Dragon 1/35 Sd.Kfz. 250/3, Tunisia, 1942.

[speedgraflex]

Torben,

Has there ever been a well-made tank movie? I think “Das Boot” was the most historically accurate film made about being on a U-Boat as well as being a well-made submarine movie. My Dad and I were stunned after watching that. As far as car crash/explosions, you are absolutely right. My big issue with accuracy onscreen would be the sound of punches. Smacking a melon to create the same effect only creates a ridiculous trope, the same kind of trope found with every augmented explosion. This is to the point where audiences sit through all kinds of exaggerations without feeling anything; and the characters onscreen are probably not human anyway.

Hobbylink Japan is sold out, sadly.

[Stikpusher]

Bruce, as far as a well made tank movie goes, I’d submit “The Beast” as probably the best that I’ve seen. It’s one of those lesser known films that has something of a cult following among armor builders. It is the story of a Soviet tank in Afghanistan during that war. It was made in the 80s, and I’m pretty sure filmed in Israel on one of their captured and rebuilt T-55s. If you’ve never seen it, check it out sometime.
“Fury” was ok, but not as good I’d say. There are also some very good tank scenes in the old movie “Is Paris Burning?”. “Sahara” with Bogart is probably the best of old tank movies. The Aussie remake with Jim Belushi in that role was well done.
One I need to see is an old British WWII film, “They Were Not Divided” about British tankers in the Guards Armoured Division. I’ve caught bits and pieces of it...

[mostrich]

The best tank movie I can remember is Lebanon, though you can barely see the tank from the outside. But a great and intense war drama.
Kelly's Heroes features some nice tank battle scenes, also the German movie Stalingrad comes to mind, where infantry fights a desperate battle against a bunch of T-34.
And don't mention that Pitt-movie. That was embarrassing.

Found some Mirage M5 on ebay with free international shipping. An option?

[speedgraflex]

Carlos!

Thank you so much! The writer of “The Beast” also wrote the play/film “Extremities,” which I directed in a workshop at Northwestern. I have not seen the film, also adapted from his own play, but I am now extremely curious. I always liked Jason Patric’s Jim Morrison/Evil Dead vibe in “The Lost Boys;” ditto his Bond villain vibe in “The Losers.” I am excited to check this out!

[speedgraflex]

The best tank movie I can remember is Lebanon, though you can barely see the tank from the outside. But a great and intense war drama.
Kelly's Heroes features some nice tank battle scenes, also the German movie Stalingrad comes to mind, where infantry fights a desperate battle against a bunch of T-34.
And don't mention that Pitt-movie. That was embarrassing.

Found some Mirage M5 on ebay with free international shipping. An option?

Torben,

I think that is one I found on U.S. eBay if the seller is in Poland. I think I was going to use the countdown clock of four days to exhaust alternative ideas, if so. I checked Sprue Brothers and Brookhurst Hobbies online to see if there was a local supply but no go. To be honest I spent my free time researching the exact shade of British Racing Green used on a 1964 Lotus 30 last night. I also found three sets of bitchin’ Jim Clark resin sculpts in 1/24, and I started stripping another slot car body in lye last night. Race cars, man. The sleek lines are a seduction.

More sleek lines:

Here is Margot Robbie eating ice cream in costume as Sharon Tate. My buddy owns the ice cream truck and posted this online...



Thank you so much for the great recommendations!

[mostrich]

Margot Robbie.

Eating ice cream.

In a Sharon Tate outfit.

Man, selling sweets on a Tarantino set must be the shit. Excuse my language. And Bruce, your/our taste regarding women could lead us into some uncomfortable situations in bars around 6am. Just sayin'...

[speedgraflex]

Hah, I think Joe’s workspace in the van is fantastic, but also small—I took photos for him when he was first starting and still remember how tough it was to stay out of his way during the action shots inside.

Margo Robbie, an ice cream cone, a miniskirt, I mean what we are we talking about? I’m trying to imagine a bar in Los Angeles that would be suitable for a late night discussion! There’s a place I know in Santa Monica called the Daily Pint with an incredible selection of whiskey as well as beer, pool tables on one side, bar on the other, where locals go to blow off steam. My buddy Elvis (yes, pompadour and glasses) would go there in the late afternoon in between watering times for the hoi poloi, the owner has the original soundtrack for Blade Runner on the juke, and listen to Eighties Vangelis and talk smack about films. Did anyone see Schrader’s movie this year with Ethan Hawk, what about Ascension with Natalie Portman was so spellbinding, why is it nobody cares about the content any more.... seriously, “A Star is Born?”

[KSaarni]

Ice-cream and pop-corn ?
Might be delicious, have never tasted..
But simple basicallt salted potato chips and vanilla ice-cream do taste D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s !



- Kari

[Stuart]

Hah, I think Joe’s workspace in the van is fantastic, but also small—I took photos for him when he was first starting and still remember how tough it was to stay out of his way during the action shots inside.

Margo Robbie, an ice cream cone, a miniskirt, I mean what we are we talking about? I’m trying to imagine a bar in Los Angeles that would be suitable for a late night discussion! There’s a place I know in Santa Monica called the Daily Pint with an incredible selection of whiskey as well as beer, pool tables on one side, bar on the other, where locals go to blow off steam. My buddy Elvis (yes, pompadour and glasses) would go there in the late afternoon in between watering times for the hoi poloi, the owner has the original soundtrack for Blade Runner on the juke, and listen to Eighties Vangelis and talk smack about films. Did anyone see Schrader’s movie this year with Ethan Hawk, what about Ascension with Natalie Portman was so spellbinding, why is it nobody cares about the content any more.... seriously, “A Star is Born?”

That sounds like a great place to hang out Bruce - I love the fact that Blade Runner is on the Duke Box. As for films, everything seems to be style over content these days. I don't mind action movies but it's good to have a decent story. That's one of the reasons I enjoy watching period dramas - generally there's nothing to blow up (Mind you - Pride and prejudice and vampires..).

Natalie Portman has always been a fantastic actress (Hence the Avatar name...), and probably doesn't get the attention she deserves. Leon is still one of my all time favorite films - she was brilliant in that, even at such a young age.

[Stuart]

Bruce, as far as a well made tank movie goes, I’d submit “The Beast” as probably the best that I’ve seen. It’s one of those lesser known films that has something of a cult following among armor builders. It is the story of a Soviet tank in Afghanistan during that war. It was made in the 80s, and I’m pretty sure filmed in Israel on one of their captured and rebuilt T-55s. If you’ve never seen it, check it out sometime.
“Fury” was ok, but not as good I’d say. There are also some very good tank scenes in the old movie “Is Paris Burning?”. “Sahara” with Bogart is probably the best of old tank movies. The Aussie remake with Jim Belushi in that role was well done.
One I need to see is an old British WWII film, “They Were Not Divided” about British tankers in the Guards Armoured Division. I’ve caught bits and pieces of it...

The Beast was a bloody superb film, and one that I haven't seen in years. Thanks for reminding me about it. Was that a T-55? There's something about that tank I've always liked.

Fury was ok for what it was. I enjoyed it (and actually liked Brad Pitt for once) but the combat scenes were a bit 'Lucas'ey'.

Not a 'Tank' film as such but I still don't think you can beat Ice Cold in Alex.