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FineScale Modeler Orphaned Armor Group Build 2014

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FineScale Modeler Orphaned Armor Group Build 2014
Posted by Tim Kidwell on Thursday, April 3, 2014 3:26 PM

Hello and welcome to the FineScale Modeler Orphaned Armor Group Build 2014!

Aaron and I wanted to do a group build for all the armor fans on the FSM Forum, but with a twist.

Here are the rules: 

You can model any era and any sort of armored fighting vehicle, in any scale you choose, so long as it was a real AFV. No what-ifs or sci-fi.

Second, your AFV must wear markings other than those of its country of origin. No Tigers in German crosses; no T-34s in Soviet red stars. AFVs captured, sold to, or repurposed by other countries all work. A Marder in German markings doesn't fit; but a Panzer IV in Syrian service would. Think atypical markings. An Israeli Super Sherman would be acceptable.

Third, please, if at all possible, provide an image of the AFV you are going to model.

The group build will start on Aug. 1, 2014, and finish on Feb 28, 2015.

To start things off, Aaron is going to build an Italeri 1/35 scale Italian M13/40 in Australian service. I'm going to model a Tamiya 1/35 scale Matilda in German markings in Libya, 1942.

We've got our art staff working on a ribbon for the GB and will reveal it as soon as it's finished.

If we can get six of you to climb in, this group build is a go.

The deadline for signing up for the group build is July 31, 2014.

Aaron Skinner - Italeri 1/35 scale Italian M13/40 in Australian service

Tim Kidwell - Tamiya 1/35 scale Matilda in German markings, Libya, 1942

Bish - Tamiya 1/35 scale Su 85 in German markings

Eagle90 - Tamiya 1/35 scale T-34/76 in German service


Shivinigh - Dragon 1/72 scale Stug III in Russian markings (Su-75)

Jibber - Tamiya 1/35 scale King Tiger II, U.S. markings, 1944 (kit TBA)

GMorrison - Dragon 1/35 scale ISU 152, Egyptian service, 1967

Jeaton01 - Bandai 1/48 scale T-34/76 in German service

Schatten Spartan - Dragon 1/35 M4A2 Late w/ Tasca suspension in German markings

Jgeratic - Vulcan 1/35 scale British Light Tank Mk.VIB in Italian markings.

Deattilio - Academy 1/35 scale LVTP7, AmTrac in Royal Thai Marines service

Gamera -  HobbyBoss 1/35 scale T-26 in Nationalist Chinese markings

P mitch - Trumpeter 1/35 scale Hotchkiss 39H in German markings

Stikpusher - Italeri 1/35 scale M-113 in ARVN (Army of the Republic of South Vietnam) service, Battle of Ap Bac, 1963

Bobbaily - Dragon 1/35 scale T-34/76 in German service 

Chuck Davis - Hasegawa 1/72 scale M2/M3 halftrack in Israeli service, modified with Daimler turret

CodyJ - Trumpeter 1/72 scale KV-2 in German markings


RBaer - Tamiya 1/35 scale Israeli M1 Super Sherman

Sasho - TBD (Meng FT-17 or new tool Mark V; service TBD)

Garzonh - Dragon 1/35 scale SdKfz 165 Hummel in Russian markings


Blitzwing - Trumpeter 1/35 scale Hotchkiss 39H in German markings

Waynec - Trumpeter 1/35 scale BM-21 Grad Libyan rebel scheme

Wiccan Warrior - Dragon 1/35 scale BTR-70 in Pakistani UN service

Rob Gronovius - Revell-Monogram 1/35 scale M48A2 (with Lo Models M48/M60 conversion set) in West German markings 


--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
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  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Thursday, April 3, 2014 3:32 PM

I must need my head looking into, but I am game. Put me down for a Tamiya 1/35th Su 85 in German markings yet. I haven't decided on which one, many images just show crosses with nu numbers or other markings, but I would like to try and do one belonging to a specific unit.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
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  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Thursday, April 3, 2014 3:39 PM

Absolutely!  Put me in coach!  This will be one of the first few armor kits I do!  I'm working an 88 now and have a couple of more to do before this one starts!  This is so cool!  I'm being stretched in genres of modeling I never did!  Thanks so much guys for doing another great GB!  

