1/48 Tamiya Crusader Mk II

Ist Armoured Division - El Hamma Tunisia - March 1943

Another year another 1/48 piece for the NSW Scale Model Shows Panzer Tracks Trophy, 2020's theme is "The Desert War", so anything that fought in North Africa is fair game

I actually won this kit in a club raffle so as I didn't have another subject the choice was easy. I ended up choosing the MK II with the camouflage pattern rather than the other options which were all over desert sand (or whatever that colour is called).

Construction wise there was no real issues (as usual). All up I think there was about 3 hours of construction to get it ready for painting. I did buy a metal barrel, but despite it being marked as a 40mm barrel for the MK I/II it looked like the larger barrel for the Mk III.

I used my Silhouette Portrait cutter to cut some masks for the wheels. This made painting the dark (rubber?) outer pretty quick and simple.

I enlarged the instructions and made masks for the painting process. Where the surface wasn't flat I used some Panzer Putty to complete the pattern. Once painted it was sealed with a semi gloss coat for some weathering.

I decided to add a few bits and bobs to the kit. The instructions tell you how to fashion some rails for  stowage. I started with those but soon lost interest in that. So I just attached  them to the hull in a way I think is feasible. They are parts from the Tamiya Jerry can set.

Weathering was primarily enamel filters from AK , oil washers and the Tamiya Weather sets along with some Pigments. The pigments were sealed with IPA sprayed through my airbush as I find this actually locks the pigments in.

Aftermarket

• Some bits from the Tamiya Jerry Can Set (TA32510)

Paint

• Tamiya TS-46 Light Sand  - Main Colour
• Gaianotes German grey - Camo grey
• Tamiya XF-56 Metallic Grey for the base track colour
• Various Vallejo Acrylics for the details

Clear Coats

• Gloss - Mr Color Super Clear Gloss
• Flat - Gaianotes Flat thinned with Mr Rapid Thinner

Weathering

• Oil paints - Raw Umber
• AK Africa Korps Filter
• AK Dark Streaking Grime
• Tamiya Weather Set A 
• Mig Productions Beach Sand

The Base

As usual just cheap pine with a routed edge, Grout for the base and paint /pigments to colour it. 

The Photos

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2019 - A Year in Review

Well another modelling year has come to an end. This year I have produced a respectable (IMHO) 9 completed kits, 7 aircraft and 2 pieces of armour, all in 1/48.

My favourites were the M1A2 Abrams and the F-15E . Anyway without further adieu here they are

1/48 Tamiya Jagdtiger - Vehicle No. 323, 3rd Company,  653rd Heavy Anti Tank Battalion, March  945

This was built for the NSW Scale Model shows Panzer tracks trophy. Whilist it dind't place there it did take out the trophy at he annual club awards which was nice. Typical Tamiya, a great build experience.

1/48 Tamiya M1A2 Abrams - 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (US)

Troop Leader B-66 B Troop "Bandit" 1st Squadron 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (US) Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003

This is one of my two favourite models of the year. Iw as really happy how it turned out. I really hope Tamiya do more modern armour in 48 scale. (I have heard rumours of a t-55 next year)

1/48 Airfix Hawker Sea Fury - 808 Sqn RAN

This was built for the NSW Scale Model shows Airfix Cup. A pretty straight forward build although I did use a Barracuda cowl and home made masks for the codes.

1/48 Hasegawa Junkers JU-87G-2 Stuka

Built to get it out from the stash. To be honest this kit is showing it's age and is a bit of disappointment detail wise. All the markings were masks made from copying the decal sheet.

Another 1/48 Airfix Hawker Sea Fury - 808 Sqn RAN

Yeah this is another one. Built as a commission job. The pilot who flew this was a WW II veteran who unfortunately lost his life in this machine over Korea. The Hockey Oval at HMAS Albatross is named to commemorate him

1/48 Eduard Hawker Tempest - 486 (NZ) Sqn RAF

This was built as a review build for the The Modelling News. Great kit except for the flaps section which requires a bit of filling and re-scribing.

1/48 Special Hobby Fairy Firefly Mk I - 1771 Sqn FAA

Always loved the FAA paint scheme. This aircraft was flown a kiwi who lost his life, along with this observer, attacking the Tirpitz. not easiest kit to build with the clear parts being a particular challenge. . 

1/48 Revell F-15E Strike Eagle - 336th Fighter Squadron Operation Iraqi Freedom

Only jet this year. I'm really happy how this turned out. it really adds some presence to the cabinet. My favourite aircraft build this year.

1/48 Airfix Hawker Hunter F.6 - Central Fighter Establishment RAF

The last completion for 2019. Airfix's excellent new Hunter kit. A really simple straightforward, and enjoyable build. 

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1/48 Airfix Hawker Hunter F.6 - Central Fighter Establishment RAF

This kit was built for the 2020 NSW Scale Model Show's "Airfix Cup".  Although as the Hunter is one of the few early jets that I actually like I was really excited to see Airfix one in 48 scale.

The aircraft I've modelled is one from the RAF's Central Fighter Establishment detached to Sharjah in the UAE in 1963

The Kit

1/48 Airfix Hawker Hunter F.6 Kit No. A09185

Aftermarket

None

The Pilot

Unfortunately the kit doesn't give you a pilot so this one was taken from a Hasegawa Hornet kit. Yeah his flying clothing and equipment is not accurate but only the safety equipment nerds will know.

Decals

Xtradecals 48189 for the underwing codes, tail letter and serials.

Kit decals for the rest

The kit decal sheet is excellent. even the smallest stencils are readable (albeit under magnification) and performed perfectly.

Paint

Dark Green  - Mr Color #330

Dark Sea Grey - Mr Color #331 lightened with white

Yellow - Mr Hobby # 413 RLM 04 Yellow

Silver - Tamiya AS-12
White - Tamiya XF 2 with a drop of grey
Vallejo Acrylics for details 

Clear Coats

Gloss - Gaianote Clear

Flat - Gaia Notes Flat 

Weathering

Shades of the base colours were used for post shading prior to decaling. These were applied  through various airbrush stencils

Oil paints for the wash

Coloured pencils for streaks 

The Base

The base is inspired by the coastal kits blur bases. The original image is of a random bit Australian landscape taken during my last flight in the one of helicopters I worked on. It was specifically taken for "blurring". I then used the motion blur tool in Corel Paintshop Pro multiple times to blur the image until I was happy with the result. I then got it printed on card at the local printer. This was then glued to core flute board.

Build Thread

Britmodeller

Conclusion 

This kit is a pretty simple build and it fits really well.  While it lacks a bit of detail compared to many other modern kits it's simplicity makes for a fun fast build, especially if you do it in flight. I'd estimate that I spent about 20 hours to finish it. I probably spent more time on the base.

If I did it on the ground I'd probably add a PE set for the flaps, wheels and a seat but to be honest it looks better in flight so I reckon any subsequent ones I build will also be flying. 

After the Revel Eagle, Eduard's Tempest and the Special Hobby Firefly I really enjoyed building something that just goes together without issues. I will definitely build future releases.. roll on the export versions.  

The Photos

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