1/16th Panther G late model.

[Mcgowan1]

Ha Cg it's a new paint scheme and dots will eventually darken a bit. There is still rusting, whitewashing to go yet matey.
I thought someone might have noticed I put in Red dots for a joke but, not to worry. CG in case you are wondering it is a winter pattern used by the panzers.
OK I have done a bit more here she is at tonight.


You can see the rear of the tank going brown and, some dark material on top of the turret. This is rotting steel wool to get my rust effects. Cheaper and more natural than buying a rust kit. The wheels will be done using this method also. The pads will be reapplied after white wash if necessary. Sounds like it's not your cup of tea CG. I reckon she is turning out good. Still decals and decent crew to come plus accessories too to finish it off.
Cheers until next time.

[crazygary]

She's coming along quite nicely, Mate!

Your "rusting" method works very nicely! I'm assuming that the longer it's left in place,
the higher degree of rusting is achieved?? Pretty darn clever!! Do you saturate it with
water, alcohol....... ???

It would appear that a considerable amount of time researching your chosen paint scheme is necessary
in order to be as faithful to the prototype as is possible!! Wow!! Most impressive, Sir!!

I would very much like to try my hand at building a tank, but must first complete my current sub build.
The missus already feels that I have too many interests other than the dreaded "honey-do-list"! Hah!!

It seems as though the 1/16 scale is preferred by many of you "tankies"!! But, as you mentioned,
aftermarket components are widely available in that scale.

The panzers are certainly great looking machines! I'm sure you've mentioned this before, but who makes
the kit that you're working on? And, if I may ask, what is it's cost?? If I can find a good deal on a kit such
as this, I'd pick up on it for a future fun project!

Keep at her, my friend!! I'm quite enjoying watching your creation evolve!!

CG

[Mcgowan1]

Hello and good morning to my fellow modellers. Thank you for your interest in this build. Firstly in answer to your questions.
Re the rust using the steel wool. You are correct in assuming re the time frame to leave the steel wool on. However, you will be amazed at just how quickly it rots. Position it where you want your rust effects and soak it with water. Feel it after a day then I just drip more water on to it using a sponge. You will see it start to rot, that's when it's leaving the rusting effect. OK ?
Secondly it is a very basic Heng Long Panther G and I have noticed pricing varying from 130.00 to 168.00.
You can buy the tanks now with metal upgrades but they are on looking around starting from 230.00 upwards. I prefer to buy basic and being a disabled pensioner with only the pension, I can buy the upgrades at any time. It probably would work out even price wise, but, I pretend I am the mechanic and enjoy tearing into them and then fitting the upgrades myself, more enjoyment for me that way. Tell your better half, they don't take up a lot of room like the ships and subs. I have 6 R/C ships from the Minutia, down to a Chinese frigate and they do take up the room.
Okay, I am now finished my Winter pattern and she will be decamped in the Panzer Panther HG (Hermann Goering) Panzer Corps which lasted from 1939 - 1945. The decals are in Red and the mascot or badge of recognition us a Black Raven.
Okay now I have to concentrate on the wheels and tracks, the accessories and whitewash.
Another trick I might use for the wheels is to lay down white glue onto the wheels where I am going to put my dirt effect and then out to the yard to find what colour dirt I will use, sprinkle the dirt onto the wheels. Let it dry, shake the excess off then if you are happy get a household sprayer, add white glue and water and then spray over the wheels. I always use a fair bit of dirt to cover each wheel that way you don't seem to miss much and you shake it off anyway OK hope that helps with wheels.
Okay here she is in her final winter camouflage there are some minor rust effects at the rear.
Until next posting when I hope to have her Decals fitted.


Okay, that is our Iron Coffin topside completed except for what I previously mentioned. I can do no more to her paint wise.
I am really pleased with your comments and hope if you have perhaps been following and did not comment that, my build of the basic tank into what you see now was worthwhile and you are enjoying the thread.
Until next time.

[Mcgowan1]

Sorry, the word decamped should read decalled and the word Minutia should read Nimitz the aircraft carrier.

[Mcgowan1]

Ah, I see I have been promoted, thank you to department of Navy and my senior commanders. Lt. Mcgowan1 signing off.
OORROO.

