The OFFICIAL Panzer III and Its Variants GB

BaBill212

Hi Matt,,,,  I have not tried the Vallejo DRubber yet...    wish I could offer some help, sorry

No worries Bill...honestly didn't know the color even existed until a few weeks ago. Seems its part of the panzer aces series, which my LHS doesn't really stock (though considering how depleted the rack is, they may as well not stock Vallejo at all...).

I guess a corollary would be...how dark is panzer gray? The Lifecolor, er, color that I've got is a very dark gray, nearly black. In fact, it looks like a 1:1 match with Vallejo Black Gray, which is the color I typically use for tires. 

Pictures and other builds don't really help...I mean most of what I see looks lighter, similar to maybe gunship gray. Even the box art seems far more dark gray than black gray.

EDIT: Not supposed to be a pic of a Spitfire. Guess the browser didn't catch that whole copy URL thing...

But then I search around and read comments about "no, it's supposed to be really dark".

My background's far more wingy things, and allied at that, so this has me super-confused. Anybody?

Great work going on guys,

I'll be starting on weathering my SIG 33 shortly - I'm nervous!

My 'recipe' for Panzer Grey is 1 part Tamiya XF-63 (German Grey) to 1 part Tamiya XF-18 (Medium Blue).

I then add some Tamiya Dark Grey which is a little lighter and some Flat white too. Add it gradually until you are happy and keep stirring!

For my road wheel rubber I use Vallejo Dark Rubber or a 1:1 mix of German Grey and Flat Black. The Vallejo stuff is great!

Cheers buddy,

Ben

DOOGS - Have never used Vallejo?  I use Testors rubber most of the time.  Sometimes, not often, will use MM Engine Gray.

Good deal Rob... I am sure your loaders seat will be fine

Hi folks,

Here's the usual Saturday evening update! I'll keep it basic:

• Tracks muddied up a bit - tomorrow they'll get some graphite on the raised contact areas.
• Various pigments on the lower hull fixed with Enamel Thinner
• Some various bits of stowage prepared i.e. tracks link runs, helmets, tools and a couple of the balsa wood crates that I have. I might make a couple of sandbags from Milliput too.
• Washes on. I've tried to get the dot streaking method working and it didn't work out too great. I've left it at this point as I don't want to damage the basecoat with too much white spirit - it looks good.
• Mufflers on and rusted up, light chipping done with a few scratches and some drybrushing of bolt heads.
• Looking really very good. At one point it was looking a bit rubbish but I've turned her around!

Tomorrow I want to have her finished. I'm only doing a few more things on the basic build so it's mainly stowage tomorrow.

Here she is so far - I hope you like her! 

This is a good photo but a bit bright. I took it in the garden this afternoon trying the camera out!

Thanks for looking guys. Remember she's not quite finished yet so if you have any suggestion etc please fire them my way! 

I'm probably going to make the muzzle cover still but wont be going with the second box now - I'd rather have some stowage in that space instead.

I'll be going from this build straight onto the Tamiya Panzer III Ausf.N. I'll then do a couple of my Allied builds and do the StuG III C/D in the new year.

WIP update tomorrow - the final one for this build I hope!

ATVB

Ben

malone duke

I see not probs at all. Really looks great. To me it looks as if the dotting turned out just fine. My only issue is that I'm now inspired to build that guy as well.

Thanks MD

The more I look at my latest creation the more I'm loving it. It is lacking something though (imo)?

I'm hoping a heap of stowage will cure that!

You guys have to build this kit! It has the quality of an older Dragon kit with the simplicity of build of an older Tamiya kit!

The Magic tracks really make the difference - If I did it again I'd buy Friul Winterketten. A friend just sent me a photo of a SIG with a rear rack - hmmm?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deckarudo/5477193311/in/photostream/

It's a photo on Flickr so I can't post a photo. If you keep clicking the top arrow pointing to the right there are loads of great photos of SIG's.

ATVB

Ben

It keeps getting better ! That weathering is really looking great .

Ben,,,,,,,,,,,,  looking VERY nice!            What a great subject....   will be keeping an eye out for more updates

Well the standards in this GB are extremely high, Ben your build is just brilliant, can't suggest anything. Looking forward to seeing you finish it.

Terry.

BEN - The weathering is very convencing, nicely done   Are you still planning on putting spare road wheels up front on the casemate?  With stowage think it will really make everything pop.  Look forward to it.

