Hotchkiss 39(h)

[Stuke Sowle]

This is one of the new kits from Trumpeter:

http://www.greatmodels.com/inventory/images/Trumpeter/tp352.JPG

Brought to me as a present from one of my good friends after a recent trip to Singapore! :)

Anyway here are some of the cleaned up suspension bits. There are some prominent injector pin marks, but most of them can be hidden towards the inner part of the model. There were also some pretty big mold lines along the roadwheels that needed to be cleaned up.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7381&img=PC300002.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7382&img=PC300005.jpg

The bogie assemblies were quite fiddly and took some TLC. The biggest problem was the attachment to the chassis. There were pins to help locate the bogies, but when used everything was skewed all over the place. I removed the pins and did some sanding to try and make things a bit more even.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7383&img=PC310017.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7384&img=PC310018.jpg

More problems encountered in my next post. :(

[Stuke Sowle]

Alright let's see what we got next!

Some gaps that needed filling along the front of the vehicle. I also tried to add a bit of texture by applying some liquid cement and stippling with an old brush. I then sanded this down a bit with an SOS pad.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7386&img=PC310027.jpg

Next big oppurtunity (the new key phrase in manufacturing for what really amounts to problem :) ). This gap between two bits on the top half of the superstructure. Will require some filling and sanding before moving on. I also plan on adding a bit of texture to the upper hull.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7385&img=PC310020.jpg

Hopefully more tomorrow after watching some more Bowl games. :)

[James Tainton]

Super. Great. I have been wanting to see a SBS (step by step) of these kits from Trumpeter. I will be following this one with interest. ;)

[Stuke Sowle]

I will do my darndest to keep it up-to-date for you James.

Lord knows, you've done your part to keep all of us updated around here! :)

[Stuke Sowle]

Continuing with the gap in the upper hull:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7390&img=PC310025.jpg

Still some more filling and sanding to do at this time.

Moving on to the tracks while the putty dried. They are the vinyl one piece tracks of which the quality is ok. They are pretty stiff and once fitted there was too much slack. I cut off one link on each side to shorten them up, but I believe I need to cut one more link.

To get the mandatory sag, I had to resort to pins inserted into the hull to hold the tracks down:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7392&img=PC310008.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7393&img=PC310011.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7395&img=PC310013.jpg

[Stuke Sowle]

Still waiting on the putty to dry, I moved on to the turret. I would say the weakest point of this assembly was the gun barrel and breech. The assembly is made up of the usual two halves that need to be glued together. A bit of putty and sanding was needed to clean everything up. Some shots of the bits:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7391&img=PC310026.jpg

The turret upper and lower half fit was ok, but again putty and sanding is going to be the answer:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7389&img=PC310022.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7388&img=PC310019.jpg

Hopefully as the New Year hits in about an hour, I will be getting that gap all fixed up in the hull so I can move on! :)

[James Tainton]

Are you able to compare the accuracy of the model? Have you any reference?
also I use 2 part epoxy putty, (which is steel hard in 20 minutes but sands out nicely if done promptly once hard enough), to fill most gaps that I use to fill with Squadron putty and the like. The one I like is Bond-Aide ® P-1500.

[Stuke Sowle]

I have pretty much zero stuff for references with the exception of this site:

Hotchkiss H 39 (http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/hotchkiss_h39.htm)

A few of the shots below.

http://www.chars-francais.net/images/archives/hotchkiss_h39/h39_saumur31.jpg

http://www.chars-francais.net/images/archives/hotchkiss_h39/h39_saumur18.jpg

http://www.chars-francais.net/images/archives/hotchkiss_h39/h39_83.jpg

http://www.chars-francais.net/images/archives/hotchkiss_h39/h39_56.jpg

What really concerns me at this point are what appears to be vision slits on the turret. On the real thing there are no lines evident around the slit, while on the model they are quite evident as they were a seperate bit.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7397&img=no_seam.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7398&img=noseam2.jpg

Hmmm, I see a common theme here. Should've entitled this blog "Filling & Sanding". :)

[James Tainton]

Glad you are doing this, you get to make all the mistakes for us :lol: -helps the rest of us not too familiar with the subject matter. You may want to double check resources though before filling those hatch like seams...maybe there were different types????
http://www.chars-francais.net/images/archives/hotchkiss_h39/40901.jpg
here are a couple of other sites
http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/hotchkiss_h39.htm
one for the H-35
http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/hotchkiss_h35.htm

[Stuke Sowle]

Nice catch. I had seen a few with the hatch seams, but no pics as clear as the one you have posted. There are a ton of shots on these sites, I just haven't had time to go through them all.

