Canadian Stuart V

Well it has been a while, but life, Christmas upcoming and of course, some modelling.  I have managed to finish my AFV Club M3A2 Stuart V, dressed up in Canadian Grenadier Guards colors.  The AFV Club kit is great, goes together very well, I added a Eduard PE set to add a little more detail.  The Eduard PE set adds tie-down, smoke launcher, .30 Cal barrel, and other detail.  It is a quite extensive set that adds great depth to the model.

As usual for me with Allied armor, I painted the model with Testors Military Master Acrylic Olive Drab.  In my opinion, it best creates the color of Allied armor.  The decals are from UltraCast, are were applied between a couple of coats of Future.  I then applied washes from Mig and pigments from Vallejo.

This tank was build for another campaign on Armorama.

Trying something new...USS Hancock

Well after visiting my local hobby shop yesterday, I though I would try something different for me.  I saw a Trumpeter 1/350 USS Hancock Aircraft Carrier (WW2), and it appealed to me.  Now I have built a U-Boat in the past, but this will be my first ship model of this size.  Opening the box, I found an excellent kit, well molded, and lots of detail.  I am going to pass on any PE for this kit, just want the experience of building a boat.  I was so excited about it, kind of pushed my other projects aside and laid down the hull last night.  The fit was ok, have to watch a few spot, mainly the bow piece, I put it on first to help line up the upper and lower hull pieces.  There is still some gaps(as you can tell from the pic).  So lots of putty, now to wait for it to dry and sand, then onto the flight deck.

Just one warning when starting a ship, have lots of glue on hand, almost half a bottle of liquid cement just doing the hull.

Lest we forget

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

First Attempt at 1/16 Figure

While at my local hobby store one day, I was eyeing the Tamiya 1/16 scale figures.  They looked pretty kewl, and I thought, maybe I should give this a try.  So I bought the Wehrmacht Tank Crewman.  It is a great kit, parts are well molded, very little flash, and great detail.  Instructions are straight forward, and goes together very well. I painted it with Vallejo Acryllics, including a couple of pin washes, some shadowing, and dry brushing of highlights.  I am not totally happy how it turned out, but I am going to do some more reading and studying of other people's work, and damn well try another.

List of my models

Something new I have created, a list of models, past and present.  I did this using Google docs, what a amazing tool.  I will try to keep this list up to date.  Hopefully it will be helpful, ie if you are thinking about buying one similar or need advice on a particular model.

Kevin's Model List

I have also but the link on Currently on my Workbench section, so it will be available all the time.

My Work Frame

Ever try to work on the bottom of your model, plane flipping back and forth on the tail?  Or break off an important piece?  Well I have done that, and have muttered a few curses.  Recently while looking at pics online, at my one of my favorite sites, AeroScale, I saw pics being displayed of the bottom of the aircraft, on what I would say resembles an overhead crane frame.  I thought, now something like that would be great to support a model while working on it.  So I open my drawer with my extra stryene to see what I could do. 

Well after a little cutting and gluing....this is what I came up with

Using some plastic i-beams and strip pieces I constructed this handy tool.  I just glued some scrap felt on the top to protect any paint that may have been applied.  I can see this as a good use for applied decals to the bottom.  So another tool to clutter the model desk and provide that extra hand when needed.

I will have to give credit to BlackWidow from AeroScale forums for providing the idea.

Do you have any ideas?  Give them a try and let me know how they work out.

Build Log 1 - AFV Club Stuart V

Well starting another campaign on Armorama for Allied Vehicles.  So I decided I wanted a smaller tank, after a search of the shelves at my local Hobby Shop, Hobby House, I came across a 1/35 M3A3 Stuart.  Knowing most allies used this tank during WW2, I decided I will build the Stuart V version, and will be applying Canadian 2nd Armor Brigade markings, for North West Europe.

Opening the box, I found a very well molded kit, very little flash.  The kit did come with a few PE pieces, but I did purchase the Eduard PE set.  Also the kit comes with rubber tracks, so I decided to order the link set from AFV Club.  One nice piece is the include aluminum barrel.

I started with making the bogeys, going together very well.  After which, the hull, this is where most of the PE goes.  All the individual tie downs, about 35 of them, were attached using CA, after having to scrape off the molded on ones.  The PE set really adds to the kit.  Work has started on the turret.  The breach required a little putty to fill the gap, but most went together pretty straight forward.

Next up to complete the turret and continue with the detail.

Build Log 2 - Tamiya 1/48 P-51 Mk. III

Well I managed to finish my P51 Mustang. Model was painted using Tamiya Paints(RAF Sea Grey, RAF Dark Green, RAF Royal Light Grey). I tried something new this time in terms of masking, I used the "blue" poster tack. It was easy to use, I cut out flexible clear masking to shape, then used the poster tack to hold the edges down.

