AFV Club 251 Ausf.D / 9

[James Tainton]

well I took a macro shot and something did show up. It is not "silvering" but rather a build up of weathering washes along the edge of these Cartograph decal. I should have used more Future here....
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/decal.jpg
This is not all that noticable when veiwing in real space-digital fotos really show up errors and mistakes, but in the intrests of full disclosure you are right in noticing that .Thanks for pointing it out. This was the first time I have used these decals from Cartograph- next time I will cut them right close to the graphic like I usually would do- It was kinda a screwed up decalling session, as I said, with the AFV decals falling apart while I was doing the decalling and I was a bit rushed into trying/using these Cartograph items, I guess I took some short cuts.
Fortunetly the repair will be ralatively easy. Plus I do plan on hanging a bucket from the tie-up so most of this decal will be obscured. I don't think this sheild design for the emblem is right if you go by the AFV Club version-which was a square, and I have a tendancy to trust AFV' research than DML's who take shortcuts.... but it's hard to get things perfect - If I were to build this vehicle- some things would be done differently and I hope better... It's all a learning process... ;) :)

[James Tainton]

I do have those two pics of the 814 and 815 251/9's. I did take it further than maybe is realistic but believe me this is restrained for me... :lol: Next time no chips or rust!!
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/1102684727.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/1102684702.jpg
What do you think those two guys are standing on up front to be so high above the upper armour?
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/buff4.jpg

looking at the picture of 815 it is really a lot cleaner than mine...
and the emblem does appear to be a shield after all.

Next time I will try to be even more restrained- Thanks for all the help you have offered during this build Stephan :)

BTW- I notice the tracks that I have prepared are not the right ones- never really looked at that before- maybe I should use the DML ones with the regular rubber pad on this model.???

[sbuss]

;) where did you get the picture from Nr. 813 from?

I wouldn't change from your late model tracks, as they are really nice (and you don't have photograpgic evidence that the tracks on Nr. 815 were not changed after the picture was taken, do you ;) ?)

my guess on the left guy is that he may be standing on the foldable seat, but for the guy on the right side i have no idea.

[James Tainton]

These were shared when I made a post about the 20 Pz. Div. and 6th Pz Div. controversy. Don't know where it comes from beyond that. :(
As for the tracks I think I may use these late late types on the DML 251/9 I got going elsewhere in my forum as that vehicle will be finished as one belonging to an unknown company somewhere in Russia. ;)
I'm thinking that a good display for that one will be on a Schwere Plattformwagen as if in transit-very light weathering ;)

[James Tainton]

Thanks again- it's not really that great but next time I'll do better.
I have added the breech block and the gubsite to the gun assembly

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black1.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black2.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black3.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black4.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black5.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black6.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black7.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/black8.jpg
still have to do some more work on the weathering and the track... :(

[Stuke Sowle]

Absolutely incredible weathering job James!! I love the rust streaks combined with the subtle rain marks and fading. I hope I can nail this exact look on my Hothckiss. Probably won't, but it's nice to dream ain't it? :)

I don't argue too much about weathering philosophies much more these days. But if this vehicle did survive eight months of combat, it would look like hell.

Oh, and as a footnote I don't use any kind of proctective coat over my acrylics. I use turponoid to cut my oil washes and have never had a problem attacking my paints.

[James Tainton]

so I am going to build the DML EZ Traks( What a misnomer,more later ;) ) and see if they fit on the drive shprochet! und if zo-ich werde sie auf meinem Sd gebrauchen. Kfz. 251/9 Ausf. D vom AFV Klub. :)
die rohen Teile
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/eztrax.jpg

Ich gebrauchte Testors ® flüssiger Zement, um einen Klumpen der Squadron Green Putty ® dünn zu machen. Ich gebrauchte die Bürste vom Glas, (der wirklich ein von einem Tamiya ® Dünne Leim-Flasche ist, ist das feiner), um ein winziges Bit in die Unterbrechungen fallen zu lassen. Sie waren der ganze fillled, und am Morgen ich Sand sie alle Wohnung und fülle diejenigen nötigenfalls nach, die unzulänglich sind.