Not sure what I will build.  I have a M4A3E2 Sherman, but not sure if one had ever been captured and used.  I'll research this (unless anyone knows off the top of their head).  If not......I'LL BUY SOMETHING!  That will break my heart!

Thanks again everyone!

Eagle90

P.S. I'm seeing the same doctor Bish is!!!

 

  • Member since
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Posted by shivinigh on Thursday, April 3, 2014 3:46 PM

I promise that I will finish this one on time if you let me in with Dragon's 1/72 scale Stug III done in Russians markings as an SU-75

 

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
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Posted by jibber on Thursday, April 3, 2014 4:06 PM

Guys put me in, I'd like a few days to research some armor I'd see recently. An American Sherman tagged by Germans and German armor tagged by the US. It's a crazy war…..

Question: What about vehicles tagged by the UN? A couple examples I can think of right off is a British Schmitar or a French AUF1.

Thanks,

Terry  

  • Member since
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Posted by GMorrison on Thursday, April 3, 2014 4:16 PM

ISU 152 in Egyptian service 1967.

Dragon 1/35

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Northern California
Posted by jeaton01 on Thursday, April 3, 2014 4:22 PM

Bandai 1/48 T-34/76 in German service

John

To see build logs for my models:  http://goldeneramodel.com/mymodels/mymodels.html

 

  • Member since
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Posted by jibber on Thursday, April 3, 2014 4:36 PM

_ylt=AwrB8pgP0T1ThFgAheyjzbkF

Sign me up for a captured German King Tiger by US troops.

The Tiger is identified as Pz.Abt 2-11 of 506. It was recovered by US troops on 12-15-1944 near the Ardennes.

Terry  

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:26 PM

This sounds like an awesome idea to me! I'm definitely in!

My first pick would've been a King Tiger in US markings, but since Terry is building one already, I'll go with this rater unusually painted Sherman:

And some pics of the real deal:

Does anyone know what type of Sherman this is? I'm not really familiar with those tanks, but I'm guessing it's either an A2 or A3? All the A1s had the cast hull AFAIK so it can't be one of those and the hull looks way too short for an A4. I think I read something about most A2s being used in the Pacific campaign so it's most likely an A3? Anyone willing to have a guess on that?

I'm not sure on the kit yet (it's hard to sort that out without knowing which version I'm going to need), but I'm thinking along the lines of Tasca or Dragon. My LHS has all kits at 20-50% off ATM, so I'd be willing to get me one of those pricey Tasca Shermans if they have one...

Cheers, Clemens

  • Member since
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  • From: ON, Canada
Posted by jgeratic on Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:31 PM

Dang, now this is an interesting theme.  I've got several ideas, but will wait a bit before deciding.  Meanwhile, here are some subjects I'm considering:

Italian autoblinda, or a Pz III (g or j mark?) in Polish Carpathian markings.   From what I've read, both were used for training in the desert, but never inserted into combat.

Captured Valentine pressed into German service, Tunisia:

Britsh light tank Mk.6 captured by Italians:

Kind of leaning towards the last one, but what happens if an actual photo can't be found?

regards,

Jack

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:40 PM

Jack: That Pz.III looks really interesting!

Terry: Here's another pic and a short video for ya:

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:45 PM

How about this one?

Would it fit the guidelines as well? It is a Panther in German service (which wouldn't fit) but dressed up to look like a Vehicle (M10 Tank Destroyer) in American service. So technically it is an AFV with foreign markings... Wink

  • Member since
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  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, April 3, 2014 5:52 PM

This sounds most tempting... Would an ARVN M-113 work?

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

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Posted by jibber on Thursday, April 3, 2014 7:19 PM

SS thanks I'm looking forward to this one, your pics and the video will really help.

I'd like to build it in the original condition when we reassigned it. I'd also like to think the Germans stole some of our Shermans, while the Allies "re-assigned" theirs….

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Posted by Tim Kidwell on Thursday, April 3, 2014 7:40 PM

stikpusher

This sounds most tempting... Would an ARVN M-113 work?