[crazygary]

Good morning, Lieutenant!!
Congratulations on your move "up-the-ranks"!! Hah!!

I am thoroughly enjoying your build!! A most instructive endeavor which I greatly appreciate!

I, too, am retired and on a fixed income and will most likely approach building a tank in much
the same manner as you have done. A little at a time, from one social security payment to another.


Your manner of starting off with the basic plastic kit, and adding on as possible, is also the means by which
I build models, so, your "step-by-step" approach makes perfect sense to me!

I believe that modeling should be viewed as something cathartic and pleasurable instead of a
"must-get-it-finished-as-soon-as-possible" scenario!!

Many thanks to you for your inspiration!

When I arrived at the point where I am ready to begin my build, I would appreciate the ability to ask
"newbie" questions of you as I progress!!

Thank you, once again, for sharing the information you have accumulated on all of your builds!!

Have a great day, and I look forward to your subsequent posts regarding your tank corps!!

CG

[Mcgowan1]

Hello once again fellow modellers. I am waiting for some upgrade parts and paint for our Panther G and will continue when they arrive. In the mean time here is a Panther G that you have seen but it was unfinished. It is finished now here are the pictures.
Note the antenna array including direction finder.
The 2 flags please don't be offended as it is a war model and is coming in from the cold after the regiments victories.
Take note of the decal placement and note regiment mascot on the front of the tank.
The tank is modelled after this Regiment.
Panzer Regiment "HG" Panther Ausf G a regiment named and under the control of Hermann Goering from 1939 - 1945.
It had many victories before and after receiving the Panthers.
Hope you like her. The crewman is the normal supplied figure by Heng Long with a little bit of work they come up aok.
Cheers for now let. McGowan.

[crazygary]

Outstanding modeling, my friend!!
Your weathering techniques are right on the mark!!

Question, if I may!

Do you start with a basic plastic kit for each project and build from there, or
a RTR model? Or, perhaps, different approaches?

There is an amazing number of RTR tanks on Ebay. Many are priced within the "confines"
of an "old guys" budget, but many are "light years" ahead of my income! (LOL)

At any rate, thank you so much for documenting all that you do!

I look forward to more "history" from your "man cave"!!

Cheers!

CG

[Mcgowan1]

Hello CG. Mate I always use the RTR tanks because A. they are ready to go. B if you look at the price of static models you can get a RTR for cheaper? Mate you can get a RTR Heng Long Tank for now 130.00 upwards as i said before if you want to do the upgrades just add them when you can afford to buy them like I do mate. If you buy the static model the cost blows out plus in then end all you can do is add the top hull to running gear already purchased Yuk. Nope go with the Heng Long brand or WSN have a good 1/16th or 1/24 range RtR me I am a Heng long man because they look good, you can upgrade them at any time, and you can play with them if you like. Now looking at the pictures of the Panther G you could not tell the difference between that and say a Tamiya tank at 800.00 plus for what the joy of saying I can own and afford a Tamiya. Nah mate get what I have suggested. Parts are cheap, upgrades are cheap and they now have a great range to choose from each country is now being repsresented
They have a Japanese tank. Russian tanks. German tanks US tanks and are have released the Leopard, are releasing the Aabrahams and the British Churchill, what more could you ask for mate. Here is a nice photo of a Sherman tank I sold on ebay for 350.00 dollars. its a Matorro cheapie but tell me if you do not see quality in this tank for 350.00


This is a tank I purchased for 150.00 basic and this is how it turned out. I had it enhanced with the computer background, a mate did it for me but I loved the way the pictures turned out
So there you have it my friend go Heng Long RTR they are affordable and if you want to upgrade and paint it you can take your time buying the bits and pay with it while you are waiting haha

[Mcgowan1]

Here is a story from my Published book Blue Suede Shoes about a US Tank crew in Vietnam. You could say it's like a Mash scenario

