Meng British R-R Armoured Car, 1914-1920 1:35

Most major items prepared for primer. Note the masking on the previously painted wooden rear section.

Ak’s grey primer has been used rather than my usual NATO Black. In addition, the wood parts have been given a couple of coats of Ammo by Mig chipping fluid.

AK’s 4031 Portland Stone, AK4032 Silver Grey and AK 4033 Slate from their Caunter scheme paint set was chosen for the finish. My first use of these paints was on my build of Airfix’s Katy Ambulance. For some reason I could not get this paint to airbrush satisfactorily using AK’s own ‘New Formula’ thinner. A little experimentation revealed that either Mr Color Leveling or Ultimate Airbrush Thinner solved the problem!

The Portland Stone was misted on in several coats to get a satisfactory coverage. Before any further painting, the flatbed areas paint was activated with water to carefully remove areas of paint revealing the wooden colour beneath.

Tamiya 1mm tape was used to mark out the areas of demarcation for the following Silver Grey.

Further masking is carried out for the final Slate colour.

Masking removed prior to an overall coat of Johnson Clear floor varnish followed by the application of the only decal onto the front of the vehicle.

Before going any further, the Def Models resin wheels were prepared for painting. These are clearly marked identifying the front, rear and spare.

Before fitment of the rear wheels can be carried out Def Models instruct you to drill a 2mm hole in the rear axle point of the wheel before the insertion a section of the same diameter plastic rod. The kits two piece brake drum together with its poly-cap is assembled and the raised circular centre section is removed. This is the then attached to the wheel using cyanoacrylate glue.

The front wheels are attached ensuring a slight towing-in of the parts, replicating the real vehicle.

The turret weapons consist of a Vickers and Lewis machine gun with a .55 Boys anti-tank rifle. These are all beautifully detailed, especially the Boys anti-tank rifle with its moulded wooden cheek and leather shoulder pad! All weapons were painted Tamiya XF-69 NATO Black and when dry were given a dusting of graphite.

With the weapons painted, the Vickers gun plus the Boys anti-tank rifle are glued in their respective positions and the turret roof fitted.

Read on…