Now Complete: Dragons Panzer I Ausf A with interior 24.10.10

That good - cheers Bill

Yep, I left the lens off and fitted it after painting so the inside is grey. Lesson learnt here and a good one too! Next time I'm using a build with a clear lens like this I'll fill the light with a piece of Blu Tack whilst I'm painting then, like you say, I'll paint the inside with a much brighter colour.

Nice one!

Thanks very much buddy,

ATVB

Ben  

Looks like a good trick with the head-lights Ben and sorry to hear about your adventure with the carpet-monster! Just a side-note,the lenses themselves didn't have the slit, it was the blackout covers over them that did...so you don't have to replicate the work you've done a 2nd time if that helps.

As for the main headlight on the glacis, if the lense there is already clear, what's making it look opaque is the fact that the body behind the lense is also panzer gray. For the future, a small trick you can use there is to paint the inside of the light housing with silver or steel/metallic color and it will enhance the effect of the clear lense tremendously.

Good afternoon guys,

Feeling pretty rotten today so I have phoned in sick so no work today. I definately do not feel up to any building but I have cleaned up that main headlight lens with Future and have scratched a couple of temporary small side lights to replace the lost ones. I've also straightened up that Notek light.

I've just given them a coat of grey and have painted the front 'lenses' with deck tan and then I painted over them leaving a slit. I'll make some proper replacements with cloth blackout covers but these will be okay for now. I hate having an unfinished model on my shelf!

I know it's a bit of a bodge job but it will definately do the job for now!

ATVB

Ben   

Thanks Bill,

It looks like I've got a bit of scratching to do as when I went to put this build on my shelf last I noticed that the bloody small headlight in front of the Jack has gone! I had a quick look at the other small light and PING! Off it came only to be eaten by the carpet monster!

I'm thinking two thin discs of clear Styrene to use as lenses and I'll mould the lamp bodies out of Milliput - I can't think of a better way?

Suggestions?

ATVB

Ben

Ben,

You're quite right about the front mud flaps, it was quite a common thing for the crews to remove them since the clearance between them and the tracks wasn't that great and it was all too easy for the Pz I to throw a track if dirt/sod/mud etc got jammed in that space. In-the-field photos will show more vehicles without them than with them. Sounds like you've got a good fix in the work for the headlights, your b-day is right around the corner so you shouldn't have to wait too long to start on that Firefly.

Wow,

Thanks Dupes - I really appreciate that buddy!

ATVB

Ben

Ooooh, sweet build you've got there!

Thanks very much for the kind words guys

I'm really pleased with how she turned out in the end and am glad I lost the base in the end. I've dullcoated the MG barrels so they look ok now.

The interior, though limited in visibility, is great as I feel it makes a big difference when showing the model off - it's a big bonus and the turret interior really looks the works!

wbill: Thanks for the helpful tips matey. I did look at quite a few photos of the Panzer I and a lot of them had the front mudguards missing so I thought I'd go for something like that. My first Panzer I that I built (Dragon Ausf B) had the front guards kept on it so I wanted to mix this one up a bit. I see you neglected to fit them when I looked up this build on your site too and your build was a stunner - it looks much better without the front guards but yes, the Notek does look more angled without the guards but this can be easily swung round to point straight on. I thought that these things could be moved around to adjust the direction/angle! Obviously not!As for the headlights I stuck the lens of the main headlight on after all of the painting had been done but it obviously caught some pigment and dirtied up. The other two smaller ones do not have any slit detail - they are just like the main centre one with vertical downward lines on the lenses? I'm going to go back to these headlight and clean up the main headlight lens and then I'll see what I can do re the other two small lights to see if I can make a couple of diddy little lens covers with slits to go on them.

My next WIP will be my birthday Dragon IC Firefly (kit # 6228) which I will start on my actual birthday (November 4th) as I have the day off as holiday - sweeeeet

Following the Firefly I've got the 1/35 Tamiya Hetzer in my stash to build and I've also got the Dragon Marder III Ausf M (Command Version) but before I tacke both of these I really want to build the.................

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.modelsforsale.com/listphotos/TM35303.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.modelsforsale.com/catalog/product_info.php%3Fproducts_id%3D511790&h=540&w=720&sz=36&tbnid=C3m0FYkxvqeJ-M:&tbnh=105&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtamiya%2Bjsu-152&zoom=1&q=tamiya+jsu-152&hl=en-GB&usg=__PSXUfjZVC1DejoFX9uA3qyji0to=&sa=X&ei=FnPETOCbNsyNjAfz1J26BQ&ved=0CC8Q9QEwBg

I love this big old beast and would love to tackle it - the kit itself is supposed to be VERY good all round - so I've heard & read.

