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Armor/AFV: British Armor
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Churchill Mk III Early & Late - double build.
panzerserra
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Posted: Sunday, June 19, 2011 - 10:16 PM UTC
Yes Comrades ...

I'm completely contaminated by the "British virus" ...

After the two girls Mk I (early & reworked)...
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/176677&page=1

..it is time to build the Mk III of this Noble Family ...

While Ms. AFV does not offer these early beauties, the way is retrofit the ladies with resin and scratch...

The early MKIII was characterized by oblong side air intakes, as the models Mk I and Mk II.



For this retrofit, once again I will use the resin air intakes of the IMA.



For the MK III reworked version, I chose one of the famous Churchill KingForce.




For this, the AFV kit just need the help of a resin kit HobbyFan to do the KingForce version.


For the Mk III Early version, I'm collecting material and all the help and input would be welcome!!

I have this pic:


and this profile:


But if you have other suggestions, please do not be shy ...

I don´t make the decals to Early version yet and, I repeat, every suggestion is welcome!!



But let's see the photos from yesterday:
The two kits:

and the excellent HobbyFan conversion kit, to KingForce Mk III :


Man... I'm getting sick of seeing so much springs in my front...
I miss the old and simple suspension of the Tamiya´s Churchills!!





These repetitive steps make the strongest cry!




The late sponsons:


...and the Early. To make the early track guides, I cut the continuos ghides from Mk III kit. I tested this new approach to the solve the problem...


And the build continues:


"Closing" the tracks of the reworked version:




...and the last pic of this weekend:


Uff...
I'm becoming an expert in building AFV´s Churchills suspensions!!
Dutchy3RTR
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Posted: Monday, June 20, 2011 - 04:27 AM UTC
Another one for me to watch.
Why is it every time start a new build subject Marcos is doing the same? I'm just finishing a MkVII Crocodile and will be starting an ITA MkIII conversion sometime soon.

A shame you already have the Hobby Fan Kingforce conversion - you could have tried this one out: ITA 35019 - I'm sure Chris would have appreciated the feedback.
panzerserra
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Posted: Monday, June 20, 2011 - 08:56 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Another one for me to watch.
Why is it every time start a new build subject Marcos is doing the same? I'm just finishing a MkVII Crocodile and will be starting an ITA MkIII conversion sometime soon.
A shame you already have the Hobby Fan Kingforce conversion - you could have tried this one out: ITA 35019 - I'm sure Chris would have appreciated the feedback.


Coincidences, Ken !!!!

A kind of "British armour thought transferences"

eheheheheheheheheheh

This conversion kit HobbyFan I got from a colleague some time ago and I decided to use it, now ...

Let's see the results ...

I don't bought anything from Chris...Yet !!!

I'm waiting the release of the ARV Churchills...



I was sorely tempted with the 3in Churchill Gun Carrier, but I have such a beast in my collection ...

His kit was very, very good ...

Take care and thanks...

panzerserra
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Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 09:38 PM UTC
Well, Gents...

Advances in pictures:

Building the "dust deflector" on the Churchilll´s nose.

I used dental acrylic to bond the polyurethane to styrene.

The best technique is called " the wet brush".

You put a small portion of acrylic powder in an container and acrylic liquid in another container ... Take an old brush ...

Moisten the brush with the liquid and collect a small amount of powder with a brush moistened ...

Then, you apply the mixture in the union joint ... You'll molding and conform the acrylic ...It´s dries in seconds...

Try it....



Using beer cans to make these protectors:


The turret´s neck rack of AFV´s Mark III models are wrong for this version...

I redid the form of the base with thin plasticard:


In test-drive:



More "beer-etcheds"...


Well....There this, for now !!!!

Stay tunned, fellows...

Cheers !!!

ChrisDM
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Posted: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 10:39 PM UTC
Great start Marcos

As for SATAN, I know which book the photo is in, but I can't find the book! (too many churchill books in the Library!) Its in the Armour In Action - Churchill Tank book. Basically Satan is the same as Sprinter

For the hull of Sprinter, its basically a MkII Hull. I don't know what you have in mind for it, but these earliest MkIIIs had:

- the 5in air outlet
- no hull rivets
- MkI/II air intakes
- one piece lower rear air deflector
- no smoke emitters
- curved exaust pipes (not the straight ones in the cut)
- no rivets on the nose
- MkII Tool arrangement on the rear deck

I see you already have most of this covered! Looking at Sprinter, I notice it has those triangle plates on the glacis. I do wonder if all they did was take the turret off of a MkII and put a MkIII turret on it for trials?

