fitted
out to be able to push one in case
the previous Nochri equipped tank
broke down etc. and to achieve this
I painted the tank and roller to look
slightly different in colour. As no
one owned the mine roller, they
do tend to have a little bit more of
an unloved appearance, with less
maintenance or care given than
the tank. This can be seen in the
way chains and rollers go rusty
or the red painted service areas
can turn a more pink as the paint
oxidises with age. The rusty, faded
and oxidised paint was achieved
by adding more white and ochre

The IDF would pick up and drop off rollers, rather than
assign one to a specific tank. This is because every
tank was fitted out to be able to push one in case the
previous mine tank broke down etc. Thus I painted the
tank and roller to look slightly different in colour.

28 Model Military International - August 2013

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 Modelspec
Meng Merkava Mk.3 BAZ w/Nochri Dalet
Kit no. TS-005
Tools and Accessories Used
Games Workshop texture paint.
Tamiya Grey Primer Fine
Tamiya Arcylic Paints
Vallejo Arcylic Paints
Windsor and Newtons Oil Paint
Rembrandt Pastel Chalk
References:
I wanted to represent the model in muddy conditions, and added built up mud The kit decals are some of the best Ive used; thin, minimal film excess film and Merkava Siman 3 by Desert Eagle Publishing
and crud on the upper surfaces while clean on the rain washed areas. This strong enough to withstand a bit of moving around to get the positioning right. Merkava, by Tankograd
can be seen in the contrast between the smoke chargers and turret/hull roof. IDF Armoured Vehicles by Tankograd
Merkava 3 by Museum Ordinace
Online:
www.idf-modelling.com
www.supervideo.com/MXCD-ROMOSa.htm

High Level of detail and accuracy, mine roller.

Absence of non-slip.
Available from
Thanks to Meng Model for the sample
www.meng-model.com

Rating

The back deck showing oil and fuel staining, the Blast smoke launchers detail Blasts rear bins and tool bag are also great under paint, as well as speeding
isnt apparent until theyre painted. up construction due to them being one piece.

washes over the base colour as
well as painting the service areas
pink and adding red and white
washes to achieve that faded out
oxidised appearance.
Chips and scratches were
applied around the drive sprockets,
hatches and high wear areas with a
fine brush and sponge using Vallejo
German Black-Brown and Red
Primer. Final weathering consisted
of oil and fuel staining and spatter
around the engine and back deck
along with a good oiling of all the
machine guns. Aerials were made
from brass rod detailed with cable
ties and securing rope before
adding a figure from Verlindens The tank was already one of the
modern IDF tank crew set with a toughest looking vehicles around.
replacement Hornet head set low The mine roller just adds more
in the cupola. menace to the already intimidating
For a finishing touch, I added Merkava 3.
an Israeli flag from Echelons new The Meng Dynasty continues. I added an Israeli flag from Echelons new IDF
IDF decal range, and was suitable Long may it reign! decal range, and was suitable impressed with the
impressed with the realism of realism of its fall.
its fall.
LAST WORDS
MENG was onto
a winner with their
Merkava 3D, and theyve
backed it up
strongly with this
new release.

The mine roller just

adds more menace to
the already intimidating
Merkava 3.

August 2013 - Model Military International 29

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 FEATURE ARTICLE Brach Models French R35 / PzKpfw 35R (f) Kit No. BM 085

COLOURFUL
RENAULT
Steve Zaloga finishes
the resin 1:35 scale
Brach Models
Renault R35 kit
in a colourful
camouflage
scheme.

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 A
fter having built a few
of the old Heller Renault
R35 kit, I was pleased
to see that Brach Model
was releasing a series of high-end
resin kits covering various models
of this famous little tank. I settled
on their kit BM 085 which covers
the late R35 with the APX-R1
turret along with the Renault-
pattern unditching tail. The kit is a
multi-media effort, mainly in resin,
but also with a nice photo-etch fret
and a small decal sheet. The kit is
not inexpensive at around Euro 82
($100), and I ordered mine from
Blast in Paris.
Overall, the kit was up to
Brach's usual high standard. The
kit comes with numerous options.
The turret can be done in any of
the standard versions including
the original APX-R with the "fente
Estienne" diascopes, up through
the APX-R1 with the later 37mm
gun and the slit-style episcopes.
The kit includes a full turret and
hull interior; there is a separate
upgrade kit for the engine. All the
hatches are separate including the
engine area.
p 30-34 RenaultR35 088B.indd 31
ASSEMBLING THE KIT
Brach's resin moulding is excellent.
I had no problems with bubbles,
and the kit design minimizes the
need for a lot of sawing to remove
parts from the mould sprues.
I started with the interior. I built
this mainly out-of-the-box and the
kit provides all of the essential
elements. Colouring information
is sparse. I got to see the insides
of the Saumur R-35 last summer,
and it was basically painted in
white with the transmission tunnel
finished in a medium industrial
green colour, and the gun assembly A view of the hull interior after painting but before attaching the left side.
in the usual army dark green. Once
I had the interior finished, I sealed
up the basic hull parts.
My preferred glues for resin
kits are a gel version of ethyl
cyranoacrylate (CA) glues. the
particular brand I use is BSI Insta-
Cure IC-Gel. I find that this works
better than liquid CA glues as the
gel allows parts to be positioned
more easily. One of the main
drawbacks of CA glues is that
they are not especially strong to
sheer force. So for some major
assemblies, I reinforce the joint A
A view of the finished interior. The kit provides
the 37mm ammunition as individual pieces!
August 2013 - Model Military International 31
14/06/2013 10:54
 FEATURE ARTICLE Brach Models French R35 / PzKpfw 35R (f) Kit No. BM 085

The most frustrating aspect of the project

was the individual link track which were pure
torture to assemble. Small resin link-to-link
track are simply a bad idea.

B with 5-minute, two-part epoxy.

Once I had completed the hull
interior, I turned to the suspension.
The Brach kit is particularly
good in this case, offering much
better detail than the old Heller
kit. Furthermore, the assembly is
very simple. The exception to this
is the kit track. The kit includes
link-to-link resin tracks. Although
the detail is quite good, resin
link-to-link tracks are a horror to
assemble. They are intended to
click together, but the material
is so soft that after putting a few
links together, the joint between
the links has been damaged. As
a result, the track lengths do not
hold together very well. In the
case of plastic link-to-link tracks,
this can be solved with some liquid
cement which stays soft long
enough to get a whole set of tracks
together. The only way to get
resin tracks together is CA glue or
epoxy, which completely ruins the
opportunity to drape these tracks
for proper sag. My solution was to
"paint" small lengths of tracks with
a solution of carpenters glue, water
and flow enhancer. This keeps
them together well enough to get
them on the suspension, after
which they can be fixed in place
with very thin CA glue. This was
torture, and as a result, I would not
recommend this kit for anyone but
the most patient craftsmen, or for
modellers willing to throw away
the resin track and buy a set of the
much easier Modelkasten track.
I never thought I would refer to
Modelkasten track as "easy", but
compared to these misbegotten
tracks, they are a pleasure to
assemble. Once I had the tracks in
place, I primed the suspension with
some Tamiya Khaki Drab before The finished model prior to painting.
adding the fenders.
After all the trouble with the
tracks, the rest of the kit was
straightforward to assemble.
The turret is very nice, but after
finishing the model, I began to
have suspicions about its size. On
comparing it to the old Heller kit
and the newer Bronco Hotchkiss
H39 kit, it seems that it is based
on the Bronco kit. The Bronco kit
is much better detailed than the
old Heller kit which has led many
modellers to believe it is more
accurate. Unfortunately, it was
based on an unreliable set of plans
that have a major dimensional flaw.
The Bronco model is too narrow,
and this led to other distortions in
sizes, including the turret. I only
realized this after painting the
model, so by this stage it was too
late to do much about it.

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 I attempted to paint some of the larger areas on
the tank using the airbrush. I chose to use light
grey on the turret since it was a good start with the
other lighter colours. Likewise, a pale yellow in the
center worked well. The hull front and rear were in
standard army green as was the unditching tail.

This is how the model appeared after the

basic camouflage painting was completed.
The problem with these colourful schemes
is that they appear to toy-like. Weathering
is definitely needed.

COLOURS AND MARKINGS

One reason I wanted to build
this model was the possibility of
using one of the very colourful
Renault schemes from the 1936-37
period. The French author Pascal
Danjou has pioneered the study of
French tank camouflage, and had
a nice article on this subject in his
magazine "Minitracks". In addition,
the French magazine Batailles &
Blindees had a wonderful piece
on the 21e Batallion des Chars de
Combat by Laurent Deneu (No.
37, June-July 2010). I decided to
do the tank of the 3rd Company
To make the chevron markings on the turret corners, I masked some The name on the right side of the turret was made by first making a black and white pattern
commander, Capt. Perat. I white decal sheet using Tamiya yellow kabuki masking tape. of the name using Adobe Photoshop, and then tracing the design on clear decal paper on a
airbrushed the basic colours, light box using a Speedball calligraphy ped and thinned Vallejo White acrylic paint.
but then did most of the rest by
hand-painting with Vallejo acrylic.
The black lines between the
camouflage patterns were done
with a Faber Castell PITT Type F
(Fine) artist pen. This pen uses
India ink which is permanent and
won't bleed the way that some
marker pens do.
The markings are a mixture
of dry transfers, decals from the
stash, and some hand-made decals.
The large letters on the turret are
dry-transfers from the Woodland
Scenics brand aimed at model
railroaders. The French cocarde
on the hull front comes with the
kit. The officer insignia, two red
chevrons on a white background,
were painted on white decal
paper. The white convoy circles
were made from decal sheet. The
matricules (French registration
numbers) were done on black decal
sheet using dry-transfers. The A

