Are you referring to removing the interior bolt heads Pete? Did that, removed the top of the posts for the screens behind the front seats too. Also took the air-con unit out....

Yea Sean, what you did already. It was still a tight fit for me. But what I learned from building the 4x4 was to put the hulls together then add the fenders and such after the gap was taken care of.

I've just learned that lesson. 😀
If I do another, everything external would be left until after the hull is closed up

Not the neatest job, but it will at least let me finish it. Lots of repairs needed after the struggle of getting the two halves together.





It was worth stepping back for a week.

So for anyone else attempting a Panda Cougar start with the inside and get the body halves attached before doing the suspension, fenders, bins, lift rings, steps....basically anything on the outside. And constantly dry-fit....sand, cut, file, dry-fit again, repeat....

This is going to fight me every step of the way....

The front windscreen in incompletely cast. One side is missing ant these stand out from the hull.

How it should be:



The other side:



And after repairs ready for painting:




The controls for rotating the turret were not very well thought out. OK if leaving hatch closed but will need filling with open hatch. Pity I didn't spot it before assembly




So the struggle continues.....stay tuned for further updates

Sean,
There should be another clear piece in the back of the windshield. Fill or use a piece of plastic stock to cover the hole in the turret manual control. I did the same thing building the 4x4 and had to remove it and fix the problem.

Oh yeah... I didn't catch it either on my 4x4. ***. I saw the hole but didn't think anything of it.

Looking good so far Sean, looking forward to see it painted.. See that it is alot of trouble with this kit too like the other kits from them... I really hope Meng could release this kit too..

Just saw there is a 2nd piece for each window Pete. Not mentioned in the instructions though. Will make them look nice and thick though for the doors which will be left open so thanks for pointing it out. Not too late either. Only the side windows fitted so far.

And to think I have their Tunguska in the stash too..... 🙄

Hey, Sean.. I'm glad you're making it work after all.

I was thinking about ordering their new T-15 Armata, but every time I see a new post by you, I hesitate again

I will have to admit though, even though I never finished my 4X4.. the part that I was able to put together actually gave me a good feeling of accomplishment

Hisham

They are not kits for novices Hisham but they are buildable. And they do lovely subjects 😃

Got the doors together tonight

Well it's time to start painting the outside using my shiny new airbrush





And the first attempt didn't go so well.



Guess I should have practiced more first. Also tried with Mig primer on the turret and that was even worse.

This last pic reminds me of when I was struggling to paint my models with Mig and AK acrylics, but I just couldn't get a good smooth finish with them.. guess I don't have that skill ... so, now I just stay with Tamiya and Mr Hobby paints.. and, believe it or not, Mig and Ak paints.. but thinned down with Mr Hobby Leveling Thinner... One of the guys mentioned it over on the painting forum.. I tried it and it worked.. much better than when I was using Mig and AK's thinner!!

Just keep practicing till you get the finish you're looking for

Hisham

Thanks Hisham, it does take getting used to.....

And now back to the hairy sticks to start detailing 😀



Took a bit of sanding and re-spraying bits but happy with the result

Sean, that really looks great. Looks like you made a first-class recovery from a near disaster.

Regards,

Eric

Thanks Eric. I'd not put it on a competition table but will be happy with it on my display shelf.

Slowly adding bits and pieces and also started the weathering

Like everyone else has stated good job on the save, it's coming along great.
MIG really needs to get a grip and fix their paints. I'm seeing more and more people having issues with their paints.It's well known that their paints have surface tension issues and if you don't apply it JUST right it'll seperate like yours. I had that issue with a Leo 1 that i was doing. so it wasn't you it was the paint.

Yes, definitely a good save.. looking forward to seeing it all weathered and done.

Hisham

You're a better man than I Gunga Din. I have the Panda M-ATV and have made 3 attempts only to get frustrated and set it aside each time. Congrats on finishing. You did a good job. Looks even better with some paint. Anxious to see how you finish it up.

Sean, I am happy to see you were able to overcome your airbrush issues. I really enjoy watching your builds. They always inspire me to hit the bench again. Thank you and keep it up!

Regards,

Eric

Looks good, mine has been sitting on my bench for close to 6 months now. I just lost the modelling bug, might have to get back into it seeing how yours is coming

Thanks Hisham!

Ian, for the gun-tub I primed it first and the Mig paint went down better. But working on another build, the USS Nathnan James, using Vallejo & Mr Hobby paints, I found they wend down great without priming. Add I'm lazy, so if I can avoid priming all the better. The airbrush does take some getting used to though. This is only my first build with it.

DVSand, go back and finish that M-ATV. It can be done! And once you finish you will have a great sense of achievement.

Alex, you'll have to finish your JERRV now too....it's a bit like eating an elephant: one bite at a time. I have a few othere builds under way and only do the Jerrv in small bits. It's easier than getting frustrated with it.

Eric, hope you do get back to the bench soon. Would love to see some of your builds moving along. We have such similar tastes!

Not getting a whole lot of bench time recently but still plodding along on this one. Need to add the lights and wing mirrors next.

Wing mirrors done. Not really happy with them but will leave them for now