CARL - Turret with paint

Well almost finished with the interior and I'm looking forward to starting more work to the outside of the vehicle!  Parts of the interior that were scratched: both floor and upper casemate ammo racks and ammo, loaders seat, fire extinguisher, panel box (by extinguisher), MP40 stowage brackets, small arms ammo bracket, wiring junction box on rear bulkhead, framing and bolts on rear bulkhead, wiring transformer / relay boxes left bulkhead, speaker (no refs for this but I liked it), headphone box, gasmask with brackets, pipe (what is this for all the Pz III have it?), upper plates with bolts on the front of casemate, bolts on both side bulkheads, drivers seat, stearing tiller poles, partial transmission, misc. brackets and hooks throughout the interior, partial wiring throughout the interior. Here is what she looks like.

Still have to make 4 headsets and wire them in.  May add some chips and dings to the paint on the interior, not sure if want to or not?  That should be it for in there unless anyone spots anything else?

Hi guys,

Thanks for the 's guys! I'm actually pretty proud of her myself if I don't mind saying so and the metal colour in the flesh is just perfection. I just wish I'd used Winterketten Friuls now!

Rob: I'm really pleased with the build up-front so don't want to risk slapping two wheels up there and not liking it so any stowage is going up the rear although I am planning to put a short run of track links up front on the bolted armour. For the back I'm going to build one of my crate things, a couple of sandbags if they turn out ok and some random odds n sods.

LOVING the interior on the STUG! I loved building that but as I did mine buttoned up I sprayed it all of white and left it. You have done a stirling job sir!

I might get her finished today but no rush!

Cheers folks,

Ben

Ben,,,   your tracks look fine (better than fine really). I too like the Friul's but yours look great.

Rob,,, that interior is awesome! Your scratch list is very impressive to say the least. A couple of chips would be a nice touch, agreed. I can't really think of anything else,,  4 headsets strewn about will look nice too.   Everytime I see a nice interior like this, I wonder what it must have been like in battle....  with that big-azz gun going off right next to you,,  dayum!

HOLY COW! There's some fantastic work going on here! I haven't been on-line or building much this summer, so I've fallen waaaay behind on this build.

Now that summer is winding down, and I have a two week vacation coming up, I plan on getting to work on my PzIII. Can't wait to join up with you guys!

Nate

Guys- I have to tell you guys how much I love weekends!  Why?  Many great WIPs going on here... I was out all day on a friend's boat with my boys so I didn't have chance to check til just now.  What a pleasant surprise this morning...

Ben- Love your Sig 33... it keeps looking better.  Bet it will look even better with the some stowage.  What kind of washes did you use?  I assume one of those AK sets you were telling us about.  Just wondered because I brought few bottles and I can't wait to try those.

Rob- Stunning work on the interior!   Now I want to move in there for rest of my life.  Please can you add a mini-fridge so I will be able to keep my cold. 

Forgive me if I have overlooked your earlier comment... my brain may have been sun burnt too.  are you planning to keep the top of turret/hull unglued so everybody will be able to see the interior again?

Nate- Looking forward to see your build!

Terry- Agree with your comment... first class modeling here.

Carl- I like your idea of showing primer color... I should have done that on my Panzer IV especially behind the skirts.  Note taken for my future builds... looking forward to see your next update with more paint on.

Rob , that interior is AWESOME !!!!!

Andy , i'm not sure how it will look with the final paint , we'll see .

Hi guys,

Good stuff - the SIG 33 is finished

If I try and do any more with it I'll end up with a mess on my hands so I'll carry on where I left off with my next build, also for this great GB hosted by my good friend Andy, the Panzer III Ausf N!

Now then, I know I did promise some stowage but apart from a helmet, extra tools and a Jerry can I can't do much more when it comes to thinking about it as the rear doors would be blocked and I'm going to drop a box on them stems at a later date - I'd have done that already but I was undecided and when it came to it I didn't have the right thickness sheet Styrene so I'll do that at a later date. Paint wise the second box will be painted like bare metal and should work well but for the moment I'm happy with her and she's staying like this I'm not adding extra track links as I don't want to hide that nice weathered surface.

