A22 Churchill MkVII - Finished

[maschinenkrueger]

I bought the Tamiya kit with all intentions to use it for the Firefly X-K427 and a couple other SF3D builds, but after building Futche's FF, there was no point. I used a few bits from the trailer on another scratchbuild so I couldn't flip it on EBay and hope to make anything back. The next logical choice was to build a Churchill.

This is the vintage Tamiya kit from the 70s. Out of the box it builds a post war or Korea era Churchill. The details are minor but my interest in the Korean conflict is limited to reruns of MASH. :-\ Most of the work involved was scraping plastic off to backdate to a 1944/45 era MkVII. I used the Eduard PE set for the MKVII, the only one I know of but only used about 30% of the set since most of it was for the post WWII version.

The rubber band tracks had split in half so aftermarket tracks were my only option. The AFV club plastic ones were my first choice but those don't fit the Tamiya sprockets. I used the Fruil Models set

The stowage is a mix of Black Dog resin stowage for a Sherman Firefly and parts sculpted from epoxy putty. The Fruil set does not include enough for this amount of add on tracks so I cheated and am using a length of wire to join the two ends under the fenders.

[bbd468]

The A22 looks fantastic man! The stowage is sweet as well. Fine build this one is, well done!

Gary

[eastrock]

Agree with Gary, Mak!

Happy New Year

[M1Carbine]

Looks freaking AWESOME!

Bob

[bullardino]

I love Churchills, and this one looks excellent

[ogrejohn]

That stowage sure looks great on it!

[reserve]

Why spend alot of time assembling track runs, or for that matter, anything, which will not be seen? Splendid job and polish on a very old kit

Regards,
Mark

[maschinenkrueger]

Thanks all. It's been quite a fun project so far. The old Tamiya kit isn't that bad. Fortunately most of the backdating involved scraping plastic off. The PE work was kept to a manageable level this time. I've seen a Voyager set that completely replaces the entire fender run. F-Me.

Dec 28, 2012 5:48:37 GMT -5 @spacepacker said:

I like the stowage, the way you have it tied down is best I have ever seen .
Looking forward to more up-dates...cheers....Kenny

Thanks Kenny. I was a little nervous when tying down the stowage on my recent Stug. Most guys seem to skip this part so all the tie ropes actually felt out of place. This time I just applied logic and strapped the stuff down where ever it made sense.


I wouldn't mind building another but will keep it to an AFV club next time.

[deafpanzer]

Great pictures... agree with guys I dig the stowage. Keep it coming please...

[wbill76]

Too many modelers go for the 'magnetic' approach to stowage so it's neat to see a properly tied down set of gear on this build! Very nice work dressing up the older kit, looking forward to more, keep us posted.

[maschinenkrueger]

Thanks deafpanzer, wbill76 and DickyF
wbill - Yer the 2nd guy to use that phrase. Magnetic stowage. Hah!

Here it is with a coat of paint and some mod-u-lay-shen. I think it might need one more level of highlights. I started painting some of the gear too. The green is a bit bright but will tone done with dust and weathering.

I'm still trying to figure out markings. If anyone has the decal set from the Tamiya Churchill Infantry Tank release, not the Churchill version, let me know if you are interested in selling or trade.

[deafpanzer]

Great paint job on the Churchill!! Sorry I don't have any decals you are looking for. Hope others can help you out...

[bullardino]

What a wonderful paint work, MaK

I particularly like the contrasting colours of the stowage, they stand out much more on such a monochrome tank

[danb.]

Great job on the churchill the CM is amazing looking forward to the rest of the build keep it up buddy.

Dan B

[jackh.]

Brilliant job on this old venerable Churchill, which as you say is a great kit for it's age.

[Deleted]

I thought i was looking at a new casting of the Churchill ? Your painting and photo talents brought this kit to life . The stowage looks spot on to me .

[maschinenkrueger]

Hey, thanks a lot guys. I just ordered some Archer Transfers. Those combined with a few items from the Tamiya sheet and I should be set for markings.

[reserve]

If it were me I don't think I'd do any more highlighting, I like this alot as it is. Of course, it is not me so come what may...

Anyway, a very nice job on paint yer makin her a beauty

Regards,
Mark

[Deleted]

That,my friend,is one good looking Churchill!!!!

[maschinenkrueger]

Gear has been painted and weathering has begun. Just filters and washed at this point. I added some minimal scratches and paint chips to the lower sides and areas of crew access.

[bbd468]

Man, you are doin' a magnificent job on this Churchill....Damn that looks good!!!

Gary

[modelfreak72]

Fantastic job so far! The contrasting OD'S really make the tank stand out!

[armorguy]

This looks so good ! The tarps and other stowage were painted so delicate, real mastership and it isn't even done !

[bullardino]

Awesome job MK

[Mence]

Looks fantastic, great skills!

[wbill76]

Nice work on the detail painting, really brings some life to go with the green!

[maschinenkrueger]

Thanks guys. I'm finally getting to the fun part.

[possum]

Your Churchill looks brilliant, great building & painting skills.

[spud]

Very nice

[maschinenkrueger]

Thanks for the nice comments guys. I've discovered I'm missing a couple of stars on the fenders and what might be gas detection panels. I've never even heard of those things before.