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Exhausts drilled out!--1/72 Matchbox Jagdpanther kitbash

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  • Member since
    January 2007
Exhausts drilled out!--1/72 Matchbox Jagdpanther kitbash
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 6:51 PM

Hi doods!

While I'm laboring away on the Stuka over in Aircraft, I've learned that I have some time while I wait for drying of paint, so I've decided to tackle a little "nostalgic" project with a twist here--the 1/76 Matchbox Jagdpanther kit, but substituting a better-built Jagdpanther model for the pretty basic Matchbox kit.

Who hasn't built at least one of these kits? Well, maybe not the younger members among us, but I remember that these were among the first kits that I started building. The LHS at the time had a huge inventory of them, at like $5.99 a pop, and I would go in a literally walk out with 4-5 of them. I loved the little dio bases, and my favorite one was the Jagdpanther dio base.

I have been trying to score one of these off eBay for a while; finally I have one, and I'm going to use the Revell kit, with upgraded parts stolen from the Dragon late Jagdp. model, which is unusable because of the damned metal body, which I've heard are prone to spontaneous disintegration when subjectd to paint (?!). No need to even take the chance!

Here's what I have:

Remember the kit now? Tongue [:P]

Here's the Revell--"HURRAH!" for indy-link tracks! You can build this as early or late, but it's not an accurate engine deck for early--the rearmost engine screens on early models were larger than the ones closer to the hull, so this hull is definitely a later model. You'll also notice the ExtraTech PE kit for the command version of the JP--boy, was this a disappointment--no PE screens, and a real paucity of parts. Welll, at least it was only about $6.00 or so. I guess I just expected more from it. There's a star antenna, and some periscope guards.

...and the Dragon kit with that stupid metal hull..

Starting out, I filled in all the attachment holes on the side of the hull, as I intend to show a late model JP with the recommended modifications which included moving all the hull tools off of the sides and on to the rear, as well as the cleaning rods tube. I also cut off the periscope guards, cut out and used the scissors scope and hatch from Dragon parts, and used the better-detailed DR. gun.I cut the hatches opened to put in some great Preisser 1/72 figures, and shaved down the fe ndersfrom underneath.

So it's a bit slow going, but that's where I am now. I want to get back to my bench, but gotta work on taxes tonight--BOOOOO! Banged Head [banghead]

Comments welcomed, of course! Big Smile [:D]

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:30 PM
Looks like a fun time filler doog! Good luck with your taxes!
  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Pineapple Country, Queensland, Australia
Posted by Wirraway on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:31 PM

Using 3 x kits for 1 x model ?  Well, you sure couldnt afford to do it in 1/16......

Seriously Doog, looking forward to this one like always.

"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional"

" A hobby should pass the time - not fill it"  -Norman Bates

 

GIF animations generator gifup.com

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • From: Colorado
Posted by TacoBuff on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:34 PM

I've never thought about tackling brail scale, but considering how expensive kits are getting, I might look into them.

And you think you've got it bad with taxes? My mom does 'em for a living LOL!  You got nothing to complain about!

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 5:07 AM

Looking great doog!

The Matchbox kit may be basic by modern standards but it is a great kit to build and have a heap of fun not fussing over details!

Here is my Matchbox Jagdpanther, built a few years back as a filler build between aircraft.

It IS the bases ya know....

Mike

 

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 9:11 AM

Thanks, Bill, Paul, Sam, and Mike!

Mike, that Jagd looks about as good as I've seen a Matchbox kit look! You've pretty much captured thelook of what I want to do with my base--dressit up withsome dirt and grass powders and all. Well done, sir!

The taxes are half-finished....Zzz [zzz] It's not looking good for a refund!...Boohoo [BH]

mmc
  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Posted by mmc on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 10:11 AM

Looking forward to seeing this one.

The old Matchbox kits are fantastic, I built most of them during my teens, the first being the Churchill AVRE. Does anyone know why Revell only released a select few of the old Matchbox kits?

Mark

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Kristiansund, Norway
Posted by Huxy on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 10:30 AM

Looks good, Karl!

 

And is that the Revell hull you're using??

