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

Dupes-thanks for your tips on the tool painting.  Good idea on the post-it note and the use of Blue tac.

Yeah, I remember the T-34.....I ended up repainting it after your GB.....still a winter scheme though.  My first experience with indy tracks......snip, snip, file, file, snap....well, not really a snap...glue...curse...sigh....looking forward to the next generation Magic Tracks in this kit.  However, the fact that there may be very little track exposed makes me think about using some rubber band tracks from a Tamiya Pz IV I have in the stash....time will tell.

Status reports-wheels are done, working on the lower chassis now.

Is it too late to get in on this GB? If it's not too late I have an old Dragon Panzer IV/70(A) that I'd like to do.

Well well well...things ARE getting interesting!

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-
    
11. Hinsky- Dicker Max
    
12. Dupes- (tiebreaker)
13. bbrowniii- Jagdpanther
14. Wolfp -
    

Hinksy - glad to see someone has kicked it into high gear! Looking forward to more pics.

Wolfp - how about it? Wanna throw a vote into the bin?

Bob - I remember that T-34! For the first Winter Warriors! As far as tools - I've tried both ways. If you have a super-steady hand (and not a TON of tools to do), it's very possible to do them in place...especially if you can slip a post-it note underneath to contain any mishaps. I use a hybrid method now - handi-tack the tools in place while I'm basecoating the vehicle, then pop them off for detail painting, then glue in final position so they can be weathered with everything else.

Side note - JB Model has a great brass ammo set for the Sturer...several different warheads, empty shells, etc. Mmmmmmmmm. Heheheh.

Hey guys,

Well I've made a start - I got a work call out so lost two hours build time so only more of a preparation in the end today really. I've removed all of the 'parts not used' by chopping off the sections of sprue that they fall on so the numbers stay with them incase I need them later on.

Wheels cleanup has been done and the lower hull tub is ready to go. The suspension arms are on along with the wheel locating lugs and lugs for the idlers. I'm still thinking about the best way to get these Magic Tracks done so they can be removed for painting after assembly - I'll sort it out

I've got the unused Friul tracks from my Hetzer build - I couldn't use them as the guide horns were spaced too far apart and wouldn't fit inside the idler & drive wheels. I thought I'd try them on this Marder which obviously has the same chassis but hey presto - they still don't fit. Guide horns too wide

Anyway, I'm working tomorrow morning then I'll be installing the interior and the engine and making a start on the tracks prior to getting the upper hull in place.

I'm honestly not sure what is wrong with these Friuls? I firstly just thought the Tamiya Hetzer was a bit 'off' but the Dragon Marder too - no chance!

The instructions call for some of the Magic Tracks to be used in making up the spare track runs but I think I'll make these spare runs up from the Friuls so I'll have more Magic Tracks to mess with and I'll dip the spare Friul runs in my Track Black solution which should make them look really nice and rusted/weathered.

A couple of photos:

This is my GB build just incase anyone has forgotten

Running gear cleaned up and hull tub ready for interior fitment tomorrow (the pieces that make up the leaf suspension is amazing - it took ages): 

WIP update tomorow! Has anyone else got started yet - I haven't had time to look over the whole thread?

ATVB

Ben  

Nachtflieger

Just got my order from Spue Brothers with the Friuls for my Marder III. I also got the new Dragon SdKfz 10/5 AA halftrack. Much to my surprise, there was a free Concord Publications book on Spec Ops. included inside the kit box! I never saw that advertised, but I'm pretty happy with it.

Nate

Nice bonus. Is that the halftrack with the quad 20's or the 37mm?

Just got my order from Spue Brothers with the Friuls for my Marder III. I also got the new Dragon SdKfz 10/5 AA halftrack. Much to my surprise, there was a free Concord Publications book on Spec Ops. included inside the kit box! I never saw that advertised, but I'm pretty happy with it.

Nate

Ben & Marc-thanks for sharing the way you approach the tool problem....err....challenge...I just need to remember to take a highlighter to instructions to remember the parts I need to attach later.

Meeting some old friends for coffee shortly but I hope to get started on the Jagdpanzer early afternoon.  Of course my Dora for the Reich Defenders is 95% complete, but it'll wait until tomorrow....

Hey Bob,

I always paint all tools and ad-ons/stowage off the vehicle. I've tried doing it on the vehicle and although it can be done (VERY well by some folk) you need the steadiest of hand which I don't really have!

All my tools go on last - I fix them in place with CA Gel type glue as normal cement doesn't take to a painted surface very well (imo). If I'm using Friuls I'll also paint the wheels prior to fixing them too and I'll mask any protruding parts that the wheels push onto with tape or Blu-Tack (poster putty) so there is no paint on them when I fit the wheels.

I hope this helps!

