Rommel vs Monty (North African GB 1941-43) Jan. 1 - Aug. 31 2014

Glad to have you aboard Don. Love Pz III's.

Ernest, that is quite a list to chose from - I'd better think up of some more desert badges for the future

I'm in the same boat - all I know is it will be either Italian, British or German.  Even then I've got close to half dozen choices for each one.  So what do I do, I ordered myself a Tilly.  No, don't put me down for that just yet, but have decided it will be 1/35.

regards,

Jack

Just my 2000 lira- figs otta count in this deal. Lets call it the sweaty armpit GB.

Tigerman:

I'm officially in!  Put me down for a 1/35 Dragon-U.S. M4A1 DV Sherman.

Time to go research El Alamein for diorama/ base ideas

Eric, speaking of Pz III's, mine will defiantly be the Tamiya Ausf N

SMJmodeler

Time to go research El Alamein for diorama/ base ideas

Sand and rocks.... rocks and sand... take your pick... 

If there is still room I have an old Tamiya Matilda MKII I have been looking to build

The Caunter scheme was mentioned earlier, so thought I'd post a link to this film.  It's a field workshop in Eqypt near the end of 1940, with workers using both brushes and spray guns.

http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060033073

regards,

Jack

udel09

If there is still room I have an old Tamiya Matilda MKII I have been looking to build

Yes, it doesn't start until Jan. 1.

stikpusher

SMJmodeler

Time to go research El Alamein for diorama/ base ideas

Sand and rocks.... rocks and sand... take your pick... 

That didn't take long!  Check this out!!!

Dont trust that image. It looks like somebody's inaccurate computer made up GIF. The M4A1 DVs at El Alamein were from the earliest production batches- Narrow M34 mantlet without the collar, M3 suspensions, sand shields, and British mods such as water can racks, and attachment points for the "lorry" disguise..

stikpusher:

Thanks for watching my back on the accuracies.  Your correct about the GIF thing, I think the picture is from "World of Tanks" or something like it.  I choose the photo mostly for the diorama/base and the "correct-ish" tank in the setting.

I'm going to dig the kit out of the stash and review the paint schemes/dates etc. for accuracy.  I  may need your expertise again so stay tuned ...thanks again, it's great having knowledgable WWII folks on this forum.

No worries SMJ. While the background may be good as to color and some terrain types (there was 60 miles of front line IIRC, so terrain varaition is in order), the Shermns on there are more in a 1943 production model. Here are a few shots of the real deal.

i'm in with the 1/35 italeri 4x4 BEDFORD truck/portee maybe with a 6ib AT gun from another kit in the bed. the onstructions show the bed ladder and 2 ramps in the unload position. does anyone know where they were stowed in the travel positioon?

SMJ - which kit of the Sherman do you actually have?  Dragon put out a couple British versions geared  for El Alamein, one even had 9 decal options - I wonder if these were garnered from Starmer's research and his involvement with this book:

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Wayne - I've no definite answer of where to stow the ladder and ramps for the Bedford.  I figure they'd just throw them on the platform when on the move.  Definitely would keep them with the vehicle, as the gun was intended to be used on the ground, unless circumstances prevented it's deployment properly.

regards,

Jack

stikpusher:

Thanks for the pic's...I added 'em to my folder for this build!

jgeratic:

Here's the kit...I haven't looked at the instructions/paint schemes/decals yet...but you've piqued my interest!  I'll check it out over the weekend.

SMJ - your kit (and it's decals) are for the American version, but it looks you want to depict a Sherman as it appeared at El Alamein?   If so, only the British had Shermans at this battle, and there are some differences in terms of stowage, in particular the characteristic turret bin and sandshields.  

regards,

Jack

jgeratic: Hmmm...I really like this version of the tank and I don't think I want to add sand shields, especially if the kit doesn't include them.  If there are other mods that have to be made to make it accurate I may consider getting another kit.   I was really hoping the kit would include a decal set version that would allow it to meet Tigerman's parameters for this GB. 

SMJ, from what I read on a review, that kit does come with markings for a US tank in Tunisia in 43, so that would still fit this build, I think.

Bish:  Awesome!  I did rummage through the kit a while ago kinda' oogling the detail/PE, etc that's included.  I thought I recalled it having a decal set  for a  non-European Theater.  Now I'm REALLY curious to dig the kit out of the stash!  If it has Tunisian markings and that qualifies...that would be great!

That's what it says on here.

www.militarymodelling.com/.../4405

The other option is Sicily.

Bish:  Thanks for the link...I'm looking forward to checking out the decals!! 

BTW:  I was surfing the the other GB's and I see you're hosting "the Longest Day"  Two GB builds by June!?!?! Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!

SMJ-if you want more options for your Sherman, check out this sheet from Bison Decals:

http://www.bison-decals.com/35216.html

I've got the Dragon El Alamein Sherman in the stash but I'm not sure that I am ready to tackle the PE sand guards/shields....still exploring my options before I sign on.

Here are a few gorgeous full color shots of M4A1 in Tunisia... as real as you can get for reference

Mind you these are from the next production batch post Kasserine, as the first ones were roughly handled by the DAK in their initial encounters.

Check out the bogies on that -A1......

Yes, they are the later M4 trailing arm type rather than the M3 type seen on the initial production tanks

Much of the initial production batch with US 1st Armored Division ended up like this in the lead up to Kasserine Pass

Tigerman -- so glad to see this GB happening! Please put me down for the 1:35 Tamiya Pz. IVD. I'll be loading it up with stowage and hopefully making my first air recognition flag using the paper and glue method.

Cheers, Mike/TB379

Those pics look great, Stik!

Sounds great MIke. Glad to have you.