ATVB

Ben

Very nice job Ben. I like the overall weathering. Well done.

Nate

Ben,

Definitely seeing a progression in your build finishes and this is due directly to the fact that you're slowing down, taking your time, and thinking through your process and end result before committing.

There are a few things to point out on this one for your general consideration. The first is the head lights, you ended up painting over them and having them match the rest of the vehicle's panzer gray scheme but didn't provide the needed "slits" in the blackout covers and that detracts a bit in the detail department IMHO. With a little more thought/care around the clear lenses that DML provided in the kit, you could've preserved that little detail. The second is the front Notek light is out of alignment on the left fender, another small detail that pops out becasue you've drawn attention to that area by not fitting the front mud guards.

With that aside, I think you've done a great job with the interior and the commander's hatch left open, definitely draws the eye as an added touch/detail. The work you did on the mufflers is top notch and the detail work on the tools/jackblock are also showing a great improvement over your earlier builds.

Keep up your efforts, with every build you're getting stronger in your fundamentals and expanding your reach in trying new things at the same time. Am looking forward to seeing your next project.

You have done an excellent job on that Panzer!    Really like the color and the affect of the weathering.  As mentioned by Bish, having that large hatch really shows the interior adding a lot of great looking detail to the overall build.  You have done a fine job on your tracks but here believe I would have just a bit darker color on them in the end.  I start with a burnt sienna base and then spray on Burnt Iron (non-buffing) leaving some of the sienna showing in the crevices.  Then just a mist of burnt metal and finished off with #2 pencil.  Yours do look fine the way they are thats just how i do them.  Really enjoyed watching your build and very pleasing to see such a great job.  Thanks for posting your build and I am very eager too see your next.

Rob

As always, you've made great improvements on your previous builds. The tracks look fine, and you've done a good job adding variation and making the finish flat without ovberdoing it. How did you do that chain? Looks nice....

Thanks so much Bish - you don't know how much better I feel now,

I made my base yesterday but nobody really me any much feedback so I was a bit gutted - I decided I HATED that base (for this build anyway) and have put it in the storage box for a future build - it would be ideal for a sunny Normandy build maybe?

She's looking a lot better now and I might have another go at a base - no cheapo photo frame but an oval Walnut trophy type base, you can see them advertised in the back of the magazines. I just want a small patch of snow to put her on.

I'm at a loose end now as like I said before I'm starting the Sherman IC Fiefly that I'll get for my birthday on Nov 4th - I've got the 4th off work so I'll be reluctant to have another WIP on the go at the same time as build space is at a premium!

I'm just going to chill and watch the F1 racing now so no more building today!

I might make a start on my 1/48 Tiger I in the meantime or even my 1/35 Hetzer, sort a proper base out for this Panzer or possibly just go back over my old builds and give them a tidy up which was my original plan - I'm not sure yet!

Can't wait to get my hands on the Dragon Firefly kit - it looks superb!

Thanks again for the kind comments buddy!

ATVB

Ben

Really nice job Ben. Good thing about this tank is the large hatch which means you can actually see the interior.

Good afternoon folks,

Right, not happy with the base whatsoever so as you can see I removed said tank from base - luckily I hadn't fixed it - and am going to keep this as a stand alone build. I did want a snowy base so I might have another go yet. In the meantime I'll keep the other base as it will no doubt be ideal for a future build!

So, this build is definately finished! I've done a bit more pigment work on the road wheels and tracks to make them match and have added some highlights to the drive sprockets & raised areas. It's as good as it's going to get now (with my abilities anyway) and I'm totally happy with her so I feel better.

I'm just glad I went with the Magic Tracks - I'm sold on them now! That'll save me some money!

I've taken a couple more photos of her off the base: I'd love to hear any comments chaps.............................

Thanks for looking (again) guys,

I'm a lot happier with it now that base has gone.I'm definately calling this one finished now and at least without the base I can at least fit it on the shelf!

I'd really appreciate any comments, critiques or general f eedback that you can give me!

Have a great week everyone,

ATVB

Ben  

Good afternoon folks,

Well, I'm very pleased to be able to call this complete (in my eyes at least)! I've tried fine tuning this cold grey finish and this as good as I can get her.

I had wanted a snowy, wintery base but I tried a couple of methods (Bicarbonate and Vallejo 'Snow and Foam') and wasn't happy with the results that either gave me so this a springtime base after the thaw!

This is only my second attempt at any sort of base so the more I do the better they'll get but I like this one anyway so no problems! I had planned to have some random stowage and an icy (or normal) puddle in one corner of the base made using scenic water but after placing the tank on the base it became obvious room would be an issue so the puddle will have to wait!  The base is only a standard issue 6" x 4" photo frame so I'll have to get an idea of the overall size of the build before commiting to any bases in the future to ensure that I get one of a suitable size. 

