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

wing_nut wrote:

Don the thing on the right fender should be round. If it is that is a reflector that is red.

That's what I thought, but had difficulties confirming.  Thank you

 Don

Bish wrote:

pordoi wrote:  dupes wrote:     Any chance you happened to save some measurements (or plans, even) for the map table you made? Width (5.5cm) is equal to the body width of the 251.  Height of side walls (3.75mm) is approximately 5.5 scale inches.  Looking at photos of map tables, I could have gone to 4.75-5mm without problem.  Hope this helps. Don Thanks pordoi, that helps alot. dupes i get the feeling theres going to be a couple more /18's hitting the pages in the future.

Haaaahahahha...you bet, Bish! There are some other variants that I've seen with the map tables attached as well.

Pordoi - thanks for the schematics!

 dupes would those be the Artillery survey vehicles or possably an adaption to the /3 or /6 command vehicles.

OK, unless you folks see something that needs changing or fixing, I'm about to call the construction phase of the 251/18 complete.  Still planning to mount it on a base, so there will be a few more detail items to paint and possibly another figure.  But here's a quick walk around...

For weathering, I attempted to show a slightly dusty vehicle, maybe somewhere north of Rome in the heat of summer 1944.

Like Guy's 251/6 build, I just had to leave the doors open so that the radios would be at least partly visible.  Can't have all that detail work hidden away where it can't be seen.  Like the open front vision ports that have really nice PE detail which is hidden by the map table.  Or the functional swivel mount that I scratch built for the scissors scope, which is invisible behind one of the figures.

I also like the turned wheels;

... gives it a sense of action.  So I tried a photograph that might also relay action.  An unusual angle to photograph a model but effective I think.

Let's see what our commanders are up to at the map table;  checking out the terrain no doubt...

Ach du meine liebe!!!    Das ist sehr interessant! 

Ah, das ist besser.    Some photos show that the map table had an upper shelf around its perimeter.  Although these photos were mostly of Pz.Div 1 vehicles in 1941, so were field modified 251/3 or /6 rather than the /18 which wasn't in production until '43-'44.  I don't know whether or not the lipped table found its way into production because I haven't found pictures of a true /18.  So my map table is just an open platform, a simple design that is functional.  Besides, I didn't realize about the lipped form until after it was constructed and installed...

But just in case you wondered what was behind the green doors,

... it's the radio operators

I added the antenna wiring from each of the radio sets to the relay boxes, then drilled a hole through the hull and the PE antenna holders and glued the wire to the base of each antenna.  We're connected.

That's it.  This was a challenging build; it's not perfect but I'm pleased with the final outcome.  As always, comments and criticisms are welcome.

 Don

Thats just awesome. I love everything about the build from the scratchbuilt table to the paint and figures. This whole build has set the benchmark. Excellent.

...Guy

Pordoi - wow, wow, wow. Excellent work, especially with all of the scratchbuilt stuff and figs! Another excellent addition to the completed builds so far. Interested to see what you do with the base - what sort of scenario are you picturing?

Check your PM's tomorrow or so, will have your /18 badge out to you by then.

Hopefully this will motivate everyone else to get on their builds! I know we have a bunch of people in mid-construction...how's it going? Any new updates? And what's the status of everyone else who hasn't started yet? 2009 is rapidly approaching...I don't want to have any of these build assignments get left in the dust. Let me know how things are coming, if it looks like you will not be able to finish by June, I'll try to find someone else to fill in.  

pordoi   Your /18 is excellent.  The figures really make it stand out.  The work that you have done is beautiful.

I am now getting the urge to go down stairs to work on my /23.  Maybe I fan get the interior done.  I am thinking that I am going to leave the rear doors closed.  That way it lessens the amount of scratch building that I have to do.  It seems that I don't have as much time as I thought anymore.

Well off to the shower and got to take my baby girl to go see Santa.

wing_nut wrote:

Only 1 question... Where did those guys get a centerfold...in color no less

Marc, never under estimate the efficiency of German supply lines ....

Dupes: still thinking about options for the base, but the initial thought was for a simple scene, maybe located somewhere in Italy.  After making some observations, one crewman outside of the vehicle (not yet shown) is packing away a scissors scope and tripod while the commanders evaluate the situation on the map and radio their findings back to the artillery unit.

And thanks to Guy, Bish, Moose and everyone else for their comments.  I'm looking forward to seeing some of the other builds completed.

 Don

Don

I can only echo the previous sentiments - AWESOME job!  I love the whole thing - the paint scheme, the radio wiring, the figs, the 'map' and the Map, all of it.  You really have a  sweet ride there, my friend, a sweet ride indeed...

P.S. I think I recognize that first 'Map'... might have seen it when I was in Iraq... nah, couldn't be, that type of stuff was 'prohibited'...

bbrowniii wrote:

P.S.   .... that first 'Map'... might have seen it when I was in Iraq... nah, couldn't be, that type of stuff was 'prohibited'...

Well then,   I saw na-zink, I said na-zink and I know na-zink!!!! 

 Don

pordoi: You sure have been turning out some fine builds...this one is a beauty!!!

That small break/regroup must have re-inspired you!!!  Every angle looks great and the weathering is superb!...the camo' is muted just enough, it looks GREAT!  The figures really bring it to life too.  My only suggestions would be to add a few more chips and scrathes on those long edges under the insignias...maybe at the toolboxes and a few on the rear hitch. 

Guys: This is going to be an AWESOME GB when it's done...the caliber of work here has been the highest I've think I've seen in any GB!

