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Blitzkrieg in the West (France 1940) Sept. 18 2011 - March 1 2012

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  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:49 PM

william carls

hey guys... could find no place locally in CT. to buy my Char B1 bis.....got it from e-bay for 59 bucks including shipping from NY .... the kit still commands a fairly high price for 1/35 scale..should have it Aug 22 according to shipping info.. Im gettin' cranked up!....

I'm having trouble finding good French sites.. If anybody has links I would be very grateful...have to start planning paint scheme and proper markings.

Has the actual starting date been announced? .... I may have missed it

thanks

treadCool

Hey Tread, the starting date is in the initial post Sept 18 - March 1. 

Glad you landed your Char B. The price surprises me a bit. I thought it would have come down some by now. Oh well, it's ordered and you'll get it.

As far as French sites, yah I'm with you. I need more camo info for my H 39.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 8:58 PM

Tread,

Try this site on for size...everything you ever wanted to know about French armor and more... http://www.chars-francais.net/ just use a translater service like Google or similar and you should be ok.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 9:24 PM

Nice find Bill. I can't say I remember my French from HS some ?? years ago. Wink Dunce

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: beacon falls , Ct.
Posted by treadwell on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:30 PM

Bill : )  thanks for that link man !.... I also found your Char build log on Armorama ... super nice work as always!

HI Eric : )  ..you and Manny doing same build right?.... tri color camo on that tank would scare the crap out of me! .. I have read many were mono chromatic or dual color....thats how I would go

beddy bye time for me... work at 5:30

later dudes 

tread Cool

 

 

   

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 12:18 AM

Ours are very close, yes. He does have an option to build the shorter-barrel H 38.

I too love that tri-color camo and would love to try it, if I could find a good reference shot. Yah monotone sounds cool. Angry

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Connecticut, USA
Posted by Nachtflieger on Thursday, August 18, 2011 4:45 AM

tigerman

Not sure what happened with the other image, so who's going to build this Mojo?

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/dml/images/dml_6259_title.jpg

 

Eric,

I've got that kit in the stash. I was trying to decide what I wanted to build for this GB. I had forgotten about this one! It was down to either the CMK Pz. 35T, or the Bronco Hotchkiss. I'll go ahead and build this one, so sign me up for this one!

Nate

 

 

 

  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Nashville, TN area
Posted by bobbaily on Thursday, August 18, 2011 6:00 AM

wbill76

Bob/Rob,

The differences between a StuG A and B are more than the track width and suspension design. The A had a different roof hatch arrangement for the gunner's periscope/sights as well as slightly different fender storage arrangements for tools and the lack of a rear Notek convoy light vs the features on a B. Other than that, they were essentially the same. Beer

Thanks Bill.  I had done a quick internet search and noted that there were a few differences.....enough to make me drop the StuG off of the 'potential build' list. 

Still reviewing my options-hope to be able to make a decision by the weekend.

Bob

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Thursday, August 18, 2011 9:20 AM

Eric,

Poke around on the Char-Francais site, they have pages for each of the different vehicles here: http://www.chars-francais.net/new/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1272&Itemid=102 , I'm sure you'll be able to find a good example for what you're looking for. Tons of photos to sift through but they have a neat "slide show viewer" type if you click on the first pic at the bottoms of those pages that will auto open and allow you to navigate through. HTH! Beer

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 11:10 AM

Nachtflieger

 

 tigerman:

 

Not sure what happened with the other image, so who's going to build this Mojo?

http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/kits/dml/images/dml_6259_title.jpg

 

 

 

Eric,

I've got that kit in the stash. I was trying to decide what I wanted to build for this GB. I had forgotten about this one! It was down to either the CMK Pz. 35T, or the Bronco Hotchkiss. I'll go ahead and build this one, so sign me up for this one!

