Officially UK’s No.

1 Military Modelling Magazine

February 2021 l £4.95

Volume 25 l Issue 04

www.guidelinepublications.co.uk

Armour in Profile
UNIFIL - UN Peacekeepers
in Lebanon
ISSN 2631-7222
02

9 772631 722248

Blue Steel

A South
Lebanese
Army APC

Desert
Commander UNIFIL Leclerc and much,
An Afrika Korps France’s mailed fist much more...
Panzerbefehls-
wagen III

Great features,references and reviews

 Publisher
Guideline Publications
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk
Features...
Managing Director COLD WAR 22 AML-90.
Alan Corkhill Imad Bouantoun debuts in MMI with an Irish Peacekeeper.

Editor COLD WAR 28 Blue Steel.

David Grummitt Ilya Yut builds an SLA T-54 APC.
20 Warwick Road, Whitstable
CT5 1HX United Kingdom WORLD WAR II 36 The Inside Story.
Email: [email protected] Igor Sydorenko builds MiniArt’s new Panzer IV.
Assistant Editor
Moustafa Assad 41 Armour in Profile 54 - Blue Berets – White Steel: Part II. Glen Phelan looks at the
ARMOUR IN
Email: [email protected] PROFILE longstanding UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL. Colour profiles by
Sales and Slawomir Zajaczkowski.
Marketing Director
Tom Foxon CONTEMPORARY 54 ‘Blue Flag, White Steel’.
E-mail: [email protected] FIGHTING VEHICLES The Editor builds Tamiya’s Leclerc and paints it white.
Mob: +44 (0)7540 153368 36
Design ARMOUR IN DETAIL 60 Armour in Detail - Leclerc tanks in South Lebanon.
Mark Smith Patrick Winnepenninckx looks in detail at the UNIFIL’s heavy armour.
Subscriptions
Guideline Publications Ltd. WORLD WAR II 66 Desert Commander.
6 Kensworth Gate Roman Volchenkov builds Dragon’s Afrika Korps command tank.
200-204 High Street South
Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK, LU6 3HS COLD WAR 76 Fire Support.
Tel: 01582 668411 David Chou builds the new AFV Club M109.
Email:
[email protected]
WORLD WAR II 80 Red Army Packhorse.
Guideline Publications David Strauss returns with another MiniArt gem.
Subscription Agent for the USA.
Larry Weindorf
c/o For The Historian, 42 York Street,
Gettysburg PA 17325
Tel: 717-685-5207 60 54
Email: [email protected]
Distributed to the UK and
International news trade by:
Intermedia www.inter-media.co.uk
via
MarketForce (UK) Ltd.,
110 Southwark Street
London SE1 0SU www.marketforce.co.uk
MMI Shop
6 Kensworth Gate
200-204 High Street South
Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK
LU6 3HS
Tel: 01582 668411
Email:
[email protected]
Trade Sales to Model Shops Stars of the Next Issue Bringing you the best in arm
Guideline Publications Ltd. (Address as
MMI Shop above) Pit Stop. A small-scale T-34/76 vignette. Lend-Lease? British Help to the Sovi
Printed in the UK by Acorn Web
Magazine Licensing & Syndication
Guideline Publications Ltd and Guideline
On sale in print
Licensed Publications Ltd publish top
quality magazines, books & bookazines.
and online
Guideline Licenced Publications Ltd 25th February 2021.
publishes a wide range of publications that
are available for licensing and reproduction
around the world. You can find out more by
contacting:
Tom Foxon
Office +44(0) 1980 270400
Mobile +44(0) 7540 153368
e-mail: [email protected]
www.guidelinepublications.co.uk

4 Military Modelcraft International

 Contents
22 Regulars... Published by Guideline Publications,
Unit 6, Kensworth Gate, 200-204 High Street
South, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3HS.
Tel: +44(0)1582 668411
e-mail: [email protected]
06 The Forum www.guidelinepublicatons.co.uk
News and Views Copyright © 2020 Guideline Publications &
Guideline Licensed Publications 2020.
This magazine / book shall not without the

28 08 News At The Front written consent of the publisher, be lent,

resold , or otherwise disposed of by way of
trade in excess of he maximum recorded retail
An in-depth look at some of the price. All rights strictly reserved. No part of
latest releases this publications may be reproduced print
or digital in any way without prior written
agreement of the publisher. All material and
artwork generated by Guideline Publications
16 The Quartermaster’s Store Ltd & or Guideline Licensed Publications Ltd,
A round up of the latest releases photographs, drawings, and plans used in the
magazine and or book become the publisher’s
copyright under copyright law. The company
86 Words and Pictures reserves the right to suspend or refuse any
advertisements without giving reasons. Whilst
Expand your media reference library every care is taken to avoid mistakes Guideline
Publications Ltd and Guideline Licensed
Publications Ltd cannot be liable in any way for
any errors or omissions. Nor can the publication
accept the responsibility for the bona fides of
advertisers.
41 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
12 ISSUES
UK inland rate £49.50 pa
Europe £64.00pa
R.O.W £85.00pa
USA/Canada $127.00
24 ISSUES
UK inland rate £94.00
Europe £123.00
R.O.W £162.00
USA/Canada $240.00
Guideline Publications Ltd,6 Kensworth Gate
200-204 High Street South, Dunstable,
Bedfordshire, UK LU6 3HS
Tel: 01582 668411
Email: [email protected]
76 ISSN 1364-419X

Competition Rules
Employees of Guideline Publications Ltd and
Guideline Licensed Publications Ltd. and the
Provider(s) of the Prize(s) and their immediate
66 families are not eligible to enter. One entry
per household. The decision is final, and no
correspondence will be entered into. No
responsibility can be taken for entries that
are damaged, delayed, mislaid or wrongly
delivered. Guideline Publications Ltd. accept no
responsibility for any damage or injury caused
80 by competition prizes. Any enquiries should be
directed to the manufacturer or retailer.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
MiG P02
MiniArt P03
ICM P07
Special Armour/Special Hobby P09
Aviation & Military Book Centre P11
Revell P13
Custom Scale/16.02 P15

mour modelling from across the world . . . Attack Kits

Eduard
P17
P19
Hauler P19
Plus Models P19
iet Union during World War II. The Italian Mule. The Wehrmacht put an Italian Lancia 3RO into service. Sprue Brothers P19
Roden P21
Historex - Young Miniatures P27
Name-It P35
Tru-Color Paint P35
Matador Models P35
Mustang Hobbies P35
SMS Paints P51
Starling Models P15
Tetra Model Works P53
Abteilung 502/AK Interactive P65
Bookworld P75
Historex - Andrea Color P79
Airbrushes.com P85
Hannants P87
Quickwheels P89
Cash For Your Books P51
Hannants P91
Vallejo P92

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 5
 T
his month a few of our regular
contributors have shared their
favourite builds of 2020. I suspect
that, with one thing and another, many
of us have had more time to build models
this year than in recent ones and, for me
at least, this has been the opportunity to
get some older kits out of the stash. As
you saw last month, that included building Tamiya’s M2A2
ODS Bradley, but I also built their original 1985 release. It’s
quite amazing really that a kit over 35 years old still holds up
in terms of accuracy and, most of all, in sheer ‘buildability’.
Having also built Tamiya’s old Challenger 1 this year, I can
certainly vouch for the joys of building these older kits. I
have plans this year to build the 1990s-vintage Academy
M113, so stay tuned. What I have noticed though is that
whenever you decide to build an older kit that isn’t in your
stash, you too often discover that kit is now longer widely
available and commands absurdly high prices on eBay! The
moral(s) of this story: you can never have enough plastic
in your stash and a purchase made today is a saving made
tomorrow!
Last summer Glen Phelan, a veteran of several United
Nations tours with the Irish Army, wrote an Armour in
Profile article on the UN’s peacekeeping missions in
Africa. Glen returns this issue with the history of another
UN mission of which he has personal experience: UNIFIL
in Lebanon. Our Armour in Profile provides real insight
into this ongoing mission and is illustrated with some
previously unseen images of a range of vehicles. UNIFIL and
the war in Lebanon also provide the inspiration for Imad
Bouantoun, who builds Tiger Models’ AML-90, while Ilya
Yut returns with MiniArt’s unusual South Lebanese Army
APC. Glen’s article has also inspired me to build Tamiya’s
Leclerc main battle tank in UNIFIL markings. This article was
helped by Patrick Winnepenninckx’s superb collection of
reference photos, taken when he too served with UNIFIL,
and by those of Colonel Thomas Seignon, himself a senior
French officer during the UNIFIL deployment. It’s a great
privilege to be able to feature this type of unique reference
and I hope you find it as useful and interesting as I did.
World War II modellers won’t be disappointed this month
by Roman Volchenkov’s build of Dragon’s superb Pz.Bef.
Wg III in Afrika Korps markings, while David Strauss tackles
MiniArt’s GAZ-AAA truck. We also take an in-depth look
at the first of MiniArt’s new Panzer IV series. Last, but by
no means least, David Chou presents AFV Club’s gorgeous
recent M109. Until next month, happy modelling.

David Grummitt Editor

6 Military Modelcraft International

OUR CATALOGUE
COULD BE
INSIDE

facebook.com/ICM.Models
icm.com.ua

Write your post address to

[email protected] and we
will send you printed Catalogue
with new items 2021
Stahlhelmmodels 1/35
KV-1 U19 203mm
Gaishi Shoshuro

Gaishi Shoshuro
builds the KV-1
U19 Prototype.

I n conversation
with Ansar Tessers
from Stahlhelmmodels I learnt
of his plans for a resin kit of
the Soviet U-19, a conversion
project based on a KV-1
chassis. I had seen a model of
the vehicle scratch built by
Bryan Krueger and was struck
by this unique AFV. As I was in
the middle of a run of building
World War II Soviet AFVs, I
immediately took up Ansar’s
offer to build his new kit.
Stahlhelmmodels’ kit
includes ten resin parts,
including the eye-catching and was quick and simple, and I and then the base coat added prototype would likely be in
characteristic superstructure was able to use several parts using AK Interactive’s Russian good condition. The final step
of this AFV, as well as a metal (such as the periscopes) from Green Modulation set (AK553), was to add pigments, either dry
barrel, the same as used on the my spares box. The position of starting with the darkest shade or fixed in place with thinner
B-4 M1931 203mm howitzer. the main gun can be adjusted and then gradually going depending on their location.
All the parts are flawlessly easily thanks to the robust and through the lighter shades to To finish this monster I added
cast and carefully engineered, the easy-to-set attachment add depth to the overall finish. a recent Alpine Miniatures
promising a hassle-free build. system designed into the Colibri decals were added over figure, Russian Tank
As Ansar explained, the set Stahlhelmmodels conversion. a gloss varnish, then sealed Commander #2 (ref. 35282).
can be adapted to any of the A ladder – very necessary on with another coat of gloss,
the KV-1 U19 – was added Conclusion
many available 1/35-scale KV before adding a final coat of
to the rear of the fighting Why the ‘Death Toaster’?
kits as the superstructure is matt varnish. The Fruil white
compartment using copper Well, that’s what several of
simply placed on top of the metal tracks were burnished
wire. I also added a hatch from my friends named this big
upper hull. I used the hull of a using SolidScale’s blackening
Trumpeter’s JS-2 kit, detailed tank when they first saw it. I
Trumpeter KV-122 as I had solution. Weathering began
with some photoetch. I finished recommend this set without
used the turret of that kit for with a series of dark brown
the build by adding Eureka XXL reservation as perfect for fans
another conversion. I quickly enamel washes, before paint
assembled the Trumpeter hull, towing cables, some MiniArt of Russian tanks outside of the
chips were applied using a
adding some damaged fenders stowage, and blankets made norm.
sponge and the same brown
from two-part epoxy putty.
made from copper sheet and
Friul tracks. Assembling the
huge fighting compartment
Painting and Weathering
The model was primed black
enamel washes. I kept any
rust effects to an absolute
minimum as I figured that this
1 Stahlhelmmodels’ resin
conversion is a big
chunk of resin, but flawlessly

2
1

8 Military Modelcraft International

 B72103
Sd.Kfz 131 Marder II
1/72 SCALE EQUIPMENT
RESIN SETS
SA72020
Sd.Kfz 131
Marder II
7,5 cm PaK 40/2
PLASTIC KIT

SA72021 SA72022

B72104
Sd.Kfz 10 Sd.An 115
Zugkraftwagen 1t Flatbed Trailer Sd.An 115
(Demag D7) PLASTIC KIT (Tank Transport) PLASTIC KIT Wheels RESIN SETS

facebook.com/specialhobby
WWW.SPECIALHOBBY.EU | WWW.CMKKITS.COM

designed and cast. The KV-1 U19 is certainly

2 The ladder rungs at

the turret rear were
one of the few additions I
an unusual and imposing
addition to any collection
of Soviet armour.
4
made, using brass wire.

3  Completely assembled
and ready for paint.
4 The basic 4BO Green
colour scheme in place
and the decals added.

Availability:
Stalhelmmodels 1/35 KV-1
U19 203mm (ref. 35.015).
www.stahlhelmmodels.com

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 9
 Kits
of the
Year
Alex Clark 1/72 Takom Chieftain

A s a small-scale modeller,
the highlight release
of the year for me was a
new tool Chieftain
from Takom. In fact,
they released three
different versions, the Mk. 5,
Mk. 10 and Mk. 11. My main
interest is around post-war
Soviet and Russian subjects,
but I’ve always had a soft spot
for this iconic British
Cold War Tank. the Mk. 10 the famous Berlin
The kits actually kits’: the Mk. 10 and Mk. 11 Brigade scheme. This urban
come as ‘combi- in one box (ref. 5006) camouflage was composed of
and the Mk. 5 with multiple rectangular elements
an FV432 APC of white, blue-grey and
in the other (ref. reddish-brown. The kits are
5008). The FV432 certainly state of the art and
is reviewed include nicely detailed link and
separately later length tracks (often a weak
on in this issue. point in smaller scale kits).
The Mk. 5 provides The detail is fine and accurate,
markings for Iranian and there’s even photoetched
Mk. 5/P variant which I found brass for the side skirts and
particularly appealing due some of the smaller items.
to the weathering potential. Overall, it’s a very welcome
The later marks include the release and hopefully Takom
classic Cold War green and will follow with more kits in
black camouflage, and for 1/72 in 2021.

Ramón Segarra 1/35 AFV Club the other versions of the

Stryker and not used in this
I
usually complete a dozen or
models each year and last
year I was pleasantly surprised
with an older AFV Club kit.
M1134 Stryker ATGM (ref.
build. It also provides two
small, photoetched frets,
AF35134) was released back a transparent sprue, and a
in 2009, the fourth tooling piece of plastic braided wire
of their Stryker series. It’s a to make the tow cable. Decals
complex kit with 503 parts are provided for four different
and extremely detailed. vehicles. The fit is generally
Some of the parts are from excellent and the wheels are
very remarkable because,
despite being made of vinyl,
they have a very realistic
appearance. It builds into a
fantastic replica
of this large and
menacing modern
AFV. Note that
the instructions
contain some
errors, although
in general they
are clear and easy to follow.
You can see some images of
this build in the editor’s new
Landcraft book on the Stryker
family, published by Pen &
Sword.

10 Military Modelcraft International

Aviation & Military Book Centre
Military & Civil Aviation – Military Weapons & Equipment – Naval Vessels
SPECIALIST IN AVIATION, MILITARY & MODELLING BOOKS WITH THOUSANDS OF TITLES IN STOCK

83261MIL 83285MIL
Bloody Vienna: The From Bessarabia to
Soviet Offensive Belgrade: An Illus-
32122AVI 92653AVI 91146MIL 41751MIL Operations in trated Study of the 77973MIL 72005MIL7
Airframe & Minia- Battle of Britain Landcraft (8) The Ardennes Western Hungary Soviet Conquest of Allied Armour, Iron Cross - Issue 7
tures 16 The Hawk- Combat Archive SDKFZ 251, 251/9 & 1944-1945 Hitler’s and Austria, March South-East Europe 1939-1945: British Focuses entirely on
er Hurricane - A 9: 1 - 3 September 251/22 Kanonenwa- Winter Offensive to May 1945 Mar-Oct 1944 and American German military history
Complete Guide to 1940 S Parry gen D Oliver Revisited Vol.1 K Nevenkin Penned K Nevenkin Covers the Tanks at War from 1914 to 1945 and
the Famous Fighter Covers the first three The Sdkfz 251 halftrack C Bergstrom This book by a leading Bulgarian history of the bloody A Tucker-Jones Covers puts the German military
R Franks days of September as was one of the most ver- has turned the previous researcher, the book pro- fights in south eastern each major phase of the under the microscope,
An in-depth study of this the Luftwaffe gradually satile armoured vehicles image of the Battle of vides an expert analysis Europe and illustrated conflict, from the early looking at organisations
famous fighter. Contains gains the upper hand produced by either side the Bulge completely of this battle and con- with numerous never-be- blitzkrieg years, France, and tactics, materiel,
pages of model builds as Fighter Command is in WWII and over 15,000 upside-down, tearing tains many unpublished fore-published wartime the Soviet Union to tank technology, politics and
and information. stretched to the limit. were produced. apart many myths. photographs. photographs. battles in Africa. the human element.
PB 272pp £24.95 PB 112pp £25.00 PB 64pp £16.99 HB 222pp £39.00 HB 212pp £29.99 HB 152pp £25.99 HB 256pp £25.00 Sb 130pp £8.99

32225MIL
Panzerwrecks 23 -
Italy 3 L Archer
09333MOD 12620MIL 41543MIL 62639MIL2 03328AVI2 72334AVI 36257MIL It’s the usual heady mix
F.A.Q. Figure Paint- German Helmets Tiger Ausf.B Ko- Italienfeldzug: Encyclopedie des South African Africa@War 49: of wreckage and cap-
ing Techniques 1916-1945 nigstiger Technical German Tanks and Avions de Chasse Air Force Fighter South African tured Panzers, all with an
K Kanaev Advice and The German helmet is and Operational Vehicles 1943-45 Italiens 1939-45 Colors: Vol.2 The War Armoured Fighting Italian theme and in the
explanation of all tech- one of the most iconic History W Trojca Vol.2 M Pieri D Zambon FRENCH in the Desert 1941- Vehicles - A History new 128-page format.
niques and processes symbols of the German Lavishly illustrated, de- Provides in depth TEXT. Lavishly illustrated, 42 P Van Schalkwyk of Innovation and Tigers, Panthers, Panzer
which you need to soldier in WWII. The scribes the development, analyses of the Panther this book takes the Covers the combat Excellence 1960- IVs all feature heavily,
master painting of all book covers liners, rivets, technical details and tank, the Marder II and III reader through an history of these fighter 2020 D Venter likewise Panzerjägers
types of figures, provided shells, factory markings, combat history of the self-propelled anti-tank alphabetical list of Italien squadrons during the Due to sanctions South such as the Elefant,
by the best painter of lot numbers, vent holes, Konigstiger Heavy Tank. guns, the Grille self-pro- aircraft of 1939-45. campaign, as well as the Africa began developing Nashorn and Marder.
all time: Master Kirill chinstraps, decals and In addition to the very pelled howitzer, various Photos & Illustrations. colours and markings of their own, often ground- Most subjects are shown
Kanaev. Photos & lot more. Photos & detailed description of models of field artillery, HB 208pp £44.90 their aircraft. Photos & breaking and innovative in multiple views, perfect
Illustrations. Illustrations. the tank’s construction. heavy artillery and more. Illustrations weapon systems. for the model maker.
PB 488pp £74.99 HB 1480pp £65.00 HB 720pp £99.00 HB 245pp £34.99 PB 88pp £25.99 PB 112pp £19.95 PB 128pp £24.99

