Plastic Modelers in the IL-2 Community

[Vishnu]

 

Finally completed that nightmare of a Monogram 1983 Ju87 kit.  My first airplane model kit in 40 years, so it was a good test of my rusty skills.  Meh.   I learned a lot.    It certainly gives me experience when I build one of my expensive kits. (Ie: one of my 3 Eduard kits)

 

The panzer P38t is coming along nicely.   Weathering and decals are done.  Just have to continue work on the base and figures. 

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by Vishnu

[RedeyeStorm]

Nice @Vishnu,

 

As a kid I made a lot of Monogram models. I greatly prefered them over Revell kits. Made a P-51D, SBD Dauntless, P61 Black Widow and a B-29. All 1:48.

[Wardog5711]

I was also a big Monogram fan back in my youth. Even had the B-29,B-58 and B-1 in 1/48.

Sadly, I still have a a stack of 1/48 Monogram kits sitting in my stash shelves that I will probably never get around to building.

Mostly vintage kits to replace the ones I built 40+ years ago and are long gone. At least that was the plan.

[Gambit21]

45 minutes ago, Wardog5711 said:

I was also a big Monogram fan back in my youth. Even had the B-29,B-58 and B-1 in 1/48.

Sadly, I still have a a stack of 1/48 Monogram kits sitting in my stash shelves that I will probably never get around to building.

Mostly vintage kits to replace the ones I built 40+ years ago and are long gone. At least that was the plan.

 

Yep - it happens.

I've lost count of the fellow modelers I've known with the (often sold) stack of unbuilt models that exists or existed because if the "I have a plan" thing.

I finally gave in and sold my Tamaya large scale, vintage F-1 kits a handful of years back.

 

I built the Monogram B-29, including airbrush job as a display for the toy store that I worked at back in 88, when I was a senior in high school.

 

[BornToBattle]

The E-100 chassis but with the center mount Krupp turret. I went ahead and put together a portion of Tamiya’s Goliath set as well after brainstorming an idea to make this build a bit different - kit bashing in a minor scale you might say! All items associated with the tracked mine (of which over 7,500 of these remote controlled “beetle tanks” as called by the Allie’s were produced) were scratch built along with a variation of the night vision optics FG1250 produced by Zeiss. Lenses were made with UV activated resin. I really wanted to purchase a handful of the night vision kits that were produced for inclusion on some upcoming builds but alas, they are out of production. Some cheaper 3D kits are available but I decided to forego these and produce my own. This build reminds me of a Panther on steroids. Anyhow, for what it is worth…

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by BornToBattle

[BornToBattle]

Another one done. This time a Tamiya kit of the French Char B1 built before WW2 also 1/35 scale. Kit went together fine as I suspected. Used acrylics throughout and then oils for weathering and clay washes. A nice little tank build as the actual build time was completed in one night.

 

[Guest]

On 5/2/2023 at 10:48 AM, Gambit21 said:

 

Yep - it happens.

I've lost count of the fellow modelers I've known with the (often sold) stack of unbuilt models that exists or existed because if the "I have a plan" thing.

I finally gave in and sold my Tamaya large scale, vintage F-1 kits a handful of years back.

 

I built the Monogram B-29, including airbrush job as a display for the toy store that I worked at back in 88, when I was a senior in high school.

 

Stashes seem to be a hobby in and of themselves, I've lost count of the number of threads I've seen over the years on various forums dedicated to the subject (with very impressive pics in many cases). ?

The DB605 motor so far, about 15 hours of work currently because I'm OCD on seam-lines (the pipes are a nightmare). There's plenty of room for extra wires and cables etc.
 

[BornToBattle]

Lol how true. My saying is, “You’re not really a  true modeler until you spend more time surfing and buying kits than actually building them.” Great looking engine BTW, can’t wait to see the completed build!

 

1 hour ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

Stashes seem to be a hobby in and of themselves, I've lost count of the number of threads I've seen over the years on various forums dedicated to the subject (with very impressive pics in many cases). ?

