Esci 1/72 Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind

[huib]

Hi guys,

This is my rendition of Esci's old Wirbelwind (First issue 1980). With a few improvements it can be made in a nice model, I think.

It represents a Wirbelwind that was part of a batallion staff of a German Panzer Division during the Normandy campaign, summer 1944. Turret and hull differ in colour and camouflage pattern, as most Wirbelwinds were built on the hulls of broken down or damaged Panzer VI Ausf. G and H models that were returned to the factory for repair.

Thanks for looking!

[Wiking]

Probably one of the best build Esci Wirbelwind as base kit I have seen. Some improvements are made. And with Zimmerit.
The differ in color is well done.

Puh ! As you already mentioned an old mold. There are several shortcomings to the today`s standard.
The backdrop of this today`s standard is sadly that no more figures are included in the kits.
The standing figure (nice paint) is great detailed made by Esci. That show me what they can do in the 80ies ! Why not to the whole kit?
The sitting figure is a nice pose for it`s time. Also well paint. But a flat figure is a flat figure.


Well done for that aged kit.

[Graeme]

Very nice paintwork. The cammo pattern and textured surfaces are very convincing, no hint of plastic model.

[huib]

Thanks, Wiking and Greame!

Wiking, someone convincingly pointed out to me that these two classic Esci tanker figures that are with all their Panzer IV based kits are originating from older (1970's) Monogram 1/32 kits:


Interesting, not? These are defenitely the same figures, but on 1/32 scale. (By the way, this is not my model, but somebody else's.)

[Wiking]

You learn every day something new.
Tank you huib.

[Bluefalchion]

Great model! Even if they added a new turret, why not just paint the whole thing in a new color?

[C M Dodson]

Super modelling on this classic.

I like the barrels of the guns, not just a lump of plastic. Good attention to detail.

Best wishes,

Chris

[Susofrick]

Great to see this oldie! Had some ESCI tanks, but never built them. Always was disapointed with the figure.

[huib]

Thank you very much, guys!

Even if they added a new turret, why not just paint the whole thing in a new color?

They often did. But I wanted to stress the fact that it is a new cupula on and old hull.

[Erich von Manstein]

As others already pointed out, very good job on this rather old & tired Esci kit.

Italeri is going to re-release that Esci Wirbelwind during this year finally.
http://bennosfiguresforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=21339&p=233114#p233114

Maybe worth mentioning that Revell will re-release the superior Wirbelwind kit from the retired Maco range this July.
http://bennosfiguresforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=21338&p=233109#p233109

That said, I have to agree that your displayed result easily ranks among the very best builds of this kit!