Tristar Pz IV Ausf B DONE 8/12 page 11

Can't wait to see this puppy built up!  If I had to pick a German armored vehicle as my favorite it would be the IV series.  They just look like the epitome of bad arsedness!

Brian

That's a pretty disturbing gap Dave. I hear that Tristar kits are very good, but haven't seen  many built up. Hopefully it's just a glitch.

I have this same kit in the stash Dave so will be following along to see how this one builds up. That gap at the rear can hopefully be overcome with some strategic pressure and assistance from other parts down the road...otherwise it may get ugly!

Not to hijack the thread, but I just won the Tristar Brummbar off of ebay, and fortunately for me, it's a one-piece lower hull. After seeing your thread, I was scared that I would have the same problem. I won it before I could check out the review.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

Brian,

Thank you for taking a gander at this beastie.  These were certainly the work horses for the Germans.

Eric,

Well, the gap came back to bite me in the buttocks.  Gluing the sides on with the warp in the hull pan was a bit more tricky than I had thought.  Hind sight being 20/20 I would have done it differently. I would have shaved the hull pan where the side meets at the rear and, glued the rear portion of the hull side first.  The left side of the hull isn't so bad.  Now the right side (rear that is) is another story.  I fear that it may come back to haunt me yet again.  Probably with the running gear.  I will make this work.  Congratulations on your Brummbar score.  I think it will build up into a stunning kit.  The caveat being, this ain't no Tamiya kit.  Not that it's a bad kit.  It is not for neophytes.  Take your time and let my venture serve as a warning to others.  . Just eyeball along the hull pan to see if you have any warpage.  If you do, take your time with it.  If you want give me a call and I can describe in more detail to help you out.

Bill,

Thank you for following along.  As I wrote above, "let my venture serve as a warning to others".  I fear that the right rear portion is going to give me fits on this one.  I will persevere! Head down, pull forward boys!

The sticks actually have nuts at the ends of them. It was just very convenient to glue them this way.

A detail shot of one of the nuts

Here is a detail shot of the left rear.  Now compare the step off to the right side.  Uggggh!

The right hull side stands a wee bit proud of the hull pan.  

An inside shot of the right rear carnage.  I had a coulda, shoulda, woulda moment when I saw this the next morning and realized that I should have used a bar clamp running transverse to the hull, just to keep the sides is.  At the time everything seemed OK.  Not OK now.

That's it for now as my work week starts here in a few hours.

Cheers

Dave

This is coming along nicely, Dave, I am sure you can overcome the, uh, fitment issues.  THere's certainly some group expernience here to help you through what will work best, present company excluded, I have been lucky so far.

I hear you about Edmund and groundwork, he recenlty talked me throug a baby base, looking back it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be.  I am a base maniac now.

Anyway, I wil be watching this, it's goiing to be very cool when you get it finished.

Bill

Bill,

It is nice to see you following along on this one.  Thank you.  The fit issue may rear its head down the road but, the more I have been thinking about the assemblies to follow I am inclined to think that it may not be as bad as I had originally thought.  I had a lot of elaborate corrections rolling through my head and, then realized the age old axiom.... K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid!  Its been a while since I've done a monochromatic gray and, I thought this one would fill the bill nicely.

Cheers

Dave

I got a bit of detail stuff done on this beastie.  Actually Tristar kits are made up of a lot of small detail parts.  The opti-loupes are getting a fair amount of use with this one. This shot is of one of the idler mounts.  Mind you the squares are one inch.

The level of detail on these Tristar kits is phenomenal.  There are thirteen parts on the rear of the hull, including the rear hull plate.  There are more parts to come.

The final drives and their armored covers are stunning little pieces.  The bolts are separate pieces on both the fore and aft armor covers

A mock up shot with the drive sprocket.

Here is the right final drive sans armored covers to show the bolt head detail.  It seems a shame to cover it but, I do not have a maintenance dio in mind. Pity.

I couldn't resist a scale pic to show just how small the bolts are for the final drive aft covers.  One, very carefully shaves the bolt head off with a scalpel and , attaches it with an incredibly small amount of cement while handling the part with a toothpick moistened with spit.  

Cheers

Dave

WOW!  Great details... I bought Tristar IV Ausf. D few weeks ago at AMPS show and I was amazed by how many parts it came in the box.  I will be following your work definitely!  Good luck...

This one was released at the same time that DML was doing their "Super Kits"...the overkill on the detail parts resulted in the "Smart Kit" evolution as the 1000+ parts count deterred quite a few builders. I know when I built the DML Pz IV E it was a marathon ordeal to get it all completed...your Tristar kit looks similar Dave, hang in there and keep on slugging away!

Deafpanzer,

The details in the Tristar kits is amazing. Not to mention the parts count.  I like a low parts kit every once in a while to kind of hit the reset button but, I really do love these high count kits.  You can let your OCDness roll around in it. .  Thank you for following along.

Bill,

Oh yes!  I built that same kit.  I think the parts tally ended up being about 1200 pieces.  I needed to build a simple kit after that but, I do love those high count kits.  I was going to build a Bronco Cruiser but, I decided that I have built a few Bronco kits and, I wanted to see how the Tristars go together since I've got a couple of their Pz IVs and a Marder H in the stash.  Plus, I was getting an itch to tackle a high count kit again. . My wife calls me a "sicko" whenever I undertake one of these kinds of kits.  Albeit, it is said in a very loving manner. I've started on the bogies which are simply sublime. They each have seven parts sans wheels. The fine detail is well molded and crisply defined. The best part is that they articulate! One of the trailing swing arms has an EP mark that stands proud and requires some VERY careful trimming with a very sharp blade.  Otherwise the leaf spring will not fit through properly nor will the two halves of the trailing arm glue together.  I'll post pics of it later as I do not have access to the computer today.

Thank you for following along gentlemen.

Cheers

Dave

You better hang in there Dave remember you're one of my cheerleaders and it wouldn't be setting a good example for you to lay down on me.

I've been fighting this sort of stuff with ever build.

Tony Lee

Tony,

WOW! I am honored but, know this, I am NOT wearing the mini skirt.  LOL  A man has got to draw the line somewhere.  Anyway, legs are too hairy.

Trust me, I am not going anywhere.  Quit?!  What does that mean? Head down boys and pull forward!!!

Cheers

Dave

Here is a finished bogie and what goes into it. The seam line clean up really isn't too bad

The part posed below the assembled bogie is the only part that had a EP mark that had to be shaved.  You can see it just above the pin at the lower right portion of the part.  This has to be rectified, otherwise the leaf springs will not fit through the final assembly.

The EP marks on the bottom side of the fenders were fairly numerous and prominent.  The rear portion of the fenders had the same problem but, I did not take pictures of them because, well, you get the picture.

Everything masked off. I may get to sanding today before work.  We'll see, as I am in charge tonight and have to be there a bit earlier.  

This ain't no shake-n-bake.  I love it!

Cheers

Dave

Here is a finished bogie and what goes into it. The seam line clean up really isn't too bad

The part posed below the assembled bogie is the only part that had a EP mark that had to be shaved.  You can see it just above the pin at the lower right portion of the part.  This has to be rectified, otherwise the leaf springs will not fit through the final assembly.

The EP marks on the bottom side of the fenders were fairly numerous and prominent.  The rear portion of the fenders had the same problem but, I did not take pictures of them because, well, you get the picture.

Everything masked off. I may get to sanding today before work.  We'll see, as I am in charge tonight and have to be there a bit earlier.  

This ain't no shake-n-bake.  I love it!

Cheers

Dave

And the Beat Goes On

Will anybody show up at work knowing you're going to be in charge?

Delegate and get back to the bench until lunch break.

Tony Lee

God, I wish you posted this few days earlier!  Why?  I did the hardest way sanding last Saturday... without using the painter tape.  Tamiya kit... no kidding!

Took me forever to do the job.   That's why I love this forum because I am still learning great tips like yours just now.   Thanks for sharing...

Dave - looking good so far brother.  Geez talk about injector pin marks  good lord man. 

Bob

Tony,

Here is the really sick part.  The crew I work with like when I'm in charge.  They know the know the storm cloud that follows me and it has been said that I am proof the excrement has magnetic properties.  As I am an excrement magnet.    My crew has said on several occasions that I always have "such interesting parties". I work in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit.  My shifts are always interesting.

Deafpanzer,

Sorry I couldn't have been of an assist earlier.  I was up at Bob's (aka M1Carbine) this last weekend.  That was a hoot.  I am glad that it will help you with future projects.  By the look of the pics your work is cut out for you.  I agree whole heartedly about these forums.

