I made it from June 2011 to November 2011. I changed my camera then, and I enjoyed taking pictures too much.
I have resumed my modeling after a long time. Since it’s been a long time, from a small kit, I began. AFV Club cannon has a reputation for highly sophisticated details. This is not a simple kit; I must stir myself for the spiritual work.
Many parts are smaller than Dragon Models, but many are tiny. It seems to be included some photo-etched parts.
(23-June-2011)
I assembled about 25 parts, only this one. Excellent rivet detail.
Life rings are reproduced inside the barrel. I tried to light it with my Mag-lite.
Almost closed breech looks like this photo.
(24-June-2011)
Assembly of the body part is a bit difficult; the basic parts fit well. I have to fill with putty the little gap in the breech part. The part next to the body is the back of the wheel. It consists of 10 tiny parts.
I can choose three types of wheels. 2 kinds of Metal wheels with rubber and wooden wheels with rubber. My choice is wooden wheels that were produced in the early stage or before WWII. A suspension unit was installed to attach with a half-track so that you can see the front springs.
Cannon carriage and body combined. The adjustment was necessary because the body is perpendicular to the built-in wheels.
(16-July-2011)
You can choose three types of sighting device (which is unsightly, but the protruding rod that extends to the top of the round handle in the middle). I choose the type of medium length. I opened the panel at the end of the body, and the inside was nicely reproduced.
(31-July-2011)
It’s too simple, only a cannon; I decided to make one antiaircraft crew beside the cannon. The second soldier was from the right; I picked up.
I had been expected to work quite easily without adjusting the position to grab the shell but necessary for a minor adjustment.
I have extra difficulty because of using piano wire in the arms. It’s too strong for adjustment. Brass wire is better for that kind of work.
(07-August-2011)
Assembled other various accessories.
(13-August-2011)
I blew the surfacer after painting the metal primer on the metal parts. Maybe no need to blow a lot to protect this kit’s details.
(28-August-2011)
This cannon has many recessed areas. Tire-black and mahogany blended paint made shadows and prevented the no paint’s remaining area from being visible.
(28-August-2011)
After a long interval, I proceed. I painted a base color and pasted the decals. Small character decals on the shells strengthen reality. So far, every painting has been airbrushed.
(30-October-2011)
Completed the basic figure painting. I’ll adjust it later. The face is shining because of an oil painting.
(26-November-2011)
Finally completed the 15cm heavy infantry gun. This gun was started to develop in 1927 and formalized in 1933. Warhead weight was 38kg, with a maximum range of 4.6km. It’s a reasonably powerful weapon.
The primary mission is infantry fire support and operation together with infantry. It’s practical to attack the pillbox and other enemies’ defensive positions. It seems to be produced more than 4,000 actives from the beginning to the end of the war.
To the left of the back shield, you can see two tables pasted black; I think this indicates the angle and distance of the warhead. This shield is too small to hide effectively.
Slightly less effective in washing. But I thought a dark yellow color was reasonable.
Converting from here to there, part of the rubber tire had more frequent scratches. I damaged them with my design knife.
I painted and did the weathering under the chassis, too. I’ll continue to try to paint under the chassis as much as possible because the modern kit molded them in lovely detail.
I didn’t make the exposed metal parts glossy this time. Only use a little dry pigment powder or pencil brush.
A long wooden stick, like a lever, and rotating this cannon probably adjust the fire direction. They are painted like wood is difficult every time.
Regular maintenance prevents rusting, I presume. But I made chipping and weathering much.
I made one figure to increase the atmosphere. It’s from Dragon’s antiaircraft artillery figure set and attached infantry gun warheads instead of AA bullets. I suppose it’s a good expression, even an injection kit, without using a resin headset.
It isn’t easy to take good pictures of a figure with a helmet because of lighting adjustments. This person’s role is loading ammunition, so needs to move around this gun. It must be hard, dirty cloth.
Above I commented the warhead weight is 38kg and wonder if it’s possible to carry by oneself.
It’s like a commemorative photo.
I’m interested in the black and white photo, like that.
The rear of the artillery. A bluish shade of white clothes was expressed. Then deep in the wrinkles were more lightly coated with gray.
This shot is with special accessories ammunition. This is attached to 3 rocket fins to stabilize the trajectory. I wonder how far it would fly away…
Other accessories. Cartridge case and the bullet case of wooden frames, an empty shell, etc. The wooden frame was painted like fading parts. This time finally completed it, having to start making since this summer.
Now my job is busy and sometimes holiday working, It’s 100% impossible to take the Japanese traditional new year holiday which every Japanese are waiting for… Like I’m assigned to a penalty battalion in WWII German or Russian army… 🙁
Now It’s hard to share; time to model cause now I’m studying for the qualifying examination. I am pretty happy to complete one model.
(27-November-2011)
