Some Afrika Korps Pictures...

[krieglok]

Here are some repaints I did recently. Being a AK fan, I needed to do some desert vehicles using the 21st vehicles. The PZKW IV is a version that did actually make it to North Africa, but not too much in the way of photographic evidence, so I used some artistic license. The halftrack is pretty much stock. Just paint and decals added. The Spahwagen is a Monogram model from 1974, that I just built last week. Enjoy...

TJ

[Mr. Football]

Very nice.

[lightning2000]

Awesome customization! Want to do some work for us at The Motor Pool?

I've always been an ardent fan of the Afrika Korps patterns and your work does them justice. Very nicely done!

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com

[dfoos]

F'n A man, those look awesome. I have been toying with the idea of doing that too. You have just given me some serious inspiration!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!!!

[krieglok]

Awesome customization! Want to do some work for us at The Motor Pool?

I've always been an ardent fan of the Afrika Korps patterns and your work does them justice. Very nicely done!

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com

Very tempting. I used to do commercial art and custom model train painting as a side line. The problem is that demand outruns my inspirations...

TJ

[lightning2000]

Hi Krieglok,

Yeah, demand would be tough plus you would need alot of room to store product. It also requires professional grade painting equipment, the ability to create decals, ability to work within a precise schedule, yada, yada, yada. We already have a wonderful person we work with by the name of Brent Dietrich who is still going to be doing our customs.

Dont take this the wrong way --- any modeler can paint a tank or two but it takes alot of determination and a strong will to paint 'em up in batches much like a production run. I think that it also takes away some of the pride and enjoyment in the hobby, something we obviously dont want to quash.

In a way, it reminds me of when I was running a magazine -- anyone can get out the premier issue cause you have months to prepare. The real proof in the pudding is pumping out the follow-on issues each and every month otherwise you blow the production schedule and get alot of people mad at you.

Anyway, keep up the great work. Those repaints of yours look absolutely fantastic, especially the panzer. I think the board needs to see some close-up shots as well...

Regards,

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com

[krieglok]

Here are some better shots...

TJ

[lightning2000]

Very cool! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your customizations...

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com

[krieglok]

Thanks for the compliments, it means alot coming from the caliber of people using this board. The mass production is certainly a big arrangement. Maybe someday when I get some space for a bigger work area I could entertain the idea. It certainly is not an easy thing to do.

The Monogram stuff was always a favorite of mine. The 21st stuff reminds me of the assembled Monogram models, that is probably wast turned me on to 21st. I have many of their kits still, both built and some still in kit form. Nice stuff that went together well and seemed durable. The armored car was a little more difficult than the tanks. I had never built that one before. I picked it up on Ebay fairly cheap as it was a repro kit they did in the 90s using the original 70s molds.

TJ

[lightning2000]

Hi Krieglok,
One thing you might want to consider is modifying Minichamps' 'Deuce-and-a-half' 2-1/2 ton truck. We were even thinking about holding a contest to see who could come up with the best custom job. While I think the out-of-the-box version is certainly sweet, I think more could've been done with it. Maybe adding bows and a canvas cover, crates, etc., or perhaps turning it into a gun truck or adding a ring-mounted machine gun atop the passenger compartment. Anyway food for thought...

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com

[krieglok]

I am not familiar with that model. I have built some GMC Italeri kits, but I have not seen the Minichamps truck. It sounds like a project to get into. Bow and canvas would be a snap. I have seen GMC with the quad .50 in the back. I wasnt sure if they were for training or a field expedient, but they did exist. The ring mount .50, a common addition, would be a bit of a challenge. I will stop down at your site and check these trucks out. I always have a soft spot for soft skins... especially M37s...

TJ

[krieglok]

Oh,oh,oh I just checked them out. Very nice. The only detail they are missing is that horrid bracket that was used to extend the windshield up. Every picture I have seen of a driver in one of these, has that bracket almost sticking their eye out. I wonder how many guys were injured getting in and out of the truck with these brackets sticking out at face level...BTW, I just ordered two of them off your site. I have visions of jerry cans in rows from front to back of the cargo area ala Red Ball transporters.. Thanks for the suggestion.

TJ

[lightning2000]

Hi,
Yeah, alot of the equipment we used was as dangerous to its occupants as it was to the enemy! The Stuart tank, for instance, was about as thin-skinned as a sardine can!

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.bigstep.com