Dragon Marder III Ausf M On Hold (03.04.11)

wing_nut

I'm not one for changing horses in the middle of the stream but if you not enjoying the build it is a very good idea to set it a side.  I know I would like to see th finished Marder as much as he rest but better to wait so you don't start cutting corners.  The work has been too good so far.

Hey Wingy,

When I first started getting serious about my work I said to myself that I wouldn't be one of these modellers who has 5 builds on the go at one time but it's such a nice build and I'm at a really good place to stop and take a breath, sit back and build the StuG III which I know is a nice refreshing little build and will blow the cobwebs out.

Seriously, compared to a lot of you guys I'm very new to modelling and I'll be honest - I'm finding this build VERY difficult. I don't mean it's beyond me, not at all BUT it's starting to wear me down and like you say, I don't want to start rushing and cutting corners and making errors so I've wrapped it all up back in the box with the PaK in bubble wrap so it will be safe.

Here's the plan:

• Build a VERY nice Tamiya StuG III B.
• Build my Dragon IC Hybrid Firefly (I can't wait to start that).
• Get the Marder back on the bench so it's finished in time for Christmas.

I'm starting the StuG II B tomorrow which I'm looking forward to. I've got some spare PE tool clamps so I'm going to try and use them for added realism. The Friuls will be assembled in a couple of hours so I'll have a nice build to work on and weather. No dogs allowed!

The Sherman Firefly looks great but has Polish and British markings. The Polish ones look great but being a Brit I would like to build a British marked Firefly. The markings in the kit are very vaque so I'll need to pick some brains re British Sherman Firefly markings when I start (I think I might have to buy some AM decals) - I reckon I'll be starting it in July maybe?

ATVB

Ben

nice job enjoyed the pics.

Ron

I'm not one for changing horses in the middle of the stream but if you not enjoying the build it is a very good idea to set it a side.  I know I would like to see th finished Marder as much as he rest but better to wait so you don't start cutting corners.  The work has been too good so far.

Hey Karl,

Thankd for stopping by.

As far as this build goes it's just at it's basic assembly stage at the minute. I haven't starting any detailing whatsoever - I haven't even painted the wheels yet! I'll bear all your recommendations in mind - thanks Karl

I'm finding this build particulary difficult and, dare I say it, not an enjoyable one. So, I'm going to build my little StuG III B (again) and hope the dog leaves it alone this time.

I'm going to come back to this at a later date as it's at a point where I can leave it and attack it again later when I'm in a better and more positive frame of mind.

I just want a nice, fun build to play around with. I'm not having fun with this one at the minute and to me, that's what a hobby is all about!

I'm going to do the usual WIP and use AM Friuls on the StuG. I'm then going to build my lovely Dragon Sherman Hybrid IC Firefly after the StuG then hit the Marder again. I just need a break from it.

Cheers buddy. I'll be starting StuG III B, part II this weekend!

ATVB

Ben

Ben,

A nice start so far, but if could be so bold as to recommend....you could post-shade this before you button it up? It would give such a small vehicle a little extra chromatic "boost" to have some lighter DY in the panels and toward the top of the superstructure? If you want to go the "full mile" you could also post-shade with dark brown under the fenders on the lower hull. Little models like this need to have their hues and tones exaggerated to a degree to simulate the light dispersion.

Also, in the future, pinwash in raw umber  & drybrush that interior in light tan before you go painting all the radios and whatnot. It would have really helped bring out the details in the interior, which you'll wish you had when the thing is put together and those details disappear in shadows...

As Bill said, Marders and open-tops are always tricky to assemble and paint properly, but it's good to tackle one to improve your skills. But make sure you put as much attention and patient care into the interior as you do on the exterior. That's the key to really making a standout.

looks real good Ben,the radio equipment with the wires really adds to the realism.

Thanks guys,

It's proving to be a real head twister of a build as all the time I'm thinking about access for detailing and when I should be fitting the various sub-assemblies etc but fingers crossed it should be a good 'un

I'll post the odd update on here but the main WIP is on the Panzerjager GB.

Thanks for the kind comments!

ATVB

Ben

Good job!! I've got that same kit and I was following you on the GB.

wbill76

 since there's so much stuff crammed into such a small space in the fighting compartment!

Yeah, I learned that one the hard way. I did the same kit a while back, and I had the wonderful idea of leaving the hatches open and exposing the engine and tranny. I remember VERY well the fit issues with the engine wall. And I did my detail work after assembly, too. You will be very wise to do the detail stuff before final assembly, Grasshopper....Also, drybrushing the rivets, hinges, latches, etc...really makes em pop out.

That radio work looks fantastic, BTW....

Making good progress on this one Ben. Marders are always tricky when it comes to painting since there's so much stuff crammed into such a small space in the fighting compartment!

Looks like everything is coming together here just fine.....   

           I really like the color.