Concurrent with 3 other dios I am building I wanted to build another one showing the use of horses in WWII. I do not think it is covered enough prolly because of the lack of “coolness” factor because it is not a sleek tank,etc.
The Germans called the army horse “Komrad Pferd” because they saw them as valuable sidekicks in everyday life. I will be scratchbuilding my second attempt at a 6 horse team pulling the late war version of the light field howitzer 18/40 with limber. These were much lighter versions and easier on the horses by far. The use of a serious muzzle break afforded the chance to use the lighter PAK40 cradle and trails.
I built a prototype wheel the first time and I still have the master pattern. I will have to cast more wheels. Hopefully my resin is still good after all this time ! I have a lot more good references this time which made the build a bit easier and eliminated some guessing. Basic shapes came first,followed by layers of detail
For the horses, which brand of the mainstream providers has the best base horse figures? I’m assuming you’ll tweak them as per the human models you create but a great base figure always leads to a great final result whether of human or horse.
Wow I wouldn’t use that unique slang Down Under…the sheep are nervous enough. I too will be interested to see which horse(s) you’ll hitch your wagon to. Way back when I went for Riich over Tamiya…
@Dan, yes me as well.But the horse drawn genre is way underserved anyway.
@Sam-yep I have gotten better at completing things but when I am building a large project I have found a diversion once in a while is better so I don’t get burned out. I used to only use Italerei horsies because there wasn’t much else around. The old Taliya ones were pretty bad IMHO. I now like the Riich ones the best and the newer Dragon ones are also nice. I have not seen the newer Tamiya versions like from the Gulasch Kanone repop. and so will withhold judgement. Thanks for your kind words.
@ Diomartin-yeah mate slang can bite one in the arse for sure. Your horse looks good but he seems to have an enormous load to pull. Hate to be him. The Germans began the war with heavy ass wagons and limbers and the Landser actually called the all steel issue supply wagons the “horse killer” because of that. The weight and rubber tires were OK for the paved roads of Western Europe but out east it all came apart. They soon adopted and prized the Panje wagons for supply wagons. Also the smaller Russian horses.
Thanks all that commented and as usual all the lurkers.
Agreed the old Tamiya nags needed work & Riich had the edge (by a short head) but I wonder whether you’re going to surprise us with these ancient unicorns…
I still vividly remember around 30 years ago in a long-defunct LHS holding this battered box in my hands debating whether to buy it…I made the wrong decision, and didn’t.
@Diomartin-in all fairness the first pic you posted led me to my statement. This newer pic makes way more sense. Thanks buddy.
Yes I have used those Esci equines a lot in the past,including the first 6 horse team with limber I made 8 years ago. I also made molds of those horses and hope to test those old molds soon when I test the wheel mold. And my old old resin. Hopefully it didn’t break down chemically at all.
@ Desmodue-they do looks nice but I think I have enough on hand here. I do need to make a decision on the movement that will be shown. Or the lack of movement. That will be the only way to know what is what. I have plenty of running horses. But only one standing still.
Thanks guys for the generous comments and helpful hints. And as usual all you lurkers as well.
But I’m not happy with it. It has nice early wheels with fat hub ( a bit skinny but will go on one LeFH18 ) and I bought separate wood wheels from them but they are really skinny and weak.
I’m not pleased with the kit because it misses one important feature : the mudguard is not symmetrical. Because the axle is not symmetrical with the body ( axle is here missing but would be between the triangles at the bottom). So I finally gave up… Here an Af12 as an example :
From something SWMBO inherited from her mother (or originally her grandmother), the (fake) fur edging really did need trimming…but only you and I know that…
