WWII Axis Armor.

No actual armor involved here, but an essential function in any army. This is a German observation group. This is 7 of the 8 Tamiya German observation group 1/35 figures. (Number 8 was raided for another diorama.) This set has been hanging around for years, and I finally started it and then they sat unfinished for months! I was going to put then on open ground or behind some bushes or something but then a picture inspired me to put them in a war-torn building and bam! I got busy! I still struggle to get really first class painting of figures - I despair of getting eyes right, but having none makes a face look so blank! Luckily for me most of these guys' faces are behind lenses LOL! The rubble was great fun to do! I made a flat sheet of wall-patch compound and bashed it all up! So that's basically real rubble. Approximate year of construction: 2007.

Pak 35/36 with rocket propelled hollow charge attached, (Tamiya) Gun crew hanging around eating - not sure if you can see but they have loaves of bread and sausage. Mounted troops are Florian Geyer (Dragon). This is number 5 in my 'gun emplacement' series.

7.5cm Pak40 antitank gun. Tamiya kit. Approximate year of construction: 1997.

Again no armor, but anti-armor! German infantry and Pak 40 anti-tank gun. This is the Tamiya Pak 40 and crew with some assault troops to add some action and interest! I like how this one came out with the troops rushing forward and especially the guy leaping the wall. It gives a real sense of movement to the scene which I hope I captured in the pictures. There is probably a touch of artistic license here as I'm not sure troops would want to get that close to an anti-tank gun in real life, although they are rushing by. The brick wall is also Tamiya and there's some Woodland scenic 'stuff' on the ground. There is also some fake fur involved too! (If you can believe it. It sounds crazy now I've typed it!) Approximate year of construction: 2007. This is my third 'gun emplacement' scene.

I built this long barelled 8.8cm Pak 43/41 many years ago. It uses parts from an Airfix 5.5 inch gun and wheels adapted from the Airfix Mark I tank. I think at least part of the barrel was from an Airfix Tiger, and the build was featured in an issue of Airfix magazine. Approximate year of construction: 1968.

Sturmgeschütz mit 8.8cm PaK43.2 (Sd Kfz 184) more popularly known as Ferdinand or Elefant - A scratch built model with Airfix Tiger wheels, track and gun and a hull built from plastic card. The method was featured in an issue of Airfix magazine and the Profile Publications booklet on the Elefant was heavily used as a reference. Although fun to do, the time it took to do a scratch build when I was a teen was INTERMINABLE! Although such a ground-up build is rarely needed these days due to the sheer number of models available, I don't think twice about adding details, reshaping turrets, checking and cross-checking references etc. when I build today, and doing these early scratch projects is where it all started! I keep a ready stock of wire, plastic card, rods, strips, L-beams, channels, half-rounds etc. to add detail where needed (or, frankly, where and when I can be bothered LOL!). Approximate year of construction: 1971.

Flakvierling 38. Four 2 cm Flak 38 gun in a quad mount, shown in a sandbagged emplacement. The sandbag fillers are taking a break! These are PC camera (webcam) pictures. Approximate year of construction: 1998. This was the first in what I now regard as my 'gun emplacement' series.

Horch Type 1a. A German Officer contemplates the battle plan. Approximate year of construction: 1998.

Der Fuhrer!Hitler in one of his Mercedes parade cars. This is the Hasegawa kit. Most photos and film I have seen have shown Hitler riding in a black car, but he supposedly also rode in a silver one. Approximate year of construction: 1997.

This the Schwimmwagen (Kfz 1/20 k2s). This is the Tamiya 1/35 earlier version, though with some added detail. The crew figures look a bit stiff in the photo, don't they? Approximate year of construction: 1998.

Krupp Protz Kfz 69 towing 3.7 cm antitank gun PAK 35/36. This is the 1/76 Matchbox model, with a only a few improvements to the tiny gun. I had very little reference material on the truck - just enough to verify that it looked right. Approximate year of construction: 2003.

Aifix kubelwagen, part of the reconnaissance set. This is a tiny model which I have never photographed before. I suppose it's nothing particularly special, after all the only added detail is the textured canvas top, but come on! What other website has a nice, big clear picture of an Airfix kubel? Huh? Huh? And who else cares! Honk if you like kubels! Why not drop me an email (see bottom of main page) and tell me what you remenber about Airfix tanks! SOMEONE was buying those Airfix magazines and it wasn't just me, my friend Paul Wisken, my neighbour Martin Rhymes and the boy down the street who could afford Fujimi kits. (I'm still wanting a Jagd Tiger!) Approximate year of construction: 1975.

