Master Models

Sepia 2 Kosmiczny Kuter

2012-01-15T11:39:00.002Z

As from today the project is no more. My cats got to the room, where the blimp was hidden, and dropped it to the floor causing the filler to crack. The whole blimp lost the sturginess, and it was pointless to continue the build. Shame.

Sepia 2 Kosmiczny Kuter- painting the blimp

2012-01-06T13:29:00.008Z

First stage of painting- preshading. I used the Tamiya acrylics for the job: black, grey, sky and white.

Mist of Buff over the whole thing, followed with off white for highlights, Desert Sand for saturation, and flatened with light grey to finish the base painting.

Using hand made masks, and hairspray technique i applied the first markings.

Some more markings done. Here the Dunlop sign as the blimps manufakturer.

OWB sign painted utilising the double hairspray technique. It is basically multilayer hairspray painting, where the first layer is of dark base color for the letters. When some of the paint is brushed off, we mask the letters again, and paint patches of lighter shade paint over the top. Key is to make that layer delicate, almost transparent for the trick to work.

Thats how it look now.

Oils were used to tone the colors down slightly, and unify them.

Sepia 2 Kosmiczny Kuter

2011-12-17T19:09:00.015Z

After very busy autumn im back with little bit more time on my hands, and with few fresh ideas.

One of them being the futuristic looking ship- Sepia 2.

It will be complete scratch build, with plenty of weathering.

Hope to show some progress soon.

Probably the best, and easiest way of making the balloon is by cutting the frame of the balloon out of cardboard, and filling the spaces with low expanding builders foam.

I made the balloon frame using 2mm cardboard, and white glue. Cavities were filled using foam. It will prevent the frame from deforming after the expanding foam is used.

I used the lowexpanding poliurethan foam to fill the balloon frame up.

I filled all the major gaps, and holes using the same foam and spatula.

Now i will rest the balloon for few days to cure completely before i use the car filler.

Note the 2 attach points on both ends of the blimp.

Then it was time for the car filler.

I sprayed the dull black, and started covering the blimp in acrylic filler:

Oil canning effect added:

Blimp in primer:

Microfilling with acrylic filler:

Masking tape was used to make rubber seams, and whole blimp was sprayed with floor varnish:

Helium inlet valve added:

Air inlet, and outlet valves:

Mr. Surfacer is on. Surface is ready for some paint now:

T.B.C....

I did it again- new carp record!

2011-09-27T18:33:00.003+01:00

Last night after work i was invited to do the night session- probably the last carp session of the year. I fished single grain of imitation corn on the hair rig.

At 22 hours i had the take, and landed my new carp record- fish of 17.6 kg.

Carp record broken again- twice!

2011-09-11T13:15:00.005+01:00

Last night i was invited to fish little private estate lake just 12 km from my house.

The lake was dug about 18 years ago, and theres only five big carp in it- original fish let in when the lake was created. Theres also few smaller carp there, some catfish, grass carp, and tench.

It is very hard venue, as the silt is about 3 feet deep, and full of natural food.

I fished the lake four times before- without any success.

Last night was different!

I missed the take at about 8 p.m.

At 10 p.m i had another take, and this time i landed this lovely fish of 15 kg- my new record for carp.

I had another take at 3.30 a.m from the margins on the other side of the lake.

After long battle in the darkness i landed another beautifull leather carp of 16.6 kg- another new record!

In the morning i missed one more take, this time some small fish, but i consider this the best carp night session i ever had.

I kept the fish in the sack till morning, because i wanted to take better photos.

2011-09-07T19:58:00.012+01:00

Jarek, and i had the good carp session today.

We got up at 4 am.

First fish of 6 kg soon after arrival:

Good 7 kg at midday:

...followed by quiet few grass carp in the 2-3,5 kg bracket:

Best of the day of 9 kg:

...another 7 kg:

and 6,5 kg:

Jarek had lots of fish between 5-7.5 kg:

Just before packing up bonus fish of 7.5 for Jarek:

Meedweek carp session.

2011-08-31T21:07:00.011+01:00

Jarek, and i had the good meedweek carp session today.

We cought lots of fish in the 5-6 kg bracket.

My best 2 fish cought on corn in the margins- 7,5 kg, and 9 kg beauty.

Jarek had the good days fishing using the same tactics. He cought quiet few fish of 5-6 kg + 3 fish of 7 kg, 8 kg, and lovely fish just shy of 9 kg. He also had two grass carp of 3, and 3,5 kg. Top fishing!

VW typ 82 bodywork

2011-08-26T22:10:00.008+01:00

After the incident with the White Spirit i used the CA glue to assemble the suspension rigid.

I decided to make the small vignette, where the vehicle will be abandoned in the mud, or snow.

This way it want matter the suspension is not workable, and it leaves the open door for more weathering.

I started adding the body panels now.

Todays carping.

2011-08-23T21:17:00.007+01:00

Another short carp session near Mszczonow resulted in more than 10 carp cought, of which few were worth the picture. Couple of 7,5 kg fish, 6,5 kg, and nearly 6.

Few more carp on the bank

2011-08-21T20:02:00.008+01:00

Heres few of the fish i cought during couple of short weekend trips last fortnight.

5,5 kg, 4,5 kg, 6kg over, and nice nearly 8 kg.

VW tap 82 disaster

2011-08-06T15:42:00.003+01:00

I finished painting the VW, and was working with oils using White Spirit, when all of the chassie components just fell apart. All the parts just disintegrated.

