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251 Halftracks GB 1 October '08 - 8 June '09

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  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Thursday, November 13, 2008 8:56 PM
 Bish wrote:

...the grey is actually Tamiya XF-61 dark green. It does lok more green in the flesh. The third colour will be Tamiya XF-64 red brown which will cover some of the yellow areas and butt up against some of the green. I

 For what it's worth Bish, XF-64 is a bit bright for my tastes and when I use it, it is mixed with some Tamiya Flat Earth (XF-52) to tone down the red tinge. 

 Don

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, November 14, 2008 3:18 AM
pordoi- i normally use xtracolour enamals, but thought i would use Tamiya this time for a slight change. I was just going to tone it down with white, but i might just give that a try and see how it looks. Thanks for the tip.

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
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Friday, November 14, 2008 3:19 AM
 moose421 wrote:

Bish   the camo is looking real good.  Can't wait to see it finished.

Me to, just wish i didn't have to wait till Feb.

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
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Friday, November 14, 2008 8:43 AM
 bbrowniii wrote:
 dupes wrote:

Heh. Speaking of wisdom teeth, I had a particularly nasty case of those a few years back...this one was not "sedative-optional"! In fact, worst, most invasive surgery I've ever had extracting it from my jawbone. Eeeeeks.

"Holy run from the room screaming your head off, Batman!!!"  (or should that be 'Flupesy-man'...?)

I probably would have if I weren't strapped down and knocked out for the almost 2 hour surgery. Krikey. I didn't wake up with any ACTUAL boot-prints on my face from the extraction, but I think the surgeon just did a good job of covering up...Dead [xx(]

 

Bish - February will be here sooner than you think! Hang in there! Smile [:)]

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Schroon Lake, NY
Posted by SMJmodeler on Friday, November 14, 2008 11:23 AM
Did I miss something...Dunce [D)]?!?!...I thought maybe this was the D.D.S. forum!!!...that was weird, I pull up halftracks thread and see a giant tooth x-ray!!!  MAN, I'm out of the loop lately...Laugh [(-D]Blindfold [X-)]

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Saturday, November 15, 2008 5:12 PM

 No just me complaining and Fupes telling me not to be a baby!

Actually have spent some time the last 2 days working on this beast. Seems like one fiddley step into the next. Nothing too gosh awful but the slow progress is a little frustrating. I can understand why Guy had to take breaks to visit and caress a few aircraft models now.

Did anyone really use these clear periscope parts? I mean I finally had to make some silly putty jigs to hold them in the right place for constuction. The directions look like they should function but I think they would be far to loose and fragile. I would almost use the words over enginneered with this kit. ( the Dragon versions) Getting it together bit by bit though.

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Cheney, WA
Posted by FastasEF on Saturday, November 15, 2008 5:46 PM

That looks exactley like how lame the AFV ones are. Worst part, (besides the fit issue I had), on the whole kit.

Side note, I was at the LHS today and saw these for $5.00 so I decided to pick them up and possibly do a little diorama.

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=TM35293

Josh

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Cheney, WA
Posted by FastasEF on Saturday, November 15, 2008 11:34 PM

Who makes a good 1/35 British infantry set?

JOsh

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:45 AM

OK, I've been threatening to post some in progress pics of the 251/18 for a while now and here they are.  Given the advice of Guy and Marc to dry fit, I decided to build everything in sub-assemblies, give things a base coat and wash, and then put everything together.  Still have some work to do in touching up the painting and filling a seam or two, especially those nasty ones in the rear of the radio rack.  But here's a look.  Color balance on the photos is a bit yellow, but feel free to offer criticism.

 

Will do some additional weathering after the main body is assembled. Like I said, that radio rack needs attention.  Never thought to do it before painting,... oh well.

 

 

One or two more things to do on the side walls, then it's time to fit and glue.  Here's the pack radio behind the drivers seat.

 

 

And the wireless sets, without the cables.  Added the table in front of the radios based on a pic of a 251/3.  Gives the radio operators a little more working space....

 

 

And also, a little extra storage space for accessories like the tripod for the scissors scope and a spare scope. 