After dry, usual coat of future, then kit decals. I was not too impressed with the Tamiya decals in the kit, they were thick and difficult to get to settle, took several coats of SolvaSet to get them down. After decals, another coat of Future, then used Mig Dark Wash into the panel lines. Weathering was completed with Vallejo pigments between a couple coats of Testors Flat Clear Spray.

I was not totally happy how this one came out, I was kind of distracted by my Panzer IV build, and should have put this off till I had more time to concentrate on it. I may have to do another one in the future, maybe a P-51D in Canadian markings or even the new Tamiya 1/32 P-51D.

Build Log 4 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Done!!! The model was weathered using Mig Washes and Pigments. One method I like to use to add pigment, is to mix the pigment with a little water, making a paste. I then apply this paste using a soft brush where I need it. When dry you can use a stiffer brush to start taking some off. By leaving some on, it looks more like caked on mud. After all the weathering, it was given a final coat of Testor Flat Clear spray.

Build Log 3 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

I have no applied the winter paint scheme to my Panzer IV. I painted the model with Tamiya German Grey, then applied decals, with a coat of Future before and after. The winter paint scheme was done using the "hairspray method". I gave the model two coats of hairspray, allowing to dry for an hour. I then applied the paint, starting with a coat of a 50/50 mix of Tamiya Royal Grey and Tamiya White. The next coat was done adding more white to the mix, followed by a final coat of white, to hit the highlights. Then the scrubbing begins, using a wet stiff toothbrush and sanding stick, I removed paint till I achieved the desired effect.

Up next, picking out the detail and doing the tracks.

Build Log - Tamiya 1/48 P-51 Mk. III

Have started my P-51 Mk. III. It is a nice kit from Tamiya, well detailed right out of the box. The cockpit and wheel wells are well done, and were airbrushed with Model Master Interior green. It was then washed with Vallejo black, and then drybrushed. Detail was picked out with Vallejo paints. I did add an UltraCast seat with belts to spruce it up a little. The kit did include a decal, but the Ultracast seats looks so much better. I did use the kit provide decal for the dash, and picked out each dial with Future, for the glass look.

The fuselage and wings went together well, a little putty to clean up the joints. Just finishing up before applying primer.

Build Log 2 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Construction has continued as per instructions after completion of the Verlinden interior. Most parts have gone together well. Now on to priming, wheels and hatches left off for easier painting, and due to the fact that I want to leave some hatches open. All opening were stuffed with kleenex, to avoid paint spray from getting to the finished interior. The model will now receive a coat of Tamiya Fine Primer, and get ready for paint. First color with be Tamiya German Grey, then followed by a winter paint scheme. I will detail the winter white in a future post.

Build Log - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Well above is the start of my Panzer IV Ausf G. It is a nice kit from Dragon, good detail, some PE parts and Magic Track. I wanted to keep most of the hatches open, so I added the interior detail from Verlinden. The Verlinden kit is a resin kit, but lacks any real instructions. I have had to use a lot of reference material for the interior. The interior has gone together quite well. All resin pieces were washed using Sunlight dishsoap and water. I used a thin and medium CA for the assembly. With most parts in, except the engine sub-assembly, I coated with Tamiya Fine Primer. The interior was then airbrushed with Vallejo Air, Hemp, oversprayed with Tamiya white for the light colors, and Vallejo Air Hull Red and Oxide (mixed 50/50) for the primer color. The light area wash then given a wash with Mig Cold Grey Wash. The engine and gear box, and other detail was then handed painted with Vallejo paints. The engine and gear box where then given a wash of Mig Dark Wash, and a little dry brushing.

It should be noted that the Dragon instructions are not all that great, for example, the breach assembly is shown to go on upside down. So remember to dry fit as you go, and look at any reference shots as you go.

Next step is to move on to the exterior.

Humber Completed

Well I finally finished my Humber. This was a great kit to build, I really enjoyed it.

New Work Space

Well after some negotiations with the landlord(wife) and chief financial officer(wife, again) I have a new modelling workspace. It may have delayed some of the projects I am working on, but I like my new space, it is clean and efficient. The furniture is from Ikea, not all that expensive, but very functionable. I have also put shelf in closet of room to hold models waiting to be build, and I am still having to do my airbrushing in the basement, but I have a relatively large spray booth, and it is not that big of a deal.

Now back to modelling.

