SPA Modeler

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:36 am This one is on pause until I order Tamiya Zimmerit decals/stickers. I had been working on the T-34/76 as well but not posting any progress builds. The T-34/76 is on pause as well - need to order correct colors before going any further. I guess I’ll have to resume finishing up the He-111 that’s been fighting me with all that PE cable cutter assembly.

I promise I’m not shadow-building you. Yours looks much better! I just ordered the simmer it decals a couple of days ago, since I’ve ended up with tw o kits due to not knowing what ihave, I guess I’ll need another set of these. I have some netal(I think) coming from somewhere so they won’t be here for a bit. Have you studied upon the installation of the road wheels?

Not at all, Lyle. It’s fun to see others do the same Panther from the Battle of Cologne.

I am stuck on one item… what was Wilhelm Bartelborth’s tank serial number and insignia used at Cologne battle? I do know he was of the Panzer Brigade 106 “Feldhernhalle”

Looking back on my first post regarding Spearhead tanks back in 2019, I saw Carlos’ post recommendation of either Takom or Meng Panther kit and Tamiya’s Panther is spotty in some ways.

viewtopic.php?t=3848&hilit=Spearhead


Oh well… maybe down the road I’ll pick up a Takom or Meng kit and build another Battle of Cologne Panther for comparison.

These old Tamiya kits may not be the best detail/accuracy wise, but as I'm finding out with my two they're close enough and pretty fun and hassle free builds overall.

Looking forward to seeing more progress when you've both got your Zimmerit and paints - hope you post up your T-34 Tom, and Lyle, your Panther - when you've got it to a point you're happy to share it.

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 08, 2025 8:36 am I had been working on the T-34/76 as well but not posting any progress builds. The T-34/76 is on pause as well - need to order correct colors before going any further. I guess I’ll have to resume finishing up the He-111 that’s been fighting me with all that PE cable cutter assembly.

4B0 Green is the name of the color. Many paint companies make it and none really match one another. It's somewhere between an olive drab and an olive green... pick the one that you like best personally. I still have yet to find "the one", although the old Polly Scale acrylic take looked close to some of the Russian stuff that I saw in person over the years

Yeah... I have none that comes close to Green 4BO.

Last night I cracked the housing for one of the front road wheels trying to hold the top hull to bottom hull.

Screw it.... not gonna fix it with putty and sand it. I'm not too upset about the mishap. Scalemates reviews say the Zvezda kit is an ancient kit. Besides, it had been fighting me at times. Good riddance!
I'm looking to get the Academy T-34/76 kit as my replacent. AFV is nice but I don't want the full interior. Dragon is okay. ICM doesn't have good reviews.

I'll use this one to work on my winter scheme.

Tamiya also makes some good T-34/76 & T-34/85 kits. They are older and simpler, like your Panther here, but build up quite easily. I’d suggest tht you have a look at them in addition to the Academy kit.

I did do the Tamiya T-34 kit some years back.

There was a great discussion on the “Fighting Girlfriend” T-34 tank I wanted to do - see link below. The first two photos are promotional/propaganda photos of the Fighting Girlfriend tank and was not used in combat.

https://archive.armorama.com/forums/252362/

Carlos mentioned using putty. Nope….. I ain’t got that kind of patience. ROFL!

I don't know for sure having never tried, but it would seem like using putty of some kind would be closest to the real process. Those stamps that were used in the iModeler project would really help but it would be a slow process for sure. I didn't have the nerve or the skill to attempt anything like that on my old Tamiya Panther but it might be doable with a little luck and a sporting chance! (an old pro bullrider expression )