I used Testors® liquid cement to thin down a dollop of Squadron Green Putty® . I used the brush from the jar, (which is actually one from a Tamiya® Thin glue bottle, it's finer) to drop a tiny bit into the recesses. They were all fillled and in the morning I will sand them all flat and if need be refill those that are deficient.

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/filledtrax.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/filled-trax2.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/allfilled.jpg

[James Tainton]

Sprayed Humbrol flesh on appropriate parts
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/figflesh.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/fleshhedE.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/sitflesh.jpg

[James Tainton]

here is a few pics showing the path I take to build the single link parts. After sanding the previous filling I then build groups of two links only each. The next step after these are set is to glue one set of two to another set, thus making a link of four. Then the four link groups are glued together making 8 and so on...
;) watch it near the end... save a few loose ones as you may end up making to many if you don't watch out.

I used Testors liquid glue but you have to be very very careful not to use too much- if any gets where its not supposed to the links will not be movable.
You may wish to use a gel CA glue instead as it doesn't wander so much
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/DMLtrax1.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/DMLtrrax2.jpg

these will be primed and made ready to be mounted on the 251.

[Finnmodeler]

Hi James,
very convincing job with painting and weathering. Certainly something to try out my self, too.
Those EZ tracks doesn't look so EaZy:( Quite a tedious job you are doing with every link. I was thinking if it would be possible to fill those KO marks with one sweep and so avoid sanding? Or how about adding drop of CA, let it dry and with sharp X-Acto cut it flush.

Just thinking out loud,
Niko

[James Tainton]

Thanks - I did think those ideas-maybe 2 part putty-etc. but I figured this would be the least problematic and therefore fastest.

[James Tainton]

primed out in Humbrol #67 panzer gray
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/tracksgrey.jpg

[M@ximus]

Nice work james. I love your models. The weathering on the 251 is good. To me it looks realistic. Keep up the good work.

[James Tainton]

Thanks! ;)
okay now the trax got a coat of MIG's pigment standard rust mixed with Tamiya thinner.
I haven't done this technique before so we'll see how it goes. Once this was dry I removed excess with an old toothbrush. I then used a different brand, (trying to see which are best) CMK Star Dust dark earth again mixed with Tamiya thinner. Again when dry excess removed.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/dmltraxred.jpg

after that I sprayed some Vallejo earth to help get red of that strong red of the rust.
Next I dry brushed Humbrol metal cote 27003 onto the high points and polished and buffed when dry.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/dmltraxdone.jpg

I then used Pollyscale grimey black to paint out the pads. This was followed by a light dusting of Tamiya buff hyper thinned with Isopropyl alcohol.
The trax were then mounted and it went okay except one more pad was needed on the right side. http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxon1.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxon10.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxon3.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxon6.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxon8.jpg

Looking at these pics that red really pops out so I will be adding some more dirt and dust to tone it down a bit.
http://members.shaw.ca/hetzer/fritz.gif

[James Tainton]

did a little more work- still a fair amount to do before I will say I'm done. :)
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxmore.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/traxmore2.jpg
a few things to do:
need to add some selective stains here and there.
a few grease stains on wheel hubs.
a few fresher metal nicks on the box edges.
Outside stowage.
some more dirt on tracks
metal drybrushing on tracks in hole where sprocket of drive wheel contact tracks.

[Stuke Sowle]

You have really done something with this one James. The finish is near perfect in my eyes.

[RobH]

Hi James

I'm much more active over on Planet Figure, and for a while popped on here without logging in, so only recently found this thread.

Have to say, OUTSTANDING, from start to finish :)

everything from the brass work to the painting has been totally educational for me; not a big time AFV modeller but have interests there, so a big thanks for this.

Thanks for sharing, and I know not quite finished, but it looks superb.

Cheers

Rob

[James Tainton]

Thanks Rob ;)

Well now the pesty finishing touches are getting done slowly but surely (don't call me Shirley)
I have added some graphite with a sharp pencil around the engine access hatches and the storage locker doors. I have added the radio antenna mount part and painted it black. I have added some spare road wheels and spare tracks to the front armour plate and also scratched a tow cable complete with home carved hook from evergreen plastic.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/hook.jpg

I tried sculpting it with two part epoxy but it broke.

here the treated spare EZ Trax are mounted with wire to the little eyes that I made way before and the painted washed,filtered wheels are tied down as well. These are helped to stay in place with some thinned down carpenter's glue. I also have wound the tow cable onto the front hooks. All these additions come from various reference photos. I'm just loading this 251/9 up for bear.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/sparewheel1.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/sparewheel2.jpg

here the hook and cable have been "metallized"
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/hookpainted.jpg

[James Tainton]

wheels weathered down a little.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/sparewheelsweatherd1.jpg
(I can see I have to paint te inside of that barrel with flat black) ;)
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/sparewheels3_4.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/sparewheel3_42.jpg

here the forward MG42 mount is glued in place.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/MGmount1.jpg

a not very good shot showing I have attached my bucket
this is the pay off for all that bother about getting the attachment point right :)
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/bucket.jpg

I'm going to add some things along the outside of the vehicle as the troops would often store items, against orders apparently, to have more room inside the SPW.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/jerrycan.jpg

now thw painted MG42 in place with some ammo that comes with the kit. Comparing the AFV MGs to the DML MGs I think the AFV ones are nicer.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/mginplace.jpg

[stevo]

Well sunshine you are playing with the big boys now :). Very, very impressive work pf and I think I'll be saving these 18 pages to disk as a reference on building and painting.
Steve
(13,000 viewers so far!!)

[Tuna]

I agree.. this build should be in AFV Modeller or something like that!

[James Tainton]

thanks :)
here is a reference shot I got the idea for the wheels for. I like the sand bags too maybe do that on another SD. Kfz. 251 later.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=8626&img=254rope.jpg

[RobH]

this build should be in AFV Modeller or something like that!

It would take up most of one issue!!! Certainly of quality enough for AFVM!

[James Tainton]

I'm blushing.http://www.stampadigitale.com/forum/simpleforum_files/images/smileys/blushing.gif

I decided to replace the rope holding the spare wheels on the front as it was pointed out to me that it may have been a bit over scale. I will have to add more dust to the wheels now but it's all good- the more layers the better.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/redorope.jpg
I have used Future to eliminate the hairy look of the "rope";)
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/replacedrope.jpg

I have added the rear MG 34 onto its post.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/mgandbucket.jpg

there was a handgernade case strung in place as well.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/MG34added.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/gernadebox.jpg
I have added some bread-bags and such hanging from the handrail.
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/insiderightside.jpg

[M@ximus]

James great job. I must admit I have learned some new techniques from watching your Vbench. But I have a question, where did you get the Mg ammo for the mg42?

[ww2fanatic116(Brendan Rosselot)]

hey that is an excelent model. i really like the weathering job but where did you get the bread bag at? Great Model. :o

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by ww2fanatic116(Brendan Rosselot)@Jan 31 2005, 01:24 PM
hey that is an excelent model. i really like the weathering job but where did you get the bread bag at? Great Model. :o
well the big one that is on the left is from a DML figure set- and the one ron th eright of it that has a food container and water bottle is from Verlinden


I have been working long hours in the week so even though I took these pics last weekend I only now have the time and energy to post thems. They show som of the last touches that need to get done.
I made a set of clasps from Aber for both the pick-axe and the axe. plus I added more dirt to the spare wheels up front, and for those observant -added a pad to the right front tracks to finish that off. I will probably not be able to to add much during the week but maybe next weekend there will be more ;)
http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/wheelsdirtied.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/frontsparesdirtied.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/pickaxeclasp.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/panzerii/afv2159part3/axeclasp.jpg

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by M@ximus@Jan 29 2005, 07:49 AM
James great job. I must admit I have learned some new techniques from watching your Vbench. But I have a question, where did you get the Mg ammo for the mg42?
the ammo belt came with the AFV kit.

