SURFACE TO AIR SCHNEIDER CA CZECH MATE!

Meng’s 1:35 BUK Air Defence Missile System THINK TANK CMK’s 1:35 Pz. Kpfw. 35(t)

www.modelmilitary.com Issue 159 July 2019

Tamiya’s brand new 1:35 M10 IIC Achilles

ACHILLES STEEL
INSIDE: Dragon 1:35 Jagdpanther Ausf. G ■ Italeri 1:35 Tiger I Ausf. E ■
Zvezda 1:35 T-90MS ■ Meng 1:35 Leopard 2 Mexas ■ and more...
July 2019 / £4.75 / Issue 159
 Contents - Issue 159 July 2019
REGULARS
p 4 NEWS
What’s new in the world of military
modelling
12
p 54 SMALL ARMS CORNER
M60 Machine Gun

p 56 BOOKS
Military and modelling in print

p 58 FIGURES
News and reviews of new figure releases

p 60 1:48 SCALE
News and new releases in 1:48 scale

p 65 NEXT ISSUE
What to look forward to next time

p 66 LAST POST
Apaches take off for Estonia

FEATURES
6 p 6 THINK TANK
WWI Schneider Tank by John Prigent

p 10 PREVIEW
Italeri 1:35 T-34/85

p 12 ACHILLES STEEL
Tamiya’s 1:35 M10 IIc Achilles by
Brett Green

p 26 PREVIEW
Italeri 1:35 Tiger I Ausf. E

p 28 SURFACE TO AIR
Meng Model 1:35 BUK Air Defence
Missile System by Michael Franz

p 36 PREVIEW
Zvezda 1:35 T-90MS

p 38 CZECH MATE!
CMK Models 1:35 Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t)
by Mark Bannerman

p 46 MMI TIME MACHINE

Ten Years Ago in MMI

p 48 PREVIEW
28 Meng 1:35 Leopard 2 MEXAS

p 50 SHOW REPORT
On Track 2019 by Jon Ham

p 59 PREVIEW
Dragon 1:35 Elefant

© Doolittle Media Ltd 2019

Tel: (UK) 01525 222573
Email: enquiries@doolittlemedia.com
Address: Doolittle Media Ltd., Doolittle Mill,
Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Model Military International is published monthly by
Doolittle Media Ltd
Ltd. Reproduction in part or whole of
any text, photograph or illustration without written
permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Model
Military International is accurate, the publishers and
printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.
ISSN 1749-8864

July 2019 - Model Military International 3

 Newsline - July 2019
MMI Newsdesk, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,
Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK
Tel:01525 222573 Fax:01525 222574
Email:editor@modelmilitary.com

BRONCO British Army ATV Quad Bike and Trailer w/Soldier

B
ronco has announced that
they will be releasing a
1:35 scale British Army
ATV Quad Bike and
Trailer kit.
The military Quad Bike was a
British invention with design work
going back to 1943. The Standard
Ultra Lightweight and Jungle
Airborne Buggy were both in final
stages of testing when WWII ended
and the orders were cancelled. The
first Japanese Quad Bikes arrived
in 1982 and in the following years
began to replace motorcycles in
military service.
The first Quad Bike ordered by
the British army in large numbers
were based on the Yamaha
450, fitted with a diesel engine
and NATO tow bar. In addition
their tires are filled with run-flat
sealant, a small winch and infra-
red lights are also fitted. In British
service the Quad Bike is called a
Small ATV (All Terrain Vehicle)
and by 2015 over 1,000 had been
delivered. It is often used with a
small trailer, the Logic SMT 171B
or SMT 120B, both with a capacity
of 150 kg. The Small ATV's first
saw action in Afghanistan were
they were used by Special Forces
to transport sniper teams and
more generally as load carriers.
The Small ATV's soon became
invaluable, able to get to otherwise
impassible areas relatively quietly.
trans-
The vehicles are easily trans
portable by helicopter and an
aluminum Quad Bike Bridge (QBB)
is also in service to aid in mobility.
On offensive operations the Small
ATV's mount machine guns and
grenade launchers. It can also be
used in the casualty evacuation
role and can carry two stretch-
ers. For rapid transport the Small
ATV's are packed into a logistics
container, a 20ft Hi-Cube can
carry 10 vehicles. The Quad Bike is
currently being improved for new
roles including battlefield commu-
nication and drone control vehicle.
Thanks to Bronco for the
information and images http://
www.cn-bronco.com/en/m/
BLAST MODEL
NEW RELEASES
Blast Models has announced four new
releases. These are all available now
from Blast Models' website:
• BL35354K FRENCH MAG 58 FOR
VBL - AANF1 REPLACEMENT - 2 PCS
• BL35361F VAB AND VBCI CREWS -
3 CHEST OPERATION BARKHANE
SERVAL
• BL35365K VAB TOURELLEAU CB52
• BL35366K VAB SLATE GUNFIRE
LOCATOR
Thanks to Blast Models for the
information and images
http://www.blast-models.com

New LifeColor British Tanks Set 2 (France, Europe & UK)

The Airbrush Company has announced a new paint set from LifeColor, British Tanks Set 2
(France, Europe & UK).
Code Description SRP inc VAT
LC-CS44 LifeColor British Tanks Set 2 France, Europe & UK ......................£14.99 ...... £17.99

UA Mimetic Colours
LC-UA270 LifeColor SCC 15 Olive Drab (22ml) ...................................................£2.46 ........ £2.95
LC-UA271 LifeColor SCC 14 Blue - Black (22ml) ................................................£2.46 ........ £2.95
LC-UA272 LifeColor Light Mud Provisional (22ml) ............................................£2.46 ........ £2.95
LC-UA273 LifeColor SCC 2 Brown (22ml) ............................................................£2.46 ........ £2.95
LC-UA274 LifeColor SCC 1A Very Dark Brown (22ml) ......................................£2.46 ........ £2.95
LC-UA275 LifeColor 24 Deep Bronze Green (22ml) ..........................................£2.46 ........ £2.95
Available directly from The Airbrush Company https://airbrushes.com/

AIRBRUSH COURSES BY THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY

The Airbrush Company has also announced that it is holding regular training courses for modellers who are looking to get into airbrushing,
or advance their skills further. The airbrush skills that are taught in nearly all classes can be applied to all genres of modelling.
Details are as follows:
• 6 June 2019 - RC1: Modeller's Beginning Airbrushing (Step 1). Tutor: Robin Carpenter. Location: Lancing, West Sussex. £130.00
• 7 June 2019 - RC2: Modeller's Beginning Airbrushing (Step 2). Tutor: Robin Carpenter. Location: Lancing, West Sussex. £130.00
• 6 & 7 June 2019 - RC3: Modeller's Beginning Airbrushing (combining Step 1 & Step 2 and save £10). Tutor: Robin Carpenter. Location:
Lancing, West Sussex. £250.00
• 18 July 2019 - JL1: Advanced Airbrushing Camouflage Schemes. Tutor: Jason Lake. Location: Lancing, West Sussex. £130.00
• 19 July 2019 - JL2: Advanced Airbrushing & Weathering. Tutor: Jason Lake. Location: Lancing, West Sussex. £130.00
For more details, check out The Airbrush Company’s website https://airbrushes.com/

4 Model Military International - July 2019

 Think Tank - The Schneider CA, France’s First Tank
This is pre-production Schneider 31001 undergoing tests at Fort du Trou d’enfer on 1
December 1916 and showing the camouflage pattern applied to the first six tanks built.
It also shows just how low the body was – the officers are standing on the floor, so you
can imagine how hard it was to move around inside. (NARA via Zaloga)

John Prigent explores the development, shortcomings and upgrades to

France’s first tank, the Schneider CA, and also builds the 1:35 Hobby Boss kit.

THE SCHNEIDER CA
FRANCE’S FIRST TANK
F
rance had been at the forefront of
military improvements for quite a few
years, and one of its visionaries was the
Colonel Estienne, an artillery officer. In
August 1914 he had told officers of his Artillery
Regiment that victory would go to the first army
that could place a 75mm gun on an all-terrain
vehicle. His views solidified over the following
year and by autumn 1915 he was writing to
France’s Commander-in-Chief, General Joffre,
about his ideas for a ‘land ironclad’.
Joffre was impressed enough to have his
staff investigate further, and by late January
1916 specifications had been drawn up. Some
of them turned out to be impractical, needing
things that just weren’t possible to build
yet because automotive engineering had
not advanced far enough. But the basic idea
was there, and from it came the Schneider
CA (CA being short for Char d’Assault, not a
manufacturer’s code) , the Saint-Chamond, and
in due course the much better Renault FT.
ORDERING AND PRODUCTION
Bureaucratic squabbles caused delays, not
least over the allocation of resources to
tank production and the finding of potential
crewmen, but Estienne was quietly working
away and meeting industrialists. Eugene Brillié
of the Societé Schneider had already been
experimenting with Holt tracked tractors
imported from the US and persuaded the
company to look at the project. After successful
tests at Vincennes on 21 February 1916 an order
was placed for 400 Schneiders – less than three
months after Estienne had approached Joffre.
Each was to have a short-barrelled 75 mm
Blockhaus cannon in its starboard front beside
the commander, a Hotchkiss 8 mm machinegun
in each side, and a 60 hp motor - which proved
under-powered for its 13.5 tons. All of them
were to be delivered by 25 November that
year, much faster than the original plan to have
them delivered by Spring 1917, but reality set
in and only 8 were completed by the end of
1916 with the total reaching 312 by July 1917.
Production then slowed considerably, so the
last one was only delivered in August 1918. A
new arm designated Artillerie Speciale was
created for their units because Estienne saw
them as artillery weapons and was in charge of
organising the new units so got his way.
DESIGN PROBLEMS
Unlike the British tanks with their tracks running
around the whole body, the Schneider used the
Holt Tractor chassis design and tracks. This had
a major disadvantage that wasn’t recognised
in the rush to get the tank into production and
service: the body overhung at front and rear, so
was easily hung up on obstacles. The short track
length also meant that it could only straddle
quite narrow trenches, and the Germans had
realised almost immediately after the first
British tank attacks that wide trenches were
difficult to cross so had been busy widening
them all along the Western Front. The French

6 Model Military International - July 2019

 A, 4 Scots Husky participating in a ceremony at Lashkargah in south western Afghanistan. B, On patrol in Afghanistan. C, Armoured
vehicles returning from Afghanistan, led out by a Husky TSV. Note the tarpaulin covering the gunner’s station. D, Coalition forces
watch smoke and dust rise into the air following the controlled detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device that was discovered by
Afghan soldiers at Nahre Saraj district, Helmand province. E, Detail view of the front body and bumper. F, A view from the rear.

expectation was that the up-sloped lower hull

front would allow it to ‘skid’ up the other side
of a trench, and a curved construction at the
tail was expected to support that end in trench-
crossing. Neither seems to have been very
successful, with many Schneiders unable to
cross trenches until they had been filled in by
accompanying infantry.
There was also a very serious lack of
ventilation, only partly alleviated when someone
realised that an exhaust pipe was needed – the
pre-production Schneiders only had a long
roofed opening in the roof for engine exhaust
fumes. That was retained in production tanks,
perhaps because it gave a slight increase in
headroom to the crew, but ventilation remained
very poor because there were no extractor fans
to deal with fumes from firing the guns. Vision
was very limited too, with few vision ports. The
commander (who was also the driver) had one
at his front and one at his right side. There was
one more and a simple vision slit on each body
side. The 75 mm gunner had a peephole to sight
through, but apparently nothing to stop enemy
bullets entering around the open gun mount, and
the machine gunners also only had small sighting
peepholes in the ball mounts. It is not clear how A view inside the preserved Schneider while it was still at Aberdeen Proving Ground shows how an MG counterbalance was fitted to late
any of them were expected to pick up targets! production tanks. Note also the fuel feed can on a plate beside the original fuel tank; it was fed by tubes running inside the roof from the
More serious problems were shown by the new rear tanks. (Zaloga)
Schneiders’ first combat action in the Nivelle
Offensive of April 1917. Their original thin
armour was only proof against ordinary rifle
fire, and the Germans were using armour-
piercing ammunition and artillery against
tanks. The main fuel tank was in the nose and a
secondary tank hung from the hull roof above
the engine, so any penetration could perforate
one and spray petrol over the hot motor. This
led to many fires and, with only a double-door at
the rear for exit and a 3-foot high crawl space
to reach it, any fire meant heavy casualties.
The commander’s hatch was too small for
him to easily escape, and the roof hatches on
each side at the rear don’t seem to have been
useful for the other crewmen. Photographs
show that some Schneiders had already been
uparmoured before the Nivelle Offensive, so it
seems probable that their defective protection
had been immediately recognised when reports
were received of German actions against British
tanks. The troops immediately began calling for
additional armour, an extra side door, and for
the fuel tank to be moved outside the rear body
to prevent internal fires. All were agreed in the
end, after the usual bureaucratic interference,
but it took time.
Another look inside the tank at APG shows that the floors were mostly wooden planks, easily liftable for access to the control runs and
UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS rear-mounted differential. (Zaloga)
Some sources state that the additional armour,
which was spaced from the hull not simply out a section of the side armour – a double- previous 32, left space to reach the new door
bolted on against it, only started to be fitted skinned section if the additional spaced armour and the numbers carried in the rear-hull bins
in May 1917. This is clearly wrong because was already fitted - and adding hinges and a were also increased. There was now room to
photographs exist of tanks with very low serial lock to it. The new door had to be accessible, reach the door between the ball mount and the
numbers that took part in the April battles and and the port interior was already crowded with engine, though it must still have been awkward
already had it. Kits of armour were provided the engine at its front, a machinegun ball mount because of the low roof.
for unit workshops to fit, but the job took a beyond that, and an ammunition bin at the rear. The rear fuel tanks took even longer, with the
long time and many tanks never received the To make matters more complicated, it could not first only being delivered in late August. Fuel
full upgrade package. There was also a dire be reached by climbing over the engine because now reached the engine through pipes under the
shortage of spare parts for tanks under repair, there was another ammunition bin beside that roof, and a fuel pump had to be added for them.
with at one point in November 1917 none of the reaching almost to the ball mount. The eventual The main fuel tank in front of the commander/
Schneider units ready for action because so answer was a major internal rearrangement, driver was removed, but the one over the engine
many tanks were awaiting repair. including new ammunition bins giving horizontal remained and seems to have been converted to
Adding the new port-side door couldn’t start stowage of main gun rounds instead of the serve as a radiator water tank.
until mid-July. This was probably because previous vertical stowage. A smaller one beside Photographs show several versions of the
adding it was not a simple matter of just cutting the engine, with 12 rounds instead of the upgrade progress – added armour first, but A

