Too Much time on my Hands!

Hello All!

So for farts and giggles, I decided to add some detail to the remaining Panzer IVs I had. The earlier BF sculpts have a few tools and the like missing as well as some details so I thought it might be fun to super detail one to see if the results are worth it.

I re-detailed the fender headlight into a Notec light and re-carved the fire extinguisher. Also on the left, I added wire cutters, proper shackle hooks (molded ones are incorrect for Ausf F onward), wrench,  spare wheel mount, barrel cleaning rod, slack adjuster tool, a spare helmet, rear smoke discharger,  rear taillight and fender detail.

On the right, I added a shovel, additional cleaning rod pieces for long 75mm, a packsack, helmet, fender detail and some parts to the jack. Once done I then discovered that the right fender and hull were horribly mismatched. The cast was badly warped and refused to sit right no mater what filing and sanding took place. The angle on the resin hull ment that it either sat up or down but not straight. I decided to pin it into proper position (as close as possible) and fill the gaps with putty and cover with sandbags.

 On the front I added the pins to the tow hooks and eventually plan on adding a tow cable and new barrel. Many small detailing was added to the cast hull (screw holes and the like) that may show up in the close ups.


Stay tuned for more updates!

Added the brass barrel, hull MG, a tow cable and a few other small details.

 I added the radio antenna, folded down, a couple spare track links, and a scratchbuilt gasmask cannister beside the packsack. Next up, prime and basecoat!

Cheers!

Troy

My First Camo 15.

Hey All!

 I may detail the crewman a bit more but I pretty much have completed the Panzer IVf2. I added some scratchbuilt epoxy sandbags and rolls, a pail, a tow cable, helmets, and a few gas cans.
I painted the vehicle up as a DAK vehicle re-routed to the Ost front. It sports a quick overspray of Panzer Grey. As far as I can tell this is plausible and I think that it looks similar to the color plate I posted a few entries back...although a bit cleaner!

I know , I know, the balkenkreuz and the tow cable are reversed in the rear! I dunno what I was thinking but actually realized it only after posting the pics!

 I used a dark brown wash and highlighted the edges with a lightened base color to show where the camo had worn off. Also, I painted in a few small details like roof and hinge screws and weld seams on the turret.
The mini is a typical early Battlefront product and suffers from poor detail on the wheel boggies, wrong or missing tools, and a terrible cupola (pretty much had to carve from scratch). I realize that BF is not in the business of making scale models so this does fit the bill for wargaming nicely.

Actual color plate below...

Cheers!

Troy

24th Panzer Division PzKpfw IVF2

 Hey All!

So after searching the 'net and my reference books, I have come to the conclusion that the Panzer IVf2s armed with the L/43 7.5cm K.w.K.40 that were supplied to the panzer divisions that were taking part in Fall Blau, may have been originally destined for the North African campaign and factory finished in Grunbraun Gelbbraun RAL 8000 or Sandgelb RAL 8020. Perhaps they were rerouted to the East front?!

There were aproximatly 12 vehicles given to most panzer divisions in March 1942ish. I am thinking that this is the color shown in the previous blog entry color photo. It looks to me as if it has been oversprayed in Schwarzgrau (panzer grey). Feedback?

So I begin a trip into uncharted painting territory. I have basecoated the PzIVF2 in a mix of Tamiya Desert Yellow and white. This will be lightened later. The plan is to add light Tamiya XF-63 German Grey bands and sqiggles then lighten and highlight/wash.  I think the vehicle will be dusted extensively to blend a bit. Stay tuned!

 I finished mudding up the two T34s and flatcoating. I think the paint job darkened up a bit with the addition of the two coats of Vallejo flat I am a bit dissapointed...although the final look is pretty close to the first T34 I painted up a few years ago (number 7)

Cheers!

Troy