Apart from getting the finish just right all I had left to do on the actual build was mount the MG barrels. I put a bit of light pigment on the tracks and used some of this new AK 'Winter Streaking Grime' that I had bought this week on some areas but I'm not sure if I worked it correctly so I will have to have a play with that stuff. It looks good so I also picked up some normal AK Grime effects and an earthy wash that they do too.

I'm in a bit of a bind now as now this model is complete I don't really want to start a new build as I'd like my next build to be the Dragon IC Firefly that my folks are are buying me for my birthday so I think I'll 'revisit' some old builds from when I first started modelling and tidy them up a bit now.

It was another learning curve as it was my first time using Magic Tracks and the thought of using these terified me so I'm glad I overcame that fear - I'll definately use them again and that will save me a lot of money so I won't be constantly buying Friuls!

Anyway, I hope you like the finished model as much as I enjoyed building it.

I'd like to thank everyone who has given me help and advice along the way, particularly wbill, Deafpanzer, Ryan and Karl.

Here you go....................

 Thanks for looking in - I'd love to hear your thoughts on this little tank of mine! 

ATVB

Ben

Cheers Bill,

How lucky was that! I used every single link I had left to make that second run! Without the mishap obviously I'd have been fine.

I painted the tracks a base colour of Gunze 'steel' last night so now it's a quick drybrush to expose some bare metal and a dusting of light pigment, onto the base and voila - another Panzer in the bag & more space needed!

She's coming on well buddy!

ATVB

Ben

Almost to the finish line with this one Ben, looks like you were just able to overcome your track problem and still get it with both "shoes" on.

Good afternoon chaps,

I'm working from home today - I'm only covering the work phone incase a customer out in the field gets a problem I can talk him through things and get him sorted.

As a result I decided that I wouldn't do any serious work today as I've tried it before and as soon as you go to stick decals on for example the phone rings so all I wanted to do today was get the other track run done.

I had hoped to get this run made up as removable so I could paint it off the tank but these links are so tiny and fiddly I had no option but to do what I did yesterday and fit them permamently leaving me with the fiddly task of painting the tracks whilst on the tank! I'll get the hang of them, this was my first time using Magic Tracks ever so I'm not going to beat myself up over it! If the track links were bigger I know that it would definately make things easier.

Anyway, second track run is on and fixed. I'll paint them up next weekend and the build will be done - just the base left to build!

Due to a bit of a disaster yesterday I had to remake a run of about 15 links so I had to be careful today! I did the usual bottom run first made up to my measured length and the made up the top run which fell short of my measured length for the top run by about 2 links and because of the mess up yesterday I had NO spare links left! Due to this I could put hardly any sag in between the return rollers but it will have to do! At least I had enough to complete the run at all! 

Ah well, at least it's done now and for a first attempt it's not bad imo (and I saved £30 by not using Friuls)!

From the front....................

This is the side from yesterday..........................

This is the side I did today - note the lack of sag compared to the other side................................

So far so good: The way I'm planning on laying out the base means the tank will be positioned at the rear with some stowage in the front area so the 'not perfect' side will be unseen when it's in position as I want the wooden handled tools in view which are on the LHS fender. Sorted! 

Have a good week everyone!

ATVB & take care,

Ben

Someone did make a similar jig on here last year, can't recall who it was and what vehicle they were building, think it could have been a 251.

I think these jigs will be useful for anything other than Fruils.

Hey chaps,

Wing Nut: Thanks buddy, much apreciated

Bish: It's a perfect way to get your imdy links straight. It's so simple and obvious! I can imagine that these things would want to curve after a while! I just took a sheet of of 1mm Styrene Card from my stash and cut a couple of lengths off the side. I then just stuck one piece down with cement, made a couple of 6 links Magic Track runs and placed them against the flat side of the stuck down piece with a gap of about 6" inbetween them. I then positioned the other strip that I had cut off so it was sitting with the two lengths of track in the middle making sure the flat edges were on the inside obviously and cemented that one down. I made the gap a tiny fraction bigger so the links wouldn't get stuck and it worked a treat. I'll keep it and every time I use Magic Tracks now I'll make a similar jig and mark it for what tracks it is for - eventually I should have a good selection of various Magic Track Jigs and they don't take up space which is a real bonus!

Tony: Thanks matey. I had intended to get the runs made up but removable so they could be painted 'off tank' as they will be pretty tricky to paint without getting my track paint on the wheels etc. I'm going to paint them in Gunze Steel & drybrush a lighter metallic bare metal colour over the raised areas. I'll then use my sponge stick to put a light coating of earthy pigment over them - I'll use that to cover up and bits of paint that has got on the wheels - hopefully there won't be any and the other run (which I'll do tomorrow) might turn out as planned and remain removable; at least I know how to do it now!

