Panzerjager GB (March 1st - June 30th, 2011)

TAPS88 - Another Sturer Emil, NICE!  This is a kit I have been wanting so I have a high intrest in these two builds.

Ben - I had missed your update I guess when I was writing my last post.  Your Marder is looking great, really like those ammo racks!  I have not had a lot of luck with the PE tool brackets.  Have made them before, when I do, I bend and glue everything straight onto the tools.  Then I paint the tools just as one would do if it had molded on clamps.  My problem was, found it hard to make a set of clamps look like each other, my solution use the tools with molded on clamps and then use part MA16 (on your instruction sheet), the handle,and glue that onto the molded clamps.  Keep up the good progress.

Up Date - Some of these may seem to be repetitive on the pics but still have problems with lighting and trying to get everything to show.  These are the last of the interior pics until towards the end of the build, hope to be putting personal gear and wiring at that point.

All assemblies are dry fit.  Engine deck had small seam showing so filled it with some streched sprue, stippled with chisel blade and call it a weld seam.  Can also see the added in hatches.

Interior is complete for now.  Here are a few pics

And here is the instrument panel

Tryed to get a shot of the panel inside the vehicle but just cant get the light in there for the picture

Next in line is to get these two assemblies permanent onto the hull and then work on theroad wheels.

Let's see...

I have one of these waiting to be built. I'd love to join the GB, if it's not too late?

T-man - yeah, it's huge. I'll throw down a pic with a ruler before I start. I think maybe this kit was only made in one big run, and supplies are dwindling - doesn't appear to be in stock anywhere...maybe soon to be discontinued?

Ben - I think what they're trying to convey there is to not glue the clasps shut until AFTER your painted tools are inserted. Don't see why you couldn't just slide them in afterwards? Pretty fiddly, at best. Those parts are SMALL!

Thanks guys. Yeah, this one has been extremely easy to build........it's a Tamiya!

Ben, you're making very good progress too. I usually use the tools with the plastic tool clasps, so I can't really offer any advice on the PE versions.

As Dupes said, Valley Con is two weeks away, so I don't think I'll do much more on this until after the show.

Nate

Yes I concur about the clamps. Seems so fragile to have them open and close.

Dupes I saw a Sturmer at the show yesterday and amazingly, they appeared to be asking retail $$ for it. Surprised me. You're right about that gun. Pretty big!

tigerman

Great to see so much progress.

Ben, wish I could help out, but I'm pretty PE illiterate. They could well be workable, but I can't tell. I wouldn't think you'd want them to be. It's static after all.

Hey TM,

Obviously I won't be popping them open and taking the tools off but from looking at the build guide I assume they need to be made up and the tool handles positioned in place and then the clamps closed up. It says no glue to be used so I'm of the mind that they need to be able to be workable - the instructions are just pretty poor and unclear and I'm a total PE newbie which doesn't help!

Rob - I'm really pleased with mine so far, I thought it was going to be beyond me and my limited skills but I have been proved very wrong. It's a been a very enjoyable build so far!

How's that little Pz of yours coming along? That interior was something special so I'm keen to see what you do with the rest of the build!

ATVB

Ben

Dupes - It IS too bad more of the interior will not show.  Cut-away is not going too be done on this one, only when I have more than one of a kit (or of that AFV) I then think of doing things such as cut-aways or blown apart etc...  Always like to have a complete example of the AFV for the display cabinet.  I may in the future get another of this kit and do a cut-away, it would make a great one to do like that same for the PZ 38 I have in stash with FULL interior.

Still never found 100% method with "Silvering" decals myself but I found the Micro - Sol / set too work best for me.

NICE !!  The Sturer Emil won!  Cant wait.

Thom - Will be watching with much intrest on your build.  I like when the Zim is scratched.  Really looking forward too see how yours comes out.  Have been looking but have not been able to find the waffle pattern on the IV only the normal straight line pttern.

And thanks about my interior.

Nate - Looks great!  You really pulled away with the consruction and it looks like you created an excellent platform for the paint.  Agree, those figures are goig to look great for old cold Russia.  Like them much better than the ones that came with the kit.  Cant wait too see the paint!

