Tristar Pz 38(t) [Archive]

lquah

06-01-2006, 12:46 PM

I picked this up today at the Tristar store during lunch and couldn't not wait to get home. :lol:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061813.jpg

As I have quite a number of 38(t) aftermarket parts (for the Mauquette and MIG conversion kits), I have dug them all out and will choose the best parts for the Tristar kit.

Here are the aftermarket parts

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061823.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061821.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061824.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061817.jpg

These are the reference books that I will use

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061820.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061819.jpg

lquah

06-01-2006, 12:54 PM

The kit is fantastic. I am not going to post photos of the sprues. If you want to see them, you can get them at Terry Ashley's review here PMMS review (http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35020.htm)

Here is another review Cookie Sewell's review (http://missing-lynx.com/reviews/german/tristar020sreviewcs_1.html)

lquah

06-01-2006, 01:06 PM

One thing I love about this kit is that all hatches can be positioned open. This includes the brake access hatch, driver's hatch, commader's hatch, bothe engine doors and the circular hatch on the rear plate.

I am going to try to fit it out with a full interior with the interior fighting compartment from VP and the engine from Plusmodel.

Here are the parts from the VP set. Note it does not include interior for the turret. The casting and PE is typical VP - very mediocre. But since it is the only set I could find, I will use what I can and scratchbuild the rest.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061829.jpg

The engine set from Plusmodel is very nice and it is very detailed. The instructions are very clear and they even provide photos of the real engine on their website here (http://www.plusmodel.cz/gallery/133/index_en.php). The set comes with a set of engine doors but they are only applicable to an Pz 38(t) ausf G. The bulkhead is especially nice with details on both sides. Much better than the bulkhead supplied in the VP set.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1061828.jpg

RC_Hill

06-01-2006, 02:37 PM

Lawrence, I think you are now crazier than me when it comes to AM items ;) :lol:

I thought you told me that you weren't going to use an AM tracks on this one? or are those for the MIG set that you will use on the Tamiya kit?

RC

lquah

06-01-2006, 02:50 PM

Hey RC

OK you got me there. They were meant for the Maquette and the MIG/Tamiya set but I thought what the heck, I am going to do a comparison and may the best track win!

:)

Panzergrenadier

06-01-2006, 03:47 PM

Well we will see how it turns out. ;)

So many AM items really make my last purchase of Panther engine grills look pitiful. :lol:

Happy modelling!

Siim

olemanjoe

06-02-2006, 04:06 AM

gosh, lawrence, are you getting paic too much? how much did everything set you back???

Flak

06-02-2006, 09:32 AM

Hi Lawrence,

Great stuffs...I had the CMK's for my 38t ;)

lquah

06-02-2006, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by Panzergrenadier@Jun 1 2006, 02:47 PM
Well we will see how it turns out. ;)

So many AM items really make my last purchase of Panther engine grills look pitiful. :lol:

Happy modelling!

Siim
Siim, I hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew. :(

lquah

06-02-2006, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by olemanjoe@Jun 2 2006, 03:06 AM
gosh, lawrence, are you getting paic too much? how much did everything set you back???
Hiya Ollie, far from it. My boss been holding back my pay raise for far too long. :( . Most of the AM stuff is for the other 38(t)'s and I am just seeing how much of it is needed.

Great stuffs...I had the CMK's for my 38t
Hi Marco! How is the CMK set? Much better than VP, I bet! :)

lquah

06-02-2006, 01:49 PM

It's end of the work week and here I am working on the 38(t). Been raining all week and today we had a red rainstorm warning. That means 5cm of rain is expected in an hour. Expected to continue for the next week and looks like I am going be stuck at home this weekend. Lucky me! :)

OK, so today I worked on the engine set. I must say that the resin parts are very easy to work with and quite accurate compared to photos of the real engine. Here are major sub assemblies ready for paint. I will need to add some wiring to the batteries etc when I fit it into the hull.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081853.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081854.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081856.jpg

lquah

06-02-2006, 02:02 PM

It is now 1:50am and I will put off painting the engine to tomorrow. In the meantime, I worked on filling in the punch out marks on the lower hull.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1071830.jpg

I also notice there are quite a number of location holes (circled in red). Very strange. I would think that Tristar would not have the holes there unless it is for ...wait for it..... more 38(t)s and derivatives! :) I think we can expect some SPGs to be in the works!

I don't like the VP side panels, and I am not going to use them. I started on the left side panel.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081857.jpg

Here is a close-up

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081859.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081861.jpg

Panzergrenadier

06-02-2006, 02:39 PM

Siim, I hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew.

Hey, everything is ok here. :lol:

Your work looks nice.
Yeah, your scratch built thing is way better than the resin item. :thumb:

Siim

DOJO

06-02-2006, 06:24 PM

Lawrence, there's also squadron in action book. If it's going to help you.

Will you say that VP set is accurate?

Looks like it's going to be a fun build 8)

TomNelson

06-02-2006, 07:30 PM

Lawrence,

Can you comment on Wydawnictwo Militaria Number 241 PzKpfw 38 (t). How is the coverage of Ausf. E/F?
The MBI Praga book has nice drawings, but few photos of 38(t) Ausf. E/F. incorrect.

