Mick's Panther A

[michael hilton]

Hello Derek and thank you for the rapid response. I will wait on any further advice, although I guess you are spot on. I just expected everything to work as both batteries charged without problems. I have run the sound systems a number of times without any difficulty. I could still 'show' the Panther, however the sounds and various movements really bring the model to life. Thanks again....Mick

[michael hilton]

Welshpool Festival of Transport. A most enjoyable day in pleasant surroundings. There is something refreshingly peaceful, away from the madding crowds, in a Methodist Church hall. I have to say the level of public interest is somewhat less however, those that do venture inside the church did show a keen and remarkable knowledge of WW2 tanks. Must be an age thing
Had an interesting conversation with Bob, a fellow Armortek model builder. In all, a good day, plenty of interest, hardly any inquisitive tiny fingers....those that did arrive were well parented. Showing my age now...Mick

[michael hilton]

Good morning everyone, here we are again....happy as can be....all good pals and jolly good company.... Welshpool 1940s Festival.
Located the Panther in the ''Corn Exchange' alongside 'The Home Front' display. Not sure the 'girls' in their hair curlers, long aprons, and turbans were too impressed by the presence of a German tank, or be it a model....it's a model madam . Someone sounded the air raid siren....

The event is over two days and features many wartime displays, bands, stalls selling replica, re-enactors in appropriate dress, and so on. The original plan was for the 'Panther' to be on the first floor in Welshpool Town Hall with other wartime models however, on arrival this morning the service lift at the rear proved to be too small to accommodate the tank.
I will post more photo's over the day, hopefully the rain will ease off, it's 'omering down at the moment...Mick

[michael hilton]

Wet, wet, wet, lots to see, some serious 'home front' collections, where on earth do they get these 1940s items from...The Panther was rather over shadowed. Nevertheless, some interesting conversations with other modellers, many who view and are familiar with the Armortek Forum. I was obliged to leave my post to make way for the 'crooner', very suave....not so sure about the young ladies applying their lipstick....Mick

[michael hilton]

Good morning chaps and gals, I have finally started the repaint. Never has 'in sickness and in health' been so true, a most traumatic two weeks. Nevertheless, all is well, or as well as can be expected...
I have gathered the necessary equipment, airbrushes, compressor, paints etc,. I have watched Utube videos with reference to winter camouflage and winter weathering for ever, so many....
Made a start, with small steps, wiped most of my first attempt. Anyway here goes...Mick

[Phil Woollard]

Nice finish Mick, it's surprising how much hair spray is needed to get the effect to work. I found lots of water helped to get the white top coat to move.

[Adrian Harris]

Looks very good Mick.

I presume you have to seal the final finish well ?

Otherwise the remaining hairspray is a bit of a ticking time bomb, especially for those of us who run our tanks in inclement weather

Adrian.

[michael hilton]

Thank you Phil and Adrian, yes, the paint is removed very quickly once the water works through. The weathering white coat is easily removed by touch, so a final seal coat is absolutely required. The paint residue is also easily cleaned from the airbrush, you can do this while the spray coat dries. I like the effect of the white weathering, just hope it does not snow, I may loose the Panther in the garden Front deck next, then I have a 'bridge' to build. I plan to display the tank at the Welshpool Transport Show in June. I have a limited area, so a driving over 'bridge' should draw a crowd, hopefully. . Thank you for the photograph Dennis....Mick

[Adrian Harris]

> just hope it does not snow, I may loose the Panther in the garden

Just walk round the garden in flip-flops. When you stub your toe, you've found the Panther

Adrian.

[michael hilton]

Thanks Adrian, problem solved Wow, so many Forum posts, what is happening...
The Panther decks are painted. Thought I would see how they looked back on the tank. I need to matt varnish...I have no intention of running 'My Precious' in any other than warm sunshine so the 'finish' is safe.
Made a start on the turret, removing the crud, I want the underlying camo to show through the a light dusting of snow....Mick

[michael hilton]

Evening all, with some trepidation I lifted the hull in it's place for it's makeover, on the dinning room table. I am using a small motorcycle lift so the balance had to be just right.
Anyway, she is in place, trembling in anticipation. I have of course, obtained all the usual permissions. Explaining that the airbrush method means far less overspray than with rattle cans....you work it out. I can be very persuasive and convincing... Mick

[michael hilton]

Good afternoon, made a start on the hull repaint...just have an idea in my minds eye, of a weary looking Panther driving through snow towards Strasbourg....Mick

[michael hilton]

Good morning lads and lassies, bright and breezy outside, Springtime waiting in the wings....moving on, slow progress on the Panther. Nevertheless I am enjoying the repaint. I have to say, the airbrush is a must have, who knew...Mick.

[michael hilton]

Morning everyone, sunny blustery day, managed to paint one set of wheels on the side that is not visible Trying to leave some of the original camouflage visible under the 'snow effect'.
I will have to be careful this airbrush painting is addictive, ....Mick

[michael hilton]

Good morning everyone, posting the latest photographs of my Panther repaint. An enjoyable little exercise. Being an elderly gent, it appears we, (my wife and I) will soon be 'confined to barracks'. As a precaution of course...
Last time that occurred I was doing seven days CB at the LAD REME Paderborn 1956. Ah...those were the days....at least there will be more time to build…. Mick