Tristar Flakpanzer 38t [Archive]

lquah

01-31-2008, 11:43 AM

It's been a long wait for Tristar's latest kit, the Flakpanzer 38t. And no, it's not called "Gepard".

Love the boxart. It's done by Yuji Asano. Asano-san painted the box art for the Marder IIIH as well. It looks much better than the in the photo.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/fd991b83.jpg

I was expecting the box to be the same size as the other 38t's but Tristar has gone for a larger box. It's now the same box size as the Pz IVs.

The kit includes 16 sprues, a large PE fret and a metal tow cable. Four of the sprues are new. The rest comes from the 38t Full Interior set, 2cm Flak late version, 2cm Ammunition and Accessories set and the tracks and supension from the 38t series.

The release of this kit has been delayed as Tristar was tweaking some of the details. It has been improved from the test shots that were posted on PMMS.

Sprue shots will follow shortly.

Lawrence

Kreighshoer

01-31-2008, 11:49 AM

can't wait to see the sprues and your build :thumb:

another beauty from tristar!

cheers

Driver

01-31-2008, 11:57 AM

I'm eager to see a review of it so I can decide which one I'll get; Dragon, Tristar or Alan. HEHEHE :D:D:p

Ruben

pwranta193

01-31-2008, 12:35 PM

lquah

01-31-2008, 12:47 PM

Yeah... let's see what you've got mister!

I'm thinking we need to get you a DML for a side by side - not to steal Terry's thunder :D

Love this little vehicle, and am seriously looking forward to your build and opinion. One step closer to the new, and improved Grillen...

Take a day off from work. Hey, wait a minute - isn't it time for the Holidays? Finish up on your New Year's responsibilities and settle in at the work bench for a couple of days!!!

恭喜發財
or Kung Hei Fat Choi... my good man!

Thanks dude!

Terry's thunder is safe as I ain't doing a super in depth review and I'm nowhere as meticulous as he is. Looking forward to his review though. I'm just going to build it and enjoy the ride. I'm going to go at quicker pace with this one.

To be honest, I now fear buying DML kits. I've been eyeing the Porsch KT for awhile now and took the plunge thinking it's going to be good and accurate OOTB since they've done a few of them before. But they left out details that were on previous kits. I'm really scratching my head on this kit. But that's another story.

Yeah, CNY is round the corner and that means giving out little red packets stuffed with cash to strangers! That's my modeling budget gone for the month :(

LQ

lquah

01-31-2008, 01:01 PM

Here are the sprues

The new sprues. Sprue A - main panels
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/af38f44a.jpg

Sprue B: Bottom panel, fenders, engine covers, driver's hatch, fan housing etc
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/66efa652.jpg

Sprue C: Rear section panels, flak pedestal, rear compartment floor and panel latches
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/4b6c972f.jpg

Sprue F: Foldable superstructure panels
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/0bb8262c.jpg

Sprue D: OVM tools and equipment from Pz 38t
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/202f566a.jpg

Sprue E x 2: Suspension, roadwheels, sprockets and idlers from Pz 38t
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/c680b5bf.jpg

Sprue H: Driver's compartment interior parts from the Pz 38t Full Interior Set
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/b35b3a88.jpg

Sprue J: Engine parts from the Pz 38t Full Interior Set
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/09c97009.jpg

Sprue K: Flak gun shield from the 2cm Flak Late kit
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/3b9cec60.jpg

Sprue a: Flak gun cradle minus the base from the 2cm Flak Late kit
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/a815bd16.jpg

Sprue c and d: Flak gun housing, gun barrel and sights from the 2cm Flak Late kit
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/49c3a9ad.jpg

Sprue from the Ammunition and Accessories set
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/cb514acb.jpg

PE
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/70f1b754.jpg

Tow cable and decals
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/20bfeeb5.jpg

Tracks are from the Pz 38t set and are not shown.

LQ

Panzergrenadier

01-31-2008, 01:06 PM

Very cool LQ! Now all we need is for you to build it. I support the idea of taking a few days and enjoying it.

Mateusz Jonakowski

01-31-2008, 01:11 PM

Another 'must have'... will I ever stop collecting boxes? :rolleyes:

Great in-box Lawrence, thanks a lot.

Mateusz

Uruk-Hai

01-31-2008, 01:27 PM

I will get this Flakpanzer, I am however waiting for the verdicts to help me choose.

Cheers

sam_dwyer

01-31-2008, 02:43 PM

Looks super LQ!
Looking forward to your build on this one. Im still working my way thru the DML one.. still waiting for these Tristar ones to be shipped from Rainbow 10!

