Ok, just got this monster of a kit...And man when I say monster, I mean MONSTER!!!! Don't ask me to get started on it because, 1. I got something like 8 projects that still need completion and painting, up and including a Tamiya 1/32 F-4, Trump's F-14 etc, etc, etc. 2. This kit is a MONSTER (Have I said that yet? I lost track), what with well north of 1000 parts + several hundred PE, this thing will take me a LOOONNNGGG while to do, what with num 3 throwing a monkey wrench in things. 3. My son is 3 months old now. Him plus SWMBO screaming in my ear everyday about diapers and bottles and stuff means my modeling and any other spare time is drastically cut down to the nadir...This kit will now take me about 2 years to finish (But at least I can still buy kits to add to my stash).
But anyway, will not do a full fledge review. There is a great one here at armorama by Seb Vale:
http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=6901
Nope, am not gonna do a review. But recently I got a hand on a Chinese modeling magazine, "Model World" that has an AA HETS on the cover, and most importantly, a reviewer assembled the tractor part without painting and clear parts, He made a note of all the weaknesses of the kit. Nothing major mind you or deal breaking, but for those super detailers and those who are constructing this monster (there goes that word again), these should help.
1. Some parts numbers are not mentioned in the instruction. Ohh the parts are there, but their numbers are not. Two cases, during the construction in which the two chasis main support comes together, the front fender support part number is missing, this is part number G4. Yes, the reviewer went through the trouble of looking at ALL the sprues to find the part (must not be fun). The other is when assembling "fiddly bits" to the cab sides, two parts, K28, which is a handhold and J2, which is what look like a pin that holds the hood to the cab side are also missing thier numbers.So do becareful and look at the instructions carefully, just because the parts number aint mentioned, doesn't mean the parts are not shown.
2. Due to limitations within Polystyrene technology, some of the smaller parts, such as eye hooks, are too thick and out of scale. For guys like me, who are now rEALLY on budget time, these will do. But for those who have the time and the talents, its recomended that you replace these parts with the inevitable aftermarkets or make them out of metal sheets.
3. going back to num. 2. This also means some parts, such as U shaped hooks are extremely birttle. The reviewer broke just about every single one of them trying to remove them from the tree no matter how hard and which methods he tried. It's highly recommended that you attach a tape to one side or cup the these parts with your hands in order NOT to send these parts into another dimention or feed the carpet monster below!
4. Now, the wheels and axles supposedly can turn. However, the turning connecting axle that connects the wheels together is pretty thin. It would've been better if Trump used metal axles instead. With plastic parts, a few turn is all it takes to break the turning connection axle. It's highly recommend that if you want, leave the front wheel alone, but cement the rest!
5. Becareful assemblying the two main supporting chasis support. Make sure they conect the ground all the time or else you will be facing major problems down the road.
6. Some parts, the fits leave quite a discripency. What look like the main oil tank, the fit is nice, but the connection hole halfs are offset. Now, nothing major. A few twist with a file or hobby knife should solve it. But it's quite a glaring miss in all of this.
7. As mentioned, this kit has A LOT of PE. Now the kit supposedly has a jig to bend all those PE, many of the parts are assembled from PE alone. It is still recommended that you have a stand alone PE bending tool on stand by. This kit requires it! Alot of PE parts requires 360 degrees bending, not all that easy.
8. Many of the parts cement area are tiny. which means cementing them together can get difficult. Use stronger reaction glue or hold them in place longer. Patience is the key here.
Anyways, these are the things to watch out for when assemblying the tactor part. Trailer in the next issue. I will also post if there's anything to watch out for. Happy building. I'm sure you guys can get this monster (ok, time to shoot me I guess) done a lot quicker than me lol.
On the Bench: Man, Choices, Choices...Where to start. But trying to close up shop on the Trumpeter F4F-3 (Early) Wildcat.
On the Stash: Trumpeter's TBM-3 Avenger, Revell's C-17, Trumpeter's 1/32 Typhoon, Trumpeter's SBD-3 Dauntless, and waiting for my BR-86 to arrive
In the "Spare Parts" Heap: Dragon's 1/32 P-51D Mustang Early Version (Worst kit I ever saw. Wasted $35 bucks! Ohh Well)!!!