Hosted by Darren Baker
Is it wrong to build DML Hetzer OOB?
sniper
Joined: May 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,065 posts
Armorama: 508 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 04:11 AM UTC
I have a few DML Hetzer's (Early) laying around and was thinking of doing one OOB. I have the Aber PE set for this kit, but wanted to do one without all the hassle.
Any major errors with the kit? Do I need to add weld seams to the back where he top hull meets the bottom hull? What about the gun mount? It looks like part of it sticks over the right side of the hull.
I already see many pin marks to remove from the rear fenders.
Can I do a soft edge 3 color camo job on this or does it have to be a hard edge?
Thanks for all the answers!
Steve
clovis899
#155
Joined: May 05, 2002
KitMaker: 774 posts
Armorama: 605 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 04:52 AM UTC
Hi Steve,
I have almost no answers, however I do know a direction for you to take. On the Missing Links site they have what is called a "Tweaks" list for a few kits, the Hetzer among them. It is a ten page article (in Acrobat) that details every change for all possible types of Hetzers including the early version. Pick and choose from it as you will, or go all out and do it all, it's up to you. To get to it I needed to use the search engine provided and click a couple of times on a shadow site, if you give it a shot it is pretty easy even for the computer challenged among us (me).
Good luck, and post some photos in progress!
Coop
I have almost no answers, however I do know a direction for you to take. On the Missing Links site they have what is called a "Tweaks" list for a few kits, the Hetzer among them. It is a ten page article (in Acrobat) that details every change for all possible types of Hetzers including the early version. Pick and choose from it as you will, or go all out and do it all, it's up to you. To get to it I needed to use the search engine provided and click a couple of times on a shadow site, if you give it a shot it is pretty easy even for the computer challenged among us (me).
Good luck, and post some photos in progress!
Coop
SS-74
Joined: May 13, 2002
KitMaker: 3,271 posts
Armorama: 2,388 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 05:40 AM UTC
Hey Steve,
I had done the early OOB. The only changes I made was removed the tied down on the hull, and replaced it with copper wires, and also did something to the mantlet. There is an excellent build article in track links for the Hetzer. You will find it helpful.
I am sure 3 tone soft edge camo pattern will do, I did mine with 3 tone ambush pattern.
It's a nice build, besides the fender thing (ejeactor marks), and the storage box which should be holed instead of a solid one, the wheels have no details at the back etc. It's a good kit, the fit is like a dream.
HTH.
I had done the early OOB. The only changes I made was removed the tied down on the hull, and replaced it with copper wires, and also did something to the mantlet. There is an excellent build article in track links for the Hetzer. You will find it helpful.
I am sure 3 tone soft edge camo pattern will do, I did mine with 3 tone ambush pattern.
It's a nice build, besides the fender thing (ejeactor marks), and the storage box which should be holed instead of a solid one, the wheels have no details at the back etc. It's a good kit, the fit is like a dream.
HTH.
waterboy
Joined: July 03, 2003
KitMaker: 466 posts
Armorama: 332 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 09:59 AM UTC
Hi Steve, I'm climbing on my soap box now. 
I may be a newbie on this particular site,but I've been glueing little bits of plastic together for over 30 years. One thing I have learned is building anything at all is never WRONG. Sometime we forget why we started this crazy hobby, it's to have fun and to learn. If you want to build OTB do it man! If you want to put $200 worth of aftermarket parts on it, go for it. Whats wrong is leaving that kit in a box and wondering how it would look. Have fun or you will burn out like I did a few years back. I build for enjoyment now and I think I build better now that Idon't worry about every detail and what judges think. Just my opinion #:-)
I may be a newbie on this particular site,but I've been glueing little bits of plastic together for over 30 years. One thing I have learned is building anything at all is never WRONG. Sometime we forget why we started this crazy hobby, it's to have fun and to learn. If you want to build OTB do it man! If you want to put $200 worth of aftermarket parts on it, go for it. Whats wrong is leaving that kit in a box and wondering how it would look. Have fun or you will burn out like I did a few years back. I build for enjoyment now and I think I build better now that Idon't worry about every detail and what judges think. Just my opinion #:-) 
blaster76
Joined: September 15, 2002
KitMaker: 8,985 posts
Armorama: 3,034 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 11:19 AM UTC
I couldn't agree with waterboy more. That's what the hobby is about...your enjoyment. I don't know f you read my post about tractor trailer stuff (yea me) but several guys were close to being bent out of shape about something I wanted to do. The bottom line is, I picked up some useful info to make some changes, but will not be deterred from what I am doing which is enjoying my hobby!. You do the same!
Grifter
Joined: November 17, 2002
KitMaker: 608 posts
Armorama: 425 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:24 PM UTC
Bravo waterboy, you took the words outta my mouth.
yagdpanzer
Joined: August 21, 2002
KitMaker: 415 posts
Armorama: 231 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:37 PM UTC
I agree with waterboy. Build for your own enjoyment. If thats with PE and resin or OOTB, do it your way.
screamingeagle
Joined: January 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,027 posts
Armorama: 595 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:50 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Steve, I'm climbing on my soap box now.
Well spoken Don .... Bravo !
- ralph
sniper
Joined: May 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,065 posts
Armorama: 508 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 01:04 PM UTC
Well, I may have been being a bit silly with the title of my thread. But, I do agree with the Waterboy. No, I have nothing against building OOB although I feel all kits can be improved a bit. Weather it be with a full bore PE set or just some scratch built items.
