E-75 Ausf F, Vierfüssler, mit Rheintochter R1. (Modelcollect, 1/72)

[Christer A]

Are What-ifs allowed here?

 

I hope so at least.

 

Let's start first with a disclaimer: I mostly build aircraft and never something that stays on the ground.

 

This is not just a Panzer-46 paper project but full on craziness since it's also a walking tank, a sort of Panzer-mecha, with a big rocket on top.

What's not to like?

 

The Rheintochter itself did exist though, and I've managed to see it  in Berlin when I made a trip there some years ago:

 

From a little Googling I found that the E series of tanks was an ambitious project that Nazi Germany couldn't afford but it has led to some  remarkable stuff, some of it even available in plastic form.

Modelcollect has issued a  whole number of different E-75 configurations so I guess this stuff is exciting.

For the interested, here is a look  in the quite pretty box:

The instructions looks quite nice, and are clear  and easy to follow.

Fun fact. To open the box, you need to be at  least 15 years old, but to actually build it, you only need to be 14...

There is a whole bunch of  runners for this one though:

To round it off, a small set of decals are also provided.

The details are basic but ok.

Umm, this does look like a turret with dual Mk103 30mm guns. Where does that go?

Oh, it's supposed to hang from underneath!? Nice!

 

Right, lets throw all caution to the side, and make a start with the rocket rail:

The fit of the parts is not of Tamiya quality, but matches the detail level quite nice.

[Christer A]

An update regarding the fit and mold quality. There is a normal amount of mold separation lines, well normal if you're comparing to Airfix.

What is a actually a bit worse is the aggressive draft angles that the tool maker has used. For a boxy subject like this, you'd expect it to look like square boxes and not so much rhomboid, but that is what you get.

Too bad really.

 

Also, it's quite clear that they're re-using parts from the tracked E-75. Looking at Scalemates there are a number of different boxings available with different configurations and so on.

That lead to duplicate parts like this:

The left engine cover is in one piece and the right one in two, where the small hatch is sort of posable. Due to the poor draft angles this little hatch does not fit properly but needs to be sanded to shape. What's worse is actually the entire cover being a few tenths of mm too small, leaving very noticeable gaps in the hull. Naturally I chose the left one

The legs are posable in lot's of joints and Modelcollect allso seems to think one should be able to change them at will and has included a sort of clicky system so that you can bend the legs to a few pre-set angles. This does not work due to the poor and rough vertical surfaces.

But there is always the option to glue them fixe...

Should one add some hydraulic hoses to the maneuvering pistons? Or should one think that those are hidden inside the legs?

 

Looking at the belly of the hull, someone thought it was a good idea to attach a ball turret, like on a large bomber.

This is supposed to freely rotate and elevate but once again the toolmaker has put a stop to these toy-like gimmicks.

Still, I like the idea of a turret with dual 30mm guns. It seems totally impractical for this kind of SAM-launcher but what do I know?

 

Maybe it's supposed to be deployed for urban pacifying duties as well?

I still think it would be a bit troublesome to use since the risk of shooting of the legs would be great. 

As can be seen that filler has been brought forth, and I expect to use a bit...
 

Turning it over and test fitting the legs shows a quite respectable size

That Merkava is also in 1/72 scale, and the hull of the E-75 is about as big, but the legs will make this a much larger piece in the end.

 

Currently I'm thinking of painting the hull and armor in one way, the missile-ramp another and the legs in a bit more technical way.

What do you guys think? 

[Christer A]

Well, the work continues with this pig of a kit. Yesterday I started to paint it:

My plan is to go with some sort of pale  green/brown splinter camo on top, just because it would  look nice...

[Christer A]

Well,  that's the main painting sorted!

Time for details and a few stickers before trying to over weather this.

And since I'm crap at it, don't expect a glorious result.