Hi all, just new here, so I apologise if it's been raised before, but is there anybody out there with good Bishop SP gun pics. I picked up Dragon's kit quite reasonably recently and would like to set it in Italy- I have seen one pic which claims to be from Monte Cassino, but would be grateful for any info, links etc that would broaden my research- there's not a lot on the web as far as I can tell, but you know...
Thanks,
Mark

Can't find much either....:


Bishop in Italy, near Monte Cassino

More info and pictures:
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/unitedkingdom/bishop.html

According to these sources, the Bishops were used in the early stages of the war in Italy! Cammo at the pic above looks like olive base colour with black spots

Hope its is of some help !!

Grt,
Martin

This is my Bishop from the "Incoming " Campaign. There really aren't many pictures out there.



I built the VM kit and found it to be a lady. I used a Tamiya 25lbr gun assembly, with a metal barrel and Fruilmodel track set. Also the moskit metal exhaust is a must have. It is great!



Worth the effort in the long run though. The kit tracks are garbage, throw them out. I never found a satisfactory ammo supplier either.



I have a few more pics in my gallery. There are a couple of the build. Oh and the decals are poo too!!

nice one winchweight !!!

I've been trying to find more images of bishops, but I find mostly scalemodels and not ww2 photo's.....

Hope the information I've posted before and the pics from winchweight above will do !

Thanks for the prompt replies guys.
Really appreciate the help, although I have to say Martin that those two pics are amongst the very few I've found.
The build pics Shaun are very impressive, though for an out-off-my-box builder like myself I think it's gonna be a challenge...
Ah well at least the lack of info gives more scope for mistakes!!!
I guess the it's not as widespread or photogenic as the sherman but for character and strangeness, the Bishop takes some beating. (Ahem)
Sorry...

Cheers,
Mark

Hi Mark. Although you can probably get by OOTB, you really should consider changing the tracks. If you only build OOTB having not felt you have the expertise to try a little inventiveness, then this kit is a good start point. The exhaust is the simplest and cost about £3. The barrel was about the same, and the tamiya 25lb gun cost £4.99 off eBay. The tracks are a little expensive £24, but oh so worth the effort. (All the parts are available from www.historexagents.com or Pheonix models on eBay). I didn't really enjoy the build, due to ill fitting parts etc, (really helped when I added the extras). As a minimum I used wire for all the hatch handles etc, as those in the kit were mis-shapen or broken. This is a really easy and cheap improvement to make. Be prepared for a lot of filler etc.

Having said all that, it is a really interesting and unusual subject to build. I used a number of references to the valentine for chassis detail etc. The gun turret being little more than a box.

Hope the build goes well despite the problems. If you need any parts for the gun carriage etc, I may have them in my spares box.


PS If you search back in the forums to the start of the Incoming campaign you will find more references, someone sent me a drawing of the interior and a few pics of Bishop ops.

Hey Shaun, thanks for the tips!
Are the crap tracks that you ditched the individual ones that Dragon are advertising on the box as "including FREE individual track links".
I like the "I didn't really enjoy the build, due to ill fitting parts etc" part- it fills me with joy and anticipation!
:-)

Thanks for the offer of spares- I'll certainly bear that in mind. Don't be surprised if I start hassling, er I mean, seeking further hints/info/ tips/ reassurance from you in the future, lol!
Cheers again,
Mark

:-) No mine was the VM (Maquette I think) version. You might be lucky with the Dragon one.

Heh...when I read the topic, at first I thought someone was asking me for advice personally Felt all special for a minute.... :-)

Hey Bishop,
Sorry about that, but I'm sure you are VERY special...
Cheers,
Mark