1/35 Meng German A7V "Gretchen"

[gedmundson]

I have just finished a 1/35 scale German A7V by modifying the Meng kit to resemble the vehicle "Gretchen" at the end of the conflict.

Germany produced 20 of these vehicles late in the war, and it seems each one of them was a bit different than the others. Using what little references I could muster, I tried to match the features seen on photos of "Gretschen" tank no. 501 which included the later markings, bolted plates over the MG positions, and removing the extra armour plate molded onto the upper driver/commander's cabin.

Although very little of it can be seen, I painted up the interior. The model will be soon placed into a small vignette with a few figures to give it some life & character.

Cheers!
Gary



Some of the references I found on the Internet to help with the build.


Despite looking quite big, the A7V was very cramped inside. These vehicles went into action with between 17-25 soldiers on board.



Since an engine wasn't included in the kit I just filled the cavity with dark foam.


The fit of the Meng kit is quite good.


To modify the upper cab, I had to sand off the additional armour plate and add back the bolt, rivet and hinge detail on all four sides.

[NigelR]

Lovely work Gary. I've been tempted by this one many times. I really like the way you handled the camo and the weathering. I'm sure you can see some of the interior through the open doors and ports.....

[Borsos]

Fantastic build! I especially love the effects of dry and wet mud on the tank?s hull!
Have you had access to the Tankograd book on the A7V?
Andreas

[DaddyO]

Excellent all round build.
I'm especially taken with the mud effects (just needs a nice little bit of groundwork to set it off) 

Paul

[gedmundson]

Lovely work Gary. I've been tempted by this one many times. I really like the way you handled the camo and the weathering. I'm sure you can see some of the interior through the open doors and ports.....

Thanks Nigel - I had a lot of Internet help with the build from videos by Martin Kovac (nightshiftmodels) and Thomas Morgan's build from a few years ago. And yes - there is a fair bit of the interior one can see with all the ports & doors open. It was fun to put it all in there.
Cheers,
Gary

[gedmundson]

Fantastic build! I especially love the effects of dry and wet mud on the tank?s hull!
Have you had access to the Tankograd book on the A7V?
Andreas

Thanks Andreas, I don't have that book unfortunately. it would have been a great help with my project. Although I did find a fair bit of information on the Internet, a lot of it conflicted as to which vehicle was which in varying references.

[Dirigible-Al]

That's incredibly realistic and I can't wait to see the vingerett. I cannot imagine though that these things were any use in WW1. Probably just as well they built only 20 of them.
Alan.

[Borsos]

Fantastic build! I especially love the effects of dry and wet mud on the tank?s hull!
Have you had access to the Tankograd book on the A7V?
Andreas

Thanks Andreas, I don't have that book unfortunately. it would have been a great help with my project. Although I did find a fair bit of information on the Internet, a lot of it conflicted as to which vehicle was which in varying references.

The tank is finished ? shall I check it and look for Gretchen, or better not, as it?s too late anyway?
Oh I also love watching nightshift?s videos 

[gedmundson]

[quote author=Borsos link=topic=14740.m


The tank is finished ? shall I check it and look for Gretchen, or better not, as it?s too late anyway?
Oh I also love watching nightshift?s videos 

That's kind of you to offer Andreas, but yes - the tank is completed.
Cheers,
Gary

[lcarroll]

   Beautiful work once again Gary, the weathering and overall finish are eye catching to say the least! Like Borsos has mentioned already the mud effect is outstanding.
Well done Sir!
Cheers,
Lance

[gedmundson]

   Beautiful work once again Gary, the weathering and overall finish are eye catching to say the least! Like Borsos has mentioned already the mud effect is outstanding.
Well done Sir!
Cheers,
Lance

Thanks so much, Lance - your comments are appreciated.
Cheers,
Gary

[Edo]

wow! this build took me completely off guard...
you captured the spirit of the machine at its best!
can?t wait to see the diorama and the final vignette....
now did you paint the black lines between the blotches? did you use a sharpie?

ciao
edo

[macsporran]

Another masterpiece, Gary.

My only negative comment being the shame that so much of that exquisite interior is hidden away inside. I think your representation of the internal steel plating is superb and the detail work is wonderful.

Without doubt the exterior finish is masterful too and the whole model is a work of art. (But I do wish you had maybe a removable side to show off just how good the unrestricted inside view would be!)

Lovely
Sandy 

[gedmundson]

Excellent all round build.
I'm especially taken with the mud effects (just needs a nice little bit of groundwork to set it off) 

Paul

Thanks Paul - painting a few figures as we speak to be added to a simple groundwork hopefully soon 

[gedmundson]

wow! this build took me completely off guard...
you captured the spirit of the machine at its best!
can?t wait to see the diorama and the final vignette....
now did you paint the black lines between the blotches? did you use a sharpie?

ciao
edo

Thanks Edo - the dark lines were painted with a "0" size paintbrush using Vellejo Black Grey. Cheers!