Chechnya River Crossing - Part 2

Hi guys,
Just a tiny update. I got the schnorkel and extended periscope done. They are'nt completely accurate but will do. The EP is a bit wider and taller than it should be but ohh well. I used the aerial from a remote control car remote to make the first two tiers of the schnorkel and a piece of plastic pipe for the third. A cross section of wire was then used to create a gap between the plastic pipe and a circular piece of etch that forms the cover.

Soviet Armoured Column - Part 4

Hey again,
Almost finished the Totopet so decided to take some quick shots for now. Later I will post better pictures when it is completely finished.
After the chips were done, brown oil paint was smeared on the doors, roof, bonnet, boot and sides. This was then worked back and forth using a moist brush. Once dry I proceeded to apply some rust streaks in various places. The two orange lights at the front were painted orange (duh) and then coated in gloss varnish. The rear brake lights and head lights are small glittery crystal things. You find them at craft stores in bags or on self-adhesive sheets. The number plate was replaced with a thin piece of plastic as the kit part was far too thick. A decal was the put on. The decals had to be trimmed as they had Asian writing on them. I lost one of wing-mirrors so had to use the police siren that comes with the model (The car is intended to be a police car). I'll just tell people that its an elaborate horn :). A bit of wire was used to add a bit of interest. The tyres still need finished but I need to wait so I can blend them with the diorama and other vehicles.

Soviet Armoured Column - Part 3

Hey guys, just thought I'd post a quick update in the Totopet. I have sprayed it a faded blue and then proceeded to fade this further using a mix of white and blue oils. From there I started the chipping process, using Games Workshop Ice Blue. They have been filled in with an oxide/brown colour. This stage is not present in these pics as the pics were taken before I had started the brown chips. The two front doors are supposed to look like newer replacements as if the old ones have been removed.
I will post some more recent pics next update :)

Chechnya Convoy

Hi guys,
I know they were terrible wars but I love them in terms of modelling. This will be a diorama featuring a Trumpeter T-62 w/ ERA Mod.1972 and two Dragon SA-9 Gaskins. I am not sure wether the Gaskin was used in Chechnya but am just going to assume. The T-62 will be at the front followed by the two SA-9s.

I only have one set of resin tyres and one etch set for the two Gaskins as one kit came with these extras, I may try and get more. Despite the age of the Dragon kits, I still enjoy them due to their simplicity. I aim to have them ready soon.
The T-62 on the other hand is a completely different matter. The box is oozing with plastic, metal and rubber. The part count and detail is amazing. A metal barrel, rubber road wheels, etch, cable and clear parts make for an awesome kit. I may post a full review soon. It will take some time to build but will definitely be worth it.

Heres some pics. Not very much progress as I started them tonight and had just finished doing stuff for the Chechnya River Crossing.

Chechnya River Crossing - Part 1

Hi guys,
I've decided to do another 'diorama' as practice before I paint the Naval convoy. This one will be set in Chechnya and feature a Zvezda T-80 ( I built it ages ago so it isn't in sub assemblies much to my annoyance), a Dragon BMP-1 ( I got 2 for cheap and want to have them together during maneuvers but the suspension arms are molded on meaning I cant do my vision. Instead I will use one for this dio and buy a couple of the Trumpeter kits) and a Alanger BTR-D ( I built it today and it is a very nice model).

The T-80 is built from the box and features some tarpaulins. However, I am thinking about fitting the
Brod-M wading system so may have to alter it a bit.

The BMP-1 is also built from the box excluding a few 'home made' additions. I have replaced the molded on straps of the turret with paper, completely re-made the trim vane and made a vent cover ( I should make two but prefer it with only one). I will also make an extended drivers periscope that allows him to see over the trim vane and a schnorkel for the crew compartment air intake. I will post a pic that shows the two mods I still have to do.

The BTR-D was assembled within a couple of hours and is very straight forward. I have made some changes to improve detail/ add interest. I replaced the station lights and smoke dischargers with pieces from a Zvezda BMP-2, added tiny 'wires' to the caps of the smoke dischargers, used an etch part to make a spent smoke canister, fitted a large infra-red spotlight, placed a gunner's sight (even though there is no gun, I'll just say its for the missile), made my own splash boards as the kit part is one piece, wrapped the ATGM in a tarpaulin and constructed a large wooden platform in stilts. The platform will either have stowage or soldiers on it. I am debating whether to add a slat cage around it. The one in the pic is just to give a rough idea.

Anyway, thats as far as I've got. I'll post an update as soon as theres something to update you on :)