Well- i'm considering this model build closed.

lesson to be learned.

Edit: I calmed down enough to asses the situation, and i may still salvage this project.

I disgarded of White Spirit and voved not to use it again ever.

I may still glue the suspension rigid, and use the vehicle as part of the vignette, where the VW is partly submerged in mud.

VW typ 82 first paint

2011-08-02T23:19:00.008+01:00

After washing the model in warm, soapy water, Mr. Surfacer primer was sprayed, followed by rusty-brown mixed with varnish. It will provide the first, durable base to work with.

Where i wanted the steel color to show due to the paint wear i used Alclad Steel. Then the salt was used, and the hairspray layer was sprayed all over the floor pan.

Carp session Grzegorzewice. 01/08/2011

2011-08-01T21:38:00.010+01:00

Instead of going to work today, together with my brother in law Jarek, we went carp fishing to Grzegorzewice lakes.

After few days of rain the weather was sunny at last.

We cought 20 carp in total, and couple of small grasscarp.

Rods set, and ready for action:

Nice early fish of 5 kg:

6 kg:

...and my best of the day- 8 kg over:

Jarek's best fish- nice 6 kg over:

VW typ 82 chassis

2011-07-31T21:18:00.008+01:00

Chassis, and steering mechanism are done now. I also drilled few holes in the dashboard for the control lights.

2011-07-23T22:08:00.008+01:00

I put the engine together, and the base coat of Tamiya acrylics is now applied.

On metal parts i used various Alclad colors.

Im moving in with oils next, and slowly im adding the details.

Added few details:

...scale comparison:

Engine weathered using AK Engine Weatherin Set, Mig pigments, and Abtailung 502 oil paints.

Temporary workbench

2011-07-20T21:03:00.004+01:00

Im still very busy at work, and due to lack of time i decided to set the temporary bench up. I moved all my gear to the basement, where is lot of room for my hobby, and the vapours do not upset the family.

I do have the proper man cave planned as the winter project, when things at work cool down a bit.

This place is only temporary. At last i can smell some paint, and glue again.

VW typ 82 Kubelwagen Großdeutschland 1943 Revell 1/9

2011-07-06T12:13:00.006+01:00

Despite my workbench still being under construction im starting the new build.

I bought the Revell Typ 82 Volswagen Kubelwagen few years back, and only recently unearthed it following the move to Poland.

The vehicle will be build almost straight from the box, with only minor changes, and improvements where necessary.

I will paint the Kubelwagen in the Division GroSdeutschland scheme, with lots of damage, and paint weathering applied.

The inspiration for the project is sourced from this photo:

Started work on the powerplant:

Engine anatomy:

TBC...

Another fishing trip.

2011-07-03T21:47:00.008+01:00

On saturday 02/07 with my brother in law Jarek we went fishing for catfish.

Jarek managed the 9 kg cat at 2 am:

I didnt catch the catfish that night, but i managed the lovely 1,5 kg crucian carp.

In the morning, we moved to diferent fishery in search for nice carp. The weather was unsettled, with lots of rain. The wind constantly changed direction.

We cought 15 carp in total, with the biggest of 8 kg. Amazing thing is we landed the same fish on the same day.

...another good fish of 6 kg.

Prety good going considering the weather conditions.

Personal carp record broken

2011-06-26T20:49:00.017+01:00

Today i went fishing for carp.

All in all i cought 16 carp, one grass carp, and i lost 4, or 5 fish due to hook pulls.

I have broken the personal best for carp with the fish of 11,4 kg.

Carp session Grzegorzewice.

2011-06-24T07:55:00.006+01:00

Im not having much time for model making recently, due to my new work commitments, but managed some time off for fishing.

I set off with my brother in law for Grzegorzewice near Mszczonow in Mazowiecki region.

We visited the commercial fishery there to catch some carp.

I dont have much experience catching Polish carp, but using my own experience with the species i made the bait using breadcrumb, corn, tins of tuna and catfood. I used similar bait in England, and it worked, so i held high hopes.

I only managed one little carp on my rods (probably due to using heavy lead set up, and it was sinking in the silt) but my brother in law Jarek had cought some nice fish on his light float set up. Here he is pictured with one of his fish- 19 LB carp on corn.

We will be back there soon, as it is only about 20 minutes drive from our place. This time i will use lighter gear trying to catch bigger, and better fish.

Tomaszowskie Spotkania Modelarskie 2011

2011-06-14T05:42:00.006+01:00

I just came back from Tomaszow Mazowiecki modelling contest, where my models won 3 medals, and VW Van has taken the Grand Prix for the best model of the show. Great event, with superb atmosphere. During the show the organisers guaranteed many attractions like grill and trip to the museum of the River Pilica, and amazing Blue Water Geysers.

Heres the link to the Picasa album from the show: https://picasaweb.google.com/Reference39/TomaszowskiSpotkaniaModelarskie2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCPT8yMXjoeC_RA

AK Interactive contest

2011-05-25T22:46:00.003+01:00

The winners of first AK Interactive model contest on Facebook have been announced.

Im pleased to say, the model of VW won it.

The competition was tough, with many top modellers taking part, and some outstanding models being presented, which makes this win special for me.

Thanks to AK Interactive for organising the event, and all the lovely people that voted on my model.

Im moving.

2011-05-24T18:08:00.002+01:00

In next few weeks i'm moving to live in Poland again.