Looks like on your example some set-screws on the hatch?

LOL..and this was supposed to be a quickie weekend build! :)

[James Tainton]

yeah, well... :lol:
(shouldn't that vision slit be drilled out? ;) :lol: )

[general zod]

Looks great so far Shame so many gaps in the kit What color will it be painted? Also I wonder what year they were deployed

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by general zod@Jan 1 2005, 09:18 AM
Looks great so far Shame so many gaps in the kit What color will it be painted? Also I wonder what year they were deployed
maybe something here
http://www.chars-francais.net/index_a.htm

[Paul Ranta]

Stuke - nice roll, I'll start mine up now that you've taken out some of the hard parts... I think PMMS has some similar notes on his initital assessments - I think I forgot to mention that ahead of time :o .

On the vision ports: Remember, check the Beute Panzers versus the original French fittings - I've got a couple of examples on the hard drive I'll send, but there is is a good looking Steve Zaloga build over on M-L that may show some of the differences. Keep it coming...

Pablo

[Andrew Hall]

Nice work Stuke. I'm wondering if Saumurs Hotchpotchkiss turret hatches have been welded up for some reason?? Might be my eyes but I think I can see the outline in the pics from Antoines site.

Cheers _ Andrew

[Stuke Sowle]

Originally posted by panzerfaust@Jan 1 2005, 11:05 AM
yeah, well... :lol:
(shouldn't that vision slit be drilled out? ;) :lol: )

Yeah, I was thinking that this morning as I woke up. Not sure if I have the cajones for that right now.

Thanks Paul and Andrew for the encouragment. Looking forward to seeing some progress on yours!

[Stuke Sowle]

A small update, unfortunately Bowl games, the anti-modeling hobby below:

http://www.firingsquad.com/games/call_of_duty_review/images/20.jpg

And this:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7439&img=74.jpg

Got in the way of some modeling! :)

Added some texture to the hull and turret. It looks a little strong in these shots, but is more subtle after the scrub down with an SOS pad.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7442&img=P1020007.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7440&img=P1020001.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7441&img=P1020003.jpg

I also added some Mr. Surfacer all over the lower hull sides in an attempt to recreate some dirt and mud build up. I might sprinkle some Cast a Coat over this as well.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7443&img=P1020009.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7444&img=P1020010.jpg

Next I will start adding the various bits to the upper hull. I think I see and end in sight.

And I am not opening up those vision slots. Too small for my clumsy fingers. Looking at the shots of the actual vehicles these seem a little underscale anyway. I think the best way to tackle them would be to remove them entirely and scratch them out of brass.

Fun!! :)

[Stuke Sowle]

More progress this evening. Let me apologize for the quality of my shots. My camera and I still have a love hate relationship. :(

The turret is pretty much complete. Mr. Surfacer was used to fill in some small gaps between the turret and lifting hooks.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7481&img=P1020008.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7480&img=P102006.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7478&img=P1020004.jpg

I added some casting numbers that were shown on my references. They are a bit too large, but better than nada.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7483&img=P1020014.jpg

Some additional bits added to the hull front and sides.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7479&img=P1020005.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7482&img=P1020012.jpg

[Stuke Sowle]

Time to add the fenders and glue the upper and lower hull halves together. The fit of the fenders was pretty good with the exception of a small gap on both sides at the rear.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7484&img=P1020016.jpg

Probably more easily fixed if I hadn't attached the fenders using superglue. :(

Now some shots of the fit of the upper and lower hull. Not spectacular, the front is going to need some work. Also the back has a small step that deosn't appear to be on the real thing.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7485&img=P1020018.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7486&img=P1020020.jpg

I'm looking forward to adding the final bits and getting this little thing painted. I also need to do a fifteen minute review of my camera manual. :)

[panamadan]

I'm really enjoying your build; I have this kit on order and plan on building it ASAP! Do you have any painting ideas yet? Dan

[Stuke Sowle]

Originally posted by panamadan@Jan 5 2005, 07:25 AM
I'm really enjoying your build; I have this kit on order and plan on building it ASAP! Do you have any painting ideas yet? Dan
I am going to model it as a vehicle captured and put into use by the Germans, probably around the D-day time frame. I'm gonna beat this one up pretty good.

