Some upcoming PzIV variants.

DML Brummbar – Mid Production with Zimmerit – want to build as part of Sturmpanzer Abt. 217, which fought in Normandy in 1944.  For this unit, the mid production vehicle should have a spare track holder from near pistol port to edge of side section.  Plan to use shortened spare rear track holders from Jagdpanzer IV.

DML Flakpanzer IV Ostwind with Zimmerit – It appears that the OOB version has the following potential issues: (i) prototype was built on PzIVG chassis with zimmerit - but the prototype turret was soft steel with a different shape from the production turret; (ii) production vehicles were built on PzIVJ chassis – w/o zimmerit and with 3 return rollers, vertical exhaust stacks, etc.; (iii) the production version had a larger (Tiger I size) turret ring; and (iv) the radio operator’s hatch was moved up to be flush with the driver’s hatch, because of clearance issues created by the larger turret .  The OOB version would have the production turret (although with only a PzIV size ring) mounted on a PzIVG chassis.  So, you can modify the turret to build the prototype, or modify the chassis (and turret ring) to build the production version. 

Note: some sources suggest that production Ostwind were built on refurbished PzIVG chassis, in which case, an OOB build might be accurate – subject to turret ring and, perhaps, loader hatch issues.

Or . . . thinking that maybe will put a Wirbelwind turret on the PzIVG chassis – as this appears to have been a common combination, i.e., Wirbelwind based on refurbished PzIVG chassis with zimmerit (although some may have had zimmerit over front portion of hull top (i.e., over drivers and radio operator’s hatches). Initially thought of repairing an old Tamiya Wirbelwind turret – shape is generally okay; gun base not correct, but hard to see.  But the Ostwind turret (ring size apart) is quite nice so may get a late DML Wirbelwind (6540) and swap turrets.  The Ostwind would require making the Wirbelwind chassis a J, rather than H, e.g., using vertical exhaust stacks and 3 return rollers instead of 4, but lots of spares for that.  The radio operator’s hatch also would have to be moved forward – a more substantial undertaking.  Changing the turret ring is probably beyond the project scope.   Have a nice set of 4 flak 38 barrels from Master Model on the way.  Only hesitation is the $47 for the Wirbelwind when I paid just $22 for the Ostwind.

Vintage Sd Kfz 222 - Tamiya

From the 1970s - the original vintage SdKfz 222 from Tamiya.  Neat kit for the time.  No airbrush, etc., found somewhat derelict with broken barrel, etc.  Driver-side grenade screen still broken.

Tamiya Zimmerit Coating Sheet - PzKpfw IV Ausf J.

Decided to try out Tamiya's zimmerit coating sheet for the PzKpfw IV Ausf. J.  Unfortunately, I had already attached the return rollers and the road wheel suspensions which made it considerably harder to place the zimmerit.  Wanted to a do a quick paint test:

So it seems to look okay, but it's absolutely essential to have the sheets lie flat and flush (duh).

A bit more progress on the zim.  Need to get some paint on.

IJN Ukuru-class Kaikoban, IJN DD Yukikaze, IJN CA Chikuma and IJN I-58

This is the Pit Road 1/350 Ukuru-class Kaikoban with the Tom's Model Works PE set as WIP.  For size comparison, a Type VII-A U-Boat under construction is nearby (Hobby Boss - need to change the dual rudder to single rudder), as is the Aoshima I-58, which is larger than the Ukuru.  In the far background is the RM Pola CA by Hobby Boss - which was only $16 but the decks don't even match up.  Probably won't waste any more time with that kit.

WIP Chikuma, Yukikaze, Ukuru and I-58 for size comparison.  The Tamiya Chikuma looks to be pre-First Wartime Modification in March, 1943, albeit with the biplane seaplanes, probably pre-Pearl Harbor?  The Tamiya Yukikaze is is late war fit.  The I-58 is 7/1944 to 4/1945 fit (prior to removal of seaplane in 5/1945).  The Ukuru class is 1944-45.

Sd.Kfz. 251/9 Ausf. D Frühe - Kanonenwagen aka Stummel

Sd.Kfz. 251/9 Ausf. D Frühe - Kanonenwagen aka Stummel

Had a partially assembled Tamiya Sd.Kfz. 251/9 ausf. D frühe from the 1990s lying around.  The remaining parts had long gone missing, and the kit seemed relegated to the never-to-be-finished pile.

