Hello everyone,

This is my first time with a build log, so if it doesn't flow I apologize now. The project is nearly complete, but I figured that I would give this a try.

Here is my journey back in time for both the kit I'm using and the techniques used to build it...



Our club decided to do this build, no real rules just Grossdeutschland at Kursk. I decided to detail the kit like I would have back in the old days... scratch. I also decided to switch from the rivited hull to the welded hull version. So I started scraping...




Moving to the interior, well let's just say the kit parts were not what I wanted, but with some plastic strips it started taking shape.





The dash and firewall needed a little work too...



and a little paint...



I kit bashed some new air intakes from an AFV club kit and opened up the side vision ports. Also added details to the interior of the vision ports.




Base coat, wash, and dry brush...



Here a junk box radio is added and antenna wire add (I'm putting an additional crows foot on the left rear hull)



Benches and storage bins are ready and it's time for some rifles.





The interior is coming together...



...but there are some things to do before I can fit the upper and lower hull together. I need to modify the doors, and build a driver.
For the doors I cleaned up the heavy hinge fittings and added a closure mechanism (oh yeah and built some new seat backs).



Of cours there isn't any figure available that I can squeeze into the drivers hole, so with some sawing, shaving, and putty, I built one. I added the seat back right onto the figure to make him easier to install.





That went so well I decided to add a few more...





Ok, there is more, but that will have to wait.
Thanks for looking!

incredible

Good start man... I love Sd.kfz 251 too

very nice!..

could you provide a little more explanation on putting together the figures...

cheers!

All I can say is wow! Please share more info on your figures!

I will get some more info and photos on the figures today, for now though I will try to get up to the current progress.

Part of the reason the build kind of jumps around is just because that's how I build! With the Interior set it is time to work on the drive train. Instead of entirely rebuilding the kit drive train I decided to add some junk box detail (most of it will be covered by wheels and track anyway.




For the front suspension I addeded some bolt heads and thinned the tie rod connections.



Now back exterior stowage boxes, since they are sheet metal I decided to dent them up a bit with the dremmel and som glue drops (for bulges). Then added latches.



I useed foil to make the damaged door in this picture.



I found a couple pictures of this door latch so I decided to build one.



In this shot I have added lift points on the nose and the vision port covers are tacked in (They will be open later). After a coat of Future the decals will be added (I kind of lost the sheet so once again I'm off to the junk box to see what I have).



The air brush is acting up, but though it is not the best paint job, it will do. A wash has been applied, and in the next shot dry brushing is done.




While that rests a bit I added some tie downs to the pioneer tools. Wire wrapped around a homade form (the same one for the box latches) does the job.




Pioneer tools are painted and installed and paint chips added to the hull.



And that is were it sets now. I know that is more or less a condesed version, so if there are details that you would like to know, I will do my best to explain them.

Thanks

Here is a quick down and dirty on the figures. Because finding a figure that will fit where you want him, and is wearing what you want, and is doing what you want is darn near impossible. I started researching sculpting and there is a lot of good information out there, but it still takes practice and that is where I am right now, and this is what I've learned so far.

Practice and evolve... The clay that I am using for the uniforms is an epoxy with about an hour working time. It's a little sticky, but wetting the tools helps.



The tools are pretty simple, a fine crochet hook, a tooth cleaner thingy, and some home made wire loops.



Since I'm just starting I do use some resin cast copies, or scavanged parts, for some of the more difficult pieces.



The progression goes something like this. A wire frame (I was soldering them, but decided the clay works just as good), add boots, and torso (cutting the wire as you go). Then layers of clay, building individual pieces of clothing. The third guy from the left was a bit short so I had to stretch him.



I'm working on heads too, but I'm not sure if they will make it to this project or not. I started using the green stuff...




...but the results just were not what I wanted. So I switched to a polymer clay, unlimited working time and not sticky seemed to help.




Sure they still need practice, but they are much closer. I do still use the epoxy clay as a "skull" to build the face on, otherwise it moves too much when you shape it.

I think that does it for a quick and dirty on the figures, I will get more on them after the half track is done.

Thanks for sharing. Your head sculpts are really cool. you are making a 30+ year old kit look awesome. great job.

Very cool! It's amazing what you can do with such simple tools! Thanks for the great photos.

Jonathan, this is a terrific build log. I like your Junk box approach. I also like your attitude to finding crew figures, "Can't find them- what the hell I'll build them.

Nice to see a crowded halftrack too.

Hey Jonathan.

I tried the same thing last year (never finished mine shockingly enough). But you've gone to the next level. Very nice, added detail looks great. And scratching all the figure too - outstanding.