37340NAV 09791MIL 09784NAV

U-552 - The Red WWP G065 HMEE-1 WWP B023 Carrier
Devil Boat - Its Op- High Mobility Engi- Deck in Detail
01009MIL 90274MIL 41193NAV erational History in 03304NAV 35840NAV neer Excavator service on US Navy
Tankograd 1009 Vyborg 1944 : The Duel 107: British Words and Images U-Boot TYP IX Schlachtschiff Contains a plethora Nimitz Class Carri-
Kraftrader German Last Soviet-Finnish Battleship vs M Rey U-552 was one Toutes les Versions Tirpitz Volume V - of colour photos. er Deck I Lekkas
Military Motorcycles Campaign on the German Battleship of the legendary U-boats du Submersible The Lonely Queen in Content covers history, Covers history, interior-
The role of the Kraftrad Eastern Front 1941-43 I Palmer of WWII. Under its Oceanique X Tracol the North A Bonomi walkaround, interior-de- detail, walkaround,
motorcycle in the Ger- B Irincheev Provide an At the outbreak of WWII, commander Erich Topp, FRENCH TEXT book. In German & English text. tail, engine detail and engine detail and chassis
man military at the time extensive description of the four key Capital it carried out a total of depth look at this subject Describes the transfor- chassis detail. detail. Colour photos.
of WWI was primarily the build-up and course German ships primary ten operational patrols, with detailed illustrations mation of the Tirpitz from PB 84pp £23.99 PB 120pp £27.99
as a dispatch vehicle as of the battle as well as threats where the Royal sinking 30 ships and and photos. Photos, Illus- mighty offensive weapon
it was faster than most the diplomatic games Navy’s King George V damaging three in a trations, Maps, Tables. into a steel giant that
other means of transport. that lay behind it. class battleships. period of 20 months. PB 120pp £25.90 became difficult to protect.
PB 96pp £23.99 PB 278pp £29.95 PB 80pp £13.99 HB 352pp £57.99 HB 180pp £65.00

WPA005AVI
Wingleader Photo
Archive No.5 Avro
58855AVI 62233MOD 73120NAV AK432 LOS052 Lancaster Mk.I/III DEP30MIL 73045MIL
Scratchbuild- Encyclopedia of Super Drawings in The Weathering LOS! 52 Early Production Desert Eagle 30 Photosniper 31 The
ing Aircraft - A Figures 3 Model- 3D 16080 SMS Tor- Magazine 32 FRENCH Language Batches 1941-43 Merkava 50th Jubi- 38M Toldi Light
Scratchbuilding ling Techniques pedoboot A-111 Accessories Magazine. Great articles Full of illustrations, high lee Siman 4/4M in Tank P Mujzer
Masterclass Book - Modelling, Genres Brief history plus a Helps you make educat- with lavishly illustrated resolution photos and IDF Service Part 4 A detailed photographic
Megas Tsonos superb and Special Tech- plethora of graphical ed choices, how to use images. Black and white detailed captions. A special edition with history of these Tank
book with over 600 niques R.H. Chacan illustrations including the appropriate products photos, colour profiles, SB 72pp £19.95 up to date photos and types with detailed
colour photos. The definitive guide. captioned walk-arounds. and techniques. maps, graphics historic combat photos. descriptions.
PB 152pp £25.00 PB 150pp £28.99 PB 80pp £29.99 SB 66pp £8.99 SB 81pp £7.85 PB 108pp £29.90 SB 120pp £22.99

UK Delivery £3.95. Delivery charges for Europe and Worldwide available via the website.
Unit 1 Highfield Rd, Clitheroe, BB7 1AQ • [email protected] • 01200 401468

www.aviationbookcentre.com www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 11
 Kits
of the
Year
Ilya Yut 1/35 Meng Model was initially released in 2013. lacking an engine, but this was
The kit is nice and easy to not a problem for me. I really

T he Arab Spring began

about ten years ago and
resulted in turmoil from north-
with ZU-23-2 (ref. VS-004) that build. It’s not super-detailed, enjoyed building it almost
out of the box and invested
much time in painting and
west Africa to the Syria and
weathering this half-civilian
beyond. In the case of Libya,
subject. I opted for a bright
the unrest escalated into a
and contrasting finish that
full-scale civil war. Pick-up
was a bit of a challenge for
trucks with various weapons –
known as technicals - became me as armour modeller. To
one of its defining media push the ‘out of the ordinary’
images. Around that time, I theme even further I added
was inspired by the abundant various accessories, including
photos of these wheeled bad a 3d-printed cow skull among
guys and considered building other stuff. This project
one of them in 1/35 scale. provided me a lot of artistic
However, the idea came to freedom and I will definitely
its fruition only in late 2020. I consider building another
used Meng Model’s Pickup pick-up one day.

Kenneth Childres 1/35 Tamiya

inexpensive item that looks and relaxed build that I can

A couple months ago I

was coming off of some
really involved projects and
easy construction. I decided
early on to make some minor
improvements without
really cool. Finally, I replaced
the kit tracks with some
highly recommend. It didn’t
need the upgrades to make a
Modelkasten tracks I found nice model, but it was fun to
wanted something fairly breaking the bank. I scratch in a sale bin at a show. Tamiya’s add them without spending a
simple to build. I rummaged built new skirt armour hangers Brummbär was really a nice fortune on after-market.
through my stash and from styrene while retaining
found the Sd.Kfz. 166 the kit mounting brackets
Sturmpanzer IV Brummbär after thinning them down.
(ref. 35353) released in 2017. Some coiled copper wire
The construction was pure spruced up the fender
Tamiya bliss. Within a matter springs, while left-over
of hours, I had the suspension photoetched
and lower hull built up. A handles detailed
few days later the upper hull the kit tools.
was done. Nobody can argue I did add the
with Tamiya’s engineering DEF Model
but sometimes the detail resin barrel
suffers a bit in the interest of and mantlet, an

José Luis Lopez Ruiz 1/48 Tamiya

cast effect on the turret, and with perfect sag. Don’t – as I
In 2020 Tamiya released a
Quarterscale T-55 Russian
Medium Tank (ref. 32598). It’s a
great kit, with a nicely detailed
DShK machine gun, superb lovely link-and-length tracks did – trim the pin on
the ‘C’ wheels as this
will help you fit the tracks in
step 1. On the downside, the
tow cables are weak (Tamiya
just provide a piece of string)

and some parts

are necessarily
over-simplified.
It was a really
fun quick build
and, as you can see,
measures up nicely
to its 1/35-scale cousin.

12 Military Modelcraft International

Revell 1/72 David Grummitt

The Scud-B ballistic

missile was one of the
iconic weapons systems
of the Cold War, reaching
notoriety, of course,
during the First Gulf
War as Saddam Hussein
attempted to draw
Israel into the conflict by
launching Scuds on Israeli
towns. The R-17 (SS-1C
Scud-B), as it was properly
known, entered service in
1964 and some 7,000 were
manufactured. It served © Richard Andrews
in the armed forces of the 03852 BAe Hawk T2 (Inc. Photoetch), 1:32
Soviet Union and 31 other
nations. Revell’s SCUD-B
(ref. 03332) is badged as
a new release, but that
only tells half the story. It
appears to be a copy of the
Toksomodel kit released
in 2014, which in turn
was based on the Dragon
1/35-scale kit released in 03850 B-29 Super Fortress (Platinum Edition), 1:48
1990. It comes complete
with the missile and
9P117M1 MAZ-543 Uragan
launcher. The kit comes
with four crisply moulded
grey plastic sprues, a clear
sheet of acetate for the
windows, and decals for
Soviet, East German and
Iraqi vehicles. Moulding 03710 Combat Set Bf109 G-10 & Spitfire Mk.V, 1:72
is good, but not brilliant,
and some parts will prove
tricky to remove from the
sprue. The glazing will
also likely frustrate many
modellers as this will have
to be cut from
the acetate
and there
are neither 07668 Jaguar E-Type Coupé, 1:24
pre-marked Scud-B market is pretty notwithstanding), while
guidelines crowded at present with compromising on details.
on the sheet several kits available from I suspect most serious
itself nor scale Model Collect (newly small-scale modellers of
templates tooled last year), alongside Soviet-era vehicles will
provided in the resin kits from Armo and pass on this Revell release
instructions.
W-Model. Revell’s kit has in favour of the Model
The small-scale
half the parts count of Collect alternative, but it
the Model Collect kit and is very reasonably priced
07657 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, 1:12
will certainly be easier to and with some care and
build (those cab windows attention will build up Available from all good model
into a good model of stockists and online from
this important vehicle.
Revell kits are available
from all good model
shops and our thanks
to them for the review hobbycraft.co.uk/brand/revell
sample (www.revell.de).

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 13
 An in-depth look at some of the latest releases

Takom 1/35 1/72 David Grummitt

I was pleased to pick up two an extremely convincing cast War theme, I also purchased That said, Takom have done
kits I’d been looking out for texture. The one-piece vinyl Takom’s small-scale boxing everything possible to make
recently, both from Takom. tracks are new and represent of the FV432 Mk. 2/1 and this an enjoyable modelling
M60A1 U.S. Army Main the early T97E2 type, although Chieftain Mk. 5 (ref. 5008). experience. The link-and-
Battle Tank (ref. 2132) is based at least some of the 3rd Alex Clark has already waxed
length tracks, which contain
on their earlier release of Armored Division M60A1s lyrical about the virtues of
some very small individual
the USMC M60A1 with RISE – one of the decal options – the Chieftain kit, so I’ll limit
ERA, which I built a couple of were fitted with T142 tracks my comments here to the link, are formed with the
years ago. This kit represents by the mid 1970s. There are FV432. Takom’s 1/35-scale help of a jig, while the upper
a U.S. Army version during some colourful marking and FV432 is an absolute gem of hull cage is formed from
the 1970s when the tank camouflage schemes available a kit and this 1/72 version, photoetch, again with the
represented the mainstay of to modellers of US equipment if possible, is even better. help of a jig. I think this really
American armoured forces during the 1970s and the The FV432 comprises three will just be a case of taking
in Germany. The kit contains M60A1 is no exception. sprues and more parts than one’s time in assembling the
ten grey plastic sprues, two Coupled with the opportunity you would have expected to
kit to produce a really superb
clear sprues, and a photoetch for some extreme weathering have found in a 1/35-scale
replica of another Cold War
fret for the rear turret basket and lots of readily accessible kit of this vehicle a decade
mesh. The moulding is reference material, this should or so ago. The detail and icon. Both kits are very highly
extremely crisp, with no flash mean it proves a deservedly fineness of the moulding is recommended. Takom kits are
or tricky ejection pin marks, popular kit. exquisite, resulting, of course, available from all good model
and the turret and hull have Continuing the 1970s Cold in some very small parts. shops.

(above, right) 2132

(above) 5008

(below, right) FV432 sprues

(right) Chieftain
from 5008

14 Military Modelcraft International

1/35 1/35
scale scale

5.5cm flak (VG2) Gerät 58

UK Distributor: Frome Model Centre
www.fmc-wholesale.com
1-2 Catherine Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DA, UK. Tel (44) 01373 465295
Trade enquiries: [email protected]
Customscale/16.02 Dubrowstr. 52 14129 Berlin
Deutschland/Germany
Telefon: 015737736543 Fax: 030 53677261
Geschäftsführer: Michael Baldeweg
www.customscale.de

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 15
 A round up of the latest releases

ACE Model Ace Model AFV Club AFV Club

3-inch Smith Gun Nagmashot IDF Heavy APC Landing Vehicle Set 2 (USA M1A1 155mm Cannon –
(Ordnance Smooth Bore) Scale: 1/72 Korea War and WWII) Long Tom (WW2 Version)
Scale: 1/72 Ref: 72440 Scale: 1/350 Scale: 1/35
Ref: 72569 SRP: £TBA Ref: SE73517 Ref: AF35295
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
See: www.acemodel.com.ua
See: www.acemodel.com.ua See: www.hobbyfan.com.tw See: www.hobbyfan.com.tw

AJM Models The Bodi The Bodi The Bodi

Japanese Anti-Aircraft LRDG Trooper, WWII US Paratrooper, WWII Normandy WWII US Military Police
Gun Type 88-75mm Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35
Scale: 1/72 Ref: TB-35163 Ref: TB-35167 Ref: TB-35170
Ref: G 72-001 SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
SRP: £TBA
See: www.thebodi.eu See: www.thebodi.eu See: www.thebodi.eu
See: www.ajmmodels.pl

Bravo6 Das Werk FC Modeltrend Friendship Models

US Army Inf. (13) Fireman’s Carry Pz.Sfl.Ia 5cm Pak 38 auf Renault FT-17 Lithuania AEC Marshall 6x4 3-Ton Truck
Scale: 1/35 gp.Mun.Schlepper VK3.02 Scale: 1/16 with GS Wooden Body
Ref: B6-35331 Scale: 1/35 Ref: 16045 Scale: 1/76
SRP: £TBA Ref: DW 35017 SRP: £TBA Ref: WV76061
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
See: www.bravo6.diorama.ru See: www.fcmodeltrend.com
See: www.das-werk-models.com See: www.friendshipmodels.co.uk

Hobby Fan ICM MDMB Meng Model

BAOR Centurion MBT Crew Studebaker US6 with Casa di Mamma Israeli Heavy Armoured
(incl. Optional Heads) WWII Soviet Drivers Scale: 1/35 Personnel Carrier ‘Namer’
Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35 Ref: 20201112 Scale: 1/35
Ref: HF758 Ref: 35510 SRP: £TBA Ref: SS-018
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
See: www.facebook.com/mdmb
See: www.hobbyfan.com.tw See: www.icm.com.ua See: www.meng-model.com

16 Military Modelcraft International

DECEMBER – JANUARY

Humber Armoured Car Mk.III

British Army Africa & Italy

NEW

SU-76i “Komandir”
Phänomen Granit 25H
Command version
1:72
72939
72890
Plastikový model
Plastic model kit
Plastik-Modellbausatz
Modèle réduit

Propagandawagen

NEW
NEW

RESIN AND PE
PARTS

More information:

blog.attack-kits.eu www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 17
 A round up of the latest releases

Model Miniature ModellTrans Modellbau Passion Models Passion Models

VBL Milan Anti-Tank Version (Pre- Rear Gear Set & Equipment for PE/Metal Detail Set for KV-1/KV-2 Tool Boxes for KV Series
Assembled & Pre-Painted Model) Medium A Tank Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35
Scale: 1/72 ‘Whippet’ (for Emhar Kit) Ref: P35-155 Ref: P35-161
Ref: RK292 Scale: 1/72 SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
SRP: £TBA Ref: MT72830
SRP: £TBA See: www.passionmodels.jp See: www.passionmodels.jp
See: www.model-miniature.com
See: www.modelltrans.com

Scale75 Scale75 Scale75 Scale75

Bricks & Roofs Paint Set Urban Dirt Weathering Set Radio Operator (US The Flag over Berlin (incl. 3
Ref: SSE-072 Ref: SSE-073 Armored Infantry) Figures, Flag & Parapet)
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35
Ref: SW35-047 Ref: SW35-049
See: www.scale75.com See: www.scale75.com SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA

See: www.scale75.com See: www.scale75.com

Scale75 Scorpion Miniature Models Scorpion Miniature Models SG Modelling

Kessel, Stalingrad 1942 (incl. 3 Challenger 1 and 2 Driver Training Centurion Skirt Handles PE Detail Set for T-15 Armata
Figures, Ruined Building & Base) Tank (CTT and DTT) Conversion Set Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/72
Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35 Ref: SMM3541 Ref: f72009
Ref: SW35-050 Ref: SMM3531 SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
See: www.scorpion-miniature-models. See: www.sg-modelling.ru
See: www.scale75.com See: www.scorpion-miniature-models. co.uk
co.uk

SG Modelling Special Armour Special Armour Snake Model

PE Detail Set for 2S19M1 MSTA-S Sd.Kfz.131 Marder II Sd.Ah 115 Flatbed Trailer Private Military Company
Scale: 1/72 (7.5cm PaK 40/2) (Tank Transport) Contractors (2005-2011)
Ref: f72010 Scale: 1/72 Scale: 1/72 Scale: 1/72
SRP: £TBA Ref: SA72020 Ref: SA72022 Ref: SMM-72001
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
See: www.sg-modelling.ru
See: www.specialhobby.eu See: www.cmkkits.com See: www.snakemodel.com

18 Military Modelcraft International

BEST BRASS AROUND
Jagdpanzer Marder I
for Tamiya kit 1/35

Cat. No. 36457

January 2021 release www.eduard.com

Search on www. plusmodel.cz

LEAD WIRE - LONG
Lead wires 240 mm long
Cat. No. 543 - diameter 0,2 mm
Cat. No. 544 - diameter 0,3 mm
Cat. No. 545 - diameter 0,4 mm
Cat. No. 546 - diameter 0,5 mm
Cat. No. 547 - diameter 0,6 mm
Cat. No. 548 - diameter 0,7 mm
Cat. No. 549 - diameter 0,8 mm
Cat. No. 550 - diameter 0,9 mm
Cat. No. 551 - diameter 1,0 mm
NEW PRODUCT NEW PRODUCT

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 19
 A round up of the latest releases

Stalingrad Stalingrad Stalingrad Stalingrad

Volksturm in Action, 1945 Volksturm in Action, 1945 Volksturm in Action, 1945 Volksturm in Action, 1945
Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35 Scale: 1/35
Ref: S-3210 Ref: S-3211 Ref: S-3212 Ref: S-3213
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA

See: www.stalingrad.diorama.ru See: www.stalingrad.diorama.ru See: www.stalingrad.diorama.ru See: www.stalingrad.diorama.ru

Takom Takom Takom Tommy’s War

M46 Patton & ¼ Ton Utility Truck Panther Ausf.G (Early Bergepanzer 2A2 Sergeant, 4th Bn. King’s Own
Scale: 1/35 Production) w/Zimmerit Scale: 1/35 Yorkshire Light Infantry
Ref: 2117X Scale: 1/35 Ref: 2135 Scale: 1/32
SRP: £TBA Ref: 2134 SRP: £TBA Ref: TW32051
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
See: www.takom-world.com See: www.takom-world.com
See: www.takom-world.com See: www.tommyswar.co.uk

Voyager Model
Valkyrie Miniatures Vespid Models Vespid Models PE/Metal Upgrade Set for Willys
WWII German Wehrmacht Tank A-34 ‘Comet’ Mk.1B Jeep with Add-On Armour
Crew Set (Winter Clothes) for Scale: 1/72
Flakpanzer VIII ‘Maus’
Scale: 1/72 Scale: 1/35
Panzer IV Ausf.G Late – Ausf.J (incl. Ref: VS720004 Ref: PE351066
3 Full Figures & 2 Half Figures) SRP: £TBA Ref: VS720005
SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
Scale: 1/35
Ref: VW35001 See: www.facebook.com/vespidmod- See: www.voyagermodel.com
els See: www.facebook.com/vespidmod-
SRP: £TBA
els
See: www.valkyrie.co.kr

Yellow House Club

Red Army Tankman (1920) Yellow House Club Zone Miniatures Zvezda
Scale: 1/35 French Armoured Syrian Warrior Russian Armored
Ref: YH35004 Tractor Filtz STG Mod.1915 Scale: 1/12 Bust Vehicle ‘Typhoon-K’
SRP: £TBA Scale: 1/35 Ref: ZM 12001 Scale: 1/35
Ref: YH35025 SRP: £TBA Ref: 3701
See: www.facebook.com/yellow- SRP: £TBA SRP: £TBA
houseclub See: www.facebook.com/zone-minia-
See: www.facebook.com/yellow- tures See: www.zvezda.org.ru
houseclub

20 Military Modelcraft International

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 21
 COLD WAR

AML-90 Imad Bouantoun debuts

in MMI with an Irish
Peacekeeper.

I
n April 1978, Panhard AMLs A reconnaissance company checkpoint in the village of and re-took the village. As
of the Irish Army were consisting of AML-90s and At Tiri in southern Lebanon. well as engaging the half-
deployed as part of the Panhard M3s was subsequently Evidently, this was in response tracks, the armoured cars were
United Nations Interim Force in transferred from Cyprus to to a statement made by involved in a stand-off with SLA
Lebanon (UNIFIL), where they Lebanon alongside the 43rd Ireland’s Minister for Foreign M50s on the outskirts of the
saw considerable action against Irish Battalion, to join the newly Affairs, which they perceived village. The tanks ultimately
the South Lebanon Army (SLA) formed UNIFIL. As the most as being supportive of the declined to intervene as Dutch
militia. Ireland had originally heavily armed of the national PLO. One peacekeeper was reinforcements arrived, armed
purchased sixteen AML-60s UNIFIL contingent, the AMLs mortally wounded, nine with BGM-71 TOW missiles.
from France in 1964 for its frequently functioned as a others taken prisoner, and At least one AML commander
United Nations Peacekeeping mobile force reserve. They were the checkpoint overrun. The was awarded Ireland’s highest
Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) also used to man checkpoints SLA then deployed four M9 military honour, the Military
contingent. The deterioration between the belligerent SLA half-tracks equipped with Medal for Gallantry, for actions
of the security situation there and Palestinian Liberation heavy machine-guns, which during this engagement.
led to the purchase of a further Organisation (PLA) positions. they used to harass UNIFIL Since then, Irish AMLs
sixteen AML-60s and twenty On 12 August 1980, SLA convoys. Two days later, the have seen action in the 1996
AML-90s. Militiamen attacked an Irish Irish AML-90s counter-attacked Operation Grapes of Wrath, a

22 Military Modelcraft International

 COLD WAR

sixteen-day campaign against

Lebanon by the Israeli Defense
Force, which attempted to end
rocket attacks on northern
Israel by Hezbollah forces.

