Other than typical Dragon instructions, the remainder of the assembly has gone fairly well. I did lose two of the small pins use in the spare track assembly. However, that really doesn't look like it will matter as this is being built as a tank that has seen action, so one would assume that pieces are broken or minor pieces missing.
Even looking at the instructions, as well as resources photo's, I haven't been able to really determine how the spare tracks attach to the track rails, other than just adding some glue.
Based on everything I've seen, the track guides face outward. So the best I can think of, is finding a spot where the rails touch and add some glue.
As I finished up to the tool assemblies, it occurred to me that, Dragon loves torture.
I feel the hardest part of the tool set is going to be painting them before attaching them and finishing the paint job. Everything will be primed using the Mr. Surfacer Black. Before the camo pattern is done, i'll start on the diorama.
The cupola was a bit more difficult than what it looked. Mainly because the included clear parts don't want to fit how they should. In the end, you can't tell that they're not there, so I will just leave them off.
Of the two options for the turret, I had to go look at photos of the original tank. Once I saw what I was looking at, i did make a few minor adjustments. I added the optional build to the commanders hatch. Everything else matches up to the original photos.
I also started searching to try and get some idea's for the rear vents. Since original photo's show four opened vent covers and only having two, I opted to put the two opened hatches on the right side and using just the PE parts on the left side. It actually looks decent and I think it will add to it once painted. It already has a battle worn look to it, i'm hoping the paint will add to it.
I finished the commander Ropeter figure and was hoping I wouldn't have issues getting him into the hatch opening. In the end, the figure fit fine. The hardest part were the binoculars.
All that's left is to do the tracks before I get into the spray booth and lay down the primer.
