1/16 Takom Pz.Kpfw.1 Ausf B (Panzer 1)

[Donkeywalloper]

Be still my beating heart
Not five minutes ago, Mrs DW rang me on Video Chat, I being at work, was slightly concerned on what she was about to show / state........
My gorgeous, albeit slightly Kooky wife is waving this around and hollering yippee's at me.

"Its arrived, its arrived"
The Sprue has arrived from China and is in Chez DW.
I am almost as emotional as when Armstrong stepped on to the moon and my wife said "I do".
Sweet all that is good in this world.
Takom, you are Gold Star service and No1 Customer care.
Whoop, Whoop, Whoop
DW

Now that is real top level support and I'm talking about your lovely wife sharing in the arrival of a new sprue Will she be as excited about the new oven.......



Ps....How does the postal service work over there did you see the address ???

So when I got in last night, Mrs DW asked me to close my eyes ( ), when I opened them, the oven was installed and the Electricians had been in and connected it up as a surprise for me. The wiring and supply was done the other day so it really was a five minute connect and test. With the delivery and the oven in, it was truly the best end to a day.
I did see the address. It quite amazes me that my dealings were with Takom who were based in HK, but the part came from GuangDong in China?
It never ceases to amaze me the Postal process.
Take care,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Morning all

Well, got home and opened the delivery from Takom (all the time thinking "Please don't be broken"), and within a perfect E Sprue.

I really only need about six parts off the sprue to build the Lifting Jack (this Sunday is going to be just the building of this). At least I know now, not to glue before locating the Jack snugly in Fender Brackets . Their can be no repetition of last times C$@k- Up
Mrs DW had managed to speak to Electricians yesterday afternoon, who were on another job, and who happily came and connected the new Oven, so when I got in, the unit was in the hole where the last oven was .

We are having a new Kitchen next year and this oven will go in new position and new cabinets, and although aesthetically it has a huge gap above oven at present, it doesn't bother us. We have a safe, usable and fancy by our standards i.e. living with a 40 year old Gas oven that came with house, that cooked only on Gas Level 9 and took 4 hours to heat up. Im hoping Gas bill will go down considerably as well
Thank you to all for support, kind words, humour when I was going to put my head in Gas Oven (Level 9) and take care of myself
You are all a great support and just having some banter with like minded students of Plastic, keeps me sane.
Love you all.
Now, can we possibly Mr DW, get on with some Modelling stuff as per this Forums use?
DW

[Tomcat64]

Awesome that you got both nailed in the same day! Mark it in the diary and throw a party next year

[RangerNeil]

Was going to say that model oven is amazingly realistic... Then the penny dropped.....

[digger303]

Very pleasing result all round.

[Donkeywalloper]

Good morning all you fantastic chaps out there.

How are you all? As the UK moves into a 2nd Phase of lifting of Covid-19 Restrictions i.e. Pubs, Gyms, opening and certain shops, it’s a bright morning in the Midlands and expectations are riding high .

As you will know, Takom delivered my Sprue E from China last week. I sent an email to Niki at Takom, to praise and thank them for exceptional Customer Care and making an old guy in the UK very, very happy .

Moving on, now I have the Sprue, would it be sad to say, that I was a wee bit scared to carry out the assembly of the Lifting Jack off the colossal b&@@s Up by myself some months ago.

Well, not scared but devastatingly apprehensive. What if I cock it up again .

“Hello Takom, Its DW, can I have another Sprue E please?”

So Saturday afternoon, whilst Mrs DW was watching that really annoying little squint of a kid, Harry Potter……, I sloped of to the Man-Cave, switched on the Electrics, Lights, Plugs and most important, the Coffee Machine. The Box which Takom sent me was opened and the plastic wrapping removed to reveal a perfect Sprue E. Checked for damage, and apart from a lot of flash around the Turret parts (not being used this time), all in order.

Earlier on Saturday, I had installed on the Wooden Beam that runs above my desk, a shelf with a couple of Shelf Hangers given to me. This shelf is only 30” long and 6” wide, but it’s a useful Storage / Display area in an already swamped and cluttered M/C.

I had a delivery on Saturday of some more Panzer Grey / Dunkelgrau Tints / Shades and such from www.emodels.co.uk Five bottles of Mig Productions Acrylic Colour. The box it was delivered in, threw me on opening up the delivery package.



I also borrowed a few Interdental Brushes from my Bathroom in various sizes (Purple is the really thick brush), that are the bees knees for cleaning out orifices on Air Brushes after shooting paint through.


I didn’t take any photos of the lighter shade of Grey, used on Tools last week, so here it is. Just a bit of shading.

So, back to the 1/16 Lifting Jack for the Panzer 1 Ausf B. Lets get it right this time DW……..