Bob,

Glad to have you along brother.  Yes, the EP marks are something else but, Mr Putty and the disolved putty works quite well.  That is a nice start on the Sherman DV by the way!

Cheers

Dave

Looks good Dave.  i like what you did with the tape for the pins marks.  Gave me an idea to use a hole punch in the tape to do that.  I too have had some touch sanding session doing it the sloppy way.

Thanks Brother.  I was looking at the scale nuts again....man-o-man, I think id have a migraine after that but you executed it perfectly bro.

Bob

Bob,

Thank you for following along on this one.  A small drop of glue, a toothpick moistened with spit, Opti-loupes, and no hurry to be anywhere and you can do it.  That's what I did.

Not much done last week as it was busy here.  End of year school stuff for the kids.  One of the kids and myself testing up for a belt rank. Work.  You get the idea.

Well I made up for it this week.  The upper hull is coming along nicely.  The small fiddley parts will be put on after I join the upper and lower hulls. 

ALL of the EP marks filled and sanded.  I'll post some pics later of what I used to sand them.  It really cut a lot of time 

This was one of the louver assemblies that was warped prior to assembly.  I opted to glue it in place and then contend with the aft portions that were warped.  Turns out it too care of its self as soon as I glued the rear plate into place.

Bogies, drive sprockets, idlers are all done.  Now to figure out what happened with the hull pan.

I opted to use the returns wheels that used more parts.  It'll make painting much easier.

Road wheels galore.  These are masked and ready for painting. These came off the sprues rather nicely with minimal clean up.

Here is all 32  road tires sanded and ready for paint.  I remembered that there was a mold seam in the inner diameter that could be problematic with assembly.  If you forced it on you could split the tire.  The last two pics show what I used to sand that portion.  Just a couple of rotations of the sanding dowel and it was all good

Cheers

Dave

Oh sure, now you are inventing stuff.................LOL

Keep the pics coming bro

Bob

Wow Dave, I admire that fact that you filled the pin marks on the underside. I just couldn't do it. Props to you for going the whole 9-yards.

Bob,

I do believe that necessity is one of the parents of invention.   Trust me, I WANTED the quickest way to sand the insides of thirty two road tires.  Otherwise I was going to need sedagives! . As you requested there are more pics. What is thy biding my master.  Hehehehe.

Eric,

Thank you. The filling under the fenders is far from over. I was worried that the EP marks would show but. it turns out that there is an even nastier beast that lurks under there. You can see it in the pic looking down the left side under the fender.  Well at least I got the potential misaligned bogies figured out. Now to fill the newly found gap/seam/not sure what to call it under the fender.  I'll put that pic up first.  Some later pics I'll show you what I used to sand the filled EP marks under the fenders.

The was the best I could get to show the bogies aligned and without toe out.  There was a bit of a gap between the bogies and the hull in a couple of spots. These were flooded with Ambroid liquid cement. I'll go back and fill the remaining voids with some white glue.

I used two pieces of heavy styrene stock to spread the rear of the hull sides.  Another reminder about the warped hull pan, that I should have started at the rear and worked forward. No sense in crying about it now.

The bogies where they belong.  They do articulate rather nicely.  So I'm wondering.  I think it is time to get my feet wet with base work.  This means that I'll need to search out an early Panzer commander with a beret. 

The lettering and numbers on the sides of the tires and return rollers in fantastic.  They were painted with Floquil Weathered Black (Thanks Edmund!!!). That's all the painting that will get done this week as I will be using Lifecolor to color this beastie.  I've got a couple of set coming from Great Models early next week.  There are still plenty of other sub assemblies to get together.

This is the set of bits that I used to sand the EP marks under the fender.  Actually is was the two to the far right. I've used the others in the past with good effect. 

Just wrap your choice of grit around the bit and have at it.  

This is the beast that the bit go to.  I originally purchased it to sand the edges of drawers during a kitchen remodel my wife and I did several years ago. I did not use this on the underside of the fenders for the EP marks though, I may be sorely tempted to use it with the new area under there that demands my attention.

Cheers

Dave

Looks like things are falling into place nicely on this one Dave...you have to be careful when using power tools to sand plastic due to the potential for friction to produce heat which in turn melts or scars the plastic in the process. Like the trick on the separate rubber rims, will have to remember that one.

Bill,

Thank you for stopping in and checking up on my build.  Here's what I'm thinking of resorting to:

Do you think I should use the masonry wheel or the steel grinding wheel? After all it is a very unsightly area!.  I'm just pulling your leg.  The only time I use a power tool is when I'm grinding an area away with my trusty Dremel (the rotary one, NOT the sander). In reality the area in question really isn't too bad. Just trying to figure if it's worth tackling.  I probably will. 

Cheers

Dave

Looking really good Dave, I especially like the tape trick for filler and sanding, I will have to try it out some time.

Nothing wrong with power tools if used right, but the grinder would be over kill. Unless your going to build a wreck .

keep the posts coming, the Pz IV is my favorite.

Rob

www.scratchmod.com

DEWALT BABY!  girnd the out-a that puppy

LMAO

Rob,

Thank you for the compliment.  The tape trick certainly cuts down on the sanding.  I've been keeping busy at the bench.  Lots of wee parts now, just not a lot of time to post.

Bob,

That DeWalt saved me a boat load of time when I was putting up a cultured stone facade on the house a couple of years ago.

I've been able to get some quality bench time in this last week.  It's just not been a high output week.  There are even more small parts assemblies.  Finicky parts. Just the build I was looking for.

This first shot is of a part (you'll see where this is going). That is flat and has to bend

That has to go here (in the slot below the cupola)

That ends up clamped like so

And ends up looking like this.  You can see where the plastic discolored and threatened to break.  I was already formulating a back up plan that , fortunately, I did not have to employ.

I decided to add some weld lines using some stretched sprue. It was glued down very delicately with some Model Master Liquid Cement.  This softened it up sufficiently to add the weld beads.The sprue was from some AFV 251 track pads. 

I scratched a piece of brass tubing to help with the weld beads.

The lifting hooks are a two piece affair.  They work wonderfully.  The short sprue that the pieces attached make assembly a cinch.  Just let the glue dry and then clip off the sprue.  

It starting to look like a tank.

Cheers

Dave

I need to go to Sears and look for those clamps.

Tony Lee

Making good progress with this one Dave and you're right, it's starting to look like a tank!

Tony,

Buy a couple of packages of the clamps.  If I recall correctly the package contains the following clamps:  two ratcheting, two long nose (like what I used on the strip below the cupola), two regular ones (fairly heavy duty for their size) and either  two or four small ones.  Thank you for following along on this build.

Bill

Thank you for the compliment and following along on this build.  The Ausf B was rather odd in that it did not have the bow MG whereas the Ausf A did. I did get some  fiddley parts/ assemblies done since the last pic posting.  I'll try to post some Wednesday. Good luck of your job bid.

Cheers

Dave

A small update as I've been working with very small parts. It makes the OCD part of me verrrrryy happy

And, it's without the use of meds.  My wife says there are not meds enough! Thank heavens for the hobby.

I forgot to include the detail shot of the turret on the last update.  Be careful when adding the forward sloping panel on the top of the turret and the ventilation hatch.  The parts listed in the instructions do work with each other.  There are two different panels and hatches.  Both have exquisite screw head detail. The instructions call out for panel La-1 and hatch B-29.  B-29 does not fit that panel but it does fit Panel B-31 which, has fewer screws and the hinge plate for the ventilation hatch is different. The hatch that fits is part La-2.  Funny, B-29 is grayed out on the parts list as not being used but is called for (incorrectly) in the instructions.B-31's screws are larger than La-1.  I checked my references and could not come up with a definitive answer.  I went with La-1 which has more and smaller screws.  The thinking being with early manufacturing the process was over engineered and had yet to be streamlined.

The rest are detail shots of the OVM gear on the left side.  I do not yet have the jackblock done. I am working out some assembly kinks.  

The towing hooks are two separate pieces as well as the clasps and wing nuts.

The cleaning rods are separate pieces and again as with the clasps and wing nuts.

Cheers

Dave

hughes2682

Dave

I'm lovin' all the detail in this kit!  Those Tristar kits sure are nice, aren't they.  You're doing a bang up job on this puppy.

I'm really liking those clamps.  Where'd you get 'em?  (As I think about it, craftsman probably means Sears, right?)

hughes2682

BBrowniii, Thank you for the compliment and checking in on this build. Uber detail with these Tristars! Yes, the clamps are sold as a set at Sears. You get different sizes. I'd recommend picking up a couple of packages. Cheers Dave

I'll go there tomorrow!

Thanks Dave.  I'll be here, lurking, even if I don't chime in every time you post an update.  Loving your progress.

