The UK’s No.1 Military Modelling Magazine Now 100 Pages! April 2023
UK £5.99 CAN $15.99 US $15.00
Armour in Profile
Volume 27 Issue 06
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk #militarymodelcraftinternational
The Sherman Tank in British Service ISSN 2631-7222
04
9 772631 722262
Sláva Ukrayíni! Defeating Aggression in Ukraine
Ha-Go
At The Bench With Alex Clark
More Small-Scale Diorama Action
and much, much more...
Number One for Features, Reference and News BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 1
13/03/2023 10:51 am
2
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 2
13/03/2023 10:52 am
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 3
3
13/03/2023 10:52 am
CONTENTS
Contents April 2023 / Vol 27 / Issue 06 24
32
66
72 Managing Editor David Grummitt email:
[email protected] Sales and Marketing Director Tom Foxon email:
[email protected] Mob: +44 (0)7540 153368 Contributors Paul Bennett, David Black, Peter Brown, Diego Bruzzone, Kenneth Childres, Alex Clark, Claudio Fernandez, Domingo Hernandez, Tomasz Janiszewski, Uwe Kern, Łukasz Orczyc-Musiałiek, Michelangelo Sicilia, Stefan Szymanski and Loris Visintini Design Mark Smith Printing Warners Midlands Military Modelcraft International ISSN 1364-419X www.militarymodelcraft.co.uk UK, Europe and ROW Subscriptions
4
78 www.guidelinepublications.co.uk or email:
[email protected] US/Canada Subscriptions www.guidelinepublicationsusa.com or email:
[email protected] Published by Guideline Publications Unit 6 Kensworth Gate 200-204 High Street South Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK, LU6 3HS Tel: +44(0)1582 668411 www.guidelinepublications.co.uk Magazine Licensing & Syndication Guideline Publications Ltd and Guideline Licensed Publications Ltd publish top quality magazines, books & bookazines. Guideline Licenced Publications Ltd publishes a wide range of publications that are available for licensing and reproduction around the world. You can find out more by contacting Tom Foxon. This magazine/book shall not without the written consent of the publisher, be lent, resold , or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in excess of the maximum
recorded retail price. All rights strictly reserved. No part of this publications may be reproduced print or digital in any way without prior written agreement of the publisher. All material and artwork generated by Guideline Publications Ltd & or Guideline Licensed Publications Ltd, photographs, drawings, and plans used in the magazine and or book become the publisher’s copyright under copyright law. The company reserves the right to suspend or refuse any advertisements without giving reasons. While every care is taken to avoid mistakes Guideline Publications Ltd and Guideline Licensed Publications Ltd cannot be liable in any way for any errors or omissions. Nor can the publication accept the responsibility for the bona fides of advertisers. Copyright © 2023 Guideline Publications & Guideline Licensed Publications 2023.
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 4
13/03/2023 10:52 am
Number One for Features, Reference and News CONTENTS
38 45 86
PB
90
58
06 Forum 08 News At the Front
66 Abandoned
20 Quartermasters Store
72 At the Bench - Alex Clark
An in-depth look at some of the new releases. A round-up of the latest releases.
24 The Wreck
Tomasz Janiszewski celebrates Ukrainian success on the battlefields of Donbas.
32 A Little Rumble in the Jungle
9th Queen’s Royal Lancers. Diego Bruzzone builds a rather forlorn big cat. In this month’s interview, we speak to one of the giants of small-scale modelling.
78 The New Generation
Uwe Kern returns with Trumpeter’s M1038 MTV 6x6 truck.
Stefan Szymanski presents a Pacific War diorama.
86 Showtime - Minjatura
Łukasz Orczyc-Musiałek returns with a Normandy diorama.
90 Showtime - AMPS Atlanta
The Sherman Tank in British Service. Peter Brown examines the mainstay of British armoured forces in World War II. With profiles by Claudio Fernandez.
94 Words and Pictures
38 Feuer Frei!
45 Armour In Profile - 80
58 The First of Many
Michelangelo Sicilia reports from the Malta Scale Model Expo. David Black provides a round-up of one of the US’s most important armour shows.
A roundup of the latest military titles.
98 MMI online / Stars of the Next Issue
Loris Visintini presents a Sherman II of C Squadron, www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 5
5
13/03/2023 10:52 am
Forum
David Grummitt Managing Editor
Guideline Publications
[email protected]
B
A
W
1
hile putting this issue together it was impossible not to reflect upon the year’s anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. I know this conflict has affected many of our friends, contributors and readers personally and in many different ways. It’s been heartening to see the response of the hobby community to various charitable initiatives over the last few months, and to note that, despite the physical, emotional and economic burden of war, Ukrainian model manufacturers are still going strong. Our cover story this month is the first article we’ve featured about the current war, and it raises the always vexed question of whether contemporary conflicts are appropriate subjects for a hobby magazine. It may seem odd to some to want to recreate any aspect of such a hideous conflict, but war is brutal and savage whether it is being fought today or in some distant period of history. I was struck recently reading about the dead of medieval battles who, we are told, died horribly as witnessed by the wounds left on their skeletal remains. Yet death in war is no more or less horrible whether it is on the end of a sword or an 155mm artillery shell. I think there are boundaries of good taste and appropriate subjects for modelling which, as editor, I police in these pages, but these are more around the depiction of violence and suffering, rather than how contemporary a subject is. Well done, as Tomasz Janiszewski’s piece is this month, models can offer another way to reflect upon and represent the history of warfare, violence and suffering throughout history. We’ll start this month, then, with our cover story and Tomasz’s brilliantly observed build of Trumpeter’s T-72B1. We stick with the contemporary theme and another Trumpeter kit as Uwe Kern returns with the M1083 Medium Tactical Vehicle. The remainder of the magazine has a strong World War II theme. Our Armour in Profile this month is by Peter Brown who explores the early history of the Sherman tank in British service and its combat debut at El Alamein in October 1942. Loris Visintini complements that feature with his build of Dragon’s Sherman II. There are more iconic World War II tanks as Diego Bruzzone depicts a burned-out Tiger I using the recent Rye Field Model’s release, while Łukasz Orczyc-Musiałek builds Takom’s Panther Ausf. G, placing it in a Normandy themed diorama. We also have some more small-scale excellence from Stefan Szymanski as he builds IBG Models’ superb Type 95 Ha-Go Japanese light tank. I’m also delighted to present this month an exclusive interview with the maestro of small-scale modelling, Alex Clark. Alex tells us about his journey in the hobby and what influences his model making Finally this month, we have show reports from the recent AMPS meeting in Atlanta and from the Minjatura show in Malta. Until next month, happy modelling.
C
w PB
David Grummitt Editor
1
M v
3
1
N
P W S N M O
6
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 6
13/03/2023 10:52 am
BEST BRASS AROUND
A34 Comet 1/35 Tamiya Cat. No. 36495
BEST BRASS AROUND
Jagdpanther 1/35 Academy Cat. No. 36496 Cat. No. 36497
www.eduard.com PB
1/35 P35008
1/35 P35009
1/35 P35010
MG 3 Machine Gun – MG 3 Machine Gun – vehicle-mounted variant (2 pcs) squad support variant (2 pcs)
Stugna-P – Ukrainian anti-tank guided missile
3D printed parts
3D printed and photo-etched parts
3D printed parts
1/72 Patrol Torpedo Boat Sets
For Revell kits PT109, PT160 and PT-579/588 Boats
N72030
N72031
N72040
N72041
PT Boat Weapon Set No.1 Mk.4 20 mm Oerlikon cannon
PT Boat Weapon Set No.2 Twin 12.7 mm AA Brownings (2 printed pcs.)
PT Boat Weapon Set No.4 Mk.50 Rocket Launcher (2 pcs.)
PT-579/588 Boat Radar Mast
facebook.com/specialhobby WWW.SPECIALHOBBY.EU | WWW.CMKKITS.COM www.guidelinepublications.co.uk 7 BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 7
13/03/2023 10:52 am
Aviation & Military Book Centre 54568AVI Combat Aircraft 147: F-4 Phantom II Wild Weasel Units in Combat P Davies With first-hand insight into the into the key role of the US Air Force’s fighter-bomber from the Vietnam War through to Operation Desert Storm during the First Gulf War. PB 96pp £16.99
30909AVI RAF Marham Operational History 1916 to 2019 K Delve RAF Marham has been at the forefront of RAF operations since 1916. During its operational career the squadrons based there have conducted offensive operations on a global basis. HB 280pp £30.00
77361AVI2 Flying the Buccaneer - Britain’s Cold War Warrior P Caygill Originally conceived as a carrier-born maritime attack aircraft, the Buccaneer included many original features such as Boundary Layer Contro and the new rotating bomb bay. PB 160pp £14.99
42491AVI F-105 Thunderchief - Detail & Scale 15 B Kinzey An all-new book. The author puts together a team of expert contributors who worked with him to make this the most accurate and in-depth book of this iconic aircraft. PB 102pp £19.99
22434AVI Republic F-105 Thunderchief: Operations in Southeast Asia G Arruda In the second book of what will be a defining trilogy of Thunderchief history, the wartime operations of this iconic aircraft are detailed. PB 96pp £15.99
23035AVI American Aviation: The First Half 42057AVI Century D Willis Nightstalkers: The The first half of the 20th Wright Project and century saw the birth of the 868th Bomb the aeroplane. Within Squadron in WWII five decades, contrapIn August 1943, a highly tions barely able to take classified USAAF unit, to the air had given way code-named the Wright to jet-powered aircraft, a Project, departed Langley rate of technological adField for Guadalcanal vance unparalleled in any in the South Pacific to other field. With carefully join the fight against the colourised images. Empire of Japan. HB 192pp £25.00 PB 432pp £39.95
58566AVI F-16 Fighting Falcon - American All Purpose Combat Machine B Simmons Sleek, futuristic and deadly, the F-16 Fighting Falcon was born from the crucible of the air war over Vietnam and the need for cheaper, simpler and more manoeuvrable fighter aircraft. HB 200pp £25.00
86462AVI Flightcraft 27 Boeing B-17 The B-17 was a quantum leap in offensive air power. Designed for a nation whose foreign policy was still deeply isolationist, and an Air Corps whose in-service bomber fleet was dominated by biplanes, the B-17 ushered in a new age. PB 96pp £16.99
17742AVI Aircrew Log Books of World War Two K Delve This guide to understanding RAF, Commonwealth and Allied Aircrew Log Books from WWII is the result of many years of research and in assisting relatives in finding out more. PB 304pp £23.90
46933AVI Solomons Air War Vol.1: Guadalcanal Aug-Sep 1942 M Claringbould This first volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare in the opening phase of the war in the Solomons Islands theatre, being the critical period of August-September 1942. PB 200pp £36.95
01096AVI Fokker Aircraft of WWI Vol.5 1918 Designs - Part 1 Prototypes & D.VI J Herris Fokker Aircraft of WWI Volume 5 1918 Designs Part 1: Prototypes & D.VI tells the story of FokkerÕs many 1918 designs when he was at his most creative. PB 174pp £39.99
01614AVI Fokker Aircraft of WWI Vol.5 1918 Designs Part 2 Production Fighters Tells the story of Fokker’s production D.VII and E.V/D.VIII fighters. The E.V/D.VIII is covered as completely as possible. In addition, the iconic D.VII. PB 228pp £49.99
01638AVI Fokker Aircraft of WWI Vol.7 Postwar C Owers This volume details the 26 countries that had WWI Fokker aircraft in military or civilian service postWWI. In the immediate post-Armistice period Fokker fighters were very much sought after. PB 296pp £49.99
94195AVI Top Drawings 7134 Messerschmitt Bf 109E - E-1, E-3, E-4, E-7 Models Begins with a brief introduction and continues with a plethora of line drawings in various scales as well as colour profiles. PB 40pp £18.99
01560AVI Hasburg Wings 1915 A Olejko Habsburg Wings 1915 is the story of Austro-Hungarian aviation in 1915 over Galicia and the Balkans. Noted historian Andrzej Olejko tells the story with photos and colour profiles of 8 Austro-Hungarian aircraft. PB 256pp £41.99
01010AVI Jasta Colors Vol.2 B Schmaling Second volume in a landmark series on this popular and hotly debated subject and gives extensive information on research and sources on this topic. Supported by photos, documents, paintings and colour profiles. PB 242pp £52.99
01003AVI Jasta Colors Vol.1 J Leckscheid First volume in a landmark series on this popular and hotly debated subject. This volume gives extensive information on research and sources on this topic. Supported by photos, documents, paintings and colour profiles. PB 274pp £52.99
AEJH43 Aero Journal Hors Serie (43) La Chasse Allemande Al’ouest Mai-Juin 1940 FRENCH LANGAUGE MAGAZINE. Lavishly illustrated with photos, 3D images and scale drawings. PB 112pp £15.99
85995AVI Les Avions De Combat FRENCH LANGUAGE BOOK. Since the first Gulf War in 1990, the combat aircraft has taken part in multiple engagements in theatres such as Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria and the Sahel. HB 144pp £29.99
BAT102AVI Batailles Aeriennes 102 La Campagne Des Mariannes FRENCH LANGAUGE MAGAZINE. PB 94pp £13.95
LA007 Les Ailes-Wings No.7 FRENCH LANGAUGE MAGAZINE. This quarterly magazine, will encompass all of France’s aeronautical history and heritage. Brings together the best French specialists in history, technique and collection. SB 82pp £13.95
