Another update on my APG beast! The tracks came out pretty well, although the Magic Tracks (a sealed packet) were one link too few on each side! Fortunately there are spares on the wheel sprues...
My plan to remove the wheel/track assembly was scuppered by the inherent weakness of the tracks - I opted to glue all the wheels on instead, so the entire kit will be one big lump for painting. That's ok - it's all grey
, and access is more than good enough for adding rust...
By the way, the kit instructions are terrible! I missed the little plate that hides behind the first axle on the left side (lotsa fun prying the axle out before the glue hardened!) and the double springs above the second & seventh axles are not even mentioned. Good thing I'm ignoring the official assembly sequence, then!
On the back plate I plugged up the holes for the stowage boxes with plastic rod. Then I carefully shaved off the right-hand track tensioner flap and drilled out a hole so it can hang open. The mechanical starter cover (in the middle of the round plate) was shaved off after I'd drilled out the bolt holes. All the rest of the details will wait until the hull is assembled - the fit requires too much man-handling for my liking, even though DML/CH would have you add all the fragile stuff first.
The upper hull plates were assembled next, after I cut the front fenders off. (More on these later...) Because I am not adding the side-skirt hangers I instead added some channel sections for the mounts. Once I paint the inside of the engine area a dark rusty colour the next step is to mate the hull together.
Enough for one evening!...
Tom
Do not be afraid,for it is a good maddness.
Jeff T.
I partially blame you for drawing me to the tiny side of modeling with your wee JP's. 