From what I have been able to piece together Hungary received 16 Ausf F. Bulgaria received one Ausf. E and two Ausf. F.

Thanks,
Tom

Sheeds

06-02-2006, 08:00 PM

Mannnnnn, that must be every AM product avaiable 38t! :)

Looking forward to seeing more of this, you've done great work thus far Lawrence. :thumb:

Willy.

Larry Bates

06-02-2006, 08:57 PM

Looking very nice Lawrence!

Your scratch work looks very nice and neat.

Larry

panamadan

06-02-2006, 11:52 PM

Enjoy watching your build! Dan :)

lquah

06-03-2006, 06:53 AM

Siim[/QUOTE]
Originally posted by Panzergrenadier@Jun 2 2006, 01:39 PM

Hey, everything is ok here. :lol:

Your work looks nice.
Yeah, your scratch built thing is way better than the resin item. :thumb:

Siim
Siim, it's not hard to better than VP. I still can't believe they don't care about how inaccurate their stuff is. I mean DML gets a lot of criticisms for making small errors and nobody complains about VP. Maybe I suppose nobody buys VP nowadays. :)

Lawrence, there's also squadron in action book. If it's going to help you.

Hi Ruslan, I haven't seen the Squadron book. Is it any good?

Will you say that VP set is accurate?
And the VP set is @#$%*&. OK I can't swear here but to be fair, if you want to see something through open hatches and you can get the set cheap then it's ok. The ammo racks and shells they provide are incorrect for a 38(t). They are 75mm and are for the Marder. The PE is so basic that you could do better with a homemade kit. They parts I think I will use will be the transmission, drive shaft housing and seats.

lquah

06-03-2006, 07:02 AM

Originally posted by TomNelson@Jun 2 2006, 06:30 PM
Lawrence,

Can you comment on Wydawnictwo Militaria Number 241 PzKpfw 38 (t). How is the coverage of Ausf. E/F?
The MBI Praga book has nice drawings, but few photos of 38(t) Ausf. E/F. incorrect.

From what I have been able to piece together Hungary received 16 Ausf F. Bulgaria received one Ausf. E and two Ausf. F.

Thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom

The Tank Power book is all in Polish. There is an English summary and it goes for 3/4 of page! :( There are only three sentences on the ausf E and F! Thee is obviously a lot more coverage in Polish on the E/F.

There are also drawings on the differences between the different ausfs. Very useful when differentiating between the ausf A to D.

The photos all have english captions which is a good thing. Photos of the interior are the same as the MBI book.

Tankpower book has 30 colour plates. All the vehicles in the Tristar kit are from the color plates.

Lawrence

lquah

06-03-2006, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by Willy Naylor@Jun 2 2006, 07:00 PM
Mannnnnn, that must be every AM product avaiable 38t! :)

Looking forward to seeing more of this, you've done great work thus far Lawrence. :thumb:

Willy.
Not quite. I think there are some brass MG barrels out there and sets by CMK and Royal Model. But I think no more AM sets for the 38(t). Well the original plan was to use these sets to fix the Maquette kit.

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. :)

Lawrence

lquah

06-03-2006, 07:08 AM

Originally posted by Larry Bates@Jun 2 2006, 07:57 PM
Looking very nice Lawrence!

Your scratch work looks very nice and neat.

Larry
Enjoy watching your build! Dan

Thanks Larry and Dan. Appreciate your interest.

I am trying finish as much as I can this week as I will be off to Spain for two weeks this Friday. :lol:

Lawrence

DOJO

06-03-2006, 03:17 PM

Squadron book is good. THere are 3 interior drawings. And many in action photos. And it's name of the book "in action". So if you can get the book, get it. O yeah there are many scale drawings in it but they are like 72 scale. Half of the book is about 38, rest of the book is about conversions on it.

lquah

06-03-2006, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the info, Ruslan. I haven't seen the Squadron Signal book in Hong Kong. HK is great for new releases but it can difficult to find older stuff. :(

Anyway, you got me thinking and I searched through my books and found this book. I forgot I even had it! :lol:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091882.jpg

Lawrence

lquah

06-03-2006, 04:48 PM

Spend most of the day running errands and finally managed to do some work on the 38(t) this evening.

I did the interior parts for the right side.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091879.jpg

I still need to add the straps for the ammo box and a little wire from the junction box to the visor (beats me what it is for). I don't have the measurements for the parts and I based everything using the good ole mark 1 eye!

Here is the comparison with VP (top) and Maquette (bottom)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091877.jpg

And here is the left side. I still need to add the flange with bolts on it for the left side. I used Hexagonal shaped Plastruct rods for the bolts but you can't see it clearly in the photo.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081874.jpg

Ok it's 4:45am, time to get some sleep. More to come tomorrow! :lol:

DOJO

06-03-2006, 05:40 PM

some color photos of the interior.
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=84&lang=1)
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=85&lang=1)
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=86&lang=1)

o yeah, it also runs.