The Model
The inspiration for this project
was an online image of a UNIFIL
AML-90. Already aware of its
connection to the conflict in
Lebanon, I decided to tackle a
small vignette incorporating
the vehicle on patrol during the
winter in a mountain area close
to the southern border.
Apart from a couple of way, with no need to invest in
older resin kits, the only aftermarket products.
versions currently available
in 1/35 scale are from Takom
and Tiger Model. After some 1-2 The kit is a perfect
candidate for an out-
of-the-box build.
consideration, I opted for
the latter, ‘Panhard AML-90’
(ref. 4635). This was certainly
a wise choice as the quality
3 With basic assembly
complete, I added texture
to the exhaust using a mix
of moulding, parts-fit and of Tamiya putty and a small
attention to detail are excellent. quantity of micro balloons.

In addition to the injection-

moulded components, the kit
includes the option of multi-
part plastic and one-piece vinyl
tyres, clear parts for light and
periscope lenses, turned-metal
gun barrels (aluminium for
the 90mm, and brass for the
co-axial machine gun), some
very nice separate suspension
springs, and two frets of
photoetched components.
Assembly proved to be
relatively straightforward and
there were no issues along the

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 23
 COLD WAR

weathering the wheels. Further

AMMO products were then
Painting and Weathering used to extend the treatment,
and finally a partial covering of
4 I sprayed a coat of grey
primer and once this had 9 The interior faces of the
turret hatches were given Fresh Mud (A.MIG. 1402). 8
fully dried, I applied an overall
coat of AMMO’s Chipping
(A.MIG. 0044), a very dark
a coat of Dark Green (A.MIG.
915), to be followed later by a 16 The final step was to
lightly airbrush Engine
Grime (A.MIG. 1407) to the
sponge-applied lighter green
brown colour. (from the LifeColor range) lower-most portions of the hull.

5 Following a layer of
AMMO’s Scratches Effects
Chipping Fluid (A.MIG. 2010), I
to give the impression of
wear around the edge of the 17 The two crew figures
were a mix-and-match
assembly using half-torsos
hatches.
applied a coat of White (A.MIG. from Academy, arms and
0050). Allowing this thirty-
minutes drying time, I then
10 The first weathering step
was to apply a filter layer
using AMMO’s Brown for White
hands from MiniArt, and heads
from Hornet. Once primed,
proceeded to replicate (A.MIG. 1500). they were base-painted
surface scratches and other
paintwork damage using small
amounts of water and the end
11 After 24 hours, I applied
an enamel-based pin
wash using Black Wash (A.MIG.
using acrylics from LifeColor.
Appropriate highlights were
added, followed by a coat of
of a pair of tweezers. 1011). satin varnish, and oils were
6 Since the kit only provides
decals for French Army
vehicles, I made my own
12 To recreate a generally
dirty appearance, I
applied AMMO’s Streaking
used to detail the faces. A final
coat of matt varnish, and the
12
figures were ready to be added
UN markings using a stencil Grime for Interiors (A.MIG.
to the model.
cut from masking tape. The 1200).
lettering was then airbrushed
with Black (A.MIG. 0046). 13 Focusing now on the
lower hull, I applied a
Setting the Scene

7 Having chosen to stick

with the kit’s vinyl tyres,
layer of Earth, from AMMO’s
‘Nature Effects’ range (A.MIG.
18 The basic shape of the
terrain was made from
a piece of blue foam, roughly
I painted these black, and 1403). Over this, I added a mix
repeated the white over the of earth-tone pigments to cut to shape with a hobby
wheel hubs. A similar ‘paint suggest a build-up of dry mud. knife and a layer of Super Clay
chipping’ treatment was given applied. Small stones were
to the rims, this time using a
piece of sponge.
14 To provide the necessary
contrast of fresh mud
over existing dry mud, I applied
added to replicate the rocky
terrain.

8 Before making a start on

the weathering process, I
treated the model to a coat of
a mix of Wet Ground (A.MIG.
1755) and Fresh Engine Oil 19 Once completely dry, the
surface was covered with
a layer of Dark Mud Ground
(A.MIG. 1408).
AMMO’s Satin ‘Lucky’ Varnish from AMMO’s ‘Acrylic Mud’
(A.MIG. 2052). 15 Again, using AMMO’s
Earth, I made a start on range (A.MIG. 2104).
16

24 Military Modelcraft International

 COLD WAR

5 6 7

9 10 11

13 14 15

17 18 19

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 25
 COLD WAR

21 22

21 This was also allowed

to dry, and I then added
various forms of vegetation:
(ref. 36168) from Eduard.

22 Muddy puddles and

areas of wet ground Availability:
Long Grass/Reeds (ref. 114), were replicated using a mix
Tiger Model 1/35 Panhard
Fine Bush (ref. 111), and of resin and AMMO’s acrylic AML-90 Light Armoured
Seafoam (ref. 100 Series) all colours. All that remained was Car (full interior) (ref. 4635)
from Joefix Studios, and Bushes to fix the vehicle in place.

26 Military Modelcraft International

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 27
 COLD WAR

Ilya Yut builds an

SLA T-54 APC.

but available
photographs show
them to have been
fitted with a variety the colour of the
of superstructures. vehicle. It hardly

L
ebanon (officially eventually led to a civil war,
The Model seems an effective camouflage
known as the Lebanese which lasted from 1975 until
Last year, Miniart added to colour and there are various
Republic) is the smallest 1990.
their range of T-54/T-55-based explanations, ranging
recognised sovereign state on Until its disbandment in
kits with the release of two from ‘blending with urban
the mainland Asian continent. 2000, the South Lebanese Army environment’ to ‘perfect for
With a diverse population that (also known as the Lahad Army) versions of the South Lebanese
Army’s APC: ‘SLA Heavy APC- scaring evil spirits’. Whatever
includes Maronite Christians, was a Christian-dominated the reason, it certainly looks
Shia and Sunni Muslims, and militia, largely supported and 54’ (ref. 37055), and ‘SLA Heavy
APC-54 with Dozer Blade’ (ref. different, and offers a challenge
Druze, the country remained equipped by Israel. It received for the modeller. The dozer
stable for several decades until various military assets from its 37028). Initially, I was doubtful
attachment appears to be
the arrival of the Palestinian southern neighbour, including about tackling such an obscure
some kind of snow plough
Liberation Organisation in the the M-50 Sherman and the subject, but when I came across
welded to an Israeli blade. This
Tiran (an Israeli modified the box-art for the second kit
1970s. Having been driven is quite feasible, as, surprisingly
T-54 and T-55). Several of the (resplendent with its bright red perhaps, Lebanon has
from Jordan (following the
Tiran tanks were converted dozer blade), I simply had to mountains that become snow-
attempted deposition of
into open-topped armoured add this to my collection. bound during winter months.
King Hussein), PLO members
personnel carriers. Exactly how Added to these attractions, I suspect the kit was inspired
relocated to Lebanon, from
many existed is unknown, is the odd choice of blue for by photographs of a single
where they carried out attacks
on Israel, and empowered abandoned vehicle. It is difficult
Muslim factions in the to be sure whether
Lebanese power equation. This

28 Military Modelcraft International

 COLD WAR

the dozer was actually painted much trouble.

red, or whether this was simply Although photographs show
a red primer. these vehicles fitted with late-
Both ‘APC’ kits feature interior pattern roadwheels, I decided
fittings. Not having built an to replace some with the early
‘interior’ kit for several years, I type (compliments of my
was somewhat daunted by the spares box), simply to add more
idea. However, it proved to be visual interest. I also replicated
far easier than anticipated. In
damage to some of the tyres, in
fact, I only included details that
keeping with the vehicle’s well-
would be visible through the
worn appearance.
open turret ring, the remaining
items being consigned to the
spares box.
With a fairly large parts
A The interior was
assembled, painted and
weathered, and the accessories
count and complex assembly all added before the final
sequence, MiniArt’s T-54/T-55 assembly.
kits tend to be suited to the
more experienced modeller.
However, this particular kit
B I concentrated on only
those parts of the interior
that would be visible on the
had fewer parts, making it finished model, but with this
the perfect candidate for an
open-topped APC that was still
out-of-the-box project. I largely
quite a lot!
followed this approach, and
only added/replaced small
details where necessary. I did
C-D Built more or less out
of the box, MiniArt’s
SLA APC is a distinctive-looking
feel that the machine-guns
lacked detail, so I improved AFV. A few details, such as
these with a few aftermarket the lifting mechanism for
items. the engine grilles (C2), were
The kit includes a selection improved (in this case with
of photoetched parts, but I thin wire), while some of the
abandoned these, as gluing photoetch was replaced with
them in place proved to be too Plasticard.

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 29
 COLD WAR

Painting and Weathering thinner (X-20A). Otherwise, the (LS-09), heavily diluted with AMMO’s Oilbrusher Buff (A.MIG
Having painted and weathered two brands are compatible, and odourless enamel thinner 3517) to selected areas, I now
the interior, I masked the area mix very well. Again, allowing (photo 5). In order to enhance had a good basis for further
using a combination of Tamiya the paint to completely dry, the colour modulation effect, weathering (photo 7). A darker
tape and one of Wilder’s ‘Quick I worked on the ‘chipped and to emphasise areas of shade of dust and dry mud
Mask’ liquids. When painting paintwork’ effects using various shadow, I used this colour effects were now added using
the exterior, I attempted to brushes, toothpicks and other mixed with a small amount various oil colours from Wilder,
combine the ‘hairspray’ and instruments moistened with of Winsor & Newton’s Phthalo AMMO and Winsor & Newton. A
‘colour modulation’ techniques. water (photo 2). Blue. Once applied, the paint similar result could have been
This proved to be rather With several layers of was blended using a brush achieved with pigments, but
problematic, so in future I paint applied, this resulted slightly moistened with thinner. the oil paint approach allowed
will settle for the modulation in a longer drying time, and A couple of points to bear in for much smoother transitions
method only or use oil paints consequently, more difficulty mind when using oil paints: the between the colours. I also
rather than the airbrush if with the chipping process. proportion of pigment varies applied small spots of colour to
combining the two. Ultimately, I was forced to between manufacturers; and replicate grease and fuel stains
With the base camouflage supplement the ‘scratched’ ‘artist’ type oils need to be and removed any excess with
scheme applied, the intention damage using a fine-pointed allowed to rest on a piece of enamel thinner (a technique I
was to replicate chipped brush and sponge. Various cardboard before applying to came across on Martin Kovac’s
paintwork and surface Tamiya colours were used here, the model (this absorbs most of ‘Night Shift’ YouTube videos)
scratches at a later stage together with AK Interactive’s the linseed oil, thus avoiding an (photo 8). More intense areas
using Tamiya acrylics. These Chipping Color (AK711) for unwanted sheen) (photo 6). of spilled fuel were recreated
would show exposed areas the areas of corroded metal. As well as reference using 502 Abteilung’s Engine
of IDF sand, Soviet green, red I normally avoid ‘painting’ photographs, another useful Grease (Abt160). Applied
primer and (in extreme cases) chips and scratches, but on source of inspiration comes with a fine-pointed brush
corroded metal (photo 1). this occasion I had no option from the work of other over existing dark areas, the
Once dry, the entire surface (photo 3). The next step was modellers. I was particularly result was a convincing semi-
was treated to a couple of coats to apply a coat of diluted impressed by Belgian modeller transparent appearance (photo
of hairspray, and after a few Tamiya Clear (X-22) to obtain Kristof Pulinckx’s treatment of 9).
minutes, I was ready to proceed a satin surface in preparation MiniArt’s Tiran 4 (again in SLA Streaking effects are perfect
with the colour modulation. for the subsequent weathering blue) and was able to share for creating visual interest to
Time to apply the topcoat, treatment (photo 4). some of his techniques here. vertical and sloping panels.
the unmistakable blue. The To make life easier, I decided Less than satisfied with my Here I used a combination
initial colour was Tamiya to paint the hatches and other attempt to use oils and enamels of Wilder’s Light Buff (LS-04)
Flat Blue (XF-8), followed by smaller items before attaching to replicate a light covering of and Oilbrusher Dark Brown
highlights using a mix of AK them to the model. I did have dust to the model, I took a tip (A.MIG 3512), applying thin
Interactive’s Pale Blue (RC017) a selection of ready-mixed from Kristof, and opted instead streaks down the glacis plate,
from their ‘Real Colors’ range, washes, but these had become for an airbrushed mix of Tamiya superstructure and other
and Tamiya’s Flat White (XF-2). unusable after a few years on Buff (XF-57) and Flat White panels. Blending and refining
It is worth mentioning that AK’s my shelf. Instead, I made my (XF-2). With the addition of the streaks requires practice, so
Real Colors need to be diluted own wash using Wilder’s Black it is wise to try this on a piece of
with lacquer thinner for best Brown plastic sheet before committing
results, resulting in a rather oil paint to the model (photo 10).
unpleasant odour, but can also
be thinned with Tamiya Acrylic

30 Military Modelcraft International

 COLD WAR

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 31
 COLD WAR

Now, using Wilder’s Dark Brown AMMO’s enamel-based Wet (diluted with odorless thinner); acrylics, followed by AMMO’s
(TE 03) and Light Europe (TE Mud (A.MIG-1705). Although and a dry-brushing of Tamiya’s Medium Rust (A.MIG-040) to
11) from the ‘Textured Earth’ the area would be largely Chrome Silver (X-11) over all enrich the appearance (photo
range, I used an old toothbrush hidden by the road wheels, I contact surfaces (finally toned 18). Having applied a coat
to flick these over the rear felt it important to add these down with graphite powder) of hairspray, I gave the entire
portion of the hull (having first effects, as parts would still be (photo 17). area a coat of Tamiya Flat Red
masked other areas to prevent visible on the completed model If achieving a realistic blue (XF-7), lightened with a few
unwanted overspray). With (photo 14). for the vehicle was a challenge, drops of Flat White (photo 19).
the textured application fully The wheels received a more so was the red dozer I repeated the ‘paint chipping’
dry, I applied a wash of heavily similar weathering treatment; attachment. Come to think process, but the result was
diluted Winsor & Newton’s a sequence of AK and AMMO of it, how often do we AFV (to my mind) less convincing.
Burnt Umber (photo 11). deposits and pigments, modellers use this colour? In Rather than spend more time
Weathering to the lower hull dark mud and grease stains, fact, it took me no less than five trying to improve this, I applied
began with a liberal application ‘mud’ spatters, and touches attempts until I was completely a filter layer of the Flat Red
of AK Interactive’s Sand Yellow of metallic paint to replicate satisfied (each time, having (diluted with water). Again,
Deposits (AK 4061) and Light polished steel on the sprockets to remove the previous layer further ‘chips and scratches’
Dust Deposits (AK 4062) and idlers (photo 15). before continuing). As most were added using my fine-
(photo 12). Once these were Painting and weathering the modellers will agree, red is pointed brush and sponge,
dry, I followed with dark brown tracks was a simple process: not a particularly opaque and a dark oil-based wash was
streaks (selected colours from an initial coat of dark brown colour. The problem is often applied (photo 20).
the ‘Oilbrusher’ range) and (Tamiya acrylic); a layer of compounded by the choice of To preserve the distinctive
manipulated these to give the Wilder’s Light European undercoat. One would assume red colour, I subjected the
impression of dust and mud pigment; an airbrushing of that white would be the best dozer attachment to minimal
streaks that had been washed Tamiya’s Buff (XF-57) and choice here, but this has a weathering. Mixed with
downwards with the rain Wooden Deck Tan (XF-78) to tendency to transform the red pigment fixer, 502 Abteilung’s
(photo 13). Mud splatters were create tonal variation (photo into a weird shade of pink. Desert Sand Pigment (AbtP417)
added, again using Wilder’s 16); patches of AK Interactive’s Eventually, I settled for a dark was applied as a paste. Once
Dark Brown, together with Dark Streaking Grime (AK 1206) rust-tone base using Tamiya this was dry, I used a wide

32 Military Modelcraft International

 COLD WAR

brush moistened with the now applied to create a dusty assemblies glued together, some additional items (both
fixer to replicate rain marks appearance (photo 21). I was ready to attend to any military and civilian) – spare
over the surface. A further Once again ‘mud’ splatters areas that had been missed ammunition, cigarette butts,
point to consider … unlike were applied, followed by the during the painting/weathering boxes, posters, bottles –
enamel thinner, pigment fixer ‘Chrome Silver’ treatment to stages. I always try to add anything that would give
actually sticks the pigments replicate exposed metal in various items of stowage and the model a truly ‘lived in’
to the surface; the only way of appropriate areas (photo 22). equipment to my models. appearance. The final addition
removing them is by applying With the various sub- Here was no exception; the was a pair of white stilettos
a further layer of the fixer. open compartment on the rear deck; I’ll leave the
The same pigments (diluted simply begged for reader to add the story behind
with odorless thinner) were those!

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 33
 COLD WAR

Final Thoughts
MiniArt’s T-54/55 series are
among the best plastic kits
released in recent years and
their SLA APC is no exception.
The chance to paint it blue and
red was an opportunity not
to be missed and this project
certainly pushed my modelling
skills in directions I had not
ventured to before. Usually I Availability:
feel a sense of relief when a MiniArt 1/35 SLA Heavy
project is finished, but on this APC-54 with Dozer Blade
occasion I only felt regret that (ref. 37028) is available from
the fun was over! good model shops.

34 Military Modelcraft International

 26 sizes - 20 fonts - 36 finishes
£3.00 to £6.00 including engraving
Send a large s.a.e. for a copy of the
new 16 page catalogue to:
Name It!
12 Savay Lane, Denham Green,
Denham, Bucks. UB9 5NH or
Telephone 01895 832757
Email: [email protected]
www.nameitplates.co.uk
EXTENSIVE 1/76th SCALE VEHICLE AND CONVERSION RANGES OF
ARMOUR AND SOFTSKINS FROM WORLD WAR 1 TO THE 2000’S
and Airfield Accessories 1/48th, 1/72nd, 1/76th and 1/144th scale ranges of
British and German airfield vehicles and equipment, including ambulances,
refuellers, tractors, G.S. and specialist vehicles, bomb trolleys, etc.

1/76 Universal Carrier 1/76 Scorpion / 1/76

Wading Screen Scimitar upgrade set REME Half Track M9
NEW: BW MODELS MILITARY TRANSFERS.
1/72nd scale AIRFIELD FIGURES and 1/76th scale CIVVY STREET RANGE.
1/144th scale VEHICLES and AIRCRAFT COCKPIT DETAILS.
See our updated website: www.matadormodels.co.uk
For full A5 catalogue please send sae or 2 IRCs to:
MATADOR MODELS 6 Cliffe Road, Barton on Sea,
NEW MILTON, Hants. BH25 7PB. Fax: 01425 628219

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 35
 WORLD WAR II

Igor Sydorenko builds

MiniArt’s new Panzer IV.

A
s well as being one of company MiniArt decided J Late/Last Production 2 in 1 Nibelungenwerk factory was
the most numerous to enter the fray with what (ref. 35344). The former contains itself badly damaged by Allied
armoured fighting promises to be an extensive a full interior, while the latter air raids in October 1944.
vehicles of World War II, the range of late-war variants of does not. The Nibelungenwerk Ausf. J
Panzer IV is also one of the the Panzer IV. represented a much simplified
most popular subjects for MiniArt’s recent kits have The Kit Panzer IV: the electrical turret
modellers. In 1/35 scale the tended to develop along The kit represents a very late- drive of the Ausf. H was
field is pretty crowded, with two lines: very complete and model Panzer IV assembled by omitted, as were the pistol
kits from all of the major complex kits containing a full the Nibelungenwerk factory, ports in the side turret doors.
manufacturers: Academy, interior and simpler, but no in the Austrian town of St. The armour on the turret roof
Dragon Models Limited, Hobby less detailed, kits that do not Valentin, between January and was strengthened and a close
Boss, Italeri, Tamiya, and include the interior. So far, four February 1945. Production of defence weapon was also
Zvezda. Dragon alone have kits of the Panzer IV have been the Ausf. J began in February installed in the turret roof.
over thirty separate boxings announced and more are sure 1944 and continued until the In September the mild steel
of their 2007 kit. In 2019 to follow. The first two to be end of the war with some Schürzen on the hull side were
newcomers Border Models and released are the subject of this 3,000 being built, a mammoth replaced with heavy mesh
Rye Field Models released their article, the Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. J undertaking considering skirts, which afforded the same
own range of Panzer IV kits, so Nibelungenwerk Late Prod. the Allied air attacks on amount of protection but were
it was a little bit of a surprise (Jan-Feb 1945) (ref. 35342), German manufacturing significantly lighter. Apparently,
when, last year, the Ukrainian and the Pz/Beob.Wg. IV Ausf. at this time. Indeed, the units receiving Panzer IVs made

1 2

36 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

at the Nibelungenwerk factory 71.206). This contains the

in the final months of the war two key colours: Red Primer
frequently complained of the and Elfenbein RAL1001, the
quality of the workmanship principal shades applied to the
and tanks often broke down interior of
soon after their arrival at the German
front. AFVs.