July 2019 - Model Military International 7

 Think Tank - The Schneider CA, France’s First Tank
Here is number 31006 at the same test on the same day, with similar but not identical camouflage. Some sources call it ‘flame’
camouflage for obvious reasons. (NARA via Zaloga)
The number and unit of this tank are unknown, but it gives a very good view of the uparmouring including the ‘round hole’ type of vision
port. It also shows one version of the ‘movable plate’ on the roof, as well as how things were stowed on the hull rear. The crew has added
a rack at one side to stop them slipping. This tank has camouflaged door interiors, and you can also see the interior handle and latch.
(NARA via Zaloga)
This is 31006 again, showing its other side. Conditions were very
muddy for those tests! (NARA via Zaloga)
8 Model Military International - July 2019
B relocated fuel tanks or the extra door often
And a final shot of 31006 on test. The camouflage even extends to
the insides of the roof hatches. (NARA via Zaloga)
not present. There were also small changes in
fittings, with two versions of vision port in the
port-side added armour, one round and the
other rectangular. Some tanks had an armour
plate added in front of the 75 mm gun, and
others an elevating hinged plate on the rear
roof. I believe this to have been a marking for
the infantry to follow into action, but it was
not fitted to early Schneiders and there seem
to have been at least two different fitments to
raise it. Some early battles saw the tanks’ rear
doors left open to show their white insides for
that purpose.
HOBBY BOSS 1:35 SCHNEIDER CA
I built a model of Schneider CA ‘Fee Kaput’
(Broken Fairy) from the Hobby Boss kit for an
article published in Military Modelling magazine
Vol 49 No 5, April 2016, backdating it to the
configuration she had in the Nivelles Offensive,
and some photos of that are included here to
show the early interior layout.
There’s no interior at all in the kit, so I had
to work from scratch using photographs and
a schematic diagram on the Chars Francais
website listed among my references. It isn’t until
one does this kind of work on a model that the
cramped conditions inside what were quite bulky
early tanks really begin to be appreciated. Inside
the Schneider there was only one actual seat,
for the commander/driver. The rest of the crew
had to stand bent over, kneel, or if lucky sit on
the sponson floors. No padding, no seatbelts,
no grabhandles, none of the things that modern
tanks crews take for granted.
It isn’t surprising that men staggered out of
their tanks after hours in action almost unable to
stand as well as choked by fumes and deafened
by gunfire and the engine noise. I salute them for
what they achieved despite all that!
COLOURS
Some notes about French armour camouflage
might be appropriate here. It’s widely believed
that colours were chosen almost at random by
individual crews and daubed on in whatever
way they wanted. This may be true on a limited
scale, when replacement tanks were received
uncamouflaged and had to be readied for action
in a hurry, but photographs of tanks from
identified units show that most used a limited
palette and applied it in similar patterns to
others in the same unit. Against this, there is
some evidence that Scheiders at some periods
came out of the factory with a set scheme – for
instance, photos of the six pre-production tanks
show very similar patterns.
What is quite clear is that the famous
‘artillery grey’ was used on new Schneiders as
a base coat, whether it was camouflaged at the
factory or by the unit; the grey is unmistakeably
exposed by wear in surviving colour
photographs. Yes, there were already colour
photographs in 1917 – I have seen some taken by
French photographers as early as the Franco-
Prussian War of 1870. The colours on my own
model Schneider are based upon two colour
photos, though I had to create the pattern used
because it was impossible to distinguish colours
in my reference photographs. I assumed that
the painting was rushed, so a bit careless, due
to the need to get ready for action.
Special thanks to my friend Steve Zaloga for
the use of his photos. ■
 REFERENCES
- Photos of my subject can be found at http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/156-
classement-individuel/schneider-ca1/1762-61024, and that website has a good history of
the CA1 at http://www.chars-francais.net/2015/index.php/liste-chronologique/des-origines-
a-1930?task=view&id=57 if you can read French – the online Google Translate function will
help you otherwise. It also has schematic drawings of the interior layout, showing the different
configurations of early Scheiders and those built with rear fuel tanks.
- Peintures de Guerre, by P Danjou and T Seignon, Editions du Barbotin, ISBN 978-2-917661-17-8,
is bilingual French/English and describes the camouflage of French equipment from 1900 to 2013
with a lot of detail about WWI tank colours.
- The French Army’s Tank Force and Armoured Warfare in the Great War, by Time Gale, Ashgate
Publishing Ltd, ISBN 978-1-4094-6661-1, has a great deal of information about the first French
tanks and their battles.

All the interior additions are in place here: engine, controls, and ammo bins.

Separate detail components.

A closeup of the engine and

the driver’s controls.
The guns are dry-fitted here. I used ‘artillery grey’ for the main gun because it seemed unlikely that tank guns
were painted differently to those for use in bunkers.

A view of the completed model.

A lot can be seen (though not easily photographed)

through those rear doors.

July 2019 - Model Military International 9

KIT PREVIEW Italeri 1:35 T-34/85 • Kit No. 6545
KEEP IT SIMPLE
T
here is a current
trend amongst armour
manufacturers to release
kits with full interiors.
Italeri was ahead of the game
somewhat with their Italian
Semovente kit which dates back
as far as 1975, but fast forward
to 2019 and they have re-entered
the fray with a fully newly tooled
T-34/85.
The T-34 was manufactured
over many years and at many
factories, therefore there are
many little variations & features
specific to where and when it was
produced. This author does not
know the T-34/85 in such minute
detail so I cannot say if it is 100%
accurate, but I can comment on
the basics. Upon opening the
box we are greeted by six plastic
sprues, one photo-etched fret,
two flexible one-piece tracks and
two lengths of wire. In total there
are approximately 435 parts to
this kit. I would best describe
the depiction of the interior as
adequate, in that we do not get a
myriad of teeny parts and some
bits – such as a full engine – are
missing. We are provided with
optional link & length or one-piece
tracks, and construction options
are limited to fuel tanks on or off,
rear engine hatch open or closed
and positionable hatches. Markings
are provided for four vehicles and
the instructions are beautifully
clear and uncluttered.
Some initial comments on the
parts are that Italeri has tried to
reproduce the cast texture of the
armour but they have made it far
too heavy on the hull panels and
got the texture of the turret totally
The photo-etched fret.
10 Model Military International - July 2019
Graham Tetley takes
a look at Italeri’s latest
all-new kit in the popular
1:35 scale T-34 market.
wrong. Also, the main gun barrel
is provided as two halves – very
1970s – so get your sandpaper
ready. Moulding quality as
generally good as there is no flash
present on my model, but some
parts have sinkage and knock-out
pin marks in visible places.
There is some basic detail on
the hull floor, but we start off by
adding the suspension springs
and housings. For the engine, we
don’t get a full one but rather
the top, front & back. There is
a full transmission, hull floor
ammunition stowage and a nicely
detailed bulkhead. In the driver’s
compartment there are a full suite
of pedals & levers as well as the
seats, although the seats are a
little clunky. When viewed through
the drivers hatch it will look busy
and perfectly acceptable.
Note that, as the suspension
springs are in plastic, the
suspension arms are not moveable.
The roadwheels are of the rubber-
tyre type but – rather strangely
– Italeri has moulded the roadwheel
caps to the roadwheels so you
don’t get the correct ‘undercut’
as on the real thing. The link and
length tracks are nicely done,
although detail is not as sharp as
you will find on Dragon’s Magic
Tracks. Sag is moulded into the
top run and the one-piece bands
will satisfy those that don’t want
the hassle. A criticism is that
the tracks do have knock-out pin
marks on the inner faces – the one
piece tracks worse so – that will
need to be cleaned up. For the tow
cables, we get plastic coated wire
that has to be twisted into shape. I
am not sure how practical this is so
Beautifully clear instructions.
Hull texture is inappropriate. It was not cast,
but rolled steel.
The turret cast texture is not authentic.
I will have my trusty kite string to
had as a replacement.
The etched parts are limited to
spare track straps, engine grille
screens and the inner cover for the
rear hatch. The etch is a little thick
and hard to bend so care will be
needed with the grilles.
Turning to the turret, there are
some armour fillets to add at the
nose and those, combined with Shame about the moulded-on caps.
the fit of the turret halves, would
make it hard to leave the turret
detachable to see the full interior.
What we do get is s full breech,
turret controls, shell stowage, and
vision blocks. There is more than
enough to be able to see a busy
interior through the hatches and it
is generally well done.
This is not a full interior kit that
contains hundreds of miniscule
pieces to achieve 100% accuracy.
The basic kit is simplified in some
areas and the armour texture
especially will send purists into a
rage. That said, I do not think that The one-piece engine top.
this kit is aimed at that market.
Those that want more will plump
for the AFV kit but that is the
beauty of this hobby. There are
some detail shortcuts but what we
have here is a great introduction to
full interiors for the intermediate
modeller.
I like what Italeri has achieved
and, combined with fantastically
clear instructions and a very The sprue for the main hull parts.
reasonable retail price, it comes
highly recommended. ■
Thanks to The Hobby
Company Limited for the
sample www.hobbyco.net
Turret parts.
The kit decal sheet.
Interior parts are well detailed.
FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366

ACHILLES
STEEL
Brett Green builds Tamiya’s new
1:35 scale Achilles Tank Destroyer.

12 Model Military International - July 2019

An Achilles tank destroyer on the east bank of the Rhine. This was my inspiration and reference
for the stowage on the front of my model’s hull. The Horsa gliders in the background are of
interest too.

An Achilles crosses a Churchill ARK armoured ramp carrier.

German soldiers examine the devastation done to the turret and mantlet of an Achilles tank
destroyer. The thin armour was highly susceptible to enemy anti-tank guns.

An interesting view of an Achilles undergoing maintenance. Note that the T62 steel chevron tracks
are fitted upside-down. They’ll lose points at the model competition for that! Also note the crew’s
Khaki berets.

July 2019 - Model Military International 13

FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366
T
he M4 Sherman was the
backbone of American
and British armour forces
by the time of the Allied
campaigns in Italy and North
Western Europe. The Sherman was
a hard working tank available in
vast numbers thanks to American
mass-production techniques and
it could hold its own against its
German contemporaries, the
Panzer III and Panzer IV. However,
the 75mm main gun was ineffective
against German heavy tanks, the
Panther and the dreaded Tiger.
The 76mm gun fitted to the
dedicated US Tank Destroyer, the
M10, fared little better against
these behemoths.
The Achilles was an expedient
response to this deadly challenge.
The Achilles was a British
conversion of the American M10
Tank Destroyer redesigned to
accommodate the powerful 17pdr
anti-tank gun. This gun required
a deeper turret, modified interior
stowage and revised mantlet and
gun mount. Although the Achilles
was lightly armoured, the lethal
17pdr gun was more capable of
penetrating the heavy German
tanks. The Achilles, and the
similarly expedient 17pdr Sherman
conversion, the Firefly, engaged
Tigers and Panthers until the last
days of the war.
IN THE BOX
Tamiya’s 1:35 scale Achilles Tank
Destroyer comprises more than
300 parts on seven olive coloured
sprues, ten parts in clear, two
lengths of polypropylene tracks, 4
small and 4 large polythene caps,
a length of string and markings for
two vehicles.
The running gear and lower hull
are based on Tamiya’s 2016 M10
Tank Destroyer, but most of the
other parts – including the upper
hull, transmission housing, turret,
mantlet, gun, stowage and figures
are brand new.
Crisp surface detail is present
throughout including convincing
cast texture on the transmission
cover.
Weld beads are subtle, and tie-
downs are moulded directly to the
turret.
The mid-style Vertical Volute
Spring Suspension (VVSS) bogie
units feature straight return roller
arms, packed roller mounts, and
full-length flexible T51 rubber block
tracks. The pressed metal road
wheels are made up from a main
section and an insert for the rear.
Each tyre is moulded to the main
plastic section.
14 Model Military International - July 2019
The drive sprocket and idler
wheel are attached via polythene
caps.
The lower hull is made up from
a “flat pack” arrangement of
separate floor, sides and engine
firewall. The fighting compartment
floor is built into this sub-assembly.
The two identical sponson blanks
are cleverly moulded symmetrically
from front to rear. Ammunition
stowage is mounted on the top
side of the sponsons.
Detail on the full-length flexible
tracks is very crisp and clean on
the outside and edges. Even on the
inside of the blocks there is no sign
of ejector pin marks or flash, only a
small circle on every twelfth link. It The flat-pack lower hull, including
is also interesting to note that the the fighting compartment floor with
its non-slip texture.
way the track ends join differently
on this model. Instead of locating
pins and holes, each track features
two slightly raised squares and two
corresponding recessed squares on
the other side. This should ensure
a nice flat join.
Note that the idler wheel mounts
The new transmission
are also workable track tensioners.
cover and fittings.
You may want to check the track
tension by swinging the arms then
glue them in place.
The clear sprue includes a
number of generic parts that you
will not need, but the headlight
lenses and goggles will be handy Rear hull and
spare parts. exhaust elements.
The hull crew hatches may
be posed either open or closed.
Tamiya supplies a toothed turret Radiator and exhaust detail
race that is fitted in two parts to will be mostly hidden when the
upper hull is fixed in place.
the lower hull.
Individual armour bosses are
supplied for the front of the hull.
Each has to be cut away from two
sprue attachments, so some care
will be required to maintain their
circular shape.
The turret interior provides a
nicely detailed 17Pdr gun breech,
The lower
racks, boxes, stowed ammunition, hull coming
gunsight crew seats, stowed Sten together.
gun and more. This should look
suitably busy.
The 17Pdr gun barrel is moulded
in one piece with a separate
muzzle brake half. A .50 cal
machine gun may be mounted at
the rear of the turret, and string is
supplied for the tow cable.
The package is rounded out with
three nicely animated crew figures
posed in the process of aiming and Lower hull complete.
firing the main gun. A fourth driver
figure is also included. Moulding
quality, fabric drape and facial
details are very good. I would not
hesitate to use them straight from
the box with only the addition of
straps for the goggles. A
 The tracks may be glued using
regular model cement. I clamped
the tracks while the glue set.

One of the two-piece road wheels

and the drive sprocket parts. The
polythene cap permits the drive
sprockets to rotate after assembly.
The kit’s full-length flexible tracks feature positive locating points.

Next, the road wheels will slide

onto the lower bogie halves, and
the sub-assembly will be added
to the upper bogie section.

The VVSS bogie units are very

well detailed and supremely
simple to assemble. Here are
the parts for step one – the
return roller will be trapped
between the straight arms.

This is how the inside of the covers

should look like before they are glued
to the outside of the bogie unit.
One completed VVSS
bogie. The raised casting
marks are a nice touch.

The running gear and

completed lower hull.
The entire running gear is now ready to attach to the lower hull.

July 2019 - Model Military International 15

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366

The upper hull, toothed turret race and

B CONSTRUCTION fighting compartment rear bulkhead.
In common with all of Tamiya’s
recent armour releases, this
new 1:35 scale Achilles is totally
viceless in construction.
Basic construction followed the
sequence of Tamiya’s instructions.
The VVSS bogie units are made
up from 12 pieces each including
the two road wheels, and they are
a pleasure to assemble. Springs
are not workable, but what we lose
in poseability, we more than make
up for in ease of assembly.
The kit’s full-length flexible
tracks are equally nice. As the
Stowed ammo is glued to the top
Sherman featured live tracks, of the separate sponson covers.
there was no sag along the top run
so there really is no downside to
the vinyl tracks here. The tracks
were looped and glued using Revell
Contacta cement, then taped to a
small cutting board and left to set
overnight.
I was concerned that the Upper hull interior
parts fitted.
separate bosses on the front of the
hull might be a bit tricky to clean
up but they really were no trouble
at all. I did take the precaution
of applying a wide piece of tape
to the bosses while they were on
the sprue so they did not spring
off into the realm of the carpet
monster as I was cutting them off.
I did not glue the lower and
upper hull sub-assemblies at this
stage as I wanted to retain access
to the interior for painting and add
the tracks at the very end of the
project.

ADDING STOWAGE
Tamiya supplies injection moulded
rolls and packs as stowage for
the turret sides. Inspired by a
reference photo, I added some
stowage to the front of the hull.
The folded .50 cal mount and
the spare road wheel are unused
parts from a Dragon kit. Packs
and tarps are a combination of
Value Gear and home made from
Tamiya two-part epoxy putty. The
bucket and the little shelf that
the box is sitting on were scratch
built. Additional straps are strips The lower side hull covers are
cut from Tamiya tape and fixed in provided as separate pieces.
place with super glue.
I also cut off the front
mudguards. They are moulded to
the upper hull.
Even with the extra stowage
straddling the upper hull and
transmission housing, the parts
were still left as separate sub-
assemblies at this stage. A

Fittings attached to the rear of the hull and the

engine deck.

The individual bosses for the front of the hull were

cut from the sprues and cleaned up. I pressed the
bosses on a piece of masking tape to prevent them
flying off into the realm of the carpet monster!

