I'm currently working on a DML Panther II. I have the hull completely assembled and painted. The turret is seperate from the hull, but it is completely assembled and painted. The tracks are off . They are completely assembled and painted. The pioneer tools ( shovel, hatchet, towing hooks, starter crank, etc) are not yet mounted on the hull sides. They have been painted and are still loose. I'll glue them on soon. Everything is painted. I'm currently weathering it all, right now just finished two 'washes' the other day. Am waiting for some after-market dry transfers to arrrive. Am planning not to use kit decals. So that's where I'm at right now. This is my second tank kit and my first German AVF. Been fun!
The way I'm doing it...is just one way. There are many ways to assemble a great model. You just have to decide on how you want to go.
Glenn
p.s.- I started armor last March with a Tamiya 37mm PAK kit. Prior to that I spent the last 9 years building cars. The last car kit I built I converted the AMT '58 Plymouth Belvedere into a police cruiser.