Build Log 2 - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Construction has continued as per instructions after completion of the Verlinden interior. Most parts have gone together well. Now on to priming, wheels and hatches left off for easier painting, and due to the fact that I want to leave some hatches open. All opening were stuffed with kleenex, to avoid paint spray from getting to the finished interior. The model will now receive a coat of Tamiya Fine Primer, and get ready for paint. First color with be Tamiya German Grey, then followed by a winter paint scheme. I will detail the winter white in a future post.

Build Log - Dragon Panzer IV Ausf G

Well above is the start of my Panzer IV Ausf G. It is a nice kit from Dragon, good detail, some PE parts and Magic Track. I wanted to keep most of the hatches open, so I added the interior detail from Verlinden. The Verlinden kit is a resin kit, but lacks any real instructions. I have had to use a lot of reference material for the interior. The interior has gone together quite well. All resin pieces were washed using Sunlight dishsoap and water. I used a thin and medium CA for the assembly. With most parts in, except the engine sub-assembly, I coated with Tamiya Fine Primer. The interior was then airbrushed with Vallejo Air, Hemp, oversprayed with Tamiya white for the light colors, and Vallejo Air Hull Red and Oxide (mixed 50/50) for the primer color. The light area wash then given a wash with Mig Cold Grey Wash. The engine and gear box, and other detail was then handed painted with Vallejo paints. The engine and gear box where then given a wash of Mig Dark Wash, and a little dry brushing.

It should be noted that the Dragon instructions are not all that great, for example, the breach assembly is shown to go on upside down. So remember to dry fit as you go, and look at any reference shots as you go.

Next step is to move on to the exterior.

Humber Completed

Well I finally finished my Humber. This was a great kit to build, I really enjoyed it.

New Work Space

Well after some negotiations with the landlord(wife) and chief financial officer(wife, again) I have a new modelling workspace. It may have delayed some of the projects I am working on, but I like my new space, it is clean and efficient. The furniture is from Ikea, not all that expensive, but very functionable. I have also put shelf in closet of room to hold models waiting to be build, and I am still having to do my airbrushing in the basement, but I have a relatively large spray booth, and it is not that big of a deal.

Now back to modelling.

Build Log - Trumpeter LAV-III

I finally cracked the box of my LAV-III. I have admired the kit in my stash for sometime, I think because of the huge number parts. First inspection show a lot of molded detail, and a great looking kit, rubber wheel, and 6, yes SIX, PE sprues. I started construction following the instructions, which are quite easy to follow. Very well layout and clear. So far all parts are going together well, I have found a few pieces with flash and a few with injector marks that have to be filled. The running gear underneath went with no hitches, little bit of putty on the rear suspension. The rear deck again, no issue, clean up some flash, fill some marks, and CA on the PE parts. I have just started the top, and will update as I progress.

On my Workbench - Build log

Well been doing a little work here and there.

My Humber is nearing completion, painted and weathered. The model was painted using Testor Military Masters Olive Drab, airbrushed, then different types of weathering to bring out the final finish. I applied an oil dot filter with blue and yellow, following by some pin washing using Mig Dark Wash. I then used a fine brush and silver pencil crayon to add some scuffing. Pastel powder was used to add dirt and dust. All sealed with Testors Flat clear spray.

As for my Bf 110D, most of the construction is complete. I have found the instructions very poor in terms of part numbers, I had to carefully pull some pieces apart and re-glue, this is especially true, when they indicate to make two of the same piece. I worked through it, and and a little putty, am now ready for primer.

Bf 110D-3 - Build Log 1

Well I have started on my CyberHobby WingTech (Dragon) 1/48 Bf 110D-3. Upon opening the box I was in awe with the amount of pieces. The kit contains photo etched, as well as good cockpit, gun bay, and engine details. The instructions looked well laid out.

So on with the build. I started with the cockpit, straight forward, and pieces fit well. One issue was the pieces that mount the magazines to the 20mm cannons(F11) were not on the sprue, not in the bag, and not in the box. Upon examining the sprue, it looks like an issue with the molding process. I just scratch build(carved) a couple more, and moved on. Photo etched seat belts were bent and glued into place with CA. Cockpit was airbrushed with a dark grey, then weather with a silver pencil crayon, black was, and dry brushing with lighter shades of grey.

Fitting the cockpit into the fuselage was a little tricky, fit not perfect. I would suggest to glue the sides of the cockpit walls on just before you mount in fuselage, so there is a little play in the glue to get a good fit.

The forward gun bays went together very well, no issue. As the included engines. It should be note that they do give you two engines, but they are from the same molds, thus the piping and all are on the same side for both engines, this becomes an issue when mating up to the firewalls, one fits good, the other is backwards. Since I only plan at showing off on engine, it was not a problem for me.

One to right wing. The instructions for the engine nacelle lists the wrong pieces, so be careful and dry fit as you go. Also, there is a major issue with mounting the nacelle, wheel well; the upper half of the wing was a little warped and there was some fit issues. A few clamps and tape and I will let you know how it went next update, as it is drying as I type this.