All of the tanks I have built, they're all Dragon kits. I was able to get this and another Tamiya kit recently and decided to build it.
First thing I noticed is there are a lot of pieces to put together that normally in the Dragon kits, they're all preformed. This is apparent while working on the rear of the hull as well as the inside of the turret. To me, it adds another level of detail.
The hull and all its parts went together pretty well. There was no fighting fitment issues, which I've had when putting the lower and upper halves together on the Dragon kits.
It wasn't until I got to the turret to where I ran into a small fitment issue. The port covers were just a sliver smaller than the holes they needed to cover. But with a little patience, I was able to get them on and sitting correctly.
The gun was different than the Dragon kits. The gun build inside the hull has six or seven pieces. I like this, because it will be painted accordingly. But it adds to the realism, since it will be able to be seen once all together. The added seat was well thought out as well.
Even the storage unit went together with no issues and attached real easy.
There are two different builds for this kit when it comes to the external equipment. Based on photos of the real 215, I was going with the jerry cans and extra stowage. However, I want as many tools as I can fit, without making it look like a mess.
I always like to paint my tools while they're off the tank, this way I can pay attention to minor details on them. Then add them prior to painting the camo patterns. However, this tank is done in all RAL 7027 (Sandgrau), so the tools will "pop" from the tank, even when slightly weathered.
I keep the top of the turret off, since I will be painting the entire interior. It will be primed black, but then I have the German ivory to paint it. Then I will paint the seat and anything else that gets color. Once it's painted, I'll glue the top into place.
The figures went to well nicely. Even the majority of the seam lines disappeared when glued together. However, they will be sanded to make sure nothing is visible when painted. Getting them into position is a different story, especially the left side figure. Trying to find just the right angle was a bit difficult. I am hoping after they're all painted and during final assembly, I can get them where they need to be.
I still need to find a way to do the turret number 411 on the back. I bought the wrong scaled transfers from Archer, but I might try to make my own. The kit won't be accurate with out the painted over 411.
Now all I need to do is take it apart and do a final sanding where needed and get the spare tracks and spare stowage in place.
Based off the feedback I received at the AMPS show, I want to make sure I don't see seam lines anywhere before and after primer.
Unlike the other tanks I've done, I will be doing this all in Tamiya paints. With the exception of the primer and chipping fluid, I want to try for an overall "flat" look. Where as with the AK Real Colors being lacquer, there was that oily feel and look, which is good in certain aspects.
