Firstly, i want to apologise for the poor updates. I tend to get carried and away and forget to take pics. And what with having to clear the bench every time i get the camera put, i keep over looking it. So, i need to make more effort there.
That said, here is where i am at. I got most of the interiour parts fitted, the radio's will go in later and there is some wiring to add at this point. I am much happier with the seat colour now.
With that done, the top could go on. I had a bit of an issue with the fit at the rear corners, especially on the right. But this was my error. When the lower sides go in, you have to be really careful to fit them correctly, its easy not to. I think i had one slighty further back than the other. But with a bit of pressure, some filler and some sanding, it got there in the end. The rear door's don't sit perfectly, but this is only apparent when they are closed.
I was then able to start fitting all the exteriour parts and PE. The left side mounts for the frame antenna will go on once the radio's and operator are in place.
One thing to be aware of with these kits is that Dragon add raised lines to indicate where parts should be fitted. The problem is they use the same mouldings for differant versions, so there are raised indicators that need removing, but Dragon don't tell you this. There are raised marks for at least 3 differant versions. Here, i have indicated there points on the left side. At either side are the locators for the masts for the frame antenna, used on this version. In the middle is another locator and i have not yet worked out what this is for. There are also two more on each side, already removed, which are for the bridges on the /7.
Apart fom that, i have been working on the radios. They have been painted and dry brushed so far. I only have a photo of one of these, so the rest is guess work. Once they have ben weathered, they will be fitted to the rack and wired up, but as i don't have a wiring image for this set up, that will be guess work as well.
One lesson i have learned fom aircrfat is not to fit anything long, thin and easily breakable, like antenna masts or pitot probes, until as late as possable. The same applies to armour and they don't get much longer than this.
In addition to all that, i have gotten round to sorting out the figures. Out of 3 in the kit, i am useing just one, one of the radio operators. Apart from it being made out of Dragons lovely vinyl, its a nice figure. Its now primed and ready for painting.
This set i have planned to use form the start and is the bases for the whole scene.
And yesterday i went through my figure stash and found 3 more. From the set i will be useing the guy on the left leaning over the side, assuming he does fit in the vehcile like that.
And from this one, the 2 second in from either end.
And i will be ordering another Dragon set this week for one figure from that, whcih is also in Pz Black.
And last but not least, the base. After addin the edge, this was stained and varnished. I can now put this to one side as the celluclay will be added at the last minute.
And thats all for now.