AVI249 Avions 249 Nov/ Dec 2022 FRENCH LANGAUGE MAGAZINE. In-depth articles with lavish illustrations. SB 94pp £13.95
AEJ092 Aero Journal 92 FRENCH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE. Great articles with lavish photos and illustrations throughout. PB 82pp £8.95
94218AVI Monograph 3090 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-3 Vol.3 D Paduch Detailed articles, colour photographs and profile drawings include of this iconic aircraft. PB 98pp £25.99
50713AVI Air Campaign 35: Afghanistan 1979-88 Soviet Air Power against the Mujahideen The first English-language book to examine the crucial part air power played in the SovietAfghan War. PB 96pp £16.99
03266AVI Lightning Boys - True Tales from Pilots of the English Lightning B Simmons Tales include the recollections of an aerobatic display pilot, an implausible yet true account of telepathic communication. HB 104pp £9.99
60291AVI F-16 Fighting Falcon Viper Visual Modelers Guide Wing Series Vol.3 Fun and easily reference where you can visually analyze and distinguish the characteristic details of the variants of this subject. Includes historical notes about the design and development process of the different variants of the kit. With high-quality photographs. PB 70pp £14.99
WPA020AVI Wingleader Photo Archive 20: Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX in RAF Service NW Europe and The Med Full of illustrations, high resolution photos and detailed captions. SB 80pp £19.95
27049AVI Spotlight On Grumman F6F Hellcat Z Kolacha Presents detailed illustrations of the Hellcat. The book contains specially-commissioned colour plan and profile views illustrating the different camouflage, colours and markings of various users. HB 44pp £19.00
03235AVI2 Dambusters 80th Anniversary B Simmons HB 104pp £9.99
98658AVI F-117 Highthawk Stealth Fighter Detail & Scale Y.D. Mailes F-117 Profusely illustrated, includes contributions from aviation photographers. Scores of general and detail photos that have been provided are included. PB 112pp £22.99
www.aviationbookcentre.com 10
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 10
13/03/2023 10:52 am
A
Aviation – Military – Modelling – Fantasy
DEPTWR03 Desert Eagle TWR-3 Halftrack Wrecks in the IDF Part 3 M Mass As they finished their service, tank wrecks were brought to the army base where they rusted internally and externally. This book describes the machine wreck in detail. PB 82pp £33.90
51888MIL Desert Armour: Tank Warfare in North Africa - Beda Fomm to Operation Crusader 1940-41 R Forczyk The development of armoured warfare in North Africa from 1940 to the British victory over the Afrikakorps in 1941. HB 336pp £35.00
35180MIL2 Bundeswehr Modern German Army in Scale Dedicated to Bundeswehr models we will be able to discover different techniques to achieve hyper realistic finishes throughout the book. PB 180pp £34.99
49104MIL Camera On 28 2cm Flak 28 & 30 Contains 140+ photos taken by the average German soldier of both the 2 cm Flak 28 and 30 as well as their crews while in service and many of the environments they had to operate within. PB 80pp £15.00
05094MIL Tankograd 5094 Cold War Warrior Leopard 1 - MBT in Cold War Exercises with the German Bundeswehr The first German postwar tank design, the series-produced and aptly named Leopard main battle tank. PB 80pp £17.99
09038MIL Tankograd 9038 BAOR-SLTA - Vehicles on the Legendary Soltau-Luneburg Training Area of the British Army of the Rhine Takes a look at the SLTA in Northern Germany and in particular its British military vehicles. PB 64pp £17.99
03047MIL Tankograd 3047 Fulda Gap This publication shows the planned defence of the Fulda Gap by the US Army exemplary with the exercises Caravan I 1972, REFORGER 81 Certain Encounter and REFORGER 83 Confident Enterprise. PB 64pp £17.99
ABSQ40 Abrams Squad 40 Devoted to Modern Warfare modelling. Here you will find the best articles of the best modellers and writers in the world. Step by step articles, painting techniques, building techniques, illustrated reports, news, reviews and much more. PB 72pp £14.99
73991MIL In Combat 09: 39/40M Csaba Armoured Cars in WWII This book consists of dozens of interesting photos, colour illustrations, technical drawings and maps. In every issue there is a free gift in the form of masks or decals for modellers. PB 64pp £19.90
70869MIL Snow Ice and Sacrifice: The Italian Army in Russia 1941-43 R Riccio Mussolini felt obligated to join with Germany attack against the Soviet Union. Italy thus formed the CSIR, consisting of some 62,000 men in three divisions, two infantry and one cavalry. HB 272pp £45.00
41703MIL Panther Ausf.D and Bergepanther Ausf.D Technical and Operational History RRP £150.00 W Trojca Full description of the Bergepanther Ausf. D. Combat history of the Panther Ausf. D in 1943: Pz.Abt.51 and Pz.Abt.52 at Kursk and more. HB 896pp £135.00
65122MIL Tankcraft (40) Panzer III German Army Light Tank - North Africa El Alamein to Tunis 1942-43 D Oliver The Pzkpfw III tank was the mainstay of the Panzer divisions during the Blitzkrieg era and made up the bulk of the armoured force sent to North Africa. PB 64pp £18.99
65085MIL Tankcraft (39) Sherman Medium Tank - Canadian New Zealand & South African Armies, Italy 1943-45 D Oliver Examined in this book are both the 75mm armed version and the potent tank killer referred to today as the Firefly plus its field mods. PB 64pp £18.99
00927MIL Panzers Normandie Serie 44: Tiger s.SSPz.Abt.102 FRENCH TEXT. by Maranes Editions. This very detailed work gives us the complete history of the schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 102 during the Battle of Normandy. Limited edition - Not to be missed. HB 224pp £52.99
10863MIL The Battle of the Reichswald - February 1945 T Saunders During winter 1944/45 few German officers believed that the Allies would attack the wooded Reichswald Plug on the narrow neck of land between the rivers Rhine and Maas. HB 224pp £22.00
85957MIL III. Panzer Corps Blinde SS de Volontaires Germaniques FRENCH TEXT. In the spring of 1940, when Germany invaded Denmark, Norway and then the Netherlands and Belgium, the Waffen-SS opened recruitment offices there, with mixed, if not mediocre, results. HB 528pp £74.99
23097AVI 125 The Jet Dragon that Roared B Lloyd Initially the response to the 125 was lukewarm, but as the benefits of individual jet travel began to become apparent. This fully illustrated book looks at the development and history of this hugely popular jet. PB 96pp £15.99
85827MIL La Saga du Tiger FRENCH LANGUAGE BOOK. The Tiger, lord of the Panzers, and yet poorly known. This book deals with all the aspects of this tank and thus makes it possible to understand precisely the reasons for its success and its fame. HB 304pp £62.99
49111MIL Camera On 29 2cm Flak 38 - Flakvierling 38 A Ranger Contains 140+ photographs taken by the average German soldier of both the 2 cm Flak 38 and the Flakvierling 38 as well as their crews in many of the areas they operated within. PB 80pp £15.00
84240MIL La Waffen-SS Les Grenadiers 1939-45 Tome 2 J Pelletier FRENCH TEXT. Traces the history, organization, uniforms, and equipment of the Waffen SS between 1939 and 1945. All the Waffen SS panels and objects are scrupulously detailed in this book. HB 256pp £63.99
73373MIL In Combat 08: History of The 40/43M Zrinyi Assault Howitzer The book consists of dozens of interesting photos, illustrations, technical drawings and maps. In every issue there is a free gift in the form of masks or decals for modellers. PB 64pp £19.90
22859NAV Royal Navy Torpedo Vessels 18701914 L Brown The self-propelled or locomotive torpedo was a game-changer in the history of naval warfare. For the first time the largest warship could be sunk by a weapon carried by the smallest. HB 192pp £40.00
98854NAV Italian Heavy Cruisers M Brescia When the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 effectively banned the building of battleships, competition between the major navies concentrated on the next most powerful category, heavy cruisers. HB 224pp £40.00
49623NAV Fighting Ships of the US Navy 18832019 Vol.4 Part 1 This series of books provides details of all USN warships from 1893 to the present day. Every class and individual ship has an entry providing each ship’s history and development. HB 220pp £35.00
52502AVI Duel 126: H6K Mavis/H8K Emily vs PB4Y-1/2 Liberator/ Privateer - Pacific Theater 1943-45 An illustrated exploration of the dramatic aerial combats between the US Navy’s long-range bomber and Japanese flying boats in the Pacific War. PB 80pp £15.99
60390MIL How to Paint Winter WWII German Tanks 1940-45 In How to Paint Winter WWII German Tanks, K Paojinda, R Volchenkov and J Redondo explain how to paint the winter camouflage schemes applied to German AFVs during World War Il. PB 140pp £24.99
GBM143MIL GBM Historie de Guerre Blindes & Materiel 143 French Language Magazine. Lots of interesting articles and lots of high quality photos and illustrations. SB 78pp £13.95
35128MOD Techniques for Creating Bases and Scenography - Step by Step Guide With tutorials of small scenes, sometimes lacking figures and vehicles, but with details, techniques and curiosities with a clear didactic purpose to awaken the imagination. PB 227pp £36.99
35104MOD TINT INC. Issue 04 Features comprehensive articles written by the best figure painters from around the world who will teach you their tricks and techniques. If you liked our Figure FAQ, you cannot miss the first issue of this new collection from AK Interactive. £15.99
25106MIL Scale Modelling WW2 German Camouflage Uniforms Step by Step Guide Includes six camouflage patterns used on German uniforms during WWII and how to paint them on 1/35 scale figures using realistic illustrative photographs. HB 288pp £49.99
66026MIL Solution Book 19: How to Paint WWII German DAK Vehicles A simple and basic guide for any modeler to easily achieve similar results to those shown with stepby-step guides to help attain amazing results with very little effort. PB 68pp £9.99
66033MIL Solution Book 20: How to Paint WWII Soviet Winter Vehicles A simple and basic guide for any modeler to easily achieve similar results to those shown with stepby-step guides to help attain amazing results with very little effort. PB 68pp £9.99
UK Delivery £3.95. Delivery charges for Europe and Worldwide available via the website.
Unit 1 Highfield Rd, Clitheroe, BB7 1AQ
[email protected] • 01200 401468 BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 11
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
11
13/03/2023 10:52 am
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST RELEASES
News At The Front ITALERI David Grummitt Scale: 1/35
S
ome Italeri classics see welcome re-releases with some extras which make them very attractive propositions. Sd.Kfz. 10 Demag D7 with 7.5cm Le. IG 18 and Crew (ref. 6596S) is a reissue of the 1999 tooling of this halftrack. The Sd.Kfz 10 half-track tractor was used by the Germans in large numbers during World II War from the invasion of Poland to North Africa, and Russia. It was developed to be an effective prime mover for small, towed artillery pieces and could carry eight fully equipped soldiers in addition to towing a gun or a trailer. The 4.2-litre Maybach six-cylinder engine , positioned in the front of the vehicle, could delivered 99 hp, allowing it to reach a max speed of 65 km/h and to have a good on road and off-road performance. The 7.5cm light infantry howitzer Le. IG 18 was designed to provide artillery support within infantry companies. The le. IG is a real ‘golden oldie’, tracing its origins back to the 1976 ESCI release, but this is a nice combo and like all Italeri kits will come at a reasonable price. T-34/76 Model 1943 Premium Edition (ref. 6570) is the latest incarnation of Italeri’s T-34/76. This kit shouldn’t be confused with the original Italeri release (ref. 289) which was based on the early 1990s Zvezda kit or their 2015 ‘World of Tanks’ T-34/85 (ref. 36509). It is, in fact, a T-34/76 based on their 2018 new tooling of the T-34/85 (ref. 6545) and, as such, comes with a complete hull interior and engine. There is no turret interior, so it’s not on a par with the MiniArt T-34
‘Interior Kit’ series but is nevertheless excellent value for money. As well as six dark green plastic sprues and one light grey one for the engine and transmission parts, there is a choice of link-and-length plastic tracks or glueable single-length vinyl ones and of two different designs of roadwheels. There is a small sheet of photoetch with an engine deck grille and other details, a length of cord for the tow cable, and a turned aluminium gun barrel. Markings are provided for five Red Army tanks and one in German service. An excellent kit for modellers wanting to make an affordable and nicely detailed replica of this iconic tank or for those new to the hobby. Two more classics that have a new lease of life are Flakpanzer IV Ostwind (ref. 6594) and Semovente M42 da 75/34 (ref. 6584). The former is based on the old Italeri Panzer IV chassis, first released in 1974, with the Ostwind turret newly tooled for the 2000 release (ref. 376). As such, the kit is showing its age a bit compared to the now hard-to-find Dragon kits, but it comes with newly tooled roadwheels, rear idlers and link-and-length tracks. The Semovente also has its origins in Italeri’s 1970s releases. It’s a welcome release though as this kit was only previously available in the 2021 Tamiya boxing (ref. 37029). It has a small fret of photoetch and a turned aluminium barrel, but the rather poor vinyl tracks have sadly not been updated with some link-and-length ones which would really have transformed this kit’s potential. Nevertheless, some very welcome re-releases which should prove popular among modellers of all abilities. Italeri kits are available from all good model shops.
