I've got a DML Panzer IV, and with all of its parts and steps...and individual track links... I don't quite know when to start painting it. Most build logs I've seen have the model completely built, then painted. But I'm completely lost on how that works without screwing it all up. Any help would be great.

-Conor

For me, I usually assemble the body and turret, including all the detail, build the wheels and exhaust, but leave them off the tank. I then paint, including the wheels and exhaust. I will then generally attach the wheels and assemble and fit the track. This is done in two pieces per side. Once the track has been fitted and dried, I will then apply base coats and general weathering to the tracks. Once this is completed I install the tracks.

Once everything is together, I paint detail and weather.

Everyone has their own method of this, it is best to try different things and find out what works best for you.

Conor, you'll develop your own method after awhile but here's a couple of builds to give you an idea:

Bill Plunk's Pz.III

Ron Goins weathering

Check out the build logs on the site, and be sure to check the Features area for builds too, find a way that seems to be interesting to you and give it a try (there is no wrong way, just a matter of finding what works best for you)

Thanks a lot guys. Now if there was only a way to finish this tank without having to due all 98 tracks

Wow. All these wheels and tracks are driving me crazy, time for a break or this is quickly going to turn into a "knocked out" panzer

I hear ya! I'm doing a Pz IV at this time and all those wheels will drive you bonkers (probably why I love the 38(t) variants so much)! I do some, go on to something else and then come back to them. It'll be worth it in the end. Have fun and keep us posted on your progress.

Something must be wrong because the two wheels in the very back are messed up. They've got no holes to put the stud into that holds it in place. I might just make my own hole into them both and see how that works. But I'm determined to not make this one suck...

Hey Conor, do you have any pictures of the two wheels and the piece they are supposed to go on? Not saying you're wrong, but there might be some other part that the wheel connects to.

Problem solved actually. I don't know why but the part that the stud went into was molded over. I carved into it and the pieces fit together perfectly, and it looks just like it should on the directions. It's weird, no doubt, but it's fixed as far as I can tell. I swear this kit is nothing but a test of my patience...

But hopefully it all comes together nicely

Welcome to the world of scale model building!

Glad the wheels worked out for you.

Conor: Here is my 2 cents build the complete lower half of tank first execpt tracks then do upper half then the turret. Then I paint each half sepert,any small details that are sepert colors I will go back and brush paint. Then do any touch up,assembly tracks paint and weather tracks and install on tank. Do a final touch apply decals spray with a final flat coat and wayla done on display.