bbrowniii
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If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
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Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jun 25, 2023 18:26:34 GMT -5
Agreed. These Tamiya kits are awesome.
I'll admit, the metal lower hull is a bit of a pita, but the kit overall is really great to build.
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bbrowniii
Full Member
Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jun 25, 2023 18:28:12 GMT -5
Excellent progress Boyd. Your wheel and track technique seems to have worked very well. Although I have some Quick Tracks for my Panther, I am noting your technique for my future 1/48 builds. Loe the wiring on the smoke generators. I'm still on the fence whether I am going all out on the texturing but yours looks great. The armored car is choice bro. Thanks man! I'll admit, I was not committed to the texturing on the mantlet, but was kind of force into it by Tamiya's molding of it. But, I have to say, it was an EASY fix. Literally put some TET on, hit it with a semi-stiff brush, and you are golden. Easy peasy. |
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Post by Tobi on Jun 25, 2023 23:27:05 GMT -5
Being late for the party I have to say all these tiny modifications really make the difference.
If I'm correct the company Hauler had a photo-etched set in 1/48 for the Panther, maybe there was even something from Voyager available.
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bbrowniii
Full Member
Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jun 26, 2023 11:57:42 GMT -5
Being late for the party I have to say all these tiny modifications really make the difference. If I'm correct the company Hauler had a photo-etched set in 1/48 for the Panther, maybe there was even something from Voyager available. I bet Hauler does. I have an update set from them for a 1/48 Tiger, so I would not be surprised to find a Panther set. But, I'm not going down that rabbit hole!   |
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reserve
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Si vis pacem para bellum
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Jul 11, 2012 9:11:45 GMT -5
Jul 11, 2012 9:11:45 GMT -5
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Post by reserve on Jun 27, 2023 20:31:32 GMT -5
All the little extras can add up big. I, for one, applaud your reluctance to go with a PE set...it's bad enough in 1/35
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Post by hasenpfeffer on Jul 1, 2023 6:20:08 GMT -5
OK, some more progress today... and my first major "gripe" with this Tamiya kit. ... Then it was on to the gun and mantlet: Here is where the problem lies. The mantlet has a cast texture to it. However, (I'm not sure how well you can see it in the pic), on both sides - around the co-ax MG and around the periscopes, there are two circles in the plastic (ejector pins? They are pretty big so not sure what they actually are). The circles themselves are slightly raised and, within them, the cast texture is completely different from the rest of the mantlet.  So, out come the sanding sticks. My plan is to sand it smooth and to apply thinned tamiya putty to recreate the cast texture. I'll admit to being a little apprehensive - I've done this before (with limited success) in 1/35th. I hope I can make it subtle enough in 1/48th. Looking very good so far, Boyd! I really like the detail you're putting into it. I'm gonna add this as FYI for you and the group. I have to admit that when I first read your post I was thinking "damn, that sucks!" Anyway, while perusing the sprues of my Ausf D I came across my mantlet (choices) and... say what!?!  The casting marks are even more prominent. Which of course lead me to believe they were there intentionally. A result of the casting/manufacturing process. I'll have to do more reading to figure out the what/why/where/how stuff. But there it is.  The good news is that there is no need to wring your hands over your build as the mantlet could be either way (if you are the type that frets these things...) Anyway, just a little tidbit for you and the group. |
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jul 1, 2023 7:21:52 GMT -5
OK, some more progress today... and my first major "gripe" with this Tamiya kit. ... Then it was on to the gun and mantlet: Here is where the problem lies. The mantlet has a cast texture to it. However, (I'm not sure how well you can see it in the pic), on both sides - around the co-ax MG and around the periscopes, there are two circles in the plastic (ejector pins? They are pretty big so not sure what they actually are). The circles themselves are slightly raised and, within them, the cast texture is completely different from the rest of the mantlet. So, out come the sanding sticks. My plan is to sand it smooth and to apply thinned tamiya putty to recreate the cast texture. I'll admit to being a little apprehensive - I've done this before (with limited success) in 1/35th. I hope I can make it subtle enough in 1/48th. Looking very good so far, Boyd! I really like the detail you're putting into it. I'm gonna add this as FYI for you and the group. I have to admit that when I first read your post I was thinking "damn, that sucks!" Anyway, while perusing the sprues of my Ausf D I came across my mantlet (choices) and... say what!?! The casting marks are even more prominent. Which of course lead me to believe they were there intentionally. A result of the casting/manufacturing process. I'll have to do more reading to figure out the what/why/where/how stuff. But there it is. The good news is that there is no need to wring your hands over your build as the mantlet could be either way (if you are the type that frets these things...) Anyway, just a little tidbit for you and the group. Man that's crazy!! When I first saw that mantlet I thought to myself......"You gotta be kiddin' me!!! A frickin' injector mark on each side??!!" And then I saw the reference shot and relaxed some. That's some good detail OOB. |
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Post by Leon on Jul 1, 2023 7:41:33 GMT -5
That does look odd!
