|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 2, 2020 8:29:53 GMT -6
For my next build (as I said before) I want to go with something from one of the allied sides, purely out of the box, and relatively quick. While this particular kit has significantly more parts than some other options, I've always wanted to build one of these early war Soviet monster tanks:
While both the build and finishing time will likely be longer, I'm really looking forward to doing this in a true winter camouflage scheme with significant damage and weathering. Hopefully, things work out with this build a little better than my last effort.
Until next time...
|
|
|
Post by JCON on Sept 2, 2020 8:58:40 GMT -6
Looks like fun...
|
|
|
Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 2, 2020 10:32:25 GMT -6
Haven't seen a T-28 build in quite awhile. I'm in.
|
|
|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 2, 2020 11:19:40 GMT -6
Well! Talk about pleasant surprises. The earlier of my two appointments for today got cancelled which gave me the opportunity to start tinkering around with this build. Not really starting, just checking out parts, planning out options, etc. First, I pulled out the upper and lower hulls and set them up next to a completed German Tiger I: As you can see, even though it is classified as a medium tank, this thing was significantly longer than the heavy German tank, although it was a bit narrower. Even without the road wheels or tracks, the upper hull deck height is almost as tall as well. This is one big beast! Then I pulled out the instructions (which were on the very bottom of the box) to look at the construction steps. Bearing in mind that I paid only $23 for this kit many years ago, imagine my surprise at seeing this after opening the instructions: Not only does the model have a complete interior gun breach, but also a complete drivers area, engine and engine bay, transmission, and individual turret baskets under all three turrets!!! There are also a few other interior parts that will allow me to not only leave a couple, but the vast majority of the hatches and access panels open on the model. Talk about finding a bonus! Anyway, now I'm even happier with my choice and look forward to getting this going. I might get a few things cleaned or glued today, but I still have an afternoon appointment today and my postponed morning appointment will be tomorrow. Real progress won't get going for a couple days yet. Until next time...
|
|
|
Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 2, 2020 11:39:40 GMT -6
So much for simple.
|
|
|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 2, 2020 11:58:18 GMT -6
So much for simple.
Yes, not quite as simple, but the "fun factor" just jumped up considerably!
|
|
|
Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 2, 2020 12:54:55 GMT -6
You do it so well, can't wait to see you work your magic.
|
|
|
Post by JCON on Sept 2, 2020 14:27:30 GMT -6
Will be awesome!!!
|
|
|
Post by Dukemaddog on Sept 3, 2020 12:37:36 GMT -6
Awesome surprise Robert! I've got one of these in 1/72 scale in progress, but sitting in limbo right now. I lost the two small turrets. Once I find them, I'll be able to finish mine. Meanwhile, I'll be watching this one closely as I love seeing your models come together.
|
|
|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 5, 2020 14:08:59 GMT -6
Glad to see the regular crew checking in. Maybe I can draw a few more over the next few weeks. After about a day and a half of work thus far, I've basically completed all of the major internal assemblies that aren't associated with the turrets or the main gun. The first two steps in the instructions had me build up the engine and the transmission. The assemblies were very straight forward, the fit was adequate (but not perfect), and the individual parts were fairly well molded. The only parts with issues were the manifold covers which needed some minor putty action. Here's a photo showing where these parts will sit in the completed build with the engine firewall in place: The next step was to assemble the very spartan, but also adequate, front driver's compartment. As you can see from this photo, it only includes the centrally located driver's seat and the two smaller seats for each of the two machine gunners who operate the front MG turrets: I also put together the drive sprocket clutch assemblies and a couple other parts that completed the fourth step. This leaves just nine steps in the instructions, so if anything, the build is progressing even faster than I had anticipated. Hope you like it. Until next time...
|
|
|
Post by JCON on Sept 5, 2020 14:36:10 GMT -6
Nice start!!!
|
|
|
Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 5, 2020 17:25:33 GMT -6
Big motar!
|
|
|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 6, 2020 11:43:24 GMT -6
Not a huge update today as I'm dragging a little bit. Today I managed to get the sides and firewall installed in the lower hull. Then I taped everything off and applied white primer to the entire interior. Since matte white is the finished color, I applied a coat of clear lacquer over the top and that will serve as the painting of the interior surfaces: Then I went ahead and primed the three interior assemblies. The driver's compartment was again primed in white while the engine and transmission were primed in black: I probably won't get a lot more accomplished today and tomorrow I need to help my Mom out with some stuff at her house. Until next time...
|
|
|
Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 6, 2020 11:44:57 GMT -6
Progress is progress. Lookin good Robert.
|
|
|
Post by Dukemaddog on Sept 6, 2020 14:17:47 GMT -6
Every little bit help Robert; You done good. We can wait while you take care of Mom, family comes first always.
|
|
|
Post by JCON on Sept 7, 2020 9:06:07 GMT -6
Glad you still have Mom around to help out! Both my parents are gone but I have Reds around to help out... was at Dad's yesterday!
|
|
|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 7, 2020 10:32:53 GMT -6
Glad you still have Mom around to help out! Both my parents are gone but I have Reds around to help out... was at Dad's yesterday! Yes, I know I'm fortunate. My Mom's 79th birthday is the 9th and I'll be taking her out to dinner. My Dad's still around as well (they divorced in 1976) and turned 81 this year.
|
|
|
Post by RLFoster on Sept 7, 2020 10:53:57 GMT -6
Okay, I know I said I wanted to do a quick and easy build. I know I said out of the box. However, you guys know me...I can't leave well enough alone. As I progressed with Step 5 in the instructions I attached one of the side sponsons which encases all of the suspension. In fact on this build, there is no suspension to assemble since it's all hidden. This is what the right side likes like with the sponson attached: It looks adequate -- in fact it looks quite nice. Far better than I thought it would look before opening the box. However, several online period photos show that the lower flaps on the sponson were frequently damaged or missing (perhaps removed after damage). This is particularly true of the forward flap, probably from driving through heavy mud or hitting debris. So, out came a straight razor blade! After about 30 minutes of careful cutting and sanding, the front flap on the left side was removed as were the hinges that attached it to the sponson: Being happy with the look, I needed to add three brackets that the missing flap was bolted to. Thankfully, the model's very rudimentary supports are located perfectly where these bracket should be. All I needed to do was shave back the flanges the thickness of the plastic I was using, cut the plastic to size, and glue the three brackets into place: When I dry-fit the left side sponson, I could see the brackets were just a millimeter or so too long: After trimming back the brackets, I attached the sponson and this is the final result: Overall, I'm happy with the look and think it will add interest to the build above and beyond an "undamaged" build. Hopefully, you agree. As I said, this completes Step 5 in the build. Steps 6 through 10 are ALL dedicated to the various turrets on this thing. However, I might change the order and move on to Steps 11 through 13 which focus on the upper hull. I'll decide later...right now I need a beer! Until next time...
|
|
|
Post by dogfish7 (R.I.P.) on Sept 7, 2020 12:52:44 GMT -6
Who knew, right?
|
|
|
Post by JCON on Sept 7, 2020 13:29:51 GMT -6
I like the added touch!!!
|
|