Subscribe and Save with 12 issues from just £59. Just visit www.guidelinepublications.co.uk or call +44(0)1582 668411 To Start Saving Now! 12
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
PB
Officially
UK’s No.1
Military Mo
delling Ma
September 2022 l £5.50 Volume 26 l Issue 11 www. uidelin www.g epublications .co.uk #militarymod elcraftinterna tional
gazine
Armour in
Profile
Marine Corp Armour in s Metal: USMC Vietnam, Part 1 ISSN 2631-722
2
09
B ea st s o f th e M id Isr ae li Me d le E as t rk 9 772631 722255
av Eg yp tia n aT3IIB an d 4/ 10 0
World Model Expo 22
Spring is Coming
Arm ou mo del lin r hig hli gh tsg
An ab an do ned
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 12
and much, KV-85 much mor e...
13/03/2023 10:52 am
04968 Hawker Hurricane Mk IIb, 1:32
35040 03823 B-26 Invader, 1:48
PB
with Shells Set 1 (ref. 35398), complete with boxes and decals. Finally this month, we have European Farm Cart (ref. 35642). This is a simple but finely detailed kit of a typical two-axle farm cart that was common throughout Europe in the mid-twentieth century. The kit contains five grey plastic sprues and is perfect for a wide variety of wartime and civilian subjects. Our thanks to MiniArt for the product
35642
03831 B-24D Liberator, 1:48
news and the new releases should be available from good model
shops by the time you read this (www.miniartmodels.com).
03821 Bell® AH-1G Cobra, 1:32
Includes figure of The Mandalorian & Diorama Base
06784 Din Djarin™ - The Bounty Hunter, 1:9
Available from all good model stockists and online from
hobbycraft.co.uk/brand/revell
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 15
15
13/03/2023 10:52 am
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST RELEASES
News At The Front CMK David Grummitt Scale: 1/35
T
wo interesting new releases from the guys at CMK (Czech Masters Kits) this month. Ukrainian Soldier Firing FGM-148 Javelin (ref. F35384) is a very topical full resin figure with a 3D-printed Javelin ATGM. The figure is very nicely sculpted and cast, albeit quite large for 1/35 scale, as a single piece, depicted in a sitting position. The 3D-printed parts include the figure’s hands holding the firing unit, the launcher and an AK-74MN assault gun. The kit also includes resin missile base plates with photoetched stabilising fins and a sling for the AK-74, as well as
SPECIAL HOBBY David Grummitt Scales: various
M
ore 3D-printed goodies from CMK’s sister company, Special Hobby. Special Hobby are better known for their vast catalogue of aviation kits, but they’ve recently been taking advantage of CAD and 3D printing to produce some very nice military accessories. This month’s releases cover a range of modern and World War II subjects. Transport Box with Panzerfausts (ref. 48001) is their first venture into Quarterscale in this range and includes a neatly printed box and five Panzerfaust 60. There is also a little sheet of appropriate decals for the Panzerfausts and box. MG3 Machine Gun VehicleMounted (ref. P35008) is precisely what it says on the
decals for the missile and launcher. This is an excellent and very complete figure kit and complements the same
F35384
manufacturer’s Ukrainian Soldier with NLAW (ref. F35379). The next release is a different scale and subject entirely. Sd.Kfz. 250/251 Crew in Winter Uniforms (ref. F72386) contains two beautifully sculpted and cast Wehrmacht figures, ideal for Special Armour’s recent small-scale Sd.Kfz. 250 (ref. 72019) kit or any other
F72386
late-war German vehicles. CMK kits are available directly from the manufacturer (www. cmkkits.com) or other good model shops. box. The blister contains two beautifully printed machine guns suitable for mounting on a range of contemporary NATO vehicles. Panzerfaust 3 Modern Recoilless AntiTank Weapon (ref. P35007) brings us bang up to date with a weapon that has been supplied in considerable numbers to the Armed Forces of Ukrainian. It contains the launcher and a selection of rounds, again with a small decal sheet. In a similar vein there is also a Stugna-P Ukrainian Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ref. P35010). The Stugna is a contemporary guided missile made by the Ukrainians and has been used with devastating effect against the Russian aggressor. The missile is usually used against tanks, armoured vehicles and low-flying helicopters. The 3D-printed set contains a complete missile on a tripod and its remote-control panel which is
PB
(below) P35008
(above) P35007 (below) P35010 connected to the missile via a long wire so that the launch does not reveal the position of the operator. The detail on all these items is superb and if you want high-quality accessories to dress up your plastic kits, then look no further. Special Hobby kits are also available directly from the manufacturer (www. cmkkits.com) or other good model shops
Subscribe and Save with 12 issues from just £59. Just visit www.guidelinepublications.co.uk or call +44(0)1582 668411 To Start Saving Now! 16
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
Officially
UK’s No.1
Military Mo
delling Ma
September 2022 l £5.50 Volume 26 l Issue 11 www. uidelin www.g epublications .co.uk #militarymod elcraftinterna tional
gazine
Armour in
Profile
Marine Corp Armour in s Metal: USMC Vietnam, Part 1 ISSN 2631-722
2
09
B ea st s o f th e M id Isr ae li Me d le E as t rk 9 772631 722255
av Eg yp tia n aT3IIB an d 4/ 10 0
World Model Expo 22
Spring is Coming
Arm ou mo del lin r hig hli gh tsg
An ab an do ned
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 16
and much, KV-85 much mor e...
13/03/2023 10:52 am
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 17
17
13/03/2023 10:52 am
and don’t miss The British Model Soldier Society’s
ANNUAL SHOW 2023
Starling Models
The UK specialists in ship kits & accessories
• Rare and hard to find kits From Around The World
HMS Glamorgan 1/700
HMS Nadder 1/350
• UK Based, Family Business • Resin kits with photoetched and 3D printed parts
On Saturday, 15th April 2023 At the Reading Salvation Army Centre, Anstey Road, Reading RG1 7JR Trade Stands, Competitions, Displays, Demonstrations Doors open 10.30, Admission £3 (BMSS members £2)
• Specialist in 1/700 and 1/350
Image: Artists’ own completed model
Visit our online shop at: www.starling-models.co.uk
Show information: www.bmssonline.com, phone 01895 832757 or email:
[email protected] for details. www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 19
19
13/03/2023 10:52 am
A ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST RELEASES
Quartermasters Stores
Aber
Turned-Metal Gun Barrel for A34 Comet Scale: 1/35 Ref: 35L-332 SRP: £TBA
See: www.abermodels.com
AFV Modeller
LRDG/SAS Fuel Can Stowage for ¼ton Utility Truck Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16083 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
AFV Modeller
M2 Browning .50cal Machine Gun Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16077 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
AFV Modeller
LRDG/SAS Fender Jerry Cans (American Pattern) Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16085 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
AFV Modeller
AFV Modeller
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16081 SRP: £TBA
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16082 SRP: £TBA
Vickers K Single LRDG Mount
See: www.afvmodeller.com
AFV Modeller
LRDG/SAS Condenser Can Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16086 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
Vickers K Twin LRDG Mount
See: www.afvmodeller.com
AFV Modeller
LRDG/SAS Condenser Can (Dented) Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16087 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
PB
AFV Modeller
AFV Modeller
AFV Modeller
AFV Modeller
See: www.afvmodeller.com
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16089 SRP: £TBA
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16090 SRP: £TBA
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16091 SRP: £TBA
AFV Modeller
AFV Modeller
LRDG/SAS Sand Channel Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16088 SRP: £TBA
LRDG/SAS M2 Browning Early Bonnet Mount Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16092 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
¼ton Utility Truck Wheel with Civilian Pattern Tyre (x1)
See: www.afvmodeller.com
LRDG/SAS M2 Browning Late Bonnet/Rear Mount Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16093 SRP: £TBA
See: www.afvmodeller.com
¼ton Utility Truck Spare Wheel with Civilian Pattern Tyre
See: www.afvmodeller.com
Set of 4 Weighted Jeep Wheels & 1 Spare Wheel (Firestone)
See: www.afvmodeller.com
AFV Modeller
AFV Modeller
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16095 SRP: £TBA
Scale: 1/16 Ref: 16096 SRP: £TBA
LRDG/SAS Jeep Driver
See: www.afvmodeller.com
LRDG/SAS Crew
See: www.afvmodeller.com Officially
UK’s No.1
Military Mo September
2022 l
Subscribe and Save with 12 issues from just £59. Just visit www.guidelinepublications.co.uk or call +44(0)1582 668411 To Start Saving Now! 20
delling Ma
l
£5.50
Volume 26 Issue 11 www. uidelin www.g epublications .co.uk #militarymod elcraftinterna tional
gazine
Armour in
Profile
Marine Corp Armour in s Metal: USMC Vietnam, Part 1 ISSN 2631-722
2
09
B ea st s o f th e M id Isr ae li Me d le E as t 9 772631 722255
rk av Eg yp tia n aT3IIB an d 4/ 10 0
World Model Expo 22
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
Spring is Coming
Arm ou mo del lin r hig hli gh tsg
An ab an do ned
and much, KV-85 much mor e...
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 20
N
13/03/2023 10:52 am
TRUMPETER T-72B1
THE WRECK
CONTEMPORARY ARMOUR
1/35
PB
Tomasz Janiszewski celebrates Ukrainian success on the battlefields of Donbas.
I
find inspiration for my dioramas by looking through photographs in books or on the Internet. I look through hundreds of photos to find one that will ‘fit’. Sometimes, however, I come across a photograph which I immediately know
I must transform into a 3D representation; in other words, I need to build a diorama based on it. Such was the case with this photo from the war in Ukraine showing a destroyed Russian tank. The T-72B1 tank is partially covered with earth
1
was commonly used in the early stages of the conflict on both sides and made up the bulk of the armoured forces for the separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. The former owners of the tank are confirmed by the characteristic ‘Z’s applied to
2
I start the construction of the model in an unusual way by labelling the sprues with large identity tags. With such a large and complex model, this small improvement really speeds things up.
24
and its broken tracks intensify the feeling of destruction. It’s hard to say what caused such spectacular damage, but it was probably a direct hit by a large-calibre artillery shell or a powerful IED. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter to me. The T-72 B1
The rubber of the tyres on the roadwheels of the T-72 is of poor quality. With a modelling knife and coarse sandpaper, I ‘corrected’ the wheels on my model.
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 24
13/03/2023 10:52 am
4
In order not to clog the fine photoetched grilles with paint, I first dipped them in a blackening solution and then painted the inside of the mesh with diluted black enamel paint.
I made the missing weld seams from Green Stuff epoxy putty, rolling it into thin rolls with a transparent ruler. I then made the weld pattern with a tool made from a piece of copper sheet.
Russian vehicles as a quick identification system. I will not describe the technical data and the history of the T-72 as it’s easy enough to find on the ‘web. I mainly build models in 1/35 scale, and I decided to build this diorama in that scale as well.
waiting in my stash. The model is very detailed and richly equipped with three large sheets of photoetched parts.
Models of this version of the T-72 tank are produced by Zvezda, Meng and Trumpeter. Luckily, I had Trumpeter’s excellent T-72B1
The only addition I made
was to replace the kit individual link, plastic tracks with 3D-printed ‘Quick Tracks’ (ref. T-35003). The choice of either cutting and sanding some 180 plastic links or assembling ready prepared links with the ‘Klick Klak’ system was a no-brainer. With that decision made, it was time to crack on.
CONTEMPORARY ARMOUR
3
PB
5 I also decided to replace the kit’s smoke grenade launchers with Aber’s metal ones (ref. R-36).
6 As mentioned, I replaced the kit tracks with 3D-printed moveable ones from Quick Tracks. Importantly, their assembly system – ‘Klick Klac’ - is easy, fast and enjoyable. www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 25
25
13/03/2023 10:52 am
SMS Page advert.qxp_Layout 1 08/06/2022 12:00 Page 1
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 23
23
13/03/2023 10:52 am
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
OUT NOW
Subscribe 4 issues from £25 Available DELthe newsstands MDOon EL O M C AR & &LEYCLE R CA MO YCRC RCTO TO MO
FREE ICM
FORD
K IT W H EN M ODEL T
YO U SU B SC
CA ARRCK T UCK TRRU
NEW
2 Winter 202 £6.99
NEW M FR O EE O D DE LLEL C DE C TTOORRCCY O OR WY EL M O WORLD M L
500 ’s Suzi RG ry Sheene Italeri’s Bar ol Trucking Radio Contr ques ing Techni ish Fin Truck & Car s s & Review Diecast New
4605
ISSN 2754-
9 7727 54
01
Volume 01
4600 10
Issue 01
o.uk
elcartruck.c
www.mod
LATEST
NEWS &S REVIEW
4 issue subscription rate: UK £25 1/24
VE * RIBE & SA
Europe £35
ROW £39
AT 6x6 Scania SB nster Mo Off-Road
Visit: www.guidelinepublications.co.uk to subscribe apply, Conditions *Terms and ls. 10 for detai see page
PB
1/24
t Black Ca the E-Type Painting
YOUR NEW
G! T COLLECTIN ING & DIECAS
DELL MOTIVE MO AZING AUTO
AM HOME FOR
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 31
31
13/03/2023 10:52 am
WORLD WAR II
Feuer Frei!
Łukasz Orczyc-Musiałek returns with a Normandy diorama.
