AMMS Brisbane News. Editorial (aka Rob s Rantings) Special points of interest:

Transcription

1 AMMS Brisbane News Editorial (aka Rob s Rantings) Welcome back to another month of polysterene fume inspired revelations. It was interesting to note, after my rantings last month regarding Bergepanthers or lack thereof in modelling form, there was a quite animated discussion on one of the Missing Lynx discussion groups on exactly the same subject. The general consensus of opinion is that creation of such a beast would not be all that difficult for the major manufacturers (eg DML) given that there were so many of them produced and that a master was prepared quite some time ago by a well known modeler. After all, how many Sturmtigers were there 16? And for that matter, let s not forget the enormous numbers of Dicker Maxes (2?) or Neubaufahrzeugs (4 or was it 5?) as opposed to 200+ Bergepanthers. Maybe I should just find a new hobby horse. There are two comments within this newsletter which I found interesting Dave Scorer s in relation to the cornucopia of new releases headed our way in 2012 and Peter Battle s in relation to cost of same. Yes, we are spoiled for choice as never before, and manufacturers are making more and more use of combinations of kits such as the Sexton shown below. However, the DML 25 pounder was released in October, yet has still not appeared here to my knowledge. For that matter, DML announced a Sdkfz 251 Ausf A (might have been B) years ago, and we re still waiting. The cost of models is, as PB says, getting to ridiculous levels for what we get, particularly locally. Is it any wonder we shop overseas? Personally I prefer Lucky Model, but model sales must be a cu -throat business there two, as I note Rainbow Ten has now shut up shop. Wonder where Terry Ashley will get his new releases from now? Last but not least, thanks to all the contributors who have made this another bumper issue. That doesn t mean you can stop writing I ve now used up all the articles I had saved, and please make use of the new Wanted, Wishing For & Wanted to Sell page. See you tomorrow. Volume 8, Issue 2 04 February 2012 Special points of interest: Mini sander conversion Wanted, Wishing For & Wanted to Sell Japanese Armour Snapshot 2 Inside this issue: David s drivel 2 Modeller profile 3 Japanese Armour Snapshot 2 4 Mini sander toothbrush conversion Bronco Commonwealth AFV Crew Set review The cost of modelling Wanted, Wishing For & Wanted to Sell Yet another DML release to whet the appetite recently announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. Wonder how long this one will take, given that the 25 pounder still hasn t appeared?

2 David s Drivel Page 2 Greetings & salutations one & all, welcome to February... Now, don't blink too quick or it'll be the 2012 December meeting before you realise it. As it is, 2012 is already getting into top gear & disappearing fast, but at least this year I have something of a modelling nature to show for the time. Granted it took me six months to build it, but at least I have something to show for it, how bout you? Did you use the time wisely or just fritter it away reading and/or watching TV?... OK, OK, I confess... I did both, but somehow, I still managed to squeeze in some decent model time as well... Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not going to complain, I'm just going to make the most of what time I can manage to squirrel away & hopefully be happy with the "modelling outcome". Seems like déjà vu when I think back to around this time last year when I wrote about new releases, but it's happening all over again, the rate at which new kit subjects are being released is phenomenal! One look on any of the internet forums will show you a mountain of potential new kit releases for 2012 ready to whet your modelling appetite, not to mention the myriad of subject scales being offered too... But I guess that one s easy to fathom, with the ease & speed of new computer aided manufacturing, taking a kit subject & scaling the production machinery up or down one or two kit scales is a relatively easy & cheap process. I do stop to think though, how economical is it, are the markets that robust that they can actually sell the same kit subject across three or four scales? I know I don't mind working in a couple of scales but I'm not going to make the same model in ALL of them... Well, not this year at least! I won't start to list any of the items I've seen recently lurking in the 2012 mouth watering model cornucopia.. Because, despite the plethora of new releases, everyone has their own tastes for what's the best, most wanted, long overdue kit... (yes, a bloody Bergepanther!!! sorry Dave, couldn t resist Ed) Suffice to say that the range is extensive & if you look long enough, you'll see some tasty morsel that's bound to take your fancy!!! I'll leave it to you to cast the deciding vote over the best release... All i can say is, Have at em... I can't wait to see them on the display table. Well that's it for me for this month, I hope you re all well underway with your projects for the "equipment" comp, June will be here before we realise it, so without anymore drivel... Happy modelling, see ya all on March 3rd. Ahem PS from Editor some detailed information regarding the June comp for the newsletter would be a good idea.... Regards, David Scorer AMMS Brisbane coordinator An interesting diorama possibility at right thanks Clayton for the picture. Model Bases Custom Boards - any material, any size, polished or stained. Contact Paul Pearson - Mob pearsonpaul6@gmail.com The Base Place - bases, plaques & shields, trophies, routing services, manufacturer of timber trophy components. Contact Matt Fulton Tel fax enquiries@thebaseplace.com.au web. 2

