Opel Maultier *ITALERI* WIP

[Lars Richter]

Hello Folks,

I got here an old Italerie Kit - the OPEL MAULTIER. I got on question:

Wich tracks are possible if used the Wheels from Royal Model-Detailset?? The RM Wheels are wider than the kit wheels. Friuls and normal Modelkasten Tracks for Panzer I are to small :confused:

Somebody knows?

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_2990.JPG

Best regards
Lars

[alanmac]

Hi Lars

Nice to see this one being made, one of my favourites, and will look great with all the extras available for it, if in the end quite an expensive little model.

The only other track makers I know that market tracks for this, which of course uses the Panzer 1 track as it's basis, is Masterbox and Accurate Armour. The stumbling block is that if the ones from Friuls and normal Modelkasten don't fit then I'd say so would the others be the same as surely they all work to the correct wheels of the Panzer 1. How much are they too wide?

Maybe an email to Royal Model might help and provide an answer after all they must have made the kits up after manufacturing the parts. On the other hand if the original Italeri tracks were wrong, too wide, and they made them to fit those and not to actual correct width ones you may have a problem.

I guess if worse comes to worse you could thin the wheel rubber area down but that's not really the point given what you spent out already to correct the kit wheels. From your attached picture they do from appearance look too wide to me, if you compare the image on the Accurate Armour picture of the Panzer 1 wheels

Masterbox tracks (http://www.mbltd.info/3505.htm)

Accurate Armour tracks (http://www.accurate-armour.com/ShowProduct.cfm?manufacturer=0&category=12&subcategory=57&product=508)

Alan

[Lars Richter]

Hi Alan,

thanks for your comment and suggestion! I asked RM and the answer was: They used the Italeri tracks from the kit :-( I think I have a problem.

I know there are a Friul set (ATL-20) - especially named for Panzer I AND Maultier. Maybe this set could be fit...

On the other way to be left over to thin the RM wheels.

Kindest regards
Lars

[alanmac]

Hi Lars

Well from buying the Royal Model set, which isn't cheap, I'd say you were in to doing the best job possible.

Under those circumstances you wouldn't have kept the supplied tracks from Italeri anyway would you? So you'd be in to buying after market tracks of some make, so I'd say choose the tracks you want and then make the wheels fit.

It does seem a little crazy logic that Royal Model have used in creating this set. "let's bring out a detail set for the modeller who wants to improve the quality and accuracy of the kit but at the same time won't be changing the crappy tracks in the kit " - which sound like they are inaccurate anyway.

Are you getting any PE for it. I have the Eduard set for mine but yet to make a start on it, way down my list of kits to build at the moment. My version has the flak on board and I'm debating if I should invest in a Dragon or Tristar one with upgrade kits to replace it.

Alan

[César]

I think you are trying to mount the tracks between the two disks of the sprocket: the plain inner disk and the outer toothed one. I don´t know what is for the inner disk, but it´s not present in PZ I tanks and variants. I suppose it´s some type of mud scrapper or the like, but I don´t think a plain disk can be used as sprocket as it would make the tracks came out every time.

Try to mount the links as in a Pz I: the links rest only in the single toothed sprocket with the teeth in the middle of the links. If I don´t make it clear enough go and see any of the Pz I models out there to see what I´m talking about.

I think it has to be this, but I can´t tell it for sure as I don´t know anyting about the Maultier. But you can check it from the alignment of the roadwheels with the toothed sprocket disk: if they are pefectly aligned -viewed from top or bottom- it´s what I´m saying above, like a normal Pz I. But if the road wheels are out of axis, you are in a problem.

Hope this helps

[César]

Sorry, I see you are referring to the roadwheels. I have assumed it was the drive sprockets.

It´s a very unpleseant situation indeed. I reminds me of the old Pz II from Alan where the wheels were wider than the space between the track guide teeth.
If all aftermarket sets are accurate -assuming that the RM ones are inaccurate- you should have to resort to the kit tracks or try to narrow the roadwheels attaching them to a motor tool and sanding them.
There are also the tracks from Dragon and Tristar kits, but I suppose this won´t fit also.
I don´t know about the Friul specific set for the Maultier, but I tend to think it simply has more/less tracks to fit the different vehicle. You can email them to ask for this before buying and additional set.