[Evan August]

Hey James, awesome /9. Can you please tell me what Aber set you used for vison blocks and such? I'm thinking of going that way on my /22. Wish there were some new sets for 251s coming out.

[James Tainton]

Thanks- as for the PE set- I did say somewhere in there it was a set for a 250. You actually can use lots of parts from the 250/8 Aber set on this model.

[DCG]

Unfortunately, if you buy the Voyager PE set for the 251/9 you may wish to pick up the Aber set for the 250/8 anyway as there's virtually no detailing for the gun. As it happens I'm using the 250/8 set on mine so opening the package wasn't such a disappointment.

And yes, I'm still alive, BTW. ;)

Darren

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by DCG@May 4 2005, 07:58 PM
Unfortunately, if you buy the Voyager PE set for the 251/9 you may wish to pick up the Aber set for the 250/8 anyway as there's virtually no detailing for the gun. As it happens I'm using the 250/8 set on mine so opening the package wasn't such a disappointment.

And yes, I'm still alive, BTW. ;)

Darren
Hey Darren.
Got any pics of your 251?

[DCG]

Not as yet, unfortunately my digital camera's macro function, when set to "best quality" has gone dodgy on me all of a sudden - the images are turning out heavily pixilated and covered in day-glo green dots (!!) I'm still trying to figure out a way around this...

Darren

[James Tainton]

what is your iso set at?

[DCG]

What's ISO? I have a Kodak DX3700, basically nothing fancy but it's worked adequately up to now... I've reformatted it, let's see how that works.

Darren

[James Tainton]

iso/asa- this is the "speed" setting of the "film".
The lower the number the better. Higher numbers will give you "noise with your images. Maybe that was the problem...just a guess

[DCG]

Ah, I should have remembered that from photography 101... duh. No, my camera doesn't have a ISO simulator that's aware of.

[James Tainton]

ISO simulator?
Many,if not most digital cameras have optional settings for ISO/ASA. This attunes the camera to light sensitivety, important if you have optional shooting settings (aperature priority,shutter priority etc.) In your camera it appears, if I'm reading this specs sheet right- to have an Auto setting of 100 or 200 ASA.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Kodak/kodak_dx3700.asp
try doing a search on that website's forum using your camera name.
Is there any improvement since your adjustment?
The camera may be kaput,ja? :(

[James Tainton]

I have entered this build in two contests this fall- one at the Alberta AMPS type show were it took best German Military Subject, and then more recently a I.P.M.S. show here in Vancouver were it was panned due to some "build" problems. ;) (IPMS rules are more focused on the actual "building" of a kit- no glue marks etc.)
A quote from the judge
At first glance your kit was very striking, the paint finish and chipping/rain streaks very well done! But, the front wheels were all askew, the road wheels projected out beyond the tracks, worse on one side then the other, the top 'shell' fit to the bottom 'shell' was off on both sides and there was a big glossy glue stain on the wooden slat crew seat in the back.
part of my response to that,
But perhaps the fact that I haven't glued them may have something to do with that. That one I kinda expected- it's an easy fix once I double check my references on the exact angle on the toe in position.
As for the road wheels going beyond the tracks- I guess that was the luck of how I placed the model down on the table- as they are loose and there position shifts- I guess next time I will have to be more careful about that. The tracks are from the DML kit I believe.
If you look at the attached image you can see that the road wheels are right on the very edge of the tracks- sorta like mine. But Like I say I guess things were misaligned because of my placement- next time I'll check.

so always check the tracks when you place your kit down to be judged- the workable links may shift into an unfavourable position.

So after rechecking my references I have to say that I was wrong when I said that my top fit - it is a short shell after all :(
Maybe look to these threads for some fixes.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?for...geid=1103117023 (http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=47207&messageid=1103117023)

http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?for...geid=1103203482 (http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=47207&messageid=1103203482)

http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?foru...geid=1115993472 (http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=47207&messageid=1115993472)

http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?foru...geid=1109069558 (http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=240281&messageid=1109069558)

My humble apologies to anyone who may have been steered wrong about the fit issue. I live and learn. ;)