Made some progress early this morning. This week I was putting in twelve hour days at work, so I just didn't get time to hit the tables. Fortunately at 0500 in the morning everyone is asleep around here.

I must apologize once again for the crappy pics though. My next step before any building is to figure out how to make my camera work. I've done it before, but it's been awhile.... :(

Ok, I added some styrene strips to the sides of the hull. Thanks to Mic Bradshow for pointing out a lot of items to me, this being one of them.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7679&img=P1080027.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7680&img=P1080029.jpg

And a shot of the real thing showing the detail along the hull where the fenders meet. My work is too thick for scale, but I think will represent it well enough.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7688&img=230240824_3.jpg

Next up is the area around the muffler. Not sure what exactly supported the muffler on the real deal. The musuem example and photos of the real thing aren't jiving!

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7686&img=h39_saumur50.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7687&img=40824_3.jpg

Here is where I am so far:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7683&img=P1080035.jpg


The shield represented by plastic in the kit is way out of scale, so I used some brass sheet, did some annealing and got a much better looking part.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7685&img=P1080039.jpg

More tonight we hope!!

[panamadan]

I also plan on making mine German, can't decide if to paint it Panzer Gray or yellow. The same about the trench skid-on or off? I have the old On the Mark sets, I hope that they fit the Trumpeter kit. I'll be using your build as a referance! Dan ;)

[panamadan]

By the way-how does one post a model to Vbench? Thanks, Dan

[Stuke Sowle]

Originally posted by panamadan@Jan 8 2005, 03:45 PM
By the way-how does one post a model to Vbench? Thanks, Dan
Don't use me as the be-all end-all for your build!! Make sure you visit the link that was posted earlier in this thread...there are tons of shots of the real deal on that site.

Also you must send a request to be set up for a vBench account. Here is the link:

vBench account (http://www.kitspy.com/vbench/)

Please don't hesitate to do so, I know we all love to see new work on PlanetArmor! :)

[gordy]

awesome work Stuke! I see your a COD fan too :thumb: ever play any Day of Defeat (http://www.dayofdefeatmod.com/indexmain.php) online?

Dan,

Simply fill out a vBench request here: ;)

http://www.kitspy.com/vbench/

[Stuke Sowle]

Originally posted by gordy@Jan 8 2005, 04:29 PM
awesome work Stuke! I see your a COD fan too :thumb: ever play any Day of Defeat (http://www.dayofdefeatmod.com/indexmain.php) online?


DoD? That game nearly ended my modeling "career" about three years ago!! I'm looking forward to the re-vamed version now that HL2 is out. The graphics on that engine are amazing.

Oh, and thanks for the compliments on the model!! But now I have a hankering to shoot off a few rounds! :(

[gordy]

awesome :thumb:

models and shooters, too cool...

i smell a LAN Party coming

[Stuke Sowle]

Managing to stay away from the video games and keep up on this little guy...

The muffler and shield attached to the hull:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7706&img=P1080040.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7707&img=P1080044.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7708&img=P1080045.jpg

Looks ten times better than the kit part (well, at least in my opinion.

[Stuke Sowle]

Started to add the final small bits this evening. Due to my lack of references I am just going with the kit OVM. Not sure if the Germans would have replaced the French gear with their own?

Removed the idler wheels as they needed to be re-adjusted to give the track clearance from the fender. Another hour or so and I think this thing will be ready to be primed! :)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7709&img=P1080046.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7710&img=P1080047.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7711&img=P1080048.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7712&img=P1080049.jpg

[James Tainton]

can't wait to see the paint and weathering! Keep up the good worK.

[Stuke Sowle]

Thanks James, I plan on continuing the attack today.

Here is a shot of some of our little guys that were used by the Germans. Thanks to Paul Ranta for firing this off to me late last night.

