mmD's 1/72 A7V Sturmpanzer *Finished*

[mightymikeD]

I don't make AFVs very often but feel like something different so i'm building this armoured toaster WWI Heavy Tank.
Kit is from Emhar, paint scheme will likely be a modified "Japanese" stle that I found on ver webz.

[mightymikeD]

So, here it is...


Sprues, fairly hard grey plastic, bit o' flash..


Three principal reasons why I don't build AFVs

1) Microscopically small parts that really don't mesh well with my MK IV "Enormous Hands"
2) Lining up all those tiny wheels and suspension parts
3) TRACKS! That never fit right and only succeed in popping off the most awkward of the aforementioned wheels and suspension

This kit was clearly designed, then, with me in mind..



Tracks, wheels and suspension all in one piece? Yes please! Admittedly, painting will be "Interesting" but this kit is right up my alley (oo-er, Missus!)

[mightymikeD]

And to work!

I'm going for a "Japanese" camo style which after long reflection (Glass of Wine #1), I've decided will be in
Rv88 Matt Ochre
Hu160 German Camo Red
Hu80 Grass Green EDIT: Hu102 Uniform Green
Hu29 Fluorescent Orange (just checking yer still awake )

Unsure, as yet, of which of the four supplied decal schemes to use but I think the "Mephisto" one, with the cute little emblem of a red devil running with what appears to be a surfboard, is looking like a winner.

The other thing I'm looking forward to here is mud, glorious mud.. I have Citadel Mud wash but don't think much of it so I'll probably create my own (something i don't get a chance to do with 'planes!). as I usually come up with some right hellbroths for engine washes I'm anticipating lots of fun..
Ochre going on as we speak.. Also Glass Of Wine #2!

[lancfan]

Despite the simplistic tracks this really does build up well and is a brilliant novice kit as a first tank and there are enough different colour schemes for this tank that a theme could be run using this kit alone.

David.

[mightymikeD]

Despite the simplistic tracks this really does build up well and is a brilliant novice kit as a first tank and there are enough different colour schemes for this tank that a theme could be run using this kit alone.

David.

It does look like a nice kit.. and there are enough rivets t keep ShaunW happy for days!
I agree about the paint schemes.. it's one of the reasons why I love building WWI subjects.. the camo and paint schemes are so varied and interesting.. plus the general lack of photos (especially in colour) means that you can feel free to get imaginative.

[mightymikeD]

righty ho...

progress thus far..

couple of coats of Ochre on, lines for camo drawn and first coat of Hu160 on to the relevant places..

I did a bit o' dry fitting and this looks like a winner in that respect!



(the Ochre is Yellower and the Red Redder than my flash suggests!)

[Dirkpitt289]

Nice

[Molly-new]

Interesting approach, paint then build. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

[mightymikeD]

Interesting approach, paint then build. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

I tend to do a bit while on the sprue.. as a hairy stick user

Then assemble, see what needs filling and do the last couple of coats after that. For this I dry-fitted to make sure the camo matches up.. I'll assemble shortly and fine-tune

[Ian]

And with this one you really can leave those rivets on!

[bobblelink]

This is a nice kit looking forward to seeing how your build turns out

[jelly071]

Looks Like A great little Kit

[mightymikeD]

It IS a great little kit

Have put all three camo colours on (no Day-Glo Orange, sorry!) just to make sure I didn't have the AAARGH of realising I'd put two patches of the same colour together.

Assembly is next, then more coats and black outlines..




painting that one-piece track/wheel/suspension too...

[jelly071]

Camo looks good

[mightymikeD]

Camo looks good

Thanks!

I'm attempting what was known as the "Japanese Style" camo.. distinctly coloured patches with a thick black border.. I've not been able to find much information about this camo style online, so am relying on other builds for guidance. I also have no idea what the link to Japan is. All I know about this camo is that it was used on Polish Army AFVs post-1918 (and dropped abruptly in favour of more realistic schemes when they realised that fighting Germany and/or Russia was inevitable in the late 30's)
So if anyone can shed some light, I'm all ears..