First cut off sprue E is parts E43, E17 and E33. Cleaned up of Sprue Attachment points and seamlines. Its all a case now of DeJa’Vu, been here, done that, C@£k$d Up.


So E43 slides into E17, no glue required. E33 (small bracket), needing quite a clean-up from Sprue to remove Seam-Lines and attachment points. The position of this is vague to say the least. No lugs, holes for location, not even a raised part to give some idea on final position). Lets leave that to one side.

Next part is E8. E8 will hold E43 in place but again requires minimal glue just to weld plate around edges in place. Done. E55 we’ll call the Back-Stop Plate, can be glued on and that gives E43 (keep checking that no glue has ingresses on this, is left mobile, running left to right in its track, and so it can fit in-between Fender brackets.


I then Cut off the part marked E11 Wire Cutters, again a bit of clean up with Ultimate Sander and removal of Seam-Lines (it’s more important than ever in this scale to get rid of these imperfections, they really will show).


This is where it all gets tricky, in my view anyway. The next part to come off sprue is E44, another holding bracket for the Wire Cutters (E11). This is where lots of Dry-Fitting and measuring is required. E44 sits via two little notches into bracket E33. Again, lots of Dry-Fitting and swearing to get it sitting just right, before committing to Glue. The last two pieces to fit on this Jack were the winding Handle and a O Ring which sits into a little locating lug.
What you end up with is this 1/16 Lifting Jack, sat in its correct locations.



To say, sweat was beading on my brow, is not putting it to lightly.
Takom instructions are vague on this assembly. Really vague. I don’t think I’m the 1st to mess this up, certainly not the last, and I hope anyone attempting this model, reads my ramblings 1st so they don’t do what I did.

This finished off the end of a really, really busy Saturday, but when one gets this right, it’s very, very satisfying.

Sunday, saw me tuning on the Bambi Compressor and attaching the Apex A/B, and preparing to shoot some Primer over this kit. With every assembly washed, singular items like Drive Sprockets and Gas Mask Containers attached to Cocktail Sticks with a blob of C/A, and dried and dust removed, I chose to Prime the whole unit (Except for Tracks), in this.

I know a lot of you don’t like this product, and usually I use Primer straight from the Rattle Can (Auto Primer). This has been on the shelf a long time, and the last few times used, had produced a half decent covering. It really needed and lot of shaking, stirring and agitating to get it thoroughly mixed, but once mixed was shot through Apex in light coats at 1.5 Bar. It took a fair bit of Primer to totally cover it and once coated (about three layers), it was set aside to dry.

The Tracks were mounted on my Track Board (Piece of Wood with Small Panel Pins to hold tracks in place, and then Primed with this.



I thought I would show you what I did for the rest of Sunday afternoon.

Lemon Drizzle Cake, which was cooked in the new Oven. The Oven is a dream, really wonderful bit of kit this oven.

Two Victoria Sponges also created, which came out not bad since I haven’t baked one since I was 15, in Home Economics.

Both filled with Raspberry Jam. One filled with Buttercream, which had a drop of Vanilla Essence, the other with Whipped Double Cream ( I may have gone over the top on the Cream filling).

This is made all the more remarkable because two weeks ago, I switched to a Low Carb Diet. No Sugar, Flour or Alcohol. Can you imagine how I felt, baking these and no way of trying them. The reason its been halved, is one half went to In-Laws to thank them for Roast Dinners whilst we were without an Oven.
So, that’s it really, massive progression on Panzer 1. Cakes a plenty.

Happy days.

Stay safe all of you.

Best wishes and love,

DW

[Stokesy44]

Brilliant update. The greeblies on the kit look great but those cakes! Man alive they look superb.

[Donkeywalloper]

Brilliant update. The greeblies on the kit look great but those cakes! Man alive they look superb.

I really wish you could all share these cakes. I can't eat them as on Low Carb, Mrs DW has Gallstones.......Greedy Bar Stewards at work, they'll stuff anything down traps. Rather give them to you lovely troops.
DW

[RangerNeil]

Excellent job of work on the jack - both the building of it and the guide for future builders.

I am thinking now lockdown is easing someone should organize a show for the forum members - and DW can do the cakes. (If you did a 50p/slice charge I reckon you'd leave with enough to do a couple more 1/16 builds whilst the rest of us left a few lbs heavier!! )

[digger303]

great update DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Excellent job of work on the jack - both the building of it and the guide for future builders.

I am thinking now lockdown is easing someone should organize a show for the forum members - and DW can do the cakes. (If you did a 50p/slice charge I reckon you'd leave with enough to do a couple more 1/16 builds whilst the rest of us left a few lbs heavier!! )

That would be fabulous idea. It would be great to meet up and I'm definitely up for Cake Monitor
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

great update DW

As always, Digger praise from you means a great deal.
DW

[digger303]

great update DW

As always, Digger praise from you means a great deal.
DW

Too kind by half....lemon cake looks very tempting I'd over indulge for sure.

