After another batch of failures recently, I decided it was time for some Tamiya therapy, something that is always guaranteed to restore the mojo. I got hold of the Tank Commander kit, which I have made before as both kit variants, and this time I decided to paint a Panzer Lehr field commander, similar to the chap in the photo above.



I made a start on it a few days ago, but given my recent record, i did not want to post anything until I felt that it was secure. Here is where he's at:



The only alterations to the uniform are new shoulder boards and adapted collar patches. Yhe head is by Reedees.

His equipment is ready for painting:



A mix of Tamiya and Dragon items.

Great work so far, Peter - do you ever sit still?
I've always liked seeing the uniforms of the Panzer Lehr Division in Normandy, they must have been unique in having their Panzergrenadier regiments wear the special clothing for crews of armoured vehicles.

Interesting version for this figure Peter, liking it very much.
Steve

Chris - I do find it very hard to sit still, I must admit. I wonder what the motivation for the uniform was - excess stock and/or the desire to create an elite look?

Steve - Thanks for looking in, and for the excellent head.

Peter - I think it probably was the desire to create an elite look, & thereby motivate the troops to perform well.

Morning Peter

Tamiya therapy has certainly worked, another super figure, well done.

And Reedee's to the rescue, again with a characterful head, well painted as ever.

I guess you will be back in your usual spot soon?

How are the builders progressing?

Shock Horror, the Bank Holiday is going to be....Sunny!

That means my previously waterlogged lawn will need a trim!

Hopefully you will have a good Bank Holiday and avoid the worst of the gardening to get the Lehr finished

Have fun and a great Bank Holiday

Regards

Steve H

Excellent start on this unusual version Peter.......more please. . Mike

"Life begins the day you start a garden"

Chris - Yes, I agree. The uniform looks quite practical as well.

Steve - Good old Tamiya! The work on the kitchen is complete, so I can settle back into my old work space. The light in the spare room was terrible and I really struggled to see what I was doing - I had to spend a couple of hours making corrections to the figure where the light had thrown false shadows. Should get this finished today. Spending Bank Holiday Monday getting my second AZ jab in Folkestone, but at least that presents the opportunity for fish and chips by the sea. Enjoy the weekend.

Mike - Thanks. More coming up .....

Looking good Peter. What colour did you use for the uniform?

As for the uniform, it looks like a Feldgrau Assault Artillery jacket, which was identical to the black Panzer Jacke as worn by the tank crews. The Panzer Lehr Division was an elite Division, and unlike almost all other (Panzer) divisions (even SS) was fully equipped as such, including being fully mechanised, and well provided with uniforms and equipment. The Armoured Assault Artillery (StuG IV mainly) would have worn these uniforms.
As an aside, it is possible (but hard to determine from this photo) that he is part of the Armoured Reconnaissance Bat, which were equipped with Puma's, and which wore a Reed Green uniform of similar cut to the Panzer Waffe, but which had a single, large pocket on the front of the jacket.
Here ended the sermon... lol

Henk - Hi. I used Vallejo Dark Camo Olive, considerably lightened fro the uniform. I wanted a slightly greener look, which is pure artistic license I'm afraid.

Many thanks for the info on the uniform. I may also try to find an MP44 to replace the MP40 so that he's completely up to date.

I really like the cleanliness of your painting. Bravissimo!
Federico

Your choice of colour is a good one, the colour of German Uniforms is so varied, and what is called 'Feldgrau' is in reality a large range of colours from grey to green. It suits it
I really like how you paint these Tamiya and Verlinden figures, your style really pops these somewhat bland sculpts.

Peter we all know about starting figures and ditching them to the side when they are not working out so not apologies needed on that front, its nice to see your work even if you don't make it to completion and believe it or not there's a mine of information in your posts regarding heads, equipment etc and of course painting so crack on my good man this ones looking good.
TERRY

Love your work Peter, looks nothing like the box art.. yet no huge changes... Very well done..

Federico - Many thanks.

Henk - Time for that picture again:



Nap - Cheers. Always a good practice figure.

Terry - Thanks. Just gets a bit boring for me and you if I constantly end threads with a failure.

Warren - I don't think you can get this figure much like the box art if you tried - the head is awful for a start. Glad you like how he's coming along.

I'm calling this one done:

I like it Peter. Nice to see a different version of it, and the ammo pouch hanging of his belt rather than the webbing is a nice touch.
The leather looks good too.

So I would thing: a bit more greenish...


Cheers