My main priority is to set up the new workshop after arrival. It will take few weeks i think.

I will keep you updated on the progression of work.

VW van in Split Screen Scene

2011-05-10T23:25:00.005+01:00

In the coming weeks model of the VW van will be published in the Split Screen Scene- bi monthly journal of the Split Screen Van Club.
Thanks to Mike Johnson for giving me the opportunity of sharing my work with VW lovers.

Guildford 29/30 april 11

2011-04-30T22:10:00.004+01:00

Due to extended weekend i have taken some time off workbench, and headed to Guildford for the overnight carp session. Heres the few shots of some fish i have cought. Not the biggest fish by any standards, but nicely coloured, and in prime condition.

Renault 4CV Heller 1/24 Inbox

2011-04-18T00:05:00.013+01:00

Turtlegg

2011-04-06T23:38:00.008+01:00

Another year, and another easter egg model contest on PWM.
After completing the "Egg Zeppelin" few years ago, this time i turned towards the submarine subject.
I will build the 1776 D. Bushnell's Turtle.
It was the first American submarine.
The one-man vessel submerged by admitting water into the hull and surfaced by pumping it out with a hand pump. Powered by a pedal-operated propeller and armed with a keg of powder, the egg-shaped Turtle gave Revolutionary Americans high hopes for a secret weapon - a weapon that could destroy the British warships anchored in New York Harbor.

First the egg was drilled. I used Dremel tool for the job.
The shell cracked in one place, so the CA was smeared on inside to strengthen the area.
Whole shell then was sanded- you`d be surprised how imperfect the egg surface can be.

Top hatch under construction:

Added the air valves:

TBC...

VW van- Hasegawa 1/24 final photo shoot

2011-04-03T23:09:00.021+01:00

VW van finished

2011-03-27T20:03:00.008+01:00

VW van from Hasagawa in 1/24 scale complete.
Taking advantage of excellent weather we have been having lately i took the van for the outdoor photo shoot to the nearby industrial park.
Hope you like.

VW van- dust and rust

2011-03-27T02:23:00.005+01:00

I started the final weathering stage using pigments.
Some rust, and dust have been applied.
Im thinking of leavin the windows as they are now, without the wiper marks.

I also constructed the street section. I wanted the tarmac to be in the bad condition, with lots of pot holes and loose stones. I made the mounting point underside, so i can fix the base on the tripod for pictures.

VW van- Build stage complete

2011-03-24T00:59:00.006Z

I finished building the van.
All the remaining details have been added i.e. the roof rack fixings, the two screws on the headlights, the four buffers on the loading door, and just to make it little bit different i added couple of mudflaps.
All is left now is to dust the van a little, and add some pigment rust here, and there.
Hope you enjoy the update, as i made the pictures using new to me technique of focus stacking.

VW van- final detailing

2011-03-14T23:33:00.006Z

Most enjoyable part of the build- adding nice details.
I started with the mirror.

Windscreen wipers done from scratch:

TBC...

Photo of the year Kartonwork 2010

2011-03-13T12:05:00.004Z

Photo of the "Sentry" diorama won the photo of the year competition on Kartonwork forum.
You can see all the entries here

VW van- roof rack clutter

2011-03-11T22:29:00.006Z

To make the roof rack look busy i made the power tool metal case,
and gin wheel from scratch.
For the rope i used the egyptian cotton rigging cord (o.6mm) from Modelling Timbers.

With the ladder dry fitted.
I dont know if i like it with ladder, or without.

VW van- door handles

2011-02-28T18:01:00.006Z

I made all the door handles from brass.
Painted Alclad Polished Aluminium.

VW van- number plates

2011-02-23T10:34:00.003Z

Number plates.
Alu foil was cut, and inpressed around the edges.
Decal was fixed over the alu foil, and edges painted black color.
When dry i fixed the plate with some varnish, and chipped it.
Some wire to hold it in place was soaked in Blacken It.
I used one fixing bolt in front, weathered accordingly.

Rear number plate.
It was the same shape as the front one, so i had to cut it in half in order to produce square plate.
Couple bolts from plumped stretched sprue.

Exhaust painted, and the whole chassis weathered:

One of the front hubcaps paited chrome:

VW van- Lights and blinkers

2011-02-20T23:13:00.008Z

The lights and indicators installed.
I used the clear sprue to make the blinkers, and PET bottle from the soft dring to make the headlight lenses.

TBC...

VW van- door lining

2011-02-17T20:08:00.002Z

Inside of the cab is so basic, the door lining is non existent.
I made it from scratch using steryne sheets. Painted to immitate worn leather or lino if you like.
The piping, and door handles are from stretched sprue.
Door handles painted Alclad Chrome.

TBC...

VW van- Exhaust

2011-02-13T22:08:00.004Z

Exhaust from the kit is unuseable, so i built one from scratch.
I used the Mr.Surfacer to add the texture to the main box.

TBC...

VW van- the load.

2011-02-09T09:21:00.008Z

The load is done now- i used anything i could get my hands on.
The only thing that will be visible through the windscreen is silhouette of the load, so i concentrated more on the details, and textures of the upper parts.

The windows were glued in using Micro Kristal Klear.
Once cured i will build the interior of the cab.

The load painted- i didnt pay much attention to painting it, as only the silhouette will be visible through the front, and back windows.