The DB605 motor so far, about 15 hours of work currently because I'm OCD on seam-lines (the pipes are a nightmare). There's plenty of room for extra wires and cables etc.
 

Fantastic! What scale is that?

You say you have 15 hours into it so far. Funny, cuz just last night at our IPMS meeting we were just talking about how much time and brain wracking it takes  to do a given model and most people except those “in the know” really have no clue how much effort it takes to complete such miniatures of history or any other given subject for that matter. ????

Edited May 6, 2023 by BornToBattle

[Guest]

4 hours ago, BornToBattle said:

Lol how true. My saying is, “You’re not really a  true modeler until you spend more time surfing and buying kits than actually building them.” Great looking engine BTW, can’t wait to see the completed build!

 

Fantastic! What scale is that?

You say you have 15 hours into it so far. Funny, cuz just last night at our IPMS meeting we were just talking about how much time and brain wracking it takes  to do a given model and most people except those “in the know” really have no clue how much effort it takes to complete such miniatures of history or any other given subject for that matter. ????

It's 1/32nd. I've done way more 1/48th but my fingers have become such blunt objects they're a tiny-scale liability these days.

A second go would be a lot quicker but that'll be a long time coming as I've pre-ordered three of their FW190-A6.

These are from the Tamiya 1/32nd Zero I did around ten years ago. The Zoukei Mura comes with a lot more detail OOTB so there's a lot less need for scratch-built extras.

Edited May 6, 2023 by Hetzer-JG51

[BornToBattle]

Cranked out another one. This time I went over to the Pacific theater (as I wish the GB series would…sigh) and made the proposed Super-Heavy 150 ton 11 man crewed O-I tank in 1/35 scale. Honestly, I thought the Maus was big or the E=100’s until I put this monstrosity together. Apparently some of the “bigger is always better” mindsets of some individuals in the German high command had rubbed off on the Japanese Army at the time, a single track link being the current sole survivor of the entire project amongst blueprints as well. 
 

Being such a huge blank canvas for me I pondered how I could break up the monotonous tones of the big, relatively blank pieces visually so I added a scratch built spare track rack complete with welds at the front, then additional armor plating further up and a field phone based at the lower rear. On the left side of the tank I made a replacement side skirt plate up just to break up the visuals a bit. I hand shadowed each individual rivet on her using oil based black then had to go back over each one and clean up the tide marks…I think it was this that burnt me out a little on armor just a bit as I popped open my Tamiya 1/12 scale F1 McLaren kit last night from my stash to build along side my Panther F! The Takom kit comes with several choices of metal turned barrels and is a straightforward build with no issues encountered. The original tank plans had it fitted with a 105mm main gun and two BMW made V12’s for power.
 

I’ve included some pics of the original plans that were laid out as well as a few shots for a size comparison for you against two different tanks, the M3 and the Maus. Have a great day and be safe.

 

Edited May 6, 2023 by BornToBattle

[ZachariasX]

Out of reactions... but WOW, these are some great builds! And also the ones that are coming along!

[No_85_Gramps]

2 hours ago, ZachariasX said:

Out of reactions... but WOW, these are some great builds! And also the ones that are coming along!

Ditto here!

[Guest]

I finished the motor a few days ago, here are some bad pics. So awful I'm not sure they're worth posting but who am I to judge. Lulz.

[Hoots]

22 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

I finished the motor a few days ago, here are some bad pics. So awful I'm not sure they're worth posting but who am I to judge. Lulz.

They’re not bad pics and they’re definitely worth posting. Brilliant job!

[XQ_Lothar29]

On 5/1/2023 at 1:15 AM, Vishnu said:

 

Finally completed that nightmare of a Monogram 1983 Ju87 kit.  My first airplane model kit in 40 years, so it was a good test of my rusty skills.  Meh.   I learned a lot.    It certainly gives me experience when I build one of my expensive kits. (Ie: one of my 3 Eduard kits)

 

The panzer P38t is coming along nicely.   Weathering and decals are done.  Just have to continue work on the base and figures. 

