Victoria Model 1/35 Resin Fiat 626 lost in Normandy (A long way from home!)

1/35 Model Victoria resin Fiat 626

 

This is one of my most pleasurable builds since getting back into the hobby. It is modelled to represent a Normandy casualty with a battered Opel car on its back.

Tamiya 135 Sd.Kfz 135 Marder I

Tamiya Marder Sd.Kfz 135 Marder I  

Build Info:

Tamiya kit #35370 

Aftermarket parts used: Brass ammo by RB Models

Tracks: Kit tracks

Decals:  Kit decals 

Paint & finishing info:

 

Primer:  Halfords primer grey rattle can

Camo:   Tamiya XF88, XF60, XF2, XF57, XF89, XF64

Tracks:  Vallejo VAL70304

Varnish  Tamiya X22

Weathering:

Mig Enamel dark wash, Abteilung Oils, Mig Pigments 

 

Interior parts made from Green stuff (Tarpaulins) and accessories by Panzerart (Fuel can), Bronco (Jerry cans), AFV Club (Ammo cannisters) and crew gear by Dragon

 

* It is worth noting that it appears the kit was referenced using the  Marder I on display at the Musée des Blindés at Saumur.  The tracks are on back to front and should be turned around. I was not aware of this issue at the time of my build so they have remained the 'wrong way round'. It is not a mammoth task to turn the link and length tracks around but care will be required to bend a few of the upper individual links between the sprocket and first return roller.

 

Riich Models RV35005/1:35 Skoda RSO-Radschlepper Ost

Riich Models RV35005/1:35 Skoda RSO-Radschlepper Ost 

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/riichmodels-rv35005-skoda-rso-radschlepper-ost--136824

I started this kit around 2015, so it was nice to get back and work on this build. Luckily all the constructed parts were stored safely in a plastic tub and the instructions marked to show the steps and parts that were already completed.  This is the only plastic version available and it is an excellent rendition of an exceedingly rare military vehicle.  Unfortunately, no examples survived the war.  The moulding is sharp, the fit is exemplary and although the chassis and running gear is complex it all fits like a glove.

 

Chassis, running gear, wheels, and engine.

 

March 2021. The strangest of times, self assessment and back to the bench

With the lockdown restictions many of us have been experiencing it has been a difficult time for all of us and although I have had more hobby time over the last twelve months it has been increasingly difficult to motivate myself.  Now things are looking more positive and Spring is upon us, the creative juices are flowing, and it is time to get creative in the cave again. Whilst away from the bench, I had been evaluating why I had struggled with a few processes and techniques over the last year. Being self-critical is one way I continue to better myself as there is always room for improvement.