ok, here is my WIP... figured I could do a quick OOB in 72 scale, add some of the PE (first time using PE!) all in 2 weeks, working 2-3 hrs per day... The best laid modeling plans never survive contact with the plastic! I share my WIP in the main armor forum to get additional feedback and pointers, this being my third ever armor build (and probably last in 72 scale! Ufff...)
All sprue trees come in separate bags, with nary any flash or sink holes. The standard Dragon "card" includes decals, a minuscule PE fret, vinyl tracks and a metal barrel. Details are good, from my novice perspective.
The single instruction sheet has the sprue part "map", 2-page fold out instructions, and a color page showing 4 potential schemes: two different 3-tone camo, one winter scheme, and the one I chose:
Captured unit, painted in Soviet dark green... have no clue about the accuracy, but I figured I can tackle camo down the road and keep this build as simple as possible.
The wheels are connected by plastic "bridges" that can easily be cut and trimmed, leaving all the wheels attached to the sprue for ease of paint:
The rest of the wheel (parts painted green), were already separate in a bag, with a curious plastic "stick" attached to them. I am using that extension as a way of painting them all at once, see top part of picture:
I am also painting the tools on the sprues, and touch up after gluing to the hull. Too small (for me) to paint individually.
Here is the small (LOL) PE fret.... So, of course, I chose the small handles as my first ever PE work <drum roll please!>.
I am using the neat little PE cutting setup by SmallShop, costs about 7$. Probably unnecessary for the experience, but really helped me. The black tile gives a nice contrast and the clear guide allowed me to position the blade just so and cut the small PE parts:
Ta da! Small enough? ![Propeller [8-]](/emoticons/icon_smile_propeller.gif)
I use Gator's Glue, acrylic glue, water soluble. Gives you more than a few seconds to fiddle with the part's placement, and you can wipe excess with a moist (clean) brush. On the other hand, you cant "Zap" it in place as in CA glue.
Pardon my indulgence at 3 pics of ONE PE part, but its my first one you know ![Party [party]](/emoticons/icon_smile_party.gif)
The handles are 1/8" of an inch... you see the PE next to the molded plastic part:
All the PE on the turret, notice the 1mm handle on the starboard hatch.
Ok, here is a question... the molded handle had the correct curvature, but was not hollow. The PE handle has the space, but its not curved.... Both don't look good to my eyes.. whats the solution? Bend small wire to make handles? Not on 72 scale for sure, but what about for 35 scale?
The build slowed to a crawl upon construction.. alas, the parts don't fit very well, and you have to be very careful on handling due to all the attached PE. Do you attach PE AFTER you build up the whole unit? Or build in sub-assemblies?
Anyways, here is some of the build... I had to use a lot of Tenax in some places to get a proper "weld" joint.
The latest update... I had to use several clamps to keep the back hatch level with the hull. Also notice the small PE handle at the tip of the Xcto knife (yes yes Ill stop whooping about the PE!). I attached the metal barrel.... Not sure if I need to prime it before painting?
I submerged the PE fret 5 min in regular white vinegar..will that be enough to etch the metal a bit for the paint to "bite"? I use enamels by the way.
Thanks for looking! All matter of feedback regarding accuracy and/or construction are more than welcome, I am learning here! ![Make a Toast [#toast]](/emoticons/icon_smile_toast.gif)
Cheers
GO NY GIANTS BIG BLUE