 

Your work is really nice, I really like the Ju87

On 5/3/2023 at 4:01 PM, BornToBattle said:

The E-100 chassis but with the center mount Krupp turret. I went ahead and put together a portion of Tamiya’s Goliath set as well after brainstorming an idea to make this build a bit different - kit bashing in a minor scale you might say! All items associated with the tracked mine (of which over 7,500 of these remote controlled “beetle tanks” as called by the Allie’s were produced) were scratch built along with a variation of the night vision optics FG1250 produced by Zeiss. Lenses were made with UV activated resin. I really wanted to purchase a handful of the night vision kits that were produced for inclusion on some upcoming builds but alas, they are out of production. Some cheaper 3D kits are available but I decided to forego these and produce my own. This build reminds me of a Panther on steroids. Anyhow, for what it is worth…

 

I'm not a great tank modeler, but I know a good job.
I imagine that you made the welds between steel plates, right?
Precious

On 5/5/2023 at 10:03 PM, BornToBattle said:

Another one done. This time a Tamiya kit of the French Char B1 built before WW2 also 1/35 scale. Kit went together fine as I suspected. Used acrylics throughout and then oils for weathering and clay washes. A nice little tank build as the actual build time was completed in one night.

 

This French tank is very nice, if we add the great work of rust and dirt. an excellent job

On 5/6/2023 at 1:59 AM, Hetzer-JG51 said:

Stashes seem to be a hobby in and of themselves, I've lost count of the number of threads I've seen over the years on various forums dedicated to the subject (with very impressive pics in many cases). ?

The DB605 motor so far, about 15 hours of work currently because I'm OCD on seam-lines (the pipes are a nightmare). There's plenty of room for extra wires and cables etc.
 

The work you have done on the DB605 is very nice.
I will be attentive to the evolution of your work

On 5/6/2023 at 8:15 AM, Hetzer-JG51 said:

It's 1/32nd. I've done way more 1/48th but my fingers have become such blunt objects they're a tiny-scale liability these days.

A second go would be a lot quicker but that'll be a long time coming as I've pre-ordered three of their FW190-A6.

These are from the Tamiya 1/32nd Zero I did around ten years ago. The Zoukei Mura comes with a lot more detail OOTB so there's a lot less need for scratch-built extras.

impressive result that you are achieving so far in the office of the Tamiya A6M 1:32.
I love how you are leaving it

[XQ_Lothar29]

On 5/6/2023 at 3:07 PM, BornToBattle said:

Cranked out another one. This time I went over to the Pacific theater (as I wish the GB series would…sigh) and made the proposed Super-Heavy 150 ton 11 man crewed O-I tank in 1/35 scale. Honestly, I thought the Maus was big or the E=100’s until I put this monstrosity together. Apparently some of the “bigger is always better” mindsets of some individuals in the German high command had rubbed off on the Japanese Army at the time, a single track link being the current sole survivor of the entire project amongst blueprints as well. 
 

Being such a huge blank canvas for me I pondered how I could break up the monotonous tones of the big, relatively blank pieces visually so I added a scratch built spare track rack complete with welds at the front, then additional armor plating further up and a field phone based at the lower rear. On the left side of the tank I made a replacement side skirt plate up just to break up the visuals a bit. I hand shadowed each individual rivet on her using oil based black then had to go back over each one and clean up the tide marks…I think it was this that burnt me out a little on armor just a bit as I popped open my Tamiya 1/12 scale F1 McLaren kit last night from my stash to build along side my Panther F! The Takom kit comes with several choices of metal turned barrels and is a straightforward build with no issues encountered. The original tank plans had it fitted with a 105mm main gun and two BMW made V12’s for power.
 

I’ve included some pics of the original plans that were laid out as well as a few shots for a size comparison for you against two different tanks, the M3 and the Maus. Have a great day and be safe.

