Consider this your invitation to reply to the Weekly Update, with a post of some of your work, whether completed or "in progress" of kits, figures, and dioramas.

This is not a private club or group, anyone and everyone can add to the thread, & is openly encouraged to do so.

All skill levels are encouraged to participate, & everything Braille and relating to this forum is in scope.

There is no need to write a "short story" to accompany any work submitted, though some notes about what you are posting is usually useful (though you may write at length if you wish) and queries for assistance, opinions or advice with a build or kit are encouraged.

Comments are encouraged, be they suggestions, tips, advices, hints, warnings of kit or instruction deficiencies, questions, etc, with the proviso they show the level of respect to the poster and the work they have taken the time to show us, that is customary on the forum.

The intention is that a new WEEKLY UPDATE is created each week on the same day, to allow people to post new pictures and updates of their work, as the original will "move down" and will be hard to find after a week.

The WEEKLY UPDATE is not intended to change how people already use the forum, though anyone is welcome to add their updates and comments, its intent is to draw a few of those who work away on braille scale subjects and seldom or never post, to share some of what they do each week, for the inclusion and enlightenment of all forum visitors and regulars.

Hi all, been a few weeks since I've posted anything, not much free time at the moment but long story short I'm working on the composition of a small dio;





I posted earlier this week requesting some advice/criticism etc. so thanks to Ilian and James for their helpful advice, (and to Adrian for the fig's) as you can see suggestions were taken on board and this is the 'final' set-up plan before i start painting the figures and building the base,kits and telegraph pole...

cheers,

Adam

Hi Adam,

The relaxed poses and interesting staging should make this a winning diorama. I like the vehicles, they look very nice, you have done a good job on them. What are the figures, Prieser? I did know where you could purchase a European style telegraph pole, but I can't for the life of me think who made it. If I remember I will let you know. I look forward to seeing the diorama taking shape, keep up the good work.

All the best,

Paul

Hi Paul,

The figures are indeed Preiser (and one El Viejo) Glad you like the vehicles but I intend to build 'fresh' ones for this dio, same kits of course. I've found some European telegraph poles on Ebay but tbh figure I'll try my hand at scratching one first, if you do remember the name of the manufacturer though It'd be good to know

Thanks,

Adam

Dio coming along well
keep us posted.

Cheers Elliott

Cheers Elliot,

I've got a lot to do with this one but looking forward to getting started

Adam

Hello Adam

This dio already has a very eye catching arrangement - looks like it will be a corker once you get the scenery down and everything painted. I really like the relaxed poses of the figures you have chosen.

cheers
Neil

Hi Neil,

Been wanting to do a dio with both these AFV's for a while and finally got the right 'set' of figures to put it all together,
cheers,

Adam

Hi All

This is a project that I have had going for about three years, so I think I should get on and finish it. It is the PST PT-76b kit with a bit of tweaking here and there. I thinned the track links, improved the guide teeth and cut out the holes in the drive sprockets. These were cast by my great friend Horst Kalinke to produce a complete set of track links and drive sprockets for my model. Because my model will have the large turret hatch open with the turret interior exposed, I had to scratch build a gun breech and other details which can be seen through the hatch.











Happy Modelling

Tim Neate

http://www.neatescale.co.uk/index.html

Excellent detailling.

Regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

Hi Pedro

Thanks, I am glad you like the detailing, You produce some fine work yourself, the tilt frame on your Italian truck in this update is wonderful.

Regards

Tim Neate

Hi Tim,

I see you are going to delight us with yet another detailed build. This one looks most interesting and the work you have done so far is top quality. I look forward to seeeing more of the build, keep up the good work.

All the best,

Paul

Hi Paul

As I have said before, the weekly update is a great way to keep the momentum going on a project. Once you have started showing what you are up to, you don't want to let other members down by not completing the model. So it's a good way of finishing those half built models.

Regards

Tim

Hello Tim

I can only echo Pedro & Paul, great detail, and interesting investment of time & skills into this build

cheers
Neil

Thanks Neil, I will try and keep the detail coming.

Regards

Tim

Hi
Breathtaking view of the interior. When trying a similar approach I tend to find that one of the guns always looks out of alignment with the other. Well done.

Regards
Dan

Hi Dan

I know exactly what you mean. The best way is to build the breech on to the gun barrel before mounting it in the turret. I put it together and then realised what a gaping hole there was in the roof with the hatch open. I then had to build the breech inside the turret to fill the void, not the best way to do it.

Regards

Tim

Are you going to build the turret basket and floor?

Hi Simon

I have already built the floor and the other turret seat fits in the hole in the floor. I not very familiar with the interior of the PT-76, but I can't see any turret cage in any of the interior photos. I don't really want to make any more interior than I have to and I think once the two crew figures are in place it should be pretty cosy in the turret.