16 Model Military International - July 2019

 The gun breech is well
detailed. Here are
some of the parts.

The basic …with detail parts …and now the breech covers
breech shape… added in layers... and elevation wheel in place.

The turret shell has

been assembled and just
Shell stowage and other awaits installation of
details will be fitted to the the mantlet, barrel and
turret interior sidewalls. counterweight parts.

The main gun may elevate

and depress thanks to
polythene caps.

The completed turret test-fitted

to the model. The upper and
lower hull still have not been
glued together at this stage.

Plenty of the breech and stowage is visible through the open turret top.

July 2019 - Model Military International 17

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366

Additional stowage for the front of the

hull was sourced from the spares box
and Value Gear for the packs and box.

The tarps were formed from Tamiya two-part epoxy putty and the straps are thin
strips of masking tape.

The upper and lower hull sub-assemblies

still have not been glued, even with the
stowage overlapping the join. This will
make painting much easier.

B PAINTING
The model was treated to a
preparatory coat of Tamiya Grey
Primer followed by AS-6 Olive
Drab (USAAF), both straight from
the spray can. This was a little
darker than I wanted for the actual
camouflage colour, but was ideal
as a shadow coat underneath paler
colours.
Next, I sprayed Mission Models
Acrylics MMP-025 US Army Olive
Drab FS 34088 over most of the
visible horizontal and vertical The three sub-assemblies
surfaces. This was followed by a separated and ready for paint.
more selective coat of Mission
Models’ MMP-022 US Army Olive
Drab Faded 3, mainly on areas of
natural highlight.
A dry-brush comprising a mix
of Vallejo acrylic Panzer Aces 336
Afrika Korps and 340 Afrika Korps
Highlight was applied using a wide,
soft brush to the edges and high
points of the hull and turret.
Following a couple of coats of
Future Floor Polish, an oil was of
Raw Umber and Lamp Black was
added selectively to recessed
The model was treated to a
panel lines, structural elements preparatory coat or Tamiya Grey
such as weld beads and bolts, Primer followed by AS-6 Olive
and other raised features. The Drab (USAAF), both straight
Future sealing coat is essential as from the spray can.
it prevents the thin oil wash from
being soaked up by the flat acrylic
paint. At this stage it was looking
pretty promising.
External stowage received its
base coat of various shades of
brown and green using Vallejo
acrylic paints. These packs and
tarps were treated to an acrylic
wash of water, Future floor polish
and a few spots of Vallejo Panzer
Aces 337 Highlight Ger. (Black).

18 Model Military International - July 2019

 Mission Models Acrylics MMP-025 US Army Olive Drab FS
34088 was sprayed over most of the visible horizontal and
vertical surfaces. This was followed by a more selective coat
of Mission Models’ MMP-022 US Army Olive Drab Faded 3.

Details such as tools, straps, tyres

and grousers were picked out with
Vallejo acrylics and a fine brush.
The model now had decals
applied. Once they had set, the
paint job was sealed with two coats
of Alclad II Flat Clear Lacquer. A dry-brush comprising a mix of
The interior stowage was Vallejo acrylic Panzer Aces 336
now painted. I used Tamiya X-31 Afrika Korps and 340 Afrika Korps
Highlight was applied using a wide,
Titanium Gold enamel paint for the
soft brush to the edges and high
shell cases. points of the hull and turret.

WEATHERING
I now applied some MIG Pigments
- P234 Rubbel (sic) Dust - which
looked fine dry, but this is where
things started to go horribly
wrong.
I decided to seal the pigments
with a thin coat of flat clear. As
soon as I sprayed the model,
the pigments melted into a very An oil was of Raw Umber
and Lamp Black was added
unattractive reddish tint over the
selectively over a coat of Future
base camouflage colour. I tried Floor Polish to recessed panel
scrubbing with a stiff brush but the lines, structural elements.
finish was now locked in.
I had little choice other than to
just apply another pigment coat
over the top. This time, I applied
the pigments with a damp brush
mainly to the engine deck and the
front and rear of the hull sides.
Once the water had dried I was left
with a solid coverage of pigments
in those areas, but because I was
using water, I could easily remove
the excess pigment with a stiff
brush. The excess was also useful
to direct into other areas that had
not received primary coverage.
I applied a second more
selective pigment coat with a paler
mix - P415 Light European Earth
mixed with P234 Rubbel Dust.
A generous amount of AK
Terrains AK8021 Light Earth from
their Diorama series was brushed
onto the lower hull sides, front and
rear.
A mix of Maru Technics Easy
Mud 21101 Standard (Light) and
21103 North African (Desert) was
also brushed onto, and then fairly
quickly wiped off, the tracks before
they were fitted to the model. This
same mix was spattered onto the The Future sealing coat is essential as
bottom of the upper hull. A it prevents the thin oil wash from being
soaked up by the flat acrylic paint.

July 2019 - Model Military International 19

FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366

External stowage received its

base coat of various shades of
brown and green using Vallejo
acrylic paints.

Next was an acrylic wash of

water, Future floor polish and a
few spots of Vallejo Panzer Aces
337 Highlight Ger. (Black).

The model now had decals applied. Once

they had set, the paint job was sealed with
two coats of Alclad II Flat Clear Lacquer.

MIG Pigments were applied with a

damp brush mainly to the engine
deck and the front and rear of the
hull sides. Once the water had dried
I was left with a solid coverage of
pigments in those areas.

The excess pigment was

easily removed the excess
pigment with a stiff brush
and redirected into other
areas that had not received
primary coverage.

20 Model Military International - July 2019

 Tamiya X-31 Titanium Gold enamel
was used to paint for shell cases.

A generous amount of AK Terrains

AK8021 Light Earth from their
Diorama series was brushed onto
the lower hull sides, front and rear.

“ The running gear and

lower hull are based on
Tamiya’s 2016 M10 Tank
Destroyer, but most of the
other parts – including the
upper hull, transmission
housing, turret, mantlet,
gun, stowage and figures
are brand new...
”

A mix of Maru Technics Easy Mud 21101 Standard

(Light) and 21103 North African (Desert) was also
brushed onto, and then fairly quickly wiped off, the
tracks before they were fitted to the model. This same
mix was spattered onto the bottom of the upper hull.

July 2019 - Model Military International 21

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366

The figures are broken down into multiple pieces,

including front and rear of the torsos.

The heads and bodies were drilled and mounted

on toothpicks to make handling easier.

B CREW FIGURES
Tamiya includes four excellent
crew figures with their Achilles
Tank Destroyer.
Tamiya figures have been
steadily improving over the
last decade, to the point where
they really do not need any
enhancements beyond careful
painting. The poses are natural,
and the sculpting is excellent.
Facial features are very realistic
and of course the standard of
moulding is everything you would
expect from Tamiya.
Right up front I should point out
that Tamiya’s colour callout for
the berets appears to be wrong.
The instructions suggest Flat
Black, which is correct for tankers’
berets. However, the Achilles was
a Tank Destroyer attached to
Artillery units, so the berets should
actually be Khaki in colour. Heads received a base coat of Tamiya White Primer… …while the bodies were sprayed with Tamiya Grey Primer.
The figures were assembled
using Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid
Cement, but the heads were
not glued in place just yet. The
heads and bodies were drilled and
mounted on toothpicks to make
handling easier. The toothpicks
were also labelled with short
lengths of Tamiya Masking Tape
– D, G, L and C for driver, gunner,
loader and Commander – so that
I would not mix up the bodies and
heads further down the track.
The figures were primed before
painting - bodies using Tamiya
Grey Primer and heads Tamiya
Fine White Primer, both straight
from the spray can.
Next, the faces and hands were
brush painted with mix of Vallejo
Panzer Aces 341 Flesh Base and
Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone Details were picked
out with Vallejo
as a base for the skin colour. This acrylics before
was followed by a fairly heavy The base colour for the lightweight This was followed by subtle A shadow wash of water, Future Floor adding the head and
summer coveralls was a 50/50 mix of dry-brushing of 100% 321 Polish with a few spots of Panzer Aces 317 sealing the job with
Vallejo Panzer Aces 317 British Tankcrew Highlight British Tankcrew. British Tankcrew and 337 Highlight Ger. AK’s acrylic Ultra
and 321 Highlight British Tankcrew. (Black) was brushed over the uniforms. Matte Varnish.

The four completed The dry brushing can

crew figures. be very effective.
22 Model Military International - July 2019
 The crew figures fitted perfectly inside the turret.

wash of thinned Rowney Georgian

Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna, which
flowed nicely into low-lying areas
including the mouths and eyes.
Painting of the skin tones
continued with a range of mixed
Vallejo Panzer Aces acrylics. I have
provided a list of the colours used
in the Modelspec section following
this text.
The base uniform colours were
also sourced from Vallejo’s acrylic
range. The base colour for the
lightweight summer coveralls was
a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Panzer
Aces 317 British Tankcrew and
321 Highlight British Tankcrew.
This was followed by subtle dry-
brushing of 100% 321 Highlight
British Tankcrew .
Because I had received the
information about the beret
colours too late, I painted mine a
50/50 mix of Vallejo Model Colour
70.995 German Grey and Panzer
Aces 337 Highlight Ger. (Black).
Please note, however that you
should paint your berets Khaki!
A wash of water, Future Floor
Polish with a few spots of Panzer
Aces 317 British Tankcrew and 337
Highlight Ger. (Black) was brushed
over the uniform colours and
“releases,
In common with all of Tamiya’s recent
this new 1:35 scale Achilles is
allowed to dry before picking out
details with more Vallejo acrylics. totally viceless in construction...
The heads were attached to the
bodies at this stage.
The figure painting was sealed
”
with AK’s acrylic Ultra Matte
Varnish. A

The crew really tells a story. The driver in his hatch.

July 2019 - Model Military International 23

 FEATURE ARTICLE Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles • Kit No. 35366

B CONCLUSION
Tamiya brings their easy-building
VVSS Sherman-based approach to
this popular subject.
Tamiya's 1:35 scale British M10
Mk.IIC Achilles Tank Destroyer
is a well detailed model with a
nicely fitted out turret and a set
of crew figures that lifts it into the
category of instant vignette.
The decision to include full
length flexible tracks is entirely
appropriate considering the tracks
are "live" on VVSS suspension
and were therefore stretched taut
while fitted to the vehicle.
Not surprisingly, it is a dream
to build too! ■

A mix of oil paints and mineral

turpentine was used to depict
the fuel stains.

Tamiya supplies the tow rope

as a length of black string.

24 Model Military International - July 2019


A few scrapes were drawn onto
the hull and turret using a dark
brown Prismacolor pencil prior to
the addition of the pigments. They
still show through quite well.
Tamiya’s new 1:35 scale
Achilles is another winner.
July 2019 - Model Military International 25
Modelspec
Tamiya 1:35 British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles.
Kit No. 35366
Accessories and Decals Used:
Packs and box from various Value Gear towage sets.
Tools and Materials Used:
Tamiya Extra Thin Liquid Cement
Revell Contacta Professional Cement
Selley’s Supa Glue
Tamiya Two-Part Epoxy Putty
Tamiya 10mm Masking Tape
Gator’s Grip Acrylic Glue
Iwata HP-CH and HP-C Plus Airbrushes
Vehicle:
Tamiya Spray Grey Primer
Tamiya Spray Can: AS-6 Olive Drab (USAAF)
Mission Models Acrylics – MMP-022 US Army Olive
Drab Faded 3; MMP-025 US Army Olive Drab FS 34088
Tamiya Acrylics: XF-1 Flat Black; XF-2 Flat White;
XF-49 Khaki; XF-57 Buff; XF-59 Desert Yellow; XF-60
Dark Yellow; XF-64 Red Brown.
Vallejo Panzer Aces Acrylics - 310 Old Wood; 311 New
Wood; 317 British Tankcrew; 321 Highlight British
Tankcrew; 337 Highlight Ger. (Black)
Vallejo Model Color – 919 Foundation White; 70950
Black; 70.995 German Grey.
Alclad II Flat Clear Lacquer
MIG Pigments – P234 Rubbel (sic) Dust; P415 Light
European Earth
AK Terrains AK8021 – Light Earth Diorama Series
Maru Technics Easy Mud – 21101 Standard (Light);
21103 North African (Desert)
Brown Prismacolor Pencil
Crew Figures - Flesh:
Base Coat: Tamiya White Primer followed by a 50/50
mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 341 Flesh Base and Vallejo
Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone.
Wash: Rowney Georgian Oil Paint 221 Burnt Sienna.
Highlights: Vallejo Panzer Aces 341 Flesh Base and
Vallejo Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone; Vallejo
Model Colour 919 Foundation White (various mixes)
Uniforms:
Base Colour: 50/50 mix of Vallejo Panzer Aces 317
British Tankcrew and 321 Highlight British Tankcrew.
Highlights (Dry Brushed): 321 Highlight British
Tankcrew.
Helmets: Vallejo Panzer Aces 317 British Tankcrew
Wash: Water and Future Floor Polish with a few
spots of Panzer Aces 317 British Tankcrew and 337
Highlight Ger. (Black).
Borders and Additional Shading: Vallejo Panzer Aces
337 Highlight Ger. (Black) thinned with water.
✓ Superb fit; straightforward build; high level of
detail; excellent crew figures in appropriate
poses.
✗ Wrong colour callout for berets.
Available from
Thanks to Tamiya for the sample www.tamiya.com
Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby
Company Limited www.hobbyco.net
Rating
KIT PREVIEW Italeri 1:35 Pz. Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. E • Kit No. 6557
STARTER TIGER
Italeri has re-released their 1990s vintage 1:35 scale Tiger.
Andy King considers whether this kit still has a place in
today’s market.
T
he Tiger doesn’t really
need an introduction
as virtually every kit
manufacturer has produced
one at some point or other plus
volumes have been written about it,
however this is Italeri’s offering and
like a lot of stuff in their catalogue
has been around in various guises
for a long time.
This particular kit first appeared
in the mid 1990s and has been
re-issued a few times over the
years. This time around it has new
gluable vinyl tracks although the
original link-and-length type are
still included for those averse to
the rubber band type (like me).
Seven sprues of grey
Kit decal sheet.
26 Model Military International - July 2019
The one-piece lower hull tub.
The upper hull part.
Rear plate.
Link and length plastic tracks.
polystyrene are included along interior detail included for the
with a decal sheet and the two turret too.
lengths of track mentioned above. Colours and markings include
As you would expect for a kit a Tiger in a two-tone scheme
of this age there is some flash of green and dark yellow from
present, some sinkage on parts Schwere Panzer Abteilung 502,
Lots of ejector pin marks on the inside surfaces.
here and there such as the loaders Southern Russia, 1943; ‘Mausi’ in
turret hatch and pin marks on the three-tone scheme of dark
the inside of each track link. You yellow, green and red-brown
could say “hold on! This kit has from Kompanie Meyer, Anzio
new plastic link and length tracks” bridgehead, Italy 1944; one from
and yes it does but there are Schwere Panzer Abteilung 504,
pin marks on the inside of those Sicily, August 1943 in an overall
too but not to the extent of the dark yellow and finally a Tiger
original ones so take your pick! from Schwere Panzer Abteilung
Detail is okay for a kit of this 503, Kursk salient, July 1943 in
age. I liked the cast effect on the an interesting scheme of dark
engine covers plus Italeri throw in yellow and green but over the
an engine although you would need original base colour of dark grey.
to add a fair bit of All colours quoted are from the
detail to jazz it up as Italeri paint range with FS (Federal
well as the engine bay. Standard) numbers as equivalents. Road wheels.
The Tiger in Decals are well printed and in
this kit is an early register.
type featuring ‘S’ No doubt the Tiger experts
mine dispensers would probably dismiss this kit
on each corner of as there are better (and more
the upper hull, the expensive) ones out there but
large commanders once again Italeri provide a decent
cupola and Feiffel air base to start with and with some
cleaners on the rear aftermarket goodies it will scrub Idler wheels and drive sprockets.
hull. up quite well. Also this would be
One thing I noticed a good kit for people new to the
is that Italeri got the hobby to cut their teeth on before
subtle asymmetrical stepping up to the wallet-busting
turret shape correct Tigers that Dragon produce. ■
and something
missed by other Thanks to The Hobby
manufacturers, Company Limited for the
also there is some sample www.hobbyco.net
The simple engine.
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FEATURE ARTICLE Meng Model 1:35 BUK Air Defence Missile System • Kit No. 9K37M1