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 FEATURE ARTICLE
B name "L'Aiglon" (Little Eagle) was
painted on some clear decal sheet
using a Speedball calligraphy pen
but with thinned Vallejo acrylic
paint instead of ink. To get the
size and shape right, I scanned
the illustration of "L'Aiglon" from
the magazine article, inverted
the colour from white to black
in Adobe Photoshop, and then
used this on a light box to trace
the name with the pen. All very
complicated, but it is much less
trouble than trying to draw the
name on the tank turret itself!
The finished paint scheme and
markings result in a colourful
but very toy-like appearance.
To reduce the contrast and the
colour saturation, I airbrushed the
model in a dust glaze consisting of
a small amount of Tamiya Khaki
in a solution of Tamiya Clear and
thinner. It is important to apply
this in thin mists, because if too
much is put on, the elaborate
camouflage painting will be ruined.
I then proceeded with various
washes and dry brushing to finish
the painting.
I mounted the finished model on
a simple base using some MiniArt
vacuum formed cobblestone on a
simple sheet plastic base.
The figure is from Nemrod
(Tankistes Franais Juin 1940:
N35064) with a Hornet head.
The figure comes from
Nemrod with a Hornet french
tanker's head substituted.
34 Model Military International - August 2013
p 30-34 RenaultR35 088B.indd 34
Brach Models French R35 / PzKpfw 35R (f) Kit No. BM 085
Modelspec
Brach Models French R35 / PzKpfw 35R (f)
Kit No. BM 085
Figure
Nermrod Tankistes Franais Juin 1940 (N35064)
Decals
Woodland Scenics Model Graphics MG719 Condensed
Roman Railroad White
Paint
Vallejo Game Colour 32 Scorpy Green
Vallejo Game Colour 46 Ghost Grey
Vallejo Game Colour 49 Stonewall Grey
Vallejo Game Colour 62 Earth
Vallejo Game Colour 45 Charred Brown
Vallejo Game Colour 39 Plague Brown
Vallejo Model Colour 70958 Pink
Vallejo Model Colour 70811 Blue Violet
Vallejo Panzer Aces 320 French Tank crew (green)
Reference
Batailles & Blindees, No. 37, June-July 2010, pp. 50-65
High standard of casting; useful options;
generally very good fit and simple
construction.
Not inexpensive; difficult assembly of resin
individual link tracks; undersized turret.
Available from
Brach Models: www.brachmodel.it
upOverall, the kit was
to Brachs usual
high standard...
Rating
The finished model on its presentation
base. The black base was made from
Evergreen .030 thou sheet plastic with the
cobblestone coming from some MiniArt
vacu-form cobblestone street.
14/06/2013 10:55
 KIT PREVIEW Meng 1:35 Pick Up w/ZU-23-2 Kit No. VS-004
Topless, anyone? The one-piece
body and separate roof section.
OH, WHAT A FEELING!
Meng has released the first in a new line of Land Cruiser
pickups, this one fitted with the Russian ZU-23-2
anti-aircraft gun. Andrew Judson takes a look.
M
eng Models has really
made a mark in the
hobby industry with
their great kits and
interesting subjects, and here
is another one to add to that
collection. This comes in the
shape of a Toyota Land Cruiser,
though not specified on the box,
nor are there any badges, most
probably due to licensing reasons;
and the twin gunned ZU-23-2,
quite a weapon.
Both of these have served quite
prominently through out different
conflict zones, especially Africa
and the Middle East, Iran, Iraq and
Afghanistan.
The ZU 23-2 is a Russian made
weapon, developed in the 1950s
and then mass produced in the
1960s. It has a high rate of fire
and its primary role was anti-
aircraft though in recent conflicts
has quite often been used
effectively in the anti-personnel
role. When mounted onto a vehicle
such as the Toyota Land Cruiser,
it becomes a lot more effective
Decals for the dashboard are colourful and detailed.
p 35 Pickup Pre 088B.indd 35
due to its mobility.
Inside the box, we are met with
seven sprues of tan, black and
green parts, the main cab and roof
of the vehicle, five vinyl tyres, a
sheet of photo etch, poly caps, a
small decal sheet with dashboard
markings, and finally an eighteen
page instruction booklet, with
very clear easy to understand
drawings and on the back page,
some colour profile drawings of
the vehicle and the gun. The flow
of the build appears to be in a
logical order, beginning with the
chassis, suspension, driveline,
though there is no engine.
Next is the construction of
the interior, which is basic but
more than adequate straight
from the box. This is followed by
the building of the cab and rear
utility section. I thought it was
very clever providing the roof of
the cab separately, making it a lot
easier to detail the interior with
clutter and equipment as seen
in most military vehicles. It will
also be a lot easier to paint when
wanting a two-
tone finish.
Next are the
doors, which may
be posed in the
closed or opened
position, another
clever option.
Then its the final
assembly of parts
such as the foot
rails, mud guards,
The doors are separate too, and may be posed open or closed.
Interior detail and textures are nicely done.
Tray detail looks great too.
bumpers and wheels, leaving you
with a very nice rendition of a
Toyota pick up.
Now we have the ZU23-2. This
has ten stages in its build with a
lot of detail, making this in itself Windcsreen and windows are supplied in sparkling clear
a brilliant little kit in its own right. injection moulded plastic.
It can be done in the transport
mode, or in three different firing
angles, and can also be finished
either ground mounted or vehicle
mounted. This is a great option for
those who only want the vehicle
or the gun. For vehicle mounting
option, Sprue E has the H iron
sections to mount the gun in the
utility section.
This is going to be a fun kit to The gun is moulded in dark plastic.
build and paint, and weathering
will be offer all sorts of interesting
possibilities, from mild to
absolutely battered as seen often
on news clips and photos. Really,
the only things missing are an
engine and opening bonnet, but
I am sure the after-market will
address this in the future.
I think Meng has come up with a
winner with this one. You can see
that they have really researched The gun may be built as ground mounted, or fitted in the
the subject, making it more of Toyotas cargo tray.
a want into the already growing
stash. I would highly recommend
this one, and really look forward
to seeing what modellers make of
it in dioramas and vignettes. Top
Job Meng.
Thanks to Meng Model
for the sample
www.meng-model.com
The modest photo-etched fret.
August 2013 - Model Military International 35
14/06/2013 10:56
 Think Tank - M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer
M109 SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER
Stuart Ransley explores the origins, development and variants of the M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer.
T
he M109 is a self-propelled
155 mm howitzer. The
vehicle entered US Army
service in June 1963
and was eventually adopted as
the standard artillery system for
NATOs Mechanised Divisions. It
has been upgraded over the years
since its introduction, with the
current version being the M109A6
Paladin.
The M109 has been used in
action during the Vietnam War,
Arab Israeli Conflicts, the
Iran Iraq war, 1990-91 Gulf
War, Operation Iraqi Freedom
and Afghanistan. The design has
proven to be highly dependable and
well-liked by its crews.
The M109 has been widely
exported and is or has been used
by a number of countries including
Israel, Spain, Egypt, Germany, and
UK to name a few.
36 Model Military International - August 2013
p 36-41 M109 TT 088B.indd 36
HISTORY
In January 1952, preliminary
studies began for a self-propelled
howitzer to replace the existing
155mm M44. Most designs for
Self Propelled Artillery had simply
added a towed artillery piece to a
modified tank hull in an open top
configuration. With the advent
of the first Artillery Location
Radars, accurate counter battery
fire became a real threat so the
US Army wanted a fully enclosed
turret to better protect the
crew. In April 1953 the Ordnance
Tank Automotive Command
authorised the development of
two new designs, the T195 110mm
SP Howitzer and the T196 156mm
SP Howitzer. The first designs for
the T196, were rejected. It wasnt
until May 1954 that a concept
was finally approved. A review of
the military characteristics of the
entire self-propelled artillery pro-
gram occurred in June 1954 and
decided that future concepts of the
T196 would be prepared along the
same design that was proposed for
the Howitzer 110mm Self-Propelled
T195. Questions were raised over
the adoption of the odd calibres.
These were dropped in favour of
the 105mm and 155mm howitzers,
particularly after the 155mm cali-
bre had been selected by NATO as
its standard artillery calibre.
The first prototypes of the
designs were completed in 1959.
The 105mm T195 came first then
the 155mm T196 six months later.
Both prototypes were powered
by a Continental petrol engine. In
1959 the Army decided that diesel
rather than petrol engines would
be used for all future combat
vehicles so the prototypes of both
were fitted with a diesel engine
An M109 in German service.
Note the tracks and smoke pro-
jectors mounted on the turret.
and redesignated the T196E1 and
T195E1 respectively.
The T195 had a number of
failures occur in the suspension
and final drive during evaluation at
Fort Knox.
Further work was carried out
to rectify the problems that
had occurred during evaluation
and in December 1961 both
prototypes were classified as a
Limited Production Types. In July
1963 both types were classified
as standard A with the T195E1
becoming the Howitzer, Light,
Self-Propelled, 105mm, M108
and the T196E1becoming the
Howitzer, Medium, Self-Propelled,
155mm, M109
The first M109 and M108 vehi-
cles were issued to the US Army
in June 1963. After experience
in Vietnam it was found that the
155mm outperformed the 105mm
14/06/2013 10:57

Aerial shot of a US Army M109 in Vietnam (photo US Army). Side view of an M108. Note the size and shape of the gun barrel and the lack of recoil spades
(photo US DoD).
An M109A1 wearing
a four colour camou-
flage scheme
(photo US Army).
Side view of a US Army M109A2
serving with IFOR in Bosnia and
Herzgovina (photo US DoD).
August 2013 - Model Military International 37
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Howitzer so the decision was
made to withdraw the M108 from
service. Some M108s were sold
to allied nations; while many were
converted to M109 or used for
other purposes such as OPFOR
(Opposing Forces) training.
DESCRIPTION
The hull and turret of the M109
are constructed of all welded
aluminum, with the turret to
the rear of the hull, the drivers
compartment to the left front and
the engine compartment to the
right front. The drivers position is
accessed via a single piece hatch
that opens to the left. The turret
is fitted with two square hatches
on either side, these open to the
rear of the vehicle. There are two
hatches on the rear of the turret
that are used for ammunition re
supply. The hull has two hatches
at the rear of the vehicle to give
access to the fighting compart-
ment. Either side of the hatches
are the recoil spades that are
lowered manually before firing.
The M109 has a crew of six con-
sisting of:
Commander
Gunner
Driver
Three ammunition handlers
The vehicle commander is
seated on the right side of the
turret and has a cupola that can
be traversed through 360, it has
a single-piece hatch that opens to
the rear. The gunner is seated on
the left side of the turret and has
a square single-piece hatch that
opens to the right.
PERFORMANCE
The M109 is fitted with a Detroit
8V-71T, turbo charged 8 cylinder
diesel engine. This is coupled to an
Allison Transmission XTG-411-4A
cross drive transmission which
gives a maximum road speed of
56.3 kmph. The vehicle is fitted
with torsion bar suspension that
consists of seven dual road wheels
with the drive sprocket at the front
and the idler at the rear. There are
no track-return rollers. The tracks
are of the single-pin, centre guide
type with replaceable rubber pads.
The M109 can ford to a depth of
1.82m without preparation but can
be fitted with a amphibious kit
consisting of 9 airbags which are
inflated from within the vehicle.
The vehicle was propelled through
the water by its tracks.
ARMAMENT
The M109s main armament
consists of an M126 155mm
Howitzer. It can be elevated to +75
degrees, depressed to -5 degrees
and traversed 360 degrees. Gun A
14/06/2013 10:57
 Think Tank - M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer

Front view of a US Army M109A2 serving as part of IFOR in Bosnia and Herzgovina (photo US DoD). Front view of a US Army M109A3 from A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery at McGill
Base Bosnia and Herzgovina (photo by Staff SGT Ron E Long US Army).

B traverse, elevation and depression

are hydraulic with manual controls
for emergency use. Rate of fire is
normally 1 round per minute but
can be as fast as 3 rounds per
minute for short periods. There is
also a M2 .50 cal HMG fitted to the
Commanders cupola.

Variants
M109A1
This was an upgrade for the M109,
which replaced the M126 155mm
Howitzer with the longer barrelled
M185 gun. This increased the range
by nearly 4000 m with standard
ammunition. The first conversion
kits were available in early 1972,
with the first vehicles becoming
operational in 1973. Apart from
the new gun tube there were many
other upgrades including:- A new
Hydraulic motor was added, due to
the heavier gun stronger torsion
bars were added to the front two
road wheels, the gun travel lock
was moved from the engine deck
to the front of the vehicle and a
new weapon mounted rammer was
added. By April 1981 all M109s in
US service had been upgraded.
M109A2
This was a new vehicle that
entered production in 1978 with
the first vehicles being delivered
M109A2 of C Battery, 1st
Battalion, 41st Field Artillery
(Photo SPC Gary Bryant).
in 1979. This vehicle used the
modifications recommended in Mid
Life Improvement Program for the
M109A1. These included:- The new
M178 gun mounting, A bustle was
added to the rear of the turret
to accommodate the new Rocket
Assisted Projectiles which were
being developed. This had the
added benefit of increasing the
ammunition stowage from 28 to
36 rounds. The travel lock at the
front of the vehicle was changed
to a new counter balanced one, the
flotation system was removed and
a new engine and turbo charger
was fitted.
M109A3
This was the designation given
to the M109A1 vehicles that were
upgraded to M109A2 standard.
M109A4
This was the designation given to
M109A2s and M109A3s that were
upgraded with Nuclear, Biological,
and Chemical / Reliability,
Availability, and Maintainability
(NBC/RAM) improvements. These
included: - air purifiers, heaters,
and Mission Oriented Protective
Posture (MOPP) gear. This gear
was stored under new gunners
seats and stowage boxes.
M109A5
This vehicle has the 155 mm M185
cannon in M178 mount replaced
with the 39-caliber 155 mm M284
cannon in the M182 mount, this
gives the A5 a maximum range
of 23,500 meters with standard
projectiles and 30,000 meters with
Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAP).
The vehicle can carry 36 rounds
of 155mm ammunition and is fitted
with a 440 hp engine instead of
the standard 405 hp engine.
M109A6 "Paladin"
This vehicle is the latest version
of the M109. It has a number of

Internal view showing the gun breech of the 155mm Howitzer. Internal view of the turret of an M109A2. Ammunition stowage may be seen at the rear of the turret.

38 Model Military International - August 2013

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 improvements these include:
1. Increased armour protection
2. Redesigned internal ammunition
stowage
3. Upgraded engine and suspension
4. Improvements to the M284 gun
and M182A1 mount
5. New fire control system
The upgrades to the fire control
system allow the vehicle to halt
and fire within 30 seconds with
accuracy equivalent to the previ-
ous versions of the M109 when
they were properly emplaced, laid,
and safed. This process previ-
A very dirty M109A2 in Bosnia (photo SPC Glenn W Suggs). M109A5 under Repair (photo by Pendergast4).
ously required several minutes to
complete under the best of circum-
stances. This allows the M109A6
to halt, fire and move off to a
different location thus avoiding the
threat of counter battery fire.
Ammunition stowage is
increased from 36 to 39 155 mm
rounds.
The M109 was exported to a
number of countries. These export
vehicles usually carried the letter
B after their designation, eg.
M109A1B. These vehicles were
slightly different to the versions
in service with the US Military.
Before the Islamic Revolution in Iran the US supplied the Iranian Army with several hundred M109A1s. During the Iran Iraq War, Iraq captured a number of these
The M109 was or is still being
M109A1 Howitzers and put them into service. These vehicles were destroyed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photo US DoD).
used by many countries including,
UK, Spain, Egypt, Israel, South
Korea, Iran, Germany, Holland and
Switzerland. The Swiss and the
South Koreans developed their
own versions.