Hope you can solve this.

[Lars Richter]

Hello Alan and Cesar,

in the meantime I found a solution –a easy and quick solution. The tracks from an Tristar Kit (Fahrschulpanzer I) and the thinned out road wheels fit together. On the inner areas (later non visible) of wheels I reduced some material with a sharp knife.

I believe I have the tracks wrong way round mounted – all Pics from suspension of Maultier-Vehicles for example shows a other direction – but on a old drawing the tracks mere mounted like on my model. But with the mudguards this nobody will notice later I hope so.

The old RM Detailset No.092 is without a doubt a nice set, especially the front wheels are great. Anyway I used additionally the PE-Set from Eduard.

Alan, lately I build a Tristar Flak 38 – and I was not happy with this peace. I would prefer the Dragon Flak.

Here a small update - the tracks are on the vehicle.

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3000.JPG


http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_29971.jpg


BR
Lars

[Pvt Mutt]

:thumb:
After I complete my SPG collection Lars,
half tracks are next.:D

I've already got seven in the stash.
Thanks for the SBS
..Tony the Mutt..

[schlichtr]

Your tracks are not on backwards. They appear in photos both ways. In Panzer Colors on page 87 there is a Maultier with them on the same as yours.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/kvsrule/Misc%20Photos/File0992.jpg

And again in Panzer Colors Vol II on page 12 there is a picture of an Armoured Opel Maultier that clearly shows them on the same way as you have yours.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w284/kvsrule/Misc%20Photos/File0993.jpg

But you did mess up. The sprocket teeth goes through the middle holes of the track not the outside holes. The first picture shows this clearly. Hope this helps.

Pictures for discussion purposes only

Roy

[Lars Richter]

Hi Roy,

many thanks for your post - I am happy that the tracks are correct driving direction. The problem with the sprocket wheel is not beyond repair - because track links and sprocket wheels are glued. Shit happens :-(

Ok, by the way...here comes a small update:

The assembling is completed, PE Parts from EDUARD and RM were used. Also the radiator get an protection canvas cover made by Magic Sculp. The fitting of the kit parts is not on actual standard so you must fitting all parts intimately.

Here are the pics:

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3012.JPG

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3015.JPG

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3016.JPG

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3018.JPG

Cheers
Lars

[Sturmmann]

Nice work Lars :thumb:

dave

[Lars Richter]

Once more for today...Basic paint is done - look here:

With primer Mr.Base White 1000 from Gunze

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3023.jpg

Base painting with a mixture of Tamiya XF 63 german grey, XF 8 flat blue and XF23 light blue

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3024.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3028.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3029.jpg

Cheers
Lars

[Markus]

Hey Lars,
bummer about the tracks...
Anyway, I like the grey tone you´ve chosen. It looks grey enough without being boring or too blue.
One thing I would change is the inside of the cargo bed. I´m sure this has been painted Dark Grey as well and not been left unpainted. The paint served as a protection for the wood as well. While it looks great unpainted and is a nice contrast, at least in my eyes, it´s not very realistic.
Do you plan to put a trailer on the Maultier? If not, the triangle on the roof is supposed to be laid flat. When it stands up, it indicates that the vehicle is towing a trailer.
The last thing is that it seems like your Opel is missing the small side window in the doors (which is missing on the Italeri Kit). You can easily add it with a piece of Evergreen strip like on this Truck (a Blitz, but the cab was the same):
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/len_rogers/nov2003/opel_blitz.jpg
Pic comes from here: http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/

I hope this helps.
I can´t wait for an update on this one and I´m glad you decided to paint it Grey :thumb:

[James Tainton]

Too late but Hussar has just released some new wheels for this vehicle.
http://www.airconnection.on.ca/HUSSAR/airconnection_HUSSAR_35068.htm

[Flak]

Looks good...

[alanmac]

Hi

Well you seemed to have sorted the situation regarding the wheels okay and progressing well.

One thing I did notice, are you not fitting the front track guard sections and trimming the cab doors accordingly ?

Seeing this coming together makes me want to dig mine out from it's storage box in the loft.

