Trumpeter Famo

[James Tainton]

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13748&img=famotrump.jpg

click on thumbs for higher res
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13829&img=1thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13828&img=1.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13831&img=2thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13830&img=2.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13833&img=3thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13832&img=4443.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13836&img=4thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13851&img=71984.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13837&img=5thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13852&img=37185.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13840&img=6thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13853&img=92046.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13855&img=7thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13854&img=12477.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13857&img=8thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13856&img=68768.jpg)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13859&img=9thumb.jpg (http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=13858&img=98059.jpg)

[James Tainton]

I started by working on the frame.
the inside had a few pin knock out marks that I filled using a two part epoxy putty,
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17152&img=720famo1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17153&img=3389famo2.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17154&img=4134frame1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17155&img=frame2.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17156&img=frame3.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17157&img=frame4.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17158&img=frame5.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17159&img=frame6.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17160&img=frame7.jpg

[Flak]

I'm glad ;) You have started to built it...have you get the Eduard update set for it ;) or just built it out of of the box...

[James Tainton]

OOTB- I heard that the main suspension arms need to be worked with for everything to line up. The locating pins are not in the correct position. If you follow their lead everything will be thrown out of kilter- like on Donovan's build.

[Flak]

Mmm...we're watching :lol:

[Donovan]

Originally posted by panzerfaust@Sep 6 2005, 08:13 AM
OOTB- I heard that the main suspension arms need to be worked with for everything to line up. The locating pins are not in the correct position. If you follow their lead everything will be thrown out of kilter- like on Donovan's build.
Gee, wonder where you heard that from... ;)

As you said, sometimes it ain't always best to be first, but if I can be of service by example that's a good thing.

IMO that's what these build logs are for showing work and helping others avoid pitfalls.

Hope it goes well James.

Cheers,
Donovan

[James Tainton]

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17219&img=hullsidescompare.jpg

Here is one I took comparing the two Famos. The top is the Revell.
There is an inset showing the Trumpeter wheel arm superimosed over the revel. The Revell one seems a little closer to the housing of the one in front of it. Hard to believe this minor difference can through this so out of wack but it very well may. I will not be able to really get much more done for awhile but there does seem to be some difference... but then again there doesn't seem to be- depends on where you are looking to compare the position. The angles look pretty close as does the positon at the bottom of the frame. I will look into this more.
a closer look- of the superimposition
This is just a quick comparison- later when I have time I'll make a more careful and exact comparison shot.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17220&img=closeup.jpg
The Black lines are the Revell kit and the blue the Trumperter.

[James Tainton]

I managed to work a little on my famo this weekend. I think I may have discovered a problem in the clarity of the Trumpeter instruction sheet. I think this is what may have led my esteemed colleague Christopher Wilson astray in his build and the problems he had in making the front wheels go where they were supposed to go. I maybe wrong- this is only a priliminary dry fit , just to see what might be wrong and how to rectify it. It just seems to me the solution lies in the way part A53 is attached to part A38.
the pertinate instruction illustration
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17571&img=2721step7.jpg

here is the "notch" I will be discussing...
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17572&img=notch.jpg

The instructions seem to indicate ones glues it facing the engine. (and the way Christopher attached his)
This is were I think the fundamental problem lies. I believe it oughta come from underneath the tab and face the ground.
here you can see the proper orientation prior to the dry fitting to the two tabs that stick out on the back ends of the leaf spring part A38.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17573&img=notch2.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17574&img=notch3.jpg

here it is in place
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17575&img=notch4.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17576&img=notch5.jpg

[James Tainton]

This is the orientation that Donovan had in his build- which I believe threw everything out on the front end.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17577&img=notch6.jpg

Donovan's Famo
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17579&img=notch8.jpg

back to the correct (?) placement.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=17580&img=notch9.jpg

[Tuna]

Awsome.. this is why sites like this are so good (I have this one on the shelf).. thanks to both you and Christopherfor all the info your sharing for us guys with this build in our future!!

:lol:

Instructions are bad.. it really should specify to 'flip' it.. I see how it can be misleading!

[James Tainton]

Yes, it is good to be able to share in the trenches information gathered by the "actual" building of some of these kits. Even if my theory proves right, Donovan's build really lit the way. ;)

[Donovan]

James,

Two things. Your alignment looks like it will be more ture to life than the instruction to be sure, but I think based on other pics you posted in my build that the axle should be lower than the leaf spring. I can't tell in you one pic of the dry fit but it doesn't quite look low enough.