Build Log - Trumpeter LAV-III

I finally cracked the box of my LAV-III. I have admired the kit in my stash for sometime, I think because of the huge number parts. First inspection show a lot of molded detail, and a great looking kit, rubber wheel, and 6, yes SIX, PE sprues. I started construction following the instructions, which are quite easy to follow. Very well layout and clear. So far all parts are going together well, I have found a few pieces with flash and a few with injector marks that have to be filled. The running gear underneath went with no hitches, little bit of putty on the rear suspension. The rear deck again, no issue, clean up some flash, fill some marks, and CA on the PE parts. I have just started the top, and will update as I progress.

On my Workbench - Build log

Well been doing a little work here and there.

My Humber is nearing completion, painted and weathered. The model was painted using Testor Military Masters Olive Drab, airbrushed, then different types of weathering to bring out the final finish. I applied an oil dot filter with blue and yellow, following by some pin washing using Mig Dark Wash. I then used a fine brush and silver pencil crayon to add some scuffing. Pastel powder was used to add dirt and dust. All sealed with Testors Flat clear spray.

As for my Bf 110D, most of the construction is complete. I have found the instructions very poor in terms of part numbers, I had to carefully pull some pieces apart and re-glue, this is especially true, when they indicate to make two of the same piece. I worked through it, and and a little putty, am now ready for primer.

Bf 110D-3 - Build Log 1

Well I have started on my CyberHobby WingTech (Dragon) 1/48 Bf 110D-3. Upon opening the box I was in awe with the amount of pieces. The kit contains photo etched, as well as good cockpit, gun bay, and engine details. The instructions looked well laid out.

So on with the build. I started with the cockpit, straight forward, and pieces fit well. One issue was the pieces that mount the magazines to the 20mm cannons(F11) were not on the sprue, not in the bag, and not in the box. Upon examining the sprue, it looks like an issue with the molding process. I just scratch build(carved) a couple more, and moved on. Photo etched seat belts were bent and glued into place with CA. Cockpit was airbrushed with a dark grey, then weather with a silver pencil crayon, black was, and dry brushing with lighter shades of grey.

Fitting the cockpit into the fuselage was a little tricky, fit not perfect. I would suggest to glue the sides of the cockpit walls on just before you mount in fuselage, so there is a little play in the glue to get a good fit.

The forward gun bays went together very well, no issue. As the included engines. It should be note that they do give you two engines, but they are from the same molds, thus the piping and all are on the same side for both engines, this becomes an issue when mating up to the firewalls, one fits good, the other is backwards. Since I only plan at showing off on engine, it was not a problem for me.

One to right wing. The instructions for the engine nacelle lists the wrong pieces, so be careful and dry fit as you go. Also, there is a major issue with mounting the nacelle, wheel well; the upper half of the wing was a little warped and there was some fit issues. A few clamps and tape and I will let you know how it went next update, as it is drying as I type this.

Been out of town....

Sorry no new updates on anything I have been working on, as I was on a family trip. Visited the big city of Toronto, and of course I found some time to hit a hobby store or two. Some honorable mentions were Dailey Hobbies, just outside of Toronto in Whitby and Hornet Hobbies in Toronto.

Dailey Hobbies is located in Whitby, On just a little off the main drag. Very nice store, clean, well organized and very well stocked. Think I spend an hour just browsing. Lots of kits to look at, new and old stuff. Not very much in aftermarket parts, but I am sure they can be ordered with ease. Staff was very friendly and prices were fair. I managed to find a Eduard 1/48 Sopwith Camel kit to add to my collection, that may make it close to the top of the "to do" pile.

Hornet Hobbies, is in the west end of Toronto, well stocked, with lots to look at. Plenty of aftermarket stuff, to include Alpine figures. Not the most organized or clean store, but plenty to keep your attention for a while.

I also visited NorthStar Hobbies, in Mississauga. Not a great selection, but good, alot of older kits. From their website, I expected much more. I was not totally disappointed, picked up a Dragon 1/35 Panzer IV Ausf. G kit, which will get the winter white paint when I get around to building it.

I look at the stores I saw in Toronto, and wish just one store in the Ottawa area could be stocked like the store I saw in Toronto. I understand the population difference, supply and demand, and all that, but there are LOTS of stores in Toronto, and only TWO in Ottawa, I think one store that stocks like the bigger city stores in our area would do very well. I tend to find my stuff online, as I can't find it in my local shops. If I could find it local I would buy it, even if the prices are a "little" higher. Ok, I will stop ranting now........

All in all a great trip, but hopefully back to modelling real soon.

My Tamiya F4U-1A completed

Well over the weekend I managed to finish my Corsair. Construction was basically out of the box, with the exception of some UltraCast resin parts, to include tires, exhaust, and seat. I also used fine jewelry wire to add the plug wires on the engine. After a coat of Tamiya fine primer from the spray can, the model was airbrushed at about 20psi and my Paasche VL using Tamiya paints, thinned with Tamiya acrylic thinner. After drying, a coat of Future was applied before and after decals. Decals went on great, other then I got a little heavy handed with the SolvaSet in places, I need to learn a little more patience I think. Panel lines were done with a pin wash of Mig Dark Wash, and weathering done with chalk powder. I am happy with the turn out, and I think I would like to do another, maybe a Korean War Marine version.

