Char B1 bis .... Final Pictures 8-3-13

[afvfan]

Welcome to my latest project. This is Tamiya's Char B1 bis in 1/35 scale. I've built it in German livery with late war camo. The reason I put the "sort of" in the title is that, as usually happens, when I took the pictures a few things showed up still needing to be done.








I'm still undecided on what to do with the back. The debate is between using the supplied chain, or going with a tow cable and some other stuff to be a little different. I'm leaning towards the latter.



I was really happy with the look of the tracks, though the majority of the dusting I added disappeared under the final dullcote. All three of the gun barrels are metal replacements (the only AM items used on the build).



Finally, I tried to depict the exhaust as one that had minimal hours on it where the paint was only partially burned off.


Here's hoping you like it. As usual, I'm very open to any comments or suggestions on things you may notice that might need to be changed, or improved upon. Feel free to let me know.

[TRM]

That looks great Bob!! Nice job on the exhaust!! I am partial to the chain myself...meatier for this big girl!!! You can always add a bit more dust for what was lost. I would just dispense with dull coating after touching up...just a little care is all that would be needed when handling! Well done!!

[armorguy]

The big chain is a must Bob, you can see it on almost every wartime Char photo. It adds visual weight to the model too, I have a Char waiting to be finished and it will be added. Exhaust looks stunning by the way, you achieved your goal. Camo looks terrific, lovely colors (great match). The tow cables can be used on this one, as it was a German addition (?). As T says, give it an extra dusting, it's all in the layers !

[afvfan]

T and AG - Thanks for the input guys. A re-dusting is a must. While I get along quite well with a semi-intact paint job, I've got to have some dust.

Speaking of paint, this is the first model I've ever done copying the kit enclosed camo scheme.

[dupes]

Man, like everything you've done there! Paint, damage, weathering...all of the above.

[wbill76]

Looks good Bob! What's not to love about a beute!

[deafpanzer]

Great work! Agree with guys about the exhaust... looks spot on!

[afvfan]

Thanks, everyone, for the comments. They're appreciated. It's good to hear the exhaust looks ok to other eyes. Work has started on the redusting effort.

Ah, another vote for the chain....a pattern seems to be emerging.

[Leon]

Excellent work on the Char Bob,Agree with the guys on the chain.

[Mence]

Good subject, nice build, well done.

[afvfan]

Alright, played around with this thing again and got it where I want it (in other words, I'm tired of looking at it! ). The finish is explained by saying the tank just came off patrol, and the crew hasn't had a chance to wash the beach dirt and sand off of it.

Pictures 1 and 2 are general side shots. Unfortunately, some of the gradations in the paint and coverage has been lost in them.




This is a close shot of the front.



Here's the rear view. I went ahead and went with the consensus and added the towing chains. Honestly, I couldn't come up with something that filled the space as well.


This is a view of the rear sprockets. It gives a better idea of the variations of coverage in the side paint I mention earlier.


The final shot is of the two tool brackets on the fenders.


Hope you like it.

[wbill76]

Came out lovely Bob, nice work on the Beute Char!

[afvfan]

Thanks Bill. The compliment is appreciated.

[wbill76]

Not sure if you caught it or not Bob but your lovely little StuG III with the concrete add-on was featured in the latest issue of FSM as part of their AMPS Nats show report. Congrats!

[afvfan]

I saw that....and I also saw your StuG IV a couple pages later in the Readers Gallery (Hats off to you, too!)

Actually, I knew there was some interest in it. I was contacted for more info about it after the show. I had no idea that it would be one of only eight vehicles showcased out of over 400 entries. Now that made me feel like I did something right!

[Deleted]

looking very nice indeed the char seams to lend itself to weathering rather well

[afvfan]

Thanks Sniper, and yes, it does. Those big, flat panels are great to work with.

[Mence]

Great finish, well done.

[armorguy]

Park it in the showcase, top shelf ! Guy.

[afvfan]

Thanks for the comments, Prof and AG.

[406 Silverado]

Looks very good. I'm going to have to snag me this kit one of these days

[Deleted]

I like the camo and weathering Bob .

[modelfreak72]

Great weathering and paint work!

[tonylee-Rest In Peace]

You Number One G.I.

Tony lee

[afvfan]

Rob

- Thanks Rob. It is such a fun kit I want to do another, but in early war French livery.

Carl

- Good of you to stop in. Glad you like it.

ModelFreak

- Thanks for the comment.

Kenny

- Thank you! Thanks You! Did I say Thank you?

Tony Lee

- Appreciate the sentiments, Tony-san!