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Work in Progress
Airfix 1/76 88mm Flak en Sd.Kfz.7 tractor
100 posts
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Impressive work. and great painting, dry brushing.
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Top !
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Wiking
- Posts: 2813
- Member since:
14 Sep 2015, 10:03
Thanks, Peter and Erik!
Final construction
Some last detail and final assembly of the model.
Chipping using a graphite pencil. Left before chipping, right after.
Chipping on the cruciform base.
Chipping of the tractor.
Decorated the different lights, using silver paint for the mirror and clearfix for the lense. The right headlight is left dark, as it is broken (or so I suggest).
Tractor assembled.
Almost ready.
Gun assembled. It took some fiddling to get everything more or less straight in line and all wheels on the ground. The barrel got a dustcover and the tiller a lighting cable.
Now only a crew.....
Final construction
Some last detail and final assembly of the model.
Chipping using a graphite pencil. Left before chipping, right after.
Chipping on the cruciform base.
Chipping of the tractor.
Decorated the different lights, using silver paint for the mirror and clearfix for the lense. The right headlight is left dark, as it is broken (or so I suggest).
Tractor assembled.
Almost ready.
Gun assembled. It took some fiddling to get everything more or less straight in line and all wheels on the ground. The barrel got a dustcover and the tiller a lighting cable.
Now only a crew.....
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huib
- Posts: 962
- Member since:
12 Dec 2015, 15:57
ModeratorCrew
Such an open topped vehicle is very receptive for a crew. The four gnome-like figures Airfix supplies are much too small and ugly however. As a result it took me a while to find some suitable 1/76 seated Afrikakorps figures on Ebay.
They are produced using a 3D-printer. The result is a bit stiff. It's all more or less the same figure, only with different clothes, headgear and equipment.
So I repositioned a few arms and swapped some heads to make the scene a bit more lively and realistic.
The figures are primed.
Painted.
The driver is united with his steering wheel.
A testride after shadowing and highlighting.
And finally the very last part of my model: the linking pin between tractor and gun limber.
Finished! On to the final pictures.
Such an open topped vehicle is very receptive for a crew. The four gnome-like figures Airfix supplies are much too small and ugly however. As a result it took me a while to find some suitable 1/76 seated Afrikakorps figures on Ebay.
They are produced using a 3D-printer. The result is a bit stiff. It's all more or less the same figure, only with different clothes, headgear and equipment.
So I repositioned a few arms and swapped some heads to make the scene a bit more lively and realistic.
The figures are primed.
Painted.
The driver is united with his steering wheel.
A testride after shadowing and highlighting.
And finally the very last part of my model: the linking pin between tractor and gun limber.
Finished! On to the final pictures.
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huib
- Posts: 962
- Member since:
12 Dec 2015, 15:57
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Bunkerknacker
Time for a next step. As I have another box:
A more recent reissue of the same kit in a red box.
Inside is the typical old style Airfix mess of sprues from 1967.
What to do with it?
Well, I know already: a brutal conversion to:
A Bunkerknacker.
In 1938 the German Heer came to the conclusion they needed a gun to destroy bunkers. A choice was quickly made for the 88mm anti-aircraft gun. Because of its high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory it had a superb accuracy. Tests proved that the gun had a first shot hit probability of 30% on a bunker embrasure at 800 to 900 meters. This also made the German Heer realise for the first time that the 88mm Flak might be very useful as an anti-tank gun.
Ten pieces of 88mm Flak 18 AA gun including their Sd.Kfz.7 tractors were converted to so called Bunkerknackers (Bunker Busters). These vehicles were delivered the winter of 1938-1939 and operated in the attack on Poland in 1939, and the western campaign of 1940.
The aiming devices of the 88mm were adapted for firing on ground targets. A six shot magazine was placed next to the breech for quick firing. A bigger shield was added to protect the crew from machinegun fire. And the cruciform was adapted for firing from the limbers.
Also the Sd.Kfz.7 tractors were modified. The whole vehicle was lightly armoured, so it could tow the gun in position in small arms fire. On the back further storage for gun rounds was built.
So, this conversion hopefully will lead to a lot of modelling fun!
Time for a next step. As I have another box:
A more recent reissue of the same kit in a red box.
Inside is the typical old style Airfix mess of sprues from 1967.
What to do with it?
Well, I know already: a brutal conversion to:
A Bunkerknacker.
In 1938 the German Heer came to the conclusion they needed a gun to destroy bunkers. A choice was quickly made for the 88mm anti-aircraft gun. Because of its high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory it had a superb accuracy. Tests proved that the gun had a first shot hit probability of 30% on a bunker embrasure at 800 to 900 meters. This also made the German Heer realise for the first time that the 88mm Flak might be very useful as an anti-tank gun.
Ten pieces of 88mm Flak 18 AA gun including their Sd.Kfz.7 tractors were converted to so called Bunkerknackers (Bunker Busters). These vehicles were delivered the winter of 1938-1939 and operated in the attack on Poland in 1939, and the western campaign of 1940.
The aiming devices of the 88mm were adapted for firing on ground targets. A six shot magazine was placed next to the breech for quick firing. A bigger shield was added to protect the crew from machinegun fire. And the cruciform was adapted for firing from the limbers.
