Italeri Pz38(t) in a weekend?

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Italeri Pz38(t) in a weekend?

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 1:11 PM

I want to show my oldest, my six-year-old son, that building a model of a tank does not take two months and a degree in quantum physics.

So I planned on building the Panzer II from Tamiya with him this weekend -- start to finish. Unfortunately, the LHS did not have it, and ICM's Panzer II was described as having "327 pieces" [:0], so I bought the Italeri Pz 38(t) instead. It was between that and their Semovente, but I went for the more utilized vehicle.

Anyway, before I set my cunning plan before him, I wonder -- what have I gotten myself into? Is this kit buildable in a night so we can paint it Saturday and weather it Sunday?

Any war stories with the 38(t)? It's obviously getting a coat of German Grey from a rattle can. I have some dry transfers I may use for the numbers. He'll think those are cool.

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djmodels1999

Member since
December 2002
From: United Kingdom / Belgium

Posted by djmodels1999 on Friday, March 5, 2004 1:46 PM

I think it's possible to build that kit in a couple of days. It's a very decent kit. Keep us informed!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 1:52 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by djmodels1999

I think it's possible to build that kit in a couple of days. It's a very decent kit. Keep us informed!

Uh oh! A couple of days just to build it! Yikes! I will keep you informed though.

I've never been a fan of the 38(t). Looks a bit like Frankenstein's monster. But it is amall and can be painted grey!

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djmodels1999

Member since
December 2002
From: United Kingdom / Belgium

Posted by djmodels1999 on Friday, March 5, 2004 2:00 PM

It does look better than the Pz I though! Good thing the German could make use of them 'cause what their industry had come up with so far was not that good... I do like the later variants based on the Pz38 chassis, in particular the Hetzer.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 3:01 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by djmodels1999

It does look better than the Pz I though! Good thing the German could make use of them 'cause what their industry had come up with so far was not that good... I do like the later variants based on the Pz38 chassis, in particular the Hetzer.

I take issue with that, sir! I am a huge fan fo the Panzer I. I love it's German Bauhaus-y look. Like the Heinkel 111, it is one of those pre-war German designs that shows such a strong art-influenced look.

Here's a nice picture of a Panzer 38(t). Now, how hard can a kit of this cute little thing be to build .... [:0]

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wildwilliam

Member since
December 2009
From: West Grove, PA

Posted by wildwilliam on Friday, March 5, 2004 3:16 PM

Larry,
thank goodness!
i was terrified you were trying to start another weekend group build!
[:0] Tongue [:P]

[:0]

(the scary part is: i don't own the kit!)
Big Smile [:D]

ed.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 3:50 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by wildwilliam

Larry,
thank goodness!
i was terrified you were trying to start another weekend group build!
[:0][:0]

Now that sounds like a winner of a group build -- Italeri Pz38(t) weekend group build! Laugh [(-D]

I'm sure I'd have legions of joiners!

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wipw

Member since
January 2003
From: Utah - USA

Posted by wipw on Friday, March 5, 2004 4:07 PM

Larry! I was cringing when I read the title, too!! lol

Bill ==========================================================

DML M4A2 Red Army ==========================================================

========================================================== -- There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". (Author unknown)

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mark956

Member since
February 2003
From: USA

Posted by mark956 on Friday, March 5, 2004 4:10 PM

Good luck and have fun. I think it's really cool you and your son building a model together.
mark956

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Rob Gronovius

Member since
December 2002
From: Fort Knox

Posted by Rob Gronovius on Friday, March 5, 2004 4:26 PM

As a model kit, the Italeri 38(t) is a nice little build. It should go together quite nicely.

As a 38(t), German armor experts will tell you to run away and buy the Maquette kit. I have the old Italeri kit and I think it looks great.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 4:32 PM

Larry_Dunn hello!

I have built this kit OOB just to practice post shading on a mono-tone scheme.

Here are a few "Heads-up" about this little one.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 4:52 PM

oops... a sleep of a mouse click.

Well first of all throw the figure! it stinks! Dead [xx(]

or keep it as a toy...

Second, note when you install the main gun, it should be upside down from what it say's in the instructions and the picture on the box top. the little thingy (not sure what it is...) coaxing with the gun should be on top and not below the gun.

third pay attention when you install the suspensions. if you keep them loose they will always get in the way however beeing paitent with it will allow you to display the tank in any way the rubber tracks will allow you.

Fourth when building the hull be carfull aligning everythin straight.

Fifth internal detail is somewhat worhless. two seats that portray nothing...

Any way I think it's possible doing it in a weekend. Hope you and your son will enjoy together! Big Smile [:D]

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 5, 2004 4:54 PM

Thanks Schmodeler -- especially the info about the gun mount! Laugh [(-D]

I'll probably use the 38(t) treads from WWII Productions.

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renarts

Member since
April 2003
From: Sunny Florida

Posted by renarts on Friday, March 5, 2004 6:27 PM

OOB, no mods, no problem in a weekend. It has its issues, mainly sink marks around the suspension areas (leaf springs) and the mgs are a little clunky. On the whole its a nice little build. For someone like me though that gets carried away with detail etc. it was a "project". But I was very happy with the results. Plan on building a series of these little guys.

The Italeri version is a good first kit.
Maquette requires a little more work and experience.

Mike

Mike "Imagination is the dye that colors our lives" Marcus Aurellius A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!"

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tigerman

Member since
March 2003
From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA

Posted by tigerman on Friday, March 5, 2004 6:43 PM

Good luck to you and your son Larry. Sheesh, at least your boy likes models (crying in my hands). It should be pretty easy, just don't stress out on the accuracy issue.