1-3 The interior under

way. As you can see,
it is very complete, including
both the Maybach HL 120 TRM
engine and transmission. There
is also a complete set of stowed
ammunition in the fighting
compartment.

4 The interior was painted

with Vallejo’s ‘German
Colors 1940-1945’ (ref.

Availability:
MiniArt 1/35 Pz.Kpfw. IV
Ausf. J Nibelungenwerk
Late Prod. (Jan-Feb 1945)
(ref. 35342) is available from
good model shops. www.
miniart-models.com

3 4

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 37
 WORLD WAR II

5 The painted interior begins

to take shape.

6 In this overhead view you

can see the amount of the
ammunition stowage available
to the Panzer IV commander.

7 A view from the right-hand

side, looking at the radio
operator’s position.

8 And from the left-hand

side, looking at the driver’s
position. The right hull side is
now fixed in place.

9 Both hull sides now

in place. The contrast
between the red primer, the 5 6
grey of the transmission and
the Elfenbein is evident.

10 A composite view of the

completed, painted and
weathered lower hull.

11 A close-up showing
the level of detail
MiniArt have achieved in the
driver’s and radio operator’s
compartment.

12 A detailed view of the

painted and weathered
Maybach engine. This was
assembled entirely from the
box.

13 The turret basket

includes the loader’s and
gunner’s seats. 9 10
14 The kit includes a fully
detailed 7.5cm KwK 40
L/48 gun breech.

15 The turret test fitted:

despite the enormous
number of parts and
complexity of the kit, MiniArt’s
engineering means a trouble
free, if time-consuming, build.

16 The Vallejo set contains

everything you need to
paint the interior and exterior
of late-war Panzers.

17 The kit contains the

distinctive Thoma mesh
shields which replaced the
sheet Schürzen in September
1944 and fully workable set of 13 14
individual link tracks.

18 The assembled model:

note the late-style stack
exhausts and the rails on which
the Thoma skirts are hung.

19 All the hatches can be

left open, something
absolutely necessary given
the time and effort spent in
assembling, painting and
weathering the interior.

20 The Panzer IV has been

dubbed the ‘workhorse
of the Panzerwaffe’ so it
seemed appropriate to load
it up with different elements
from MiniArt’s various 17 18
accessory sets.

38 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

7 8

11 12

15 16

19 20

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 39
 WORLD WAR II

21 22

23 24

21 The Vallejo set also

includes the exterior
colours: Dunkelgelb, Rotbraun
22 Some of the details were
picked out in Dunkelgelb
to emphasise the distinctive
23 A dark brown pin wash
further highlighted the
details.
may have not lasted long on
the front, the paint applied
was notoriously unstable and
and Olivgrün. shape of the Panzer IV.
24 Paint chips were added:
although these tanks
the wear inflicted upon them
heavy.

40 Military Modelcraft International

Glen Phelan looks at the longstanding UN peacekeeping
mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL.

An upgraded Spanish VEC-M1 patrols the

harsh mountainous roads of south-east
Lebanon, Shab’a area, during the winter of
2019. (UN/Pasqual Gorriz)

I
n the first part of our has operated there, thousands ordnance, Lebanon being one War II, since the region had
series on UN operations upon thousands of military of the most mined areas in the been arbitrarily divided up by
(MMI July 2020), we personnel, from around the world, at one point. Demining the old colonial powers. For
looked at the history of UN world, myself included, and and ordnance disposal have decades after, Middle Eastern
peacekeeping operations in my father before me, have been some of UNIFIL’s many states, new and old, vied with
Africa. We also discussed the served beneath a blue helmet tasks, as has teaching these life- each other for land, power and
short comings and successes in the harsh but beautiful hills saving skills to the Lebanese influence in the region. Tension
of UN missions, and went of South Lebanon. The UN themselves. Other tasks UNIFIL along the Israel-Lebanon
on to cover Definitions and personnel have operated a engage, or have engaged, in border had increased and, by
Fundamentals. Whereas Part I wide variety of military vehicles is to facilitate the protection the early 1970s, the relocation
covered multiple UN missions, in the arduous terrain and of civilians and refugees of Palestinian armed elements
and types, here we’ll exclusively operations there, some more including foot/vehicle patrols, from Jordan to Lebanon added
cover the UNIFIL mission, a suitable than others, some observation, diplomacy, fuel to a building fire, and in
Peace Keeping Operation that old, post-war types and some infrastructure building and 1975 a civil war broke out. That
has been ongoing since 1978. new, cutting edge, military repair, education, search and war was the result of internal
While it is under the same platforms. Many, civilian rescue, logistics, medical and tensions and conflicts, not
mandate, it is currently in its and soldier alike, owe their humanitarian assistance, as helped by outside interference
third iteration, having been lives to several millimetres of well as training of their own, from near and far, while the
modified twice in extreme whitewashed steel, as bullets NGO and Lebanese personnel. largely Muslim population
circumstances. There are two flew through and shell splinters There is also a Maritime Task was unhappy about the
distinct periods, sometimes tore at the air around them. Force, since 2006, the first in socio-economically privileged
referred to as ‘UNIFIL I’ and Improvised Explosive Devices any UN mission. position of the Maronite-
‘UNIFIL II’, or ‘old UNIFIL’ and (IEDs), a term used in Lebanon Christian elite. There was also
‘new UNIFIL’, the first being long before the Afghanistan United Nations Interim Force considerable opposition to the
1978 to 2006 and the second and Iraq campaigns, in Lebanon (UNIFIL) strict religious sectarianism in
from 2006 to the present. proliferated, as did mines of Tensions in the region had Lebanese society and in the
In the forty plus years the UN all types and unexploded continued to build after World political system. The Maronites

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 41
ARMOUR IN PROFILE
695000 700000 705000 710000 715000 720000 725000 730000 735000 740000 745000 750000 755000 760000
BRF121
3700000

3700000
a
e
X
MTF Maritime Task Force

S
X II
EAST
SHQ HQ OGL
1 vessel (1corvette)
ESP ESP
(+)

n
BRA HQ
LOG IND
3700000

3700000
1 vessel (1corvette) ESP CHN

e a
DEU
1 vessel (1corvette) HASBAYYA
BGD
1 vessel (1frigate)
GRC
a n PB EAST
7-3 4-2
7-2 4-3
1 vessel (1corvette) NABATIYE
e r r

TUR
MARJAYOUN
3690000

3690000
1 vessel (1corvette)
S
IDN 4-7A
I
IND
Chebaa
FCR HQ
X
M e d i t

FRA

L E B A N O N 4-13 4-7C
EP28 EP00 Kafer Chouba
EP03 ESP
Lita ni River 4-30
4-31
3690000

3690000
KOR Burj Rahhal 9-66
HQ 9-2
KOR Tayr Falsay
4-34

KOR HQ
HQ IDN
MYS Kafer Kela 4-28
2-5 9-15
7-1 Al Ghajar
3680000

3680000
9-10 9-64 O ccupi ed Gol an
TYR (SUR)
9-1 IDN ( S Y R I A )
2-1 El Adeisse
9-63
Ar Rashidiyah V
Jwayya

X
V
I
XX I
3680000

3680000
FHQ
Z

II
MAR
SUP
(-)
MYS HQ
NPL
IDN Qana 8-33
II

SUP WEST
X
8-31
N
AUT SHQ 8-32
ITA Tibnin
CHN 8-32A
HQ UNCLASSIFIED
ITA
NPL
ITA
3670000

3670000
6-40 6-43
(-)
CIMIC ITA HQ
5-10 HQ
GHA
HQ
8-30 UNIFIL DEPLOYMENT MAP
IDN ITA (+) IRL As of JUL 2020
(-)
ITA GHA 8-34 1:250,000
IDN Zibqin
1-26 ITA 6-41 0 2.5 5 10
2-31
MP Kilometers
TZA 2-3 OGL
(+)
3670000

3670000
IND Blida 1-31 UNIFIL Position
2-45 OGL team boundary
Bayt Lif 8-36 PB OGL Patrol Base
Tayr Harfa ADL 1949
OGL PB WEST 2-45A
GHA 5-66 The Blue Line UNDOF Alpha Line LEBANON
UNIFIL HQ
Ayn Ibil BINT JUBAYL UNIFIL AO boundary Main road
OGL HQ Al Naqoura UNIFIL sector boundary
OPHIN Litani River
5-42 UNIFIL battalion boundary
1-0A 1-21 6-52
Ayta Ash Sha’b
3660000

3660000
1-32A 5-20 IRL MOHAFAZA CENTER
1-31 CAZA CENTER SY RIAN AR AB
OPLAB Rumaysh Other Town or Village REPUBLIC
Occupied
5-22 Golan
I S R A E L The boundaries and names shown andthe designations used on this map do not
imply official endorsement or acceptance (SY R IA )
6-50 by the United Nations.
TP16 ISRAEL
by UNIFIL HQ - GIS (Naqoura) # 6789 / [email protected]

695000 700000 705000 710000 715000 720000 725000 730000 735000 740000 745000 750000 755000 760000

were also fearful of the commando raids against Israel country, the exception being territory immediately. The
Palestinian groups, especially followed by Israeli reprisals Tyre city and its surrounds. On decision was also made to
the Palestinian Liberation against Palestinian bases in 15 March 1978, the Lebanese establish the United Nations
Organisation (PLO), which Lebanon intensified (almost government, struggling to Interim Force in Lebanon
were acting more and more always resulting in more civilian function, submitted a strong (UNIFIL), with immediate effect.
as a ‘state within a state’. After than military casualties). On protest to the UN Security The first UNIFIL troops arrived
a year of war, the Lebanese 11 March 1978, an attack Council (UNSC) against the in late March 1978, in the main
government apparatus had, in Israel, for which the PLO Israeli invasion, stating that made up of troops from nearby
to a great degree, broken claimed responsibility resulted it had no connection with existing UN missions, such as
down. Under pressure from in many dead and wounded PLO commando raids. UN UNEF, UNTSO and UNDOF.
the Arab League, the civil among the local population. resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 Resolution 425 (1978)
war in Lebanon came to a Israel’s response was for the (1978) were adopted on 19 established two requirements:
temporary halt in October Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to March by the UNSC, in which it first, it called for strict respect
1976. invade Lebanon, on the night called upon Israel to cease all for the territorial integrity,
Tit-for-tat, but frequent, of 14/15 March, occupying military action and withdraw sovereignty and political
clashes, in the form of PLO much of the south of the its forces from all Lebanese independence of Lebanon
within its internationally
recognised boundaries;
and, second, the Security
Council called upon Israel
to immediately cease its
military action against
Lebanese territorial integrity
and withdraw its forces from
Lebanon. The Security Council
had also decided, in the light
of the request of the Lebanese
government, to establish
immediately the UNIFIL force
for southern Lebanon. This
interim force would be created
for three broadly defined
purposes: confirming the
withdrawal of Israeli forces;
restoring international peace
and security; and assisting
the Lebanese government

42 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN PROFILE

in ensuring the return of its

effective authority in the area.
Setting up company, platoon
and section-sized posts, check 1 Map The deployment of UNIFIL in
Lebanon as of July 2020. (UN/UNIFIL)
withdrawal in 1978. (Martii Tikka)

4 Thomas Jones poses by his battle-

In resolution 426 (1978), the
Security Council approved the
report of the Secretary-General
points (CPs) and observation
posts (OPs), within their
designated Battalion Areas
2 UN personnel observe DFF positions
as the IDF withdraw in 1978. Note
the camouflage pattern of the ex-IDF M50.
scarred AML-90, after the Battle
of At Tiri, 1980, a piece of M3 halftrack
in hand. ‘90s were a stalwart of UNIFIL,
on the implementation of of Operation (AO) – known (National Library of Israel, courtesy of employed by several contingents and
resolution 425 (1978). Among as Batts (IrishBatt, FijiBatt) Danny Gotfried). indeed the Lebanese (and IDF, though not
other things, this report
contained guidelines for the
operations of UNIFIL
– each contributing nation
provided a critical presence in
support of the local populace.
3 UN personnel of FinBatt, on a SISU
A45, observe IDF units during their
in Lebanon). Note the hasty hand-applied
mud camouflage. (Thomas Jones)

UNIFIL immediately found At this time, the UN in South the many ‘resistance’ groups helped by the cyclical nature
itself in a classic ‘Catch 22’ Lebanon provided essential present, such as the PLO and of attack and counterattack by
type situation. While widely humanitarian aid, food, Amal, moving personnel and the PLO and others on the IDF
welcomed by the Lebanese shelter, medical assistance, arms through UN areas, and and Israel, and the inevitable
population, particularly in the and education through to yet others to the IDF and militia retaliation. By 1975 Israel had
South, they were viewed with demining and bomb disposal, they backed, an auxiliary force decided to finance, arm and
suspicion at best, hatred at while continuing to show its of sorts, the so-called South support a surrogate Christian
worst, by the many warring presence, conducting foot and Lebanese Army (SLA) – known militia, headed, until his death
factions in the chaos that was vehicle patrols. to the UN as the De Facto in 1984, by the infamous
‘the Leb’, in 1978. While some It was not long, operating in Forces (DFF), which is how this Major Saad Haddad. Haddad,
thought UNIFIL should forcibly such a volatile environment, article shall refer to them. It considered a traitor by the
eject the IDF from Lebanon, in the face of direct and is worth noting, at this point, Lebanese government, had
others thought they should indirect confrontation with all a little background on the defected from the Lebanese
disarm the various anti-Israel factions, that UNIFIL suffered infamous DFF. Army, the first officer to do so.
factions, in particular Amal, its first casualties. On 29 March National security concerns Based in the ‘security corridor’
Hezbollah and the PLO, none 1978, Swedish soldier, Karl- for Israel, with regards to Israel had established in the
of which the lightly armed Oscar Johansson was killed, Lebanon, grew throughout the south of Lebanon, Haddad and
force was equipped or, more becoming UNIFIL’s first fatality, ‘70s, into the ‘80s, as civil war his forces claimed this buffer
importantly, mandated to do. while another Swedish solider spiralled. The situation was not zone as their own and called
Finding itself amid a complex was injured, when their vehicle
and vicious internecine war, hit a landmine in the vicinity of
that was being fuelled and fed the Khardala Bridge. By 1980
by the regional powers, UNIFIL several UN casualties could
went about its business as be attributed to hazardous
best it could. Prevented from local conditions leading
fulfilling its mandate, it used to many accidents, several
its best efforts to limit the fatal, and the proliferation of
conflict, contribute to stability mines, IEDs and unexploded
in the region, and protect the ordnance. Several more had
population of the area from the come from the avoidable
worst effects of the violence. but inevitable clashes with

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 43
ARMOUR IN PROFILE

themselves, initially, the Free variants based on Sherman An example of one of UNIFIL’s days under fire, and called in
Lebanon Army (subsequently and T-54/55 chassis, akin to clashes with the DFF, is the Dutch and Fijian peacekeepers
the SLA under General Antoine their IDF allies. The DFF also ‘Battle of At Tiri’. On 6 April as reinforcements. The battle
Lahad), naming their zone as conducted several operations 1980, a confrontation between ended on 12 April, after an
Independent Free Lebanon. of its own and took part in UNIFIL peacekeepers and the Irish AML-90, itself scarred
Intended to secure this the second major invasion DFF began at the village of At from small arms and shell fire,
buffer zone, and thus prevent of Lebanon in 1982, right up Tiri, located at an important destroyed the M3 halftrack
infiltration into Israel by the to and inside Beirut itself. crossroads, leading to the overlooking and engaging
PLO, the DFF was equipped Eyewitness accounts link the strategic Hill 880. The DFF the Irish position, and the
and armed mainly by the DFF to the Sabra and Shatila had stormed and occupied Dutch contingent employed
Israelis. Equipment included camp massacres, in which it is the village, harassing and TOW missiles against the DFF
ex-IDF M50 tanks, M3 Halftrack estimated anything from 700 intimidating the local populace, tanks manoeuvring above the
variants, and M113s, as well as to 3,500 civilians were killed. It and began to regularly engage position. During the battle,
T-54/55 MBTs. DFF workshops was this battle hardened and, Irish troops based there with two UNIFIL peacekeepers
were competent and showed some would say, fanatical force HMG and tank fire. The Irish were killed: Stephen Griffin,
some zeal and imagination, that would be one of several did not withdraw but dug a 21-year-old private from
producing several heavy APC thorns in UNIFIL’s side. in, held their ground for five the 46th IrishBatt, and Sevati
Sovonaivalu of the FijiBatt.
One DFF soldier, 19-year old
Massoud Bazzi, was also killed
(having grievous repercussions
for UNIFIL, as we shall see),
and several more wounded.
The battle was considered a
UN victory, and a watershed
moment for UNIFIL, in which
UN peacekeepers were
attacked but managed to set a
new standard for UN operations
by successfully defending their
position. After the battle, the
UN Security Council adopted
resolution 427(1980), which
sanctioned return fire by UNIFIL
troops in self-defence.
Following the battle of At
Tiri, Major Saad Haddad gave
an ultimatum to UNIFIL to
either compensate the family
of Massoud Bassi or to produce
the bodies of the two KIA UN
soldiers. On 18 April, a UNIFIL
party set out on a resupply
mission to a UN post near
the Israeli border, within the
‘enclave’. The party consisted
of three Irish soldiers (Private
John O’Mahony, Private
Thomas Barrett and Private
Derek Smallhorne) an American
officer (Harry Klein), a French
officer (Patrick Vincent) and two
journalists. The convoy, despite
misgivings, went ahead without
an adequate escort, everyone
being unarmed except for
two of the Irish soldiers. Klein
fatefully ordered it to continue
even after warning signs
became apparent along the
route, passing normally busy
DFF checkpoints, with the Irish
troops expressing concerns.
Ultimately, the party was
intercepted by the militia, and
all involved taken prisoner.
They were taken to a derelict
school building and held in a
bathroom, where they were
interrogated. The DFF men, in

44 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN PROFILE

the presence of an IDF officer,

asked all of the captives their
nationalities, singling out the
three Irishmen. One of the
DFF men began talking about
his late brother, Massoud.
According to O’Mahony the
man talking about his brother
(who he would later identify as
the brother of the man killed
at At Tiri) and another man,
escorted them down a flight
of stairs, and then opened fire,
hitting O’Mahony and leaving
the Irishman for dead. Although
gravely wounded in the
stomach, O’Mahony survived.
Barrett and Smallhorne
escaped the building when
the shooting began, being
recaptured by DFF men
outside. The remaining
members of the party left the
building in the confusion,
with bomb-making equipment
were subsequently caught 5 A DAF YP-408 APC, in post 7-12,
DutchBatt, 1982. Armed with an HMG
in the forward cupola, and TOW dismount
popular vehicle, ‘SISUs’ have seen decades
of robust use in Lebanon, and many owe
their lives to this tough APC. Deployed by
Klein putting the wounded by a follow up UNIFIL patrol
O’Mahony into a vehicle that and handed over to Lebanese section, the chipping and weathering is several Scandinavian nations and issued
managed to escape to friendly police. clear to see. (Dirk Bruin) from UN stocks to almost all contingents,
lines. One of the journalists saw
Barrett and Smallhorne being
28 September 1986: three
French soldiers were killed by
6 Cpl Noel Phelan, Transport Section,
A Coy, 56th IrishBatt, 1984, by one of
his M35 2.5 Ton 6X6 trucks. Ex-US stocks
this 8X8 was/is used at company, battalion
and force level. This is an IrishBatt SISU
of Recce Section, C-Coy, Post 6-9B, 1997.
taken away in a speeding car a roadside bomb, attributed to
and the two UN servicemen left behind after the US/UK/French/Italian (Author)
Shiite fundamentalists, most
were later found dead nearby,
having been shot and probably
likely Hezbollah, while jogging.
20 November 1986: three
Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF)
withdrew, the UN procured and issued
them to several contingents. (Author)
8
Tikka)
A Finnish SISU pre-deployment at
Rauma docks, Finland, 2012. (Martii
tortured. In December 2020 Fijian soldiers and three
a 76-year old man, Mahmoud
Bassi, was sentenced to 15
Lebanese civilians were killed
in a suicide car bombing, and
7 The SISU (now Patria) XA-180, like
the ’90, is synonymous with UNIFIL
and peacekeeping missions worldwide. A
years with hard labour by a three UNIFIL soldiers, two
Lebanese military tribunal for
Lebanese civilians, and a DFF to the UNIFIL roadblock, and his UNIFIL position. The Israelis
the Irishmen’s murder.
soldier were injured. The car exploded as FijiBatt and DFF claimed they had opened fire
There would be many more
had run through a UNIFIL personnel approached. after seeing guerrillas near the
casualties in the following
roadblock, apparently aiming 11 January 1987: an Irish position. The IDF later stated
years, be they accidental or
for the Israeli border, but after soldier, Corporal Dermot two senior Israeli officers were
the direct/indirect result of the
being fired on as it approached McLoughlin, was killed when an disciplined over the incident.
conflict in Lebanon. A book
could (and probably should) a DFF roadblock, it returned Israeli tank inexplicably shelled 19 February 1990: two
be written on At Tiri and
other actions alone, but some
notable incidents included:
27 April 1981: two Irish
Soldiers were murdered,
reportedly by the PLO, at an
exposed observation post
outside the village of Dyar Ntar.
Pte Hugh Doherty was shot and
killed at the position, and Pte
Kevin Joyce taken hostage, and
soon thereafter killed. His body
was never recovered.
25 June 1981: two Fijian
soldiers were killed and one
wounded by PLO gunmen.
Among nine Fijian soldiers
captured by the PLO at a
Palestinian roadblock, they
were shot in the back while
trying to escape.
22 August 1986: an Irish
soldier was killed, and two
others wounded, by a roadside
bomb. Two heavily armed men

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 45
ARMOUR IN PROFILE

1 Panhard AML-90, registration

UNIFIL 4282, Recce Coy, 46th
IrishBatt, Battle of At Tiri, Lebanon,
April 1980. (Photo Thomas Jones)

White
(Vallejo
White 71.001)

3 Leclerc Main Battle Tank, registration UNIFIL 643,

BATFRA, Yaroun, Lebanon, spring 2007. Leclerc
UNIFIL-643 parked alongside the squadron’s other tanks in
the spring of 2007. Note the replacement side armour panels,
including the rearmost one, and the black sleeve on the gun
tube. (Oliver Carneau)

4 VTLM Lince, Italian Contingent,

registration UNIFIL 12886,
Naqoura, Lebanon, September 2016.
(Photo Author)
White
(Vallejo
White 71.001)

46 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN PROFILE

2 M35 2.5 ton, 6x6 truck, registration UNIFIL

2986, A Coy, 56th IrishBatt, Haris, Lebanon,
October 1984.