VW van- seat take 2

2011-02-05T20:23:00.003Z

After posting on Network 54 forums, some of the guys pointed out to me, that the seat cover was out of scale, and frankly did not look good.
I made the new seat- this time in leather.
i feel it serves the purpose well.
Pedals and handbrake were scratch built. I also added few knobs, and the turnwheel under the seat.
Now the cab is done, and awaiting fixing onto the body.

VW van- weathering

2011-02-02T01:21:00.009Z

I started weathering with the wash:

Front logo cut on the plotter in styrene. Painted red-brown and using sponge technique with White (WEMCC C03) from White Ensign Models.
Glued with Vallejo matte varnish.

Rear Volkswagen sign photo- etched in steel sheet.

Rear lights in place.
I painted the weld on the replaced panel.
On the panel itself i painted the chalk mark- VW SAMBA `67 LEFT, but it isnt very visible- maybe for the better. I dont think the chalk marks stayed on the panels for too long in rain.

TBC...

VW van- VW advert painting

2011-01-28T00:23:00.009Z

VW advert painted using masks.
Thanks to my friends Timi, and Lucas HS for producing the masks for me, without you guys it could`nt possibly ever look so good.
I painted it using the hairspray technique.

I painted the dashboard- not without the problems. When i applied the gloss to the clock faces, the decals curled badly. After changing the faces to the spare ones from the box, the lenses were made using Micro Kristal Klear. No problems this time.
The ashtray , and radio made from scratch. I added few knobs, and the key in the ignition.
I will throw some old newspapers, and some small clutter on the tray below the dash.

Gearstick- i cut the ball from the kit, drilled it, and painted like the pool No. 8 ball .
Im still in the process of scratch building the pedals, and handbrake lever- which are omitted in the kit.

...lights and indicator units added. The lenses will be glued last.
Inside the lights i fixed the additional orange lightbulbs for the indicators.
I also painted the window sills.

TBC...

VW van- interior

2011-01-21T00:33:00.007Z

Continuing with the van build.
I turned my attention towards the interior.
First thing was to make the seat slightly more textured.
The kit seat is so neat, and plasticky i had to do something to make it look like it was used by the builders.
Dremel tool was used to make the seat caved from years of use.
I wraped the seat in the piece of the old T-shirt.

Dashboard.
The interior of the van is basic- so much even the pedals are missing.
Dashboard is not much better.
After about 8 hours of work here`s where i am with converting it to more presentable state.

Still so much to add, like radio, ashtray, clocks, and so on.
TBC...

Zundapp K800 with Steib sidecar

2011-01-18T01:14:00.013Z

While im still awaiting some extras for the VW build i decided to start new, quick project- the Zundapp K800 with Steib sidecar.
German units used that kind of motorcycles during Polish, and French campaigns.

Some of the motorcycles still retained civilian colours, so i will paint my model in such scheme:

Im using Vulcans excellent kit.
It was designed by Swash Design- company well known for good quality motorcycle models:

After opening the box we are greeted by three indyvidually wraped sprues, pe wheels, one small PE, and small decal sheet. We also find six springs for shocks, and seats.

Clear instruction manual complete the set up.

TBC...

VW van- Cont.

2011-01-08T18:42:00.005Z

I decided to add some clutter inside the van, just in front of the back window.
It will give the impression of working vehicle.

...clutter painted:

TBC...

VW van- painting begins

2011-01-01T19:52:00.011Z

First colour to be sprayed is rusty brown. Red Brown over the whole body, with mix of Flat White, and Flat Brown for the highlights on the pannels.

Kitchen salt applied in places, where i want the rust to be visible through the paint.

White mixed with Clear, and broken with the tiny amount of Buff.
Semi Gloss Black on wheels.

Body of the van was sealed using Vallejo Matte Varnish.
After the paint cured, salt was brushed off:

Hairspray on, followed by salt, and Maskol:

Grey colour, and more salt:

...and the final colour:

After the salt was removed, and the whole thing was sealed with Matte Varnish:

Loading door painted.
Now the deep scratch on the side of the van makes sense.

Work started on the extras. In this case the decorators equipment. Ladder is done. It still needs some paint marks, and more weathering.

...and the ladder weathered

TBC...

VW van- final surface texturing

2011-01-01T17:09:00.008Z

I`ve added some scratches, and chips, what can be described as "prechipping".
Few welds completed the surface detailing before painting.
Chaos Black primer on.

VW van- roof rack

2010-12-28T22:33:00.010Z

Roof rack was soldered using 1mm, and 0,5mm brass tubing.
Mc Donalds hot drink stirrers were used for the slats. Slats drilled on both sides, and iron rod glued in as the bolts.

Front indicators dry fitted:

Indicator bodies were turned from brass, and painted Alclad Chrome:

...rear lights dry fitted. I used clear sprue for the lenses, and painted them Clear Red.
The ring around the lenses is turned from brass, and painted Alclad Chrome.

Wooden slats were soaked in the vinegar overnight (i added the piece of the steel wool to it to get the rusty tinge), and then i used the 80 grit sandpaper to achieve the right texture. Variation of tan, brown, and black oils was used to get the slats look weathered.

VW van- fog lamp

2010-12-27T14:29:00.012Z

I started with the details.
First i made the fog light. I didnt have anything similar in my spare parts stash, so i made the light from scratch.

