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DML Grille H Smart Kit WIP *COMPLETE Pics p.9* 05-03-09

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  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Saturday, May 2, 2009 11:14 PM

Undoubtedly one of your best yet Bill!

The finish is superb, and the weathering sublime! Big Smile [:D]

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Syracuse, NY
Posted by lexesbenz on Saturday, May 2, 2009 11:32 PM

Very nice.

 

The flying hamster of doom rains coconuts on your pitiful city!!!!
  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Sunday, May 3, 2009 1:13 AM

Looks great Bill! Congrats!

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 6:32 AM

Bill - A work of art. I agree with Karl...a new Bill high.

Reading your WIP is like eating Special K. It has everything you need daily but there is not fat. Outstanding!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    February 2009
  • From: mass,USA
Posted by scratchmod on Sunday, May 3, 2009 7:12 AM

Another master piece Bill. The camo scheme is what I really like the most, WOW.

What's up next on the bench?

 

Rob

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Sunday, May 3, 2009 7:57 AM
Eagerly awaiting today's issuing of the final pics! Big Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: Piscataway, NJ!
Posted by wing_nut on Sunday, May 3, 2009 8:50 AM

Yeah BABY.  That is gonna be tough to beat.  So you should quit modelling now...

 

NOT!

Big Smile [:D]

Marc  

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: ladner BC Canada
Posted by stick man on Sunday, May 3, 2009 9:27 AM

Amazing work Bill I like the mud on the wheels it looks realy goodThumbs Up [tup]

Would the Testors Lusterless Flat lacquer that you used work with Tamyia acrilics?? I've not had very much sucses with flat coats and am trying to find something that works well.

Smile [:)] 

 

I'm 15 and I model I sk8board and I drum what could be better.
  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posted by model maniac 96 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 10:25 AM
 stick man wrote:

Amazing work Bill I like the mud on the wheels it looks realy goodThumbs Up [tup]

Would the Testors Lusterless Flat lacquer that you used work with Tamyia acrilics?? I've not had very much sucses with flat coats and am trying to find something that works well.

Smile [:)] 

 



I agree, great work wbill!

And stick man, I use Tamiya acrylics a lot and have always good results with microscale acrylic Micro flat, great if you have an airbrush!

Jim
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" Julius Caesar: I came, I saw, I conquered.
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 11:50 AM

Anthony, Edmund, MM96, thanks for the comments!

Karl, I had a lot of fun with this one...and letting it sit for a week from last weekend to this really helped give me clarity on the "final" look it needed to bring it all together. Thanks for the kind words as always!

Mike, considering this one is an OOB build, I like the "Special K" designation! Thanks for following along. Wink [;)]

Rob, appreciate the kind words and next up will be a Pz III M I think using the older DML Imperial series kit and some goodies.

Marc (dupes), I've had my morning Cheerios and am starting the photo process now...so check back in this afternoon and should have some final pics up for you. Wink [;)]

Marc (WN), can't quit yet, still too many wingy-thingy builders out there who haven't been converted yet. Propeller [8-] Thanks for the comments!

 stick man wrote:
Amazing work Bill I like the mud on the wheels it looks realy goodThumbs Up [tup]

Would the Testors Lusterless Flat lacquer that you used work with Tamyia acrilics?? I've not had very much sucses with flat coats and am trying to find something that works well.

Orion, thanks for the comments on the wheels. The Testors lacquer will work on any surface, whether acrylics or enamels, and I use the spray can version because it's simple and easy and achieves a dead flat finish every time. I've tried spraying flat coats through the airbrush and while that does give more control, it involves a lot more clean-up effort vs. the spray can. Just make sure you thoroughly shake the can (30-60 seconds) to make sure it's mixed well before spraying and use quick passes to avoid heavy coats and it works great. HTH.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 2:15 PM

After a short stint in the photo booth, this one is now done. Build #95 is in the bag!

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: S.W. Missouri
Posted by Pvt Mutt on Sunday, May 3, 2009 3:23 PM

Thanks Bill, you're an inspiration to us all.Make a Toast [#toast]

You have my permission to build what ever you like next,you've earned it.Approve [^]

Tony the Mutt 

Shoot Low Boys They're Ridin Ponys

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, May 3, 2009 7:51 PM
Thanks Tony! I'll enjoy the freedom for sure on the next one! Wink [;)]
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Bridgeview, Illinois
Posted by mg.mikael on Sunday, May 3, 2009 8:36 PM
Simply amazing, wbill76!!Bow [bow] I just gotta say I love that camo, so unique and beautifully done. Not to mention I love the weathering, not too much and not too little.

