That Renault camo is incredible!!

Wow!! There's so much great work going on that I wouldn't know where to start.. so I won't. Suffice to say 'Well done everyone".

I think I hit a bit of burn-out a few weeks back, but I got back into the saddle tonight, applied a few filters and a coat of Klear to my Leopard 1 A5. I'll decal it and add further weathering over the next few nights and then apply final weathering. Once I'm confident of the technique I'll apply it to the Faun and PzH 2000. They've turned into epic builds, but my build rate is pretty slow at the best of times, and the Faun is a big build!

Hopefully I'll post a few photos of a finished Leo in the near future.

Cheers!!

John

Read through the entire postings here, finally! Some really creative and talented Braille builders. I don’t know where to start with comments . . . so I won’t, that would take at least an entire page here! Good to see so many builds and so many small scale builders.

Anyhow I’ve somehow have managed to get some time on the bench and started working on the Vietnamese T-34/85 late last month. I don’t think that I will be able to finish this kit as the painting takes me a while to do. I still have the suspension and turret to build not to mention my first two entries too!


I had posted this photo way back in the beginning of this campaign but here it is again.

- - A Little History - -
From the little references that I have it seems to indicate that the kit OOTB represents a factory no. 183, 1944 T-34/85 vehicle. The T-34/85 remained in production until the late 1940’s and a newer and more modernized version appeared around 1947 with an improved engine, radio gear, sighting equipment and numerous interior changes. This version is not easily distinguished from its earlier WWII production version. Sometime in the early 1950’s licensed production of the T-34/85 began in Poland, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. Those vehicles produced in Poland and Czechoslovakia were almost indistinguishable from the Soviet vehicles except for some minor changes to the chassis and the turrets castings with one of the benefits being that of a smoother finish on the turret verses the very ruff and porous texture of its WWII predecessor. The Yugoslav vehicles were produced in small quantities but deferred from the Soviet vehicles in that of having a whole new turret casting, main gun and revised hull front. Production of all T-34/85’s ceased in 1956.

After more than a decade since the last T-34/85 were produced the Soviet Union sometime into the late 1960’s a modernization program took place in order to remanufacture many of its operational but aging WWII and post war vehicles, both, for the export market and its war reserve use. Known as the T-34/85M model 1969, these vehicles had a new V-54 engine, T-54/55 style starfish wheels (narrow), numerous interior improvements and an IR driving light. Many of these vehicles were used in combat both in Vietnam and Angola. The Polish vehicles were also modernized in similar fashion but with underwater crossing capability as version T-34/85M2. The subject of my model is the Vietnamese exported T-34/85M model 1969 as one of the modernized WWII tanks from the no. 183 factory.


Preparing the kit for use of the kit supplied photo-etched screens.




Replaced the tiny (almost rivet like) bolts on the rear panel with some Plastruct styrene hex rod.


Enlarged and rounded both transmission housing covers with styrene sheet and super glue - as filler to round out the edges.


My attempt at casing the heavy armored wavy exhaust shrouds as found on some of the no. 183 factory produced vehicles. My thanks go to Pedro aka ‘PedroA’ for his awesome build log for making it look so easy to cast your own parts.








The cast resin wavy exhaust shrouds on the kit.


Where I am today on this build.





So little time, so much more fun to go! Only three more weeks to go until this campaign is over . . . Nuts!!!
-Eddy

Eddy

That is a fine looking T34!

The etch work is flawless

@Jeremy - as it is said: the simplest solutions are the best. My friend told me to use very thin permanent ink pen. I've used Pigma Microm 01 from Japanese company Sakura. Just perfect as Japanese product used to be Drawing of the black outlines was in fact piece of cake - not even half an hour and it was ready!

@Eddy - this is just awsome work!!! Fantastic project of very interesting vehicle. I didn't even know that Vietnamese used them... Waitting for next workbench photos. There is a lot to learn from you!

Hi Folks,

The quality of modelling on this forum gets better and better..

Marcos - Really nicely finished T-54, good to see a modern Russian vehicle.

Val - It just gets better and better, I can't wait to see it painted.

Mark - A quality bunch of Braille models, I especially like the Nashorn.

Jan - You have made a good job of what is a mediocre model, looks really nice.

Erhan - The two models are coming along really well, I look forward to the final detailing.

Matthew - You have worked so hard on this little vehicle, and produced a cracking model. I look forward to the paint job, should be a blast.

