Hi everyone I figured that I am going to try and do a build log to document my first adventurer into the aftermarket up grade set. I am hoping that it may help me to keep focused and also any feedback my help me improve my skills. I also hope that it may help some builders that just like to lurk in the shadows find a helpful hint or to, even if it is not to make the same mistakes that I do.
Well on to the kit I am doing the Tamiya re-box of the Italeris Sd. Kfz. 4/1 Panzerwerfer 42, self-propelled rocket launcher with the Verlinden update set for it. This will be the first time I have worked with resin or photo etch the plus is most of it is inside the fighting compartment if I make mistakes. I am also going to do a Dio that has the vehicle being rearmed and one mechanic looking at the engine.
This could take a while because I am a pretty slow builder and easily side tracked. The first step is I am currently reviewing the instructions. This is where I learned lesson #1 for the build.
Lesson #1: Always make sure you have the tools that you need for construction. I rember to order the paint for the interior but I forgot that I needed a saw for cutting the resin and a chisel blade for scrapping off the raised detail. So now it is off to a shop to get it the tools need on Friday.
Till the next update
Robert
Hey wow, very cool! I built the same kit in the Italeri box years ago. I don’t remember any real issues with the kit- you should enjoy this one. I didn’t add any aftermarket parts to mine though. Hopefully everything fits on yours without any issues.
What a great looking kit! And all the extras are just going to take it over the top! I’ll be watching your progress and comments about resin and PE. I have yet to adventure into that realm yet, so your thoughts and comments will be a great resource for me! Awesome dio you have there! Can’t wait to see the progress pics!
It is time for the first update on the project. First things first I washed all the parts both plastic and resin and let them dry. I do this to remove the release agent that is on the models and spruce. Here is the model laid out to dry.
Had to make the run to the Hobby Lobby in Lake Havasu City before I could get going because I needed both chisel blades and a razor saw to work with the resin aftermarket parts. You just can’t beat a 40% off coupon. Well make that 2 the wife bought one of the Items. Here is my haul on tools.
Well it’s time to get on to some serious modeling. I completed the first two steps of the build. The parts are fitting nicely and most of the ejection pin marks are in locations that they do not show. The first step has you install the front suspension.
Step two has you move onto constructing the engine and installing the front hitch. This is where I worked with my first resin parts. I had to cut the kit valve cover off so the new resin on could be installed. I can see why you need to make sure you have some reference available because some of the aftermarket parts had some very vague instructions on were the parts go. I really do like the detail that the resin parts add to the engine.
So here ends this update. Hopefully I will get more done this weekend. If anyone has comments or suggestions I am always ready to hear them.
I did have a question on what color did the German military paint their engines?
Nice start, good to see that resin is fitting well. Some nice dtail tehre.
For engine colours i tend to go for a slightly shiny black. I found it hard to find exact info, but thats what it looks like from the pics i have seen.
Thanks Bish for the info. I saw that you might be building this for the group build but you will need to watch out for the height of the rear axles there are some problems with it and I explained it in my update. I did not cachet till it was too late [:(]
Steps 3 thru 5 are now completed. These steps cover the construction of the frame to support the running gear and construction and installation of the running gear.
I have found only one problem so far with this kit alignment of the wheels is off. The front wheels are off by the height of the rear bracket above the back set of wheels. The front set needs to be shimmed by that amount. The picture below shows what I am talking about.
Lesson #2: Always dry fit the suspension arms and wheels together to ensure that everything is level and touching the ground.
Lesson #3: I will never use rubber tires again. Just could not get the seam removed but unfortunately at this time I cannot afford and justify getting a set of aftermarket ones. I am hoping that some weathering will help hide that seam.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve the build log just let me know and I will see what I can do.
The next step is to build the individual track links. This will be my first time; I have heard good and bad about them so we will see how this works out.
A nice update there. And thanks for the heads up. I’ll make a note of that.
You mention individual tracks, are these Am tracks or with the kit, mine has good old Italeri rubber band tracks, though i have a set of metal ones to replace them.
Bish mine came with the kit I think Tamiya updated the tracks when they reboxed the kit. They are some small links it should be fun. I am thinking about trying to build them kind of like link and length that is what the instructions show.
That explains the referance to new parts i had seen mention of. I know they wilkl be small, they are the same tracks as used on the Pz I and i imagine similar to the 251 tracks in size.
Thanks Hunter, here is a quick peek at things to come with the Dio. Here are two trees that I made waiting on the kit top arrive. They are made from wire and plaster. I still have to put the branches and the foliage on. The last shot is to give you an ideal of the scale against the kit I am working on.