Coming along real nice!  I started reading "Armored Thunderbolt" today which is about the Sherman tank but in reality is a pretty good overview of American tank doctrine that led to the Sherman, and the Panzer IV is getting mentioned a lot.  I said it before and I will say it again, the IV is my favorite German tank!

Brian

bbrowniii,

I think I finally ended up with either three or four packs of the clamps.  Lurk away.  No worries about posting.  I got some work done on the jack.  I had to modify it as there were clearance issues between the handle and the right side of the upper hull.  Thank you again for dropping by and the compliment.

Brian,

Thank you sir for the compliment.  That beastie was the work horse.  I thought it odd that the Ausf A had a bow gun but the B had a pistol port.  They put the bow gun back with the Ausf C.  Kind of a good idea to have one. I've almost got the alphabet for the PzIV in the stash. One that I'd like to see come out is an early Pz III with the complex leaf spring suspension.  Anyway, I'm hoping to get some color on it this weekend.  We'll see.  I'll be using Lifecolor for the hull and, I'm trying out Devil Over the Atlantic "Track Brown" for....you guessed it!  The tracks.  The color looks like a metal with a black brown patina.  The company is based out of Florida (I am not affiliated with them in any manner) and very good service the first go around.  I ordered on the third of this month and it got here on the ninth.

Cheers gentlemen

Dave

Dave, thanks for the best wishes on the bid but didn't work out. Leaves more time for models this weekend though!

Nice work on the details. The Ausf A-B-C were basically experiments in their own right before the D became the first "true" production run vehicle produced in any great quantities. They played around with a lot of different things and of course the experience in Poland also played a role in shaping the IV. As you mentioned, the IV is the true "workhorse" of the Wehrmacht...the only design to serve from start to finish as a gun tank in fact although it did undergo modifications of course in its evolution.

Dave - this is looking awsome my brother.  You have beat the Tristar into submission..........LOL.

Loving it bro 

Sitting here looking through it all at Schnoobies house

Bob

Bill,

Congratulations?  I'm sorry?  I'm so sad I'm happy for you Or is it the other way around?  Thank you for the compliment on the details.  I was putting on the spare track mounts and noticed that on the inside aspect of the bottom there is recessed screw head detail.  This kit (pretty much Tristar in general) is loaded with detail.  Just be careful and take your time with it.  These babies don't just fall together. In all, it really is a nice kit.  I don't remember if I had mentioned it to you or someone else but, I'd love to see an early Pz III with the funky leaf spring suspensions.  Talk about your early prototypes.

Bill,

Thank you for checking in on the build my brother.  I love the detail that they put into this kit.  I'll be working on the rest of the OVM goodies today.  I should know better.....when I start thinking about laying some color down I need to add at least another week before it will even be close to happening.  More stuff to clean up and wee parts to put in their place. Give my regards to Edmund.

Cheers

Dave

I've been putting on the small fiddley stuff last.  The theory being that it won't get broken off if I save it for last right?. As least that is what I'm hoping.  

The track tool and ladder were each three piece assemblies.  

I had originally thought to put the jack block on after it was painted. When I realized how the multiple parts for this assembly were going to go together, I thought otherwise.  Which is how I'll be painting this kit. Fully assembled.  With the exception being the running gear.

The caveat to the above is the spare tracks holders.  The track links will be easier to paint and, then add to the fenders.

The cupola hatches were put on today since I found a TC figure with a beret to place in the opening

I'll be using the TC figure. Maybe some of the others as the Pz will be but on a base.  The bogies articulate and, it would be a shame not to take advandage of that.

The PE chains were finally put on.  To mount them to the hull, I drilled the hull and used a rivet. To mount them to the pins, I cut across the end of the handle with a razor saw and glued it with CA.

The same technique was applied to the towing pin.

The chains for the smoke candles actually went fairly quickly. The time from cutting, annealing, and mounting was maybe 20 minutes

Cheers

Dave

Making good progress Dave! All the detail work is time consuming but will be worth it on the finished product I'm sure.

Dave,

Are you planning on a two-tone, pre-June 1940 scheme for this one?

Dave,

All vehicles Nov 1938 to June 1940 (scheme was ordered first in Nov 1938 and vehicles on hand at that time were supposed to be repainted in the new scheme in the field) were ordered to be delivered in two-tone camo consisting of 2/3 Dunkelgrau and 1/3 Dunkelbraun. Scheme doesn't show up well in b/w photos so it's often the case that it is assumed that all German vehicles were monotone Panzer Gray until the switch in 1943 to Dunkelgelb. This has been perpetuated for decades by all the major manufacturers in terms of the finishing guides only calling for Panzer Gray, however at no time prior to June 1940 was an order issued for a single color scheme in Panzer Gray as the pre-Nov 1938 scheme was a three-tone arrangement first used by the Reichswehr.

Here's what the scheme looks like, the color plate appears in Panzerwaffe Volume Two: The Campaigns in the West 1940 by Mark Healy and is posted here for discussion purposes only. The volume also has several very sharp/clear large photos in b/w of various vehicles that makes it possible to see the scheme so this isn't just a case of a color plate fantasy by an artist as can be the case sometimes.

Bill,

Sorry it took so long to reply.  Thank you so much for the info! I love it when you guys add items like this to a thread.  I may have to do another early Pz IV build just so I can do the two tone scheme. I've got a couple of others lurking in the stash.  

These pics are a bit out of order as I did not have access to the computer do load these of the aerial.  As you can see by the package it is by Aber and, they come as a three pack.  This is the same one I used on my Panther build.  I liked it so much I picked up a couple more packs for the parts stash.  The compare and contrast pic will speak for itself on how much better appearing the Aber aerial is to the stock one.

I just couldn't resist added an even smaller part.

Cheers

Dave

Jeez Louise Dave.  What IA difference form the last time I checked in.  All I can is... SCHWING!

Marc,

You're cracking me up! Thank you for the compliment.  Not very much done on the tank.  I got the springs painted with Vallejo Dark Rust.  I've got a big honking set of Abteilung oils in a box downstairs that I'm not allowed to open until my birthday.  I'm cracking that baby at midnight tonight. I'll be getting more detail painting done this weekend. I shifted focus today and started on the base. More on that in a bit.

I cut this with a jig saw and routered the edges, hit it with some sand paper.  The stain  used is a polyurethane based, Bombay Mahogany.

The tree was made from 22 and 20 gauge florist wire twisted together.  

Not a great detail shot of the tree.  I was having a heck of a time getting it to focus.  This was as good as it gets.

My wire/cable cutter.  Park Tools.... not just for bike maintenance anymore.

This is the tree after coating it with a hot glue gun using low temperature glue sticks.  I've tried the dual temp sticks and I don't think they work as well.  I'll get this baby painted tomorrow.  Just trying to decide how I want to do the foliage.

Cheers

Dave

HOLY GUACAMOLE BATMAN!   HES MAKING HIS OWN TREES TOO!

Brother Dave....this is looking awsome.  I cannot wait to see the tree with some paint on it.  Everything is looking AWSOME! bro.

Bob

Dave~ Excellent work so far on the panzer--really looking great

I love the tree too--I've seen some really realistic stuff done this way--your making me wanna try my hand at it too---that thing should look awsome.

 Now I guess three will be some groundwork the tree is attached to, yes? Coveing most of the plinth? I  noticed the polyurethane stain raised the grain of the wood--very normal--requires some light sanding and re-staining if you want to get a smooth look to it--if only the edges will show in the end, that's not much area to continue finishing....     

Been making hot glue and wire trees since the early 90's for model RR layouts, they're cheap and work great in all scales.  For young birches, maples and popples use the side of the hot cone of the glue gun and run it slowly along the trunks and branches for a smooth bark effect.  For rough bark like oaks and elms use the side of the cone in a quick wicking/lifting motion toward the bottom of the tree.

I just paint the trunks with the color of the bark of the tree being modelled and dry brush with oils for high lights.

I like to finish the branches with dark green clump fooliage dusted with one shade lighter ground foam held on with 3M spray tack.  When that sets up hit it with 2 shades lighter ground foam for a nice 3D effect.

I use similar techniques for pines but use pieces of split cedar shakes that have been rounded for the trunks.  Nice to see someone else using the hot glue and wire technique, hope more people pick up on it.  Fantastic build and keep up the great work!

Great looking paint job. This is shaping up to be a real winner.

Bob,

Thank you my brother for your continued support.  I picked up some color for the tree.  I'll post some of it when I figure out how to get some more done on the beastie.  I got to open my B-day present this am.  See the last pick.  OOOOOH BOY HOWDY!!!

