Time to start the new subject...french Char 1B Bis. I started with improving the drivers hatch. I used the poliestyren sheet.

Hi mate

From what I can see the B1 doesn't look bad in 1/72. The only thing that's jumping out at me are the walls of the aerial antenna cowling, they look very thick?

Keep up the good work.

Andy

Hey Matejson! I have this kit as wel. Looking forward to seeing yours progress. I like the idea of scratchbuilding parts for it. I think somone makes an after market hatch but I don't think it is better than yours. Cheers!

Thank you guys.

Lets return to the topic. My Char is built and ready to paint. Model was easy to fix, I didn't need much time to finish it.

There are some corrections:
- new machine gun in the turret - I used medical needle 0,4mm
- metal covers on exhaust pipes - two pieces of aluminium sheet
- several hooks and handles - copper wire

I hope you like it. Best regards.

Really nice build so far, are you going to give it some "battle damage" or is it going to be represented in pristine condition?

We will see... I'm planning to built the small diorama base.

After brainstorming I decided the final diorama concept with my Char 1b Bis. I think that's much more intresting than common model's base with piece of ground. The figure of Virgin Mary will be fenced by fine wood fence and decorated. Unfortunately I forgot the name of this figure resin producer. A pair of German injured soliders is from Zvezda. The waggon is a part of the old Revell German Artillery set.



Let's start with diorama's base...


Revell's kit is low-detailed model made of rubber plastic. It's difficult to work with it. My idea is to scratch it using plastic sheets and metal wire. That wagon is called Feldhaubitzprotze 18/40, so I started looking for some inspiring pics which would help me improving and detailing my model.



Some helpful links:

http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=152124&start=720
http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/Homepage_english/Trailers/Artilleriefahrzeuge/artilleriefahrzeuge.html

Feldhaubitzprotze 18/40:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/matejson/slideshow/Char%20B1%20Bis/horse%20drawn%20wagon

Are the side plates on the Char B the correct scale thickness? They look pretty thick - like several scale inches thick! Otherwise, there's nice crisp surface detail, and the tracks even look good. Oh, and is there any Trumpeter fit problems worth mentioning?

Trumpeter is quite good model in 1/72, although there are some mistakes (like your notes).

I hadn't even time to upload new pics last days... But there is a small progress. I think it's look better now. Any suggestions before painting?





Best,
M.

Very nice work!

The dio is looking great so far matejson, the statue and Feldhaubitzprotze 18/40 will really compliment the Char. My only suggestion is to correct the the hitch at the end of the 18/40, this looks very toy-like and not very accurate. Looking forward to paint and weathering!

Great progress! May I make a suggestion? You might want to fill in the seams around the 75mm cannon casement. If you look at this picture, you'll see it was one large casting

The Virgin Mary is a product from TP Models who do three wayside shrines. For Char B1bis 'Chars Francais' has lots of good photos.

Half year break? Not really, there is small progress... My experiments with camo, rather sci-fi or unknown unit. The colours are vivid on purpose




horse drawn wagon also got colours:


and figures almost finished


Random decals were applied:



Best,
M.

Awesome, got this great tank in my stash as well, a great inspiration.

Cheers
Bernd

Nice Char! I have built the Trumpeter Char myself and it is a nice model to make.

Several of these chars had quite big chains hanging at the back. Maybe it is a nice thing to add to your Char as well.

How did you make the tree. It looks very realistic.



Jelger

Jelger, I'm still thinking about adding the chain...we will see.

The tree is a plant call Teloxys aristata. Check this.

Char 1B Bis got dark wash, stains and light scratches.





The exhaust system was given an extensive makeover with several rusting techniques. To be continued...


Regards,
M.

Man, I need to convert over to 1/72! Your diorama and models look wonderful!

Nice weathering!



Jelger

Where are your German figures from - Pegasus?

Thank you guys!

Biggles2, figures are from Zvezda set.

As you can see, diorama get slowly to finish. A few accessories were painted:


I suppose that figures are ready. Maybe I will dust them a little bit using pigments.



And the horse wagon still on the workbench:

Ah...yes, Zvezda. I got the winter German infantry. Excellent figures. Too good for wargaming! Be nice if they made larger sets specifically for modellers.

Very nice work Matejson! Glad to see you are finishing this one as I was so looking forward to seeing the whole scene. You have some of the best figure painting in this scale, so much better than I can ever do. I especially like the horse cart, and I see you fixed the large ring at the end. Best wishes!

Kerry, thank you for the kind words. The horse wagon is mixed from revell set and my own scratch:



Diorama got some plants. I've used several sets from Polak and some other producers. It needs to be airbrushed to gain real colours and tones. The ground will also be improved several times.

Beautiful work on your Char. Nice job on the exhaust covers. Can you reveal how you did the weathering on the covers?

I did build the kit once, but seeing your work and the fact I still have some nice decals from Peddinghaus, it is tempting to build another one. See if I can improve myself .



Jelger