Global Scale Modeller

Just wondering how many fellow modelers out there like to stray away from historical accuracy in favor of creative license? I am working on a "Gruppe Fehrmann" Tiger 1 and I don't like how they didn't have the side skirts and rear exhaust shrouds. I plan on finishing it with these on but I will still add the markings that came with the kit. I might put a little spin on that as well. I have to admit I feel a little guilty about doing this but in the end, it's my kit and I will build it how I please.

Absolutely. I've always had a hankering to finish some of my kits in fictitious colours, go for it. As you say it's your kit.

Exactly right - who's to say they didn't experiment with the way you're planning on finishing it anyway?

I will say this; There are certain subjects that should be built to historical accuracy out of respect. But there's usually a story and personality connected to those subjects.

Completely agree; if you're trying to recreate a specific subject from a specific date (or period) then yes absolutely you try and finish it as accurately as your skills allow. But if you're building a vehicle or aircraft from a fairly generic group then I think you have some latitude - especially given the variety of field modifications and markings carried out in a conflict.

I'd say only about 10% of my finished models are painted/decaled without taking any artistic license. I'm actually excited to finish up a Spitfire I've been working on that will be done up accurately.

If it's mine I'll build it the way I want. If that offends anyone I'll send them the model and they can return it completed with 100% historical accuracy.

While if you are modelling a specific vehicle (for example, one of Otto Carius's Tigers they you should, to the best of your ability, model it accurately) but keep in mind that, if we use Carius's Tigers, not every side was photographed and equipment and stowage would have been added, lost, damaged and repaired as time went on. With almost all the photos from WWII being b&w, it's hard to gauge which actual colours were used, again, while it left the factory in certain colours on a certain date it could have been repainted in the field later.

At the Imperial War Museum:



And it turns out even they got it wrong, the light blue should actually be a light grey. My Matilda wears the light blue, even though I knew it was wrong when I did it as it looks more interesting with the blue.

Your money,your kit, your time to be displayed in your home...do it your way.....as the song goes...."I did it my way"