Small update





Feeling better Gary ?

Hey John,

Small but AWESOME update!!! Lookin' good buddy!

Yes i think im back in tha mix at 100%! And im modeling right now! Thanks my friend.

Gary

I am a little sad that I didn't notice this campaign last week... having just finished my MPK Marder II and uploaded the review on the 2nd Jan, one day after the start date of this campaign.

You know, I only started building it on the 1st Jan - honest...

You KNOW what they say don't you...


... it's just another excuse to go out and buy another new kit.

Sometimes, timing is everything.










~ Jeff

Nine days in...356 to go. Have not started on the model yet but I thought I might share some in progress Marder Madness Dio pictures.
I know lots of stuff is missing as of yet but this diorama is far from complete. I just got my DIY grass applicator up seven days ago and have been tearing away.

Well, that's incredible work there Ian.

It'll look even better once a Marder is sitting there!









~ Jeff

Thank you, mate. In the past year or so I have found for me that the dioramas just kind of come together quickly and without much effort. So I just run with it and if it turns out unrealistic for my subject matter I just toss it. It's the painting and detailing of the AFV's that take me the most time.

Another small update, detailing the upper hull, after this I will work on the Gun.
Will paint the gun & wheels separatly.









Just the Notek light missing...

One of those two steps forward and one back kind of builds.... Found out that the new Dragon Marder II has the vehicle I was going to model as one of the marking choices. Figure that they will also backdate the suspension so I decided to change over to a late version.

Had a bit of work done before that setback, but nothing that I had to modify... I don't know about you, but thin poles of styrene fastened to the sprue at 3 points and another to make sure the plastic flows just don't work for me. I either end up with ovals, or break them in two or more pieces... so, I replaced the rod that connects the rear idler assemblies with a brass rod that actually fit....



Did some searching and I think I will move from the 3rd Panzer Division to the 4th...



The book is the 4.Panzer-Division on the Eastern Front (1) by Concord. Happily it features 4 photos of the Marder (pg 60-61).

And the build continues....

Ian.... that diorama base is amazing. Especially if you knocked it out in 9 days..... I could do that in 9 MONTHS... maybe.

Some very nice builds going on....
Bob

Ah John... that brings back memories!

Nice progress!










~ Jeff

John, very nice build... fast and very clean. I am guessing that the paint job will be less than clean when you get done.

Looking forward to the paint....
Bob

Thank you, the guys I build for usually stick me on base building only, so it's my stronger area, when modelling. Everything but the building is new. The building was build 3 months ago for a North Africa base, but since it is made of cardboard and ducttape I din't think it would be good enough for the historical build it was meant for...its not life like enough for my taste anyway. It still is a rather terrible looking building but this scene, with its shrubbery, lends some more realism to it since it is not just a building, by itself, in the middle of the desert.

Ian,

As with everything in our hobby it comes down to what makes you the happiest. Considering some of the buildings around here I would say it is good to go, but if you aren't happy with it.

Amazing ground cover.... just that look of organized chaos that nature seems to have perfected....

Bob

Thanks guys !
This week I still hope to start painting the wheels..

It's going to be a bit dusty, African Campaign in Tunisia, so I'm guessing dirt & dust.

Hello Gentlemen,

I have a build update...FINALLY...WHOOHOOO!!!
I started building the interior parts when i realized i wasn't planning any figs of the like and the hatches would be closed...so after wasting about 3 hours building interior part i stopped and began the exterior goodies. So here's what i got so far.

More tomorrow.

Gary

Gary, nice work.... and fast. I see what they were saying about you having elves.

Sure you guys just rush on ahead.... I will bring up the rear and keep Shermans and T34s off your six.....

Bob

LOL...roger that Bob! Thanks man.

BTW, the elves are on hunger strike...its all me now!

Gary

Here are my Starter Photos





Tom

Nice comeback Gary !

Welcome Tom ! Another oldie, what extras are you getting there?

Hey Tom, Nice kit man...lookin forward to your build.

JOHN!!! No update???

I got one....an update, that is.


Fellas, im lookin' at this section of the instructions and there is soooo much goin' on its kinda blending into one big blob of scribble!


Im thinkin' the build is gonna slow a bit as i decifer and build each step in this section.....

Gary

Ah HA!

It's not so easy without the little fellas helping out now, is it?










~ Jeff

-- Not yet Gary, but very soon... --

The Extras are Fruil Tracks to replace the rubber band tracks, an AFV Club PaK 40 Pressed Brass Shield, and if I can find one a replacement barrel with muzzle brake.

Tom

Wanted to get this out there since this brush has been shunned from the modelling community on a number of sites. There are a few good reviews pertaining to the Sotar, but I would not suggest the fine needle. I can still pull very tight lines with the medium needle and I am sure you can to. I am glad I didn't go straight to the model though! This thing is amazing for modelling, contrary to popular belief, but extremely touchy when it comes to thinning. I would also not recommend any lacquers or enamels just fine pigmented acrylics and dyes. I am pleasantly surprised, I have always been more of an Iwata guy, but this puts my Hp-C+ on the bench for now. Hope this helps any buyers that are still on the fence. This brush, even with the medium needle, will allow you to freehand camouflage and will cover most shading and weathering. Yet it can still be opened up for a rather large cover spray.

John: Nice progress. One thing I noticed is the seats should connect to the side walls.

Gary: looking good. Will be an interesting variant.

I have started my Tamiya 1/48th Marder III. Should be able to post pictures tomorrow.

Happy Modeling, - zon