Got my new project underway tonight. The bottom chassis and the front wheels are all I go to so far. I did spend a good amount of time looking at Ron Volstads' awesome boxart though. The expressions on the guys faces are really cool. They each tell a story.



This is a very nice kit with a lot of detail. The last time I built a small track like this there were about 4 parts to th whole steering area,wheels included ! This one even has follow through torsion bars.
J

Nice project, J.

Would it be a dio or vignette??

I built a small track about 25 years ago and I liked it. Anymore since then.

Go ahead with it, J!!

I await your build log with great anticipation sir!

Looks like a great kit. The Dragon halftracks are beautiful and so detailed for such small models.

On the subject of the box art, I agree. Mr Volstad's artwork is always outstanding and draws the viewer in. Oddly, I noticed that some of the soldiers on the back of the vehicle have very pointy ears...much like elves from Lord of the Rings!

will it be towing anything Jerry?
Dan

Great things have small beginnings...
Yea I love the box art images of RV as well Jerry.
Awaiting your progress

Cheers
Dave

Track tension is a potential problem with this kit. I have recently finished flak version of this kit, and the tracks are either too lose, either tight (plus minus 1 link). You should still be able to convince idler "arms" out from inside of the tub at this stage of build). I found this out too late, with wheals glued solid, and rear deck on. Make wheels and tracks early, and check fit and tension.

Wow, a Rutman-dio. That's been a while

@Nacho-thanks buddy ! It will be a dio so far,but who knows ?
@Mike-thanks Mike,yes,Rons' art has gotten me to fork over a lot of cash through the years. I love the detail in this kit and it comes with a lot of extra stuff plus GenII weapons!
@Dan- Nope,nothing getting towed.
@Dave-thanks for taking the time to comment buddy. I always appreciate your input.
@Darius-Thanks for the useful tip buddy. I will keep that in mind as I proceed. I had the same problem with the last track I built but didn't remember until your timely reminder.
@Hans-what can I say man. I use this hobby as therapy and so I like to keep it going. It has always been gratifying to have other folks interested in what I do online,which is good,as I can't/won't leave the house for much these days. I have asked several times in the past if the consensus was I was posting too much. I don't want to wear out my welcome.

Here is last nights' work output. Not much from the look of it but a lot of tedious clean-up and teeny tiny parts. I worked on it after doing some groundwork,etc on another project. The end of the day is a good time for this kind of donkey work that doesn't take much though.



Seems like there was a bizillion tiny bits to build that transmission,etc.

Thanks for your interest guys,
J

Nice Jerry , any spoilers for us as to where this is going ?

I have a general idea but haven't nailed down the specifics yet. I want to avoid "mission creep" and have the thing get out of hand !
Thanks for checking in buddy,
J

Looking forward to where this one emerges Jerry, Normandy or…? Must be a clue in the title but I haven’t had a coffee yet…I reckon those guys in the back are Vulcans anyway so anything’s possible.

Nope,still haven't nailed down the location of this one or even the action. The tiny parts have been kicking my arse and it's all I can think of right now. Out of practice with vehicle building.

How does the dash measure up ??


Thanks for looking and taking time out from that gigantic film set.
J

...dang

Looks terrible.

Nice!

I always found the unsung hero's to be the Pz Jager Abt in the Infantery divisions. They consisted of a Stug Kompanie, Flak Kompanie and a (towed) Pak Kompanie... (Fe Pak 40 which could be towed by a Sdkfz 10.)

Could be getting more ammo, bringing wounded to an aid station or just fleeing for the Red Army...

Looking forward to it in any case!

Regards,

Marc

Your detail always amazes me.
I often wonder why you take the time to comment on my work.
It's very appreciate.Really looking forward to your progress on this one.With most kits,don't be fooled by the box art!
Usually nothing fits as it looks.
Of course you will make it right.

Tom

Jerry, again your work is superb. That dash looks like a real one. I'll stay linked to this job.

It's all kool Jerry you seem to bring out the best in us. Great treatment on the bulkhead/dash thingy.

So the DAK is outta the question, as this will be after the N-Afrika campaigns, nor Italy? I guess we jes-gots-ta-wayd-n-z.

Q: what decal set is that from, the kit part or ? The data/spec plaques are perfect. I mean, you didn't paint those by hand did you, right Jer? right?

I await your next installment Sir!
Cheers
Dave

I built this kit a few years ago and must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now Jerry, what’s this crap about “out of practice with vehicle building?” Lol! ... That dash looks great!

Cheers!🍺
—mike

@Charlie-sorry buddy I will try to do better next time ! LoL
@Marc-it sounds like you are describing the armored divisions' "escort" company,which was a mini division itself,with combined arms. You will have to wait and see what my guys are doing though.
@Tom-why wouldn't I comment on your work ? I like model building period. No matter who does it or even what it is ! I even like miniature doll houses and have built 3 so far. Model railroads,it's all good to me. I don't know why but I have always been fascinated by miniature stuff.
I would not sell yourself short. Your stuff always looks good and tells a story so what's to worry ?
@Nacho-thanks buddy. I will try to keep you interested for as long as I can.
@Dave-thanks for the generous comments buddy. The decals are all from the kit. teeny tiny ones. I have had good results from making my own placards though on 1/32 scale aircraft. I cut out the right size on an aluminum sheet used by printers,paint it dark gray and then etch the words(or what looks like words) onto it with a new #11 blade.
@Mike-thanks buddy. The non-figure stuff has different challenges. I do have to re-learn stuff though because of my memory. I really really need to get over my loathing of airbrushes though. Coming up !!

Thanks for checking in fellas,
J

Looks great, so Eastern Front? Any Russki stuff?

Maybe, maybe not. I have a rough plan but all I think about right now is getting the basic part of this little track built. I know what these guys will be doing,just not how to present it or where it will be.
J

Todays' work. Lets see. I added the back area seat cushions (plastic card) and the leather pull straps for the adjustable side panels. The clasp on the rear bulkhead access panel,a map case on the asst drivers side panel,a two man saw with assos. mountings,a chain on the gas cap,the fuel line of the gas tank,the attachment straps and buckles on the seat backs from PE and began repairing the top of the transmission I had to shave off to get the sponson to fit down snug. I am having fun building a non human subject for once.






Thanks for looking !
J

Jerry,
did you redo the seats?
Dan

Nope. Kit seats. I just added the PE buckles and straps on the back of the seats.
J

Thanks, great seats OOB
Dan