Austin K2/Y Ambulance

Next up on the bench is an old favourite from a few years ago, with interest rekindled by Modelu’s release of the Flying Nightingale figures. 

This is the Airfix Austin K2/Y Ambulance for which Modelu printed me a special set of 1:35 figures. I’m so looking forward to seeing this completed.

Working on the wood floor and interior painting. 

I applied some chipping fluid to the cab floor  between the wood effect and top coat painting. 

Today I had a little fun chipping that top coat off to reveal a weathered bit of wood below. Probably won’t see much of this but I’ll know it’s there.

I’m loving this Airfix Austin K2Y Ambulance. 

I built one of these 2 years ago but as I completed it with the rear doors closed, I never looked to paint or fit the stretcher carriers and am now having so much fun building this bit up. I also never remember the PE around the roof vents, is this a new addition or did I skip this? 

I now have all the main bits sprayed up for the grand construction. If I can get away with a firm dry fit, I’m also thinking of leaving the roof un-glued so that I can pop it off to view the detailed interior which may just have a Flying Nightingale within.

Wheels and chassis joined with the body and I’ve lowered one of the beds as seen in photos kindly shared with me by a fellow modeller.  

Lowering that bed should allow me to install my Flying Nightingale Modelu figures which I’ve given a spot of paint to and am now trying them out for size. 

Decals on … oh my these Airfix transfers were so much more delicate than I remember they were last time.

I lost ‘Pat’ somewhere on the table, will probably find it stuck to my arm later and needed to dig into my spares for the medical badge which I somehow stuck in the wrong place and then it wouldn’t lift again.

It’s amazing how even after all these years and the thousands of decals I must have applied I can still have so many challenges.

Airfix 1:35 Austin K2/Y Ambulance finished as a vehicle from 30 Corps, Royal Army Service Corps, with a couple of Modelu British soldiers receiving treatment from the RAF Flying Nightingales following the 1944 D-Day landings. 

I’ve left the roof unglued to give better access to the inside view which I hope you agree works. Having been torn with how much weathering to do I feel I held back a bit too much and so I’m less pleased with the finish I attained than with the pure enjoyment I had in the build itself. 

Next up will be another of these Ambulances which I’m keen now to build as a North African campaign version as seen in that classic film “Ice Cold in Alex”

Two down, one to go!

Sherman Firefly Vc

 Next up .. the 1:35 scale British Sherman Firefly Vc from Dragon models. 

8 packets of sprue, 3D printed, metal and photo etched parts. Just look at that bag loaded with track pieces!

Making progress with the Sherman Firefly Vc. 

Having built dozens of these over the years it’s amazing how familiar the Sherman is to me. This is very fortunate as Dragon Models instructions are somewhat questionable, with important bits and steps overlooked, incorrectly numbered parts and a distinct lack of clear guidance on where some pieces even go.

This kit is a real mixed bag but I’m enjoying it and that’s the main thing 

The main elements of the Firefly are now together ready for painting. I still have the tracks of which there look to be over 100 pieces, but that’s for later.

My Dragon Models Firefly has now had its base camouflage colour applied over my favoured black primer. I know I some may say I should probably have gone with Olive Green but I want this to look 100% British and thus US Sherman colours are out! 

 

My assumption here is that although the host Sherman would have arrived from the US in its factory fresh olive drab, once the British had fitted their new and improved 17-pounder, they would have given it a fresh coat of paint.

I've, therefore, gone for a bottle of AK11373 Khaki Green No.3. from the AK Interactive paint set: "British Army Colours North-West Europe, 1941-44". I've never used this before, but it is apparently the green that the British Army used during WW2 and definitely has a more brown hew to that of the Olive Drab; I guess this also reflects the two nation's uniform choices, British khaki v US green. Food for thought.

Time for the tracks. These are the most detailed I have ever attempted and there are no flexible track alternatives! 164 parts and this is just part of one side! 

Day 3 on these tracks and the build goes on! 

I have never known anything like these from Dragon models. I’ve not counted all the bits needed but I can’t think there will be less that 300. 

It took around 500 pieces over 5 days to construct these tracks. While, I’m all for adding a bit more realism, I think Dragon Models lost the plot here. The instructions were less than helpful and eventual fitting around the rear and forward drive wheels appears all wrong. I’m just glad I recently picked up a big tub of Humbrol Smart Mud as this is going to be most handy in disguising this most disappointing finish

Well, I couldn’t leave those tracks looking like that after all. Another couple of house stripping them down and using fuse wire, superglue and a lot of trimming I’ve created a more realistic look but feel a good application mud will still be required.

I’ve also interviewed a 3DGizmo figure for the tank commander role. The Dragon Models figure is built, but I’m not sure he’s going to make the grade. Will see how both shape up as the build continues. 

Next up is the loading of accessories and fun weathering bit.

Finally! Dragon Models 1:35 scale British Sherman Firefly Vc in the markings of 13/18th Royal Hussars, 27th Armoured Brigade, Normandy 1944. 

Using Vallejo and AK Acrylics, Abteilung 502 oils, MIG Pigments, 3DGizmo figure and scratch built camo netting, apart from the 500 piece track design, this has been a joy to build! 

This completes my 1:35 scale D-Day80 AFV model collection … what next 

Marder I

Next on the bench is an AFV I’ve never previously heard of. It’s a 1:35 scale Marder I by Revell, a few of which made an appearance in Normandy following D-Day 1944. 

I picked this up on my recent East of England tour from Trains4U in Peterborough. 

I’ve approached this build totally different from any other of my previous AFV models. I’ve decided to do no pre painting! 

Having completed the construction, I proceeded with my usual black primer. Then I built up the tri-tone camouflage. I always think it looks quite awful at this stage but knowing that the application of oils will harmonise the colours, I can’t wait to move on to this stage.  

Work in progress on the Marder. I couldn’t resist adding a bit of camouflage netting and have found a couple of figures to bring the scene to life. I’m not sure that officer will last long putting his head that far above the parapet! 

I just need to give the figures some paint and dust weathering to the Marder.

I’ve finished this with Vallejo paints, Abteilung502 oils, AmmoMig Europe Dust and Liquid Pigments Rust Wizard, and added home made camouflage netting with figures depicting a German SPG Crew member from MiniArt and a rather brave officer from 3DGizmo.

This is Revell’s 1/35 scale Marder I, with a 7.5cm Pa.K. 40, of Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 200 Art.Rgt.Stab z.b.V-931 based in Normandy, France on D-Day, 6th June 1944. One of the most unusual AFVs I’ve come across, not to mention built!