Goodbye 2021

 As 2021 slips into 2022 (TBH it feels like it is 2020 slipping into 2021) a look back.

Aside from personal changes (WFH and a job promotion) it's been another year dominated by the pandemic and not going out much. If I'm honest it hasn't bothered me that much, being by nature solitary and somewhat anti-social, I haven't experienced the angst that some have. Didn't get furlough (apparently an essential worker when it suits) so didn't benefit from what was extra holiday (but also didn't loose any pay unlike some). 

This meant hobby time was weekends and holidays. That said didn't do too bad.

Blogged more. Finished the main Soldier King armies in the first part of the year before stalling a bit. Still lots to do. Last few months has been plodding away at the Arab- Israeli project. On which note I present the Israeli Sherman fleet awaiting the last few details (MGs, searchlights, aerials and a few little extra details) before painting.

Here's hoping for a productive 2022.

Shermans and Seasons Greetings!

The Israeli Shermans progress a bit further; tracks needed regluing and strengthening.

Turrets have had a Miliput / Green Stuff mix applied to fill gaps and shape mantlets and rear turret bustle. Awaiting it drying so can be carved and filed to final shape.

Further progress hopefully after the holiday weekend, although I may take myself off to this room when festivities allow.....

Wishing any readers the compliments of the Season and hoping it finds you and your loved ones well.

SitRep

In an effort to fight of the ennui and lack of motivation at weekends, I'm trying to do a little here and there.

For the last two weekends "I have mostly been building Israeli Shermans" (as Jesse from the Fast Show might say...).

Last week, the built M50s got some Green Stuff tarpaulins and I sorted out bits for what you see on the desk. Under construction are another M50 and M51; at the back are a pair on 45 degree hulls completed a while ago. Aim is to get the new pair to the same stage.

I'm looking forward to being off over Christmas so I can do more of this and maybe some painting.....

Experiments 2

Well the Sculpey castings were baked and the Green stuff dried.

Less than ideal is probably the best way to conclude the matter. A lot of detail seems to have been lost.

To top it off I revisited the Sho't Kal rear deck and realised it's different to the M60 / M48 deck.

So back to the drawing board; I've a feeling the Centurions will be getting something in plastic card!

Experiments

Inspired by More Four showing the Israeli drama series "Valley of Tears" (although inexplicably they cancelled the final episode promising to show it "at a later date" ) which is based on events in the 1973 Yom Kippur war and features genuine Centurions, BTR 152 and possibly Soviet armour (not sure if it's real or CGI), I have been playing around with methods for mass conversions (not religious before you ask....)

My intention is to build Israeli and Arab forces for 1982 and 1973 in addition to those for 1967. There will be some crossover, but the IDF improved a lot of their frontline armour by the time of both these wars.

The first major conversion was to re-engine the Centurions and  M48s; this was partially underway by 1967 for the latter. I solved the problem for the Roco M48 by a cut-and-shunt of the rear half deck of some scrap M60s. However with the numbers required, this was not an option for the 1973 and 1982 armour.

I had a couple of Zylamex diecast M60, the lower parts of which needed replacing as they are very crude. After drilling out the rivets, I lost enthusiasm. I was left however with a perfectly serviceable upper deck, including the correct diesel engine.

My apologies for the poor images. My first experiment is using some thermo plastic moulding material - the Japanese brand is Oyamaru - mine may have been unbranded. It is rigid until you pour boiling water on it when it becomes soft and malleable, hardening again when it cools. You can simply pop back into hot water in the event of errors.

I made two moulds to speed up production by pressing the soft material onto the metal upper deck and and then reversing and pressing down onto the flat cutting board.

Next I tried some sculpey (which needs baking) followed by some green stuff (actually a mix of very elderly blue-white and green -yellow epoxy putty). The sculpey have not taken the details as well as the green stuff, but is much cheaper......

Next experiment is baking the sculpy and possibly trying a mould using some dentist's putty......

I need a quick method to upgrade the Roco Centurions and M48s to Sho't Kal (as the upengined Centuions were called, the originals being Sho't Meteor) and Magach appearance. The 1982 versions will require up armouring with Blazer armour in addition. Lots of work so I need some way of prefabricating parts - there's the turret stowage baskets as well, but that's another story.....