RC_Hill

06-03-2006, 08:55 PM

That looks pretty cool Lawrence ;) :thumb:

panamadan

06-03-2006, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by DOJO@Jun 3 2006, 04:40 PM
some color photos of the interior.
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=84&lang=1)
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=85&lang=1)
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=86&lang=1)

o yeah, it also runs.
Like the photo of the runner-you can even see the drivers face thru his open vision block!

lquah

06-04-2006, 12:08 AM

Originally posted by DOJO@Jun 3 2006, 04:40 PM
some color photos of the interior.
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=84&lang=1)
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=85&lang=1)
My Webpage (http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=86&lang=1)

o yeah, it also runs.
Hi Ruslan

The site is great! :lol:
Man wouldn't be fantastic to have one of those in your garage. :lol:
You could then pop into it to go down the street to pick up some beer :lol:

DOJO

06-04-2006, 12:41 AM

http://www.kubinka.ru/newindex.php?id=87&lang=1
see it run.

Sadly not many photos there, would have liked to see more. And bet that some one got more photos of the inside.

P.S. I think you'll be able to pick up more than just a beer with that thing.

lquah

06-04-2006, 07:13 AM

Ruslan...very nice photo. I found more photos of the same vehicle. Click here (http://www.tanksinmoscow.com/index-eng.htm). Then go to 5.12.2005 for the Pz 38(t) photos.
:)

lquah

06-04-2006, 07:23 AM

Today I realised I made a mistake on the position of the bolts. I did not line them up with the bolts on the other side of the hull. :angry:

Anyway, I took them off and re-did them. I also added a flick switch on the junction box, a wire from it to the visor opening, replaced the control wire and scratchbuild a steering lever.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091884.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091886.jpg

I also added some more bolts on the left hull side and a small PE piece fromEduard set.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091883.jpg

What this means is that I can start putting the lower hull tub together!!! :lol: :lol:

Flak

06-04-2006, 08:54 AM

Hi Man,

:o How many hours you built it a day!!!!

Great work and keep it coming...

Panzergrenadier

06-04-2006, 01:28 PM

Man you must really like Pz 38's. :lol:
Sweet job you are doing. ;)

Siim

lquah

06-04-2006, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by Flak@Jun 4 2006, 07:54 AM
Hi Man,

:o How many hours you built it a day!!!!

Great work and keep it coming...
Hi Marco,

Was wondering where you've been and then saw that you bought those new 251s. :lol:

Can't wait to see you started on them.

I have been putting in 3 to 5 hours per day on weekdays and 5 to 7 hours per day on weekends. A lot of time is on researching photos and taking photos, posting etc. Reason for the hours is because, I will be taking a 2 week vacation to Spain this coming Friday and I want to finish as much as possible. :lol:

Lawrence

lquah

06-04-2006, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by Panzergrenadier@Jun 4 2006, 12:28 PM
Man you must really like Pz 38's. :lol:
Sweet job you are doing. ;)

Siim
Thanks Siim :)

I just like the fact that they are small and ugly with all those rivets. And painting eight rubber wheels is a lot faster than 32 on a Pz IV.

Also good thing they are small as I don't need to scratchbuild so much of the interior!

Lawrence

lquah

06-04-2006, 02:08 PM

I glued the lower hull together and it went together really sweet. Tristar has fixed the fit on lower hulls. All the plates were straight and went together with no gaps.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011888.jpg

Here is the lower hull

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011885.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011887.jpg

In the meantime, I compared the hull underside of all three kits.

Here is Maquette. There are many missing rivets and some of those that are present are poorly molded.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011882.jpg

Here is Tamiya
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011883.jpg

And finally Tristar. It is nearly identical to Tamiya except for an opening on the center panel and a row of rivets near the rear.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011884.jpg

Lawrence

lquah

06-04-2006, 02:15 PM

I decided to use the VP transmission and cardan shaft. I don't want to spend time scratchbuiding it. However the detail is not that good (better than Maquette, I suppose). I added some a brass plate covering and some wires. To simulate the hose with the flexible section, I wound 0.2mm copper wire around a 0.6mm solder wire. It's not perfect but that's all I could come up with :(

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091887.jpg

Lawrence

lquah

06-04-2006, 02:21 PM

I am test fitting all the panels to make sure everything can fit. Here are some photos with the engine, transmission and all the covers in place.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091888.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091890.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091889.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091893.jpg

The engine set fits peferfectly under the hood.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091894.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091891.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091892.jpg

Here are shots with the tops removed

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091895.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1091896.jpg

Lawrence

amba

06-04-2006, 09:23 PM

Lawrence,

that's top notch work there :o

Keep it goin... I can't wait for next update..

-Ambjoern

Flak

06-04-2006, 09:50 PM

I will be taking a 2 week vacation to Spain this coming Friday and I want to finish as much as possible. :lol:

OH!!! Try to visit the mold shops at Spain...you may find some super after market stuff here...I am planning my vacation to France on July also ;)

Was wondering where you've been and then saw that you bought those new 251s.

Can't wait to see you started on them.

Too much unfinish kits & unbuild kits...but I am a slowly builder :( ...I am researching the info on these 2 vechines...will start it as soon as possible...