Also the Sd.Kfz.7 tractors were modified. The whole vehicle was lightly armoured, so it could tow the gun in position in small arms fire. On the back further storage for gun rounds was built.
So, this conversion hopefully will lead to a lot of modelling fun!
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huib
- Posts: 962
- Member since:
12 Dec 2015, 15:57
Chassis
With this model I start with the Sd.Kfz.7
The chassis is not very exiting yet, but still I added some extra detail, comparable to my earlier model: steering arm, heigthened gearbox, pressed air cilinders.
Exhaust system, and a new towing hook with some surrounding detail.
Now on with the body, which will be a bigger challenge!
With this model I start with the Sd.Kfz.7
The chassis is not very exiting yet, but still I added some extra detail, comparable to my earlier model: steering arm, heigthened gearbox, pressed air cilinders.
Exhaust system, and a new towing hook with some surrounding detail.
Now on with the body, which will be a bigger challenge!
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huib
- Posts: 962
- Member since:
12 Dec 2015, 15:57
I am late but once more blinded by the masterclass modelling. Good to see there is another new project. So sorry you have not been in Arnhem!!
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MABO
Supporting Member (Gold) - Posts: 9020
- Member since:
12 May 2008, 18:01
It seems that re-modelling and enhancing the old Airfix 88mm and Tractor set is popular! Will look forward to seeing this next project as it progresses.
The wartime b&w photos are great reference sources, thanks for sharing.
The wartime b&w photos are great reference sources, thanks for sharing.
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Santi Pérez likes this post. •
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Minuteman
- Posts: 1137
- Member since:
06 Mar 2020, 21:38
Thanks, MABO and Minuteman!!
Bodywork
After the chassis I continued building the body. Now it´s getting more challenging!
Airfix´s body baseplate is the starting point.
The ribs to glue the benches on are sanded flat, the slits for fitting the body sidewalls are filled, and the backpart of the mudguards are cut away. A tabula rasa for the next steps.
Radiator, hood and bulkhead placed, windscreen removed. Cutaway mudguards filled out using plastic card.
Now a lot of thinking and sketching. As you can see I try to work with an accuracy of 0,5mm.
Armour for the radiator and hood.
Fixed.
An ammunition locker built from plastic card. And a new discovery: I have to cut away part of the baseplate to fit the ammunitionlocker in the correct position.
Ammunitionlocker in place.
And now for the most complex part: the armoured crew compartment. A few loose parts.
Glued.
Three more plates fited to the front, and some filler to get everything smooth.
Crew compartment finished. It won't get glued in position yet.
A dryfit.
From behind..
And a picture to illustrate the relative size.
Well, the structural work has been done. Now up to some detailing.
Bodywork
After the chassis I continued building the body. Now it´s getting more challenging!
Airfix´s body baseplate is the starting point.
The ribs to glue the benches on are sanded flat, the slits for fitting the body sidewalls are filled, and the backpart of the mudguards are cut away. A tabula rasa for the next steps.
Radiator, hood and bulkhead placed, windscreen removed. Cutaway mudguards filled out using plastic card.
Now a lot of thinking and sketching. As you can see I try to work with an accuracy of 0,5mm.
Armour for the radiator and hood.
Fixed.
An ammunition locker built from plastic card. And a new discovery: I have to cut away part of the baseplate to fit the ammunitionlocker in the correct position.
Ammunitionlocker in place.
And now for the most complex part: the armoured crew compartment. A few loose parts.
Glued.
Three more plates fited to the front, and some filler to get everything smooth.
Crew compartment finished. It won't get glued in position yet.
A dryfit.
From behind..
And a picture to illustrate the relative size.
Well, the structural work has been done. Now up to some detailing.
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huib
- Posts: 962
- Member since:
12 Dec 2015, 15:57
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MABO
- Supporting Member (Gold)
- Posts: 9020
- Member since:
12 May 2008, 18:01
Help keep the forum online!
or become a supporting member
Thanks Peter and Mabo!
Detailling the upper hull (1)
Due to work, holidays and family activities my modelling almost came to a standstill last month. But now there is a bit of work done that can be shown to you.
The hull is further detailed with lighting, hatches, handgrips, tools, fire extinguishers, width indicators, etc.
Next to the ammunitionbox wedges are stored to stabilise the gun when firing from its wheels. Furthermore some more tools and a jack.
I made the doors of the ammunitionbox opened, showing the shells. Some are used already.
Now I'll continue detailing the armoured cab.
Detailling the upper hull (1)
Due to work, holidays and family activities my modelling almost came to a standstill last month. But now there is a bit of work done that can be shown to you.
The hull is further detailed with lighting, hatches, handgrips, tools, fire extinguishers, width indicators, etc.
Next to the ammunitionbox wedges are stored to stabilise the gun when firing from its wheels. Furthermore some more tools and a jack.
I made the doors of the ammunitionbox opened, showing the shells. Some are used already.
Now I'll continue detailing the armoured cab.
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huib
- Posts: 962
- Member since:
12 Dec 2015, 15:57
Great work with all the detailing. Also a good job with the figure conversions.
- Hobbyinovator
- Posts: 235
- Member since:
28 Dec 2009, 23:19
100 posts
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