[Donkeywalloper]

Afternoon all

Hope you're all very well?

My apologies for not posting anything lately, I generally do all my Modelling at the weekend and upload images and text on Monday from work PC (I come in early and do this as the Server is so much quicker for uploading images than at home, one image is uploaded in seconds where as at home it takes minutes).
Unfortunately on Monday, i manged to "Destroy" a second Desk-Top PC in as many weeks .
Last week the Building Management PC went bang, this week, Monday, my Desk-Top PC failed.
So, I have had to resort to my works Lap-Top to facilitate work. Suffice to say, its as slow as the proverbial Tortoise.
I have managed to type up a nice juicy transcript of last weeks Plastic Shenanigans, and uploaded images, but not put two and two together.
The worse for me, is the inroads into this big boy is paint be laid down on it left right and centre.
So, apologies, which to be honest, most of you have better posts on this Forum to look at other than my drivel about Cake (you can't eat), Gardening and Plastic.
I promise this weekend, I will throw some coal into our 15 year old Desk-Top and see if I can get text and images to combine to give some coherent gabble
Till then, love you all and stay safe.
DW

[digger303]

When It comes to laying down paint this big boy is more than capable. Paint time reduced and good over lapping coverage.

It's a perfect match

[Stokesy44]

Darn new fangled machinery. Its fine till it lets ya down and goes up in a puff of high tech smoke!

Looking forward to a proper update - even if you have to do it on a piece of slate.

[digger303]

Darn new fangled machinery. Its fine till it lets ya down and goes up in a puff of high tech smoke!

Looking forward to a proper update - even if you have to do it on a piece of slate.

Very true words......of course there looks to be a under lying trend developing

[BigWall]

As much as I enjoy your posts, I'm willing to take cake until you find a suitable computer to use.

[Stokesy44]

Its like a military history bake-off! I'd pay good money to watch that.

There's always mail order? Ever considered shipping those cakes to the poor and needy (meaning US)

I cant wait to devour further updates - see what I did there? I crack myself up sometimes!

[digger303]

Its like a military history bake-off! I'd pay good money to watch that.

There's always mail order? Ever considered shipping those cakes to the poor and needy (meaning US)

I cant wait to devour further updates - see what I did there? I crack myself up sometimes!

I'd like a serve too please with extra frosting

[Josebagasteiz]

The work you are doing with this tank is spectacular. I eagerly await you to start painting it.

Greetings.

[Donkeywalloper]

Hi all

Despite still ongoing problems a plenty with IT, I still have not been able to upload images or even text properly .
The stash of images now is just colossal.
I'm really hoping that soon I shall have enough patience and knowledge to get a grip and sort it out.
Till then, thank you for dropping by and the very kind words. truly you all deserve a DW Drizzle Cake.
DW

[digger303]

Hi all

Despite still ongoing problems a plenty with IT, I still have not been able to upload images or even text properly .
The stash of images now is just colossal.
I'm really hoping that soon I shall have enough patience and knowledge to get a grip and sort it out.
Till then, thank you for dropping by and the very kind words. truly you all deserve a DW Drizzle Cake.
DW

Promises promises

[Donkeywalloper]

Hi all

The transcript is from last weekend 17th / 18th April, and is due in fact to continued PC problems


Good afternoon all you lovely people


Hope you had a fantastic weekend in the glorious UK Weather or deep in a Man/Cave fiddling with plastic and Resin, whichever, I hope you had a good one.

Me? bit of a mixed bag. Due to weather, bit of Gardening occurred, and preparing the Veg Plot for this year’s Disasters and Misery……. Mrs DW back at work now, so for the first time in 12 months, I was on my own for the weekend. Some would love that I’m sure, but I miss her loads when she’s not in house. Instead of being a lazy so and so, I tend to stay busy to while away time till she gets back.
So Gardening, bit of Decorating, and some cleaning and putting away stuff.

I also took some time out to watch HRH Duke of Edinburgh Funeral. Whether you’re a Royalist or not, whatever your views on the subject is, one, she was my Boss for a time, plus losing your Partner after 73 years, leaves me feeling, how I would feel if I lost Mrs DW. Plus, my God, the UK knows how to do Military Displays. Wow! The practice and drill that went into that event, was in my eyes phenomenal. Hats off to Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes.

Anyhoo, enough of that. Back to the Panzer 1 Ausf B

Saturday, I received some deliveries from Ultimate Modelling Products, in the shape of Apex A/B Head Seal spare, an Air Cap, and an Air Cap Body, just spares for the A/B Spares box. Of course, the personal written note and a bag of Haribo always received thankfully form Paul and Hannah.