Sam

DCG

01-31-2008, 03:17 PM

Yeah, CNY is round the corner and that means giving out little red packets stuffed with cash to strangers! That's my modeling budget gone for the month

I'm a stranger - how's about I send you my mailing address? ;)

Darren

MartinD

01-31-2008, 03:19 PM

Another 'must have'... will I ever stop collecting boxes? :rolleyes:
Well if you keep collecting the boxes, you might want to donate the contest to us :D

@Lawrence: that looks like another nice build! Looking forward to seeing it :thumb:

Axel Repping

01-31-2008, 03:21 PM

Lawrence,

I'm sooooo jealous;).

Good choice, definitly one on my wishlist, even more now that I've seen the sprues.

I will follow this one.

panamadan

01-31-2008, 06:57 PM

See that they got the sprockets right! Dan

DOJO

01-31-2008, 11:06 PM

I do not like you 8(((

Flak

01-31-2008, 11:33 PM

Thanks for your sharing...Lawerence :thumb: can't wait to get it on my hand :) Looks forward to seeing your build :D :D

Mateusz Jonakowski

02-01-2008, 04:31 AM

Well if you keep collecting the boxes, you might want to donate the contest to us :D

:D

Maybe in future - I still hope that I'll have enough time to build them someday ;)

Bruno GILARD

02-01-2008, 06:09 AM

Thank you Lawrence for this first look ! :thumb:

We are impatient to see the beginning of your assembly !

Is the kit already in stock somewhere ??? :confused:

Bruno "Le Tourbeux" GILARD

lquah

02-01-2008, 01:09 PM

Thanks guys for following this build.

Looks super LQ!
Looking forward to your build on this one. Im still working my way thru the DML one.. still waiting for these Tristar ones to be shipped from Rainbow 10!
Sam, how do you find the DML kit? Are you gonna post some pics? :)

I'm a stranger - how's about I send you my mailing address? ;)

Darren
Darren, I will even buy you a beer when you come round to this part of the world. :)

See that they got the sprockets right! Dan
Dan, took the words right out of my mouth. How have you been?

Thank you Lawrence for this first look ! :thumb:

We are impatient to see the beginning of your assembly !

Is the kit already in stock somewhere ??? :confused:

Bruno, it should be available at your local stores soon. Heard that the distributors have been sent the first batch. The build has started but first I will show some close-ups and the instructions.

LQ

lquah

02-01-2008, 01:15 PM

Ok, here are some close-ups

Here is the driver's hood. It is very nicely done and has the correct shape and angles. Other kits have it too square.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/8201db99.jpg

The fughting compartment floor. Quite a few punch out marks but these will be hidden by the gun pedestal.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/eb5cf0f3.jpg

Close-up of the latches for the folding sides
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/f5c834a3.jpg

The gun platform
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/723247f6.jpg

Some engine compartment components. The large tanks are fuel tanks.http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/85b065fe.jpg

Engine block and battery
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/1d8dd79b.jpg

LQ

lquah

02-01-2008, 01:17 PM

Quick photos of the instructions. I didn't have time to scan them on a scanner. Or rather I couldn't wait to start the build :)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/9e7ac418.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/0573a95c.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/c946dc18.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/9c6c5258.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/760298f4.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/aa42df5d.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/716f1917.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/278d5f7c.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/3378706f.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/047c6704.jpg

LQ

halaci

02-01-2008, 03:14 PM

Seems that they sent their designers back to the drawing table after the boxart had been accepted: it shows the sprocket with the lightening holes, but on the sprues there are the solid ones - nice work Tristar!

Sheeds

02-01-2008, 11:31 PM

Started building this yet, LQ?

I was comparing the Tristar one to Sam's DML offering earlier today, and the finess of the Tristar kit is a winner.
IMHO, the Tristar Flak 38t has been worth the wait. :thumb:

Sheeds.

Flak

02-02-2008, 07:22 AM

Go Lawrence go...:) Build it...

panamadan

02-03-2008, 10:35 AM

Looks like they have nailed the late sight that is missing from the Dragon kit. Dan

lquah

02-04-2008, 12:10 PM

Thanks Marco and Dan.

Looks like they have nailed the late sight that is missing from the Dragon kit. Dan
I don't have the DML kit so can't comment on it. The Tristar kit is very detailed and the parts are quite fiddly. You need to be careful removing it from the sprue and not to break or lose them.

The build has started. I decided not to waste too much time doing a step by step build. Well actually, I just couldn't stop when I glued the first parts together.

Anyway, Step 1 is all about the driver's compartment. If you've built Tristar's 38t Full interior Set or the Marder IIIH, then this is all very familiar.

I started with the gearbox and the brake drums. Be careful when positioning the inner drum, part H-6. I got mine flipped round and I had to pull it apart. This is what it should look like:

http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3476&page=6

But in this kit the PE parts are numbered differently.

The steering column is quite tricky as it is made up of a bunch of PE arms and washers. I carefully removed the PE parts and laid them out in order as I did on the Marder IIIH build (see link below). Again the PE parts are numbered differently
http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3476&page=8

I did find that the pin on the steering housing, part H-8 was way too short. I cut it off and replaced it with a brass rod.

The rest of step 1 is quite straightforward. This time round I glued the drive shaft and connector to the side hull to the brake drum. This make it easier to attach the steering rods.

Sorry for the poor photos. I was mucking about with some settings on my camera and it resulted in a lot of "noise".

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/8a5918ca.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/beea99a0.jpg

LQ

skeletondude

02-04-2008, 12:12 PM

Very nice,so far Lawrence!:thumb: Will this be in a dio?

Marek

lquah

02-04-2008, 12:20 PM

Moving on to Step 2 which is the engine. The engine is from the Pz 38t Full Interior Set. The engine is very well detailed and is made up of quite a number of small parts. The fit of the parts was ok and there's quite a bit of clean-up of the parts.

Arrghhh..more crappy pics!..

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/9b3740d7.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/b469c482.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/7f61136b.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/355c8573.jpg

The radiator and fan housing. The fan housing is a new part in this kit. It's a shame that all this will be hidden when installed.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/bbb0d23f.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/1bf4f92b.jpg

LQ

lquah

02-04-2008, 12:21 PM

Very nice,so far Lawrence!:thumb: Will this be in a dio?

Marek
Marek, would love to put this in a dio but my biggest problem is I don't have any space for it :(

LQ

Hawkeye

02-04-2008, 02:57 PM

Excellent start to this Lawrence. I will keep an eye on this build as i want to do one of these myself when i get the time and the kit*lol*

Regards from the Swamp

Eth

sam_dwyer

02-04-2008, 04:01 PM

Gday LQ

Here are some comparison shots of the DML Flak 38t

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2871.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2869.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2868.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2867.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2866.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2865.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2864.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/DSC_2863.jpg

Sorry for hijacking your thread!

Sam

sam_dwyer

02-04-2008, 04:16 PM

And to further hijack your thread LQ - here are some shots of the drivers and engine compartments of the Marder 3M at Saumur - these may be of some help - sorry about the quality of the shots - I took them thru the open hatches while standing on my tip toes

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine9.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine8.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine7.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine6.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine5.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine4.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine3.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-engine1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-drivers-side-wall.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/samd1/flak38t/marder-3m-drivers-seat-area.jpg

Sam

lquah

02-05-2008, 10:37 AM

Sammy

Nice clean build. Is that an Adler's Nest barrel I spot there? I'm gonna use one as well (not the anodised one).

Thanks for the sharing the pics of the Marder. Do you think that the colors are original? I wonder if the original had the driver's compartment side walls painted in green instead of elfenbein?

Lawrence

Gopher

02-05-2008, 11:43 AM

Great start!
Keep it up!

Patbernier

02-05-2008, 01:33 PM

Great work Lawrence.
I ordered one the minute I saw you post ! Can't wait to receive it.
Your blog will reveal pretty useful.
Pat

sam_dwyer

02-05-2008, 02:44 PM

Thanks LQ

Nah that green aint original - a lot of stuff at Saumur has that green on it - their Tiger 1 late has in on the interior too.

Sam

Kreighshoer

02-05-2008, 03:33 PM

supadupah work lawrence ... and sam ... both of you did a brilliant job so far! :thumb:

cheers

lquah

02-08-2008, 11:13 AM

Thanks again guys!

A little update today. The inside of the side panels and bottom panel has some punch out marks that need to be filled. You don't need to fill all of them though as some will not be visible.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/4ed55a3b.jpg

View of the bulkhead separating the fingone compartment from the driver's compartment.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/a1e81e97.jpg

View of the engine in it's place. I taped the side panels to test the fit. The fit is very good. I will paint the side panels and bottom panels separatley before gluing it together.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/9db6e314.jpg

Another view with the side pods and fighting compartment floor dry fit together. The radiator and fan has been added. Everything links ups - from the gearbox, to the transmission, to the engine and all the way to the fan.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/77045ef7.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/7345781d.jpg

And now with the radiator cover. It fits better than in the photo. It's just that I haven't pushed it down.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/ace5fd74.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/3284185d.jpg

All ready now for the engine compartment and driver compartment tobe painted.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/e3ddc06a.jpg

Lawrence

skeletondude

02-08-2008, 11:18 AM

Wow, it looks really delicate with that beautiful interior!:thumb:
Keep it up!
Marek

Panzergrenadier

02-08-2008, 12:45 PM

Quite a busy looking vehicle. It should turn out great under some worn and torn paint.