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bbrowniii
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Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jul 5, 2023 8:10:12 GMT -5
OK, some more progress today... and my first major "gripe" with this Tamiya kit. ... Then it was on to the gun and mantlet: Here is where the problem lies. The mantlet has a cast texture to it. However, (I'm not sure how well you can see it in the pic), on both sides - around the co-ax MG and around the periscopes, there are two circles in the plastic (ejector pins? They are pretty big so not sure what they actually are). The circles themselves are slightly raised and, within them, the cast texture is completely different from the rest of the mantlet. So, out come the sanding sticks. My plan is to sand it smooth and to apply thinned tamiya putty to recreate the cast texture. I'll admit to being a little apprehensive - I've done this before (with limited success) in 1/35th. I hope I can make it subtle enough in 1/48th. Looking very good so far, Boyd! I really like the detail you're putting into it. I'm gonna add this as FYI for you and the group. I have to admit that when I first read your post I was thinking "damn, that sucks!" Anyway, while perusing the sprues of my Ausf D I came across my mantlet (choices) and... say what!?! The casting marks are even more prominent. Which of course lead me to believe they were there intentionally. A result of the casting/manufacturing process. I'll have to do more reading to figure out the what/why/where/how stuff. But there it is. The good news is that there is no need to wring your hands over your build as the mantlet could be either way (if you are the type that frets these things...) Anyway, just a little tidbit for you and the group. Holy cow! I had no idea!! Well, kudos to Tamiya for getting that (odd) detail so accurate! |
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bbrowniii
Full Member
Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jul 6, 2023 20:02:21 GMT -5
Of course, now I'm the dummy for going to all that effort before I checked myself...
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Post by hasenpfeffer on Jul 6, 2023 20:16:35 GMT -5
Of course, now I'm the dummy for going to all that effort before I checked myself... Nah, you're still fine. Like I mentioned in my post, could be either way. I don't know the timing or frequency of the example I provided. |
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bbrowniii
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Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jul 6, 2023 20:44:46 GMT -5
Of course, now I'm the dummy for going to all that effort before I checked myself... Nah, you're still fine. Like I mentioned in my post, could be either way. I don't know the timing or frequency of the example I provided. I know... I'm just busting my own balls... I do appreciate the photo. Makes me want to build another one of these! |
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Joe Rix
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Post by Joe Rix on Jul 6, 2023 21:11:47 GMT -5
That is some really interesting information and reference as well. I'm curious as to how that particular feature occurred. Thanks for the excellent photo Dave. There's other features in that pic that prove rather helpful.
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Post by hasenpfeffer on Jul 6, 2023 21:23:21 GMT -5
Nah, you're still fine. Like I mentioned in my post, could be either way. I don't know the timing or frequency of the example I provided. I know... I'm just busting my own balls... I do appreciate the photo. Makes me want to build another one of these! Ya know, New Year's is a long way off! LOL |
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jul 6, 2023 21:26:47 GMT -5
I know... I'm just busting my own balls... I do appreciate the photo. Makes me want to build another one of these! Ya know, New Year's is a long way off! LOL I want to egg him on but I've gotta resist.  I've already chidded Boyd about going all out on detail.  |
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bbrowniii
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Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Jul 8, 2023 12:49:08 GMT -5
Ya know, New Year's is a long way off! LOL I want to egg him on but I've gotta resist. I've already chidded Boyd about going all out on detail. Egg away. I can take it! |
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Post by dupes on Jul 14, 2023 19:22:35 GMT -5
Where are you at with this thing? Mine still sits in the "built waiting for paint" stage. 😔
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jul 22, 2023 8:15:24 GMT -5
I want to egg him on but I've gotta resist. I've already chidded Boyd about going all out on detail. Egg away. I can take it! Looking forward to seeing what you've got for us on this beauty Boyd.  |
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bbrowniii
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If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
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Post by bbrowniii on Aug 8, 2023 21:22:32 GMT -5
Hey guys!
Sorry for the long absence. Got busy with some summer projects and then went away with the family for two weeks.
No pics to share, but I am at the painting stage. Tomorrow, I plan to shoot a coat of primer and get moving on that stage of the build!
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Post by 406 Silverado on Aug 9, 2023 6:12:25 GMT -5
Hey guys! Sorry for the long absence. Got busy with some summer projects and then went away with the family for two weeks. No pics to share, but I am at the painting stage. Tomorrow, I plan to shoot a coat of primer and get moving on that stage of the build! No worries Boyd, summer tends to pull us in all different directions and it's great to hear that you're spending time with the family. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what you've got in store for us since the last update. Glad you're back man. |
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Joe Rix
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Post by Joe Rix on Aug 9, 2023 11:00:47 GMT -5
I am looking forward to some progress on your Panther Boyd. I’m getting close to throwing primer on my 1/48.
