Matilda MK III 'Malta alternative history.' Making the model.

Tamiya. Matilda MkIII 1/48.

Tamiya. Matilda MkIII 1/48 Caunter scheme.
The Matilda MKIII. What's in the box?
Matilda MKIII Caunter Scheme build. That's the odd one with the blue.

Tamiya. Matilda MkIII 1/48 Malta scheme.
Matilda MK III 'Malta alternative history.' Making the model.
Matilda alternative history. A display on a shoestring.

View the You Tube video.

I made this little diorama during a group build, the title being... 'Alternative history'.

I found these images of a Matilda III in its unique Maltese camouflage scheme and I thought... I want to try this. What can I do to suit the theme?

So using the idea that the Axis powers had indeed invaded Malta successfully I created a diorama.

How?

Good question. I'll show you.

First I need a Matilda.

Constructing the hull.

After giving everything a base coat of the dark yellow I begin at the beginning. Wow!

Tamiya models always go together well. This is my first time with their 1/48th scale (I say first time but I mean the last Matilda III I built in the other scheme) but it seems to be as well produced as any of the larger 1/35 scale offerings.

This is a lovely little kit. It almost falls together.

Adding the drive wheels.

As if by magic, tracks arrive. I was enjoying myself too much and forgot to take pictures.

What I do have is pictures from my previous Matilda See it here.

Pre painting the tracks before construction.

Constructing the tracks.

There is a specific order and I followed it religiously. As you can see the last time I made this, I gave it that strange yellow and blue scheme.

All done.

Adding the upper hull.

I'm doing this out of sequence to protect some of the smaller parts. I'll add them at a later stage.

I'm such a rebel.

Completing the engine components

As you can see, it is all going together nicely. You can also see how I work out of sync with the instructions to allow for painting as I go.

Adding the external fuel tank. Little bit of cleaning is required where the halves join but nothing a soft touch of emery cloth cant handle.

As you can see, the side skirts are going to be next.

Preparing the side panels.

There is nothing particularly complicated. Just take your time and work methodically and you can't go wrong.

Attaching the side skirts.

It's all going together nicely.

Time for the turret.

I forgot to open the holes. We'll keep that a secret shall we? It7s no biggie. I'll just remove the lugs and line the items by eye according to the instructions.

It's not much but we'll need a gun.

That's better.

How's it looking now? It's a beautiful thing.

Time to put some more paint on.

A sand/stone base...

Drawing pencil lines for the green camouflage. Hopefully it will give me a chance to check the overall effect.

Painting the green.

I like this camouflage design.

Don't forget the tow rope.

Beginning the weathering...

]You will notice that I over did the effect. (We are supposed to learn from our mistakes). Now I don't use the black but I mix up a dark brown mix for this. I think you can see the difference with my next, more muted, attempt at this colour scheme.