28 Model Military International - July 2019

SURFACE
Michael Franz builds Meng
Model’s newest modern
weapon of the Russian Army. TO AIR

T
he BUK missile system
has been in Russian
service from 1979 to
current times. It is a very
effective weapon system, proving
itself in current conflicts, shooting
down several Georgian aircraft in
South Ossetia in 2008. They have
also been deployed to Syria in
2012 and are still there in current
times, having shot down a US
Tomahawk missile in 2018, proving
its effectiveness to the world. The
missile is a short range weapon. A

July 2019 - Model Military International 29

 FEATURE ARTICLE Meng Model 1:35 BUK Air Defence Missile System • Kit No. 9K37M1

B IN THE BOX
Meng’s new BUK Air Defence Missile
System comes packaged in their
usual large high quality box with eye-
catching artwork on the top.
Inside the box, one will not be
disappointed at all, with ten sprues in
tan plastic, a clear sprue, some soft
polythene cabling, the main hull parts,
a photo-etched fret with engine grilles,
poly caps, and a sheet of well printed
decals. In total to my count, there are
685 parts.
The parts look to be very clean,
showing no flash, with only the usual
cleanup when you remove parts from
the sprues.
The kit instructions are typical for
Meng - well drawn and 28 pages, with
six pages devoted to the history of the
vehicle and paints, tools etc. The rest
describes construction.
Looking at the instructions,
construction begins with the drive line
over five steps, then moves onto the
main lower hull over the next twelve
steps. Care will need to be taken as
its quite a busy build. The tracks in
this are individual and workable, much
like Modelkasten, with a jig to hold the
links and pins for each side. Don’t go
The upper hull and superstructure parts.
crazy with the glue!
Next is the weapons platform/turret
over the next twelve steps, showing
some very nice details.
Clear parts include lenses, windows
and the track assembly jig.
Soft polythene parts are supplied
for cabling and wheel attachments.
Lastly is the missile launch system
and the missiles themselves covered
in the last 10 steps. Again care will be
needed, especially with movable parts,
as the missiles may be posed lowered
The lower hull is supplied as a single piece. Radar housing and other superstructure parts.
for transport or raised and ready to
launch. Myself, I think I will choose
what configuration I want it displayed
in just depending on the strength of
the structure, but until I build it, I will
know then how strong it all is.
Photo-etched grilles are offered on
a small fret.
You have three options for painting
this vehicle - Russian, Ukrainian or
Finnish. There is a good colour sheet Main bodies for two of the four missiles. Individual track links are included. Plastic pins make these workable.
to show you the camouflage patterns
and colours used, referring to AK
Interactive colours.
Decals are glossy and printed in
register (in-box review by Andrew
Judson).

Mesh grilles on the photo-etched fret.

Clear parts include lenses, windows Soft polythene parts are supplied
and the track assembly jig. for cabling and wheel attachments.
The kit decal sheet.

30 Model Military International - July 2019

 CONSTRUCTION
I started by assembling the tracks,
which consist of single links that have
to be mounted on an included jig with
separate pins.
I wanted to use metal tracks first,
but could not find a set that would fit
this vehicle so with no other choice,
I had to go through this very time
consuming task. In the end, some
glue was necessary to keep the track
links together but the final look of the
assembled tracks is fantastic.
With the finished tracks put Full of details and fully
aside I started assembling the hull, workable suspension.
the drivetrain, the wheels and the Very well done Meng!
sprockets. All the parts fit very well
and assembling of the whole kit goes
very smoothly.
The main hull is a huge part with
wonderful surface details on the upper
side and only a framework on the
outsides. All doors, hatches and covers
are separate parts that have to be
mounted on the main hull. The exhaust
system needs to be installed from the
inside before putting the lower and
upper hull together. It might be a good
idea to paint the insides black before
adding the photo etched mesh on
the exhaust outlet but I have missed
that and had to paint the insides later
through the fine grills.
There are a lot of parts that have to
be mounted on the main hull such as The front windows
lamps, handles, hooks, towing cable, are glued inside and
tools and much more. masked with liquid
The huge upper unit of the vehicle is mask for the painting.
assembled in the same way as the hull
– covering the framework of the main
part of the superstructure with covers,
doors and hatches before adding
further details and parts to it. The
launching ramp for the four rockets
could remain movable, but I glued it in
its final position to avoid any damage
if moving it around later.
All the pipework for the rocket
launcher is included as flexible plastic
pipes, which also fit perfectly and
could be glued in place with regular
plastic glue – a wonderful feature
compared to some other kits I have on A very good tip: Paint the exhaust outlets in black before mounting the Same here – also paint the insides in black before adding the grille.
my desk in the past with such flexible photo-etched grilles! All the covers and doors are separate parts full of great details.
material!
Lastly we have the four rockets
which need to be assembled.
Unfortunately these consist of two
halves so it is necessary to use some
filler and sand the joints, otherwise
small seams will remain along the
missiles. A

“ The level of
detail is very high,
the moulding quality Towing cable is a one
piece plastic part which
excellent... is glued to its already

” mounted end-pieces.

July 2019 - Model Military International 31

FEATURE
FEA ARTICLE Meng Model 1:35 BUK Air Defence Missile System • Kit No. 9K37M1

The huge superstructure with

the movable rocket launching
system. The pipework is flexible
plastic material which is easy to
glue with standard plastic glue.

Note the fine hand rails, steps

and other details. The kit includes
some very fragile parts.

Raised launching part. I have glued

it in place to avoid any damages
when playing around later.

32 Model Military International - July 2019

B PAINTING Base paints done. Light yellow/grey
first, then dark green and black colours,
I started painting with Vallejo’s each time masked with Blutac.
Black Primer – my favourite start
for every paintjob as it makes a very
smooth surface and the dark colour
is a fantastic base for creating some
shadows in the final paint.
The light grey/yellow paint was
mixed of different Vallejo colours, and
airbrushed first, then masked with
Blutac before painting the green areas
and finally the black ones. An olive The rockets are painted in a contrasting light
green colour was airbrushed on the green with silver wings and white heads
cover of the radar unit, than all the
small details are painted with a brush –
lamps, hooks, towing cables etc.
The rockets received a light green
coat with silver fins. Finally a layer of
clear coat is airbrushed on everything
as a base for the decals which I have
applied next and which I have fixed with
Olive green is the chosen colour for
AK Interactive’s ultra matt clear coat. the huge radar unit at the end of the
The tracks were painted with a black super structure. It is a bit contrasting
base colour before airbrushing AK’s to the camouflage and the rockets.
fantastic track primer, then weathered
with different washes and earth
coloured pigments. Graphite powder
was rubbed onto the tracks surface to
imitate worn metal before mounting
these to the vehicle. It was necessary
to use some glue when mounting the
fragile tracks to make sure that these
A layer of glossy clear coat is
would not tear apart.
airbrushed on the vehicle and the
The whole vehicle was now dusted rockets as base for the decals.
with a dark earth brown colour via
the airbrush, then weathered with
washes and pigments to give a used
look to the vehicle. Only the rockets
remained “factory new”. Graphite
powder was also used at the vehicle’s
corners and heavily worn surfaces to
show damaged paint and shear metal. Wheels are painted
Finally, leaking oil, wet surfaces and in the corresponding
leaking fuel were added using AK camouflage colours
Interactive’s products. A with black rubber rings.

Several small parts have to be painted

with a fine brush such as tools, lights,
towing cable and more.

The rocket launcher is glued in its

final position here, with the decals
added. Only numbers and stencils
are required for the rockets.

July 2019 - Model Military International 33

 FEATURE ARTICLE Meng Model 1:35 BUK Air Defence Missile System • Kit No. 9K37M1

B THE BASE
A wide wooden painting pallete is
used as base for the diorama. The
groundwork was modelled with a
wooden spatula and consists of a
small country lane between some
green bushes and grasses and a bit
of water, maybe a small river or a
lake on the front side of the base.
Everything was dusted with the
airbrush and pigments in the same
way as the vehicle was weathered
before to unify the total look.

CONCLUSION
Meng offers another fantastic new
model of a very interesting vehicle
which is an absolutely “must have”
for all fans of modern Russian Army
vehicles! ■

Modelspec
Meng Model 1:35 Russian 9K37M1 Buk Air Defence
Missile System Kit No. SS-014
Tools and Modelling Products: A layer of ultra matt clear coat was airbrushed to fix the decals and to protect them for the weathering steps.

Faller Plastic Glue “Expert”

Revell Contacta Clear
Modellbau König Super Glue
Mr. Putty
Paints and Finishing Products:
Vallejo: Light Grey (71.050), Beige (70.917), Green
(71.017), Black (70.950)
Lifecolour: Rust & Dust Set (CS-10), Matt Black (LC-
02), Tan (UA-015), Olive drab (UA-220)
Revell Aqua Colour: Iron (91), Silver (90)
AK Interactive: Clear Colour Orange (RC506), Clear
Colour Red (RC503), Clear Colour Blue (RC504),
Rust Streaks, Dust Effects, Dark Brown Wash, Engine
Oil, Pigments Dark Earth, Ultra Matt Varnish, Track
Primer (AK185)
Ammo by MIG: Track Wash (1002), Dry Steppe (1751),
North Africa Dust Pigments (3003), Gun Metal
(3009), Black Smoke (P023)
Molotov: Liquid Chrome
Uschi Van der Rosten: Metal powder
Graphite pens
Base:
Gerstaecker: Gesso Board white (wooden painting
support)
Sand and small stones, earth
Mini Nature: Different grass tufts
DioDump: Different grass tufts
Ammo by MIG: Acrylic Water Different brown enamel washes are used to weather the surface of the vehicle, but the rockets remained factory new.

✓ The level of detail is very high, the moulding

quality excellent and the surfaces are very well
done. A great kit and a “must have” for fans of
modern military vehicles.
✗ The tracks are very fragile after the
assembling. The plastic tracks are a time consuming
task and it is necessary to use some glue
Rating to keep the fragile track links together!

AK Interactive’s track primer over black Outside mirrors were mounted in the end,
colour is the main paint for the tracks. Several before the whole vehicle received some dust
brown and beige washings for weathering and and dirt with brown pigments as well as with
34 Model Military International - July 2019 graphite powder rubbed on the surfaces. dark brown colour with the airbrush.
 The groundwork
is based on a wide
painting pallet.

“ A highly
detailed plastic kit
full of wonderful
details...
”

Everything was dusted with the

airbrush and pigments in the same
way as the vehicle was weathered
before to unify the total look.

July 2019 - Model Military International 35

KIT PREVIEW Zvezda 1:35 T-90MS • Kit No. 3675
UPGRADED T-90
T
he T-90 was developed
from both the T-72B
and T-80 and entered
service in 1993. Originally
known as the T-72BU it was soon
re-designated T-90 to distance it
from its previous nomenclature,
presumably due to the poor
performance of the T-72 during the
first Gulf War where many were
destroyed by Allied tanks.
Since entering service the T-90
has received many upgrades and
this particular version, originally
built for export as the T-90S and
later adopted by the Russian
army features a more powerful
engine, the PNM Sosna-U gunners
sight, UDP T05BV-1 RWS (Remote
Weapon Station), the GLONASS
equivalent to GPS, Relikt ERA
(Explosive Reactive Armour), a
removable turret bustle that can
store eight rounds of ammunition,
four cameras that provide 360o
coverage and an upgraded thermal
imaging system. The T-90MS also
features improvements to the
suspension, firepower, mobility and
protection.
Main armament is the 125mm
smoothbore 2A46M gun capable
of firing different types of
ammunition and the tank has a
crew of three.
In the box you get twelve sprues
moulded in grey polystyrene,
a single clear sprue, a sheet of
plastic mesh, a length of thread
36 Model Military International - July 2019
and a decal sheet. Tracks are of
the link-and-length type.
The level of detail is okay
but some areas such as the slat
armour will need refining as it’s a
bit chunky, the 7.62mm machine
gun in the turret mounted RWS
needs the end of the barrel drilling
out and the rear mesh turret
basket is moulded in solid plastic
and best replaced by etched
metal. Interior detail is confined to
handles on the hatches and clear
periscopes only.
Overall the moulding quality is
not bad but there is sinkage around
the middle of each tyre and they
will need some serious cleaning up.
On the inside faces of the tracks
there are some hefty pin marks and
although most of the track is hidden
by the side skirts and wheels,
because of the amount of pin marks
some will no doubt be visible. The
pin marks are recessed too which
makes their removal that bit more
difficult. There is some sinkage on
parts that are visible such as the
left turret hatch (part D115) and gun
mantlet cover (part D117).
The lower hull is made up of four
parts and I would recommend you
glue it all together and leave to
History from the big book of Wiki and here;
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/t-90ms-main-battle-tank/
Thanks to The Hobby Company Limited for the review sample
www.hobbyco.net
Upgraded armour on the upper hull nose.
Andy King
examines The bottom of the hull.
Zvezda’s 1:35
scale T-90MS.
Armour and side skirts.
set before adding other parts. The
external fuel tanks come in two
halves and with all the strapping
detail moulded on these will be
tricky to clean up, personally
I would remove all the detail,
clean up the tanks then add the
strapping using plastic strip.
Just one colour scheme is Nice detail on the turret roof.
provided which I believe is for the
demonstration T-90MS and it is a
rather fetching three-tone scheme
of sand, brown and black, no
indication as to where the decals
go is provided. Colour references
are for Tamiya and Zvezda’s own
brand of paint.
I guess the kit will make a good
base to start from as everything
is there, it just needs the
improvements mentioned in the
text plus some aftermarket etch
would go a long way to refine a
few areas. The sinkage around the Drive sprocket detail.
tyres and pin marks on the tracks
are a disappointment but there are
aftermarket alternatives available
for both. The sink marks around
the other parts mentioned is a pain
but fixable.
Altogether a useful kit but it
needs some work to bring it up to
scratch. ■
Link and length tracks are supplied.
Inside and outside road wheel halves.
The upper hull.
The kit decal sheet.
FEATURE
FEA ARTICLE CMK Models 1:35 Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) • Kit No. T35006
S
koda Works, a
Czechoslovakian
manufacturer of
automobiles, was one of
the largest industrial enterprises in
Europe in the early part of the 20th
century.
The global economic depression
of the 1930s prompted Skoda
(along with its Czech competitors
Tatra and CKD) to diversify
production capability by introducing
light and medium tank production
for both domestic and export
market. In the mid-thirties, one of
the tanks designed and developed
was the LT 35, a conventional tank
with riveted armour, a two-man
turret, and rear-engine.
Frontal photo of a Pz. 35t. Note the Notek light and
antennae. (Photo source unknown)
38 Model Military International - July 2019
SPECIFICATIONS
The tank was powered by a 6
cylinder water-cooled Skoda model
T-11P engine. The engine could run
on gasoline, an alcohol-gasoline
mixture, and "Dynalkohol" (an
alcohol-benzole mixture). The
suspension was derived from the
Vickers 6-Ton tank.
Particular attention was made in
the design to allow for the vehicle
to travel long distances, to be
very manoeuvrable and designed
suitable for ultimate crew comfort.
The vehicle weighed 10.5 tons
and was armoured with plate up to
35mm. The main armament was
a Skoda 37.2mm semi-automatic
gun using a dial-sight and had
A Pz 35t in Poland. The white cross was replaced with the black and white balkenkreuz Wehrmacht emblem
after the Polish campaign. (Photo source unknown)
an elevation range of -10 to +25
degrees. It is recognisable by the
“pepper pot” muzzle brake and a
prominent armoured recoil cylinder
above the barrel. It fired a .815
kilograms (1.80 lb.) armour-piercing
shell at 690 metres per second
(2,300 ft./s). Two 7.92 Type 37
machine guns were also mounted
– one in the turret and one in the
hull. In Czech service, the LT vz 35
carried 78 rounds (24 AP and 54
HE) and 2,700 rounds of machine
gun ammunition.
DOMESTIC ORDERS AND FOREIGN SERVICE
In German service, the number of
rounds was reduced significantly
to accommodate a fourth crew
member (loader). The tank was
considered quite fast (25 mph)
with a range of 125 miles. One of
the key features of the tank was
the durability of the suspension
and tracks with an average lifespan
of 6000 kms.
Between 1936 and 1937, The
Czech Army ordered a total of
almost 400 LT vz. 35s tanks to
equip battalions of four cavalry
brigades. These were being
supplied by both Skoda and CKD.
As well, many LT vz 35s were
also being produced and shipped to
foreign countries such as Romania
and Bulgaria.
Britain expressed an interest
to purchase LT vz 35 and
A Pz 35t parading somewhere in Poland. An early variant that
mounted to the tank. (Photo source unknown)
 The CMK 1:35 scale plastic release of the Pz.
35 from the late 1990s. A later release by
CMK included an upgrade and a resin figure.