White
(Vallejo
White 71.001)

All paint
For more details about
Colour profiles by Vallejo’s range of colours, please references
Slawomir Zajaczkowski. visit www.acrylicosvallejo.com are to Vallejo
Model Air

5 Type 92A (ZSL-92A) APC, Indonesian Security Company,

registration UNIFIL 11562, Force HQ, Naqoura, Lebanon,
September 2016.
White
(Vallejo
White 71.001)

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 47
ARMOUR IN PROFILE

killed by DFF shelling, while 14 Feb 2000: four Irish

a senior IDF officer said it was soldiers were killed, and a fifth
uncertain who was at fault. seriously injured, when their
27 December 1993: a vehicle overturned on the
Norwegian soldier was killed coastal road outside Beirut, as
and another wounded when an part of a convoy bringing UN
Israeli tank patrol engaged in a soldiers on leave.
night-time search for guerrillas
mistook a Norwegian UNIFIL Israeli Withdrawal
unit for enemy fighters and On 17 April 2000, the Secretary
fired three tank shells at them. General received formal
The Israeli unit subsequently notification from the Israeli
assisted the Norwegian unit government that it would
and called in a helicopter to withdraw its forces from
airlift the injured soldier to an Lebanon by July 2000 ‘in full
Israeli hospital. accordance with Security
9 An AML-90 of Recce Company,
IrishBatt, passes through the
checkpoint at UN Post 6-48, 1998. (John
Many outposts were unreachable by road
until swept for ordnance planted during
the night or washed down from the hills by
20 March 1995: a Nepalese
soldier was killed, and three
Council resolutions 425 (1978)
and 426 (1978).’ He was further
others wounded by Israeli informed that the Israelis
Gorman) rain. (Author) shelling near Yater. intended ‘to cooperate fully

10  Minesweeping is a constant in

Lebanon. Devices of all kinds have 11 An RG-31 damaged by a mine,
2001. (Joe Hayes)
18 April 1996: in one of the
most tragic and disturbing
with the United Nations.’ The
Secretary General informed
been laid by all sides, many unmapped.
Here Irish troops from Post 6-42 conduct
the ‘Early Bird’ to Outpost 6-9B, with Valon
12 A series of photographs taken in
2006, after UNIFIL was reinforced.
This shows a very heavily weathered
events in UNIFIL’s time in
Lebanon, the headquarters
the UNSC of this notification
on the same day, stating that
compound of Fiji Batt in the he had initiated preparations
(mine) and RDK (wire) detectors, 1997. French AMX-10P. (Olivier Carneau) village of Qana came under fire to enable the UN to carry
by Israeli artillery during the out its responsibilities under
Nepalese soldiers were killed mistakenly landed in Naqoura, IDF operation ‘Grapes of Wrath’. those resolutions. On 20 April
and six injured by DFF mortar and were confronted by UNIFIL Tragically at the time there the Council endorsed the
fire that hit their compound. troops. One of the gunmen were more than 800 Lebanese Secretary General’s decision
The DFF and IDF claimed that was also killed and another civilians crammed into the post, to initiate those preparations.
the fire had come in response injured. In a separate incident, having sought refuge inside the As a first step, the Secretary
to Hezbollah RPG and mortar two gunmen ambushed a compound. Despite pleas from General sent his Special Envoy,
fire. Nepalese UNIFIL patrol near both Fijian and UN elements to the Force Commander of
3 September 1991: a Yater, just north of the security cease fire, it is estimated over UNIFIL and a team of experts,
Swedish soldier, Kenneth zone, killing one soldier and 100 civilians were killed and to meet with Israeli and
Fransson was killed when he wounding another. One of the many more wounded. Lebanese governments and
was caught in the middle of a gunmen was killed by return 31 May 1999: an Irish soldier, representatives of regional
firefight between PLO and DFF fire, while the other escaped. Private William Kedian, was powers, including Egypt, Jordan
combatants in Naqoura. 23 February 1993: a killed during an exchange of and the Syrian Arab Republic.
15 September 1991: a Nepalese soldier was killed, fire between Hezbollah and the The delegation also met with
Swedish soldier was killed, and another seriously DFF. The DFF position mortared the PLO and the League of
and five Swedish and French wounded, after being caught UNIFIL position 6-42, and Billy Arab States. However, starting
soldiers were wounded when in an exchange of fire between Kedian, on duty there at the on 16 May, much sooner than
PLO gunmen, intending to Hezbollah and the DFF in the time, was caught in the open as anticipated, the IDF/DFF began
carry out an attack on the vicinity of their post. The UN he roused sleeping comrades to vacate their positions,
Israeli city of Nahariya by boat, claimed that they had been and alerted them to take cover. amid exchanges of fire. Some
DFF units, it appeared, had
not been informed and were
caught unaware by the sudden
withdrawal. Beginning on 21
May, large crowds of Lebanese,
accompanied by armed
elements, entered villages in
the Israeli-controlled area, with
the IDF/DFF vacating their
positions in great haste. Many
of the DFF, together with their
families, crossed into Israel,
while others surrendered to
Lebanese authorities. Within
a few days, the DFF had
completely disbanded. On 25
May, the Israeli government
notified the UN that Israel
had redeployed its forces in
compliance with Security
Council resolutions 425 (1978)
and 426 (1978).
UN staff now went about

48 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN PROFILE

the work of identifying Blue Line towards IDF positions

a line conforming to the in the area of the Israeli town
internationally recognised of Zarit, new hostilities on the
boundaries of Lebanon, border erupted. In parallel,
based on the best available Hezbollah fighters crossed
cartographic and other the Blue Line into Israel
documentary evidence. All and attacked an IDF patrol,
sides accepted this task was capturing two soldiers, killing
solely the responsibility of three, and wounding two
the UN and that they would more. The captured soldiers
respect the line as identified, were taken into Lebanon. On
to become known as the ‘Blue 20 July 2006 a heavy exchange
Line’. The Lebanese government of fire ensued across the Blue
stated that it would consider Line between Hezbollah and
deploying its armed forces the IDF. Hezbollah targeted continued to occupy all of a buffer zone free of ‘any
throughout southern Lebanon IDF positions and Israeli towns its positions and played an armed personnel, assets and
following confirmation of south of the Blue Line, while active and constructive role weapons other than those of the
Israel’s withdrawal by the Israel retaliated by ground, under its mandate. Despite Government of Lebanon and
Secretary General. It noted air and sea. In addition to air being severely impeded by of UNIFIL’ between the UN-
this was an essential element strikes on Hezbollah positions, the ongoing violence, UNIFIL drawn Blue Line in southern
of the return of the effective the IDF targeted numerous peacekeepers conducted Lebanon and the Litani river.
government authority in the roads and bridges in southern military observations, assisted It also called for both Israel
area and should be conducted Lebanon, within and outside of in humanitarian efforts, and and Lebanon to support a
in coordination with UNIFIL’s the UNIFIL area of operations. provided medical assistance, permanent ceasefire and
inevitable redeployment in With UNIFIL’s mandate expiring all at great risk. The intense comprehensive solution to
the AO. Tensions between on 31 July, the Secretary fighting in July and August the crisis. The new resolution
Lebanon and Israel did not General recommended that injured sixteen UN staff and emphasised the need for an
disappear once the Israelis the UNSC extend it only for killed five. On 11 August 2006, end to the violence, but at
had pulled out of the ‘buffer one month due to the current the UNSC, following intense the same time stressed the
zone’. While the area along the fighting. As this latest conflict negotiations, passed resolution need to urgently address
Blue Line could be described in southern Lebanon unfolded, 1701 calling for a full cessation the causes that had given
as relatively stable in the years UNIFIL was coming close to of hostilities in the month-long rise to the crisis, including
leading up to 2006, there were being pulled out altogether. war based upon, in particular, the unconditional release of
still numerous incidents. IDF All the while, the Secretary ‘the immediate cessation by the abducted Israeli soldiers.
patrols often crossed the Blue General maintained regular Hezbollah of all attacks and ‘Mindful of the sensitivity of the
Line, and there were numerous contact with the Lebanese the immediate cessation by issue of prisoners’, the text also
daily incursions into Lebanese and Israeli prime ministers, Israel of all offensive military encouraged the efforts aimed
airspace by fighters and drones and other relevant actors operations’ in Lebanon. Aware at urgently settling the issue
of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The and concerned parties. He of its responsibilities to help of the Lebanese prisoners
Lebanese government took also dispatched several secure a permanent ceasefire detained in Israel. It also called
the position that, so long as high-level missions to the and a long-term solution to for Israel and Lebanon to
there was no comprehensive region. Meanwhile, UNIFIL the conflict, the UNSC created support a long-term solution
peace with Israel, the army
would not act as a border
guard for Israel and not deploy
adjacent to the border. This
vacuum was filled by Hezbollah
members, working in civilian
attire and normally unarmed.
They monitored the Blue Line,
maintained public order and,
in some villages, provided
social, medical and educational
services. They also stirred up
unrest and organised protests
along the border, particularly
over the disputed Shab’a Farms
area.
The incidents of small arms
and rocket fire from Hezbollah
influenced areas into Israel also
increased. Syrian influence in
the area did not go unnoticed
by the Israelis either: at one
point a radar site in the Bekaa
Valley that the IDF claimed as
Syrian was destroyed. On 12
July 2006, when Hezbollah
launched several rockets from
Lebanese territory across the

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 49
ARMOUR IN PROFILE

based on: full respect for the Israel’s possession. Welcoming UNIFIL would, among other Lebanese troops, with UNIFIL
Blue Line by both parties; the historic decision of the things, monitor the cessation playing the coordinating role
full implementation of the Lebanese Government to of hostilities; accompany between the two sides. At
relevant provisions of the Taif deploy 15,000 armed troops in and support the Lebanese the same time, he reiterated
Accords; no foreign forces Southern Lebanon, the UNSC armed forces as they deployed that a sustainable long-term
in Lebanon without the extended the mandate of throughout the South; and solution required regional
consent of its government; no UNIFIL through to the end of extend its assistance to help issues to be considered. ‘In
sales or supply of arms and August 2007 and increased its ensure humanitarian access to order to prevent a resurgence
related materiel to Lebanon troop strength by some 12,000 civilian populations and the of violence and bloodshed,
except as authorized by its to a maximum of 15,000. In voluntary and safe return of the underlying causes of
government; and provision to addition to carrying out its internally displaced persons conflict in the region must be
the UN of all remaining maps original mandate under Council (IDPs). addressed. Other crises cannot
of landmines in Lebanon in resolutions 425 and 426 (1978), In August and September, be ignored, especially in the
the Secretary General occupied Palestinian territory,
reported to the UNSC on as they are all interlinked. Until
the implementation of the international community
resolution 1701. In the latter insists on a just, lasting and
report, stating that Israel comprehensive peace in the
and Hezbollah had ‘largely Middle East, any one of these
complied’ with the cessation conflicts has the potential to
of hostilities agreement, he erupt and engulf the entire
pointed out that while there region.’
had been violations of the As of 31 August 2006, official
agreement, these had not been Lebanese figures showed 1,187
‘of an offensive and hostile people had been killed and
character’, apart from one 4,092 injured in Lebanon as
severe incident on 19 August a result of the conflict, many
when Israeli forces carried out a victims being children. The UN
raid in eastern Lebanon. Noting Office for the Coordination of
that the ‘conflict has thrown the Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
region back into the instability estimated IDPs at one million
that prevailed for decades’, he between 12 July and 14 August,
stressed that security, stability with some 735,000 seeking
and comprehensive peace shelter within Lebanon and
remained the overarching 230,000 outside. The cessation
goals, and stated ‘a start has of hostilities triggered a
been made’, while cautioning massive and speedy return
that ‘many other steps are of IDPs and refugees back to
required.’ The report noted that their areas of origin. According
since the cessation of hostilities, to UNHCR, within days of the
the UN and other agencies ceasefire some 90 per cent of
had assisted Lebanon’s IDPs in Lebanon during the
government, in particular with hostilities — around 900,000
providing assistance to the or 25% of the population —
estimated one million Lebanese returned to their homes or
IDPs. He also pointed to were staying nearby. At the
‘significant progress’ regarding end of August, it was estimated
the gradual withdrawal of that between 100,000 and
the IDF and deployment of 150,000 IDPs remained. In
Lebanon, OCHA estimated
infrastructural damage
amounting to $3.6 billion,
including the destruction
of eighty bridges, 600km of
roads, 900 factories, markets,
farms and other commercial
buildings, 31 airports, ports,
water- and sewage-treatment
plants, dams and electrical
plants, and 25 fuel stations.
Unemployment was as high
as 75 per cent in some parts of
the country, and approximately
15,000 civilian homes had been
destroyed. On the Israeli side,
43 civilians and 117 soldiers
were killed. In addition to large
numbers of people treated
for shock/anxiety, 33 Israelis
were wounded seriously, 68

50 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN PROFILE

moderately so. During that

time, 3,970 rockets landed in
Israel, 901 of them in urban
areas. 300,000 residents were
displaced and more than a
million were forced to live for
some of the time in shelters,
according to official Israeli
figures.
With regards to UNIFIL, this
led to a force expansion, the
first elements of which were
deployed with record-breaking
speed for any comparable
peacekeeping operation, with
battalions from France, Italy
and Spain arriving in the AO
by 15 September, joining the
contingents already in place
from Ghana and India. The
swift and effective deployment
of the expanded UNIFIL and
13 A very muddy up-armoured
French VBL. (Olivier Carneau)
on the Blue Line, to open a path to post
B-52, May 2010. (UN/UNIFIL)
Gorriz)

17-18 In 2019, Italian

the activities that they have

undertaken since then on a
14 A French AMX-30D ARV attached
to the Leclerc tanks of 12th
Curaissiers. (Olivier Carneau)
16 UNIFIL conducts many joint
exercises with the LAF, including
live-fire scenarios. French (AMX-30 based)
Centauros and VTLM
Lince engage targets alongside ZPU-2
armed LAF M113s, while Medevac drills are
daily basis have been critical
in preventing a recurrence of 15 A Pioneerpanzer I of the Belgian
Engineer Battalion clearing access
AUF1 SPHs fire alongside LAF towed
155mm artillery in 2011. (UN/ Pasqual
carried out with Lince ambulance variants.
(UN/ Pasqual Gorriz)
hostilities across the Blue Line
and has helped to establish
a new strategic military and
security environment in
southern Lebanon. There have,
nevertheless, been incidents
and deaths since then,
including UNIFIL casualties. In
total there have been 315 UN
personnel killed since UNIFIL’s
creation, and this article is
dedicated to both them and,
my friend, Pte Billy Kedian,
killed in the service of peace at
Post 6-42, Brachit, Lebanon on
31 May 1999. Thank you to all,
too many to name, who helped
with this and my previous UN
article.

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 51
ARMOUR IN PROFILE

19  While transiting to Syria from Israel, via Lebanon,

with UNDOF, the author photographed UNIFIL
vehicles in the Naqoura compound. These are WZ-551
or Type 92A APCs of the Indonesian contingent parked
alongside UN supplied XA-180s. (Author)

20 Polish Rosomak 8x8 AFVs during

pre-deployment training. The
IFV variant, with turret as per the Irish
MRV, followed by a WEM (Wóz Ewakuacji
Medycznej - Medical Evacuation Vehicle).
(Polish DoD)

21 Irish Cavalry personnel have

come far since the Panhard
AML-90s and M3 APCs they deployed with
in 1978. Seen here in 2020 are Mowag
Piranha IIIH MRV and CRV (Medium/Close
Reconnaissance Vehicles) armed with Oto
Melara Hitfist-30P turret, with 30mm ATK
Mk44 chain-gun and 7.62mm mg, and
12.7HMG/40mmGMG RWS respectively.
(Irish Defence Forces)

52 Military Modelcraft International

 TETRA MODELWORKS Are now available from their new UK Agent: ITA PUBLICATIONS
PE AND DETAIL-UP SETS FOR AFV, AIR AND SHIP MODELLERS

www.insidethearmour.com

Starling Models
Specialists in ship kits and accessories
Hard to find kits and
accessories from around
the world.
Our own brand resin kits,
HMS Nadder 1/350
photoetched parts and
decals.
Specialist in small scale.
Over 2000 items in stock,
with new stock added all
the time.
Algerine class minesweeper 1/350
Over 30 manufacturers
stocked.
New kits always in
development.
New website.

HMS Sir Gareth 1/350

Visit our online shop at

www.starling-models.co.uk

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 53
CONTEMPORARY AFVs

The Editor builds

Tamiya’s Leclerc
and paints it white.