You bet! So long as it's not in U.S. markings. The more exotic, the cooler.

--

Timothy Kidwell
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Posted by Tim Kidwell on Thursday, April 3, 2014 7:45 PM

SchattenSpartan

How about this one?

Would it fit the guidelines as well? It is a Panther in German service (which wouldn't fit) but dressed up to look like a Vehicle (M10 Tank Destroyer) in American service. So technically it is an AFV with foreign markings... Wink

I knew someone would ask this question, particularly about Skorzeny. I think we should avoid false-flag disguises. Let's stick with armor operated by countries other than those who built them. Although, a false-flag group build isn't a bad idea either ...

--

Timothy Kidwell
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  • From: New Port Richey
Posted by deattilio on Thursday, April 3, 2014 7:54 PM
Count me in with Academy's 1/35 LVTP7 which will be done as an AmTrac in service of the Royal Thai Marines. I'll get a couple of my pictures scanned and loaded to show my subject.

 

WIP:
Trying to get my hobby stuff sorted - just moved and still unpacking.

 

"Gator, Green Catskill....Charlie On Time"
 

 

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  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Thursday, April 3, 2014 7:58 PM

Tim:  Here's what I was thinking of - Soviet made T-26s bought by the Nationalist Chinese. About halfway though the war Stalin predictably switched his support from Chang Kai-Shek's Nationalists to Mao's Communists making these orphans at least in my opinion. 

The only Japanese tanks I could find in Chinese hands were some captured by the Soviets near the end of the war and donated to Mao's troops. And they were just a bland Soviet green, not as much fun as the camoed T-26s.

I did find two photos of a very odd M3 Staurt captured by the Japanese in the Philippines and repainted in their own three colour camo. If I should get done early I might give that one a go with an old Tamiya kit I have in the stash. 

Thanks again Tim and Aaron for hosting these!!!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

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Posted by Tim Kidwell on Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:04 PM

WHOA! I love the response! It looks like we surpassed the six required in record time. We've got a group build.

Bish - So long as you continue to join our group builds, I think your one of the sanest men on the internet.

Eagle90 - After watching what you did on Mr. Scott, I'm sure you'll kill the group build.

Shiv - It's good to have you along, regardless of finishing. Just make sure you take the time between now and August to get Spidey finished. I want him in the HVGB Hall of Fame!

Jibber - Do you build everything as fast as you did Robby? If yes, you might need to add a second AFV. A UN tag isn't quite what we're thinking. Now, if you can find a Scimitar used by Jordan, that would work.

GMorrison - Aaron and I are very excited to see the ISU.

Jeaton - Welcome home!

Spartan - Most excellent to have you along.

Stik - We'd love to have you join up.

Jack - I'm voting for the Mk.6 (not that you asked or anything). That thing is oozing cool. I'll clarify the rule. A photo or color plate or similar reference.

I can already tell we're gonna have our hands full with you lot.

--

Timothy Kidwell
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Posted by Tim Kidwell on Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:11 PM

Orphans indeed! Perfect fit for the build, Gamera. Let me know the kit you're using and scale and I'll add it to the list.

You're welcome. We're just glad you guys are having a good time.

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Timothy Kidwell
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Posted by Tim Kidwell on Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:13 PM

deattilio
Count me in with Academy's 1/35 LVTP7 which will be done as an AmTrac in service of the Royal Thai Marines. I'll get a couple of my pictures scanned and loaded to show my subject.

You're in! 

--

Timothy Kidwell
tkidwell@firecrown.com
Editor
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  • Member since
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  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:16 PM

Eagle90

Absolutely!  Put me in coach!  This will be one of the first few armor kits I do!  I'm working an 88 now and have a couple of more to do before this one starts!  This is so cool!  I'm being stretched in genres of modeling I never did!  Thanks so much guys for doing another great GB!  

Not sure what I will build.  I have a M4A3E2 Sherman, but not sure if one had ever been captured and used.  I'll research this (unless anyone knows off the top of their head).  If not......I'LL BUY SOMETHING!  That will break my heart!

Thanks again everyone!

Eagle90

P.S. I'm seeing the same doctor Bish is!!!

