Panzer Train and another Hypothetical Armored Rail piece

Coming Soon :
Panzer Train, another Hypothetical Armored Rail piece mimicking the various designs thrown together during the war. Almost ready for final weathering.

 "Forgotten", a factual representation of a Panther in an abandoned rail yard left behind under heavy camouflage. This will also be completed by the next meeting.

 I will be making a presentation comparing and contrasting the various armor railed kits used from Dragon and Trumpeter as well as explaining the scratch building involved for the Hypothetical pieces.

Vince Barrale

The Tiger Train

Well, I wasn't expecting to get this far this year, but I am at the 99% level of this project. The few little details I have left probably wouldn't show up on my camera anyway, but should be completed before I bring to the next meeting.

I had debated on finishing it as new, rolling out of the train yard for the first time on its way to the eastern front on the outskirts of Berlin Jan 1946, but could not resist the opportunity to RUST it out a bit.  Lets say that this is more into the summer of 1946 on its way back from helping defeat the Russians.

Vince Barrale

Panzer Punk?

Are you ready for some Panzer Punk? Yes it is relatively finished. After these photos, I may want to go back and do some touch up. I always see a few little details from editing photos. Now I know how Hugh Hefner feels.

The only way to properly display this 1/72 scale piece is in the trenches. I had to do just enough background work to illustrate scale as it is difficult to see the figures inside the two gun decks. I also included a photo with the interior detail lights on.

I expect that this will qualify for the Eagle Quest 2015 theme for 'Heavy Metal'
 
Vince Barrale

Are You Ready for Some Tank Biathlon?

 Great article from Slate.com

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/08/04/tank_biathlon_the_bizarre_new_sport_invented_by_the_russian_military_is.html

Here are some shots of the M-18 Hellcat that is "just finished"
I will be asking for help with a decal problem at the meeting Thursday.
Tom

Here are a couple of photos of the Dragon 6553 Sd Kfz 7/2 armored Halftrack w/AA Flak Gun .

Tom

Here are a couple of Photos of the BM-13 Katyusha "Stalin's Organ". Enjoy! Tom

Tiger Train: A Hypothetical Subject

First, a list of the major subjects being used:
Tiger Tank on Ferdinand Chassis
Flakvierling 38
Rail Car Gondola

The other half of the project is Evergreen and other structural materials.

After studying the multitudes of Armor Rail Cars used in the early wars, I realized that IF there had been an abundance of Tiger Tanks and the war had continued, Germany MIGHT have developed a Tiger Train. So I came up with the concept of a stripped out Ferdinand version of the Tiger prototype mounted to a rail car.

I added structural details to the Gondola and mounted the Ferdinand Chassis, building it into the armor plating. I created a superstructure to protect the men and a Flakvierling AA deck, similarly used on other armored trains.

The photos show what I have created so far.  Wasn't Frankenstein German??????   
 

 Vince Barrale

1/35 Hobby Boss RSOV (Ranger Special Operations Vehicle)

This is the 1/35 Hobby Boss RSOV (Ranger Special Operations Vehicle). I did it out of the box and there were a lot of parts in that box. Way too many fiddly bits that didn't need to be added.

As a matter of subject, the kit comes very complete with lots of stowage and weapons as it should. By nature, the vehicle is for hit and run attacks. It is painted dark grey, nearly an old Panzer Gray so I mixed some Model Master blue with gunmetal to match the finish. The ammo cans and other weapons were in a dark green so there is some slight contrast to color. The machine guns are gunmetal and black.

I wish I had done more research on this before I had started. I would have taken a little more care and probably would have added some detail and alternate stowage and weapons options. There is another Hobby Boss kit with a variation on this one. Other than all of the cool stowage, this is a very dull colored vehicle and difficult for me to photograph.

I added some washes and pigments for mud and grime on the undercarriage and dry-brushed the main vehicle. I also used a new metallic buff to make the mirrors.

Vince Barrale

June Meeting Report - Model Photos

Here's a list of the models shown at the meeting. Please email me if you know the missing names.

M60 with mine roller by David Bozarth (3X)
M3 Light tank by Vince Barrale
Tiger I by ?
Pz IV by David Bozarth
Chinese APC by (Kevin Boggs)
British Tank by Mike Stucker
Munition Schlepper by ?
German Ht by Vince Barrale
US Halftrack by (Paul Sacco)
Russian KV-1 by Tom Moon
2.8cm AT Guns by Tom Moon (2X)
Russian T-34 by ?

If is walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it must be a DUKW.

This photo has a container of sand from Omaha Beach, thanks to Frank Stumpo for sharing it with me.
Tom