This is an in progress photo of an RPM 1/35 FT-17. Seen here are most of the parts for the suspension sponsons. I'm having to do alot of scratchbuilding/improving parts to satisfy my level of detail.

To help me along I purchased an Eduard PE set, individual track links by RPM, and Calibre35 individual nuts/bolts & rivits. You can see a before & after example of using individual bolts if you look closely at the 2 track return rollers (on the right-hand side - the one sitting on top of the other). They are quite fun & easy to use. Unfortunately, you'll probably loose 1/3 of the bolts you break off the pour block.

I'm quite proud of the 2 idler wheels & their "connections", which were 90% scratchbuilt. The PE disc in the middle of each idler is from the Eduar PE set.

The 2 castle looking things on the right both support the return rollers and house springs for the primitive tank. Those are calibre35 bolts at the base of each too.

Its quite a challege building a show tank from this kit. Tell me what you think.

Thanks,

Calahan

Well, the upload proces downgraded the photo ALOT. You cant really see the good detail of it all. Oh well.

Calahan

Looks good so far Paul.

Hi Paul,

looks good so far. I have heard bad things about this kit, but you seem to be able to solve them along the way.

Looking forward to see more.

Hi Paul. Some very impressive improvements made so far. Those few extra steps will lift the finished model by miles. Looking forward to more!

Calahan,
Your efforts are great. I have the same kit and have been wanting to start it for a while. Are you going to use the RPM indie link track or another option, once you finish up those sponsons??
John

John,

Yeah, I'll end up using the aftermarket tracks made by RPM. I haven't actually dry-fitted the links but they look like they will fit together well. The only downside is working with the repetitive small parts made out of soft plastic. Each link is 3 or 4 individual parts - depending how you look at it.

My RPM kit actually included a sprue tree of the aftermarket tracks. Good thing cause i'll end up loosing a couple pieces. I guess they included it to whet your appetite to buy more RPM stuff.

Paul

Paul I have to say your work has inspired me. I went an ordered the photo etched sets for mine the other day, along with an interior set from Jadar. (Didn't get the engine set though, and of course now I'm having second thoughts and will probably order that also. I considered ordering the photo-etched track, but settled on the RPM ones, as I already have them.

Keep up the good work, and inspiration.

Thanks for all your replies and support. Look for more updates of this model at benchmark times during the building & painting process.

Calahan