"A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan next week." - George S. Patton

  Photobucket 

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: CA.
Posted by plumline on Sunday, May 3, 2009 9:35 PM
     What does the words smart kit on the box mean.
A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, May 4, 2009 9:04 AM

Michael, thanks for the comments and glad you liked it! Wink [;)]

 plumline wrote:
     What does the words smart kit on the box mean.

"Smart Kit" is a DML designation for their newer line of kits. DML typically has 4 kinds of kits with their current releases..."regular" kits, "Super" kits, "Premium" kits, and "Smart" kits. It can get complicated and not always black-and-white in the distinctions but generally "regular" kits don't have any kind of label or special designation and may or may not include things like PE, clear parts, etc. "Super" kits were a concept, mostly with the early Pz IV vehicles, where DML provided all kinds of extras in the box and the parts count went over 1000 parts consistently for a very detailed, but complex, build. Realizing that not everyone wants 1000 parts in a kit, DML then adopted the "Smart" kit approach, keeping the detail by using slide molding extensively but reducing the parts count and generally keeping the PE to a minimum (although that varies from kit to kit). The idea behind the "Smart" kit approach is to provide maximum detail possible but without opting for a large parts count necessarily. The "Premium" kit designation applies to older kits in the 6000 series that have been partially retooled or upgraded with newer parts while still retaining older parts/sprues to bring them up to a more modern standard and allow DML to resell them and get more money out of an existing kit w/ upgrades vs. having to create a totally retooled kit. HTH.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 4, 2009 9:30 AM

Great looking, Grille...Wow, #95 !!!  You need to pick a really special build for the century mark...

By the way, how does your count work---when did you start counting?  I ask because I don't remember when I built my first model and couldn't remember all of them, although I could probably tell you pretty close the number since I last got into the hobby "seriously"....  

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: N.H.
Posted by panzerguy on Monday, May 4, 2009 10:20 AM

       As always Bill a beautiful finish to an outstanding wip.

   Now if we could just get you to put your pieces of art on a baseWhistling [:-^]. (And maybe a fig or two Wink [;)])  

"Happiness is a belt fed weapon"

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Schroon Lake, NY
Posted by SMJmodeler on Monday, May 4, 2009 10:30 AM

Bill: Thanks for the info on the tank, I'll go look it up!  Hey, I like your dirt/mud technique...pigment/water/rub remove...seems so simple, yet very effective!  I think I'll try that soon, maybe my 251!

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Monday, May 4, 2009 10:47 AM

Bill - awesome finish on this one. Up there with my personal favorites of your builds...not Tiger Initial favorite, but in the top 5. Wink [;)]

I'm with Manny here - when did you start counting builds? When you got "back" into modeling a few years ago? Got a list of your 95 builds somewhere? Mischief [:-,]

  • Member since
    March 2009
Posted by JimWitt on Monday, May 4, 2009 10:59 AM

plumline wrote the following post at 05-04-2009 3:35 AM:

     What does the words smart kit on the box mean.
 
First of all, as a new guy and someone who only started in this hobby a couple of months ago, thanks to Bill for posting these builds! Wonderful work.
 
And having just started on my first Dragon "Smart" Kit (the M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage), I think the "Smart" actually refers to the fact that you need to be pretty smart to figure out where the line drawings in the instructions have been flipped, and where the little arrow on the picture is pointing to the wrong place! Smile [:)]
 
Jim
 
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, May 4, 2009 1:42 PM
 Mansteins revenge wrote:

Great looking, Grille...Wow, #95 !!!  You need to pick a really special build for the century mark...

By the way, how does your count work---when did you start counting?  I ask because I don't remember when I built my first model and couldn't remember all of them, although I could probably tell you pretty close the number since I last got into the hobby "seriously"....

Thanks MR! I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do for #100...the builds lately are taking longer than they used to...this one took 7 weeks (started it on 3/19) so getting to #100 is still a little way off...should get there this year though (I hope!). I started my count based on when I started building armor models in 2002...I have photos of all my builds and went off the timestamp on those photos to establish the "very first" ones. I had a very long break in between building as a kid/teenager and returning to the hobby and when I returned I returned to what I knew...aircraft...and built a half dozen or so before switching over to armor.