Opel flak 38. (ESCI 1/72) Obviously a rushed attempt to provide mobile anti-aircraft fire as the Allies moved to dominate the skies. Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Panzer I Pz Kpfw I Ausf A. This is a stratch-built Panzer I that I made years ago. I finally decided to repair and tidy it up a bit so I could display it here. I added a flag to the rear a) because that was common practice in the early days and b) to hide the badly warped rear hatches! The tracks were based on the Airfix 'Bren' carrier! Approximate year of construction: 1969. Restored 2000.

New pictures of the Panzerjager I, or 4.7cm Pak(t) (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen Ausf B. ESCI 1/72 with AB figures. Note the flag in the top view for aerial recognition. Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Pz 38t. Fujimi 1/76. This tank was an advanced design for its day. Built originally for the Czech army production was taken over after the Germans invaded. Initially unreliable this tank served for more than 3 years in German service and was widely re-used as a mobile gun platform. Approximate year of construction: 1972.

7.5cm PaK40/3 auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf H (Sd Kfz 138). Here is a prime example of re-use of the Pz38(t) chassis mounting an effective anti-tank gun. Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Pz Kpfw II (Sf) (Sd Kfz 124). More commonly known as Wespe (Matchbox 1/76) Approximate year of construction: 1972.

Panzer II PzKfw II and Afrika corps VW with personnel. I finished my Pz II by adding Modelkasten tracks and I finished my VW by replacing the canvas top. The small size of the Panzer II can be appreciated by realising it is not much bigger than a VW bug. The oil drums here are especially relevant as supplies were a constant problem for the Africa Korps. Enjoy! Approximate year of construction: 2003.

Here is the PZ II with the tracks from the kit. Just compare this to the pics with the Modelkasten tracks above and you will see there is *NO* comparison! For the record, the kit was about $6 US, purchased in Hong Kong. (Wonderful place for model shops, by-the-way.) The tracks, about $30! When you get down to it, it's the difference between a toy and a model these days...

Panzer III Pz Kpfw III Ausf M (Sd Kfz 141/1)(ESCI 1/72). A late model panzer 3, production of the ausf M was cut back anticipating its replacement by the Panther. Further Pz 3 chassis were to made into STUG III's. This particular model was distinguished by special modifications to enable deep wading by the tank. Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Panzer IV Pz Kpfw IV Ausf F1. Finally built a companion to the Ausf J below. Figure by AB. Some may ask, "Why Airfix?" Well for one thing you have to remember that that was where I started. As you will see by perusing this site, I have many early models that were converted from Airfix kits that, mostly because of track rot but also through damage or ugly painting, were in need of repair. Being able to buy the identical kit today and rebuild suspensions has enabled me to rescue these unique models. Many of the conversions were detailed in Airfix magazine, often by Chris Ellis, and so these models also stand as examples of these conversions. I might add that, although there are many great sites with models on the web, I do not recall seeing any other examples of Airfix magazine - inspired models and conversions. (Please email me if you know of any - see home page.) While repairing such models I would realize that there were other Airfix armour kits that I had never built, or had always wanted to build "with corrections", such as the 8-wheeled armoured car on this page (Sdkfz 234/4). Approximate year of construction: 2001.

Pz Kpfw IV Ausf F2 in western desert. Figures by AB and Airfix. I have always wanted to have a crewmember hanging out the side of a Pz IV turret. so finally my dreams are realized. (So, OK, I have some strange dreams!) I had fun opening all the hatches on this one and then detailing the insides. (That's the insides of the hatches. I'm not saying I did any kind of interior!) I did the Airfix kit so my ausf J from so long ago could have company. You might want to check out Dragon or Revell these days! Approximate year of construction: 2005.

Pz Kpfw IV Ausf J (Sd Kfz 161/2) This is an Airfix 1/76 amended to the later long barelled version. I added all the extra armor with plastic card. I think the barrel was from a Panther. Approximate year of construction: 1971.

2cm Flakvierling auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen IV (Sf). Designed early in 1943 this vehicle never entered production since Hitler did not give the go ahead. Since this was a prototype vehicle I have given it a very "clean" appearance. Tamiya supplied a crew with this vehicle, which I have not constructed yet, and I suppose such a vehicle would have been tested. Approximate year of construction: 1997.

Here's an interesting little beastie. The Schwere Wehrmachtschlepper was basically a half-track truck with Flak gun. Most had a truck-type cab, but an armored cab was introduced in mid-1944. However, there is no mention in the Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two (Chamberlain/Ellis) of a quad 2cm Flak 38 mounting as seen on this Roco minitanks model. A single 3.7cm Flak 43 was fitted as was a 15cm Nebelwerfer (rocket launcher), so this may be a Roco invention, or else maybe a prototype was produced. Such a vehicle could also have been produced in the field. (Interesting parallel to the Flak IV above, where the quad Flak version was a prototype and the single gun version made it to production, and maybe the same applies here.)

