Leopard by Jim Cluse

This 1/35th Esci Leopard built out-of-the-box (save for opening the gun sights) was Jim's first build after a 20-year break from the hobby.  Also, It was his first attempt at replicating camo netting from gauge.  Darned good for a first try, Jim.

Israeli M-60 Blazer by Jim Cluse

Jim's Academy M-60 with Blazer armor was built out-of-the-box and was painted with Tamiya and Model Master paints. He opted to mount twin 50 caliber guns rather than smoke grenade launchers. The tank commander figure is from the box and the driver is from Verlinden.

 

 

 

Ersatz M-10 by Jim Cluse

What's the quickest way to get a model company to put out a new kit? Simple. Scratch build or do a conversion of the model in question. Several years ago, Jim build this ersatz M-10 from the few photos he could find of the vehicles deployed by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. He added the distinctive sloping armor of the M-10 to the Tamiya Panther Ausf. G kit to replicate the mock-ups the Germans produced  A few months after he completed the model, Dragon came out with a Smart Kit of the Ersatz M-10. Go figure.