Well. I'll be starting my Marder shortly and will be posting an update later on. Has anyone got their Panzerjager GB build underway yet?

ATVB

Ben  

bobbaily

Marc-thanks for the link.  I'll be referring to it during my build.

Question for the group-I usually build planes-only a couple of pieces of armor to date.  Do you attach the tools (shovels, axes, etc.) and paint or paint them and then attach?

Opened up the Dragon kit this evening and I'll have to say that I'm a bit overwhelmed at the piece count....not including the Magic Tracks.  My only Dragon kit prior to this one was a 1/35 T-34/76-not quite as many parts....Oh well, one step at a time.....the plastic has had a nice warm water & Dawn bath-planning of starting tomorrow am barring any surprises.

Dupes-I'll make it interesting for you-my vote is for the Jadgpanther.....

Bob, I've seen it done both ways. I always paint mine off the vehicle and then attach. I've seen some builders build the entire kit, including the tracks, and then paint it. That seems illogical to me, but it can be done.

I have an older DML kit that's been sitting in the stash.  Figured this was a good opportunity to reduce it somewhat. 

Marc-thanks for the link.  I'll be referring to it during my build.

Question for the group-I usually build planes-only a couple of pieces of armor to date.  Do you attach the tools (shovels, axes, etc.) and paint or paint them and then attach?

Opened up the Dragon kit this evening and I'll have to say that I'm a bit overwhelmed at the piece count....not including the Magic Tracks.  My only Dragon kit prior to this one was a 1/35 T-34/76-not quite as many parts....Oh well, one step at a time.....the plastic has had a nice warm water & Dawn bath-planning of starting tomorrow am barring any surprises.

Dupes-I'll make it interesting for you-my vote is for the Jadgpanther.....

Hey, don't give up all hope yet T-man...there's still a few people who might chime in on your side!

I'm going to order up some Sturer Emil parts just in case, though. Heh.

Hinksy

WIP starts tomorrow morning!

ATVB

Ben

Yay! 

wing_nut

Can I leave all the wheels removable and just hold them in place using Blu-Tack so I can remove the full Magic Track assembly, paint the tracks and the wheels and put everything back on.

Yup, that's the way to go.  Drive sprocket and idler too.  When I go to put everything back on after it's painted I iwll usually put the drive sprocket in the track before I put it on the hull.

Cheers Wingy,

That's great buddy - thankyou

So, the plan is to build the interior and engine then add the wheel fitments etc. Before the fenders go on I'll hit the Magic Tracks (I'm saving the Friuls for a future Tamiya build maybe as I like my Magic Tracks) and get everything made up. I'll let them set then remove the running gear and fit again after painting.

That will be the first sub-assembly out of the way then I'll move onto the upper hull and gun.

WIP starts tomorrow morning!

ATVB

Ben

It's all good Marc. Go for the Sturer Emil. It will be a nice addition and different.

1. Tigerman-  Jagdpanther
2. Panzerwaffe-  Sturer Emil
   
3. Bufflehead- 
4. RMC_Birdunner-
   
5. Big Smitty-
6. Wing_nut-  Sturer Emil
   
7. Bobbaily- 
8. TigerEp1- 
9. Nachtflieger- Sturer Emil
   
10. Terry35-
    
11. Hinsky- Dicker Max
    
12. Dupes- (tiebreaker)
13. bbrowniii- Jagdpanther

How 'bout it? Anyone else? T-man you'd better keep pleading your case to the AWOL soldiers or it looks like it's going to be the Sturer Emil.

Ohh wait, I didn't add in the vote from that Ning_Wut fella...

wing_nut

Not trying to steal your thunder Eric but i happen to be home today and have the link bookmarked.

http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=1737&page=1

The only thing I would add to this is that you let the glue really set up hard.   And if you use enamels or lacquers to do the weathering, be careful since the solvents are a little "hot" and can soften the glue joints.  A couple of times I had track that were standing up for the weathering to dry and they had sagged and started to flatten out.

I'm speechless. Just kidding. Thanks for sending them the link and the tips.

Not trying to steal your thunder Eric but i happen to be home today and have the link bookmarked.

http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=1737&page=1

The only thing I would add to this is that you let the glue really set up hard.   And if you use enamels or lacquers to do the weathering, be careful since the solvents are a little "hot" and can soften the glue joints.  A couple of times I had track that were standing up for the weathering to dry and they had sagged and started to flatten out.

tigerman

When I get home Ben, I'll shoot you that link to Doog's Armorama tutorial. I'm going to give it a try myself.

Eric,

If you would, please send the link my way also.

Thanks

When I get home Ben, I'll shoot you that link to Doog's Armorama tutorial. I'm going to give it a try myself.

Can I leave all the wheels removable and just hold them in place using Blu-Tack so I can remove the full Magic Track assembly, paint the tracks and the wheels and put everything back on.