T
he Panther tank, officially designated ‘Panzerkampfwagen V Panther’, was designed in 1942 and intended to counter the new Soviet T-34 medium tank, which had caused such consternation among the German High Command when it was first encountered during Operation Barbarossa. It was also intended as a replacement for the Panzer III and Panzer IV. As such, it served alongside the Panzer IV and the heavier Tigers as a mainstay of the Panzerwaffe until the end of the war. Despite recurring problems with reliability, it had excellent firepower, armour protection and mobility, proving to be
38
particularly effective in open country and long-range engagement. The Model Given its importance, it is hardly surprising that kits of this tank are offered by almost all manufacturers in a variety of scales. And for those who wish to add further details and accessories, there is no shortage of after-market products dedicated to the subject. Somewhat spoilt for choice, I finally decided to use as a starting point for this project, Takom’s 2020 release, ‘Panther Ausf.G (Early
1/35 TAKOM PANTHER
Production) w/Zimmerit’. Keen to present a model that would hopefully stand out in the crowd, I was delighted
when PanzerArt announced the release of their ‘Panther G Tank Wooden Sapper ‘Bruckentafel’ (ref. PA 35-686). This unusual set would be the perfect addition
1 Having examined the contents of the box, I removed larger components from their sprues, and arranged them alongside the smaller items in preparation for assembly.
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 38
13/03/2023 10:53 am
(left) The Chinese company, T-Rex, currently offers a wide range of 3D-printed accessories. Here we have their superbly detailed ‘WWII German MG AA Cupola Mount’ (three in the set) (ref. TR35030).
3
During the early stage of construction, I added certain after-market items such as the turned-aluminium main gun barrel and the turned-brass machine gun barrel (from the Polish company, Master). Note here the well-defined rendering of the moulded-on Zimmerit anti-magnetic paste.
WORLD WAR II
2
(below) Creating a more realistic appearance to the Zimmerit, I cut away selected areas using a sharp modelling knife. Damage caused by small-arms fire was replicated using a drill bit held in a pin-vice.
With the turret assembly almost complete, I replicated shell damage to one side of the mantlet.
4 (right) Missing weld seams were added to the commander’s cupola using small amounts of Green Stuff Epoxy Putty, the characteristic texture created using the tip of a modelling knife.
5 to create a truly unique model. Also, aware that such vehicles operating in France after D-Day were often camouflaged with natural foliage, I recreated this using various Eduard photoetched items. I also decided to incorporate some figures in the proposed diorama, the
Availability:
Takom 1/35 Panther Ausf.G (Early Production) w/ Zimmerit (ref. 2134) is available from good model shops. Takom kits are distributed in the UK by Bachmann Europe plc (www. bachmann.co.uk).
perfect choice being a couple of beautifully animated Waffen SS figures from the Rado Miniatures range (ref. RDM35041). As for the scenic base, I opted for an urban street setting, with a portion of an overhead steel bridge and stairs (providing height to the composition). Further elements that would place the scene in context were a captured Welbike, and its abandoned container and parachute. Having completed the project, I was
particularly pleased that the scene could be viewed and appreciated from all angles. The final consideration was a suitable title for the scene; what better than the label for the Rado figures … ‘Feuer Frei!’
6
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 39
39
13/03/2023 10:53 am
Armour In Profile
Peter Brown examines the mainstay of British armoured forces in World War II.
ARMOUR IN PROFILE
The Sherman Tank in British Service
80
A Sherman II photographed on 10 October 1942. The wartime censor has obscured the foreground tank’s markings, the name SANTICK on the one behind and even the serial number on the Jeep. It is probably from HQ 2nd Armoured Brigade.
PB
D
uring World War II, the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations received over 17,000 M4-series Medium Tanks under the Lend-Lease programme. Their first deployment in combat was at the Battle of El Alamein in October-November 1942, and they would become the most common tank in Allied service until the end of the war. While they were known by their M-numbers in American service, as usual the British applied their own designations using the names of American Civil War-era Generals, which in the M4’s case was the Union general, William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891). Sherman Variants in British Service There were several variations of the M4 with different engines. The majority had welded hulls, while one type
used cast upper hulls and another used a mixture of both. Turrets and smaller components were cast. The M4 or Sherman I had a Continental R975 C1 radial engine. Most had welded hulls, but later production vehicles had cast front sections with larger hatches and were sometimes called ‘Hybrid’ in British and Commonwealth service. M4(105) Sherman IB were late-production welded-hull tanks mounting 105mm Howitzers. The M4A1 was known as the Sherman II in British service. These were the first M4-series tanks built and one of the earliest versions to be used in British service at El Alamein. While they also had the radial engine, they had cast upper hulls. Both 75mm armed tanks and some with 76mm guns, designated Sherman IIA, were supplied under the LendLease agreement. M4A2 or Sherman III were also among
the first shipments sent to North Africa. These had General Motors 6046 diesel engines made up of two 6-71 model truck engines. All had 75mm guns apart from five late-production tanks with the 76mm gun and Horizontal Volute Suspension supplied,
which were known as Sherman IIIAY. M4A3 Sherman IV with the purpose-designed Ford GAA engine was the preferred type in the US Army, but only seven came to the UK where they were used for trials M4A4 Sherman V were the most numerous types in
The first Sherman to be sent to the UK was the second M4A1 built at the Lima Locomotive Works. The cast plaques on the sides were in honour of industrialist Michael Dewar, who led a mission to the USA to try to get British tanks built there and oversaw supply of American tanks. MICHAEL has several early Sherman features such as an M34 gun mounting, direct vision ports and two fixed machine guns in the hull. However, the short M2 series 75mm main gun and the sight on the turret roof were only found on a few very early M4A1. www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 45
45
13/03/2023 10:53 am
ARMOUR IN PROFILE
MICHAEL on Horse Guards Parade in London on 8 May 1942 awaiting inspection by Winston Churchill. It has now been fitted with metal counterweights on the end of the gun barrel to balance the shorter gun so it would work with the stabiliser designed for the longer M3 gun. With some changes and additions, this tank is now part of the collection at the Tank Museum, Bovington.
British service. These had an engine made up of five, six-cylinder Chrysler A57 units coupled together. Often called the Multibank, due to the size of the engine the M4A4 was longer than the other types. M4A5 was the American designation for the Canadian Ram series. The M4A6 had a longer hull but with a diesel engine, none of the 75 built came to the UK although they received the designation, Sherman VII. Many small improvements were made during production. The Vertical Volute suspension units used on the
M3 Medium Tank – known as Grant and Lee in British service – on the first Shermans had track support rollers on the top, they were redesigned with larger springs and the rollers in a bracket facing the rear of the tank. Early tanks had small flaps called Direct Vision Ports in front of the driver and co-driver, but these were replaced by a fixed periscope. The final design had the welded hull front made from a single flat plate instead of smaller pieces welded together, it was angle with its top edge further forward than the original
vehicles which allowed for larger hatches. Only late M4 and M4A2 tanks had this feature, although lateproduction M4A1 castings used the same idea and M4 ‘Hybrid’ also had larger hatches in their cast section. The armour over the transmission at the lower front of the tank was originally cast in three parts, but later single-piece castings were used although all M4A4 tanks used the three-piece type. Protection of the gun mounting was improved over time. The original M34 mounting for the 75mm gun
and coaxial Browning M1919A4 0.3” machine gun only had a narrow armoured shield covering the central part, whereas the M34A1 type had a wide shield over both guns. Another feature was a pistol port in the left side of the turret for disposing of used shell casings. Early tanks had them, but then it was decided they were not needed so many had the opening part welded on until the turret casting was changed to eliminate them. Later it was decided to re-introduce them. An additional oval hatch was added for the loader on the turret of very late 75mm armed tanks as well as those with 105mm guns. Production of the M4A4 ended before this hatch was introduced. 76mm armed tanks had a different turret design with a large bulge at the rear and two crew hatches. To improve the armour protection, 1” (25mm) thick plates were welded to the sides of the hull over the ammunition racks, two on the right-hand side and one on the left. Smaller plates were intended to be fitted over the direct vision ports, but they could also be found on tanks with the fixed periscopes. The right-hand side of the turret had thinner armour which was improved by changing the casting with a bulged section, tanks without this had extra plates welded on. These were fitted to tanks in service including those reconditioned after being used for training in the USA. Further changes were made to tanks in British service. They were fitted with the standard Official diagram showing the armour thicknesses of a Sherman II fitted with appliqué plates on the hull sides. Variations between tanks are listed at the side of the drawing.
46
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 46
13/03/2023 10:53 am
PB
Asia at War 41. Hunting the Viet Cong Volume 2.
The book changes large parts of the Historical narrative, explains why America and its allies failed, and sets the scene for the tragedy that was to follow.
£19.95.
Tankograd 3047 - Fulda Gap.
This is illustrated with a large number of hitherto unpublished photographs of the US vehicles that were ready for the defence against the aggressor from the east. PB
£17.99.
Panther Ausf.D / Bergepanther Ausf.D Technical and Operational History.
This first book looks at the Panther Ausf.D and Bergepanther and will be 896 pages.
£150.00.
Bloody Verrieres.
IDF Tank Wrecks 3. Halftrack Wrecks, Special Halftracks used by the IDF Part 3
Panzer III German Army Light Tank North Africa.
Using archive photos and extensively researched colour South of the Norman city of Caen, illustrations to examine the Verrières Ridge was seen a key Pzkpfw III and the units that stepping-stone for the British Second Army if it was to break This book describes the machine operated this deservedly famous out of the Normandy bridgehead wreck in detail, accompanied by a armoured vehicle during the final battles in North Africa. in late July 1944. plethora of colour photos.
£34.95.
Tankograd 5094 - Cold War Warrior Leopard 1. This publication shows, with impressive action photos, the Leopard 1s of the Bundeswehr in NATO exercises during the Cold War
£17.99.
Legends of Warfare M50/ M50A1 Ontos.
Over 270 photos, many in colour, chronicle the development, production, combat use, and details of this famed vehicle and the men who used them.
£22.99.
£33.90.
Tankograd 9038 - BAORSLTA.
This publication, for the first time, allows to take a closer look at the SLTA in Northern Germany and in particular its British military vehicles (from Landy to Rhino) training there.
£17.99.
£18.99.
On 320 pages this publication is illustrated with 602 colour photographs and 100 graphics plus a foldout with 1/35 scale line-drawings of the newest addition to the range, the Leopard 2A7V!
Images of War Operation Nordwind.
You will find the best articles of the best modellers and writers in the world. Step by step articles, painting techniques, building techniques, showcases, news, reviews and much more.
AFV Modeller 129 1001 Nights.
£6.95.
This title includes a photo reference guide for both internal and external details
£13.99.
£14.99.
YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bookworldws.co.uk Stockists of the following subjects: Aviation, Military, Naval, Modelling, Railway and Motoring Major credit cards accepted, UK cheques payable to Bookworld Wholesale Ltd
£19.95.
Militar Fahrzeug 1-2023.
£10.99.
Awaiting the Sun - WWII Veterans Remember the Aleutians.
Author Bil Paul has constructed a narrative history of the conflict by weaving together the accounts of more than 200 officers and enlisted men.
£22.99.
Tankograd 5093 - Fahrzeuge der Panzertruppe Heute.
This publication offers, for the first time ever, a comprehensive visual overview on the various state-of-the-art vehicles used by the Panzertruppe today.
£17.99.
£65.00.
£15.99.
Visual Modellers Guide 3 - F-16 Fighting Falcon / Viper
Dioramag 13.
Cominform Crisis describes the Yugoslav Army’s organization, stressing the differences in pre1948 and later reorganizations during the conflict.
Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank - All Variants of the German Army.
Combat 70 - Mongol Operation Nordwind was the last Warrior versus major German offensive of World European Knight War II on the Western Front. It began on 31 December 1944 in Fully illustrated, this innovative Rhineland-Palatinate, Alsace study of the forces that clashed and Lorraine in southwestern during the Mongol invasion of Germany and northeastern France, Europe between 1237 and 1242. and ended on 25 January 1945.
£15.99.
Europe at War 24 Cominform Crisis.
Desert Armour Tank. Warfare in North Africa.
Tankcraft 39 - Sherman Medium Tank.
£35.00.
£18.99.
Fully illustrated throughout with Technical details as well as photographs, profile artwork modifications introduced during and maps, and featuring tacticalproduction and in the field level vignettes and appendices are also examined, providing analysing tank data, tank everything the modeller needs to deliveries in-theatre and orders recreate an accurate representation of battle. of these historic vehicles.
How to Paint Winter WWII German Tanks 1940-1945. MiM 138 - Abandoned in Normandy, Or Is it? DELETE
£6.95.
You will not only learn how to paint the camouflage explained step by step, but also how to add lifelike weathering effects including mud, splashes, streaking, dust, grease, and all types of dirt.
Abrams Squad 40 - Irpin 2022.
Step by step articles, painting techniques, building techniques, illustrated reports, news, reviews and much more.
£24.99.
£14.99.
UK POSTAGE: SINGLE BOOK, VALUE UNDER £30.00 - £3.25 TWO OR MORE BOOKS £5.50 FOR OVERSEAS POSTAGE, PLEASE CONTACT US. www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
Bookworld-advert-MMI-04-2023.indd 1 BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 37
37
13/03/2023 10:43 am 13/03/2023 10:53 am
Although not many 105mm armed Shermans were supplied to the British, this image shows several interesting features, such as the turret with two hatches and the ‘vision cupola’ for the commander, different gun mounting, later style hull front with the larger hatches for the driver and co-driver, as well as typical features of M4 and M4A1 engine decks. Turret marking is that of the Gunnery School at Lulworth on the Dorset coast.
ARMOUR IN PROFILE
Desert Pink ZI) (Vallejo 71.400 UK Desert Pink)
Dark Olive Green (Vallejo 71.011 Dark Green)
5
5
C Squadron, The Staffordshire Yeomanry, 8th Armoured Brigade, 8th Armoured Division. Desert Pink ZI and Dark Olive Green PFI.
