Robust tank, decent cannon - Churchill Mk.VI with Ordnance QF 75mm Mk.V gun 1/35 AFV Club

Hi Pals,

Here are the photos of my latest build: an AFV Club Churchill.

I imagine many of you already know this, but it’s worth mentioning that this isn't exactly a beginner-friendly kit. I’m not sure if it’s the hardest one I’ve ever built, but the instructions leave something to be desired; there’s a lot of superfluous engineering—things that could have been achieved with fewer parts—and some sections are tricky to get right.

That said, if you manage to finish it, the result is a beautiful, highly detailed model—details that, unlike Tamiya kits, are actually included here.

A good example is the ends of the fender ribs; I noticed a tiny square hole in each one—something Tamiya doesn't include.

The front fenders fit so well that I didn't glue them in place; they stay put if I want them to, or I can remove them to expose the tracks—the best of both worlds.

The build was straight out of the box (OOB), except for the antennas and a couple of tiny parts.

For painting, I used Vallejo Model Air acrylics and AB502 oils, applied both as filters and as dots.

I used pigments to simulate dust or dry mud (I prefer that look over wet mud) and "crushed grass"—another Vallejo product I had on hand. I’d recommend it; you can always paint over it with a different shade if you aren't convinced (which is what I did).

I finished it off with a coat of Vallejo satin varnish.

One thing that struck me once it was finished was the model's size. I remember building an ESCI 1/72 scale version as a kid, but now building it in 1/35... I used to think it was a big tank, but it’s actually quite compact. On the bright side, that means more space in the display cabinet... lol.

Many thanks for watch and comment

Cheers,

Francis👍

Some shots in detail: