Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version Chapter 12: Constructing a base part 2

Before I could add the AK Asphalt texture paste to the raised road section the piece required framing. I had purchased some oak veneer but test fitting exposed an issue with the cut of the Styrofoam on one of the sides. I had used a foam cutter, and I had started from what I figured was a nice straight edge. Unfortunately, I didn't spot a couple of wavy undulations in it and adding the veneer would only expose these flaws. So, to plan B! I had just enough 1.6mm basswood left from a previous project so I marked, cut, and added four nice straight side pieces. I cut two sides a touch long so I could sand them square.....or as square as I managed to cut the Styrofoam😉!

Once they had cured to the styrofoam and with the aid of UHU Por glue, and each other with wood glue, AK dark mud mixed with tea leaves and scatter was added into any small gaps that were left, and blended into the existing terrain.

 

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version Chapter 11: Constructing a base part 1

My intention was always to display the sWS on a small base. I had made some rough drawings before building began and had articulated the front suspension and angled the front wheels for this purpose. The plan is to display the vehicle recently abandoned in a muddy field after attempting to rejoin a section of roadway. It will include a small section of road, a shell crater, a telegraph pole or tree, and a selection of figures.

Whilst sketching out the scene it became obvious that whilst the fresh shell crater gave narrative as to why the vehicle might have been abandoned, adding a decent sized crater would enlarge the size of the base more than I had first intended. To this end I added only a portion of it in the corner. To give it further interest I then raised the height of the roadway onto an embankment beyond a small ditch.

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 10: More mud, dust, and rust

I first started adding volume to the chipped areas of paintwork. To simulate the source of the original damage and sticking within the exposed primer areas, dark scratch and scuff lines were carefully painted on with a fine brush using Vallejo acrylic black brown. Then, enamel rust effects were spotted on and then blended out with odourlous thinner. Graphite will be added to a few worn and damaged edges to complete the look in the final steps. 

A light covering of dryer mud and general debris was then added to exposed horizontal surfaces

 

Debris and mud added to the top of the track guards