M109 "KAWEST"
(PzHb 79/95, PzHb 88/95)
This version of the M109A1 was
produced for the Swiss Army by
Ruag. The vehicle had its original
155mm gun replaced by a new
Swiss-designed L47 155 mm gun
with an increased firing range of
up to 36 km. It was also fitted
with a new fire control system and
greater ammunition stowage, this
enables the vehicle to fire 3 round
bursts in 15 seconds or continuous
fire of over one round per minute.
Upgraded Swiss PzHb 79 and 88
(M109A1) are known as respectively
PzHb 79/95 and PzHb 88/95.
Spanish Army M109A5 155mm Self-propelled Howitzer comes
K55/K55A1 ashore at El Omayed, Egypt as US, Spanish and Egyptian
These vehicles are South Korean Forces conduct amphibious operations, during Exercise
variants of the M109. They were BRIGHT STAR 01/02.. (photo SRA D. MYLES CULLEN, USAF).
originally based on M109A2 with
additional local upgrades. They
are fitted with NBC protection,
automatic fire extinguishing sys-
tem, and a modified ammunition
stowage. The K55A1, is a complete
upgrade of the K55 which brings
the vehicle up to M109A6
Originally ammunition resupply
for the M109 was accomplished
using the M548 supply vehicle.
This wasnt a particularly success-
A U.S. Army Soldier from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 82nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st
ful system as the M548 was unar- Cavalry Division drives an M109-A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer to different checkpoints
moured and offered no protection during a top gun competition on Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 10, 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior
for the crew or ammunition. A US Army M109A6 Paladin (photo by Senior Airman Steve Czyz; USAF). Airman Steve Czyz) (Released).

August 2013 - Model Military International 39

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 Think Tank - M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer

A U.S. Army Soldier of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 82nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division does U.S. Army Pvt. from 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, uses a cal meter on
maintenance checks on the M109-A6 Howitzer during the top gun competition at Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 12, an M109 Paladin tank to calibrate targets before a live fire exercise at Guzlani Warrior Training Centre on
2007. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steve Czyz) (Released). Contingency Operating Site Marez, in Mosul, Iraq, May 28, 2011. U.S. Soldiers of 1st Cavalry Division are in
Iraq in Support of Operation New Dawn. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Aaron Herrera/Released).

Rear view of an M109A6 showing the interior of the hull doors (USAF photo by Tech Sgt John Houghton)(Released). A Swiss PzHb 79/95 during a Parade.

Another view of a Swiss PzHb B M992, M992A1, M992A2 FIELD ARTILLERY

79/95 preparing to fire.
AMMUNITION SUPPLY VEHICLE (FAASV)
This vehicle is built on the chassis
of the M109. The turret has been
replaced with a fixed superstruc-
ture enabling 93 rounds of 155mm
ammunition to be carried. It was
originally fitted with a hydrauli-
cally powered conveyor system
designed to allow the quick upload-
ing of rounds to the M109 howitzer.
This was recently removed as it
proved to be too slow and the two
horizontally opening doors were
changed to vertical opening so as
to provide protection to the crew
during resupply operations. The
M992 has been further upgraded
to be able to effectively work with
the M109A6 and is now designated
M992A2.
The M109 has been an effective
system since the 1960s, It has
been upgraded over the years and
was due to be replaced but with
the cancellation of the Crusader
program it will now remain the
principle self-propelled howitzer
for the US Military for the foresee-
able future. A rear

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 Republic of Korea Marines fire artillery from a K-55 self-propelled gun July 18 in Tonghyeon-ri, Republic of An Egyptian Soldier gives signals to his tanker while moving on shore after dismounting a U.S. Navy vessel
Korea during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 12-7. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Anne K. Henry). during the Amphibious Landing Exercise on the Mediterranean Sea, Sept 15. The exercise is one of six major
events conducted during the Central Command directed, Coalition Land Forces Component command/Third
U.S. Army run Bright Star exercise. (Photo US DoD)

A rear view of an Israeli M109A1

(Photo by Sgt. Ori Shifrin, IDF
Spokesperson's Unit).

An Israeli M109A1 conducting a live fire exercise.

(Photo by Sgt. Ori Shifrin, IDF Spokesperson's Unit).

An M108 that has been converted to resemble a Russian ZSU 23 4. The M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle. (photo US DoD).
(photo US Army).

A rear view of an M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle.

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 FEATURE ARTICLE Kinetic Model Kits 1:35 scale Self-Propelled Howitzer M109A2 Kit No. K61006

Kinetics dynamic box art.

SON OF A
Andrew Judson builds Kinetics 1:35 scale M109

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F A GUN!
A B

C D

ale M109A2 straight from the box.

A. The big main turret part.

B. The lower hull is moulded as a partial tub.
C. The main upper hull moulding.
D. The tyres are moulded separate from the
front wheel hubs - nice for painting!
CONSTRUCTION
The first part of the build deals
with the gun mantlet and the
turret. The mantlet is built up in
seven stages. These went together
fairly well, although some parts

K
needed a bit of manipulating to get
inetics 1:35 scale M109A2 together, or there were no locating
comprises approximately holes or lugs to put in correct
328 parts in caramel position, sometimes leaving you
coloured plastic. Bucking to guesstimate where to put them
the trend somewhat, Kinetic has unless you have good reference.
no multimedia parts or even vinyl Once built, you end up with quite a
in this kit. The focus seems to detailed gun mantlet, although only
be to keep the building process with external details and no breech
as simple and straightforward as or internal details.
possible while retaining a decent The next six stages covered
level of detail. building of the turret. This all
Kinetics plastic parts are went together very well, although
presented in a caramel colour and this is where I found some detail
are mainly free from moulding flaws. a little on the soft side. The rear
Some of the smaller parts have a baskets on the over scaled side
little flash to clean up though. too, although still acceptable for
The level of overall detail is good. an out of the box build. There were
There is no interior but hatches some parts again that didn't align
are supplied as separate parts. I correctly that went into place
am sure that it is only a matter with a little sanding. These were
of time until some enterprising mainly the side doors and the rear
resin manufacturer decides to baskets. I was not very happy with
fill this large space for all those the tools on the turrets top. They
superdetailers out there. were very basic, and if I was to A
The big 155mm barrel is split
into two horizontal halves, with
alternative muzzle brakes being
supplied as an additional two
parts each.
Link and length tracks are
supplied in black plastic - long
straight sections for each top and
bottom run; and individual links
and connectors for the front and Link and length tracks.
rear curved sections. The tracks
are generally good, but the track
pins are poorly represented on the
edges of the track connectors on
the long runs.
Markings are provided for three
vehicles - one each British and US
from Iraq in 1991, and a NATO-cam
US Army machine based in the
USA during 1987.
The small decal sheet is printed
by Cartograf. As you would
expect, registration and printing Markings are supplied for three vehicles.
are perfect. The decals are excellent.

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 FEATURE ARTICLE Kinetic Model Kits 1:35 scale Self-Propelled Howitzer M109A2 Kit No. K61006
B build another, would replace these
with aftermarket variants, as I
would also with the Commanders
.50 cal machine gun. Mine even
suffered with a big sink hole in its
side that required careful filling
with putty.
After the turret was built it was
time to add the mantlet, which
one would think should be easy
- just glue in place - but not so.
The gap to place the mantlet, was
approximately 1.5mm too narrow,
so out came a fine file and sanding
stick, then a bit at a time until I had
a snug fit. I then skipped a couple
of stages, and glued the barrel
together, which was in two halves,
followed by the flash suppressor,
sanded away the join marks and
glued this in place as well.
With the turret complete, it was
now time to start on the lower hull
and running gear. This consists of
ten stages in total.
I believe that the lower hull tub
was over engineered, with a total
of nine parts just for the basic
shape, leaving you to ensure that
everything is correctly lined up
and level or you will be faced with
further problems later on when you
put the top deck on to find it does
not fit. It would have saved time is
this could have been done as one
part. I will say though, that I had
no problems with fitment at this
stage, Phew!!
Now with the basic tub done,
it was time to start on the
suspension and running gear.
Assembly was trouble free but I
thought the detail in the wheels
was basic, and a little on the soft
side for my liking, considering
the three parts per wheel when
assembling.
I then began on the tracks.
These are provided as link and
The fit of the mantlet into the turret was tight
plastic had to be trimmed from the turret in
order for the sub-assembly to fit in.
44 Model Military International - August 2013
p 42-45 M109 088B.indd 44
length system, which look pretty
good when they are together. I
believe these tracks are available
The multi-part lower
as a separate item and would make
hull fits together well.
for a much better option than
the rubber-band type, if you are
building the Italeri kit and want to
enhance it a little. I was impressed
that the amount of links you are
asked to use in the instructions
was spot on, leaving a natural track
sag. Overall, the running gear was
for me the best part of the build.
Next I assembled the upper
deck. I found the level of detail
here okay. Next I glued this to the The turret is busy
lower tub, and lastly, constructed with boxes, racks and
hatches.
the rear stabilisation spades.
The building is now complete,
and its time to paint!
PAINTING AND MARKINGS
As I was building this kit out of
the box, I also decided to paint it
with one of the four choices. Three
of these are for Operation Desert
Storm, two US and one British; and
one US serving in the US in four
coloured leaf pattern, typical of the
1980s. Markings for all of these is
very basic.I decided to paint mine
in US Desert sand for a vehicle
A little filler was required at the upper hull rear corner. The figure was sourced from Verlinden.
serving with the 24th Inf Div 1991,
Operation Desert Storm.
I sprayed the entire vehicle in some very light dry brushing over bringing more life to this vehicle.
Tamiya acrylics, starting with a the washed areas to tone things Detail painting of the running
base coat of XF-59 Desert Yellow, down a little and also to further gear was next, starting with the
followed by a second coat of the enhance some more detail. wheels. First the tyres of the road
same mixed with a little XF-57 At this stage things were wheels were painted, and then
Buff to lighten it up a little and looking pretty good, but it just using True Earth products I applied
also bring out some of the detail wasn't quite there yet, so some a layer of Fading Agent No 1 to all
and shape. Once this was all dry, I more paint was mixed up using the centres, allowing them to dry.
then started to apply pin washes the two base colours, only this This was followed by a layer over
around hatches, tools, panel lines, time with less desert sand, making the top of Fading Agent No 2. When
bolts and rivets; and around the an even lighter colour. This was dry, this brings out all the wheels
wheels bringing out more detail sprayed in a light mottled pattern, details and also the effect of a layer
than I expected - very happy at starting from the centre of each of dust and grime from travelling
this stage. panel surface outwards, bringing across miles of desert terrain.
After the wash was dry I then did out further the shape and detail, With the wheels done, I then had
Assembly of the
suspension and running
gear was trouble free.
14/06/2013 11:10
 to paint the tracks, which was also
done by brush using a 50/50 mix
of XF-1 Flat Black and XF-64 Red
Brown as the base colour, followed
by Lifecolor UA703 Rust Light
Shadow, applied this to the end
track joiners, inside and out, and
then by a good layer of True Earth
Fading agent No.2.
Once dry, I then carefully lightly
dry-brushed the rubber track pads
in Lifecolor UA733 Tire Black and
UA731 Dirty Black, leaving some
of the dust effect from the fading
agent to give a nice worn effect.
I was quite happy with the end
result. Lastly, I applied Fading
Agent No.2 inside the running gear
to blend everything in together.
With all the base colours
complete, and washes applied, I
only had to pick out all the finer
details like the tools, weapon and
a figure, which I decided to add for
scale effect. The figure used was
one I had spare from an oldie but
goodie, Verlinden set, more about
him later.
Metallic colours were added
to the tools using XF-84 Dark
Iron and dry brushed with Citadel
Mithril Silver. Once dry, a very
light wash of Black was applied. All
timber handles were done using
Citadel Elf Flesh with a couple of
light coats of Greyphonne Sepia
over the top, leaving some now
acceptable looking tools. The .50
cal was also painted in the same
manner as the metallic parts on
the tools, but a light coat of True
Earth Fading Agent No.2 was
then applied over the top giving a
slightly dusty appearance without
going over the top. The
ammo can was painted in
Tamiya XF-62, then
dry brushed
with Citadel
A light mist of heavily diluted
Tamiya XF-57 Buff gave an
aged and dusty look.
Decals were coated with
Gunze Mr Mark Softer.
p 42-45 M109 088B.indd 45
Tyrant Skull, Heh heh, love those
names!
For a little more detail I also
added a couple of Legend covered
backpacks and a pack without
the cover. The two covered packs
were finished in the chocolate chip
pattern typical of that conflict. The
plain pack was painted Olive Drab
and given a dusty coat to mix in
with the rest of the vehicle.
Now with everything painted
it was now time to apply the
The figure was was painted up with a For a little more detail I also added a couple of Legend
markings, which consisted of the
mixture of Tamiya and Citadel paints in covered backpacks and a pack without the cover.
two side markings on the turret the Chocolate Chip Pattern.
and also the two on the guns fume
extractor. These were coated I was quite happy with the end nice starting point, though some
with Gunze Mr Mark Softer which result and got the desired finish I aftermarket would not go astray to
bonded them well to the paint was after. improve on it.
taking away any silvering, followed I will say the kit isn't the best I Since building this kit I am
by a light mist of heavily diluted have ever built, but it is still better aware that there is now a set from
Tamiya XF-57 Buff to give an than the Italeri offering. BlackDog to turn this into a vehicle
aged and dusty look. The vehicle This was a fun project, and if serving in Israel, and also a full kit
was pretty much done other than you want to build an M109 at a done by AFV Club which I have not
applying some Easy Mud Pacific good price then this would be a seen as of yet.
Beach around the lower hull and Happy Modelling to you all!
light sprayed with the same
diluted mix to blend in the decals.
Now the vehicle is finished.
FIGURE
The figure was sourced from
Verlinden. This was painted up with
a mixture of Tamiya and Citadel The tracks were fast and easy
paints in the Chocolate Chip to assemble, and represent a
Pattern. A series of washes was nice drape along the run.
applied to bring out the uniforms
detail and then a very, very light
coat of the diluted buff mix was
sprayed over the top. I wanted him
to appear on the dusty side, hence
the facemask to help him breath a
little easier and stop the stinging
blast of the hot dry sand and dust
common in Iraq.
CONCLUSION
With everything done and the
challenges overcome on the way,
Modelspec
Kinetic Model Kits 1:35 scale Self-Propelled
Howitzer M109A2 Kit No. K61006
Paints & Finishing Products
Badger Renegade Airbrush
Tamiya Paints; XF59 Desert Sand, XF57 Buff, XF85
Rubber Black, XF69 Nato Black, XF84 Dark Iron
Citadel Paints; Tyrant Skull, Badab Black, Devlan
Mud, Gryphonne Sepia
Lifecolor; UA703 Light rust Shadow, UA733 Tire
Black, UA731 Dirty Black
True Earth; Fading Agents 1&2,
Easy Mud; Pacific Beach
Gunze; Mr Mark Softer Decal Solution
Tamiya; Extra thin Glue
Improvement over Italeri kit; link and length
tracks; not overly complex
Poor fit of parts in areas; soft detail.
Available from
Thanks to Lucky Model for the sample
www.luckymodel.com
Rating
August 2013 - Model Military International 45
14/06/2013 11:10
 FEATURE ARTICLE Young Miniatures 1:10 scale British Tank Crew Item No. YM 1835

HAVE PIXIE SUIT,

WILL TRAVEL!
Matt Wellhouser describes
the painting and shading of
Young Miniatures big 1:10
scale British Tanker.