SMJmodeler wrote:

...only suggestions would be to add a few more chips and scrathes on those long edges under the insignias...maybe at the toolboxes and a few on the rear hitch.

 Hey SMJ, good eye with the rear hitch.  Completely ignored that.  I scratched it up a bit.  In general, I don't like to chip the paint excessively, although I've seen some very nice builds done that way.  I did go back and add a little more weathering on the storage boxes.  Thanks for the suggestion and for the feedback.

 Don

All Right!!  The AFV Club Sd.Kfz.251/20 Ausf. D "Uhu" and assorted AM parts arrived over the weekend from Lucky Model!!  As soon as I wrap up a couple of GBs ending this month I'll start on the NightOwl!  It will be my first AFV kit!  The quality of the finished 251s I've seen here so far is superb!!  I hope I can build something worthy!

Ha haaaa! Let's see all of the goodies, Ernest!

Glad to hear you're going to get to tackle this guy soon. Looks like I should be able to join you.

Congratulations Marc (Wingnut) on taking first place over at Armorama in the November "DMoM" contest with your Sd.Kfz. 251/17 Ausf. C Flak 38!  Well deserved my friend! 

Armorama November DMoM Contest

Dang. Nice job, Wingy! Congrats!

Well, it's the beginning of the new year. This GB has been active for three months already! I'd like to do some sort of check-in with everyone who isn't already finished to see what sort of progress (if any!) has been made yet. I know some people have been pretty absent lately - just want to try to catch up with everyone on some level over the next couple of weeks. Don't want anyone to get toooo far behind in their builds...if it looks like you're not going to be able to meet your build commitment, I'm going to attempt to find someone else over in the armor forum to replace your variant.

Anyway, throw down a post here or shoot me a PM to let me know how you're doing!

Pordoi - dawned on me that I still need to get you your badge! Will get on that ASAP.

 Hey congrats Marc! May need an autograph! Woo Hoo! I never have done contest or shows but I like to talk to other modelers and see there work! I guess I'm shy..

Hey Fupes!!!!! I am 99.372% finished. Just need some new resin as the humidity here killed mine. Wants to become a chewed bubblegum rather than a hard resin. Won't be too long. Mail order holiday delays. Just slowed in muy pictures until I can figure out how to get some better ones. I'll try when the sun comes out.

Wow has it been 3 months already? Time flys!

Big Ninja points to all who have finished some real quality stuff!

I'm still here. Got laid off for the month of January so i'm working a few odd jobs which is ending up paying more than if I were still at work, lol. But they are tiring, (shoveling roofs, etc.), but I will finish this thing.

Josh

dupes wrote:

Pordoi - dawned on me that I still need to get you your badge! Will get on that ASAP.

Well, I wasn't going to say anything... at least for another day or two

 Don

No worries, Don - I'll try to have it to you later today!

Those of you that have gotten back to me with your progress - thanks! Still interested to see how the rest of you (see the list below) are doing. Started at all? Got a start date? Anything? Let me know! I've got a couple of things to clean off of my bench, then I'm jumping on this guy in earnest. Should see some pics by the end of the month.

Espins1                  Sd.Kfz. 251/1: Basic SPW fitted with the FuSpG ‘F’ R/T unit.

SMJModeler         Sd.Kfz. 251/1: Stuka Zu Fuss

Panzer88                Sd.Kfz. 251/1: Falke IR vehicle

MPKev31b            Sd.Kfz. 251/3: Communications vehicle

BBrowniii               Sd.Kfz. 251/4: Light artillery tractor

White_R34            Sd.Kfz. 251/5: Engineer vehicle for special assault engineers

Assurgeant           Sd.Kfz. 251/7: Engineer vehicle basic

Hermes                   Sd.Kfz. 251/8: Field Ambulance

JMart                      Sd.Kfz. 251/9: 7.5cm KwK37 L/24 Support vehicle

Bufflehead             Sd.Kfz. 251/20: 60cm IR “Uhu” searchlight vehicle (Ausf. D only)

Russamys              Sd.Kfz. 251/21: Triple 2cm MG151 and 151/20 AA vehicle

Panzerguy             Sd.Kfz. 251/22: 7.5cm Pak40 anti-tank vehicle

Moose421             Sd.Kfz. 251/23: Reconnaissance 2cm KwK38 turret

dupes: DEFINATELY still in!!!  In fact I found a paint scheme for my variant on a box of Tamiya fig's that are made for this vehicle.  It's Dark Yellow with red/brown camo'...I like it and may go that route.

I'm trying to buy (or get for my b-day Jan. 17th) a set of PE tools before I start this build.  I may put a couple fig's on the Flakvierling (see finished pic's of on my thread, I haven't seen a response from you...)too and believe or not my T34/85 is WELL underway(pic's coming soon)!!!  I'll get those cleared off the bench and then get the Stuka going!!!

Don't sweat the timing for me to complete this bad-boy, I'm back, BIG TIME, at the bench, and FIRED UP!!!

espins1 wrote:

I'm trying to wrap up a couple of projects then I'll get busy on this build.  I want to get my name off the top of the "list of shame"

Hehehehehhe....that's what you get for requesting the /1!

SMJmodeler wrote:

Don't sweat the timing for me to complete this bad-boy, I'm back, BIG TIME, at the bench, and FIRED UP!!!

Boy, it sure sounds like you are! Glad to see you cranking out builds at a feverish pace again! Now if I could only join you...heheh. Scheme sounds good. Get on it!