Does anyone make 35th scale decals for any Dutch PzH 2000s in ISAF service? Are the Dutch still the only users in Afghanistan?

Echelon has released some generic Dutch markings that may be helpful, but you'll need to find green ISAF roundels elsewhere ( like here ):
http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~kriegsketten/T35005sup.htm

On a side note, Dutch PzH 2000s in Afghanistan are fitted with add-on armor panels on the turret top that are not included in Revell's kit IIRC...
Dutch PzH 2000 in action

HTH

Frenchy

Thanks Frenchy. Maybe Real Models or Perfect Scale Modelbau will release the add on armor?

I believe scratchbuilding them would be doable. All you need is a good top view of the add-on armor plates These plates are bolted to the turret and the bolts used are already present on the kit IIRC. Some plates have been bolted to the front hull as well. Talking about the markings, it seems most of them are often covered with tape as in this picture :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_axe/590666548/sizes/o/in/photostream/

Frenchy

Hmmm...that is a thought! Thanks- I will scrounge around for some pictures.

It seems that in fact good uparmored turret top views are not really thick on the ground :



Front hull top :


(from this thread on Twenot-forums.nl )

....and to me the add-on armor plates look a bit like rubber doormats
Armor plate close-up (the pictured vehicle is the one in the hi-res picture in my first post. It's called "Maximus")

Another close-up :


Frenchy

Excellent pictures, Frenchy, thanks a lot for posting them. Now, does anybody have an idea how to recreate that texture on the armor blocks?

Huh- my post disappeared!!

They do look like rubber mats. I assume that is a rubber version of no-slip. As for recreating them, I am not sure. Wonder if JoAnn Fabric has some sort of material or Velcro that might work?

They're armor indeed Here's what I've found on another forum "these are small rubber stick assemblies. The idea is that their presence distorts the shockwave to compress the hollow charge liner of a bomblet, and that these distortions will then reduce the penetration depth of the HEAT jet sufficiently so that the remaining passive roof armor can absorb it."

Still wondering how to replicate them.. Anyway I'm quite sure they should quickly become quite clogged by Afghan dust...

Frenchy

WOW! Modern AFVs always pose more new problems for us modellers! LOL

First it was the Shtora TshU-1-17 dazzler units on T-72BMs and T90Ms, now this???

Thanks for sharing the intel on the new add ons - I didn't know about these!

Now I'm seriously considering about constructing a 1/35 meat grinder to do this soon (not serious of course...)

Lawrence

Actually they kid of look like those fake grass mats they use at Golf driving ranges! No wonder they aren't available in resin. I don't think they could make those things!

Hi Jason,

While it is hard to replicate - it is not IMPOSSIBLE. Firstly, take the dimensions of each individual piece (of course, this alone is almost impossible unless you have access to the real beast), scale the measurements down and match it against the 1/35 turret and hull (to make sure it does actually fit ... sometimes kit dimensions aren't exactly THAT correct). THEN, with the data, constructed it in 3D, export it in STL file and have them 3D printed... Of course, you should try to see if you can replicate it in resin form so you can make some dough back for the time spent researching and constructing (and also learning a new 3D software)...

Like I said, not impossible...just too hard... LOL

Lawrence

I think I will let someone else do it

Thanks fr the replies. I think I will take the easy way and use fine sandpaper for the texture...

can't remember how i came to have it but i have drawings of the layout of the ''tiles'' on the units. i have also breifly done a decal set for the NL PZH just waiting to print it off on the alps. also hoping to start on the add on's for the PZH for the afghanistan posting. if you are able to wait till the end of next month i'll be right to go with the decals. cheers.

Could it be from Concord's "Rolling Steel: NATO's Self-Propelled Guns" book ? I've just read a review according to which it includes 1/35th scale drawings of the PzH 2000 fitted with appliqué armor...I may buy this book but I'd like to be sure about that first....

Frenchy

I can wait- I build slow anyway. Would you be able to send me a copy of the tile layout?