(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vS8JbSZJ4sQ/XBRIQniCuxI/AAAAAAAAMNo/ToZR19sYwJQu9pMPN5Tc425dklkbu6ygQCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-12-14-BunkerflakCrew.jpg)
Not a great model, nor a great print, but it should give those Matildas something to worry about
These things were originally intended for the German invasion of Czechoslovakia in WWII, but in the end military action was unnecessary there and they didn't see service until later. There were some — about ten, I think — used in Poland and France, and later on about fifteen in Russia. The last of them was lost in 1943.
Essentially, it consists of an 88mm AA gun mounted on a heavy half track; at first, the 12-tonne SdKfz 8, and later the 18-tonne SdKfz 9 Famo. They were originally intended as bunker-busters, and they did that job extremely well in Poland. In France, their role expanded to anti-tank duties as well. The first designs didn't allow the 88mm to be used in its original anti-aircraft role, but the later ones on the 18-tonne vehicle could.
This model is supposed to be the 18-tonne version, which is a bit of a pity, as I really wanted the version that served in France in 1940 which differed in several respects. The earlier model had no drop-down sides to extend the fighting platform, and the cab was just plated over with a small cupola for the driver. However, this will do as a generic representation for the wargames table.
I found some Peter Pig 15mm artillerymen I bought a while ago, no mean feat I can tell you, considering the appalling shambles that is my workroom. I only put three on the vehicle, far fewer than the actual crew required to operate an 88, but any more and it becomes intolerably crowded. Which it would have been, I suppose
Greatly admire your wonderful models.
You seemed to have cracked both your 3D printer and producing good looking models from the prints ?
Thanks :)
Is there anywhere a noob could go for some guidance ?
I.e
Are you still happy with your printer ? Ender 3 FDM still ?
What are the costs/model [ apart from buying the printer ]
How long do 15mm models take to print [ my preferred scale on a cost/space basis ]
What do the models looking like straight from the printer ?
How much clean up do you do ?
1) Yes, I'm still happy with it. Yes, still an Ender 3. I'd like to buy a DLP resin printer, but unless I come into some money that's not likely any time soon.
2) Including the cost of electricity and filament, I'd estimate an average cost for a 15mm vehicle to be around fifty NZ cents. A 1kg reel of filament costs me about $25, and a 15mm A10 cruiser weighs just on 10 grams. Electricity usage isn't great; it's comparable with running an old filament light bulb.
3) A 15mm Tiger tank takes about six to eight hours to print with the settings I use. There are various factors, but the major one is simply size — a bigger model takes longer to print.
4)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBsAKWne_UE/W-9GqrjKhoI/AAAAAAAAMFY/3raYOyXi9Jkt56PyM2-DxFE6ibj9P5S-wCLcBGAs/s1600/2018-11-17-GuyLizardandDorchester.jpg)
The Guy Lizard (on the left) is straight off the printer; I've removed supports, but done no other cleanup. The Dorchester (right) has had a coat of primer sprayed on.
5) It depends on the model, the printing orientation, and the printing supports type and placement. A model with a lot of overhangs will need a lot of supports, and therefore more cleanup. Very shallow sloping surfaces will show the layer lines more, and they might need some scraping and sanding before painting (though in general layer lines aren't really visible at tabletop distances).