Eagle: Hate to say this but the M4A3E2 'Jumbo' was a pretty rare tank, only a hundred or so were built. I have no idea if any were captured but probably not since there were so few in use. I'd guess that most Shermans in German hands would be M4A1,  M4A3, or M4A4s (mostly exported to British/Commonwealth troops) simply because they were the most common. Afraid I'm no expert so anyone else want to chip in here? 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

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  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:22 PM

Tim: Thanks! And sorry got so busy searching for and posting the photos I forgot- 1/35th Hobbyboss kit with Bison Decals Chinese Armour in the '30-'40s.

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
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Posted by shivinigh on Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:25 PM

no worries Tim. I am spending almost 2 hours a day to get all the webbing painted. I fully intend to finish.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Thursday, April 3, 2014 9:24 PM

I have yet to come across any known Jumbos being captured. As stated above they were comparatively rare (yet more were made than of many kits of German subjects), and they were pretty tough to knock out. Not to say none were captured, but it is not widely known if any were.

Tim, ok then, sign me up with an ARVN M-113 ;-) I'm thinking the early days like 1963 Ap Bac...

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
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  • From: England
Posted by P mitch on Friday, April 4, 2014 2:36 AM

Tim

Put me down for the Trumpeter 39H Hodgkiss in German markings

Phil

"If anybody ever tells you anything about an aeroplane which is so bloody complicated you can't understand it, take it from me: it's all balls." R J Mitchell


  • Member since
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  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, April 4, 2014 3:07 AM

Tim Kidwell

 

Bish - So long as you continue to join our group builds, I think your one of the sanest men on the internet.

Don't say that to loud, the men in white coats might pay you a visit. Wink

WOW, quite a response for this one, nice to see so many familiar faces and a few new ones to the FSM GB's.

 

Clemans, I was doing some searching last night trying to help Eagle out with the Jumbo Sherman idea. I came acros some images of that one, but now I can't find them. I think, its an M4A2 75. Cyber Hobby did a kit of it a few years back.

The kit might be hard to get hold of. Dragon has a 72nd kit of the same tank, and the only other ones I could find are from the pacific, but I am not sure if they would have been altered from those in Europe.

I am a Norfolk man and i glory in being so

 

On the bench: Airfix 1/72nd Harrier GR.3/Fujimi 1/72nd Ju 87D-3

  • Member since
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Posted by SchattenSpartan on Friday, April 4, 2014 4:57 AM

Thanks, Bish!

The markings seem to be pretty basic (one cross on each turret side and one at the front), so I think a normal M4A2 kit should be all I need. The only thing I'd have to get me in addition are some of those T49 tracks you can see in the photos. (I love the look of them...) Big Smile

  • Member since
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  • From: Florida-West Central
Posted by Eagle90 on Friday, April 4, 2014 6:05 AM

Gamera, Stik, and Bish.  Thank you all for the info and help.  I'm definitely a novice when it comes to armor, so all the help is greatly appreciated.  

With that being said, it is obvious the M4A3E2 is out.  So, with the help of Prof. Bish, I decided to go with a captured T34/76!  I have the 1/35 Tamiya T34/76 (#35049-1600).  Here is a photo of what I'm shooting for.

Don't think I'll do a dio with it or anything, but would like to get it as close to this as possible.  So I will be asking about figures and which would be the best for this.  Weathering will be another big question for me......that's a lot of mud!  Stick out tongue

So Tim/Aaron, you can put me down for 1/35 Tamiya T34/76 in German service.  And thanks again everyone for the help!

Eagle90

 

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by SchattenSpartan on Friday, April 4, 2014 7:41 AM

I just noticed that Hannants sells Dragon's M4A2 Late at 30% off, so I think I might get myself one of those for this GB. I wasn't able to find any other kit of the late A2 with the 47° frontal plate. The only problem with that kit is that the suspension is from the ancient Italeri kit and has some noticeable issues. Add the fact that Dragon doesn't supply the "disc-type" roadwheels needed for my project. I'll probably have to buy one of the Tasca suspension sets in order to get some good looking bogies with the correct roadwheels...

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