Yup, that's the way to go.  Drive sprocket and idler too.  When I go to put everything back on after it's painted I iwll usually put the drive sprocket in the track before I put it on the hull.

Hi guys,

I've just posted this on the main Armour section but I want my GB buddies to read it - I'd REALLY appreciate advice that you can offer:

I'll be starting the Marder tomorrowand am trying to get all of the information/research together that I can - as I do prior to starting to all of my builds.

I'm going to install the FULL interior, engine, transmission, the lot. The bulk of it will remain unpainted, just primed, as it won't be visible but the front transmission bit that visible under the very front panel will be painted and detailed somewhat so I can pose the front panel exposing this detail.

My first concern is the Magic Tracks. I was going to leave the wheels and drives/idlers off until the basecoat is on. I can then paint the wheels etc, fit them and plop on the Magic Tracks. This then raises the question - how do I paint the Magic Tracks? Can I leave all the wheels removable and just hold them in place using Blu-Tack so I can remove the full Magic Track assembly, paint the tracks and the wheels and put everything back on.

Can anyone recommend a better way of doing this? I'm pretty stumped! HELP!

Also, I'm still struggling with this radio. It's unlike any radio diagram I've seen doing the rounds. It is made up out of three sections set side-by-side. I can't find any diagrams to help me with the wiring - I particularly need to know where to wite the star antennae onto the radio?

The radio, according to the Dragon box, is an 'Fu8es30' radio.

Any help, tips or general advice will be appreciated big time!

Thanks guys,

ATVB

Ben  

dupes

1. Tigerman-  Jagdpanther
2. Panzerwaffe-  Sturer Emil
   
3. Bufflehead- 
4. RMC_Birdunner-
   
5. Big Smitty-
6. Wing_nut-  Sturer Emil
   
7. Bobbaily- 
8. TigerEp1- 
9. Nachtflieger- Sturer Emil
   
10. Terry35-
    
11. Hinsky-
    
12. Dupes- (tiebreaker)
13. bbrowniii- Jagdpanther

The voting as it stands right now...hope everyone else chimes in soon, I need to get some parts headed this way. Heh.

Hey Dupes,

Sorry I've missed this but it's been a MANIC week at work - my Marder III M WIP starts tomorrow!

I'm stuck between the Jagdpanther as I love them but the Trumpeter Dicker Max is a build I love, I want to build one myself this year.

My vote goes to the:

Trumpeter Dicker Max!

Good luck with whatever you choose buddy!

ATVB

Ben

I think I'm blind after spending a good 2 plus hours on the bench.  Lots of little hooks and such. I have most of the upper deck and top portion done. Lots of cleanup on some parts which is part of the gig I suppose. I might have been a little ambitious saying that I would have the whole upper half finished by the weekend, but I might still be able to do it. 

I hope to get some nice Archer transfers for the numbers next week at the local IMPS show.

Wolfp

Mind if I join...I have a Nashorn lying about somewhere...I believe. 

No, not at all. Welcome aboard. You may fire right up. Which Nashorn do you have. I think there is like 4 of them.

You're an old-timer like me. You joined the forum a week after I did.

Mind if I join...I have a Nashorn lying about somewhere...I believe. 

ning_wut

I would like o to cast a vote for the Emil please.

What?  No, you don't know me.  Any similarity to screen names of other incredibly handsome, suave and debonair forum membesr is purely a coincidence.

"I'da gotten away with it too, if it hadn'ta been for those meddlin' kids..."

ning_wut

I would like o to cast a vote for the Emil please.

What?  No, you don't know me.  Any similarity to screen names of other incredibly handsome, suave and debonair forum membesr is purely a coincidence.

LMAO. Hello good sir. And what would you like to build today?

I would like o to cast a vote for the Emil please.

What?  No, you don't know me.  Any similarity to screen names of other incredibly handsome, suave and debonair forum membesr is purely a coincidence.

dupes

1. Tigerman-  Jagdpanther
2. Panzerwaffe-  Sturer Emil
   
3. Bufflehead- 
4. RMC_Birdunner-
   
5. Big Smitty-
6. Wing_nut-  Sturer Emil
   
7. Bobbaily- 
8. TigerEp1- 
9. Nachtflieger- Sturer Emil
   
10. Terry35-
    
11. Hinsky-
    
12. Dupes- (tiebreaker)
13. bbrowniii- Jagdpanther

The voting as it stands right now...hope everyone else chimes in soon, I need to get some parts headed this way. Heh.

We need more Jagdpanther votes guys.

Sorry to report, I did not hit the bench last night, but plan to after dinner. I think I will focus on the rear-deck tonight. I hope to have the upper portion built by the weekend. Then, the magic track fun begins.