Sturmgeschütz neuer Art mit 7.5cm PaK L/48 auf Fahrgesstell Pz Kpfw IV (Sd Kfz 162), also known as PanzerJäger IV. (ESCI 1/72) Had a low silhouette and sloping front armor but limited traverse. (ESCI) Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Panzer V Pz Kpfw V Panther Ausf A. Revell 1/72 model finished with snow camouflage. The reference picture I used here was from Sqaudron/Signal armor publication number 11, "Panther in action", page 20. The winter crew was from AB Figures. I mail-ordered these from Wales and was happy to see a great variety of tank crews. I think a couple or more figures really bring a little model to life and I hope to be able to use more of these in the future. The only thing to watch for is that these figures are in white metal and can weigh more than the plastic model! I think it would be best to add some weight to the model - embarassing if the thing tips over! I applied a rough zimmerit coating to this model, using contour putty which I then scored. I drilled out the turret rear hatch so I could model it open which Panther crews often did for ventilation, as seen in the reference picture, despite the chilly weather. Interestingly I had to rearrange the tools on the side to match the real vehicle, indicating that the placement of these varied. Approximate year of construction: 2000.

Panzerbeobachtungswagen Panther. Known as Panther OP (Observation Post) by the allies. This is a command version of the Panther. That impressive-looking gun was just a wooden replica so that the turret could be crammed with radio equipment! This is converted from the Airfix 1/76 Panther. Approximate year of construction: 1967.

Panther Ausf A. Italeri. With zim (OK). Tracks ARE awful (reviews are correct). I used a nice muddy version from Panthers in Action (SS). Other details include squashed cleaning rod tube, MG cover on a rope or chain and fuel pump threaded through the spare tracks, And LOTS of mud.

Pz Kpfw V Panther Ausf G. Revell 1/72 model finished with airbrush and hand painting. Approximate year of construction: 2008.

Panther Ausf. G, 4./SS=PzRgt. 1 of the SS-Pz.Div, LSSAH (Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler), Hungary, March 1945. Reference: Panther in Color, Waldemar Trojca. This is the Dragon late Panther G "Smart Kit" with added turret machine gun from Tamiya. Constructed in 2008.

Panher Ausf. G, 1./SS-Pz.Rgt. 1 of the 1. SS-Pz.Div. LSSAH (Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler), Hungary, March 1945. Reference: Panther in Color, Waldemar Trojca. This is the Dragon late Panther G "Smart Kit" with added turret machine gun from Tamiya and schurzen from Voyager Model. Constructed in 2008.

Three Panthers!

Jagdpanther (Sd Kfz 173) (ESCI 1/72). This heavy tank destroyer mounted a long 8.8cm Pak L/71 gun on the Panther chassis. Production did not start until 1944 with 392 vehicles being produced. This model is of a later vehicle with a heavy gun mantle bolted into place on the front replacing the earlier welded gun mount. Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Pz Kpfw VI Ausf B (Sd Kfz 182) Königstiger (King Tiger) (Tamiya 1/35) This impressively large model would make an ideal beginner's kit due to the large size though doing the camouflage effectively takes some care. I have an air-brush but it does not seem capable of the fine work needed for a model so I hand painted this. The colors don't come out too well in the pictures but the rough, worn appearance comes across. Approximate year of construction: 1996.

Sdkfz2 Kleines Kettenkraftrad. The famous German half-tracked motorcycle. This Tamiya kit could sport a little finer detail, in the tracks for example, but looks pretty effective when painted up. I took a bunch of detailed photos of the example at Bovington and then when I built the kit it was so small I ended up adding nothing! Approximate year of construction: 1998.

Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma. This is the Revell, ex-Matchbox Puma with some extra detailing, of course! Approximate year of construction: 2007.

Airfix armored car, Sdkfz 234/4. For the fenders, I scanned a side view from the Ellis/Chamberlain Encyclopedia of German tanks of WWII and adjusted the size until it fit the model. (I had to print it a few times!) Then I used it as a template to cut new fenders from plastic card! The last 3 pics show construction details. I added many interior details especially to the gun, added driver's seats, mufflers and a front bumper. All interior details courtesy of AFV Interiors site, now sadly closed due to excessive bandwidth! (Email me privately if you need something from that site. Can't publish it due to copyright restrictions, but I can share!) Approximate year of construction: 2004.

Halftracks! This is a little diorama that I put together very quickly for my grandson's birthday. This is the Airfix SdKfz7 with 88mm gun, with Revell German Infantry figures. As you can see the dark grey and green camouflage works very well as it is hard to see against the background!

