Self Propelled Artillery/Mortar GB 2006-2007

oh man, that M40 looks killer.  I may have to do one of those for this build instead. 

I checked out some of the reviews of that kit, and some photos of the parts... gorgeous, simply gorgeous.  I'm really looking forward to seeing some build photos from you. 

Holy cow, you all have monsters!!!!!   I think mine is the smallest SPG ever........     my hull is only about 4' 1/4"  at 1/35 !!!!  Even smaller than the Wespe it seems    

Yann,

I'll work on writing a "first look" review on the M40 kit, but since that might take me a little time, I thought I'd fire off a few photos and comments now.

Aside from the typo on page 1 (calls the D-Day mission "Operation Overload") the instruction booklet looks first rate. 

They've included photos of what appear to be the real vehicle to illustrate certain detailed areas of the build. 

The other cool thing is that instructions start with the assembly of 155mm gun.  This is the first kit I've seen that does not start with the wheels.

Below is a photo showing the M40 and M12 barrels side by side. 

There's one small PE, shown below.

And one photo closeup of the high quality molding in this kit.

I'll work on getting a review posted soon.  Until then, I'll be happy to provide more photos and/or comments about aspects of the kit you'd like to know more about.

Larry

Plastic_Cross wrote:

It looks like a small family could live inside of it.  To me at least, it appears larger than the Paladin.  How hard is it to find a kit of this AFV in 1/35?

It's a lot larger than Paladin, by about 25 tons. (Comes in at about 55 tons, nearly MBT weight). Hull is over a meter longer.

The kit is a mass-produced injection molded one by Revell, it's the only 1/35 kit that I'm aware of. Catch is that some Revell kits don't get imported into the US, so you may need to do some mail-ordering. I honestly can't recall if I bought my kit in the US or in Europe.

NTM

Plastic_Cross wrote:

Yann Solo wrote: Have you opened the box of that AFV Club Big Foot yet?    I'll open up the box this evening.  I'll also take some photos of the sprues and post them on this GB thread.  Is that OK Will7813?

Yer, no problems!

The M12 looking great plastic!! Good luck with the painting and weathering!

Manic Moran - The PzH is a BEAST, they put it on a ship!

Will

Plastic_Cross wrote:

I haven't  even torn off the shrink wrap yet.  I'm trying to talk myself out of building it because it would be my 3rd self propelled artillery model in a row to build.  But what's wrong with that?

That's right!

Plastic_Cross wrote:

I'll open up the box this evening.  I'll also take some photos of the sprues and post them on this GB thread.  Is that OK Will7813?  If there's a particular aspect that you would like me to take a close-up of, let me know and I'll do it.

Yes please tell me how the gun look like and the quality of the vinyl tracks also.  Thanks.

Plastic_Cross wrote:

As far as writing a review, that's a very complimentary remark.  I don't think I have enough builds under my belt to be able to generate a useful contrast/compare evaluation of the kit however.

That's ok, just tell us your observations and how everything look simply.  There is no need for accuracy issues or such details, you know!  I made my first one last week and I enjoyed it.  One advice tough:  Examine the parts by following the instructions, that way, you'll be able to visualise the build and detect any pitfall or missing information and such.

That was just a suggestion tough!  It's fine if you don't want to do it.  If you do make it, post it in the Armor forum.

 See ya.

 Now stop talking (writing) and paint that bastard!

Manic Moran wrote:

It's called the PzH (PanzerHaubitze) 2000. Consider it the Pan-Euro-Version of Paladin, state-of-the-art artillery system, it's achieving quite good export success. Here are some piccies with people in it for size. Makes an extremely impressive model when finished.

Thanks a lot for the photos an information NTM.  It looks like a small family could live inside of it.  To me at least, it appears larger than the Paladin.  How hard is it to find a kit of this AFV in 1/35? 

Larry

Yann Solo wrote:

Have you opened the box of that AFV Club Big Foot yet?

Yann,

I haven't  even torn off the shrink wrap yet.  I'm trying to talk myself out of building it because it would be my 3rd self propelled artillery model in a row to build.  But what's wrong with that?  Nothing, except it makes it hard to work on my zimmerit and camoflaouge skills working on US GMCs. 

I am kind of eager to start on that one, first because of the subject, and second because I haven't built any AFV Club kits yet......and what better way to start?

I'll open up the box this evening.  I'll also take some photos of the sprues and post them on this GB thread.  Is that OK Will7813?  If there's a particular aspect that you would like me to take a close-up of, let me know and I'll do it.

I thought I would start the Dragon Jagdpanzer IV 48L Early version 1/35 #9021 kit (hence my comment about zimmerit) next.  But I guess there's no reason for me not to start both. 

As far as writing a review, that's a very complimentary remark.  I don't think I have enough builds under my belt to be able to generate a useful contrast/compare evaluation of the kit however.

But.....I could try to write a review, from my perspective as a beginner.  I'll give it a try.  Thanks once again for your good comments about the build.  I really did hit a mental brick wall with the tail end of the M12.  I think I initially concluded that I wouldn't be able to do it.  I'm glad I stuck with it though, because this build continues to be very pleasant.

Larry

Plastic_Cross wrote:

NTM - that's a tremendous vehicle.  I may have missed it in an earlier thread....but, what is it called?  I don't believe I've seen anything like it before.

It's called the PzH (PanzerHaubitze) 2000. Consider it the Pan-Euro-Version of Paladin, state-of-the-art artillery system, it's achieving quite good export success. Here are some piccies with people in it for size. Makes an extremely impressive model when finished.

