ESCI Horse-Drawn Medical Wagon Build by David Blankenship

 This kit was originally released in the mid-1970's by ESCI and reboxed in 1983 as part of the ESCI/ERTL "German Horse Drawn Convoy" set. It comes with two over-scale figures and a team of two horses. It was a quick and easy build that offered several hours of enjoyment painting, weathering and terrain building.

Heller Souma S-35 Build by Jim Mesko

The Heller Souma S-35 has been around since the early 1970's and, compared to the quality of the kits we are accustomed to 40 years later,  leaves a bit to be desired in terms of accuracy.  Still, it's the only injection molded S-35 in 1/35th scale and builds into a nice model if you're willing to put the time and work into it.  As our resident Francophile, Jim was more than willing to do just that to add this little beauty to his collection.

He incorporated an Airedale Castings resin turret (the kit's most glaring inaccuracy) and some Eduard and On the Mark photoetch.  The hull was stippled with Floquil primer to give it a cast effect and a lot of attention was paid to detailing the exhaust.  Also, the kit gun barrel and original 40-year old decals were used (after a liberal application of Glosscote before applying.)

As always, a unique and impeccably-constructed and painted model by Jim.

Western Desert Diorama by Chan Jackson

This is the second diorama Chan brought to our last chapter meeting. The Pz. II and Valentine are Dragon Imperial Series (ex-Alan) and the figures are from Tamiya and New World Miniatures. Another nice job, Chan.

Milicast 1/76th M-18 Hellcat Build by John Shimek

 

John's resin 1/76th scale Milicast M-18 Hellcat was given the complete treatment including interior lighting with LED white nano filament. John dressed up the kit by adding wire guards around the main gun and on the turret roof, steering levers and linkages, driver's console and the exterior antenna. He was forced to fabricate a new gun mantlet since the kit part was missing. An Aber metal 76mm gun barrel replaced the kit barrel. The light in the crew compartment is wired to a 3 volt battery holder and switch. The model was finished with Model Master paints and AK Interactive washes. Just looking at the tiny details incorporated in this model makes your eyes ache.

 

 

Vulcan Vickers MK. VI Diorama Build by Chan Jackson

Chan Jackson continues to amaze by showing up at our last meeting with two new dioramas (photos of the other one will be placed on the site later this week.)   This one titled "Keep Calm and Carry On" features the Vulcan 1/35th scale Vickers Mk.VI in a more bucolic setting than we typically see for military dios. Chan says the Vickers Mk.VI is a nice kit but, by virtue of it's size, contains lots of small parts. The suspension was especially fiddly and fragile.  The resin sunbathing figures are by Stalingrad.

Eastern Express Zis-44 Ambulance Build by Chris Davies

The Eastern Express Zis-44 Ambulance is a kit you don't see built very often. And, according to Chris there's probably a good reason for that. Rudimentary detail and poor fit might have a lot to do with it. But if you want a WWII Red Army ambulance in your collection, there aren't too many other choices at this point in time.

Dragon StuG. III Ausf.G Build by Terry McKeown

Terry brought a nicely done build of the new Dragon 1/35th scale StuG III G December 1943 Production variant to our last meeting. He was impressed with the kit. It includes lots of photoetch, some of which opted not to use because of issues he had getting it to adhere. Terry used the kit's individual link tracks which was time consuming to say the least and also applied the Zimmerit himself. The vehicle was finished with Tamiya acrylics, AK Interactive washes and oil. A bit of weathering still remains to be done.   As always, a great job by Terry.

Tamiya M-561 Gamma Goat Build by Rick Slagle

Here is Rick's Tamiya 1/35th scale M561 Gamma Goat  6x6 cargo truck in USMC livery. The model was finished in Model Master enamels and acrylics, MIG washes and pigments, and a final coat of Testor's Dullcote.  Most of the stowage is  Value Gear. Another nicely done piece of modern armor by Rick.