I also received three of the Molotow Liquid Chrome Pump Markers, three different sizes and very handy for inside of Headlamps before placing Varnish or Clear Plastic in place.

The next job was to load up the Apex with AK Dunkelgrau Dark Base / AK 162, and do some very “shaky” Panel-Lines and shadow recess painting. I didn’t half get the shakes, but as this is neither required to be exact or precise, this isn’t a major problem.



Next up, having left the Panel-Line to dry for 20 minutes, was to give the whole vehicle a light coat of AK Dunkelgrau Base / AK 163.
This is where I had a problem and got a lot of Spattering rather than a light mist. I think I diluted too much, thinner and Paint, and to be honest, AK does not need thinning and can go straight from the bottle.







It doesn’t matter really, as the coats coming up will cover any mistakes.
I wanted to get a coat of paint (Vallejo Model Colour Prussian Blue) on the After-market Metal Bucket, I’m going for an Enamel look with this bucket, i.e. Ivory / White Coloured body with a Blue lip, just to give some interest to a relatively monotone vehicle.



So, with two coats dry to touch, it’s on with 3rd Coat which this time is AK Dunkelgrau Light Base / AK 164










This was neither Thinned but just a touch of Vallejo Retarder, and this coat has brought the vehicles Monotone look to life, with a nice worn and faded look, I concentrated on the Horizontal surfaces and kept within panels for effect.
I’m going to leave this now to dry for five days, to properly cure. It’s not easy to get the effect in a few poor photos, but it’s starting to look worn and interesting and importantly, not monotone. The next stage for the vehicle is to apply the Brown Camo. I’m going freehand on this, no Blue Tack or Panzer Putty.
What I wanted to do now, and for this week, was to go back to Vehicle Tools, and get some paint on them. I did some reading on Tools and Panzers last night, and the tools were generally fitted after the vehicle had been supplied to the unit. Therefore, they were not painted generally the body colour of the Tank. I have a Mig Production Tools Paint set I want to employ for this.
Whilst reading many articles on Web, it became apparent the “Heated” debate on Panzer Metal Cutter Bakelite Handle colours and Tools in general. Is it Red? Orange? Khaki Paper covers, good God! total confusion. A consensus on these discussions was that the Metal Cutting end was often painted the Vehicles colour i.e. Dunkelgrau or such. I’m going for Vehicle Colour for Metal part of Cutter with chipping. Handles? We’ll play around……
I have various Acrylics Paints for Wood Colours form Panzer to Mig Productions and of course in this scale, we could go for Oils and a bit of drag Grain effect. Again, a subject of many heated discussions was that Wooden Handles of Shovels and Picks are not Varnished. A little shiny through use by Tank Crew (Natural Grease from Palms, and Vehicle Grease, Oil), but not shiny.
I didn’t realise until reading many discussions that it was Allied Vehicles predominantly that painted Tools on vehicles in main body colour i.e. Olive Drab. German Panzers Tools, not so much. Monday afternoon after a very hot, sticky drive home, I made my way to M/C and got out a really very good Sable Brush, and made some washes of Panzer Aces 311 New Wood Paint and applied to wooden areas of Axe, Shovel and Wood Block.



I also used this on Metal Parts on Shovel and Axe head.

Again, on Tuesday evening, another thin wash of the New Wood applied.


The result is this so far.


I then sealed the Tools with a coat of this.

I could then turn my attention to the Jack and the Wire Cutters. 1st a thin coat of Vallejo Calvary Brown.

This left this effect.

I also treated the Exhaust to a few coats of Mig Rust Paints.



I didn't tell you about my deliveries which I know most put in What the Postie sent, but I'm showing you all on here. I now have a lot of German Grey Shades



Tracks were given a coat of Panzer Aces Track Primer.




The tools midweek received small dabs of Oils.

This was then dragged with a broad brush moistened in Thinners.




Sorry chaps, yup more Lamon Drizzle Cake shots and my attempt on the Left with Low Carb Almond Bread.

Plus another delivery of goodies from www.emodels.co.uk








Sorry about Sunlight casting shadows. Mainly AK Figure range and by that German Uniform colours. Some more Lacquer Paint. Plus some Oils.
I also treated myself to a new toy, yes a big Yellow Compressor from Screwfix with five tools, which is a bit more mobile than the Bambi and mostly to spray Fences.


Some more work on tools.




With more Oils.

Plus a delivery of a LightCraft Magnifier.


Apologies if a bit garbled and hot potch compared to my normal standards.
Hopefully New IT arriving tomorrow and normal service resumes.
Till then, Stay safe.
DW

[Stokesy44]

Great to see you back in the game. So much to take in with the post. Hull colour is looking great and I love the tools. That wood effect using oils over acrylics is superb. I shall steal it immediately!!