Some interesting markings and configurations can be seen:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7723&img=Normandie_dump.jpg

[panamadan]

Great photo! Notice that "box" on the tail skid? Anyone have a idea what it is, or any photos of it? Dan :lol:

[panamadan]

Originally posted by Stuke Sowle@Jan 9 2005, 12:36 AM
Started to add the final small bits this evening. Due to my lack of references I am just going with the kit OVM. Not sure if the Germans would have replaced the French gear with their own?

Removed the idler wheels as they needed to be re-adjusted to give the track clearance from the fender. Another hour or so and I think this thing will be ready to be primed! :)

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7709&img=P1080046.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7710&img=P1080047.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7711&img=P1080048.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7712&img=P1080049.jpg
From the few photos that I have, the Germans kept the same OVM, but added a three legged antenna mount on the rear right fender. I believe that the Trumpeter kit does not include this. I also have one photo of a H39 with a notek driving light, and I assume if it has this it would also have a German taillight. Dan

[panamadan]

Originally posted by gordy@Jan 8 2005, 06:29 PM
awesome work Stuke! I see your a COD fan too :thumb: ever play any Day of Defeat (http://www.dayofdefeatmod.com/indexmain.php) online?

Dan,

Simply fill out a vBench request here: ;)

http://www.kitspy.com/vbench/
Gordy, I did that-I guess I'm sone what dense as to what the next step is! ;) Dan

[Stuke Sowle]

Originally posted by panamadan@Jan 9 2005, 09:14 AM
Gordy, I did that-I guess I'm sone what dense as to what the next step is! ;) Dan
Looks like you got one set up now Dan!

Dan's vBench (http://www.planetarmor.com/forums/index.php?showforum=51)

[Stuke Sowle]

Ok, she is ready for some priming. I see a few details I could add, but then you think of more and then some more...and well, you all get the drift. This was supposed to be a weekender, know it's a two-weeker. I'm not dragging it out much longer.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7725&img=P1090050.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7726&img=P1090051.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7727&img=P1090052.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7728&img=P1090053.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7729&img=P1090054.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7730&img=P1090055.jpg

However, if anyone does have some shots with the Notek light, convoy light or antenna that they can get to me within a few hours, I might still be able to add them. I just don't want to do it blindly.

[Stuke Sowle]

I've had this Verlinden dio base hanging around for a couple of years and I think that it fits the Hotckiss perfectly.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7731&img=P1090057.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7732&img=P1090059.jpg

I might just add these two dudes that I have hanging around as well:

http://www.greatmodels.com/inventory/images/Nemrod/nem35042.JPG

http://www.squadron.com/old/nmpathfinder/nmpathfinder_1.jpg

But that's a big maybe. I have absolutely zero painting skills, nor really the paints on hand for U.S. uniforms.

[panamadan]

Originally posted by gordy@Jan 8 2005, 06:29 PM
awesome work Stuke! I see your a COD fan too :thumb: ever play any Day of Defeat (http://www.dayofdefeatmod.com/indexmain.php) online?

Dan,

Simply fill out a vBench request here: ;)

http://www.kitspy.com/vbench/
Gordy-I hate to sound like a bone head, once on Vbench do I just click on "new topic"? My photos on my computer are quite large-any advice on how to make them smaller? Thanks, Dan :)

[James Tainton]

Originally posted by Stuke Sowle@Jan 9 2005, 10:46 AM
I've had this Verlinden dio base hanging around for a couple of years and I think that it fits the Hotckiss perfectly.
I might just add these two dudes that I have hanging around as well:
But that's a big maybe. I have absolutely zero painting skills, nor really the paints on hand for U.S. uniforms.

I've had my eye on those Nemrod figs everytime I walk into the local hobby shop- haven't splurged yet though. I did get one of their figures a year or so ago- a casual standing HJ tank crew member. I think they have some very nicely executed stuff.

The Verlinden base does look well suited to show off the H-39.http://members.shaw.ca/hetzer/fritz.gif

[Stuke Sowle]

The Nemrod figures are very nice James. Have you taken a look inside the box? Great detail.

Ok, spurred on by panamadans observation that the Germans installed a three-legged antenna mount on these vehicles, I did some more digging on the web for shots of captured vehicles and not French examples.

