The Model Box

I decided to do a side build while the T-34 was being prepped for detailing so I cracked open a Kitech motorized 1:48 AMX-30.  The AMX-30B is a French Army main battle tank. The basic model is armed with a 105mm gun that is accurate out to 1925m while stationary, as it is not equipped with a stabilizer. It's secondary weapons consist of M693 Autocannon with 500 rounds, and an NF-1 MMG with 2000 rounds. The 105mm gun has 30 rounds and is capable of firing seven a minute. The AMX-30B is a potent combination of firepower, and speed. AMX-30Bs acting as a mobile reserve while on the defensive really can make a difference, provided you're not throwing them into headlong charges at T-72s. The gun it's equipped with, the F1 105mm, is accurate for a low points cost making it quite useful defensively. One of its most distinctive features, its 20mm Autocannon, allows the AMX-30B to be more flexible by giving it significantly better range, some extra damage, and a decent abil...

Next was spraying the Russian Green. From a previous build, I learned that only Gunze Sangyo lacquers had a Russian Green -- in fact they had 2 -- close to the one I needed. The Gunze Sangyo color codes are C135 Russian Green 1 Flat and C135 Russian Green 2 Flat.  The first coat turned lighter than expected but I think that's okay since I tend to lay on dark washes. More on the painting soon.

The model was primed lightly with gray and then brought back to the workbench for more sanding and some adjustments. The problem with using liquid cement on really small parts is that the glue tends to melt the surrounding areas and leave marks then can be seen when the model is finished. The trick is to be able to use as little glue as possible, make the part weld and leave the surface unblemished. If it does get marred, the net thing to do is to gently clean the areas with fine sanding tools.

1:87 paper models of A-frame huts for a Dark Age hamlet. These were mounted on bases and were used for Warmaster and Hordes of the Things miniature wargames.

1:72 Reviresco Gnat  VTOLwith alternate texture

1:72 paper model from Reviresco

I had initially wanted to replace the plastic handrails inlcuded in the kit but after rummaging thru my stuff, I realized I didn't have wire of similar thickness. Wanting to finish off this tank fast, I decided to use the plastic ones nevertheless. Some of the attachment points called for drilling holes. My smallest drill bit though was still a tad too thick and I was worried that some of the detail might get ruined by the drill. I opted to use a thumbtack heated with a candle to punch little holes on the hull. The next hurdle was attaching the tiny handrails. Even with my smallest and finest tweezers, I had a heck of a time putting them in place as well as aligning them properly. I also had to use a magnifying glass with higher magnification than the one I regularly use on the workbench. Suffice it to say, I really, really disliked the handrails! Another problem I had with them was the way they were position on the sprue. Instead of having the part attach to the ...