PAK 36

Here comes another update… This time it’s about my last version of modifications of anti-tank gun PAK 36. In attempt to accelerate release date of this addon I reflect request from gentlemen of WWIIEC team to release the winter and desert version under their name. Because of a in first phase it was their model (Vibes) I have no objection for doing this … :) Invasion 1944 will have in its “rolling stock” also PAK 36, but with another late tricolour camouflage.

Here are mentioned variants. I dare to prepare a little bit fictive duel for the pictures where PAK 36 successfully destroyed T34/85 tank… :) But the result of such a fight would be opposite, probably. Most likely the gunners would be able just to destroy the tank tracks, but few seconds later they would be speaking with Almighty thanks to their enemy…

I redesigned all wheels, which were modified by shading of a static model in the early phase. But when a function of towing was added, this variant caused “lighting errors”… Now it’s OK and when towed the wheels look normal, because they contain shading.

Marfy/1.8.2004

"Hanomag" winter version...

Yesterday I've updated the site quite late and I forgot to add some more pics of a winter variant of SdKfz 251… I really like the winter provisional camo, because it looks very realistic on the armored vehicles. Especially in that “end of winter/beginning of spring” period when roads changed into a sea of mud. Also the white paintings were worn-out by winter traffic…
Now I just have to wait for somebody who would be able to create a realistic winter island and not just great snowy plains without any mud…

Marfy/29.7.2004

Models for the Invasion 1944

DAlthought I've updated the site ages ago, I didn't stop working on the models. In fact, it's up side down. I expanded cooperation with the Invasion 1944 team members and results from our common cooperation are already visible... Many things have to wait for its publication because it will be possible to uncover more details just after the I44 first phase release...

Today, I try to uncover at least some facts about new upcoming project.

For a long time, I haven't noticed anything about the M8 Greyhound and Sherman VC Firefly models and here are some pictures in progress, now. These two models are on the secondary track because they will be probably put into the third phase of the mod. However the works are not stopped at all... :) I have almost completed M8's interior and I have created also brand new wheels*.

Sherman VC Firefly has its chassis, front part and basic tower corpus completed. For now, I haven't started texturing its rear part and lids... :(

It was a big challenge to make some "little" updates on the I44 vehicles for me... Specifically, I mean the SdKfz 251 and Kubelwagen... :) As first, I started working on the SdKfz 251 and I kept the SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D version, of course. It was not an easy task and the retexturization itself was not enough. The requirements for the high-quality details of the model have moved onto a different level, so I had lot of work to do... Mainly, I was really mad about a way of its original construction since every surface for a texture had its own construction points package. So, it was "ordinary" if you select a point and then, you discovered 4 other hidden points on a same place... That was a nightmare = basically, I had to control each point and connect them into one if I wanted to keep at least something from the original shape. The result was a required compact object easy to texture... And I won't talk about fatal saving of the construction points...

Compared to the original 215 model, this will have a different vehicle settings. In the team, we put all the pros and cons into two columns and we found out that it would be better to set it as a "tank". At first, all the wheels will be able to turn and the tracks will be able to move. The upcoming SdKfz 251/22 Ausf D (version with PAK 40 cannon) will have a fully working aim sight. A negative aspect is moving itself because the "tank" settings allows it to turning around on a place ... :( Unfortunately, the OFP engine doesn't count with settings as a "half-track vehicle". The second possibility is clear - something like a 251 model from the I44 demo that has "dead" tracks and creeps on the road like some ghost... Its advantage is steering of the front wheels in the driving direction which is not allowed be the "tank" settings, on the other hand....

One more thing I would love to notice is a beautiful model of PAK 40 - the anti-tank cannon made by Vex-man. Now, I am starting working on its textures. It will be used also for the SdKfz 251/22... (pictures will be posted later...)

Among the last things I want to mention is my work on the most exposed addons for the first I44 campaign phase. The Panther has its exterior completely done, now I am working on the interior and tweaking the animations for the crew and soldiers transported.
 

Also, the cooperation with Matthias Putzer on the attack cannon Stug series and StuH has some result - it's a self propelled cannon StuH 42 Ausf G. Its exterior is close to the finish. If Matthias accept, I will be able to present this model better. But that will be probably after it is completed...

(Note*

After the agreement with the WWIIEC team, I will provide them by a new version of the M8 wheels for usage on the GMC CCKW and M2A1 105 mm howitzer)

Marfy/28.7.2004

Panther and Tiger II...

