After a chat to PDA over the last couple of weeks, we came to the subject of this build.. and I suddenly realised I hadn't shared it. Considering all the help everyone has given me, the least I can to is show you the results.
Here is the finished result
I'm not entirely sure that this later scheme was used on a Mk. II, but I figure it looks good, so go with it :) As most of you might have guessed, this is based on the Airfix 1/76 Male.
Here's some pics of the build
The tank itself is about done. I want to add more markings, but am keeping an eye out for appropriate markings to suit. Also, I am going to work on some stowage shortly for both this kit, and to add to the dio I'm working on for the Kia Ora (update on that one soon).
Looks very, very good to me. Nice to see a Mk II, I plan to do a Mk II Male and Female before too long. Another set of groused tracks, or even just the grousers themselves, are sorely needed in my opinion (I already have two of the Matador sets)
I think it looks great madaskiwi, and nice to see some WW1 AFV modeling on this forum.
If you are feeling masochistic you might try putting rivets on the top of the sponsons. The Archer Fine Transfers Surface Details go on quite well, and if you use Micro Sol they sit over rough surfaces. This video of theirs is very useful:
An alternative might be to cover the top of the sponsons with a build up of mud.
But, let me reiterate - it looks great and you've done a good job with the converting and painting. I know what it's like trying to fix the towing shackle at the front!
The model is coming along nicely, although I for one would prefer to see a lighter, brighter base colour, as that is what Lodestar III in Brussels seems to have (tan rather than brown). Do post more progress reports though, it makes a nice change to see a Mk II instead of Mk IVs.
Rob. It would be great to see another Mk. II. I have not been to thorough with the rubber band tracks on this one so that, at some point, I will obtain, and fit some matador tracks, or some of my own make.
PDA. There is a lot of stowage to go on yet. Tarps, flimzies, ammo boxes and barbed wire.. which, with correct placement, should hide many of those missing details. I'm saving the real painful detailing for the Kia Ora.
TCT. Thanks for the complements. As for colour.. it really depends on who took the photo of Loadstar III. Some pics I've seen have had too much light and come out a tan colour, and others not enough, and it almost looks olive/khaki. This one was painted in Tamiya XF-49.. I will revisit this with Kia Ora though, as I want that one as close as possible to correct.
Pete. It would be cool to see your build. There are, no doubt, details that I have accidentally left off, and would be cool to see the MRX sponsons to compare what I have missed.
Plastic Fan. This kit was awesome for an old kit. Fitment was fantastic, and there was minimal cleanup and reshaping to do to get everything together, other than the small gap at the front of the hull. This kit has really sood the test of time well.
Regarding colour, there's no guarantee that all tanks were painted the same colour as Lodestar III (whatever colour she is), so I'd say you're free to paint it whatever colour makes you happy. I think the only contemporary description is "a muddy shade of brown", and that's open to interpretation, and may not even be contemporary - it could well be someone's recollection years after the event. I think you've done a grand job with the painting.
BTW, without wishing to thread hijack, the Mister X sponsons are for a Mark IV, and are 1/72 scale - probably won't fit on the small Airfix (although, I haven't tried).
If you are looking for stowage I used W^D Models accessories for my own supply tank and their sets are excellent and not expensive at all. I used the fuel cans, Stokes Mortar ammo boxes and .303 ammo boxes. They really add a lot to the model and they save a lot of time scratch building them.
If you are looking for stowage I used W^D Models accessories for my own supply tank and their sets are excellent and not expensive at all. I used the fuel cans, Stokes Mortar ammo boxes and .303 ammo boxes. They really add a lot to the model and they save a lot of time scratch building them.
PDA wrote:
Yes, the W^D Models stuff is first class!
Hi Chaps
Yes, I have seen their excelent range of items, and have been very tempted on several occasions to buy from them, but they have the £15 (about $30NZD) minimum purchase policy. Unfortunately, I don't have enough pre-planned builds to justify all the extra bits to make up the £15.
What I might do is scratch build some ammo crates and flimsies, and try the Oyumaru casting method with them.