Frot-Laffly Landship, 1915

**rockpaperscissor** · #1 08-09-2012, 01:15 PM

Here we have a slightly recolored model of CT Ertz's really nice 1/72 Frot-Laffly Landship. I downloaded the grey version when it first became available. Chris Walas' build threads were very helpful as they highlighted a couple of issues with the first release that I was able to correct as part of the recolor (glue areas for roller and drive wheels oversized, 1 door needed hinges reversed). I added rivets (locations are purely conjecture as the few period photos are pretty poor), some highlights and shadows, and a little light mottling to break up the expanses of solid color. I also jazzed up the chassis plate, roller and drive wheels.

There are no build problems to report - everything fit together very well.

Tips: Gluing on the end assemblies after both sides were in place was challenging. In hindsight, I think it might have been easier to glue one side plate to the internal box former, then each end asssembly. Finally, install the second side plate. Most of the skins have no glue tabs, so I added them where I thought they should go to aid assembly - card modeling experience is definitely a help here. There are no period photos of the landship that show the placement of the stack, but CTs numbered drawing of the model has it located rearward, back by the drive wheels, so be sure to orient the roof panel in the right direction. The exhaust stack on my model is a cut down pla$tic cotton swab shaft.

The end guns were made from wire painted grey. I didn't add any side guns (I figured the cannons are enough). I plan to mount the finished model on a paper base with simple groundwork and an appropriately sized early war French Infantryman to give a sense of scale. Final photos will be posted soon.

**Don Boose** · #2 08-09-2012, 01:18 PM

Another great WWI armor model, Don!

(The other) Don

**ct ertz** · #3 08-09-2012, 02:05 PM

Well this was a treat! I gotta tell y'all, I love seeing my models built! Your recoloring is excellent!
CT

**cjwalas** · #4 08-09-2012, 04:13 PM

Love what you've done with this one, Don. It's got a whole different look now!
Chris

**rockpaperscissor** · #5 08-09-2012, 07:51 PM

Thanks for the nice comments, fellas. I really enjoyed building this model. Assembly is uncomplicated, everything fits together perfectly, and the final result is impressive looking. Great design.