Das Werk 88 Flak on 9t Vomag truck.

[andy55]

Hi Allen. Yes the book does mention Frank, in fact he wrote the section on the model at the back.
There is a cross member on the chassis which is attached to the front bumper, not sure if that was what Frank referred to. It does surprise me though that there is no front shield for the gun, though I have a spare from the last '88 I built.
As for the 'mattress' for the front windscreen, was this a factory fit, or something added in the field... I think probably added in the field. Will only be using one of the PE sides, as you say trying to paint three is a non starter.
Everything so far is going together well, a few niggles regards lack of positive placements. But enjoying.
Andy

[Allen Dewire]

Hi again Andy,

When these vehicles went into production, they didn't have a shield on them. He noted that too in his build. The shield was added later after the vehicle was sent to the east. Here is a pic of one of the first ones built,


He also added the ribbing, connected to the chassis, on top of the fenders to improve their strength. Does the kit have these as parts or molded on?


I can't say for sure, but the 'mattress' was probably a field mod later on. In the beginning, these were used to protect Adolf on his trips to the front and I don't think they ever fired a shot in this role. Later on in their new roles, when they did fire live, the windshield probably shattered, so it was implemented. Frank used milliput to create it on the build and his looked like this,


Whether it was slipped over the windshield or just laid on top of it on the real vehicle, he didn't say...

I normally don't add pics in other peoples builds, but I thought they might be helpful. If not, then please have a Mod remove them...

Prost
Allen

[andy55]

Hi Allen, must of been a good do at first, following Hitler around suppling flak cover, bet they got a shock later on though... apparently the whole battery consisted of around 125 men with all the support crew, aiming and command etc.
No the extra fender support isn't on the model. Think I'll have to dig out the gun shield I have as I want to put it in Budapest in '44. Not decided about the mattress yet.

Yes it is the same photo that Frank did the pre production build on. My house will have more damage though.
No problem with adding the pics.
Andy
Edit: not going to build a wreck. The build will be a few hours BEFORE this photo was taken.

[andy55]

Well thought I'd give an update. Because a lot of the chassis is visible I'm building a bit then priming and base coating. So far seems to be working OK.
It really is a joy to build, everything goes where it's supposed to do and fits perfectly. I did learn very early on that that bit of flash, well it isn't flash it the location tab, a lot of the location taps are hummm, shall we say subtle. The rear armoured deck is only resting on, want to get all the doors and other bits for the truck built so I can prime all together. Used only one piece of PE for the sides, think they've turned out OK.

[andy55]

Another update. Got the bus/gun transport painted. Still have the detail and weathering to do on it. The base colour has turned out darker than intended. Think I may of been better using panzer grey then the camo on top, but hey, rule 7 says "my model, my colour scheme"... whilst there are colour photos, they are coloured black and white so.... Going to have a break from painting and have a look at starting the build on the 88.

[scottie3158]

Looking good. And that mate is the correct way of thinking. "my model my colour scheme"

[andy55]

Looking good. And that mate is the correct way of thinking. "my model my colour scheme"

Whilst I agree, it's rather tongue in cheek. The original paint was paler, but it was mixed. So the next batch was a bit darker. Anyway tested positive for the big C, feel like sh**, tried today but wasn't going to happen.

[A_J_Rimmer]

WOW!!

[andy55]

Well got the bus/gun platform/transport finished (or will have when I decide about the windscreen) decided to keep the shell storage field grey, doubt who ever resprayed them would bother to open the doors.
The gun is also finished, though still to camo and detail paint.
Have left the 'steady pads' off until I do the diorama.

A couple of issues in the build but that's down to me. A very enjoyable build.

[Andy T]

Looking fab!

[scottie3158]

Looking the nuts.

[Airborne01]

Coming on nicely Andy, really starting to look the part!
Steve

[Jim R]

Certainly looks good to me.

[andy55]

Thanks for the comments, just need to find someone who does the Das Werk 88 crew. I particularly want the guy sat looking through the range finder. Also need to get the Tamiya MG crew for what I have in mind...

[Guest]

Do you mean these?

[ATTACH]514894[/ATTACH]

They’re an odd bunch, for a number of reasons. The second from right shouldn’t be there unless there’s someone sitting there operating the fuse-setter as well, and as was pointed out here, they’re not wearing the uniform they would have on in action.