Airfix Sdkfz 7 converted to flak measuring vehicle. This was the very first conversion that I ever did! I have just finished a restoration of this vehicle. It was suffering from serious track rot so I replaced the entire chassis, and while I was at it I also replaced the front of the vehicle. This was a very old model and had a lot of thick paint covering up all the details. The vehicle was used to transport a flak meauring crew and their equipment. It features an extra seat and a large stowage box for the gear. So, as I understand it they went round measuring the effectiveness of their flak guns and gunners to try and improve same. I must comment on the Humbrol enamel used to paint this vehicle. I painted the new additions in the exact same colour as the original - Hunbrol #63 - and it matched perfectly after 40 years! You might want to do yours in something a little more faded than this rather orangy-yellow, but this was the original colour, and the one still recommended by Airfix incidentally. Approximate year of construction: 1967. Restored 2001.

Great new pictures of a Sd Kfz 11 with Pak 40 and BMW motorcycle. This great little diorama is by Matchbox. Can you believe this is 1/76 scale? I took the half-covered top which was apparently strong enough to support people from a reference picture. The paint is actually dark grey, and the desert color comes from mud and clay applied over the grey, hence the well-worn look. I was very happy with how gritty and used this made the vehicle look, not at all like a pristine, factory-fresh perfect model. Approximate year of construction: 1999.

Sd Kfz 251/1 mittliere Schützenpanzerwagen (Wurfrahmen 40). That is, a 251 halftrack with rocket launchers. Approximate year of construction: 1997.

Leichte Panzerspähwagen (2cm) Sd Kfz 222. Light armored car (Airfix 1/76). Note the mesh detail on the turret roof of this small model. Approximate year of construction: 1975.

Sdkfz 7 half track, early version on the Eastern Front, with crew figures from AB figures. I wanted it to tow a 105mm but I don't know if there is one available in 1/76. I may have to go with the kit 88mm, though it will need some extra detailing. As you can see, the addition of some nice figures go a long way to transforming this old Airfix model. Way to go, AB figures! You know, it is hard to appreciate the true size of these vehicles. I was lucky to see a real Sdkfz 7 in the collection of Jacques Littlefield, and this thing is huge! The crew compartment floor was at my eye-level, and I'm 6' 2". It makes a Pz IV look positively puny! Approximate year of construction: 2001.

3.7cm FlaK36 auf Fahrgestell Zugkraftwagen (Sd Kfz 7/2). Sd Kfz 7 with armored cab and AA gun. Converted from the Airfix 1/76 kit. I replaced the chassis on this model as the original was badly damaged by 'track melt' (aka track rot). This was one of the earliest conversions I did so I did not want to trash the model. Believe it or not, the sides of this model fold down on tiny wire hinges so the model can be shown in firing position. Approximate year of construction: 1968.

7.5 cm Sturmgeschütz 40 Ausf G (Sd Kfz 142/1). I added some extras to the Airfix StuG III to more closely represent a late model. Zimmerit, schurzen (side skirts) and rear stowage area were all added. The gun barrel was too skinny so I used one from the spares box, an Airfix Panther gun, and built up the muzzle brake some to represent that found on the StuG. Machine gun was from the Revell Panther, trimmed slightly so as not to look too big in 1/76. Extra track links came from the spares box. I used the Squadron/Signal STUG III in Action book as reference, with the vehicle on page 45 top left as my guide. I had to find figures with the narrow cap. One came from an ESCI Sdkfz 251 and the other from an Airfix RAF emergency set stretcher bearer. I added the headphones which in the picture were worn only on one ear giving the lopsided appearance and making the arch stick up! Approximate year of construction: 2003.

STUG IV Sturmgeschütz IV (7.5cm StuK40 L/48) (Sd Kfz 167). This model combines the Airfix StuG III and Pz IV to produce this variant. The Poole Grammar School model club loved it! Approximate year of construction: 1969.

This Tamiya STUG IV was my "Christmas Project" for 2005. The concept was to do a 1/35 armor subject over Christmas and New Years holiday, keeping it as simple as possible, no separate link tracks etc. Though as you see I did do a quick zimmerit job on it plus some stowage - of course! And a bucket! I added a wire handle to a Tamiya bucket so it would withstand hanging around.

V2 missile with supporting equipment. Trailer/launch tower. Tractor. Radar dish. Launch control vehicle with an armored cab on a Sd Kfz 7 half-track chassis. This is a 1/76 model by Grip (Japan). The Sd Kfz 7 tracks and wheels came from the Airfix kit as the kit tracks were one piece. Some details were added to the launch tower, and a mesh was added to the radar dish which was solid plastic. Approximate year of construction: 1972.

Japanese Type 97. (Airfix) The lone Japanese entry on this page! I need a few more Japanese and Italian for balance... Approximate year of construction: 1975.

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