Well done as much as I can manage. Clearly so much more possible when looking at the workmanship here - and so, so much more to aim for. Thanks to all for the inspiration and the friendly forum. Lu, Pat: thanks too for the opportunity to play. Don't know how these pics will look on your monitor but here goes...

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And a little Warren Zevon always helps! Thanks for looking. Cheers, Ralph.

Looks very good.

David's Model Pages on Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/modelscale

A beautiful looking model that I have been following throughout the build...however I feel that the basing has really let it down. The vehicle doesn't show any weight on the ground it is placed on...almost as though it is floating there. Perhaps it isn't done.

Please don't take this the wrong way, as you have done a fantastic job on the kit...just a little work needed to make the base and the vehicle meld together.

Hello Rob: yes - I see what you mean. Perhaps I can channel out some of the base to allow the model to sit more "deeply" into the groundwork. Almost begs the question of allowing the rear of the vehicle to sit down a little too. Alvaro's comments suggest an opportunity to revisit the running gear weathering. Bases - models in themselves, and an all-new adventure. Cheers, Ralph.

Hi Ralph?

I canīt believe it. So non US subject from you for the GB???

Great work on your three beauties. All of them inspiring indeed!

Regards!
Alvaro

PS If you accept it, another constructive comment from here: the wheatering on the front wheels -that I love, BTW, and I will follow for my tiny Schwimm- does not match the wheatering on the tracks (or vice-versa!

Hello Alvaro: yes - always keen to hear ideas and suggestions, as I know very little about armour subjects and their surroundings. I see what you mean about the mis-matched running gear weathering. I'm still trying to understand the many weathering materials and application techniques - maybe I'm running too fast and need to look at some period photos to help balance my results. Thanks too for the pointer about aftermarket turned metal poles - I will try to find some. Cheers, Ralph.

G'day Ralph.
I've really enjoyed following your build up and paint of your 251. It looks just great
the colours and the weathering look supurb to my eye.
Regards to you my friend.
Alan.

Looks really nice, Ralph. Love that camo.

Q

http://dqscaleworks.blogspot.com/

Nice close up! Superb chipping! A really atractive finish!

Excellent work there, and good to see you are enjoying the AFV side of things.

Cheers,
Anders

Ralph, I can say honestly that I am delighted that you have taken up modeling 1/48th scale AFV. Even if it is only a temporary diversion you have brought plenty to the table to learn from.

The clean build and more so masterful use of the airbrush provides a lot of inspiration which is much helped by your willingness to share and that is a good thing for us all here. We can see what is possible and use as much or as little in our own model projects.

I would like to offer some constructive comments in the spirit of help to a fellow modeler if I may.

The fire extinguisher on German AFV's were painted dark yellow or grey. AFAIK they were never painted red. If you can wiggle & waggle a brush inside the halftrack and get the blighter it would be appreciated from a "realism" standpoint.

The base - You have made an excellent model which is painted to a level I could only dream of, but the actual wooden base as a means of presentation is too rough looking and looks like an after thought especially with so fine a model sitting on it.
A simple wooden base with nice clean edges and surface would in my mind be a more fitting home for the model.

Groundwork- I would agree with the previous point of it "floating". IF and only IF you do really want to make a new one, spend some time researching the setting for the vehicle. Is it on the Eastern or Western front? There are article's I am sure on how to do ground work floating around the internet , or even some YouTube modeling which may be able to offer you help and things to think about. I know you have great modeling and painting skills.... terrain and ground work is just an extension of it.

The present groundwork has me asking a question... where is the grey gravel coming from and why is it there on a dirt earth base( if that is what it is)?
Keep things simple and tied in. A logical reason is the one most readily accepted by the eyes & brain. Use the same weathering materials ( paint/pigments/washes etc) on the groundwork as on the model to help bind it all as a snap shot in time.

Hope you don't mind me passing comment but as if often said.. if you don't ask you wont be told and it looks like you are willing to ask

Looking forward to the next "White Rabbit" I am sure you will pull out of that magicians hat you call your workbench

Very best of regards

Paul

Hello paul: many thanks for your informative and helpful feedback. Always happy to hear any/all suggestions. I'm sure I can manage the fire extinguisher for starters. Tamiya's instructions indicate that the subject was somewhere in Normandy in 1944. Beyond that, I have no reference material - either for the vehicle, or the setting. Your questons/suggestions will help me to put a little more thought into displaying the next white rabbit! Cheers, Ralph.

You sure can punch them out. That's a great looking model.

Cheers

Calum

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