CZECH
MATE!
Mark Bannerman builds and details
CMK Models Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t)

Alvis Straussler, a UK-based
manufacturer of armoured
cars, offered to purchase the
manufacturing license for the tank.
The Soviets and the Poles were
also both negotiating with Skoda
for the license. In September
1938, the Munich Agreement,
a settlement permitting Nazi
Germany's annexation of portions
of Czechoslovakia designated
"Sudetenland" was reached.
The invasion and occupation
of Czechoslovakia by Nazi
Germany put an immediate halt
to all exports and any possible
negotiation for tank exports
and licensing sales with foreign
countries.
CZECH ANNEXATION AND
GERMAN MODIFICATIONS
With the annexation of
Czechoslovakia, the Germans took
into possession 244 Lt. vz. 35
tanks and shipped these back to
Germany and designated these Pz.
Kpfw. 35(t) - the (t) for Tschechisch
(Czech). Until January 1940, they
were known in the Waffenamt
nomenclature as the LTM.35.
The modifications made by the
Germans to the LT. vz. 35 was
the addition of a FuG 5 (10-watt
transmitter/receiver) and FuG 2
(receiver) radio, and the addition
of a Notek light. Some had their
main armament modified to
accommodate a 37 KwK K/45
or L/40.
For the next 7 months, the
German 11th Panzer Regiment
trained with their newly acquired
Pz. Kpfw. 35(t).
IN ACTION
On September 1, 1939, the German
Army mobilised all of their
Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) in the invasion
of Poland. During the Polish
campaign, records indicate that 77
broke down (30% of the 35ts) and
were abandoned due to the lack of
spare parts.
After the defeat of Poland, the
remaining Pz. Kpfw. 35 (t) were
transferred to partake in the
invasion of the Low Countries and
France. Although the Germans
retired the Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) in 1941,
more than 140 Pz. Kpfw 35(t)
were transferred from France and
used by the 6th Panzer Division
in Operation Barbarossa. Many
survived Barbarossa but did not
fare well in the Russian winter
during the drive to Leningrad.
Many of the Pz. Kpfw. 35(t)
that remained were subsequently
converted to artillery tractors
– Morserzugmittel 35(t) and
Zuchkraftwagen 35(t) and as tank
recovery vehicles. Some were
also sent to Austria and pushed
into service with the police and
antipartisan security forces in
Vienna. A

has not had a Notek A clear photo of the running gear. The suspension was derived from the Vickers 6-Ton tank. A superb museum example of the Pz. Kpfw. 35 (t). (Photo source unknown)
(Photo source unknown)
July 2019 - Model Military International 39
 FEATURE ARTICLE CMK Models 1:35 Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) • Kit No. T35006

B IN THE BOX
I purchased four CMK models
many years ago and waited for
various aftermarket add-ons to
detail this unusual but interesting
tank type. CMK is based out in the
Czech Republic and have released
a number of plastics and resin
models in 1:35 and 1:72 scale.
CMK released three versions of
the Skoda 35(t): One is a Skoda
LT vz.35 with three Czech resin
crew figures (kit#T35023), a
"Möserzugmittel 35(t)" munitions The ModelKasten Tracks set number SK-42. These are superbly Most of the CMK model parts have been put together and used some of the details from the
carrier (kit #35021 - also available rendered and well worth the purchase – despite the price. Fruil Royal Models aftermarket set.
as an upgraded kit with resin also makes a set of metal tracks.
interior) and finally the PzKfw
35(t) featured in this article (kit the instructions and as a straight the MK Tracks (SK-42). I realized to complete. I replaced the
#35006). out-of-the-box build, it can be built that I did not need both the Eduard suspension leaves with Royal
The CMK Skoda LT.vz. 35/Pz. in just a few evenings. However, etch set and the Royal Models Models resin offering and while this
Kpfw. 35(t) was released in 1996. the offering does need some work set - though my preference was was not entirely necessary, the
The box art depicts a German Pz. to bring it to a more accurate the Royal Models set because it resin version does provide slightly
Kpfw 35 (t) but one can also build rendition. included a few important resin more crisp details.
the Czech LT.vz 35. The model There have been suggestions parts which were far superior to The road wheels (all 32 of them!)
is moulded in a grey plastic on that there are fit issues. The link the CMK plastic offering. The MK are a bit fiddly and some clean-up
four sprues. Two of the sprues and length type track suffer from tracks are an absolute must and was required. Most of the time
are identical which contain the large injector pin marks on every the LionMarc gun is not essential was spent on the road wheels. I
bogies, link and length type tracks, track and it lacked some of the but for under $10, it is well worth used superglue to attach these
road wheels, drive sprockets, idler finer detail. the purchase. and, in fact, the entire suspension
wheels and return rollers (66 parts In preparation to build the was reinforced with superglue to
per tree) for each side. model, I ordered the Eduard etch CONSTRUCTION ensure everything was secure.
The instructions are fairly set (35121), the Royal Models Assembly started with the The important part with the road
simple and the model is quite update set (186), the LionMarc suspension (without the tracks) wheels is ensuring that these are
simple as well. There are 11 steps in replacement gun (LM50007) and and this took about an evening aligned when attached to the tank.

I replaced the main armament

with an offering by LionMarc
(LM50007). This is an
inexpensive upgrade and well
worth the purchase.

The construction started with the suspension system. I replaced the

suspension leafs with the Royal Models resin offering. The plastic offering
was quite adequate but the resin version offers slightly more detail.

I sliced out the front driver’s hatch with a jeweler’s saw as I had planned to
have this open.

I added the Royal Models fenders plate.

It was only slightly more detailed than
the CMK offering and not a really
necessary add-on.
40 Model Military International - July 2019
 Close-up of
the LionMarc
replacement gun I did choose to add the
(LM50007). front track fender plates
as I note most Pz 35t’s
had these mounted. Both
Royal and Eduard offer
these in their etch set.

MAKING TRACKS the length of links to dry for 10

Next up was the tracks. I used
the ModeKasten tracks and
although expensive ($27 – 17
GBP), they add considerably to the
overall appearance of the model.
Modelkasten tracks are high detail
plastic links and are attached
link-by-link with pins using small
plastic plugs provided in the track
set. When finished, the track links
can be articulated similar to real
tracks. The links themselves are
exquisitely detailed.
Although there are several
methods for assembling
ModelKasten tracks, I chose to
build the tracks in strips off of the
model and then glue the tracks on
the already attached road wheels.
I snipped off the tracks from the
sprues, cleaned up any excess
plastic, and then glued 7-10 links
together with liquid glue. I used
a wooden ruler as my surface so
that liquid glue would not affix
the plastic to the wood. I allowed
minutes, and while the glue was still
tacky, I added some slack where
the tracks would suspend between
the return rollers. I repeated this
step until one side was complete.
The tricky part is the attachment
of the last length and ensuring
that the length is a perfect fit
between two already installed
lengths. If the length is slightly
too long but removing one link
will render the length too short, I
pulled the last two or three links on
either side of the gap by a fraction
inwards towards the gap so that
the gap can be reduced in size to
accommodate the last link. This
worked and resulted in a perfect fit.
The other option is to decrease the
slack in the top tracks.
Because there is little track
slack on the 35t, I was cautious to
start with the ground lengths, then
work up way around the idler and
sprocket and then slowly work in
with the top length of tracks (the
length that extends over the return
rollers) to allow the flexibility of
getting the length correct as I
closed the gap. The tracks took me
three hours to clean up and attach
to the model.
I moved through the CMK
instructions (steps 6-11) and added
all of the main parts for the turret
and hull - leaving small surface
detail parts until later in the
assembly process.
Once the model was built, I
turned to the Royal Models set and
determined which etch and resin
parts I would use on the model.
Quite a bit of the etch replaces
parts that are quite well rendered
in plastic so I opted not to use
some of the etch. Instead, I decided
to use only the etch parts that
were not included as a plastic part
in the CMK offering or not moulded
on the plastic. The only exception
to this was the side track fenders.
I carefully added etch detail with
superglue and sticking to the rule
that if CMK already had it included
in the model or moulded on the
model, then I would not use the
replacement etch.
After a few evenings, I
discovered that I had used about
half of the etch provided in the
Royal Model offering and I used
three-quarters of the resin bits
(about 20 parts). I studied the
model and wartime images to
ensure that I had captured most of
the detail that needed attention.
All in all, the assembly took a
week with one hour of work at the
workbench per evening – almost
30% of that time was dedicated to
the tracks.
Despite reviews suggesting that
fit was a major issue with the CMK
model, I did not find any issues or
problems in this regard. Overall,
I would describe the assembly to
be an easy build and the etch and
resin was very easy to use. A

“ I would describe the

assembly to be an easy build
and the etch and resin was
very easy to use...
”
The model ready for
primer and paint.
Copper wire and strips of
sheet styrene rod were
used to detail the final
touches.

I assembled the tracks in strips of 7-10 links, gluing these with liquid glue then affixing
to the model. I start with the ground run, work around the sprocket and idler at the same
time and add the last links about half way between the two middle return rollers.

The dimensions of the CMK

model are quite accurate all
round when measured up to
reference books.

July 2019 - Model Military International 41

 FEATURE ARTICLE CMK Models 1:35 Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) • Kit No. T35006

B PAINTING AND FINISHING
With the model built and ready
for paint, I submerged the model
into warm water with some dish
detergent to clean off specs of
dust, resin, grime and cat hairs.
Once dry, I primed the entire
model in Tamiya White Primer in
two lights coats ensuring to get
in between the tracks, behind the
wheels and up under the fenders.
The next step was deciding on
paint scheme. For a German Pz
35(t), there is only one choice -
Panzer Grey. I have yet seen a
wartime image of a winterized PZ
35(t) so panzer grey was the order
of the day.
Although I started the painting
by base-coating the model in a
straight mix of Tamiya X-18 Semi-
Gloss Black mixed with Tamiya
XF-18 Medium Grey, the overall
appearance was a muddy grey
which was totally incorrect. So I
stripped the model by immersing
it in water with powered Tide
detergent for a few days (which
worked superbly).
This time, I wanted to try
painting the model by painting in
layers using various lighter shades.
The technique is more commonly
called Colour Modulation and have
read about it several times so it
was time to put it to the test. The
purpose of Colour Modulation is
to create various layers of thinly
applied paint for an almost three-
dimensional effect going from very
dark to very light. The technique
will require an airbrush and some
modellers will go the extra step of
applying masking tape to ensure
that paint lands where it is meant
to be.
To start, the application of a
semi-gloss black base (Tamiya X-18)
provided a pre-shading of the model
and an even start to the process.
It also ensures that creases and
shadow areas are well covered.
Once the black had dried (which
took about an hour to fully cure),
I applied a light application of
50% Tamiya German Grey (XF-
63) mixed with 30% Tamiya Matt
Black (XF-1) and 20% Tamiya Field
Blue (XF-50) and airbrushed this
mix at about a 45 degree angle all
around the model. It does not have
to be a thick heavy application. It is
supposed to be a light translucent
application where the black can
still be seen through this new layer.
The next application was a
highly diluted mix of 80% Tamiya
German Grey (XF-63) mixed with
20% Tamiya Field Blue (XF-50).
The final application was a light
misting of highly diluted Tamiya
Field Blue mixed with 90% Tamiya
thinners and only airbrushed to
the top of the model. I used an
eyedropper to measure out the
precise ratios of paint and the
applications were all painted with a
paint to thinner ratio of 7:3 (except
the last application with the highly
diluted Field Blue neat). The idea
with this last application (highly
diluted Tamiya Field Blue) was to
allow a very light application of
a light coloured paint to hit only
those areas that are perfectly flat
and any protruding details from
the side of the hull - almost as
though one were trying to create
highlights with an airbrush.
Although this technique is
termed Colour Modulation, I would
equally term the approach as
“layering”, where one builds up the
paint surface from dark to light
and, at the same time, trying to
recreate how natural light would
ordinarily hit a vehicle in real life.
It is a means of adding synthetic
shadows and highlights but with
an airbrush, over larger areas and
making the transition between light
and dark much more subtle.
There are variations on
the approach of creating the
gradations of tones. On this model,
I used four applications, all very
thinly and lightly applied with
the source of light coming from
directly above the vehicle. Every
application should be thinly applied
so that the previous paint layer
can still be seen through the paint
layers. On this model, the original
gloss black can still be seen in the
crevices and along panel lines on
the lower part of the model.
Once the base colour was dry,
the rubber on the road wheels were
painted in Vallejo Grey Black and
the tracks were painted in Humbrol
Matt Black 33 mixed with 30%
Humbrol Matt Chocolate 98.
The application of the track
paint was an easier process than
I had expected and if the paint
is well thinned (20% Humbrol
thinners), the paint will capillary
off your brush and cover the entire
track. It will be necessary to go in
after the paint dries on the tracks
and touch up and fill in any areas
that did not receive enough paint
on the first application. This may
seem to be a daunting chore (brush
painting the rubber on the wheels
and tracks) but small glitches will
be “hidden” with some subsequent
weathering and dirt application.
Before the weathering process,
all of the surface details such as
the crowbar, shovel, pickaxe, and
leather pad on the inside of the
turret hatch were painted using
Humbrol enamels.

My three colours for the base and

applying the “Modulation” effect to
create various layers of thinly applied
paint for an almost three-dimensional
effect going from very dark to very
light. Tamiya German Grey (XF-63),
Tamiya Matt Black (XF-1) and Tamiya
Field Blue (XF-50)

Application going from dark to light should be

light translucent applications where the black
can still be seen through each layer applied.

I applied with a light wash of Sepia oil

paint diluted with Testor’s thinners. Two
filters were applied using Humbrol 93
followed by a filter of Gold Ochre oils.

All of my tools for the weathering process.

42 Model Military International - July 2019

 The accumulation of the Gold Ochre
oil paint (Winton oil paint) can be
blended and spread out to give it a
more earthy weathering effect.

A thin application of Tamiya Buff XF-57 to the

whole model and Tamiya Flat Earth XF-52 to
the lower half of the model provided a nice light
weathering and muting effect.

I used various highly diluted

earth-coloured Humbrol
enamel paint to provide
further dusting effect.