The other you have not addressed yet and that is moving the entire suspension forward. If you don't do this the wheels will not be centered in the wheel wells but rather far to the rear.

IIRC I had to move the bits forward about 2.5mm and make new drive shafts. No big deal but wanted to give you a heads up on it. To see what I mean take you current dry fit and dry fit the fenders on and wheels and you'll see what I mean. OR look at the FAMO on ML you liked, it has the same problem.

Looking forward to seeing how you handle this one :)

Cheers,
Donovan

[Donovan]

James,

Here is a pic of my finished fromt suspension, it is a little differeent than the photo above which was during early asssembly and changed somewhat.

If you want a better shot lemme know I scanned this on my new Epson 4180 Photo to see how it does with 3D, not bad. (BTW -- thanks for the tip on the scanner)

Cheers,
Donovan

http://www.30seconds.org/Models/FAMO/sus-1.jpg

[James Tainton]

Here are some update pics-taken quite awhile ago-but today is the only day I could find the energy and time to post them....
The frame with the suspension arms addded as per instructions-the front sus. is glued in place as well. (BTW-this moves up and down on the ends)
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18490&img=framebehindlv.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18491&img=framefront34.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18492&img=frameside.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18489&img=frameabovebehind.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18501&img=susfront.jpg
I'll still need to add a tie rod.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18488&img=framea.jpg

[James Tainton]

the tires and the rubber wheels
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18502&img=tireswheels.jpg

some knock out marks need to be filled if so desired.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18487&img=fenderunderfill.jpg

the rear platform from underneath- again a few knock out marks filled in
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18496&img=platformunder.jpg

from above
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18495&img=platformabove.jpg

the transmission and the engine partailly assembled
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18503&img=trans+engine.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18483&img=engine+trans.jpg


Here I've added som texture to the otherwise flat seat padding
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18500&img=seats.jpg

[James Tainton]

next a shot showing the nice detail in the wheels
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18507&img=wheels.jpg

and the winch parts
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18508&img=winchparts.jpg

the front fenders added to the frame
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18485&img=fenderfromabove.jpg

with the engine test fit
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18484&img=enginefrom-abovetestfit.jpg

from the side
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18498&img=rightfrontfender.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18499&img=rightfrontfender34.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18486&img=fendersfront.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18494&img=frontfenders34.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18493&img=frontfenders.jpg

[James Tainton]

shot of the towing pintle and winch cable roller
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18497&img=rear.jpg

comparison shots of Trumperter and Revell chassis
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18504&img=underframe.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18505&img=underframeb.jpg

[Donovan]

Originally posted by panzerfaust@Oct 15 2005, 05:08 PM

from the side
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18498&img=rightfrontfender.jpg

Dry fit a wheel and tire at this point. I think you will find it is going to sit too far back in the wheel well. This is what I was trying to explain about moving the suspension forward. I luckily had not glued mine in place at this point and so I could do that and scratched new drive shafts. The whole leaf spring assembly needs to come forward about 2mm or so.

Cheers,
Donovan

[James Tainton]

You might be right brother, but why bother - the sit of the wheel is not right the way you did yours either. :) I think I'll just live with the kit as it comes OOTB. It's half a dozen of one or six of the other--I'm not going to stress about it.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18514&img=frontwheeloncomp.jpg
Looking at some reference- it seems the tire was not right dead centre in relation to the fender in any case.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18515&img=realtire.jpg
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18518&img=linefrontwheelcomp.jpg
It is my opinion that the way I have it is a more accurate rendition, no disrepect to your gallant efforts, Sir. :) (Although it may be a situation where you created a "fix" where one was not needed. )
Did not your attempted "correction" then mis-align other aspects of the miniature. I do not mean to ctitisize your build other than to have clarity as to weather a "fix" was really needed or if the kit is fine from the box. My contention is that it is fine from the box.