Nate

Right on Nate! Someone had to build that bad boy. Cool

Thanks again Bill. Toast

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 5:37 PM

This will be my build: Bronco's Hotchkiss 39

As you can see, this little guy is about the size of the casement on an Elefant. Man those tracks are tiny. Tongue Tied

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Spring Branch, TX
Posted by satch_ip on Thursday, August 18, 2011 5:53 PM

Ok, here is my entry.

on sale for $39.96 minus another 25% at Squadron.

Satch

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: beacon falls , Ct.
Posted by treadwell on Thursday, August 18, 2011 5:57 PM

Hi Eric...man those little track links are gonna bust yer balls... but you will have the great feeling of building something not many,but the experienced would tackle. I am sure you will come through with flying colors : )

It sure looks small sitting on the elefant!

treadCool

   

 

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: Spring Branch, TX
Posted by satch_ip on Thursday, August 18, 2011 6:06 PM

Ok let me try this again.  Here is my entry.  Under $30 at Squadron today.

 

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: beacon falls , Ct.
Posted by treadwell on Thursday, August 18, 2011 6:07 PM

Hi Bill thanks again for the link http://www.chars-francais.net/  ....packed with everthing I will need so far !

treadCool

   

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:19 PM

william carls

Hi Eric...man those little track links are gonna bust yer balls... but you will have the great feeling of building something not many,but the experienced would tackle. I am sure you will come through with flying colors : )

It sure looks small sitting on the elefant!

treadCool

Tread, you have too much confidence in me. LOL I wish I was as confident.

Satch, nice score on the Super kit. I must have missed it when I was over there yesterday.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by PANZERWAFFE on Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:41 PM

TM - I too think you will do a wonderfull job on your H39, just take your time with those tracks Yes

BILL - Good insight about the STUG.  That is a great link on French armor, thanks for posting!

NATE, SATCH - Have both of those kits in the stash.  Watching your builds will prove very informational.  Glad both of you found something.  Getting that kit for under $30 Yes

Know most of all know but Sprue Brothers is great!  Ordered my Somua tracks only 2 days ago and they are already here!  About two hours after ordering them, they had emailed me saying that they were packed and shipped with a tracking number.  Thats excellent, fast service!

Have another track question.  Have to find AM tracks for the Bren Carrier.  Know that Modelkasten makes tracks for this (K-16) but it seems everyone is sold out.  Any suggestions?

Rob

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Thursday, August 18, 2011 8:14 PM

Greetings All

With the Dragon Pz 38(t) being period incorrect I have another kit which may fly....  It is not on the list but it should be period correct.

Dragon 35th Panzerbefehlswagen I    Sd.Kfz.265

From what I have seen / researched, this lil guy should qualify.

What say ye?

 

Bill

Enjoy the ride!

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 9:26 PM

I'll take your word Bill. Though I see the Russian armored -car in the background picture. Wink

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 10:54 PM

Definitely correct. See also the Sanitatskraftwagen I. Why is the kit "three in one"?

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Thursday, August 18, 2011 11:44 PM

Bill, I'll trade you tracks. They have to be bigger then these little Hotchkiss ones. Blind Fold

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Friday, August 19, 2011 8:29 AM

Bondoman,,  thanks for the confirmation.     The 3-in-1 applies to building with the rail antenna, with add on armor and they also offer an AfrikaKorps version.

Eric,,   are your tracks that tiny?   Yowza!!

Enjoy the ride!

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Friday, August 19, 2011 9:59 AM

Looks like we've got quite the crowd of vehicles and participants building! Yes

Eric, when it comes time to assemble those Bronco tracks, just be careful around the sprockets. When I built their Marder I using those same tracks a while back, it was a little tough getting them to bend correctly around the sprocket teeth and also clear the hull fenders. Other than that, they were straightforward indy-link type effort. Beer

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Friday, August 19, 2011 11:16 AM

Indeed, quite the assembly Bill

Speaking of tracks, in looking at the magic-like tracks for the Pz I command vehicle....  liquid glue would be touchy at best (IMO)....  looks like it would be very easy to fill some gaps that should not be filled.

If I remember correctly I have a set of friuls for the Pz I.....   will have to check my inventory when I get a chance.

