In the Combat Ready series from Cromwell Models, released in 2005, this is the first model I have seen with the early pattern of the 5 larger roadwheels. Cast in resin, with the hull and tracks all cast in one piece, the level of detail is very good. Clearly this one still awaits markings, weathering and a commander figure.
Another in the Combat Ready series, with the small number of parts. An excellent range, aimed primarly at wargamers but just as popular with collectors as there is no loss of detail, though build time is measured in minutes. They actually do 2 versions of this, with either long or short barrel main gun.
My "universal" base may not quite be right for the Iraqi finished colours of this T72 from Ace. In 1/72 scale injection moulded plastic, this is one of my favourites from Ace to date. It goes together well enough, and detail is good. Clever is the manufacture of the wheels for early or late variants simply by which side you face out. The Iraqi sand colour is Vallejo acrylic by the way.
If I recall correctly, this was the first WW2 subject from Ace, and features etched brass track as standard in the kit. Short run injection moulded kits, these are steadily improving, but still need some work in cleaning up the parts for assembly. The PE track goes on OK, but heat it first to get the brass to bend nicely round the running gear. Camo finish is done with pastels on the sand base.
This is the built up kit, painted using the Colourcoats paint from White Ensign Models, a Marine sand. Markings are dry print transfers from Archer Fine Transfers.
Another of the growing series of Dragon kits, the Bradley ODS, with ID panels. A fair bit to the kit in terms of assembly, but a very nice end result. Paint finish is again the Colourcoats Marine sand.
The made up kit, which suffers from the tracks being too short for the running gear. Either shorten the hull (there are notes on the Internet about the hull being too long and how to modify it. Alternatively, leave a gap when joining the track, and hide it behind the side armour. Paint used is Colourcoats again, the British Gulf Sand which looks good for me.
This Tiger II, with Porsche turret, is one of the series of 1/72 ready made and painted models. How they manage to mass produce these, painted to a high standard as these are is still a source of amazement to me.
Made but not painted here, the Dragon 1/72 Sturmtiger. Metal hull parts, but they work well with the remainder in plastic. Some detail parts I think are a bit heavy and might benefit from replacing (such as the shell handling crane) but overall this is a nice model. Only prblem for me is the rear idler and it's fit, which is a recurring problem on the Dragon Tiger I chassis.
Made up kit again, the Panther G. Camo is again my choice of weathering powders used to get the red-brown camouflage over an enamel coat of dunkelgelb.
In 1/72, the first injection moulded kit from Pegasus Models in the USA. It is really an excellent model, which goes together very well, and I didn't find any problems with it. As so often these days, I used pastels to get the camouflage finish and weathering.
Among a whole series of 1/76 Churchills done by Milicast, the AVRE is one of my favourites. This one is actually not finished yet, as once markings and weathering have been done here, the fascine and retaining cables remain to be fitted. All these parts are also done by Milicast, and they include the cables and shackeles to fit to the tank.
The Sdkfz 232 is a fine kit from this Russian manufacturer. Just one of a series of variants of the German 8-wheel armoured car family, I look forward to each new release as it appears.
In 1/72, these two kits come together in a box, so good value for money for modellers in this instance. The only failings are the tyres, which unusually for Revell are poor I'm afraid, and really need replacing. A couple of resin manufacturers have already released replacement sets (try MIG Productions). Also the .50cal mg has been moulded upside down in its' mounting, so will benefit from a replacement from the spares box. Shame about those faults, as this casts a shadow over what are otherwise very good models.