BLUE FLAG,
WHITE STEEL
T
he Leclerc Main Battle of France. At around 60 tons,
Tank – known colloquially it is lighter than its NATO experience of the Leclercs in
as the XL, an acronym counterparts the Challenger 2, You can read more about Lebanon and was able to share
of AMX and Leclerc – was Leopard 2 and M1A2, and, due this deployment in Patrick his expertise and reference
accepted for service in 1992 to the autoloader for its 120mm Winnepenninckx’s ‘Armour photos. Armed with these
and over the next few years main gun, it is served by a crew in Detail’ article elsewhere in assets, I decided I needed to
gradually replaced the AMX-30 of only three. this issue. When Glenn Phelan take the plunge and paint a big
as the main battle tank of the In 2006 thirteen Leclercs pitched an ‘Armour in Profile’ tank white!
French army. In all, 408 vehicles of the 2nd squadron, -6/12 article on UNIFIL to me last
have been produced in three Régiment de Cuirassiers, were year, I jumped at the chance as The Kit
distinct production series deployed to Lebanon as part I already had Patrick’s superb Tamiya’s kit of the Leclerc, first
between 1991 and 2006 and of the UNIFIL mission. All the collection of reference photos. released in 2005 and reissued
the Leclerc currently serves tanks appear to have come I also got in touch with Colonel in 2018, represents a Serie
with the army of the United from the 2nd series, batch Thomas Seignon of the Musée 2 tank, ideal for the UNIFIL
Arab Emirates, as well as that T6, manufactured in 1998. du Blindées, who had first-hand mission. The Serie 2 tanks are

1 2

3 4

54 Military Modelcraft International

 CONTEMPORARY AFVs

identifiable by the large air-

conditioning unit built at the
rear of the turret and do not
yet have the additional armour
of the Serie XXI Leclercs built
between 2004 and 2006, which
alters the shape of the turret.
Like most Tamiya kits, this
assembles wonderfully out of

the box, but there are

a few compromises
and missing details.
Most frustratingly
Tamiya offer an etched
nickel accessory fret (ref.
35280), which contains the rear
engine deck grilles and a nice
etched nameplate for a display
plinth. I also purchased the This is included in the Tamiya
Eduard photoetch detail set photoetch set, but I couldn’t Lebanon and the Eduard set
(ref. 35844) and the Voyager includes the parts necessary
really find any clear reference for investing in the Tamiya
turned metal barrel (ref. to detail this part of the tank
MEA015). The Eduard set is images of how it fitted, so accessory set if you are building (photos 3 & 4). Other than
disappointing: while it has simply did my best. The turret the Leclerc (photo 2). The that, there were no issues in
some nice and useful additions, basket liner is absolutely external fuel drums were left assembling the kit and I was
it doesn’t include the turret essential and reason enough off on the tanks serving in ready to paint it white!
basket insert nor all the engine
grilles, so once it had arrived
I had to go back on eBay and
find the Tamiya set too! One of
the best parts of this project
was using the superb Echelon
decal set for UNIFIL Leclerc
T6 (ref. D356002). If you are a
stickler for detail (or a glutton
for punishment), Bronco
Models also offer a set of
injection-moulded individual
track links for the Leclerc (ref.
AB2525), but I decided to retain
my sanity and go with the kit’s
vinyl tracks.
Assembly really presented
no difficulties to speak of. The
inclusion of a jig to ensure all
the roadwheels line up and
touch the ground was very Upon arrival in Beirut, the Leclercs receive their white
welcome (photo 1). The one paint courtesy of Lebanese contractors. Note how the
area I struggled with was markings and other areas have been masked off before
adding the waterproof seal spraying. (Colonel Thomas Seignon)
around the driver’s hatch.

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 55
CONTEMPORARY AFVs

Paint it White and Dirty various areas of mud – both

Painting a large tank like this fresh and otherwise – blended
white presents a particular together (photo 11). The tracks
challenge and many of the were first sprayed in Vallejo
usual painting and weathering I sprayed Tamiya Flat White. and tracks. I began by applying Surface Primer German Panzer
techniques – modulation, After a few minutes this was a mixture of Tamiya NATO Black Grey and the areas where the
washes, oil paint fading – won’t attacked with a stiff paintbrush (XF-69) and Flat Earth (XF-52) roadwheels made contact with
work. The trick is to weather it, and some warm water to over the wheels and lower hull, their inner surfaces masked
but still keep it recognisably replicate the white paint flaking allowing this to overspray the off. They were then sprayed
white. I was able to break the off the rubber as evident in the white areas of the hull (photo a mixture of Tamiya NATO
tank down into several sub- reference photos. 10). Recently, I have been Brown and NATO Black before
assemblies (turret, hull, tracks, It was now time for the adding mud and dirt effects being washed with the same
wheels and side skirts) and decals. The tank I wanted to with acrylics, but I wanted to go pigments used to weather
gave everything, except for the model – UNIFIL 642 – was back this time and experiment the lower hull (photo 12).
wheels, which were primed not represented on the with oil paints, pigments and The road wheels, idler and
black, a coat of Hycote Grey decal sheet, but fortunately enamel-based products. I drive sprocket were similarly
Automotive Primer (photo 5). Echelon provides individual mixed Abteilung 502’s Dark treated to an oil paint wash
I wanted to give a little bit of numerals in order to make Mud oil paint (Abt130) with and various accumulations of
shadow and definition to the up the registration plate you various MIG Productions’ pigments fixed in place with
tank without a heavy pin wash, need. These are provided pigments and thinned this MIG Production’ Pigment Fixer
so applied a pre-shade with both as photoetched plates to various consistencies with (P249). With that done, I pushed
Tamiya NATO Brown (XF-68) and decals, allowing you to Odourless Thinner, building up the wheels onto their axles,
(photo 6). capture the appearance of the layers of dirt on the lower hull. fitted the tracks, and glued the
It was now time for the real thing perfectly. The decals I added some MIG Productions’ side skirts in place.
white. Several coats of Tamiya are extremely thin and go on Wet Effects (P409) to replicate
Flat White (XF-2) resulted, at perfectly without the need for areas of fresh mud. I was
best, in an off-white and, at setting solutions pleased with the way the
worst, a dull grey. I decided (photo 9).
I needed something more I then turned my
opaque to ensure the main attention to the
panels of the Leclerc were lower hull, wheels
pure white. Vallejo’s Surface

Primer White (70.600) did the

trick, as well as drying to a very
tough and perfectly smooth
finish on which to apply the
subsequent weathering effects
(photo 7). I then masked off
the armour and sprayed the
front and side rubber skirts
and mudguards with Vallejo
Surface Primer German Panzer
Grey (70.603) (photo 8). The
front mudguards then received
a coat of hairspray, over which

56 Military Modelcraft International

 CONTEMPORARY AFVs

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 57
CONTEMPORARY AFVs

The upper surfaces of the tank Grey (P222) around the surface reference photos, the Leclercs looking for and mixing various
looked suitably white, the details (photo 13). I then were in a good state of repair colours to obtain the right
NATO Brown pre-shade giving applied various scratches and but were showing heavy shade and finally opted for
a nice depth to the main panels scrapes with Vallejo Flat Brown accumulations of mud, AK Interactive’s Real Color No.
of the tank, especially on the (70.984) and Black (70.950) superficial paint damage and 8 Earth Red (RC031), a World
turret and the side skirts. I to the side skirts and parts of lots of splashes. The mud is a War II American camouflage
applied a heavily thinned wash the turret before tackling the distinctive red brown, almost colour. I first sprayed a coat of
of MIG Productions’ Neutral distinctive red-brown mud rust, colour. I wanted to achieve hairspray, decanted into my
splashes evident in Patrick’s an effect of different layers of airbrush, over the side skirts
reference photos (photo 14). wear and dirt, so decided to and then airbrushed a layer of
Looking at Patrick’s build this up using the the Earth Red. I gave this a few
hairspray technique. I minutes to dry before gently
spent quite a bit of time scrubbing away with a brush
moistened in warm water. The
water activated the hairspray

13 14

15 16

58 Military Modelcraft International

 CONTEMPORARY AFVs

layer, lifting off portions of the a small spot of oil paint and before spraying them with Lebanon. Note how the areas
Earth Red paint. I repeated then carefully blending it Vallejo Surface Primer German of anti-slip texture on the turret
this three or four times over into the surface of the model Panzer Grey. I was pleasantly have become dirty. (Colonel
the course of a couple of days, with a brush moistened with surprised with the result. The Thomas Seignon)
using a hairdryer to speed
up the drying process and
applying a layer of Vallejo
Odourless Thinner. Small spots
of rust-coloured oil paint were
added to the rear stowage bin
last addition was an Archer Fine
Transfer UN Flag. I managed
to touch the two halves of
19 UNIFIL 639 on patrol
with an AMX-10P
Surblindé. (Colonel Thomas
Mecha Matt Varnish (69.702) and sparingly to the side skirts the dry transfers together Seignon)
between coats to protect the
previous layer. I experimented
with thinning the Earth Red
and then blended into the
surface, using vertical strokes of
a soft, wide paint brush (photo
while inserting the piece of
aluminium foil that should be
sandwiched between. Amidst
20 The organisation of
the 2nd Squadron,
-6/12 Régiment de Cuirassiers,
paint to different consistencies 16). I then added some mud much cursing, I was able to during its 2006-7 deployment
with each pass (photo 15). I spatters along the bottom of rescue it to a degree, but as to Lebanon as part of BATFRA.
also applied the same paint the gun tube and on the side there was only one of suitable (Colonel Thomas Seignon)
and technique to the anti-slip skirts by thinning oil paint and size supplied in the set it was a
textured areas on the hull and flicking a brush loaded with frustrating end to an otherwise
turret. Again, studying Patrick’s paint using a cocktail stick enjoyable project.
reference (photo 17). I added heavier
photos, it accumulations of mud along Final Thoughts
was clear the rubber skirts at the bottom Painting a large tank white is
that these of the side armour using the an interesting and challenging
areas same pigments and oil paints proposition. I was reasonably
attracted the dirt, which employed on the lower hull. pleased with the result and
became ingrained in the There were a few final details certainly learnt from trying out
rough texture, in contrast to necessary to complete the some new techniques. Glen is
the otherwise smooth and model. I cut two antennae from already talking about writing
relatively clean areas of the steel wire and primed them up an article on UNPROFOR so
tank not covered in the anti-slip with Vallejo Surface Primer I might need to break out the
coating. White. The antennae had a white paint again, perhaps this Availability:
I then added further areas distinctive white tape wrapped time on a British Army Scimitar!
Tamiya 1/35 French Main
of dirt over the tank and a few around them and I replicated Battle Tank Leclerc Series 2
areas of rust on the sheet metal
parts of the tank. For this I used
AMMO Oil Brushers, depositing
this by carefully winding
a very thin strip of Tamiya
masking tape around them
18 An interesting top view
of UNIFIL 639 during
the 2006-7 deployment to
(ref. 35362) is available from
all good model shops.

18
17

19 20

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 59
 ARMOUR IN DETAIL

LECLERC TANKS IN SOUTH LEBANON

Patrick Winnepenninckx looks in detail at the UNIFIL’s heavy armour. 1

F
ollowing the war in South (QRF) deployed in the village of French army licence plate number UNIFIL licence plate number
Lebanon in July-August Deir Kifa. 6014-0003 UNIFIL 636
2006, the UNSC adopted The tanks, still in their 6034-0060 ?
Resolution 1701. In order to ‘Centre-Europe’ three-tone
implement this in the field, 6044-0104 ?
camouflage, were loaded on a
UNIFIL 2 was created with ship in Toulon harbour on 11 6994-0046 ?
increased manpower and an September 2006. They arrived 6994-0047 UNIFIL 639
enlargement of its mandate. in Beirut six days later and 6994-0048 ?
The French government were painted white the next 6994-0051 ?
responded to the UN’s call day by Lebanese workers. On 6994-0052 UNIFIL 642
for more troops and sent a 28 September the first patrols
6994-0054 UNIFIL 643
combined unit of mechanised were executed using the
infantry, armour and artillery. freshly painted Leclercs. This 6994-0058 ?
The BATFRA battlegroup was the second operational 6994-0061 ?
commander had one tank deployment of the Leclerc after 6994-0062 ?
squadron with thirteen Kosovo in 1999. The vehicles all 6994-0065 UNIFIL 647
Leclerc tanks at his disposal. came from the 2nd squadron
The Leclerc tanks had two -6/12 Régiment de Cuirassiers squadron from 501/503 RCC words, the UNIFIL Leclerc tanks
essential missions: one platoon, and were of the T6 to T9 (Régiment Chars de Combat) had the licence plates 635
composed of four tanks, production batch of the Séries replaced the tank crews of 6/12 through 647. Note that the UN
patrolled the Blue Line (actual 2 version of the Leclerc. They Régiment de Cuirassiers. During licence plates were not fitted
border between Lebanon are easily identifiable by the the first eight months of their until several months into their
and Israel) in order to prevent large air-conditioning housing presence in South Lebanon, deployment, probably in the
violations of the UN resolution. on the roof of the turret, just all Leclerc tanks were 100% first weeks of 2007.
This was mainly done in the behind the commander’s operational despite the rough I also found pictures on
region of At-Tiri, Bint-Jubayl hatch. There are no external terrain. the Internet of Leclerc tanks
and Meiss-El-Jebel. The other differences between the T6 Apart from the UNIFIL
with UN licence plates 10549,
licence plates listed above, I
two platoons were part of a and T7 batch of the Leclerc. 10598 and 10600 (or 10680).
found pictures of the following
UNIFIL Quick Reaction Unit At the end of January 2007, a These were newer five-digit UN
UNIFIL licence plates fitted on
licence plates, only adopted
Leclerc tanks: 635, 640, 644,
2 645 and 646. Since UNIFIL in 2008 or 2009, and issued
participating countries received to Leclerc that arrived in the
a whole series of UN licence AO as replacements for those
plates at once, we can make originally deployed. On 14
the assumption that the December 2010, after four
remainder of the Leclercs had years in South Lebanon, the
the following licence plates: Leclerc tanks were shipped
637, 638 and 641. In other back to France.

1 Leclerc ‘641’ in an overwatch position.

The lower hull is entirely covered with
mud and all the small rubber side skirts
2 Head on view of Leclerc ‘642’. The
French licence plates were not
yet over painted and the unit’s tactical
are missing. marking is also still visible. These photos
were taken in the spring of 2007.

60 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN DETAIL

3 General view of Leclerc ‘642’. The

antennas were camouflaged with
white scotch tape to make them less visible.
Note the difference in colour between the
tank and the trailer next to it.

4 Close up of the licence plate of Leclerc

‘642’. Note that the French flag was
scrubbed off the original licence plate. The
tactical marking identifies this vehicle as
part of 6/12 Régiment de Cuirassiers –
2ième Brigade Blindée. This marking was
only visible on Leclerc ‘642’. The remainder
of the Leclerc’s either didn’t had this
marking or had it painted over.

5 View of Leclerc ‘636’. Notice the

missing rubber skirt on the first
station and that the tactical unit marking
is not visible next to the licence plates. The
running gear was not painted white and 4
kept in its original black.

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 61
 ARMOUR IN DETAIL

6 Rear view of Leclerc ‘642’. Every

UNIFIL vehicle is supposed to
During the months of February and
March, a lot of rain falls in Lebanon, so
heavy weathering and effect on the
white paintwork is again evident here.
carry a prominent UN flag. The external
fuel drums were not fitted in Lebanon.
Strangely enough the wading
the vehicles quickly get very dirty.

10 Close up of the ‘636’ licence

plate. Again, the French flag
14
in place.
Side view of Leclerc ‘642’. All
the rubber side skirts are still

equipment is carried on the rear of the

turret, although it has absolutely no
was scrubbed of the original licence
plate. 15 Note the sprayed over rubber
mud guards on the front of
use in South Lebanon.

7-8 Rear views of Leclerc ‘636’. 11 Close up view of the lateral

armoured skirts. Note the
heavily weathering on the white paint
‘642’.

16 Detailed view of the drive

sprocket. The rear end of the

9 Close up view of the nose of

Leclerc ‘636’. Note that the inside
of the gunner’s sight is still green.
and the anti-slip coating.

12-13 Front views of

Leclerc ‘636’. The
side skirts was not fitted on Leclerc
tanks in Lebanon.

6
8
9

11 12

14 15

62 Military Modelcraft International

 ARMOUR IN DETAIL

10

13

16

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 63
 ARMOUR IN DETAIL

17 Rear view of the Séries 2

Leclerc tank with the large air-
conditioning housing on the roof of the
turret which identifies it as a T6 through
T9 batch Leclerc. Note the position of the
UNIFIL licence plate and of the UN marking
on the roof. A small light was added under
the flag in order to make it more visible
during the night.

18 This marking was applied to

all the vehicles of the French
battalion (BATFRA) from the middle of
April 2007. GTIA stands for Groupe Tactique
Inter Arme, which can be translated
as Combined Arms Tactical Group or
Battlegroup.

19 Close up view of the missing

rubber side skirts and their
attachment points on Leclerc ‘647’.

20 Front view of Leclerc ‘647’. Note

the clean appearance of the turret
compared to the hull.
17

18 19

20

64 Military Modelcraft International

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 65
 WORLD WAR II

Roman Volchenkov builds Dragon’s Afrika Korps command tank.

W
ithout doubt, one as a standard tank, or in its Panzer IV. However, with the The Model
of the most popular many derivative forms (most latter being rearmed to face Not surprisingly, kits of the
subjects among notably, of course, the StuG III). the formidable Soviet T-34, Pz.Kpfw.III (in its many versions)
AFV modellers is the Panzer It was originally intended to the Panzer III’s new role was continue to appear from
III. Developed in the 1930s, it fight against other armoured to support infantry. Although various manufacturers, three
served with the German Army fighting vehicles, and to serve production of the Panzer III of the latest examples coming
throughout World War II, either alongside and support the ceased in 1943, the chassis from Ryefield Model, an Ausf.
formed the basis of several J (ref. RM-5070), Academy,
new vehicles, in particular, also an Ausf. J (ref. 13531) and
the Sturmgeschütz III assault Takom’s Ausf. M (ref. 8002).
gun/tank destroyer, the While I was somewhat tempted
most produced German by these, I opted for one of
armoured fighting vehicle Dragon’s earlier kits for this
of the war. project. Appearing in 2017,
‘DAK Pz.Bef.Wg.III Ausf.H’ (ref.
6901) was actually a re-boxed
kit with new parts (the original
components dating back to
2007). Acquiring this particular
kit proved to be fairly difficult,
and relatively expensive.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt
that Dragon’s Panzer III kits are
among their very best.
For those who are unfamiliar
with this variant of the Panzer
III, it was the command version
of the Ausf. H model. The main
armament had been removed
(with a dummy gun installed),
and powerful radio equipment
fitted inside the hull. The
interior was re-organised, with
a large telescopic antenna
attached to the floor, and
extended via an opening in the

66 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

turret roof. A further identifying straightforward. Various

feature was the frame antenna details around the hull tub are
mounted on the rear deck. particularly well rendered, and
Specific to Deutsche Afrika the road-wheels can be fully
Korps (DAK) vehicles were movable, if required. However, I
external stowage boxes and decided to permanently attach
jerry can/spare track racks. the wheels to their axles to
Without an active main gun, ensure greater stability.
there was no requirement for During the initial
a rotating turret, so this was construction, I divided the
simply bolted to the hull. model into two sub-assemblies:
References for this vehicle the lower hull, engine deck,
are notably scarce, with (as transmission cover and hull
far as I am aware) no interior interior; and the superstructure
photographs, so building with the fixed turret. The
the kit was rather a case lower hull assembly caused no
of educated guesswork. In problems in terms of parts-
fairness, the designers at fit, but I was not convinced
Dragon have come up with a by the positions of some of
reasonable interpretation, but the interior fittings. A case
again, this is clearly based on in point, the ammo pouches
speculation. I did follow Tom hanging on a rail appear to
Cockle’s build on the Missing be suspended in mid-air … doubt correct for this vehicle fail to mention that the
Lynx forum and had several hardly visible on the completed (photo 1). mantlet needs to be sanded
conversations with him on the model, but something of a I found the superstructure/ down and slightly modified to
subject; he too was unsure ‘cop out’, in my opinion. As for fixed turret assembly to be accommodate the dummy gun.
about the specific details and the commander’s pedestal more problematic. Most Also, the sprues contain parts
plans to investigate further. and seat, and the centrally importantly, the instructions specific to different versions of
mounted radio, these are no the Panzer III, but little attempt
Construction
has been made to identify
As with Dragon’s other Panzer
these in the diagrams (photo
III kits, assembly was generally
2).