I have revived my gallery a little. This time, I made some „photos“ on beautiful surroundings of Anjou island showing few Panther G tanks developed for Ivasion 1944 project (particularly for Operation „Market Garden“). Panthers are camouflaged according to photographic documentation to represent part of the group of eight Panthers of 10th SS Pz.Div. „Frundsberg“ (I./SS-Pz.Rgt.10), that resisted Allied attack in Arnhem-Elst area.

...more pictures in gallery.

My favourite theme is winter camouflage. I feel really attracted by appearance of mudded armored vehicles, crawling in impassable roads when the snow melts. I made some skins exactly for such „pleasant“ environment. Newest pictures of mud patina on winter Tiger II are in the gallery.

Marfy/23.4.2004

T-34/76 (1941)

The work on T-34 family goes pretty swiftly – I have recently added third variant into the addon. It is T-34/76 Mk.1941 with welded turret. These tanks along with heavy KV tanks were backbone of defence of Red Army in first stage of war. Due to its better features, it caused the shock to German panzer crews. It was only better tactics and cooperation with airforce that allowed Germans to advance so deep into Soviet territory.

For T-34 Pack, I plan to make two more camo variants. It will be winter „reticulate“ of 1st Guard Tank Brigade (the tank of most successful tank „ace“ of Red Army D. M. Lavrinenko) and captured T-34 used by Germans.

Here are some screens of this „tee“. You should go to the gallery for more :)

Marfy/3.4.2004

New and more realistic patina

Working on addons is quite time consumpting, which causes certain difference in terms of quality as the addon-makers increases his skills. As the time went on, I realized that some of my earlier pieces lack the quality of my recent work.

Since I want my addons to have the best possible quality, I decided to remake some of my Tiger II family tanks. You may see the changes in the gallery and judge yourself how I succeeded... 

Marfy/31.3.2004

T34/76 (1942/43)

I am working on more variants of T-34. This time it is T-34/76 (Mk.1942/43) (T34/76 Ausf. D according to German sources). These tanks fought in the battle at Kursk.

T-34/85 in winter coat

Winter is factor that played major role on Eastern Front. I therefore try to cover this part of military history as well, I make winter counterparts to each summer version of my addons. This time I would like to present winter camouflage of T-34/85 being in service around 1944.

Marfy/14.3.2004

T34...

I have finally finished some last details on exterior of „Tee“ – it was inner part of driver‘s lid (visible when opened) and mudguards.

I must say that especiall the lid was tought job :) But I think that such details make up the final impression from the vehicle, therefore it is necessary to sacrifice few sleepless night to complete them :)

Marfy/5.3.2004

T34/76 Mk. 1943

1st Czecholsovak Tank Brigade in USSR used above all the older type of T-34/76 tank with 76.2 mm cannon, hexagonal welded turret (T-34/76E Mk. 1943) and command turret. On the screenshots there is my semifinished tank Nr. 3080475, which was marked with sign „LIDICE“ (note of translator: Czech village massacred by Nazis in return to assasination of Reinhard Heydrich in 1942), after probable crew change changed to „ŽIŽKA“ (note of translator: Warlord of radical wing of medieval armies of Hussites, in 20th century used and abused as a symbol of brave Czech fighter with certain anti-German undertone). With this marking, it was completely destroyed during Carpathian Operation in Dukla. This marking later appeared on a T-34/85.

Changes in colour scheme

Publishing of my pictures at OFP.INFO elicited (partially disgusting) discussion that, I am sorry to say this, had nothing to do with constructive and fecund exchange of ideas. I have to say that Czech section proved itself to be a bit more mature and brought some comments and help which I needed. Thank you, gentlemen... :)

Marfy/4.3.2004

New pictures presented in T-34 gallery show some fine-tuning of colours. Previous version was too bright, althought it was realistic. This one fits better into OFP environment, which is designed to be a little darker. As you see, ŽIŽKA got some new details belonging to its real counterpart. I only did not manage to finish mudguards yet... :)

BTW one of the most funded comments in English section was that „the tanks’s good, but would be much better without that ŽIŽKA lettering“. It was really hard to discuss anything... :(

Marfy/2.3.2004

New pictures

I decided to update my website again after some time. I am preparing my own domain, so this website is considered temporary. Thanks to great people at OFP. INFO, I was allowed to settle here and dwell here for some time...

Work on my addons advances, as you can see from the attached screenshots. I don’t want to aim strictly on a single theme in the future. I am dividing my efforts (according to my mood) among four basic themes: West Front (in cooperation with Invasion 1944), African battlefield (DAK addons), East Front (Russian and German units) and (more closely) 1st Czechoslovak Autonomous Tank Brigade in USSR.

New pictures show PzKpfw V Ausf. G Panther in as it fought in Arnhem...