Indy,

Thank you for the compliment and checking in on the build.  The tree was about 15-20 minutes work.  There will be ground work covering most of the plinth.  I lightly sanded and steel wooled the base today and, then gave it its second coat. I looks much better today.  There will be about a 1/4 - 3/8" edge around the base before the ground work covers the rest.  The base will be approx three tiered.  The Tree at the highest, next the road with the tank and , then the lowest will be closest to the viewer.

Shoot&scoot,

Thank you for the compliment and stopping by.  Thank you so much for the quick toot on tree making.  I like the hot glue effect because, how can you mess it up?  Some others at the LHS have asked about some of my other practice trees and told them about the hot glue approach.  They liked it even more when I told them that one tree was only about 15-20 minutes work.  Not included color or foliage.  They liked the idea.  I'll be doing more of these.  I've got a kit in my stash, a 88mm PAK and, I have an idea rolling around in my head about placing it under heavy cover.  We'll see.

Here is the bison reverse stenciled.  I touched it up but the unforgiving digi won't let it go.  Looks like there may be more to do.

I painted the exhaust with Vallejo Dark Rust.  I be hitting it later with MIG light and standard rust.  Probably with oils as well.

Here is what my lovely wife got me for my B-day. A bunch of 502 Abteilung oils, Light rust effects, Standard rust effects, Water marks effects, and a couple of brushes.  I think she likes me.

Cheers

Dave

Oh man, hold on to her, she's a keeper!

Looks like your wife is a keeper!   I wish my birthdays were that good. 

Brian

Happy Birthday and dang if you ain't a LOGGER to boot.

Nice haul,she did GOOD.

Tony Lee

You think she likes you?  NO!  She LOVES you! LOL  I have to give that tree making idea a try one day.  Thanks for the great toot! 

NICE~!         Happy Birthday Buddy!

Looks like she knew just what to get you Dave, Happy Birthday!

SWEEEEEEEEEET! bro.  Man Mamma hit it out of the park with that present....LOL

Bob

Thank you all for the birthday wishes.  Yes, she is a keeper and YES she hit it out of the park with this one.  I didn't get much done this weekend, what with b-day, assisting with a women's self defense seminar, and fathers day.  Oh yeah, she got me a case of a locally brewed IPA.  Man oh man that stuff is tasty.  If any of you are ever in this neck of the woods just drop a line and I'll share it with you.

I got some work done on the mufflers and the road wheels.  I'll try and get some posted before the end of the week as this is the start of my work week.  

Cheers

Dave

Happiest of birthdays.

Your wife is one sharp lady for sure. Kudos to her.

Speaking of ales, I have a Full Sail IPA as I speak. Tasty stuff.

I've been able to cover a fair amount of ground the last couple of days.  Literally and figuratively.  You'll see in the last pics. The road and return wheels are on.  Wooo Hoooo!

This is what the sprues look like for one run of track.  There is a wee bit of flash that I'm having to clean off using a #11 scalpel.  It's not horrid, just that there is 98 links per side.  The tracks articulate.  There are small pins that allow the links to click together.  I'll just need to be very careful with the assembly when it gets sizable. 

I have gotten started on the base yesterday.  I took the pic before it was all covered so you could get an idea of how the base was constructed.  Just a couple different thicknesses of styrofoam affixed with urethane glue. The crown in the road was done with a couple of triangular pieces of balsa and glued with urethane glue.  After this dried I sanded down the peak to give it a rounded cross section.  I covered the styrofoam with Elmer's Wood Filler.  its consistency is somewhere between frosting and cake batter.  I slather it on with a thin metal spatula and then let it dry.  The tree has since been repainted Dark Taupe from a rattle can.  Once it dries I'll coat it with a clear coat of acrylic and then hit it with Vallejo paint for high lights and oil washes.  I may get to the foliage this weekend.

This is not in the current pic of the base.  I made some top cover rocks from Woodland Scenics molds and hydrocal plaster to represent some rock poking through the soil after centuries of the road being used.  And, to allow me to articulate the bogies.  The tracks will lend themselves well to this.

Cheers

Dave

The eyes are crossed for the night.  I just finished cleaning up one run of track and cutting it from the sprue.  I got enough track put together to place it under the road wheels on the left side and get the initial lay of the track over the rocks on the base.  The urethane glue finally set up for the tree, so I laid down the wood filler around the tree.  Tomorrow it may be dry so that I may get more ground work done or start on the tree.  Either way I am done for the night. .

I put on a couple more layers of MIG standard rust.  The smoke candle chains got the light rust treatment.

Cheers

Dave

Still moving along real good!  I did not realize the suspension was workable.....now that is a REAL nice touch!

Brian

WOW!!!

I love the build!

I love the tree!!

I love that box o' paints the wife got you!!!

Happy (belated) Birthday!

Hey, a question on your tree - does the hot glue take paint straight away, or do you have to do something to give it 'teeth'?

Brian,

Thank you for the compliment.  The suspension on this is quite nice.  Tristar sells (or at least used to) their bogies as a separate item.  Go sparingly with the glue and they will articulate.  The build has ground to a halt for the next 4-5 days as I got called into work a day early.  It affords me those things I like to do.

bbrowniii,

Thank you very much for the compliments and the birthday wishes. Don't worry about the belated part,  in my family one has a 364 day grace period.

 The build is rather fun.  The tree has been easy (so far).  The paints I have yet to use but, am looking very forward to using them and, the rain marks effects.

The glue take paint right away.  What I did was to prime it with a much darker color then apply the Dark Taupe.  That way the rececces are "pre-shaded" and I do not have to worry about absolute perfect coverage. The tree will be coated with a clear flat acrylic coat and then highlighted with Vallejo acrylics, shaded with some filters done with oils. Perhaps toward the end of this next week.

Cheers

Dave

Happy (late)Birthday, hughes2682.

I whish you the best of luck, both in life and in your hobby.

I like the Panzer IV greatly, and I wouldn't mind building this kit, if I can find it. I'm not sure why, but I like the articulating tracks. I thought about the furimodel (did I spell that right?) metal tracks, but those are out of my price range for now. Mabe the plastic tracks will be what I need.

Exelent work so far! I can't wait for the finished result.

Railfan233,

Thank you for the Birthday wishes and the compliments.  Don't worry about the late part.  In my family if one is within 364 days of someones birthday then they are still within the grace period. 

Though I have a few Tristar kits in my stash, this is the first one I've built.  It is not a kit that drops together, but if you take your time with it, it will build up into a very nice kit.  The detail is absolutely exquisite.  The tracks are very nice, though there is a little bit of clean up needed due to some flash.  The up side is that there are no ejector pin marks to have to deal with.  The spelling on the Fruil tracks is close enough to get what you were saying.  They are quite spendy.  Another option you may wish to try is Modelkasten.  They are cheaper than the Fruils.  

I am looking forward to geting back to the bench this week.  Only one more night shift after this one.

Cheers

Dave

Nice work on the wheels, tracks, and ground work. The articulated suspension on the Pz IVs by Tristar (and also by DML) for the early Ausf was intended to be a "super" detail item but that practice ended due to the complaints of the high parts count and limited appeal I guess to dio builders vs. stand-alone builders. Still, you've shown it off to excellent effect and bravo! to you for not resorting to the old trick of crossing a railroad track/bed to do it!

Looking good. I'm glad the tracks are working out, they look fragile and all, but the pins are a good idea.

Bill,

Thank you for the compliments and checking in on this build.  I've got a few of the superkits lurking in the stash and will get to them on of these days.  I am one of those who would rather have the bogies articulate and , I like the high parts count.  Not that I am adverse to a kit that does not have a lot of parts.  I have to admit that I did think about the railroad tracks and thought better of it.  It does look dramatic but, it has been done quite a bit.  I opted to represent the tank how it would most likely be traveling.....on a road. 

Eric,

Thank you for the compliment and following along on this build.  The track to appear fragile but, they never have given me the telltale sign of breaking while assembling them (so far).  You know, that whitish area on the plastic that tells you, "If you push the issue with me any further, I WILL BREAK!".  If I can get the bottom run of the tracks (the part contacting the road) done without any breakage I'll be happy.  the top runs will be easier as there won't be any uneven road to make them conform to. 

I'm looking forward to getting back to the bench in the next 24 hours.  I got a little bit done before coming into work tonight.  It was just some touch up work on the base. 

Cheers

Dave

Since your family has the 364 grace period I'll go ahead and wish you a happy birthday as well.

I'm like you, I enjoy(ed) working on these detailed kits as well.  Your's is looking great!!!  Enjoy the nice(er) weather and talk to you soon.

Rick

Dave I see you're doing fine and dandy. Those tracks will be a tough act to follow.

I need to start having birthdays again or find a new wife, Never Mind.

