Sd.Kfz.8 DB10 Gepanzerte 12T (Trumpeter 1/35 kit #01584) Chapter 2: Resurrection time

Continuing on from Chapter 1 let's begin with a brief recap of this extremely rare vehicle.

The restored vehicle was recovered from the Pilica River in Poland. It is believed that only a handfull (period images show just three) of these were ever manufactured, making this surviving example pretty unique indeed! This armoured variant of the Sd.Kfz 8 was all but forgotten until it was recovered and then restored to running condition. Having a full lightly armoured hull around the chassis and drive train, it is believed that this was a prototype of an armoured artillery tractor.

Since commencing my build the below three period images are the only ones to be currently found online. The first one appears to show a vehicle fitted with pneumatic tyred front wheels and a four door rear panel.

Both the lower front panel shape and design, and the large upper panel overhang are very different on this example compared to what is offered in the Trumpeter kit.

 

Unlike the kit this vehicle has just two rear doors.

Sd.Kfz.7/2. 3.7cm Flak 43. Trumpeter 1/35 kit#01527. Chapter 8: Completion

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Flakpanzer IV Ausf G "Wirbelwind" Dragon #6342

Here we have Dragon's 2011 Wirbelwind kit #6342. This features an Ausf G early hull without zimmerit.

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 11: Constructing a base part 1

My intention was always to display the sWS on a small vignette. I had made some rough drawings before vehicle construction 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. I plan to 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 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. 

Mercedes L4500A (Zvezda) Chapter 11: Creating a diorama

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I starting to build and paint some accessories to be placed in the truck but then I got side tracked, as I often do. So, the truck and trailer were relegated to a nice dust free storage box. Early in 2024 I got some inspiration from the excellent ‘The Army that got away' publication which restarted the project. The book tells the story of how the German 15th Army largely escaped from their Atlantic coastal defensive positions after D-Day. Pursued without any real urgency they escaped via the Scheldt estuary pretty much intact.  There is some great info and period images that I’ve never seen before, and it gave me some ideas on how I could finish off this project. 

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.