...and T-34, the most used tank of Eastern Front, particularly T-34/85 in service of 1st Czechoslovak Tank Brigade. This pattern with „ŽIŽKA“ lettering decorated this „Tee“, originally Russian unit damaged in fights between Ostrava and Prague. Original „ŽIŽKA“ tank was destroyed during Carpathian Operatin in Dukla; of course I prepare this version as well.

Note: Last two images show correct variation of installation of running wheels. The model will get suspenders for auxiliary fuel tanks and some „tools stuff“... :)

Here are some screenies of Red Army’s T-34...

Marfy/28.2.2004

PF 2004

Happy New Year
Glückliches Neujahr
Meilleurs voeux de bonne année

Marfy/24.12.2003

BEWARE OF VIRUS!

Today (September 19th) I have received a message saying that some person is misusing my e-mail account to send files contamined by virus! The file is supposed to be ZIP archive with screenshots of my work. I would like to warn any recipient of such message that this isonly filthy attack.

If you receive file named like "Marfy01.zip" from address "%20marfyart@volny.cz", do NOT OPEN it and DELETE it IMMEDIATELY!

I would like to thank Anders Grimsrud who gave me notice about this issue.

Marfy/19.9.2003

Panther Ausf. G, just as I see it...

Although I have not advertised this, my archive contains also early model of PzKpfw V Panther Ausf. G (the model is older than my Tiger II). I can remember idea from I44 forums, if "Marfy is gonna make some good-looking detailed Panther besides his Tiger II pack". Well, this is the answer... :)

I had some free time this week, so I spent it texturing Panther. It was an easy job, since both original tanks had many same parts and changing textures was not too hard. This is why I finished texturing work so fast.

I am preparing following camouflage schemes for Ausf. G:

Western front: Panzer Lehr (France) and 10.SS Pz. Div. "Frundsberg" (Arnhem) etc.

Eastern front: SS Pz.Div. "Wiking" etc.

(PzKpfw V Panther Ausf G, Addon by Marfy)

Marfy/11.8.2003

Tiger II Pack grows steadily...

I have completed two more variants of King Tiger this week. The first one is the Porsche-turret version with winter camouflage, which belonged to sPzAbt 503/FFH. It is the "Red 314" named (and marked) "Anneliese". The second one is Henschel-turret tank from sSSPzAbt 501, as it fought in Battle of the Bulge. It is not covered with Zimmerit (Notice the welding traces on armouring!) and is painted in so-called "Ambush" camouflage scheme. The gun barrel is painted with 29 stripes marking number of achieved victories. Both vehicles do not have any mudguards mounted due to the military operations. (Translator's note: I do not have an idea if Marfy means the poor tanks have their mudguards shot off or Germans just spared steel in order to make more helmets for Volkssturm... ;) But I promise to ask him.)

(Tiger II Pack by Marfy)

Marfy/4.7.2003

Sherman VC Firefly!

Afrika 1942 and Invasion 1944 mods will contain another armoured unit - it is Sherman VC Firefly; a part of incoming M4 Sherman pack. The screenshots you see here show the first stage of my work. I believe that realistic model and textures of this addon will satisfy demands of the pickiest WW2 fans.

(Addon Sherman VC Firefly by Marfy)

Marfy/29.6.2003

Kolibri: Ready to take-off (and download)!

If you want to get in closer contact with Sebastian´s excellent Flettner FL282 Kolibri just on your very own computer, do not hesitate and go grab it HERE!

Colibri from Sebastian - "This is no honeysucker!"

I am very glad to present a sneak preview of new addon pack made by my work fellow and great addon maker Sebastian Müller. This time it is quite intetresting German experimental helicopter from WW2, Flettner FL282 Kolibri, which was the predecessor of following post-war helicopter designs. In case you are curious about the real vehicle, check some of following websites: (cz: info, engl: info1, info2, info3, info4).

As far as I know, there were only few camouflage patterns used, so Sebastian (with his peculiar exaggeration and sense of humour) prepared version with some common Luftwaffe patterns besides the originally used green-blue camouflage. You will have opportunity to play with winter version, two DAK-like camouflage version and even capured vehicle in US Army colour scheme.

Sebastian also provided his vehicles with excellent crew. The pack will contain 3 variation of Luftwaffe pilot armed with newly created Mauser HSc. hand gun.

(Addon FL282  by Sebastian Müller)

Marfy/15.6.2003

Beware of Jagdtiger!

The last variant of King Tiger which will appear in my Tiger II Pack is the famous SdKfz 186 commonly known as Jagdtiger. This Porsche-made conversion of original design is armed with PAK 44 L/55 128 mm AT cannon. It also has different shape and number (16) of running wheels than Henschel version, which has the same 18 wheels as original Tiger II design. It seems I did not spare some work while choosing Porsche variant :)

Even though the front units received only few of these amazing tank destroyers, Jagdtigers represented a true fright to Allied armor crews. Of course, only in case the whole machine worked properly and fuel tanks were full.This deadly tank destroyer will appears also as a part of Invasion 1944 Mod. Its surface will be covered with Zimmerit and it will be coated with base Dark Yellow camouflage paint. Design of this particular tabk is originated in vehicle which belonged to sPzAbt 512 (Germany 1945).

(Addon SdKfz 186 Jagdtiger - Porsche by Marfy)

Marfy/14.6.2003

King Tiger with Porsche turret!

My Tiger II pack grows slowly but steadily. The version with Porsche turret was added as a necessary alternative to originally made Henschel turret version. This is just a small notice for all those who divide armor like "black cross - German, red start - Russian"; I hope most visitors of my page do not need such explanations for they are true WW2 armor connoisseurs... :)

The Tiger II (Porsche) showed on these pictures is clayed with Zimmerit paste and provided with three-colours camouflage pattern. It is painted in scheme of sPzAbt 503, as it operated in 1944 in France.

In times Tiger 1 just started to be manufactured, its successor with angled armor was developed. This follower of Tiger conception was supposed to carry new 88 mm KwK 43 cannon. The development was held by both Henschel and Porsche. Porsche engineers worked out their VK 4502 (P), which brought excellently shaped turret with outstanding ballistic protection. Undoubted perfection of this design nearly went to its final adoption, so Porsche begun founding turrets without commission. Finally, its handicap was gasoline/electrical driving mechanism due to the constant lack of copper, which is base material for electromotor manufacture. Final winner was Henschel's alternative design VK 4503 (H), though the first 50 tanks were equipped with the Porsche turret.

Another colours cheme of King Tiger (Henschel) I created is is two-colours scheme (Dark Yellow, Red Brown), as it was used by sPzAbt 505 at Eastern Front.

Marfy/8.6.2003

The muddy beast - King Tiger with "dirty" textures!

I can bring you few more pictures proving development of the King Tiger addon. I have changed several minor errors, which were caused by lack of proper photographies. My big thanks belong to Mark L. Tucker, who notified me about about wrong shape and position of rear light. I sometimes do not have enough information, so your well-researched comments are more than welcome! You sureyl noticed the muddy textures. These are quite crucial for realistic image of the vehicle, besides they are kinda "speciality" I cannot go without :)

(Addon King Tiger - Henschel turret by Marfy)

PAK 36 towed by SdKfz 2!

Last adjustments of these addons were aimed on their optimization and implementation of revolutionary gun-towing script. i ahve also added special 3.7 mm Stielgranade 41 ammunition. You can learn more about its real equivalent at this website.

(Addon PAK 36/SdKfz 2 Kettenkrad by Marfy, Marcel, Vibes, Bratty)

Marfy/1.6.2003

Third tutorial

"Painting Zimmerit and camouflage"

My third tutorial explains how to get realistic Zimmerit effect on your German WW2 armor and describes camouflage painting technique.

Marfy/26.5.2003

Birth of the King!

The King Tiger (PzKpfw VI Tiger II Ausf. B) was without question the mightiest German armored vehicle at the end of war. You can almost feel roaring of this uncrowned king of the battlefield as you watch the screenshots below:) The textures used on this model are not complete yet, I still need to add all the dirt and mud.

Marfy/25.5.2003

Achtung, panzer!!!

Another model I am creating for Invasion 1944 Mod is famous PzKpfw VI Tiger Ausf. B (known as "King Tiger"). You can see here the first samples showing variant with Henschel turret. Surface of the vehicle is covered with antimagnetic Zimmerit paste. I will also create the version with Porsche turret and Jagdtiger modification of this vehicle.

Marfy/18.5.2003

Camouflaged PAK 36 and Kettenkrad

I have made new camouflage scheme of PAK 36 gun (appropriate for 1944 in Europe) and combined it with towing SdKfz 2 Kettenkrad.

Marfy/1.5.2003

SdKfz 2 Kettenkraftrad

I received model of this SdKfz 2 from MARSS few weeks ago. Even though I originally meant just to test it, I decided not to restrict my help just on consultations. I made some minor changes in order to increase realistic appearance of the vehicle. I have completely changed wheels, tracks, mudguards and adjusted some other small details of this otherwise excellent model. The screenshots show the final appearance of this WW2 vehicle, as it will appear in Invasion 1944 project. The desert version of this addon (used by Ramcke’s paratroopers) will be released as a part of our DAK addon pack.

