Panzer IV Ausf F2 Completed

After several weeks of dragging my feet with other projects, I finally turned around to finish this little cat. The figure is from a Tristar kit and is completely painted in Vallejo acrylics following Calvin Tan's Osprey publication. Not as smooth as the master but good enough for me now :P.

Feels good to finally complete an old DML offering.

Completed projects

After much procrastination, I finally got down to taking some pictures of the models I completed within the months of August and September. Different color schemes and weathering techniques were used (some with disastrous results due to my own doing) for these models for myself to get warmed up. Will post more pictures once I get the camera battery recharged.

DAK Panzer 99% complete

After much contemplation, I decided not to attempt the "hairspray" method on this model. Instead, the worn-off areas showing the underlying German gray coat was simulated by good old dry brushing . Perhaps this method better replicate the effects of the harsh Sahara weather would have on the tanks with the frequent sand storms beating on the armor plates to create a more sand-blasted wear on the surface paint rather than heavy chips.

The tracks and lower hull was given a heavy wash of oil wash mixed with yellow ochre and titanium white oils to simulate the fine dust/sand trapped in the crevices of the lower hull.

The model was painted entirely with Gunze paints and several different shades of oil paints will applied as wash. Remaining work to be done include light dusting of the vehicle's hull and touching up on some OVM details.

Keep them rolling

The fact that improvements are needed to bring old DML kits up to current standards meant that you either add these improvement in the form of aftermarket accessories or simply scratch build them. I did both for this Panzer IV F1.

Improvements made to the kit:

- Commander's cupola from Artisan Mori

- Driver and radio operator's hatches from TMD

- Sproket housing (no idea what they are called)from TMD

- Fenders and on-vehicle tools were spares obtained from the Panzer IVE kit.

- Dipped into my spare parts box for jerry cans and spare wheels

- Tarps rolled from Tamiya epoxy putty

Building of this little cat allowed me to rediscover the joy of building old DML kits. The little imperfections in these kits has allowed me to improvise, think out-of-the-box (pun intended) and in the process, produce a model that is unique from others.

Panzer IV Ausf.E construction completed

Building on the momentum of the completion of the Pz IV E's construction, I pulled out a previously half-built Pz IVF-1 and spruced it up with the parts left over from the newer kit.

Yes, this F-1 is based on the old DML kit, which at its time of release was considered an excellent kit but pales in comparison when placed side by side with the new generation Panzer IV kit.