Ming-Hua Kao

Following my AFV modelling roots I decided that this Ursa would have a history. So I made one up. It would be a Ursa used by the Union (Dutch contingent :op ). To boost their forces it was hastily assembled from captured parts and abandoned supplies. And sent straight into action without repainting.

Preparing the mini. There were quite some uneven mould lines and surfaces. I fixed that with Revell body putty and a lot of sanding. The smoke dischargers (?) had to be removed to do the right chest. I didn't like the "windows" so I drilled them out for "glazing" afterwards. I also drilled out the gun barrels. The Ursa parts were cleaned and primed black. Upper and lower body were assembled and glued on a base made of a CPU cooler housing. The machine gun arm was assembled but not attached to the hull. Nor was the backpack or the other arm.

Painting. Primed in black. I wanted a mix of parts from different Ursas and to get that effect I used several patterns distributed over the machine. They were based on the British "Berlin Urban camouflage", winter (white, slate, black) on right leg and backpack. BUC, Summer (White, brown, grey) on the upper hull and gauss gun. Modern Russian camo (green, sand and black) on left leg and the Gatling. Some small parts and areas were painted in different patterns. A couple of Russian star decals were added and overpainted with large orange "U"'s for "Union". Some roughly painted Dutch flags and smaller "U"'s were added too.

Modifications. I added a small piece of plasticard to the right hull to simulate battle-damage. Welds and damage were made using gel super-glue and painted black. Additional armour was made to protect the body-leg connection and the hip joints. Battle damage was also added to the backpack. The area between the two containers was changed into a stowage basket using strip and metal mesh. A camouflage net was made of bandage gauze, bags and a assault gun (in a bag) were made with Green stuff and blanket rolls as well as a tent were made using tissue soaked in diluted white glue. All this and things from my bits boxes were "strapped" to the pack. Straps were made using Green stuff or lead foil. Towing eyes and a hook were added to the hull as well as a fire extinguisher (not on photo). Everything was painted and weathered after which the "windows" were filled in with epoxy glue.

Base. The CPU cooler housing was glued on cardboard inside a wooden ring. This was filled up with plaster and grooves + damage were cut into it after hardening. Everything was painted in a dark urban camouflage pattern. A disabled gun turret and other parts were made using bits boxes parts, sprue, sheet and tubing. All this was painted in a lighter urban pattern and glued to the base.

And that was it. It was a fun though rushed because of VIP and VIC ending at the same time. Many thanks to Ral Partha and Dominic who made this possible.

Ming-Hua Kao