The EMPIRE Strikes Back

No, this isn't Star Wars. This is a group of Modelcollect 'Fist of War' series kits. These BLF 100 walkers do remind me of the ATSTs in Star Wars, and Yes, being in an icy snow covered terrain MIGHT be reminiscent of the Planet Hoth, just a different Empire involved.

 The burnt out Sherman I believe is an old Revell kit from my scrap box. The 1/72 figures are from various sources including Preiser and Hasegawa. Stowage for all vehicles is from Black Dog. The bridge is a combination of HO bridge railings with some wood planking from a 1/35 flat bed rail car.

I had fun with various water, snow and Ice techniques using Woodland Scenics products.

Vince B. 10-29-19

Russian KZKT-537L Russian Tractor

My attempt to build one of Takom's 1/72 trucks that come in the Russian Army Tractor Set.  Believe it or not after 30+ years in this hobby, this is my first 1/72 scale kit, and it made my eyes bleed.

It went together well, just a bit of small stuff to fiddle with.  I used Ammo by Mig paints and the salt chipping technique to create the rusty spots.  The load in the bed is a mash up from my spares and a barrel set from Value Gear.  I broke the mirrors of about 4X each and you can imagine the fit I had with the photo-etched wipers.  I hit it with an enamel wash and lightly dusted it with pigments.

I added slapped together a base to show the vehicle setting on a tarmac with some other cargo setting on a concrete slab.

Maybe I've got one more 1/72 scale kit in me, but I got to rest my eyes for a while.

Thanks for looking - George

Panzer Kampfkanone

Yes, this was a  Gundam kit which I modified slightly. Though as a GUNDAM, it was 1/144 scale, I figure it closer to 1/96 for practical purposes.

 The kit itself was simple as a Bandai, it would all plug together. Since I wanted to do some mods, I build it out of sequence and in sections to better paint it as a Nazi vehicle. 

Of course I am still using enamels and lacquers with an oil wash.  I think  I'm going to go back and do some more weathering.

Vince B 10-16-19

SOVIET BTR-70 AFGHANISTAN Version

This is Trumpeters' 1/35 BTR-70 Afghanistan version.

She was painted using Tamiya acrylics. Given a pin wash (which didnt work out so well). And weathered with Vallejo Pigment Powders.

She has a complete interior and nice detail but way too many fiddly bits! This kit has a part count of 520 which is ABSURD for its size.

She came out ok and I am glad she's done.