 

-Lasse

"Every War Starts And Ends With An Invasion".

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Wisconsin
Posted by DD-557 on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 10:35 AM

 the doog wrote:

I cut the hatches opened to put in some great Preisser 1/72 figures, and shaved down the fenders from underneath.

Hi Doog,

I've been trying to locate some of those Preisser 1/72 dudes mail order stateside and have not found any as yet. Would you mind telling me where you get yours. Have a couple of Extratech's 1:72 AFV, their Achilles IIc TD and M-36 GMC, and would like to capture some of those little people for crews. I believe I will plan on big time use of the Optivisor.

Look forward to following along on your build.

Thanks for your time.

PatrickCowboy [C):-)]

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 10:50 AM
 DD-557 wrote:

 the doog wrote:

I cut the hatches opened to put in some great Preisser 1/72 figures, and shaved down the fenders from underneath.

Hi Doog,

I've been trying to locate some of those Preisser 1/72 dudes mail order stateside and have not found any as yet. Would you mind telling me where you get yours. Have a couple of Extratech's 1:72 AFV, their Achilles IIc TD and M-36 GMC, and would like to capture some of those little people for crews. I believe I will plan on big time use of the Optivisor.

Look forward to following along on your build.

Thanks for your time.

PatrickCowboy [C):-)]

Hi Patrick!

Sure thing! I get mine from Reynauld's Euro-Imports. They're really good about their stock, and very helpful in acquiring what you want. I git about 10 boxes of these figures--they're addictive once you start ordering them, they're just so versatile and cool to build with seperate arms and poses! 

Here's the link right to the Preisser page:

http://www.reynaulds.com/preiser.aspx

Mark--I think that the reason is demand, coupled with the licensing fees.

Huxy--yes, I will be using the Revell hull as the basis for the build, with parts fro the Dragon kit--like the PE< the cables, and various other better-molded parts.

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posted by model maniac 96 on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 5:00 PM
that is coming along very nicely Doog, can't wait to see it finished!!

Jim
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" Julius Caesar: I came, I saw, I conquered.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 5:12 PM
I still have many of the old Matchbox kits. I loved them as a kid. Yours looks like a great build. I did my taxes the other day as well. Something I still enjoy doing since my degree is in Banking & Finance.
  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 5:29 PM

Fair play there Karl. Looking forward to seeing this develop, that Matchbox is something I have not seen in a long time.

Good Luck with the build,

Terry.

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 6:15 PM

Thanks, terry, and Jim! Nice to see that there are many guys who remember these kits as fondly as I do! 

And thanks, too, Rob, for posting a comment. I had to laugh at anyone "enjoying" doing taxes--I've actually made good progress this year, in that it's not April 13th when I'm starting them, LOL! Whistling [:-^] 

I hate doing them so much that I usually put them off as long as I can. To many itemizations! And it doesn't look like any refund is coming my way....booo! 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 6:25 PM
 mmc wrote:
The old Matchbox kits are fantastic, I built most of them during my teens, the first being the Churchill AVRE. Does anyone know why Revell only released a select few of the old Matchbox kits?

Mark

Hi Mark,

Actually there's about 20 or so of the ex-Matchbox armour kits listed on the Revell (Europe) website. I know there's been a mere handful avaliable for a few years, but I think we're starting to see a few more.

Wouldn't mind picking up one or two of these myself - I've been spying the JgdPz IV around the place locally... Burger [BG]

 

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Wisconsin
Posted by DD-557 on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 6:28 PM

 the doog wrote:

Hi Patrick!

Sure thing! I get mine from Reynauld's Euro-Imports. They're really good about their stock, and very helpful in acquiring what you want. I git about 10 boxes of these figures--they're addictive once you start ordering them, they're just so versatile and cool to build with seperate arms and poses! 

Here's the link right to the Preisser page:

http://www.reynaulds.com/preiser.aspx

Thanks very much Doog. Surfed their site and it's easy to see why you use them. Didn't see any US WWII tank crews in particular but with what's available I maybe able to bash some of the sets and come out alright. Do wish they had some Brit WWII tank crews which would work out great for the Achilles IIc TD.

