Graeme: Great build and congrats on finishing!!

Happy Modeling, -zon

I spent some time reshaping the turret so it will look closer to a T-80's turret. To rework the turret's shape I needed to delete all the sights. So I will be using a Type 85 look-alike gunner's sight. The turret still needs all the weldings and some texturing. I used the AAMG from the Trumpeter's Type 85 kit. The gun mantlet still needs some more putty and filling work.

As I spent too much time on the turret, I decided to use an Esci T-55 engine deck that resembles the Type 85's deck (If I spend more time reshaping the T-80, I will definitely not finish on time). I will be using the T-55's tracks, and will most likely install the T-55 commander's hatch.

Alright, with this build I've tried some things I've never gotten around to doing (can you believe I've never added decals to tanks) and some weathering.
But I've reached the point where the weathering I'm doing is causing more damage than its worth.
So I'm calling it a wrap.











and my backstory:

Summer of 1947.
After the Great Eastern War (1941-46) Germany established several client states in European Russia between the Vistula River and the Ural Mountains to use in supporting the containment of Communist forces based beyond the Urals.
With the 1948 elections approaching the German Chancellor responded to domestic political concerns about continued casualty rates directing the Reichswehr to develop a requirement for an armored personnel carrier with superior protection to accompany the Sd. Kfz. 300 (E-100) 'Tiger III'.
In response Krupp designed a Super-schwereMannschaftstansportwagen based upon the same chassis. Later officially designated the Sd. Kfz. 320 'Bison', a limited production run of fifteen of this 65 ton vehicle were delivered to the 7th Panzer Division for operational trials in that unit's AOR, north of the Caspian Sea in October 1947.
Unencumbered by the 40 ton turret of the Tiger III but employing the same 1200hp turbo-supercharged Maybach HL500, the Bison reversed the unfavorable p-w ratio trend of earlier German designs, enjoying a substantial improvement in cross-country performance.
Retaining the same basic chassis armor package of the Tiger III the Bison used it's 5.5cm L90 Maschinenkanone to support the six man dismount squad carried in the rear compartment.
The 7th Panzer was encouraged to experiment with these prototypes. To improve the operational range the armored side-skirts were modified into supplemental fuel tanks, doubling the fuel capacity.

As a side note, the specific vehicle pictured accidentally crushed a minor member of the Reichstag, one Herr A. Hitler, when, during an inspection tour, the Volkswagen he was operating somehow drove onto the firing range in front of the Sd. Kfz. 320.

A very late entry I guess.



Esci 1/72 Sherman M4A1 with new engine deck, Schürzen that double as work stands (by folding them up) and (shortly) a T-34 turret. Working like a mad man to get it finished before the deadline.
Cheers,
Rob

FRANKINSHERMAN

This place is thick with mad men. Don't worry about it!
-Sean H.

J: very nice work.

Rob: I think a lot of us are in the same boat!!

Happy Modeling, -zon

Raul: Your mods are looking good.

J: You're giving me more ideas for projects that I probably don't need lol! Love the story

Rob: Late is fine, keep the photos coming!

Zon & Jer:
Thank you this build is a blast. I'm also getting more ideas for future builds [just a budgeting issue- ]
Next to work my techniques more for my ideas.
Now to finish the other projects before going back to kitbashing.
cheers

Hey guys,
I don't think I ever finished a kit this fast since I was twelve.
Couldn't decide which turret to use, so I made it into a convertible. ;-)

This campaign has been lots of fun to watch, and I am glad to have added to it.

Cheers
Rob

Rob: Wow, that was fast!!! I like the short barrel, but that's just me. Nice work!

Well done Rob....

Rob: super interesting tank and a really cool camo job. I like both turrets, so the convertible factor works well.

Happy Modeling, -zon

Rob, I like the shorter barrel too, although I suspect the longer barrel has more punch! I agree too about the realistic camo (how'd you do that in 1/72? ).
I really like this campaign!
thanks guys,
-Sean H.

Hi Guys,

thanks for the kind words.
The camo was done in a (relative) hurry, so no fancy pre- or postshading. Just a basecoat of black, then the olive drab, then half a bottle of Maskol in a random cross-hatched pattern, then a quick pass with the airbrush loaded with a pinky sand and an oil wash. That's about it.

One more for the road: Cromwell 1/72 Combat Ready E-75. Very few (resin) pieces, so assembly takes an hour or so. Painting one more.









Cheers
R

Keep it coming Rob

So where is an update of my Chinese T-80.



I still have a lot of details to add, like the headlights, welding lines, bolts, modify the fenders and maybe add some turret baskets. I wish I could have 2 weeks more after the deadline .

Jeremy: Thanks for your comments

Rob: those are cool too!

Raul: nice work on the T-80. will look cool in Chinese digital camo if you go that route!

Happy Modeling, -zon

Everyone, Gary has been kind enough to grant us an unofficial extension until June 30. Let's get these builds finished guys!

YEAH!!!! I'm progressing, but oh so slowly. The extension will help a bunch and I promise not to slack during it.

Happy Modeling, -zon

Hi All!
Consider me done.
Churchill MK VII with a Tiger Up gun!
Wait until the Germans see this coming.

Richard: looks good and congrats on finishing!!

Happy modeling, -zon

Good work Richard....

Thank you to all
Happy modeling!

How did I miss this?!? This is amazing! Like an armoured sports car. Great stuff