Build Log 3 - Humber Scout Car Mk. I

Here is the latest update on my Humber build. The interior has been completed, weathered and some aftermarket stowage added. Fitting the roof was a little tricky as the fit is a little bit off, a little putty and sanding will be needed before primer. I have added some of the PE detail to include the racks for the gas cans and the hatch stop. When mounting the front lights, I noticed the plastic mounting brackets(C42) did not match the images I had. After examining the photo etched parts, I notice that the proper brackets(P32) were there, but they are not mentioned in the instructions. And after reviewing the instructions and looking at the PE parts, I notice there are a lot of PE parts not mentioned in the instructions, and some of the parts are a mystery. So I used the PE brackets and added a little fine jewelry wire for detail.

Next up is to complete the exterior detail and prime.

Here is the link to the rest of the build pictures

Build Log 2 - Humber Scout Car Mk. I

Well work is continuing on the Humber Scout Car, most of the interior is complete, only a little more weathering to complete. Working with the SMALL PE parts was a little daunting, but worth the effort. The interior, so far, was airbrushed with Tamiya Flat White, and detail painting was done using Vallejo paints. To add a dirty coloring to the floor, I applied some MIG Neutral Wash, and dry brushed some white to bring out highlights. Since I am planning to leave the back hood closed, I decided not to build the engine. (Might be useful some where down the road). Again I have found more ejector marks to fill and sand as I go, there was a lot more then I realized at first. Constructing the front stowage and wheel housing, I have found a few fit issues, but these were dealt with using some Squadron White putty. This was also true for building the suspension and drive components. The leaf suspension comes in two half and requires a bit of putty and careful sanding.

Next up, complete the body assembly.

Memory Lane....

Thought I would take a little walk down memory lane, of my modelling. My earliest memory of modelling was that of sitting at my Aunt's kitchen table with small plastic model of a bi-plane(make escapes me at the moment), a couple of bottles of paint, and a tube of glue. That was the start of my modelling career.

As I got older, it was trip to downtown, to visit the "bigger" hobby stores on a Saturday. I could spend hours browsing the shelves, dreaming of building that kit, or another. With my paper delivery route, I would save to buy a new kit, now and then. After which retire to the basement to the table my father set up for me to start building. Mostly aircraft, the odd tank. Mostly Matchbox kits, I loved the kits. Molded in two colors, paint schemes on the back of the box (usually the reason for buying that kit), and they went together well enough and were quick to build. My skills were very basic, simple brushed painted schemes, most seams still visible, and the odd glue spot. But I had fun.

Then I remember discovering Tamiya 1/35 kits, and Historex 55mm soldiers. I beleive mostly because of the colorful Tamiya catalogs. I remember I could hardly wait till the following year, to see what amazing Francis Verlinden diorama's would be in the catalogs. It was then I decided I wanted to be a better modeller. The only information available to us back then, was one or two magazines, Military Modeller being my main. And also hanging out in the hobby stores talking to other modellers. And when I was about 15, I had the opportunity to work in a local hobby store. I remember starting to take more time, and more care, building my models. I saved up and bought a very simple Badger 150 airbrush, and used an old tire, that I pumped up with a foot pump, as my air source. Kits I can remember building were a M1 Abram, M3 Halftrack, 75mm German AT, M113 APC(with interior), M60 Patton, M42 Duster, and a German Opel with 20mm AA. I would spend hours at my desk, enjoying my time.

I guess then I became an older teen, found girls, socializing, etc. Well the rest is history, but now I am back, and finding the same enjoyment.

Build Log - Humber Scout Car Mk. I

I have started work on my Bronco 1/35 Humber Scout Car Mk. I. I have to say it is a real nice kit, with some minor flaws I have discovered so far. The kits is full of detail, to include interior. The molding is crisp, with very little flash, and include PE parts. One minor issue I have discovered so far is the ejection mark, especially on the interior, where they will be seen if leaving open, which I am planning to do. There will need to be filled.

So construction has begun on the interior, with filling ejection marks and adding some of the details. I have decided to add some of the wiring, missing from the kit using jewelry beading wire. The wire is fine, and I find easy to work with. Once most of the details, I will prime with Tamiya fine primer and paint, using Tamiya acrylics and Vallejo.

One issue I see, and wondering how I will deal with it, will be the exterior painting, with the hatches open, but it will be a problem I will tackle then.