Enjoy the ride!

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Friday, August 19, 2011 12:34 PM

Thanks Bill. I'll have to pop into your build log and check her out. I should probably assemble them before I glue the fenders on. I'm guessing it will be one of the first things I do.

Sad thing about my little Hotchkiss, is that it has something akin to an interior with and engine, driver's seat etc. But by the time it's built up, there will be no way to see it.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    March 2006
  • From: Right Side of a Left State
Posted by Shellback on Friday, August 19, 2011 7:59 PM

I'm still in this , no kit yet . Put me down for ???? Eric .Beer

  • Member since
    May 2011
Posted by panzerbob01 on Saturday, August 20, 2011 12:42 AM

Bill;

The Dragon SdKfz 265 3-in-1 kit.  Good choice, IMO!

The 3-in-1 ref's the fact that you can build "versions" with and without applique armor on the front and glacis and cupola - and you can also do frame antenna or not. So you do get a crack at at least 3 versions - but wait - there's sort of more... you can of course do vehicles with or without the "after-market" add-on brace across the rear, and there are a couple of cupola choices (and a little scratch-work can actually take this kit back to an earlier production - if you want to build the hatches on top sans the cupola.

I'm just right now wrapping up one of these bad puppies - I did the applique armor as seen on one in N. Africa - my wrestle is that some with applique armor show up in the DAK, some in Russia (no, none of this version in France, 1940) - I like the add-on armor look, but also want to have the frame antenna (apparently a fairly rare and earlier feature - maybe more appropriate to France 1940 and without the add-on armor...) - and vehicles in Russia sported a variety of boxes and add-ons behind the top "carapace". And also featured quite a bit of dressing and load. So I have not finalized my paint scheme yet...

Anyway. Kit builds very nicely. I did find that the idlers, while much better than in the previous -265 kit, still need work.  It is pretty easy to shave off some inside the rims of the 2 halves so as to better get that thin look. Likewise, the framing inside the wheels should ideally be thinned down a bit - the kit part is a little chunky. But easy to fix up with the little Exacto...  The MG mount will frustrate you.  (It does not offer positioning).  The road wheels are pretty nice - but those in the Pz. IA and IB SmartKits with the little brass rings to create the realistic flange are much better looking. If you can add these, they do make a nice upgrade. I suggest "Make those vision flaps open"- nice look and nicely detailed bits.  This kit begs for an interior... both the cupola hatch and side-hatch offer a good look inside the shell.

About the tracks...  The links are TINY. But they go together very nicely, and will really look the part. Unless you are pouring cement like some pour syrup on hotcakes, you'll not likely have any "fill problem" - specially if you use very thin cement.  The tracks are the same as on the Flakpanzer IA kit (which I have done OOTB), and they are gems. You won't save any work doing Fruils, and definitely not money - but there are lots of fans of those and they do look nice. For my money and time, the kit tracks worked fine.

Enjoy!  I look forward to seeing your build come up - I've always liked this vehicle and have 3 ... it's one of those things one can do multiple times to capture its relatively wide and long use. I am planning on doing the new initial production kit for another GB.

Cheers!  BobToast

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Saturday, August 20, 2011 4:10 AM

Bob,,,  thanks!  What a great review. I certainly appreciate it.               I have read up on the kit a bit and everything you stated is right on the money. Actually, you offered more than a number of the reviews.

Indeed it looks like a very nice kit,,,,  can't wait to dig into it.     I just have to finish another GB endeavor I am currently involved [in].

Again, thank you Bob for the great insight!

Enjoy the ride!

 

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: South of france
Posted by Vit13 on Saturday, August 20, 2011 4:49 AM

Hello ,

for a little walk around b1bis go there.

To navigate clik on "page sivante" .

 


  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: South of france
Posted by Vit13 on Saturday, August 20, 2011 4:53 AM
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Melbourne, Australia
Posted by darson on Saturday, August 20, 2011 5:32 AM

Lucked in a little and found a pic of the Pz.III Ausf.E that I'll be doing

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