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

SMJmodeler wrote:

Bish wrote: dupe's sorry for the delay. But finally, here's my finished 251/17. She ended up darker than i intended, due to me not allowing for the affects of the washing. But this is a major leap forward for me, going from just dry brushing and pastels to adding washer's. Overall, i really like the result, even if it is a bit heavy. But it deffinatly give's me something to work on. Bish: This is a REALLY nice build!...it's a bit dark but not bad..in fact, you just muted the tones some, but it's very convincing...DEFINATLY consider it a succcess, nicely done!!!  It's easy to "correct" on the next project if you're not satisfied.  When you airbrush the base color, just post shade it one and then TWO shades lighter  It will seem too light at first but not after you get the filter washes on.  Everything else is superb...the chips and scratches are just right, well placed...again, very convincing.  I like that open storage bin too! FYI: You might want to watch those streaks on the front, make sure they are straight down!  ...here's an example of the post shading I mentioned for your reference:

Thanks. As i am sure you have already seen, i have taken the lessons i have learnt onto my Kugelblitz. Thanks for the advice on the streaks. I really am pleased with this, it's a massive step forward compared to my past builds. Just need to perfect it a bit more and learn to vary it to get different finishes. I am even planning on going back to the Tiger i did got the Big Ctas GB and giving it a wash when i do the dio.

Thanks for all your help and advice, your tut's have been a great help.

panzerguy/Assurgeant/bbrowni  Thanks, really enjoyed this build and was really pleased with how mine came out. All been really great builds so far and looking forward to the rest.

Hey guys, I'm studying the directions to the 251/1. The half track looks a lot easier than the PaK40 to build. LOL So far I'm planning on doing mine up in the 3 tone scheme of 2nd SS "Das Reich" July 1944.

Scott!  WB!  Good to see ya! 

 Bish that is a very cool  /17. I think the Darker look is pretty acurrate for a late war 251.  Given the evergreen sap and such that were in the European forest it looks weathered just like how our tanks in the reforger exercises ended up. It is a darker kinda dirty rather than a lighter dersert dusty look.  That's what I think and I'm sticking with it!

 PanzerGuy! Coming along nicely That PE set is really making things pop out!  Watch the fit issues on joining the upper and lower hulls!  You got the floating wheel whipped but there are more hidden traps to be certain.  Also really have enjoyed the 251 "funny" pics!  Really makes you wonder what was out there that we don't know about!

 Fupes!  Hope your mother is doing better and you were able to enjoy a little of that time off.  Think somebody posing as you has been working on a ME 109!

 I have been doing a little bit everyday. Time has been passing me by but I have tried to do a little something to my 251/10 every day.  Even if it is a small step.  So It's getting there. Actually I think it's finished as far as the kit goes.  I am working on a base and the figures which has been pretty time consuming, Well that and I have to remember where I left the one I already made.

 Recreating a picture is pretty challenging. Picking out little details and figuring out how to represent them reminds me of doing a puzzle of sorts.  Very fun I am enjoying it but it does take a lot of time. Or maybe I'm just slow...

 Let me stick a few pics up so you all can have at it and see what you think? Any suggestions  and critics welcome!  I put a lot of merit into what you all think!

 So here is where the Dragon 251/10 sits. With just a few add ons and modifications.

 I have a few more additions to make with the Base and FIgures.  Like a PE Radio headset and an old pair of boots which was suggested.  The Base will be fairly simple in look but complex in construction.  I actually am using some cooked dirt I collected a few years back during Operation Bright Star. Canned it up from a little trading post called El Alamein.  Looks like dirt but it has the cool factor!

 

 

sfcmac wrote:

Scott!  WB!  Good to see ya!   Bish that is a very cool  /17. I think the Darker look is pretty acurrate for a late war 251.  Given the evergreen sap and such that were in the European forest it looks weathered just like how our tanks in the reforger exercises ended up. It is a darker kinda dirty rather than a lighter dersert dusty look.  That's what I think and I'm sticking with it!  PanzerGuy! Coming along nicely That PE set is really making things pop out!  Watch the fit issues on joining the upper and lower hulls!  You got the floating wheel whipped but there are more hidden traps to be certain.  Also really have enjoyed the 251 "funny" pics!  Really makes you wonder what was out there that we don't know about!  Fupes!  Hope your mother is doing better and you were able to enjoy a little of that time off.  Think somebody posing as you has been working on a ME 109!  I have been doing a little bit everyday. Time has been passing me by but I have tried to do a little something to my 251/10 every day.  Even if it is a small step.  So It's getting there. Actually I think it's finished as far as the kit goes.  I am working on a base and the figures which has been pretty time consuming, Well that and I have to remember where I left the one I already made.  Recreating a picture is pretty challenging. Picking out little details and figuring out how to represent them reminds me of doing a puzzle of sorts.  Very fun I am enjoying it but it does take a lot of time. Or maybe I'm just slow...  Let me stick a few pics up so you all can have at it and see what you think? Any suggestions  and critics welcome!  I put a lot of merit into what you all think!  So here is where the Dragon 251/10 sits. With just a few add ons and modifications.  I have a few more additions to make with the Base and FIgures.  Like a PE Radio headset and an old pair of boots which was suggested.  The Base will be fairly simple in look but complex in construction.  I actually am using some cooked dirt I collected a few years back during Operation Bright Star. Canned it up from a little trading post called El Alamein.  Looks like dirt but it has the cool factor!

Thanks. I am really pleased with it for a first time on these methods.

Your /10 is looking good. I like those schemes with the gray interior and camo on the outside.

SFCMac - looking good, man! Are you waiting for the base and figs to call it 'done'?

Yeah, I've been plugging away on a few kits in between visits to see my mom (thanks for asking guys, really...means a lot). Actually broke into the 251/2 box last night, started assembling the driver fig - fiiiiiinally picked up that 72-color case of Vallejo paints I've been eyeing for a long time in the hopes of painting some figs some day! Figured that guy could be my "guinea pig".

Hope to be able to poke my head in here a bit more frequently in the future.

Scott - glad you're on your way! Looking forward to your /1.

I haven't built a half track since I was a kid, so I'm going to have to think ahead with my painting strategery. I need to go back and review the builds so far, that will probably help me a lot. :)

 Thanks fellows.  Nope not going to call it done just yet. Gotta pace myself and not peak too soon.  LOL!  I have been really taking my time with this one which is a diff approach for me.  Usually I dig in and Marathon it to completion. There are just so many great modelers showing off their mad skills that give me new ideas here.  Guy with his PE extremes, WingNut scratch built his own trailer and Pordois Fab figures to name just the early ones.  Heck when you look at all the others and works in progress I am just trying to fit in. LOL!

 The main body still needs final touching up and things like a metal drybrush in areas and an antenna.  Little stuff but I want to let you know that even though I am slow poking this one I am working on it.  June will be here before you know it!  

Yeah...about that...I wasn't going to mention anything until we got down to the 2-month mark, but there are exactly 80 DAYS left in this GB. Not to throw anyone into a panic or anything, but it's probably time to crack into those kit boxes if you haven't already!!!

dupes i know you been busy and got alot on your plate, so don't want to hassle you. But have you been able to sort my badge out yet. Thanks.

dupes wrote:

Yeah...about that...I wasn't going to mention anything until we got down to the 2-month mark, but there are exactly 80 DAYS left in this GB. Not to throw anyone into a panic or anything, but it's probably time to crack into those kit boxes if you haven't already!!!

 

Dupes,

Have you heard anything from Hermes re: the 251/8?  Last I saw was many, many pages ago when he was in the process of grinding down the thickness of the side plates to better match scale.  This was one I was waiting to see and still hope to do so.

 Don

 

P.S.  finally got me an avatar.  "life in a constant state of confusion"

 

The parts are all washed and work as begun on my AFV Club 251/1D mit PaK40.  I know it's not that exciting, but here is a shot of the halftrack parts drying in the kitchen.  I'm going to wait a while before I begin the PaK40. 

Scott - glad to see you're on the /1! Interested to hear how the AFV kit compares to the DML.

Don - haven't heard from Hermes (or a lot of other members) since I polled everyone in the beginning of January for a "participation check". Hoping he's still around. 

dupes wrote:

Scott - glad to see you're on the /1! Interested to hear how the AFV kit compares to the DML.

