Although it took me longer than expected,I really enjoyed this kit.I have to thank Silverback for inspiring me to pull it outta the stash.
Looks nice. It’s always great to finish projects. I’m working on TWO M16 MGMCs from Dragon right now. Almost to the painting stage, myself. One thing you might want to alter. The side folding armor should be mounted up about 1mm or so. Tamiya gives you the hinges but the round part is supposed to be above the flat plate on the side wall. That way, if the armor was raised, the round part would be the center point. Again, just think of your door hinge. Hope this is clear.
If U ever get to another half track, may I suggest a DML one? They really are super.
Now that you mention it,I see your point.Why the hell didn’t I notice that???
Unfamiliarity with this type of vehicle perhaps. It was almost like building several different kits.The cab,bed,frame,gun and even the bumper were finished separately.
I will definately be building mr halftracks.Is it DML or Tamiya that makes the mortar carrier? That’s the one I’ve had my eyes on.
really nice outcome,good attention to detail and weathering and wear look great.
I agree it looks good. 
A bit of work with those ejector pin marks on the aforesaid folding armor would help too.
Too bad the bogie system is so fragile, otherwise you’d be able to tighten up those tracks… !http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/TI4438/009-30.jpgotherwise it looks pretty convincing.
!http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/gluetank/Decorated%20images/th_T1-4-copy.jpg
Needless to say,I hate the tracks.
The more I think about goofing on the folding armor,the more irritated I get!
Damn!
Overall, a very nice job. I have 1 of these in my stash, may have to get it out now!
I do understandabout the armor bugging you. Even when no one but you knows the flaw exists, once you find a good, it grinds on you a bit. So build another one!
Just a thought…
Chris
You’re a modeler…
!http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss154/Toshboloski/Smileys/serious-business.png........you can fix this.
!http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/gluetank/Decorated%20images/th_T1-4-copy.jpg
Tamiya made the M21 Mortar carrier but DML makes the M4 and M21 – both exceedingly detailed and accurate. Their suspension is sweet too.
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/cyberhobby/chc6361.html
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/dragon/dr6329d01.htm
Once I’m done,I’m done.I’ll will take Killjoy’s advice and build another.
Are there after market tracks available that would fit Tamiya,DML…etc,halftracks?
In spite of the booboos, it looks pretty darn good. Thanks for sharing.
Regards, Rick
WOW, is this the old kit? I always liked the looks of this vehicle.
I think you basically captured the look! Nice model!
I’d like to chime in here as well. Despite these Tamiya halftracks being 40 +/- years old, I think they build up really nice and you’ve done a great job on building yours! There are a few noogies present but I love the end result. I’ve built all three of these old kits and I had a blast!
Good job!
Tank Workshop used to make resin tracks. I just gave mine away to a buddy in the modelling club. DML’s halftrack doesn’t need aftermarket tracks.
Thanks for the props guys.I really appreciate it.
Lovely Job TD!
The quad MG’s look superb as does the interior and the weathering is spot on imo.
If I could make a couple of easy fix suggestions apart from what has been covered I’d paint the straps on them side stowage bags we can see in pictures #3 onwards so they stand out-I’d assume they’d be a brown leather with a brass clasp or buckle?
I’d also get some chipping on the ammo bins on the quad MG, they’d have chipped up pretty quick-well, the one’s I’ve seen have!
Finally, some light rainwater streaks on the sides and rear gate would look good as would the odd rust streak coming from some of them bolt heads/rivets.
ATVB
Ben [:D]
Thanks Hinksy.
I assumed the straps on the bags would be part of the bag and made of the same material.
The ammo cans are all a bit chipped.Maybe it doesn’t show in the pics.
As for the rusty bolt heads,not a bad idea.I feel like there is something missing once you get above the dirt.
Looking real good. Regarding the tracks, I’m working on a project using one of Tamiya’s old half tracks, and I used the kit tracks, but I used a hairdryer on the low setting to shape the tracks to fit better, then glued them down to the bogie wheels using ca/superglue. Looks good enough for me and it got rid of the track float.
Bad tracks are the Achilles heel of a good kit.
Yeah, I too built a couple of the older Tamiya Halftracks and enjoyed it much. I would love the new Dragon w/75mm. Maybe someday.
Anyway, looks pretty good and I understand your feelings on the tracks. Could you glue it down on the roller, it’s just floating there.