Tony Lee

Rick,

The 364 is for family.  Outside of the family, if anyone remembers then, the grace period is double that.  Thank you for the compliment and, the birthday wishes.  High praise indeed!  I saw your bulldozed panzer at the last Evergreen show and was greatly inspired by it do better on the dios and vignettes.  Oh by the way the box of oils I got for my birthday, my wife ordered from you.  I am looking forward to using them.  Bob (aka M1Carbine) and Edmund (aka Schnobs) sold me on them.  I may be going back to my Panther build and touching up a couple of things with the oils.  As for the weather, I'll most certainly be enjoying it.  I may even get to break out the Trek and go for a road ride.

Tony,

It's nice to see you back at the bench and, by the by, nice work on the figgie.  The tracks make me nervous with each link, as I've never assembled this type before and, watching the link flex just before it snaps into place makes me wince.  So far so good.  Just 166 more links to go.  As for the birthdays, definitely celebrate them.  As for the new wife, keep her.  Sounds like she supports you and your hobby.  And with the quality of work I've seen you turn out, I'd have to day she definitely supports you.  Keep the posts coming and, if your wife has a hose in her possession then announce your intentions prior to advancing.  Just a thought.

Cheers

Dave

Yesterday was fairly productive. Got a number of items done on the Honey-Do List and, bench time.

I completed a run of track.  Of which I'll post when I get them painted. First, I need to complete the right hand run. Also, I got a goodly amount of foliage on the tree.  There will be more painting to get done but, I wanted the foliage on so that way I can tie it all together with the colors. For the foliage I used Caspia Basil purchased from Michael's.  I cut sections off and glued them on with CA and accelerator.  Think of it as the art of Bonsai that even a black thumb can't possibly mess up.

Cheers

Dave

That tree is beautiful! There is definitely a lot we can learn about groundwork from the Railroad guys  

I will have to try one of the Tristar kits when I get a bit more experience, I am just starting one of the Dragon smart kits and that is intimidating enough  

Your Panzer is really looking nice, I am looking forward to seeing it finished. Thanks for sharing with us!

Kirk,

Thank you for checking in on this build and for the compliments. There is a lot we can pull from the folks in RR.  I also pulled some inspiration from a lady in my Dojahn who creates and tends to bonsai.  I probably would be good to get a bit more experience under your belt before undertaking a Tristar kit.  They are really good kits. Their assembly and small parts is a bit different than most.  Though Dragon has a fair share of small parts in their kits as well.  When you do a Tristar kit pay particular attention to the hull pan for any warpage.  After gluing my hull together (knowing there was a warp for and aft) I would do it differently next time.  THere are a couple more in the stash for me to try my hand at next time.  When you do a Tristar kit feel free to drop me a line (i.e. PM) and I'll give a couple of pointers on how to beat the hull pan warp.

Cheers

Dave

B-E-A-U-T-F-U-L tree!  It makes me want to build a treehouse and live in there forever...

Deafpanzer,

Thank you for the compliment.  When I was a kid I wanted to live in a tree house but, that was Southern California.  Then we moved to the Pacific Northwest.  Talk about your rain festivals.  No thank you (on the tree house that is)

I got a bit more foliage on the tree.  I looks a bit more filled out.  I also picked up a couple more Woodland Scenics rock molds.  I plan on adding some rock that will stick out on the embankment.  My eye kept going back to that spot and I was thinking to myself (and out loud), "That just doesn't look right".  The slope just seemed too steep not to have any rock showing.  So I may be going at the base with a Dremel tool as well. Wooooo Hooooo.  Power tools.    When I do, I'll post some (de)construction pics.

Cheers

Dave

Nice work on the tree Dave, vey convincing result/effect.

Bill

Thank you!  Upon realizing how simple the tree was to build, it got some ideas rolling around in my head.  One of them being a PAK 43/41 concealed in some heavy cover.  I got the right hand track run build yesterday in a 98 link marathon.  I had to step away from the bench after that as I think one of my eyeballs roll back into my skull briefly.  I'll get it glued and fitted today.  Possibly even some paint on them.  Thank you for checking in on this build.

Cheers

Dave

Cool tree Dave!

You're not kidding about all the rain we get here in the NW. So far this year we seem to break a record every month.

Dave again I say... SCHWING. 

The tree is very cool.  All it needs is a rope SCHWING to go SCHWINGING.

I say...

BADABINSCHWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

Oh my there is a whole lotta SCHWINGING going on here.  

Marc and Bob,

The both of you dang near made me snork my IPA on the monitor (again!).  Thanks for the laughs guys.

I accomplished some more on the base.  Mostly modifications.  I felt the embankment was a bit blah so I casted some outcropping rocks using a Woodland Scenics mold and hydrocal plaster.  To place the rocks I cut out a couple of areas using my Dremel and, "cemented" them in using Elmer's Wood Filler.  I filled in around the rocks using the same Elmer's material.  

This one is a bit fuzzy.  I tried numerous time but the camera kept focusing on the first tree I ever made.  It 'll give you an idea of how it looks.

The tracks dried overnight.  I used Devil Over the Atlantic "Track Brown".  I like the color and it goes on pretty nicely.  I shot two views of different stages.  In both of the pics the finished track is on the left(treated with a MIG pigment wash "European Dust" and graphite for the contact areas) .  In the first pic the track on the right does not have the wash applied nor does it have the graphite.

In this pic, I have applied the MIG pigment wash to the track on the right but not the graphite.  That will happen tomorrow.  Perhaps the decals as well and then I can get started on the weathering.

Cheers and good night

Dave

Its all looking brilliant Dave

Perfect choice of construction materials

This is going to be a real corker when it's done

Indy,

Thank you so very much for checking in on this build and the compliments.  Ed and Bob sold me on the Elmer's filler.  Very forgiving stuff to work with.  I got some more done on the tree today but it's probably nothing that would show in pics.  Some of the branches got painted with Vallejo Burnt Umber. Oh, and the other track run got its graphite treatment.  So, both track runs are done.  Nest will be decals for the beastie.  But first, I'm trying to find a reference pic that shows a number on the left side of the hull.  Whether it is on the hull itself or on a placard.  I've got the PE placard that came with the kit, it's just not called out.  Hmmmm.  

Cheers

Dave

Dave,

I'd say run with the placard. The use of the rhomboid placard wasn't discontinued until late in 1940 so the IV-Bs would be most likely to have the placard and vehicle number vs. the turret.

Bil,

Thank you for the info.  I had planned on heeding your advice anyway when, I took another look at my references and, clear as day, I found several pics that clearly show the placard, including several with the post that it is mounted to.  Putting a "few" hours in at work and not enough sleep.  Oh well. That happened.  As always thank you for following this and your support.

Cheers

Dave

I'm calling the tree done.  

The trunk and larger branches were washed with Vallejo German Black Brown.  Once this dried I dry brushed the same areas with Vallejo light grey.

I did a test shot on a scrap piece of basal and some Woodland Scenics Turf blends and, decided to apply it to the tree as it looked sparse after the test shot.  I first sprayed the tree with 3M Spray Mount.  I then placed a small handful of Woodland Scenics Coarse Turf Burnt Grass T62, held the base upside down in the bag, shook the bag.  Instant foliage.  I sprayed what was already on the tree and then placing Green Blend T49 in the bag and, repeating the process.  This darker green gave the foliage more depth.

Now I can get started on the rest of the base.  Once I finalize those colors then I'll get back to the tank (after the decals are on) so then I can apply the colors to the tank, thus tying the tank and base together.

Cheers

Dave

The bench has been idle for a about a week now.  The better three quarters and myself were out of town.  A grown up (ie no kids) biking/kayaking trip to the San Juan Islands.  I'm feeling quite a bit more human now and the creative juices are flowing better.  I got a little bit done since getting back.  I got some color on the base.  Now mind you, these are only initial colors.  They will be built up in layers, so the stark colors are not the final product.  The vertical portion of the base is painted with Liquitex Burnt umber.  The ground portion is a mishmash of Woodland Scenics Yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt umber and slate gray.  I also used a bit of Liquitex Raw Sienna.  The rocks were painted with Vallejo Basalt Grey.  I am still needing to fabricate a static grass applicator.  Finding a 9-12volt Negative Ion generator is proving problematic.  No worries.

This is a detail shot of the tree with the excess foliage brushed off, so that the branches and trunk are now visible.

Cheers

Dave

Well, Dave you may say no worries with the static grass applicator, but I'm still going to do a little worrying for you.

Here's a link to a back issue of an on-line model railroad magazine I subscribe to, with an article on how to make a few different types of static grass applicators (both using a negitive ion generator, and another one not using one) It also has some adresses of negative ion generator dealers, if you want to get one.