3 Page 3 Modeller Profile (thanks Chris Bond) I got started with models like everyone with Airfix and Matchbox. It was the Matchbox diorama kits that did it for me and got me back into the hobby after the rooting and shooting period in my life., O L N H D Q \ N L W E H L W S O D Q H E R D W W D Q N R U F D U D V O R Q J D V L W V V R P H W K L Q J W R F R Q V W U X F W D Q G S D L Q build something different but most of all I build dioramas., W G R H V Q W P D W W H U Z K D W, E X L O G L W K D V W R K D Y H V R P H N L Q G R I J U R X Q G Z R U N X Q G H U L W th Pstuff D \ E though). H Q R W W K H Article removed for privacy reasons : : L V P \ I D Y R X U L W H V X E M H F W P R V W R I D O O D V L W F R P H V I U R P O L V W H Q L Q J W R P \ J U D Q G I D W K H U V V W R U L H army, but have done a few Vietnam dios as well just for something different. You have all seen my 1/16 th RC tanks I have done recently, this is just a side step for me as I like the really small stuff as well and probably my favourite vehicles are soft skins, so how did I end up with so many big tanks? This comes from having love of RC as well. I started with a Tamiya 1/72 th Perkasa torpedo boat and then found a 1/16 th Tiger 1. That's what got me going on 1/16 th Tamiyas and finally foamy planes. This I think I went too far as I have nearly destroyed two already (time to go back a notch). Most of my work is self taught from thousands of magazines and good old trial and error. I have been entering QMHE for 4 years now and seen the clubs there and thought to myself last year was about time I joined up and seen what the fuss was and glad I did. So there it is in a nut shell of what makes me tick (sort of) Thanks Chris Bond H [ W W L P H, Z L Q W K H O X F N \ G R R U S U L ] H S O H D V H Z U L W H P H D Q R W H D V P \ Z L I H W K L Q N V, P M X V W J R L Q J once a month. A couple more new releases from DML downloaded from Terry Ashley s PMMS website. 3

4 Page 4 Japanese Armour Snapshot 2 (thanks Al Kelly) Type 95 Ha Go light tank, Manchuria version In 1931, Japan annexed Manchuria, installed a puppet ruler, and began to exploit the land and the people for raw materials for the home islands. The Imperial Japanese Army regarded Manchukuo (as they called it) as its own, and it was known there as the Kwantung Army. The terrain and climate in Manchukuo posed many problems for the armoured elements of the Kwantung Army, and one particular problem for the Type 95 Ha Go light tank was the furrows and ridges in the soy and kaoliang fields (kaoliang is a variety of sorghum). The ridges were about 30cm high and a metre apart and when the tanks had to travel at right angles to them the impact would damage suspension and tracks. The problem was more pronounced in the winter when the ground froze rock hard. The tanks were unable to travel at any more than a walking pace. The solution to this problem was to add an extra, small road wheel in the centre of each of the bogeys, thus making for a smoother ride. Vehicles fitted out in this manner are referred to as the Manchuria Version. Kits of the Type 95 Ha Go light tank, Manchuria version are available in 1/35 from FineMolds and 1/72 from Dragon. Sources Japanese Armor in Manchuria , edited by John L. Underwood Jr, 2001 Happy modelling. Another new release via PMMS this time from Tamiya 4

5 Page 5 Volume 8, Issue 2 Mini Sander Toothbrush Conversion (thanks Keith Fainges) How to make your own mini sander. Things you will need are, 1 Cheap battery toothbrush 2 Various grades of sandpaper 3 Double sided sticky tape (the foam stuff is best) 4 A hole punch(about mm) 5 Pliers and Hammer 5

6 Page 6 Volume 8, Issue 2 Mini Sander Toothbrush Conversion (cont d from Page 5) First job to do is to pull all the bristles out from the brush heads. Use the pliers for this job. Remove the bristles from the same number of heads as you have different grades of sandpaper. 6

7 Page 7 Mini Sander Toothbrush Conversion (cont d from Page 6) Next, stick your double sided tape on to the back of the sandpaper. Then use the hole punch to knock out little sanding pads. Then pull the backing tape off and stick them on to the debristled heads. When the sandpaper is worn just pull off the sanding pad and stick on a new one. Note, use the double sided sticky tape that is made of foam about 2-3 mm thick as this will raise the sanding pad up from the handle and is soft enough that it will not mark your model. All up this cost me less than $20 and took about 30 minutes to make. The M32B1 at left is (obviously) in a museum somewjere, but is the subject of a new release from Tasca. Image from PMMS. 7