Eoin - I have never seen the Leclerc model before, looks really good. I have just finished reading the book 'Out of the Sand' about General Leclerc and the Fighting Free French - riveting stuff.

Radek - It's a little beauty, I saw one of these models at a show I attended recently and was tempted to buy it, seeing yours done I wish I had now. Onward to the final stages, should be a cracking model when finished.

Eddy - You have put all of your considerable 1/35 skills into this little beauty and it certainly shows. Marvellous stuff and three cheers for Pedro, he is a true gentleman sharing all his secrets.

Well that's everybody on this page sorted, well done everyone.

All the best,

Paul

@Radek - Absolutely beautiful paint job on the R-35. I'll have to investigate and see if they carry the type of pens you used in my area. Depending on the colour they could have a hundred and one possible uses.

@John H. - You should be a fair way along with your builds by now. Building slow is not a problem as long as it is a "steady" slow. To actually have completely constructed builds with paint on them is a huge part of the battle and what this campaign is at least in part about. Final touches can always be applied once time and confidence permit.

@Braille - Eddy, Eddy, Eddy, here you go again stressing yourself as the end approaches. You're doing a marvellous job on the T-34 and again are sharing interesting tips and techniques. There seems to be a lot of that going on in this campaign. I never knew that Plastruct made anything like hex head rod. How did you manage to slice it so evenly? Also, thanks for the picture with the side fuel tanks carrier frames in position. I've been trying to find a reference shot of how these are orientated for another build that I am doing.

********************************************************************

Well, like I somewhat expected it would happen, but perhaps not with still three weeks to go. I have received PM's subtly inquiring about the possibility of a minor extension to the campaign. With all the people completing a number of builds within the campaign already, my first inclination is to say absolutely not. However, these requests came from individuals that have participated in the campaign and were/are fairly well along before events of life conspired against them. While checking out other campaigns (it's always good to see what others might come up with) I have also noticed a trend lately for campaign leaderrs towards extensions. In one particular campaign I have noted it being extended no less than four times! You will not find me being near that generous!!

Now, stepping down off the soapbox, I'll just say that I will leave the possibility of a minor extension being just that, a possibility. I urge all members to get their noses to the cutting mat, sprue cutters, glue container and try to finish by the original end date. If anyone wishes to voice their opinion on this subject you may do so here or via a PM to me.

The StuH continues to evolve. I have replaced the plastic bucket handle with a more appropriately sized brass wire. Sill pondering what else to add (tow cable, tarps, whatever). Pictures to follow when more is done. Paul G. you might be too kind in referring to the StuH as mediocre. I wonder if it is actually up to that standard. I know that I should have probably replaced the kit MG-34 with a Dragon spare but I wanted to see what I could do in "trying" to keep the kit mostly original. Yeah, sure!

Cheers,
Jan

@treadgeek,

I cut the Plustruct styrene hex rod using NorthWest Short Line’s ‘The Chopper’ just long enough to handle the sliced piece with a set of tweezers. I then sand the hex rod end flat before making another cut. The Chopper will leave a slight angle on the end of the hex rod. The squared off piece is then placed against the kit and cemented. After placing all of the pieces on the kit and letting them set up overnight I simply use a medium grit sanding stick with light pressure to sand them to an even thickness. You can do an entire row at the same time.

When I am unable to get a sanding stick in a location where I’ve placed a hex nut(s) I use a small piece of styrene sheet with the desired thickness (usually .010” – 0.254mm or less) and punch a hole into the sheet for placing it over the hex nut and then trim the hex nut to thickness using a set of cutting tweezers.

The Plastruct styrene Hex Rod is available in a number of sizes - .020"(0.5mm), .030"(0.8mm), .060"(1.5mm), .080"(2.0mm) and .100"(2.5mm). There may be other sizes but these are the ones that I have on hand.

Hope this helps? And thanks everyone for the comments it is much appreciated. Now back to the bench, just took a small lunch break from working on the turret and suspension.

-Eddy

Fantastic work fellas!

Amazing finish Mark!

Jan your StuH looks Stunning!

Erhan, lovely work man!

Matthew, your work is coming together nicely!

Eoin, your Leclerc looks good!

Radek, man what can I say. That is art! Very sharp, I love it!

Eddy, I love your detailing here. I know its worth every bit once painted!

Thanks for all the comment guys! A small update....
I have totally replaced the front headlights as the one from the kit is to small and doesn't look right. So I turned a scarp sprue using a drill then hollowed out the inside using a micro grinding bit. I then detailed all the attachment, the light's glass will be added once painting is done. You could also note the front camera and the 2 EM emitters, all scratchbuilt.