Andy: Wash wise all I did was make my own 'all over' washes using W&N Burnt Umber oils thinned with W&N white spirit. I used some W&N buff and MIG Shadow Brown oils for dot streaking and AK streaking grime and streaking rust for the, erm, extra streaks! The AK stuff is GREAT as are the SIN Filters. I find MIG's Dark Wash ideal for pin washes.

All I've done today is add some pigment, sort the tracks out and finish the drybrushing.

I hope you like her chaps!

So, do I just get a badge now then? Onto Pz III number 2!

Here she is:

Thanks for all the help and advice that you guys have given me.

I'm chuffed to bits with this build!

Cheers guys,

Ben  

BILL - Thanks.  The headsets I'm still trying to figure out how to make.  Have some small punches but not the right size.  They are either to small or too big   So trying to figure out how to cut out the ear piece part.  This is what is left of a real one.

Might try useing sprue and shave pieces off.  Can always stretch the sprue to get the size needed?

Agree, the noise and smoke and space would be horrible inside of there.  Would not be fun hearing and feeling enemy rounds bouncing off (hopefully) the side either.

How's your Little Pz III going?

NATE - Cant wait to see your normal excellent work!

ANDY - Will have your fridge installed immediately, will be stocked with also.

Did you go out on the Great Lakes?

And yes, going to leave the top removeable.  Maybe eventually have the 42 G put on a display base and have a stand of some sort where the roof can be placed.  That way can be put on and off as desired.

CARL - Thanks.  Just trying to stay up to par with you!

Did anyone know what that pipe that runs down the left side was for?  It's found, I think, in all the Pz III family vehicles.

Will be getting back to work on the 42 G soon.  Stayed up late to see who won in the BLITZ GB.  VIVE LA FRANCE!

Hi guys,

Andy/guys: Do I just copy a badge of the Panzer III GB into my sig now that my first entry is complete?

Ben

BEN - We must have posted at the same time.  She is a great looking beast!  Think she looks good without the extra stowage and think she can stay just as she is.  I do like gear on vehicles but I rarly put a lot on my builds because want to be able to see the actual vehicle.  If had my way, would have at least two of every kit, one with nothing on it to show off the vehicle and one loaded with gear and beat up.

Your build is great inspiration to start mine.

What would you or anyone recommend for MIG or AK washes / pigments?  Been thinking about getting some, the results look to be wonderful.  There so many of them will have to get a few at a time so where / which should I start with?

Ben you are fast becoming the Chicharito or Cleverly of of this site and the model world.  You burst out of no where a few years ago and are taking this site by storm.  I salute you! 

I would love to see your collection in person someday.  Maybe I'll make a pilgrimage to the home of the greatest sport know to mankind when I see a game at the home of the greatest Football club known to mankind. 

If you ever come to visit us across the pond, come to Texas. 

Satch

Ben,,   that is one FINE looking build. You certainly did it justice....  A beaut indeed!

Rob,, you probably hit the nail on the head with the stretched sprue thought for the ear pieces....   will be waiting to see how they turn out.         The micro Pz III is coming along. I've hit a couple of bumps but I'm trying to not get to crazy with corrections.    I'll try to post some updated pics today or tomorrow.

satch_ip

Ben you are fast becoming the Chicharito or Cleverly of of this site and the model world.  You burst out of no where a few years ago and are taking this site by storm.  I salute you! 

I would love to see your collection in person someday.  Maybe I'll make a pilgrimage to the home of the greatest sport know to mankind when I see a game at the home of the greatest Football club known to mankind. 

If you ever come to visit us across the pond, come to Texas. 

Satch

Satch - this is the best post that anyone has ever written to me! Thankyou!

I'm sat here in England with no real modelling friends to hook up with thinking is my work up to decent standards and obviously, judging by your post, I am getting there! My only modelling buddy is the local MAFVA chairman John Ham - he is a local Chinese GP and wins a lot of awards but is only interested in small scale - my 'big stuff' doesn't interest him! My mentors are you guys, the magazines and books I read and you tube/internet!

My interest in WWII started in Middle school aged about 11 during history lessons. I was always reading books and watching films and just over two years ago I went to have my hair cut. On the way out I decided to pop into my LHS and left with a packet of brushes, some Humbrol Enamels and a Tamiya 1/48 Tiger I - and not much knowledge about tanks! Two years on I have my airbrush, more paint that I can ever imagine, a good knowledge of WWII armour and a glass cabinet full of nice builds-each one gets that little bit better. This is my 11th build in there now - a few got binned and my very early work ended up as test beds for new methods!

