I have a question for those more knowledgeable on German uniforms. I am trying to find figures for my Pz III. Most of the Africa Corps tank crew figures on the market are dressed in shorts and short sleeves, more suitable to the Libyan deserts of Mid 1942. As I am sure most of you know, my vehicle was used in Tunisia in early 43 and the photo's all seem to imply less than hot weather with troops in long trousers and long sleeves. So I am considering the possibility of using figures in European uniforms. From what I can tell, the cut of the Tropical jacket looks the same as the M36 tunic. Aside from the colour and the insignia, does anyone know if there would need to be any other alterations.

Bish - I'll field your question if i may...

In a pinch, you might get away with painting the regular field grey tunic to make it look tropical.  Though there are some subtle differences, the biggest problem would be the footwear - these were the canvas type, laced up front for both ankle, and the less popular full length boot.  

Anyhow, back to the tunic, the major differences:

-DAK tunics were made to be worn open collared and had fashioned lapels, unlike  the regular field grey tunic  which could be buttoned all the way up.  So that would mean one less button up front.

-the material was lighter, durable cotton material to be more precise.

-the tunic went through three design changes with regards to the pockets: initially the four pockets had pleats and scalloped flaps.  A second pattern arrived in late '42  with no pleats.  In early 1943, the third pattern had straight flaps on the pockets.

I'll post another response for some figure suggestions...

hth

... and btw, nice work on your Pz III thus far.

regards,

Jack

Some DAK crew figures to consider:

ALPINE

----------------------------------------------------

DRAGON

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DOUG'S ORIGINAL:

There is a third crew figure for the left side turret, but has shorts (as does the commader, but the legs would be hidden in the vehicle):

As you can see, they all have pleats and scalloped pockets, so that would need addressing if you want a crew that arrived in early 1943.

regards,

Jack

Thanks Jack, I was hoping you would step in. The book I have on German army uniforms, the one by Brian Davis, only briefly mentions the Tropical clothing. He doesn't go into detail about the cut. All of the tunics I have seen in Africa seem to have the pleats and scalloped pockets similar to the M36. I just checked some pics and I see what you mean about the open collar, I hadn't spotted that. As for boots, I wasn't sure if the normal leather ankle boots would work. I knew about the full length canvas ones but not the ankle boots,

In regards to the lighter weight material, I wasn't sure if it would be noticeable in this scale, what do you think. The main problem with using European figures is that tank crew tended to wear there own specialist clothing, so I would have to use other figures. I have 2, at a stretch 4 that will work as they are. I was eyeing up an MK 35 figure I liked, he was lifting up a jerry can, I thought that would be ideal. But he is wearing shorts, so the other option is to get him and give him some trousers. I might give that a go and keep the other option as a stand by.

Thanks for the input, plenty to think about. And thanks, I am hoping to get the first coat of paint on today.

I have that Dragon set, I was thinking about the figure with the headset and the two in great coats as possable's. I do like those two Alpine figures, I have never tried there before. I have some pics of 15th Pz Div Pz III N crews in early 43 with the scalloped pockets and pleats, I guess guys who have been out there for a while. But I have altered pockets before, so I can do that if I need to. maybe a mix of older guys with a new recruit.

Thanks for those images, theres a few there will work nicely.

Bish, no problem.

For the difference in material, I think DAK clothing would just look thinner, more wrinkles, but at the same time not as bulky wrinkles, if that makes sense.  In that regards, I think only Alpine figures have captured this.

Every soldier was issued the tropical footwear, as far as I'm aware.  Same reason belts and such were issued in canvas material.

I see the dilemma about using continental uniform figures.  Even ignoring the boot laces and pocket styles, you still have all that gear to remove to make them actual tankers.

regards,

Jack

i continue to look at my truck. i am trying to figure out the best material for the partial rear tarp and the cab tarp. as i already have the bed tarp frames on and they aren't very strong i think both tarps are going to be rolled.

in the meantime and as a teaser i am building the base; homemade cast rocks, plaster of paris, and reptile terrarium sand mixed with some gravel. this is not BEAU GESTE. i am taking detailed pictures, especially the rocks as i am playing quite the artiste with the coloring. will post step by step pics now that i have a backup laptop mit windows 7 so i can more safely research and stream music in the bunker w/o reloading all my software and fighting with the companies over activation AGAIN.

Hi guys -- I just identified some of the items of stowage for my Pz. IV D as belonging to an old Verlinden set, and I just bought it on eBay -- so my stowage load will be closer to Tony Greenland's classic model than I expected!

M/TB379

Well, I am now a bit stuck. Thanks to jacks help, I have decided what figures I will use, but of the 5, I need to order 4, some from outside the UK. And when I went to put the first paint on, I realised I was out, I had used what I had on my big 88. So I need to order some of that as well. And as its a bank holiday weekend, I doubt I will get that until the end of the week. The base itself is just about done, so apart from the tracks and the vehicle tools, theres not much else I can do. So I will put this to one side until the bits I need arrive.