Anyway, thanks again for letting me butt into your thread. It will be interesting to follow along and pickup on some of your Braille Scale techniques.

All the best,

Patrick Cowboy [C):-)]  

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Thursday, April 2, 2009 6:59 AM

I used to do my parents taxes, but the last time I did them was around 2005 or 2006 when they retired and moved to Florida. I now do my stepdaughter's taxes as well as my own. I've yet to have to cut a check to the Department of Treasury. In my younger days in the Army in Germany, I used to be detailed as the VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistant during the beginning of the calendar years.

Those Matchbox kits used to be around $2 and change when I was a kid living in Vermont. I think I bought the entire line of 1/76 armor and 1/72 aircraft, one kit at a time. One of the last kits I bought as a kid that never got built was the old Matchbox B-17 Flying Fortress. Thirty something years later, I know I still have it sitting unbuilt in a box somewhere. It was one of their bigger and more expensive kits at the time, running about $5+.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, April 2, 2009 8:37 AM
Cool project...I have never delved into these kits even though I'm guessing I am about your age...I do know that most of the DML 72nd scale kits are very detailed...but those metal hulls are a real buzz-kill...what is your motive in bashing three of these: to get the best parts from each?
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Thursday, April 2, 2009 9:12 AM

 Mansteins revenge wrote:
Cool project...I have never delved into these kits even though I'm guessing I am about your age...I do know that most of the DML 72nd scale kits are very detailed...but those metal hulls are a real buzz-kill...what is your motive in bashing three of these: to get the best parts from each?
YUP! That's the idea, Manny! I want some decent detail, and none of the kits together have everything, so I figured I can reduce the stash a bit, and build a terrific model.

These kits are not high on the accuracy or detail list--their main appeal, to me anyway, is their "ready-made" diorama bases. Really a brilliant idea, then and now. The diversity of setting was and is still really impressive. With a little love, they can be made into gorgeous little scenes.

Rob--done with my taxes; I just may squeeze a few bucks out of the Federal gov't--but not the State! New York taxes us to DEATH! Yuck [yuck]

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Thursday, April 2, 2009 10:16 AM
 Mansteins revenge wrote:
Cool project...I have never delved into these kits even though I'm guessing I am about your age...I do know that most of the DML 72nd scale kits are very detailed...but those metal hulls are a real buzz-kill...what is your motive in bashing three of these: to get the best parts from each?
Very few of the Dragon kits have metal hulls. Mainly the original Panther G/F kits (Late, early and PzBeobWg, Jadgpanther), the Sturmtiger and original AAV7A1 Amtrac. The Panther G, Jadgpanther and AAV7A1 have been replaced by newer version with all plastic parts (except some PE and aluminum barrels).
  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Saturday, April 11, 2009 5:14 PM

Hi guys,

Got a pre-painting update here to share. Benn working away a bit at a time here on the Jagdpanther. Here's the shot about a week ago--I ahve finished the wheels and installed them; they have nt really been weathered yet. I'm going to put the Revell indy links on them as the paint is drying on the hull. You can see some PE that I have added, and some of the DML parts.

Working from a list of field modifications suggested by panzer crews from the excellent Schiffer book "History of the Schwere Panzerjaeger Abteilung 654" by Karlheinz Munch, I have moved al the tools and fittings from the main hull sides, except for the wood block. These were applied to both early and later models. I have decided to model a late model with additional mods, such as the flame-reducing tail pipes. The wheels themsleves have not been glued on at this poit, and neither have I added tow hooks. Here is a comparision shot next to an Easter kiss...

The putty outlines of the old tool frames are commonly seen remnants of where the old tool frames used to be. The other side, next to the....HEY! Whistling [:-^].....Wink [;)]

I scratched the side skirt rail and hangers, added bolts, and moved the tools to the rear deck. The tools had to be cut from the frames and sanded to size.

Other small details were added to the hatches, and there were also some grab handles made. Also, the rear hatch bumpers on the rear deck were made from sprue. Also, lids were made for the rear stowage containers.

 

The additional tools were moved to the rear plate, and the towing shackles squeezed in. The engine crank should actually go vertically, but I just plain couldn't fit it. I theorized this is where I'd weld affix it on my JP.