6
Unidentified, possibly 24th Armoured Brigade, 8th Armoured Division. Desert Pink ZI and S.C.C. No. 1a Very Dark Brown.
Desert Pink ZI) (Vallejo 71.400 UK Desert Pink)
S.C.C. No. 1a Very Dark Brown (Vallejo 71.042 RLM61 Dunkelbraun / Dark Brown)
6
PB
PB
7
B Squadron, 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 8th Armoured Brigade, 8th Armoured Division. Desert Pink ZI, S.C.C. No. 1a Very Dark Brown and BSC. No. 61 Light Stone. Desert Pink ZI) (Vallejo 71.400 UK Desert Pink)
7
8
Iowa’, B Squadron, The Warwickshire Yeomanry, 9th Armoured Brigade, 2nd New Zealand Division. Desert Pink ZI and Dark Olive Green PFI.
Colour profiles by Claudio Fernandez
S.C.C. No. 1a Very Dark Brown (Vallejo 71.042 RLM61 Dunkelbraun / Dark Brown)
Light Stone No. 61 (Vallejo 71.143 UK BSC 61 Light Stone)
8
Desert Pink ZI) (Vallejo 71.400 UK Desert Pink) Dark Olive Green (Vallejo 71.011 Dark Green)
All paint references are to Vallejo Model Air
For more details about Vallejo’s range of colours, please visit www.acrylicosvallejo.com www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 51
51
13/03/2023 10:53 am
Another major conversion was used to make a Sherman amphibious. Producing the Sherman Duplex Drive or DD mainly involved adding a large waterproof canvas screen which could be raised to give buoyancy and propellers at the rear driven via the tracks. What appears to be camouflage is where the edges of the screen when it was ‘down’ have been painted, leaving the rest in the original pale tan shade. Both Sherman III and V were converted, this appears to be a V.
which was then coming into use. Darker second shades were added after they had reached their units.
characteristics of the two types, as a report in the 9th Lancers War Diary for September 1942 elaborates, pointing out both good and bad features: ‘The best formation is one in
ARMOUR IN PROFILE
One of the more extensive conversions to the Sherman V was the Crab. A framework attached to the hull sides supported a drum powered from the tank’s engine with weighted chains attached to beat the ground in front of the tank, exploding mines in its path. This is a Mk II with extra equipment to keep the flailing arms level. Hoppers on the rear hull sides held powdered chalk to mark the tank’s route and a system of lights on poles are so other Crabs can keep in line with each other.
Into Battle At this time British armoured
regiments in the Western Desert were using a mixture of vehicles, and those with Shermans usually had Crusaders as well, while some also had Grants or Lees. It was hoped to exploit the different
TABLE 3 8TH ARMY’S TANK STATE, 23 OCTOBER 1942 Swallow
Grant
Crusader
Crusader III
Stuart
Valentine
GHQ 8th Army (B Squadron 6RTR)
-
12
-
-
-
-
HQ 10th Corps
-
2
-
-
-
-
1st Armoured Division (including 2nd Armoured Brigade) 1
92
1
47
29
-
-
7th Armoured Division Divisional HQ
-
-
7
-
-
-
4th Light Armoured Brigade 2
-
14
-
-
67
-
22nd Armoured Brigade 3
-
54
40
8
16
-
8th Armoured Division HQ 8th Armoured Division
-
-
6
-
-
-
8th Armoured Brigade 4
31
57
40
13
-
-
24th Armoured Brigade 5
93
2
28
17
-
-
9th Armoured Brigade 6
36
37
37
12
-
-
9th Australian Divisional Cavalry
-
-
14
-
4
-
2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry
-
-
-
-
29
-
8th Hussars detachment
-
-
-
-
9
-
23rd Armoured Brigade 7
-
-
-
-
-
169
Total Serviceable with Formations
252
179
220
78
125
169
Serviceable 8th Army
272
209
264
99
141
216
Total 8th Army
288
253
332
112
175
250
Overall Total Middle East
318
426
738
148
299
367
1 2 3 4
Queen’s Bays, 9th Lancers, 10th Hussars 4th/8th Hussars, Royal Scots Greys 1RTR, 5RTR, 4th County of London Yeomanry 3RTR, Nottinghamshire Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, Staffordshire Yeomanry 5 41RTR, 45RTR, 47RTR
52
6 3rd Hussars, Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, Warwickshire Yeomanry 7 40RTR, 46RTR, 50RTR (Grant figures also included Lees; Crusader figures covered 2pdr and 3” Howitzer armed CS versions.)
which the Sherman Tanks are ready to go into action with the least possible delay, since the Sherman Tank is undeniably our attacking tank while the Crusader is our counter-attacking tank... The Shermans are slow. They have no reserve of speed for use in an emergency, therefore, the further forward they are the more quickly they can come into action. The best means of attack is to employ fire and movement. By having both squadrons side by side, one can advance covered by fire from the other one... In conclusion, I can reaffirm my conviction that the Sherman Tank - the tank destroyer should precede the Crusaders.’ In the end, four Armoured Brigades were to have Shermans, as both petrol and diesel engined Shermans were available, the type used within each Brigade was usually the same. Cast-hull petrol engined Sherman II were used in 1st Armoured Division’s 2nd Armoured Brigade, the independent 9th Armoured Brigade and 8th Armoured Brigade in 10th Armoured Division, while 24th Armoured Brigade had diesel Sherman III as well as at least some IIs although there were exceptions and movements later. The M7 Priests which has been shipped with the Shermans were also used to support these regiments, 11 (Honourable Artillery Company) Regiment Royal Horse Artillery being the first unit to use them with A Battery supporting The Queen’s Bays,
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 52
13/03/2023 10:53 am
PB
WORLD WAR II
The First Of Many
B
etween 1941 and 1945, the USA supplied tens of thousands of its Medium Tank M4 to many of its Allies under the terms of the Lend-Lease Act. Britain received far more than any other nation (approximately 34% of the total output). In fact, it was the British who first dubbed the tank ‘Sherman’, continuing the practice of naming their US tanks after American Civil War generals. The US later adopted the name and proceeded to do likewise with future tanks. In the British naming system, the major variants were identified by Mark numbers: M4 became Sherman I, M4A1 became Sherman II, and so on.
58
The first Shermans to see combat were M4A1s of the British Eighth Army at the Second battle of El Alamein in October 1942. The tanks were supplied in a hurry, having been removed from their own units in the US. Once received, they were modified to British requirements, specifically for desert conditions. This included over-painting the original Olive Drab with either an overall Light Stone BSC. No. 61 or Light Stone and a darker disruptive camouflage scheme (usually Blue-Black S.C.C. No. 14).
Loris Visintini presents a Sherman II of C Squadron, 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers.
1/35
DRAGON SHERMAN II
1 Here you can see the Verlinden Productions’ resin stowage bin, replacing the wrongly sized Dragon kit part.
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 58
13/03/2023 10:53 am
The Model
2 WORLD WAR II
For this project my starting point was Dragon’s 2008 release, ‘El Alamein Sherman’ (ref. 6447). Comprising over 300 injection-moulded components, the kit also includes 23 clear parts, a large photoetched fret (complete with folding jig), one-piece DS tracks, and a length of metal towing cable. Painting/ marking schemes are provided for nine vehicles and accompanied by an appropriate selection of Cartograf decals.
A side view of the assembled model: note the Asuka sand shields, a big improvement over the photoetched items supplied in the Dragon kit.
3
A rear view: note the scratch-built rear jerry can holder.
4
A front view of the assembled model: note the various resin accessories and additions, as well as the Eureka XXL tow cable.
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 59
59
13/03/2023 10:53 am
SELL YOUR MILITARY MODEL COLLECTION FOR CASH Trade in with Hattons for payment within 1 or 2 days of your items arriving with us!
W MO E ACCE S P MOT DIECAT UNB DELS ST UILT & KITS
FREEN A T GE UATIO VALN YOUR N O ECTIO L COL
We purchase a wide variety of brands, including:
PB
Take our 60 second quiz and immediately learn if we can make an offer on your collection! www.HattonsModelMoney.com/quiz
Get cash for your items in just four easy steps...
1
2
List
Prepare & submit a list of your items online or send spreadsheets, documents or photographs to us via our website.
3
Offer Our expert staff will review your list and create your bespoke valuation.
4
Send Once the offer is accepted, send your items to us.
Call us on: 0151 305 1755
Phone opening times: Mon to Sun - 9:30am to 1pm & 2pm to 5pm
Pay
Items are checked, the offer confirmed and payment made via Bank Transfer, Cheque or PayPal.
Get in touch with our friendly team...
Email us at:
[email protected] 17 Montague Road, Widnes, WA8 8FZ
57 Find out more at www.hattonsmodelmoney.com www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
A4-PreOwnedDiecast-SinglePage-MilitaryModelcraftInternational-220722.indd 1 BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 57
23/11/2022 10:53 16:47:35 13/03/2023 am
M o
MODELLING EL ALAMEIN SHERMANS
Armour in Scale Shermans in North Africa
The Editor examines the available kits for modelling a Sherman at El Alamein.
T
he M4 Sherman is one of the most popular subjects for military modellers with literally hundreds of kits and accessories available in all the major scales and ranging across the long service history of the tank. Shermans can be built from the box, superdetailed with a range of photoetched and resin accessories, or kit-bashed by combining elements from lots of different kits to come up with specific tanks based on painstaking historical
research. In this short piece, I wanted to draw readers’ attention to the main kits and accessories available to modellers wanting to depict on the early British Shermans in service with the 8th Army in the Western Desert. For modellers wanting to depict a Sherman II (M4A1), the best starting point is probably the Asuka Models (formerly Tasca kits). Tasca’s Sherman II Direct Vision Type (El Alamein 1942) (ref. 35-014) was first released in 2008 and has been re-boxed
(above, below) 35-014
(above) 35061
under the Tasca and Asuka Models label several times over the past few years. Asuka/Tasca produce two versions of the M4A2 or Sherman III: the Direct Vision Type w/early VVSS Suspension (ref. 35-017) and a later version, Mid Production w/Cast Driver’s Hood (ref. 35-017). Dragon have produced three early Sherman III kits, all suitable for North Africa and the early part of the Italian campaign: Sherman Mk. III (ref. 6313), first released in 2006; Sherman Mk. III Mid Production Sicily (ref. 6231), released two years later; and Sherman III DV Early (ref. 6573), released in 2012. Dragon’s Sherman Mk. II, released in 2008, is actually boxed as El Alamein Sherman (ref 6447). This kit was re-released in 2018 with the addition of Magic Tracks (ref. 6617). In small-scale, Dragon have replicated their
1/35-scale release with Sherman Mk. III (ref. 7288), but for a Sherman II, their M4A1 Normandy (ref. 7273, re-released as ref. 7568) is the best starting point. There are good marking options available in the Dragon and Tasca kits, but for modellers wanting more choice Bison Decals have British Tanks in North Africa (ref. 35068) and British Sherman Mk II (ref. 35061) and Mk. III in North Africa (ref. 35062). Echelon Fine Details have a nice set of Markings of Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry in Syria (ref. ALT352002) for the Sherman Mk. III, while Star Decals have Sherman Mk. III (ref. 35C1206). Bison Decals have repeated their Mk. II sheet in 1/72 (ref. 72017) and Mk. III (ref. 72018), and they also have a sheet for British Tanks in North Africa #1 (ref. 72019).
PB
ARMOUR IN
PROFILE
(below) 6313
(above) 35-C-1206
PR AC
(above) 7288
64
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 64
13/03/2023 10:53 am
3
SEE PHOTO BOTTOM OF
Military Modelcraft International is the world’s number one English-language armour modelling magazine.
6 issues from £32.00 SUBSCRIPTIONS 12 issues from £59.00
We never miss an issue Subscribers’ copies sent first and on time
PB
First class photography and clear explanations will allow you to expand your knowledge, whether you are new to the hobby or an experienced modeller. Military Modelcraft International is available from good newsagents, model shops and directly from the publisher at militarymodelcraft.co.uk Packed each month with detailed step-bystep builds by the best modellers from across the globe and exclusive reference material, it is the essential magazine for all modellers and tank enthusiasts.
Call: +44 (0) 1582 668411 Email:
[email protected] Online: www. guidelinepublications.co.uk
Modelling November
2022
1
TOP SEE PHOTO OF PAGE 38 ‘Caunter’ colours
Light Slate No. (Vallejo 71.012 Dark Green)
34
PROFILE
28 Silver Grey No. UK (Vallejo 71.401 Grey) BSC28 Silver
overpainted
with
ARMOUR IN
800 Gelbbraun RAL (Vallejo 71.272 Brown) German Green
NOT TO PROFILES ARE SCALE A COMMON
2
BOTTOM SEE PHOTO PAGE OF OPPOSITE
SEE PHOTO BOTTOM OF PAGE 38
2
4
Light Stone No. 61 UK (Vallejo 71.143 BSC 61 Light Stone)
3
Light Slate No. 34 (Vallejo 71.012 Dark Green)
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 65
SEE PHOTO BOTTOM OF
61 Light Stone No. UK (Vallejo 71.143 BSC 61 Light Stone) 800 Gelbbraun RAL (Vallejo 71.272 Brown) German Green
3
Austin K2 15. Ambulance, n, Western Panzer Divisio This vehicle retained Desert, 1941. 61 Light Stone, with the original BSC. tion stripe across a white air recogni carries the bridge also a PASS the bonnet. It circle in yellow, classification a German tactical and sign in white, The oversized sign, also in white. very visible. is also Balkenkreuz Deutsche , Ford CMP F.A.T., Western Desert Afrika Korps, BSC. 61 Light British the r 1942. Over s applied irregula Stone, the German Gelbbraun patches of RAL800 shade than its which was a darkerThe nt. British equivale red the significance of is door cab the square on unknown.
