1/35 AFV-CLUB SHO'T KAL GIMEL

 

This is the AFV-CLUB IDF SHO'T KAL GIMEL in 1/35. This kit was a struggle to build. I started it in July and finished last night. The only joy I had during the process was the painting and weathering. There is much discussion about color for IDF vehicles and in talking it over with folks in our group, it has been shown through research that the color has changed over the years, so the year that the modeler intends to showcase will drive the color choice. The good news is that there are a number of manufacturers that have products available to cover these colors with reasonable accuracy. Since I was going after the 1982 War in Lebanon, I chose Vallejo's Sinai Gray '82 71.142.

The Sho't Kal Gimel is a heavily modified British Centurion (either a MKIII or MKV). In my opinion, this is a classic AFV and given what the IDF has done to modify it to suit their needs, makes it a great subject to model. Unfortunately the kit is substandard and requires a tremendous amount of attention from the modeler to make it work. 

 

I gave it a pin wash with Tamiya Black and Brown Panel Liner. The paint chipping was done using the sponge method with Tamiya Dark Iron, and I used Vallejo Pigments for the sand and dust effects. The figure is from Valkyrie and is nicely detailed. The stowage set is the Legends IDF Centurion Stowage set. The tow cables are the Eureka XXL Israeli Merkava I & II metal/resin set and are quite nice.

Even though I considered this a challenging build, I am pleased with the way she came out. My intent is to put this in a diorama with a couple of other vehicles some time next year, so stand by for more!

Happy modelling.