Jump to content

Much maligned Dragon M103A2 1/35


Hubba

Recommended Posts

 

Despite the criticism of it's accuracy I do like the look of this beast and having recently felt the urge to start building again, after a few years away from plastic bashing, I'm quite happy to put up with it's shortcommings and correct a few of it's problems because the completed model is quite an imposing AFV

As I say, I haven't done much serious building for a while so hopefully the 3 month build time will be an incentive to finish the thing. It'll be an out of the box job with the exception of a Legend mantelet and possibly a barrel if the fancy takes me

 

 

 

 

20190408_204357.jpg

 

20190408_204425.jpg

 

20190408_204442.jpg

 

20190408_204459.jpg

 

20190408_204513.jpg

 

20190408_204528.jpg

 

20190408_204601.jpg

  • Like 7
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looks like you get a fair few leftover bits for the spares box, looking at all that blue on the instructions, as for accuracy it can't be much worse than all the idf magachs here😁, all the best on the build

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now that should be an impressive looking AFV when completed. Welcome back to the hobby. Hope you have a fun build!

Kind regards,

Stix

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hey, a little overdue for an update, been busy with work and Grandson's school holidays but I've squeezed in a fair few hours sticking this thing together

 

After reading online reviews and build blogs I picked up some hints on improving some the kit's many flaws and will be having a go at some of them, anyhow here are some pics of progress so far, firstly the hull & suspension, my what a lot of sanding these wheels needed

 

 

 

 

Hull%202.jpg

 

 

SS1.jpg

 

 

Sprockets require mud holes and slight modification of their shape

 

Sp1.jpg

 

Sp2.jpg

 

Sp3.jpg

 

Sp4.jpg

 

More to follow

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rear doors need their surrounds removing and repositioning of the handles

 

Door1.jpg

 

 

 

Door3.jpg

 

Some photos of the general superstructure and details

 

SS3.jpg

 

SS4.jpg

 

SS5.jpg

 

SS6.jpg

 

SS7.jpg

 

SS8.jpg

 

That's it for now, turret and gun mantlet next

Here's the barrel I'll be using

 

New%20barrel.jpg

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

One of the blogs I was reading said that it's impossible to use the RB barrel in conjunction with the Legend mantlet cover, just the kind of challenge I like

 

The barrel as it comes

 

B%20mod%2011.jpg

 

After a little reshaping, using a file and cordless drill

 

B%20mod%2012.jpg

 

Drill out the cover

 

B%20mod%2013.jpg

 

And in it goes

 

B%20mod%2014.jpg

 

Just needs some adjustment where the front of the baffle ends and job's a good'un

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definitely going to bring this to another level. So you basically turned your drill into a Lathe ? Very nice work there. Wish i could have afforded a metal barrel for my M48. Thats the biggest disappointment in my build. The Tracks being the next biggest. I work within my budget though so i have to go basic oob most of the time. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, a kind of bodgers lathe, good enough for the bits you can't see

I know exactly what you mean about cost, it can escallate quickly with a bit of PE or a barrel, I generally build OOB myself but luckilly I got my annual bonus last month for the first time in years so I treated myself. The tracks on this thing aren't great either but I drew the line and I'm sticking with what they provide

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey folks, the build continues with more of the same really

I'm following the kit instructions fairly closely and getting down to the smaller parts on the turret and some modification of the mantlet opening to make it a little more accurate and to make the cover a better fit

 

B%20mod%202.jpg

 

 

B%20mod%203.jpg

 

B%20mod%204.jpg

 

B%20mod%206.jpg

 

B%20mod%207.jpg

 

B%20mod%209.jpg

 

B%20mod%2016.jpg

 

Tu2.jpg

 

Tu5.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

And more

 

20190420_013841_1.jpg

 

20190420_013855.jpg

 

20190420_013913.jpg

 

Barrel/mantlet cover assembly fitted

 

20190420_020449.jpg

 

Holes drilled for .5mm brass wire handles

 

20190420_221302.jpg

 

Handles fitted

 

20190421_011652.jpg

 

Periscopes fitted and masked off, also lead wire to represent lighting cables

 

20190421_011737.jpg

 

Used an old bit of PE to make tow cable supports

 

20190421_165952.jpg

 

20190421_215324.jpg

 

Mantlet cover clamps fitted

 

20190421_214910.jpg

 

And that's where I am now, ready for some paint unless I can think of anything else to add

 

20190421_011832.jpg

 

 

  • Like 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Absolutely stunning progress Hubba!! Great attention to detail and your modifications are going to really improve the base kit - which looks pretty impressive anyway IMHO. :worthy:

Kind regards,

Stix

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like the kit, I know it's not super accurate but it goes together pretty easily and the turret is an absolute monster and gives the thing a real presence

 

Looking forward to doing a bit of weathering, I do like them to look well used

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Progress continues with some painting, always find it enjoyable but nervewracking at the same time for some reason

 

20190423_175509.jpg

 

20190423_211328.jpg

 

20190424_012657.jpg

 

A little bit of weathering, filters and pin wash

 

20190424_170501.jpg

 

20190427_014817.jpg

 

20190428_215450.jpg

 

And now for some filth, don't get too excited

 

20190429_225815.jpg

 

20190423_211351.jpg

 

Getting there, more dirt and a few little details that need sorting

 

Cheers, Andy

 

 

 

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...