BLUE SUEDE SHOES 10


VIETNAM
The Years

The cane Toad Affair

Dodger caught up with Armo at the Sergeants Mess tent. “Armo, been looking for you, did you hear what’s on tomorrow night?’
“Hello Dodger, no what’s happening? Hang on I will get you and me a Bourbon, must be something good for your to look me up”.
Back came Armo with two Bourbons neat. “Here Dodger have a cigar on me now tell me all”.
“The Aussies have got this show on called Ettamoogah Cane Toad Races, don’t rightly know what that means, but what I do know is that some Aussie Air force guy smuggled in about 10 of these like big frogs from Australia and they are going to paint a different coloured stripe on the back of them and then, race them around a track for money”.
“Bull **** Dodger, I ain’t never seen a frog race ever, they are lazy *******s and won’t move for no one excepting if they have to”.
“Armo, these ain’t exactly little frog,s they are big *******s and can move they say if they get one good hit up the arse to start them off. They even got an official starter and I go it straight from the Aussie Toad Trainer to bet on the one with the Yellow stripe it’s a natural racer”.
“Dodger, you know these Aussies try to bull **** to us all the time”.
“Yeah I know Armo, we have been done by them before, but this guy says he will back our bets 50/50 on any bet we put on”.
“Hmm, I see, that might be different so, what do we do?”
“Well I thought you and me and the boys go over there and join in the festivities. The boys and us will have a laugh, the Fosters beers will be real cold and we can win us some money”.
“Yeah it would be something different wouldn’t it, ok Dodger I will tell my boys so what time will we meet up?”
“About six thirty tonight I reckon, we can have a couple of Fosters, watch a couple of the races and then do our bets up to screw these Aussie guys”.
“Ok Dodger see you then”.
Six thirty arrived and Dodger and his crew along with Armo and his crew walked over to the Aussie Compound.
“Gidday you blokes, how yer all goin?”said an Aussie with red hair “Here for the festivities and did yer bring yer money with yer?”
“Yeah Blue (that’s what they call Aussies with red hair and Red is another name they use) we are here to have a few beers and a few bets with you guys”.
“Good on yah cobber, Charlie give these yanks a beer on the house. Enjoy yer night with us lads and good luck”.
“The Ettamoogah Cane Toad races was in full swing. There were 8 starters, 2 toads had had unfortunate demises after failing to run but the other 8 were performing with great gusto’
The toad with the Yellow stripe had won 2 out of 3 races and come 2^nd in the third. There were 2 races left.
“Dodger ”said Armo who was getting a bit tiddly by now, “I think our toad is warmed up now, how about we put a few bucks on it?”
“Great idea okay any of you boys betting?”
No response, the boys were all looking at Little Pattie the blond bombshell singer from Australia who was entertaining the troops.
“Looks like just you and me Armo, say how about 20.00 each on the nose to win, does a toad have a nose?”
“I don’t know Dodger you are the expert, yeah 20.00 go do it man”.
So 40.00 was duly placed to win on the toad with the Yellow stripe.
“Race Time” said the Starter “Gentlemen urge your toads on”.
“WHACK ”each toad got a hit on the arse which made it take off in a big jump. Yellow stripes lumbered and hopped along the track.
“Go, Go” shouted Armo
“Move it, Move it” yelled Dodger Yellow stripes romped it home leading the toads by a good half inch.
“Yeah” said Armo and Dodger” that is 80 buckaroos neat, when is the next race, let’s celebrate our win with a couple more beers”.
So 3 more beers later, the last race came up along with two quite drunk members of the U S Tank Corps.
Ok Dodger this Yellow striped toad is a sure thing, it won hands down did it not, nothing can touch it”.
“I know Armo, our 80 bucks on the nose to win, what do you think?”
“No Friggin problems, do it man it’s our lucky night”.
When Dodger came back Armo said to him “What odds did you get us?”
“I got us 5/1 Armo”
“**** Dodger we are going to win 400 bucks man”.
So the race time came and the Official Starter went through his motions.
“Gentlemen Urge your Toads on”.
“WHACK” The toads jumped and Yellow stripes took the lead. The toad was hopping along the track when all of a sudden Yellow stripes just fell over and lay there in anguish legs kicking upwards. There was no more movement it was as still as the grave.
“Good grief” said the Aussie trainer “Me toads had a heart attack”.
The trainer walked over to where Yellow stripes lay, put his foot onto the toad and proceeded to eject the toad from this world.
“Had to put it out of it’s misery, just in case, sorry men all bets off”.
“What do you mean all bets off?” shouted Dodger “What the hell is going on here?”
“Dodger, I think we been set up again”.
”Explain Bets off Aussie” said Dodger.
“Well as it says in the official rules book, if a toad dies and cannot complete the race, all funds go to the trainer to help pay for the toad’s funeral”.
A voice rang out in the Brawl
“GET THE MP’S, THE YANKS AND THE AUSSIES ARE AT IT AGAIN”.

