Watch this space....

Watching

You bet, Bill!

Im watching....

Hello to all, particularly to Bill. I'm new to this site and still in "lurker" mode.

I've got the Trumpeter kit on my stash, so I'll watch Bill's build with interest. Will it be OOB, crossover hybrid or separate builds with aftermarket?

Will be the Trump's incorrect Flakvierling base adressed? That's the main problem for me, because I have no good reference for the base.

Sorry for so many questions, but that's the rookie's lot

These are both review kits, so I'm supposed to build them OOB. But....


I am waiting for a check to come in before ordering an AM "fix" for this problem, as well as turned barrels for both kits.


Glad to have you hear, I hope you enjoy the builds!

Hi Bill, have the dragon kit so will be keeping an eye on this thread, good luck with the builds, cheers Bob.

I'm def watching this one and can't want to see this one in action. I would like to do two at once but I'd be so best of luck to you!

Defintely on my must follow list...subscribing to this thread for sure.

Yep, me too Bill! I've got every one of DML Sdkfz 7s on the stash and will surely follow this. Man I really like that Trumpy boxart!!

Rob

Is the AM fix the Griffon sets ? I have both these plus several of the Griffon upgades so I'm keen to follow this and take notes along the way for when I start mine.

ohhh I do like these build logs
subscribed

Ahh, a comparing build log. That´s interesting!
I Look forward to see the progress!

greetings...
Soeren

Sir! I'm watching, Sir!

You know, coming to think of it, I've never actually seen a side-by-side comparison of kits in an actual build log. Seen plenty of comparison reviews but never an actual comparison build. So, Bill, this will be my first and may I add that you chose the absolutely best subject to do this...Thanks!

Waiting with real anticipation!

Rob

Could somebody please fill me in regarding the actual problems with the Trumpeter kit and what the fixes are?

Hi Frank,

You can find a review at PMMS and comparison.

Here is the link: http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/8ton_flak/8ton_flak_01.html

Me to are watching this.....

Shh, I haven't ordered mine yet and don't went them to go out of stock!

OK, the Dragon and Trumpeter methods of rendering the chassis are very, very different. Perhaps because of superior molding technology, DML goes for a single-piece chassis. Other than problems of warpage, this makes it easier to get the thing going as you can see from the results of Step 1:





The Sd.Kfz.7 base unit's chassis is complex, and DML uses other fully-molded complex parts to avoid the need for sub-assemblies:



This, by necessity, involves some simplifications, but this is a Smart Kit, so there is overall less PE and fewer parts than with the Trumpeter, which has numerous sub-assemblies and smart parts that will bedevil some:




As you can see, there are many more fill issues with the Trumpeter kit. Overall, the quality of the molding is superior with the DML kit. Trumpeter has struggled with its mold technology, resulting in many unsightly knock-out holes, often in hard-to-reach places. This portion of the frame, for example, could have had the filler points on the other side where they could be dealt-with more easily:



Where Trumpeter excells, IMO, is the detailing of its transmission and engine:






The two chassis compared:



The Trumpeter chassis is harder to assemble and takes some care, but the instructions are very clear and easy-to-follow. The DML instructions are a little less-clear in spots so far, but what else is new?

Looking good so far!
It´s interesting to see how the manufacturers represent the individual parts.

greetings...
Soeren

I don´t know how many parts are missing on last pic but those differences on chassis between DML and TRP makes them look like two different models..

Hi Bill

Nice start you do realise that I am going to expect to see a full blown build/ comparison article from this as well now!!

cheers

Keith

Yes, you´re right. I didn´t want to say that.
But in general, the difference between both kits on some parts is good visible. The same thing can be seen on comparison reviews of Trumpeter´s and Dragon´s s.Fh18 kits.

greetings...
Soeren

Actually, I'm flattered that you would ask. Of course, my friend.

I hope to show the different ways the two makers tackle this. I will have engine photos up next which give a very different look at rendering metal in 1/35th scale.