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Post by RLFoster on Sept 16, 2019 14:24:00 GMT -6
No rest for the weary!
The next build has moved to the workbench:
I've never used a Voyager PE set before and hope this goes well.
Until next time...
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Post by BUCKY on Sept 16, 2019 14:56:06 GMT -6
I'm in!!
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Ernie
SETTLING IN
Just goin' where the plastic takes me.....
Posts: 358 
Likes: 853
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Post by Ernie on Sept 16, 2019 15:30:25 GMT -6
Sweet! I have the same kit and etch set as well, so I will be watching this with interest.
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Post by ogrejohn on Sept 16, 2019 15:45:29 GMT -6
Got my seat! I think I might have one of those in the stash somewhere as well.
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Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 16, 2019 16:31:20 GMT -6
Cool! I'm in.
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Post by JCON on Sept 16, 2019 21:09:44 GMT -6
I'll also follow along!!!
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MARCO
ROLLING ON
BRAZILIANAIRE
The man from the south
Posts: 782
Likes: 1,911
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Post by MARCO on Sept 17, 2019 3:58:47 GMT -6
I'll follow too!
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Post by RLFoster on Sept 17, 2019 12:55:50 GMT -6
Looks like a full crowd for this one...cool!!!
Spent a good three hours today reviewing the kit itself, going through reference books for period photos, reviewing production statistics and options, and trying to work out either the exact vehicle or similar vehicle for this project. I think I'm leaning toward the Hetzer captured by the Polish Army during the Warsaw uprising in 1944. There is one problem in that this kit predates some of the better research and unfortunately comes with only a single "CHWAT" Polish eagle decal. It's now known that this marking was placed on both sides and the front of the captured vehicle. So, if I do go with this vehicle, I'll either need to hand paint the markings or replicate the vehicle from just before or just after it was captured (before the new markings were applied).
Anyway, that was today's research. I might not get to any actual work on the model until later in the week, but it shouldn't be too long. Thanks again for the interest.
Until next time...
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Post by JED on Sept 18, 2019 0:01:21 GMT -6
Budge over you lot I can't see,I'm in 😃
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Post by RLFoster on Sept 18, 2019 11:34:56 GMT -6
After spending another couple hours doing research today, I'm in a bit of a conundrum. Let me see if I can explain... In looking at all of the online photos of the Hetzer captured by the Poles - one from where it was fire-bombed in the street, one from where it was positioned in an improvised barricade, and one from after it was restored to a somewhat running order - there's one detail that seems quite obvious...there is some degree of significant roof damage to the crew compartment that would seem to indicate a fairly significant internal explosion. Here's probably to most readily available online photo with the damage circled:  There are no online photos available from a higher angle which could indicate whether A) the entire roof plate was torn loose, B) it's not the roof plate, but the guide plate for the periscope, or C) something else entirely, like an extra piece of metal resting on the roof (perhaps to cover a hole or other damage). The other two images mentioned above lean HEAVILY toward Option A - the entire front of the roof plate is torn loose. So what's the conundrum? Call me a modeler with OCD or just call me a stickler for detail, but one of the reasons I tend to build "generic" vehicles is for precisely this reason. Details can push you into a corner faster than anything else in modeling! Even though there have been dozens and dozens of models of this Hetzer built with these markings, no one (as far as I can tell) has actually replicated this damage properly. All of the existing models are just Early Hetzers with the "CHWAT" markings. Unfortunately, I don't know if I can do that! So, from my perspective, here are the NEW options: 1. Build a completely different, undamaged Early Hetzer...either of a specific vehicle or a generic representation. 2. Build an undamaged version of THIS Hetzer in German markings from some point before it was captured. 3. Try to scratch-build the damaged roof and then replicate this Hetzer, at least as close as possible. While the thought of Option 3 is intriguing, I had really hoped that this build would be something a little simpler to tackle. Therefore, if I do decide that trying the scratch-building route is the best one, I may have to put this build back in line and delay it for a little while while moving something easier to the bench. Anyway, that's what digging into research will do for you! Chime in and let me know what you all think...if you have an opinion. Until next time... |
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Post by BUCKY on Sept 18, 2019 13:20:43 GMT -6
I believe you can handle option 3. And if you need more markings, could you get some decal paper and copy what you already have?
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Post by RLFoster on Sept 18, 2019 13:39:08 GMT -6
Oh, I can definitely do the scratch-building, Bucky. Like I said, I was really hoping for an easier build for the next project. We'll see...I'm mulling things over.
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Post by ogrejohn on Sept 18, 2019 14:49:27 GMT -6
I'm not sure about the damage Robert. I'm only saying that because an explosion that would dislocate the roof would indeed have significant damage on the inside. Sighting equipment would likely be destroyed making the gun useless at any kind of range. I suppose you could bore sight for short ranges. I doubt it would be much use as a weapon. Maybe to be put in the blockade to help shore up the defenses. In any case, would they go to all the trouble to paint markings on a piece of junk used as filler? I'm thinking that the Warsaw uprising was a street fight and being a tank in the middle of it all would probably pick up some sort of debris from crashing around in the city. This stuff on top in the picture might just be debris. Just a theory of course.
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Post by RLFoster on Sept 18, 2019 15:40:19 GMT -6
Rather than go into typing up a long post outlining all my research and conclusions here are two websites that do a pretty good job. The first provides a very nice detailed account of the battle involving the Hetzers, how "CHWAT" was captured, it's various travels around the city, and it's ultimate fate. The second is the wiki page that shows all of the best photos - bottom of the page - which I am now 100% convinced collectively show the roof plate displaced (explosion in the crew compartment, possibly from a shell in the gun breech being a very possible cause). Tank EncyclopediaWiki Photos |
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Post by ogrejohn on Sept 19, 2019 2:55:19 GMT -6
I stand corrected. Model on.
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Post by RLFoster on Sept 19, 2019 3:25:39 GMT -6
That last post wasn't really directed at you, John. I see where it could have been seen that way...sorry about that. The post is really just a compilation of my continuing thought process and a general summing up of the situation.
Again, no insult intended...
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Post by RLFoster on Sept 19, 2019 8:37:10 GMT -6
Okay, after spending more time mulling over the situation while exercising this morning, I've decided to put this particular model on hold, but only for a short period of time. I'm simply moving it from "On The Bench" to the next model "On Deck". In the mean time, I think I've found an excellent substitution that has no aftermarket parts and will be built completely out of the box.
Stay tuned as this model should return to the bench in less than a month.
Until next time...
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Post by JCON on Sept 21, 2019 10:11:17 GMT -6
It will be an interesting build once it hits the bench Robert!!!  |
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