As for the Kingforce Conversion from hobbyfan, from what I have seen it is not exactly comprehensive

I believe the modifications for a Kingforce tank should be:

- the 5in air outlet
- one piece lower rear air deflector
- no smoke emitters
- exhaust pipe extensions
-square turret box
- sunshield rails
- side air intakes lower than on the AFV Club kit
- no deep wading attachment brackets on the side air intakes

My ITA conversion covers all of these changes plus etched hatch handles and air intakes

Also of note is the colour scheme for Kingforce. Conventional wisdom is that they were painted Green in the UK then had portland stone or light stone disruptive painted over them when they arrived in theater.

However, a good discussion on Missing Lynx proved that they were painted light stone with a darker disruptive over them (the photo showed the darker paint chipped revealing lighter paint underneath)

The pattern of disruptive camoflage is consistent with the patter for (strangely) cruisers in the middle east. As cruisers at the time were painted light stone with slate disruptive, I believe the same was done to the Kingforce tanks


HTH

Chris
panzerserra
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 12:44 AM UTC
Wow, Chris...

Tons of tips !!!!

About the Mk III Early, the pics "talk" about the details...

About Mk III reworked, some details will be "swallowed" ...

The squared box in the turret´s rear, for example...

The squared box would be totally squared (as in your conversion kit ...)



...and not with the "slanted" lid as I did, reusing the AFV part ...


BTW, if you found the Satan´s pic, please, post here...but, don´t worry !!!

I´m build this beasts just for fun, not for a contest !!!!


At the end of this project, I'll shoot a pic of my entire collection of Churchills,
all together!!



Thanks, again and stay tunned !!!!!
ChrisDM
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 04:08 AM UTC
Hi Marcos,

I've seen both boxes on kingforce churchills, yours is fine I think (and very neatly done I might add!)

As for the details, take them or leave them is my philosophy. The reason I did those lists is so you can see if there are any details you've missed when you looked yourself. I noticed on your last blog you have a very keen eye on these beasts and at the end of the day 99.99% of people looking at a churchill model will not notice all the extra details

In fact, you noticed one I missed in the boxing in of the track adjustment bracket on the inside of the idler horns, so I've learned something today

I did mean to sound like I'm saying 'you must do this and that' I hate that and I'm sorry if that was how it sounded. I was just trying to offer some information based on my own observations

When I find Satan, I'll post the pic (after I've told him to get thee behind me obviously )
KEVINT
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 06:29 AM UTC
Hi Marcos,

Great work so far. But just one point. If you are going to do SPRINTER IV the census number is T68529 not 38529.

Chris,

I have one photo of SATAN if it is of any use.

Cheers
Kevin
AlanL
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 06:49 AM UTC
Hi Marcos,

Regular production line you got going there .

Excellent.

Al
ChrisDM
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 07:04 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Marcos,

Great work so far. But just one point. If you are going to do SPRINTER IV the census number is T68529 not 38529.

Chris,

I have one photo of SATAN if it is of any use.

Cheers
Kevin


Its probably the same one Kevin, rear left quarter view? feel free to post it, my modelling room is in turmoil after releasing so many kits in the last few weeks, so I'm not sure if I can find it anytime soon!

Chris
panzerserra
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 09:24 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Marcos,
I've seen both boxes on kingforce churchills, yours is fine I think (and very neatly done I might add!)
As for the details, take them or leave them is my philosophy. The reason I did those lists is so you can see if there are any details you've missed when you looked yourself. I noticed on your last blog you have a very keen eye on these beasts and at the end of the day 99.99% of people looking at a churchill model will not notice all the extra details
In fact, you noticed one I missed in the boxing in of the track adjustment bracket on the inside of the idler horns, so I've learned something today
I did mean to sound like I'm saying 'you must do this and that' I hate that and I'm sorry if that was how it sounded. I was just trying to offer some information based on my own observations
When I find Satan, I'll post the pic (after I've told him to get thee behind me obviously )



Chris, please...

I love your double tweak list !!!

I think I expressed myself badly ...

Sorry, really sorry if I offended you ...

English is not my "main" language...




Yes, I want and need construction tips ...

I just said I'm not as "purist", but details are always details.

I also see the hobby as a hobby and not as another way to stress us out ...



I have not felt offended or criticized for their suggestions...On the contrary !!!

Sorry, again...

His opinions and criticisms are always welcome ....

I learn a lot here, with you and other colleagues ...

Big hug and all the best

Panzerserra
panzerserra
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 09:38 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Marcos,
Great work so far. But just one point. If you are going to do SPRINTER IV the census number is T68529 not 38529.
Chris,
I have one photo of SATAN if it is of any use.
Cheers
Kevin


Kevin, thanks for the correction !!!!

Fixed:


Forgive my heretical error ....


Census numbers, to me, is an occult science, worthy of Wizards and the Priesthood ....





Thanks and all the best !!!!

P.s.: Do you have the pic of Satan???

Please, show to us....
panzerserra
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Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 09:44 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Marcos,
Regular production line you got going there .
Excellent.
Al


Hi, Alan.....

War time Production , my friend!!

In the first year, nothing ...


In the second year, a trickle ...