WEATHERING
I wanted to keep the weathering
relatively simple. Ordinarily,
there is a checklist of processes
that I go through: filters, washes,
pin washes, pastels, chips,
rust, oil spills, and rain marks. I
wanted to attempt depicting a
relatively well-maintained, almost
freshly-painted vehicle with an
accumulation of dust.
One of the difficulties with
creating dust using pastels is that
it can sometimes look as though
it was brushed on and it is just
resting on the surface. I wanted to
find a way to make the dust appear
to have been grinded into the finish
of the vehicle. I also decided not
to add rust, chips and a multitude
of filters.
To start off the weathering, I
applied with a light wash of Sepia
oil paint diluted with Testor’s
thinners. Two filters were applied
using Humbrol 93 followed by a
filter of Gold Ochre oils. I added a
few chips using Vallejo Black Grey
and ensuring to keep these to a
minimum. It is far too easy to go
overboard with chips.
The muffler was painted in
Vallejo Gloss Black then several
coats of pastels (rust, light brown
and dark brown coloured pastels)
mixed with Testor’s thinners was
applied.
I also added copious amounts of
powdered pastels of various earth
tones onto the whole model and
very heavily into the suspension
system and tracks then fixed
these into place by airbrushing the
entire model with Tamiya thinners.
I repeated the step of adding
more pastels onto the model but
this time I used a large brush and
allowed the Tamiya thinners to drip
from the brush onto the model.
The thinner will capillary and
provide some really neat effects.
Just ensure that the thinners do
not accumulate in any one place
otherwise it could eat right into
the base paint or leave a residue
of powders that is unrealistically
too heavy.
A few oil stains were added
by flicking diluted Sepia oil paint
mixed with Raw Umber oil paints
from a dried brush onto the rear
part of the model. The track links
were then picked out with a regular
pencil to show bare metal where
the cleats would meet the road.
More earth-coloured pastels were
added to the tracks and fixed into
place with Tamiya thinners.
I then added copper wires (horn
and light fixture), an antenna from
sheet styrene rod, and a little
drybrushing with Humbrol enamels
on various parts of the model
including the two machine guns
and main barrels.
The very last step was using
minutes amount of oil paint
(Sienna, Sepia and Umber) and
diluting this mix with Testor’s
thinners and brushing the surface
of the model in a downward
direction all of the way around the
model. This last step helps remove
any excess pastels (so wiping off
the brush frequently is crucial),
helps create run-off and rainmarks,
deposits some of the dark wash
in any crevice or depression that
may have been obliterated by the
application of pastels in the initial
weathering stage and lastly, and
perhaps more importantly, helps
provide a consistent finish to the
whole model.
Although I purposely skipped
quite a few weathering steps that
I would ordinarily apply, I tend to
think that the results of the above
pastel and wash combination did
not necessitate doing any more
to the model. Of course, nothing
would prevent me from going in
with more chips, rust and rain
marks at this point, but I was more
interested in depicting a vehicle
that was not so heavily weather-
beaten but had been subjected to
dust. I particularly like that the
pastels look grounded into the
surface and created a faded effect
on the surface. Sometimes simple
is better. A

July 2019 - Model Military International 43

 FEATURE
FEA ARTICLE CMK Models 1:35 Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) • Kit No. T35006

I concentrated much of the

weathering application to the
lower half of the model.

For any blemishes, I use a lightly thinner-

moistened brush to help clean. The best
way to work the blemishes out is to keep
the application light and swirling the lightly
moistened brush on the blemishes until it
either smears, comes off or blends out.

“detail
Modelkasten tracks are high
plastic links and are
Modelspec
CMK Models 1:35 Skoda Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) Kit No. T35006

attached link-by-link and are Accessories Used:

• Eduard etch set (35121)
exquisitely detailed... • Royal Models update set (186)

B CONCLUSION
Although Tamiya re-boxed the
CMK model with a few add-ons, the
Tamiya release is more expensive.
One is better off purchasing the
original CMK offering and then
acquiring a few aftermarket
accessories (barrel and tracks
for certain) to render it to a more
accurate variant.
While Passion Models has
released replacement roadwheels, I
thought the CMK roadwheels were
just fine.
At the time of writing this
article, Academy and Bronco had
both released a Pz. Kpfw. 35(t) in
”
plastic. I am unable to comment on
either though there was some early
reviews that the Academy offering
will be a 100% new kit, tracks are
provided as link and length, and
includes two figures.
The Bronco offering will also
be a new kit and released in
conjunction with SKP. Either way,
modellers will have four options to
build this unusual tank design.
Admittedly, I will be looking
forward to trying my hand at the
Bronco Models offering–perhaps
try my hand at a Bulgarian or
Hungarian finish. ■
•
•
LionMarc replacement gun (LM50007)
MK Tracks (SK-42)
Materials and Accessories:
• Hobby knife
• Testors Liquid Cement
• Tamiya Surface Primer
• Tamiya Two-Part Epoxy Putty
Paints and Finishing Products:
• Tamiya White Primer
• Tamiya Semi-Gloss Black X-18, Tamiya German Grey
(XF-63), Tamiya Matt Black (XF-1), Tamiya Field
Blue (XF-50), Vallejo Grey Black, Humbrol Matt
Black 33, Humbrol Matt Chocolate 98, Humbrol
93 Gold Ochre oils, Sepia oil paint, Raw Umber oil
paints, various earth coloured pastels chalks

44 Model Military International - July 2019

All small details were picked
out using Humbrol paints such
as the machine guns, shovel
handle etc… The markings are
sourced from Archer.

My three primary
Humbrol enamels
weathering paints.
It does take time to
work these in and will
require patience.

For the pastel

application, I use a
combination of rust, light
brown and dark brown
mixed with Testor’s
thinners and applied in
very small quantities.

The final result with a heavy

application of pastels to the
suspension system and tracks
then affixed with Tamiya thinners.

July 2019 - Model Military International 45


TEN YEARS AGO IN MMI
L
et’s take a look at what
was in Model Military
International magazine ten
years ago.
Our Think Tank reference
section was still shiny new, and
featured Mike Shackleton’s
excellent article on British Light
Utilities in WWII and beyond.
Model Military International
issue details are listed online
46 Model Military International - July 2019
We take a walk down memory lane to see
what was happening between the covers of
Model Military International magazine a decade ago.
The Editor also built two 1:48
scale Tilly kits – the then brand
new Tamiya kit and the resin
offering from Accurate Armour.
Joel Russ was filing reports
from the front lines of Afghanistan.
Other highlights included build
features from Andy King, Andrew
Judson and Phil Hyslop. ■
Tamiya’s Austin Tilly is a plastic
kit, while the Accurate Armour
offering is in resin with a few
small photo-etched detail parts.
www.doolittlemedia.com
 MMI Issue 39
published on 4th June 2009
• PREVIEW
Luke Pitt examines Dragon’s 1:35 Panther G with
Zimmerit.

• THINK TANK
Tamiya’s 1:48 scale Austin Tilly was brand new when this issue was published. Michael Shackleton examines the Austin, Hillman,
Morris and Standard Light Utilities in WWII and
beyond.

• A TALE OF TWO TILLYS

The Editor compares and contrasts Tamiya’s and
Accurate Armour’s 1:48 scale Tillys.

• HEAVY HITTER
Andy King slugs it out with Dragon’s big 1:35 scale
15 cm Field Gun.

• FROM THE FRONT LINE

Joel Russ in Afghanistan walks us around the
newly deployed BAE Systems Panther.

• GOING LOCO
Andrew Judson builds Trumpeter’s new 1:35 scale
railway artillery shunt.

• PREVIEW
Monroe Perdu has burst onto the 1:48 scale
diorama scene with a versatile French building
and intersection.

• STUNNING STUG
Phil Hyslop applies some basic modelling
techniques to transform Dragon’s 1:35 scale
“Smart Kit” Stug.

• PREVIEW
The Editor looks under the hood of Roden’s debut
1:35 scale offering – the Rolls- Royce Armoured
Car 1920 Pattern Mk.I.

• PREVIEW
Accurate Armour’s Standard Tilly was part of their newly launched range of 1:48 scale crossover subjects. Ade Pitman examines three very large scale
weapons from Dragon.

• TECH GUIDE
Building a Display Case Part 1 by Luke Pitt.

Back issues are available at the current cover price • SHOW REPORT
Scott Taylor reports on AMPS 2009.
and can be ordered online or by calling 01525 222573

July 2019 - Model Military International 47

KIT PREVIEW Meng Model 1:35 Leopard C2 MEXAS w/Dozer Blade • Kit No. TS041

DOZER CAT
Al Bowie takes a close look at Meng Model’s new
1:35 scale Leopard C2 MEXAS w/Dozer Blade.

T
he Canadian Army has a
long history with using
tanks in combat going
back to WWII and have
used tanks in their subsequent
campaigns other than UN
peacekeeping. The Canadian Army
had started to feel there was no
place for the tank in its makeup
following the end of the Cold
War and initially sent troops to
Afghanistan equipped with the LAV
series of fighting vehicles where
it was quickly found after a near
disaster that its 25mm gun did not
provide the support required as
it lacked the punch of the heavier
tank guns.
This was soon rectified and
the Leopard C2 (The original C1
equipped with surplus German
Leopard 1A5 Turrets and Thermal
sights and an EMES 18 Fire
Control System) was fitted with
48 Model Military International - July 2019
Modular Expandable Armour and I am very pleased to see the and I prefer plastic-on-plastic fit.
System (MEXAS) and deployed inclusion of one in this kit as it The detail on the roadwheels and
to Afghanistan in 2006 to the allows something different to be sprockets etc has been improved
Canadian Battlegroup where it built rather than just a standard from Meng’s earlier Leopard 1
performed well until replaced by its gun tank. Well done Meng and I am releases which is a good thing.
successor the Leopard 2A6M. sure many will be sold just to get Three different types of drive
MENG has previously kitted this sought-after item. sprocket are included which is
versions of the Leopard 1 (1A3, The first stage is the great to allow specific vehicles to
1A5 and Gepard) and this kit builds construction of the road wheels be modelled as there are different
on those previous releases using and the sprockets and again Meng one’s fielded on certain tanks. Note
many of the previous parts and have included polythene caps that the iInstructions do not indicate
correcting previously identified sit inside the roadwheels. I must the option.
errors. I was pleasantly surprised say they don’t impress me much We move to the one-piece lower
on opening the box and inspecting
the parts and instructions that
MENG have avoided the recent
trend of “overkitting” where parts
count is everything. Construction
appears straightforward and
logical with nothing that would
be beyond the average modeller,
even, daresay it the beginner. No
manufacturer has done a kit of
a Leopard 1 with a Dozer before
Any colour you want as long as it’s green!
hull and add the various return
roller mounts, bump stops and
other details. The kit includes
torsion bars which should give
limited suspension arm travel but
if you want to pose the suspension
on rough ground these could be
left off. Detail on the arms is good.
Meng offers an excellent set of
individual Diehl tracks for the
Leo 1 but have included one-piece
vinyl offerings in this kit. Detail is
acceptable.
The upper hull shows a new
tooled engine deck which is superb
but does not have a removable
cooling exhaust grille. A nice photo-
etched part is included for this.
The whole upper hull is a new
tooled piece for this kit and despite
this carries over a few minor
quibbles such as the weld seams
etc but in all fairness most will be
hidden by the MEXAS kit.
The hull detail parts are finely
done and not overly complex in
parts count. The kit as indicated
offers a version with dozer and
Part 13 of the instructions details
the parts required for the alternate
options whilst section 14-17 details
the dozer sub assembly which is a
superb item that I hope Meng will
offer separately.
We now move to the business
end of the tank and start on
the turret which again is a new
tooled shell with sublime non
slip texturing but again some
errors creepinh in such as the
weld seams for the rangefinder
blanking plates however the rest
is excellent and finely detailed
capturing the Canadian changes
for the MEXAS fit.
The gun tube is a four-piece
affair slit longitudinally with a
2-piece muzzle cap it is however
not correct as it has the original
German cover retainers which by
this stage in the vehicles service
had been replaced like Australian
ones with plain hose clamps which
did not dislodge like the German
clamps when struck by brush.
The mantlet has a lot of fine
detail such as the searchlight
mount, which will be covered
but is there if you are doing a
maintenance scene. The dust
covers for this vehicle are provided
as two pieces of styrene allowing
either an elevated or normal gun
position. Unfortunately they are
incorrect for the vehicles deployed
to Afghanistan.
The MEXAS mounts are supplied
as separate pieces and are well
done but won’t be seen unless a
version undergoing maintenance is
being modelled.
The turret details are excellent
and the loader’s C6 MG (FN MAG
58 version) is superb - one of the
better I have seen over the years.
The Anti IED Jammer is very
detailed but covered up when
installed – go figure. Jerry Cans
with PE strap are included for the
turret (1 water , 2 fuel). I applaud
MENG for including the antennas
with their mounting base and the
aerial with protective caps – bravo!
The kit includes decals for
four vehicles, all of which served
in Afghanistan with the Lord The upper hull. The one-piece lower hull.
Strathcona’s Horse in an overall
green scheme and subdued
markings in black. Options are:
• SHQ Lord Strathcona’s Horse,
Royal Canadian Battle Group,
JTF, Afghanistan 2007 –
Standard gun tank
• 1st Tp A Sqn, Lord Strathcona’s
Horse, Royal Canadian Battle
Group, JTF, Afghanistan 2007–
Standard gun tank
Upper turret shell. The engine deck insert.
• 2nd Tp A Sqn, Lord Strathcona’s
Horse, Royal Canadian Battle
Group, JTF, Afghanistan 2007–
Dozer fitted tank
• 3rd Tp A Sqn, Lord Strathcona’s
Horse, Royal Canadian Battle
Group, JTF, Afghanistan 2007–
Dozer fitted tank
What is not apparent is that
Option A actually includes the
Side armour. Nice stretched fabric texture on the mantlet cover.
decals for ALL the SHQ vehicles
(Registration numbers are the only
difference). It should be mentioned
here is that Anthony Sewards was
a Tp Sgt in 3 Tp A Sqn LSH and
commanded Option C. He assisted
MENG in the research for this kit
and it really shows in the details
included in this outstanding kit.
This is a superb kit of Canadian
C2 Leopard and really ups the
Dozer parts. Plenty of petrol and water cans.
game in Leopard 1 kits. It is
not perfect but the research
assistance by Anthony Seward has
really lifted this kit up from the
pack. The errors it has are small
and correction sets are available
as aftermarket. Importantly this
kit adds the Leopard 1 Dozer kit to
the market allowing many unique
variants to be modelled.
I’d recommend this kit to fans of Suspension and detail parts. Road wheels and drive sprocket.
Canadian and Modern subjects. Full
marks to Meng for providing this
great kit.
This kit offers superb detail but
without the mind-numbing stress
of assembling sub miniature parts
into fragile assemblies for the
sake of parts count. It should post
no challenges to the average or
beginning modellers and is highly
recommended. It is certainly a
different build from a myriad of M4
variants that sit unfinished on the Clear parts. Photo-etch and string for the tow cable.
workbench! ■
For anyone modelling a Leopard
kit I have to recommend the
Leopard Club website, which is
a treasure trove of information
on the Leopard tank and the
various kits, reference and
accessories available -
http://leopardclub.ca/
Thanks to Meng Model for Lovely detail on the full-length vinyl tracks. Decals.
the sample.
July 2019 - Model Military International 49
SHOW REPORT ON TRACK SHOW 2019
A TRIP TO THE
SEASIDE
John Ham strolls the aisles of
the On Track Show 2019
T
he popular On Track Show 2019 was held
again at its traditional venue of Leas Cliff
Hall in Folkestone. The location close to
the Channel ensures that it has more of
an international flavour compared to most UK
model shows. There are traders and club exhibits
from Continental Europe. It of course means that
many UK residents, as I do, have to travel but the
area has other attractions so it is worth making
a weekend of it or longer. Not far away is the
Royal Engineers Museum at Chatham and more
RE exhibits at the neighbouring Historic Dockyard
as well as warships to visit. In Ashford there is a
unique WWI Mark IV tank survivor to view. Kent is
also Battle of Britain country.
The On Track Show occupies three levels in the
Hall. In the foyer area are trade stands. On the
balconies are model demonstrations and some
club displays. The main hall is mostly occupied
by traders allowing that important hands on
before you buy, especially with those less familiar
overseas products. There are some clubs here
too, including wargamers, junior kit-build and
this year on the stage, a very nice display by the
50 Model Military International - July 2019
MAFVA Zone of MAFVA branches.
Mulberry SIG of D-Day related models.
On the lower level Channel Suite with its fine
sea view is the MAFVA Zone of MAFVA branches
who are only too pleased to provide information
and give advice. The spacious Competition Area is
also located here.
A feature of the competition is free entry, so
entrants have nothing to lose by submitting an TWENOT Breda one of the regular visiting overseas AFV
entry or more. Although, most of the classes are model making clubs.
for military vehicles, there are general classes, for
aircraft, naval items and figures. Despite the show
title, all model entries are treated equally and
have the same chance of being awarded Best of
Show. Recent Best of Show winners have included
a naval diorama and a rusty old bike.
Entries from overseas visitors often
demonstrate a different perspective of interests.
It is also a good opportunity to swap tips and
information from other entrants which make it a
good learning exercise, and especially from some
of the overseas modellers.
Junior entrants are encouraged with a very
high chance of coming away with one of the prizes Mulberry SIG specialists in big concrete structures.
sponsored by Armourfast. ■
Crossley, trailer and Co. Graham Cobb’s diminutive winner of small scale military vehicles Class 5. Vichy Char Canon 75BS Andy Lang’s scratch built silver winner of Class 5.