Tigerman - It sounds as if you have accomplished a lot, any chance of some pictures?  Looking forward to take a peak.

UP DATE - Still working on the interior, the upper section.  Have just about completed the interior completly, paint and all.  Added some small parts too the glacis / turret structure and is ready to glue in place.  Have also added the hatches and some weld seams to the engine deck.  It is almost ready too glue on.  Will post some pictures as soon as I finish some grab handles for the last touch in the interior.  Pics, soon, today.

How is everyone else coming along?

Great to see so much progress.

Dupes, congrats on all the awards. What a haul!

Nate, you just blasted that Marder together. Love the Friuls. I have the guys from my Wespe too. They do look appropriate.

Ben, wish I could help out, but I'm pretty PE illiterate. They could well be workable, but I can't tell. I wouldn't think you'd want them to be. It's static after all.

Hello GB'ers!

That Marder is coming along nicely Nate! The figures look really good!

 I'd say the Friuls on the right side look perfect and the left run could probably do with using one link - have you had a count up of links used on each side?

Onto my Marder - so far it hasn't been the scarily over complicated monster that I'd envisaged There have been a couple of niggly little annoying things like incorrect part numbers on the build guide and slots and grooves missing off parts that are shown in the pictures but aren't there on the actual part! Oh well, it is a Dragon kit after all!

So, work done this weekend:

• Saturday - none whatsoever as I got roped into going into the office for a meeting and I had such a headache when I got home I just couldn't face a Dragon model!
• Today - I had an early start to make up for the time I lost yesterday and things are moving along nicely. I decided against painting the drivers interior compartment as with it already assembled I'd struggle to do a half decent job of it - it wil give me more time to concentrate on the fighting compartment detailing which I'm hoping will be a real piece of eye candy. 
• By lunchtime I'd assembled the front sloping compartment cover and hatches and the travel lock was in place. According to the instructions the drivers hatch was supposed to have a cut out taken from it to allow flush fitting of the travel lock mount but it wasn't there. This needed some careful surgery and turned out ok - niggle #1!
• The fenders are on but the right fender needed surgery to fit properly - instruction error by what I can make of it niggle #2!
• Engine covers in place with curved sections and grab handles fitted. Beautifully detailed.
• PaK 40 base fitted and fighting compartment floor is in place but not cemented as I'l probable need to remove this again.
• Finally, I knew the next stages would involve assembly of the main gun and detailing of the fighting compartment (assembly of the ammo holders and radio) so I felt brave and assembled the ammo holders. One is a simple plastic affair with three tubes for round storage but the other has a PE frame the need building up and two 6 round holders slotting home inside the frame. I got my first ever opportunity to use my PE folder which saved my life - I thought I'd never use it as I've had it for 6 months and had yet to need it. The only PE work I'd really done today was big muffler shrouds which are easy!
• The frame assembled okay and doesn't look too bad. The 15 ammo tubes each needed a very small PE extension sticking into the ends with CA which was a real tricky PITA but I'm now definately getting a lot more proficient when working with PE! It's the tool clamps which look VERY difficult!

Next week I'll assemble the gun and start work on the interior of the fighting compartment. I'll soon get the basecoat of DY laid. The ammo holders and various bit's will be in place but the radio assembly etc will be painted by hand and fitted after basecoat application. Tools will also be painted by hand and fitted later on as will the running gear.

Overall, I'm realy pleased with how this build is going. I'd put it off for ages as it looked so complicated but a bit of forethought on the best way of each assembly stage has helped me know end - this could be a very nice Marder if my AB painting skills are up to the job!

WIP photos:

How on EARTH do these tool clamps assemble (clamp 'V')? Are they supposed to be workable? Has anyone got a blog?

Thanks for looking guys,

I'm really enjoying this GB especially as Marders are my all time favourites - they are so cool

Have a great week everyone!

ATVB

Ben  

Holy smokes Nate, how long did it take you to build the whole thing?? Those Wespe figs do indeed look cold!

Itching to get started on the Sturer Emil, but I've only got two weeks left until Valleycon...think I'm going to have to focus on touching up a few builds that went to Downeastcon yesterday, and maybe finish up a couple more while I'm at it. End of March it will have to be! Should have the AM barrel by then as well.