 

I'm not a big tank connoisseur, but what I see is incredible.
some great effects in the assembly, as before, during, and after the painting that manage to create great results both in rust and polished iron. In addition to achieving the effect of environmental dirt.

 

congratulations from me

 

 

On 5/12/2023 at 12:46 PM, Hetzer-JG51 said:

I finished the motor a few days ago, here are some bad pics. So awful I'm not sure they're worth posting but who am I to judge. Lulz.

I see the progress, and I like it. waiting for the next big job

[XQ_Lothar29]

Hello all, here I present the work finished three days ago.

It is about Eduard's Bf110 G4 at 1:72 scale in its Weeken Edition version made directly from the box without any extra addition.

 

this Bf110 G4 I try to recreate the one flown by the, Oblt. Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, Stab IV./NJG 1, Saint Trond, Belgium, April 1944 

This pilot was the most successful night fighter with the BF110.

 

Well, here are some photos of the model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you all like it

 

 

Edited May 16, 2023 by XQ_Lothar29

[Guest]

9 hours ago, XQ_Lothar29 said:

Hello all, here I present the work finished three days ago.

It is about Eduard's Bf110 G4 at 1:72 scale in its Weeken Edition version made directly from the box without any extra addition.

 

this Bf110 G4 I try to recreate the one flown by the, Oblt. Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, Stab IV./NJG 1, Saint Trond, Belgium, April 1944 

This pilot was the most successful night fighter with the BF110.

 

Well, here are some photos of the model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you all like it

 

 

That mottling is superb. 

[Hoots]

1 hour ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

That mottling is superb. 

On 1/72 as well. It's making my eyes hurt just thinking about it!

[Guest]

8 hours ago, Hoots said:

On 1/72 as well. It's making my eyes hurt just thinking about it!

Indeed. I'm wondering what he would do with the 1/32nd Zoukei Mura Uhu.

[BornToBattle]

On 5/15/2023 at 10:26 PM, XQ_Lothar29 said:

Hello all, here I present the work finished three days ago.

It is about Eduard's Bf110 G4 at 1:72 scale in its Weeken Edition version made directly from the box without any extra addition.

 

this Bf110 G4 I try to recreate the one flown by the, Oblt. Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer, Stab IV./NJG 1, Saint Trond, Belgium, April 1944 

This pilot was the most successful night fighter with the BF110.

 

Well, here are some photos of the model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you all like it

 

 

Wow…and in 1/72 scale too, so “double wow”! Might I ask - how do you prefer to do exhaust stains in aircraft? Dry pigments as applied last, airbrushed, etc.? Very nice work as usual! 
 

Oh and to answer your question regarding weld seams on my tanks - “yes”…I’m doing my own weld seams now using Tamiya two part putty. I tend to work with it on the really dry side as for me it’s easier to manipulate. The E-100 with Krupp turret I did this technique the most on along with some on the Japanese O-I super heavy tank.

[XQ_Lothar29]

8 hours ago, BornToBattle said:

Wow…and in 1/72 scale too, so “double wow”! Might I ask - how do you prefer to do exhaust stains in aircraft? Dry pigments as applied last, airbrushed, etc.? Very nice work as usual! 
 

Usually, I only use an airbrush, various shades.
I recommend the pigments more for vehicles, since they do not move as fast as airplanes and the rust ends up having texture

[Guest]

1 hour ago, XQ_Lothar29 said:

Usually, I only use an airbrush, various shades.
I recommend the pigments more for vehicles, since they do not move as fast as airplanes and the rust ends up having texture

Tamiya do 'eye cosmetic' stuff that's very effective, the little sponge applicator puts a nice polish/sheen to it that looks very realistic on airframes.

[ZachariasX]

7 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

Tamiya do 'eye cosmetic' stuff that's very effective, the little sponge applicator puts a nice polish/sheen to it that looks very realistic on airframes.

Yes the makeup stuff works wonders and makes it especially easy for more „coarse“ hands. My younger son is currently building the Airfix 1/72 Typhoon. And using that stuff and then removing excessive weathering with a Q-tip is very straight forward for an even finish. Same as removing excessive panelling with an eraser.