It seems like a really nice kit so far. I'll try to document the build as much as possible for you all. The kit comes with all kinds of goodies, including several types of tracks for early rubber and late rubber and steel tracks. The PaK40 is a true gem and includes many small parts and photo-etch. I'm not sure which I'm more stoked about, the halftrack of the AT gun! LOL

I didn't make much progress last night. I needed to drill a few holes in the hull floor and my pin vise and some of my needle files are missing.... grrrrr. I found one of my airbrush needles and one of the needle files in one of the kids rooms, apparently the brainiacs thought those tools would be a great way to clean resin out of a pipe..... lovely. Those kids aren't allowed over to our house anymore as I don't want that crap going on in my house, not to mention the little bastards helping themselves to my expensive modeling tools. The airbrush needle was my super fine needle which I don't use very often, but when I need it well, I need it! They managed to bend the tip so it's completely unusable now. :(

panzerguy - I hear you about basement cleaning... had to change the water heater; got rid of the leaking tank and installed a tankless one. Of course, had to shut down workshop for weeks,,, back in business now. Nice progress, coming along well, I like the details you have been adding. PE does make a difference!

Steve - Microscale sells a liquid mask; aircraft folks use it to mask canopies, you "paint" the mask onto place and rub off when done.

Bish - very nicely done!  Good info on the postshading with LIGHTER shades, will have to attempt that.

Sfcmac - That is an amazing amount of details and clutter...excellent!

Dupes - glad to hear your Mom is doing better! My kit box will "crack open" in the next week or two, have a ship almost done and the 251 will take its place when done.

Hi guys. Im not part of the GB but I am building the 251/16. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if anyone (and who) produces an after sales kit for the engine for this vehicle?

If I have enough energy left in me at the end of the work day I'm going to swing by High Sierra Hobbies and pick up some replacement needle files so I can drill out the necessary holes in the hull/chassis bottom. I'm hoping to be able to get on a bit of a roll this evening with my build.

Antony Wright wrote:

Hi guys. Im not part of the GB but I am building the 251/16. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if anyone (and who) produces an after sales kit for the engine for this vehicle?

  Antony thats a good question I've looked for one on line and had no luck. I know that somebody out there makes them, probably Verlinden.

   Here's a link that gives you a good look at the motor and drive train.

    http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/votw/251d_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/votw/251d.htm&usg=__k4ZDEdwcNci_cBBKXAYCmYoVIF4=&h=306&w=500&sz=41&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=P9zq1V0FgW0IYM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsdkfz%2B251%2BD%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ADBR_en%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

 

panzerguy wrote:

Antony Wright wrote: Hi guys. Im not part of the GB but I am building the 251/16. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if anyone (and who) produces an after sales kit for the engine for this vehicle?   Antony thats a good question I've looked for one on line and had no luck. I know that somebody out there makes them, probably Verlinden.    Here's a link that gives you a good look at the motor and drive train.     http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/votw/251d_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/votw/251d.htm&usg=__k4ZDEdwcNci_cBBKXAYCmYoVIF4=&h=306&w=500&sz=41&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=P9zq1V0FgW0IYM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsdkfz%2B251%2BD%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ADBR_en%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

Thanks Panzerguy. Those pics are great. I finally came across a couple of possibilities as follows:

For AFV http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/jphobby/jphobby35a12.htm

and for Tamiya/Dragon/Revell http://www.jphobby.cz/accessories.htm

Both seem to be from JP Hobby

Antony Wright wrote:

Hi guys. Im not part of the GB but I am building the 251/16. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if anyone (and who) produces an after sales kit for the engine for this vehicle?

Antony,

Verlinden makes an engine update for the 251.  Don't know if it's for a specific version, but probably isn't (besides you, who'll know).  Internet Hobbies carries his stuff but last time I checked there was a 2-3 week wait for it.  Might be faster to order direct from Verlinden.  www.verlindenonline.com Scroll down to 1/35 Armor update and details click on German and it's on page 8 IIRC.  Hope this helps.

Yes, Verlinden did an engine set, meant for the Tamiya 251/9. I have one but haven't used it yet, but apparently its meant to be a poor fit, which i can believe after useing their Tiger Engine. But no doubt with a bit of work it would fit in any 251. But i am not sure if thats still available. They also have a new set for the 251, which might be a bit better, we can hope.

Your best bet in the UK is Historex, heres a link to the new Verlinden Engine.

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxproductdetail.php?ProductCode=2098

 

 

Hey dupes, I have some bad news.  I was just digging out my /23 and noticed that it has been crushed.  Don't remember when it happened but it is a wright off.  Figures, just was getting back into the mood to finish it and bingo.  Man, what a crappy couple of months. The only bright side is my daughter is growing and healthy.  Just not me being employed.  Still no luck on that. 

So feel free to reasighn the /23 to someone else.

Once again sorry, but the entire hull is crushed and I am missing suspension arms and road wheels.  I know they are in my basement, but where????? only the shadow knows.