5
SEE PHOTO TOP OF PAGE 45
iles by Colour prof czkowski Sławomir Zają
28 Silver Grey No. UK (Vallejo 71.401 Grey) BSC28 Silver Light Purple ) Brown (BSC49 UK (Vallejo 71.402 Light Purple Brown)
Portland Stone (BSC 64) UK BSC (Vallejo 71.288 64 Portland Stone) 61 Light Stone No. UK (Vallejo 71.143 BSC 61 Light Stone)
I 22
ISSN 2631-72
72226 2 9 77263 1
17 Is oian1ZzMo 1 9 La nc Ca r Ar m ou re d
Old Faithf Mo de llin g Mo nt y’s Hu mb er
ul
C.M.P.
15cwt Truck with Type 13 Cab, Deutsche Afrika n Korps, Wester Desert, 1942. This captured distinctive truck wears a lage four-tone camouf could be pattern of what Grey, a Silver 28 BSC. 49 Light thin strip of BSC. strip of a Purple Brown, Stone, and BSC. 61 BSC. 64 Portland Light Stone.
Su pe r-d et Pa nt he r II
t references
and much,
11
Copper
1/72
E
COPPER STAT MODELS 1ZM
ale Lancia 1Zm
small-sc State Models
.
kit. es in 1/35 to say the build I’m delighted oint. Initally I es of the vehicl ski builds the last of releas The small-scale Lancia does not disapp the relative 1917, and the scale. by November quality of the was saddened r (a simple s fought along of the is superb: the class and fills twelve battle taly was one first in modernlack of an interio but this AFV design moulding is ), the River Isonzo pioneers of siasm for the steering wheel sense when between Italy The you with enthu day Slovenia and production. enclosed sheet s absolute arian the do cmake -Hung With Ansal er build. hatch is open, and the Austro battle was a manufactur , a total of eight the driver’s final first prototype only part that l of decals the Lancia the Empire. This of is ns Centra this presented the in 1915. The the since for uction 1Z different versio g from decisive victory over . During constr of the Lancia ng be built, rangin the Italian is visible remarkable: can inflicti was rs, the choice ent h Powe armam you must make War I or casualties, but War I, throug guns were 300,000 Italian the ultimately World period in the interwar two machine between a World The to colonial turret, on which one which led War II. A ar version. ne housed in a -Hungarian with a machi years, to World ed assembly post-w ns have rous Austro versio disast another turret the ctive ver, design respe ed. Howe nsive along beautifully ne guns the very counteroffe gun was install different machi al reinforces nne), and height of manu the ing St-Etie river. of or result Piave ssions the a (Fiat-Revelli ly 2.75m had good first impre gs can also approximate on its driving the wheel housin or the other The Kit in one negative effect especially in Models be omitted ics, Copper State a characterist variant. , so that the established then to has difficult terrain The construction tion for and was not fitted good reputa very quickly second turret versions. So, ially for proceeded small itself, espec used a very the subsequent War I, easily. I only 1ZM, which World the al e in the turret unusu the 1Z becam ced amount of filler choice of to the troops the kits produ the was delivered end of World and area, due to excellent the guns used. so far are of from 1917. By es the machine . Most are in these vehicl of my quality most with a War I, 110 of As it was ced, and they d the kit into 1/35 scale, so had been produ models, I divide for painting s during the first that Italian me the to ies joy were used sub-assembl Lancia which Civil War and release of the the Spanish and weathering bled after small 1ZM was in World War II. would be assemcomplete. has been captures a was of scale. This My diorama all painting the two the final Battle I hoped that followed by moment from and In this case, t in October into chassis, Isonzo, fough separation machine guns turret, turret
Stefan Szyman
I
2
1 emblies laid
The various sub-ass
. painting stage for subsequent good base and that any paint layers are ns in the build imperfectio
out before the
help me and tyres would very small is a handle what model!
Painting and Weathering primer coat s, a good of As alway From my point is essential. ant whether view, it’s irrelev or dark. It light the primer is a that there is only matters
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
Big Cat Callingail ed
5
2
s sh Softskin Captured Briti Desert in the Western
PROFILE
61 Light Stone No. UK (Vallejo 71.143 BSC 61 Light Stone)
4 ARMOUR IN
1
ster Armoured A.E.C. Dorche , Command VehicleWestern Afrika, Panzergruppe appears that It Desert, 1941. scheme was un. the original Caunter RAL800 Gelbbra overpainted with d Balkenkreuz. Note the oversize rcial C8 Quad Morris-Comme Afrika Korps, he F.A.T., Deutsc , 1941. The Western Desert this shows original photo two limbers vehicle towing gun. This is the and a 25-pdr ion early product vehicle of the Mk.II variant, the equipped with It is Type 2 body. probably finished in BSC. 61 Light Stone with darker patches of BSC. 34 Slate. The Hakenkreuz is most likely white.
Profile
$15.00 $17.00 US UK £5.99 CAN Issue 01 Volume 27
ublications.co.uk l www..guidelinep raftinternationa #militarymodelc
7 Isonzo 191
Magazine
Armour in
WORLD WAR
.1 Military
’s No Verified UK
t from the box.
straigh model, built y muted the bright, I slightl Grey Light Base effect with a applying highlighted. ed on the -0909). After As I had decid I version, the (A.MIG , this part o War the Signal Green to be Italian World had first on the the turret only the painting focus was now on al markings masked before the Lancia Italian nation and of the red the main body r State the turret. While stripes are follow. Coppe a gre ntal could horizo white Italian mends decals, the Models recom sh included as with chose Spani be applied grey here. I green must a i (A.MIG-031), pect, this is Green-Khak i paint. In retros ned slightly n to which I lighte logical solutio Italian Gr the areas with Sandsome reproducing the y. For ) to give the (A.MIG-0067 cockades cleanl the depth. Usin I used some l green mode bright Olive Dryb l Green AMMO’s Light AMMO’s Signa ), I the the -0608 Since ). paint (A.MIG (A.MIG-0054 hted the e d a little too gently highlig green seeme . and raised details
The assembled
65
Availability:
much mor
Models 1/72 Copper State red Car 1ZM Italian Armou is available (ref. CSM72001) shops. from good model
e...
13/03/2023 10:53 am
8
indd 55
November-2022.
BT022-015-MMI-
www.guideline
WORLD WAR II
Diego Bruzzone builds a rather forlorn big cat.
1/35
RYE FIELD MODELS TIGER I
ABANDONED W
ell-known to military historians and modellers alike, the Tiger I needs little introduction, arguably the most widely
referenced tank of World War Two; suffice to say that despite formidable firepower and substantial armour protection, its success as a war-winning
1 66
weapon was compromised by a combination of high production costs, over-engineering, and a tendency for track failure and mechanical breakdown.
That said, it is worth noting a summary following technical, scientific, and practical examinations carried out by the British on a captured Tiger in 1944:
2 #MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 66
13/03/2023 10:53 am
WORLD WAR II
“The PzKpfw VI with its heavy armour, dual purpose armament and fighting ability is basically an excellent tank, and, in spite of the defects noted, constitutes a considerable advance of any tank that we have tried. Its greatest weakness is probably the limit imposed on mobility owing to its weight, width, and limited range of action. Taking it all round, it presents a very formidable fighting machine which should not be underrated.”
The Model
My plan was to depict a Tiger I, as it would have appeared towards the end of winter of
3
1943/44; an abandoned vehicle with a washed-out winter camouflage, and the remains of Zimmerit coating to the hull and turret sides. I also wanted to show damage from enemy fire but concluded that this would be most-likely minimal, as the Tiger was rarely hit from close range. Looking for inspiration, I came across a photo of a Tiger of 502 Pz.Abt. operating on the Eastern Front early in 1944. The starting point for this project was Rye Field Models’ 2016 release, ‘Tiger I – Middle Production’ (ref. 5010). Produced as a ‘Full Interior’ kit, this comprises a total of 965 injection-moulded components, fully workable tracks, two photoetched frets, a length of braided copper wire, four Zimmerit tools, and a sheet of decal markings for three specific vehicles (with accompanying camouflage schemes). Assembly instructions are
comprehensive, with only a few steps being omitted. Of course, the inclusion of interior details would allow me to have various hatches open which was perfect for my planned abandoned vehicle! Given the complexity of the construction, it was important to work methodically, and pay particular attention to the sequence suggested in the instructions. With this in mind, I began with the turret interior. Having assembled the parts, I applied a coat of grey primer, followed by a mix of Vallejo Sand (71.075) and White (71.001). Once this was completely dry, I picked out the various elements with appropriate colours (as per instructions) (photo 1). Now using heavily diluted European Thick Mud (73.807), I applied this over specific areas to replicate the build-up of dirt and mud from the crew on the turret basket floor (photo 2). This was followed
with a dry brushing of a lighter version of the base colour. I then applied Burnt Cadmium Red (70.814) and Dark Brown (71.042) with a sponge to show paint abrasion and chips and applied a series of dark washes to give the impression of surface damage and wear to the interior and to the gun breech (photos 3 & 4).
Availability: Rye Field Models 1/35 Tiger I – Middle Production (ref. 5010) is available from all good model shops.
4 www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 67
67
13/03/2023 10:53 am
26 sizes - 20 fonts - 36 finishes £3.50 to £6.50 including engraving Send now or email for a catalogue to: Name It! 12 Savay Lane, Denham Green, Denham, Bucks. UB9 5NH or Telephone 01895 832757 Email:
[email protected] www.nameitplates.co.uk EXTENSIVE 1/76th SCALE VEHICLE AND CONVERSION RANGES OF ARMOUR AND SOFTSKINS FROM WORLD WAR 1 TO THE 2000’S and Airfield Accessories 1/48th, 1/72nd, 1/76th and 1/144th scale ranges of British and German airfield vehicles and equipment, including ambulances, refuellers, tractors, G.S. and specialist vehicles, bomb trolleys, etc.
1/76 Scorpion / 1/76 Universal Carrier 1/76 Scimitar upgrade set Wading Screen REME Half Track M9 NEW: BW MODELS MILITARY TRANSFERS. 1/72nd scale AIRFIELD FIGURES and 1/76th scale CIVVY STREET RANGE. 1/144th scale VEHICLES and AIRCRAFT COCKPIT DETAILS. See our updated website: www.matadormodels.co.uk
For full A5 catalogue please send sae or 2 IRCs to:
MATADOR MODELS 6 Cliffe Road, Barton on Sea, NEW MILTON, Hants. BH25 7PB. Fax: 01425 628219 PB
We Buy Collections! We purchase military collections/collectibles, aviation collections/collectibles, books, diecast models, airplanes, memorabilia etc.
Nationwide House Calls Made • cash4yourbooks.net
Call Greg at 805.907.1773 www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 71
71
13/03/2023 10:53 am
AT THE BENCH
At the Bench
Alex Clark
Revell Famo built in 2008, with some scratch-built engine bay details.
In this month’s interview, we speak to one of the giants of small-scale modelling.
H
ow did you get into the hobby? What are your first memories of model making? When I was around eight or nine years old my parents bought me a 1/144-scale Airfix Boeing 747 kit for Christmas. My dad built most of it and I’m sure he bought it more for himself! I remember being fascinated by all the parts and how it gradually came together. As it was moulded in all white plastic, I didn’t paint it but just applied the decals once we’d finished it. After that I was hooked and spent most of my pocket money on models, many of them being other Airfix kits. At the time they could be found in virtually every newsagent in the UK, and there were many more physical model shops around back then, with one not too far from where I lived. I remember some were still sold in bags rather than boxes, which seems very quaint now. Airfix enamel paints used to be a thing back then too, and they were my first introduction to painting models. As with the Airfix range, Matchbox kits
72
were very prevalent in the UK, and I built many of their kits too. A few years later my parents took me to a local IPMS show. I joined as a junior member immediately after, and for many years attended local club meetings until I left
home and moved away in my late teens. Over time I became more interested in some genres over others, but in the early days it was more the act of building and creating something that I enjoyed, rather than the specific subject matter.
H
ow would you describe yourself as a modeller?
Dragon Panzer IV Ausf. F, 2009.
How has your approach to the hobby changed over the years? I built out of the box when I first started, and I enjoyed both the building and painting side of the hobby. I built all sorts of subject too: aircraft, tanks, cars, ships, a submarine and even a dinosaur or two. Scale didn’t really matter either, really anything that caught my eye at any given moment. I tended to build in smaller scales, more due to cost than anything else, but I did build some 1/32 Airfix armour. I even built their 1/24-scale Spitfire, which as a young boy took quite some time to save up for. Gradually I became more focussed on specific subjects. As I delved into them more and more, looking to make the models increasingly accurate and detailed, I realised I couldn’t do this for all the genres I’d been building. Because of this I began at some point to focus mostly on aircraft and World War II armour. In my late teens I took a few years break while I headed off to university (a very common modeller’s story it seems). During the summer, after finishing my degree, I stayed with my parents for a
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 72
13/03/2023 10:53 am
The New Generation CONTEMPORARY ARMOUR
Uwe Kern returns with Trumpeter’s M1038 MTV 6x6 truck.