Here are some shots I found:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7779&img=captured37.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7780&img=h39_1.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7781&img=renault_r35.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7783&img=hotchkiss_in_yugoslavia.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7784&img=hotchkiss4.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7782&img=H39-1.jpg

Looks like there are examples of both with and without. Now which road to take? The vehicle is already primed. Something I am going to have to mull over tonight at work!

[Stuke Sowle]

And some more shots:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7788&img=bog51_5.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7787&img=uwss09a.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7785&img=39_h__f_.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7786&img=hotchkiss.jpg

All found on this nice little thread:

Captured French vehicles (http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=23596&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)

[panamadan]

Stuke, I didn't realize that there are so many marking options on this little guy! Thanks for the help. Dan

[Stuke Sowle]

Yes, there seem to be dozens of options for these vehicles, both French and German.

No update yet (back to work), but Dan pointed out these to me and I believe there is a thread on the New group regarding them.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7879&img=H39tr3S.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=7880&img=H39tr2S.jpg

Look pretty darn nice!!

[James Tainton]

I did see those when I posted the link to the company but figured you'd see them so I didn't bother pointing them out. Also I figured since you wanted to build this quick without to much fuss I didn't want to complicate it for you. ;)
I may get some for mine.

[James Tainton]

http://www.fotobethge.de/bilderebay/L05015-22a.jpg
on e-bay

[Stuke Sowle]

Nice shot James. Looks like this one got hit a few times there didn't it?

Sorry no updates so far this week. 12+ hour days kill all my hobby time. :angry:

[James Tainton]

http://members.aol.com/rwc5157/scan678.jpg

[DCG]

It's a Renault, dude. ;)

[James Tainton]

whoops :o

[James Tainton]

here's one
http://www.kunst-troedel.de/fotos/nov2004-1611-062.jpg

[Stuke Sowle]

Don't worry James, I keep making the same dang mistake!! :)

Nice shots BTW.

As far as my model, I have the initial basecoat on, but no shots yet. Hopefully by the end of week.

[DCG]

Wow, that's unusual - while the big plate that says "Hotchkiss" on the front clearly identifies it as a Hotchkiss (natch), the front half of the leading bogie appears to have broken off, making the running gear at least resemble that of a Renault (which is the main feature I use to tell the two types apart, actually). ;)

[Stuke Sowle]

Some paint:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=9300&img=P2130062.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=9301&img=P2130063.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=9302&img=P2130064.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=9303&img=P2130065.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=9304&img=P2130066.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=9305&img=P2130067.jpg

[Stuke Sowle]

I added filters, some washes and chipping to this model in the past week and grew very dissatisfied with the results. I always seem to become very unhappy with the way my models look at this stage.

I have decided to shelve the project for awhile instead of grinding my teeth over it.

Sorry guys. :(

[Stuke Sowle]

Whoops! A pic might help to convey my sense of dissappointment....

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10148&img=P3090008.jpg

[Markus]

Hey Stuke,
I think it looks pretty cool... :).
Keep it up, I´m sure it will be a beauty!

[Tuna]

Looks awsome Stuke.. you should keep going!!!...

but boy you sure are taking a long time! ;)

[Stuke Sowle]

Thanks guys!!

I've gotten enough prodding from some buddies of mine (along with your words) that I have decided not to give up on this critter.

And yeah, it's taking a hella long time to get her done!!

[Stuke Sowle]

Here are some more shots of her when I was thinking of shelving her:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10273&img=P3120013.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10274&img=P3120014.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10275&img=P3120015.jpg

But like I said, I am going to soldier on with this kit.

I did drop the darn thing and the muffler and pick came off. I will fix these later.

[Stuke Sowle]

Ok, I added some more scratches using a mixture of Vallejo paints these were a lighter yellow in color.

I then started adding some washes with various oil paints:

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10276&img=P3120017.jpg

This is where she is now. I am a bit happier with her appearance. It's about time for some weathering powders.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10277&img=P3120019.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10278&img=P3120020.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10279&img=P3120021.jpg

I actually see the light at the end of the tunnel with our girl here!!

[Stuke Sowle]

Some washes with weathering powders, detail painting, done.