[XQ_Lothar29]

 

17 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

Tamiya do 'eye cosmetic' stuff that's very effective, the little sponge applicator puts a nice polish/sheen to it that looks very realistic on airframes.

yes, they are very good for tires, the Tamiya Weathering Master.

Edited May 18, 2023 by XQ_Lothar29

[Guest]

A little update, the main part of the cockpit is done. FMG, the tiny decals. Like 1.5mm x 0.75mm. ?

[BornToBattle]

On 5/22/2023 at 9:13 PM, Hetzer-JG51 said:

A little update, the main part of the cockpit is done. FMG, the tiny decals. Like 1.5mm x 0.75mm. ?

Good God man it looks as if you should be able to start it up and do some serious flying in that thing by the time it’s done! ??

[Guest]

2 hours ago, BornToBattle said:

Good God man it looks as if you should be able to start it up and do some serious flying in that thing by the time it’s done! ??

You would not believe the amount of detail provided that becomes hidden by other parts, never to be seen again in the completed model. But for crash/maintenance dioramas the possibilities are extensive.

[Guest]

The insanity of photo-etch. Getting super-glue onto surfaces that measure fractions of a mm and then placing them, HMoG. Lol.

 

Edited May 30, 2023 by Hetzer-JG51

[ZachariasX]

11 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

Lol.

If i were to do that, that thingy would be now superglued to the ruler...

[Guest]

The fuselage is together and the engine is mounted, with lots of extra plumbing installed. I think my phone camera has some kind of weird filter on it, the pics look posterised?

[=LD=Bulldog*]

I am a military book publisher and am launching a new series on modelling a particular aircraft, tank, etc. If this is of interest to you as a skilled modeller, do get in touch!

 

Cheers,

 

Bulldog

[Vishnu]

Basically finished my Panzer 38t from Tamiya, with Dragon figures.  Minor touch ups to go.   Pretty happy with it.  So, it’s my 4th tank model, and my 5th model I’ve built in 45 years.  

Edited June 7, 2023 by Vishnu

[cardboard_killer]

Looks great, but I think you could lose the wire. I don't think a tank revetment would need (or want) wire that close. Tank treads love to grab wire and it isn't easy to untangle it from track.

[Vishnu]

1 hour ago, cardboard_killer said:

Looks great, but I think you could lose the wire. I don't think a tank revetment would need (or want) wire that close. Tank treads love to grab wire and it isn't easy to untangle it from track.

Fair enough… was really curious to see how it would work.   Thanks for the advice.   I was going to tone down the neon grass colour as well….  Tomorrow. 

Edited June 8, 2023 by Vishnu

[RNAS10_Mitchell]

Looks great.  Nice work.

[Guest]

So much detail, never to be seen again. Did I say that already? ?

[XQ_Lothar29]

10 hours ago, Hetzer-JG51 said:

So much detail, never to be seen again. Did I say that already? ?

One of the most spectacular 109 models that money can buy. without counting that of Artasania Latina.
looking forward to seeing it finished

On 6/8/2023 at 12:54 AM, Vishnu said:

Basically finished my Panzer 38t from Tamiya, with Dragon figures.  Minor touch ups to go.   Pretty happy with it.  So, it’s my 4th tank model, and my 5th model I’ve built in 45 years.  

the diorama is very nice.
I don't know how to make good dioramas

[Guest]

Regensburg, another day another Deutschmark. ?

[Panzerlang]

*Sigh*. One of the banes of modellers, finding good paint. This stuff wasn't cheap but like a kid in a candy-store I was grabbing everything I could see. I haven't thinned it, it's straight from the bottle. No primer but it shouldn't need it and I did spray a decent amount. It's not hidden the Bare-Metal foil at all and isn't even close to providing a metal finish elsewhere that'll serve as a base for scratching and chipping. Back to the lacquer-paint it is then.