Edit on 29/12/2010
I get a lot of questions regarding the fog lamp, so here i will explain how the light was made.
I used as follow:

1 spare part from the kit- probably from different VW model. Edge cut off.
2 part of the U-Boats torpedo shoot. I used the round bit for the lens frame.
3 Pin. I cut the top, and polished it for the lens. Inside the hole was drilled, and filled with Alclad Chrome. The lens detail was engraved using the sewing pin. (8).
4 Absorbers found in the shoe box. I used yellow for the bulb.
5 Brass tubing to make the mount.
6 Hexagonal nut from MIG.
7 Stretched sprue to make the bolt.
8 Sewing pin to engrave the lens detail.

VW van- bodywork complete

2010-12-26T20:11:00.009Z

I have finished the bodywork stage.
The rear of the van was brought to the early spec- with narrow door, small window, round lights.
The back window had received the the seal, also the hinge above the back window was added.
Small recess for the door handle in the cargo door was filled in, and four holes were drilled for rubber buffers.
Front indicators were replaced by scratch built early type.

TBC...

Publications- "Shallow crossing"

2010-12-19T17:00:00.005Z

Another of my little scenes has been published. The "Shallow crossing" vignette made the front cover of December "Super Model" issue.
Inside we find 10 page article about this build.

VW van- build started

2010-12-11T22:00:00.010Z

The body needed filler in few places, especially at the front of the van, and in couple of spots on the roof.
Pannel lines were rescribed.
Chrome parts like bumpers, and hubcaps were dumped in Mr Muscle Sink & Drain gel, to remove paint.

Deep rust effect. The eroded places were thinned on inside using Dremel tool, and roughed up using sewing pin, until few holes popped up.
Around these places Mr. Surfacer 500, and old stiff brush was used to make the rust texture.
I also made few dents in the bodywork.

All the hinges were replaced by hunges made with brass sheet, brass rods, and for the hinges with mirrors i used the brass tube, so the mirror arm can fit inside.

Suspension lowered, and the VW badge cut away in front of the van.
I also added one more scratch to the side of the van, the door before of it will be painted different color.
Whole bodywork was sanded in vertical motion.

TBC...

VW Type 2 Delivery Van (1967) 1/24 Hasegawa

2010-12-09T00:13:00.012Z

Im starting the new build for the civilian vehicle competition on PWM forum.
I will be making the rat van using the Hasagawa Type 2 VW van.
Im planning to make the van look used, with lots of rust, paint flaking, paint discoloration, and lots of dents, repairs, and stains.
Stay tuned.

Kettenwagen diorama- 20mm Flak painting started.

2010-12-06T00:30:00.003Z

Started painting the Flak gun.
Dark Yellow, with Flat Brown stripes. Gun, and barrel in gun metal.
I also applied the filters- white, yellow, and brown.
The whole gun has been washed in brown.

TBC...

"Star from the sky" finished.

2010-12-02T22:58:00.010Z

The "Star from the sky" figure is now finished.
Eventually it will find it`s place on the Kettenwagen diorama, amongst other three figures.
I could`nt resist and make small base for better appearance.

Kettenwagen diorama- figure painted.

2010-12-02T14:34:00.007Z

I have finished painting the figure.
Mix of Tamiya Dark Yellow, White, and Clear for the base colour.
Dark wash in the crevieces using Winton`s Burnt Umber, and Raw Umber.
After the wash was dry i used the brush dumpened slightly in the lighter fluid to wipe away the excess.
Eye whites painted with Vallejo white mixed with Buff using the brush trimmed to one, single hair.
The pupils were made using the sewing needle- i just indented the small hole in the corner of each eye, and filled it with Vallejo black using the same single hair brush.
After that was done, the Abtailung 502 Basic, Light, and Sunny Skin Tone colours were used for the highlights, and shadows.
Bit of pink for the cheeks, and bottom lip- with the middle of it highligted using white.
The last step was to use the gloss varnish on the most prominent parts of the face.

Now im moving onto the last stage of the building process- which is to scratch build part of the crashed B-25 aircraft. The plan is to make the soldier displaing this part to his friends, standing by the Kettenwagen vehicle with 20mm gun on tow.
The crashed aircraft part will be painted in Lend Lease livery, with masked american maskings, and red star painted over the top.

Kettenwagen diorama- figures.

2010-11-24T21:42:00.025Z

Im using the Dragon German Artillery Crew set for the Kettenwagen diorama.

The detail is not the best, but i think the figures have nice, natural poses.

Dry fitted figure (one of four planned). Lot of work required to make nice looking figure.

First the collar, belts, and straps were cut.
Neck was drilled.

All the folds were reworked, hands cut off, and sleeves drilled.

I added some extra folds, and volume to the boots.

Collar made using some lead foil.
Dry fitted Hornet head.

Hands added, and button holes drilled.

Some details were added to the equipment:

Chaos Black primer on:

Base colour:

Boots painted using mix of Nato Black, and Semi Gloss Black:

Highlights, and shadows done:

Added the decals from Tamiya, and PE belt buckle from Aber.

Gas mask cannister done:

Buttons, shoulder tabs and belt hooks added.

Shoulder tabs are made from alu foil, with Tamiya decals over the top.
The buttons are made from stretched sprue, and blobed over the cigarette lighter. I painted the buttons green, and added some chipping using Tamiya flat aluminium color.
I also used the close combat badge from Aber. Because it was brass color i sprayed it with black primer, and painted it using Allclad chrome.

TBC...

