Finally, I am able to take time to get these pics uploaded to ron’s site! After all this time! [D)]
I wish to thank Ron for his generous use of the site that allows us to be able to share our hobby with each other. Ron, you are truly one of the Great Ones! [4:-)][bow][bow][bow]
Now, here are the pics of my BMP 2 that is a Work In Progress. First off, I’d like to show you an example of the sprues I have to work with:
This is after nearly a day of trimming and shaving. I got 90% of it cleaned up, and decided to snap a photo of what was left to show everyone what to expect from ACE. I have enough shavings now to melt down and mold a new kit![banghead]
I learned from my last two BMP kits that two things need to be done to avoid a massive gap in the front between the upper and lower hulls.
1)Cut wedges into the ‘bracing’ that is supporting the front angle and then bend the front plate upwards at the seam.
Trim the side walls of the side hull pieces to form a slightly more acute angle. At the top end, you should remove almost 1mm of plastic. Then, when the floor is cemented to the side pieces, the angle should be just right!
The final result should look like this once it is test fitted.:
Look Ma! No Gaps![:D]
Sorry for the poor Photo Quality on that last one. [B)]
Now for those others who have slower computers, I’m going to post my pics of my finished Russian BMP 1 and Russian 2S1 Gvozdika in another Thread. [tup]
Thanks Mark! I only got to start working on that BMP 2 recently because I had lost an entire sprue for over a week! I couldn’t find it anywhere! Finally, I saw it near the back of my desk under a pile of instruction sheets- a whole week later! whew!
For those who may not remember, or who are new to this Forum, the above pics of my BMP 2 are of a kit in 1/72 scale. I forgot to mention that, sorry.
I’ve already started painting the lower hull, and now I need to apply the Photo Etch to the turret and top hull. Pics to come!
Thanks everyone, I have some more pics coming soon. The BMP is now basecoated; I’m trying to decide what camo pattern I wish to use.
DJ, I have that kit too! I’ve been putting it off, but after having started the ACE T-55 Enigma, I’m wishing I had started the SA 6 instead! The T-55 is a real bear!
lol those are the same kind of spurs that I had to deal with when I built my 1/72 pzkpfw4 J or was it h??? anyways sad to say I abandond my Dio project with it for lack of space sniff sniff
Thanks everyone for the great comments! I’ll have more photos posted later of my BMP 2 and T-55 Enigma later.
I actually think the PST kit is much better, I’ve built one already. It went together much smoother, and didn’t have the gaps in the front and rear hull that the ACE kit has. Also, the suspension arms were molded into the correct area; the ACE kit, you have to move the second and fourth wheel 1mm each, and shave a section of the back sidewalls. And Yeah! It does have alot of flash! Be ready to spend about two days cleaning the parts, and then two days to work the cramps out of your hands!
Yeah, it is a lot of work. Once you get past the wheels and suspension arms, things go much better. I do recommend it if:
A) You have alot of patience, especially when it comes to cleaning flash, and
B), you have experience with building small scale armor. If it is your first few kits, I’d wait to go ACE.
Amen my Brother in Armor! I agree! Thank goodness I found that sprue again!
I have the ACE T-55 too. My friend says the same thing about the suspension and road wheels. And I was about to start work on it. I take it you move the second and fourth wheels forward? Thanks.
Actually, you move the second wheels 1mm forward, and the fourth wheels 1mm back. It was tough for me to measure, so I’m not sure mine is all that accurate.
Still, I’ll have pics up in a bit, now that I have tracks on it, the top hull is glued in place, and some of the reactive armor is now mounted.
Duke:
more great stuff !
LOL big time about the entire sprue of lost parts… i sure do know that feeling ! [;)]
check out my ersatz progress thread, there r some new pix of it u mite like !
frosty[:)]
Well, I finally got this bad boy painted. Here are the pics of the camo pattern.
I have it clearcoated right now with Gloss Future ready to apply decals. Then I’m going to wash and drybrush it. I could be done tomorrow or the next day.
