Hi All,

I started making Airfix models from the age of five and made every kit I could get hold of from the 1/72 Spitfire to the 1/24 Stuka. As a teenager, I discovered that you can play with Airfix 1/76 tank models and call it 'war gaming', though I remained a modeler first and gamer second. The goal of my friends and I was to create 10% of a late war German Panzer Division to face 10% of a British Armoured Division or 10% of a Soviet Mechanized Corps. Although we never achieved this, it still influences my purchases and most of what I make now is either replacing my old models or filling in gaps. Also, braille-scale models take up a lot less space than the 1/16 Tamiya King Tiger I somehow never made and is still in my stash...

In my early twenties I stopped making models and got on with real life, but after a twenty-some year hiatus I have the bug again!

I will therefore start my portfolio where I stopped twenty years ago, with a Fujimi 1/76 King Tiger. This was one of the last models I made before my 'break'. The picture was taken about ten years ago for a photography class.

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

very nice , let's have more , cheers john .

Very nice work  :thumb:

Bernard

I was never entirely happy with the realism of my German tanks. I had tried several different methods to simulate a zimmerit finish in 1/76, but I could never get it to look right. The other skill I felt I lacked was airbrushing for the three-color camouflage.

The airbrushing turned out to be mostly a tool problem (really...) and was solved by a new airbrush and a compressor with a regulator and accumulator. The best solution I have found so far for 1/76 zimmerit is to cut the grooves into the model using an engraving tool in a Dremel.

I am still learning and practicing, but the results now are closer to my aim!



More pictures of this 1/76 Fujimi Tiger 1 (Late Version) are here

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

Great work and I am looking forward to seeing more.

Regards
Mark

_________________
P O R T F O L I O

Well I used to remember, Now it's all gone
World War something, We were somebody's sons.

You've done a good job with your Tiger.

Greg

_________________
If I have to explain, you won't understand.

Good stuff, well done!
J-P

_________________
"I have questions to all your answers" Woody Allen

"Veni, vidi,... ESCI!"

Cracking start to your portfolio Neil.

_________________
Sorry but B4Models is closed for now.

Illusion is the first of all pleasures.  ~Voltaire

Many thanks to all for your kind comments. I will try to catch up with a record of the models I have posted on the ATF to date.

To get back on track chronologically, the first model I finished once I started modeling again was, appropriately enough, an Airfix 1/76 StuG III Ausf G. This was my first attempt with the engraved Zimmerit method. I also had a lot of fun adding details using Evergreen sheet plastic. Much better than the cardboard I used to use. I applied the green camouflage with my old airbrush, but was not entirely happy with the results.



More pictures posted here

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

The next model is actually the one that restarted my interest. I chanced upon Milicast models on the internet and was amazed at their range. They seemed to be able to fill all those gaps in my collection that I had once wanted. However, since I had a bad experience with ordering resin kits in the late 1970's (pocket money sent, no models received...), I decided to first find one on eBay to see if they were worth the risk. They are, and I have subsequently found that Milicast has excellent service, so no risk!

Although I had not made models for decades, I still occasionally bought a copy of Fine Scale Modeler and the like, so I was aware that the craft had moved on to new and exciting techniques like powder weathering and using thin washes. This was therefore my first attempt at these... Resin kits also have their own unique challenges, and I should have spent even more time filling and sanding than I did.

Anyway, here is my Milicast 1/76 Staghound Mk III



More photos in the Picture Gallery here

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

Next up was really two 1/76 kits from Milicast. An Sdkfz 10 towing a sIG33 Infantry Gun.



More photos in the Picture Gallery here

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

Well built and well presented Neil  :thumb:

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983
My Portfolio & Workbench

nice modelling in the smaller scales . cheers john

Thank you Ratch and John for your comments.

Next up was a 1/76 white metal kit from MMS. Technically a '15cm sIG 33/1 auf Sfl 38(t) Ausf K, often erroneously referred to as a 'Grille' (Cricket). I had wanted one of these for decades and had even bought a Fujimi Pzkpfw 38(t) to try and convert one with dozens of photos taken at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. Although MMS took most of the work out, I still needed the photos to add quite a bit of detail to the interior.



More photos in the Picture Gallery here

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

Very nice collection

Bernard

That's some great braille scale armor there Neil.

_________________
So, there I was, flat on my back at 50,000 feet.....

Thank you Arrows, and Bernard again! Your comments are always much appreciated.

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio

A great portfolio so far, and wonderfully presented

James

_________________
Airfix club #597359               My Portfolio                My Works in Progress

Some nice models in there.

_________________
I think..therefore I am

Thank you James and trpsarge for your kind comments.

My next installment was back to Milicast for a 1/76 Cromwell Mk IV. I bought this before Airfix announced their intention to release one, but it will be interesting to compare them.



More photos in the Picture Gallery here

_________________
Neil

With every model I learn a little more... and then the next one takes longer!

My Portfolio