Last year I completed a model of the Takom 1/35 scale Mark IV female tank which was found by archeologists and is now displayed in the town of Flesquières near Cambrai, France. Based on conflicting references, I had added the D-51 tank number to both sides, and also added the tank's factory number "2620" to the aft part of the hull. I was recently in touch with the author of the book "Deborah And The War Of The Tanks 1917", John A. Taylor. Although he liked the photos of the model I shared with him, he pointed out that the markings were incorrect for "Deborah" although they showed the classic example of how most of those vehicles were marked. Careful study of photos had shown the only marking to be added to the sides of Deborah was a red triangle outlined in white (still barely visible on the museum artifact - purpose unknown to John). Although I'd made note of the triangle, I chose to ignore it and go with the classic markings.
Based on my correspondence with John, I made an effort to correct my model, and spent about 2 hours of time with my airbrush removing the previous markings and adding the triangles - so here are a couple of photos of my corrected model. It's not often one goes back to modify a finished model based on new information (in my case the evidence was staring me in the face) but I thought in this case it was worth it.
The real Deborah in Flesquières Tank Museum
This is the model originally as I'd finished it
Old marking removed and triangles added.
Cheers,
Gary
