This article is another exercise in paint chipping and weathering on a military vehicle but it's also to give an idea of how our kits can be modified or edited to create different environments. This scene depicts a halftrack of the Afrika Korps that has found its way to what was supposed to be a valid source of water. The waterwheel is derelict however because the map the crew has referenced is out of date. Having read about the shortage of official, accurate maps as the desert war evolved and that troops on both sides often relied upon Michelin tourist maps and even pages torn from textbooks, I thought this would be an interesting catalyst to create the scene. I have always liked the look of the German halftracks and I remember building a Nichimo kit of the 251 when I was about 13. The "B" version with the double angled front plate is interesting to me still and when I saw the Zvezda kit, I was inspired to give it another try after so many years. Of course with the internet and so many books published as reference for these vehicles, it was relatively easy to discern where the kit might need some corrections or refinements. Yet the same resources can also create a daunting challenge to address every detail that may not be considered within tolerance for a lot of modelers. My personal standards for accuracy probably fall well below the present day norm, so I did the bare minimum in improving the look of the kit. The breakdown of parts is interesting and didn't allow me to get an idea of whether or not the dimensions were accurate to the overall proportions of the vehicle until it was almost completely assembled. However, I think the way the model is broken down would lend itself very well to depicting a battle damaged wreck if someone were interested in that. My refinements to the kit included sanding the fenders to a more rounded shape as can be seen in the photo. I also added door panels to the storage lockers with sheet styrene and a new front bumper from styrene rod. I scratchbuilt turn indicators as the kit doesn't include them. I also sanded down the track pads on the bottom run to allow the vehicle to sit a little more realistically. The assembly was acutally impeded by the slots and tabs on the parts. Once I decided to remove the tabs and locating pins on most of the parts, the model went together easily and cleanly. I read that the interior is actually more accurate for a model "C" halftrack and I wasn't at all up to the task of rebuilding it, so it remains as is. Like I mentioned, personal standards... I painted the model parts with an aerosol dark gray primer while still attached to the sprues. I like this as the color of panzer gray and I use Polly Scale paints to do touch up work after assembly. I also like the Polly Scale paints for weathering and used primarily washes of Oily Black to give the grey some variation and age. After I added the decals, I daubed hair gel where I thought the desert tan camouflage would have worn off most easily. I wanted to halftrack to look like it had some considerable miles on it, so I made the tan paint look pretty degraded. The photo shows the dark gray paint coat with the Polly Scale wash and a little bit of shine where the hair gel is being applied. The interior is masked with a paper towel and the sand paint (Ceramcoat) is airbrushed over. The paint is now being removed by gently scrubbing with a brush using warm water. This part is fun because it is instant gratification. Go to Page 2

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