When my modelling buddies decided we were going to do the Tamiya 1/35 Patrol Boat River (PBR) 'Pibber' as our model for the 2013 Australian Model Expo challenge build, I have to say I was somewhat concerned about the choice of subject. Why?
Well in all the years I've been modelling I've never built a ship/boat kit before, so for me this was like going into uncharted waters.......... However, once construction started I soon realised - like all things Tamiya - just how well engineered this kit was and despite its age had the majority of it assembled in just one weekend without a single problem.
How good is that? Something I've not been able to achieve for many years now.
The model was built largely Out of Box with the only additions being some ammunition boxes, Jerry cans and tyres from a Verlinden detail set and a modified Dragon figure (from their Khe San set) fitted with a Hornet head.
As my modelling buddies had all decided to display their PBR's with a complete hull I decided to do mine just a little bit differently and that's why I choose the waterline look. Does it work? Well I'll let you be the judge of that...........
So how did we go in the 'Ships Powered - Large' competition category? Well sadly none of us placed or even managed a Commended certificate, as the other contenders simply blew us out of the water. As for me I get to wear the 'Chump' hat for the next 12 months.......DAMN!
Well in all the years I've been modelling I've never built a ship/boat kit before, so for me this was like going into uncharted waters.......... However, once construction started I soon realised - like all things Tamiya - just how well engineered this kit was and despite its age had the majority of it assembled in just one weekend without a single problem. How good is that? Something I've not been able to achieve for many years now.
The model was built largely Out of Box with the only additions being some ammunition boxes, Jerry cans and tyres from a Verlinden detail set and a modified Dragon figure (from their Khe San set) fitted with a Hornet head.
As my modelling buddies had all decided to display their PBR's with a complete hull I decided to do mine just a little bit differently and that's why I choose the waterline look. Does it work? Well I'll let you be the judge of that...........
So how did we go in the 'Ships Powered - Large' competition category? Well sadly none of us placed or even managed a Commended certificate, as the other contenders simply blew us out of the water. As for me I get to wear the 'Chump' hat for the next 12 months.......DAMN!