1/35
TRUMPETER M1083 MTV
F
or a long time, I have ignored the new generation of US Army trucks, being drawn more to those older Cold War beasts with at least three axles, which just seemed more American. In 1996 the first of
78
the FMTV ((Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) trucks were delivered to the 82nd Airborne Division. I remember at the time finding it difficult to get used to the new design. Over the years, my view of things has changed, and I
must admit that since the version with the armoured driver’s cab appears, it seems more like a typical US truck with all the rough edges. The M1083 MTV Standard
Cargo Truck was the first kit from the Chinese manufacturer Trumpeter from the FMTV series, released in 2012. They have subsequently gone on to produce an
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 78
13/03/2023 10:54 am
armoured cab version (ref. 01008) and the HIMARS MLRS (ref. 01041). Upon opening the sturdy cardboard box, there are ten light grey injection-moulded sprues, a clear sprue, a slide-moulded cab, The Model Assembly begins with the very detailed chassis with side
3
2 members and its attachments. Great care must be taken here with the alignment of the two rear axles, which unfortunately didn’t really work for me. The result was a raised tyre on the right side, which later had to be compensated for by the base. The exhaust bracket was not glued as indicated in
the instructions, but one hole further towards the double axle. The shock absorbers were drilled out and adjusted to the correct length with round material from Evergreen (photo 1). The fastening screws on the front axle were replaced by longer ones (photo 2). The mud flaps (component B20 and B21) on
the two inner tyres are too long and need to be shortened by 5mm. I did not use the protective covers (WA13 and WA26) for the fuel tank and compressed air tanks, as these can usually only be seen on armoured FMTVs (photo 3). The fuel tank was detailed with a plastic strip that was lost when it was sanded (photo 4).
4 www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 79
CONTEMPORARY ARMOUR
1
79
13/03/2023 10:54 am
Advertise in...
PB
Increase your business with an advert in Military Modelcraft International. Contact Tom Foxon today for more information about our media packages. Tom Foxon Sales & Marketing Director M: +44(0) 7540 153368 E:
[email protected] 6 Kensworth Gate 200-204 High Street South Dunstable, Beds LU6 3HS T: +44(0) 1582 668411
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 77
77
13/03/2023 10:54 am
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 85
85
13/03/2023 10:54 am
SHOWTIME
Showtime - Minjatura Michelangelo Sicilia reports from the Malta Scale Model Expo.
O
ver the weekend of 10-12 February 2023, the International Plastic Modellers’ Society Malta modelling club organised their annual modelling event at the Maritime Museum, a fascinating and historic location in Malta. The competitive open formula modelling event saw numerous high-quality models
on display to the delight of modellers and visitors alike. Below is a small selection of models that caught my eye. Please do consider visiting Malta for the next year’s show. You can enjoy a delightful holiday and take advantage of the opportunity to visit the many historical museums and places of interest on this beautiful Mediterranean island.
PB
86
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 86
13/03/2023 10:54 am
Warpaint Books Advert No 137.qxp_Warpaint Books Full List Advert 22/02/2023 10:45 Page 2
g
6
q p_W
arpa
WARPAINT SERIES
Airspeed By William Harris on
int Mas
ter 15/0
2/20
23 20:1
0 Page
WHAT’S IN A WARPAINT BOOK?
No.136
OXFORD CONSUL SBD D and D
ougla s
The prototype Consul, G-AGVY, G-AGVY Aircraft Co. Ltd as Oxford I V3679was originally built at Hatfield of many purchased in 1941. Surviving by de Havilland rchased Survivi the war, the aircraft plans to convert back from the British was one government by Airspeed, transports. G-AGVYand sell surplus surpl military airframesb who had was the first Airspeed’s blue as light passenger of 162 conversions, conv and nd gold colour Company, and and is seen scheme. Initially sc here in subsequently equently Air operated by Lebanon in 1949 Enterprises the Bata Shoe at Gatwick, the while on lease to the United aircraft crashed aircr Nations. (BAe) in
By Ke
102
v Da
rling
WARP AINT
auntl
SERIE
COMPLETE AND DETAILED HISTORY
S No.13 7
ess
AIRCRAFT IN DETAIL PHOTOS
Posi ng 3 base for the aircr d at St camera aft spor Thom are Two as in the nine t the Virgi aircr for points to a variation the n Islanaft of on ‘Barb side note ara Jean num are the the Atlan ds. VMSThes ’. (US bers anduse of the tic sche e Navy me. dark that er grey via DRJ) S-1 is name d
AIRCRAFT COLOUR AND CAMOUFLAGE DRAWINGS AIRCRAFT COMPLETE PRODUCTION LISTS
All major credit cards accepted. Orders can be placed by mail, telephone, fax or through the website. (www.guidelinepublications.co.uk) Plus postage and packing on all orders. Overseas readers pay postage at air mail printed paper rate. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Bristol Beaufighter Blackburn Buccaneer Junkers Ju 87 Stuka North American F-100 Super Sabre Hawker Typhoon Avro Shackleton Junkers Ju 88 Hawker Hunter Grumman F4F Wildcat/Martlet Vickers Wellington de Havilland Sea Vixen Fairey Swordfish Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor BAC Lightning Short Stirling Hawker Sea Fury Gloster Javelin Douglas Skyraider de Havilland Hornet and Sea Hornet Supermarine Seafire (Griffon engine) Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Gloster Meteor Fairey Gannet Dornier Do 217 Short Sunderland Bristol Blenheim de Havilland Vampire Fairey Firefly Hawker Sea Hawk Avro Vulcan RAF/RN Phantoms Douglas A-20 Boston/Havoc Heinkel He 177 Avro Lincoln Fairey Barracuda Handley Page Victor
£12.50 £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £13.50 £13.00 £17.00 £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £14.50 £13.50 £18.00 £13.50 £12.50 £14.00 £13.50 £13.50 £14.50 £14.00 £20.00 £15.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.50 £19.50 £17.00 £14.50 £15.50 £16.50 £16.50 £14.00 £15.50 £14.50 £16.00
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72
INDIVIDUAL AIRCRAFT, UNITS, SQUADRONS, SERIALS & CODES AIRCRAFT COMPREHENSIVE SPECIFICATIONS
Gloster Gladiator Republic F-105 Thunderchief Supermarine Walrus Canadair/Commonwealth Sabre Fairey Fulmar Boulton Paul Defiant Lockheed F-104 Starfighter de Havilland Venom Martin B-57 Canberra Handley Page Halifax McDonnell F-101 Voodoo Westland Lysander Fiat G.91 Bristol Beaufort Lockheed Neptune Fairey Albacore Avro Anson Westland Whirlwind F.Mk I Hawker Tempest Blackburn Firebrand Handley Page Hampden Supermarine Swift Lockheed Hudson English Electric Canberra Savoia Marchetti S.79 Sparviero Handley Page Hastings Vickers Valiant Convair F-102 Westland Wessex Bristol Bulldog Folland Gnat and Ajeet Bristol Brigand Martin B-26 Marauder Vought Corsair Armstrong Whitworth 650/660 Argosy Vickers Supermarine Merlin Seafire
For more information and secure ordering please visit:
£16.50 £15.00 £12.50 £16.00 £14.50 £12.50 £17.50 £15.00 £15.50 £17.00 £15.00 £14.50 £14.50 £14.50 £15.50 £14.50 £15.50 £12.50 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £14.00 £19.50 £14.00 £14.00 £13.50 £15.00 £16.50 £12.50 £13.00 £13.00 £14.00 £18.00 £14.00 £14.00
73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108
North American B-25 Mitchell Hawker Siddeley Harrier BAe Sea Harrier Grumman Tracker/Trader/Tracer Curtiss P-40 Aer Macchi C.202-205 Folgore-Veltro Consolidated PBY Catalina Saab Draken Junkers Ju 52 BAC Jet Provost Fairey Battle Grumman F6F Hellcat Supermarine Scimitar Vickers Wellesley Grumman Avenger Lockheed T-33A Avro Lancaster Boeing B-17 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 'Fishbed' Grumman HU-16 Albatross Messerschmitt Me 262 Supermarine Attacker Westland Sea King Consolidated B-24 Liberator North American RA-5C Vigilante Avro York McDonnell Demon Republic F-84F and RF-84F de Havilland D.H.82 Tiger Moth Convair B-36 Avro Manchester General Dynamics F-111 & EF-111A Sopwith Pup Sikorsky S-55/H-19 & Westland Whirlwind Ilyushin IL-2 ‘Sturmovik’ Martin Mariner & Marlin
£14.50 £16.50 £14.50 £16.50 £14.50 £14.50 £17.00 £16.50 £14.00 £16.50 £17.00 £17.50 £15.00 £15.00 £18.00 £15.00 £17.50 £18.00 £27.00 £16.50 £15.00 £15.00 £18.00 £27.00 £17.50 £17.00 £17.00 £19.50 £15.50 £16.00 £14.00 £20.00 £14.00 £17.50 £15.00 £16.50
109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137
Douglas C-54/R5D Skymaster & DC-4 Westland Scout & Wasp Vought OS2U Kingfisher Douglas A3D Skywarrior Panavia Tornado ADV McDonnell F4 Phantom Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Hawker Fury and Nimrod Douglas F4D/F-6 Skyray & F5D Skylancer NAA B-45 Tornado Grumman F9F Panther Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Albatros D.I - D.III de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Bristol Britannia plus Argus & Yukon Grumman F-14 Tomcat
£20.50 £16.00 £15.50 £20.00 £17.00 £25.00 £14.00 £17.00 £15.00 £16.00 £15.00 £17.00 £26.00 £16.00 £15.00 £17.00 £17.00 £26.00 Cessna T-37 ‘Tweet’ & A-37 ‘Dragonfly’ £21.00 Bristol Scout £15.00 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 £18.00 Ilyushin ll-28 £18.00 Auster in British Military & foreign air arm service £18.00 Boeing B-52A-F Stratofortress £25.00 Douglas C-47 Skytrain/Dakota £25.00 Aero L-29 Delfin £21.00 DH.89 Dragon Rapide & Dominie £17.00 Airspeed Oxford and Consul £18.00 Douglas SBD Dauntless £28.00
Warpaint Specials No.1 Republic P-47 Thunderbolt No.2 Messerschmitt Bf 109 No.3 de Havilland Mosquito No.4 Cessna Bird Dog No.5 NAA P-51 Mustang and Derivatives
£18.50 £25.00 £25.00 £11.99 £22.00
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
Guideline Publications, 6 Kensworth Gate, 200-204 High Street South, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 3HS Telephone: +44 (0)1582 668411, Email:
[email protected] PB
PUBLISHER, LICENSING AND DISTRIBUTION
The No1 Hobby magazines Delivered to your door stress free First to get the latest issues Best value subscribe and save
4 ISSUES SU FROM
6 ISSUES SU FROM
As a thank you for your order we will send you a free gift with your first issue
BSCRIPTIO
£32.00 N
12 ISSUES FROM
BSCRIPTIO
£20.00 *N
SUBSCRIPTI
O
£59.00 N
Subscribing has never been easier, simply contact us via one of the following:
Online: www.guidelinepublications.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1582 668411 • Email:
[email protected] T k Guideline Publications 6 Kensworth Gate, 200 - 204 High Street South, Dunstable, Bes LU6 3HS www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 89
89
13/03/2023 10:54 am
SHOWTIME
Showtime - AMPS Atlanta
David Black provides a round-up of one of the US’s most important armour shows.
T
he annual Atlanta Armor, Figure, and Modeling Contest and Exhibition was held over the weekend of 17-19 February at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast in Peachtree Corners, GA. The new venue and its staff were great, and we look forward to working with them again next year. This year, there were 116 models, dioramas, vignettes, and figures entered for judging, and we awarded 23 gold, twenty silver and twelve bronze medals. The special awards were as follows: Best Axis Subject: Sd.Kfz 138/1 Geschützwagen - Joe Koenig Best Allied Subject: M-24 Rocket Truck - Philip Hui Best Diorama (Sponsored by B.J. DeBecker): Two Fronts Jesse Naughton Best Modern Subject: Puma Ken Guntin Best Junior: A TOW Launching Line - Chase Williamson Best Master (Ken Guntin Sponsor): Whippet - Tony Zadro Show Theme ‘Amphibious Vehicles’ (Sponsored by B.J. DeBecker): Japanese Type 2 Ka-Mi - Mike Sackly Judge’s Best of Show: M-24 Rocket Truck - Philip Hui The Roger Altizer Memorial Award (Alan Presley Sponsor): Sd.Kfz 7 HalftrackTed Oktabetz It was a great show, and we look forward to welcoming you to next year’s event at the same venue from February 2024.
1
PB
2
3 90
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 90
13/03/2023 10:54 am
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 93
93
13/03/2023 10:54 am
A ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST MILITARY TITLES
Words and Pictures Assault on the Gothic Line 1944: the Allied Attempted Breakthrough into Northern Italy (Campaign 387) Author: Pier Paolo Battistelli Publisher: Osprey Publishing ISBN: 978-1-47285-0-140
T
he first book in this month’s round-up of new releases from Osprey Publishing looks at the Operation Olive, the Allied attempt to break the German Gothic Line in the autumn and winter of 1944. The Italian theatre of operations postsummer is often (and incorrectly) characterised at the time as a quiet sector of World War II, populated
Price: Review:
£15.99 (pb) David Grummitt
with troops who were relieved not to find themselves fighting in North-West Europe. Yet the true nature of the hard fighting that took place here was soon revealed when the Allies began their assault on the Axis Gothic Line defences, known as OperationOlive.In this book, Italian military historian Pier Paolo Battistelli documents the
dual Allied offensive spearheaded by American and British units to smash through what was supposed to be the final Axis defensive line in Italy before the Alps. The overall strategic aims of both the Axis and Allied leaders are explored, together with the organization of the forces committed. The expertly researched maps and 3D diagrams guide the reader through the progress of the phased battles in challenging terrain. Photographs and specially commissioned artwork by Ramiro Bujeiro show the soldiers that fought on both sides, including American, Canadian, Indian,
Brazilian, Polish, New Zealander, British, German and Italian troops, as well as the materiel they employed. The result is a wellresearched and accessible guide to a fascinating and complex late-war campaign. I particularly liked the short ‘Battlefield Today’ section which does not pull its punches for military tourists hoping to trace the footsteps of this campaign while visiting Italy today, but points to the museums and hidden gems that enable a better understanding of one of the most important but oft-overlooked campaigns of World War II.