Keep posting updates - can't wait to see this one finished.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I should have some more pictures later tonight or tomorrow morning. I've been working on the wheels (not one of my favorite parts) and they are about ready for dry brushing,

Here is the next installment.
I ground out the head lights and painted the interior with white and a bit of silver, then add 5 minute epoxy for the lens.



Then I added cloth black-out covers.



Next, down to the wheels and some mud for effect.



This is the leveling compound that I use for mud, as well as tree bark on my wire trees.



After a coat of paint...



...wash'em, dry brush'em, and stick'em on!




I am testing this stuff out (I suppose testing on the model is not the best idea) on the muffler. It still hasn't rusted the way I want, but I'll try a couple more coats.



I looks like the traks are next on the list.

Looks realy good, and brave on your part. I did the same about 5 years ago,and it took me nearly 9 months to complete,never again.
Your figures are awsome and so is the 251. I can't wait to see this one when your finished.

Rob

More experimenting, but it's working (I think..). The rust is coming along on the muffler with two coats of the rusting agent so far.




I also have a couple of new ideas for the tracks. Since I want to keep it scratch I decided to use the kit rubber band tracks. But they needed a little something, so I drilled'em, and they don't look too bad. I tried something new for fixing the ends to, I dipped them in some resin to get a solid fit. So far it looks like it should work pretty good, I still need to clean them up.



Next I have to figure out the track droop, I was thinking of using thread to tie them to the wheels.

hi Jonathan what else can be said but you are a modelling god amongst men, i tip my hat to you simply amazing... wish i was half as good

Once agian thanks for looking and thanks for the comments (Wilkes, your killin' me man!).

Back to the tracks, here they are rusted and washed...



...then the pads painted, and dry brushing applied.



Pop'em on and... no droop.



So, in the past I have tied them with thread or put posts in above the track (not good for open top vehicles), but one more experiment... I used wire, much easier.



I tried painting the wire first, but it didn't stay very well, so I'll have to touch them up. The other thing I noticed is that they will cut the track if you pull them back and forth too much (I stopped just in time!). Also I was a little rough on the wheels so I will have to touch them up too.

The first of the figures is done! I did end up using one of the verlinden heads (mine are not quite there yet), the torso was a resin cast copy, the boots Tamiya, the hands Italerai, and the rest sculpted from the epoxy clay.
Ok, here he is seated, unfinished...



...and finished...



...and all by himself.



Now back to the work bench, only seven more to go!

FANTASTIC!!! It's amazing what you can do with an ancient kit with a lot of skill and imagination. Very nice!

Jeff

Superb job! Just superb example of schratchbuilding!
Keep those images coming!

Cheers, mate!

Wow, I'm new here and just saw this-! Fantastic! Amazing! Fabulous work!

Jon, you are a True Artist!

251s Rock!

I can not understand how I missed this one!!!

Jonathan, I must say I'm very impressed!!
What a way of tackling this oldie. Superb!!
You are giving a dying star in the 251-heaven new light!

And those figures.... You should make these commercially available and put me up for one complete set!!!

The last compliment I'll be giving for now (to avoid you getting cocky.. ) is the step-by-step way of showing how you do things, with plenty of pictures. Do a feature on this, please!

i am building the same kit at te moment and i have to say that you're doing a much better job than i am.

Luke,

I took a look at your 251 and I would have to say that it is pretty dang good. That's the thing about these old kits, you can take them just as far as you want. They are definately good for starting out, then as your technique advances, you want more detail, and more accuracey... you can keep right on building the same kit!

Fantastic! Truly amazing what you've done, like the wire used for the tool clamps. Nice touch!

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing the figures in it! Nicely done!

Cheers -
Tim

Jonathan,

Wonderful work! I admire the fact that your taking the "old fashioned" approach to detailing. When all is said and done, it is extremely satisifying to take an old kit and bring it up to snuff. Of course, you could have always taken the "easy" way and chose a DML kit lol.

Your figures too.. awsome! I can barely PAINT figures, let alone SCULPT them!

Bravo!

Matt

I must also add my $0.02 and say ............... great thread.............. great work.

Making my own figuers is on my list of to-do's one day !!! Even more inspired now after seeing yours.....................

SENSATIONAL work Jon it's really amazing what one can do to such an old and outdated kit your scratchbuilding is unbelievable and those figs magnificent i can't wait to see it fully finished

This one is at the top of my list for finishing this season and it's sooo close!

More wire bending and clay sculpting...

...right were I left off...


It's pretty dang tight in the back of this thing,


so some of the guys are getting built as a unit.


Here is the whole crew


I have a couple of them on the priming table right now, I hope to have some updates by the end of the weekend.

Oh yeah, this is a little different, usually I drill out the lens of the binoculars (if they will be in view) but instead I just added some foil rings.

It's another expirement so we'll have to see weather it is a keeper when it's all said and done.

You are very skilled ! your build is very inspiring !