Larry Bates

06-04-2006, 10:41 PM

Nice work Lawrence,

I wish I could stay up all night to model ;)

Larry

mnickolson

06-05-2006, 06:44 AM

Nice job there Lawrence and Larry is right I also wish I had that much time to model. :)

Mike

lquah

06-05-2006, 08:58 AM

Ambjoern, Larry and Mike
Thanks, I will be pushing hard until Wednesday. Then I have to pack Thursday night and I depart on Friday night! :lol:

Looking forward for to hang out in a Spanish pub drinking Sangria, eating Tapas and watching the World Cup. :lol:

Marco
I am planning to visit some hobby shops but don't know of any :( . Can anyone help? Will be in Barcelona, Seville and coastal areas. Wonder if there are any good AFV musuems?

And you better start looking for levels to buy the Euro. It's getting close to 1.3000 and I haven't even bought any yet

Panzergrenadier

06-05-2006, 12:52 PM

The model is looking great! ;)
I didn't realise that so much of the interior will be visible.

Siim

lquah

06-05-2006, 01:22 PM

Thanks Siim :lol:

You won't see much once the turret is in place. But I like the fact that the Tristar kit has all hatches as separate pieces.

Lawrence

Antonio Brugarolas

06-06-2006, 03:02 AM

The best modeling shop in Barcelona is Jordi Rubio, is very near Gaudi´s Sagrada Familia, a must to see.

Their address is (in internert):

http://www.jordirubio.com/ -Ols page-

http://www.jordirubio.com/catalog/ -New page-

They don´t have everything is there... it´s better to try to mail them, even if they are lazzy to answer.

I was in Hong Kong in March, there´s much more to buy and at better prices. Perhaps Spanish brands are worth looking at. The strong Euro doesn´t help you!

Those brands interesting:

Mig

Baluard: Resin trains, small diesel locos very nice to match a Leopold

Andrea: you can try to find products licensed only for Europe

Nimix: some resin about Spanish modern material. New references are much better than the old ones. They have just launched a Rebeco, a kind of Hummer made in Spain.

M4, Toro models -there is another from Poland not as nice

Other figures makers: Viejo Dragón, Beneito, etc

For books in Spanish and mainly Spanish subjects: Quirón Ediciones

I will be in Barcelona but not before the 15th.

You can also try to see Montjuic, a fortress in a hill above the harbour. It´s from the 15-16th century and there is a 88 and some other stuff. It´s not far from Miro´s foundation.

Regards,

Antonio

lquah

06-06-2006, 12:54 PM

Antonio

Many thanks for the valuable information.

The Sagrada Familia is the one of the most famous sights in Barcelona. I will divert the wife to some clothing stores and I will try to sneak off to visit Jordio Rubio. :lol:

I am interested to have a look at some local brands, items that are not readily available in HK. Thanks for the heads up.

I will definitely visit Montjuic and got my camera all ready. I bought an additional 2GB card yesterday and now I have a total of 5GB for my holiday! I will plan to take a lot of photos of the 88mm and the Pak 40.

HK is a great place for model kits as there are no import duties. You can buy imported stuff cheaper than if you mail order direct from the manufacturer.

Let me know when you are next in HK. I will buy you a coffee :lol: And anyone else from Planet Armor :lol:

Lawrence

lquah

06-06-2006, 01:05 PM

Since I started this kit, I haven't even taken the time to look at the parts in detail.

Here are some of my thoughts and comparisons.

This is the sprocket wheel. It is molded so thin that it is translucent when you hold it against a light. Superb job, Tristar

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1081871.jpg

Here is the Tristar roadwheel with separate rubber and hub cap.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011890.jpg

Here is a comparison with the wheels from Tamiya (middle) and Maquette (right). You can see that the rivets on Tristar is much nicer than Tamiya.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P1011889.jpg

Ok back to the interior. Here are some photos of the firewall from Plusmodel. It is very nice.

From fighting compartment
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011885.jpg

From engine compartment
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011884.jpg

Very nice detail. Note the lever.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011883.jpg

lquah

06-06-2006, 01:16 PM

Here are some photos of the firewall of the VP kit and Maquette

VP. The VP firewall is not bad but only has detail on one side.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011886.jpg

Maquette. Clearly very basic and I have no idea what those two square things aremeant to represent.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011887.jpg

lquah

06-06-2006, 01:58 PM

I started to scratchbuild the ammo boxes from brass sheeting.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011882.jpg

The ammo boxes sit against the firewall and each ammo box has it's own separate frame. The frame is provided in the Eduard PE set. However, the frame should not have the preforated holes on the sides. I choose not to use the Eduard frames and to scratchbuild using 0.05 styrene. The reason I chose styrene instead of brass was because drilling all those holes in brass is not my idea of fun. The downside is that even at 0.05 the syrene doesn't look as thin as PE.

I glued it in and then to my horror I realised that the fire extinguisher is in the way! :angry:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011888.jpg

Then I started to remove the extinguisher, the spare MG barrel holder and ammo box rack. I repositioned the extinguisher and I need to shorten the spare MG barrel holder.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011890.jpg

Then I realised I have another problem! There is a gap between the ammo box and the firewall! As I don't have actual measurements, I do not know whether the ammo box is too big or the recess in the firewall is too narrow.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011889.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/aP1011891.jpg

I have two options, I think. Option one is the easier and involves widening the recess in the firewall. Downside to this is that it will break through to the other side and there will be a gap that will need to be filled.