 

 

Talk about fiddly parts, that box was 8 pieces and the scope inside another 7.  The tripod and case were another 8 and the shoulder sling has yet to be added.  Still have to build another scissors scope to mount on the map table.  But still a ways to go before that.

 Don

 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Sunday, November 16, 2008 10:49 AM

Whoah! Completely out of the blue we get a Pordoi update!

Looking really good, too. That radio rack gets 2 thumbs up. Thumbs Up [tup]Big Smile [:D]Thumbs Up [tup]

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:47 PM

pordoi thats looking really good. I love the look of the radios, what colours did you do them.

Does anyone know what that plate is on the back of the drivers seat. I left mine off as i have seen pics of the seat without it, but i can't figure out what it's for.

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
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:59 PM
 Thought you were talking about the seat springs until I looked at the pictures. I looked at it and thought they went on the side wall somewhere. The instructions showed them as optional. Looks like it could go on the seats. I have no idea.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Sunday, November 16, 2008 1:08 PM

 sfcmac wrote:
 Thought you were talking about the seat springs until I looked at the pictures. I looked at it and thought they went on the side wall somewhere. The instructions showed them as optional. Looks like it could go on the seats. I have no idea.

I recall that being on the Dragon instructions as an option to go on the side wall. But if i remember right it was a thicker plastic piece. Whereas the thinner PE ones can go on the seat. Not sure if its meant to be the same part.  I left them off entirely on my /17 but am curious as to what its for.

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
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Sunday, November 16, 2008 1:42 PM

I did n't see them on Wingnut's and Guys 251's going to check some of the other versions to see if the instructions are more clear.

Up in the upper right you can see a similar PE part on the D version shows it as being optional as well. Still about clear as mud. Confused [%-)] The Howling cow ones don't even show it or have it included. May be why Guy and Wingnut never mentioned it.

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Sunday, November 16, 2008 3:32 PM

Well looking cross euyed so took a quick break for some progress pics. Been banging my head Banged Head [banghead] As it seems I go from one fiddley step to another. Given the warnings and tips from the previous builds I have been pretty cautious. Like pordoi sez. Lots of sub assemblys.  Right now I have got everything except the tracks dry fitted. They all are sitting as perfect as I can get them.

No gaps to be seen but it was a lot of time to get there.

Those periscopes?! Hmmmm. I still see no way to make them functional. Perhaps the do not glue warnings are to allow you to position them as you wish. Then fix them in place. They drove me crazy and I spent an awful lot odf time on just 4 periscope assemblys. Grumpy [|(]

The fact that they are clear make it all the harder for my old eyes to pick out the details but I am managing. They look really odd to me at this point.

Like I mentioned everything is just laid in place at this point. Working on the interior details and stuff for the bins. Started to weather a bit. Playing with the seats to make them appear more like leather than painted plastic and such. Did the rifles too.

Quick question about the weapons stowage though. These directions would have you stow 8 rifles and 2 submachine guns. That is a crew of ten which is maybe for an infantry carrier. No way 10 men going to ride regularly in a Platoon leader's /10. So I am going to take some liberties with the stowage. I did put the 4 rifles in one so you all don't think me lazy.

Been painting on a crew a bit. I was going to modify the driver but after test fitting him you don't see much but the back of his shirt. So I left him alone for simplicities sake. He will not have all the exact uniform technicalities but it won't show.  I'll show them as I get them done as well but only you guys know the secret about the driver.

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Bournemouth UK
Posted by Luftwoller on Sunday, November 16, 2008 4:59 PM

Wow, great work here. Don, nice choice on the radio framing. Looks great in Dunkle. I have a book on all german radios and it seems that they range through all the greys to yellow. So's i think its accurate whatever colour you go for. If anyone needs a specific radio pic, give me a shout.

Aaron, shes looking mighty fine, my friend. I wondered if you actually built anything or just talked crazy all the time LOL. You are offically nutz. It has been noted. Big Smile [:D]

As for those seat back thingys; they the equivelant to the pockets in the back of the drivers seat of your own car, for your road atlas. So some clever modeller could always stick a scale map in it or something similar. As for those clear view ports, i struggled with them as well. In the end i just glued them shut. You dont see any of the detail when its assembled. I think theyre clear so you can mask the slit. Might be wrong. I didnt mask mine btw.

