Bridlington & Wolds Scale Model Club Forum
Models => Modelling Projects => Topic started by: Wizzel on January 21, 2015, 01:58:06 PM
-
I haven't forgotten about the BV 138 and will update this one next week, but I thought I'd post this as a little "gap filler" just to show I'm still active. This was one of a few models I got for Christmas from my father-in-law - he picks bits and bobs up for auctions, junk shops and the like so I figured it's a suitable subject for the next competition so off we jolly well go...
It's the Arifix 1/76 scale model - 2 kits in one really from what I can see; the original Churchill MkV (in dark green plastic) with an extra bag of gubbins (in light grey) in there for the fuel trailer, towing hitch and flame thrower which replaces the hull machine gun in the kit.
The kit goes together well, although because of the construction of the skirt, you have to glue the 22 sets of wheels to the body of the tank, THEN fit the track, then fit the skirt so I was not able to get the outer axles to fit into the holes on the skirt. Maybe a dab of glue over the holes will give the impression that the holes have the axles in, and if I tell nobody, then my secret is safe.
The tracks are of that typical rubbery plastic and when glued together, are not quite long or flexible enough to be fitted over the wheels (there is a toothed running wheel at both front and back) without breaking the join! At least with the skirt covering the top of the tracks, nobody will know that they are just glued to the wheels and don't actually join up at any point! Again, another of my well kept secrets.
Painting! Well, I thought with a good old (and new) Airfix kit, Humbrol enamels were the traditional choice. I had the (correct?) colours too. Sadly, despite washing the kit in warm soapy water, they didn't take. Streaking and smearing on both the tank and the trailer!!! I couldn't figure it out, so I tried again with Revell enamels. Same result. I reverted to Vallejo acrylics and they took a treat. My only conclusion is that it may have been my brush? I have since use enamels on another kit (NOVO) with no problem at all and the only difference is that I took the time to give my brushes a good de-gunge. So, a nice "tank green" all over to start with. Tracks in gunmetal. Tyres in black.
Next stage was displaying it. As you know, I don't like just putting a kit on the table and the appeal of a flamethrower tank was too good to pass up - BUT, how to make a realistic enough looking jet of flame! Well, to be honest, I didn't think too long about it, I just had a look at what I had to hand and set to try a few things out. First a piece of acetate cut to rough profile onto which I built up a couple of layers of thick superglue each side, teasing it into rough shapes as it dried. Roughly painted, it looked okay. I then experimented with a tub of rubber solution type glue which I found turned very jelly-like when I mixed paint (I used clear orange and clear red) with it. This I used to build up the shape even more and then I discovered that the dried residue peeled off into those nice "fish skin" type things which looked pretty good as the little sheets of flame that roll off the jet. Fortunately, the first experiment was good enough for me and I'm quite pleased with the result. What do you think?
While layers of that were setting, I made a start on the weathering of the tank and trailer. Simple washes of black and a bit of dry brushing so far. I'm thinking that the markings should really be on at this stage too as they will have weathered along with the tank, so I missed a trick there - I'll get that sorted tonight.
The stage I'm at now is planning the diorama. It will take the form of a small pillbox dug into the hill on a bend in a Normandy lane with the tank hitting it at fairly close range with the flame. With the range being short, this will cause a bit of splash, so I'm going to be creating plenty of orange "fish skin" to replicate this, and of course the black smoke that goes with it. As that progresses, I'll be getting stuff ready to 'decorate' the outside of the tank with; sandbags, rolls of netting or whatever I can find in photographs, anyway, some pictures to date will give you a rough idea. TO BE CONTINUED SOON! Now, where's that BV 138???
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Great stuff, looks at bit dangerous all those flames heading for the volatile glue bottle?
Where are health and safety when you want them?
-
Hi Wizzel,
Looks flaming good mate (pardon pun)
Funny enough I'd even thought at an early stage posing my Concorde taking off on that fateful day with flames belching out on take-off.
This might just be the way to do it, looking how good your 'experiment' is. Would like to see the model when finished, it looks fearsome and realistic.
Very well done mate.
Bigkev
-
I am sure that I have one of these somewhere? I must look it out.
I like the flame effect very much and look forward to a real life viewing.
-
Hi Wizzel,
Will it appear at Huddersfield?
Bigkev
-
Many thanks for the confidence boosting comments. Yes, I plan on taking it to Huddersfield. After daring to take the other couple of models I've made so far to our show, I'm not scared anymore.
I managed to make a start on the bunker last night but have nothing worth photographing just yet, couple more days and I should be able to give you something to look at. The bunker is balsa wood which will be "rendered" with something or other to represent concrete. Thing with me and dioramas is, I have a vague idea of what I'm going to do and when I sit down and start to play with what I have, it just seems to come together. Quite lucky so far I guess...
-
Found mine, lurking in a cupboard.
Here it is, no flames though.