46 Model Military International - August 2013

p 46-49 BritishTanker 088B.indd 46 14/06/2013 11:10

 T
he moment I saw this kit
released, I knew that it
was on destined for the
workbench. It smacks of
character and a subject not usually
found in large scale busts.
This is Young Miniatures 1:10
scale depiction of a British tanker
in the WWII Pixie Suit, sometimes
called boiler suit, denim
overalls or even zoot suit. The
figure is sculpted wearing the
heavy insulated suit. From what I
understand, the suit was created
to protect the crewman from
burns and the like. In the more arid
climates the crews wore light shirts
and shorts. That must have been
a fun time in the tank when hot
shell casings were flying around!
The pose of this guy just has you
envisioning this chap hanging out
of the hatch on a Sherman Firefly.
A little research on the web and
in the library identifies the suit, and
opens up some wonderful colour
options - mostly tan and a variation
of tan or khaki. Since the suits are
usually worn over uniforms and the
nature of the armoured fighting
The eyes are the first area of attention. The basic eyeballs are painted off- I mixed a couple shades of blue to add some dimension to the eyeball.
white, while the edges receive a coat of Burnt Cadmium Red and Old Rose. Flat Black was used to place the pupils.
I like to start with deep shadows, then work my way to the highlights.
At a point about 80% complete, I add the hair colour.
p 46-49 BritishTanker 088B.indd 47
environment, they would get dirty
quite easily, so dont be bashful
about adding grime and dirt. Being
a simple kit of only six pieces, it
goes together very quickly too.
The collar, beret, torso and head
are the major parts. I usually leave
the head off until final assembly.
As with all of Youngs kits, clean-
up is minimal and fast. A couple of
light primer coats and the model is
ready for paint.
Onto the Painting
I started with the face - painting
The head has been mounted on metal The primed main body casting, also on a temporary painting
the eyes. I like to lay in the eyes
rod and a small block to make handling mount.
first, then work on the flesh tones. easier during painting.
The basic eyeball is painted with
a mix of Off White, Basic Skintone paint the pupils looking to the side, Series 7 sable. Brush size does
and a touch of Brown Sand (all not straight ahead. Believe me, this matter! You need a brush that will
colours are Vallejo Model Color makes alignment so much easier. hold paint, and at the same time
unless noted). Dont make the Once the black is dry, move on have a nice tip to keep you from
eyes too white - that would scare to the colour of the pupils. Blue, cursing out loud. The brushes are
everyone at the model shows! blue grey, and grey green are the expensive but they are well worth it.
Once I was happy with the tone, I easiest to paint. They also show For the eye colour, I mix a
use some Burnt Cadmium Red and the detail of the eye better on large couple shades of blue to add some
Old Rose to add a little colour on scale figures. Most of my army is dimension to the eyeball. Think
the edges of the pupils then Flat blue eyed. With figure this size, about it as if you are painting a
Black is used to place the pupils. usually the eyes are easy to paint. sphere - shadows and highlights.
Remember - go easy on yourself - I use a # 00 Windsor Newton Once the coloured part of the A
The flesh mix base colour, shadows and highlights are all mixed
using Vallejo acrylics.
On this figure, the hair was painted using Flat Black, then various I use a mix of Burnt Umber and Black for a 5 oclock shadow. This mix
browns for highlights - Chocolate Brown, Burnt Umber, and then is 90% water and 10% paint - very thin.
Brown Earth as a highlight.
August 2013 - Model Military International 47
14/06/2013 11:10
 FEATURE ARTICLE
48 Model Military International - August 2013
p 46-49 BritishTanker 088B.indd 48
Young Miniatures 1:10 scale British Tank Crew Item No. YM 1835
B cornea is done, paint in some
pupils. Dont go too big - this guy
is not a drug addict. I use some
reference drawings of eyeballs
I downloaded from the Internet
to guide me. Finally, I coat the
eyeball with a few coats of Future
Floor Polish, although you could
use any acrylic clear gloss if you
prefer. I just happen to have a
The torso was gallon of the stuff.
undercoated in the
folds with Flat Black
sprayed from my Face Up
airbrush. Now it is on to the facial colour. I
tend to use the same mix on most
of my figures - it works well for me.
I do add some other colours as I go
depending on the subject, but they
are added in small quantities.
Here is the basic flesh mix
(all Vallejo Model Color):
Flesh Mix Table
Base: Brown Sand
Shadow: Brown Sand + Burnt Cadmium Red
Real Deep Shadow: Add Black Red
Highlight: Base Color + Sunny Skintone
High Highlight: Highlight + Basic Skintone
A mix of Tamiya Khaki
Drab and Khaki was Other Colours: Add Burnt Umber to deepen
shadow mix.
used for the base
Pixie Suit colour. Add Violet Red and more Burnt
Cadmium Red to give more colour
in the cheeks and sunburn nose
The collar of the uniform is
some type of darker canvas.
I used Vallejo Panzer Aces
Canvas for that area.
I added Sunny
Skintone for
highlights and
Camouflage Black
Brown for shadows.
The beret was painted
with Flat Black and
Sunny Skintone for
the highlights
The colour mixes are kept very
thin, about 50/50 water and
paint to start, then as you get to
blending areas the mix is closer to
80% water and 20% paint.
It is important to be mindful of
the amount of paint on the brush.
I use a scrap piece of paper to
unload or draw some paint off
the brush before it hits the model.
Practice with your mix and the
amount of paint- its easier than
me trying to tell you how to do it.
I like to start with deep
shadows, then work my way to the
highlights. At a point about 80%
complete, I add the hair colour.
I like to at least lay in the base
colour so I have some contrast
on the flesh tone. On this figure,
the hair was painted using Flat
Black, then various browns for
highlights - Chocolate Brown, Burnt
Umber, and then Brown Earth as a
highlight. Be careful not to add too
stark a highlight otherwise youll
have a punk rocker before you
know it.
I use a mix of Burnt Umber and
Black for a 5 oclock shadow. This
mix is 90% water and 10% paint
- very thin. If you are hesitant to
paint black over your beautifully
painted face, make the mix weaker
than you need. It is always easier
to add paint than to take it away.
14/06/2013 11:11
 The beret was painted with Flat
Black and Sunny Skintone for the
highlights - pretty straightforward
here. The headband part of the
beret was coated with a semi-
gloss clear to look like leather. The
badge was painted with Citadel
Boltgun Metal. The nice thing about
Citadel metallics is that you can
This figure would
be an excellent
first large-scale
painting project.
p 46-49 BritishTanker 088B.indd 49
add in any colour Vallejo paint to
tone the colour down. In this case, I
added black and some brown to the
mix. Then when the badge was dry,
I very carefully hit the highlights
with straight Boltgun Metal.
The torso was undercoated in
the folds with Flat Black sprayed
from my airbrush. Then a mix of
Tamiya Khaki Drab and Khaki was
used for the base colour. Once
dry I started work with Vallejo
Acrylics using a combination of
German Camouflage Beige and
Khaki for the basic colours. I added
Sunny Skintone for highlights
and Camouflage Black Brown for
shadows. The collar of the uniform
August 2013 - Model Military International 49
is some type of darker canvas. I
used Vallejo Panzer Aces Canvas
for that area. The inner section
of the suit - which may be the
tankers uniform - was painted with
English Uniform (fitting, eh?). The
best highlight for that colour is
Sunny Skintone. The sweater was
painted with Russian Green mixed
with Olive Grey. The shadows of
the ribs were painted in with the
same colour and black added. The
highlights were the base colour and
- you guessed it - Sunny Skintone.
When researching this uniform,
I found several pictures of British
Tankers. It seems the pixie suit
became real dirty in service. I
doubt these chaps had time to
stop at the local laundry and
have them cleaned and pressed.
I used Andreas Inks to add some
grime and dirt to the front of the
suit. The inks come in a variety
of colours and are water based.
There are very strong pigment,
so be careful when you use them.
They work exceptionally well for
deepening shadows and other
effects. I used he black and brown
inks. I just dabbed them on with
a brush, diluted with about 50%
water. I worked them in the chest
area. I was really pleased with the
effect. They are also quite useful
for accentuating gunstocks and
similar items.
After some touch-ups here and
there, the figure was done. It was
mounted on a nice walnut base.
I used the kit-supplied plinth. I
drilled it through the centre and
added a brass rod for security.
Conclusion
This is a killer kit to cut your teeth
on large-scale figures. With 6 parts
and really only four for the bust
itself - its an easy one to build and
paint. Plus, its a fantastic subject.
Enjoy! n
Modelspec
Young Miniatures 1:10 scale British Tank Crew
Item No. YM 1835
Brush Used:
# 00 Windsor Newton Series 7 sable brush
Paints Used:
Tamiya Grey Aerosol Primer
Tamiya acrylic XF-1 Flat Black; XF-49 Khaki;
XF-51 Khaki Drab
Citadel Boltgun Metal
Vallejo Model Colour (Various see body text
for more details)
3 Fantastic sculpting; high quality moulding;
straightforward clean-up.
7 Nothing worth mentioning.
Available from
Young Miniatures products may be seen on their
website www.young-miniatures.com
Rating
14/06/2013 11:11
 BUILD PREVIEW Miniart 1:35 GAZ-AA Cargo Truck Kit No. 35124

IN FROM THE COLD

STALINS LICENCE-PRODUCED FORD
Graham Tetley stays in from the cold with MiniArts 1:35 scale GAZ-AA truck.

I
f you like trucks, then this goes together shall we? recommend that you add all of the sprue in one piece is a chore
latest kit from MiniArt will Construction starts with the required detail onto the two chassis (especially when you are sneezing
keep you busy for a few of engine which has a high level rails and then add the crossbeams. & wheezing), and cleaning them
those long winters nights. of detail throughout, just add To be fair the fit of the crossbeams up without breaking them is even
Or, in my case, over Christmas plumbing for realism. I would is very good and my chassis came worse. Whilst the finished article is
when the Cold From Hell had me advise that you leave part A12 out all square without too much a thing of beauty, sometimes the
housebound. separate at this stage and leave it care being needed. simplicity of how Tamiya do things
First impressions are very until Step 32 where you can clearly Now is the stage to crack open is most welcome. The tyres are
good. This is typical MiniArt in see where it goes. your favourite tipple. You will need made from seven pieces that, when
its standard of mould quality, it. Steps 12 to 18 see you assemble assembled, replicate the tread
instructions and presentation. The THE CHASSIS OF PAIN & PLEASURE the fiddliest parts in the Universe. pattern perfectly. Very Nice!
box comtains 16 sprues in total, Turning to the chassis, this is made Miniart has replicated all of the Is it over yet?
four for road wheels, then one of lots of separate pieces so please gear linkages in perfect detail, but With the hardest part of
with two German figures on it, one take care and test fits lots before these parts are connected to the assembly now over we add the
etched metal fret, one clear sprue applying glue. A lot of the parts are sprues by multiple attachment fenders and running boards to the
and the rest are devoted to the tiny so beware tweezer launch. I points. Getting them off the chassis. I would recommend that
vehicle and cargo bed.
A set of decals gives you
markings for seven trucks, all in
a variety of paint schemes, with
three German and four Russian
vehicles represented. There is
a tiny amount of flash on some
parts but nothing that cannot be
easily cleaned up. The instruction
booklet has 48 steps with clear,
uncluttered, drawings and I should
add that half of these relate to the
construction of the chassis.
Kits are made to be built, and
this one looked too good to just
leave in the box, so lets see how it
The completed underside with all those painful linkages.
50 Model Military International - August 2013

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 you fit the cab floor part DA16 to
these running boards before they
are permanently affixed to the
chassis as will need a little wiggle
room to get a good fit.
We next move on to the cab
front and windscreen. There are
some insanely small parts that
make up the windscreen fittings
and I ended up leaving them off.
The fit of the main parts though is
very good. With the cab in place The completed engine assembly.
our attention moves to the bonnet
and doors, where more unfeasibly
small parts are added to represent
hinge locks and handles. The rail
that mounts the horn & headlights
fixes to the fenders and I found
that the leads to the lights were
best attached when the headlights
themselves were firmly attached
to the rail. Some Christmas Cheer
with make assembly go smoother!

