Nice scratches Paul! Is that panzer grey for the background layer?

@Josip: Can't really tell which one is the scratch-built one so I guess that qualifies as a good job Will any of those be visible in the end, at all?

Sadly, yes. I have to use some putty to "polish it off" but today I found that my putty is stone hard and useless. So hooray for more delays . And I am still on page 1 of manual...

I'm in folks. Not sure what kit yet but what the hell, why not. Maybe Santa will bring me something nice.

Cristian,
The undercoating on the bishop interior is NATO black. It's a little stark now but it will look better once the body is closed.

Paul H

Made a little construction progress today on the Bishop. Have some filling and sanding to do on a few of these items, but I'm happy with the project so far
Paul H

Glad to have you join, Brian!

Looks good, Paul!

I hope I'll be able to make some progress myself over the weekend.

Got some bench time today so i was able to do the weathering and assembly of the two cabins.




I was not too bothered about the ejection marks as these are completely hidden once everything is assembled.

Feedback is as always more than welcome!
Thanks!

Cristian,
Looking good so far. Invisible ejection pins are always subject to being left alone. What I hate are the sprue attachment points. Cleaning those up for a 500+ part kit is what takes 15 minutes of construction time and turns it into 3.5 hours shave, fit, sand and repeat

Keep up the great work.
Paul H

This is the major project this weekend. Wheel cleanup and assembly and running gear assembly. Still hoping for more definitive info on the early Valentine transmission final drive compartment colors.
Paul H

Nice details there! Specially the suspensions look very good.

Cristian,
Thank you for the kind words. Cleaning up the molding lines on the springs is a long process. It's not difficult, just very time consuming.

The seam work on the suspension arms still needs to be done, but I need to give the joints time to dry some more before filling to prevent the reappearing seam syndrome.

Paul H

Nice progress Cristian. I don't have much success in putting on those chips and scratches -- what did you use as applicator? And should the paint be put on similar to dry-brush? Cheers, Tat

it seems the campaign page may be out of date for the dates. it says start 12/1, but people are obviously started. what is the end date?

Is this limited to armor, or do planes trains and ships count? Like a 1/200 Arizona.

I'm also considering a Hobby Boss Dora partially started, I'd need to empty the box to try and guess if it's less than 50%

Hello everyone

I have decided on what to build. I've had this kit in my stash for about 12 years and I think I'm ready for it..

The Academy Tiger I Early Version with Interior.

It weighs in at 529 pieces used plus decals and as a bonus 200 indy track links..

I am planning to do this one OOB and as a Museum style static display model.. (by which I mean little to no weathering).



laters

@Paul: Speaking of filling... What are you using for this? I had no luck with the Revell putty and only limited luck with Mr. Surfacer 500.

@Tat: Thank you! I use a piece of sponge saved from some furniture packaging but I guess kitchen cleaning sponge would work just as well. The "secret" is to dip it into some paint, sweep off most of it still leaving more then you would use with the dry brushing technique then _lightly_ dab it on the edges. Insist where more needs to be accumulated. Additionally, you can start painting larger chips with a fine brush first then apply the sponge. I think the most important thing to keep in mind here is to really dab the sponge and/or brush and not drag it on the surface. Dragging it will lead to less realistic results, I would say.

@Dave; The rules we made up say that you are allowed to start immediately provided your kit is not more than 50% ready. We additionally considered a second rule that says it needs to stay below 50% by the official start date but that is being scrapped as it won't make much sense. So go ahead and start whenever you like! The end date is as listed on the campaign page October 1st, 2016.

As for the subject, this has been thought as a land and hybrid vehicle campaign so I would say, yes to AFVs, yes for armored/military trains but no for airplanes and ships. The Dora seems to be a nice fit for this!

@Delbert: Nice choice! Looking forward to seeing more of it!

Cristian,
Current plan for seam filling on the running gear is to use milliput. In the areas I can't get access to easily I will also use Mr surfacer and some lacquer thinner. If I still can't get the seams worked to my satisfaction them I will use .005 thousandth sheet stock to create a new level surface. Hopefully it won't come to that! It did on the Miniart Valentine Mk II I did a couple of years ago...

Paul H

I admire your perseverance, Paul! I would probably just drop it and leave it as it is Let us know how that turns out!

Now, hearing your plans on using lacquer thinner on Mr. Surfacer, I might try that or some lighter fuel on it. I only used IPA so far with moderate success but heard that is actually not the right stuff for this.

Cristian,
I have a mental defect. I spent too many years as an IPMS member and judge for aircraft models to let major seams go. Every time I look at a build, I remember all the stuff I did that didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. It's easier for me to just fix it and move on. That way I can look at my stuff and not feel guilty. Like I said, mental defect...

A "relaxing" hobby, right?

Yeah, sure. We'll go with that!

Ok, some more work done. Once again, I do apologize for photo quality. I have only my mobile phone and it is kind of crap and analog Zenith from 1986.

Anyway. Drivers compartment is nearly finished, I put some weathering in there and scratch built clips that holds rounds in those two small ammoracks. Escape hatch is drying right now and I am totally looking forward for engine assembly.

Looks good, Josip! Can you post some close-ups?

I really wish I could, but with my phone, it will not be possible. Not yet...

Joining to do the Hobby Boss Dora in 1/72

partially started some of the larger sub-assemblies many moons ago. By pure parts count it is way less than 50% done, probably more like 20%. There are tons of small bits to be added here and there. One picture shows the entire kit with assembled pieces in the foreground, another the remaining sprues which are often multiples , like there are six more rail card to be completed, the entire upper structure, etc.

The beer is, of course, for comparison purposes only:) remember this is a 1/72 scale kit, it is BIG even so.

http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/foxidave/media/Hobby%20Boss%20Dora/DSCN1552.jpg.html

http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/foxidave/media/Hobby%20Boss%20Dora/DSCN1534.jpg.html

http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/foxidave/media/Hobby%20Boss%20Dora/DSCN1535.jpg.html

http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/foxidave/media/Hobby%20Boss%20Dora/DSCN1554.jpg.html

Ok... change of plan, at least for me! I'm in with Meng's PLZ05 that I just received today! Awesome kit!

Christian