Well since I brought this little M-24 home I figured I should buy him some new shoes so I picked up some metal tracks from Friulmodel. Has anyone ever used these and know what I might expect?

Not with that particular set, but I am a big fan of Fruils, despite the cost, I am in the middle of putting a set together now.

Generally I find they go together pretty easy. Occasionally you may have to drill out some of the holes, I think I have had to do one on this set so far. I normally assemble the required length and then test fit, in case I have to add or remove any, and then I put a dab of CA glue on the open end. I normally check my references to see how many links I need and then make that many, but often I have to remove one or two.

Completed Builds

RBaer: HobbyBoss 1/35 T26E1 Super Pershing

DantheMan85:   Dragon 1/35 M4 DV.

 Silentbob33:  Academy 1/35 M-18 Hellcat

 Ghostrider114: Tamiya 1/35 M4A3 (105).

Gamera:                   Tasca/Asuka 1/35 M4A3E2 Sherman "Jumbo".

hiya folks, would like to sign up to the group build. i have a cyber-hobby's Firefly Ic hybrid hull in 1/35 scale.

Hey Jacinth68!  Welcome aboard!  Got you on the list.

Eagle90

In my best Ed Sullivan voice: "We've got a really big shew tonight, folks"

So I had a pleasant surprise last night. I was un-packing some of my stash, packed up for a move that didn't happen, and found an un-opened Eduard etch set for the M26. I bought it at the same time I bought the HobbyBoss kit (I think) and forgot all about it. What a deal!

RBaer, now that is a pleasant surprise!  Maybe I should go through my stash again!  

Eagle90

Yeah, I keep thinking I ought to keep track of all the bits and pieces I pick up at shows and such, but where's the fun in that? I'd rather find "new" stuff now and then.....

LOL!  I have to laugh...after you posting that the other day, I went home last night and starting moving stuff around in the hobby room and found a pile of AM stuff I bought at an estate sale!  Resin F-80 wheels, C-47 wheels, etc!  Forgot all about them!

Eagle90

Eagle90

LOL!  I have to laugh...after you posting that the other day, I went home last night and starting moving stuff around in the hobby room and found a pile of AM stuff I bought at an estate sale!  Resin F-80 wheels, C-47 wheels, etc!  Forgot all about them!

Eagle90

But do you have any kits to put them on, that's the question.

The "question" or the reason to go buy kits for them?

;)

Do you really need a reason to go buy kits?  Ok maybe the expensive ones you do.  

Bish

Eagle90

LOL!  I have to laugh...after you posting that the other day, I went home last night and starting moving stuff around in the hobby room and found a pile of AM stuff I bought at an estate sale!  Resin F-80 wheels, C-47 wheels, etc!  Forgot all about them!

Eagle90

But do you have any kits to put them on, that's the question.

LOL!  Why yes I do!  2 Monogram F-80's and 1 Testor's T-33.  also have 2 Monogram C-47's!  Hey, this should qualify me for the Monogram Mafia shouldn't it?! 

Eagle90

RBaer

The "question" or the reason to go buy kits for them?

;)

Well, you know....I have 5 sets of the F-80 wheels and only 3 kits! 

Eagle90

shivinigh

Do you really need a reason to go buy kits?  Ok maybe the expensive ones you do.  

Now there is a wise man! 

Eagle90

1 more month to go

A video for you T-26 builders.

Last night I decided what I wanted to build for this, so I ordered the 1/35 Academy M-18 Hellcat for my entry.  Should be here sometime next week.

silentbob33

Last night I decided what I wanted to build for this, so I ordered the 1/35 Academy M-18 Hellcat for my entry.  Should be here sometime next week.

Got you on the list!  Welcome aboard!

Eagle90

I would like to get in on this but I'm wondering how 'New builder' friendly these group builds are. Not that I think you all would snub me and tell me how terrible I am, but I've been looking at your builds, and I would be highly intimidated to put something up next to them.

I don't own an airbrush, nor would I know what to do with one. That's on my wishlist. Anything I build is going to have to be rattle can and brush for a while.

I wouldn't worry too much about it Hoggarth.  I've only completed one group build, but I can't even begin to describe how much I've learned and how helpful people have been as far as tips and tricks to get things right, and even sending me parts in the mail that weren't in my kit.  

I've just recently gotten a decent airbrush and I'm still figuring out how to use it, so I wouldn't worry about it that much.  There are all sorts of skill levels here so don't feel intimidated.  I consider myself a novice at best, especially when I tried painting figures for my LCVP in the Longest Day GB (I still cringe a little when I look at them), but the people here pointed me in the right direction to make them better than they were originally.  Best way is to jump in!

Hoggarth

I would like to get in on this but I'm wondering how 'New builder' friendly these group builds are. Not that I think you all would snub me and tell me how terrible I am, but I've been looking at your builds, and I would be highly intimidated to put something up next to them.

I don't own an airbrush, nor would I know what to do with one. That's on my wishlist. Anything I build is going to have to be rattle can and brush for a while.

In my experience, the best way to improve is to take part in GB's. My modelling has come on leaps and bounds since I got back into the hobby in 2008. Posting pics is a great way for people to see where your at and offer advice. And the good thing about GB's is that not only are you posting your pics, but your seeing others and what they are doing and how they are doing it. And at least with Allied armour you can go for a nice simple OD scheme and not have to worry about those German 3 tone ones, though if you feel up to the challenge, your more than welcome into the German armour GB as well.

