AFV Sd.kfz.263 WIP with crew (COMPLETED)

Fantastic!  Great scene right down to the lizard.

Thanks gents!

Stellar build of a little known vehicle. Bet maintenance on that was horrendous due to all the articulation, etc. The figures and surrounds really do bring the whole thing together.

Thuntboss

Stellar build of a little known vehicle. Bet maintenance on that was horrendous due to all the articulation, etc. The figures and surrounds really do bring the whole thing together.

 

Thanks boss. Yes I can imagine the complexity in trying to maintain that drive train.

DanR1967

Beautiful work! The diorama really brings the scene to life.

 

Thsnks Dan.

Stunning work, Ernie.

This would be a thread to use for reference for armor, it is that good IMO.

Sorry I lost track for a couple months, but it's my loss.

Excellent work plasticjunkie!  Both your figure work and vehicle weathering are spot on.  I have a question about your base work.  I've been using picture frames from my local GoodWill store for a couple of years now(I can usually get them for $1.00-$2.00) so I'm interested in how you did yours. Did you leave the glass in the frame or did you remove it and if you removed it what did you put in its place?  Is that kitty litter for ground work or some other material and how did you adhere it to the frame. Once again CONGRATS on completing a wonderful DAK display!

Greg

Stunning work, Ernie.

This would be a thread to use for reference for armor, it is that good IMO.

Sorry I lost track for a couple months, but it's my loss.

 

Thanks Greg. I also lost track of this build for a while due to a couple of commissions.

MR TOM SCHRY

Excellent work plasticjunkie!  Both your figure work and vehicle weathering are spot on.  I have a question about your base work.  I've been using picture frames from my local GoodWill store for a couple of years now(I can usually get them for $1.00-$2.00) so I'm interested in how you did yours. Did you leave the glass in the frame or did you remove it and if you removed it what did you put in its place?  Is that kitty litter for ground work or some other material and how did you adhere it to the frame. Once again CONGRATS on completing a wonderful DAK display!

 

Thanks Tom. The glass was left in the frame. I used Gorilla wood glue on the glass to secure the sand I picked up somewhere while on vacation years ago on the Florida West coast. I picked it up cause of the darker color. I have used crushed kitty litter in the past tinted with craft paint but this time I used some model train terrain material I have for the smaller stones and small pebbles for the larger stones. The Gorilla Glue on the glass adds extra bond to the sand  and water diluted Elmers was used with an eye dropper to soak the terrain and lock things up.  It takes a couple of days to dry but when it does it's like steel.

Thanks plasticjunkie!  Next base that I make I'm going to incorporate your tips in its construction.  Keep building and I look forward to your next project.

MR TOM SCHRY

Thanks plasticjunkie!  Next base that I make I'm going to incorporate your tips in its construction.  Keep building and I look forward to your next project.

 

You are welcome Tom. Another method I use is using Durham’s Water Putty mixed with water, craft paint and Elmers for added bond. Here I used it over a wood base with some sand and crushed kitty litter.

WOW!  You definitely have the DAK weathering down! Do you consistently use the hairspray technique or do use other metods like using a sponge or paintbrush?  Have you ever tried the commercial brands like AK for chipping?   It's amazing how a even a basic base can make a vehicle POP!  Is that the "vintage" Tamiya Panzer kit?  Looks great with the additional gear and stowage. 

MR TOM SCHRY

WOW!  You definitely have the DAK weathering down! Do you consistently use the hairspray technique or do use other metods like using a sponge or paintbrush?  Have you ever tried the commercial brands like AK for chipping?   It's amazing how a even a basic base can make a vehicle POP!  Is that the "vintage" Tamiya Panzer kit?  Looks great with the additional gear and stowage. 

 

Besides the hairspray method I also incorporate others like dry brushing, oil washes, filters, and using a extra fine brush for tiny chipping and scratches. I use cheap hairspray from The Dollar Store and none of the commercial chipping fluids.

Yes that is the very old Tamiya Panzer II kit with scratch built details. Despite being such an old mold it still makes a nice display piece with some added work.

Really nicely done, Ernie. The level of details and finish application make it look very realistic and believable, and your crew looks great. Thanks for the post and photos.

Patrick

Thanks Patrick. It was a fun build with lots of parts, specially the complex suspension. The Dragon figures were a delight to assemble and paint.

Tojo72

Great scene the figures and the base really bring it to life,I love DAK stuff

 

Thanks Tojo.