Leopard 2 Revolution1 trial camouflage scheme, Paul Badman’s 1924 Rolls Royce with appropriate added sunshine was Steven Reay’s Grille and Senior Best of Show, Steven Reay’s entry in Class 2 for
skilfully applied digital camouflage scheme won Class 1. bronze award in Class 1. scratch built military vehicles.

Royal mechanic reporting

for duty, The Princess and her
Tilly, a small scale diorama
silver for Chris Bourne.

July 2019 - Model Military International 51

 SHOW REPORT ON TRACK SHOW 2019

Hurtgen Forest a late war diorama winner for Colin Smith in Class 3.

Turan II a bronze for Matthew Lenton in Class 4.

Bader, a personality winner for Rob Hendon in figure Class 7.

SAS in Belize a sweaty bronze award for Steven Spooner in diorama Class 3.

Lost in France, a Panther without a Michelin map and Junior Best

of Show for Lance Taylor.

52 Model Military International - July 2019

Flettner 282 Kolibri, a flying machine entry and winner of military aircraft Class 6 for Colin Lennon.

Mark IV tank in Ashford town Centurion ARK at the Royal

centre, the last of the surplus Engineers Museum, Chatham, one of
WWI commemoration tanks many bridging vehicles and engineer
gifted to fund raising towns AFVs in the outdoor display area.
remaining in its original location.

July 2019 - Model Military International 53

 Small Arms Corner

M60 MACHINE GUN

The M60, officially the United Even so, the M60’s handling,
States Machine Gun, Calibre 7.62 mechanical simplicity and effective
mm, M60, is a family of American operation was considered
general-purpose machine guns invaluable in the harsh tropical
firing 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges environment of Vietnam. SPECIFICATIONS
from a disintegrating belt of M13 The M60’s manufacture and
links. There are several types of continued upgrade for military Weight: 23.15 lb (10.5 kg)
ammunition approved for use in and commercial use continues into Length: 43.5 in (1,105 mm)
the M60, including ball, tracer, and the 21st century, although it has 53 in (1,346 mm)
armour-piercing rounds. been replaced or supplemented in Barrel Length: 22 in (560 mm)
Introduced in 1957, it has served most roles by other designs, most
with every branch of the U.S. notably the M240 machine gun in Cartridge: 7.62×51mm NATO
military and still serves with the U.S. service. Action: Gas operated, short stroke gas piston, open bolt.
armed forces of other states. Bandiana Military Museum in Rate of fire: 500–650 round/min
During the Vietnam War, the M60 Wodonga, around three hours
was used as a squad support north of Melbourne Australia, holds Muzzle velocity: 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s)
weapon. The M60 was nicknamed a well-preserved example of an Effective firing range: 1,200 yd (1,100 m)
“The Pig” due to its bulky size and M60 machine gun. * Feed system: Disintegrating belt with M13 Links
susceptibility to damage.
Sights: Iron sights
*Historical text adapted from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M60_machine_gun and information at Bandiana Military Museum.

54 Model Military International - July 2019

 A busy shot
of the cooling
jacket, carry
handle (folded
down), rear
iron sight and
ammo feed.

The distinctive
muzzle and
the forward
iron sight.

Mount and
adjustment
wheels.

One side of
the folded
bipod.

Close up of
the main body
A view of the overall gun on its tripod mount. of the M60.

July 2019 - Model Military International 55

 Book Reviews
OSPREY PUBLISHING
THE HISTORY OF THE PANZERJÄGER VOLUME 1 –
ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION 1939-42
BY THOMAS ANDERSON
ISBN: 978-1-4728-1758-7
Thomas Anderson is well known to anyone with an
interest in German AFVs of WWII and continues to add
to the available knowledge pool on German Armour
and Artillery of WWII from the outbreak of war in 1939
until 1942.
Thomas has already written many books and articles
for Osprey books and other publishers on the subject
of German Armoured Fighting Vehicles of WWII on
subjects within this timeframe and this new hard cover
title is packed full of detailed information pertaining
to the development of the German Panzerjäger arm of
early WWII.
Germany used a number of Panzerjäger (loosely
translated meaning Tank Hunter) in supporting roles
throughout WWII in towed and self-propelled versions.
Germany was innovative in the use of these forces
choosing to use these mobile anti-tank forces in
offensive as well as defensive roles. They were often
a decisive factor in battles particularly in the North
African campaign snatch victory from defeat many
times. This is the first volume in a two-part series
covering the origins of the force and equipment and its
development as new threats were met.
The book packs a lot into the 303 pages and covers
origins, weapons, tactics and organisation as they
developed through the time period 1939-42. It is
packed with a lot of previously unpublished wartime
photos, combat reports backed by detailed charts and
statistics. This book and its follow-on volume will give
a thorough account of this very important and integral
part of the German Military machine.
Thomas Anderson covers the many variants of
Panzerjäger artillery employed during Germany’s
military ascendancy and measures their strengths and
weakness. He uses period information and reports to
understand how tactics were developed and evolved as
different threats were encountered on the battlefield.
The book is presented in a logical format in 12 chapters
covering the following
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 – Interwar years
• Chapter 2 - Spanish Civil War
• Chapter 3 – Early Heavy AT Weapons
• Chapter 4 – Poland
• Chapter 5 – France
• Chapter 6 – Preparing for Seelöwe
• Chapter 7 – Close Combat Weapons
• Chapter 8 – Technical Changes
• Chapter 9 – Preparations for Russia
• Chapter 10 – North Africa
• Chapter 11 – The Invasion of Crete
• Chapter 12 – The Invasion of Russia
• Index
I found this an excellent title covering a fascinating
subject that I normally find myself studying from the
other side. It captivated me and answered a lot of the
questions it raised in the earlier chapters. The photo
selection is excellent with many appearing for the
first time in print. They were supported by excellent
captions and were large and clear. I was impressed
by the depth of research and particularly the fact
that obscure and rarer weapons were discussed and
particularly the reasons for their development.
This title is not just aimed at the modeller, history buff
etc but would not be out of place in the library of a
professional scholar on artillery and military tactics.
I found it easy to read and eagerly await the second
volume.
Highly Recommended.
Available online from Osprey Publishing and specialty
book shops worldwide www.ospreypublishing.co.uk
Al Bowie

56 Model Military International - July 2019

HAYNES PUBLISHING
ANHARD ARMOURED CAR, 1961
ONWARDS (AML 60, AML 90 AND
ELAND).
BY SIMON DUNSTAN
ISBN 978 1 78521 194 2
An ostrich ambles past a group of Panhard
armoured cars manned by French crews resting
in the midday sun. This is Chad 1983 and the
photograph is a defining image of the AML in
service.
Designed in 1958 after experience in the French
colonial independence wars as a security and
border patrol vehicle, this AFV saw long service
with the French Army and as an export to many
nations in the territorial wars of the second half
of the 20th Century. Still operational in many
countries, the AML as its 60mm mortar and
90mm gun variants is still valued for its original
attributes: small, lightweight, transportable,
inexpensive, simply maintained, and endowed
with impressive firepower. South Africa bought
and license produced AMLs from 1961,
eventually manufacturing its own Eland version
also becoming a successful export.
The AML chassis and its APC version has given
rise to many variants: AA models, ATGM armed,
engineer and recovery, command, ambulances,
amphibious and mortar carriers, and stripped
down scout versions. Especially notable in the
book are chapters on AML users including not
only African and Arabic nations, but also Ireland,
Israel, Argentina, Spain and Portugal, all with
separate descriptions and photos, and on Eland
operations in the Border Wars in Southern Africa.
Much information has been assembled here on an
AFV that merits more attention than it receives.
Recommended.
Thanks to Haynes for the review sample
www.haynes.com
John Ham
OSPREY PUBLISHING
RUSSIAN SOLDIER VERSUS JAPANESE
SOLDIER, MANCHURIA 1904-05
BY DAVID CAMPBELL
OSPREY COMBAT 39
ISBN 978 1 4728 2812 5
In weak 19th Century China foreign nations
sought to increase territorial gains and influence.
By the turn of the century this brought Japan
and Russia to open warfare in Manchuria.
Accurate artillery and machine gun fire was
bringing mass lethality to battlefields but many
infantry commanders still had a belief in the
power of the bayonet charge.
Despite Imperial Russia having a large and
confident army it was outdated and inefficient
whereas the resurgent Japan had a modernised
and well trained force. The underestimated
Japanese forces inflicted major defeats on Russia
but at heavy cost.
Three of the most significant battles of the war
are examined in detail: the Japanese crossing of
the Yalu River, the battle for Laioyang and the
siege of Port Arthur. These latter two were well
defended and fortified cities and heavy casualties
were inflicted on the Japanese in particularly
brutal fighting as Russian positions were
repeatedly taken and retaken in close quarter
fighting. These battles were well reported by
foreign military observers and newspaper war
correspondents, supplying eyewitness accounts
and some remarkable photographs of the front
line action from both sides.
Recommended.
Thanks to Osprey for the review sample
www.ospreypublishing.co.uk
John Ham
OSPREY PUBLISHING
M1A2 ABRAMS MAIN BATTLE TANK
1993-2018
BY STEVEN ZALOGA
OSPREY NEW VANGUARD 268
ISBN 978 1 4728 3178 1
The M1 Abrams tank is proven battlefield
winner. With a Commander’s thermal viewer
and weapons station, positional navigation and
sophisticated computer systems it became the
improved M1A2. Following the collapse of the
Soviet Union in 1991, M1A2 orders were reduced,
the main upgrade effort became the cheaper
alternative of updating existing M1 stocks.
Experience from the Gulf Wars, the long US Iraq
deployment, and Afghanistan introduced further
revisions including increased armour protection
from RPGs and IEDs, electronic jamming of
ATGMs and IEDs, electronic friend or foe
identification, and new ammunition types. US
factories undertook major modernization of older
tanks, but add-on kits provided extra protections
like the TUSK urban warfare package with
reactive armour, loader’s gun shield, thermal
vision devices, remote commander’s weapon,
and main gun barrel mounted MG.
Specialist AFVs on the M1 chassis include
bridgelayers, combat engineer and mine
clearance vehicles. Australia and some Arabic
countries are M1 export recipients. Necessary
repetition with the earlier Osprey NVG 2 Abrams
of 1993 is minimal, with the added refinement of
colour photos in the later volume. Together, we
have a good history of the M1 MBT.
Recommended.
Thanks to Osprey for the review sample
www.ospreypublishing.co.uk
John Ham
July 2019 - Model Military International 57
 Figures - A round-up of the latest figure sets on release...

D-DAY MINIATURE STUDIO

1:35 SCALE SPECIAL LE FELES 2019 EDITION
“TOGETHER AGAINST BLITZKRIEG”
WWII BELGIAN ARMY & BEF, BELGIUM 1940
ITEM NO. 35138
D-Day Miniature Studio has released another multi-
figure set, this time “Together Against Blitzkrieg” WWII
Belgian Army & BEF, Belgium 1940.
Four figures are offered. Two are Belgian – a soldier and
a nurse wearing a Belgian helmet over her distinctive
headdress – as well two BEF soldiers. One of the British
soldiers is injured and seated on a chair. The chair is
supplied as in three resin parts. The injured soldier
is cast with bandages under his tunic and below his
helmet – quite clever and effective.
The package is delivered in a single side-opening
cardboard box with the figures packed in separate
ziplock plastic bags. 23 resin parts are supplied in total.
Casting quality is excellent. Fabric drapes naturally and
detail is sharp.
The four figures are all standing in relaxed poses, so they
will be suitable for all sorts of vignettes and dioramas.
All figures are cast with separate arms and head.
Weapons are separate parts too.
The figures are also available from D-Day Miniature
Studios’ website individually, and also offered in a
couple of pairs (the Belgian and the British figures are
paired off).
This is another high quality and versatile set from
D-Day Miniature Studio that will look great posed with
buildings and vehicles or as a standalone vignette.
Highly Recommended.
D-Day Miniature Studio products are available online
from their website http://www.ddayminiaturestudio.com
Brett Green

ZVEZDA
1:35 scale Russian contempoRaRy tank cRew • item no. 3685
New from Zvezda is this set of three figures and
although it says tank crew, one of the figures is
in ceremonial uniform so it doesn’t really count.
However as one of the crew is saluting the set
depicts a parade and according to the blurb on the
back of the box the crew are designed for Russia’s
shiny new T-14 Armata tank.
Just one sprue in grey polystyrene is in the box,
along with a black and white printed leaflet for the
assembly and painting instructions for the four-tone
camouflage uniform so good luck following that.
The box art is pretty uninspiring and may put you
off as the figures don’t look that good, however
looking at the actual plastic they are pretty decent.
With some work such as re-scribing seams and
deepening undercuts they will be a match for
any of the other brands of figures available. Facial
details are pretty good too plus the boots for the
tankers have a tread pattern moulded in.
Two figures are tank crew and both feature the
current camouflaged uniform with the rubberised
headgear. The third figure is standing in a ’present
arms’ pose with a SKS/ Simonov self-loading
carbine and wears the ceremonial uniform for The
Commandants Regiment of the Guard of Honour
Battalion. There is a base for this figure so you could
paint it red seeing that it’s square…..I’ll get my coat.
The leaflet provided for the assembly I could
understand but a not-very-clear picture in black and
white for the painting instructions is just silly. Even
though it’s in colour the box art is not much better
either so you will need to do further research.
With a bit of work the figures will look good and
ideal for your T-14 Armata on parade so don’t be
put off by the box art.
Recommended.
Thanks to The Hobby Company for the sample
www.hobbyco.net
Andy King