I hope this helps.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2010-MarApr

Railfan233,

Thank you for worrying and the link.  That is exactly what I was in search of as it appears that nobody has the 12v ion generator avaliable.  Yes, I have "played" with 120v before with some remodels around the house. Looks like I'll be building the 120V version.  Hey, maybe I can apply the grass from across the garage.  Or maybe couple that with a 1/16 scale R/C Tiger and that'll keep the cats out of my flower beds. Just kidding. Oh I know I'll catch for that one.

Cheers

Dave

hughes2682

  Hey, maybe I can apply the grass from across the garage.  Or maybe couple that with a 1/16 scale R/C Tiger and that'll keep the cats out of my flower beds. Just kidding. Oh I know I'll catch for that one.

Cheers

Dave

Well, I don't think it would work across the garage, and it would be bad to the cat, but you are on to something.

You could probably make an RC tank that fires a Police tazer, and use that on the neghborhood hooligans that trespass and vandalize your property (just 1 zap, and they'll be more than willing to leave you alone) Mabe that would cut down on crime: the tazebot

Brother Dave, this is lookin STUNNING!  I still cannot get over the tree and how well it looks.  You need to give me a toot next time you come over.

Bob

Railfan233, 

I snorked my coffee this am when I read about your "Tazebot".  I snork more java reading replies in these forums.  Thank you again for the grass applicator link.  I'll be ordering the generator and gathering the parts tomorrow.  It looks like it'll be the 120v option.  Woooo Hooooo!

Bob,

My brother.  Thank you for the compliment and the consistent support in my builds.  That TBM is looking fantastic by the way.  We need to set up another visit.  When we do I can bring all the supplies for tree building and case of Ninkasi.  I think the next time I build a tree I can cut the assembly time in about half.  I would like to try my hand at some evergreen trees. You know, for a nice friggin' cold middle of winter dio/vignette with some white wash armor and troops that look chilled to the core.  

Cheers gentlemen and thank you for looking in on this build.

Dave

Nice to see you had a chance to recharge the batteries, sometimes that's just the trick! Nice work on the tree and ground work Dave, now get this one done already!

Dave - thanks and excellent idea my brother. 

Bob

Bill,

Thank you for the compliments and your support. That having been said.... that whip stings!           I repainted the base color yesterday and am much happier with it not.  I'll still be using the Woodland scenics colors for washes.  This base is an experiment in progress as I've not built many.  Four previous ones but, nothing as this involved.  I'm getting better about not biting off more than I can choke down.

Bob,

Good morning brother.  Yeah, I get those ideas from time to time.  You know, just like a busted watch... correct two times a day.  I'm looking forward to getting back to the tank as the ground work has been moved to the fore of the line.  The panzer has been ensconced as to keep the base work dust off of it.

Cheers

Dave

Still very schwingalicious Dave

Looking good, keep up the good work.

T-rex,

Thank you for the compliments and having a look at this build.

The negative ion generator will be here Tuesday and I gathered most of the parts today to build it.  I only need to go to the hardware store and get the ABS supplies.  The plan is to have the grass on the base by this next weekend.  BIG kudos to Railfan233 for sending me the link to build one of three applicators.  Mine will be the 120volt version.  Yes, I will be careful and, yes, I have played with 120 volts before with remodels on the house.  No riding the lightening for the boy.  

I did get a little bit done on the base today.  Some color and some flora.  The rocks I had already painted with Vallejo Basalt Grey.  Today, I gave them a wash with Woodland Scenics Burnt Umber. To give the impression of dirt and dust that had settled into the nooks and crannies.  I then highlighted them with Vallejo Stone Grey, followed with a very delicate highlighting with Pale Sand.  The flora is by NOCH. The sets  used are: Grass Tufts Flowering and Grass Strips Spring.  I applied the Grass Strips to have the random clumps that will stand higher than the static grass when I get it applied.  I am thinking that I will be applying more to the base before the static grass gets applied

The base had a dark wash applied, Woodland Scenics Earth Undercoat and, was highlighted with Vallejo Buff.

Cheers

Dave

Wow, your base is looking awesome!!!! I can't wait to see the static grass applied.

I've saved a link from a model railroad site for building a static grass applicator myself, and it's on the "to-do" list, so I am VERY curious to see how you make out.

Nate

Nate,

Thank you so very much for the compliment.  I've been chomping at the bit to get the static grass down.  I've been tracking the package for the ion generator and, it left Salt Lake at 0436 today.  It'll be here on the 27th.  The only down side is that is toward the end of my work stretch.  The up side is that it'll be here when I'm done with my work stretch and I can get it built.  So, stay tuned, as I should have the grass down by the end of the week.

Cheers

Dave

Wow, this has turned into quite the hefty, and informative log.   I just spent the past 1/2 hr. catching up on your progress...well done all around.  The base is coming along very nicely.

I'll be looking forward to seeing it all tied together very soon.

Enjoy the Summer (finally).  BTW..I'll be in Eugene later today.

Rick

Dave it is looking great, the tree is awsome and the whole layout is spot on. Depending on how much grass you want on this scene i find hanging basket liner a really effective grass alternative and very realistic. I also blend my vegetation together with the base with a light spray of dust and also use pigments to blend .

Hope some of this might be of use to you mate.Andy.

Andy,

Thank you for stopping in and the compliment.  I've got a package of the basket liner I picked up at the hardware store.  I've yet to use it but, after seeing these dio pics, I will have to utilize it.  Is the dio yours?  What was used for the ferns? This is of a huge use to me.  Thank you so very much. 

Cheers

Dave

Dave, the base is looking perfect!  Can't wait to see the IV on there!

Brian

Rick,

High praise indeed sir.  Thank you.  I added a small detail to the base today. Some roots poking out of the ground.  These came from some yard work I was doing last year and kept some clippings.  I have been enjoying the summer. I got back earlier in the week from a biking/kayaking trip in the San Juans.  The entire time I was there enjoying myself I was also taking in the land scape and making mental notes.  Welcome to Eugene.  Hopefully I will meet you at an upcoming show and pick your brain about some stuff/techniques. If you do not mind that is.

Brian,

Thank you sir for the compliment.  I did get a small but important bit done on the Ausf B today.  The decals.  I had been putting it off as I've been focused on the base.  I opted to do them today as I go back to work tonight and by the time I'm done with my stretch they will be fully cured.  Then, I can finally play with my Abteilung oils that I got for my b-day in June.  Wooooo Hooooo. Also the base should have the grass on it within the week.

The decals are not silvered. It is the way the light is reflecting off of the glossy portion of the decal.  I have turned the lazy susan every whichway and I can not see any silvering.  I double checked after I shot this pick. When I saw in on the camera I thought I had a dreaded case of the silvering.  When I went to place the decals,I wetted the decal and, then I brushed a small amount of Future (undiluted) where the decal was to go. With the decal on, I positioned exactly where I wanted it, then I blotted the decal with a Q-tip moistened with water. Any Future that got out from under the decal and was starting to leave a ring was taken care of with the aforementioned Q-tip.

You can see where there is enough residual Future to darken the paint but, not enough to gloss it up.  I am not worried about this as the weathering will take care of this.

The root structures I mentioned.  Don't throw away all of your lawn debris.

Cheers

Dave

Dave yes these are mine, I used moss for the ferns, there are so many varieties of moss in peoples gardens. I do a lot of building and landscaping in my work and i have allways got my eye open for things i can use in modelling. Have a look at a post of mine called How to build a Normandy dio in 1/72 scale or one called Timeout. Hope these help. Cheers mate.

Very nice progress with the base Dave, the flowers along the road are a very nice touch...definitely provides just that slightly incongruous bit to draw the eye without it seeming out of place in the setting. Late Spring/Early Summer France definitely comes to mind with them there!

Thats it....between you and Ed.......Im throwing everything away.........................LOL

AWESOME! BRO

Bob

Andy,

Holy Smoke! That dio is amazing.  Talk about a moment in time.  When I'm done with my work stretch I am going to take a closer look at it and the others that you've mentioned.  Oh man, I have learned A LOT from you guys.

Bill,

Thank you again for your compliments and support on this build.  Jim, at the LHS pointed out the NOCH flowers in the railroad section.  I told him I might have to come back for them. As you can see, I did.  Late spring/Early summer was the effect I was going for.  The flowers and blossoming foliage does seem, as you put it, incongruous, to the dark tide that was coming.

Bob,

Throwing everything away?!?!  My you are!    If I can learn do put this together, then so can you.  Hehehe.  I can handle the technical stuff fairly well,  it's the composition that I have always had to work the hardest at. The ion generator is arriving today and, I've looking forward to building that grass applicator this week.  I even found some aluminum mesh is the garage that works wonderfully with the static grass I have.  Stay tuned.  I'll let you know how it works.  I'll give you a call later this week and we can plan a get together for the tree building toot and Ninkasi.

