Complete!

This afternoon I weathered the Schwimmwagen using Tamiya Weathering Master A Set (sand), applied a coat of flat clear, added the final parts (windshield frame, mirrors, etc), weathered some more then applied a second coat of flat clear. Tonight I installed the windshield to the frame using Elmer's white glue and this kit /project comes to an end after being purchased some 10+ years ago. 

I added up the minutes from my records and the total build time comes down to 1281 minutes or 21 hours and 21 minutes. Its a lot more time then I expected but I had extra rework to due because of initial painting I did when I originally purchased the kit and I paid a lot of attention to detail based on the research I did. Overall I am very please with the kit. It's a very small one (smallest in my collection) but the fact that I bought it over a decade ago always nagged me when I saw it unbuilt on the shelf. WW2 German innovation has always peaked great interest for me and what could be more interesting then a car that can swim.

Take it for a Drive...

Installed the completed soldier in the drivers seat and I was surprised (as well as relieved) that the arms positioned very well with the steering wheel. You will also notice in the photos that I added accessories such as the shovel and paddle.

Weathering

Tried another new technique, weathering... Added umber brown oil paint diluted with turpenoid then applied it to all the seams of the kit. Let it dry a bit then wiped off the excess with a qtip dipped in turpenoid. The effect is subtle but does add depth and more realism to the model. This is a technique that I read in an article of Finescale Modeler.

Make It Shine - Part II

Added a second coat of clear gloss to seal the decals. I am not 100% convinced that the decal outline will show less but at least I can be assured that in a few years they will not flake off.

Decals

Tonight I added eleven decals to the gloss coat. Sure adds a nice touch to an already great looking kit.

Make It Shine - Part I

Having had to put aside modelling for a few months due to major landscape work on a new house I finally found some time to hit the workbench again. I decided to try a new technique and sprayed the whole model with a clear gloss before applying the decals. I am hoping that this will improve the application of the decals and make them look more natural.

Major Assembly

Assembled the body major components and accurately detailed the dashboard buttons. The following web site http://www.schwimmwagen.co.uk/ has been very useful in to help me make the model more accurate. The propeller can be positioned in either up or down. Its rare that a scale model has moving parts but I really like it. 

Super Glue sure Sticks!

The schwimmwagen has several grills on the top side as well as behind the back seats. Tonight I worked on the the one behind the seats and after taking this photo I realized that I just glued my fingers to the toothpick that was holding the grill down! I barely managed to peel my fingers off of the toothpick and suspect that a few seconds more would have create a more serious issue. I also made a mental note to buy myself a product to remove super glue to avoid any embarrassing moments in the future... That was a close call! 

I ended up redoing the grill three times before I got it perfect.

Assembly...

Installed the seats to the chassis and added the steering wheel column. Hey its starting to look like a vehicle!

Filling the Gaps

Today I installed the top half to the bottom part of the Schwimmwagen. Unfortunately it was not a perfect fit and there was a noticeable gap that could be seen from above. A bit of white glue should due the trick! I'll paint it to match the rest of the vehicle tomorrow.

Signature

As usual I always put my name in my models with the year it was built, for the Schwimmwagen it will be hidden in the motor compartment which will not be accessible.

Seating Arrangements...

Completed the interior of the Schwimmwagen, had some issues with the seats since there was not much place to apply the super glue. Also added little details if you look at the gear shift and hand brake.

Body and Suspension and Tires - Oh My!

Today I finally got to start putting parts together, always the fun portion of the project... Started with attaching the suspension to the lower half of the body. 

Once the super glue dried I continued with the tires. I unfortunately broke a pin which was to hold a back wheel because the super glue dried to fast for me to properly manipulate the part. I had to eyeball it and hold the part steady while the glue dried. I'm sure the Germans won't mind my almost perfect alignment.

Have a Seat

After the tires I completed touching up the chairs with the painted black leather using Tamiya XF-1 Flat Black. Using toothpicks glued temporarily with hot glue sure makes painting easy.

Tires

Just finished repainting the five tires black after having to airbrush the Schwimmwagen since the rims had to change color.

Airbrushing Session

Today the weather was perfect, the kids were taking a midway snooze so I got to enjoy a much needed airbrushing session! The Schwimmwagen in Tamiya Dark Yellow is sure looking nice.

Airbrush Prep Work

I have decided to change the main color from Tamiya German Grey XF-63 to Tamiya Dark Yellow XF-60 since I already have a Tamiya 1/35 German 6x4 Truck Krupp Protze in German Grey in my scale model collection. In general I prefer German Grey but I want to diversify the colors used in my collection and the Dark Yellow fits the bill nicely. Tonight I prepared everything that will be airbrushed as soon as I get a chance.

Tamya 1/35 scale WWII German Schwimmwagen

Today I took out an old kit from my stash, a Tamiya 1/35 scale WWII German Schwimmwagen Type 166. Purchased sometime between 2000-2002, I had started the kit by spraying the it with white primer then airbrushing it German grey. I was starting my first job after studying and time was lacking. Scale modelling was put aside for a few years while focusing on getting started in life... I've decided that now is a good time to get back to this kit...

Below I've attached several parts to the upper hull of the vehicle.