1:48 Tellermine 43

Tellermine 43 in 1:48 scale

This is an accessory set for detailing models and dioramas, not a kit on its own. It contains a miniature of the German antivehicle plate mine of type 43 in 1:48 scale. In a scene it suits terrain, boxes and stacks, and also a load stowed on a vehicle.

The real subject

The Tellermine 43 is the latest member of the German series of plate mines of the Second World War and at the same time the simplest to produce. The casing is simplified and the upper part with the seating of the igniter is plainer in shape than on the older types, which is the feature by which it can be told apart on a model. This type therefore belongs in scenes from the end of the war; for earlier periods choose type 29 or 35. That is also why the manufacturer makes the series as individual types.

Building and painting tips

After cutting the gate off, level the bottom face with abrasive paper on a flat board, so that the mine seats in the scene without a gap. Wash the casting in lukewarm soapy water and let it dry. Glue resin with cyanoacrylate glue and injection-molded plastic with cement for polystyrene. Paint over a thin coat of base in a uniform matte shade, then add a dark wash into the rim gap and light scuffs around the circumference. Late production will take a rougher surface, so it pays to let the paint go on a little unevenly — a perfectly smooth surface does not look believable on an object like this.

Who the set is for

• Builders of late Second World War German vehicles in 1:48 scale
• Makers of dioramas on engineer themes
• Modelers who add loads to vehicles
• Collectors putting together the series of individual mine types in one scale

This is an accessory set for modelers, not a toy. Glue, paints and the base model are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.