Steve (panzerguy), thanks for the comments and also for keeping the subtle reminder of figs/bases always there in the background. Wink [;)]

 SMJmodeler wrote:
Bill: Thanks for the info on the tank, I'll go look it up!  Hey, I like your dirt/mud technique...pigment/water/rub remove...seems so simple, yet very effective!  I think I'll try that soon, maybe my 251!

Steve, glad the info helped! Not too many photos out there of this little guy even though there were around 200 or so built. I have a few in the references, let me know by PM if you don't have any luck on your own. As for the pigment technique...like many things I discovered that one by accident when I had trouble removing a too thick application one time and found out it created a really nice effect in the process!

 dupes wrote:
Bill - awesome finish on this one. Up there with my personal favorites of your builds...not Tiger Initial favorite, but in the top 5. Wink [;)]

I'm with Manny here - when did you start counting builds? When you got "back" into modeling a few years ago? Got a list of your 95 builds somewhere? Mischief [:-,]

Marc, tough to top the Tiger...that one was such a unique project for sure! Glad this one cracked the Top 5 for you though. Wink [;)] I'll post the list of the 95 in a separate response so it doesn't clutter up this particular post. Stay tuned.

Jim, thanks for the comments...and welcome to the forum and the hobby! You're absolutely right about the DML instructions...it's the one area where they continue to seem to not care too much about reader-friendliness or even basic accuracy in the diagrams and parts numbering at times...definitely something to be endured and overcome!

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, May 4, 2009 1:50 PM

Marc, I hope this works out ok...it displayed correctly when I previewed it...but let's see. The gaps in 2002/2003 are when I was still building AC mixed in with the armor but I didn't keep the AC kits listed in the completion tracking since, well, this is supposed to be about armor builds. Wink [;)] Some of the dates in 2004 are misleading as well as obviously I didn't complete them all in November...I lost some photos in an HD incident and was able to restore them but they all got the same load date when I did that. They were all done in 2004 though.

