Started on the next project, DML's kit #6393 Jagdpanther Late Production Smart Kit with Model Kasten SK-10 workable tracks.
I had a lot going on this weekend so even though I got started on this build, the progress at the outset was somewhat limited. Work started where it usually does with the roadwheels, sprockets, and idlers in Step 1. I cleaned up all the mold seams with a sanding stick and assembled the middle road wheels, the idlers, and sprockets and left the inner/outer wheel halves separate for painting later on.
I also had assembled a run of the MK links to test the fit for the sprockets and idlers to make sure I wouldn't have any issues there down the road. The sprockets fit perfectly but the idlers were a little too thick. I compared them to the middle road wheels and they are thicker, leading me to believe that the problem is with the idlers and not the MK links since the middle wheels fit just fine between the guide teeth. Some quick work with a sharp #11 knife and careful sanding on the inner surface of the idler did the trick.
Step 2 is a time-consuming step as it deals with all the different suspension elements for the lower hull. The time consuming part is cleaning up the different contact points on each swing arm and the matching torsion bar parts that install to the hull interior. All of the swing arms were glued into position and checked for alignment to make sure the suspension would sit level. The hull sponsons are also added at this point and the instructions have the part numbers reversed, a minor pitfall to watch out for. The step also calls for the install of the front and rear tow hooks but I left them off for now to avoid potential issues with the installation of the glacis and rear hull plate that comes in later steps.
Any progress is good progress, more to come next weekend when I can devote a full round of bench-time hopefully!