Are you going to use the kit 20mm barrel or some AM masterpiece?

DCG

02-08-2008, 02:15 PM

(And to hijack your thread yet again on Sam's behalf...) ;)

Is the floor of the fighting compartment glued down in your model in that photo Sam? Just asking because the look of that gap at the back between the floor and the rear wall worries me.

Darren

RickLawler

02-08-2008, 02:16 PM

Super stuff. LQ. :)

Striker

02-09-2008, 07:05 AM

the Tristar interior seems more detailed than the Dragon one - is that correct ?

Flak

02-09-2008, 07:44 AM

Great work always :thumb:

Bruno GILARD

02-09-2008, 12:27 PM

Nice work, Lawrence ! :thumb:

the Tristar interior seems more detailed than the Dragon one - is that correct ?
Coucou, cher Ami ! ;)

Yes, it would seem that it's the case...

For example, the Dragon's floor isn't engraved (part #E).
Engine and transmission are directly glued on a "metal sheet" smooth as a baby's skin...

Hurrah !!! The Tristar is arrived in France (here (http://www.phpshopxml.com/azimut.shop/CID/3ac7f043277e6d58894efe569b062b31/function/itemPageDisplay/shopItemCode/TRI35035)) ! :thumb: Mine is on the road...

Bruno "Le Tourbeux" GILARD

MikkoH

02-09-2008, 01:29 PM

Nice work so far Laz!:)

lquah

02-10-2008, 12:40 PM

Thanks Marek, Rick, Marco, Mikko

Are you going to use the kit 20mm barrel or some AM masterpiece?
Siim, I am going to use Adler's Nest latest barrel which has accurately reproduced the two handgrip sections for changing the barrel. The Tristar barrel also has this detail but I just couldn't not use the Adler's NEst barrel.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/9513644f.jpg

the Tristar interior seems more detailed than the Dragon one - is that correct ?
Benjamin, yes the Tristar interior is more detailed and the parts are much finer. The interior also includes the foot pedals that is missing in the DML kit. But these additional details means more fiddly and complicated build.

Hurrah !!! The Tristar is arrived in France (here (http://www.phpshopxml.com/azimut.shop/CID/3ac7f043277e6d58894efe569b062b31/function/itemPageDisplay/shopItemCode/TRI35035)) ! :thumb: Mine is on the road...

Bruno, that is good news. Can't wait to see your build of the Flakpanzer 38t :)

lquah

02-10-2008, 12:50 PM

The interior has been painted. I didn't spend too much time weathering it as not much will be visible once it's all covered up. Sorry for the grainy pics. I need to get myself a macro lens.

I didn't worry too much about getting the exact 100% accurate color.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/2e0eea56.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/c0cb02b5.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/e869c6f2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/df35b4a3.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/a37d9866.jpg

I lost the support for the rear of the gearbox. :yell: Anyway, it's not going to be noticeable once it's all clammed up.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/a68470e2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/e965cb80.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/d2697533.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/3feea295.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/b086c936.jpg

LQ

James Tainton

02-10-2008, 01:36 PM

Good to see fast progress with this.:thumb:
Originally Posted by Striker View Post
the Tristar interior seems more detailed than the Dragon one - is that correct ?
Coucou, cher Ami !
Yes, it would seem that it's the case...
didn't spend too much time weathering it as not much will be visible once it's all covered up.
Anyway, it's not going to be noticeable once it's all clammed up.
This raises the question how important is it the the Tristar interior may have a little more finesse. In the final result will one be able to notice?:)
Not to defend Dragon but I just wonder,... if it's not noticeable then why the heated debate about which is better, if it really doesn't matter?

Sorry for the grainy pics. I need to get myself a macro lens.
check your iso setting, Laz, - if it's not on the lowest one change the setting thusly and see if it makes a difference. Also maybe throw more light into the mix.

sam_dwyer

02-10-2008, 01:45 PM

skeletondude

02-10-2008, 01:53 PM

Nice progress, Lawrence! :thumb:

Marek

Instructorrob

02-10-2008, 02:26 PM

Nice progress Lawrence.

Looks like a cool kit to me. Can I resist the urge to buy this this one? :rolleyes:

Robert

lquah

02-11-2008, 10:36 AM

This raises the question how important is it the the Tristar interior may have a little more finesse. In the final result will one be able to notice?:)
Not to defend Dragon but I just wonder,... if it's not noticeable then why the heated debate about which is better, if it really doesn't matter?

