Dragon 1/35 Hummel WIP

Hey Tarasdad: I sent you a PM via the site's "conversations" function

almost looks like weathering to me maybe go over it a bit with some wash and call it done.

While I was painting some of the detail parts I had a bit of a disaster:

Managed to splash some Model Master Metalizer on the camo job. As you can see it did quite a number on the paint. At this point I'm debating whether to try and repair the damage or just go ahead and repaint the entire thing. Fortunately it looks like the tracks and lower hull weren't affected so they can be masked off. Whatever I decide will have to wait until our air conditioner is fixed.

Looks very nice, Im building the same model on the GB, so Im very interested in see what color, scheme you will use.

It is looking very good, the tracks look real good with that metal finish.

A lot of tough fitting parts on that Hummel, you've done a great job with it. Nice job on the gun and tracks too.

Camouflage is done. Went with the scheme for a Hummel assigned to the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich" on the Eastern Front in 1944.

Still have a bit of touchup painting as well as decals and weathering to do.

While debating camo I went ahead and painted the tracks:

Tamiya primer, Metalizer Steel (non-buffing), chocolate brown wash, rust wash, finally dry-brushed with steel. First time actually weathering German tracks! In the past I've always just painted them steel and left it at that.

Painting has begun!

Model Master Acryl Panzer Dunkelgelb over Tamiya Light Grey primer. Excellent coverage and finish, quite pleased! Now I just need to make up my mind which camo scheme to use. Been trying to decide since I started this kit and still can't!

Looking really good, and the track sag looks just right.

Track sag looks excellent. Keep up the good work.

Both tracks are done. Ended up being 103 links per side for a modest amount of sag. Only had one link disappear into the ether on me - not bad!

Nice work on a complex model!  If I can share a tip with you regarding the PE work.  One of my essential tools is a narrow jaw, non-serrated locking hemostat.  You can find these at your local hobby shop (Squadron 10502 is one example).

It's useful in the following way:

Once I cut the PE part from its runner, I clamp the part in the hemostat jaws parallel with the edge that has the nub to be filed off.  Then I run my file along the edge and the nub comes off quickly and cleanly (never file perpendicular b/c you'd bend the part by mistake).

Once the nub is cleaned up, I adjust the PE part in the jaws so that any part that needs to be bent is right at the edge.  I'll then bend the part using a small screwdriver, my exacto or tweezers-- whatever is called for.  I can bend and manipulate the part again quickly for subsequent bends, if needed.

I can fly through many small PE parts now -- also know that you don't have to use all the PE. Often, its benefit does not outweigh the work nor is it even an improvement sometimes.  Plan judiciously.

And I can't stress good vision magnification & illumination -- it just enhances your dexterity with small & fine & fragile parts.  Good luck

Weather here finally cleared up enough to be a bit more arthritis friendly (jut hot instead of hot and humid) so I decided to tackle the last bit of construction prior to painting: Magic Tracks.

Just the left one done so far. Going to let the glue cure a bit more before I separate it and remove it for painting. While it's off I'll count links so I can match the right track to it for length.

Looks like you're all set to have paint fly on this one, looking forward to it.

Decided to do some more work on the Hummel while dealing with a paint disaster on the Arizona. Pretty sure it's just about ready for paint, really only need to do the tracks first.

Progress to date:

Here are the paints I will use for the camo job:

Model Master Acryl over Tamiya primer. I'm starting to really like these paints.

I built this few years ago...a challenging little bugger with some 1000 parts.

Looks like you're making good progress on this one! Dragon's most recent Hummel kits are nicely detailed. Just a side note, you don't need to use all of the links provided to create the track runs per side. 144 will be way too many, you'll only need about 108-110 or so depending on the sag you want to create (that count is just an estimate by the way, not a precise recommendation). Dragon always provides 'extra' links both for the spare track runs like the 13 you mention but also as spares in case you need them for whatever reason when it comes to building the tracks.

Finally managed a bit more progress.

Fighting compartment

First bit of photo-etch - 45 minutes to fold this!

There's still a long way to go. I haven't even thought about the tracks yet - 144 links per side provided although 13 links go on the front of the hull. Still a lot of photo-etch as well. Only mangled one piece so far, not bad considering the delicacy of some of the pieces and my lack of a proper bending tool. This is also my first time using photo-etch so it really is a learning experience.

Nice start. I haven't got a Hummel gun version yet, being eyeing up this one.

Off to a good start. I have this in the stash, so I will be watching.

Started working on the gun:

37 parts and counting!