...Guy

..'Your an embarrassment to the human genus, makes me ashamed to call myself Homo'.
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Sunday, November 16, 2008 5:36 PM
 dupes wrote:

Whoah! Completely out of the blue we get a Pordoi update!

Looking really good, too. That radio rack gets 2 thumbs up. Thumbs Up [tup]Big Smile [:D]Thumbs Up [tup]

 Dupes, "out of the blue" is my middle name!  Wink [;)]

 Bish,  radios were painted with a mix of Tamiya RLM grey (XF-22) mixed 2:1 with semi-gloss black (X-18) and diluted with Future.  Knobs and switches are X-18.  Guages were painted in Tamiya Flat White (or red) and then dry brushed with Model Master Grimy Black to highlight their frames.  I'm pleased with how they came out; actually look better than the pics show.

 Aaron,  I agree with Guy that the PE part on the rear of the drivers seat is a seat pocket.  Eduard set 35-742 instructions on page 1 show it glued to the drivers seat back.  Since the /18 is a command/observation vehicle, there was likey lots of maps around so there I wanted storage space.  Nice progress on your 251 so far; remember, dry fit, dry fit, dry fit.  Hopefully, mine will go together as effortlessly as yours.

 Guy, What radio book did you get?  I found a copy of "Wireless for the Wehrmacht" which was very helpful in building and painting my radios.  To be truthful, I took some liberties in which radios I included in the /18.  But hey, unless someone knows better.....

 Don

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Sunday, November 16, 2008 6:57 PM

Great progress pordoi.... love that storage box.  Sure lookslike some boards nailed togetehr to me.

sfcmac  great prgross there too.

This GB is kickin' some tail.

I agree with Guy re. the seat backs.  They were not in the kit... as far as I remember but they were in the PE update set .  Went ISO pics of the seat and the scarece few I found didn't have that so i left it off. So if anyone wants the PE seat back thingy just let me know.

Marc  

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Sunday, November 16, 2008 7:47 PM

 I was gonna say looking at pordoi's it looks like that's it to me. Just looks good there along with all his work. The only PE stuff I got that wasn't kit wise was for the gun on mine since it will be what stands out on this version. The Dragon has some stuff in it already to use although their choices are a bit different. It works.

 I'm kinda getting into it a little more now since I am into area's where I can use my imagination and think on things. Past the monotony of some of the slow tough stuff.

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Posted by Bish on Sunday, November 16, 2008 11:43 PM
 Luftwoller wrote:

As for those seat back thingys; they the equivelant to the pockets in the back of the drivers seat of your own car, for your road atlas. So some clever modeller could always stick a scale map in it or something similar. As for those clear view ports, i struggled with them as well. In the end i just glued them shut. You dont see any of the detail when its assembled. I think theyre clear so you can mask the slit. Might be wrong. I didnt mask mine btw.

...Guy

Thats one possability i had thought of but the thick plastic piece that can be glued to the hull sort of put me off that idea.

I painted my radios as per the instructions, and while it looks good i like the look of yours and Pordoi's even more. Thanks for the tips guys, noted down for next time.

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
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Monday, November 17, 2008 12:23 AM
 Bish wrote:
 Luftwoller wrote:

As for those seat back thingys; they the equivelant to the pockets in the back of the drivers seat of your own car, for your road atlas. So some clever modeller could always stick a scale map in it or something similar. As for those clear view ports, i struggled with them as well. In the end i just glued them shut. You dont see any of the detail when its assembled. I think theyre clear so you can mask the slit. Might be wrong. I didnt mask mine btw.

...Guy

Thats one possability i had thought of but the thick plastic piece that can be glued to the hull sort of put me off that idea.

I painted my radios as per the instructions, and while it looks good i like the look of yours and Pordoi's even more. Thanks for the tips guys, noted down for next time.

Beating on a dead horse maybe but I think Bish has a point as well. While I do not doubt the PE set instructions say what you say they do these are showing anything but seat backs so maybe it is a different part?

I dunno like I said it is clear as mud. Confused [%-)]

Perhaps it is a pocket thing as shown on the seat for the hull walls?