IS IT NEW YEAR YET? About 3 hours work here... The nice engine compartment.
The cargo bed is a very simple
last stage of construction and
just the thing when your cold is
feeling better. A few etched parts
are added, but in the main this is
a plastic affair that fits perfectly
and simply slots onto the mounting
points on the chassis.
Last on the agenda is the figures
and whilst the detail is good the
fit of the leg halves to the torso is
far from perfect. The driver figure
does not fit too well into the cab
his feet dont match to the pedals
for a start - so I will be leaving
mine out.
So, thats it. This is not a The basic cab. The windscreen needs a clean. The spare wheel. Radiator detail.
beginners kit due to the finesse of
some parts and tricky assembly,
but the overall fit is superb and
the level of detail is the best. Be
careful with the chassis and plan
ahead, and try not to build it when
you are full of cold. Other than
that, this is a lovely kit that not
only challenged my assembly skills
but looked good at the end of it.
Highly recommended.
The fan assembly. The rear light and tyre tread detail. The rear light and tyre tread detail.
Thanks to Creative Models
Ltd for the review sample
www.creativemodels.co.uk

The detailed underside. That rear transmission is all its glory. Headlight mount and cabling.

Tyre tread detail. Spot the windscreen wiper. The completed model, sans doors.

One of the figures. August 2013 - Model Military International 51

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 Figures - A round-up of the latest figure sets on release...

TAMIYA DRAGON
1:35 SCALE 1:35 SCALE
U.S. MODERN HERMAN GOERING DIVISION.
INFANTRY (IRAQ WAR) KIT NO. 6036
ITEM NO. 32406 CROSS OF IRON. KIT NO. 6006
Tamiya has a new set of These two sets of figures arrived for
1:35 scale U.S. Modern review recently, 6036 Herman Goering
Infantry to join its growing Division (Tunisia 1943) and 6006 Cross
figure collection. of Iron (Eastern Front 1944). They are
In common with some of both re-issues dating back to the 1990s
their other recent figure and although moulding standards were
releases, the sprues were good for the time, theyre not a patch
originally released by Master on what Dragon achieves these days.
Box, in this case in two sets. There is some flash and mould seams
Whereas some may have present on parts plus there are irregular
doubts about the reboxing flow lines on the figures that will be
of Italeri military and aircraft tricky to fill in.
kits under the Tamiya label, Detail is not as sharp as current
there should be no unease standards such as the undercuts of
based on the source I n this collars, folds in the cloth and uniform
instance. In my opinion, details and personal equipment is
MasterBoxs figures are at confined to whatever is on the sprue
least the equal of Tamiyas plus a small selection of weapons. These
home-grown product. items have since been superseded by
Tamiyas new boxing contains eight figures four Dragons Gen 2 items and
U.S. Army and four U.S. Marines. The Marines are moulded Im surprised that these were
in semi-action poses, while the Army are looking a bit more not included in the reissue
relaxed ideal for sentry or checkpoint duty. of the two sets as all current
More than 150 parts are packed onto the two Khaki coloured boxes of figures have them.
sprues. Heads, torsos, legs, arms and in some cases hands are The Cross of Iron figures
supplied as separate parts. Helmets are hollow and sit over the all feature the later M1943
bald heads. There are plenty of packs, weapons and goggles pattern field grey uniform
for all the figures. that deleted the pleats on
Moulding the tunic pockets. Two of
quality is the figures have the familiar
excellent and marching boots with the other two
detail is sharp wearing shorter boots with gaiters
on all the around the ankles. Weapons included
figures. Each with this set are two PPsH machine
is completely guns, an MP40 and MP44.
unique. The Herman Goering figures, although
The intricate primarily an airborne unit, are depicted
Army and wearing army uniform and includes
Marines digital three figures with reversible camouflage
camouflage smocks and one in the tropical version
patterns are of the M42 tunic.
illustrated in All feature the tan trousers with large
the instructions patch pocket on the left leg. Weapons
with colour include the MP40 machine gun, MG42
callouts from and Kar 98 rifle.
Tamiyas paint Although the recommended retail
ranges, but price for the two sets is lower than the
youre on your current crop of figures from Dragon, I
own when would have liked to have seen at the
painting them! very least the newer Gen 2 personal
A sharp eye equipment and weapons included.
and steady Getting away from the negatives, these
hand will be figures can still be useful with some
helpful for work and possibly replacement heads
both. The plus if you collect Dragon figures you
instructions are will have a surplus of weapons and
printed in black equipment in the spares box anyway.
and white, but In conclusion they are not THAT bad
the uniforms, for nearly twenty-year-old mouldings,
plus close up detail of the patterns and equipment, are also and at the low price would make an
illustrated on the sides of the box. ideal introduction to beginners at figure
As a bonus, Tamiya has supplied a sheet of MRE cartons modelling, but still there are better
printed onto brown paper. These may be cut out and glued figures out there by Dragon.
together as an accessory for your figures. Recommended.
Tamiyas new 1:35 scale U.S. Modern Infantry set is a welcome Thanks to the Hobby Company for the
bundling of two excellent figure sets, and will be an instant review samples www.hobbyco.net
grab-bag for anyone planning a modern Iraq or Afghanistan Andy King
diorama or vignette.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to the Hobby Company for the review samples
www.hobbyco.net
Brett Green

52 Model Military International - August 2013

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 Diary Dates
July 20-21
FIGURE WORLD
20th July 2013 SHOW
21st July 2013 PAINTATHON
The Great Hall, Oundle School,
Oundle, PE8 4GH
Doors open 9:30-4:00
Entry 3.00
If you are interested in figure modelling you
will love Figure World
Here is what a prospective visitor to Figure
World will experience:
A warm welcome
An opportunity to talk figure modelling to
others with similar interests
Displays of figures covering all areas of the hobby put on by clubs and individuals.
(Yes bring your work there will be space to display it. All welcome: from first-timers
to gold medal winners)
Demonstrations on figure painting, by top modelers who will be happy to share their
experience and skills
An opportunity to relieve yourself of some cash from the UKs top figure and
accessory manufacturers and retailers
The core to the success of Figure
World 2012 was the large area where
members of major modelling clubs and
the public, displayed hundreds of their
model figures. Here visitors can spend
time in a relaxed atmosphere, studying
the work of figure painters and sculptors
from around the UK; picking up ideas and
inspiration while looking at the different
ways each exhibitor interprets their
subject.
For those staying all day there are light
refreshments available in the venue and
for something more substantial there are
a good range of eateries in the town of
Oundle, only a few minutes walk from
the venue.
Following on from the show on the 21st
is THE PAINTATHON. On Sunday the
Great Hall will be open to anyone who
wants to bring their paints, putty and
current projects along and have a space
to work alongside fellow modellers. This
opportunity to share ideas and work
together with fellow enthusiasts is free
to all figure modellers: just turn up and
you will be very welcome.
For more information:
www.tbfigureworld.co.uk
p 53 DiaryDates 088B.indd 53
To have your event included on this page, send your details to:
Diary Dates, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,
Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Tel:01525 222573Fax:01525 222574Email:editor@modelmilitary.com
August 11
Avon IPMS Model and Wargaming
Show
Date: Sunday 11 August, 2013
Time: 09:30 to 16:30
Venue: Thornbury Leisure Centre,
Alveston Hill, Thornbury, South
Gloucestershire, BS35 3JB
Price: Adults; 4.50, Children under
16; 2.00
Free parking.
Features: Club displays, Trade
stands, Open competition, Tombola.
September 7
The Cornwall Scale Modellers Show
St Johns Hall, Alverton Street,
Penzance, Cornwall. TR18 2QR
Traders, Club Stands, Competition,
Refreshments.
Time 10:00 to 16:30.
Entry 1.50. Children under 15 free
with adult.
E-mail
info@cornishscalemodellers.co.uk
October 5
North Surrey Military Modellers
Group Annual Show
Thomas Wall Centre, 52 Benhill
Avenue, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4DP
September 14-15
JERSEYFEST MODEL KIT AND STATUE
FAIR USA
The "Jersyefest Model Kit & Statue Fair"
is the premier show of its kind on the
East Coast and attracts many hobbyists
and collectors from all over the nation
and abroad.
The vendor show is Saturday, Sept.
14th and Sunday the 15th, 2013 at the
beautiful Crowne Plaza Fairfield Hotel in
New Jersey, which is not far from Newark
Airport and Manhattan. It features resin
and plastic model kits, statues, replicas,
collectibles, art, supplies, seminars
and demos, a big model contest, special
exhibits, etc.
It will include figure and vehicle kits
and collectibles of all kinds including
monsters, spaceships, females
superheros/villains, etc. celebrating
movies, TV, comic books, and fiction in
general.
The show has many top vendors,
producers and artists as well as various
educational programs on kit painting and
building.
Movie special effects artists will be there
to share secrets about how they created
models and effects for films.
Over 14,000 square feet of beautiful
hotel event space in several rooms with
over 100 vendor tables.
See the latest list of vendors and artists
here
http://jerseyfestfair.com/?page_id=343,
which is continually expanding.
August 2013 - Model Military International 53
14/06/2013 11:12
 Incoming
VALLEJO
MODEL WASH
35ML BOTTLES
Vallejo has expanded its finishing range with six new acrylic washes. These are:
76.519 Olive Green. This is intended for adding shading around rivets and
other structural detail of vehicles that are painted in a faded green.
76.520 Dark Khaki Green. This is for producing shadow tones on Khaki and
other light camouflaged vehicles.
76.521 Oiled Earth. This will reproduce the effects of accumulated dirt
when oil, grease and fuel combine with caked dust.
76.522 Desert Dust. This is intended to reproduce the natural accumulation
of dust and sand on pale coloured vehicles, especially desert-based units.
76.523 European Dust, representing the most common dust found on
vehicles based in Europe and in urban environments.
76.524 Blue Grey. This is a wash for Panzer Grey and similarly coloured
vehicles.
The washes are presented in 35 ml plastic squeeze bottles with flip-top caps
no lids going missing or falling on the floor with these! Being acrylic, you will
be able to thin these with water.
These are interesting new products in the very busy area of finishing and
weathering products. I will try a few of these out on a future project and let
you know how I go.
Recommended.
Thanks to Vallejo for the samples.
Available online from Creative Models Limited www.creativemodels.co.uk
Brett Green

UMM-USA
ROLLMADE II. UNIVERSAL ROLLER ITEM NO. MN028
RIVET MASTER BEADING TOOLS ITEM NO. BT902
MAXI PUNCH AND DIE SET PT.11 ITEM NO. MN 030
A modeller can get by with a basic suite of tools sprue cutter, knives, sanding
sticks etc. if he or she is focussing on building kits straight from the box.
However, if you have ambitions to do a spot of scratch building or super
detailing, then an entirely different category of tools will be very helpful.
UMM-USA has recently released several craft tools that will be useful for
working with multimedia materials such as photo-etch and plastic sheet,
updating kit parts and building repeatable shapes from scratch.
The first is the Rollmade II, Universal Roller. This tool is designed to allow the
rolling of photo-etched parts. The diameters of the six rolling hollows are 5.5,
6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0 mm. A set of smaller diameter rolling die are also
available from UMM-USA.
Ideally, for rolling photo-etched parts, the metal should be annealed. This
involved holding the part over a naked flame for a few seconds until the
photo-etched part discolours, then allowing it to cool.
The metal will now be softer and easier to roll without kinking.
The metal should be placed over the desired hollow and pressed in place with
a piece of fine dowel, metal tube or perhaps the handle of a thin paintbrush.
Next is the UMM Rivet Master. This is a set of 24 Swiss-made beading tool set
in a convenient plastic storage box.
Set offers beading tools in the sizes #00 - #22, a wooden wood handle and a
base for the 24 punches.
This beading shafts are made from hardened tool steel. Simply select which
size beading head you want to use, insert it into the handle, then press down
firmly on the model material to obtain a sharp recessed circle.
The beading tools may be used to represent rivets, small screws, circles and
holes and may be used on plastic, resin, wood, paper / cardboard and photo-
etched metal.
The third UMM-USA tool under review is the Maxi Punch and Die Set Pt.11.
This set contains hardened tool steel punches and a round aluminium die
block. The punch diameters are 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5
and 6.0 mm.
The punches are capable of dealing with sheet and strip plastic up to .080
thick. They are useful for paper and cardboard too.
This Maxi set produce discs used for rivets, hatches, and buttons for figures,
etc. I have also found these punches very handy for making small circle masks. I
simply apply a strip of masking tape to thin plastic or cardboard, punch out the
number of circles I need then peel off the tape to apply as a mask on my model.
The uses of this tool really are only limited by your imagination.
These three tools will be ideal companions for the super detailer and the
scratch builder.
All Highly Recommended.
Available online from UMM-USA www.umm-usa.com
Brett Green