I am interested in major errors in this kit. I am going to use a JR barrel that I have, build a new jack stand out of balsa and lead foil, etc.
Paul_Owen
Joined: May 11, 2002
KitMaker: 140 posts
Armorama: 108 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 01:30 PM UTC
I built one basically OOTB with a few scratchbuilt additions and I rebuilt the gun mounting to get rid of the big hole beneath the mantlet, this is the only problem with the kit. There is really no need to buy any after-market detailing sets for this kit, except maybe tool brackets if you want. I wrote about it here: http://www.track-link.net/articles/29 This article is a bit old, I have replaced the barrel with an after-market one with the threaded end that someone gave me and added a few more details. I still have to paint it.
sniper
Joined: May 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,065 posts
Armorama: 508 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 04:11 PM UTC
Thanks Paul! Love your site, too.
Steve
Twig
Joined: March 24, 2003
KitMaker: 167 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 08:17 PM UTC
sniper,
Have a look at this:
www.tyneside-ipms.co.uk/armor1.html
This was built OOB by one of the guys at our model club. I think the only AM stuff he used was the kit fret and and exhaust mesh. He did a damm fine job of that and I am sure you will too! Just go for it!
Lee
Have a look at this:
www.tyneside-ipms.co.uk/armor1.html
This was built OOB by one of the guys at our model club. I think the only AM stuff he used was the kit fret and and exhaust mesh. He did a damm fine job of that and I am sure you will too! Just go for it!
Lee
waterboy
Joined: July 03, 2003
KitMaker: 466 posts
Armorama: 332 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 08:58 PM UTC
Sorry Steve, If I was a bit over the top with my little miny rant. Its just something I feel very strongly about. Good Luck with your hetzer. 
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 11:10 AM UTC
#:-) Alright... Darn Scimpy Waterboy...I build straight out of the box...unless the kit comes with photoetch i don't put it on. i built the CMK/Tamiya Moebelwagen which had a TON of photoetch...i was never so miserable in my life! I also build for enjoyment and not to compete. I do put Zimmerit (the curse of building late war German armor) on my models and that takes enough patience. Sniper... it's all in what you want man! Build it how it makes YOU feel and don't give a rat's pitoot about anyone else thinks. I mean unless your painting it hot pink or candyapple red (not that there's anything wrong with that..but there is something to be said for a little accuracy) then go for it. Jeff
SS-74
Joined: May 13, 2002
KitMaker: 3,271 posts
Armorama: 2,388 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 04:19 PM UTC
Quoted Text
#:-) Alright... Darn Scimpy Waterboy...I build straight out of the box...unless the kit comes with photoetch i don't put it on. i built the CMK/Tamiya Moebelwagen which had a TON of photoetch...i was never so miserable in my life! I also build for enjoyment and not to compete. I do put Zimmerit (the curse of building late war German armor) on my models and that takes enough patience. Sniper... it's all in what you want man! Build it how it makes YOU feel and don't give a rat's pitoot about anyone else thinks. I mean unless your painting it hot pink or candyapple red (not that there's anything wrong with that..but there is something to be said for a little accuracy) then go for it. Jeff
Well Said Jeff!
I build most of my model with AM stuff, either PE, tracks, barrel, or resin cockpit. It's just because I like to work with multimedia stuff. I don't compete, I just show it around to friends. But I also seen people like WeWillHold, Jeepney, Octupus, Faust, to name a few. that build mainly OOB, but with superb painting skills that have awesome awesome models.
It all comes down what makes you happy. For me, as long as you put all your effort in, and complete models that you yourself enjoy is better than using tons of AM stuff then end up losing interest, and never be able to finish them.
My 2 cents.
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 02:50 AM UTC
Amen #2,your highness,oh great porcinine wonder! I really wish i had enough time to further develop my painting skills. My models don't look too bad...but sometimes they are hit and miss. I have some great camo schemes and some that are well...let's say...less than great. Keep on modelling BABY...a qote from Dick Vitale! Ciao....jeffsniper
Joined: May 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,065 posts
Armorama: 508 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 03:45 AM UTC
Lee, that was a great little page, thanks! Very nice model! Wish he had a couple more pics though. Would love to get a shot of the vision blocks he built.
So far, I have made a new jack-block out of some square balsa stock. I cut it to the right size, CA'd it together and then added lead foil straps. All I need to do is top it off with a wing nut. Looks nice.
Cut the commanders hatch in half. Will replace the jack, add some tool clasps, etc. Drilled out the periscope, muffler. Wish I had messed with the vision block. It does look pretty much like a blob of plastic.
Am going to weather this one quite a bit as it seems these vehicles got very dirty and the crews really wanted them to blend in. Should also think of a figure for the hatch...
Fun so far.
Steve
AJLaFleche
Joined: May 05, 2002
KitMaker: 8,074 posts
Armorama: 3,293 posts
Posted: Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 04:19 AM UTC
Even in competition, you can build OOB. I have seen many OOB models take a place award, as well as the OOB. Judges SHOULD be looking at construction and painting first, then detailing and elaborate corrections. The more stuff you add, the more chances for a mistake.
 |
WEB HOSTING BY
Copyright ©2021 Armorama and Kitmaker Network, a subsidiary of Silver Star Enterprises
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.