Here you can see the rear camera, the rear has yet to be detailed.


A little bit on the hull then on to the turrets arials then painting......

Hi Val,

I just think your Chally is looking superb, really fine modelling here, I look forward to the painting stages. Well done.

All the best,

Paul

OK, finally got some pics done.

UM BA-6 effectively out of the box and based finished with my usual methods.

@sabredog Now that’s an interesting looking machine! Now whose idea was that to install such an oversized and heavy turret onto that chassis with that type of tire? Firing that small gun with the vehicle inclined at the wrong angle would probably flip it on its side? And it’s sitting right in front of a small cliff. Please do not drive it any further! But to my surprise, I really like this vehicle.

Excellent job! I do have a couple of suggestions for your next builds. First, I think that it would add just enough to complete your builds if you could perhaps drill out the headlamps and either add MV Products lenses or burnish some Bare Metal Foil to the inside and then add a small drop of clear 5 minute epoxy to crate the lens. My second suggestion would be to have you do a step by step on your groundwork. Your bases always look the part and natural.

@r2d2 There’s so much extra added detail on your Chally it doesn’t resemble a Dragon kit anymore or for that matter a 35th scale Chally either! I’ll have to do a modern subject soon?

-Eddy

Hi all,

By some strange quirk of global warming the UK is actually getting some sun at the moment. A perfect opportunity to get some daylight progress shots of the Leopard 1A5. Current status is camo painting completed, initial filters applied to help blend the camo, a coat of Klear and decals applied. Still to do: finish camo weathering, paint and weather tracks and wheels, glue upper hull to lower, add tom cables, detail painting.







To celebrate the sun I also took a few daylight shots of the Faun and PzH 2000:




Cheers to all.

John

Scoutmaster, nice to see another modern tank. Your T-54 looks the part.

SUdzonic, sorry to here that we might not see another Abrams in this campaign. It would have helpted the M1s win the most popular vote.

r2d2, it's people like you that make me wonder why I even bother. Beautiful work.

Jagdfleiger, WOW, talk about a regular production line! Very nice builds and pictures.

Tread_geek, You are really beating that old kit into submission. I went back to the early pages to see what it started out as. Definitely a case of turning the sows ear into a silk purse.

Erhntly, your Panther and M3 are progressing nicely. I can't believe how fast some of the people here build such great pieces.

Firstcircle, one word, STUNNING!!!! I have trouble enough with kits.

Eoinryan, the Leclerc is looking great, and another fine modern subject.

Eremzet, Everyone has already said what I am thinking about your paint job. Gorgeous.

Braille, Just what I need to see, another super detailer. Great work and explanations.

Sabredog, Great job on the monochromatic colour scheme and as always, your bases are simple but impressive.

Naimbrain, another nice modern piece in your Leopard but I just love the Pzh2000 and its transporter. The latter must be HUGE!

Did I forget anybody? I just checked a day or so ago and WOW, the number of posts and pictures.

Here's where my added build stands. The Pak gun has proved to be a time killer. The supports for the wheels were truly mangled and I must have tried well over a dozen times to reattach the wheels and them to the carriage. I finally resorted to super glue and then Tamiya Putty and it seems to be holding. The front shield part also broke another three times.





I cleaned up some more seams on the gun and then took forever to make a groove in the recoil slide(?). If you check the picture on page 37 you can see that it was just a solid block of plastic.



A bit more work on the Panzer I and with the track test fitted.



A size comparison picture to a REAL tank.



The Fujimi's are 1/76 and the M1 is 1/72 scale but that shouldn't interfere too much. Now I need to find/steal some decals.

Regards,
AJ

With all the pictures that end up in this thread and all the posts we could probably turn this campaign into a cinematic epic!

@Eddy - Thanks for the info and I'll have to see if my LHS can lay their hands on some of that hex rod. I also have a Chopper and find it can be indispensable. I have also noticed that it cuts rod at a bit of an angle and am always trying to devise a way around that issue.

@Val - Is there any end to your obsessiveness!! THe next we know you will be motorizing the Challenger and either installing remote control or artificial intelligence. Beautiful work.

@Michael - You and your single colour paint schemes, gotta love them. As Eddy mentioned, perhaps that BA should have had outriggers installed. Your base really does the trick in adding to the presentation.

@John H. - Looking good and it must make you feel good to be so near to finishing three builds. The PzH and Faun look great and as AJ mentioned, that transporter has to be HUGE!

