Ohhhhhhhhhhh very cool! Definitely going BIG there!

Nice !!!   Maybe some day I'll dig the one out of my stash.Will definitly kep an eye on yours.

Cool! I hope you finish this blog here; I want to see what you male of this!

don't worry,  I will be working on some super detailing this evening, and will post more pics.

thanks for checking this out  

My project has slowed to a crawl...

It just amazes me how much detail Dragon left off this kit.  I am way short of matching the pictures so far, but I am going for it.  See Pictures;

Yes the handles on the boxes are scratch built.

Your attention to detail is astounding. I'm glad you're building this as it makes my M-103 seem smaller lol.

What is that finish on your model?

Thanks Mike,

I've got a long way to go before I can get this one into primer and paint.

As for the "finish"?

just over spray from doing the tracks and suspension prior to joining the outer track units to the main hull.

I also textured the cast hull...

Got to check out your M103 build when I have more time to give it a proper looking over.

PANZERJAGER

Wow!  It's as ugly as ugly get! Very interesting subject!

I like what you are doing so far with your build! 

That double row of tracks/wheels would have been a nightmare to maintain..... 

Looks wayyyy cool.

The actual pics with your interpretation of the model is a very positive enhancment.

 Attention to detail is as important as the quality of the finish.

I'll be a watching this.

Gun Tech

Wow!  It's as ugly as ugly get! Very interesting subject!

I like what you are doing so far with your build! 

That double row of tracks/wheels would have been a nightmare to maintain..... 

thanks for checking in, just wait till next pics.

disastermaster

Looks wayyyy cool.

The actual pics with your interpretation of the model is a very positive enhancment.

 Attention to detail is as important as the quality of the finish.

I'll be a watching this.

thanks "Zaster",

long time no talk to.

as for the extra details, just wait.

the INSANITY is just beginning!!!!

You've got to be kidding, right? How insane is this build going to get? lol

M. Brindos

You've got to be kidding, right? How insane is this build going to get? lol

let's see,

some major welds are missing, as well as pin retaining chains, special clevises and more small brackets.

Well alright then. Bring it. lol

M. Brindos

You've got to be kidding, right? How insane is this build going to get? lol

I'm gettin' all this.

Do "NOT" stop the madness.

           Just wait'll you see what I've got up

                       my armored sleeve...... 

More issues!

The davits for attaching the outer track units are wwaaaayyyy over simplified in the kit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

looks like I'm building pulleys and cables and........

UH-OH 

Not to worry, model club meeting today at my shop,  there will be much thrashing on models today!

Might even be able to get one of my evil minions to punch out all the disks I need for the pulleys....

BTW, what you working on next "Zaster"?

I was actually considering picking this kit up, but when I read the reviews of it and especially the sadistic treatment of those ridiculous 408 individual track guide teeth, I said "Uhn-UH!" I can't imagine how or why, in this day and ag with the technology we have now, they can't come up with a less time-consuming and frustrating way to put on this type of tracks.This is what made me consign my old Sherman Easy Eight to the darkest depths of the stash where it languished in the modeling oubliette until being sold.

the doog

I was actually considering picking this kit up, but when I read the reviews of it and especially the sadistic treatment of those ridiculous 408 individual track guide teeth, I said "Uhn-UH!" I can't imagine how or why, in this day and ag with the technology we have now, they can't come up with a less time-consuming and frustrating way to put on this type of tracks.This is what made me consign my old Sherman Easy Eight to the darkest depths of the stash where it languished in the modeling oubliette until being sold.

I must agree Karl,

The tracks did p*ss me off bad.  But the utter lack of good detail put fourth on the outer hull compared to the insane parts count on the suspension {most of it unseen} is what really is annoying!  I feel like I am building a 70's Tamiya kit, as fare as the hull details go.  That sucks for a $65.00 kit.  Shame on you Dragon Models!  But I digress, I will make it look good regardless.  It's just so much extra work that should have been done by the mold makers.

PANZERJAGER

BTW, what you working on next "Zaster"?

   I've been trying to get my Porsche VK45.02 finished, but life just keeps popping up at the most inconvenient times.

  As of late I've just been maintaining a presence on the forum and making comments. I've had a lot of complications here at home to deal with during the last couple of years or so but at least the forum and going to the gym keeps me from being bored to death and really helps pump up the spirit. Time most assuredly flies.