Option two is to re-do the all four ammo boxes and the ammo box frames.

Here are photos of the interior from MBI and you can see that the ammo boxes sit right up against the firewall.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P6061893.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Pz%2038t/P6061894.jpg

This is a bit of a disaster. I am really undecided what to do at this stage and I am thinking of calling it quits until I get back from vacation. Anyone got any suggestions? :(

Lawrence

RC_Hill

06-06-2006, 04:09 PM

Hey Lawrence,

Did you use the Eduard box to see if that actually fit there? (or at least use it as a templet to get an idea of the size of the boxes?) I know that you said that they had holes on the sides and that they are not supposed to, but perhaps you can hide it somehow...I doubt that the 38(t), like many tanks, was ever totally clean and neat inside...you can perhaps use a bread bag to hide the holes if that Eduard box fits...that 'thicker' plastic will probably cause some problems later on too...as far as placing parts in there I mean...

RC

Panzergrenadier

06-06-2006, 04:18 PM

Hi,

I think you should widen the recess in the firewall. When looking at the pictures of the real thing you can see, that your PE floor plate has the same size cutout as the real thing. So the ammo boxes seem to be the correct width. ;)

Siim

lquah

06-06-2006, 09:30 PM

Originally posted by ramcke_jager@Jun 6 2006, 03:09 PM
Hey Lawrence,

Did you use the Eduard box to see if that actually fit there? (or at least use it as a templet to get an idea of the size of the boxes?) I know that you said that they had holes on the sides and that they are not supposed to, but perhaps you can hide it somehow...I doubt that the 38(t), like many tanks, was ever totally clean and neat inside...you can perhaps use a bread bag to hide the holes if that Eduard box fits...that 'thicker' plastic will probably cause some problems later on too...as far as placing parts in there I mean...

RC
Hi RC

I used the Eduard PE part as a template for the holes and also for the size. The ones I made from styrene are exact copies in terms of size. The problem with the Eduard PE box is that they only provide one big box to house the two ammo boxes. The photo shows that there are individual boxes for each ammo bin with the rear one sitting higher. If I were to use the Eduard PE, I would still need to scratchbuild the rear box with all those holes. I hear you on the stowage gear but in this case it's not going to help much because I am going to have scratchbuild the rear box. And if I use the Eduard part then I have to scratchbuild using brass. Man, I am not too keen in drilling all those holes on brass and making sure they are straight. :(

I think you should widen the recess in the firewall. When looking at the pictures of the real thing you can see, that your PE floor plate has the same size cutout as the real thing. So the ammo boxes seem to be the correct width.

Siim, I think maybe I should do this. The reason why the rear box sits higher is because there is a ledge at the bottom of the firewall recess. Widening the recess is probably easier than re-sizing the ammo bins. That however will mean I need to pry the firewall out, widen the recess and fill in the gaps that will appear on the reverse side of the firewall. My only concern is whether resizing the recess will make everything out of proportion.

Lawrence

olemanjoe

06-07-2006, 02:58 AM

whoa, thats quite a predicament you got there... i think go for the easy option and widen the gaps in the firewall.

the ammo cans in reality could be smaller than what you have? in the pic they look a lot slimmer than the ones you built too.

the plastic card does look thick...

but overall i think u shld go for the easiest option....

lquah

06-08-2006, 04:55 PM

Ollie

I think I will do both - widen the recess and resize those ammo cans. I will rebuild the frames in some sort of metal. I need to find an easier metal to work with as those holes are very close to each other.

Failing which I will get the frames with holes custom photo etch.

I will do this when I return in 2 weeks. :lol:

In the meantime get that Hornisse started!

Panzergrenadier

07-05-2006, 08:13 PM

Hi,

Are you back from the trip yet? How was it?

Haven't heard from you lately.

Siim

RC_Hill

07-06-2006, 02:20 AM

Before Lawrence left for Spain, I had a usual daily correspondence with him...He was supposed to be back on the 23rd of June, I believe, but I have not heard from him :-/ I am concerned, though I can imagine that perhaps work as bogged him down?

If you're out there buddy, I hope you're doing okay :(

RC

Panzergrenadier

07-06-2006, 07:30 AM

Yeah and maybe he is having computer troubles. When I had such a thing I couldn't visit this place for over a week.

Lets hope he's ok. :(

Siim

RC_Hill

07-07-2006, 03:24 PM

I got an email from Lawrence today...he's okay, he's just had a lot of work that's piled up at work...he said that Spain was awesome too... and he said he plans to be back on here around mid-August or so...

RC

Panzergrenadier

07-07-2006, 03:51 PM

Stuke Sowle

08-11-2006, 03:43 PM

Trying to catch up with all the great work on this site so this is a bit late .. but very nice work Lawrence. This is a great little kit that Tristar has given us.

lquah

08-12-2006, 12:57 PM

Stuke

Thanks.

This is a great little kit that Tristar has given us.

It sure is. Great for a weekend build without the need for references or corrections.

