Jagdpanzer IV(A) - Dragon - Finished - 2/14/16

[afvfan]

Thanks for the suggestions, SMJ. I actually broke down and finally did a little much needed research on this beast.... something I wish I had done much earlier. Here are a couple pics from the one at Saumur (borrowed from the Maquetland.com website and modified by me):





Seems I messed up alot on the seams. First, as can be seen in the 2nd pic, the top seam is not totally flush with the back wall. If anything, the real problem is that the seam is too low (indicating a thicker top piece). To properly correct it the existing seam would need to be filled and rescribed higher, all the way around the top. Then many bolt heads would need to be added on the top plate since it was bolted on, and not welded. The other places where the work is needed are the interlock joints on the sides. The ones showing on the back wall aren't even hinted at on the kit, and the one showing on the side is too thick. Finally, there's a weld seam across the bottom by the intakes. With everything listed here to do it "right", I've decided it'd be in the best interest of my sanity to leave well enough alone and run with what I've got. I'll file all this away for the next time I tackle one of these.

{b]T[/b] also pointed out to me, and is backed up by the pics, that the tiedowns are placed too high. As fiddly as they are to work with, and their propensity of disappearing when you try, lead me to the conclusion that they're fine right where they're at.

[dierk]

The curse of the internet strikes again...things used to be so much simpler when all you had to go on were a few b/w pictures in a book. I totally understand your decision not to rip everything apart and start again.

[406 Silverado]

Looking good, love the battle damage.

[TRM]

There is that balance where the research does end allowing us to actually finish the models...LOL! Nice shot of the casmate joints. DML was a bit heavy on there mold, but with a nice coat of paint and some weathering, she still builds up into a fine model! Not too many folks would pick up on the handle placements...they serve the purpose of showing the detail sufficiently. Looking forward to the color flying around soon my friend! Enjoy!

[afvfan]

Dierk, it's only a curse if you try to use it after the fact.

Thanks Rob. I'm sure it brings back great memories of where you were at 25 years ago.

T - Appreciate the comments.

Minor update.... well the paint flew. I tried out a new mix for the basecoat. It looked pretty good in the bottle, but when it dried, the yellow sure came out. It looks like a 28 ton lemon! I'm going to have to mix up a different batch of paint and try it again. Hope I don't end up losing too many details. The thought of stripping it and starting over is giving me a migraine.

[Leon]

Bad news on the paint Bob! Hope the next session comes out better.

[SMJmodeler]

"With everything listed here to do it "right", I've decided it'd be in the best interest of my sanity to leave well enough alone and run with what I've got. I'll file all this away for the next time I tackle one of these." - afvfan

afvfan: Well said, excellent attitude.  I certainly wasn't trying to be a rivet counter...just offering some practical advice.

28 ton lemon!?, that would be a sight.  I hope that paint fix works out!  

[afvfan]

Thanks Leon. I redid the preshade today. Hope to spray color tomorrow.

Dec 28, 2015 10:32:34 GMT -5 SMJmodeler said:

afvfan: Well said, excellent attitude.  I certainly wasn't trying to be a rivet counter...just offering some practical advice.

Not to worry SMJ, like I said, you're comments are more than welcome. Never thought of it as a "rivet counting" thing. Even if it was, there's nothing wrong with offering the expertise. In this case, I was looking more at how much I'd have to disassemble to get to a point where I could implement the changes, than anything else.

[afvfan]

Mixed up a shade more to my liking today and laid down the base coat. Here's the results:

[tonylee-Rest In Peace]

[Deano]

Looks great buddy , keep it coming !!!

[wbill76]

It's always interesting to see the differences in the moldings on these older kits vs. the newer offering when it comes to details like those weld seams. I think you've made the right call when it comes to the state of things Bob, sometimes the sanity selection is the best of poor options! That 28-ton lemon comment really made me smile. Been there too! V2 in the basecoat looks a lot more inline with what you were probably shooting for the first time out.

[afvfan]

Tonylee - ? Too bright? j/k

Thanks Deano.

Bill - It all wouldn't have been a problem it I had thought it out and done a bit of research ahead of time. It'll all work out. I've got a Red Ryder in the corner that guarantees it!

V2 may be a little too light, but I'd rather start the weathering like that. As we all know, it's much easier to darken a finish than it is to lighten one that's too dark.

[dupes]

Nice progress! Love a good dunkel-scheme.

[afvfan]

Thanks Dupes.

[Leon]

Nice work on round 2 Bob!

[afvfan]

Appreciate it, Leon.

[pt109]

Quite an odd varient but yours looks good.....looking forward to paint.

Paul

[TRM]

Nice seeing the base down Bob!! Looks great!

[afvfan]

Paul and T - Thanks guys. I shot a clear coat on it, but then set her aside while I move back to my Char B project (which is just as challenging as I thought it would be).

[afvfan]

Finally got through the first stage of weathering on the beast. I ended up having to remove the skirt rails as they were just in the way on the process. Still got a ways to go, but it's looking better.

[Leon]

Nice start on the weathering Bob! Looking really good.

[dierk]

Very impressive start on the weathering Bob!

[vindicareassassin]

Lovely job so far, can't wait to see more!

[adt70hk]

Excellent job so far!! Keep it coming!!

[afvfan]

Appreciate the comments guys.

[deafpanzer]

Great weathering work on the beast!

[noname]

I'd say this is looking very good so far. look forward to more.

[Wes]

Wonderful stuff.

What have you used in the weathering process so far?

[Tojo72]

Looking real good Bob