While the weather was a bit humid today because of some rain, I couldn't spray the clear coat on the Panther. So I decided to toss the kit together while I waited.

I don't have much time off of work, so I have to make my free time worth it.

I also decided to start putting my threads over here, as I gathered that's where they belong.

This kit is Tamiya's old kit #164. I bought aftermarket tracks and a set of PE grills to go along with it.

Progress so far.



Cheers,
Dustin

I would love to start a new kit, but I have three left to finish up before I begin a new project.

As I have an example from each panzer version except for the III, that is my next project. I also got a Triple D deal on the "Rommel and crew sitting atop a tank" figure set recently so an obvious DAK diorama is on the horizon.

Maybe I'll do my Dragon Krupp turret Tiger II with zimmerit (6302) after that.

Shell your ultimate goal sounds very familiar to mine.

I too would like one each of the Panzers.

Also, I would like to build one of each of the Tigers... And a few more of the Panthers. Lol.. That's A LOT of building.

Cheers,
Dustin

Yeah, I need more Tigers, too. I have two, but they are both early so obviously I need some mids, lates and finals. And everything in-between.

Nice thread, I will start building Tiger II too when I finish my T28
For my project I will use Zvezda 3601 kit.
Which aftermarket track did you bought?

Hey Dustin,
I'm building a B-29 right now, but I'll still follow you on this one.

Gaz

I will keep tuned in Dustin looks like it should be a good build as always.

Robert

Matt, thank you. I bought Tamiya's individual link tracks for this kit.


Gary and Rob, I'm glad to have you guys on board. It's much appreciated.

Cheers,
Dustin

While I did spray the Panther in gloss clear today, I do have to let it cure atleast 24 hours. So I spent some time on this.

Here is the progress from just about an hour.




I have to go back to work tomorrow night. So there probably won't be any updates for about 6 days.

Cheers,
Dustin

I plan to build this without the side mudguards. So I have a few questions.

Along the side of the hull, where the the mudguards would have been, would that area show the primer coat? Like hull red? Or would it be the base coat?

Also, in this picture on the front fender, would this tab not be there? It seems to just be a locating tab for the side mudguards. Just trim that off?



Thanks,
Dustin

Hey Dustin, nice clean looking build.

Yup the tab comes off, that's just a modelling feature to assist with attaching the outer guard.

On the colour under the guards, as you mention it's based on the order the paint is applied. As standard the hull is primed and basecoated.

I would then expect the guards to be attached before the factory applies the tri-colour or more detailed scheme is sprayed so they get a uniform pattern. So depending on the timing of your build a worn Dunkelgelb or Dunkelgruen for a later build is most likely on the hull under the track guards imo.

Of course a field repaired or modified vehicle could have a different finish if the workshop did any repainting. Even troops in the field repainting an area with a missing guard would then show as camouflaged ... so you have options.

cheers
Brent

The build is coming along nicely Dustin.

Robert

Brent - Thank you for that information.

Rob - Thank you for the kind comments sir.

G'day Dustin

Looking good. If I may offer a suggestion, there are four fuel tank vent lines missing, two on each side. The rear ones start right at the rearmost corner of the hull, drop down 4mm or so, continue forward horizontally for about 30mm. then angle down at about 45 degrees for a couple of millimetres. 4mm lead wire is what I used.

The front ones start at about the middle of each of the front rectangular mesh covers and head more or less straight for the hull side before turning down the hull side for about 3-4mm. You'll need to notch the edge of the mesh where it passes over the fuel vent pipe.

On the front, there should be a wire from the headlight straight up the glacis, then turns at right angles to connect to the little round bump which is slightly left of centre.

Last but not least, on the engine hatch there is what appears to be a hemispherical lump about 4mm long. This needs to be hollowed out. It was there so the crew could insert a crowbar into it to lever the engine hatch open. The hatch was made out of 40mm steel, so must have been a beast to move.

Have fun.

Regards

Rob

Rob,

Thank you for that information sir. Do you think you could provide pictures for a better reference as to what you are mentioning? That would be a great help.

Thanks again.

A bit if progress. I'll probably have more to follow since it is raining here and it'll be the perfect time to work on this.

I added some texture to various things that were very smooth and didnt seem realistic to me.




I'm also going to attempt my first figure here.

Sorry for the poor lighting.

Just catching up to this one Dustin...looking great! Enjoy painting the beast!

Thank you, Todd!

You should have a look at my Panther. It's almost complete.

http://armorama.com/forums/240999&page=6#2084780

It is coming along nicely Dustin. Good luck with the figure I really enjoy painting them.

Robert

Thank you Rob. This will be my first figure. I need to study up on how to do them properly. The figure has a rather large seam down both sides that I need to clean up

Assembly complete except for the tracks.



Cheers,
Dustin

Gotta love the way Tamiya kits just fall together. Looks like a clean build. Plans for paint/campo?

I know, these Tamiya kits are so nice to build. I'm kinda dreading a Dragon kit.

I plan do to an ambush scheme on this. It'll be a test of my airbrushing skills.

Got the base coat applied. I'm thinking strongly about leaving this just in the base coat Dunkelgelb. That would work as long as I found the right unit markings?





Cheers,
Dustin

Looks tough, Dustin! Love the lines of this tank.

Gaz