mg.mikael wrote:

Dre- Yes, it would be nice to see one of the more higher-end companies like Dragon or Bronco release a new mold of this kit, but then again I guess it's false hope. Since it doesn't look like any company will be releasing a new mold anytime soon. wbill76- Thanks for lookin' in. Hope to make some progress this week by attaching the hull parts to the frame.

Dragon already has the M3 cab all they need is a new chassis and fighting compartment and they are all set.

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The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15

http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

newarmorman wrote:

Hi mg, Maybe my terminology is wrong but I have four resources Osprey, Schiffer, Squadron signal, Wikipedia that say it did ? not to mention the side of the Tamiya kit that suggests the towed German 88 mm flak 36/37( sold separately) as an add on kit. Of course the Dragon instructions allow you to build as a type 36 or 37 or a type 18. I'm not sure without further research off the top of my head but I think it is Wikipedia that actually shows a picture of the Sd.kfz. 7 towing a Flak. Most of my research talks about it towing the venerable and powerful 88 once the engines were upgraded in 1939 to the Maybach Hl 57 engine and was used to haul the s. FH 18 the s.10 cm Kanone 18 and the 88 mm Flak. and it was used in both N. Africa and the Eastern front. I also was watching Patton 360 and they complained about the Flak 88 and showed the 7 towing them. So what part of the equation am I missing. Please I'm not being a wise guy, but a collector asked me to build them for him for $1200 and I don't want to make a mistake with an inaccurate build. I researched his request and it seemed right, I do this all the time and they (my customers) are very often incorrect however this one seemed OK? I was even more at ease when I saw the side of the Tamiya kit suggesting the flak as a towed vehicle, but please if you can tell me something I do not know I would appreciate it! Thank you! Awaiting inspiration and information, Newarmorman

Hmmmmm......I think you mis-read my post newarmorman. Because I said if you're having the Flak towed, you'll have no problems.

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"There's nothing funny about a clown in the moonlight."- Lon Chaney

No worries, hope your wife recovers from her aliment and your son stays safe in Afghanistan.

Now the real question is where do you meet people that will pay thousands of dollars for a kit, fly you out, and continue buying finished kits from you. That is quite the good customer and in my books you are one lucky modeler to have found a customer with such deep pockets.

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"There's nothing funny about a clown in the moonlight."- Lon Chaney

Coming along, interesting subject and a nicely done build.

Bill

Making progress, the masking tape straps are a nice touch.

Looking good, keep us posted.

George

Today was quite a good day, got a big update, since I finished up alot of scratching and so there's obviously alot of pics. Not to mention, I just learned I recieved a General Assembly Scholarship!!! That means my total tution for my first year of college at University of Illinois-Chicago is completley covered. How sweet it is. Now onto the update.

The jerry cans are pretty much finished, with strap and all glued on. Weathered using a simple wash, and some fuel stains added near the cap were made using ModelMaster Graphite Metalic(it actually makes a greasy appearance if you use it in moderation.) Though I still have to do some more weathering later for finishing touches.

The axe sheath(protective area for blade) that orginally came in the kit was pre-attached to the axe. Thus it meant the detail was pretty sub-par, so I took it and sliced and diced until I had my very own axe. Then I scratched my own sheath(ok not really a sheath) out of some spare stryene and contour putty. Using the axe as reference for size and location.

  Then on a spur of a moment I also decided to scratch the light guards out of copper wire.(mainly because the original pieces look a bit too chunky in detail) Took the original light guards cut out the detail(I cracked one pretty badly, it's the one you see to the right.)Then I sanded the inside the best I could after doing repairs. Then I took some copper wire and cut to size. Curving it slighty to give a better appearance. After finishing the pieces off, I took a tip from Dre and filled in the locating "trenches." I did this with Testor's Contour putty, but before it dried I inserted the light guards in the putty. That way the pieces are on and the putty conforms around the piece. Still haven't sanded away the excess so it may look a bit crude.

All comments, questions, and suggestions welcome!

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"There's nothing funny about a clown in the moonlight."- Lon Chaney

Nice work on the guards ! Coming along very nicely.

Julian

  Looking good there Mg. I like the little extras, brush guards, axe sheath, springs and tape straps. It's those little things that make a build jump out at ya.

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"Happiness is a belt fed weapon"

Congrats on the scholarship! Not having to worry about your first year's tuition ought to be a huge relief...just don't forget there's 3 (or more) to go afterwards. 

Nice work on the scratch details for the light guard, impressive work with the wire.