Here are some photos of my WIP converting the Nitto M4 HST into something better (I hope) [banghead]
Replaced the all the assemblies with AFV parts from their M4 VVSS and M3 kits. Track is T48 workable from AFV. Mounted PH screen to replace molded screen for engine compartment.
Replaced molded headlights with MV lights, still have to build wire cages for them. Installed sctrach build gas feed. The hole in the top back is for crane, which is not complete yet.
Replaced headlights, Replaced molded tools. Exhaust mounted. Next to my current WIP is the kit my father build 20 years ago and is inserted for referance. The cover over the MG ring on my father’s old model is my experment for a canvas cover over the ring. Also yet to be done on the WIP.
Still have to insert wind shields, Scratch build canvas doors (I had enough work with the outside so with the doors and the canvas tarp over the MG ring hole I can hide the inside), and finish and mount the crane.
Then we will be ready for decals and final weathering.
Let me know what you think. Thanks as always for your comments and assistance
I was going to do the M115 8 inch towed for the GB. This is the prime mover for that gun. So…yes you will see it again in the GB but hopefully finished waiting for the M115.
This has been about 3 months to get this to where it is. The original kit is so bad, it took alot to get here.
Hopefully we sail smoothly from here and we are ready by 11/1 for the M115
It is looking really good. Good job so far. Also, a big thanks for doing the scratch-build for us all so it could be released in a decent form by Hobby Boss.
This kit reminds me of old Hasegawa High Speed tractor kit in 1/72 scale. I built one long long time ago (I think I was like 10 years old). I hope that some decent manufacturer would introduce it in 1/35 scale.
Just wanted to let you know that Southern Dragon took over the responsibility of Artillery GB and he has declared that our GB build can start whenever you want.
Now the question is who has it and how much. I checked the distributor noted in the review and they don’t have it listed as stock or when due. I will just have to keep looking to see who has it.
PS…The date on the review was 10/4/07…as Gino said build it and they will come [soapbox]. Oh well…good modeling experience!! [banghead]
It has been fun but a pain.
I saw the GB… want to get this close to done before I move on.
The new kit is on the Hobby Boss site. This kit is the early version M4 used with the 90mm AA gun. We had no choice in the past both the Nitto and resin kit were the same. They were supposed to also come out with the later M4A2 version which has the crane and was used with the 155mm & 8 inch. Still no sign of that.
Checked who has it, IJN is showing on their list but out of stock. Price was ~$32. Squadron is the Hobby Boss US distributor and they still are not showing it yet.
The wait continues…
At least I can get rid of my spare Nitto kit in my stash!! After this one and with the new Hobby Boss kit, I don’t want to see that again!!