No heated debate here. So no more questions on which kit is better. We will just leave that to reviewers and I will happily continue building this baby. :)

check your iso setting, Laz, - if it's not on the lowest one change the setting thusly and see if it makes a difference. Also maybe throw more light into the mix.
Thanks James. I will do that. I actually want to get a ring flash to get more even lighting. What do you think of this?
http://www.canon.com.hk/en/Consumer/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product_id=100084&series_id=10004

Thanks Marek and Rob for dropping by :)

Lawrence

lquah

02-11-2008, 10:46 AM

So where were we? Ok..it's the gun platform and the side pods. TO ensure that the insides of the side pods and the corner where the radio transformers will not be unpainted, I did a quick blast of pre-shade and dunkelgelb.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/d8ecba91.jpg

The gun platform and side pods installed and the fit was nice and tight. I didn't follow the sequence in the instructions exactly. The instructions have you add the side pod cover before the side pods. I probably should have followed this sequence as I had make some extra effort to ensure that there was no gap between side pods and the cover.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/c2aff9ac.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/d68b3b8e.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/01cbe13e.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/dafdbc02.jpg

LQ

Panzergrenadier

02-11-2008, 11:06 AM

Running smooth and looking good! Keep up the good work LQ!:thumb:

skeletondude

02-11-2008, 11:13 AM

Even more great work! :thumb:

Marek

RickLawler

02-11-2008, 11:29 AM

Nice updates Lawerence.....

James Tainton

02-11-2008, 01:31 PM

No heated debate here. So no more questions on which kit is better. We will just leave that to reviewers and I will happily continue building this baby.
Hey Laz, not referring to you there really, or anyone in particular, ...just observing.
As for the ring flash- my opinion, (as someone who has never used one), is only based on other flash photography for models. Flash photos absolutely suck. It's cut and dried for me. Colour and weathering effects are not natural looking under flash conditions. Shadows are harsh and the whole image usually looks pretty flat. But maybe you can get it to work if you take the time to balance the light temperature and all that. In my books more expense & trouble than I think is needed. I don't really feel a great need to use any fancy Macro lenses either. But maybe your path is different. HTH:D

Evan August

02-11-2008, 03:20 PM

Pretty cool. I have some renewed interest in my Tristar Marder now, but those damn knockouts on the interior panels are putting me off...nothing a little work can't fix though...

AfRiKaKoRpS

02-11-2008, 03:42 PM

Very nice work on your kit Lawrence. I like the interrior you have done. Seems very detailed and busy kit. I am sure when complited will look great :)

Chris

Sticky

02-11-2008, 04:20 PM

Lawrence looking super sweet, but no surprise there.

I actually want to get a ring flash to get more even lighting. What do you think of this?
http://www.canon.com.hk/en/Consumer/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product_id=100084&series_id=10004
Lawrence

I have a ring flash I use for the office. I brought it home once to try with model photography. Honestly I am more happy with indirect or bounced light. The ring light, while better than most flashes still can give hot spots and just don't seem worth the cost for model work.

Finnmodeler

02-11-2008, 04:26 PM

Hi Lawrence,
as said interior looks very detailed. Too bad it will be hidden but you know it's there :)

Niko

Flak

02-11-2008, 11:15 PM

Looks nice...Lawrence...can't wait to see more :)

lquah

02-12-2008, 09:10 PM

Thanks fellas for watching and not getting too bored :)

As for the ring flash- my opinion, (as someone who has never used one), is only based on other flash photography for models. Flash photos absolutely suck. It's cut and dried for me. Colour and weathering effects are not natural looking under flash conditions. Shadows are harsh and the whole image usually looks pretty flat. But maybe you can get it to work if you take the time to balance the light temperature and all that. In my books more expense & trouble than I think is needed. I don't really feel a great need to use any fancy Macro lenses either. But maybe your path is different. HTH:D

I have a ring flash I use for the office. I brought it home once to try with model photography. Honestly I am more happy with indirect or bounced light. The ring light, while better than most flashes still can give hot spots and just don't seem worth the cost for model work.

Thanks for the advice James and John. :thumb: That's really useful information as the last thing I want is plonking down a chunk of money and not get the results. I agree that flash photography takes a lot more work to get it right and since I don't have a proper area to set-up my photo booth, it's going to be a waste of money. I just need to spend a bit more time working out the settings on my camera. And maybe spend the money I will save from not getting the ring flash on a proper photography course!

LQ

RickLawler

02-12-2008, 09:31 PM

l.....since I don't have a proper area to set-up my photo booth,

I guess I'm curious, what is your photo set-up? I saw John's at some point, which I then kinda used his basic setup idea to make my area when I got my new camera. Your pictures seem consistantly good to me, so what are you after?