At the end of the day we are here to have fun, and people will realise that your new to the hobby and perhaps don't have the experience or tools that others have built up over many years.

So I hope you won't feel intimidated and will jump in and as long as the advice is given and taken in a friendly well meaning manner, you will be fine.

And one final thing, the host of this GB, Eagle, is just about to finish his first ever armour GB and now he is about to host an armour GB, his first GB as host. So hopefully that might inspire others to dive in and take the plunge.

Well then, let's jump in with both feet.

Put me in with a Tamiya M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer.

Shiv: Very cool find there, sorry it took me this long to get around to watching it. Interesting details there on how to repair and maintain the M26.

Bob and Hoggarth: Welcome to the build - what a cool pair of TDs!

Hoggarth

I would like to get in on this but I'm wondering how 'New builder' friendly these group builds are. Not that I think you all would snub me and tell me how terrible I am, but I've been looking at your builds, and I would be highly intimidated to put something up next to them.

I don't own an airbrush, nor would I know what to do with one. That's on my wishlist. Anything I build is going to have to be rattle can and brush for a while.

Hey Hoggarth,

Well, you beat me to the punch line(sorry it took so long to get back to you, I had practice tonight), but I'm going to give you the reply I was going to give you anyway!

WELCOME TO THE GB!  Because I refuse to NOT let you join in on it!  Do not worry about being intimidated!  You won't be!  This forum has the best bunch of guys and gals from around the world!  Lots of knowledge and all are more than willing to share their tricks and tips!  Intimidated?  Who's to say you don't come up with a brilliant tip for us!  Or do a smashing job on your build!  I'm betting you will surprise yourself on how well you do!  I want to draw your attention to the second line up from the badges on the first post for this GB. 

"Plenty of info sharing, pictures and most importantly, have fun and enjoy."

Have fun and enjoy!  We don't care if you hand paint or rattle can your build.  It's a hobby...have fun!  Ask questions!  Like Bish said, I am almost finished with my first armor build!  I'm having a blast with it!  I also did my first figure (Mr. Scott from Star Trek) with the FSM sponsored Villains and Heroes GB.  Again...had a blast!  Learned a lot and everyone was more than willing to help this novice out.  Was it a perfect build...heck no!  But I had fun and the next one (which will be Dr. McCoy!) will be even better!

All this to say, I am VERY happy you decided to join the GB!  I look forward to seeing your build!  Welcome aboard!

Eagle90

silentbob33

I wouldn't worry too much about it Hoggarth.  I've only completed one group build, but I can't even begin to describe how much I've learned and how helpful people have been as far as tips and tricks to get things right, and even sending me parts in the mail that weren't in my kit.  

I've just recently gotten a decent airbrush and I'm still figuring out how to use it, so I wouldn't worry about it that much.  There are all sorts of skill levels here so don't feel intimidated.  I consider myself a novice at best, especially when I tried painting figures for my LCVP in the Longest Day GB (I still cringe a little when I look at them), but the people here pointed me in the right direction to make them better than they were originally.  Best way is to jump in!

Couldn't have said it better myself! 

Eagle90

Bish

Hoggarth

I would like to get in on this but I'm wondering how 'New builder' friendly these group builds are. Not that I think you all would snub me and tell me how terrible I am, but I've been looking at your builds, and I would be highly intimidated to put something up next to them.

I don't own an airbrush, nor would I know what to do with one. That's on my wishlist. Anything I build is going to have to be rattle can and brush for a while.

In my experience, the best way to improve is to take part in GB's. My modelling has come on leaps and bounds since I got back into the hobby in 2008. Posting pics is a great way for people to see where your at and offer advice. And the good thing about GB's is that not only are you posting your pics, but your seeing others and what they are doing and how they are doing it. And at least with Allied armour you can go for a nice simple OD scheme and not have to worry about those German 3 tone ones, though if you feel up to the challenge, your more than welcome into the German armour GB as well.

At the end of the day we are here to have fun, and people will realise that your new to the hobby and perhaps don't have the experience or tools that others have built up over many years.

So I hope you won't feel intimidated and will jump in and as long as the advice is given and taken in a friendly well meaning manner, you will be fine.

And one final thing, the host of this GB, Eagle, is just about to finish his first ever armour GB and now he is about to host an armour GB, his first GB as host. So hopefully that might inspire others to dive in and take the plunge.

Again......well said.  Without mates like Bish, I'd still be trying to figure out the 88 stood for in Flak 88!    And without help from everyone on the forum, I wouldn't be hosting this GB!  Thank you all!

Eagle90

Hoggarth

Well then, let's jump in with both feet.

Put me in with a Tamiya M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer.

Now you're talkin'!!  Welcome aboard.  And a great subject you picked.  It will be awesome!

Eagle90

I also meant to mention that I've only built one armor kit, despite having almost a dozen in my stash.  So I'll be a newbie for this build.

Hoggarth, I don't own an airbrush either, all rattle cans, brush and pastels.

GBs on FSM are the most friendly atmosphere on the interweb, guaranteed. Jump on in and enjoy.

Oh, and the M26 vid: I've only watched about half so far, really nifty though.