My last finished model (#9 to be exact - so far I have started on more models than I have finished) - 1/35 Stu.Pz.IV ‘Brummbär’. The build continued for an year-and-half (kept putting it off all the time), but finally finished. No after-market was used. As far as historical accuracy the kit was pretty good. No alterations were made, just a little problem solving and detailing - remade or added new weld beads, PE chains were changed on normal ones and so on.
All the "crap" on the back of SPG is from the spares box, ammo cases - made from scratch.
Critique of this model is very important for me because I never did base for a model (or dioramas) before, never had done figure or any extra baggage on a model. Feel free to comment, please, even if you hate it as long as you point out mistakes.
Thanks in advance!






More photos are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/1994minsk/CyberHobby135StuPzIVBrummbarEarlyProduction?feat=directlink

Thanks again,

Alex

Looks very nice. Where did you get your camo scheme?

Thanks, Matt!
The camo version was given by manufacturer, and I am pretty sure I have seen it somewhere else as an actual photo. But after finishing the model I couldn't find it anywhere. Hmm...

Hi, Alex!

Awesome!

The camo looks good - it does look like both a scheme on the box and one in Trojka's book. And the crap-load looks at least "typical" for a German tank in Russia - though I am not altogether certain that a brumm would get such a loading that would totally block cooling air from escaping the engine spaces during warmer weather... I think I have read somewheres that the brumm added considerable weight (thus stress on the engine) over the typical gun tank versions and were prone to over-heating?

Regardless, the load looks good and adds some character. And your base does OK, too! The figure looks all too happy- even gleeful... for a guy driving around in a big rolling bunker. Maybe you need someone down on the ground sharing some great news or something (bottle of wine?)!

From what you have produced, looks like the C-H early Brumm kit builds up pretty nice- guess I'll really have to pull mine out, now!

Nice build, there, Pard!

Bob

Speaking of which, I remember someone coming out with a figure holding a bottle sometime this past summer, don't remember if he's German though...

Very nice model you have there Alex, although I too wonder about the blocked off cooling vents. I dig the relatively mild weathering too, looks a lot more realistic than hammering the paint scheme.

Overall, That's a really fine looking Brum and base you've got there. Few observations, questions, suggestions for ya. What's keeping the Drums from falling off? Considering the weight of them full they need to be lashed down pretty securely and I only see one rope going along side each drum. The color of the Drums and Jerry Cans, Wouldn't they be Dunkelgelb? or you can mix and match and add a few Dunkelgelb to add move color variety. All the stowage is blocking the rear access door. If I were a crewman I would NOT block my escape points. Lastly, all the crates. They look like ammo crates for 75mm or maybe 88mm guns which the brum doesn't have. But creative license could be that they just have em loaded with rations and other misc debris, so it's not really a big deal. All that being said, I think it's a damn fine job you did!!!! Good Job!

Thanks for your comments, guys!
Bob, yes, you are right - it is from Trojka book. How could I forget... As far as all the stuff on a top of the cooling fans - I was always wondering about it myself. But there are so many photographs with all kind of boxes, bags and drums over it, so I didn't think twice.
The bottle of wine could just what he needed Actually, the figure is from Dragon kit #6375, which has a guy holding a bottle of wine. But the head is from Verlinden - little bit too big, but way better sculpted than Dragon.


There were some minor fitting problems with large parts and with the roof, but nothing that a person with some modeling experience couldn't solve.


I might be wrong, but the right one looks pretty secure to me. The left one - yes, it does looks like it could fall out sideway. Next time will have to pay more attention to things like that.


I could paint some of the jerry cans like that, you are right. But assuming it is summer of '43, so there is enough gray stuff still laying around.
The ammo cases were originally made for 75mm KwK (my E-10 model), but never used. So it is noticeable... hmmm...


If it is noticeable, it is kind of a big deal. I will need to pay more attention to details like that next time.
With rear doors being blocked - yes, another big minus to me. Didn't even think about it as a way to escape. Was looking at it as the way to throw away used shells - one door is opening, so it's enough. Next time will have to be more accurate.
Bob, Sean, Sean,
thanks again for your comments, guys!