Dave Ward's 1/35 Polish TK tankettes - new & stalled builds!

[Dave Ward]

Having had to stop work on my Beaufighter & M4 Tractor, due to an onset of trembling hands, I began to think on my next build(s). I bought this comparatively recently, and I looked in the box, and it drew my interest, moulded one-piece wheels, suspension & tracks...........................

Now, working on my new principle of new build, then stalled build, I knew I had other models of the TK in the stash. I then found this.................


And, in the box not only the TKW, partly built, this, also part built, and boxless

Also, unstarted, also boxless this



The two RPM models have link & length tracks, the Mirage, vinyls. The instructions, well, looks like they were photocopied on a machine short of Toner!, but I think I can figure it all out. I keep on thinking that I should build something bigger, but my interest is drawn to the smaller fellers. ( I noted a Tamiya UE tractor in the stash, as well! ). I'll put up some sprue shots, and the partly built models in the next day or so.........
Dave

 

[Jakko]

I have the Mirage one, built it 20 or so years ago, and if you have trembling hands then I wouldn’t recommend starting on that. As I recall, it has individual track links to go over some of the wheels.

 

[Dave Ward]

Hands still a bit unsteady today, so, pictures of the tankette quartet.
The box with 3 models - some sprues I haven't identified yet...........

The 2 RPM models - both built to the same stage
I think I might have taken fright at the tracks - this is one side

This is the Mirage model as yet unstarted

And a totally different ballgame, the IBG model, slide moulding - AND a complete interior, with PE and 'quickbuild' tracks IBG produce other versions with individual linked tracks....

A lot of parts for a tiny tankette - hull is around 70mm long x 50 wide. It says complete interior - but unless I'm missing something, there's no breech for the 20mm cannon.
Dave

 

[Jakko]

unless I'm missing something, there's no breech for the 20mm cannon.

I’ve not seen this model in the flesh, but if I’d have to guess I'd say it’s these bits:

 

[Dave Ward]

Jakko,
quite right! - Found them in the instructions, eventually! = Can't say I like the instructions, they're greyscale computer generated, and are a bit 'faded' to my eyes!
Dave

 

[JR]

Those first shots of those tracks, no wonder you took fright.............................my idea of hell .
Keep going though Dave your more than capable .
John.

 

[Dave Ward]

Whilst I'm waiting for the red paint to dry on my provost - I've decided to pick up one of these tiny stalled builds...
I've selected the TKW II - unknown generally because only the prototype was made..................
Not that many parts left to add. JUST the link & length tracks ( and a few other bits ).
I have to decide whether to paint before or after adding tracks. I can see benefits either way.
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

All the final bits added (apart from tracks ), and sprayed with Vallejo dark yellow primer............
I'm going to basecoat with a suitable stone/beige ( yet to be selected! ).
Then back to the brush for the camo....................
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Looking through my paints - I decided that the AK French WWI colours looked the closest I had to the Polish colours -so Milky Coffee ( proper name! ), Green #1, Green #2

I decided to give the 0.2mm a/b a trial - but this is just about as small as I can go - I think that the brush would have been better - still, I have 3 other tankettes to have experiments on....................
Dave

 

[JR]

Love these Polish tanketts, nice colour choice Dave .

 

[Spartan]

Intriguing little tanks Dave. Nicely put together and I like your choice of colour.

 

[Dave Ward]

The link and length tracks are really tiny, I've managed one side, took me about 3/4 hour - I'll have to wait until my hands steady down before attempting the other side..................

There are a lot of attachment points to be touched up, but not that bad!
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Other side tracks finished, tracks touched up - now I will give it an overall gloss spray before washes & light weathering ( it was only a prototype )

And for comparison the TKW against the Vickers Mk. VIB.........................

The next pictures of the TKW will appear in the 'completed' section
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Stalled builds.................... I have an embarrassing number of these , most of which I can't recollect either starting, or why I stopped, one of them is this.............
Looking at the part built hull, I can't fathom why I would leave this unfinished! I almost want to stop what I am doing, and dive into this - now! - as an addition, in the same box was an unstarted Mirage Vickers 6 tonner !
- At one time, to reduce space, I used to combine several models into one box, resulting now in some unusual finds ( why I didn't label the boxes, I have no idea! ). Of course this would reduce a collector to tears, but I never could understand that particular hobby!
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Pictures of the completed TKW II now in the 'completed armoured vehicle' section
Dave