I wanted to post here so I could get the most out of this kit. I'll document most of the build for possible feature (if the staff likes it :-) :-) ).

Anyways, here's my inprog kit, MiniArt's T-70M with crew.



I love the manual.


Decal gripe: Is it really like this in your kit? Looks like it had yellowed.


Sure has very few parts for a big box.



Had a problem with attaching the upper hull to the lower hull tub, but this could easily be fixed.


Attach rubber bands to each side. The rear was easily fixed, but the front needed some more bands to fit it right. Dab some super thin cement and cure.


I had a problem with the parts, where the hell are the numbers? :-) Oh well. I'll just have to cross check between manual and kit sprue.


The modeler has the liberty to put this hatch open or closed according to his taste. Somehow, when you place this in open position, there's no support so you need to hold it until it cures. I did mine in closed position, because there's a lot of air inside and no interior is supplied.


These parts really need a replacement! Since I'll be doing this kit OOB, I'll just use them.


Aside from the parts mentioned, everything falls spot on. Step one is finished!

Additionally, the manual didn't say about attaching the axle arms on the other side. Use part 60 x 5.

Step two requires to build the gun, mantlet and gun breech


The mantlet needed some texture. Mr. Surfacer to the rescue!


After texturizing with Mr. Surfacer


Step two is done for. This could be the easiest part of the build.

Step three requires you to build the turret.


Since I'll be doing a hatch up, these holes must be filled. What should be the inside hatch's color? The hull hatch spots a white finish. How about this one?


Filled with Mr. Surfacer and left to dry.

I'm going to push forward to step 4, since most of the build requires the hatch itself

Step 4 requires the user to build the exhausts, add the turret, lights and drive sprocket.


I guess I'll stop here for the moment. Some parts placed temporarily for photography purposes. I have some chores to do.

Comments welcome!

Hi Ralph!

Good start!

I build this kit too and it was a real pleasure to build. A few pointers, make sure the wheels are lined up perfectly. The torsion bars are very week so be careful not to break them. It happened to at least three other people I know of,.....

So keep up the good work and keep posting your progress.

Here was my build -> T-70M

Ralph, looking good so far, When you get to the exhaust, bear in mind that there was asbestos round the tubing this photo should explain:

http://photos.kitmaker.net/showphoto.php?photo=185646&cat=12358 - PHOTO FOR DISCUSSION/REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY

Yup, small tip. Make sure you put the asbest strips on before glueing the exhaust to the hull,..........

Thanks guys!

Jurgen, yep, the wheels doesn't lined up very well when I placed it on my desk for alignment. I placed my trusty speaker on top for it to line up correctly :-) :-)




Thanks Jim! Looks like I'm going to scrap that OOB build and modify this one a bit :-) :-)

The two screens need to be replaced indeed, and Eduard have just the job. Apart from the screens, the set also contains mudguards, and a host of small fittings. A review can be found here

This is my T-70 in progress, with the PE.





Cheers
Henk

Let's continue...


The exhausts needed some asbestos cover. (Thanks to Jim Rae of Armorama).


In order to keep it OOB, I decided to use the next best alternative, Mr. Surfacer again! From the photos, they look ok to me. How bout thee?


Ah yes... the dreaded tracks! Luckily each link had two attachment points - easy to remove and clean.

The instruction sheet says that you need 61 links per side. This is not true. You need to add around 10-17 more links to complete the entire track length.


Oh yeah, I finally puttied and finished the tank commander's hatch.


Left side of the tank is finished. Now on to the next side. I'll stop here for the moment and continue on next time.

Looking good Ralph!

Keep us updated please

Thanks Jurgen! If everything goes well, the build is finished this weekend and a feature is going to be uploaded

Some more updates:


Finally finished step 3: turret assembly. Halves are still unglued as with the gun breech for easy painting.


Step 4 is finished as well as the entire build assembly. What a great kit!


Size comparison vs. Panzer I


Ofcourse, a tank ain't complete without a figure (words from our dear ole Plasticbattle), so I decided to use two of the five figures included in the set


Placing the figure. Sure doesn't look right.


This pose looks better.


Another view. Figures need some puttying.

Hope you all like the build! On with the painting stage!

intresting topic... nicely built... cant wait to see it painted...
keep us posted

greets

koen

Hello again! Been a while since I made progress with this kit. My apologies.



Here is the tank with the crew. The tank has been given a coat of primer and white oil paint for the body color. I painted this model 2 weeks ago and left it in my assembly line for the oils to completely dry. It is now ready for decals, detail paint and weathering.


One of the figures. Note the big gaps on some of the parts.They do look nice but they doesn't seem to do the same pose like the one printed in the manual. Like most would say, a replacement head is necessary.

Looks superb! I look forward to see it with some paint on.

Btw, this is just the usual case.
1. If something's not available, you scratch-build it. --> a limited-run kit appears
2. Build the limited-run kit --> a mainstream kit appears
3. Build the mainstream kit --> a better mainstream kit appears!

I'm in step three, although I haven't built the kit yet. I got the toga kit, along with better indi-tracks (adequate link & lenght tracks in the kit), metal gun barrel and Eduard's PE set. Then, miniart comes up with a superb-looking new kit.
Not that it's a bad kit, it need some parts improved or replaced.

Looks very good indeed. It will be an interesting little scene.
Good build, if the painting and weathering will be up the same standards, this is gonna be nice!!