  At least in my mind I can carry this project with me on the go and visualize my objectives with what and how to go about doing whatever I'm going to do with this. That way when I get an opportunity to get back to work on it, I will have a clear image of how I want it to look and be able to get right into it... heck, I quite often wake up at night thinking it over and imaging ideas and techniques.... it can wear you out when you can't turn it off.

 I keep forgoing pictures since I've only been able to work in spurts. It's going to be more of a finished build (but not as much of a wip) 'cause when I DO get the time, I get so deeply focused/involved in what I'm doing that I'm actually having fun and I just don't want to step away and grab the camera.

 Model building is not an obsession but a hobby for me, and I prefer quality over quantity anytime; however, both are better if that is what the builder prefers and can successfully pull it off.

  So, to sum it up.....  there'll be some unique and good stuff with my VK so I hope it's going to be a treat for 'ya. Overall, I expect it to be as good and much more interesting in regards to the finished project than that ol' Jumbo Sherman I did.

 This is some good stuff you're putting up here. I especially love that luscious texture work on the superstructure..... looks good enough to eat.

disastermaster

 

PANZERJAGER

BTW, what you working on next "Zaster"?

   I've been trying to get my Porsche VK45.02 finished, but life just keeps popping up at the most inconvenient times.

  As of late I've just been maintaining a presence on the forum and making comments. I've had a lot of complications here at home to deal with during the last couple of years or so but at least the forum and going to the gym keeps me from being bored to death and really helps pump up the spirit. Time most assuredly flies.

  At least in my mind I can carry this project with me on the go and visualize my objectives with what and how to go about doing whatever I'm going to do with this. That way when I get an opportunity to get back to work on it, I will have a clear image of how I want it to look and be able to get right into it... heck, I quite often wake up at night thinking it over and imaging ideas and techniques.... it can wear you out when you can't turn it off.

 I keep forgoing pictures since I've only been able to work in spurts. It's going to be more of a finished build (but not as much of a wip) 'cause when I DO get the time, I get so deeply focused/involved in what I'm doing that I'm actually having fun and I just don't want to step away and grab the camera.

 Model building is not an obsession but a hobby for me, and I prefer quality over quantity anytime; however, both are better if that is what the builder prefers and can successfully pull it off.

  So, to sum it up.....  there'll be some unique and good stuff with my VK so I hope it's going to be a treat for 'ya. Overall, I expect it to be as good and much more interesting in regards to the finished project than that ol' Jumbo Sherman I did.

 

 This is some good stuff you're putting up here. I especially love that luscious texture work on the superstructure..... looks good enough to eat.

I understand what your going through.

My mom lost her 7 year long battle with pancreatic cancer on Christmas  morning.  You know what, it's not until afterwards that you realize how consuming that emotional roller coaster can be.  during that mess I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes, and it is taking my vision from me slowly.

This is why I haven't been active for so long too.  I am working my way out of depression now, and I have a new doctor who is helping me try to get my glucose under control.  

So I am back to doing some epic builds to help push myself to get better...

glad you dig this build!  Coming from someone with talents like yours it means a lot.

Hang in there, as the old Waylon Jennings song goes "storms never last".

 for some insight into your situation. I would never have suspected that you had problems with your vision. For you to face the vision problem with your degree of optimism is a win win for you. If you ever do lose it all, you'll at least have your models as proof of evidence for your braggin' rights.

  I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. My little mom suffered a very slow and declining condition. Her slow death from Parkinson's lasted for nearly 7 years. She left 71 weeks and 4 days ago at the age of 88. She out-lived dad 40 years..... he's the one that died at Christmas here. I think of them  e v e r y  day so I'm still climbing outta the pits too.

 Her departure caught me right after a stage of modelers burnout. Then, about three years after THAT, my left eye became something to look at, not to look with. Every thing I do is with one eye only and 2.25 readers. The loss of multiple functions in that eye 37 years ago was the result of a brain tumor (when I was 27) the size of a tennis ball, which also affected the nerve responses on the left side of my face. It took out my hearing on that side as well.......   so at least I still have my face.

And no, that's not why I sometimes act  looney on the forum here.

 I'm just having some harmless fun with the goofiness and hope that others may get a laugh, even if it's at my expense (however, I do sometimes think they took out the brain and left the tumor on purpose - probably about the same size anyway).

