it is a really fun kit to build. My only problem with it is the lower hull, which is basically the same hull on the M5 with the lower skirts, which i have not see that many pictures from WW2 of M8 HMCs with the lower skirts (like the first pic i posted.
Trying to figure how to mod the fenders with strip styrene to look like the ones on my reference images.
Calling the MiniArt T-55 done now. Normally I would complete with decals and weathering but this one is quite different having no decals, is plain olive green all over and has plain black tracks as it is to be used as a recognition training model by the customer, along with some similarly finished other types being built by some of my colleagues.
Although I enjoyed the build, it’s to get back to normal modelling mode!
Contemplating as my next armor move to be another mass build like I did with my Panzer IIIs a bit over a year ago. Looking at my current representation, the Panzer I series is facing a lack of visibility and equity so I am considering hammering out the following when I finish what is on my plate at the moment:
TRISTAR 35025 SdKfz 10? Pzkpfw I Ausf A ohne Aufbau
DRAGON 6186 SdKfz 101 Pzkpfw I Ausf B
DRAGON 6222 SdKfz 265 Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen I Ausf B
MASTER T3504 SdKfz 111 Munitionsschlepper 1 Ausf A
DRAGON 6259 15cm sIG33 (Sf) auf Pzkpfw I Ausf B
DRAGON 6230 4.7cm PaK(t) (Sf) auf Pzkpfw I Ausf B
HOBBY 82431 Pzkpfw I Ausf C VK601
BRONCO 35143 Pzkpfw I Ausf F (VK 18.01)
DRAGON 6591 SdKfz 101 Leichte (Funk) Pzkpfw I Ausf A
DRAGON 6220 2cm Flak 38 auf Pzkpfw I Ausf A
DRAGON 6480 Pzkpfw I mit Abwurfvorrichtung (Ladungsleger)
I imagine this will be more tortuous than the Pz IIIs were when it comes to the suspension work.
Be prepared to fill in sink holes in the most track pads in the AFV Club T-16 set. Also the end connectors don’t always stay in place. You need to cut down the supports for the return rollers as they interfere with the end connectors. And if I remember right, you have to make a modification to the drive sprockets.
So, the past week I’ve had family visiting until yesterday afternoon. When I could, I did a few bench session on figures… some building and some painting, and at least this one is almost complete… some time ago a buddy from AMPS, Joe Bevens, gave the figures off of his Tamiya HMMWVs that he was not going to use, and I finally have gotten around to this guy for my Academy M998 turtleback armament carrier that I built long ago. The kit figure was not what I needed for a Desert Storm Marine. I still need to do a wash on the guy and dry brushing, but at least now basic colors are done…
Man, you are a modeling animal ! That’s an insane list! Still I love the Panzer I and have most of these in my stash. I can’t wait to see you get started on this project. Good luck and good building!