8 Page 8 Bronco 1/35 Commonwealth AFV Crew Set (thanks Al Bowie) Manufacturer BRONCO Kit Number CB Primary Media 45 grey styrene making 6 full figures Pros Superb detail and useful realistic posing Cons Missing suitable sidearms Skill Level Intermediate For years and years the British Tank modeller was the poor cousin of both German and US subjects with little in the way of figures to accompany the few subjects available. In recent years the genre has had a renaissance with many brands answering the long ignored call and providing a oonce dreamed of flood of subjects. One of the foremost companies to tackle the genre is Bronco and not only do they provide kits of Tanks, Artillery, and Armoured cars (even Bridges!) they also provide relevant figures to go with these. One of the most requested sets since I seriously got back into AFV modelling in the late 80 s has been British or Commonwealth Tankers in the Tank Oversuit or Pixie suit as it is sometimes called. A few individual and themed sets of resin figures were served up over the years but Bronco have chosen to bless us with a set of six figures ideal to populate the growing family of British Vehicles of late WW2. I immediately invested in a few sets based on the strength of their earlier Arty crew release. I was not disappointed. The set has six figures in total with three standing and three seated. Four figures are in the fable Pixie suit and two are in Battledress with one wearing a leather jerkin and drinking the obligatory cup of tea. All have berets as headdress, three with headphones. No RAC Helmets are included although many aftermarket ones are available. The standard of moulding is excellent with well defined detail although one omission becomes immediate obvious and that is the lack of sidearms with only one in a GS holster provided. The headsculpts and hands are particularly good and up to the standard we expect from resin manufacturers. Fit was near perfect for such complex poses and only the smallest amount of liquid filler will required if you assemble with care. Seams are almost nonexistent and easily cleaned up with a no 11 blade. No flash was present on any of my figures As an added bonus the boxart has superb painted illustrations of each figure giving good colour references and usage suggestions. These are a must for the modeller of late war Commonwealth AFV s and I am certain they will be extremely popular. Bronco is to be commended on their attention to detail and their execution in providing us with these excellent figures. I eagerly await future sets of figures from this imaginative company. Highly Recommended Al Bowie Jan

9 Page 9 The Cost of Modelling (thanks Peter Battle) I had a discussion with a few guys at the January meeting, about the cost of just released and soon to be released DML kits. To me, some these new kits are being priced at the extreme end, and beyond, of what I would personally be prepared to pay for a kit of that particular vehicle.. and I have to question why so expensive? For example, Luckymodel.com and Hobbyeasy.com are 2 sites many of the club members go to for their kit purchases. Traditionally kits acquired from these sites were around $10-$15 less than the prices locally, including postage. Purchasing 4-5 kits at one time resulted in a lower postage cost spread over the number of kits as compared to postage for a single kit, so even more saving. In looking at these sites in the last few days I have captured screen grabs of their current asking prices for a few new DML kits and some equivalents (see images). $95 AUD delivered for the DML Pzr 3/4 based, 105mm, "Cricket" $61 for a DML 25 pounder! If that is the OS price, what price would they be at Purple Bear??? Compare the DML 25 Pounder with Bronco's offering at 1/2 the price (yes no crew... and yes, you have to add the rivets to the gun shield but, are we mice, or men up for a challenge!!! (Oh, Squeak, Squeak I hear - duck, weave, dodge..) The consider the Amusing Hobby Neubaufahrzug and the Trumpter & DML offerings ($49.99USD, $43.99USD & $69.99USD respectively). The AH version is streets ahead in detail, accuracy and value for the $20USD less than DML (Trumpeter not really worth mentioning based on Terry Ashley's findings). The cost or producing kits is often blamed on rising oil prices, R&D costs, etc, but if so, how can other manufacturers produce similar quality kits at far reduced prices. If so consider that Bronco's soon to be released Chaffee (with DML crew) -listed as just $43.81 AUD ($56.19AUD inc delivery) and AFV Club's Valentine Mk1 at $33.99 USD and SdKzf 231 $39.99 and compare what you get for those prices. So, is it just me or are DML pricing to their ego and expect to get away with huge prices initally, then drop them later??? Go to Purple Bear and look at what is in the shelves (if you can see behind all the boxes stacked up on the floor). DML kits up around the $70-$80 and beyond mark released 6-12 months ago now down around the $50 -$60...in fact there are a few like the SdKfz 234/4 and SdKfz 251/9 Premium for $39.99 and Shermans previously $80, now for $45.99/$49.99 (and yes the $80 are still there too...!). Yes we spend money on accessories to the base kit, but that still adds further cost to these DML kits as well. I don't know about you guys, but I will save my money and wait in hope these kits reduce in price or appear at a PX at some time in the future - I have enough in the stash to last me 'til then. Your thoughts? Regards Peter (Scrooge) Battle Note from Editor thanks PB, couldn t agree more. OK, members, there s the topic for March s Discussion Forum! 9