I will post more later this week after I get the grass applicator built.  Right now I'm going to enjoy a cold one post shift, play with the dogs and go nighty night.

Cheers

Dave

Wooo hooooo!!!  The ion generator arrived yesterday from Electronic Goldmine.  Now I can build the grass applicator.  After I get some sleep.  This is gonna be fun!

Cheers

Dave

Alright, I'm glad it finally came. Let me know how it works. I can't wait to see the results

Dave -remember NOT to put the red wire on your tongue when turning the unit on, this is not a recommended way of testing it...........I did it that way and it took several days for my eyebrows to grow back..............................LMAO

Bob

Don't forget the story of the electricain at the 4077th M*A*S*H. He was repairing the P.A. system, and he was shot through a wall. He was O.K., but he had to recover at Rosie's bar for the rest of the day

I don't know why, but every time I read "ion generator" I have this mental picture of Doc Brown in "Back to the Future". Have fun with the new toy Dave!

Wowsa!

Dave this is wonderful i will have to look for that Valleyo Model Color Basalt Grey color very nice!

I have been watching but forgot to post so here I am!

Now let's talk workshop.  It looks like Adam, myself and maybe Bill are coming to Evergreen so you you are going to put on a tree making workshop. Please PM me want I need to bring for materials. I am moving out of the desert soon and will need tree skills! 

Great job man!

Railfan,

Things are a bit off schedule right now.  Well, not really.  I've been Dad's taxi service and spending time with my boy.  Some things just have to wait.  That MASH reference got me laughing pretty dang hard.  I had forgotten about that scene.  I'll make sure not to do anything to make myself fly through any walls.  I don't want to wake up with my co-workers or wife leaning over me asking "WTF?"

Bob,

LMAO! It may be OK for 9v but 120V?  Feel the power as it shocks you across the room!  Puuuuhzzzzzaaaaap! 

Bill,

I shared your reference with my wife as I read it and, we BOTH snorked our java!  Thanks for the snork!  Great way to start the day really.

Edmund,

I was worried that the Basalt was going to be too dark but,  it was juuuuust right.  No worries about posting. You've had a fair amount on your plate lately.  I would love to do a work shop!  Only .... (please forgive me)... I double booked myself that weekend.  I'm at a seminar for three days in South West Washington.  I am more than willing to make a road trip and get together with you guys if you are amenable to that.  I'll trade you a hairspray toot for a tree toot. I am kicking myself for that double booking.  

Thank you for the compliments gentlemen.  I've got some free time this eve to build ( or at least get started) the grass applicator.

Dave

No hurry, Dave. I understand family matters.

As for you snorking all of your coffee, what's wrong with just drinking it? It seems like every time I talk to you via the forum, you are always INHALING your coffee insted of DRINKING it.

I'd think it would taste better if you didn't try to snork it.

(Oh, by the way, don't drink coffee while reading my post)

Railfan 233,

Actually, I do drink more of my coffee than snorking it.  It's no so much an inhaling as it is almost a sneezing while laughing with a mouthful of java.    The replies and posts you guys write are out and out funny. I love the sound of laughter  (in my line of work I find some humor in some very unusual places).  I had a really good IPA before reading your post so, no java was snorked!

The grass applicator was finished last night and I practiced with it on some cardboard and various blends of static grass before tackling the base.  All the static grasses used were of the Woodland Scenics brand: Burnt Grass FL633, Light Green FL634, Medium Green FL635.  The surface was prepped with diluted white glue brushed on with a foam brush so as not to leave potential brush marks.  With the applicator loaded, the base prepped and, the ground pin in the base and attached I went to town.  Woo hoo!  It went quickly and, well.  I am looking forward to building up another base in the very near future.  Perhaps a bit bigger and with several trees.  Hedgerows perhaps?  

The middle of the road was a creation by mistake.  I had wanted an uneven appearance and it turned out better than I had planned.  Bonus! The grass on the center and sides of the road will get dusted with a light airbrushing of Deck Tan tomorrow.   I need to come back to the base with fresh eyes.

I was mountain biking with a friend of mine on Thursday and saw some undergrowth that would have made some excellent ferns.  I got distracted on gathering any when he pranged his derailleur hanger.  They would have gone nicely below the rocks.  Looks like I'll just have to go riding again soon.

Today was the first day in a while where I worked on the Panzer.  I highlighted some areas with Tamiya XF-63 German Grey that was diluted fairly thinly.  I just thinned it until the consistency seem just right.  Some parts were also glued on.  Fenders and, both mufflers.  The hinge points where the fenders were glued need to be touched up with some Life Color paint.  I'll be hitting the Panzer with the Abteilung oils here shortly.

Cheers

Dave

  Wow Dave!

That is just Gosh Doggin Awesome!  Really nice base and groudwork here.  I mean it this is real quality work!

Edmund,

Thank you so very much for the compliment and constant support on builds.  Watching the base work that you and others have done has really helped me with construction and composition.  This is like scratch building.  Addictive.  Now I want to build a bigger one with more trees and other flora.  Perhaps a concealed PAK 41/43?

Cheers

Dave

The base looks great Dave! The grass came out really well. I also like the highlights on the Pz. IV. Looking forward to seeing the tank on the base.

Nate

Well, I'm glad to hear you drink more coffee than you inhale /sneeze /laugh.

I'm also glad you had the static grass applicator work for you. Now, It's applying static grass insted of shooting applying you through the wall.

I swear, I took a walk down that old dirt road you made a while back. I don't remember the rocks in the path, but it's roughly the same. Over all, it's an exelent diorama. (I may use something like that for some cars I'm building)

That Panzer looks great, just needs some rust and dust.

hughes2682

.  This is like scratch building.  Addictive.  

Oh dear. The scratch-building disease is spreading. You have been around me too much, and I have given it to you!

(I can't stop scratch-building, and the scratch-building feaver is slowly spreading through our forums, effecting anyone and everyone, making them want to scratch-build)

Very nice progress Dave, looks like the new toy is living up to all your expectations nicely!

Nate,

I've been itching to get back to the tank.  Now I can though, I'm not sure I'll be able to get to the oils like I had hoped. There are a few spots under the fenders, that I noticed yesterday when I glued them on. The closer I get to getting the finish work done the more I see that has to be done.

Railfan,

The applicator  works wonderfully. With it being 120V I treat it with the same respect as I do firearms.  It does not get refilled until the switch is off and it is unplugged.  There are a lot of old roads back behind where I grew up that I biked, walked, drove.  I even found a few old homesteads from the Great Depression.  One house was pretty much collapsed on itself but I did find some pretty cool stuff (I left it all there as it didn't feel right to take anything from those places). One house used Foldgers coffee tins as flashing for the roof.  The colors were preserved wonderfully.  Thank you for the compliment and checking in on this build. As for the scratch building.... there are much worse things that could be given to others.  I've definitely been bitten by the bug.

Bill

Thank you for your compliments and the following of this build and, others.  Now back out to the bench!  I get to work on the tank again.  Congrats on your dedicated mancave.  Yes, I do understand about the "Honey Do List".  I've got a couple more bigger ones to get done before the Rain Festival hits us again here in the Pacific Northwest.

Cheers

Dave

WHAT!

DOUBLE BOOKING?

WHAT!

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR COLLECTIVE MIND!

Did you indeed shock yourself with the "ion generator"

I am getting in the car now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude, im depressed now

Bob

Dave, I think there is no cure for the honey-do list. LOL Hang in there.

Bob,

Apparently I have lost my mind. I may have backed over it several weeks ago when I committed the egregious error. So it does predate the ion generator. Perhaps I should used it to "reset the motherboard"?

Eric,

The honey do list works prett well. My wife busts her behind at work as she wears several hats. I've seen the bosses job. I do NOT want the bosses job. I was able to get some dot filtering and pigments done. I'll shoot some pics when I get home. I also shot some Deck Tan On the base. So far so good

Cheers

Dave

Well, I was able to get some oils on yesterday.  There is A LOT more weathering to come.  And pin washes. And grime.  Ooooh I like grime. Here's what I've got so far

The dirt is MIG European Dust affixed with mineral spirits. 

The mock up to make sure that everything is tying together. I'm not sure if is shows in the pic (it does in person) the Deck Tan sprayed to represent the dusting of the flora from passing vehicles.

Cheers

Dave

POOP!

Thats all Im saying

:( Bob

Dave, it's lookin better, and better!

