Finally, I've managed to finish something that I can post.
The period images included here were found on the internet and are for discussion purposes only. The kit is the 1/35th Emhar Mk.IV male kit converted using plastic card and Grant Line domed head rivets. Paint is Tamiya XF72 JGSDF Brown, this is the first time I've used this paint and I'm quite happy with the way it's turned out. Tracks are injection moulded individual plastic links from Model Cellar and work a treat, so much better than the original kit tracks I doubt I'll ever use the kit supplied tracks again! Stowage is a mix of resin and plastic, the oak barrels come from the old Historex accessories set while the 44gal drum is Italeri (I'd never seen a 44 in use during WW1 till I came across this image... ) The replacement Lewis gun is a Wing Nut Wings item and is perhaps a little too long. I'm about to apply pigments and mount it on a display base but before I do that I'd like to ask for some feedback on areas that could stand some refinement - replacement - reworking or removing !!! Feedback, good bad or otherwise is eagerly encouraged, so let rip folks.
Fantastic finish and cant wait to see it on a scenic base. With regards feedback I'm afraid I've spotted an omission that may and may not have been present on all supply tanks. In your second photo you can see quite clearly that there were vision slits and 2 covers for viewing apertures present. Easy to add if you are of a mind to though. Paul
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The finest stories of the Great War are those that will never be told.
Very nice, I like the oil stains coming from the secondary gear bearing caps.
I agree the Lewis looks ridiculously long - too much by a third, perhaps?
If I'm to criticise, it's not a big point and is certainly a debatable one, so it's a suggestion for any future models you make rather than this one (which is beautifully painted); I think the Tamiya JGSDF Brown could do with having a bit of yellow mixed in to give it more richness that might better reflect the shade Bovington has chosen (they should hopefully have a better idea than most).
Lovely job though - shame it's not radio controlled too!
One query though, on the Mk VIII: AFAIK the US versions deleted the side MGs from the turret - had no mounting or hole cut for them, so there were just three MG positions in the turret rather than the five of the British VIII; unless anyone knows better than I do?
I've checked the Landships II pics as the handiest reference, and they show blanking plates where the MG mountings should be. I think I remember reading a few years ago that the Americans planned to use two crew members fewer per tank than the Brits, and deleted the side MGs; perhaps they thought it would be too cramped for the extra crew and that the door MGs could cover the sides.
Whether the Brownings used were water-cooled M1917s or air-cooled M1919s I don't know; the sleeve around the barrel would be an unusual choice for an air-cooled weapon, but looks a little small to fit around a water jacket. That said, if they did have the M1917 in mind, the side of the turret would be an impractical place for an MG as the water tin and hoses would have to be stored on the floor of the tank and would probably get in the way - particularly for the 6pdr loaders. At least at the front and back of the turret there might have been a chance to place water tins far enough out of the way.
Really nice stuff Charlie! How was the Panzer Shop kit? Was the casting good and consistent? Do you by any chance have some in-progress build photos? I'd love to see them if you have any!!!
I'm the webmaster of AMMS Brisbane - I can send you Shane's email by PM so you can talk directly to him. Don't expect a quick answer to email though - Shane works in a remote coal mine so he doesn't have continuous Internet access.
Thank you to everyone who looked over this post, Some things I just couldn't fix, but your comments encouraged me to remove the mg, shorten it and re fit it... It does look much better now, Once I take some more images I'll re post them. Thank you one and all, every little bit of feedback is welcome, you'd be surprised at how much it helps.
