Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version Chapter 13: Stowage

 

The stowage comes from multiple sources including Miniart, Eureka, Sol Models and AK to name a few. They were all base coated with Vallejo acrylics and weathering effects have begun with the same MIG enamel pin wash tones used on the vehicle. It took some time to whittle down the selection of items I had prepared, but I’m happy with how they are now positioned. There are still a few more tiny items and some tools I am still working on to be added. The last step will be to log the positioning, remove them and add some refinement with oils. Then they can be fixed in place and work can begin to harmonise the overall weathering effect on the load bed.

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 10: More mud, dust, and rust

I first started this session by adding volume to the chipped areas of paintwork. To simulate the source of the original damage. 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 the deepest paint 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 

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 9: Pin wash and adding initial weathering effects to the exterior

With the majority of the running gear weathering complete it was time to work on the cab and cargo platform. To start things off a pin wash with MIG Neutral enamel was applied followed by light enamel rust washes over the larger scratches and scuffs. Abtielung grease and oil stains were added to the cargo area. 

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 8: Exhaust muffler

 

I have completed the visible portion of the exhaust muffler with the excellent Lifecolor acrylic rust set. I started with a pinky hot toned manifold base coat. Next came various applications of the three darkest rust tones, generally adding them lightest first, but also going back and forth building up the layers until I felt I was getting somewhere. An extremely diluted lightest rust tone was added over the clamps. MIG smoke pigment was added in and around the end of the pipe.

 

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 7: Setting the tone (Applying wet and dry mud effects to the chassis and running gear)

As I plan to display this vehicle abandoned in a field in a late 1944 ETO setting, the running gear is to receive a fair amount of wet and dry mud effects.

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 6: Decals and adding initial weathering effects with acrylics

 

Decals for this kit include just Wehrmacht licence plates with individual numbers, a weight stencil, and divisional insignia. I added just the weight and licence plates. These were sealed with another coat of VMS satin varnish.

To start off the weathering process a light coat of sandy, dust toned Lifecolor acrylic was airbrushed over a coat of hairspray, Then, using a little H20 to agitate the hairspray underneath this acrylic dust toned layer was 'scrubbed' back using a stubby paint brush. Pulling the paintbrush down over side panels and in a cloudy pattern over horizontal surfaces this removed 80% of the paint, leaving only remnants. This is to simulate the thicker layers of dust and dirt and disrupt the smooth painted surface. A further coat of VMS satin varnish sealed in all the work so far.

Chapter 7

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 5: Painting and weathering the cab interior

 

Before the cab and chassis assemblies can be fixed together the instrument binnacle, radio and wiring, seats, and roof tarp were brush painted with Vallejo acrylics and the instrument decals added. My kit included two sets of decals which was fortunate as decal number one did not represent the dial in anyway shape or form. Decal number two was used twice to represent the largest dials and some extra placards were also added from my decal spares box.

To prepare for the external decals I used VMS satin varnish. This can be airbrushed direct from the bottle with a little thinner giving a good wet coat to level. It can be left a couple of hours inbetween coats if required.

Below is the only internal cab reference image I have. The instrument binnacle appears to sit a little higher than it does in the open top wooden cargo variant. As already mentioned I am not 100% sure that a radio was ever fitted to these vehicles.

 

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 4: Adding stowage

 

Pre base coat the cargo platform was test fitted with various resin and plastic accessories. The tarpaulin on both the bed and the cab is made using VMS paper and shaper. 

Chapter 5

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (sWS) armoured cargo version. Chapter 3: Primer, base coats, and chipping

 

Fully primed in Tamiya rattle can red oxide. 

 

 

Schwerer Wehrmachtschlepper (Armoured sWS) Chapter 1: Whats in the box?

This is the 2016 ‘2in1’ Bronco kit #CB35214. It was the last release of a series of sWS variants that were based on the original Great Wall Hobby(GWH) mouldings stretching back to 2009.

Fiat 626 truck (Victoria Model 1/35 Resin kit) Lost in Normandy

This still remains one of my most pleasurable builds since getting back into the hobby. It represents a Normandy casualty with a battered Opel car dumped on its back.

The truck is an Italian Fiat 626. This is a resin kit made 1/35 Model Victoria. The car is a Bronco Opel Olympia staff car

 

Both kits were built out of the box with subtle damage added to both. The truck screens were replaced with cake wrapping plastic. They were painted in whatever paints I had available at the time. From memory I am pretty sure this included both Vallejo and Tamiya acrylics.