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Ardennes Advance - Parts 3 & 4

Part 3: The Stowage Bin

Battle damage or when referring to the Tiger's battle scars, are another learning curve that can be difficult to model at times. I've seen many fantastic models treated in this manner and congratulate those who practice this art. (which I am still struggling with). I study other accomplished modelers (they know who they are) and I'm fortunate to have been able to study their work. Thanks to Web sites such as these.

When I say battle scars I'm referring to damage while the subject is still a threat or operational. I would define "battle damage" as the result of a kill or heavy plate steel that pertains to the hull integrity or chassis. Battle scars can be used to emphasize the units history and point out it's weakness. In this case the rear of the Tiger.

The plastic in the model is thick enough for glancing blows and gouges but the stowage bin needs to be thinned out for this type of application.

I chose to scratch the stowage bin from O.15 though, in order to correct and revise the bin as it is on this particular unit. After looking at photos I must redo the rivets (to big). Field revisions and add-ons were more prevalent than we sometimes realize. I just don't normally look for this in historic photos. Since the whole bins thickness is closer to scale I can now sit back and imagine: what direction did the projectile come from? Was it (e.g.: HE, AP, small arms, etc.) If so, what was in the bin and how was it's contents affected from the penetration and exit.

In one of the photos you can actually see darker spots which are the extra thin styrene so I can model the penetration and exit hole. I also added a first aid box on the one side. (field mod). The hatches can be slightly deformed due to the impact.