Kettenwagen- completed

2010-11-20T21:13:00.006Z

I have finished painting the Kettenwagen, and adding all the details.
Fire extinguisher is from Royal Model, and towing cable is hand made from copper wire.
Wire cutters are Dragon with scratch built handles, and mount.
The axe, and shovel are both scratch built, with handles turned from toothpicks.
At least i didnt have to paint them, and then worry if the color is right. I just weathered them accordingly.
More dusting will follow when i place the vehicle on the base to match the colors with the color of the ground.

Kettenwagen- wheels

2010-11-18T10:46:00.005Z

Kettenwagen- painting

2010-11-14T01:17:00.009Z

Chaos Black by Citadel as primer:

Mix of brown, and red for factory undercoat:

Industrial strength hairspray:

...followed by the mix of dark yellow mixed with few drops of flat yellow:

...and then highlighted by the same color mixed with white:

Green camo applied really thin:

Chippin done:

White, yellow, and brown filters applied.
I washed the whole vehicle in brown wash.

TBC...

"Shallow crossing" finished

2010-11-09T00:06:00.016Z

The water has cleared now.
I planted some more dry, tall grass in few places.
The perspex dome covers the whole scene to protect it from dust.

Article about building this diorama will most likely be published in the Christmas edition of Super Model.
Thanks for watching.
Comments are as always welcome.

2 cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah.51- construction complete

2010-11-08T00:11:00.010Z

All the rivets were raplaced by excellent Archer Fine Transfers rivets.
The mesh on the spent shell basket is from my wifes cosmetics corner- she kept some aromatic flowers in it for scent.
The whole gun breaks down into few subassemblies for easier painting.

2 cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah.51 shields, and spent shell basket

2010-11-04T09:17:00.005Z

I have reworked the mount for the gunner shield a little, and removed all the rivets from the shields- the rivets were in the wrong places.
Spent shell basket was soldered using 0,71 dia wire.
The basket will be wraped with some nylon mesh.

One more shield- the front one to solder, and the gun is ready.

2 cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah.51- cont.

2010-10-31T16:59:00.009Z

Work continues on the 20mm Flak gun.
Most of the gun is in place now.
I have to solder the shields to finish the build.

2 cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah.51- Trailer

2010-10-28T22:09:00.007+01:00

The trailer.
I added few welds, brackets, and couple of straps on the fenders.
Wheels sanded to give them more used look.
I have also detailed the seat.

2 cm Flak 38 mit Sd.Ah.51 work started

2010-10-27T10:48:00.006+01:00

Work started on the 20mm Flak 38, which will be towed by the Kettenwagen.
The kit of choice was the DML one.
First impression is good, but there`s few things here, and there, which need to be addressed.
First, the welds on the base of the gun were remade, as Dragon placed the injection pins bang in the middle of the welds. I used the Squadron green putty for the job.
The seat was made from scratch, as the kit seat is too narrow, and of funny shape.

Kettenwagen- construction completed

2010-10-24T20:09:00.006+01:00

Kettenwagen- tool box

2010-10-23T12:21:00.004+01:00

"Shallow crossing" water effects

2010-10-21T23:04:00.004+01:00

After the water has cured completely it was time to make the wave in front of the car.
Im using the Water Effects from Woodland Scenics.
When applied the wave is of white color, but with time it will become transparent.
Here it is after 24 hours from application.

"Shallow crossing" almost done

2010-10-19T21:53:00.010+01:00

The front dam has been removed.
Water is not 100% yet, and im hoping it will clear in few days time.

"Shallow crossing" foliage

2010-10-19T14:12:00.004+01:00

Plus model Birch Leaves (No 284) were used to make some foliage.

Kettenwagen- 3T jack finished

2010-10-18T11:38:00.003+01:00

Im still waiting for the water to cure on the "Shallow crossing" diorama, so decided on adding few bits, and pieces to the Kettenwagen tractor.
First in line was the 3T jack, which was scratch built from the pictures.

"Shallow crossing"- water

2010-10-15T10:41:00.005+01:00

Im using "Realistic Water" from Woodland Scenics.
Due to its shrinking it will require more than few layers to get this right.
After the first layer i glued few birch seeds on the bottom of the river to represent last years fall.

After second layer it looks like so. No leaks, and no discoloration- water is perfectly clear- nice.
Lets build up more layers now, and get some depth.

"Shallow crossing"- almost done- ready for water

2010-10-11T00:05:00.016+01:00

The scene is now ready for the water.
All the goods inside the car have ben glued on now, and i also added the Mauser Kar 98 with the sling, and the helmet with the straps.
I forgot to paint the oil stain from the filler cup- will be fixed before the water is poured.

"Shallow crossing"- vegetation

2010-10-09T19:11:00.004+01:00

Vegetation complete.
I used mix of natural moss, weed, dry grass, and Green Line tufts.

"Shallow crossing" painting the goods

2010-10-09T10:37:00.002+01:00

While im working on the vegetation for the base, the laod got the lick of paint.

"Shallow crossing"- groundwork

2010-10-03T22:00:00.008+01:00

CD was used for the base.
Ground id made from mixture of Woodland Scenics plaster, PVA glue, Woodland Scenics Fine Ballast, and Mig`s Dark Mud pigment.
Roots, and the tree stump found in the garden.
Couple of stones, and soil from wifes flower pot.

I started painting the base, and adding some water edge wegetation.

Publications

2010-10-01T22:48:00.004+01:00

One of my recent works- "Sentry" diorama has been published in latest Super Model Magazine.

