“The new issue is out...”

The "Steampunk" style combines the copper and metal of early 20th-century machinery with a more modern era that extends to the present day. The idea was to create a locomotive in this style—in this case, a German model from 1945...

This build is inspired by the "kitbash" technique to create a model that doesn't actually exist—not even as a model kit (the kitbash technique will be the subject of a tutorial explaining the basics of the process)...

Model of a gray armored railcar currently being assembled, with a canopy and armor plates

The basics: The main structure consists of a shortened Lancaster fuselage, aircraft tail sections, and armor plates from tanks...

Model of a German armored locomotive being assembled, seen in profile on the tracks

Since the goal is to build an armored locomotive, we're adding more detailing to the exterior... We're using parts from the surplus box to add details to the whole model...

A model of a German armored locomotive currently being assembled, placed on tracks

Once you're sure of the layout for the main parts, after gluing them together, fill the joints with liquid putty (you can use Mr. Surfacer ready-to-use putty)...

Model of a German armored railcar currently under construction, with a gray interior frame and photo-etched superstructure

View from below: The airplane's cargo hold will be used to house the locomotive's wheels. The two side landing gear hatches are trimmed to length and then glued to either side of the cargo hold in their usual positions... The inner studs are sanded down to create a smooth surface for mounting the landing gear...

Seven pairs of armored train wheels placed on a model railroad track

The locomotive's "wheel set"... Fourteen sets of Tiger tank wheels. The track is made of Evergreen plastic, with balsa wood for the ballast...

Model of a gray and sand-colored German armored train on tracks, with a front stone guard and an open cab Steampunk armored locomotive model mounted on rails, with a blue nose and a stone deflector Two views of the assembly process...

We redo the canopy supports using architect's tape, which is then treated with Klir to remove the micro-scratches...

Painting

The base coat consists of Testor Model Master oil-based paint—black chrome trim and black metal. The canopy is masked off before painting...

A test run of the software to get an idea of the license plate colors...

After testing, the colors will lean toward copper and brass tones: Humbrol 54 & 12, Testors Light Brass, and Revell Car Metallic 391...

Model of a black armored locomotive with brass and copper plates on rails Model of a black German armored locomotive with gold armor and a triangular front underframe

Deux vues montrant la couleur de base des plaques. Entre temps, la partie foncée a reçu un drybrush légèrement métallisé...
Model of a black German armored train with stone deflectors and brass details on the tracks Revell's metallic car paint was applied as highlights using an airbrush...
Dark gray model of a German armored locomotive with brass details on the tracks The painting is finished...
Seven axles with metal wheels aligned on a miniature railroad track The undercarriage and rails have a matte black finish with a metallic sheen...

Tank truck

Italeri Kfz 385 Tankwagen German Tank Truck Model Kit, 1/48 Scale An Opel Blitz tanker will complete the diorama...
Unpainted gray model of a German Opel Blitz tanker truck, shown from a three-quarter front view The delicate roof joint will require filling and sanding. The templates and wiper blades will be remade from stretched plastic...

Peinture de l'ensemble à base d'Humbrol 63 & 71...

Model of a sand-colored German military tanker truck with a gray tarp, three-quarter front view Aging using the usual technique. We finish with rust effects and streaks...

The figurines

ICM 1/48 Scale Figure Set: German Luftwaffe Pilots and Ground Crew in Front of an Airplane The figurines chosen to bring the setting to life...
Four painted figurines of soldiers in blue uniforms, the crew of a German armored train Two workers monitoring the tracks and the tanker truck crew...
Model of a black armored locomotive with figurines in the cab and a front stone deflector Two modified locomotives will round out the train's crew...

The Setting

Model of a German armored train under construction on a wooden base with a figurine and tracks A plywood panel will serve as the base...
Wooden diorama base with cut-out yellow foam sheets forming the terrain The dock is made of extruded polystyrene glued to the base with wood glue...

Pose de la machine sur ses rails...

A corner of the hangar is set up, along with platform barriers. The tracks are glued down after sprinkling the ground with fine powder. Paving patterns are drawn on the ground with a utility knife. The surface is then worked with a wire brush and the thumb to create slight deformations in the ground and small holes characteristic of concrete...

Metal wheel set on rails and a model platform under construction for a railroad diorama Liquitex acrylic-based floor paint...
Axles with metal wheels aligned on a diorama railroad track, featuring a streetlight and a building Humbrol oil-based paints...
Model of a black armored locomotive with angular stone guards and gold-plated brass details on the tracks The locomotive is stuck to its wheels...
Model of a black German armored train on tracks with a beige military tanker truck on a diorama The truck is then secured to the base with wood glue...