[DRUMS01]

It's always fun to view updates on your thread, I look forward to it on this build.

The paint appears to be coming along nicely, great wood effect.

Ben

[digger303]

Wow loads of things happening in that up date.
Congrats on the new compressor.
Love the wood effects your getting very realistic.
Lots of fiddly detail painting going on which is going to improve the finished product no end. So evident at this early stage.
For healthier drizzle cake swap out 20% of your self raising flour for Lupin flour. It's all so a minor appetite suppressant.....

[BigWall]

Very nice update. I really like your treatment of the wood bits. It looks great!

[Parker]

excellent documentation!

[Donkeywalloper]

Great to see you back in the game. So much to take in with the post. Hull colour is looking great and I love the tools. That wood effect using oils over acrylics is superb. I shall steal it immediately!!

Thank you chap, steal away, steal away
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

It's always fun to view updates on your thread, I look forward to it on this build.

The paint appears to be coming along nicely, great wood effect.

Ben

Cheers Ben, the wood effect I have seen done by a few, never done it myself and in this scale it really does show mistakes. Being Oils though, its easy to correct and redo.
Thank you.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Wow loads of things happening in that up date.
Congrats on the new compressor.
Love the wood effects your getting very realistic.
Lots of fiddly detail painting going on which is going to improve the finished product no end. So evident at this early stage.
For healthier drizzle cake swap out 20% of your self raising flour for Lupin flour. It's all so a minor appetite suppressant.....

Hi Digger

Comments from you mean the world. Thank you. The IT stuff has been getting me down, not being able to post.
Thanks for tip on additive to Cakes. Its been hell for me, as for the last month I have been on Low Carb, trying to shift timber .
No Booze, No Bread / Flour, No Sugar. I have not weighed myself, but seen dramatic changes in fit of clothes. Neck is down 1 1/2". Waist down 4". Its tough, especially cooking cakes for friends and family. Its kind of self inflicted madness that proves my mettle.
I shall look into Lupin Flour.
As always, stay safe, and thank you.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Very nice update. I really like your treatment of the wood bits. It looks great!

Thank you Joe, very much appreciated.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

excellent documentation!

Parker.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Good morning all

Hope you are all very well and as usual staying safe in this big bad world, and that you and your families remain healthy and happy?

You find me up as usual up at an ungodly hour (02:35), on what is in the UK a Bank Holiday Monday.
So, no work for me this morning.
Since I left school at 15 ¾ (bit Adrian Mole that), I have, due to occupations always worked Bank Holidays, Christmases or New Years. Its only in the last 7 years that my occupation has entailed the luxury of not working them. Therefore, I feel quite blessed to ever have them off, and understand the millions who do have to work these days. Mrs DW is gonna be at work today, so this will afford some time on my own with Man-Cave. I’m also writing this on my new works Lap-Top. Not a massive IT geek, so all I will say is that it’s a vast improvement on my ancient Toshiba Lap-Top. It’s a HP, and it’s amazing.
It caused some resentment and hilarity in office, where we all had old Toshiba Lap-Tops or HP Desk-Tops. You will be aware of my IT issues as of late. A few weeks ago, my Desk-Top HP just died. Came in one morning and it had failed overnight. Kaput, No more, Ex, HP.
After two weeks and a lot of toing and froing with IT, Its was decided, and I have no idea why me specifically was first, in a company of a 1000 employees spread across the UK, I would be getting a new up-graded Lap-Top as part of a major IT role out within company, partly caused by Covid-19 and new Working from Home and Mobile working. It seems all the employees are getting these eventually in late 21, but as my Desk-Top failed when it did, I kind of “Jumped the Queue”. So, on Wednesday of last week, this Lap-Top turned up. It’s extremely quick and sleek and has more bells and whistles on it than my former Lap-Top. I brought it home this weekend, to be able to set it up away from office, and its preforming superbly both in speed and connectivity. Anyway, enough of this guff, let’s talk about Models.
So, with the excitement of a long weekend, and checking the weather, yeah, I know modelling is not weather dependant, but like Cricket, it does get effected by rain and other such UK vagaries in Chez DWs, the less rain the more chance of Gardening and outdoor activities, of course within Covid-19 restrictions . The weather as it turned out in the Midlands, was bordering on okay, with small chance of Rain showers.
Friday was my birthday. No, no whoops of joy. Just another year that I have made it in the great life gamble.
56, jeez, I never can get my head around it.
My best years were between 20 and 30, long gone. Fit, free, single and excited about every day. Almost Superhuman in resilience and strength.
In so far, the bumps, trips, and physical injuries, healed so quickly. The Hangovers, though painful, Lord they were painful , were shook off with youth and vigour. Now, broken constantly. I find the hardest to get over, is that injuries that didn’t slow me down years ago and healed and one moved on. Now, they linger for days, months and years. Listen, I did all the morose down in the heart stuff on Friday and at least I was at work all day. On returning home and Mrs DW getting home, I was opening presents with some glee. Mrs DW does good presents, lots of curve balled humour and strange stuff. Love these kinds of gifts.
As I’m continuing the Low Carb Diet (1 ½ Stone lost in a month), No Alcohol, Sugar, Flour, Pasta, Rice and such, Booze was restricted to a bottle of Nozeco, get it?