One thing that I've learned with my new photo "area", is how little light is really needed, and always indirect..it's all in the settings.

lquah

02-12-2008, 09:50 PM

I guess I'm curious, what is your photo set-up?
I'm kinda embarrassed to say it.:o I build on my study table which I have to clean up every week when the part time helper comes round. When I want to take pictures, I clear the desk and lay an A3 piece of plasticard on it and take the photos under two flourescent table lamps. And when the photos are done, the plasticard is put away and out comes the cutting mat. All very simple and nomadic!

Your pictures seem consistantly good to me, so what are you after?

I am after sharper, less grainy photos with good field of depth. I've been mucking about with the aperture recently and I will try the ISO settings (thanks James). I can't do much with the lights as the missus is not keen on having big ass lights on the study table. :mad: She says it gets in the way when she surfs the web (even when it's turn off)..so go figure! :rolleyes:

LQ

RickLawler

02-12-2008, 10:05 PM

The layout doesn't sound too much different than mine. I use 3 of the lowwatt Sunlight bulbs..the little curly ones, 2 in desklamps, one which hangs directly overtop. I have covered the heads with tracing paper to difuse the light, and the desklamps are pretty much turned away from the subject. I've been shooting at 4sec. @ 29-32 with pretty good results lately.

James Tainton

02-12-2008, 10:34 PM

One thing that I've learned with my new photo "area", is how little light is really needed, and always indirect..it's all in the settings.

That's is not necessarily true Rick - the more light you can throw on a subject the better. From my experience settings are only part of the equation.
There is some digital photography theory out there that says the same thing. The more light the better. Noise, which seems to be what Laz is concerned about comes from many variables.
Photon noise is pseudo-random. The arrival times of photons at a photosite describe a Poisson distribution, and there is essentially nothing post-exposure that can be done about photon noise. However, the impact of photon noise in the resulting image will be greater with (a) fast shutter speeds, (b) dimly lit subjects, and/or (c) high amplification of the signal. So to reduce the visibility of photon noise, longer exposure times, brighter illumination, and low ISO settings may help.

Depth of field is also not only established by f-stop settings alone but that and distance of the picture plane from the subject. At a certain point a smaller aperture does not add anything to depth of field. It is a combination of distance from subject and f-stop.

lquah

02-24-2008, 12:18 PM

Update time. I took the photos awhile back but having got round to downloading it to my PC and uploading it to Photobucket.

The rear panel. The detail is well done. There are screwhead details around the two posts for the starter motor.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/6d952136.jpg

The rear panel glued onto the chassis
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/ec5be863.jpg

The bottom of the side sponsons showing nice rivet details
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/85492630.jpg

Added the top cover for the radiator, fan and side pods. Fit was good but to make sure there were no gaps, I glued the rear side first and then slowly worked my way around gluing the sides.

The Tristar kit is also missing the tube for engine starter (?) which leads from the gun pedestal to the rear plate. This was easily rectified with a platic tube.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/c4c4d126.jpg

Looking from the front. I accidently filed off some rivets from the two rear side panels. They were very fine and I overlooked them. Maybe the yellow color plastic has something to do with it. They were replaced them with some Tichy rivets.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/879d6033.jpg

View from the right side. I added the 10 W.S.c transmitter. I forgot to replace the handle with wire. I will however add some basic wiring from the dynamotor to the radio sets and also from the radio sets to the intercom switchboard.

The two front side panels were also added. The bracket on the rear side panel is for a foldable seat.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/0f306cdb.jpg

Comments welcome as always.
LQ

Larry Bates

02-24-2008, 12:26 PM

Looks cool Laz :thumb:

Laz

skeletondude

02-24-2008, 01:38 PM

Nice, as always, Laz!

Marek

jagdpanzer

02-24-2008, 02:05 PM

Nice work Laz!

Thanks for showing us,

Manuel

RickLawler

02-24-2008, 02:12 PM

As always Lawerence, nice solid work.

Evan August

02-24-2008, 02:24 PM

Nice work

panamadan

02-24-2008, 10:22 PM

Great job! Dan

lquah

03-04-2008, 10:59 AM

Thanks fellas! :)

In case you haven't read it, here's a review of the kit on PMMS
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35035.html

Track-link
http://www.track-link.net/reviews/k1899

Here are the fenders. I added the tools and PE handles. Then a spot of paint for the rear section. The rear section will have the side pod overhang and it will make it more difficult to get paint into the area after it's attached to the hull. As raised by Terry, the fender does not have the kink. It's a strange omission as it is present in all Tristar 38t kits so far. To create the bend will also necessitate relocating the rearmost fender support lower by 1 to 2mm. I did not add the kink this time around.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/36dcf154.jpg

Fenders attached. I sort of messed up with the sides of the engine compartment opening.Nothing some putty won't fix. The photo looks worse than it really is.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1794.jpg

The other side
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1795.jpg

The engine hatches are nicely done with separate grab handles. This was added after the initial test shots were shown on PMMS.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/50e8660e.jpg

The hatches with grab handles.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1792.jpg

Next step was to add the foldable armor plates around the fighting compartment. I decided to leave all the armor plates up except for the front plate. The latches are very finely molded and you have to be careful in removing them from the sprue (make sure they don't fly away!). A good pair of tweezers will make life easier.

