February 2024 ~ Old Mans Curiosities

So, There have been some setbacks on the tank, but it's ready for painting, once my supplies arrive.

Testing fitting the schurzen before rebuilding the rails.

I have learned that the early Dragon kits instructions weren't the best. And not knowing what the parts are, like I do cars, it made for some interesting sessions.

So if you look at the drawings, the schurzen rail kinda matches that. So after i built one and attached it to the tank, it looked okay. I mean, i've never built one before. However, after getting both sides on, it was realized that the drawing is incorrect.

Pulling the rails off, thank god for CA glue, i did some sanding and reattached all the hooks. That when it dawned on my, that the metal brackets were not in the correct spots.

Looking at part numbers MA2, MA3, and there is an MA4, and where they show attached to the hull is incorrect, unless you have the schurzen rails sit way behind the hull like wheelie bars. After pulling everything off, some cutting on the metal, more sanding, they were added back.

Then came time to add the lower schurzen brackets (F14). Once it was determined where they go, these were pretty simple to add.

Having spoken with my friends (Eric) friend (Tim), who both have won nationals with their tank builds, they are pleased with my work so far, especially since this is my first tank kit. It is a different kind of monster than a car. But i also stated, "it ain't painted yet" so we'll see.

The photo etch is one of the hardest things i've had to deal with on a kit. The parts here are a bit out of alignment and over bent. Looks like they did suffer some damage at one time or another. We'll see if that adds to the build or subtracts.

Tim is a walking encyclopedia of WW2 knowledge when it comes to tanks, battles, dates, etc. He did bring over some books I could borrow for my next build for reference and i've gone ahead and ordered a few cheaper one.

The amount of resources available is amazing. I really wish cars had some of this. Especially the level of detail in the molds.

This is where it's at now. After a conversation with Tim and Eric, I am not going to put the mesh on the sides. At least I am thinking not all of it. I've been tossing the idea around of one piece on each side, but showing damage. I'll build and paint it to see how it will look prior to deciding if it stays or not. I want to damage the two front fenders below the hinges as well before paint. So we'll see how that goes.

Still have the track to build but I will wait on that until i can get the wheels primed and painted so I have a guide to get the track sag done correctly.

I've gotten a bit more done on the tank. I will say, the parts fit great when you can read the instructions correctly. Ended up pulling apart the front of the turret to fix the swivel. Thankfully I am using the Tamiya Thin Cement. Required a little more sanding required before putting it back together. But all is well.

Photo etch is a pain in the ass. Trying to bend the little pieces is a pain. Trying to make sure that things are straight. I believe this kit will have more of my blood than any of my cars.