54 Model Military International - August 2013

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 Incoming
Book Reviews

TANK ART 2
WWII ALLIED ARMOR
BY MICHAEL RINALDI ISBN: 978-0-9883363-2-2 RINALDI STUDIO PRESS
Michael Rinaldi is a world-class armour modeller whose work will be familiar
through his extensive portfolio appearing in magazines and on the Internet.
A few months ago, Mike released the debut publication from his Rinaldi Studio
Press imprint, Tank Art 1 WWII German Armor. Mike has now followed up
with the logical extension Tank Art 2 WWII Allied Armor.
The sub-title to this book debut is A Guide to Painting and Weathering WWII
Allied Armour. The book succeeds superbly in its stated aim as a step-by-step
painting and weathering guide for modellers.
The hefty volume is presented in a squarish format and is printed on 208
pages of glossy, high-grade paper between its soft covers.
The contents are broken down logically, commencing with Products and
Materials before moving on to three Chapters discussing specific techniques -
Weathering Principles; the increasingly important Hairspray Technique (with an
emphasis on distressed whitewash) and Oil Paint Rendering.
The bulk of the book is dedicated to five master class examples of painting and
weathering. Mike uses these five models as the blank canvas to demonstrate
his wide range of techniques. The five models are a Churchill Mk.III in weath-
ered Russian whitewash, an M26 Pershing, a Char B1bis (Marseille), a Sherman
Firefly Mk.Vc and a KV-1s Ehkranami.
The finishes demonstrated are:
Distressed winter whitewash
Overall Olive Drab
Hard-edged camouflage schemes
Heavy mud and weathering
The finishes are described using three parallel narratives. If you are a visual
learner, the photographs will provide a comprehensive guide to the tech-
niques on their own. However, each photo is accompanied by detailed and
useful captions that describe the technique in more detail, along with insights
into their application by the Author. The body text is very readable and adds
another layer of detail to the descriptions.
Each model Chapter is rounded out with a two-page Quick Reference guide
summarising every step of painting and weathering for the specific subject.
The photography is the other highlight of the book, beautifully compliment-
ing the outstanding quality of the finishes. All the subjects are evenly lit and
brightly presented against a crisp white background. The photos are large -
the two page spreads are particularly impressive - and outline the techniques
in the most useful sequence.
The overall layout is bright, attractive and consistent too.
The last Chapter is a Gallery and some points on sculpting figure models. This
Chapter has been prepared by Radek Pituch.
Tank Art 2 WWII Allied Armor is a fantastic guide to painting and weathering
the Rinaldi way. The techniques are extensive, the subjects widely varied, the
photography and presentation first rate and the text ably supports the images.
If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to obtaining high quality Soviet,
British Commonwealth or US WWII painting and weathering finishes, this
really is the ideal one-stop manual.
Available online from Rinaldi Studio Press www.rinaldistudiopress.com

August 2013 - Model Military International 55

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 1:48 Scale A round-up of the latest news and releases
THE MANUFACTURERS LAMENT
Damned if you do and damned if you dont
seems an appropriate maxim for any manufacturer
in the hobby market today. Being a manufacturer
of anything model-related leaves one open to all
sorts of criticism.
I remember back in the day, any new kit was
welcomed with open arms. Kits were cheap
but, brother, they were often nasty. Detail was
something not included so you generally added
it yourself. Tracks were easy to assemble but had
as much detail as a rubber band. Construction
sequences were few and far between (probably, as
there were so few parts) and instructions well, they
were generally pretty basic affairs. Accuracy well,
that sometimes seemed to be guess work on the
part of the kit designer and die cutter. Yes indeed,
we had it good back then.
I am sometimes amazed at comments that I see
on the various Forums complaining about how
kits have risen in price. Some protest that it is an
absolute outrage and the hobby is doomed.
I just shake my head in wonder.
TORO MODELS
1:48 SCALE
POLISH INFANTRYMAN
WITH UR AT RIFLE
ITEM NO. 48F27
This new addition to
from Toro Models is
a companion to the
figure we reviewed last
issue. The same basic
comments apply but
the figure consists of 8
very well cast pieces.
What sets this figure
apart is the inclusion
of reference material. Included is a small colour leaflet
with five photos of the uniform depicted and worn by
a re-enactor. On the reverse side is a history and colour
guide of the AT Gun. An outline of the shoulder bars
used to differentiate enlisted men from officers is also
included. On top of this is a small waterslide decal sheet
for the shoulder boards. The figure does not disappoint
with the sculpting and pose rendered to a very high
standard. The all-important facial detail is superb and I
particularly like the way the hand is cast onto the very
finely rendered AT gun. This is without a doubt a top
drawer release.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Toro Models for the sample
www.toro-model.com.pl
Luke Pitt
56 Model Military International - August 2013
p 56-57 48Scale 088B.indd 56
Even so, some of the same people seem willing to
gladly build the kit out of the box and place it on a
competition table!
It seems that everything is open to complaints
these days. One company that will remain
nameless has drawn criticism by offering products
apparently repackaged from a commercially
available product. What some consumers dont
seem to realise is that, yes, the product is available,
but it is more convenient for modellers to buy it in
the bottles the aftermarket guys are putting it in.
The really funny thing is, Ive just spent the last
five minutes of your time complaining about
It seems a strange double standard that some will complainers, which is fairly ironic in itself.
gladly pay a couple of hundred bucks for a round In my opinion, we modellers have never had it so
of golf and fill up their SUV for another couple of good, so spare a thought for the manufacturers
hundred. But paying over fifty bucks for a kit with a out there. Its not all beer and skittles (whatever
zillion and one pieces is just highway robbery! that means) and it is impossible to please everyone
Then, there is the Goldilocks crowd. Too many all of the time.
parts, too many small parts, not enough parts
or not accurate enough due to a small fatal flaw
on the right side of the bottom half of whatever.
Until next time Luke Pitt
TORO-MODELS
1:48 SCALE
CAPTURED AND NON-STANDARD VEHICLES IN POLISH SERVICE
ITEM NO. 48D15
This new decal sheet from Toro Models consists of eight
different marking choices on seven different vehicles. The
vehicles covered are the German schimmwagon (in two colour
schemes) Sdkf2 250/10 (in green), Kubelwagen (in sand),
Panther (in camouflage) and
a Panzer IV (in green). Non
German vehicles covered are
the Greyhound (in green)
and the Autoblinda AB41 (in
sand). All in all, this is a very
worthwhile decal sheet with
my only criticism being the
lack of colour call outs.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Toro Models for
the sample www.toro-model.com.pl
Luke Pitt
ADM MODELS
1:48 SCALE
EUROPEAN DOUBLE SPAN BRIDGE RUIN
ADM Models is a small outfit hailing from the UK. This is the first opportunity I have had to
review their product and I must say Im impressed. The kit represents a destroyed double
span brick bridge that is littered around every part of the European contentment. The ten
hand cast parts include some wonderful detail. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into
this kit and with a bit of work it will be a wonderful addition to any diorama. I particularly
like the road section with its distinctive and weathered cobblestones.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to ADM Models for the sample www.admmodels.co.uk
Luke Pitt
14/06/2013 11:14
 Luke Pitt hosts MMIs examination of the growing world
of 1:48 scale military models, figures and accessories.

PLUS MODELS
1:48 SCALE
CONCRETE BARRIER BLOCKS
ITEM 4042 LONG
ITEM 4043 SHORT
Concrete road barriers are
a very common sight today
so these two sets are very welcome additions. The so called long set
consists of four 8cm long barriers, two of which are of the sloping end
barriers and two are of the oblong variety. The casting is very well done
with no imperfection in evidence. The short set is basically the same
but instead of two long oblong barriers this set includes four short
barriers of 4cm in length and two 8 cm sloping end barriers. These two
sets are an almost a must for any modern diorama.
Recommended.
Thanks to Plus Models for the review sample www.plusmodel.cz
Luke Pitt

ROYAL MODELS
1:48 SCALE NEWS
PHOTO-ETCHED UPDATES
Royal Models has quite a large array of 1:48 scale updates that
seem to have fallen through the cracks over the years. When
Royal forwarded these to our offices I was quite surprised at the
complete nature of the product. Over the next couple of months
we will review a couple of sets a month and I believe you will be
surprised just how good that these are.
The first two sets are:
M4 Sherman (early production) update Item 475
T-34 /76 (model 1941) update Item 474
Both of these sets at first glance seem quite complex. Lets look
at the Sherman update first. This update includes four photoetch
frets and a small bag of resin parts that include the periscopes and
various nick knacks that would be impossible to replicate in brass. EARLY PUMA WHEELS
The four photo-etched frets include 143 pieces and basically cover One of the reasons I like 1:48 scale so much is its
everything you would ever need to update the exterior of any connection at grass roots level with modellers all over
early Sherman. The parts are wonderfully detailed and include a the world. One of these modellers is a gentleman
lot of detail that others have missed. This is a real super detailers by the name of Charles Kelley. He has contacted this
delight. The set also includes a brass road wheel mask (which is a column with exiting news. He has taken the bold
nice touch). step of commissioning a set of wheels suitable for the
The next set is for the 1941/76 model of the T-34 and late model Puma. I asked him about this development
again includes four photo-etched frets with around 80 and he has come back with the following reply:
parts. All of the grille work is supplied and the mesh is The idea came from the lack of suitable tyres for
notably fine and in scale. Two tool boxes are included a Normandy-era Puma. The current Italeri/Tamiya
and all the little U shaped tie downs Twelve ice spuds Puma features a tread pattern more commonly seen
and leather straps are also included, all in beautifully with very late 234s. Since there were no available
rendered photo-etch. Both sets include easy to read and tyres with this earlier tread pattern I commissioned
comprehensive instructions. As with the Sherman set a Mr. Michael Kalbfleisch to draw up a CAD design
road wheel mask is also included. for me. The subsequent CAD design was realised
You have to hand it to Royal Models. Both of these sets through 3D prototyping and now I am in the stages
are very effective. If youre in the market for an update for of finishing the master. The tyres will be available
either of these vehicles I dont think you could really go commercially in resin under my new brand: 148tanks
past these. (www.148tanks.com, website under construction).
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Royal Models for the review samples
www.royalmodel.com
Luke Pitt

ARCHER FINE TRANSFERS

1:48 SCALE
US HELMET MARKINGS FG48055
GERMAN NATIONAL FLAGS ITEM AR49001
These two releases have been available from Archer
for quite some time.
The first set is a collection of US helmet markings
consisting of various forms of Red Cross emblems
and a selection on MP and USN markings. All are up
to the very high standards set by this manufacturer.
The second set is a group of four air recognition
NEW VICKERS LIGHT TANK FROM
flags used by the Germans during the Second World KEN SWENSON
War, applied to either foil or some other backing Here is a photo of the 1:48 scale Vickers Light Tank
medium these would look fantastic on a model. from Ken Swenson, shipping now. You will be able
Highly Recommended. to make two versions, European, and Middle East.
Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for the samples The cost will be USD$40.00 and will be available by
www.archertransfers.com emailing Ken on alliedken@roadrunner.com
Luke Pitt
August 2013 - Model Military International 57

