Pz.Kpfw.I mit Abwurfvorrichtung Update 1

Pottering along getting bits and pieces done. I have been running into difficulties with the instructions giving wrong part numbers.

The part on the left matches the shape on the instructions however the part on the right matches the part number. For those following along at home these are parts of the jack and I went with the bit on the left.

Detailing the inside of the hatch. Only really necessary if you are going to leave it open, I have not decided yet so I went ahead with it.

Looking at some more photoetch parts. If you see the parts that look like a hinge, each of them has to be folded in half. The idea is to replace two of the bars on the plastic part with the brass strips which are held on and spaced with the tiny folded parts.

I went ahead and folded the bits. After that I realised that my eyes where just not up to the job of fitting these together and that none of my tweezers could even hold these little $%^£%^&s without them shooting of to the carpet. Its the plastic part for me!

You can see it here between the white v`s. Its all loosely placed together here.

Scale Model Church Update 12

What every church need for Christmas - a crib. Matchsticks tiny twigs and moss all stuck with wood glue.

Who knew that pocket cribs were a thing. Something the size of a ring box with tiny nativity figures inside. I had to have it and take it apart.

A quick dab of paint on the figures and done.

All the stained glass is in and doors and lights glued in place.
All thats left now is to turn it into a white Christmas

Scale Model Church Update 11

I went back and covered the base in das modelling clay . I was not to happy with the surface texture left by the plaster. Then sprayed on some greens and browns

Then white glue and some fine sand to represent gravel around the building

Then more glue and some static grass sprinkled over top.

Then stuck on larger stones as a border between grass and gravel.

a few bits of moss as bushes. And somewhen in there the bell was glued in.

Scale Model Church Update 10

I have seen this technique used on plastic models, mainly tanks.

After coating the model in a clear coat of gloss varnish (this needs to be acrylic based) to protect previous layers of paint you place random dots of many colours of oil paint all over the surface.

Then with a brush moistened with white spirits you blend them into the surface, in the process removing most of the oil paint. It should leave a very subtle discolouration which adds some depth to the surface.

Obviously it dose not show well in my photos. You'll have to trust me in that I think it adds to the finish.

The whole church with this effect added. I concentrate a little extra green around the base stones and used some white to lighten the rows of curved tiles.

Scale Model Church Update 9 Doors

Basla wood with the opening traced on to it

Shape cut and rounded off with a sanding stick. Then halved.

Boards impressed with a fine pointed pencil. Also tiny bits of plastic cut out for hinges. The plastic came from a model kit of H.M.S. Victory, the bits left over when the sails were cut out. Its for reasons like this that I have trouble throwing away "junk"

Little bits of wire cut off for the barrels of the hinges. Also the doors painted a slightly blotchy red.

Hinges mounted with a little wood glue

The bolts on the hinges were added by lightly touching with a fine brush dipped in wood glue. Repeated in a couple of spots to increase their height.

Hinges painted with gunmetal.

Starting on the handles, tiny beads and brass wire

A drop of wood glue to stick them together.

And another drop on top to bulk them up a bit.

They are being called done at that.

Scale Model Church Update 8

Work on the base for the church has started. Its made from basic Styrofoam covered in wood glue and bonding (some type of plaster) smeared on top.

A quick test for light leakage. not too bad a couple of small spots around the base will need patching to cover some gaps

The building has been dry brushed all over with a slightly off white, bringing all the different shades closer together.

More soon.

Scale Model Church Update 7

Just painting all the blockwork in the many shades of gray

Right now it looks a bit too patchwork .

But with a little dry brushing you get a bit of unification of the colors.