1 2

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 67
 WORLD WAR II

Painting, Marking & and weather the interior before lower assemblies together.
Weathering finally joining the upper and Beginning with the upper
Having chosen to have all assembly, the first step was
hatches open, I needed to paint

3 4

7 8

11 12

68 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

to apply an overall coat of red raised details and into all would quickly find their way remove. The fire extinguisher
primer. Note the position of recesses (photos 5 & 6). Before into the compartment; hence was replaced by a superior
the antenna support, as well as removing the vision blocks a heavy application of AMMO’s version from PanzerArt, and
the machine-gun, sights and from their sprues, I painted the North Africa Dust Pigment the dummy MG barrel by a
map table. I avoided removing lenses with AMMO’s Periscope (A.MIG 3003) over the floor turned-brass item from Adlers
the ejector-pin marks from the Green (A.MIG-0096) from their and fixed with enamel thinner. Nest. Note that I scratch-built
various surfaces, as these would ‘Crystal Colors’ range and I prefer to use this as a fixer, new headlight power cables
be unseen (photo 3). With picked out the frames with as it allows the pigment to be from lengths of Evergreen
the primer fully dry, I applied black (photo 7). manipulated (and to some plastic rod, bent to shape using
several light coats of hairspray, Moving on to the lower extent, removed) afterwards tweezers and small amounts of
and followed with a coat of assembly, I repeated the (photo 10). To create a ‘lived glue. The glue was applied to
matt white. In reality, this was process of red primer, hairspray in’ appearance, I added various
the inside of each bend, which
an ivory colour (Elfenbein), but and base colour (in this case, items of equipment, sourced
had the effect of softening
the difference would be hardly grey) (photo 8). After some from Dragon, Royal Model and
the plastic, preventing the
noticeable, once the model ‘paint chipping’ effects around FC Model Trend (photo 11). No
rod from snapping (photo
was complete (photo 4). Now the floor and panel edges, I turning back now and with the
using an old brush and small painted the seats and other model finally closed up, I was 13). Just visible, a short piece
amounts of water, I proceeded features (again using a brush). really pleased with the amount of plastic rod was also added
to replicate surface scratches I deliberately exaggerated the of interior detail that could be to replicate the cable leading
to the paintwork; nothing highlights on the seats, given seen through the open hatches from the frame antenna to the
excessive, just sufficient to that very little light would (photo 12). turret. Before moving on to
give the impression of light enter the interior (even with I always prefer to replace the painting stage, I filled any
damage due to wear and tear. the hatches open) (photo kit-supplied tool clamps with unwanted gaps with diluted
Satisfied with the appearance, 9). Bearing in mind that the photoetched items. However, Tamiya putty. Any excess was
I brush-painted smaller items, vehicle would be operating many of the tools here had then removed using a cotton
and finished with a series of in desert conditions, it is fair integrally moulded clamps, swab moistened with lacquer
oil-based pin washes around to assume that sand and dust which were very difficult to thinner (photo 14).

5 6

9 10

13 14

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 69
 WORLD WAR II

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

70 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

Of course, it was important DAK vehicles certainly did replicate smaller chips and turret, and appropriate decal
to mask the already-painted suffer in this respect. Having scratches with something markings added with the help
interior, the perfect solution applied what I considered to sharper (a hard-bristle of Gunze’s Mr. Mark Setter.
being to insert pieces of be a reasonable match for toothbrush, tweezers, or even Tools and other small details
kitchen sponge. These are the Dunkelgrau, I repeated a redundant airbrush needle). were brush-painted with
easy to compress before being the ‘hairspray’ treatment, and Again, the surfaces needed acrylics (photo 21). There is
inserted via the hatches, and followed with the two-colour to be moistened before an a misconception that North
immediately expand to mask all desert camouflage scheme. attempt was made to scratch Africa is an entirely dry region;
openings. So, onto the exterior As you will see, the contrast the paintwork (photos 18 the most northerly areas can be
painting, beginning with an between the two is minimal, & 19). Having treated the quite muddy, due to occasional
overall coat of red primer, apparently typical of the wheels in exactly the same rains. With this in mind, I
and followed by the hairspray early North African campaign way, I painted the tyres and decided to show the model
covering (photo 15). vehicles (photos 16 & 17). exposed metal portions. A with a covering of dry mud and
It is well-documented that Time to make a start on the point to remember, both the sand slurry over lower areas. To
vehicles dispatched to North ‘paint chipping’ treatment. As inner and outer teeth of the achieve this, I combined one
Africa during the early stages always, it was important to sprocket need to show wear of AMMO’s ‘Splashes’ products
of the campaign were in consider just where this would (something that appears to be with their North Africa Dust
their European Dunkelgrau be most appropriate, the two forgotten by some modellers). pigment (A.MIG. 1004), and
colour. Some were simply obvious factors being crew I also think it better to vary Vallejo’s water-based Crackle
camouflaged using a watered- movement around the vehicle, the level of wear over different Medium (70.598). Once dry, this
down sand ‘slurry’, while and the desert environment. wheels, as this looks far more resulted in a very convincing
others received a field-applied In certain cases, the damage realistic. All that remained was appearance (photo 22).
desert scheme (either one or would have removed only the to apply an oil-based wash to Since the ‘Splashes’ products
two-tone). The combination top layer of paint (exposing the each wheel, both to emphasise are enamel-based, they can
of intense heat and frequent grey); in others, more extensive, raised details, and to give the be easily manipulated using
erosion from sandstorms exposing the red primer. impression of accumulated a small amount of enamel
tended to wear away the While a brush moistened with grime (photo 20). thinner. The effect was further
poor-quality topcoat, water was the perfect tool for Again, the oil-based wash enhanced using dark-tone oils
exposing large portions removing large was applied to the hull and and enamels to suggest grease
of the underlying grey. areas of paint, I and oil stains (photos 23 &
Although there is some found it easier to 24).
debate on the extent
of distressed paintwork
applied to AFV models
generally, reference
photographs show that

23 24

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 71
 WORLD WAR II

25 26
The one-piece DS tracks without the crackle medium),
provided with the kit are I applied this to the tracks,
perfectly acceptable, but I focusing on areas where mud
decided to replace these with would naturally accumulate
MasterClub’s fully-workable (photo 28).
metal tracks (ref. MTL35009). Returning to the hull and
Beautifully cast and accurate in turret, I applied various
size and detail, these are a joy pigments (diluted with enamel
to build. Each link is connected thinner) to give the impression
via a resin pin, which does not of a heavy layer of dust. These
react with weathering products were blended using a brush
(photo 25). Once assembled, moistened with thinner. I also
the tracks were thoroughly added minimal ‘rust chipping’
cleaned with Mr. Muscle’s Oven effects using a selection of oil
Cleaner (no adverse effect on paints (photo 29). With the
29 the pins) and immersed in Solid wheels and tracks installed,
Scale’s Track Burnishing Fluid. the model began
Any excess fluid was removed to look like a
with water, and the tracks classic DAK Panzer
were allowed to dry on a piece (photo 30). But
of kitchen towel. Since the wait, something
burnishing fluid would have was missing
no effect on the resin pins, it … stowage!
was important to paint these Thankfully,
black before continuing (photo PanzerArt provide
26). The next step was to apply a fantastic range
an overall rust wash using of resin items (ref.
pigments diluted with lacquer 35-539), perfectly
thinner. Outer contact surfaces suited to such a
were rubbed with a metal model (photo 31).
file, and the inner sections Once again, I employed
painted with a metallic paint the ‘hairspray’ treatment
(photo 27). Using my previous when painting these items,
30 splashes/pigment mix (but the only difference being the

31 32

72 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

27 28
choice of colours and level of Stuff putty. Once rolled out to being painted and weathered the shade slightly to provide
weathering. In addition, oil form thin sheets, these were accordingly. While certain items visual interest (photos 33 &
cans (complete with labels) temporarily positioned and (for example, jerry cans) may 34). All that remained was to
were sourced from Plus Model allowed to fully cure before have been painted in the same add fuel/grease stains to the
(photo 32). Further items of colour, it is always wise to vary engine deck, apply ‘soot’ effect
stowage included tarpaulins to the exhaust, and highlight
and cloths, and these were the towing cables with a touch
made from two-part Green of graphite (from the tip of a
pencil) (photo 35).

33 34

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 73
 WORLD WAR II

36

Final Thoughts and Takom. The range of

And with that, the model was different variants, however, is
complete. It’s seen here with unmatched – no fewer than
my DAK Panzer IV, featured 33 different releases based
in the September 2019 issue on their 2007 tooling, not
of MMI (photo 36). Dragon’s to mention those released
Panzer IIIs are great kits, even under the Cyber Hobby label
if they are on the expensive – and I was delighted to add
side compared to the newer this unusual Panzer to my
releases from Academy collection.

Availability:
Dragon Models Limited
1/35 Pz.Bef.Wg. III Ausf. H
(ref. 6901) is available from
good model shops.

74 Military Modelcraft International

 Kampfgruppe
Italienfeldzug German Mühlenkamp 5 SS Panzer
G065 - HMEE-I Panzerwrecks 23 - Italy 3 Landcraft 8 - Sdkfz 251 From Bessarabia to Tanks and Vehicles 1943- Division.
84 pages, 230 photographs and 165 rare and unpublished large- The Sdkfz 251 halftrack was one Belgrade 1945 Vol. 2 These stunning images of the
drawings. format photographs sourced from of the most versatile armoured From Bessarabia to Belgrade: An This 250-page reference contains Waffen-SS “Wiking” Division and
around the world, nine pages of vehicles produced by either side Illustrated Study of the Soviet 16 colour profiles, more than 600 “Germania” Regiment in action
£23.99 specially commissioned artwork in the Second World War. Conquest of Southeast Europe, large photographs and captions were scanned from the actual
by Felipe Rodna, map and March-October 1944 with detailed information, maps, negatives and digitally enhanced
insignias by Simon Vosters. £16.99 as well as vehicle markings and enlarged to bring out a
£25.99 and reproductions of original previously unseen level of detail.
£24.99 documents.
£75.99
£34.99

Waffen-SS Tiger Crews at Sherman Tank Vol 3. Warpaint Armour Bloody Vienna Tanko 5087 Fahrzeuge der
Kursk Through dozens of archival 1991-2020. Penned by a leading Bulgarian Panzergrenadiere Heute.
This project aims to scrape away photos, many never before NATO Armour 1991-2020. On top researcher, the book provides an Reference to more than 70 years
the mythology surrounding the published, as well as detailed of this superb reference material, expert analysis of this battle. It of development of a proud
most-feared soldiers, who crewed photographs of some of the finest a modelling gallery displays some also contains many never-before- combat arm, including 60 years
the most iconic tank, at one of the existent examples of surviving of the most inspirational NATO published photographs. of tradition established as part of
vehicles, these iconic armored Militar Fahrzeug 1-2021
most vicious battles of the Second armour models from the pages of £29.99 the ground forces of the modern
World War. fighting vehicles are explored, and Military Modelcraft International. German Army.. £9.99
their history is explained.
£28.99 £19.99 £18.00 £14.99

Tanker Techniques
Tankograd 1009 Ripe for Rebellion - Warpaint Vol 1 Colours Desert Eagle 30 Merkava Magazine. IDF Special
Issue Volume 1 Figures F.A.Q.
Kraftrader Africa@War 51 and Markings of British 50th Jubilee Siman 4/4M in
In this book you will find advice
This publication, for the very first Ripe for Rebellion is the first Army Vehicles 1903-2003 IDF Service Part 4 This special edition of Tanker
and explanation of all techniques
time, grants an extensive written of two volumes examining the This book, Volume 1 in a series This new book from Desert magazine is focused on the
Israel Defense Forces armoured and processes which you need
and pictorial overview on the so-called ‘Congo Crisis’. Based of four, describes and illustrates Eagle Publishing is released for to master painting of all types
impressed civilian motorcycles on extensive research in multiple vehicles. It is an excellent step-
the colours and markings used by the 50th jubilee of the Merkava of figures, provided by the best
as well as the later army models official archives. the British army on its vehicles tank program started on August by-step guide on creating realistic
painter of all time: Master Kirill
of the Imperial German Armed during the 20th century. 21 1970. miniatures of IDF AFVs in 1/35
Forces in 1914-18. £16.95 scale. Kanaev.
£20.00 £29.90 £18.99 £74.99
£23.99

Superking - Building
Trumpeter’s 1:16th Scale
King Tiger
This freshly reprinted book The Weathering Magazine The Weathering Aircraft AFV Modeller 116. Befhels
from AFV Modeller combines Military Illustrated Fantasy Figures
the 3 1/2 year coverage from
Issue 32 – Accessories Issue 18 – Accessories 65pages, Full Colour.
Each technique and effect This extremely comprehensive Modeller 112. International Issue 8
AFV Modeller Magazine
explained in this latest issue can issue provides you with the Cows are not afraid of Fireflies. £6.95 Each issue features exclusive
with additional unpublished
be applied to a range of subjects: opportunity to learn how to step-by-step articles allowing you
material and combines archive
photographs with walkaround whether a beginner or experienced assemble, upgrade, even paint £6.75 to get the most out of your hobby.
photography of the real vehicle in modeller this issue will leave you and weather your accessories and
£4.95
452 landscape pages. inspired for your next project! enjoy the process and amazing
results
£55.00 £8.99
£8.99

YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bookworldws.co.uk UK POSTAGE: SINGLE BOOK, VALUE UNDER £30.00 - £3.25
Stockists of the following subjects: Aviation, Military, Naval, TWO OR MORE BOOKS £4.95
Modelling, Railway and Motoring
Major credit cards accepted, UK cheques payable to Bookworld Wholesale Ltd FOR OVERSEAS POSTAGE, PLEASE CONTACT US.

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 75
 COLD WAR

David Chou builds link tracks, but after taking a

the new AFV Club M109. closer look at the vinyl tracks,
I decided not to replace them
as they are nicely detailed
later an M109 with new parts and very malleable. I used a
for the Vietnam War. penknife to randomly distress
some of the rubber blocks and
Assembly then lightly sanded them with

A
rtillery played a crucial produced and was given the
role in the Vietnam I’ve been interested in the #600 sandpaper to soften the
official designation M109. In
War. Fire Support Bases Vietnam War theme for a long edges (photo 1).
June 1966, the M109 made its
time, so when AFV Club’s M109 Overall the assembly process
(FSB) typically consisted combat debut in Vietnam and
came out, I immediately put was pretty straightforward,
of a battery of 155mm or by 1968 some 108 howitzers it on my 2020 to-do list. I’d but, as I said, you need to take
105mm howitzers, while were deployed in theatre. already built some of AFV Club’s your time. The kit comes with
larger ones had two batteries AFV Club released its first M109s before, so there were no a turned metal barrel, which
and an infantry battalion. M109 kit, the M109A2 (ref. hidden surprises. As usual with is excellent and can be made
Self-propelled artillery was AF35109) in 2002, and followed AFV Club, it’s a case of following to recoil (photo 2). There are
especially important and this up with the M109A6, IDF the instructions step-by-step, quite a few small parts and,
offered commanders a much M109A2 Rocher and Doher, all nothing too difficult, but still due to the deterioration of my
more flexible tool in response of which are great kits. In early requiring some patience and eyesight, the assembly process
to the tactical situation. In 2020, AFV Club retooled the close attention. was a bit slower than usual,
1961, the 155mm T196E1 self- hull and released an M108 (ref. I considered replacing the with the entire build taking me
propelled howitzer was mass- AF35108), and a few months kit’s vinyl tracks with single- about twenty hours.

76 Military Modelcraft International

 COLD WAR

Painting
As the chassis of M109 was
made from aluminum alloy, I
sprayed the whole body with
Tamiya’s Aluminium (TS-17)
from a spray can and followed
this with a Clear Coat. I then
applied chipping fluid over
the areas where the body was
most prone to wear. Choosing
the right shade of green for
a Vietnam-period US AFV is
always tricky, but I finally chose
Gunze’s Green FS34092 (H-302)
mixed at a ratio of 9:1 with Flat
Olive Drab 2 (C-38). I sprayed
the body in this colour mix first,
then added some Flat White
(C-62) to highlight those areas
where light would naturally fall
(photo 3). The green paint was
then carefully scraped off with
a hobby knife and soft wire
brush to reveal the aluminium All the details were painted Availability:
hull, adding some real interest with acrylic paint, except
AFV Club 1/35 M109
and depth to the M109’s hull some of the tools and metallic 155mm L23 Howitzer (ref.
(photo 4). The decals were parts, which were painted with AF35329) is available from
then added and everything enamel paints. I then ran a 6B good model shops.
sealed with a coat of semi-matt lead pencil over them to impart
varnish. some additional metallic shine.

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 77
 COLD WAR

Weathering acrylic-based paints to achieve

The most interesting part of different effects. I tend to use
making AFV models for me ready-mixed enamel-based
is weathering, as it’s this that mud products to replicate
sets the context for the vehicle heavier accumulations of mud,
and can tell part of its history. but, on this occasion, I tried
For a long time now, I’ve something different. I sprayed a
been using dark brown and light coat of AK Interactive Dry
black oil paints with Tamiya’s Light Mud (AK274), and also
Enamel Thinner (X-20) to apply mixed AMMO’s Vietnam Earth
washes. I apply the wash as pigment (A.MIG. 3022) with
many times as is necessary, Vallejo’s Satin Mecha Varnish
mixing it with appropriately (69.703) and water, applying
coloured enamel paints to this as a wash over the lower
soften the effects where hull (photo 5).
necessary. I also use pigments
with the same enamel thinner Conclusion
to create various stains. This is This is an impressive kit.
then protected with a coat of Compared with some other
varnish. AFV Club kits, the number of
I frequently used a hair dryer parts is relatively small, but the
to speed up the drying times level of detail is still superb. This
of the various weathering was my favourite build of 2020
layers and use the different and I was delighted to win the
properties of oil, enamel and gold medal in the 9th AFV Club
Cup. I hope you like it too.

78 Military Modelcraft International

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 79
 WORLD WAR II

David Strauss returns with another MiniArt gem.

T
he last time I built a kit also simple to maintain and develop an automobile factory
straight from the box, perfectly suited to the task at Nizhny Novgorod. In 1932
without any aftermarket in hand. They are robust, the Soviets began building
additions, was about twenty yet graceful, beautiful and Ford trucks, renamed NAZ-A
years ago. That this is the kit interesting vehicles. You can and NAZ-AA. The factory
that broke this run says a lot feel the Russian soul running name was soon changed to
about the quality of the recent through them. For me, that Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod
releases coming from the was the reason to finally (GAZ) and they continued to
Ukrainian company MiniArt. build one of these vehicles produce copies of Ford trucks
Russian trucks have a for my display cabinet. The into the early 1940s. During
very special appeal to me. development of the GAZ the war they were simplified
This is especially true of the trucks began in the early due to material shortages,
vehicles used during the Great 1930s. In 1929 the Soviet with, for example, the doors
Patriotic War: they look rough Union signed a deal with made of wood and only one
and ready, very military, but the Ford Motor Company to headlight installed. Since the

80 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

Red Army mainly used the say the GAZ trucks were never do not follow the instructions model was complete.
vehicles to transport weapons on my wish list. That changed precisely, you will run into
and ammunition, their lifespan
tended to be short. The GAZ-
quickly, however, when MiniArt
released their first kits and their
some problems later on. There
are many delicate details on the
1 The beautifully rendered
engine. With the bonnet
open, a few cables are all
AAA was originally a GAZ- attractive box art grabbed my chassis, such as the tubes that
that is needed to enhance its
AA truck with a quadruple attention. supply oil to the axles. Each
appearance.
4M Maxim M1910 gun, but On opening the box it’s tyre consists of eight separate
a 6x2 cargo version was
introduced in 1943, forming the
clear there is a huge number
of parts for a vehicle of this
parts, probably the only way to
reproduce its profile accurately
2 Special care must be taken
when installing the axles
and suspension, otherwise this
subject of this project. size. But as you look through in plastic. I think this works
the building instructions, it well and is preferable to vinyl. will have an adverse effect on
The Build quickly becomes clear why The driver’s cabin can be made the remainder of the build.
The question this time was
not which kit manufacturer
to choose, but which version?
this is so. Everything is there;
a little bit of diesel and you
as several sub-assemblies
and painted before gluing 3 The completed chassis. The
steering lock must be glued
in place as, unfortunately, it’s
might even get it to start! Work everything together. As I
MiniArt offers a wealth of begins with the engine. If you wanted to show the driver’s not intended that the parts be
different variants of most of decide to open up the bonnet, door open, it was only installed movable.
their kits, which can easily
be built out of the box due
to their quality and level of
some additional detailing
will be needed but nothing
unexpected. Construction of
after all the painting and
weathering was complete.
Similarly, to make painting and
4 You can appreciate the fine
tread pattern of the tyres,
as well as the linkage and oil
detail. Despite the attraction the chassis follows, but some weathering easier, I only fixed supply lines, here.
of Soviet softskins, I have to caution is required here. If you the load bed in place once the

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 81
 WORLD WAR II

Russian Three-Colour then brush-painted using you progress through a project. GAZ truck, at a model show.
Camouflage Vallejo acrylics. I applied some It’s also possible to replicate I glued a sheet of Styrodur
I got the idea for the unusual extensive paint scratches and paint damage in this way with to the base and then glued a
three-colour camouflage from chips to the wooden areas of oil paints. rough semi-circle of Styrodur
AMMO’s Ostfront colour the trucks, using Vallejo Natural Once I was happy with the on top of that for the street.
profile book. This is a great Wood (70.834). effect, I began to add heavier The road and pavement were
book, including dozens of Dirt and Grime accumulations of dust and dirt then laid with paving slabs
unusual and attractive profiles Weathering began with a using pigments. As with the oil and cobble stones made from
of Soviet AFVs and softskins. heavy application of earth and paints, I used darker pigments two-part epoxy putty. The
I started with a solid coat of dark brown oil paints to the in the chassis and lower parts sides of the Styrodur were then
black primer, using Tamiya’s chassis. I then used a range of the truck and much lighter blended into the wooden base
Flat Black (XF-1) in this case. of lighter coloured oil paints ones on the upper areas, such itself using Magic Sculp. The
The base green was mixed from – greens and ochres – on the as the load bed. The pigments cobblestones were grouted
various Tamiya colours: Olive upper parts of the truck to were simply added in their with finely sifted garden soil.
Drab (XF-62), J.A. Green (XF-13), complement the camouflage dry form and then spread or Any excess was carefully
Dark Yellow (XF-60), and Dark colours. The oil paint was removed as needs be using a brushed away and the entire
Green IJN 2 (XF-70). Once this applied into the corners and clean dry, flat brush. base treated to a coat of water
had dried, the camouflage crevices of the vehicle and Presentation mixed with PVA glue.
pattern was masked with MBK then gently feathered into the A relatively simple model like The base was painted
masking clay. The next colour paint work with white spirit. this looks much more attractive using similar materials and
was a very dark grey, almost This leaves a nicely faded and on a suitable scenic base than techniques to the truck. The
black, again mixed from Tamiya weathered appearance with merely stuck on a wooden icing on the cake was the
paints. The final camouflage plenty of rich tonal variety. I plinth. That’s why I model a street clock, a really striking
shade was a sandy yellow, repeated this step as often as small scenic base or vignette addition to the scene – no pun
similarly mixed from Tamiya was necessary to achieve the for almost every one of my intended – courtesy of MiniArt
acrylics. The other areas of the desired look. Don’t be afraid models. I bought this wooden (from their Street Lamps &
truck, such as the tyres, were to go back and repeat steps as base, the perfect size for the Clocks set, ref. 35560). The final

82 Military Modelcraft International

 WORLD WAR II

addition was an exquisitely revealed. White glue diluted with water

sculpted and cast resin figure
from Evolution Miniatures (ref.
EM-35131), which provided a
10 Weathering in progress.
The entire model has
been treated to oil paints, while
is then sprayed over it, making
sure that things don’t get too
wet.
sense of scale and that ‘human the rear of the vehicle has also
touch’. had pigments applied. 16 The base is then
airbrushed in

5 To facilitate painting the

cab interior, the roof and
11 The sides of the load
bed and other parts of
the truck made from wood had
appropriate colours and
weathered. The street clock,
doors were painted separately also from MiniArt, is a lovely
scratches and chips applied addition. Small tufts of grass,
and only then glued in place.
with a fine brush and Vallejo from Joefix Studios,
6 Unfortunately, very little
can be seen of the painted
Natural Wood. were added around
interior later.
12 The heavy use of the
load bed is implied
its base.