58 Model Military International - July 2019

KIT PREVIEW Dragon 1:35 Sd.Kfz. 84 Elefant • Kit No. 6871
THE TRUSTY ELEFANT
Graham Tetley is still impressed with the 2000-vintage Dragon
1:35 scale Elefant that offers moulded zimmerit as an option.
D
ragon first released their
Elefant back in 2000 and
it has been re-released
in several guises since.
This latest reincarnation is a
combination of 6465 & 6311 with
the option to now build it with or
without zimmerit. The ultimate
was the ‘Premium’ version which
came with oodles of etch, metal
parts and Magic Tracks and which I
sadly missed out on. I do have the
Cyberhobby Ferdinand though!
What we have in the box here
is the trusty Elefant kit of old but
virtually many of the goodies. Gone
are the Magic Tracks, etched and
metal parts but we do get a turned
metal barrel. A small quantity of
Magic Tracks are provided for the
spare tracks only. Dragon have
also retained the short lengths of
chain for depicting the vision port
plugs open. Metal wire is provided
for the towing cable, but I find
this too inflexible and will replace
it with kite string. The quality
of the moulding on the parts is
top notch as, apart from the DS
Tracks, there are no moulding
imperfections, flash or knock-out
pin marks in visible areas. Markings
are provided for eight vehicles
– six for Schwere Panzerjaeger
Abteilung 653 and two for Schwere
Panzerjaeger Abteilung 614 in both
Poland and Italy.
Construction is over 22 steps
and the instructions are nice and
clear. Options are limited to the
aforementioned zimmerit parts
as, in the box, we get optional
lower hull and casemates with
the appropriate zimmerit or non-
zimmerit parts on Sprues M, B &
Y respectively. The zimmerit itself
is very fine and exceptionally well
done, certainly better than I could
do myself and much less fuss that
adding an aftermarket alternative.
That said, I do have some
criticisms. The first is that it is
very even with no representation
of wear & tear, the second being
that the location points for all
of the tools are not present. The
non-zimmerited parts have all
locations molded on and easy to
see, but with them not being on
the zimmerited parts the builder
is left to guess their location plus
you are attaching the plastic tools
to an uneven surface.
Some years ago now I built the
non-zimmerited version and can
report that construction is pretty
easy. The two-part suspension
arms needed a bit of clean-up
but the lower hull is a breeze to
go together. What I recommend
you do is build the entire lower
hull but leave the top panel part
A1 and the casemate separate.
Mine needed a bit of wiggling into
place to eliminate the gaps but,
generally, there were no problems
in fitting the many separate
panels and armour plates to both
front and rear.
Regarding the DS Tracks
though, I have found that the
guide holes do not mesh properly
with the sprocket teeth. You will
need to shave a little from the
base of the guide teeth to get
a flawless fit. My DS Tracks will
be replaced anyway, but this is a
little annoying.
Instructions.
The full length flexible DS Tracks.
Metal barrel.
Many of Dragon’s older kits are
still very respectable – indeed
perhaps the best available – and
I would put the Elefant into this
category. There is a current trend
amongst newer manufacturers
to start including full interiors
with their models and – at the
time of writing – it is rumoured
that one may be on the way from
another Far Eastern manufacturer.
However, Dragon are not going
down this path and are following Plentiful marking options.
on with their policy of simply
releasing older kits with some
basic tweaks here and there.
In combining zimmerit and
non-zimmerit parts, my main
Zimmerit detail.
reservation is that, within the
asking price, you are paying for
a lot of parts that won’t be used
and are unlikely to have a use for
in the spares box. I would rather
have seen Dragon provide us with
two kits and, instead of a lot of
wasted plastic, give us some etch Close up of the bow zimmerit.
& Magic Tracks instead, and leave
the options choice to the buyer.
That said, this is certainly the
best Elefant currently available
from any manufacturer. Having
spent a lot of time cuddling up
to the Elefant when she was at
Bovington I can confirm that what
Dragon have missed on this model
is either not of consequence
The sprue with zimmerit parts.
or impossible to replicate in
1:35. It therefore comes highly
recommended. ■
Thanks to The Hobby
Company Limited for the
sample www.hobbyco.net
Close up of the casemate zimmerit.
July 2019 - Model Military International 59
 1:48 Scale – A round-up of the latest news and releases
APARTMODELLING
THREE - MODEL MEMORIES
TALE by Paul McMahon
Until next time and thank you Paul for your story, I too remember

H
ere are some of my model memories, or at least what I can
remember being an innocent and a wide eyed five-year-old! string up an Airfix B-17 on the washing line and using a “slug gun”
As I seem to recall entering my Grandparents’ parlour and to test how long my simulated “flak damage” would affect its flight
gazing upon my Uncle’s 1:76 scale Matchbox AFV kits in all characteristics. That’s what I told my Mum anyway. Remember everyone
their coloured plastic glor. What filled me with awe was a Comet and if you have a story of memory send it to us and we will publish it.
Panzer III that had pride of place on the sideboard. One day, I hoped that I
was going to build something approaching these unpainted gems. Luke Pitt
My first attempt at making a kit arrived three years later when I sank my
teeth into a Matchbox 1:72 He 111. Painted in gloss Brunswick green, black
with light blue under sides and with more than a little help from my Dad
it was hung from the bedroom ceiling to colour an overactive imagination
with images of Battle of Britain dogfights. The search for realism ended
eventually with me exploring the flight characteristics of several fighters
being ejected from my 2nd story bedroom with flaming wingtips helpfully
provided by the contents of a “Matchbox” ... Little boys and matches.
PARENTS BEWARE!
I finally got around to AFVs in the form of the 1:76 Jagdpanther and still
have it tucked away in a storage box. College provided me with money (a
course the EEC funded me expenses to a tune of IRE£96 per month) and I
found a model shop in D Olier Street Dublin. That’s is where I threw caution
to the wind spending all my money with this model addiction.
I filled my parent’s attic with 1:35 scale kits and eventually had to move
to my own home. I now fill up my own home with 1/48th scale AFV kits
(having switched scales).
The determination and enthrallment with AFV kits are still as strong as ever
as I try to put as much detail as I can into each kit I do. It took me five years
to do a 1:48 scale Sherman Firefly and have just taken four and a half years
to do a SA-4. so, I am improving my build rate!

Paul McMahon

SCALE 75
1:48 SCALE
BRITISH TROOPS
ITEM NO. SW 48-010
It’s hard to believe this is the tenth
1:48 scale figure set from Scale 75.
Each set has improved upon its
predecessor and as a result, there
is almost nothing to fault. Two full
figures are included, the figures
are scanned three dimensionally
(produced in prototyping resin)
cleaned and then recast in
standard resin. The first figure is of
a late war English foot solider in a 40 pattern uniform with a Brodie helmet and
carrying a sten gun. The approach of producing the hands griping the weapon
as one unit is clever and a great aid to the painting process. The second figure is
a late war tanker in a one piece “overall “with one hand on a pair of binoculars
and the other on his waist. I would best describe the build of this figure as
largish for the World War period. I can’t recommend these two figures highly
enough. Make no mistake these are “top draw” and almost impossible to fault.
Tis whole range is probably the best series of 1:48 scale figures I have ever had
the chance to review. Our thanks go out to Scale 75 for providing the review
sample. If you want the best 1:48 scale figures on the market today go out and
buy these, you will not be disappointed in fact I think you will be amazed.
Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Scale 75 for the sample.
Luke Pitt

60 Model Military International - July 2019

THE HONOURABLE LEAD
BOILERSUIT COMPANY
1:48 SCALE
MODERN US TANK CREW
STANDING: ITEM NO. US1
MODERN US TANK CREW
WALKING CARRYING A JERRY
CAN: ITEM NO. US5
The abovementioned company is small and old
school but brother, they have sent some pretty
outstanding figures for review.
These figures are done the old school way via hand
sculpts. The result you might ask? Pretty much perfection. and boots are all delivered to a very high standard.
as good as digitally scan pieces. Now that a big Enter old school figures. I tend to cut these up Make no mistake guys these are equal to anything
statement in itself so let me explain. to suit a particular scenario I’ve dreamt up in my out there and come in some “snazzy packaging” as
With digital scans you generally get a one or two- head. These two figures from HLBC fit the bill nicely well. Both of these would work very well with the
piece figure with most of the torso head and legs for me. Each is very well cast in five light sand resin recently released Abrams from Tamiya.
presented as one piece. The detail, depending on parts. Both have basically the same head and upper Thanks to HLBC for proving the review samples.
the printer can be photo realistic. But here’s the torso. Each has different arms and lower bodies to They may be contacted here https://www.hlbs-
rub. They are so good it takes a brave man to suit its application. redux.co.uk
modify them. Yes, I know that sound funny but These two are very well done with the head sculpt Highly Recommended.
I for one don’t like messing with (in some cases) being particularly good. The fabric folds, hands Luke Pitt

NOSTALGIA CORNER
TAMIYA 1:48 PANZER IV AUSF. J
Luke Pitt shares some photos of his Tamiya 1:48
scale Panzer IV Ausf. J, built in 2008 and appearing
in Model Military International Issue 36.

July 2019 - Model Military International 61

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ACCURATE ARMOUR/ DELUXE MATERIALS MIG PRODUCTIONS SCHATTON BARRELS
ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION www.deluxematerials.co.uk (Creative Models in UK) Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany
Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, info@deluxematerials.com C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, Fax; 09961 910 7826
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MISSION MODELS Tel; 020 8392 8585, 020 8392 9876,
THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd ECHELON FINE DETAILS (ETCHMATE, GRABHANDLER, MICRO CHISEL) email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk
Unit 7 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Available from; wwwaccurate-armour.com & www.etchmate.com
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CAMMETT
export@icm.com.ua PSP MODELS LTD Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 - 08800
www.icm.com.ua (Mission Models in USA)
(Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain
Unit 19B, Applin’s Farm, Farrington, Dorset DT11 8RA. Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12
Unit 5 Greenfield Industrial Estate,
Forest Road, Hay on Wye, Powys, HR3 5FA
ITALERI Tel/Fax; 01747 811 817 Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54
(The Hobby Company in UK) www.psp-models.com www.acrylicosvallejo.com
Tel; 01497 822757
Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno,
Email; cammettco@btinternet.com
www.cammett.co.uk
Bologna, Italy, QUICKBOOST VLS CORPORATION
Tel; 051 726037 www.quickboost.net (LSA in UK)
www.italeri.com
CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS (TRAKZ, WINGZ, CUSTOM DIORAMICS, WARRIORS);
Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, REVELL GMBH Lincoln County Industrial Park, 1011 Industrial Court,
Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley,
JUST BASES Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate, Moscow Mills, Missouri 63362, USA
21 Graham Road, Paignton TQ3 1BB Cheddington Lane, Tring, Herts, HP23 4QR www.modelmecca.com
Leics UK. LE10 1YF
Tel; 01803 558520 Tel; 01629 660 291
Tel; 01455 233 747,
www.just-bases.co.uk ukbranch@revell.de
Fax; 01455 233 737 WHITE ENSIGN MODELS
midlandbooks@compuserve.com www.revell.de/en (Toms Model Works)
www.classic-publications.com JUST KITS 8532 Lamar Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA
4 High Street, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2EA SB MODELS Tomsmodelworks@aol.com
Tel; 01489 781177 UK distributor for Model Victoria and Royal Model
CREATIVE MODELS LTD www.justkitsandmodels.co.uk
www.whiteensignmodels.com
(Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures) P.O. Box 114, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0WY
Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome Tel/Fax; 01229 430 749 WWII PRODUCTIONS, AUSTRALIA
Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. PE16 6TG MDC sales@sbmodels.fsnet.co.uk 12 Prince Street, Waratah, 2298, NSW, Australia
Tel; 01354 760022 Model Design Construction, Victoria Place, www.sbmodels.net Tel; +61 (0)2 4967 3205
www.creativemodels.co.uk Victoria Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3FW Fax; +61 (0)2 4967 3207
info@creativemodels.co.uk Fax; 01773 513344 SBLC ww2prod@optusnet.com.au
orders@modeldesignconstruction.com PO Box 794, Cheltenham GL52 3ZW
www.modeldesignconstruction.com RICHARDSBLC@aol.com
DARTMOOR MILITARY MODELS ZVEZDA
Haylis cottage, Budlake, Broadclyst (The Hobby Company in UK)
Exeter, EX5 3LJ, England MODELING ARTISAN MORI SBX MODEL SHOP Promishlennaia Str.,2, Lobnya, Moscow Region,
Tel; 01392 881271 http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~m.a.mori/index_eng.html Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 5DN 141730 Russia
www.dartmoormilitarymodels.com Tel; 01473 464311 office@zvezda.org.ru
www.sbxmodelshop.co.uk www.zvezda.org.ru

■ Please mention ‘Model Military International’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks!

64 Model Military International - July 2019

 Next Issue
On sale 4 July 2019
ISSUE No.159 July 2019,
Published 6th June 2019
Editor; Brett Green
Group Editor; Marcus Nicholls
Publisher; Alan Harman
Graphic Design; Alex Hall
Advertising Manager; Richard Andrews
Office Manager; Paula Gray
Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie
MMI Website; Doolittle Media
Web Team

ARCHER REDUX
The Editor adds figures to Tamiya’s
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Seymour Distribution
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Tel; 020 7429 4000
1:35 scale Archer Tank Destroyer
Newstrade;
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a diorama based on Takom’s
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FOR YOUR SAFETY Back Issues;

Don’t forget, when using solvents
such as glues, paints, thinners and cleaning
agents, always ventilate your work area
thoroughly and wear a face mask.
When using power tools, side cutters or any
tool that can suddenly break or create high-
speed airborne particles, wear approved eye
protectors with hard, clear lenses. Please
always model in safety!
Back Issues are available at the current
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or visit www.modelmilitary.com
The paper used in this magazine is manufactured at the
Leipa Georg Mill and is 100% recycled using de-inked
pulp. The mill conforms fully with the requirements of
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for their environmental policies.

...and much more!

RUSSIAN VICTORY DAY PARADE
Reference from Jon Ham
Due to many influencing factors, we
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above projects, but we’ll try our best!
© Doolittle Media 2019
The paper used on
this title is from
sustainable forestry

July 2019 - Model Military International 65

 The Last Post...
APACHES TAKE OFF FOR ESTONIA
UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson bids fare-
well to Army aviators as they took off for Estonia,
where they will be training alongside NATO forces
working to reassure allies and to deter adversaries.
MOD - UK Ministry of Defence 2019
Secretary of State
for Defence, The
Rt Hon Gavin
Williamson CBE
MP, seen here with
Major Tim Pittaway,
Senior Flying
Instructor for
Attack Helicopter
Force at Wattisham
Flying Station.
66 Model Military International - July 2019
3
Regiment Army Air Corps is deploying
to the Baltics for three months, with
Apache attack helicopters of 663
Squadron taking off from their base
at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk today
(Mon 15 Apr). The Apaches will be working in
tandem with the Army’s Wildcat battlefield
reconnaissance helicopters to provide valuable
training opportunities to NATO allies on
Estonia’s annual Exercise Spring Storm and to
the UK-led battlegroup deployed on NATO’s
enhanced Forward Presence (eFP).
Before the Apaches departed from
Wattisham, the Defence Secretary spoke with
the soldiers who fly and maintain the aircraft
to understand more about its capabilities and
their mission.
The helicopter deployment will boost the
UK’s presence in the Baltics – known as
Operation CABRIT - to around 1,000 personnel,
making the UK the largest contributor to eFP.
The Wildcat’s surveillance ability combined with
the Apache’s sensors and weaponry will be a
step change in troops’ capabilities to detect,
track and engage targets during the exercises
they participate in.
Major Dave Lambert, Officer Commanding
663 Sqn, said, “The deployment to Estonia
is a fantastic opportunity for the Squadron
to challenge itself. It will test how we deploy
and operate overseas, develop our operational
partnership with the Wildcat and our ability
to work alongside our NATO allies. Everyone
in the Squadron – from ground crew to pilots
- has worked hard to prepare for Estonia,
and we’re looking forward to Establishing
ourselves in theatre and contributing to
NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence.” ■
A 3 Regiment Army Air Corps soldier stands ready
as Apache Attack Helicopters prepare to take off
after a visit by Secretary of State for Defence,
Gavin Williamson, at Wattisham Flying Station.
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