1,000 Roadwheels - 2009

Evening all

I'm sorry to all you guys for not being on for a bit and commenting on all the cracking builds that are being done for the GB. It seems ages since I finished my 2 entries, but a lot has happened in my private life that meant the hobby was pushed to one side, namely my marriage breaking up. I'm slowly coming to terms with things and I'm hoping to get some photos up of the dio I put together to go with my Nashorn. I will get there but my little girl takes up most of my time at the minute.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing all the finished IV's

Mark

MMC- I'm so sorry to hear about your marriage. It must be tough on everyone, hopefully time will mend things. It is good to have you back. Maybe my little story will cheer you up a bit.

Okay, it's times like this when I ask myself if I'm doing to much

I'm working on the three lower hulls for my builds (ausf e, Ostwind and sturmgeschutze), when I get to the back plate for the sturm, they have a box in place of the turrent muffler. So I start comparing the models, going through my references (unfortunately small and only of the tanks) and thinking to myself, wow, Academy really messed this one up. After about twenty minutes of looking through things and trying to figure out how to make this little box into a turrent muffler it hits, you jacka**, the sturmgeschutze doesn't have a turrent.

Well back to work

-Stephen

Thanks guys, it really means a lot

NucMedTech: I did have a little giggle to myself.

Mark

Hi Guys,

I'm happy to say that I am FINALLY able to start cutting sprues, and join this Group Build! I recieved the new Dragon smart kit of the Jagdpanzer IV L/70(V) Monday, and I will start building it this morning.

 I plan on building this kit totaly OOB, so it should go very quickly. Instead of taking pics of the individual sprues, I'm going to cheat a bit and enclose a link to a website that has already done that!

http://www.modelarmour.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=471:dragon-jagdpanzer-iv-l70v&catid=37:kits&Itemid=60

I have wanted to build one of these kits ever since it was announced a few months ago! I can't wait to get started. I should have an up-date this afternoon.

Nate

MMC- Glad to have cheered you up a little, Just remember it will get better!

Nachtflieger- I've always liked that tank. the way that barrel sticks way out there is just intimidating. Looking forward to your build.

I'll try and get some pics of my progress up tis weekend, I should have something to show.

-Stephen

Nate, I just picked up the Jagdpanzer IV L/70(V) as well.  If I can get the review done quickly enough I'm going to try to work it in as a secone build in this GB.  It looks like a really nice kit!

Hi guys,

Marc, Chris, and Stephen; thanks for the interest, and encouragement!

detailfreak; yes, it looks like I'll be able to add considerably to my parts box, although I don't think it's as much as some of their other kits like the up-armoured Ausf. D that you just finished up.

Scott; I look forward to reading your review of this kit. I always enjoy your reviews on armourama!

I have already discovered that the instructions aren't very clear in some respects. (gee.....Dragon instructions that aren't clear? No way!) They show parts B1, and B3 being assembled, with an arrow VAGUELY pointing to were they should go. Luckily, I just got home and found a Verlinden book on the Jp IV that I won on ebay waiting for me. Apparently, the part is some kind of skid-plate, that attaches to the side of the rear hull to keep the track aligned. I don't think I would've found this out from the kit instructions!

Oops, upon further review of the instructions, it shows the parts as being optional, but it still doesn't show where they mount.

I tend to jump around during construction, so if it seems like I'm not following the instructions, I am......just not the order they were written!

Today I managed to assemble the rear panel with exhausts, and idler mounts, and tow hitch. I also added the fuel filler ports along the left side, and attached the angled bow plate, and final drive housings. For as little apparent work that I did, there sure were a LOT of parts! I've been spoiled lately with Tamiya kits!

Anyway, the detailing and fit is excellent! Aside from the glitch in the instructions, so far I'm very impressed. Here's a few pics of today's efforts. 

Sorry about the blurriness of the pics.......I'm actually building this at my job, so I was sneaking pics! Tomorrow, I'll set up my portable tri-pod, and take better pics during my breaks. 

Hope you like the pics.

Nate

Dragon instructions that are not clear, i just can't believe that

This is one of sevearl Pz IV types i'd like to add to the stash, and i think this is the best out there, if not the only one, so will be seeing how you get on. But seems to be looking good so far.

Thanks Bish! The detailing on this kit is really quite good.......even with my crappy pics, you can see the weld details on the final drive housings. I really hope I can do it justice.

Another great thing about this kit.......I don't need to buy zimmerit! Woo Hoo!

Nate

Lol! Yes, I plan on starting the suspension work today. First, the bump stops, then the bogie assembelies etc.....tedious, but worth it in the long run!

Thankfully, the wheels themselves are the newer 3 piece units, so that part will go quickly.The first bogie on each side however, is equipped with resiliant steel wheels, and Dragon took an interesting approach to building them.

Again, I'll try and post an up-date this afternoon.

Nate

Yep, working on the bogies for ausf E. 7 parts for each bogie (not including the wheels and tires).  I finished the Academy and CMK lower hulls in one session each, I think the dragon will take a little longer. At least, in the end, the dragon suspension will be workable and the detail is a whole lot better.

Detailfreak, how is your E coming? Are you also building the 3n1?

-Stephen

Nate - nice progress! And at work to boot!

I guess the fit is good...that front glacis looks like one piece.

Nachflieger: I love the Jagdpanzer IV, I built the old Tamiya one as my second entry in this GB, maybe if I'm a good boy Santa will bring me the Dragon one for Christmas.

Mark

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220490261859&ssPageName=ADME:L:COSI:US:1123

there is the link to the score on Ebay, its a Tamyia kit, with a bunch of extras.. looked like a good deal, including the shipping..

Hi Guys,

I love your Ausf. E and your 10.5 cm, detailfreak! Excellent work!

Mark: Yes I agree the Jagdpanzer IV is a pretty mean looking beats, isn't it?

P38jl: I think you got a very good deal on your ebay score....congrats!

Marc: Thanks for the comments! Yes, the fit is VERY good on this one, and the detail has to be seen to be appreciated!

I brought my portable tri-pod to work, and took some better pics of my progress so far. Today I was able to build the upper glacis with brake doors, and the gun barrel travel lock; the "bump stops" for the bogie assemblies, and the bogie mounting plates. 

I also added the interior bulkhead and radio. I'm actually going to build this one with the hatches closed, but I wanted to let everyone see what's in the box. 

Lastly, I started work on the running gear itself. I built the drive sprockets, idlers, and return rollers, and attached them all with blue tack temporarilly.

I should say at this point, that you are given a number of options in this kit. You can choose one of three different return rollers, and late exhaust ( like I have) or the earlier cylinder type muffler. As I come across any other options, I'll let you know.

Tomorrow, I'm hoping to build the bogie assemblies with their road wheels.

Now, here are some pics of today's efforts. I'm glad I took these as I can see a lot of areas that I'll need to go back, and clean up!