Hoping that one of you can provide insight into the following questions:
1 - Tankograd and other publications show staff flags on either the right or left front fender, but not both. Which is correct?
2. - Photos of WW1 German vehicles frequently show a shield with Prussian eagle. I have the impression that the shield is a dark yellow or gold and the eagle black. Could someone direct me to a good illustration of this device (preferrably in color) so that I can make some decals?
3. - My impression is that, while most staff cars were gray, higher ranks used other colors as well; e.g., the King & Country model. Could someone verify this?
1. A flag as guidon of a higher cdr only on one side, preferably on the driver's side (right hand side). 2. Eagle on yellow ground. Yellow meaning gold - as in the current German flag, which is called Schwarz-Rot-Gold, while showing Black-Red-Yellow. 3. In early war, all civilian colours are present, the Kaiser's Blue, the Crown Prince's red, etc. - Later in the war, field grey would dominate. Even the kaiser's vehicles received a coat of that.
Granted . . . but then I wouldn't buy them anyway owing to there obsession with Nazi figures, including the Gestapo! I do have a 1:32 open Reo limo that I'd loke to convert to a staff car, thus the questions.
The old Airfix Mercedes Torpedo is your best model for conversion in my humble opinion. This vehilcle seems to have been the auto of choice for staff car use, and general laison work with the Imperial Army. I did the conversion years ago, and found it to turn out very nicely. The biggest challenge proved to be replacing the smooth tires on the kit. Incidently, it's in 1/32 scale.
Airfix? Wouldn't be one of the old Revell-Gowland kits? it's in 1/32 and they were the model for the white metal Reviresco kit of the WW1 German Staff car. D.
Bingo! I stand corrected ! I dug out the remaining kit I have , and it is indeed the Revell/Gowland Industries you suspected. It is a 1913 Mercedes, and the kit underbody says 1953 ! Good catch D. !!
Thanks! Now a question... my example is molded in a bright green plastic... unlike common styrene, it's more like hard rubber or something. I'm hesitant to use tube glue on it... D.
Yes, the medium is a primitive styrene; common for the period I believe. I built an example many years ago, and used liquid glue with no problems. That model is long gone , having been part of a trade I made way back when. However, I recall the frustration with those tire (tyre) slicks.
IF you're bulding the kit, please post a pic or two. Are you going to attempt to add the Imperial Crest on the rear pannel sides ?
I think I'll attempt the 1/72 Reviresco before the large 1/32 kit... There's something evil in those white metal kits that need to be exorcised in some way... by building them! I procrastinated a lot on these, and after improving -a bit!- the looks of the very basic Ford T on 1/72 I think I can tackle a white metal kit for the first time... I hope! D.
