Replaced all molded on handles with wire grab handles.
Replaced the periscope cover with bras flat stock bent to shape.
What i noticed about this kit.
Side skirts could be easily replaced with .05 or .10 sheet styrene
Rear muffler has no screen cover. All my photos of hetzers show this screen that wrapps around in place.
Need to add a wire for the front light.
On the rear deck, my photos show two more, small access doors on eaither corner oppisite the muffler. Easy to accomplish.
Gun barrel had a seam i ddin;t catch till to late. Replace with metal on e later.
Rear muffler has a way of attach to the hull which leaves a seam running thru it.
Gun shield for machine gun a little thick,could use a photoeched one.
Half moon periscope covers a little thick, could be replace easily with some photoeched left overs.
Tamiya put mounting holes for all the tools and equipment, neet ot fill and sand these in the future.
Decals were ok, but a aftermarket set might be better.
I removed the pin and rubber grommet holding the top of the hull to the bottom. A small bit of superglue to the front and back brought it together very nicly, with no seam up front.
The Good:
Real ease to put together.
No exposed sponsons.
No molded on tools
Very few injector pin marks on the tracks, and only on the pieces that wrap around the idler and driver. SO none show.
Very nice cast detail on the gun mallet. Se close up shot.
Tracks fit beautifuly., i mean it was a real joy to install.
Well i think thats it. I used tamiya dark yellow for the base, followed by both a lightened dark green and a redbrown. Then it took a wash of burt umber to give it a grimy look. After that, i dull coated it, and picked out a few details with a light dry brush of gun metal.
Well ther she is, i look forward to building another one of these.
Bill
