Can we use a started build for the entry, or does it have to be a fresh build. I have a Trumpeter A-222 Coastal Defense Gun that i have done some work to. Mainly built the Chassis. Let me know. Thanks!
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Our rule of thumb on most campaigns here is started builds are allowed but only if they are less than about 25% done.
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Well I will just have to start a fresh build then. No worries.
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Thanks for that. With peace on the horizon in the Ukraine hopefully Zvezda kits will be available again. I built their T-35 some years ago after seeing how much PE was in the Hobby Boss version. The Zvezda effort looked great and I was even able to use the kit tracks, a nice extra.
Paul
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I put aside the m113 adats from the m113 campaign for a while and started the trumpeter mt-lb for the campaign made in USSR. I assembled the engine and transmission a lot of small parts and the instructions are not really precise and the fit of the engine parts is questionable
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Paul there is an EBay Store in Estonia called Hobby-4-You that carries all the Zvezda kits and only $8 shipping to the US. I use them all the time.
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Matt, speaking of Hobby-4-You, thoughts on AVD Models? They have an interesting truck kits coming per Scalemates.
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Believe it or not Wade, I do not have and have never seen an AVD model. So I cannot comment on this kit.
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AVD specializes in 1/43 scale assembly models: trucks for various purposes, buses, trams, special equipment and some military equipment. All of them are in the style of stamped cars: metal body, screw-on bottom, etc. Several (I think three) 1/35 models are very different from the entire range. We had rumors that these are actually models from Zvezda, which for some reason it did not want to produce itself. Maybe this is not true.
An example of the range in the Unomag online store.
I have not seen any bad reviews about the quality and assembly. There are grumbles about historical errors and subject jambs (for example, an 8-cylinder engine, and a 6-spark plug distributor).
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Just had some bases arrive to which the T-72 will be mounted on one. Need to start looking for a name plate!
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Thank you, Yuri. Appreciate the details!
V8 w/6 cylinder distributor, I’d accept by keeping the hood closed etc
Will definitely keep AVD in mind, there’s a few Zeveda kits (T-62 & SU-122) to consider post ceasefire etc.
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Yes, I too have used them for various projects. Always good service with them.
Paul
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Well the tracks are here, so track assembly time.
Oh also filled the hole in the unditching beam/log.
I do have a question for all you seasoned individual link guys, what’s your method for painting them?
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To be honest I feel people get wrapped around the axle when it comes to tracks (pun intended). You can labour hours over applying this, and painting that, and at the end of it what can be seen? Precious little between the road wheels and then just the ends before they disappear into the shrouds/guards. I’m sure this is a heresy but that’s how I see it.
This is a T-64 - with Trumpeter tracks which mercifully clipped together; I think I painted them in a dark brown/rust red combo, but when it came to finishing the model - admittedly showing a hard day’s march - generously applied Tamiya Buff. Apart from picking out some of the teeth in a metallic colour - and even that was sparingly done - that was that.
My rationale? Well, here’s my son’s Chally 2, from several years ago:
Others may beg to differ!
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Thanks Brian, I should have been a bit clearer, do you base paint them then fit them and weather or do you fit them then paint the whole lot?
I mean once primed and base coated are these workable tracks still going to flex enough to bend round the drive sprockets and idler.
Oh small update one track run done and aerial fitted now just to make sure I don’t poke my eye out.
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I agree. as long as there is a basecoat, I am content. Weathering will cover whatever there is that is visible anyway.
I always paint and weather the tracks, when in place, both vinyl and hard plastic. Any mistake or miss is easily touched up or hidden.
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I think in this case - as the tracks were partially covered (which also means I don’t fit a whole run) - I fitted them then painted.
If say, the whole tracks are exposed then I normally do indeed, paint them first, though probably not in detail.
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Individual tracks don’t assemble well when pre-painted. Just the thickness of the paint will make them not fit together, and I’m not talking thick paint. Personally, I leave my sprocket and idler unglued, assemble the tracks, and put them on the tank. Then I glue them solid, leaving the open end unglued. I let it set overnight. Then I take the track off in one piece and airbrush them with Tamiya Dark Iron. Add Ammo Track Wash. Highlight with the steel color of your choice. Put the track back on and assemble. Dust with a pigment color matching the base. Done.
P.S. - I first use a tailor’s cloth measuring tape around the track run to get the length of my track. Then I lay this dimension out on my bench with tape marks. This way I make enough links to fit perfectly the first time.
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