Skarach's world

The vehicle

“When the first T-34-85s (85mm gun) delivered by Zavod #112 appeared, they were given to the best units, the elite Red Guards battalions… They gradually replaced the T-34/76 and in mid-1944 the T-34-85 outnumbered the older versions. By then they formed the bulk of the tank units on the eve of Operation Bagration, the Soviet response to the Allied landings in Normandy, and the biggest offensive ever planned by the Red Army to date. This was the final push, aimed at Berlin.” [1]

The kit

Airfix 1/35 kit [1]. This is intended to be part of my Berlin diorama.

References

1. https://uk.airfix.com/products/t34-85-112-factory-production-a1361

6th Panzer Division, France, 1940.

Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. C (Sd.Kfz.121) build – Part 1:Introduction
Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. C (Sd.Kfz.121) build – Part 2:Assembly
Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. C (Sd.Kfz.121) build – Part 3:Painting
Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. C (Sd.Kfz.121) build – Part 4:Weathering

• Paint chips were simulated using Vallejo Model Color “German Camouflage Black Brown” (70822), applied with a sponge or brush. The wooden pieces were chipped using Vallejo Panzer Aces “Old Wood” (310).
• The exhaust was painted with the various colours of the LifeColor rust set.
• Before further weathering, a 1:2 mixture of Mr.Color “Clear Gloss” (46) and Mr.Color Leveling Thinner was sprayed over the entire model.
• The entire model was washed with a dilute mixture of Abteilung 502 “Starship Filth” (Abt510) and “Blue-Green for German Grey” (Abt230) oil paints (ratio about 1:1) in enamel thinners – the excess being cleaned up with a dry brush or cotton bud.
• Further contrast was added using AMMO Oilbrusher “Starship Bay Sludge” and “Light Brown Rust”.
• To the some of the vertical or sloping sides of the hull and turret Abteilung 502 “Starship Filth” (Abt510) and “Sepia” (Abt002) were added. Then, using a flat brush, the oil paint was drawn down the sides to simulate streaks of dirt or rust.
• To simulate dirt the lower hull, engine deck, fenders and top of the turret were selectively treated with a wash of AMMO Oilbrusher “Dusty Earth” and “Medium Soil” in enamel thinners, with the excess being removed using a dry brush.
• The entire model was sprayed with a 1:2 mixture of Mr.Color “Flat Clear” (182) and Mr.Color Leveling Thinner.
• Wilder “Dry European Mud” (GP08) and “Road European Clay” (GP10) pigments were brushed onto the lower half of the tank and the wheels and fixed with a 1:1  mixture of AMMO “Pigment Fixer” (A.MIG-3000) in enamel thinners.
• The tracks (Fruilmodel ATL-30, linked with 0.4 mm brass rod – 110 tracks per side – and weathered using Ultimate Modelling Products “Burnishing Liquid” and then pigments) were added.
• AK Interactive “Dark Steel” (AK086) pigment was brushed on onto the raised parts of the tracks in contact with the ground or running gear, as well as the edges of the metal tools and the guns.
• The upper part of the tank and the top of the turret was treated with the same pigments.
• Tamiya “Soot” powder was added to the exhaust end.
• Abteilung 502 “Bitume” (ABT004) and “Engine Grease” (ABT160) oil paints, in varying dilutions in enamel thinners, were added to parts of the vehicle, to simulate oil and fuel stains.

Primer: Tamiya “Fine Surface Primer” (light grey)

Base coats: In all cases the paint was sprayed as a 1:2 mixture in Mr.Color leveling thinner.

• Mr.Color “German Grey” (40)
• Mr.Color “German Grey” (40) and Mr.Color “RLM76 Light Blue” (117) in a 1:1 ratio

Details:

• Tools: Vallejo Model Color “Black Grey” (70862), Vallejo Panzer Aces “Old Wood” (310), Vallejo Model Color “Saddle Brown” (70940)
• Shackles: Vallejo Model Color “Black Grey” (70862)
• Rear light: LifeColor “Matt Red” (LC06)
• Headlight: Citadel “Runefang Steel”
• Guns: LifeColor “Matt Black” (LC02)
• Tyres: LifeColor “Tire Black” (UA733)

A 1:2 mixture of Mr.Color “Clear Gloss” (46) and Mr.Color Leveling Thinner was sprayed over the entire model and the decals applied.

Really not much to say that this stage – all went together very well.