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 KIT PREVIEW Riich Model 1:35 Universal Carrier Mk.I with Crew Kit No. RV-35011
SUPER CARRIER
T
his model has been a
long time coming.
Converting and
updating the Tamiya
Universal Carrier has always
been on my bucket list but I ust
confess that the very thought of
spending vast amounts of money
on that kit just turned me off.
Admittedly I did purchase the
old Modelkasten track set many
years ago for that very purpose,
but oh boy, those links are small!
It is therefore pleasing to report
then that this new kit from Riich
is a cracker and basically blows
anything that has preceded it out
of the water.
Riich Models 1:35 scale
Universal Carrier represents
the Mk.I production variant that
differed from the later versions
by the inclusion of minor fittings.
These variations are in themselves
welcome, as they differentiate it
from the Tamiya offering.
The kit comprises 475 parts
moulded in grey plastic over
12 sprues, with one of these
in clear plastic. A further 128
photo-etched parts are included
as well as 32 springs, both large
and small, and a length of twine
and chain. A well-illustrated
and precise set of instructions
is included with the option
of four marking choices. 44
construction steps are called out
for, which is a huge amount for
such a small vehicle.
The standard of moulding is
very good,
with detail
on all parts
rendered to a
high standard.
A complete
engine is
The kit decal
sheet is well
printed.
58 Model Military International - August 2013
p 58 UniversalCarrier 088B.indd 58
Luke Pitt gets an
early look at the
brand-new 1:35
scale Riich Models
Universal Carrier
Mk.I with Crew.
included and is moulded as a
multiple part affair and is very
well done. Unfortunately, most
of this will not be seen when the
model is complete. The lower hull
is made up of just three parts
in total with the drive train/
differential attached to it. Overall
this assembly is very well detailed
and accurate when complete.
The distinctive bogie
assemblies are made up from 23
parts each and are very well done.
You have the option of using
either a metal pin and photo-etch
or a plastic part for the connector
rod between the two road wheels
but, in reality, when the springs
are installed, almost nothing is
seen of the rod itself. The road
wheels are very well done with
a fine manufacturers mark on
the rubber portion and a fine rib
pattern on the inner face of the
wheel itself.
The tracks are of the link and
length variety and while Im not
a huge fan of this type of track,
they are the most effective and
sensible solution for this vehicle.
The tracks are very detailed
but care may be needed when
removing them from the sprue
gates. The tracks also exhibit
slight sag, which is a nice touch.
The all important side wall
thickness is for the most part
very well done and is a vast
improvement over the Tamiya kit.
There are however, a few small
knock out pins to contend with
but most will be hidden from view
on the completed model.
The interior, dashboard and
instrument cluster are fine
representations, with the radio
being rendered very well, both a
photo-etched guard and plastic
options are included. In reality
though, the plastic guard is so fine
you would be hard pressed not to
use this piece. This really sums
this kit up. It is all about options.
Take for example the drivers seat
The floor is moulded with plenty of detail for the interior
parts.
Full engine detail is provided.
assembl. You may complete this
in various positions to suit the
drivers height.
A set of three figures is
included and they are very well
done. The only real fault with
these is the moulding of the ears, Some stowage is offered too.
or lack thereof, on the heads.
The facial detail, however, is first
rate as are the fabric folds on the
uniforms. Speaking of fabric folds,
the rolled up tarp on the vehicle
itself is by far one of the best
renditions of this I have seen on a
mainstream plastic kit.
In summary, this is a very good
kit and is in my opinion better
overall than other kits that have
preceded it. The one thing that The tracks are provided as link and length, saving some time.
does impress me with this kit is
its feeling of quality. The model
is packed with options and really
needs nothing in the way of
aftermarket detail sets. Judging
by this release, Riich Model is at
least as good as the class leaders.
If you have all those various
updates for the old Tamiya kit
in your stash it may be time to
offload them and buy this kit.
The individual links are tiny but perfectly formed!
Springs and metal rods for the running gear.
The Bren Guns are beautifully moulded.
One of three photo-etched frets.
Thanks to Riich Models for the
sample www.riichmodel.com
Clear parts are provided for the headlight lenses.
14/06/2013 11:14
 KIT PREVIEW Hobbyboss 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf. F (VK 18.01) Early Kit No. 83804
BIG WHEELS KEEP ON ROLLING
HobbyBoss has now released an 1:35 scale early version
Panzer I Ausf. F. Graham Tetley takes a look.
I
remember that, not so long
ago, if you wanted a 1:35
Panzer I Ausf.F your only
option was resin. How times
have changed!
HobbyBosss version of
this kit come moulded in sand
yellow plastic on 8 sprues, with
a further two for the tracks, as
well as a photo-etched fret and
separate upper & lower hulls.
Clear pre-stamped plastic pieces
are provided for the visors and
two Balkenkreuz round off the
marking options.
Moulding quality throughout is
very good with no flash or molding
imperfections on my kit. Any
knock-out pin marks are hidden
although those underneath the
fenders could do with being filled.
Detail in some places is a little
basic notably the hinge detail
on the fenders but overall it
p 59 PzIF Pre 088B.indd 59
Turret top detail.
Road wheel detail.
Drive sprockets feature crisp bolt head detail.
is most acceptable. Weld seams To conclude, the clear
around the hull and turret are instructions, low parts count,
very good and test fit of the main link and length track and small
parts shows that fit is remarkably amount of etch makes this a
good. Tracks are provided in link great intermediate kit or just a
and length and come complete quick, fun build to practise your
with hollowed-out guide horns skills on. For the asking price it
and a test-fit of a few links to is not too bad at all and it looks Smaller parts are equally well moulded.
the drive sprockets shows no fit like the vehicle it is supposed to
problems at all. The tools provided represent.
come with their mounting straps Recommended.
moulded on so would benefit from
replacement clasps and clamps Thanks to Creative Models
if you so wish. The etched fret for the sample
does not supply these, but instead
www.creativemodels.co.uk
gives you the engine louvres and
a few other bits. Strangely, about
a half of it is not called out during
construction. The building of the
kit of pretty much standard and
it is a quite basic so I would not
expect any problems.
Link and length tracks
The instructions are nicely
drawn and very clear. You can
paint this any colour you
want as long as it is Panzer
Grey and a nice, one page,
The engine deck.
5-view, painting guide is
provided for clarity.
The side hull is moulded with locating holes ready for the
The lower and upper hull characteristic torsion bars of this variant.
parts moulded in one
piece each Photo-etched and clear parts.
August 2013 - Model Military International 59
14/06/2013 11:15
 KIT PREVIEW Dragon 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.III (5cm) Ausf. G Early Production Kit No. 6639
Not much space in this baby!
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE
WALL OF PANZER IIIS
T
he Panzer III was a
medium tank developed
in the 1930s by
Germany and was used
extensively in World War II. The
official German designation was
Panzerkampfwagen III Sd Kfz.
141 (abbreviated PzKpfw III).
It was intended to fight other
armoured fighting vehicles and
serve alongside the infantry-
supporting Panzer IV. However, as
the Germans faced the formidable
T-34, stronger anti-tank guns
were needed. Since the Panzer
IV had a bigger turret ring, the
role was reversed. The Panzer IV
mounted the long barrelled 7.5 cm
KwK 40 gun and engaged in tank-
to-tank battles. The Panzer III
became obsolete in this role and
for most purposes was supplanted
by the Panzer IV.
From 1942, the last version
of Panzer III mounted the 7.5
cm KwK 37 L/24, better suited
for infantry support. Production
of the Panzer III ended in 1943.
However, the Panzer IIIs capable
chassis provided hulls for the
Sturmgeschtz III until the end of
the war.
Specifically, compared to its
predecessors, the Panzer III Ausf.
G added extra armour to the gun
mantlet and was initially armed
with the 3.7 cm KwK 36 L/46.5
(later 5 cm KwK 38 L/42) gun.
600 were produced in 1940-1941.*
Dragon continues their
quest for world domination of
everything Panzer III by adding an
60 Model Military International - August 2013
p 60 PzIIIG Pre 088B.indd 60
The new decal sheet.
Graham Tetley
examines Dragons
latest entry in
their ongoing
quest to release
every variant of
the Panzer III
ever produced a
1:35 scale early
Pz.Kpfw.III (5cm). The turret with the roof retooled for the 'G' features.
Early G to the ranks. for this particular version, but
As you would expect, most nothing more than basic modelling
of this kit has been seen before skills will see you through. The
with very few actual new parts instructions are typical Dragon
added. The only thing that I can nicely drawn but sometimes
The G-style drive sprockets.
see that is 100% new are the cluttered so just take your time
etched brass fret and the decals. when working through them.
Everything else is stock Dragon I have to report that there are
Panzer III with an early Panzer IV no surprises with this kit and it is
cupola included for an alternative a typical, high quality, Panzer III
version. The turret is exclusive as only Dragon do. Construction
to a G but appeared first in the should pose no surprises and from
Cyber Hobby G with Wading Gear the many that I have built the fit
(6765) so cannot be said to be should be excellent.
brand new. For a Panzer III fan like me, this
So what we have in this kit is a kit has to be welcomed.
re-box of various other Panzer III
bits, all brought together to give
an early G. The included Goodie
Bag has the Magic Tracks, two
pre-bent pieces of wire for the
headlight conduits, clear parts for
the visors and new markings for
5 vehicles from 1941- 3 vehicles
The new photo-etched fret Main gun housing.
from Russia (2nd, 13th and 16th
Panzer Divisions) and two from
Greece, both from the 2nd Panzer
Division.
It is not advertised on the box,
but you get the option to model
either the initial or the modified
version. To be fair this is nothing
spectacular as it just involves
moving one part and filling two
holes, but it is there nonetheless.
The main variation though is in
the cupola as Dragon provides
Magic Tracks individual track links.
optional parts for either the late
or early versions.
Thanks to The Hobby Company
Moulding is clean and crisp with Limited for the sample
no flash on my kit at all. Some www.hobbyco.net
surgery is needed on the fenders
* Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia The correct gun mantlet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_III
14/06/2013 11:15
 KIT PREVIEW Dragon 1:35 British 25-Pdr Field Gun Mk II w/ Limber Kit No. 6774
THE UNIVERSAL HOWITZER
Andy King reviews Dragons 1:35 scale 25 Pdr Field Gun,
the most widely used British howitzer of the Second
World War and well beyond.
T
he OQF (Ordnance Quick
Firing) 25 Pounder field
gun was designed in the
1930s and first entered
service with the British Army in
1940. It was the principle heavy
artillery piece well into the 1960s
with a few still being used for
training purposes in the 1980s.
As well as the British Army, it
equipped Commonwealth forces
and others such as the Free
French, Greek and Polish and was
used on many fronts during WWII.
After the war it saw service
in Korea, Malaya, the Indian Sub
Continent and the Middle East.
The gun weighed in at 1,633
kgs (3,600 lbs), could lob a shell
a maximum of 12,252 m (13,400
yds) and as well as firing HE
ammunition it could use Armour
Piercing rounds in an anti-tank
role. It was also used as the main
armament on the Bishop and
Sexton Self-Propelled guns. When
transported, the gun was hitched
to the limber or Trailer, Artillery,
Number 27 to give it its full title
DS flexible vinyl tyres.
p 61 25Pounder Pre 088B.indd 61
and 32 rounds of ammunition
were carried within this.
Dragon has just released the
Mark II 25 Pdr in 1:35 scale, which
was the most common version
used in WWII. In the box you
have five sprues in grey styrene,
a small sheet of photo-etched
brass and four tyres moulded in
Dragons DS Vinyl.
The kit was first released in
2011 and featured a full crew
but this time around the figures
are omitted. The only other real
differences between this and the
earlier issue is a new gun cradle
and shield mounts.
The standard of moulding is
excellent with no flash to be seen
anywhere and the only visible
mould-pin marks present are
underneath the mudguards of the
limber. Some mould seam lines
are present on parts but these will
be easy enough to remove.
The instructions seem clear
enough and owing to the relatively
low parts count (by Dragons
standards anyway) construction
The included photo-etched fret.
The new gun shield.
The firing platform.
The slide-moulded one-piece barrel.
should be quite fast. As with
other artillery pieces you need
to decide fairly early on whether Nicely presented muzzle brake.
you want to display the model in
a firing or transport mode. The
barrel is a slide-moulded item
but the muzzle brake is made up
from two pieces which will make
clean up tricky, especially on the
inside. The limber has optional
parts for the tow hitch and the
doors can be modelled opened or
closed with two separate drawers
for the ammo, but as the front of
the open drawers are thin etch
they look slightly odd next to the
thicker moulded closed ones.
Recuperator housing.
Painting instructions are rather
dull with the choice of either Sand
or Olive Drab for North Africa
and Europe respectively and
absolutely no decals whatsoever,
but then again I dont suppose
artillery pieces are the most
colourful things on the battlefield.
As per usual, colours quoted are
from the Model Master and Mr
Hobby ranges.
It is good to see a new model
of this important piece of British Ammunition is moulded in place in the limber.
artillery as the only other injection
moulded kit of the 25 pdr is very
long in the tooth now.
Lets hope Dragon will
eventually release a new kit of the
Quad tractor to tow it as well!
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to The Hobby Company
Limited for the sample The breech.
www.hobbyco.net
August 2013 - Model Military International 61
14/06/2013 11:16
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p 62 Buyers Guide 088.indd 62 13/06/2013 15:02