[James Tainton]

couple of other pics from today
the underside of the platform has had some knockout marks filled, as well as the back mud flap part of the fenders,(which also needed to have KOMs scraped out with a curved X-blade) and some of the supports that mount the plat. to the chassis.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18516&img=platformfilledunder.jpg

here the joint between the rear fender part and the horizontal part can be seen to be in need of filling and fixing with sanding tools.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18517&img=fenderjoint.jpg

[James Tainton]

tonight I started on the single link tracks- this is a big job! You have to gently remove the tracks fro the sprues and then clean up 5 attachment points. Some of the tracks were not perfectly filled with plastic- the ends of the foot pad being short shot on a few samples. Nothing too severe though.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18567&img=trax2.jpg

the Trumpeter kit comes with a jig to help with the construction of the treads. To make a joint the pad needs to be carefully glued in place so as to allow the tracks to be movable. Once the glue has cured and the joints are solid more fine tuning on sanding rements of the attachment points can take place.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18566&img=trax1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18568&img=trax3.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18569&img=trax4.jpg

a completed section
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18570&img=trax5.jpg

a comparison to the REVELL treads-which are link and length
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18571&img=trax6.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18572&img=trax7.jpg

[James Tainton]

well I've managed to get one side of 47 or so track links together. Here there is just a friction test fit-I paint my tracks off of the model. In the second foto you can see that the front wheel appears to sitting firmly on the ground contrary to other reports as to what would happen, that the wheel would float off the ground.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18677&img=trackson1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18678&img=trackson2.jpg

[Larry Bates]

Nice build you got going there James. This is 1/72? looks good for the scale. BtW, got my vbench from Gordy tonight, I'm going to have to search for something to put on it, or build something. :lol:

Larry

[James Tainton]

Thanks Larry.
Here is a pic of the second run started
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18805&img=secondtrackrun.jpg

the seating is getting installed as well as the platform suupport members underneath
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18806&img=platformseatsin1.jpg

the fender filled and sanded at the back
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18809&img=fenderfill.jpg

one side on the tread fender installed
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18808&img=frontfenderin1.jpg

there was a KO mark that needed to be scapped off
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18807&img=frontfenderin2.jpg

[James Tainton]

the other fender is added and the firewall is installed
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18850&img=frontfenderandfirewall.jpg

everthing needs to line up-this is all a dry fit as I will need to be able to paint these parts in subassemblies
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18849&img=firewall.jpg

two side stowage boxes are added and the side walls of the platform box is lined up carefully and glued in place.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18848&img=boxwall1.jpg

[James Tainton]

the box and trax are done- here a few pics of things test fitted.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18851&img=traxonside.jpg

There will be more filling and sanding here and there.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18853&img=34side.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18852&img=traxonback.jpg
with both sides of the tracks in place I did notice that the front seemed to, because of the rubber band effect of the vinyl tracks to be unnaturally lifted up- this will be retified by placing weights in some stategic places-using gravity to have the sit of the model correct-similar to the weighting of a model plane nose on a tail heavy plane. I'll try putting some fishing lead weights in that opening under the second row seating and I will maybe try to put some lead into the engine before I put the top on.

[James Tainton]

the underside of the platform. All the mounting parts are in place.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18978&img=underplar.jpg

and some lead weight added to the seat.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=18979&img=wieght.jpg

[James Tainton]

well since the Dragon Panzer IV/E is almost done- and I'll need more time than the evening hours after work allow (regular working hours=10) to start painting the figures and touch up the tank, I thought I'd get this Famo kit rolling again. I think I want to carry-on with a DAK theme on this one. First of all I need to prime/preshade everything with some Humbrol brown enamel paint, thinned with laquer thinner.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=22814&img=brown.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=22815&img=brownb.jpg

[James Tainton]

Panzer gray from Xtracolor
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=22977&img=grey.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=22976&img=gray3.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=22975&img=gray2.jpg

Tires primed with Mr. Surfacer
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=22978&img=tires.jpg

[Larry Bates]

Nice :thumb:

[James Tainton]

somemore.
I decided to redo the grill with some evergreen plastic. The beginnings where the solid molded on grill has been removed and hollowed out. A couple of strips are in place. Only 16 more to go.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23064&img=grill.jpg

The transmission recieved a metal colour in prep to be painted green with some chips.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23065&img=transmission.jp.jpg

Here a test fit of the engine and tranny.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23063&img=engineinplace.j.jpg

[James Tainton]

So I did the liquid mask application to the grey paint prior to spraying with the desert Brown colour
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23529&img=mask1.jpg

the trasmission also got the treatment before the green was painted. The engine recieved a coat of satin black from Humbrol.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23528&img=enginetrans.jpg

This time I decided to use a recipe for a dersert brown from Tomáš Chorý's book on Camouflage Colors.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23534&img=braun.jpg

Here are the tins with the colours I will use to mix up the colour
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23526&img=colours.jpg

I think the result was well worth the effort
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23530&img=sandbody.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23532&img=sandwheels.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23531&img=sandcolour.jpg
This last picture is a little over exposed- the braun farber is not represented correctly here.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23527&img=engineblack.jpg

[Larry Bates]

Nice color James

[blouie]

Looks amazing as always. How are the figgies for the DML Pz IV going?

Cheers

Branden

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by blouie@Feb 6 2006, 04:32 PM
Looks amazing as always. How are the figgies for the DML Pz IV going?

Cheers

Branden
Thanks guys. The figs for the Pz. IV are on hold until I can find a proper block of time to concentrate on them. I really just prefer building and painting vehicles right now. The figs will get done I guess when they get done...
I finished the grill redo- I don't know if I would bother doing this again ?
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23577&img=grille.jpg

[Flak]

Perfect job for the Front Grill... ;)

[Finnmodeler]

Originally posted by panzerfaust@Feb 7 2006, 12:32 AM

I finished the grill redo- I don't know if I would bother doing this again ?

Hi James,
"to boldly go there where no man has gone before" or something. Very brave and very succesful work there. I agree on that you don't want to do that very often.

Br,
Niko

[mnickolson]

James the grill looks great. :)

[James Tainton]

Thanks. ;)
Now the grill has some brown bess primer on it
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23611&img=stripped8.jpg

The liquid mask removed
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23604&img=stripped1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23605&img=stripped2.jpg

The tires are painted with PollyScale Grimy Black and the mask removed on the wheels
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23607&img=stripped4.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23608&img=stripped5.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23609&img=stripped6.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23610&img=stripped7.jpg

and the tranny
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23606&img=stripped3.jpg

[Kaiser]

Your paint job is outstanding!!!

How did you do the chipped paint effect? Did you use maskol or something different?

[James Tainton]

Today I had the day off so I worked on the Famo and got a good bit done. The tires were painted with Polly Scale grimey black
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23639&img=tirespaintedb.j.jpg

The seats were also painted a grey black
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23637&img=seats-painted.j.jpg

the spare tire rack recieved some attention
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23638&img=tirebasketgray..jpg

as did the front grill.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23633&img=greygrill.jpg

The cable for the winch is some string that comes with the kit- I think I'll try to find something else to use...
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23629&img=cable.jpg

[James Tainton]

everything is given a dirt coating
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23636&img=pollyscaledirt..jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23630&img=dirt2.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23631&img=dirt3.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23632&img=dirt4.jpg

This is followed with Tamiya buff
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23627&img=buff1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23628&img=buff2.jpg

[James Tainton]

The painted boogies can no be mounted
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23626&img=boogieson.jpg

The front tires receive the treatment. The one on the left has charcoal rubbed on the high points
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23640&img=bufftires.jpg

the two sides with the wheels on as well as the treads. The ones in the rear need to be brought down onto the boogie wheels.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23635&img=otherside.jpg

the body was test fitted
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23625&img=bodyon.jpg

the front grill tested as well as the hood added. I want to leave the engine open on the sides for better ventilation
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23634&img=hoodon.jpg

[Finnmodeler]

Very impressive! Simple yet good looking effects there.

[Flak]

WOW...Looks really COOL :lol:

[jackal]

That's looking really great, James!! :thumb:


Cheers! ;)

Jackal

[James Tainton]

I think the sit is pretty much correct as is, considering the limitations of a plastic 1/72 scale model. Its as accurate as any other aspect of the kit.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23655&img=sidesitBW.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23654&img=sidesit9.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23653&img=sidesit5.jpg

[mnickolson]

James that looks great. I only wish my old eyes were good enought to do 1/72. The only thing I notice is the front wheels look like they are setting back some as the real one is more centered but may just be the picture.

Mike

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by mnickolson@Feb 9 2006, 12:34 PM
The only thing I notice is the front wheels look like they are setting back some as the real one is more centered but may just be the picture.

Mike
Yes there does seem to be some discrepancy there but it maybe due to the angles due to vanishing point perspective issues that occur within the photo. Here is a drawing from the Nuts & Bolts book on the Famo. It appears to look close to the Trumpeter interpretation.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23659&img=sidesitdrawing..jpg
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23654&img=sidesit9.jpg

[mnickolson]

Ah yes I would have to say compared to the drawing it looks right. It must be the picture. ;)

And after seeing what you do for a living I see now why you painting and weathering is some of the best I think I have seen.

[Sticky]

Looking very nice indeed!

[James Tainton]

So I added the winch today. Replaced the fuzzy string cable that comes with the kit -using some brass wire that I twined to make a cable. Then I used a Butane torch to anneal it . This was wrapped around the spindle and the cable end that comes with the kit attached.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23678&img=winch.jpg

the engine got some work too.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23674&img=engine+.jpg

the grill got the chip treatment and top coat colour.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23676&img=hoodon1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23677&img=hoodon2.jpg

these pics taken on my super high tech photo system ;)
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23675&img=hightechphotose.jpg

[James Tainton]

I was hoping that because I have limited time/energy to go through all my model mags and reference books, someone out there maybe able to direct me to some information on DAK markings on FAMOs. Thanks.

[James Tainton]

The steering wheel parts are added
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23854&img=sterringwheel1..jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23855&img=sterringwheel2..jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23853&img=steeringwheel3..jpg

The exhaust recieves some love as well as the engine.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23852&img=exhaustpipeseng.jpg

[Stuke Sowle]

Sorry James, I have about zilch on AK Famo markings.

Excellent work thus far. I will definitely be refering to your SBS when I get around to building mine. That's a big "when" though.

[James Tainton]

Thanks Stuke.

The engine got the fan added.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23858&img=fan.jpg

Because I went and opened up the front grill I needed to add a radiator. This does not come with the kit so some good old fashoined scratch building is in order.
First I need to make the front part that has a circle in it. I cut and sanded a piece of plastic to shape. A dry fit...
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23859&img=radiator.jpg

a circle template, a pin vise with a straight pin and careful scribing produced this hole. Around this I added a strip of plastic. This will be glued in and the sanded back a little.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23860&img=radiator2.jpg

glued in but needs to be flattened down yet a bit.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23861&img=radiator3.jpg

a loose dry fit- it's lower than it will be in the end.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23862&img=radiator4.jpg

the radiator is kinda thin but I needed to fudge it to get it to fit- for all intents and purposes it'll look great. I gave the face some texture like a screen with some 60 grit sand paper.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23863&img=radiator5.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23864&img=radiator6.jpg

everything in place and painted. I used Tamiya German grey- black at this scale I feel is to strong.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23865&img=radiator7.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23866&img=radiator8.jpg

the windscreen got some grey paint.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23867&img=windscreengrey..jpg

and the dash recieved some dry brushing.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23857&img=dashdry.jpg

[blouie]

This is so amazing and at that scale! One question, how did you do the rust effect on the exhaust manifold. It looks great. You have another awe inspiring build here.

Cheers

Branden

[James Tainton]

Oh that's not finished yet... ;)
Here I have glued the engine in place for good and the air filter as well The top part of the hull has been cemented for all eternity as well. (or until it ends up in some land fill :lol: )
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23868&img=enginegluedin.j.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23873&img=top-glued-inpla.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23871&img=front3_4.jpg

The underside with the exhaust pipes in place. More aging and weathering to do here.
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23869&img=exhuastpies.jpg

a test shot with the engine hood in place. (the tracks need to be reglued to the top of the road wheels later after all construction handling is finished.)
http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=23872&img=topinplace2.jpg

[jackal]

Amazing... simply amazing!! :o


Cheers! ;)

Jackal

[Robert Lockie]

James

The finishing is very impressive (indeed finishing anything is impressive to me) but there is a dirty great mould line down the outside edge of the front wheel arches which rather diminishes the overall good impression. I think I saw a similar feature round the step in the side of the same part - unfortunately I have only just seen the thread or I would have mentioned it before you got the paint applied.

Are you planning to deal with the ejection pin marks in the front of the firewall too? That is proving something of a time-consuming task with mine.

[Larry Bates]

James,

As always, it's looking very nice.

Larry

[James Tainton]

James

The finishing is very impressive (indeed finishing anything is impressive to me) but there is a dirty great mould line down the outside edge of the front wheel arches which rather diminishes the overall good impression. I think I saw a similar feature round the step in the side of the same part - unfortunately I have only just seen the thread or I would have mentioned it before you got the paint applied.

Are you planning to deal with the ejection pin marks in the front of the firewall too? That is proving something of a time-consuming task with mine.

thanks guys, for the comments. That line in front of the radiator grill was a self inflicted wound that I did with a pair of tweezers pointy somehow- I've been too lazy to bother filling and sanding a repair but now, since you pointed it out, I'll have to deal wit it. The pin marks, I was not going to worry about them either as they will be hidden under the hood and in the dark for the most part, but may take some time to better that area yet. Now Robert, let's see some pics of your'en. :)