If I may point out something though, I believe that the bar under the gun barrel needs to be pushed back farther. The ends should butt up against the mantlet. The bar was an aerial deflector. When the turret rotated past the antenna, the bar would push it down, and out of the way of the guns.

Keep up the good work!

Nate

Nate,

Thank you for your compliment. When I was assembling the aerial deflector it caused a wee bit of consternation.  Initially, I put the wrong one on (that explains why it didn't fit properly).  With the early rounded V type deflector they do not go all the way to the mantlet.  I checked my references and, according to the Spielberger reference pics this one is where it is supposed to be.  The later Y type deflectors do run from mantlet to muzzle. The thing that surprised me was the number of tank pics that had an aerial and no deflector.

Cheers

Dave

Dave - I just caught the flowers that you made on the front.  Holy cow, how did you make those????  Add it to the tree toot when you come up.

Bob

Hey Dave: Oops, my mistake! You learn something new every day.

Nate

Looking good Dave! The intro of the aerial deflector underwent quite a bit of evolution before it was standardized. Lots of early pics abound of A-B-Cs without a deflector at all and also pics of one added later but the types/styles added later weren't consistent in design/shape which can make it somewhat aggravating for modelers! . The A-B-Cs were kind of the field-test variants and were relatively small batch runs, it was the D that was the first high-volume variant of the Pz IV and incorporated quite a few things learned from the earlier Ausfs in terms of features and design changes.

Keep us posted!

Bill,

It can be aggravating when trying to pin that detail down for a specific tank in a specific region in a specific..... you get the point.  The flip side is that it can give you the latitude for use of artistic license.  I am partial to the early versions as they do tend to have a lot of character. IMHO. As always Bill it is good to have your input in these builds as it helps me gain a deeper insight into that which I am building.  Lest I forget my manners, thank you very much for the compliment.

As you can see by the pics, I got a fair amount done today.  It's coming together.  I opted to call it a day since, I did get a lot done today and, it is getting nearer to the finish line.  I do not want to rush it.  There is still yet the commander to get painted and, I'm still on the fence about using the kit head or getting a Hornet head.  The kit one really isn't to bad and, it has the early beret.  

There are still a number of small detail parts that have yet to be put on.  The spare links and their clasps, the jack and it's clasps.  Tomorrow with fresh eyes. Maybe.  Before that, I'll be helping my son with his first ever glue together kit.  It's a 1/72 Academy 3 in 1 kit that has a half track, which is what he got it for.  He says he really likes half tracks.  He started taking stock of  all the ones in his old mans stash.  So I told him, "build this one and a couple more to help you out with the basic skills and, we'll move you on up into something more challenging".  He was all for it.  Gentlemen we may have another modeler amongst us.

Cheers

Dave

Awesome job on your panzer Dave. Can't wait to see the final pics.

Very nice Dave, coming down the home stretch!

Looking really good Dave.

Nate

This deserves MANY stars!  I want to grab those flowers and give it to my wife... you know what will happen next.  Loving the diomara especially the flowers touch.  Looking forward to see it completed...

Jetmodeler, Bill & Nate, 

Thank you very much for the compliments and following along on this build.  Here are the final pics.  I shot a couple in sepia and a B&W one just for giggles.  There were a couple of pics that I reshot due to an offending eyelash on the turret roof.  

Deafpanzer,

If you mean what every guy hopes for when giving flowers to his sweetie then, pic away. Thank you for the stars, compliments and support.  

Well folks, this one is a wrap.  That is unless your eyes find something that mine missed. It wouldn't be the first time. It's kind of like, "Where's Waldo",  if you find it shout it out.  Good, bad and, ugly.  

The commander got painted up yesterday.  I used Vallejo paints and Abteilung oil washes.  The pics were all shot in natural light at about 0830. I like the way the colors turned out in the natural light since I paint under an OTT light at the bench.  I opted not to go big on rust, since this beastie is represented in France circa 1940.  The Germans pretty much owned Europe at this point and the TC actually has a tie.  If you can wear a tie commanding a tank, then things are not that bad.  Yet.  

This update is fairly picture intensive so, my apologies to the folks with dial ups. 

These were the "lets play with the settings" pics

Thank you all for following this build and your comments and compliments.  Now to pick the next build.  Wooo Hooo!

Cheers

Dave

Now that's what I call RIGHT NICE Dave

Love the base work As Provo said "It Sings" (from the movie Green Beret)

Great Job buddy

Tony Lee

WOW! Looks amazing. I really like the black and white picture.

Tree and base are fantastic nto to mentionteh AFV.  Can we have some closeups of the figure pretty please!!

Dave - my bro, WOW WOW and WOW, man this is just beautiful.  Perfect base, figures, AFV and weather is just right.  Love it bro.

Bob

Very nice job Dave! I love the base..........

Nate

Now that is one fine looking diorama! Beautiful work, Dave! It always impresses me when you guys take the time and effort to share your work with the rest of us, and for that I say 'Thanks! I really appreciate it!'  

A great finish to a great build.

What will be your next project?

Nice to see this one "out in the sun" Dave! Very nice work on the base, weathering, and overall presentation.

A very nice job all around. Great job on the panzer and a great job on the base.

Tony,

Thank you for the compliments and the stars.  I'm thinking that I'm hooked on bases. I've got an idea rolling around that involves about 10-14 figures.  Or it's just that the marbles are loose again..  Oh man, I used to watch that movie a lot with my Dad.  Loved that movie.

Jetmodeler,

Thank you for the compliment.  I snagged the B&W pic idea from Schnobs Horch with the 20mm.  Now THAT, was a fantastic pic!

Edmund,

Thank you for the high praise on the tree, base and, AFV.  Since you asked nicely, I'll get some closeups of the figure in the morning light.  Thank you also, for the toots and articles you've sent my way. Not to mention your detailed explanations with your builds.  I for one am always taking notes from you and others.

Bob,

My brother thank you for comments, compliments and continued support.  Thank you also for selling me on those Abteilung oils.  Those are fantastic.  I got a dead flat finish on this beast with the dot filter.  That is the first time I've gotten anything that flat.  

Nate,

Thank you for your compliments on this build.  The materials for the base were cheap and easy to work with.

Hedorah59,

Thank you for checking in on this build and the compliment.  You are most welcome for the postings.  So much of what I've learned has been from these forums and conversations with the folks who post here.  I owe a big thank you to those guys/gals.

Railfan,

I owe you a big THANK YOU for the link on the grass applicator.  It has the interest of the guys down at the LHS.  They want to place the panzer and base in the display case.  I told them I'd bring it back for that after my wife saw it.  She fully supports my hobby/OCD outlet/obsession.  Plus I told the guys I'd bring in the grass applicator as well.  One of the RR guys really wants to see it. Look below for what is now on the bench as of this evening.  The going is a wee bit slow as I am now sharing the bench with my boy.  He's building Tamiya's Sdkfz 222 with the DKW motorcycle.  He's got the gluing down on a 1/72 kit.  Now he gets to learn how to paint.

Bill,

Thank you as always for your compliments, ideas and, not to mention, historical background/knowledge.  As for myself, it's never just enough to build a kit.  Often I've told myself that I'll just build this OOB with instructions and, before I know it..... I'm online, on the phone picking someone's brain, digging through my references(now I just know I've got a picture of this somewhere).  Thank you for your high praise sir.

Panzer88,

Thank you for taking the time to check in on this build and, for your compliments.

Next up....................... actually it's now on the bench and assembly has started.

Cheers and Thank you so very much all of you.

Dave

Schnobs

 Can we have some closeups of the figure pretty please!!

Edmund,

Since you asked nicely.   Sorry it took so long to get these up.  I was going for a fairer skinned fellow that I think came out well, in person.  In the pics.... well, you decide.  I shot some outside and some inside at the bench.

Cheers

Dave

He's quite good Dave

Nice outcome  all-around Mister. Congrads on it's completion.

Been a watching ..........

Some good lookin' work here Dave. Great lookin' figure too.

Seems to be a nice warm-up for that Churchill coming up next on the agenda.

   Hi Dave!  Well worth the wait.  That's the best figure I have seen from you.  I really like the tie! 

Bravo on a splendid build

Please accept my appologies for the delay in replying. I was out of state with the tribe visiting family. Though I was still in a proper state of mind. Mostly. . We got in last night and I go back to work today. So the bench will be firing back up shortly.

Indy,

Thank you for the compliment and checking in on this build.

Disastermaster,

Thank you for "a watching" and the compliments.  I've been looking forward to getting back to the AVRE.

Edmund,

Thank you as always for your continued support, compliments and constructive criticisms. When I saw the tie I actually started giggling. Tanks and ties who would have thought?!

Bodge,

Thank you for your compliments on this build and for following it.

Cheers

Dave