Here's the simple way to use the foam inserts.  Cut them smaller than suggested -- you simply want their thickness -- you don't need them to completely match the edge of the upper two volute springs. 

Once assembled, I seat my kit so all twelve road wheels are level.  Then I glue the suspension arms-- I have no need for them to remain movable.

The suspension bogies are probably the hardest part so you're in the easier part from now on. Nice work, she's going to look great! 

Below is a link to my very short video of testing the suspension assembly to make sure it works correctly and a method I use for sanding road-wheels using a Proxxon hobby sander.

Harold

https://www.flickr.com/photos/164748493@N04/49360170387/in/datetaken/

 

Harold, re: 3 foam rubber pieces

You're a better man than I, Gunga Din.

I completed steps 1 through 5 of 22; track assembly, drive sprocket and idler wheel assembly, differential cover and suspension assembly. The suspension assembly with its three foam rubber pieces did not present as much of a problem as I thought it would.

Next step is the lower hull assembly which looks like it will take an entire session. I generally start each session in the early morning with a cup of coffee and work for about two-hours. I found that if I limit my work to two-hours at a time, I am more productive and make less mistakes.

Harold

 

 

I have no idea how much to thin the paint with your miniature spray gun so mucking around with it is the best way to get a good working dilution. 

You might want to consider getting an old or cheap model to spray on while you're getting the right solution dialed in. Or even an old plastic bottle.

Good luck, and looking forward to hearing how it works out!

Gamera

Yeah, I like the Vallejo Primer a lot. I normally just mix in about 30% or so window washer fluid from the auto parts store. It's about a buck or so US and is water with a little alcohol added. You can of course use any thinner you want including just plain water. 30%  thinner works for me, you may need to adjust more or less depending on your airbrush, climate, and individual taste.  

 

Gamera, I'm going to use an Iwata miniature spray gun with 1.0 mm nozzle. The recommended air pressure at the inlet to the gun is 36 PSI. I will start with no thinner and then thin 10%, 20% and 30% to compare results. The gun also has an adjustable air cap which will be set ahead of time to optimize atomization at the nozzle. There are to many variables to guess how this new gun will preform with Vallejo Surface Primer, but I'm hopeful it will significantly reduce overspray and give me a smooth finish. I'll let you know how it works out, thanks for your advice.

Yeah, I like the Vallejo Primer a lot. I normally just mix in about 30% or so window washer fluid from the auto parts store. It's about a buck or so US and is water with a little alcohol added. You can of course use any thinner you want including just plain water. 30%  thinner works for me, you may need to adjust more or less depending on your airbrush, climate, and individual taste.  

Gamera, I started assembly this morning and got to thinking last year you recommended Vallejo Surface Primer if I recall correctly? Do you thin the Vallejo primer and if so, what do you use for thinner?

Harold

 

Same here, I think you'll really enjoy this kit. If you can build an AFV Club kit this one ought to be a snap! 

I used the foam pieces on the kit I built. Don't really see the point of them though, the workable suspension didn't work that well. Omiting them I don't think you lose that much. 

M1GarandFan

Harold, I think you'll be very happy with the Asuka kit. I've built two of their Sherman's and liked them very much. The only real problem I had was with the little pieces of foam they want you to use to allow the bogie suspension arms to work. I just could not keep all three pieces in position while I added the other items that need to be enclosed in the bogie unit housing. Instead I used the plastic spacers that were supplied and glued them in position.

There are some small parts that really add to the detail of the kit, but since you just finished that 3" gun, you shouldn't have any problems with those. I'll be interested to watch your progress. All the best, John

 

Thank you John. I read one review about pesky little foam pieces you mentioned, apparently you're not alone in finding them troublesome.

Harold, I think you'll be very happy with the Asuka kit. I've built two of their Sherman's and liked them very much. The only real problem I had was with the little pieces of foam they want you to use to allow the bogie suspension arms to work. I just could not keep all three pieces in position while I added the other items that need to be enclosed in the bogie unit housing. Instead I used the plastic spacers that were supplied and glued them in position.

There are some small parts that really add to the detail of the kit, but since you just finished that 3" gun, you shouldn't have any problems with those. I'll be interested to watch your progress. All the best, John