 Otherwise, I'm lucky to be doing fine. There are not a lot of guys my age that have endured a brain tumor and can squat (free weight) 275-315 lbs for triple sets of ten .......(not braggin' -  just explaining). I'm very thankful for that ability and will continue with it until I am also finished here too.

 Having a great son is a great asset also. I took over when he was 11 mths old when his mom left. He's now 26 years old with a Masters degree and a 4.0 GPA at UNCG. Every time I talk with him, my respect for this young fella just continues to upgrade. This is another source of good fate for me after all the clutter in my world and confirms your comparative that, "storms never last".

 Well at least my problems aren't as tragic as the future you may well have to endure. I sure hope that maybe what I've written here can be a source of inspiration for you. It never matters how bad things may be, but there is always someone in worse shape.

                                 I wish you the best and believe

                              that the future curve of technology

                               will bring you a  positive resolution.

      Your comment on my modeling ability is most humbly appreciated.

                                              I Thank You,

                                                   Steve

disastermaster

 for some insight into your situation. I would never have suspected that you had problems with your vision. For you to face the vision problem with your degree of optimism is a win win for you. If you ever do lose it all, you'll at least have your models as proof of evidence for your braggin' rights.

  I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. My little mom suffered a very slow and declining condition. Her slow death from Parkinson's lasted for nearly 7 years. She left 71 weeks and 4 days ago at the age of 88. She out-lived dad 40 years..... he's the one that died at Christmas here. I think of them  e v e r y  day so I'm still climbing outta the pits too.

 Her departure caught me right after a stage of modelers burnout. Then, about three years after THAT, my left eye became something to look at, not to look with. Every thing I do is with one eye only and 2.25 readers. The loss of multiple functions in that eye 37 years ago was the result of a brain tumor (when I was 27) the size of a tennis ball, which also affected the nerve responses on the left side of my face. It took out my hearing on that side as well.......   so at least I still have my face.

And no, that's not why I sometimes act  looney on the forum here.

 I'm just having some harmless fun with the goofiness and hope that others may get a laugh, even if it's at my expense (however, I do sometimes think they took out the brain and left the tumor on purpose - probably about the same size anyway).

 Otherwise, I'm lucky to be doing fine. There are not a lot of guys my age that have endured a brain tumor and can squat (free weight) 275-315 lbs for triple sets of ten .......(not braggin' -  just explaining). I'm very thankful for that ability and will continue with it until I am also finished here too.

 Having a great son is a great asset also. I took over when he was 11 mths old when his mom left. He's now 26 years old with a Masters degree and a 4.0 GPA at UNCG. Every time I talk with him, my respect for this young fella just continues to upgrade. This is another source of good fate for me after all the clutter in my world and confirms your comparative that, "storms never last".

 Well at least my problems aren't as tragic as the future you may well have to endure. I sure hope that maybe what I've written here can be a source of inspiration for you. It never matters how bad things may be, but there is always someone in worse shape.

                                 I wish you the best and believe

                              that the future curve of technology

                               will bring you a  positive resolution.

      Your comment on my modeling ability is most humbly appreciated.

                                              I Thank You,

                                          

                                                   Steve

Wow, sounds like you have been through hell!

I could not imagine trying to do model building with 1 eye...

Hang in there Steve, as I'm finding you can persevere if you just don't give up!

Now onto some progress pictures of one of the davits;

  THAT's awesome!

 The little stuff really counts.

  Now, where did you source cable that flexible from?

sewing thread soaked in diluted tube glue.

Thanks!

Ouch guys, I've been getting very little done here recently from a busted up left shoulder and guess I should quit whining now! I've always enjoyed looking at you guys work and it's even more impressive now!

The T28 looks outstanding, I've got one of the kits and was planning on building it straight from the box but love all the extra work you're putting in there.

Gamera

Ouch guys, I've been getting very little done here recently from a busted up left shoulder and guess I should quit whining now! I've always enjoyed looking at you guys work and it's even more impressive now!

The T28 looks outstanding, I've got one of the kits and was planning on building it straight from the box but love all the extra work you're putting in there.

Thanks Gamera!

Sorry to hear about your shoulder, I hope it mends better than mine did. (Motocross accident when I was a kid)

Making Progress here.  Got the davits mounted per the photos of the vehicle during testing.

headlight cables too

forgot to add the open socket for the blackout light though.

last of the cable stays.

and the track hold downs.

More to come!!