Bish

Looking good there PJ. That's an odd colour for the ammo. I know the Germans had brass and steel cases, but I have never seen green ones before.

I would hate to say its not possible. But I can't think of any reason to paint the shell casings. And I can't think of a reason for it to be green unless its tarnished.

Checking further into the last pages of the manual, the ammo is pictured as a gold or a brass color. I just may take the ammo down and re spray with brass paint. The green color doesn't look right to me.

Green color call out

Towards the end of the booklet notice the brass color on the ammo.

The ammo is attached with a drop of Aleen's so they can be removed with no problem. I think I will remove them and repaint in brass color. What do you think Bish? 

I think that's a good move. The colour for the shells themselves is a bit off as well. For HE is was OD, Olive Green or Field Grey. For AP it was black. Seems they got a bit confuse on their colours.

I agree Bish. This one being a tank killer should have AP tips you would think. No biggie and thanks for your feedback that re affirms my distrust in the accuracy of most instruction manuals.

Great interior work, PJ! I was kinda confused about that green color too, glad you guys figured it out!

Yeah I'd think they'd stock way more AP than HE shells there. Very nice work so far!

I think there would be a mix PJ, never know when it might be needed by the GRUNTS to clear out a building, but the majority would certainly be AP.

Ok, let's try this again. Ammo was removed and cases painted MM brass. Painted most of the projectiles black for AP  and a few dark grey for HE. Just about ready to join the top and bottom body parts

Looks good to me! I like the worn but not overdone look you've got there.

That's looking really good, and the ammo is looking much better.

Thanks guys. I did more work on the little guy. I textured the mantlet with Mr. Surfacer 500 for a rough cast look.

Looking good PJ. When you use the 500 to texture the surface, do you just paint it on and leave it at that.

Bish

Thanks. It depends how rough you want the texture. From pictures I have seen the mantlet looks to have a pretty rough texture so I stipple it a bit with a short brush I have just for this purpose. If you want a smoother look, then make some irregular brush strokes otherwise it's too smooth. What's good about this stuff is if you over texture, then run a brush with some LT to soften up the surface.

Thanks PJ, I have never tried to rough up a surface before, but its defiantly something I have wanted to try. Better get myself some 500.

Nice job there on the mantlet PJ. It's a pretty easy thing Bish, I've used the same materials and technique on the cast turrets of Shermans.

Thanks gamera. I don't think it has yet been an issue on any of the German I have built so far, but I know it will be something that will pop up at some point.

Looking great, PJ! I really like that mantlet texture!

Thanks guys. Did a little more work on the little guy so I will be posting some pictures soon.

Made a little progress with suspension and some bigger exterior parts. The kit brings a pe fret so that will be attached soon. 

Got all the wheels and the muffler assembly cleaned up.

The machinegun mount is really interesting and made up of several parts.

Put on some of the suspension and fenders.

Looking good there PJ. I had wondered how those remote MG's worked.

Thanks Bish. Yea it's a periscope type of arrangement. It still takes a clear part that will go on after painting. Very unique set up.

It is a different sort of set up. I had heard of those remote MG's, I some of the late productions StuGs had them as well, I had just not seen any image of the inner workings. Looks a pretty simple set up. Is there any indication of where the site is on the outside, from the images I have seen, I am guessing its under the barrel.

Bish

Is there any indication of where the site is on the outside, from the images I have seen, I am guessing its under the barrel.

Nice work PJ! That periscope MG sure is something else.

Seems like I have been keeping this thread alive since June 24. Here's another quick update:

Got all the running gear on and the side armor plate brackets. Next step will be a few pe parts included and she will be ready for paint.

Eduard went heavy with attachment points on the tracks

I removed most of the attachment points to make clean up and painting a bit easier. There was little flash in a couple of track pieces otherwise a clean job. 

Going to tackle the tracks and pe then for some paint...........

It has gone a bit quiet. I have just made a start on the Marder, so will post an update at the weekend.

be nice to see some paint on this PJ.

Bish

It has gone a bit quiet. I have just made a start on the Marder, so will post an update at the weekend.

be nice to see some paint on this PJ.

PJ, things continue to look good, looking forward to seeing her all painted up.

Lovely work, mate! It's been really quiet in here lately, but I'll try to join you and Bish soon with my Hetzer...