Kim

Hey guys,

I am building my /4 with a very limited number of refs, so I need your opinion on something.  The AFV Club kit is basically the /1 with additional frets for the /4 components.  In the instructions for the /4, it indicates that the radio set should be left out of the vehicle.  Can anyone think of a practical reason why I should not include it?  I'm not really agonizing over this, I'm just trying to figure out if it is one of those quirks of 'instruction-eering' or if the /4s really did not have a radio...

I got some good time coming up at the bench as soon as I get done with this, so I hope to have some pics for y'all this afternoon.

bbrowniii wrote:

Hey guys, I am building my /4 with a very limited number of refs, so I need your opinion on something.  The AFV Club kit is basically the /1 with additional frets for the /4 components.  In the instructions for the /4, it indicates that the radio set should be left out of the vehicle.  Can anyone think of a practical reason why I should not include it?  I'm not really agonizing over this, I'm just trying to figure out if it is one of those quirks of 'instruction-eering' or if the /4s really did not have a radio... I got some good time coming up at the bench as soon as I get done with this, so I hope to have some pics for y'all this afternoon.

I can't think of any reason why it would be left out. Its position under the drivers roof wouldn't be in the way of anything. My books are all at work but i am sure i have seen /4's with antennas.

Bish wrote:

bbrowniii wrote: Hey guys, I am building my /4 with a very limited number of refs, so I need your opinion on something.  The AFV Club kit is basically the /1 with additional frets for the /4 components.  In the instructions for the /4, it indicates that the radio set should be left out of the vehicle.  Can anyone think of a practical reason why I should not include it?  I'm not really agonizing over this, I'm just trying to figure out if it is one of those quirks of 'instruction-eering' or if the /4s really did not have a radio... I got some good time coming up at the bench as soon as I get done with this, so I hope to have some pics for y'all this afternoon. I can't think of any reason why it would be left out. Its position under the drivers roof wouldn't be in the way of anything. My books are all at work but i am sure i have seen /4's with antennas.

Bish,

Thanks for the info. 

Like I said originally, I was not really agonizing over the issue, but it just struck me as odd.  The instructions seem to intentionally 'indicate' that the radio should not be installed and I could not for the life of me think of a logical reason. 

Of course, at this point, it is irrelevant, I went ahead and put the thing in - that side of the drivers compartment just seemed too empty without it...

Thanks again...

bbrowniii wrote:

I went ahead and put the thing in - that side of the drivers compartment just seemed too empty without it...

 

Oh, now you've done it... because once installed you must wire the thing.  Scratch a headset, install the battery (does the /4 kit supply a battery?), remember to install the dynamotor, stretch some sprue for a antenna.  There was a relay box between the radio and antenna that was usually mounted on the inside of the side armor.  Then, put the headphones to your ear and ensure that it's operating correctly.  Testing 1,2,3....

 Don

pordoi wrote:

bbrowniii wrote: I went ahead and put the thing in - that side of the drivers compartment just seemed too empty without it...   Oh, now you've done it... because once installed you must wire the thing.  Scratch a headset, install the battery (does the /4 kit supply a battery?), remember to install the dynamotor, stretch some sprue for a antenna.  There was a relay box between the radio and antenna that was usually mounted on the inside of the side armor.  Then, put the headphones to your ear and ensure that it's operating correctly.  Testing 1,2,3....  Don

Jeepers, I had no idea what I was getting myself into...  Hold on one sec... SCRUNCH, CRACK, GRRRRRRRUNT!!...  OK, there, got it out... maybe that side doesn't look so empty after all...

But seriously, I did intend to at least wire the thing a little...

OK, just to prove I am actually doing some work on this thing, here are a few WIP photos.

First a shot of the upper hull set on the lower:

The lower hull, pretty much all together, ready for paint:

Some of the interior 'stuff' getting ready for final painting:

And lastly, the rear hatches.  Boy weren't they a 'chore' to get together...  fiddly, fiddly, fiddly...

Enjoy...

 

That is very good work Boyd... In a way Im glad Im at the end of the GB build cycle, have learned and seen many good tips and techniques :)

Moose - very sorry to hear about your /23...that bites. Any chance you can score another one in time to finish in a couple of months? If not, I'll throw out an alert to see if there's anyone laying around who'd be interested in doing one. As it's the only closed-topped variant, maybe I can talk someone into it. Like me. Hmmmmmm.

Boyd - looks great man! Glad to see you're flying along. I'll check my refs to see if there's any reason the /4 wouldn't have a radio...certainly couldn't think of why that would be.