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 Contact Details - for companies featured in MMI...
ACCURATE ARMOUR/ DELUXE MATERIALS MODELING ARTISAN MORI SCHATTON BARRELS
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION www.deluxematerials.co.uk http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~m.a.mori/index_eng.html Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany
Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, info@deluxematerials.com Fax; 09961 910 7826
Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland. Tel; 01529 455 0340 MIG PRODUCTIONS
Tel; 01475 743 955 (Creative Models in UK) SCHIFFER BOOKS
Fax; 01475 743746 DRAGON MODELS C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd,
www.accurate-armour.com (The Hobby Company in UK) 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain Atglen, PA, 19310 USA
Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, www.migproductions.com www.schifferbooks.com
ADALBERTUS 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT,
Iberyjska 7/49, 02-764 , Warsaw,Poland Hong Kong Fax; (HK) 4110587 MILICAST MODEL CO., SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK
adalbertus@adalbertus.com.pl www.dragonmodelsltd.com 9 Rannoch St., Battlefield, Glasgow G44 4DF, Scotland Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue,
www.adalbertus.com.pl (For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK) Tel/Fax; 0141 633 1400 Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK.
milicastmodels@hotmail.com Tel; 020 8392 8585, 020 8392 9876,
THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd ECHELON FINE DETAILS www.milicast.com email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk
Unit 7 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Available from; wwwaccurate-armour.com &
Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF. http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kriegsketten/ MISSION MODELS SCHUMO KITS
Tel; 08700 660 445 (ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL) www.schumo-kits.com
www.airbrushes.com FRIENDSHIP MODELS www.etchmate.com
12 Delta Drive, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 8HR www.missionmodels.com SDV MODEL
ALCLAD II LACQUER Tel; 0131 665 0866 Tel; 818 842 1885 www.sdvmodel.cz
5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk. NR12 0LL Mobile; 07877166225 Fax; 818 842 1886
Tel; 01962 65216 www.friendshipmodels.com info@missionmodels.com,
sales@missionmodels.com, SIMPLE 2 TRADE
Fax; 01692 652334 No 2 Hollywood Lane, Hollywood,
GREAT NORTH ROADS orders@missionmodels.com
Birmingham, B47 5PP
ALPINE, ROYAL MODEL, ARTISAN 9a Marcombe Road, Torquay, South Devon, TQ2 6LL Tel; 0121 474 3030
MORI, YOSCI; SMARTMODELLING Tel; 01803 400436 THE ARMORY; M&MODELS www.simple2trade.com
www.greatnorthroads.co.uk 9329 S. Cicero Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, USA
No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN. UK
email svfarrugia@yahoo.co.uk http://home.earthlink.net/~mmodels/
Tel; 01883 734746 SMARTMODELLING
smartmodelling@smart7.fsworld.co.uk (Swash, Tasca, Gap, Yosci, Royal Model)
HANNANTS MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD No.7 Gordons Way, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0LN UK
Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Tel; 01892 533036
AMPERSAND PUBLISHING Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ, www.modelwholesaleuk.com
Tel; 01883 734746
(via Historex Agents in UK) smartmodelling@smart7.fsworld.co.uk
Tel; 01502 517444
235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach,
Florida 33483-5543, USA
Fax; 01502 500521 MONROE PERDU SQUADRON
www.hannants.co.uk Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court,
Tel; 561-266 9686 1115 Crowley Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006-1312 U.S.A
sales@hannants.co.uk Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA.
Fax; 561-266-9786
www.monroeperdu.com
HISTOREX AGENTS SWANN-MORTON
ARCHER Owlerton Green, Sheffield, S6 2BJ
(Historex in UK)
Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, ORDNANCE MODELS Tel; +44 (0)114 234 4231
Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK Via; www.steelmodels.com
PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 27596-1277, USA Fax; +44 (0)114 231 4966
Tel; 01304 206720
www.archertransfers.co General: info@swann-morton.com
Fax; 01304 204528. PACIFIC COAST MODELS
www.historex-agents.co.uk www.craftknives.com
BADGER AIR-BRUSH COMPANY Tel; 001 707 538 4850
sales@historex-agents.co.uk info@pacmodels.com
9128W Belmont Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 TAMIYA JAPAN
Tel; 847/678-3104 www.pacmodels.com Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku,
www.badgerairbrush.com
HOBBYLINK JAPAN Shizuoka 422-8610 JAPAN
Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1, PANZERWRECKS
email info@badgerairbrush.com www.tamiya.com
Tochigi 327-0813, Japan PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK
(In the UK from www.shesto.co.uk)
www.hlj.com www.panzerwrecks.com TAMIYA UK;
BISON DECALS HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED
Available from www.hannants.co.uk and PLUS MODEL Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK
www.airconnection.on.ca (Creative Models in UK)
www.pdi-model-supplies.com Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666
Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. enquiries@hobbyco.net
BLAST MODELS IAN ALLAN plusmodel@plusmodel.cz www.hobbyco.net
www.ianallanpublishing.com www.plusmodel.cz
Via AFV Modeller or www.blast-models.com
Mail Order Dept 01455 254450
TRUMPETER
BOOKWORLD WHOLESALE POCKETBOND LTD www.trumpeter-china.com
Unit 10 Hodfar Road, Sandy Lane Ind Est
ICM (Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK) Pocketbond in the UK
Kiev 02099, Ukraine, Borispolskaya 9 building 64. PO Box 80, Welwyn, Hertfordshire,
Stourport, Worcs, DY13 9QB
Tel/fax; (+38044) 369-54-12 England, AL6 0ND
Tel; 01299 823330
export@icm.com.ua VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS
Fax; 01299 829970 Tel; 01707 391509 (Historex in UK)
www.icm.com.ua Fax; 01707 327 466
info@bookworldws.co.uk 811 Lone Star Drive, OFallon, Missouri 63366, USA
info@pocketbond.co.uk www.verlinden-productions.com
CALIBRE 35 ITALERI
Via Hannants in UK
(The Hobby Company in UK) PSP MODELS LTD VALLEJO
Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, (Mission Models in USA) (Creative Models in UK)
Bologna, Italy, Unit 19B, Applins Farm, Farrington,
CAMMETT Tel; 051 726037 Dorset DT11 8RA, UK
Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 - 08800
(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) www.italeri.com Vilanova i la Geltr, Barcelona, Spain
Tel/Fax; 01747 811 817 Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12
Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate,
www.psp-models.com Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54
Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA
Tel; 01497 822757
JUST BASES www.acrylicosvallejo.com
Email; cammettco@btinternet.com
21 Graham Road, Paignton TQ3 1BB QUICKBOOST
Tel; 01803 558520 www.quickboost.net
www.cammett.co.uk
www.just-bases.co.uk VLS CORPORATION
(LSA in UK)
CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS REVELL GmbH & Co. KG (TRAKZ, WINGZ, CUSTOM DIORAMICS, WARRIORS);
Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive,
JUST KITS Orchard Mews, 18C High Street, Lincoln County Industrial Park, 1011 Industrial Court,
4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA Tring, Herts, HP23 5AH Moscow Mills, Missouri 63362, USA
Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley,
Tel; 01489 781177 Tel; +44 (0) 1442 250130 www.modelmecca.com
Leics UK. LE10 1YF
www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk Fax; +44 (0) 1442 245619
Tel; 01455 233 747,
Fax; 01455 233 737 www.revell.eu WHITE ENSIGN
midlandbooks@compuserve.com LSA MODELS Unit 5, Cobnash Industrial Estate, HR6 9RW
www.classic-publications.com (TASCA, MASTER BOX) SB MODELS Tel; 0844 415 0914
Retail; 151 Sackville Road, Hove, UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model wem@onetel.com
East Sussex, BN3 3HD, England. P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY.
CREATIVE MODELS LTD Tel/Fax; 01273 705420
www.whiteensignmodels.com
(Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures) Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749
orders@lsamodels.co.uk sales@sbmodels.fsnet.co.uk
Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome
www.lsamodels.co.uk WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA
Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. PE16 6TG www.sbmodels.net 12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia
Tel; 01354 760022 Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205
www.creativemodels.co.uk MDC SBLC Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207
info@creativemodels.co.uk Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW, UK ww2prod@optusnet.com.au
Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3FW RICHARDSBLC@aol.com
Fax; 01773 513344
DARTMOOR MILITARY MODELS orders@modeldesignconstruction.com ZVEZDA
Haylis cottage, Budlake, Broadclyst SBX MODEL SHOP (The Hobby Company in UK)
www.modeldesignconstruction.com Norwich Road, Ipswich. IP1 5DN
Exeter, EX5 3LJ, England Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region,
Tel; 01392 881271 Tel; 01473 464311 141730 Russia
www.dartmoormilitarymodels.com www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk office@zvezda.org.ru
www.zvezda.org.ru

n Please mention Model Military International if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks!

64 Model Military International - August 2013

p 64-65 Contact NI 088B.indd 64 14/06/2013 11:16

 BANZAI!
Dragons 1:35 scale Type 95
Light Tank by Luke Pitt, with
reference by Bruce Culver.
Next Issue
On sale 1st August 2013 ISSUE No.88 August 2013,
Published July 4th 2013

Editor; Brett Green

Group Editor; Marcus Nicholls
Publisher; Alan Harman
Graphic Design; Alex Hall
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Advertising Sales; Mark Peacock
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FOR YOUR SAFETY
Dont forget, when using
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wear a face mask.
When using power tools,
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SMALL PACKAGES ...and much more!

Due to many influencing factors, we
www.fsc.org
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Trumpeters 1:35 scale 8.8 cm Pak 43 auf Leichte Waffentraeger cannot guarantee the appearance of the ADH Publishing 2013
above projects, but well try our best!
(Ardelt) finished in a striking scheme by Thomas Morgan.
August 2013 - Model Military International 65

p 64-65 Contact NI 088B.indd 65 14/06/2013 11:16

 The Last Post..
The large one-piece upper hull moulding.
The lower hull is moulded as one piece too.
The turret is presented in flat pack format.
Wheel hub detail is nicely done too.
The smaller parts look great very good their
short-run origin.
The sprue runners include rows of bolt heads
that may be shaved off and used to supplement
the detail on the model.
The photo-etched fret.
Markings for four vehicles are provided.
66 Model Military International - August 2013
p 66 LastPost 088B.indd 66
AUSTRIAN PUSH ME PULL YOU
W
hen this kit arrived
on the doorstep I
honestly wondered
if it was some kind
of once-off prototype or perhaps
a Wehrmacht 46 style of
theoretical vehicle. It is a very odd
looking duck indeed.
Once again, though, Google was
my friend:
The Steyr ADGZ was originally
developed as a heavy armoured
car for the Austrian army (its
designation was M35 Mittlere
Panzerwagen) from 1934 and
delivered from 1935-37.
The Austrian army was using
the ADGZ armoured car at the
time of Anschluss. 12 were used
by the army and 15 were used by
the police. The Germans used them
for police work and some were
taken on by the SS and used on the
Eastern front and in the Balkans.
The SS ordered an additional
25 ADGZ, which were delivered
in 1942. An interesting feature of
this vehicle was that there was no
rear. Either end was capable of
driving the unit.
As part of the initial operations
of the Invasion of Poland, the SS
Heimwehr Danzig used three ADGZ
armoured cars during the attack
on the Polish Post Office in Danzig,
and lost one during the
battle.
AMG was
also a new
name
to me.
Tyres are black vinyl.
Detail is crisp and impressive for this media.
The model company hails from
Ukraine and this appears to be
only their second or third offering.
The packaging and box art appears
quite professional.
Underneath the attractive lid
are 181 parts in low-pressure,
limited run injection moulded
plastic (grey in colour), around
42 photo-etched parts on a single
fret and 12 vinyl tyres.
The large (and yes, it is a large
vehicle) upper and lower hull parts
are each moulded in one piece,
so we dont have to worry about
assembling a complex flat pack for
these critical areas. Surface detail
is quite crisp for a limited run kit,
comprising recessed holes plus
raised panels and rivets. The hull
hatches are all moulded shut, and
there is no interior detail.
The characteristic louvres on the
(nominal) front of the vehicle are
moulded shut, but it would not be a
major task to cut separate louvres
from strip plastic and fix them in
the open positions between the
two photo-etched side strips.
The cylindrical turret is made
up from four main parts, which
includes a separate Commanders
hatch.
The smaller detail parts
are crisply moulded
with minimal
imperfections.
The black
vinyl tyres are
The Editor
examines the
AMG (Arsenal
Model Group)
1:35 scale Heavy
Armoured Car
ADGZ (Late)
Kit No. 35502
actually very nicely done. The
material is quite hard, and the tread
pattern is crisp. There is a feint
circumferential centre seam line,
but this should disappear if you
rough up the tread with a sanding
stick. The sidewalls are really
impressive with very fine raised
ribs and Continental lettering
obviously no fear of Trademark
infringement in the Ukraine!
Youll have to cut out the thick
vinyl plug in the middle of each
tyre before assembly.
Options include four jerry cans, a
rack, a shovel, pick and axe.
Markings for four vehicles are
included on the small but sharply
printed decal sheet. All the
schemes are overall Panzer Grey.
No clue is offered about the source
of the decals, but they look good.
In summary, this model looks
impressive in the box. However,
you dont want to be completely
lulled by the crisp detail and
quality of the plastic. Being a
limited run kit, you should be
prepared to spend some extra time
preparing the parts, test fitting and
potentially filling and sanding.
Even so, this is a small price
to pay for a nice looking replica
of a very unique type. I cant see
Tamiya coming out with one of
these any time soon!
And if this isnt enough to grab
your attention, Google adds one
more interesting tidbit at the end
of its entry:
After the invasion of the USSR
a few ADGZ armoured cars were
rearmed with turrets from the
Soviet T-26 model 1933 light tank.
Now that sounds like a fun
conversion.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Creative Models
Australia for the sample
www.creativemodels.com.au
14/06/2013 11:17
 D75046
Dragon Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG
See the full Dragon range at www.hobbyco.net
Find us on facebook
search Plastic Kits UK Dragon models are available from all good model shops www.hobbyco.net

p 67 Dragon 088.indd 8 13/06/2013 15:03