I now need to start getting my figure work sorted out as my figure painting (faces, mainly) is dismal. I'd love to paint some great figures like Andy does!

I doubt I'll ever afford to be able to come to the US just yet but if you are coming over let me know and you can stop the night(s), drink beers and we'll talk models! Who do you support btw?

PANZERWAFFE: I'd recommend the AK Streaking grimes and rusts - they are great. Use the finest pointed brushes you can. I use 5/0 usually for super fine streaks as you can build them up, let the streaks dry and 'feather' them with a bigger brush humidified with White Spirit etc. I'd also recommend getting the AK DVD.

They do some great washes too - not 'watery' oil washes but instead 'Earth' Washes and 'Dust' Washes that are thicker and dry incredibly realistically!

Thanks for the 's guys! Much appreciated.

What do I do re a badge btw?

ATVB

Ben

Ben- Congrats!   You are first to complete I believe.  Thanks for the response about the washes.  Can't wait to try my new AK washes. I better get busy and finish my Pz IV!   

Yes, you can copy the GB badge I pasted on first or second page under 'Reserved for Completed Builds' post.  Please do us a favor by taking it outside so you can take better picture of your SIG  I like the shot of the front hull.  That way I can post your best picture on the completed builds list.  Thanks!

Looking forward to your next build... Ausf N!  You are truly a machine and you are getting better and better like the guys said.  Keep in mind it pays to slow down and attack the details if you dare. LOL   

Erik (Geist)-  I recall you were almost done with your Panzer III and I am not sure if you have called it done yet.   If so, I'd like to add your build to the list too. 

PANZERWAFFE

BILL - Thanks.  The headsets I'm still trying to figure out how to make.  Have some small punches but not the right size.  They are either to small or too big   So trying to figure out how to cut out the ear piece part.  This is what is left of a real one.

Might try using sprue and shave pieces off.  Can always stretch the sprue to get the size needed?

Agree, the noise and smoke and space would be horrible inside of there.  Would not be fun hearing and feeling enemy rounds bouncing off (hopefully) the side either.

ANDY - Will have your fridge installed immediately, will be stocked with also.

Did you go out on the Great Lakes?

And yes, going to leave the top removable.  Maybe eventually have the 42 G put on a display base and have a stand of some sort where the roof can be placed.  That way can be put on and off as desired.

Did anyone know what that pipe that runs down the left side was for?  It's found, I think, in all the Pz III family vehicles.

Will be getting back to work on the 42 G soon.  Stayed up late to see who won in the BLITZ GB.  VIVE LA FRANCE!

I thought it was great of you for posting the authentic ear piece!  Are you into WWII collection?  Because I just started collecting but only have few items. 

No, I wish we'd go to the Lake Michigan... it is about three hours drive from here.  We went to Morse Lake 45 minutes north of here. 

I am with you about the Blitz GB... will definitely sign up and build my first French armor.  But first I will build StuG III Ausf F/8 for this GB of course!

Cheers Andy!

I was only able to churn this one out pretty quickly due to 'working' from home a lot and a few days holiday. Paint wise it's been pretty straightforward - I was lucky that the weathering went ok first time round!

The Ausf.N will be a real challenge! Tri-tone cammo and a possible figure along with Friuls. I'm looking forward to that one!

Take care matey,

Ben

                           The tube running down the left side of the hull is part of the ducting for the brake cooling system.

                                                         Greg"Detailfreak"Rowley

BEN - Thanks for the info about the AK products!  I will be picking some up VERY SOON to try them out.  Now I have a dirrection on where to start

ANDY - Yes, have been collecting for years.  I've been by Morse Lake before but it was many years ago.  And dont worry, still thinking about building something else for this FANTASTIC GB!

GREG - Thank you much for that info!!  Was very curious about that.

PANZERWAFFE

BILL - Thanks.  The headsets I'm still trying to figure out how to make.  Have some small punches but not the right size.  They are either to small or too big   So trying to figure out how to cut out the ear piece part.  This is what is left of a real one.

Might try useing sprue and shave pieces off.  Can always stretch the sprue to get the size needed?

 

Rob , on the headset , try Evergreen styrene rod , looks like 1/16inch for the ear pad and 3/64inch for the outer piece should do the trick .