Tristar also provides for opened latches when depicting the armor plates folded down.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1771.jpg

The right radio mount for the U.kw.E.e receiver was incorrectly etched in reverse. As I had already bend mine according to the bend lines, I didn't want to risk breaking it if I bent it back. I fashioned a replacement piece from some scrap plasticard. I then added the power cables from the dynamotors to the radio sets and also the wires from the radios sets to the intercom switchboard.

I wish manufacturers would make radios with cable connectors attached. With the exception of K59, I haven't seen any other manufacturer, plastic or resin who makes the wire connectors that connect to the radio sets. Most of them provide radios with no wires plugged in.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1793.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1773.jpg

The front armor plate has two handles that were attached with PE chain.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1775.jpg

skeletondude

03-04-2008, 11:41 AM

And he strikes again!
Good work, Lawrence, it's going to be another winner! :thumb:

Marek

Flak

03-05-2008, 06:57 AM

Great work...Lawrence. I have picked up the Tristar kit last weekend, can't wait to buid it too...

Totenhosen

03-05-2008, 09:00 AM

Sweet!

Larry Bates

03-05-2008, 10:08 AM

A very cool looking vehicle,

Nice job Laz :thumb:

Evan August

03-05-2008, 01:14 PM

Very nice LQ, but some of those details look very fragile!

Sticky

03-05-2008, 02:54 PM

Really a super build so far. Keep it comming!

Bravo Tango

03-06-2008, 12:35 AM

Got me one of these when I was in the Tristar Shop with Lawrence last night (Well, while in HKG on business.. why not do some model shops :) )
It looks sweet and dandy.

I have the say the Tristar shop in is a den of goodiness... some really nice stuff at pretty good prices.

Plus Lawrence is the perfect guide to have in Hong Kong for this kind of gig.
3 or 4 Model shops and Coupla beers etc... a perfect night out

BT

Driver

03-06-2008, 10:53 AM

This is top notch work Lawrence!! I'm eager to see it painted.

Ruben

lquah

03-06-2008, 12:36 PM

Thanks Marek, Marco, Ken, Laz, Evan, John, BT and Ruben for the kind words.

I have picked up the Tristar kit last weekend, can't wait to buid it too...
Marco, haven't seen a SBS from you for awhile. Maybe a comparison?

3 or 4 Model shops and Coupla beers etc... a perfect night out
Hell yeah. I need to mention we went to UML shop as well. Thanks for the shouting the food and drinks :thumb:

This is top notch work Lawrence!! I'm eager to see it painted.

Ruben, it's getting close and you don't need to wait much longer.:)

Next up is the flak gun. Tristar includes the late Flak gun. I have yet to see a photo of a Flakpanzer 38t with an early flak gun. The flak gun is from the late Flak gun set that was released last year.

Check out Fletcher's vBench for closeups of the late flak gun set
http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3450

And review on PMMS
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tristar/tri35029.htm

The flak gun is very nicely detailed especially the elevation linkage arm. My only gripe is that the detail around the foot trigger is rather crude. So I decided to improve it by moving it backwards and fashioning the linkages with some scrap styrene card. Sorry for the poor pics, I'm still trying get a handle of my camera settings.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1783.jpg
The barrel is from Adler's Nest latest release and it has the two ribbed sections along the barrel.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1780.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1782.jpg

Test fitting with a figure from Tristar's flak crew set.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1781.jpg

I'm heading off for to Bangkok, Thailand for the weekend and I will post the next update when I get back.

Comments welcome
LQ

stormtrooper

03-06-2008, 12:43 PM

looking nice lawrence;) kee it up:)
have fun in bangkok

greetz stormtrooper

RickLawler

03-06-2008, 12:44 PM

Nice stuff all around, Lawerence. Boy, aren't those Adler's barrels ultra-cool? Sooooomuch detail.

skeletondude

03-06-2008, 01:29 PM

Great update Lawrence, forgot to say earlier, have a great time in Bangok! :)

Marek

sharkmouth

03-06-2008, 02:47 PM

Confucius says "Any man who runs through airport turnstile sideways is going to Bangkok!" :eek:

Have fun! Listen carefully to the words from Frankie Goes to Hollywood's "One Night in Bangkok"... the reality was more fun! :thumb:

Regards,

Panzergrenadier

03-06-2008, 04:45 PM

LQ, a proper job all round again. :thumb: Even though I am not a fan of the Pz 38 based vehicles, this one gets my attention.