Marfy/20.4.2003

The nasty number 821

As I have experienced by myself, the rule of not believing to everything written down in serious-looking sources is true „golden rule“ of addon maker. I am known for my obsession of creating realistic addons, which are valued by gamers not just as other vehicles in the pack, but also for their realistic appearance and historical correctness. This aspect of my work was turned “upside down“ during creation of PzKpfw IV Ausf. D… :(

This was caused by my trust to sources, which independently indicate the same wrong facts concerning the camouflage scheme and numbering of “my“ Pz-IV on their websites. Both sources (Polish and Russian) say that the tank with black white-bordered “821“ and desert camouflage is PzKpfw IV Ausf. D, but according to my subsequent research this tank is version E without any doubts. I have a copy of picture showing this captured tank being used to train British soldiers. The picture clearly depicts details that indicate it is version E. This fact is also confirmed by the side view drawing where the characteristical details of Ausf. E are shown. Some “expert” provided these pictures with wrong description and ensured some extra work on this addon… :(

I would like to correct my mistake – I have chosen a new, suitable, interesting and above all, authentic and documented camouflage scheme of Ausf. D with additional armor and smoke generator on exhaust.

I would like to apologize to all dismayed WW2 and North Africa fans for my ignorance. The golden rule of “believe but examine” (note of translator: makes a good rhyme in Czech, but sounds just like bare fact in English) speaks clear, and if one does not follow it, one might get in such disgrace :)

Marfy/17.4.2003

PAK 35/36 in DAK scheme

I would like to present a new "North African" addon from 1941-1943. It is my conversion of Vibes' PAK 35/36 anti-tank gun again, but this time in tan Afrikakorps scheme. The addon is not complete yet, but the progression on textures is already visible :) I would like to add some minor details (including hedge made of sandbags and stones) before release.

Last picture shows further development of M8 Greyhound addon. After finishing its outer parts, I have been working hard on the interior. Here you can see frontal part of cabin with driver's and front passenger's seats. I am sure that now you can imagine how tough work is to properly model and texture vehicle interior... :)

Marfy/31.3.2003

Here goes PAK 35/36!

There seems to be only few good and detailed addons. I would like to mention the one that belongs to this category and definitely deserves attention of OFP community (particularly all those who are into WW2 stuff). It is excellent addon of German AT gun PAK 35/36 made by Vibes.

I decided to improve this addon - there were two parts of the model which I felt to be inaccurate: non-realistic wheels and (surprising) absention of aiming devices. I remodelled these parts and added some natural branch camouflage. You can judge the result on following  screenshots...

I am glad that the changes I made were welcomed by author of original addon. Vibes preliminary permitted me to field desert DAK version of this "cooperative" addon in future of Afrika 1942 Project. :)

Marfy/27.3.2003

Tutorial 2!

Now you can read English version of second tutorial! Its topic is "How to make realistic patina on vehicles" - it will teach you how paint vehicle textures of for desert environment and how to achieve realistic "muddy surface" effect on your textures.

Marfy/21.3.2003

New Project!

Desert OFP team has underwent a big change. Our founding member MAAC left the team and he will not work on OFP addons any more. I will try to stay in the OFP community, but with different scope of employment.

You probably noticed my diversion from modern vehicles to WW2 stuff. Existence of the new web just confirms this change. I made a preliminary cooperation agreement with Invasion 1944 Mod, which means that my WW2 addons will be probably included into the joint ”herd“.

Similar agreement was made with Ballistic Addon Studios, whose member Vixer agreed to finish the modern vehicles addons. An example of such addons is unfinished M113A1. I think about hand over the TOW addon, which needs just gunner animations to be finished. Only addon I would like to finish myself is HMMWV, for I spent so much time on this baby to simply throw it away. The Czechoslovak version of GAZ-69A will become part of excellent ČSLA addon, in which I participate by making outside textures of OT-64 „Skot“ too.

I would also like to publish some tips for ambitious addon makers in Tutorials section of this website. I only hope I can find some time for this… :) Meanwhile you can find here the popular wheel painting tutorial you are asking for.

You can see here first line of pictures of my new addon, the PzKpfw IV Ausf. D Medium Tank in Deutsche Afrikakorps colour scheme! This exact vehicle (Black 821) could be seen in the fights at El-Ghazallah (Lybia) in 1942. As you can see, the model is not yet finished, but this may give you an idea about final shape :)

Marfy/8.3.2003

Translation: Ivan Buchta

Marfy (Desert OFP) © 2003, All Rights Reserved