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 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 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 and I had just enough 1.6mm basswood left from a previous project. I marked, cut, and added four nice straight side pieces. I cut them a tad long so I could sand them square...or as sqaure as I managed to cut the Styrofoam!

Once they had cured to the styrofoam 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 have started adding volume to the scratches, scuffs and dirt, and mud has been added to both the top of the track guards and the load bed area. Vallejo acrylic black brown was carefully painted into the centres of any exposed primer with a fine brush and enamel rust effects were spotted on with a brush and then blended out. Graphite will be added to edges to complete the worn look in the final steps.

 

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

With the running gear weathering complete it was time to work on the cab and load bed. To start things off a pin wash with MIG Neutral enamel was applied followed by adding AK enamel rust over the larger scratches and scuffs. Abtielung grease was added to the load bed. This will be allowed to dry before a second round of pin washes and further effects are added.

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

 

I have completed the visible portion of the exhaust muffler with the brilliant 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 would like to represent this vehicle in a late 1944 ETO setting the wet and damp conditions I plan to use a darker coloured pin wash to lift the contrast to the monochrome base coat. More vibrant colours will be added by way of the accessories in the load area.

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

A light coat of sand coloured lifecolor acrylics were airbrushed over a coat of hairspray and scrubbed back leaving remnants of the sand colour to simulate the first layers of dust and dirt. A further coat of VMS satin varnish sealed all the work in preparation for upcoming pin washes.

Chapter 7

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

 

Before the cab 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 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 seal in the paintwork and prepare for the external decals and all the upcoming weathering stages I turned to my favourite product, VMS satin varnish. This can be airbrushed direct from the bottle with a little thinner giving the model a good wet coat to level. It can be left a couple of hours in-between coats if required.

Decals for this kit include just Wehrmacht number plates which you can add your own individual numbers, a weight stencil, and divisional insignia. I added just the weight and number plates. These were sealed with another coat of VMS satin varnish.

This is the only internal reference pic I have. The instrument binnacle appears to sit a little higher than it does in the open top 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 tarpaulins and stowage

 

Cargo platform bed populated with 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 coating, and the hairspray technique

 

Fully primed in Tamiya rattle can red oxide. 

 

 

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

1/35 Model Victoria resin Fiat 626

 

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