For reasons probably unknown even to him, a friend made available what I thought was a very well done turret for a Tiger II of s.Pz.Abt.505. (no doubt the residual result of Trumpeter's two-turret offering of a few year's back). I impulsively bought it because I thought the green knight was exceptionally well done and fit in well with the rest, but immediately began to wonder what in blazes I would do with it except look around for an affordable (?) Trumpeter hull and chassis, a fat chance needle in a haystack. But, perseverance paid off over the course of a year (or more) and I finally bought a rather well put together but awkwardly painted Trumpeter Koti. It's saving grace was its price (more or less), it was complete and the prior owner had applied what I'm sure is ATAK zimmerit (a very definite plus). After several missteps in matching paint color and camo pattern to the turret as best I could, I ultimately came up with what's seen below. She, obviously, will always remain the shelf queen she is, but, on balance I think finally '332' found a home to live in (on). The running gear was completely re-painted, no small feat being that the wheels, sprockets and idlers were solidly affixed to their torsion bars; the body painted and re-painted more than a few times; and a lot of pencil lead was fingered onto the gun mantlet and fenders (and actually, almost everywhere, but not seen clearly in the photos) to bring out a somewhat steel-like look; small chain added where appropriate and oil paint weathering applied, actually a bit too much, I think. To tone down the paint somewhat, very generous applications of white spirit were applied to more or less bleach the colors. A bit more dry brushing will be added to the turret over time, I hope. I even learned how to apply soft pastels to the exhausts. It's an acquired taste, but it is very effective. Once again, please excuse the size of the pictures. I'm still having trouble mastering that technology.
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Cheers
10 lashes with a wet noodle as they used to say...