Lawrence

gunner

10-16-2007, 05:43 PM

Man! I thought I was a detail freak!

Gean Marco Furlan

11-10-2007, 10:38 AM

Man, I thought my PZ 38 T was ok... after yours I feel like a junior modeller... congratulations... it is becoming an outstanding job... I wa wondering if you put a little drop gasoline on the engine the model starts to run! soonI wil post pics from my job, which was published in a brazilian modelling magazine called "Hobby News".

Best

Gean

Gean Marco Furlan

11-10-2007, 12:01 PM

here it is... I am not a great photo maker, but I believe You can make an ideia:

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r281/gmfurlan/Panzer%2038%20t/P1010001.jpg

greybeard

11-10-2007, 01:07 PM

Lawrence, have you had a chance to compare this with the DML kit?

Cheers
Scott Fraser

tamigawa

11-10-2007, 03:51 PM

Hey Scott, why don't you check out the PMMS reviews? I've built the tristar kit, and looked at the DML one. Detail is about the same on both. The DML kit has straight fenders, whereas the tristar ones have the correct kink in them. DML's kit includes an interior which is very nice. Tristar sells one separately and the detail is better than the DML one.

Tristar:

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35022.htm

tristar interior:

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35032.html

DML:

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr6290.html

James Tainton

11-10-2007, 04:24 PM

Hey Scott, why don't you check out the PMMS reviews? I've built the tristar kit, and looked at the DML one. Detail is about the same on both. The DML kit has straight fenders, whereas the tristar ones have the correct kink in them. DML's kit includes an interior which is very nice. Tristar sells one separately and the detail is better than the DML one.

I have heard from some modeller's that the kink is actually a bit of a red herring, that the fenders can be seen in some photos to actually be straight.

tamigawa

11-10-2007, 06:18 PM

Is Blogger Hiroshi the modeler in question?
I don't mean to be rude James, but you show me the photos and I'll believe you. I've seen literally thousands of 38t pics of all variants and every single one of them has the fender kink.

James Tainton

11-10-2007, 07:32 PM

I don't mean to be rude James,

Too late.:rolleyes:
Tom Cockle was the modeller in question a highly knowledgeable and respected member of the armour model community. He got this photo sent to him from Dan Graves. And while a single robin does not make spring, in this picture the fender is straight.
I am not trying to tilt at windmills here trying in some way to defend DML's Pz.38(t) Perhaps an open mind is really what is needed here to find out the facts and not a decidedly polarized position.
https://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/DML_Pzt8(t)/A1-3-11b.jpg

tamigawa

11-10-2007, 09:06 PM

I know who Tom Cockle is :rolleyes:

I'm not entirely convinced that the fender is straight. Admittedly, it is much straighter that normally seen but I still think there is a slight bend. I do have an open mind but in this case, DML is clearly wrong.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b67/92691/Straightfender.jpg

I'm done, 'nuff said. :cool:

greybeard

11-10-2007, 11:01 PM

Hey Scott, why don't you check out the PMMS reviews?

Thanks Fletcher, but I've seen the PMMS reviews. I was interested to hear whether Lawrence had compared them side by side. He's obviously become quite familiar with this little beastie.

I am aware of the controversy regarding the fenders. I've also been around the merry-go-round enough times not to get too dogmatic about what the "experts" say. I have seen many, many photos of the TNHP, and heard the arguments both for and against 'kinked' fenders.

I am not convinced one way or another. In almost every photo the fenders are all bent out of shape, which would indicate that they were pretty flimsy to begin with, and the so-called kink could quite easily be the simple result of operational use, the crew repeatedly walking on them, or simply stowing extra kit.

BTW, DML address this question in an insert in the model. Their position is that the fenders started out straight and got bent through use. Their model is designed so that modellers who wish can induce this supposed kink by moving the aft two supports down a hair. I'm fine with that.

I have the DML kit, and have been plugging away at it between distractions. I like it very much. I'll wait until I've finished it to commit, but as of 30% into it would vote it as the best model tank I've ever seen, and I've seen a few. IMHO, it's better than their PzKpfw IV Ausf E and their T-34 STZ Model 1941, and those are both very nice kits. They dropped the ball on the Hungarian markings, which breaks my heart because it's a Hungarian tank I want to build, but that's a small point compared to the rest of it, and so far that's my only complaint.

I'm interested in the Tristar kit because the DML kit is of an Ausf G, which was not used in France, and an earlier PzKpfw 38(t) from 7.Panzerdivision is the only other one I'm interested in adding to my collection. If the Tristar kit is as good, and as complete as DML's I may go ahead and buy it, otherwise I will wait until DML revises theirs into an earlier mark.

Cheers
Scott Fraser

greybeard

11-10-2007, 11:11 PM

. . .
I'm not entirely convinced that the fender is straight.

Good. You're in good company. LOL!

I'm not entirely convinced that it isn't!

Check out the photo again:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b67/92691/Straightfender.jpg

Notice the 'hump' in the fender under the almost-last bracket? That would suggest that the fender has been bent down under the grouser box in the middle of the tank. Take that kink out, and you have a straight fender!