A play on the word Prosecco,,,,,,, (it’s not as bad tasting as you think, Girly tasting, but it was pleasant, cold and fizzy).
Mrs DW did buy, me a model. The previous week she moaned about how it was impossible to buy for the man who has all he wants. If I need something through the year, I tend to buy it anyway, how does she compete? Modelling wise, she has no real idea what I have, or want. I did drop hints about the 1/16 Classis Hobby, Stuart……….
I opened all the little boxes and was grateful for the Men’s, “Butch”, toiletries (Beard Oil and good quality Body Wash). The big box on the table wrapped beautifully and about the size of a possible 1/16, could it truly be? Could not keep my eye off it, something intrigued me, but I left it till last.
Having peeled off the wrapping paper and looking at what was inside. This is real curve ball model.


I mentioned to her before Christmas my interest in Dragon’s Apollo Space Capsule models. This though is a beaut of a model. Complete interior and although never building Revell before, it looks a very interesting build. Very, very nice.
She is right though about the buying stuff for a chap who buys what he needs, and an awful lot of stuff that he could get by without but needs anyway, then buys.
Saturdays was normal routine in the morning of chores and stuff that gets done most weekends. Saturday afternoon though was a chance to finally get some interest on a huge, plastic covered Panzer Grey model, camouflage. So off to Man-Cave and on with the Bambi Silent Compressor.
That’s when it all went pear shaped. The Bambi 24, Silent Compressor was working away and suddenly something went wrong. 1st sign was the unit was not getting up to normal pressure. Second, there was air escaping from close to Safety Valve / Release. Third, the heat coming off unit was extraordinary.
Switch off.
The smell of burning and heat, left me with no option in a wooden shed with a gazillion inflammable items to get the unit outside. Left to cool. Dragged into Garage and inspected. Oil levels fine.
Restarted, but again air escaping from a fracture in the airline to gauge, but this did not explain serious heat and burning smell. By the way, what I didn’t mention was I had a large amount of paint for Camo in Apex A/B, to make matters worse, Lacquer.
I left the Bambi in the Garage, grabbed my cheap Chinese Compressor, and hurried back to M/C and rigged that up. A good clean of A/B and Apex back and up and running again. I would deal with poorly Compressor later.
So, let’s get on with Camo for Panzer 1. Having selected the fourth Decal and Markings option in Takom Instructions, I did say I was going for “Freehand” A/B work. Nah! chickened out. Out came the brilliant Panzer Putty. Amazing stuff for soft markings. Really top notch.
Warmed up in hands and with instructions and Putty, laid down areas requiring Camo and those not. I like to go round after application of Putty and rub down inside edges with the other end of a Paint Brush, just to seal tight any gaps under putty and eradicate bleed.
I loaded the Apex again with the AK, Dark Brown, RAL 7017, Lacquer. No thinning and squirted through A/B at 2Bar. I honestly can say with no quibble, these are the best paints for spraying I have used. This is my view and really have not had a single problem ever.
Here is the result with removed ( i just could not get images to upload on Flickr). The coverage and laying down is sublime.



I am absolutely chuffed with result. It come out much better than expected. I did freehand the rear panel of Tank as I had forgot to add Putty and still had paint loaded. Again, the paint and A/B was exceptional, and I truly think I could have gone Freehand all over.
Sunday. After much coffee, and surveying of previous days Camo work. Still chuffed.
With Radio on and some of this.

Time to paint the Rubber portions of Wheels.

This does not have to be so refined as weathering hides mistakes, what mistakes.
This bit of kit by the way, is still mixing paint beautifully.

30 seconds and paints are perfectly mixed. I use it all the time now. I threw in some of this for the MG’s. These were very carefully hand brushed.


Continuing the Exhaust work, the next covering was Mig Productions Medium Rust, dabbed on very well diluted with water, with hairy Stick.


I also, after much looking on Web, painted the straps on the Gas mask Cannisters with an earthy colour, sorry, forgotten which colour.

I was whilst working in M/C acutely aware of the Bambi situation. The unit was bought by school over twenty years ago. I have had it for two. It cost me £50. Its possible, well it is, to big for my M/C. I constantly knock my leg on it. It is silent but really designed for Dentists, and Science Labs. Its Oil Cooled and maybe not suited totally for my needs. How much is this gonna cost to fix? Have I got the time? Its £300 new.
I thought it over for a sometime and came to the conclusion. I’m going to get something smaller and more modern that will suit my needs. I spent a long period of time on Web and kept coming back to this unit. Clicked on Buy and Sunday afternoon it arrived.



1st Impressions. Small. No bigger than a Shoebox. Comes with an Air Cable, Water Trap and Pressure Regulator / Switch.


Five minutes after it came out of box, it set up. It even comes with a handy A/B Holder on top.




It’s on demand, which is not everybody’s cup of tea, but it really is quiet, quick and very versatile and air pressure is easily adjustable. As the Bambi sat on floor, this went in same place, but quickly realised it was so light and small it could do with going on a shelf closer to hand. I was already planning on Sunday evening Monday’s DIY in Shed.
Sunday evenings last job was to spray from Rattle-Can, this stuff over Tracks. This will seal the Primer, the Panzer Aces Track Primer, ready for Washes.


Monday. Mrs DW off to work. Mr DW off to Garage. Cut some Shelving Struts, collected tools and a piece of wooden shelf material. Stripped out everything under bench (Dust, Spiders, Cobwebs….) Hoovered, Wiped and installed one shelf under bench, and loaded with Stash.

A jig round on shelving, then new Compressor on shelf and Tassimo Coffee Machine together. Harmony.
That works so much better.
Only other thing done. A wash using this applied to Tracks.


That is the lot for this weekend.

As always, stay safe, all our very best wishes to your families wherever you reside on this planet.

DW

[Stokesy44]

New compressor looks a lovely bit of kit

[digger303]

New compressor looks a lovely bit of kit

I agree....lovely. Shame Bambi died it was a good machine and a cheap pick up as I recall.
Camo coming up a treat.

[Donkeywalloper]

New compressor looks a lovely bit of kit

Morning chap

It really is a very cool and simple unit. I wasn't sure whether On-Demand would suit me, but I'm not spraying continually, so in this case its fine .
It feels and looks quality, and the only quibble for me is the Pressure adjuster and Silver Bullet resting under the intake.
I did notice that the Adjuster can be screwed directly into Outtake Port on Compressor.
I had another play with it yesterday afternoon and the adjustment and pressure output are spot on.
I tried to upload the image of its new position in Shed, to show its relative size. Will have another go tonight.
I think its gonna do fine.
Stay safe,
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

New compressor looks a lovely bit of kit

I agree....lovely. Shame Bambi died it was a good machine and a cheap pick up as I recall.
Camo coming up a treat.

Cheers Digger
I can't be more happy with the Camo, the AK Lacquer range is absolutely beautiful for spraying and applying.
The Bambi did really well. Two years, £50, and it was 15 - 20 years old having resided at School for all that time.
I'm not burying it, its to big and Mrs DW would really think me gone, not that much has changed.
Good to hear from you.
DW

[Stokesy44]

I missed the camo posts earlier on the page. Looks superb mate. Beautiful colors and shades.

[BigWall]

The camo is looking very sharp. Nice work! Congratulations on the new compressor. I'm loving the new model as well.

[Donkeywalloper]

I missed the camo posts earlier on the page. Looks superb mate. Beautiful colors and shades.

Thank you Sir, very chuffed indeed.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

The camo is looking very sharp. Nice work! Congratulations on the new compressor. I'm loving the new model as well.

Thank you Joe, much appreciated.
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Morning all

Hope you’re all keeping very well, your families remaining safe and everything in Plastic Build world is great ?

Well, still, I have some IT issues, and the ability to upload images from phone to Flickr is still causing problems. Nothing insurmountable but still a bind at times .

I never uploaded the images of the Panzer some weeks ago, when I applied the fantastic Panzer Putty to portray the following unit, as described in Takom Instructions.

So this is the images lost in translation some weeks ago. Its childish, but in some of the images, as the heat / warmth of Man-Cave gets a hold of the Panzer Putty, it starts to "Drip like Snot"





This the fantastic AK Lacquer Paint used.

I have lost track on what I have told you about Panzer 1 build, and what’s been completed as of late. So if I keep repeating myself, I apologies profusely.
I forgot, or missed again the image of two bottles of Isopropyl Alcohol I bought on Ebay for a £10.

Last week I was also able to turn my attention to Tracks and carry out some Washes with Vallejo Wash / Light Rust and this was applied all over the Tracks.



I also Dry-Brushed the whole of the Tank with Humbrol Matt 66 (Olive Drab), to accentuate edges.

This was all left to dry during the week and then the wait for this weekend and cracking on with more fun .

