Well I had promised that with it being a lean year I would not be buying many kits.
Oops… I was offered one of these at €135 and what more can I say … I jumped.
Has any body got one yet. Is it any good or what?
Terry.
Hiya Terry my old friend— Been a long time!—good luck with the halftrack-- I have seriously been considering this a my next build also—get some pics up as you get into it!—tread[8D] p.s. heard nothing but good stuff about this kit
I wish…but that’s currently way out of my price range for a single model. [
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Just got one myself, and in my opinion, this may well be Trumpeter’s best effort to date in 1/16. The complexity of this kit is nothing short of amazing. For example, the engine has empty sockets for the spark plugs, which in turn are seperate items that are inserted into the sockets. Each of the components, such as the engine, running gear, guns, etc., is a kit onto itself. The frame is stamped metal, probably a necessity to support this large model.
In spite of the above, there are a few things that tend to bug me: For example, there’s no ignition wire for the spark plugs – at least if there is, I haven’t been able to find it so far. No biggie, though, since finding scale ignition wire shouldn’t present any problems. In addition, the running gear components and crew compartment are attached to the metal frame with metal screws, a construction method which may completely turn off some purists. Given the size of this kit, screws were probably the only way to firmly and accurately secure these components to the metal frame. Some screws are of the round headed type and are used mostly on the underside, where they shouldn’t be easily visible once painted. The screws used in visible areas are mostly of the flat headed type, with a countersink, thereby allowing them to fit flush with the bottom of the chassis. With a bit of putty and some paint, a modeler with any skill ought to be able to conceal them completely.
There’s a painting chart, but it’s kind of general and leaves a lot unsaid. A walk-around book would be a big help. (Incidentally, can anyone recommend a title?) Decals look pretty good, but are limited to just two versions. Here’s hoping the AM will come up with something to expand the possibilities in this area.
All in all, I think this is one heckava kit – well worth the 168 bucks I paid for it at GM. After getting my hands on this one, I know I’m to lie awake nights in anticipation of the 1/16 King Tiger!
Don’t think of it as to much $$$$ for a single model… think of it as a good buy for 8x the volume of a 1/35 kit! That was my rationale when I bought mine.
I saw one of these made at Euro Militaire and it looked absolutly great apart from the tracks which looked absolute pants, terrible and some one has got to make some decent ones before i even think of buying one.
the rear bogies are a little weak and the fit to frame is bad. i guess its good i didnt get the one thats not “retooled”. im starting on the interior now,first look at machine guns looks very detailed. all in all this aint no tamiya but a step up from the usual trump. imo
135 EURO’S?!
That’s like, a thousand dollars over here now with the weakness of the dollar, terry! [:-^]…[;)]
Thanks for the imput guys. I still don’t know why I bought it. I’m still pricking about with the T34. But I can say that every trime I touch the T34 I learn something new.
Hey good to hear from you Tread, don’t be shy keeping in touch. If you do purchase one maybe we can work together again. Same email as always if you want to get in touch.
Doog sorry to hear about the situation with the dollar. the big reason I bought the kit was when I looked at the price on the internet and bundled up with shipping I decided I was getting somewhat of a bargain.
Bodge please do tell how EURO went, its a while since I went. (Mid ninties), got engaged at one of those shows. I know there was an Irish contingent there this year. I wonder how ZAC got on especially since all the work he puts into his ex-soviet engineering vehicles(Zac’s Funnies).
Well the kit is now in the loft. I had a look at it quickly on Saturday, but the hangover was a killer so I just proceeded to put it in the loft.
Terry.