Also, look at the play of light along the side of the fender. It's brighter at the 'hump' (side bent outward) and darker under the grouser box (side bent inward). That bend would account for the fender not being straight, and I don't think it was put there by the factory . . .

So the verdict is still out, at least for me.

Cheers
Scott

James Tainton

11-10-2007, 11:16 PM

I'm interested in the Tristar kit because the DML kit is of an Ausf G, which was not used in France, and an earlier PzKpfw 38(t) from 7.Panzerdivision is the only other one I'm interested in adding to my collection. If the Tristar kit is as good, and as complete as DML's I may go ahead and buy it, otherwise I will wait until DML revises theirs into an earlier mark.

You know it is really hard to say one way or the other - and I do agree that most combat tanks seem to have their fenders all f-ed up anyways. So I wonder how important this issue really is? I have built the Tristar Pz. 38(t) and it was a pretty nice kit.

As for the Pz.38(t) in France- I think you need to look at a B or C Ausf. as the E/F came later than the France invasion.

greybeard

11-11-2007, 02:21 AM

As for the Pz.38(t) in France- I think you need to look at a B or C Ausf. as the E/F came later than the France invasion.

Thanks James. I think their 35028 can be built up as an Ausf B.

Cheers
Scott

lquah

11-11-2007, 07:49 AM

Wow..where do I start? :)

First off thanks Mike and Gean :)

Hi Scott, James and Fletch
On the fender issue, I made my comments awhile back and I'm not entirely convinced on the straight fender argument. All the photos I have seen including both in service and factory photos show the kink at the same point. The contention that the fender kink is a result of the weight of stowage boxes and crew stepping on it is not convincing for me.

For the fender to bend would mean that the metal used is extremely thin and that the fender supports are not that strong. I have clambered on tanks before (ok..not a 38t I admit) but the metal fenders are quite strong, strong enough to support a man's weight even if fully loaded. They are usually made with this in mind as the last thing you want is for the fenders to be bent and interfere with the tracks.

There are four triangular fender supports along each fender and they are securely fastened to both the fender and side of the hull with numerous small rivets. For the fender to bend would require quite a lot of force ceratinly much more than a human's weight or the dead weight of tools.

Now consider the variants. The kink is also evident on the Marder IIIH. But it is quite unlikely the crew would have climbed up onto the fender at the spot of the kink. Why? Because the upper superstructure is in the way. Therefore it is highly unlikely the kink can be caused by this. And looking at the tool stowage, it does not seem likely that they will also cause the fender to kink if you consider the weight of the tools.

If the fender bent under the weight of crew stepping on it, then why do we not see more photos of kinks along different points on the fender?

Drawings in Panzer Tracts also show this kink. I was also privileged enough to look at the photos that Tristar used for the fenders and they do clearly show the kink. I am not ruling out that there were straight fenders but I have not seen them. Maybe if someone got a photo they can share?

James, thanks for the pic. That is actually a TNHPS prototype that was sent to England for evaluation in May 1939.

The Tristar 38t Ausf B has some minor areas that you need to be aware of. Firstly, the Ausf B did not have bump stop behind the first road wheel. It was introduced in Ausf C. This is easily fixed by filling in the indentation on the hull side.

The tracks are also of the later type with the recess on the face of the guide horn (intorduced with the Ausf D). I converted the Ausf B to an Ausf A but am stuck with the tracks as no one makes an aftermarket set. But you can still use the later tracks since they were fitted when the early tracks were damaged.

As mentioned by Fletch the DML Ausf G includes an interior. Comparing both interiors, Tristar's interior is finer. The steering column is quite well done but can be a challenge to build. Tristar's interior set uses more PE.

My only real issue with the DML interior is the location of the radio. DML instructions says to install the radio over the transmission shaft. Whilst this is documented for the Marder IIIH, it is not likely to be the same location for the standard 38t. The reason being that it will interfere with the commander's and gunner's legs as the turret traversed.

There so far has been no concrete evidence or documents saying where the radio was located. Tristar provides the radio but do not specifically indicate the location. I have heard that Model Art will be releasing a photo book of surviving 38ts and I am interested to have a close look at all the interior plates for hints of loacting points of the radio.

Also the muffler on the DML kit is slightly too narrow.

The lower tub of the DML kit is one piece whereas the Tristar kit is brokedn down to the side plates. It makes no difference to me but there are those who prefer the single tub.

Lawrence

greybeard

11-11-2007, 08:23 PM

Wow..where do I start? :)

First off thanks Mike and Gean :)

Hi Scott, James and Fletch
On the fender issue, I made my comments a while back . . .

The Tristar 38t Ausf B has some minor areas . . .

Lawrence

Thank you Lawrence. I appreciate your comments, and have filed them away for when I tackle an Ausf B.

I'm not overly concerned about the interior. Almost nothing can be seen once the model is built, even less if I stick a Hungarian tanker in the hatch.

I don't know quite what to do about the tracks for the Ausf B — the notion of fixing a link and then casting many more does not fill me with much enthusiasm. It's a lot to hope for, but maybe if DML brings out an early version they'll redo the tracks. (Faint hope.) then again, that won't be until after I finish my Ausf B!

Keep up the good work — it's a fine build so far. I'm quite looking forward to seeing it completed.

