¹⁄35

Trail Blazer

I really enjoyed building this kit even with all of the issues I have had. I think that overall that this turned out to be a great build for me and a great learning experience. There are a few issues that I have with the kit and with my execution of it, most notably my lack of experience in completing a whole kit, but also the execution of certain stages and processes. Every build should be a learning experience and this was in many ways. Had I to do over again I would change a few items that are not accurate or just odd. Most notably the gun tube on this kit is wrong for the time period. This particular vehicle should have, with the upgraded main gun and fire control system, a wind sensor mast towards the rear of the turret, this part is not included with the kit and the instructions only show the thermal shrouded gun rather than the old type. I would also change the 50cal mounting and some of the more simplified kit parts like the infantry call box. The tracks for this kit, minus the spares, should be tossed into the spares box and an aftermarket set used instead as they do not fit together well nor on the tank itself.

From my own end I would have spent more time getting the seams off the track, but my thought was to get this item completed quickly as this was a “practice” kit (yea, right). There were also some ejector pin marks on the kit that should have been spotted and cleaned up as well as some “sink” areas and such. I am sure that those of you reading this have spotted your own issues with it and I am happy to entertain thoughts and suggestions as I do have another of these in the stash that will be built as a Magach 6B gal with the bigger stowage and wind sensor mast, etc.

Overall I am happy with the results and glad that it turned out as well as it did. Even with all of the issues with poor fit, missing instruction items and the lot, it is still a very good kit and can be built into a very nice model. Thanks to all of those who helped out with encouragement and especially answers to all of my questions, your patience and input is greatly appreciated. And a special thank you to Ram, who asked me to write this up. Without your encouragement I would never have attempted to do something like this. Cheers!