1/76 4mm model softskins

[les freathy]

I have started this thread to cover 1/76 scale models of softskin vehicles which can be from 1900 to the present and any type of non armoured model you like to contribute. If know one else starts it i can put up a thread to cover the armoured items in this scale. But to hell with it why stop there lets in a while have one for 1/48 and 1/35 and one for even larger models, plenty of room in this board, so to start a Dodge VK62 from Milicast, Ford WOT 15cwt from MMS and a Bedford QLT in metal from the now long gone company of Custom Miniatures, just to digress slightly i have noted in the past some of the high prices these custom kits seem to fetch on E Bay

cheers

Les

[simonsfotos]

If you don't mind I won't contribute to this thread. My intention if it fits in with the reason for this board is to over the next few weeks, photograph my entire collection and then put it up. What's the collection? 1/72nd or 1/76 scale British vehicles in NW europe 1944/45. It includes all the armour and as many softskins as possible. So much attention is given in modelling to the 'classy' stuff - Shermans, Churchills, Cromwells etc that I wanted to cover as much of the spectrum as the model manufacturers will let me do - i.e what they make!

 

The collection is a mixture of ready made or diecast (Dragon, Forces of Valour, Hobby Master) and plastic kits (Airfix, Italeri, Revell, Hasegawa). I think it's great that what are to many people obscure manufacturers such as IBG from Poland are bringing out thing like the Bedfird QL and CMPs and in several versions each. I just wish there were some Bedford O's and some of the other British vehicles - would love a 1/72 Tilly! I haven't tried any of the resin or white metal kits as for me they don't provide enough detail and I more enjoy the plastic type. One thing that will be noticed when I do get the photos up will be condition. Let's face it, what vehicle in NW Europe in 44/45 was in pristine condition? None! Therefore all the models - with the exception of nearly all the diecasts for the simple reason that it would detract from their future value - are in a very weathered condition even down to my so far pride and joy, the Scammell Pioneer Tank Transporter with Churchill complete with bullet holes and very battered appearance!

 

I have just finished the M7 Priest and Daimler Armoured Car and reworked a Dragon Armor Sherman I with wading gear into British markings (it was as cheapie due to slight damage to the box!), and the Comet is awaiting decalling. Next will be the first of the CMP Chevrolets followed by a QL.

 

Keep a look out! Pics should start appearing next week!

[les freathy]

Sounds like Simon is diverting elsewhere so to keep this going a few more softskins, A Dodge WK60 gantry recovery, the Dodge and a Mack LMSW recovery and a Ford WOT6 G.S. In future i intend to include some photos of softskins built by long time friends most still around but sadly a few now departed. It will ithink generate a varied prospective

cheers

Les

[Tony B]

Oh I wish I was good enough to make models like that!

[les freathy]

Bet you could if you sat down and kept at it Tony, the easist way these days is to start on kits and theres plenty of choice and then with references move on to conversions. When i first started building models we had little choice and were committed to converting and scratch building hence why many are now building masters for the resin and white metal kits. Just noticed the white star on the Ford WOT best get that off and replaced, ive come to the conclusion the digital cameras are the ideal tool for model photography but do they pick out the faults easily missed by the eye i have had to go back and look at more than a few models.

Heres one from a whileback a Crossley fire truck scratch built useing a Convoy resin bonnet chassis and wheels

[ted angus]

Give it a go Tony I have only used 14 plasters this week !!LOL

 

TED

[les freathy]

Hey Ted, just noticed your pump on the weeton is grey, mines the same colour as the truck have i got it wrong or were they in both colours

[les freathy]

As stated here are some shots from the recent Trucks and Tracks show the first two from a long time mate Richard Allibone his GMC clubmobile and Diamond T 968 plus another of my Dodge this time showing the crock train

[ted angus]

Hey Ted, just noticed your pump on the weeton is grey, mines the same colour as the truck have i got it wrong or were they in both colours

 

Les the pump on the Weeton was a Coventry Climax light trailer pump minus the trailer. I have a copy of part of a post war Home Office report into fire equipment supply from 1938 -1947. Other than specialist fire vehicles all pumps of standard designs irrespective of end user were purchased via the Home Office (later Min home Security) through the Office (later Min) of Works. all pumps came off the production line in Dark Ad grey BS 32 normally they were not repainted until they actually needed it. I have seen a piccy taken at Scampton with the weetons pump in grey and their trailer pumps on the station also in grey. Once they needed a repaint it would have become cam colour as per the rest of the vehicle. There is also evidence that initially the Dennis pumps behind the Army FS QLs were Dk Ad grey. but not for long I suspect.

 

TED

[les freathy]

Hey Ted looks like you and i are the only ones in here, anyone else care to join in. Two more from the stable of Richard Allibone two RAF Austin k6

[alan turner (RIP)]

Les dont fret

 

I have loads of model softskin 1/76 vehicles, but they are in my workshop in the loft with all the plane kits i have picked up over 50 odd years of modelling. I have never photo'd my any until I did the queen mary kits a couple of weeks ago, but they were in the garage having been treated to a mr muscle oven cleaner paint strip a couple of years ago. When ever I finish imaging the RAWHS negatives (2 crates and some neg books left) then perhaps I shall snap away, but yours look so much better than mine anyway.

[abn deuce]

I enjoy seeing what others have done in the modeling field , from scratch build to standard off the shelf kits and modified kits . I dabbled a small bit but didnt have the skill or the willingness to not rush things . Please keep going I m sure I m not alone in admiring your works.

Edited February 5, 2011 by abn deuce

[les freathy]

Its about time i put some more in here so a 1/72 scale M26 transporter with landing craft load and a Albion CX 24S transporter loaded with a i ton dumper and Greens utility roller

[alan turner (RIP)]

they look really good Les

 

Alan

[les freathy]

Anice 1/76 scale model of a pre war Guy workshop by fellow modeller Richard Allibone

[les freathy]

Time for a couple more in this thread, the first a Diamond t couple to a scratch built Shelvoke and Drewry 30 ton semi trailer the T obviously a conversion of the Matchbox kit and a small selection of some of my models taken whilst having a clean up and polish of the cabinets in the dining room

[alan turner (RIP)]

Erith Model Railway society held a model train weekend at Firepower 5/6th june, good number of stalls and evidence of some well made soft skin vehicles on various stands.

[les freathy]

Cant believe that it was june last year the last entry here so to start things rolling again a photo of a post war LAD halftrack and a Leyland drops in Iraq

cheers

Les

[AndyFowler]

Great to see your pictures Les ! Really nice models ! Thanks for sharing them !