Hi. There is still snow on the ground and I am about to start work on an axis SPG. I thought I would share my progress.

As you would expect from DML, the box is crammed with sprues. To avoid wasting time searching for the correct sprue, I tend to sort then into alphabetical order and plunge them into a spare A4 file holder.



My last few tracked vehicle builds have been a KT, a tiger I, a panther and a PZIV. The running gear for the 138/1 is a lot less complex than any of those and the initial stage of constuction was consequenly able to be done in one reasonably quick sitting.



The DML instructions are a little puzzling even at this stage and I had to think back to when I constructed the Alan 138 to ensure that I hopefully have the correct arrangement.





A bit of detail to the front plate rounded things of for the day.

Looking good so far, i've just started the 138/1 Ausf. H so ill be eager to follow your progress. ill be posting the beginning of my build log here within the week, so keep your eye out
Will you be using any aftermarket items on this build?

Hi James,
Great - I will definately be keeping an eye on your build log. I have decided not to add aftermarket items other than fruil tracks (assuming there is an appropriate set available - I dont know if anyone can point me in the right direction?). I clocked the griffon set - http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/griffon/l35025.html
but I have resisted the temptation - maybe next time.

After the swift completion of the running gear, the next stage is the much more involved engine. After approx 80 mins it is 2/3 complete.

One of my favorites, Chris....I'll be following along. I have one of these about a third done, great kits to put together. I believe the Fruils are ATL-13 and the Model Kasten are SK-30 if you're looking for tracks. Waiting for the next installment of your build

Thanks for the info on the tracks James.

The engine and transmission are now complete. I have just realised that the transmission is unlikely to slot into its location in the front of the hull and will require some attention.

A few months later and back at the desk...

The transmission unit did squeeze in with a bit of trimming.

I have constructed various sub-assemblies. No major problems thus far. Dry fitting seems to suggest that everything is going to align once the interior is painted...

A bit more of the build complete. Friul ATL-13 tracks have arrived...

i almost bought this kit today. would you recomend it?

Looking really good !

Griffon Models do a great job of producing a range of updates for this kit, I am eager to try a full update kit when I get the opportunity

Hi Craig - Yes, I would recomend the kit. I have had a couple of lengthy pauses during the build due to moving house/new baby etc but I have kept returning to it and have thoroughly enjoyed the process, particularly now that I have got a free run at it.

Steve - Thanks for the comments. I did purchase the griffon set in the end which is outstanding. I bottled out of using it this time though having decided that I would get to grips with the kit straight out of the box first and reserve the full upgrade for the next attempt.

Your tank is looking great, are you planning to add any extra engine details?

Dont worry about building a complex kit, this is my first Panzer 1a

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/163760&page=1

Just do it one step at a time and the most important thing is to master soldering. The last thing that you want to do is mess around with superglue and PE, more kits of mine have ended up flying at a wall because if the frustration of messed up PE than in my display case.

There are lots of details in the drivers compartment that Dragon have left off and the kits drivers seat is simplified.

Heres mine I scratch build most of the extra detail:



Thanks

Steven

Bit more progress and some dry fitting...

Hi Steven,
thanks for the comments. Engine and driving compartment will be hidden on this project...

Looking good- am I right in thinking Chris, that the metal barrel is included in the kit?

Thanks Pat - Yes the metal barrel is included in the kit.

I have started work on the interior painting stage...










The sections are just placed together at the moment - hence the gaps

This build is edging slowly towards completion so I thought I would add some progress shots.

Weathering in progress...

Wow, the vehicle really came to life after the last post. I didn't think I would see this thread come back as there weren't any updates for a while, glad to see this kit again!

Nice job with the streaks and camouflage.



Did you hand paint the wheels? That is what I usually do with the 38t kits. Its a pain without the masks, but it can be done.

Nice paint and camo scheme and I am glad to see that you did not give up on this model.

S

Cool! I mean just COOL!

These Bison 38(t) are just neat little vehicles, and the D's kit is, IMO, awesome. Sometime I'll actually get up the nerve to tackle mine! Your build is starting to look like I could just sort of wriggle into a seat - were I, say, only about 215 lbs lighter and smaller! Very inspiring!

Fine, fine job, going there, Pard!

PS: You are planning on dressing up your radio-sets with some 'phones and cords, right? They're just sitting all nice and handy right there and waiting!

Bob

Chris,

Your Grille is looking good. I just finished mine yesterday. Here is a photo and what you can't see is the wiring on the radios and the AFV 10.5 cm extras as well as the extras I used from the kit. The two piece mess kits and the three piece gas mask cases are really nice extras in the kit.

Keep up the good work.

Kevin