Catfish adventure- Mequinenza/ Spain

2010-10-01T09:43:00.008+01:00

It was always my dream to catch big catfish.
Taking advantage of few days off work i travelled with few of my friends to Mequinenza in Spain.
It is a nice place on the banks of the River Ebro.
The trip was organised by Bavarian Guiding Services- one of the oldest, and best guiding firm out there.
http://www.spanish-catfish-ebro.com/index.html

...i only managed this little kitten, not a big fish by any standards, but still one of the biggest fish i have ever cought.

Thanks to Peter- the company owner, and our guide- Ed for giving me the chance of spending the best week in my fishing cereer.
I will surely go back next year to try to better my cat record.

"Shallow crossing" the load

2010-09-22T20:14:00.003+01:00

Work started on the load for the Opel.
The potato crate is from styrene. Wood grain as always made with the coarse sand paper.
The bucket was rolled using some lead foil- usually found on the toothpaste tubes.
I actually used the tube from the condensed sweetened milk- same kind of stuff.
Bread, and spuds from Green Stuff putty.
I wanted to fill the bucket with some hay, and place the eggs inside it, but im having problems making the right shape eggs at the moment, so for the picture i have used the oxygen absorbers found in the shoe box, or the packet of peanuts.

"Shallow crossing" canvas roof.

2010-09-21T23:18:00.004+01:00

I made the folded canvas roof using some leftover fast food alu foil container.

"Shallow crossing" interior painting

2010-09-12T23:51:00.009+01:00

I identyfied 4 stages of interior assembly- priming, painting, weathering, and detail assembly.

First i used Chaos Black from Citadel Colour.
Then the Mr. Surfacer, and stiff brush were used to create the rough- fabric like surface texture.
After it dried i used same brush moistured with Halfords Cellulose Thinner to even it up a little.
Stage two was paint.
Tamiya`s XF-23 (light blue) sprayed evenly over the primed surface.

Stage 3- weathering.
I have sanded the surface using sandpaper grade 1200, which brought up lots of different shades of the base color. Then the fabric was sealed with Extracrylics Flat Varnish.
Basic dark wash applied.

Driver is painted.
Decals from Tamiya, medals are Aber PE.

Some more progress.
Windows are in.
I have made the newspaper bundle from cigarette papers.

There will be more items inside- like cans, boxes of bread, bucket with the eggs, and possibly few dead birds.

While still working on the interior few bits were done on the outside.
Scratch built mirror:

...and rear lights. I have left the civil configuration to highlight the roots of the vehicle, which started life as the civilian vehicle.

"Shallow crossing" suspension

2010-09-10T01:22:00.003+01:00

Today the suspension was adjusted- one front wheel lowered, while the other was lifted up.
The wheels are fixed, but the final dusting, and wear will be added when the vehicle is fixe to the base.
Wheels are painted Nato Black and washed dark, and brown. Rusty wash around the rim.
Im still not sure about the rope- i may swap it for the steel cable later on.
The spade is from Aber an is mounted on turned toothpick.

"Shallow crossing" Lights.

2010-09-09T01:00:00.005+01:00

Lights are from the kit, but i have damaged one, and exposed the rust invading the chrom-silver finish inside. I still need to match the color of the light frame with the rest of the body.
Broken glass fixed fresh- Micro Kristal Klear still curing.
The reg. plate is also from the kit.
In places where the plate is indented i poked the decal with the tip of the craft knife when the Micro sol was working on it, Into that texture i have applied the Brown Wash.

"Shallow crossing" painting.

2010-09-06T09:50:00.014+01:00

Chaos Black primer followed by the XF-10 flat brown for deep rust.

Rear bumper was sprinkled with salt:

Tamiya`s Chrome silver X11 sprayed on the bumpers, followed by more salt to lower parts

XF-22 on. More salt mostly to upper parts:

XF-50 Field Blue spraye all over the body, followed by XF-19 highlights, and XF-63 for shadows:

Salt off:

Sand color Tamiya Weathering Stick was used to make the camo pattern.
Gloss cote on ready for decals.

Markings painted freehand. Fist dark wash applied.

"Shallow crossing"

2010-09-05T15:19:00.009+01:00

The urge to paint was strong, so i started new- quick project, Bronco`s Opel Olympia Cabriolet crossing the small river.
Im using the Tamiya acrylic case to display the vignette on.
The driver is put together with the help of legs from Miniart, torso from Tamiya, hands, and head from Hornet.

Im thinking of painting the car in similar color scheme:

Front bumper replaced along with the brackets. Tip of the exhaust from brass tubing.
Gearstick from brass rod.
The driver is a mix of Miniart /legs/ Tamiya /torso/ and Hornet / hands, and the head/.

Finished, and ready for paint. Canvas, an lights will be added later on.

Bf 109 E-4/B exhaust housing fix

2010-09-02T22:15:00.009+01:00

With the oil cooler area sorted out (bar rivets, an panel lines) i moved to the exhausts.
Instead of drilling holes in the front part of the exhaust slot i decided to make the new part out of the beer can.
In order to attach the part i left slight lip.

Quickboost exhaust dry fitted.

...and the new part is on. Im not bothered about the rough surface of the tin, as it only will add to the more realistic look.

It was quiet difficult to shape the part, but i think it looks much better than lump of plastic.

Bf 109 E-4/B oil cooler fix.

