The Ostfront GBII - 2011/12

I haven't currently got one in the stash, but I'll try and dig out the old one for a photo shoot. I made it about 25 years ago and I'd probably do it a little differently now.

Anyway, I've finished the 109G6, apart from the filter (?) that goes on the air scoop on the side of the fuselage. I've lost it somewhere in the last 48 hours. I'll wait to see if it shows up, or whether I have to come up with another one. I can vouch that its not on the modelling bench, not in the carpet around the bench and most definitely not amongst all of the gunk in the vacuum clean - yuck.

It's the Italeri 1/72 109G-6, which I picked up for $2 somewhere. Extra work was to add an instrument panel  from resin, photoetched seat belts, drilled out the gun barrels, added the aerial wire, and a scratchbuilt pitot from Microtube. Then I just built and painted it. I also used an Eduard masking set for the canopy, saves heaps of time. I also pinched some swastika decals from the stash, as the kit didn't include any.

It's my first try at freehand camo without masking, it's not bad but the scheme has minor differences from the instructions.

Cheers

Tony

The 109 looks great Tony!  Amazing what you can do with $2 and some spare parts, skills and TLC!  Hopefully Richard (kermit) will stop by so he can update the completed roster.  My GAZ is almost done, just applying some pigments to dust it up and then into the photo booth.  

BTW, anyone know when this GB will officially end?

FINALLY!!  The Tamiya GAZ76B and the Alanger 76mm Regimental Gun are done!! 

First,  I apologize for the long delay.  I wanted to get this one done way before the end of the year, but a couple of months ago I dropped the GAZ!  Fortunately I was able to catch it before it hit the hardwood floor, but unfortunately it hit my leg and one side of the bumper broke off.

This really bummed me out and totally deflated my interest in the build.   I knew I could fix it, but I just didn't feel like dealing with it at the time.  So I set it aside and worked on other projects.  Towards the end of the year I gathered my resolve to finish this for the GB.  However I waited until the very end to fix the bumber as another fumble-fingered goof and I'd have to repair it again!  Due to the rush I decided not to finish the driver, but instead put a few items in the back to add interest.  I spent the last few days working on this:

Not a lot, but more than I ever added before!!  I'll probably add the driver later...when I feel more confident about my figure painting skills!!  

Weathering was a new experience as this is only the second wheeled-open top vehicle I've done.  I played around with pigments for quite a while trying to get a look I liked.  In the end I used various techniques I've learned:  Wet pigments, dry pigments, wash pigments, removing with brushes, removing with cotton swabs...you get the picture.  This was a two week process, but I was happy with the results.  When most of the weathering was done I repaired the front bumper, blended the paint, added some scale chain to add interest and installed wheels, windshield, stowage and 75mm gun!  Here you go!

Well, its been a fun Group Build fellas!  I've really had a blast working on these Russian Ostfront vehicles:

T-26T Artillery Tractor

76mm M1936 F22 Divisional Gun

BT-5 Fast Tank

GAZ67B Field Car

76mm M1943 Regimental Gun

Don't know when Richard (kermit) is going to end the GB.  If it runs much longer I may have to build that Miniart T-70!!

Nice job Ernest! Always good to see some red stars now and then. I fear Kermit has dropped off the radar, and this group build passed the end date, but hasn't officially closed. I'd love to a new one start. Thanks for sharing your build here.

Thanks for the kind words Nathan!  I definitely want to build more Ostfront armor!  I won't start another kit for this GB though....we should probably wrap this one up and start another!

I agree with that approach. Ernest - that GAZ looks stunning. I'd be really happy with it if it were mine. The weathering is perfect, and the additional items all look authentic.  

Cheers

Tony

I love your use of pigments, and the chains! Shouldn't there be a "Kursk" 70 year anniversary group build this year???...like I need another group build..

Tax and Buffle- both excellent builds! I really like the look of that GAZ! ...I don't need another Soviet model, I don't need another Soviet model.....

Nathan- well, there is the 1943 GB... (shameless plug!) Speaking of which, I need to go check in there...