Regards

Tim Neate

Hi Tim
Sorry about the mixup about the turretbasket it is not actually a basket but rather 4 struts that go from the turret ring to the floor, it is to these struts that the floor is fixed, I think that there is a picture of it in one of the tankette magazines but I am not sure of the top of my head which one, I will have a look and get back to you,

Regards,
Simon.

Hi Tim
it wasn't the MAFVA magazine although there is a picture through the hatch on the cover of 33/1. the picture I was thinking of was on my PC and shows directly through the hatch

hope this clears things up.

Regards,
Simon

Nagmachon + Centurion ARV

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

bye
Jörg

They seem and excellent kits. Cromwell?

Regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

Hi Jörg,

Those look most interesting vehicles, I presume they are resin. It will be interesting to see what detail and painting you achieve with these two. I look forward to seeing more.

All the best,

Paul

The model ready to paint in german version.

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

Best regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

Hi Pedro,

You have done a splendid job on this soft-skin, it looks most impressive. I have spent some time looking at all the detail you have incorporated, do you have a blog on the fine soldering you have done for the framework? I remember you did some before for an Open Blitz conversion and I was most impressed then. I will look forward to seeing your paint job, what colour scheme are you going to use?

All the best,

Paul

Thanks Paul.

I put an step by step about soldering with my Pavesi. I can to repeat the step with this framework.

Regards.

Pedro.

Going to be very nice model
will it be in a Dio?.

Cheers Elliott

Thanks Elliott.

At this moment I only want to finish the truck but I haven't thought in a Dio.

Regards.

Pedro.

Hello Pedro

What a great subject of a truck. I'm loving the canopy frame, and mixed cargo, and missing engine covers, makes for a most interesting appearance.

cheers
Neil

Thanks Neil.

I found a picture with this frame.

Regards.

Pedro.

softskin. I like your "clean" builds. They look like a bigger scale.

Bye
Jörg

.

This is one sweet kit. As one who's not comfortable building tracked vehicles this little gem has especially nice running gear. The tracks are hard plastic and attach in a most ingenious way (see the pix below) where the track hooks onto small pegs molded to the drive sprocket and idler wheel. The faces of these wheels go over top and completely hide the posts).

I've often wondered out loud why the "big boys" of plastic model manufacturers (i.e. hobby boss, trumpeter and dragon) who tout their slide mold technology can't make tracked vehicle construction easier. Well they've been beaten to the gate by Zvezda. If all tracked kits were molded this way I'd have a lot more built and sitting on my shelves.

Anyway, the kit needs some detailing, but on the whole nothing that's too onerous.Kit's decals are dodgy so this one will be in German beute markings.

This one has been so much fun I'm seriously considering buying a few more of these beauts!


(idler and track attachment)


(drive sprocket and track attachment)


(built tracks, front (bottom) and rear (top))


(the Zvezda tracks even fit onto the Dragon kit. The holes in the back of the Zvezda wheels are a tad too big, so they'd need to be filled and re-drilled. Gives those out there that want an another and probably nicer looking track option for their Dragon kits!)


(turret need the ribbing added)


(right side showing turret roughed up some and the vision slots deepened)



al magnus

Hi Al,

I am totally impressed by the simplicity of the solution for getting a neat curve of track around the sprocket/idler. Most ingenious and why no-one had thought of it earlier is mystifying as well, all I can say is 'well done Zvesda'. I have been thinking of doing some Russian armour and after seeing your little tank I think I will buy one of these to get started with, looking on one supplier it is only £8.45, which compared to some manufacturers is quite cheap. Thank you for the information, really appreciated.

All the best,

Paul

Hello Al

I agree that track design looks very effective.

I recently knocked together two Zvedza kits (20mm Flak and 61-K AA gun) and was most impressed with the casting, in many ways these were superior to polystyrene kits though cast in semi soft plastic. And they came with a couple of crewmen each, & are ompetitively priced. I just hope Zvezda keep releasing more 1/72 scale stuff.

The only negatives with those kits were the fixed and semi fixed movement, & restricted placement options.

Any negatives to the T-34 ? Is it just the angle or is the detail a bit light on the the engine deck & maybe needs a few grab handles ?

cheers
Neil

... but not to badly. There are no grab handles but you can find lot of pix on the web of similar T-34s with no grab handles. What it does miss is the hoist loops on the top of the turret and the small handle on the engine cover. The turret itself needs to be roughed up a bit to remove the smooth rolled metal look. Drill out the guns, the antenna pot, exhausts and the light and you're pretty much ready to go for extra detailing.

al

Hi Al.

Effectively it is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

Regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

Hello

I have the Bergeschlepper about ready to paint, just needs a tidy up in a few spots with an exacto blade & some putty on sink marks on the muffler. The gunshield will be discarded, its too thick, and will be replaced by a T-26-1 turret as per a period photo of one in german markings, and as per research that the Romanians also tried to upgun their R-35s with T-26-1 turrets armed with soviet 45mm cannon.