2010-08-22T22:30:00.015+01:00

Before i joined the two halves of the hull, some details were added inside.

Plastic around the openings was thinned

The eges of the oil cooler firing were sanded thin, and alu foil inserts were glued on.

Part A-12 was cut in half.
It allows for better fit.
Four parts made from alu foil were added to both sides of the cooler to cover gaps which appear there.
Zap-A-Gap medium CA adds strength to the joints.

The fit is not bad actually.

Close up of the inside of the cooler with the alu foil part added.

Oil cooler surface sorted out, and the wing dry fitted in possition. I still need to add the pannel lines, and rivets, but when the rest of the hull is good.
The wing fits perfectly.

Length of copper foil was added to the cowling, where it meets the belly part of the wing.
I just discovered the one picture, where it clearly shows this area.

Next i have added the sheet of metal in front of the cooler.
Four slots were milled on both sides of the cowling to receive the PE clamps.

Next i roughly sanded some indentations.

Bf 109 E-4/B control column.

2010-08-18T18:01:00.008+01:00

I knew all along, that joystick was`nt right for the B version of the Bf109, so i set to make the new one.
I used the Aires unit with few buttons, and wires added.
The trigger was also scratch built.
I changed the angle of the grip, as Aires stick was straight.

Update on: 21/08/2010

Bf109 E-4/B cockpit painting

2010-08-05T22:59:00.015+01:00

For 4 days now i have been scratching my head over the pilots seat.
Kit part is laughable, Aires seat isnt perfect either.
I decided to build the seat from scratch, but its shape is so complex it will be while before its done.
While working on the seat i painted the cockpit in the RLM 66 color.
First i used the Tamiya XF-63 with few drops of XF-19 Sky Grey.
Highlights were done with thin XF-19, and shadows with X-19 Smoke mixed with drop of XF-50 Field Blue.

Next were oils:

Update on: 12/08/2010
Finally i have completed building the seat. The Aires seat had wrong shape.
Frame under the seat is modified kit part.
The padding was made using the Magic Sculp.
After painting it i will add the seatbelt from RB Productions.

Update on 14/08/2010

The floor completed.

Update on 16/08/2010

Dry brushing technique was used to highlight the details of the floor, and seat.
The seatbelts weathered with wet pigments.
Some more tweaking required before its done.

Bf 109 E-4B cockpit walls.

2010-07-27T23:28:00.011+01:00

Starboard side. Mix of Aires, Eduard PE, and kit parts. Oxygen bottle is too low to fit the perforated PE part properly, without triming it, so i moved it higher.

And the port side of the pit.
I used the kit panel, but i have sonded all the detail off, and started builing it again, using some PE from Aires, Euard, and the kit.
Some parts were scratch built.

War & Peace show 2010

2010-07-26T11:12:00.005+01:00

Pictures taken by my friend Lukas.
For more images click here

Bf109 E-4/B rudder controls

2010-07-25T21:16:00.005+01:00

I only used the Eduard`s foot plates, which were wraped with the slivers of the beer can, to give them the characteristic edge.
All the rest of the mechanism is scratch built.

Bf 109 E-4/B Eduard 1/32 aftermarket stuff

2010-07-22T13:27:00.038+01:00

List of extras for the Bf 109 E-4/B build.

Aires Messerschmitt Bf 109E wheels (2090)

Master Bf 109 E3-E9, T armament set MG 17 (tips), MG FF barrels (AM-32-005)

RB Productions BF 109-F Detailed Canopy (RRB-P32004)

Quickboost Messerschmit Bf 109E exhaust (QB 32 055)

RB Producions 1/32 Luftwaffe Seatbelts (B-P32006)

Aires Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4/E-7 cockpit set (2104)

SSI /Squaron Products set of decals (MS320252)

Eduard Bf 109E set (3005)

Eduard PE set for Bf 109E (32219)

RAF Museum Hendon

2010-07-18T02:20:00.011+01:00

Click here for the pictures from the museum.

Click here for the Bf 109G walkaround.

Click here for the Bf 109 E3 walkaround.

Click here for the Me 262 walkaround.

Bf 109 E-4/B Eduard 1/32

2010-07-13T20:47:00.011+01:00

Im building another model- this time the Eduard 1/32 scale Messershmitt Bf 109 E-4/B in JG54 markings.

Im gathering all the available info on this plane at the moment, and getting the sets needed to start the build.

TBC...

Polishaglers IV

2010-07-12T21:27:00.005+01:00

Last weekend i attended the Polishanglers gathering on the banks of the river Severn.
Barbel was the targeted fish, and several members cought barbel, or two- some for the first time.
Few chub was landed by lure anglers.
Unfortunately i have`nt cought one, but i enjoyed the trip very much.
Shropshie is beautiful at this time of the year, so i went wild with the camera.
I met some amazing people, people i know from the polishanglers forum, and never had the chance to see them in person.
We are already planing the next trip for august- this time we will target carp.
Hope you`ll enjoy the slideshow.

Model of the spring on n-PWM forum.

2010-07-06T00:03:00.009+01:00

Im pleased to announce, that "Sentry" diorama has won the first place in the "Model of the spring" contest on n-PWM "Modelarstwo z pasja" forum.
You can see all the models here

Historic dockyard- Chatham

2010-07-04T11:04:00.003+01:00

During my trip to Kent i decided to pay the visit to the historic dockyard in Chatham.
Below you can see the slideshow fom the museum. Enjoy.