@AJB - Hmmm, I see that you are acquiring more attributes of the modellers OCD. Congrats on getting the suspension finally attached and the completed gun is starting to look quite good despite its age. The Panzer I is, I hate to put it this way, a CUTE little tyke! Nice picture with the Abram's as it really shows how far things have come. If I was in that Pz I and saw the M1 coming I'd ..... I think that we all get the picture.

Cheers,
Jan

Just to show that I am not sitting idly by. I finally got a picture of the "new" bucket handle. Just to explain the obvious, it took quite some time and four tries to get the handle bent just right. The original plastic handle was hard enough to attach but the new wire one made that exercise seem like child's play.



Also working on the Leopard trying to get the proper look to the cover that lies in back of the mantlet. Not quite there yet.

Cheers,
Jan

Okay, as of today we have THREE WEEKS left before the official end of this campaign. There are 13 people that have completed the campaign requirements and another one or two will join them as soon as they post a picture in the official Kitmaker gallery. For those that aren't sure how to post to the gallery, just go to the Campaign Web site and instructions are on the main page.

Braille Battlefield Website

And another page bites the dust!!

Cheers,
Jan

Hi Jan,

I noticed you've changed my details to "3 done - Elefant + PzH 2000 + Leopard". I think perhaps you're giving me a gentle hint here?

I think we've both reached the same conclusion... that the Faun and PzH look okay as they are (which is probably why I was feeling at a bit of a loss over how to apply further weathering). A prime example of "If it ain't broke..."
I'll get on with detail painting and replacing the broken lights on the Faun and then submit some finished photos to the gallery (plus photos of the previously completed T80 and Chaffee 'unofficials').

Cheers
John

Cheers!!!

John, it is very important to know when to stop or you will never finish anything and run the risk of overdoing things. I write from experience and being guilty of just that (look how long I have been banging away at the StuH).

With the exception of a few minor parts on your builds they look well over the 95th percentile done. The Elefant and Panzerhaubitze are so close that I'd be careful not to overdo things. Just keep in mind two points. They are modern and they are German. I have read that even in the former Yugoslavia the Germans had compressors and hoses in there vehicles and were not averse to cleaning them when the situation permitted. This is also a case where a little might go a long way.

@Radek - The R-35 is looking SUPER. I love the way that you have accentuated the details and trust most would have a difficult time believing that it is Braille scale. I have a 7TP (Vickers 6 ton) that I was considering doing for the White Eagle campaign but after seeing the Renault, I fear that I don't have the skills to tackle it at present.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

With sabredog posting pictures in the Kitmaker gallery we now have 13 (21.3%) campaign completions with more nearing the same. Unfortunately, that's a long way off from the 61.9% completion rate for the Matchbox Campaign. :-( MacTrucks has posted in another forum that he intends to choose a new Dragon LVT(A) - 1 for his contribution so that is one less that is outstanding.

Cheers,
Jan

Just to show I am no slouch, I dug up another "closet queen" to see what I can do. The original state had it coated with the wrong desert yellow. As I had a marathon airbrushing session this afternoon I decided to correct that.

Sprayed a proper desert yellow, then red-brown and finally a green. Still have my other builds to contend with but you can call this a bit of a distraction.







This JPz is the old ESCI incarnation and has the old rubber band tracks and I doubt will end up as good as the Italeri JPz I did for another campaign.

Cheers,
Jan

Hi dear friends,

my panther completed..( I will take quality photos for our gallery of course)

İf there are critics, I can make corrections.



enjoy

No need from my perspective, paint job looking very good. Probably time to leave well alone!

I totally agree, it's a cracking job and needs no further work. Place it on your shelf and display with pride!!

P.S. I like the turret mounted on blutack in the background, I know why you've done it, but it still looks like some whymsical creation from Micheal Bentine's Potty Time (I'm showing my age now).

Michael Bentine's Potty Time was what inspired me with modelling, those little dioramas of his were magical.

@Erhan - Your Panther is looking good and I agree with the others in that you should consider it done. Do not become one of those (us?) that doen't know when to quit.

As one might have discerned, Photobucket is having some maintenance difficulties and the images I store there are currently not available. The problem was to only last a few hours but has obviously proved more difficult than they anticipated. The situation means that many pictures that I have posted on Kitmaker are currently not available. Not to worry. The Master Chart and the campaign feature gallery are safe and sound. They are hosted on my home server that has a constant redundant backup and also on a secondary server to which I have access.

Cheers,
Jan