Sdkfz 233 bodge

This was a lockdown project completed sometime last year. My starting point was a Solido Sdkfz 231 which had a broken gun barrel. As I have a couple more intact ‘231s I decided that a bodge was called for and remembering the possibilities of the old Airfix kit I opted for a short-barrelled 75mm. The gun and shield were cobbled together from plastic card and bits from the spares box. It’s intended to be representational and robust rather than accurate so I think those limited objectives have been met. 

Hardly horrible Helldiver

 The first quick win from the bits box is this Helldiver.  It merely needed the canopies reattaching and painting, a new propeller hub from the spares box followed by a coat of varnish.  And yes, I know some of the decals are upside down but unlike most old decals they weren’t at all flaky and there was no removing them.  

Bassett’s Broken Bits Box

Another heart-warming tale of kindness now.  

Some months ago I was contacted by a good friend.  In accordance with the usual Megablitz and More witness protection programme let’s call him ‘John.’  He mentioned the discovery in a cupboard of a box of mostly broken and decidedly tatty old 1/72 aircraft models.  Should he, he asked, do the sensible thing and chuck them in the bin or would I like them?  Given that the price - free -  was in my preferred range, it was soon agreed that he would bring the box to the Conference of Wargamers.  Thus it was a couple of weeks ago that a large box of crumbling plastic took up residence in my car.  Last weekend I got round to an initial sort-out.  

Above: the winners. I’m currently working my way through this lot.  How many can you identify?  Most will be saved but some will undoubtedly go the way of….

….the losers. Photographed in my bin. And yes that is a B-29. And a Fw-189, He-219 etc. All desirable but really too far gone for recovery. 

Follow the thrilling tale of the survivors on these pages in weeks to come!

Dodgy Dauntless

 

As my thoughts for future games drift towards the Pacific, a review of suitable aircraft uncovered this Airfix Dauntless.  Built by its previous owner to a good standard and finished in Free French markings, I decided to repaint it as a US machine. The decals are a bit of a lash-up cobbled together from what I had in the decal box but I’m rather pleased with the outcome. Coming soon to a remote Japanese-held island near you.