And the sweeet Matchbox base that I so love!

 

And the weird thing is, the 1/72 JP fits snugly into the 1/76 Matchbox JP tracks?

 

And that's where I am so far! I'll be laying down some base paint, and starting on the tracks and base coating....Stay tuned! Big Smile [:D]

 

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Saturday, April 11, 2009 5:35 PM

Karl your approaching this like other mere mortals would approach a 1/35th. Superb. the etch work looks painful, the carpet monster would love you. Those wheels are simply beautiful, the steel wear on the outer rims really shows up the work done so far, when the tracks go on it will be just great.

Good luck with the rest of the build,

Terry

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 11, 2009 6:36 PM
Really, really a neat project...this one is fun to watch...
  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Kristiansund, Norway
Posted by Huxy on Saturday, April 11, 2009 7:32 PM

Ahh.. I love it!!!  The wheels are like.. WOW... Shock [:O]

 

Give me your wheelskills!

 

And... well.. I'd like to see more items from the matchbox kit added! Tongue [:P]

 

Hey, that book.. it got an actual list of fieldmodifications? you recommend the book? How much you recommend it? Smile [:)]

 

-Lasse

"Every War Starts And Ends With An Invasion".

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Saturday, April 11, 2009 8:52 PM

Thanks, Terry, Manny, and Huxy!

Lasse, that book has not only a list, but a diagram of field mods. It's a wealth of information on the Jagdpanther and Ferdinand/Elefant. Tons of rare photos, diagrams, and color paintings/renderigs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Not cheap though--over $100.00, and maybe OOP by now? Check out JJ Fedorowicz publishing for info on it.

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: N.H.
Posted by panzerguy on Saturday, April 11, 2009 8:54 PM

  Doog way cool project you got going here. The extra detail that your putting into this is mind blowing for such a wee thing.

  Have you thought about making a mold of that base?

  What's the deal with the Dragon metal hulls? I have the Sturmtiger in the stash and it has the metal hull.   

"Happiness is a belt fed weapon"

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Saturday, April 11, 2009 9:01 PM

Thanks, Steve! Just a quick answer before I have to run over to Jenns--someone on here posted something about the metal hulls literally disintegrating or something after a while--not sure if it's an intrinsic flaw in the casting, or a reaction to paints?

Perhaps that person will post the info again"

There's also the issue of not being able to use regular plastic glue on them...minor thing, I guess, but that whole "disintegration thing" is a bit scary!

(I have that Sturmtiger too, but I picked up the Trumpeter one to build instead; I'll use the metal hull one for spare parts and details)

I shioulda molded the base, but I've never gotten into casting....Sigh [sigh]

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Perth, Western Australia
Posted by madmike on Saturday, April 11, 2009 9:15 PM

Doog, that is simply superb. When I see you build, I realise I am a mere kit assembler!

I would love to cast these bases. Have the resin casting stuff but no time to undertake the process currently.

Mike

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: ohio
Posted by vonryan on Saturday, April 11, 2009 9:30 PM
GREAT WORK Doog!! that Matchbox kit remindes me of some older kits that came with little Dio's in it. but they where 1/48th scale. do you or anyone else remember them?? they had Centurion, Stalin JS3, Tiger I, and Sherman, thoughs are the only one's i remember. but the cool thing was the Dio part that came with the kit. oh well AS ALWAYS GREAT BUILD Doog!!!

                                     Clay     
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Rain USA, Vancouver WA
Posted by tigerman on Saturday, April 11, 2009 10:19 PM

 vonryan wrote:
GREAT WORK Doog!! that Matchbox kit remindes me of some older kits that came with little Dio's in it. but they where 1/48th scale. do you or anyone else remember them?? they had Centurion, Stalin JS3, Tiger I, and Sherman, thoughs are the only one's i remember. but the cool thing was the Dio part that came with the kit. oh well AS ALWAYS GREAT BUILD Doog!!!

                                     Clay     

Were they Aurora?

   http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/wing_nut_5o/PANZERJAGERGB.jpg

 Eric 

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