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
At least you've got the marking one though. I like that it's called BRITON but has American stars on :P
Did you have any problems getting the paint to "take" - what did you paint it with?
-
I do believe that I used Vallejo paints and varnishes.
Were the stars not used for the invasion, even by us?
-
Oooh, I don't know. I can't recall our armour having any national markings so maybe we did put the white star on, just to stop the Americans shooting at us "by mistake" as they would have done if we'd have had the Union Flag all over it. I shall investigate. I note the absence of the "rain" weather effect on your crocodile too ;)
-
Ha, Ha, its just extra weathering.
-
"flamin ell" you is doin a gud job there Wizzel ....keep at it
-
Ah now then. As ever, I've been a bit slow in continuing modelling; time and illness have been the culprits but I've managed a few minutes at a time over the last few weeks and now I've something worthwhile to report, here it is. The tank itself, as provided by Airfix, is now finished! Markings are on, weathering is done I think - but of course when do you STOP weathering? It'll do anyhow. I added radio antennae out of stretched sprue which I HATE working with, flattened the wheels on the fuel trailer to try and simulate weight and added a little lick of flame on the glacis plate under the flame thrower hood as on the video I saw, there was always a little spill of fuel which subsequently caught light when the flame was fired. I need to add some clutter to the tank next which will go on in the background while I get on with the diorama.
The bunker has undergone various designs as I didn't quite know how I wanted it but now I have decided, things will progress. Nothing worth posting picture wise of that just yet but I imagine by Wednesday there will be something. Of course the Feb meeting is my deadline so that should focus me. On with the show then...
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Hi Wizzel,
Hot stuff matey!
Look forward to seeing it at the meeting.
Bigkev
-
Just a few pics showing the rough idea for the diorama I mocked up on the dining table to see how it looked when the major components were put together. VERY BASIC bunker at the moment and the foam squares are just so I can carry the two parts about easily to help plan the actual ground - that's on the cards for starting tomorrow. I'm happy with it anyhow.
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Hi Wizzel,
Like it, like it!!
I do rough set ups like this, but only in 2 dimension, not 3 like yours.
Great Work.
Bigkev
-
I tend to do all the 2D stuff before I start building to make sure I have what I need and if I fancy doing it at all - but inevitably, it all changes as the models near completion so what was in my head in the beginning is rarely what I end up with at the end. Already the bit of board I had allocated as the base is being used as a cutting mat as I need one with slightly different dimensions for what I have now decided to do.
-
It must be evolution..............................
-
Looking good Wizzel. I have a burning desire to build something similar. ;D
-
Hi Wizzel,
Looks like this is a 'hot' topic.
look forward to seeing it at the meeting.
Bigkev
-
I see the sarcasm is back!
-
It`s not sarcasm, they are puns, and puns that you could warm to ;D
-
And it is cold outside!
Bigkev
-
but seriously Wizzel, ist a flaming good model is that!
-
In between bits of being badly, I've popped into the model room and done a few minutes of work when the energy has been sufficient. Work on the bunker is almost complete. I wanted to give it a "gritty" concrete texture so coloured some diluted PVA glue with grey paint, gave it a light coat and sprinkled some very fine sand over it. Once dry, I thought it looked like a blasted sandcastle on the beach - not impressed. So after a few washes of grey paint, then a subtle stippling of greens and brown to try to represent the lichen growth and a brisk rub with sandpaper I think I got the texture I'm after. Just got a few bits of damage to finish and take some pictures to see how it actually looks, then adjust the colours if necessary, but I aim to have that done tonight. Pictures to follow.
As the bunker is built into the hillside as part of some bigger underground defence line, the top of the bunker is accessible from the top of the slope so on the roof will be a mortar - perhaps on it's side - abandoned by the team as they see the flame thrower tank approaching up the hill. The bunker is only an MG post so the tank will be pretty much going head on at it, having slewed off the road and through a barbed wire fence.
-
Pictures please!
-
The idea sounds great. Can´t wait to see the Progress. This could be a "hot" model. :D
-
If the pictures don't appear, can we assume that the 'Crocodile' is in a tank trap?
Bigkev
-
C`mon Wizzel, where are the Pictures, no pressure though, we don`t want you suffering from "burn out" ;D
-
If you go on he may see red.
-
carefull with the puns, we don`t want to "ignite" any ill feeling.
-
Okay then, just a couple to keep you happy. The bunker is near enough done now, though I may put a few more pock marks into it and of course the greasy smoke marks on the corner where the flame has hit. If I'm honest, I still don't know if the texture is too rough now I've seen the pictures but it'll have to do. Today I've been working on the ground and some small details such as the cam net and spare tyre which will be lashed to the top of the fuel trailer. The jet of flame is now glued into the flame thrower too. I'll see about posting a few more later once the ironing is done and the camera batteries have been charged.
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Love the smoke and flames!
-
Hot Stuff, Wizzel!