Completed Kits Inventory 
Description ManufacturerKit No. Completion
Matilda Mk II Infantry Tank Tamiya 350249/1/2002
Crusader Mk. I/II Cruiser Tank Italeri 63859/22/2002
Crusader Mk. III Cruiser Tank Italeri 21910/13/2002
Pzkpfw 38(t) Italeri 21210/30/2002
Pzkpfw IV Ausf D Tamiya 3509611/2/2002
StuG III Ausf B Sdkfz 142DML 600811/4/2002
Pzkpfw II Ausf F/G Tamiya 3500911/10/2002
Pzkpfw III Ausf L 141/1 Tamiya 3521511/23/2002
Pzkpfw II Ausf F/G DAKTamiya 3500911/28/2002
Pzkpfw III Ausf L 141/1 DAKTamiya 352151/25/2003
Pzkpfw VI-B Kingtiger Tamiya 351641/26/2003
Pzkpfw V Ausf G Panther Tamiya 351702/10/2003
Pzkpfw VI Tiger I Mid Production Tamiya 351943/5/2003
M4A3 Sherman 75 Late Production (Frontline Breakthrough)Tamiya 3525012/31/2003
Pzkpfw IV Ausf H/JAcademy 13284/18/2004
Pzkpfw VI Tiger I Early Version w/ InteriorAcademy 13485/21/2004
M10 Tank Destroyer "Duckbill" Gun Motor CarriageAcademy 13976/8/2004
M3 Lee Mk I Tamiya 350396/28/2004
Sdkfz 165 Hummel Initial Version DML 61507/10/2004
Sdkfz 2 Kleines Kettenkrad w/ Puppchen DML 61148/10/2004
Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind Tamiya 352338/17/2004
K5 (E) 28 cm Railway Gun "Leopold" DML 620010/2/2004
Sdkfz 223 Leichter Panzerspahwagen DAK Tamiya 3506211/1/2004
StuG III Ausf G 10.5cm DML 905811/1/2004
Sdkfz 7/2 w/ 3.7cm FlaK 37 Tamiya 3514411/11/2004
M3 Stuart "Honey" Academy 139911/20/2004
Pzkpfw I Ausf B DML 618611/20/2004
StuG III Ausf C/D Sdkfz 142DML 600911/20/2004
Sdkfz 223 Leichter Panzerspahwagen Tamiya 3506211/20/2004
T34/76 Mod. 1942 (1/16) Trumpeter 90512/7/2004
7.5cm PaK 97/38DML 612312/7/2004
3.7 cm PaK 35/36 Tamiya 3503512/11/2004
Pzkpfw VI Tiger I Early Production DAK Tamiya 3521612/19/2004
Jagdpanther Early Version Sdkfz 173 (Normandy Anniversary) DML 624512/25/2004
Iraqi T-59 Hobby Craft60051/7/2005
Sdkfz 250/10 w/ 3.7cm PaK DML 61391/16/2005
Sdkfz 251 Ausf C "3-in-1" as /7 PioneerwagenDML 62242/6/2005
Jagdpanther Late Version (1/72) DML 72122/20/2005
7.5cm PaK 40 w/Heer Gun CrewDML 62492/27/2005
M51 Isherman DML 35293/25/2005
Pzkpfw III Ausf J Sdkfz 141DML 90114/17/2005
Pzkpfw V Ausf A "Late" Panther Normandy 1944DML 62445/8/2005
Pzkpfw I Ausf B DAK Version DML 62077/2/2005
M26A-1 Pershing DML 68017/7/2005
Panzerjager I w/ 4.7cm PaK Italeri/DML 61867/30/2005
Hetzer Command Version DML 60608/7/2005
M8 Greyhound Light Armored CarTamiya 352289/1/2005
Sdkfz 251/21 Ausf D "Drilling" DML 621710/2/2005
Grille-M SiG 33 Alan 1511/25/2005
Star Wars TIE Interceptor (1/72)AMT/ERTL 3831212/26/2005
Bergepanzer Tiger I (1/72)DML 721012/27/2005
Flakpanzer I Ausf A 2cm Flak 38 Maquette01/2/2006
M3A1 Stuart Light Tank Academy 13982/1/2006
Pzkpfw II Ausf L "Luchs" Tasca350013/1/2006
54cm Morser "Loki" G. 041DML 61813/31/2006
88mm Flak 36 w/ Flak Artillery CrewDML 62604/10/2006
M10 Tank Destroyer "Duckbill" Gun Motor CarriageAcademy 13974/12/2006
M4A1 "Early" Sherman DML 60484/14/2006
Baureihe 52 Mit SteifrahmentenderTrumpeter 2105/1/2006
Pzkfpw IV Ausf E "Late" 3-in-1DML 62647/7/2006
Schwere Plattformwagen Type SSY DML 60697/15/2006
2cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah. 51DML 62887/15/2006
DR Low Sided Flatcar Ironside 587/15/2006
Cromwell Mk IV British Cruiser Tank (1/48) Tamiya5288/5/2006
Sdkfz 234/2 Puma Italeri 2028/12/2006
KV-1 mod 1942 Simplified TurretTrumpeter35810/1/2006
Elefant Sdkfz 184DML 612610/1/2006
Pzkpfw III Ausf E DML 904011/5/2006
Autoblinda AB41 Armored CarItaleri 644211/20/2006
Gepard 2 cm FlaK 38(t) Alan 1812/31/2006
Pzkpfw VI Tiger I Initial Production "3-in-1" sPzAbt 502 Leningrad 1943DML 62521/21/2007
15cm SiG 33 auf Pz III DML 60422/9/2007
French Char B1 Bis Battle TankTamiya352823/4/2007
T-28 Soviet Medium Tank ICM350314/1/2007
Sdkfz 251/23 Ausf D Reconnaisance Vehicle Cyber Hobby62934/21/2007
10.5cm K.Pz.Sfl.IVa "Dicker Max" DML 63575/19/2007
Sdkfz 251/17 Ausf CDML 63956/17/2007
Marder III-M Tank DestroyerTamiya2558/8/2007
Panzerjagerwagen Vol. 1Trumpeter3689/12/2007
Pzkpfw I Ausf A Modified Version DML 635610/9/2007
StuG III Ausf G Sdkfz 142/1DML 901411/24/2007
Sdkfz 250/1 NeuDML 64271/13/2008
Pzkpfw IV G LAH Division Smart Kit DML 63632/11/2008
Pzkpfw III Ausf N s.Pz.Abt. 501 Afrika DML 64313/15/2008
Bison I SiG 33 15 cm Alan 195/3/2008
Jagdtiger Henschel Sdkfz 186DML 62856/15/2008
Geschutzwagen IVbTrumpeter3747/21/2008
Mobelwagen 3.7cm FlaK auf Pzkpfw IV Tamiya352379/1/2008
Sdkfz 10 Demag D7 w/ PaK 38 5cm Italeri638310/5/2008
Pzkpfw 38(t) Ausf E/FTristar2010/26/2008
7.5cm Pak 40 (Sf) Auf Geschutzwagen 39(f)Bronco3500411/23/2008
StuG III A LAHDML 903112/27/2008
Pzkpfw IV F2/G Smart KitDML 63601/19/2009
Marder III 7.62 cm PaK 36r Sdkfz 139 Tamiya2483/15/2009
Sdkfz 138/1 Geschutzwagen 38 H fur sIG 33/1 Smart KitDML 64705/3/2009
    
