German reconnaissance and communications

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Another set of vehicles for my 'Maximum Effort'  German WW2 Project are completed.  These representing support elements to the 243 Infantry Division, operating on the Contentin Peninsula:

These are by no means the best models of course, being bought many years before this intention came to fruition, but it does show that basic materials can be elevated by a good paint job!

SDKFZ 222 

  

This and the Kubelwagen below are from the Airfix reconnaissance set, an ancient and basic model; but a charming one too.

Kubelwagen 

  

To be super critical of myself, I'm not satisfied with the canvas tilt here, it needed slightly more contrast, but it is okay for what it is.

Horsch radio truck 

This is from the Grubby Tanks range, and I have doubts about its accuracy, I think the integral spare wheels have been eliminated for convenience, and the radio rig mainly swapped for a canvas cover

  

Still, it may be my favourite in the group, as there is so much detail to hang from.  Being a resin model, the glass was solidly moulded in so I had to paint it in, I decided on a dark blue tone lightening up towards the bottom, as I've assumed the glass being transparent, what you actually want is an impression of the interior light not the exterior, the latter would imply you were only seeing reflections off the glass, not through it, and any flat colour would appear wholly false.

All these models feature modulated highlighting, an acrylic pinwash, water and petrol stain effects, weathering powders and so on.  As discussed in this post.

More practice, making for more, well - not perfection yet, but improvements.

One thing these models raised, was a dissatisfaction with the working time of acrylic effects when they were on the models.  And so there was a trip to a local art store for some oil paints and thinners, for some new effects.  More on that when I've had some practice with them, but it is the sort of thing that 1/35th scale modellers are well versed with.

Oh and finally, I was able to pull a photo from another source of the infantry to go with these vehicles; some scout troops and an artillery observer/senior officer:

A right mix of makes...

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