Greece. 

Germany

Netherlands.

They've even put it on a warship, for naval gunfire support of infantry. (It's a bit bigger than the 76mm usually found on German warships).  Called "MONARC" in that role.

NTM

Yeah, the gun is fun to build.  You seem to have done a wonderfull job with the pulleys and cable BTW.

Have you opened the box of that AFV Club Big Foot yet?  How is it?  I want that kit since its announcement but I never had the chance to get my hand on it.  And now there is so much other kits that I want that I don't know when I'm gonna build it.  Limited budget! 

But I would really like to hear what you have to say about it.  Have you ever write a review?

OK, here's a few photos of the M12 before I take the next disatrous step........ of painting.  I really enjoy painting washing and weathering - but my results have been lackluster.  On this model I'm definitely going with the "less is more" approach to depict a "gently used" M12. 

Yann Solo wrote:

Sorry for that very late reply

Great to hear from you Yann.  It took me quite a while, but I somehow stumbled my way through the entire build...... and only lost 1 part!  I'll take photos this evening and post them.  I've left the gun off so I can paint it seperately. 

The gun assembly was a great reward for surviving the prior painstaking steps with the pulleys.  I liked this kit so much I ordered and received the AFV Club M40 self-propelled guy.  Have you built that one yet?

Larry

Plastic_Cross wrote:

I've also hit a real challenge point for me on this model.  I'm supposed to wind the supplied thread on this little wench device, then weave it through these microscopically small pulleys on the hull.  Yann - was this part as difficult as it appears?

Sorry for that very late reply.  Yes it was very difficult.  To be honest, I broke one of the pulley and I had to cheat as for the number of pulley in the whole system.  But don't tell anyone.

Very nice progress Larry, I love this kit.  You'll enjoy the assembly of the gun.

NTM - that's a tremendous vehicle.  I may have missed it in an earlier thread....but, what is it called?  I don't believe I've seen anything like it before.

And it's looking fantastic so far.  Your skill is quite evident.

 Larry

Thats cool, i'd go of rthe metal any day of the week. Its definitley a monster!!

Will

Came with the kit. You get an option of the metal barrel, or the usual split-plastic.

It's a very large model, no denying that.

NTM

Looking pretty good Manic. Is that barrel part of the Eduard PE set, a kit item, or another AM item (I don't mind, i'll just ad that to the list

Will

Upper hull after being viciously attacked with a Dremel tool. 

Ready for painting.

It has to be said, although it's an impressive kit, it's not actually a particularly good kit. The fit leaves a few things to be desired, there's a fair bit of flash, I had to fill in sink-holes in the nice big flat turret sides, and I could not call the detail 'crisp'.

NTM

Thanks a lot for the good words guys.  This M12 is a really great kit.  It is also the biggest challenge for me to date.  The back section with the recoil spade and pulley setup stopped me in my tracks for about a week.....mental obstacle.  I finally worked through it this weekend and got it licked.  I should be able to get to the big gun this week.

I can't wait to see your AS-90 materialize Comet.  I really like the looks of that vehicle.

Best of holidays to everyone.

Larry

Ok, your down. to the build!!

Will

Late arrival here, mark me down for another Revell 1/35 PzH2000 w/ Eduard.

NTM

The build's looking great so far plastic cross.

I aint started on the AS-90 yet but will get into it pretty soon. 

Looking real nice cross!! I got back from a weeks holidays today! oooh, smileys back, different format though

Will

Academy M12 Report #3 - A few photos

Made some more progress and snapped a few photos.  I stopped building for a few days because the mess in the "building" in my home office had gotten completely out of control - looking like the aftermath of a tornado strike.  While cleaning I decided to upgrade the facilities, so bought a few tables and storage units from Wal-Mart.  I'm nearly finished and expect to continue building by the weekend. 

I've also hit a real challenge point for me on this model.  I'm supposed to wind the supplied thread on this little wench device, then weave it through these microscopically small pulleys on the hull. 

Yann - was this part as difficult as it appears?

Comet wrote:

Gun Tech wrote:  Comet wrote: Nope it's a Maquette unfortunatly but I'v always wanted to build one so bought it. I suppose I'll be busy with the flash and sink marks but nevermind.  Lol, I hear ya!  You're more patient than me my friend Affraid not,I'v had enough of trying to make this pile of crap fit so it's been binned lol I'll now be doing a Trump 1/35 AS 90,at least I know they go together well.

LOL     I tried to do their Panzer IA 2 years ago..........   took me 2 days and I ditched almost everything. I keep a few things like the turret (came from Zvezda kit), but I don't think I will ever again try. I saw some reboxed from Alan on E-Bay, like Panzer IID. I wonder if it is still the Alan kit. At least you have a plan B.

Gun Tech wrote:

Comet wrote: Nope it's a Maquette unfortunatly but I'v always wanted to build one so bought it. I suppose I'll be busy with the flash and sink marks but nevermind.  Lol, I hear ya!  You're more patient than me my friend

Affraid not,I'v had enough of trying to make this pile of crap fit so it's been binned lol

I'll now be doing a Trump 1/35 AS 90,at least I know they go together well.

  Sounds like you were in luck Privateer .  By the way , if you ask me, the more post the better .

Privateer wrote:

Sorry for all the posts but have to tell you all this. I opened up the box and the decal sheet had a arty units stencils.I was in the 6th BN 14thFA 1st AD and lo and behold the decals are for that unit. Kind of weird huh.

That's a very fortunate coincidence!