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Bournemouth UK
Posted by Luftwoller on Monday, November 17, 2008 9:30 AM
 pordoi wrote:

 Guy, What radio book did you get?  I found a copy of "Wireless for the Wehrmacht" which was very helpful in building and painting my radios.  To be truthful, I took some liberties in which radios I included in the /18.  But hey, unless someone knows better.....

 Don

This is the book. Its in French and English and theres just about every radio the germans ever used. Almost all of them in colour.

and a couple of badly focussed pics.

...Guy

..'Your an embarrassment to the human genus, makes me ashamed to call myself Homo'.
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Monday, November 17, 2008 9:41 AM

 Sorry meant to add this pic above last night but the site went down for a bit. Here are the directions we are looking at with the mystery parts.

Guy nice radios... Did you make it to the model show this weekend?

Still piddling away with this thing. Party [party]

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: 41 Degrees 52.4 minutes North; 72 Degrees 7.3 minutes West
Posted by bbrowniii on Monday, November 17, 2008 12:39 PM
 sfcmac wrote:

 Sorry meant to add this pic above last night but the site went down for a bit. Here are the directions we are looking at with the mystery parts.

Guy nice radios... Did you make it to the model show this weekend?

Still piddling away with this thing. Party [party]

While not presenting myself as any sort of expert, I would guess that those mystery parts (as well as the one on the seatback) are, as suggested, for storage.  Space being at a premium in any armored vehicle, I'd guess they would stick storage racks/bins in just about any open spot they could...  What are those parts they are interchangable with (is it D14?).

'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing' - Edmund Burke (1770 ??)

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:49 AM

 Luftwoller wrote:

 

This is the book. Its in French and English and theres just about every radio the germans ever used. Almost all of them in colour.

 

 

Very nice, Guy.  From now on, we expect to see accurate radio sets and antennae in all your builds.

 Don

 

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: League City, Texas
Posted by sfcmac on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:26 PM

Great timing fellers! I am working on my radio equipment now.

Been giving a lot of thought to the combat load plan of this /10 type and in a fun way have set it up as I would if on that vehicle. Got one whole bin filled with MG 34 ammo and accessories. Handy for the rear MG. Other side has more personnal commonly used items. I added the rifles for the cool factor and left space to add some communications equipment that a Platoon Leaders vehicle would have, Sometimes the 3 in 1 kits cheat some details to get that 3 in 1 kit simplified. Oh well that's why we research. ( and guess) Confused [%-)]

Also weathered and faded things to give a more lived in look and get rid of that new car smell.

I have been having way too much fun with the figure! Making him into a blonde Fritzgoogle I am! 

Lotsa effort to avoid those buggy eyes Wingnut spoke of! Shy [8)]

I did add new theatre proper boots and have patterned the uniform as much as possible to the time.  He still isn't done as I am happy with the skin tones I need to add and blend a little more washes to his top to get a more cloth like appearance. Just gotta be patient. Let things dry a bit.

Just about ready to put the top on and fenders for keeps ! Then to the GUN! Yippie!!!

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Louisville, KY
Posted by pordoi on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:19 PM
 sfcmac wrote:

 

 

Blimey!!  With the teapot, you'd think that this was a unit captured by the Brits.  Big Smile [:D]  When's the best time to brew tea?  Answer:  After the Firefly has taken a hit from a Panther...  Wink [;)]

 But seriously, nice work.  Look forward to seeing it completed. 

 Don

 

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Bournemouth UK
Posted by Luftwoller on Thursday, November 20, 2008 2:03 AM

Very nice Aaron, that interior is looking sorted for sure. Youve captured the 'Lived in' look to a tea (Pardon the pun) You Americans understand puns, Right? LOL

The Kettle is amazing, where the heck dyou get that beauty from?

...Guy

..'Your an embarrassment to the human genus, makes me ashamed to call myself Homo'.
  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Thursday, November 20, 2008 10:43 AM
Aaron - looks spectacular! What else do you have to do before you close up the hull?
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Thursday, November 20, 2008 12:46 PM
Aaronthe interior looks great... the soldier dude looks great... but I have to say, the appearance of the teapot is great the size is more like a lobster pot.  So I am tron... since I would rather have lobster than tea... Whistling [:-^]

Marc  

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