What's left? The big ol' chain on the RHS. But the biggest problem now is the tracks. I attempted to place them and there isn't enough room under the fenders! I broke two bogies off attempting to get the damn things on.

Hmmm any ideas??

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10354&img=P3130003.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10355&img=P3130004.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10356&img=P3130005.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10358&img=P3130007.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10357&img=P3130006.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10359&img=P3130008.jpg

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=10360&img=P3130009.jpg

[Markus]

http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?for...geid=1110792503 (http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=110741&messageid=1110792503) ;) :)

[houdini]

Nice! I really love this style.

Stuke,Can you give me some tips in weathering?

[James Tainton]

thanks for going on "point" on this one Stuke-please don't keep us from any details of the difficulties you are having -this build of yours is not that negative as it is helping us who may build these one day- Cheers. ;)

[Stuke Sowle]

Thanks guys for keeping my attitude about this kit upbeat. I need every bit I can get.

Houdini, what type of tips would you like on weathering? I don't feel too qualified to answer as I think that is the weak part of my game.

James, not a problem..somebody's got to do it right? :) Besides, it's high time I took the lead on a kit and didn't follow someone else. Although I woud've rather it been the initial Tiger! :)

I hope to have her finished by this weekend, depending on work and family of course. :)

[Stuke Sowle]

Goodness shall prevail with this kit!!

Strenghtening the drive sprocket...

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=11355&img=P4090031.jpg

And finally the tracks in place after much cursing, super glue, crying, super glue, wailing.....you get the drift.

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=11356&img=P4090034.jpg

Unfortunately (but I didn't care at this point, I just wanted them on) most of the powders and painting wore off during installation so I will have to touch that up and then finish her off!!!! :)

[Finnmodeler]

Originally posted by Stuke Sowle@Apr 10 2005, 02:43 AM
Goodness shall prevail with this kit!!

Hi,
looks pretty much done. How about the unit it will be in? In Yugoslavie or in France?

Thank you for tips with this model,

Niko

[Stuke Sowle]

It's meant to depict a vehicle abandoned in France a right after D-Day.

Just a few more details and she is done!!

[Finnmodeler]

Originally posted by Stuke Sowle@Apr 10 2005, 10:38 AM
It's meant to depict a vehicle abandoned in France a right after D-Day.

Just a few more details and she is done!!
I like the idea:) Any terrain to go with it? Figures? Heck, make it to diorama as you are working on it:D

Niko

[Stuke Sowle]

If you check a few pages back in this thread Niko, you can see a base and some figures that I had planned on using for this kit.

But now I think I just want to be done. :(

[plasticbattle]

Hi Stuke.
Looking great. Did you use the kittracks? Any problems with paint peeling off them?
Ive finished Trumpeters Strv. 103 B lately and seen little flakes coming off ... exactly like Italeri´s used to before I stopped using them.
How did you paint the tracks .... I basecoated/primed with tamiya acrylics ... washed with humbrol thinner and pastels and then dry brushed with humbrol metallics. Was just wondering what you did and if you had the same problems? Cheers

[Stuke Sowle]

They are the kit tracks Frank and frankly (no pun intended :) ) they suck!!

The paint (including primer of enamels, base of acyrlics and layers upon layers of pigments) came off them in massive chips. Now I have to repaint half of it.

I have built the STRV-103B and am having the same problem as well.

[Finnmodeler]

Originally posted by Stuke Sowle@Apr 10 2005, 03:23 PM
If you check a few pages back in this thread Niko, you can see a base and some figures that I had planned on using for this kit.

But now I think I just want to be done. :(
Hi,
sorry I didn't remember those anymore. I checked so long time ago this thread:) Anyway, at least do the base ;) Figures are pain in the a** for me, too :(

Niko

[Stuke Sowle]

Still torn on the base Niko. I did pick up a copy of MIS yesterday that has a nifty little "how-to" that makes painting cobblestones look easy.

Maybe I'll give it a go.....maybe. :)

[gnk]

hello,

omg, i'm a french rookie, and i have just begin this kits, i was very happy to fund this thread last week.
but this morning, all the pics wasnt host ! :(

is there any solution ? can the author send me the pics ?

thx

havea good day

( sorry for my english ( i do my best ) )