Have a nice trip and try to take it easy!

panamadan

03-08-2008, 11:54 PM

What's the differance between the early and late 2cm? Dan

lquah

03-28-2008, 04:50 AM

Dan

The flak 38 was simplified during the production and this is usually called late. Some items that were simplified were the elevation wheel, the housing for the wheel and the modification of the underside of the gun barrel housing by covering with sheet metal.

The underside of the gun housing on an early flak can be seen below. It had a number of fins similar to a water wheel.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/k-020Flak38a.jpg

The elevation wheel and housing that is commonly refered to by most modelers as a distinguishing feature for a late gun. The items were made from stamped metal sheets.

You can not distinguish an early from late based solely on the gun sight as the gun sight was detachable and can be used on all flak 38s.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/Flak_38_Elevation-574x447.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/20mm_flak_38_24_of_36.jpg

There was a discussion on this on ML awhile back here:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1204931809/Tristar+Flakpanzer+38%28t%29

Lawrence

panamadan

03-29-2008, 01:45 PM

Lawrence, Thanks for the info. I guess that Dragon could have gave new parts to make theirs into a late quite easily. Dan

lquah

03-30-2008, 04:25 AM

Lawrence, Thanks for the info. I guess that Dragon could have gave new parts to make theirs into a late quite easily. Dan

No worries Dan. Let me know if you need more info.

I believe that DML was rushing to release the kit and hence decided not to make new molds for the late flak. They will get round to it eventually though. Also, whilst they have so far been no photos that show the early flak on the Flakpanzer 38t, it doesn't mean that it didn't have it. My personal opinion though is that it's unlikely since by the time the Flakpanzer 38t was being produced, the "early" type flak guns had been replaced by the "late" type. Nearly 14,000 Flak 30 and Flak 38 AA guns were produced during the war and it is more likely that newly produced Flak guns were used rather than using older "early" flak guns.

Now on to the build. Tristar has provided the full sized gun shield for the flak 38. However, if you look closely at photos of the Flakpanzers, you will notice that the sides of the gun shield has been cut by torch to narrow it. This was done to ensure that the gun could easily rotate without hitting the radio.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1823a.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1824a.jpg

All you need to do is take off a couple of mm from each side.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1767.jpg

Lawrence

lquah

03-30-2008, 11:58 AM

A quick update before I take off for a one week vacation in Koh Samui, Thailand :D

The build is finished and it time to lay down some paint. I haven't painted and weathered a 3 tone camo since I did this Tiger I when I was still in Melbourne, over 18 years ago. I am hoping I can do a better job since then.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1821.jpg

So here goes. As pointed out by Sheeds, Andrew and Henrik, the yellow is a bit too dark but I will try to fade it lighter.

I have added the filters and washes and next step will be some fading. I will do that when I get back.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1815.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1816.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1817.jpg

The muffler has not been done yet. I will rust only a portion of it.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1818.jpg

The rubber tire on the return roller fell out and I need to paint the rubber tires on the roadwheels.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1819.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/lquah/Tristar%20Flakpanzer%2038t/IMG_1820.jpg

All comments welcomed. Don't hold back, so fire away. :)

Lawrence

pwranta193

03-30-2008, 12:22 PM

That has saved a bunch of us some grief :D - on the updside, everyone gets to do it the same way as the builders - modify the stock version to fit.

A question on the fit - I can't tell if it is the gun mount angle for the pictures, or a temporary fitting, but is the gun sub assembly slightly canted off the vertical?

I think you are good with the yellow now - these pictures seem to be lighter overall as well. It looks good to go for the weathering steps, bring it on.

Koh Samui - and no beer - for a week? You better be getting "Husband of the Year" for that :(

RickLawler

03-30-2008, 12:48 PM

I can't tell if it is the gun mount angle for the pictures, or a temporary fitting, but is the gun sub assembly slightly canted off the vertical?

Looks to me as if the sights are a little off to the right(?)...

I like it very much LQ...Actually, that color will fade very nicely if you do the oil dot thing with white or very light creams in the center of the pattern(s).

Another vacation???? Didn't you just get home from one? Have a good one.

Major Becker

03-30-2008, 02:59 PM

Hi Lawrence,

Very nice, you have done a good job on it...:thumb:

I'm waiting the end...

Cheers
Rey

Flak

03-31-2008, 08:34 AM

Looks nice...Lawrence

louisuni

04-01-2008, 04:23 AM

Looks cool, Lawrence. Wait for your new update after the trip. :)

Panzergrenadier

04-01-2008, 12:41 PM

LQ, good to see some modeling on your part!:thumb: Looking good, must resist buying it......

serpico

08-11-2008, 09:07 PM