So, the weekend is here and, in the UK (Midlands), the skies opened up with torrential rain from 02:00 Saturday morning (how do I know that, well, my leg was playing merry hell in the wee hours of Saturday morning, so up I got so as not to disturb Mrs DW’s slumber).
With all the rain, and boy did we have some rain, relentless most of day , I planned most of my works within confines of a dry house. A job that had bugged me frequently every day, was the non-finished Stairs. Stairs I hear you cry! I thought DW that was all finished . Well, we had been planning to have a Glass Balustrade, but money, and Covid-19 has put a stopper on that for the time being. Anyway, because I was planning to have more works done on the Right-Side of Staircases, Mrs DW had simply done an Emulsion coat over walls and left it . Walking up and down stairs each day this was frankly, getting on my wick. Saturday morning, I fetched out Emulsion and Gloss White and tools of the decorating trade, and got down to applying two coats of Magnolia and a coat of White Gloss on Woodwork. By the afternoon, the "wick" was satisfied. Walls are emulsion covered and Woodwork Glossed .

It meant I could slope off to M/C satisfied Mrs DW would come home to progress and a clean Staircase.

The main thing to start on Panzer is Chipping. Now I’m not a great lover of the Chipping process. Its necessary, as all armoured vehicles, or any vehicles, have chipping of Paintwork to a lesser degree, dependant on use / Terrain / Weather and so on.

I personally prefer, the Sponge method. I know plenty like to sit for hours with a 000 brush and create individual chips, but its not for me. I do want to put some wear and tear on this little monster , so the most used areas by Crew, have been treated to Mr Hobby / Aqueous Hobby Colour / Red Brown / H47.


Particular attention on Hatches, surfaces directly next to hatches, Handles, Engine Decks and Mudflaps.



I always err on the side of less is better at first. Do a bit, Cup of Coffee and then have a look at what’s been done, then apply a bit more if needed.
I did use the following product, both dry and wet for thinner scratches.


I also collect odd packing Sponge (from Amazon deliveries and such), and use different grades of Sponge, i.e. Close Sponge and more Open Weave. Also a tip, is to keep rotating sponge to pick up different weave / textures. I then, especially in larger Chips, I add, with a small Hairy Stick, Vallejo / Model Colour / German Camouflage Black Brown within the Red Brown chips.


I also added some of the Brown on leading edges. I wanted plenty of Chipping on the Engine Deck and around Inspection Hatches.




This took most of the morning, but with multiple cups of coffee and some funny Comedy on Radio via R4Ex, the time soon spins away. It looks at moment a little aggressive but with some more Filters and Washes it will tone down to a more balanced stance.
The final process of the day, was to coat the whole of the model with two coats of this. Its not to everybody’s liking from the Rattle Can, but it lays on well and covers generously. I have numerous Varnishes, Alclad, Hannants, Vallejo and Tamiya and Klear, and still find this is for me, spot on .

This is left for a couple of days to cure, and set this will up for Decals and Weathering stages.

I realised yet again an image I had missed from last week, where I had a re-jig of Shelving in M/C to incorporate the new Tiny Sparmax Compressor. So as you can see, Instead of the beast Bambi Compressor, that sat on the floor and took up enough room for a small fridge, this tiny unit sits next to the Coffee Machine and is in fact dwarfed (a bit) by Coffee Machine So much more compact and agreeable.

This is where I leave you folks, to do your own things, and hopefully, I’ll be back soon with more updates and images from this build.

Best wishes as always,

DW

[BigWall]

Nice, nice, nice! I'm on the chipping stage as well and I'm losing my mojo over it this time. Did some yesterday and will do some more tonight. I'm glad you're liking the new compressor.

[digger303]

Great up date.
I have some trouble with that Panzer Putty at times. The weather can be warm and by the time I have applied it all it has run and evened out any sharp bends so it tends to look less interesting.

[Parker]

Very nice!

See, sometimes I think I might try doing a tank, and then I come on ISM and see these build threads and think... nah.

[Stokesy44]

Stunning work. The weathering is really bringing the tank to life. Great use of all the different mediums too

[Donkeywalloper]

Nice, nice, nice! I'm on the chipping stage as well and I'm losing my mojo over it this time. Did some yesterday and will do some more tonight. I'm glad you're liking the new compressor.

Its a necessary part, but it just does not get my juices flowing for some reason. Whenever I start it, it seems a chore than enjoyable. Maybe I need to try other techniques or create an all new technique
Stay safe Joe
DW

[Donkeywalloper]

Great up date.
I have some trouble with that Panzer Putty at times. The weather can be warm and by the time I have applied it all it has run and evened out any sharp bends so it tends to look less interesting.

It is very susceptible to warmth. Its solid as a brick in tin, but after applying carefully and if warmth or humidity gets a hold, it can just become alive and lose its shape and form. I try to get on quickly with it and not hang around to long, certainly not leaving it overnight. You'll probably come back to the model with the goo on the floor and nothing on model.
DW