Hi all

I recently got lured back into building models, something I haven't done for ages.

I decided to start with something that seemed simple; a TK-3 kit (the super set) from RPM with Aber photoetch.

I am having a bit of trouble with the hatches on the front plate. The super set comes with 2 different versions, and the etched hatches doesn't seem to fit either. The instructions for the etch never mentions anything about cutting out the existing ones.

Anyone ever tried this particulart build who can help?
I found another thread about the TK3 but the builder scratched the whole superstructure and front plate, something I would rather avoid.

My experience with etch is very limited, so maybe its just me not getting it.

Here is a link to abers instructions
http://www.aber.net.pl/upload/pdf/ddf437a9dd3ef174e62bda72da298aa2.pdf

The super set allows you to build TKS, TK3 or TKW. For TK 3 you should use front plate with molded hatches. I think you should cut off the hatches, and use the photo etched one. The part without visible hatches is for TKS.

Michael, you and I definitely have different definitions of "simple". Not only do you attempt to tackle an RPM kit, you try it with full PE!

Bob: yeah it turned out not to be as simple as I thought. I grossly underestimated PE. But hey you have to learn ;-) even though it costs some tears along the way.

Damian: I was working with that idea too, but the molded hatches are waaaay bigger than the PE ones.

Right now im thinking of a couple of solutions.

1: leave the standard hatches, as even though they are too big they are recessed, and just replace the molded hinges.

2: use the other front plate as the hatches fit thst one better, and modify the rest. The only thing is that I hqve to make recesses for the hatches. A bit daunting.

Mike - here's a link to some reference pages that may help you out. I ran cross it when I did my TKS last year. There's a lot of info and pictures.

http://derela.republika.pl/tk.htm

Awesome I Always liked this little vehicle... Funny enough I have started building this kit as well with the added extra that I at some point thought it to be a good idea to correct some angles according to drawings.. which led me to scratchbuilt the complete superstructure and combining it with the Aber PE. This is where I am more or less at now. Still looking for good sized rivets and the needed sanity reserve to put them on.




And the complete album can be seen here
TK3 by Robert Blokker

You guys are the greatest. Thank you so much. With these references I feel I can finally get to grips with this build. And Faust that is one amazing model, I have to envy your skills.

This is by far the most helpful community I've ever been a part of.