Bish - Yes I did find one with the Voyager set for the early Tiger I (DAK) Tamiya kit.  Armor86

Pz IV Ausf 'D' - Using the Tristar Panzer IV Wheel Set - using different hubs from the set and couple from the Dragon kit. Running gear assembled dry fitted and found the Tristar road wheels need to be enlarged to properly fit. Mounted Road Wheels on tooth picks for painting later. Almost ready to install interior set, just about every hatch and access door can be open in the kit, both transmission access and front right/left access panels. Armor86

It must be a sort of trademark of these then. There is one in this set and there was one in the Panther set.

Great work there Dan, impressive looking interior set. Wil be interesting to see how that's goes in.

Dan: Now that's a heaping helping of road wheels... ouch!

Bish: Those are some nice figures Jack posted. I love the Alpine stuff but generally  I'm too cheap unless I can find them on sale.

I have never tried them myself. In the end I have opted for 1 Alpine, 1 Dougs, 1 MK 35, 1 from a Tristar set I have to get and one from the Dragon set I already have.

You won't be disappointed with Alpine figures.  Many consider them the best in 1/35, the only complaint being too many releases are German (and seems to be heavy on the SS side at that).  I haven't kept track on every single one of them, but usually they are supplied with two heads, so you have a choice in headgear.  There is a slight savings if purchasing a duel pack instead of just a single figure.

regards,

Jack

Hello, I have some sad news concerning Scott Chasney aka Chazzer. He had broke his neck and has partial paralysis in his left arm. He has very limited use. A neurosurgeon will be operating on him in the next week as the swelling goes down. His prognosis and attitude is good. The Doctors say he "could" regain full use of his arm. As I write this he is with me and wanted to say he is committed to his model, the nut!! Prayers are welcomed and he will write back when he can.

Cindy Chasney his wife

O damn that's not good. Give him all our best wishes and thoughts and all our fingers will be crossed for a good recovery.

But good to see he has his priority's right, those models don't build themselves.

But seriously, best wishes for Scott and you all.

A speedy recovery and all the best to you and the Mrs.... I know this is tough on both of you!!!

West wishes on a complete & speedy recovery!

we're all nuts but, as my frau says, as long as we can still fit both cars in the garage....

prayers for a speedy recovery. sounds like research time while on the mend.

BEDFORD PORTEE is in final stages. only knocked the doors off twice which is why the mirrors aren't attached as yet. rolled up cab tarb is on as it rolled up camo net on side. too late to do a bed tarp over frames but i will learn how to do it for my modern 4x4s, 6x6s, and 8x8s.

To the Chazzer family,  thoughts and prayers going your way, and hoping for the best.

regards,

Jack

Ouch, really sorry to hear about Chazzer's situation. My thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery. I admire his dedication since at this point the model would be the last thing on my mind!

i'm calling this done. i'm not real happy with the base. i used plaster of paris which dries hard. in the future i will use that for some terrain but use modeling clay in those areas where the vehicle will sit as it is never completely hard and easier to modify for tires etal. i think i over saturated the reptile sand and next time will start with a white base coat on the rocks. WTH don't try, never learn. HOWEVER it is legit to learn from others.

the truck i airfix and the gun is from a canadian truck kit. painted is MMA sand, i think, and washed with oils which i am really getting into.  i added rolled tarps (colored rice paper and powdered), fuel can and spare tire racks, camo net (painted bridal veil), chains, real cable, tarp wrapped windscreen and the underside and frame look great but not seen, pity its where i do my best work. markings for 22nd arm bde, attchd to 7th arm div.

Nicely done truck waynec -

Hope you get better soon Chazzer -

A side note on the Dragon Smart Kit 6779 "not"  - Apparently another model group forum (August 2013) Identified mine current issue with the wrong size Road Wheels, did some digging (open and preview) some of my Super Kits and they have the same rims (correct 38cm) and separate rubber tires to fit. The PzIV 'D' DAK 6779 has them as well but not the rubber tires which were bagged separately. Also believe the Sprocket isn't correct has a 'E' version ... not sure how to correct that one. May leave them, did some reading and found several DAK IVs 'D' would be repaired with 'E' Sprockets due to lack of spares. Email DragonCare and see if they can do anything about it. Armor86. 

Wayne -  that is very well done 

  I really like the whole presentation, you definitely have a flare for groundwork.

regards,

Jack

Dan - you got me wondering which kit 6779 is reboxed from

I would of assumed  6265 (which I think was the latest improved Panzer IV 'D' according to Frank De Sisto.  It too could be built as tropical, and included three types of drive sprockets).  Interestingly, that kit had a 95% score on an Armorama review, but the kit you have only received 85%.

regards,

Jack

Scott, I'm very sorry to hear about your situation.  I hope things improve soon for you. Thanks Cindy for informing us.

Wayne, that may be one of your best works yet. You put a lot of work into it and it's paid off. Nice weathering.

wayne, really nice work there, the build looks great, really nice weathering.

I do like the base, but I agree the vehicle needs to sit 'in' it more. Did you sprinkle reptile sand over the top, I do like the appearance. And are those rocks plaster as well?

Hey Wayne- she looks fantastic! Only thing I'd change is maybe sprinkle some sand around the tires to give more of an impression of them being sunk down into it. Otherwise the weathering, added storage, the base - everything looks perfect!

Great work everyone, here is my small update.

Have not done much work on my Tiger, other projects have come up that are near complication.  I plan to have some hatches open, with crew member in them.  Along with a metal barrel, I'm looking for a crew member kit.