Cheers
Scott Fraser

greybeard

11-14-2007, 08:43 AM

Hey Lawrence, I came across this a while back, and thought you might be interested. This chap has done a fine job on the TriStar Ausf E.

http://www.rbadesign.net/TERRAPIN/MR_38tOOB.htm

Cheers
Scott

Larry Bates

11-14-2007, 11:52 AM

Excellent link Scott. Thanks for posting it. Makes you want to go and do the same thing. :p

Laz

Oh, Hi Laz 2,

Nice having you back.

lquah

11-14-2007, 01:02 PM

Scott

Thanks for the link. :)

LQ

Andrew Hall

11-14-2007, 06:57 PM

Hi LQ and all,

I'd be wary of using this photo to prove the trackguard is anything. As LQ says this is a Czech vehicle sent to the UK for testing pre-war at Farnborough (FWIW the British registration was 0106 HO) and there are other photos from the same series, particularly an oblique view, which shows the trackguard is not straight. However, it could well be slightly warped in places side to side, front to rear, so the apparent sag around the grouser box further affects the straight line on a side view.

Thinking out loud I wonder if the bracket just behind the vertical glacis was set slightly higher than it needed if it were to follow a true straight line. This would have the effect of lifting the front section of the trackguard allowing clearance for the sprocket.

Oh yeah, I forgot to add; these are not German trackguards, all strong and manly :) I've not fondled a 38t but looked over the similar ones on a JP38 and they are appreciably weaker in comparison.
Andrew
https://panzerfaust.sslpowered.com/planetArmor/DML_Pzt8%28t%29/A1-3-11b.jpg[/quote]

lquah

11-15-2007, 12:37 PM

Andrew

Good to see you back :) Hope you get your mojo back soon ;)

More fender kink stuff

Here is a pic of a factory fresh 38t. It hasn't seen action so it should not be affected by treading and heavy tools. Looking at the point of the knik we can rule out it being caused by crew stepping on it since the grouser box is in the way. And if it is caused by a heavy grouser box, then why does the kink appear at the same point on the other side?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Misc%20-%20Planet%20Armor/a9c11a29.jpg

A damaged 38t with the fenders ripped off. This is an interesting shot as it shows that the fender has the kink on the inside edge as well.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Misc%20-%20Planet%20Armor/00ba721b.jpg

DML's kit of the SdKfz 140/1 gives you straight fenders and uses the superstructure to create the kink on the outside edge. On the DML 38t, you are given a jig to help add the kink but as mentioned in the review on PMMS, the inner channel along the hull sides are straight.

LQ

MartinD

11-15-2007, 03:10 PM

Kink or not, you're doing a great job!!! :thumb: ...

Best, MartinD

James Tainton

11-15-2007, 09:05 PM

Got this response from Tom
James,

No one is disputing that the outer edge had a bend. DML's Japanese designers
maintain that the fender was straight against the hull and the bend was forced
into it by angling the braces down to the outside.

I have seen photos where the back part of the fender is parallel with the
bottom of air vents so it seems that there was more than one way it was done. I
have not studied the 38(t) enough to know if there is a pattern to the
practice.

...the Japanese are
quite adamant that this is how it is done and I gave up arguing because I
couldn't find any photos clear enough to confirm it.
Tom

lquah

11-15-2007, 10:16 PM

brokeneagle

11-18-2007, 07:55 AM

:thumb: Hardcore.:cool:

greybeard

11-18-2007, 08:57 AM

Thanks James :)

That is interesting. In the photos I have seen, it is very clear that the fender kink is along the hull as well (see last photo for one example). I haven't looked closely at the angle of the bend on the fender support. I will look at it when I get home.

What do your pics of Munster's 38t show? Are the fenders bent at the hull side? Are the fender supports angled down?

Here are two of James' photos. I hope he won't mind me uploading them. They are inconclusive — they are also of a restored tank, which makes them suspect to use as an example.

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/39.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/3.jpg

The most pristine restored 38(t) is at Lešany:

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/LT_38_Leshany_004.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/LT_38_Leshany_008.jpg

Here is another pretty one:

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/LT38_Banska_Bystrica_005.jpg

. . . and again, this is not really conclusive because of the provenance of the vehicles. Most looked like this:

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/IMGP1616.jpg

. . . or this:

http://members.shaw.ca/dsf123/MR_38tOOB_BulgarianScheme3a.jpg

I am beginning to wonder whether it is a manufacturing difference. The 38t was manufactured by Skoda Works. Was it also manufactured by another factory? I don't have my reference with me now so I can't check.

Not as far as I know.

The fender kink is not mentioned in PanzerTracts so we are left to interpret photos and inspecting surviving 38ts to get an answer.

If DML designers contention is correct, I wonder what is the reason for the fenders kink on the outside edge and not the inside? It doesn't seem to serve any function - yes/no? And if the kink is because of the fender support, then it the idea of crew stepping on it and weight of stowage causing it can be ruled out? Wouldn't a sloping fender increase the risk of getting caught up with the tracks?

This is getting very interesting. Time for more investigation :)

Does anyone else have information/comments to share?

LQ

It's a real can of worms.

Cheers
Scott