I'm 'working' from home tomorrow covering the out of hours mobile phone just incase there are any problems so I won't have a massive amount of build time available tomorrow-unless it's VERY quiet which is rare.

Next weekend I'll paint up the tracks and start on getting the base sorted out - by the time she's all done it will have been my birthday and I'll have my Dragon IC Firefly to start on

I'll post a quick update tomorrow when the other run is complete.

ATVB

Ben

Ben

Nice, nice and nice.  And oh yeah NICE!

Great looking little tank there Ben. Like the rig for building the tracks, might pince that idea myself.

Those tiny tracks are not that easy to do and they look fine to me.

Tony Lee

Hi guys,

I had to go into work this morning to cover one of the Saturday morning staff who had decided to phone in with 'flu like symptoms' (a hangover) so muggins here gets roped into it. It's only a few hours, double time and we just read the newspaper and relax so easy money!

I got back at about 3pm so I decided I'd get started on this first run of Magic Track on my Panzer I.

I have NEVER used these thing before so this was a big learning curve. I'd done my research and had decided to make a bottom run that would go from 12 o'clock on the front drive sprocket and under the road wheels and end at 12  o'clock on the rear idler. I measures this out and marked it on my jig and it all went pretty well. I used Tamiya Thin Cement to fix the links and used some Tamiya 6mm tape to lay the run on. I mounted it and let it sit for a good hour before trying to remove the run and the tape - here the problems started as the tape was breaking up the run eveb though I'd removed most of the stickiness by sticking it on my T shirt a few times. I decided to use my regular cement and fix the the run to the wheels which went fine.

I then measured up the gap and gave it a bit extra to allow for a little sag. I made the run up and this time left the Thin Cement in place for 10 minutes before moving it and I left off the tape too. The run went on perfectly and I was able to make minor alterations between the bogies to even the sag out. Basicaly, I know where I went wrong today and what's needed to make these tracks work as I want them to in the future.

I'm going to have to paint the run that I fitted today on the tank which should be okay but I'm hoping that when I do the other run tomorrow I'll have two removable sections that I can paint 'off vehicle'. The shouldn't be a problem to paint either way but I'd prefer to have them off the build to paint. I'm happy with the first run; the sag is about right and not ridiculously droopy and it looks neat too so it's so far so !

I'll do the other run tomorrow then I'l pain them and start on the base.

Here is this afternoons work......................................

Thanks for looking guys, hopefully the other run will be fully completed by this time tomorrow 

ATVB

Ben  

Hey Rob,

Thankyou for the kind words buddy! I'm chuffed to bits with her

I noticed the markings too and thought the same - I'm going to try for that look again.

I am going to modify one little things - the stains by the filler caps at the rear. They are far too stark so I'm going to lightly brush over them with the sponge end of the Tamiya Weathering stick to take the edge off them. Apart from That so far, so good!

Have a good week folks,

ATVB

Ben

OUTSTANDING job on this one.  These little PZ 1s are among my favorit (along with all the others) and yours looks great.  I particularly like how the road wheels came out and the extra touch with the head set.  Most of all I like how you applied and weathered out the decals.  Often you see a weathered AFV and then the markings (decals) look like they where freshly painted.  Yours match and blend in perfectly and look wonderful.  Will be looking forward to the completion.

Rob

Really coming along nice Ben. I like the way the weathering turned out.

It's funny you mentioned the new Tamiya Matilda: I just started it this morning, and after 3 hours of work, I have just about the entire hull and running gear built. What a nicely engineered, well fitting kit! I'm planning on posting a semi-blog later on.

Nate

Thanks Bill

A lot of the weathering / finishing techniques that I used on this build were one's that I originally 'pinched' from your blogs - VERY helpful buddy

Next weekend I'll be completing the Magic Tracks then the base afterwards. As I've previously mentioned I've got to stretch this build out over October as my Dragon IC Firefly which my parents are getting me for my birthday at the very beginning of November will be my next WIP - I don't want to start another build in the meantime.

I've got the 1/35 Tamiya Hetzer in my stash along with the head spankingly complicated Dragon Marder III Ausf M (Command Version) - well, it looks very complicated but should be fine!

I'm going to build the Firefly which should see me to Christmas then it's the Hetzer then I fancy a few more Allied / Russian builds as all that I've built this year has been German and I fancy a change. I definately want to build the Tamiya Matilda, the Tamiya ISU-152 & the new AFV Club M10 'Achilles' Tank Destroyer which looks SUPERB. A T-34 will probably be in there somewhere too and I'll build the Marder.......................???

ATVB

Ben