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bbrowniii
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If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
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Post by bbrowniii on Aug 12, 2023 8:53:43 GMT -5
OK.... update time.... I got primer on the Panther. That means, absent a few odds and ends, I'm ready to move on to base painting.  I did make one other minor tweak... I couldn't get over how out of scale the string looked for the tow cables, so I took some thin copper wire and spun it together to make something a little closer to scale (I hope).  And last but not least, I face that inevitable dilemma that comes with most Tamiya armor - the engine grills on the rear of the hull are complete see through. Now, if this was straight OOB, it wouldn't matter, and at this late stage, I'm not sure I have the f&$ks to give about it, but when I was applying the primer, it was really hard to not see how empty they look beneath. I think I'll just hose the inside of the metal hull down with some black paint and leave it... but it will gnaw at me.   |
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Post by chromdome35 on Aug 12, 2023 8:59:41 GMT -5
Thats coming along nicely, yea I would spray the interior black under those grills.
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bbrowniii
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Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Aug 12, 2023 10:17:06 GMT -5
Thats coming along nicely, yea I would spray the interior black under those grills. Yep. Easiest solution. |
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Post by 406 Silverado on Aug 12, 2023 16:27:38 GMT -5
Can't say I blame you on the black under the grills either Boyd. Those tow cables look the part man.  Great to see you back at this one.  |
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Post by Tojo72 on Aug 12, 2023 18:05:46 GMT -5
It lives !!! Good to see some progress.
But still got over 4 months to go
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Joe Rix
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Post by Joe Rix on Aug 13, 2023 17:51:29 GMT -5
Refreshing to see you back at it Boyd. Primer job looks good. I suppose I should consider the black primer route.  I. like you, was not happy with the string tow cables. I went the after market option. I'll have pics of those soon. But, yours are a vast improvement. You just had to point out the empty space below the grills. Since I have not primered my Panther yet, that had not become obvious. Also given that I have PE mesh on mine will help. Nonetheless, since you pointed that out I have since picked mine up to consider options. Actually, thank you for pointing this out. Your 1/48 is looking great. |
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reserve
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Si vis pacem para bellum
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Jul 11, 2012 9:11:45 GMT -5
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Post by reserve on Aug 13, 2023 22:03:51 GMT -5
I'd not get too nervous over the grills; black paint in the hull will work just fine, once you get the engine hatch and turret on no light's gonna get in anyway.
Nice work
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Post by kyledehart5 on Aug 15, 2023 5:44:42 GMT -5
Nice work!
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bbrowniii
Full Member
Member since: March 2012
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate.
Posts: 1,238
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
Mar 25, 2012 22:08:04 GMT -5
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Post by bbrowniii on Sept 2, 2023 21:56:34 GMT -5
Hey all, Another update... I feel like I've been doing a fair bit on this, but have little to show for it. But, some of the things I have done: -The suspension! I have to admit, gluing the suspension and making it one piece kind of stressed me out... but then I took a "I have no f&#ks to give" approach and just went for it. I sprayed the tracks with AK's Dark Tracks, then I sprayed the wheels in Tamiya's dark yellow (XF-88) without being too concerned with overspray. After I brush painted the wheels with the AK Rubber/Tires and, overall, I felt like I had a good start. And then... disaster... Well, not disaster but definitely an "Oh fuuuuuu*#" moment. I have had this jar of acrylic rust wash (don't ask me the origin) on my bench for.... years... So my thought process was, "I'll just use this to have a subtle rust layer to do other weathering over". The problem is, I never considered that in those years, the carrier (whatever thinner I had used on this particular acrylic wash) had evaporated, leaving me with WAYYY more paint, and less thinner, than I anticipated. The result (which I apologize for not taking pics of) were so VERY red/pink tracks, to the point that capillary action had carried it up to the side of the wheels in several place. I was.... well, let's say I needed to walk around the house a few times to simmer down.. However, a few washes of raw umber, thinned with Mona Lisa thinners seemed to get that all under control and I could breath easy. Soooo... after that crisis was averted, I decided to channel my inner "Uncle Night Shift" and spray a mix of Tamiya flat brown and flat black, heavily thinned with MLT (like, 90:10) over the details of the model as a sort of "airbrush wash". I'm pretty happy with the results, which are sort of visible in this pic:  Tomorrow (Sunday the 3rd of September) I plan to go over the yellow with a lighter shade to call out some details, and then apply the brown and green camo. So... that is where I am currently at. Happy to answer any questions or hear any critiques. |
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