I want to see this one for some inspiration, and guidance. Great Job Wizzel1
'Hot' off the modelling table!
Bigkev
-
Right then. Unexpected guests and the usual domestic chores have stalled me as usual. Anyway, an update since the last post. To help me with the actual diorama, I like to create a scenario to model and this one is that the tank is part of a clearance patrol in Normandy tasked with supporting infantry with clearing defence lines. This particular bunker is an MG position dug into the hill and as the roof is accessible from the high ground, a mortar team have set up on the roof. The tank, having driven up the road past the hedgerow has now got sight of the troublesome bunker and has slewed off the road to take it out. There's been a few rounds put down from the main gun which have smashed up the top of the bunker and toppled the mortar and the crew have done a runner what with the tank being too close for the mortar to be effective, leaving the occupants of the bunker to fend for themselves - not an uncommon occurrence where flame-throwers were concerned.
As you can see I have now got the base done as far as putting the wood around the edges and effectively sealing the whole thing in and have been slowly working on the ground from the road to the bunker. The ground was roughly built up of packing foam covered with newspaper and PVA glue and on top is a mixture of plaster of paris, water, retardant/adhesive and paint slopped on and roughly moulded to the form I wanted. The barbed wire fence was made from cocktail sticks and strands of net curtain, painted steel grey and twisted in between each fence post and is effective enough for me. Up the right hand side will be the hedgerow made from some stuff I bought at Huddersfield - a sort of hair braid that you pull a bit from, spray it black or brown to give it some rigidity then blast it with hairspray and sprinkle the foliage on, then set it with a squirt of PVA diluted with water. Pretty effective and definitely a good buy! Photos of progress so far then...
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Nearly there now. I've been working on the splash of the flame on the bunker and it's just about to my satisfaction. A bit of a trim needed here and there, some "fleshing out" in places and some fire on the ground in front of the bunker and that'll be done. The terrain is almost complete. The hedgerow is as previously described, ground cover is some green fibre dabbed down with Ronseal matt varnish and some of the hedgerow sprinkle dabbed roughly on with me brush. There will be a couple of bare patches of earth which I will probably turn into small mortar craters. The trees on the left are from a pack I got at Hobbycraft.
Remaining tasks once the flame will be final placement of the mortar position on top of the bunker, maybe add a couple of figures as infantry support to the tank and a general tidy up. Checking the household diary, I've got Friday as my deadline so I hope to bring this thread to a close for then.
Here are some pictures of how it is right now then...
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Looks neat, are the tank and trailer emerging from a river, if so I'll bring you some stuff to make still water.
Haddock.
-
It's meant to be a road but you've inspired me - a little late for this project but I'll bear it in mind for another one, thanks. Does the still water making material come with tuition?? The reason it's shiny and looks like it's covered in water is because the varnish I used to hold the ground cover down is still wet.
-
Hi Wizzel,
It looks great mate. Look forward to the fully finished article at the meeting.
In fact your build has got me going on something military, a Morris Quad, 25pdr and limber in 1/76. The white beast has given me the impetus to do something different, and the crocodile build was my inspiration.
bigkev
-
Well done Wizzel! I am particularly impressed with this diorama.....very believable and atmospheric. Love the shrubbery....keep it a bit shiny it look as if its been raining and is very impressive. This diorama is an inspiration for us all, it looks very satisfying, and I know that you have had fun getting it together, once again well done and thanks for posting it.
-
look forward to a viewing at the next meeting.
Get some petrol in the trailer and we could have real flames next time.
-
Mmmm, I'm wondering now if it was me that caused the fire alarm at Huddersfield!
Many thanks for your kind words all. Once I pluck up the confidence to start work on the next stage, things just fall into place and I do actually quite like how this is coming on. The diorama work is something I particularly enjoy but the issue that leaves me is the space everything takes up! If I put every model I make into a diorama, I'm going to need to send DCOS back home to her folks to gain room to display them all. ???
-
There is an up side to everything - do I mean down side?
-
Right then, I reckon that's it finished. The thing with dioramas is you could just go on and on "improving them" until you go too far and ruin it completely. So I'll settle for just ruining it a bit I think.
The finishing touches were to add a bit of a crater to the right of the tank near the hedge, paint the frame around the diorama "wild thyme" and glue a bit of green painted gauze bandage over the edges as cam net. I didn't manage to find any suitable figures in time to add before declaring it finished so if I end up with some left over from another diorama in the future they may get inserted but I didn't want to buy a full box of 30 odd just to pilfer 2 or 3 from it.
Some pictures then and it'll be packed into the boot for the meeting tomorrow. Just before I get back to the BV 138, I've been asked if I can do a few more figures for the Thirtle Bridge Camp diorama for when the lighthouse re-opens at Easter. So, that'll be 2 more threads to be continued in the near future then.
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Well done Wizzel, I am very impressed and inspired by this fine diorama.
-
Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
-
This is the best flame I have ever seen!
Great job