[Mcgowan1]

Blue Suede Shoes Book 1, Book 2 is coming out soon.

Here is a story from my Published book Blue Suede Shoes about a US Tank crew in Vietnam. You could say it's like a Mash scenario

BLUE SUEDE SHOES 10


VIETNAM
The Years
By Armo

The cane Toad Affair

Dodger caught up with Armo at the Sergeants Mess tent. “Armo, been looking for you, did you hear what’s on tomorrow night?’
“Hello Dodger, no what’s happening? Hang on I will get you and me a Bourbon, must be something good for your to look me up”.
Back came Armo with two Bourbons neat. “Here Dodger have a cigar on me now tell me all”.
“The Aussies have got this show on called Ettamoogah Cane Toad Races, don’t rightly know what that means, but what I do know is that some Aussie Air force guy smuggled in about 10 of these like big frogs from Australia and they are going to paint a different coloured stripe on the back of them and then, race them around a track for money”.
“Bull **** Dodger, I ain’t never seen a frog race ever, they are lazy *******s and won’t move for no one excepting if they have to”.
“Armo, these ain’t exactly little frog,s they are big *******s and can move they say if they get one good hit up the arse to start them off. They even got an official starter and I go it straight from the Aussie Toad Trainer to bet on the one with the Yellow stripe it’s a natural racer”.
“Dodger, you know these Aussies try to bull **** to us all the time”.
“Yeah I know Armo, we have been done by them before, but this guy says he will back our bets 50/50 on any bet we put on”.
“Hmm, I see, that might be different so, what do we do?”
“Well I thought you and me and the boys go over there and join in the festivities. The boys and us will have a laugh, the Fosters beers will be real cold and we can win us some money”.
“Yeah it would be something different wouldn’t it, ok Dodger I will tell my boys so what time will we meet up?”
“About six thirty tonight I reckon, we can have a couple of Fosters, watch a couple of the races and then do our bets up to screw these Aussie guys”.
“Ok Dodger see you then”.
Six thirty arrived and Dodger and his crew along with Armo and his crew walked over to the Aussie Compound.
“Gidday you blokes, how yer all goin?”said an Aussie with red hair “Here for the festivities and did yer bring yer money with yer?”
“Yeah Blue (that’s what they call Aussies with red hair and Red is another name they use) we are here to have a few beers and a few bets with you guys”.
“Good on yah cobber, Charlie give these yanks a beer on the house. Enjoy yer night with us lads and good luck”.
“The Ettamoogah Cane Toad races was in full swing. There were 8 starters, 2 toads had had unfortunate demises after failing to run but the other 8 were performing with great gusto’
The toad with the Yellow stripe had won 2 out of 3 races and come 2^nd in the third. There were 2 races left.
“Dodger ”said Armo who was getting a bit tiddly by now, “I think our toad is warmed up now, how about we put a few bucks on it?”
“Great idea okay any of you boys betting?”
No response, the boys were all looking at Little Pattie the blond bombshell singer from Australia who was entertaining the troops.
“Looks like just you and me Armo, say how about 20.00 each on the nose to win, does a toad have a nose?”
“I don’t know Dodger you are the expert, yeah 20.00 go do it man”.
So 40.00 was duly placed to win on the toad with the Yellow stripe.
“Race Time” said the Starter “Gentlemen urge your toads on”.
“WHACK ”each toad got a hit on the arse which made it take off in a big jump. Yellow stripes lumbered and hopped along the track.
“Go, Go” shouted Armo
“Move it, Move it” yelled Dodger Yellow stripes romped it home leading the toads by a good half inch.
“Yeah” said Armo and Dodger” that is 80 buckaroos neat, when is the next race, let’s celebrate our win with a couple more beers”.
So 3 more beers later, the last race came up along with two quite drunk members of the U S Tank Corps.
Ok Dodger this Yellow striped toad is a sure thing, it won hands down did it not, nothing can touch it”.
“I know Armo, our 80 bucks on the nose to win, what do you think?”
“No Friggin problems, do it man it’s our lucky night”.
When Dodger came back Armo said to him “What odds did you get us?”
“I got us 5/1 Armo”
“**** Dodger we are going to win 400 bucks man”.
So the race time came and the Official Starter went through his motions.
“Gentlemen Urge your Toads on”.
“WHACK” The toads jumped and Yellow stripes took the lead. The toad was hopping along the track when all of a sudden Yellow stripes just fell over and lay there in anguish legs kicking upwards. There was no more movement it was as still as the grave.
“Good grief” said the Aussie trainer “Me toads had a heart attack”.
The trainer walked over to where Yellow stripes lay, put his foot onto the toad and proceeded to eject the toad from this world.
“Had to put it out of it’s misery, just in case, sorry men all bets off”.
“What do you mean all bets off?” shouted Dodger “What the hell is going on here?”
“Dodger, I think we been set up again”.
”Explain Bets off Aussie” said Dodger.
“Well as it says in the official rules book, if a toad dies and cannot complete the race, all funds go to the trainer to help pay for the toad’s funeral”.
A voice rang out in the Brawl
“GET THE MP’S, THE YANKS AND THE AUSSIES ARE AT IT AGAIN”.