The other picture is an update to the "end of days" late WW2 diorama. I have pushed the Opel Blitz onto the grass and painted some figures (and used a couple of figures I'd painted awhile ago) to place around it.

cheers
Neil

http://braillebuilder.blogspot.com.au/

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Hi Neil,

The little R35 is looking good, I shall enjoy seeing that painted up. The diorama is going to look awesome, the figures look really good, most convincing. I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition, you have worked very hard on them and they will look good when finished.

All the best,

Paul

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47210/message/1233112343/As+Promised%2C+R-35+Tracks--------------------------

They are still available

Nice model Neil. I see you follow with your excellent Dio.

Regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

Hi Everyone,

I decided to get one of the models that have been languishing in my 'Hall of Shame' for a long time done. I chose to get the Trumpeter Jagdpanther done, this was originally intended as a wargame piece and as such was build OOB except for the Revell tracks, I can't get on with the Trumpeter Vinyl ones. I also used a RB metal barrel as well. I thought I would use the model as a test piece for two new products from Games Workshop, their new 'Texture', Stirland Mud and their new 'Shade', Agrax Earthshade (formerly Devlan Mud, don't you just love these whacky names, they must have a department devoted to thinking them up.). The 'Texture' is basically a pot of 'mud' it is like mud, can be put on like mud, it can be built up and dries rock hard. It is designed for the bases of their figures, because, apparently, the younger modellers can't wait for the PVA glue to dry to get on with finishing and playing with their figures - bless em! I have to say that it works really well and is a good colour for a basic mud, they have other colours and all can be intermixed, I will be investigating this further. I would say it is a lot cheaper than pigment powders as a pot is £2.20 and will do many models. Well worth a look. The 'Shade' is a new formulation of their old 'Washes' and has better flow properties apparently. I can honestly say it is an improvement and gives a nice finish around detail. Anyway here are the pictures and you can decide for yourselves....

The two products...



Mud!



The tank as it was left for a long while....




Mud applied to the skirts and wheels...



Mud on the rear of model...



Mud on the front of model...



The model was completely washed with the 'Shade'...







Well that's it for now, I will be doing some pin washes to bring out the hatches etc and then dry brush to get a good contrast. The detail painting after that and then weathering. Let me know what you think and if you want a demonstration, pop into your local Games Workshop and ask for one, they are so pleased with this stuff they will be happy to oblige.

All the best,

Paul

Hello Paul

from your pictures you have achieved a very effective finish with those products. The mud looks well worth trying.

Those Games Workshops are all over the place here too, would there were as many model shops about

I have found the staff in Games Workshops very helpful also, with advice, and how to use the products.

I use some of their washes also to good effect, but haven't seen that textured mud yet, and will give it a try.

Interestingly we pay a heck of a lot more for Citadel paints here than you do - I'm sure last lot I bought was $8 or $9 a pot (which is about £5.00 to 6.00 GB)

cheers
Neil

Hi Neil,

That is daylight robbery, I will enquire as to postage from the UK to the nether regions of the world and see if it would be cheaper for me to ship you some from here. That is totally outrageous, pure profiteering. I think their products are overpriced anyway and only found the 'Texture' stuff interesting as it was a cheap and effective alternative to using pigment powders. I will still use my mixture of brick dust, plaster dust, artists acrylics and PVA glue, but this is quicker and not so messy.

If the postage rate is favourable, would you be interested in having stuff sent over?

All the best,

Paul

Hi Paul

"Nether regions" is close to the mark Paul, some use less polite descriptions .

My daughter just came back from visiting Germany, Austria, France & Czech Republic and was flabbergasted at how cheap things are in those countries, compared to here.

I recently stocked up on various Citadel washes & some paints to try on figures.

Given they will last a while, & the only other I'm likely to buy anytime soon is the 'mud', with thanks, I'll have to turn down your kind offer.

I also may try looking in another G.W. outlet, in a less 'high rent' shopping centre.

cheers & thanks again
Neil

Thanks for sharing Paul. I agree with you, the mud have a great appearence. It would be interesting to probe these products.

Best regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

I ordered some vinyl Vickers tracks for my other IBG Bren
& needed to get a kit so they had a box put them in
so got the ACE Vicker light tank as I wanted to make a North Africa Version.