In the third year, all you want!!

panzerserra
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Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011 - 08:27 PM UTC
Yesterday I can build a little...
The reworked girl is 98% ready for paint:






And the early version, with old style air filters . In the horizon, the link by link tracks...ufff...




My goal is finish this two girls in this weekend !!!!

Full ahead !!!
AlanL
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Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011 - 07:33 AM UTC
Nice work Marcos, I have a few projects pending for the Churchill - just not enough hours in the day.

Al
Plasticbattle
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Posted: Friday, June 24, 2011 - 07:53 AM UTC
Wow Marcos .... you can´t knock these out fast enough ... you´re building 2 at a time? You´re really putting some of to shame.
Great work so far. The Churchill is such a beast, and without the fenders, it looks even more so. Looking forward to more progress and painting.
panzerserra
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Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011 - 10:40 AM UTC
Thanks, Gents....

More pics :

Almost finished the Early version...

I added two plates in the inner portion of the "forks" of the front wheels ... It was an attempt to lower the "intake" of dust from the bow of the Churchill, a curse that followed the design of this tank. Repair his "eyebrows":


The other side:


Rear portion, with auxiliary fuel tank:


The two girls togheter, the early barefooted...



And now, agony time: the LBL tracks !!!


...almost there !!!!


Tomorrow, more pics...stay tunned !!!!
panzerserra
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Posted: Sunday, June 26, 2011 - 10:09 PM UTC
Last advances:

Early with tracks...


...and the two girls, ready for primmer:


Primmed:


And lets paint: The Kingforce reworked wearing the british desert-yellow with dark, very dark green in stripes, to complete the cammo. The dust deflector is in khaky...



The early girl wearing an green blouse:


The two girls, after a Future wash, by airbrush:


The Early profile:


...and as I using red-oxid to paint the exhausts, I use the same color for the early´s tracks...


The end is coming !!!!!

ChrisDM
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Posted: Monday, June 27, 2011 - 02:08 AM UTC
Great work Marcos, these two look really good

I don't know what you have planned for the tracks on the early one, but they were an odd colour in real life, a sort of light grey with bright metallic faces where they wore.

This is a picture from exercise in the UK, even in the mud they still look very light (the picture is colourised I think, but is an accurate representattion of the track colour):
AlanL
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Posted: Monday, June 27, 2011 - 04:29 AM UTC
Hi Marcos,

Things are looking good.

Al
panzerserra
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Posted: Monday, June 27, 2011 - 04:56 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Great work Marcos, these two look really good
I don't know what you have planned for the tracks on the early one, but they were an odd colour in real life, a sort of light grey with bright metallic faces where they wore.
This is a picture from exercise in the UK, even in the mud they still look very light (the picture is colourised I think, but is an accurate representattion of the track colour):


It´s only the first layer of colors, Chris...I use the oxide in the airbrush to do this effect...

Keep´in touch !!!

panzerserra
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Posted: Monday, June 27, 2011 - 06:05 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Marcos,
Things are looking good.
Al


Thanks, Alan...

The end is near !!!!

ehehehehehehhe
panzerserra
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Posted: Sunday, July 03, 2011 - 07:59 PM UTC
Well, Gents...I finally end this project...
Here are the final steps: In the early Mk III, using Decalcomaniacs set of decals:
A hypothetical Churchill in honor of Captain Cook, with the colors of the 21st Brigade:



I make this profile :


And the real Kingforce, representing a late Mk III:



Hey, Chris !!! See the colors of the tracks, in the early girl, after other colors layers


And the Girls finished !!!!
Early first !!!














And Kingforce Mk III reworked:












As usual, the final pic is side by side:


Ufff...After these four girls (Mk I and III), I'll take a break from Churchills, because if I see another set of suspension springs and bogies of AFV, I throw up ....


Thank you for following up ....

My new project will be the resumption of the CDL series of tanks.
In my collection, I have the M3 Grant, Matilda and Churchill CDL.
I will build the Shermans CDL (american and british) , the CDL T10 Leaflet and Valentine CDL (another quoted, but never photographed ...).

With that, I think I bring to light (ufff...) all the models of CDL tanks mentioned in literature ....

Waiting for !!!!
AlanL
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Posted: Sunday, July 03, 2011 - 11:41 PM UTC
Hi Marcus,

Excellent finish on both vehicles, another outstanding and infomative blog.

Look forward to the CDL devlopments and thanks for sharing this one, enjoyed the build a lot.

How many Churchill's does that make now?

These will sit well with your terrific collection.

Cheers

Al
panzerserra
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Posted: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 - 09:21 PM UTC
Alan, thanks...

About Churchills, I have :

- Mk I
- Mk I reworked
- Mk III
- Mk III reworked
- Mk III CDL
- Mk IV AVRE - CIRD
- Mk IV NA75
- Mk VI Crocodile
- Mk VII

Ufff !!!

A lot !!!
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