Speaking of Downeastcon, I raked again this year at my (semi)local contest! Took home awards with 8 out of the 14 armor/aircraft builds I entered! Pretty darn happy with that as the level of competition was considerably higher this year. Toot toooot!

Hi All,

Well, I finished the build portion of my Marder III today. Except for the gun cleaning rods, which I'll install after I'm done painting it. The tracks are also still removable so I can finish them. The last time I used Friuls, I used Blacken-it to weather them. It  worked, but it was pretty messy so I'm thinking about just painting them this time.

I plan on painting it panzer gray with a winter white-wash over the base coat. I swiped the two crew men from Tamiya's Wespe kit; they just look COLD!

Here's some pics of where I'm at. I'm happy with the right side track, but may remove a link on the left.

Thanks for looking, and have a great day.

Nate

Sounds like you're flying along Terry. i too hope to be painting by next weekend. Tis possible if I can get the tracks assembled.

Just checking in, Dupes can't wait to see you get a start on the Sturer. 

Ben that Pz.1 interior is cool, all the more reason to give the marder one a try.

Had a busy week in hell/work so  I hope to get updates ASAP. Ideally with St. Paddys day coming up Thursday i hope to have the kit prepared for airbrushing. the alternative is just sitting in the boozer getting hammered. I just don't drink that much anymore so with a bit of luck it will be painting.

Terry.

Hey guys,

I hope you are all very well

I've had some excellent news today; the builders have postponed the start of work on the extension until Wednesday so guess what? No emptying the roofspace so a FULL weekend of build time! Yeah!

This weekend I will mostly be assembling the upper sloping armour above the drivers compartment. I was going to paint the drivers compartment but seeing as I'm on a tight schedule the interior will be staying unpainted but assembling it was good practice for me.

When the driver compartment is on along with the hatch etc the fenders will be going on and then I'll either start work on the fighting compartment details or the Pak 40 assembly as it looks fun (and complicated). I haven't got to worry about fitting the Magic Tracks tracks now seeing that I'm using Friuls now. I've got some 'Black Track' from a forum chum here in the UK. It comes in three small 250ml bottles and the assembled tracks have to be 'dipped' stage by stage and his tracks looks superb. I suppose it's a bit like 'Blacken It' that you guys have in the States but it's apparently designed for tracks? I'm not sure about that but am looking forward to trying it out. No paint - just a dip and then pigments.

I do fancy another detailed 'interior' build so when I pick up my replacement StuG III B that got eaten I think it will be a hatches open job with full interior and scratchbuilt details too - my LHS have my replacement in stock now. The interior is basic so additional detailing will be required and I fancy a bit of scratch work. The gun is extremely well detailed for a Tamiya kit so that's a start.

Anyway, I want to see some photos chaps! How are you getting on?

WIP update later.

ATVB

Ben

Have fun Marc. Only two weeks til Valley Con!

Nate

Good luck Marc. Looking forward to the Sturmer Emil.

Well fellas, the time is here! Looks like the Sturer Emil has won the popular vote. Gotta get an order in to JBModel for an aftermarket barrel...everything else is here. Prepping for a show tomorrow, so no pics yet, but I'll take some on Sunday when I'm in a post-contest modeling frenzy.

Can't wait to get started!

I'm not an expert, but I can't recall seeing the waffle zimmerit on the StuG IV. Maybe check out some manufacturers such as Cavalier and Eduard to see if they produce a set, and if they do, your golden.

Hey Nate,

Hopefully going to start this one over the weekend, this one does not have the moulded on zimm so I'll be doing it the putty/scrape method .

And I'll post pics of the process for everyone to have a good chuckle at.

I wonder if the StuG IV had a variant with the waffle zimm pattern instead of the raked pattern, have to look into that one.

I see your build is moving along nicely as well great work as always.

tigerman: I'm not sure I might do a AM barrel if anything, but still undecided.

Bob: Nice work as well on your build.

Ben: Great work on your build also, I'm going to enjoy watching this one.

