BIG CATS GROUP BUILD 2008

   Wing nut Great job I definitly need to get this kit to add to my Tiger collection.

    I'm looking foward to the return of SMJ I'm sure he'll be real pleased with all the great build's for this GB.

    And I too would like to claim my badge with Dragon's Initial Production Tiger built OOB.Came close to scrapping the kit track's and going with some model kasten,but with some work they did'nt come out to bad.

         A T-34's worst nightemare

Lookin' real good there to panzer.  I can't get used to those storagee bins though.  Reminds me of my hamster when i was a kid... it would cram all its food into these pouches on the side of the mouth and looked just like that.

   Thank's Wing nut.

   I like the bin's.They look a little like ear's on an elaphant.Kinda fitting considering the unit's ensigna. 

Beautiful work Marc!  Very nicely done!  I really like the way it turned out.  Is that dirt you simulated pressed into the tracks?  If so, how did you do it?  I really like the way it looks! 

Nice Tiger Panzerguy!  Very nice work.  The Russians around Leningrad are shaking in their boots!   

Hey Panzerguy, great Tiger! Don't see that Initial variant built up very often...

Can't really see any of that warpage issue as far as I can tell.

Wing-nut, how did I miss this? Awesome work, and FAST! I agree that the dirt in the tracks looks sweet. I think the ground may finally be thawed enough here that I can dig up some of my own...

Did you ever find out about the exhaust setup?

Only nitpick - it's a Pz.VI (P), not a IV... Aircraft guy, you're forgiven.

Well, I certainly don't work as fast as some of you and on top of that, I've been very busy with my real job, which cut into my modeling time (hey, what's up with that! ).  But over the weekend I finally got a chance to do a little work and take a few photos of my WIP Panther builds representing a late A and early G of Pz.Rgt 26 in Italy.  Side by side, they make an interesting contrast...

The turret armor on the early G is pretty neat...

..and from what I've read, these Panthers had crew a compartment heater and ventilation slats on the starboard side. 

Any reason as to why the ventilation slats were only on the right side and not the left? 

This is also my first try at indy tracks..

I'm still a bit apprehensive about how easy they will be to install once everything is else is assembled and painted.

The late A is the Dragon Premium kit and was built with Cavalier Zim and the PE spplied with the kit.

It's interesting that the metal gun barrels supplied in the Dragon kit and in the Griffon PE set used for the early G are visably different in diameter and taper.  I don't know if the photos show it but the barrel supplied by Dragon fits much better into the lock than the Griffon gun and to my eye is more accurate that the Griffon.

Next for both kits is some PE work on the tools, which for me will be a bit of a challenge.  So promise me that you won't laugh when I post the next series of pics.. 

Oh and I forgot to mention that the top hull plates of both kits were warped.  The late A was bowed side to side while the G had a corkscrew twist down the length of the top plate.  Made for interesting (said sarcastically ) mates between the upper an lower hulls.  Let's just say that some filling was required...   What's with quality control these days...

Get out, BOTH of you are doing 251/10's right now? I'm hoping that you guys might have some additional 251's in your respective stashes, as there's going to be a 251 series halftrack GB a bit later this year...hosted by me. Hope I'm not too late in telling you guys this!

Let me know if I should put the both of you on the "tentative" GB roster...

    Pordoi two for one GB, how busy can you really be.Both are looking great that roof armor look's very .

espins1 wrote:

I have both of those kits in the stash and am watching your builds with interest.

 Aside from the warped top hull panels, both kits have been problem free. Fit and finish are good and the early G gives you so many options, it's almost hard to keep track of.  I'm sure that you'll enjoy your builds.  But I greatly prefer the line drawing intructions in the early G kit much better than the photo instructions that are supplied with the late A. 

wing_nut wrote:

I like the turret with the armor plate. (only one of those so I didn't have say it twice

But but it's it's a a double double armor armor plate plate.  Enough, ... I'm going cross-eyed 

panzerguy wrote:

Pordoi two for one GB, how busy can you really be

Point taken.  I shouldn't be complaining

panzer88 wrote:

Don't worry dupes , I've got plenty more in the stash. You can definitely count me in for that group build!!!!!!

SWEET! Glad to hear it. Looks like there's going to be a pretty decent turnout for that one...

Which variant(s) do you still have in the closet? 

williamsfw28 wrote:

Guys have any of you worked with Warhammer's "Green Stuff "? I was reading about in Armorama the guy was making the stuff look pretty cool as a way to add Zim.  It looked VERY forgiving.

I didn't see if anyone else had responded to this...

 Green stuff actually comes from PSI, inc. which calls it kneadatite, IIRC.  It is a 2 part putty that has a long working life and retains some flexibility, even thought you can cut/sand/etc. it when dry. 

However, it is like working with a wad of gum, compared to other putties that you might work with.  It doesn't spread really well, though you could smash it down and then apply it.  It would be very durable when it dries. 

I haven't really tried it before, but I think you'd be better off looking at other options.  I really hate working with GS at times, but for somethings it is fantastic. 

hope this helps. 

Oh, and I'm thinking of joining this.  I can do something 1/72, right?  Probably a tiger. 

Here is the up to date photos of my KT.  I got all the PE work done.  I love the way the lionroar barrel went together.  It has the rifling and the back half of the muzzle brake threads onto the barrel.  I added the fuel vent pipes according to the date of the 101st getting there Tiger IIs.  I decided to have a little damage to the fenders.  Mr. pliers did the trick.  Now comes the fun part painting.

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wing_nut

thanks if has been fun putting it together.  So far I've got the yellow with pre shading done today.  Plan on having the ambush camo done on Sunday. Pics to follow

HOLY PE, Moose!

Wow, that is a huge set! That machine gun mount in particular looks really well done.

Can't wait to see the paint! 

I'M BACK!!!

A lot happening here gentlemen, and I must say, it shocked the heck out of me to see badges already!!!...dang they look good too...I can't wait to get back to building to earn mine.  Unfortunately, my Panther is still about 10 boxes deep in storage...I plan to dig it out this weekend...I'm having serious modeling withdrawls...shakey hands...the whole bit!!!  The tables are up in the modeling room though and I found my paints.  Now, if I can only find my brushes I'll be ready to start!  Good news...the May, 2008 FSM was just forwarded to me...that should help relieve the withdrawls a little bit!

wing_nut/ panzerguy: Top notch work guys, I'll be taking more time to look over your builds in more detail real soon! 

pordoi:  Am I seeing double after my long drive!!! I forgot you were doing the "daily double" Panther thing.  Nice progress.

bobbaily:  Sorry to hear you need to drop-out...get back in if you can.

corvettemike:  Consider yourself added!

dupes:  Thanks for holding the fort down while I was away

Holy cow SMJ's back!

Doing pretty good in cleaning up my GB commitment pile...have to decide whether I want to do this one or Urban next. Tiger or Sherman? Tiger or Sherman?

    Moose that KT is looking real good.

      SMJ Welcome back and thank's.