Phil Lewis Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 (edited) So... on Tuesday, whilst waiting for the Bronco tracks for the Crusader to arrive, I decided to take a peek at this... Instructions.. a little basic The underlying theme in this kit is flash and slightly misaligned moulds although to be honest there is a lot of detail to be added. I assume this is a short run kit so one can forgive it's shortcomings. Sprues are already depleted as the kit has been mostly assembled already. Miniature link and length tracks need lots of cleanup. And after 2 days.. Base coat of Olive Green (XF-58) applied and wheels painted up. Wheels on and tracks painted with the displayed paints and drybrushed with the Tamiya Chrome Silver. The weathering will even them out. Another build requiring some attention and significant cleanup, am I a glutton for punishment or what? Trying to decide if I'll do a heavily weathered winter camo Suggestions? Thanks for looking. Edited March 20, 2020 by Phil Lewis Re-shared images from Flickr 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lewis Posted June 16, 2016 Author Share Posted June 16, 2016 (edited) OK, so I'm not sure if it was the misaligned moulds causing me to trim off too much or these link and length tracks just don't fit but after an evening's battle I was left with this Gaps, Gaps, and more gaps So I'm thinking there is going to be a considerable amount of mud on these tracks and running gear. On the up side I think the postie tried to deliver my Bronco tracks for the Crusader today. I shall rush to the depot tomorrow morning with the little red card clutched in my hands and find out Cheers for looking Phil Edited March 20, 2020 by Phil Lewis Re-shared images from Flickr 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamden Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 Nice start looking forward to seeing this progress! Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spadgent Posted June 17, 2016 Share Posted June 17, 2016 You're like a modelling whirlwind. Whipping up anything in your path and ....... Erm, assembling it really rather well. ok your 50% whirlwind. 50% wayward modelling soul. keep it up, I love it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lewis Posted June 20, 2016 Author Share Posted June 20, 2016 (edited) With the Crusader done attention turned to trying to finish this miniature monster. The Upper and lower hulls were assembled (after much fettling) and a quick coat of Mr Super Clear Matt applied. Started the decals which promptly fell apart (wasn't surprised considering the condition of the sheet) so I wasn't able to use the turret stripe decal. Managed to salvage two of the numbers, two of the stars and one symbol for the fender. I hand painted the white stripe as these were usually field applied and often looked pretty rough (which suited me just fine ) Now to weather it to within an inch of it's life Cheers for looking Phil Edited March 20, 2020 by Phil Lewis Re-shared images from Flickr 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lewis Posted June 20, 2016 Author Share Posted June 20, 2016 (edited) First application of Flory Grime. When it's dried a bit I'll wipe off the excess Phil Edited March 20, 2020 by Phil Lewis Re-shared images from Flickr 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffB Posted June 20, 2016 Share Posted June 20, 2016 Looking good Phil . I made one last year and, like you, found the tracks to be around one link too short. Cliff 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted June 20, 2016 Share Posted June 20, 2016 Nice job....The tracks & uper/lower hull fit issues of this kit are notorious. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lewis Posted June 20, 2016 Author Share Posted June 20, 2016 (edited) Well, I can confirm that a layer of mud does cover a multitude of sins I shall be calling this one also done (except for a base/diorama which is a work in progress) Flory Dark wash, strategic, heavily thinned XF-1 for the grills and a light drybrush of Vallejo Steel (my current favourite go-to for worn metal effects) on the uppers and Vallejo Thick Mud for the tracks and running gear. I shall post up some better quality RFI pictures once the base is done. I don't think I'll be doing any more Eastern Express kits for a while (unless this one was just particularly bad and I learn they are normally ok) Comments, suggestions and constructive criticisms always welcome. Cheers all Phil Edited March 20, 2020 by Phil Lewis Re-shared images from Flickr 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted June 20, 2016 Share Posted June 20, 2016 This is actually one of their better small scale AFV kits.....The early ones were reboxed AER! Apparently their GAZ-67 is very good, but I've not built one. You've done a really good job with a pretty tricky build and the mud definitely does the trick on the tracks. If you fancy a 1/72 AFV kit that's a bit more up to date, try something from MaCo or Flyhawk.....Dragon can be good too, but it's always best to check reviews: http://www.onthewaymodels.com/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lewis Posted June 20, 2016 Author Share Posted June 20, 2016 (edited) Just a quick addition as I got carried away and did the base too, so here it is. Thanks again for looking. I'll post an RFI when I've got some better shots taken and the base has dried properly Phil Edited March 20, 2020 by Phil Lewis Re-shared images from Flickr 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spadgent Posted June 21, 2016 Share Posted June 21, 2016 Ace work! Glory for the win. You are really rattling through the plastic, I feel quite the tortoise next to your hare. All the best. John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Lewis Posted March 20, 2020 Author Share Posted March 20, 2020 I forgot to post. This model got a second in class at the IPMS Birmingham 2016 show 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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