[crazygary]

Ahhh, good on yer, Mate!!

Great story! Still laughing with tears in my eyes!!

I have definitely noticed the price differential amongst model tanks!

Some of the plastic kits are pretty insane! I have been leaning towards the
field of RTR units, anyway! Was just interested in your thoughts! Many thanks
for being so candid!!

I kind of enjoy perusing Ebay, now and again, in hopes of coming across
a really good deal!

I will certainly keep my sights on the brands you mentioned! $150.00 is not
such a bad deal compared to what it can get you!! Just need to get past
"she-who-must-be-obeyed"!! (LOL)

Have a great day, Mate!!

Looking forward to your progress on other projects!

Gary

[Mcgowan1]

Hello fellow modellers and to CG. I have decided to give the Panther the dirty snow look I call it and I will add some cammo in the form of vegetation to finish off the paint and cammo work. The paint came but I still want to add my rust effects.
Here she is as at 27.3.14.


I was just playing with the tank commander an old figure I had put a poncho and stuff on him. He looks very cold up there haha.
Okay nearly there now a few more things and we will be done.
Cheers;

[crazygary]

A very nice touch, indeed!!
I'm still watching and learning!!

CG

[Mcgowan1]

You are going to kill me CG and perhaps others watching. I sat there yesterday looked at my model and was not happy. It was not the Winter scene I wanted. The joys of modelling I guess so, I checked again and decided I would re do her. So, after all that work I took to her with great gusto to get what I wanted. So it is the Winter scene I was looking for with striping, snow effects and a tank that would blend into say a Winter forest scene in Russia, blending in with the bare, black trees with snow on the ground waiting in an ambush position.
Well I worked her all day and up to about 12 last night and I am happy at what has been created.


This is our Panther G in daylight.


And here she is inside to try and show different shades.
I can now go ahead and order my vegitation which I will white glue( the glue you use for woodwork) onto various locations on the tank.
OK I used a can of semi gloss black spray 4.89 Dollars
I used a can of White spot marking spray used for marking roads which you can apply a light or heavy spray. Light for a white coat and heavy in the areas you want to get the heavy snow build up effect.
Both paints were applied wet and blended into each other. Cost 4.89 Dollars
So for under 10.00 the winter paint was applied.
For the vegitation I will order Flock, used for trees and hedges in model railways.
When that is placed I will use a light spray of the road marking paint over the vegitation to create the snow effect.
So there you have it and hope you like the changes, I do.