Just been reading through a few recent (and not so recent) WiP Threads and noticed two obvious builders, those who add the sprockets, idelers and road wheels from the start (which may or may not be removable for later work) and those (like me) who only worry about the that stuff after the hull and maybe all topside painting is done.
So which are you?
Andrew
I usually build them up and keep them to the side for installation last.
lol, well if you looked at my “Thanksgiving projects” builds, you’d have seen one model with tracks and wheels and on model without them!
I ALWAYS build my models withOUT tracks and wheels THEN paint them and add them last before the smallest details. I only mocked-up the Coelian (P) so that I could basically show it off.
My tracks are always last or integrated into the build if required.
Depends on the build.but mostly the tracks come last .Ron
Firmly in the add the road wheels/sprockets/idlers/tracks later camp myself. [;)]
Tracks, road wheels, tools, detail items AFTER the main hull assembly and painting. At times…like my current T19, large sections painted in sub-assemblies then mated
Rounds Complete!!
Hello Konig…
I would say that not permanantly attaching your roadwheels and idlers until later is to your advantage. It is always nice to place them (NOT GLUE THEM) in place early so that you can get a good feel for the vehicle mid construction. However, these components require some attention that is much easier to address when removed from the model.
Once the weathering is complete on the lower hull however, I would suggest the opposite. When it comes to weathering, it is a must, that these components be attached. It is important that the wear patterns and mud & dust be applied in such a way that it makes sence with the weathering on the lower hull and vertical surfaces of the upper hull.
Hey KW,
Build wise I always leave off tools and wheels etc and only assemble the very basic build first.
I’ll paint this in my chosen scheme, add the decals, add the tools then weather.
I always leave my wheels off until last and paint and weather them separately then glue them on. Tracks are the very last thing to go on as I usually use either Magic Tracks or Friuls and obviously I need to have the build complete so I can get the tracks built to the correct size.
I’ve seen a lot of modellers FULLY assemble a model then paint it - I just don’t understand how you can paint an assembled model post assembly? Obviously it’s not a problem to these guys!
ATVB
Ben [t$t]
As most if not all above, i leave my tracks, wheels and tools off. I only fit what is the same colour as the tank itself and only if it won’t get in the way or risk being damaged. Like ben, i have no idea how these guys can paint a model with everything on.
It’s got to be the only way to do it Bish? I could fully build a model with tools and everything fitted and paint my cammo over it all but you’d need some seriously good painting skills to even stand a chance of doing a good job!
I like to think that I build my models how the real thing would have been built: basic build less the wheels done and painted, decals fitted (markings), wheels painted and fitted and tools and stowage fitted. Saying that I do weather behind the wheels on the lower hull and add mud / pigment / grime streaks first but that’s it.
ATVB
Ben [:D]
Same here Ben. And i don’t see how you can get the underside on the tools or inside of roadwheels with then on the vehicle.
I cant really imagine doing a decent paint job of the road wheels on a tiger or panther, painting them post assembly[:XX].
Andrew
Quick story:
I have done this, partially painting the wheels and bogies post assembly (ironically, I pre-painted the tracks before gluing them in place, piece by piece) on a 1/48th Panzer IV. I painted them as best I could, and it looked good, until you picked it up and looked at it from the side.
Eventually, I went and added ‘road grit’ to the undercarriage to cover up the unpainted portions with Tamiya Red Brown. (it actually looks pretty realistic on German Gray camoflage)
My suggestion: do not do this unless you intend to add a lot of grit to the road wheels and bogies.