M3A1 White Scout Car - 2nd New Zealand Division, Italy 1945

This is the Hobbyboss White. An excellent kit, with near Tamiya quality fit and plastic, and some nice detailing. The only drawback is the lack of a canvas cover and hoops. I added hoops using brass rod, and a part-rolled canvas cover using thin lead sheet. I also thinned down the headlight covers with a sharp blade - they could do with a bit more thinning or replacement with etched brass. 

The vehicle I modelled was a REME Fitters wagon, so I left out the rear seats so I could cram the rear with stowage. Decals were from a Star Models (Bison) set of NZ vehicles in Italy, and my main reference was Jeff Plowmans superb book on the 2nd NZ Division. The figure is a stock Miniart item.

Panther Ausf G "115" - Ardennes

Another DML Panther for the Kampfgruppe! This time #115, based on a photo in Duel in the Mist 3 of the vehicle after it had been k/o'd or abandoned. It's got the non-chinned mantlet and raised crew heater, and the dot pattern camouflage. I left the mallet off the hull sides so you can see the balkenkruez and scratched a mallet holder in it's place. 

L4500 Maultier mit Flak 43

Here is the Zvesda Maultier L4500 with a Great Wall Hobby Flak 43. The Zvesda kit is a real mixed bag - some bits good, some not so good. I had real issues getting the cab and engine bay to align, but eventually it worked out and doesn't look too wonky. I added:

1. Wooden reinforcement to the cargo bed using cut up wooden coffee stirrers
2. Excellent ET Models resin "bulged" wheels. These are superb. They fit perfectly and look great
3. Metal width indicators from DML
4. An RB Models metal barrel
5. Loads of stowage and oddments to fill out the back, from Value Gear, DML and various manufacturers
6. Figure from Alpine

Pz.Kpfw IV Ausf J - Kampfgruppe Peiper

Another spotty Ausf J - this time with solid sheet schurzen. This one is built as "731", which according to a number of reports was the vehicle that instigated the infamous massacre at the Baugnez Crossroads (the "Malmedy Massacre"). No photos of 731 exist, so the exact model Ausf J features (ie, early, mid, late) and cam scheme are largely guesswork on my part, although most of the other 7 Kompanie vehicles had the factory applied ambush camouflage with large spots.

It's the DML Ausf J (mid) with a DML figure. It's a great kit - good fit and excellent detail, with no need for aftermarket in my view. I added a few bits of chain to the front and rear tow pintles, and that was it.

SdKfz 251/17 Ausf D w/2cm Schwebelafette

Here is the Dragon SdKfz 251/17 with 2cm Schwebelafette. The DML SdKfz 251's are a straightforward enough build, with some minor fit issues here and there, but the cannon is extremely delicate and fiddly. If you are building one, take your time. I gave mine a hard-edged late war factory scheme using Tamiya acrylics, a W-SS number plate and a 1st SS Pz Div emblem. The figure is (I think) by Miniart.