Rob: That interior is great looking, I think the colors really pop on it.

Cheers, Thom

Cheers, Thom

dupes

Hinksy - nice Pz.I! That interior does look really good.

Thanks Dupes,

Like I say, she's on of my personal favourites!

Has anyone got any info on the drivers compartment colours for my my Marder III M? I'm going to be going all out for a big chunk of building work this weekend and still might paint the front compartment yet but am still stuck on colours.

Any basic Marder III M colour guidelines chaps?

ATVB

Ben

Hey Thom,

Looking forward to seeing this one go together. I've got the STuG IV early with molded zim, that I'd like to start in the near future.

Nate

dupes

BTW, the Voyager etch set for the Sturer Emil showed up today...one of my least favorite parts of modeling is decaling - not because I don't like doing it, but because I can't count the number of times a good/great build has been derailed due to silvered decals. Yeah, I've tried future, micro-sol/set, solvaset, whatever - totally hit or miss, can't find a 100% effective method.

ANYWAY (diatribe over), the Voyager set comes with a set of complete etch stencils for both of the production Emils. I thought that was a pretty nice touch...and totally unexpected!

Absolutely agree with you on decals. That is why I'm focusing on some Archer numbers this weekend at the model show. I'm lazy and they never turn out that great. Of course I have plenty of white numbers, but it seems that the Jagdtiger had black numbers and some balkenkruezs.

I finished the track hangers, so the upper half is now finished with the exception of tools and cables. I'm almost ready to tackle the dreaded magic tracks. Pics TK.

BTW, the Voyager etch set for the Sturer Emil showed up today...one of my least favorite parts of modeling is decaling - not because I don't like doing it, but because I can't count the number of times a good/great build has been derailed due to silvered decals. Yeah, I've tried future, micro-sol/set, solvaset, whatever - totally hit or miss, can't find a 100% effective method.

ANYWAY (diatribe over), the Voyager set comes with a set of complete etch stencils for both of the production Emils. I thought that was a pretty nice touch...and totally unexpected!

Still too bad you won't be able to see more of this when you're done!

Ever consider doing a cut-away?

Dupes, Tigerman, Nate, Bob, Boyd, Thanks guys.  Only the rear parts of the interior will show when it has it's top on but the pieces were there so thought would paint them anyway.  Not sure if I like the color of green used, has quite a few coats of wash (Raw umber) and still did not darken up as much as wanted.  Lesson learned.

Marc - Nice welds, something I will be trying here soon.  Hope can get mine half as good as yours.

Terry - Thanks.  Thats a nice touch with the smoke candle holder.  Will really add some extra detail to the rear.

Not much to report on for progress, has been a long hard work week.  Looking forward too the weekend to get some more work done on the PZ.  Was able to get the interior into the hull and add the ammo bins.  Put on a few more washes, gray chipping and a touch of burnt metal and steel dry brushing.

As you can see in this pic, the overhead is dry fit and much of the interior will not be visable.

One more day for the weekend

Are you going to add an AM or build OOB?

Hello All,

Here is a picture of the kit sprues, hope to start this over the weekend.

It's looking more like the Sturer Emil, unless the absentees can get their votes in for the Jagdpanther.

Hinksy - nice Pz.I! That interior does look really good.

Thom - vote logged. Only one more day for the stragglers! With 6 votes to go the outcome could be decidedly alterered...

1. Tigerman-  Jagdpanther
2. Panzerwaffe-  Sturer Emil
3. Bufflehead- ???
4. RMC_Birdunner- ???
5. Big Smitty- ???
6. Wing_nut-  Sturer Emil
7. Bobbaily-  Jagdpanther
8. TigerEp1- ???
9. Nachtflieger- Sturer Emil
10. Terry35- Sturer Emil
    
11. Hinsky- Dicker Max
    
12. Dupes- (tiebreaker)
13. bbrowniii- Jagdpanther
14. Wolfp - ???
    
15. ogrejohn - ???
16. JMart - Sturer Emil
17. tlivansco - Hetzer
    

dupes,

Ah well confusion comes easy, my vote would be for the Tamiya 35285 Hetzer Mid then.

Cheers