I just added sand skirts, a jerrycan rack at the back & stowage including a spare wheel from a IBG Bren kit. Good build except the suspension was awful
[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]
along side a 1/76 Vicker IVc from Airfix

Here is my second Bren this will also be a desert one
(my Ambulance one behind with a basecoat),
both this & the Vickers will have Caunter scheme camo.
The ACE Vickers tracks are about 2/3mm short
(but if glued around the front idler & the shirts added over top will cover that up)
[IMG][/IMG]

Cheers Elliott

Hello Elliott

all your stuff looks great, but the little Vickers is a standout, particularly with the extra work and bits you have added to it. Might this be one of ACE's best ?

cheers
Neil

Hi Elliot,

I have been tempted to get one of those little light tanks and after seeing yours I definitely will now. Nice work on all the models, but the little light Vickers is outstanding. Look forward to your next update.

All the best,

Paul

Bonjour Elliot,

Great work! Can't wait to the the result.

I need a set of tracks for my IBG 3" mortar carrier and would like to know where you got the tracks?

Thank you for your time.

Regards from Canada.
Francois Gousse
WWI Forum moderator

They seems good kits and the detailing have improved the models

Regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

The Airfix RAF bomb tractor in 1/72 scale from their Short Stirling kit.

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

p.s. glad to finally be on this dg; hopefully my next post will be proper armour stuff

Hello Sonny

welcome, its great to see your work,

and if you keep posting work like you have done on this tractor, I think most people with an interest in braille stuff who take a look at your post will be hoping you post as often as you can (armoured or not)

cheers
Neil

Hi Sonny,

Firstly, Welcome to the Braille Scale Discussion Group.

Secondly, I think your little model is just fine and totally in keeping with the ethos of the group, we have a good mix of armour and soft-skin enthusiasts, so just keep on posting stuff like this. I am really impressed with the variety of materials you have used to make this little model come to life. I look forward to further updates on it.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your excellent photo-etch set I purchased recently, it was really beautiful and I have just got a Dragon Kubelwagen to use it on. Your customer service was excellent and I can thoroughly recommend your products to all the braille modellers on this site. Well done and I look forward to seeing what else you produce in the future.

All the best,

Paul

Thanks Neil and Paul.

Looking forward to seeing your kubelwagen Paul.

Well, I think I'm done with the details now. It'll receive some coats of paint before I start the final assembly.
It's Italeri's JS-2.







Cheers!
/ Joakim

Hi Joakim,

That's one mean looking tank, it really does capture the feel of the big Russian beasts. Some really nice detail work and I look forward to seeing the painting stages.

All the best,

Paul

..

...ready to paint.








+Bonus...a Carpet system scratchbuild projectile.










http://braillescalerulez.blogspot.com/

Hi Nikos,

That is a very interesting vehicle, really nice looking model. I am amazed at the detail you have got on the mortar round, most impressive. I look forward to seeing the rest of the build if that is the standard you are producing, it should be very interesting.

All the best,

Paul

I can recommend the new Bison Decals for it.

bye
Jörg

Hi Nikos

I love the work on the Carpet rocket. I look forward to seeing the Puma finished.

Regards

Tim Neate

Nice model and great scratch with the bomb. Is a Cromwell kit?

Regards.

Pedro.

MECHANICAL DOG
http://neloan.blogspot.com/

Hello,

My new project: the new M10 by UM.


It looks nice, same sprues as their Sherman range for the running gear, new ones for turret and body (same as Achille).

I just bought a aluminium barrel and will add resin T49 tracks as the real tank "Demon", free-french had.

Here are the first steps. Running gear.... A lot of parts and first trouble. As show on the pictures, there are some parts wich look wrong. In fact, the wheels do not fit on the round part. By cutting it, you can build the gear correcty but it's quite difficult...




So after the only one i build, I was like


More later
Regards

Hello Arnaud

ouch, those wheel assemblies look like a test of your patience & nerves

I really like the graphic - looks a bit like 'Inglip'

braille modeller's anguish is a universal language

cheers
Neil

I had similar trouble with the wheels on this kit. I found that by using a dozen or so twists of a needle file through each wheel, and on either side, that they did then fit onto the axle, as originally intended.

Good luck with this

Q

Not perfect but trying to improve it a little... the box and the Shutzen side support/fenders were made with soda can foil... and the weld beads with stretched sprue.

Hope you like it...








For more check the WIP post at Blitz72

SGT Braille Heller 1/72 Mirage IIIEA (WIP) Airfix 1/72 Jeep Willys (WIP, WIP 2, WIP 3 + Video) Italeri 1/72 Jagdtiger 331 in ambush camo (Weathering, Paint, WIP 2, WIP) Airfix 1/72 Brazilian Navy Super Lynx(WIP) My scratch-built bucket for 1/72 German tanks

Hi José,

Some really nice modelling going on in your post, well done with the cupola it looks vastly improved. I like the use of the soda can (pop can here in the UK) for material to make the storage boxes and side-skirt rails, excellent use of material and recycling to save the planet as well .

I also enjoyed your other build logs, most interesting. I look forward to seeing future progress on the Panther and any other goodies that you include in your post, most appreciated.

All the best,

Paul