7 Everything ready for

painting to commence. The
cab interior was stuffed with
by the amount of bare wood
showing.
paper towel and then masked
off with Tamiya masking tape.
13
base.
The truck and the figure
are test-fitted on the

8 The initial green colour

airbrushed. I always mix
my colours randomly until I
14 The base in progress.
The manhole cover
came from another MiniArt
get something that ‘feels right’,
set, ‘Street Accessories’ (ref.
hence no precise ratios.
35530).
9 Always a pleasing moment:
the masking tape is
removed and a successfully
15 The cobblestones are
grouted with some
finely sifted garden soil.
applied camouflage pattern is

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 83
 WORLD WAR II

17 ‘5 to 12’: I try to build

a little gag into every
diorama or vignette. It
the roof you can see how the
dust pattern has been shaped
by the wind.
sometimes triggers a smile on
the viewer’s face. 19 The beautifully sculpted
and cast figure from

18 Here you can see the

different effects that can
be achieved with pigments. On
Evolution Miniatures. With
figures of this quality, painting
is a pure pleasure.

Availability:
MiniArt 1/35 GAZ-AAA
Mod 1943 (ref. 35133) is
available from all good
model shops. www.miniart-
models.com
The base that David
built for this project has
been cast in resin and is
available as ‘Vignette mit
Kopsteinpflaster’ (ref. DSM
V35002) from his eBay shop
‘dsminiaturen’.

84 Military Modelcraft International

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 85
A round up of the latest military titles

Force’ counterattack. The collection

of images here are superb and
come from both private and official
sources. For modellers, perhaps,
the images of M551 Sheridans, in
both Olive Drab and the US 7th
Army’s experimental three-tone
MASSTER camouflage are particularly
interesting. Also noteworthy are the
images of the so-called ‘Tank Grave at
Pless’, where a full platoon of M60A2
tanks of 3rd battalion, 64th Armor
Regiment became bogged down and
were not recovered until days after the
Title: Reforger 77 Carbon Edge: Forward Cold War NATO armour. This latest one, on end of the exercise. The book also has some
Defence along the Iron Curtain the FTX Carbon Edge held in September superb shots of M88A1 Armoured Recovery
(American Special 3041 ) 1977, is no exception. Carbon Edge was
vehicles and self-propelled artillery in
Author: Walter Böhm one of the largest US-led exercises of
striking MASSTER camouflage schemes
Publisher: Tankograd Publishing the Cold War, including 51,800 troops,
Price: £14.99 (pb) 4,000 tracked vehicles, 7,500 wheeled which have certainly got me twitching to
Tankograd’s growing collection of photo vehicles, 500 helicopters, and ninety find the AFV Club M88A1! Overall, another
albums from the annual REFORGER (Return combat aircraft. It took the familiar form of first-class publication from Tankograd and
of Forces to Germany) exercises are an a conventional response to an imagined highly recommended.
absolute gold mine for the enthusiasts of Warsaw Pact invasion followed by a ‘Blue David Grummitt

Title: Panzer IV engaging enemy from the 1942 when it protected Allied and Soviet tanks. As ever,
Author: Thomas Anderson was equipped the longer-barrelled gun. Anderson’s story is told through extensive
Publisher: Osprey Publishing Despite its service on all fronts, it was quotations from primary sources and there
ISBN: 978-1-47282-9-689 constantly overshadowed by the Panther are few, if any, historians who know the
Price: £30.00 (hb) and Tiger both in German propaganda and archives of the Panzerwaffe better than
The Panzer IV has quite rightly been the Allied imagination. the author. Perhaps best of all, for the
dubbed the ‘Workhorse of the Panzerwaffe Anderson’s new history goes through modeller, is the unrivalled collection of
IV’ and Thomas Anderson’s new book offers the Panzer IV’s service year by year, archival images, mostly from the author’s
the most accessible and comprehensive beginning with its origins in the nascent own collection. These are superb and
history of the tank available in English. At Panzerwaffe between 1936 and 1938, show a range of Panzer IVs and their crews
304 pages, it’s a big book and will keep before telling the story of its role in the on all fronts. This book is excellent and
even the most ardent German armour Polish and French campaigns, in North perfectly timed to coincide with the superb
enthusiast busy for some time. Originally Africa and, of course, in Russia. The final new Panzer IV kits coming from MiniArt.
designed as an infantry support tank, chapters look at the sometimes desperate Very highly recommended, it’s available
armed with a short-barrelled 7.5cm gun, technological expedients employed in the from all good book shops. Our thanks to
the Panzer IV was the only German tank last year or so of the war in an attempt to the publishers for the review copy (www.
to remain in production throughout maintain the Panzer IV’s viability on the ospreypublishing.com).
World War II and its role changed to battlefield in the face of better-armed and David Grummitt

86 Military Modelcraft International

 EUROPE’S NUMBER ONE
www.hannants.co.uk MODEL SHOP

AFV AJM
Ace Ace Club Models

ACE72440 1:72 Nagmashot IDF ACE72569 1:72 Smith Gun 3 inch AF35040 1:35 German Sd.Kfz.11 AJMG72-01 1:72 Japanese gun
heavy APC £22.40 Mk I OSB gun £6.99 3 Ton 1/2 Track £37.99 TYPE 88-75 mm £17.99

Amusing Amusing Amusing

Hobby Hobby Hobby Armory

AH35A023 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger(P) AH35A033 1:35 Elefant Sd.Kfz.184 AH35A035 1:35 Centurion AR72210 1:72 VK 36.01(H) German
£54.99 with full interior £59.99 Mk.5 AVRE £54.99 WWII Experimental Heavy Tan £25.60

Airfix Airfix Airfix Bronco

Models

AX1369 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.VI King Tiger I AX1370 1:35 M3 Lee/Grant £28.99 AX1372 1:35 M12 GMC £36.99 CB35218 1:35 British Recce and
£42.99 signals light truck (2 kits) with 5 Crew
£42.99

Das Das Das Dragon

Werk Werk Werk

DASDW35015 1:35 German DASDW35016 1:35 Gepanzerter DASDW35021 1:35 2 in 1 Dragon DN6801 1:35 M26A1
Kugelpanzer £13.95 Munitionsschlepper VK3.02 £19.95 Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G Pershing 70th Anniversary
Sturmhaubitze 42. £37.99 of Korean War £59.99

Dragon Dragon Dragon Emhar

Dragon DN6802 1:35 U.S. Marines Dragon DN6806 1:35 Chinese Dragon DN6809 1:35 Chinese Anti Emhar EM5004 1:72 Mk.A
Korea 1950/51 Volunteers 4 figures aircraft team Korean War £12.99 “Whippet” British Medium Tank £9.99
Korean War £12.99 Korean War £12.99
First to Hase Hase
Fight Hobby
Kits
gawa gawa Boss

FTF079 1:72 15 cm sFH 18 German HAMT003 1:72 Stuart Mk.I £11.99 HAMT005 1:72 M3 Grant Mk.I HB82934 1:72 Schwere
heavy howitzer for horse traction £9.40 tank £11.99 Plattformwagen Type SSyms 80
£37.99

Hobby Hobby Hobby Hobby

Boss Boss Boss Boss

HB84412 1:35 20mm Flak38 HB84414 1:35 Last Consultation HB84508 1:35 LvKv 90c Anti-Air HB84517 1:35 Soviet D-38
Figure Set £8.99 Figure Set £8.99 Vehicle (Due Feb) £52.99 Tank £29.99

Established since 1890 - selling plastic kits since 1955 - your guarantee of service
TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME

TELEPHONE NUMBER 0845 130 72 48

LOCAL RATE FROM UK PHONES ONLY (NOT MOBILES)
H.G.Hannant Ltd, Harbour Road, Oulton Broad,
Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 3LZ, England POST AND PACKING RATES
Tel: 01502 517444 or 0845 130 72 48 (all calls will be charged at local rate) Postage is calculated by weight / volume.
Fax: 01502 500521 Please place items in your cart and postage will be shown at
http://www.hannants.co.uk checkout. It is calculated according to your delivery address.
Enquiries to: [email protected]
London address: Unit 2 Hurricane Trading Estate,
Please note we no longer produce a printed catalogue.
Grahame Park Way, Colindale NW9 5QW Telephone: 020 8205 6697
www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 87
A round up of the latest military titles
Title: History of the Turán Medium and, with the permission of the
and Heavy Tanks in World War II Germans, a list of licences for sale
Author: Péter Mujzer was made available to Hungary
Publisher: Kagero Publishing in late 1939. The Hungarians had
ISBN: 978-8-36614-8-956 had good experiences with Czech
Price: £16.50pb military industry products during
In the late 1930s the Hungarian Army made the Hapsburg era. On the list of
serious efforts to build up an independent, available licences was the T-21
national war industry, which would be tank, which was seen as a possible
able to supply the Army with modern solution as a medium tank for the
armaments and equipment during the Hungarian military. The upgraded,
expected war. Armoured vehicles and modified version of the T-21 was
aircraft were the top priority, and in 1939 accepted by the Hungarian Army
the Hungarians already had the FIAT and the production started as the
Ansaldo tankette and the 38M Toldi light Turán 40M. In 1941 the Hungarians
tank under production. However, neither also developed the Turán 41M heavy
were up to the demands of modern tank.
war and there as an urgent need for This dual-language (English and
medium or heavy tanks. Hungary was Polish) book of 80 pages covers the
unable to purchase updated weaponry development and combat history
from abroad, as Germany concentrated of these tanks. There is a fantastic
on its own demands as prepared the collection of photos, including
large scale war, while the Italians and the some very good colorised ones, as
neutral states simply could not produce well as eight colour profiles and Very highly recommended. Our thanks to
modern weapons for Hungary. The military a selection of line drawings. This will be
Casemate Publishing for the review copy
carefully investigated available options. an indispensable companion to anyone
The only solution seemed to be the considering the 1/35-scale Bronco Models’ (www.casematepublishing.co.uk).
former Czechoslovakian Skoda Company kit or the small-scale IBG Models kits. David Grummitt

Title: M4 Sherman (Top Drawings 98) 1/16-scale drawing of the M4 with the
Author: Stanislaw Mokwa bolted lower hull. It has ten very nicely
Publisher: Kagero Publishing drawn colour profiles too. It’s good to
ISBN: 978-8-36614-8-932 see an overhead drawing of the M4 with
Price: £17.99 (pb) welded hull in 1/35, but it would have
This Top Drawing volume covers the M4,
been good to see overhead drawings of
M4A1 and M4A4 Firefly version of the
each variant in that scale (although they
Sherman. The book contains plans of the
M4 with rivetted hull, M4 with welded are reproduced in the smaller scales).
lower hull, M4A1, and M4A4 Firefly in 1/35, It’s not a big deal to scan or photocopy
1/48 and 1/72 scales, as well as a large the plans and scale them up though. A
nice collection of drawings for Sherman
enthusiasts. Our thanks to Casemate
Publishing for the review copy (www.
casematepublishing.co.uk).
David Grummitt

Title: Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. B Tiger II (Sd. turret details, the on-board tools and the
Kfz. 182) (Top Drawings 98) running gear. The book contains ten nice
Author: Mariusz Suliga colour profiles too. It would have been to
Publisher: Kagero Publishing have a drawing of the Zimmerit coating
ISBN: 978-8-36614-8-703 which covered the June and September
Price: £17.99pb
1944 production vehicles and the tank
The second Top Drawing volume this
featured in the 1/16-scale large drawings
month covers the King Tiger. The book
includes drawings of the Porsche-Turm included as a single-sheet pull out. Our
tank (June 1944), the Henschel-Turm thanks to Casemate Publishing for the
(September 1944), Henschel-Turm (March review copy (www.casematepublishing.
1945) and a Panzerbefehlswagen with star co.uk).
antenna. There are also drawings of various David Grummitt

88 Military Modelcraft International

 We Buy
Collections!
We purchase military collections/collectibles,
aviation collections/collectibles, books,
diecast models, airplanes, memorabilia etc.

Nationwide House Calls Made • cash4yourbooks.net

Call Greg at 805.907.1773
www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 89
 Like us on
Facebook

A
s we said last year, we pages together have tens of
have some exciting thousands of international
plans for Guideline followers, making them the
Publications in 2021 and one most-liked modelling magazine
of these is a change to one of pages on Facebook. If you
our long-running titles, Toy would like to take advantage
Soldier Collector International. of the opportunities offered
The magazine has changed its by our Facebook page or our
name to Toy Soldier Collector expanding print media to
and Historical Figures to signal promote your products then
a new chapter in its long
please contact me, Tom Foxon,
history. Existing readers of the
Guideline Publications’ Sales
magazine will know that over
and Marketing Director
the last couple of years Toy
Soldier Collector has expanded (tom@guidelinepublications.
its coverage of plastic and a fantastic figure painting to check out the Facebook co.uk) , tel +44(0) 7540
resin figures and we have article by Eduardo Fernandez, pages, and click ‘Like’, of our 153368 or +44(0) 1582 668411.
decided that now is the time to detailing how he went about sister magazines, Scale Aircraft Similarly, if you want to see
fully embrace this side of the painting AK Interactive’s Modelling and Fantasy Figures your models featured on our
hobby. Going forward we will new large-scale World War II International, and our new Facebook page or on this page
be including some historical Japanese pilot bust. Over the titles Model Farmer and Model in the magazine, then please
figures painting and modelling coming issues we’ve got great Truck World. Our Facebook do message us.
articles, alongside the more figure painting and modelling (below) Oscar Ebri will be making
traditional Toy Soldier content. content planned, so do ‘like’ his MMI debut in 2021 with this
We will still be bringing the our Toy Soldier Collector and nicely finished M7 Priest.
latest news and best articles Historical Figures Facebook
for the Toy Soldier collector, page and check out the website
with the news, interviews www.toysoldiercollector.co.uk.
and articles you have come Thanks to everyone who
to expect, but we will be has continued to submit
introducing over the coming material to our Facebook
issues more reference articles, page; please keep it coming.
as well as figure painting and It’s a real pleasure to see your
modelling work and we’ll continue to
content. Issue feature as much of it as we
98, available can on Facebook and in
now, includes the magazine. Don’t forget
(left) Issue 98 of Toy Soldier Collector
and Historical Figures is out now,
featuring this superb large-scale
bust by Eduardo Fernandez. (below) Contemporary military vehicles
present a real challenge to the modeller
with their complexity and no one does
them better than David Chou. His fabulous
M-ATV will be appearing soon.

90 Military Modelcraft International

 EUROPE’S NUMBER ONE
www.hannants.co.uk MODEL SHOP

Hobby Hobby Hobby Hobby

Boss Boss Boss Boss

HB84520 1:35 Jackal 1 High HB84542 1:35 PLA 59-1 HB84555 1:72 Soviet T-60 HB85521 1:35 LKW 7t mil gl
Mobility Weapon Platform Medium Tank (Due Feb) £34.99 Light Tank (Due Feb) £29.99 LARS2 (Due Feb) 76.99
(Due Feb) £67.99

IBG IBG IBG

Models Models Models ICM

IBG35014 1:35 Bedford QL IBG72069 1:72 Crusader Mk.III IBG72082 1:72 Bedford QL ICM16303 1:16 Roman Gladiator
Petrol Tanker £31.20 Anti Aircraft Tank with Bofors Refueller £10.60 (Due Feb) £19.99
40mm Gun £12.50

ICM ICM ICM ICM

ICM35111 1:35 Sd.Kfz.247 Ausf.B ICM35510 1:35 Studebaker US6 ICM35623 1:35 Soviet Firemen ICM35904 1:35 Chernobyl #4.
with Crew (Due Feb) £34.99 with WWII Soviet Drivers £27.99 (1980s) (Due Feb) £9.80 Deactivators (4 figures) £15.80

MiniArt MiniArt MiniArt MiniArt

MT35209 1:35 M3 Lee Mid Prod. MT35311 1:35 Close Combat MT35318 1:35 US Soldiers at MT35334 1:35 U.S. Weapons and
Interior Kit £59.99 US Tank Crew (Spec Edition) £13.99 Rest (Special Edition) £12.99 Equipment (Tank Crew) £11.99

MiniArt MiniArt MiniArt MiniArt

MT35342 1:35 Pz.Kpfw.IV AusfJ MT35344 1:35 Pz.Beob.Wg. IV MT35345 1:35 German Drivers and MT35348 1:35 German
Nibelungenwerk Late £64.99 Ausf J Late 2in1 with Crew £49.99 Officers £12.99 Tankers Refuelling £12.99

MiniArt MiniArt MiniArt MiniArt

MT35354 1:35 German Tank MT35632 1:35 Wooden Barrels £12.99 MT37098 1:35 Egyptian T-34/85 MT39007 1:35 Austin Armoured
Crew, Kharkov (Resin Heads) £13.99 with Crew £49.99 Car (Soviet Service) £44.99

Established since 1890 - selling plastic kits since 1955 - your guarantee of service
TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME

TELEPHONE NUMBER 0845 130 72 48

LOCAL RATE FROM UK PHONES ONLY (NOT MOBILES)

H.G.Hannant Ltd, Harbour Road, Oulton Broad,

Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 3LZ, England POST AND PACKING RATES
Tel: 01502 517444 or 0845 130 72 48 (all calls will be charged at local rate) Postage is calculated by weight / volume.
Fax: 01502 500521 Please place items in your cart and postage will be shown at
http://www.hannants.co.uk checkout. It is calculated according to your delivery address.
Enquiries to: [email protected] Please note we no longer produce a printed catalogue.
London address: Unit 2 Hurricane Trading Estate,
Grahame Park Way, Colindale NW9 5QW Telephone: 020 8205 6697

www.militarymodelcraftinternational.co.uk 91
92 Military Modelcraft International