The model is a plastic Tamiya version of a Marder III SP Anti-Tank Gun. I have added metal Warlord Bolt Action artillery crew figures.
There are a number of features about this composite model that are worth consideration. It demonstrates that one cannot rely on mathematics to convert display model scales (as in 1:72) to wargame height conventions (eg 28ml).
Nominally 28 mm is considered to be 1:56 and you can buy models in scales like 1:60 that are sold as 28mm. However the Tamiya model is 1:48 and looks about right. The die-cast 1:50 model scale also looks 'right'. In my opinion true 1:60 and even true 1:56 scale display models are too small. Wargame models that are nominally1:56 but custom designed for 28 mm ranges are something else.
For Games Workshop 'heroic scale' use 1:35 display model scale.
I didn't paint the vehicle. Modellers often sell off their finished items on eBay to raise funds and space for their next project. These are well worth watching for as these guys are good!
Morning John,
ReplyDeleteNice looking model. Much cleaner than the work I do. I really like the weathered look.
Morning!
ReplyDeleteThe guy who did this did a great job
J.
Fantastic model ! Great job on the weathering
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteLooks great John!
ReplyDeleteI agree that 1/48th looks right for 28mm. My collection is mostly 1/48th with some 1/50th and 1/56th mixed in. I will not go smaller than 1/56th.
No, the West Wind 1:60 really don't look right.
DeleteThe problem with scales (1:56 etc.) and height measurements, is that 28mm figures are way oversized in the bulk of the model. Heightwise they may be 1:56, but "girthwise" they are an entirely different scale.
ReplyDeleteDear Leif
DeleteApparently it started with Minifigs. Thicker figures do look better tan true scale - no doubt some sort of optical illusion - but it presents issues.
I have seen 20mm wargame figures that look ridiculous with 1:72 vehicles.
It's one of those things isn't it - wargames figures are not scale models - I always think that the 1/56th scale jeeps and small vehicles look incredibly cramped when they're driven by your standard 28mm driver - it's the 'too many pies effect!'
DeleteThe thing that always drove me mad when I was at GW was the endless carping on about 'not being able to get 10 men in such and such a vehicle', when the space inside said vehicle was something equivalent to a bus. If you try and make models - especially SF models - around the extra-bloated human figures, and if you assume that the models can't bend, squish up, or otherwise move like real people, then you end up with a Tonka Toy. All the big GW vehicles - including the FW stuff - just look like Tonka Toys to me I'm afraid.... yes yes I know people love them and good luck to them I say... I just can't get 1970's Tonka TV adds out of my mind every time I look at one!
Off for a bit of a lie down now:)
Rick
Dear Rick
ReplyDeleteI recall your article on the subject!
Yah you put it well. Wargame models are not scale models. I think of them as 3D cartoons. Sometimes I think GW take it a trifle too far - huge hands. :)