10 Wanted, Wishing For, Wanting to Sell Page 10 Note to members this is a new initiative as a place for members to advertise anything of a modelling nature that they need, want, or wish to sell. Sorry grumpy non-modelling oriented wives and/or delinquent children not permitted. The first is a request from Rusty Allom: Rusty would like to get his hands on a Trumpeter LAV (R) Recovery Vehicle. Next from Bob Watters: Has anyone got a set of rubber band tracks to suit a Sherman, solid rubber block type preferred, but later ones with chevron are acceptable? I have an old Italeri Sherman kit and the tracks have hardened and split into multiple bits. As an old and pretty basic kit it doesn't rate a set of aftermarket racks but I would like to replace the ones that have disintegrated so any help is greatly appreciated. Finally from John King, who wants to sell the kits listed on the next page. Please note, JK doesn t check his as often as he should, so anybody wishing to reserve any of these is requested to Dave Scorer, NOT John. The images of these two new releases from AFV Club are also from PMMS. AEC Dorchester at left and Valentine below. I can just see somebody modifying the AEC to Rommel s Mammut 10

11 Page 11 Wanted, Wishing For, Wanting to Sell (cont d from Page 10) BRAND SCALE DESCRIPTION PRICE TAMIYA 1:12 RENAULT RE20 TURBO CAR $60 DRAGON 1:35 54cm LOKI with ALUM BARREL $40 DRAGON 1:35 PANZER 1 Ausf.B $25 DRAGON 1:35 NASHORN (Early type) UPGRADED TOOLING $30 DRAGON 1:35 PANZER IV/70 Eduard etch- Metal barrel $30 AFV CLUB 1:35 LeFH 18M 10.5cm HOWITZER $20 TAMIYA 1:35 JAPANESE TYPE 97 $20 TAMIYA 1:35 WESPE SP GUN (no figures) $20 TAMIYA 1:35 UNIVERSAL CARIIER (no box) $10 ALAN 1:35 PANZER II Ausf. D $15 ZVEZDA 1:35 BT-5 $12 MAQUETTE 1:35 VALENTINE XI MK.III $15 MIRAGE 1:35 PANZER II Ausf. L (LUCHS) $15 DRAGON 1:35 PANTHER F $20 DRAGON 1:35 PANZER 38t Ausf. G (full interior) $35 DRAGON 1:35 MARDER II $30 DRAGON 1:35 Sd.kfZ.250/8 neu art stummel $20 DRAGON 1:35 PANZER III G Afrika Korp $20 DRAGON 1:35 STURMPANZER IV Brumbar LATE. W zimmerit $35 DRAGON 1:35 PANZER IV Ausf. D 3 IN 1 KIT $30 CYBER HOBBY 1:35 PANZER IV Ausf. B $55 DRAGON 1:35 Sd.Kfz. 251/22 Ausf. D $30 DRAGON 1:35 88mm Flak 36 W Metal barrel (no figs) $30 DRAGON 1:35 T34/76 mod (wheels started) $25 DRAGON 1:35 M4A3 (76) Battle of the Bulge W metal barrel $30 TAMIYA 1:35 PANTHER G late. W Voyager etch= rear bins Aber general update + Metal Barrel + Zimmerit $50 TAMIYA 1:35 JAPANESE TYPE 1 75mm SP (no box) $15 TAMIYA 1:35 STUG III G. Show modelling Zimmerit set Metal barrel (NO FIGURE) $35 TAMIYA 1:35 Sd.kFz RAD $15 DRAGON 1:35 STUG III Ausf. A. Michael Whittman 1941 $30 CMK 1:35 Flakpanzer IV 3.7cm W etch set $35 TAMIYA 1:24 NISSAN R89C SPORTS CAR $20 TAMIYA 1:24 SAUBER-MERCEDES C9 Sports car (started) $15 TAMIYA 1:24 FERRARI MYTHOS $15 TAMIYA 1:24 FRRRARI TESTAROSSA (no wheel rims) $15 REVELL 1:25 PONTIAC Banshee sedan $15 REVELL British VOSPER M.T.B $15 ITALERI 1:24 RENAULT turbo R360 6X6 prime mover $50 ITALERI 1:24 MAGIRUS 360 M19 prime mover $50 ITALERI 1:24 DAF X6 Roadmaster tray body truck 11 $60