PANTHER 111, 116TH WINDHUND Dv, HOUFFALIZE 1944

[HERMAN BIX]

I bought some magic grime to use on my builds. I just haven't gotten around to using it yet.

Every time I think about selling my '08 Honda VFR 800 I go for a ride and then remember why I like the bike. Owning another Miata will probably be the end of the bike though. Come spring I think the bike will be sold. Just don't get enough use out of it anymore. The bike was my "fun" vehicle and now the Miata is my fun vehicle again.

I remember those VFR's well.
We had a few earlier ones turn up in New Zealand that were called 'Interceptors' which we all thought was a hell of a man-trap to own a U.S. marketed bike. 700's from memory.
The grime is good stuff, like anything-practice makes perfect.

I did try a bit of an experiment with using grime for winter vehicles on the tracks, mixed with dark steel pigment from Vallejo.
Over a base paint of red primer & my track blend paint.
They look good, but are very messy to the touch!
All that will sort out once I get too running it outside.

[HERMAN BIX]

A wee bit more done.
Blended my own version of what the alleged shade of red oxide primer looked like so I could colour the missing Zimmerit patches.
I got the colour from a friend that sent me a picture of a real section of original oxide that was under a hatch from a German tank & not tampered with.
It’s a lot redder than the usual XF -9 Hull red, but a deeper shade than the primer I use.
So, adding XF-7 Flat red to hull red , the look is close to the photo he sent me.
Now the trade off for not putting panzer putty mask on was that I had to brush( yep, the olde fashioned hairy stick) the colour into the Zimmerit chips,
As there is a lot of missing bits, there is a lot of red.
I’m confident it will tone down once grimed/washed.
Any bits that I went 'outside the lines on' ! can be touched up with the relevant shade before it gets sealed.
Some areas I have already used a pencil to shine high use areas like handles and the commanders cupola etc.
This was manufactured in May 44 & sent to Normandy, destroyed in December 44 in the BOTB with a a different unit, so it was well used I would say ,
Considering the loss rate in Normandy, 7 months is a long time for a tank to be in use during combat requirements in the operational areas it saw.
No wonder the tracks on it were virtually worn out by the time it was destroyed.
There are no chevrons left on the tank in Houfallize, but I’m
Sure not going to pre-wear my Taigen tracks to match

[EAO]

TOTM. Just saying.

Cheers,
Eric.

[HERMAN BIX]

TOTM. Just saying.

Cheers,
Eric.

Thanks Mr EAO...........only if someone could coax Mr Mcq11 into a room with plastic sheet on the floor.............

I am liking the way its turning out.
Its a bit of a shame Im not able to get the crosses and turret numbers on it, as I cant drive to get it to where I need it to be to get done.
I reckon once the 111 goes on, it will hit home that this is what the real tank might have looked like that tragic day.
All the tools are ready to fit, but due to the bizarre positioning of the crosses, only one set can be fitted.
Once the turret numbers and crosses are done, then it will be sealed, THEN the tools can be secured so the upper weathering can go ahead.

[Raminator]

Now the trade off for not putting panzer putty mask on was that I had to brush( yep, the olde fashioned hairy stick) the colour into the Zimmerit chips,
As there is a lot of missing bits, there is a lot of red.
I’m confident it will tone down once grimed/washed.

I think the red oxide is already pretty complementary with the camo job, it's not too dissimilar from the rotbraun. A wash will certainly tie it all together, and maybe some raw steel coming through in places will take the edge off. I'm looking forward to it!

No wonder the tracks on it were virtually worn out by the time it was destroyed.
There are no chevrons left on the tank in Houfallize, but I’m
Sure not going to pre-wear my Taigen tracks to match

Set the tank up on a low block with some coarse sandpaper under the tracks, hit the throttle and let it empty the battery. You'll get that worn look!

[HERMAN BIX]

"I think the red oxide is already pretty complementary with the camo job, it's not too dissimilar from the rotbraun. A wash will certainly tie it all together, and maybe some raw steel coming through in places will take the edge off. I'm looking forward to it!"

Thats the basic plan. Pencil is great for getting that effect in the places it needs to be.

"Set the tank up on a low block with some coarse sandpaper under the tracks, hit the throttle and let it empty the battery. You'll get that worn look!"

At the price these things are to import from overseas Heeeeeelllllll NO
I will be flat out running it on anything harder than a down filled pillow in case I wear them out

[HERMAN BIX]

I backed myself to succeed and did the crosses myself.
Now it’s nowhere near a Mr Rad’s stencil outcome, but it’s at least enabled me to progress to only needing the turret numbers to be on, then I can seal it and do the weathering.
Good thing about these crosses is that they will mostly be obscured by tools apart from the rear stowage box.
I took advice from one who knows and used TAMIYA NATO Black XF-69 as it’s not as black as XF-1.
I have to say the black looks good colour wise if a little wide .
Oh well, my first go at it
Hooray for weathering products!!!!!

[HERMAN BIX]

Now while I reckon I can hear Mr Rad giggling, I’ve put the prospect of shame to the side and pushed on with the turret numbers.
Again, not as good as they could be , but near enough for this kid.
Besides, the washing process can hide a few evils !
I had a bit of seeping on the front right set, so it was touched up a bit by brush & I will hang a single track link to hide most of the inconsistency.
Hey I tell myself, Tank not A Cathedral ceiling !!
She’ll be right

The post war pics on the first page of this thread show only 2 visible numbers on the rear plate with a wider line on the hatch, who knows why, but that’s what I did.
If anyone has another photo that can clarify more, that would be great.

[Jimster]

This is one my favorite build threads! Excellent photos. Your tenacity for realism has really paid off. I can’t wait to hear it and see it move about.

[John Glover]

Hi Herman.

Attached is a photo of a Tamiya Porsche Turret Ring, any interest or to big?

Regards
John Glover