Hi guys,

Let me start off by saying that I am kinda new to armor modeling. I am an avid ship modeler and have experience with plastic and resin kits and working with photoetch. I am frequent contributor on SteelNavy.com . I have built tanks with I was a wee lad (remember those Aurora kits with the vacuformed bases) but not since then.

I recently picked on a Commanders Models 1/35 scale Vickers Mk. VI Light Tank to try my hand at armor for a change of pace. So I am searching for good references on this type of tank to help me build it - I am looking to build it in a desert scheme - anything references with good photos, drawings, color scheme and markings.

Thanks in advance for any info/help.

Felix Bustelo

Hi Felix,

Here's some pics of the example at Bovuington Tank Museum to get you started. Welcome back to the world of 'armour'

There was a really cracking build recently, I'll see if I can track down the link.











































For pictures, google is a good start and a visit to IWM site

http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/

You might find this useful too:

http://www.desertrat.brigades.btinternet.co.uk/index.htm

Let me know when you've captured the pics.

Cheers

Al

Thanks Al,

I captured the photos. Looking foward to the link to that build.

Cheers,
Felix

Commanders' stuff is not state of the art, so be aware that it may neet a lot mroe "love" than something from Formations, Chesapeake, Cri-el or even Accurate Armour or Cromwell models. The instructions are also usually inadequate, so lots of references and patience will be required.

Watch out for warped parts and bubbles, especially in the heads of all those little rivets. I would strengthen the suspension units by adding brass stub shafts where the suspension units enter the hull. That will help spread the loads. The tracks will need some clean-up and be prepared that a number of the track links may be incompleate due to breakage or "short shots".

I don't say these things to slam Commanders, but I have this kit and I made several of Ted's masters back in the 90's so I have a fair amount of experience with his products. These are definitely not beginners resin kits.

If you need more references PM me and I'll dig out some of my stuff for you. I did the master for the Commanders Mk II Light and ammassed a vair amount of Brit light tank info.

Caveat Emptor. And good luck!

Paul

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info - I will PM you. I have built dozens of Iron Shipwrights kits - Commanders' sister label - so I am very familiar with Ted's products and know how to work with resin. The subject matter was too tempting to pass up.

Felix

Its a neat looking little tank. It would be nice to see one kitted in plastic.

Darryl

Hi Felix,

Some links that might help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Tank_Mk_VI

http://mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/GreatBritain/BritishLightTanks.html

http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/small/vickers.htm

http://www.agnminiatures.com/html/vickers_mkvi.html

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=MuGsf0psjvcC&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=Vickers+Light+Tank+iB&source=bl&ots=K4ZzChRHcF&sig=PuZYdvsAKDBi7-Ruug6S52JJW0M&hl=en&ei=IqbtS4nSKY2jsQb8mbSZBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CC4Q6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20iB&f=false

http://www.track-link.net/gallery/4356

Sorry can't find the build blog I mentioned, well not yet.

Al

Al,

Thanks for the numerous links - they have been bookmarked and will be helpful.

Cheers,
Felix