Alan

[schlichtr]

Hi

Seeing this coming together makes me want to dig mine out from it's storage box in the loft.

Alan

I was thinking the same thing. Problem with me is I have way to much stuff started right now that I need to finish some of that stuff up first.

Lars, Great job so far. Glad the pics helped.

Roy

[chadperkins]

nice work thus far. i've been talking myself out of building one of these with the flat bed/flak configuration but i might have to bite.

[Lars Richter]

Hi Folks,

Thank for all comments.
Alan, the front track guards I will glued later. What is with the cab doors?
Markus:It is to late for the small window..hmmm.

you want a small update? Well..here it is:
The Maultier recieved a partially worn winter white paint - here is the result so far. Some filters and a litte bit chipping is still missing.

Meanwhile I also work on the loading for this model. The white thing is a tarpaulin made from Magic Sculp. Still missing some detail paintings and so.

Here the pics:

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3035.JPG

http://www.repage2.de/memberdata/panzermodell/IMG_3040.JPG

Cheers
Lars

[alanmac]

Hi Lars

Coming along well, see you're filling that cargo space up nicely.

With regard to the doors, if my memory serves me correct, because I can't get to the kit at the moment, there is detail on how you need to trim a quarter circle shape off the door corners within the Italeri assembly instructions.

Because it use the same cab as the ordinary Blitz lorry it doesn't allow for the sprocket wheel assembly so close to the cab.

If you present up the front mudguard it may well show this and give you a reference to scribe the required amount away.

Check out the instructions although I don't think they made it blindly obvious I'm sure it's marked in there about this.

I remember I brought the Eduard PE set for this and I'm still deliberating as to how far to go. The tracks, well I'll probably go Masterbox, these kit ones really do need ditching. Not sure as I've got the Flak carrying version what to do, swap it out for a Dragon or Tristar along with something like a Voyager/Lion Roar PE update set or just leave as is. Starts to get expensive for a little kit.

It's like I purchased a Dragon Pak 40 cheap off ebay to replace the one on my RSO self propelled gun from Italeri. Now looking in the box of the Dragon Pak I want to build it as a stand alone gun the detail is so nice.

Keep up the good work. Are you doing this on a base with figures at all ?

Alan

[alanmac]

Hi
Me again.

Taking a look at your kit you can see a curve on the piece that holds the footplate for climbing in the cab. See how it curves up to under the cab, The cab/door bit above it following the curve shape needs to be trimmed away to allow the curved mudguard to fit flush. The curved mudguard will fill any open space on the cab floor when its put in place

Alan

[alanmac]

Hi Check out these images for a better explanation although not the Italeri kit they do show the mudguard and how it intersects the cab and door. Funnily enough they used the same moulding part on the Blitz, which is wrong of course.

Alan

http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/german/opeltruck21cir_1.html

[canjuaan]

Hello Lars,

the cargo looks neat! I'm liking it a lot.
However, I'm not quite happy with the partially worn off winter camo. To me, it looks much more like as if the paint has come off and the pure plastic is shown in these areas. But I'm sure you'll handle this, or better said, it's not completely done yet.

Johannes

[Lars Richter]

Hi Alan, Hi Johannes

oh yes.. Now I know what you want tell to me. This is the problem if you beginning a model, put the work by for many many months (or years) and start once more. I forgot absolutely that the instruction clearly shows the doors must be trimmed. Thank you for your information!

In the meantime I worked go on the weathering. I hope that the worn white paint effect looks more real now. If not – it’s a great pity, because I thought this is cool. On the other hand this means: never stop learning – I must try other techniques.

Here are some first and fast pics

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_30471.jpg?t=1225495166

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3044.jpg?t=1225495202

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3049.jpg?t=1225495239

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/Lars_035/IMG_3050.jpg?t=1225495267


More pics I will post if the base is ready.

best regards from würzburg

Lars

[canjuaan]

Lars,

it's looking much better now. The pigments really helped blending the white spots in. Your excellent weathering style made it just right.
By the way, the windshield looks gorgeous!

Johannes

[serpico]

Very nice model, I like it...:thumb:

Too bad about the sprockets/tracks...

:D

[Flak]

Great weathering job :thumb: