sWS
with Flak
by
Mike Millette
![](images/swsmm_1.jpg)
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sWS with Flak
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![](../images/squadronbannernewbg_6.JPG)
Italeri's sWS with Flak in 1/35 scale
is available online from Squadron.com
This is Italeri's sWS with Flak. I was initially inspired to build
this kit after seeing a shot of it in Bruce Culver's Osprey/New Vanguard
"SdKfz 251" book. A single picture of the right front side is
included in the very back of the book. I really liked the paint scheme
and felt it would be a challenging one to attempt. I had started the kit
when I came across the Jentz & Doyle "Panzer Tracts" #12,
dealing with Flakpanzers. This publication provided shots of both sides
which was fortunate as the paint scheme on each side varies
significantly.
![](images/swsmm_2jpg.jpg)
The kit was assembled using information fron an article on John
Robinson's Armor in Scale website. http://www.cidwebs.com/armorinscale/inboxswsflak.htm
John's article proved very helpful during construction. Major
alterations to the kit include:
Cutting down the gun shield to match the photos. Adding additional
armor on the roof of the cab to match the photos. Using plastic tubing
in place of the 2 piece torsion bar covers. Substituting Friul tracks
and drive sprocket for the kit tracks/sprocket. These make a substantial
difference in the look of the kit. The right side window and cover were
reduced in size to match the photos.
![](images/swsmm_3.jpg)
As it stands the kit includes a different style of wheel & tire
as used on the vehicle in the photos. I have a resin set of wheels &
tires from R&J that match the wheel style but some work must be done
to accurately simulate the tire tread pattern.
The paint scheme was applied using Model Master & Floquil paints.
Floquil's SP Panzer Yellow was used for the base coat and Model Master's
Olive Green and Red Brown were used for the camo stripes.
![](images/swsmm_4.jpg)
The complex scheme did prove to be a bit of a challenge, particularly
on the nose plate where the stripes interact in a very complex pattern.
It was however quite a lot of fun. I haven't seen any photos of the back
of the vehicle so some conjecture was necessary. Light weathering was
applied using a thinned brown/black mixture for general grime, some
local pin washes to simulate shadows and pastel dusting for good old
road dust. Lastly a graphite pencil was used to provide a few scratches
here and there.
All in all this was a fun project. I really like the stripped scheme
and enjoyed the challenge it provided.
Additional
Images and Project Summary
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Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2001 by Mike
Millette
Page Created 06 June, 2001
Last Updated 18 July, 2001
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