PB
Soviet Tanks in Manchuria: The Red Army’s Ruthless Last Blitzkrieg of World War II (New Vanguard 316)
Author: William E. Hiestand Publisher: Osprey Publishing ISBN: 978-1-47285-3-721
T
his is a new study of the devastating, but little-known, Soviet armoured offensive against the Japanese in the last weeks of World War II, and how it influenced Soviet tank doctrine as the Cold
94
Price: Review:
£12.99 (pb) David Grummitt
War dawned. Although long overshadowed in the West by the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the USSR’s lightning strike into Manchuria in August 1945 was one of the most successful and unique campaigns of the era. Soviet forces, led by over 5,500 tanks and selfpropelled guns, attacked across huge distances and deserts, marshes, and mountains to smash Japan’s million-strong Kwantung Army in a matter of days. Japanese forces were short of training and equipment, but nevertheless fought fiercely, inflicting 32,000 casualties on the Soviets. Red Army operations were characterised by surprise, speed, and deep penetrations by tank-heavy forces born of the brutal
lessons they had learned during years fighting the Wehrmacht. Lessons from the campaign directly shaped Soviet Cold War force structure and planning for mechanised operations against the West. Illustrated with contemporary artwork and rare photos from one of the best collections of Soviet military photos in the West – most of which are new to me at least – this fascinating book explains exactly how the last blitzkrieg of World War II was planned, fought, and won, and how it influenced the Red Army’s plans for tank warfare against NATO in Europe. This last aspect seems a bit of an afterthought and most of the book, rightly enough, is concerned with the Manchurian campaign and the men and machines that fought there. It is recommended reading for anyone interested in this campaign or Soviet armour in general.
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 94
13/03/2023 10:54 am
Panzer Reconnaissance
Author: Thomas Anderson Publisher: Osprey Publishing ISBN: 978-1-47285-5-022
he latest volume in Thomas Anderson’s history of the German Panzerwaffe in World War II looks at the subject of armoured reconnaissance. Fast-moving reconnaissance forces, using light-armoured trucks, motorcycles and, later, four- and eight-wheeled armoured cars and halftracks, were
PB
T
he latest title in the very good Landcraft series tackles the Sd.Kfz. 234 eight-wheeled armoured car in its 7.5cm gunarmed guise. The Sd.Kfz. 234/3 was armed with the short-barrelled 7.5cm gun, while the 234/4 was armed with the deadly 7.5cm Pak40. Both vehicles were used in limited numbers by the reconnaissance battalions of Panzer and Panzegrenadier divisions in the last year or so of the war. The book follows the familiar format of Oliver’s other books for Pen & Sword. He begins with the listing the units equipped with these vehicles, before going on to discuss the various production
£35.00 (hb) David Grummitt
an integral part of the Wehrmacht’s Panzer divisions form the very beginning. Anderson’s approach to the subject is that taken in his other books in this series: a chronological account of their development and combat service, illustrated with archival, first-hand accounts and a plethora of previously unseen photographs. He begins with the first employment of motorised battalions, which replaced the traditional reconnaissance role of cavalry in the new German army in the 1930s and the first armoured cars, used in the nascent Panzer divisions. He then goes on to look at their deployment in the Polish and French campaigns, in North Africa and in the invasion of Russia. For Anderson, 1943 is the turning point when the older motorised units were largely re-equipped with variants of the Sd.Kfz. 250 halftrack and armoured
cars. The final chapters remind us just how varied the equipment used by the reconnaissance battalions of the various Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions, including a fascinating account of captured Allied and Soviet vehicles in German service. This is another excellent book by the foremost archival historian of the German Panzerwaffe in World War II. There is much here to inform and inspire modellers and it is highly recommended. Our thanks to Osprey Publishing for the pre-publication review copy, it should be available from all good
A ROUNDUP OF THE LATEST MILITARY TITLES
T
Price: Review:
booksellers by the time you read this review.
Pakwagen Sd.Kfz. 234/3 and Sd.Kfz. 234/4 (Landcraft 11) Author: Dennis Oliver Publisher: Pen & Sword Military ISBN: 978-1-39906-5-047
Price: Review:
£18.99 (pb) David Grummitt
modifications, camouflage and markings. As ever with these books, their value lays both in Oliver’s careful research and in the array of superb period photographs. Some are reasonably well known, but others are new (at least to me). Sandwiched between the history, are the colour profiles and the modelling section. The colour profiles are superb, crossreferenced to period photos were
possible and with full descriptions. The modelling section includes a gallery of three models, each based on a Dragon kit, although the quality of these – and especially the photography – is a little varied. The overview of the available kits and accessories is comprehensive and welcome. Another superb addition to a well-established series. Our thanks to the publisher for the review copy (www.pen-and-sword.
co.uk), it’s available from all good model shops.
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 95
95
13/03/2023 10:54 am
FOR CAR
Summer
MODELLE RS, COLL ECTORS & ENTH
OR O CY C CL C E
2022
www.mym
USIASTS
1/20
W
Find us on
& BIKE
NE
MOD C AR E&L MOT O
ICM 1/24 Model
FREE T Ford KIT
SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS
ISSN 2754-4605
08
odelcarw
9 772754
orld.co.uk
460010
Volume
01
Issue 01
£6.95 Petrolh eads-U p News Diecas t Merced es 300SL Gullwin plus gPlans & Pro�les Golf GTi in-the-b ox
@militarymodelcraftinternational
Italeri
Mercedes
300 SL
GHOST IN THE in 1/12
1/24
1/9
MACHIN E
LATEST
NEW REV S & IEW S
1/20
1/12
Rundow
Renau n lt 4
MMI ONLINE
P LU S
W
e’re excited by the opportunities that the new format, 100-page Military Modelcraft International brings, and at Guideline Publications we’re determined to work even harder to make our hobby titles even better. 2022 saw some encouraging growth across our titles, especially in North America, and, with the help of all our subscribers, readers, contributors and advertisers, we’re looking to build on that across the next twelve months and would love to hear your comments on how we might be even better. Given the exciting year ahead, have you considered subscribing to Military Modelcraft International? Cover prices may have to increase further, but if you have a subscription in hand, it won’t affect the magazines you will already have paid for. And with 1,200 pages of quality hobby content in 2023, there’s never been a better time to subscribe. Remember you can Subscribe & Save for six, twelve or 24 issues of the UK’s number one military modelling magazine, and you’ll get them delivered to your door in advance of the newsstand copies. Remember, our North American readers can order individual copies and subscriptions of all our magazines directly and pay in US dollars. Check out our US-based website, www.guidelinepublicationsusa.com, or email
[email protected]. We’re also delighted to announce the second issue of our new title, Model Car Truck Motorcycle World, bringing you the very best in automotive modelling. Check out the advert in this issue and if you
: BUIL D
Sheen
e’s RG500 ?
ARTIC
LES,
Super
Senna Detailing ’s MP4/7
MODE
L REV IE
Yamah
a YZRM 1 ?
WS A ND M ORE…
All Guideline Publications magazines available Digitally. Single issues and or subscriptions.
Subscribe & Save with our new magazine, you’ll received ICM’s Ford T Roadster kit absolutely free! Thanks to everyone who has to L O continued C A L S to E submit R V I Cmaterial E our Facebook page; please keep it coming. It’s a real pleasure to see your work and we’ll continue to feature as much of it as we can on Facebook and in the magazine. Don’t forget to check out the Facebook pages, andhasclick of just ourcontact sister magazines, Subscribing never‘Like’, been easier, us via one of the following: Online at: www.guidelinepublications.co.uk Scale Aircraft Modelling, Fantasy Figures International, Toy Telephone: +44 (0)Model 1582 668411 Soldier Collector & Historical Figures, Farmer and our Email:
[email protected] new title, Model Car Truck Motorcycle World. Our Facebook 6 Kensworth Gate, 200 - 204 High Street South, Dunstable, Beds LU6 3HS pages together have tens of thousands of international followers, making them the most-liked modelling magazine pages on Facebook. If you would like to take advantage of the opportunities offered by our Facebook page or our expanding print media to promote your products then please contact me, Tom Foxon, Guideline Publications’ Sales and Marketing Director (
[email protected]), tel +44(0) 7540 153368 or +44(0) 1582 668411. Similarly, if you want to see your models featured on our Facebook page, then please do message us.
PB
Coming in next month’s Military Modelcraft International 1
3
3 - A Cricket in the Snow
A Small-Scale Grille.
2
1 - Shot Kal
An IDF Centurion from the Yom Kippur War.
2 - Long Barrel, Big Trouble
Converting Tamiya’s KV-2.
Bringing you the best in military modelling from across the globe Available in print and online 20 April 2023 Officially
Subscribe and Save with 12 issues from just £59. Just visit www.guidelinepublications.co.uk or call +44(0)1582 668411 To Start Saving Now!
98
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
UK’s No.1
Military Mo
delling Ma
September 2022 l £5.50 Volume 26 l Issue 11 www. uidelin www.g epublications .co.uk #militarymod elcraftinterna tional
gazine
Armour in
Profile
Marine Corp Armour in s Metal: USMC Vietnam, Part 1 ISSN 2631-722
2
09
B ea st s o f th e M id Isr ae li Me d le E as t 9 772631 722255
rk av Eg yp tia n aT3IIB an d 4/ 10 0
World Model Expo 22
Spring is Coming
Arm ou mo del lin r hig hli gh tsg
An ab an do ned
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 98
and much, KV-85 much mor e...
13/03/2023 10:54 am
EUROPE’S NUMBER ONE MODEL SHOP
www.hannants.co.uk Academy
Border Models
Academy
AC13540 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.C £29.99
AC13545 1:35 Panzer III Ausf.L “Battle of Kursk” £39.99
Border Models
Border Models
BT-016 1:35 Jagdpanzer IV L/48 early version £53.95
Hobby Boss
BT-013 1:35 88mm Flak Gun 36 £74.95
Border Models
BT-020 1:35 Sturmgeshutz/Stug III Ausf.G with full interior £80.95
Hobby Boss
HB82941 1:72 152mm ShkH Dana vz. 77. £39.99
HB82932 1:72 Russian BM-21 Grad Late Version. £16.99
I Love Kit
ICM
I Love Kit
BT-014 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E Tiger I Initial Production, £59.95
Hobby Boss
BT-022 1:35 Chinese MBT PLA ZTZ99A £64.95
HB82952 1:72 15U175 TEL of RS-12M1 Topol-M ICBM complex £116.99
I Love Kit
Border Models
ICM72708 1:72 URAL-4320 £11.80
I Love Kit
LK61615 1:16 M4A3E8 Sherman “Easy Eight” £149.99
MiniArt
PB
LK63518 1:35 US M3A4 Lee/Grant medium £65.99
Takom
LK63527 1:35 US M1001 with M790 Erector Launcher Trailer £159.99
Takom
TAK01001 1:16 Renault FT-17 Char with Girod Turret & 37mm Canon £89.99
Takom
Takom
TAK01017 1:16 German Sd.Kfz.265 Kleiner £89.99
Takom
LK63537 1:35 M1278A1 Heavy Guns Carrier mod M153 CROWS £79.99
Takom
MT35362 1:35 Sturmgeschutz/StuG.III Ausf.G £57.99
Takom
TAK02031 1:35 Mk.I Male WWI British Tank & Sponson Crane. £64.99
TAK02033 1:35 Mk.I Female Tank WWI £64.99
Trumpeter
U-Star
TAK02096 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.VI King TAK05002 1:72 M1070 & M1000 TAK08005 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.N TU01092 1:35 Israeli Iron Dome Tiger Initial. £69.99 70 Ton Tank Transporter with D9R mit Schurzen £38.99 Air Defence System £69.99U Bulldozer £79.99
UANO004 1:48 Tiger I Early Production full interior with Wittmann figure £54.99
Established since 1890 - selling plastic kits since 1955 - your guarantee of service TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME
0845 130 72 48
TELEPHONE NUMBER LOCAL RATE FROM UK PHONES ONLY (NOT MOBILES) H.G.Hannant Ltd, Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 3LZ, England Tel: 01502 517444 or 0845 130 72 48 (all calls will be charged at local rate) Fax: 01502 500521 http://www.hannants.co.uk Enquiries to:
[email protected] London address: Unit 2 Hurricane Trading Estate, Grahame Park Way, Colindale NW9 5QW Telephone: 020 8205 6697
POST AND PACKING RATES
Postage is calculated by weight / volume. Please place items in your cart and postage will be shown at checkout. It is calculated according to your delivery address. Please note we no longer produce a printed catalogue. www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 99
99
13/03/2023 10:54 am
PB
100
#MILITARYMODELCRAFTINTERNATIONAL
BT023-002-MMI-April-2023.indd 100
13/03/2023 10:54 am