Also, had an un-built Dragon Sd.Kfz. 251 ausf. D 3-1.  Was tempted to build it as the Sd.Kfz. 251/9 ausf. D späthe version.  However, also have the AFV Club Sd.Kfz. 251/9 ausf. D, which, from reviews, appears to be a more accurate version.  The plain Sd.Kfz. 251/1 version didn’t seem to be interesting and nor did the IR version, which apparently has some accuracy issues.

For something different, decided to try to kit-bash a Sd.Kfz. 251/9 ausf. D frühe based on the Dragon kit, but with parts as needed from the Tamiya kit, such as the floor gun mount and front gun shield. 

 Some initial research shows that the Tamiya kit lacks the gun shield supports, to that has to be added.   Additionally, the 75 mm main gun had cuts in the deflector shield not shown on the Tamiya or Dragon gun, so that change has to be made.  The driver’s seat was cut down low as well, so that is another necessary change.

Thought about changing the gun barrel to make use of the nice metal barrel provided by Dragon, but with the gun already assembled and the difference between the early and late mantles, may have to just go with the Tamiya gun barrel.

First step was to install the front gun shield into the Dragon hull.  At first glance, this seemed to be easy, but upon further examination, the fact that the Dragon upper hull apparently is 2-3 mm too narrow, the Tamiya gun shield is too wide.  (There is a visually notice difference in shapes between the Dragon and Tamiya upper hulls.)  Also, the angle of the front plate is slightly different between the two models.  Long and short, ended up having to trim the width of the gun shield and replace the front plate.  For the driver’s side, the Dragon front plate was cannibalized, but the cut out for the visor meant that on the other side the front plate had to be assembled from plastic card.  The welds from the Dragon visor were cut off and attached to the top and side.  It ended up being a lot more work than expected.  The picture below shows the result – gray is Dragon, tan is Tamiya and white is plastic card.  The upper hull is sitting on the old Tamiya chassis for now. 

Below - the heavily shortened driver figure next to the original, as well as the torso of the driver figures from the Dragon Sd.Kfz. 251 3 in 1 kit and the Cyber Hobby Sd.Kfz. 253 kit.

Balkenkruz and loading stencil are from Archer Fine Transfers.  Rear license plates are from the Tamiya SdKfz 251/9 kit - will use "534" and 2. Panzerdivision marking from Tamiya as well.  Need to add antenna and weather.

Dragon Bf 110D-3 WIP

Zis-5

Woof!

I was warned.  I had read a number of reviews of the Alan Zis-5 truck in its prior incarnation as a Dragon/Alan rebox noting that the kit has issues.  But lured by the rock bottom price, I decided to try it in its Ark Models incarnation, figuring that it would be a relatively short build and I could abandon it without too much pain if it was too much of a dog.

I decided to start with the cargo bed, because the reviews indicated that the cargo bed had minimal problems.  Indeed, while there were some minor fit issues between side supports and the base of the cargo bed, the cargo bed went together fairly well.  Based on some reference pictures, it looks like the underside of the cargo bed, as well as interior faces of supports were left as plain, unpainted wood.

The undercarriage was next.  Although fairly complex, the engineering actually seemed fairly decent.  However, then putting together the front wheel assembly, it looks like the molds were placed in the wrong way because half of one piece was molded correctly, but the other half not – consistent with one of the molds being reversed.  So had to make do with some substitutes.  We’ll have to see how it looks because much of the undercarriage is visible.

The wheels are rightly indicated by reviewers to be among the worst parts.  After some hesitation, I purchased the Hussar Production replacement Zis-5 and Zis-6 wheels – even though the cost was more than the kit itself.  The wheels are nicely done in resin, although the interior hub for the front wheels look like they may have been damaged when removed from their casting connection.

Painting references suggest that the undercarriage frame and maybe headlights were in black.  Olive green (Tamiya) was used for the cab and cargo bed.

Tentatively decided to go with captured truck, using dunkelgelb as camouflage overspray.  Maybe add headlight covers, notek light, license plates and pioneer tools per an amalgamation of various references.  Wiring for the headlights and, presumably, notek light, goes through the fenders.  Because the fenders and undercarriage are so open, may need to have wiring to the engine itself.

Note underside of bed and supports left in natural wood color (or hopefully at least a moderately reasonable facsimile thereof - Tamiya wooden deck tan).  The headlights are wired but not yet connected.

Cab not glued but just fitted in place (hence gaps).  Sunshade at top of windshield also not yet fitted.  Some random cargo added for visual interest.