Total  95 

  • Member since
    January 2012
Posted by I make stuff on Monday, May 4, 2009 1:57 PM

Wow, Bill, that's realy REALLY a good looking SP.  Your stuff appears flawless in the photos, I'm sure there is stuff you notice that others don't, but really, from a technical standpoint, it looks perfect to me.

To be honest, I was not in love with the camo early on, but I held my tongue, and boy I am glad I did, it's just stunning.

Thanks for sharing,

Bill

PS I am laboring away on those Princess Modelkastens!     

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, May 4, 2009 2:20 PM
Bill, thanks very much for the kind words! Glad to hear the Princess MKs are progressing for you...can't keep her Highness waiting too long after all! Wink [;)]
  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Sunny Napier, New Zealand
Posted by DaGreatQueeg on Monday, May 4, 2009 3:09 PM
Very impressive build Bill, excellent pics and mini tute on the pigment application too!  I can never get pics of that stage myself - once I start I'm always in too much of a hurry to get it finished as its sort of like rounding the corner and seeing the chequered flag waving ........
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, May 4, 2009 6:17 PM

 DaGreatQueeg wrote:
Very impressive build Bill, excellent pics and mini tute on the pigment application too!  I can never get pics of that stage myself - once I start I'm always in too much of a hurry to get it finished as its sort of like rounding the corner and seeing the chequered flag waving ........

Thanks Brent! Have to agree it's tough to remember to take pics once I get into the finishing and weathering stages...especially if I'm trying out something new because there's often some trial and error involved and I'm too busy trying and erring to take pics when it does finally work! Laugh [(-D]

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Monday, May 4, 2009 10:33 PM

The weathering around the bolts is perfect, really makes them pop out and compliment your quirky, but cool camo. I think it's the unusual camo that sets this guy off for me. Got to get one.

What a list. built a few of them myself. I've probably missed some, but I did enjoy that Bison kitbash.

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Coastal Maine
Posted by dupes on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 8:40 AM

Bill - that list is NUTS! Shock [:O]

I really wish I had done something like this since my second modeling stage began...wonder if I could reconstruct a list. Hmmm. Interesting to me to see the different phases you went through - the "Early Tamiya" Bill, the "Found DML" Bill, the "Experimenting With Crappy Russian-Made Kits" Bill. Laugh [(-D]

I'm assuming that none of your builds prior to the DML Elefant exist in build-log form? Only pics in  your gallery? If that's the case, then I have tons of questions for you about several of your builds from the early days. Have many of those same kits patiently awaiting their place in the build queue, would love to get some input from you on them.

I can't believe how many of these I've missed since late '06 when I joined the forum...looks like I'm headed to the coffee shop to poach some broadband to DL some build logs. Whistling [:-^]

Impressive...most impressive! Bow [bow]

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 9:35 AM

Thanks Eric! The Grille H was always one of those vehicles that I've had a soft spot for...can't really point to anything in particular, it just looks very effective and "solid" I guess. Thanks for following along and glad to hear there's some common ground in the build list. The Bison I kit bash exercise was timed perfectly...about 2-3 months after I finished it, DML announced their all-new tooled kit of the same vehicle! Laugh [(-D]

Marc, you're right in that there were "patterns" that emerged over time...when I first started out, I was building vehciles that I saw in the game "World War Two Online" and, at the time, Tamiya was the only one making those...and the LHS had them readily available and they were cheap...but didn't take long before I moved off of them to other manufacturers. The "Experimenting with Crappy Russian-made Kits" made me smile! Wink [;)] I even dabbled a little in the Allied realm before committing fully to the German sphere of influence.

You're right about the builds before the Elefant not existing in build-log form. That was the first one I kept as a full blown log...before that I would post WIPs that were mostly photos with minimal text here on FSM but didn't keep my own site records other than photos. Happy to answer questions if I can about those earlier builds but it's been a while...I kept the instructions from all my built kits so can at least refer to that to try to jog the memory!

 

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