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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 14, 2023 22:55:19 GMT -5
I have mentioned how great this RFM kit has been but there is just one small thing that I am not too crazy or impressed so far... the molded clasps on the tools and I hate those! Most kits offer both tools without clasps and molded clasps especially newer Dragon kits. Here's how it looks... too thick and tight.  Fortunately I already had this 3D printed clasps set from MJ Miniatures that I ordered directly from South Korea few years ago and I was anxious to use them finally!  They can be fragile when you try to cut it off the board. I find it helpful to use the mini saw instead of my Exacto knife to remove them carefully. Out of six clasps I only broke one but I got better hang of removing them without issues.  I was able to remove molded clasps off all tools except for one because the space was too tight so I tried to thin that molded clasp. Replaced the fire extinguisher with an aftermarket set too. Replaced molded clasp on the cleaning tube with PE clasps.   I think I am happy with the result now... thanks for looking! |
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jun 14, 2023 23:11:44 GMT -5
You’re a madman using those! The only thing worse is doing working PE tool clamps… 😵💫
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Post by Tobi on Jun 15, 2023 1:49:20 GMT -5
I'm not sure if PE is really worse. I'm always skeptical about 3d printed parts because I fear they're too brittle.
What's your impression Andy?
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jun 15, 2023 5:23:38 GMT -5
That really does add a whole new dimension and another layer of depth to this build Andy. I haven't used too many 3D printed parts yet except for the Kingfisher build that I've got going on but my experience with it so far has been pretty good.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 15, 2023 7:33:41 GMT -5
Thanks guys!!! Glad you liked them too.
I really tried to avoid using PE clasps but I had to use four for the cleaning tube and it wasn't that bad fortunately. Those PE clasps were just two pieces which I prefer than others that come in 3 or 4 pieces per clasp or you would have heard me cussing every available bad words everywhere!
How did I like those 3D printed clasps? I really like them a lot as I'd rather to use them over PE clasps for sure! I was surprised how tough they were when I tried to insert the tools inside. I broke only one because I didn't cut it off the base deep enough that the bottom part was too thin and it broke when I tried to insert the tool thru. And best thing they were cheap! I think I paid only $15-18 for the set and it will go a very long way to cover at least 10-12 kits!
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Post by chromdome35 on Jun 16, 2023 10:28:45 GMT -5
I love those clamps they look really nice. Thank you for making me aware of this vendor.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 16, 2023 10:37:12 GMT -5
I love those clamps they look really nice. Thank you for making me aware of this vendor. Anytime buddy! So it means you will buy me a drink if we ever get together, right?  |
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Post by chromdome35 on Jun 16, 2023 11:41:48 GMT -5
I will gladly buy you several beverages of your choosing.
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 16, 2023 11:57:38 GMT -5
I will gladly buy you several beverages of your choosing.  I hope you like bourbon as much as I do.  |
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jun 16, 2023 12:26:43 GMT -5
I will gladly buy you several beverages of your choosing. beware... we've seen the photos of him in Germany...  |
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Leon
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Post by Leon on Jun 16, 2023 15:48:02 GMT -5
Those clamps look really good buddy!
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adt70hk
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Post by adt70hk on Jun 16, 2023 18:22:42 GMT -5
Andy
Sorry got behind on this. That's really coming on very nicely and I love the clasps.
Keep up the good work.
Andrew
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Post by Tojo72 on Jun 16, 2023 19:00:25 GMT -5
Yeah,there's no way I can handle those PE clips,but the 3-D ones look good too.
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ogrejohn
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Post by ogrejohn on Jun 17, 2023 5:53:33 GMT -5
I'm liking those clamps Andy! Build is looking really good too!
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 20, 2023 9:16:11 GMT -5
Thanks guys!!! I think you will like those 3D printed clasps. I am so DONE dealing with PE clasps for the rest of my life now! LOL I finally found time to work on the Panther... sometimes RFM kit can be over engineered and I faced a fun challenge to build spare track racks dealing with extra PE work. Picture was taken before I glued PE chains to each locking bolts!  Now my Panther has nice BIG racks!  Tow cables are not glued down yet... just wanted to see how they go.  The rear is almost complete!  Next I get to work on the lower hull finally... thanks for looking! |
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Post by Tojo72 on Jun 20, 2023 9:19:44 GMT -5
You got a link to get those 3d clasps
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 20, 2023 10:29:13 GMT -5
You got a link to get those 3d clasps Sure, I had to order them directly from South Korea back in 2020 when they first came out and it took about three weeks for delivery. But good news Sprue Brothers now sell them! I hope Squadron and other retailers can sell them too. spruebrothers.com/search-results-page?q=mj%20miniaturesI also have sets for US tanks and even the slings for both German and US rifles too and they really look nice! |
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Post by Leon on Jun 20, 2023 15:45:10 GMT -5
You're making nice progress Andy!
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jun 20, 2023 16:06:13 GMT -5
You're a madman with all these tiny details! But man do they all look good!
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 20, 2023 20:02:52 GMT -5
You're making nice progress Andy! Thanks my friend! I am trying to get done as much as I can before upcoming trips. You're a madman with all these tiny details! But man do they all look good! Thanks Skit! I nearly lost my mind when the PE hangers won't stay glued to the rod. I hope there won't be much PE work for the rest of the build or I will end up in an asylum. |
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Post by deafpanzer on Jun 22, 2023 8:01:55 GMT -5
Trying to finish the building part before my upcoming trips... too bad with this nice kit by RFM I had to hide those nice details. I guess it wanted to give us options of the crew repairing the wheels.  Yes the upper and bottom hulls are finally glued together. If I had to build this again, I would have done this long time ago before adding the details. It was a nerve wreck holding them together with everything on and I am figuring out why RFM would use this unusual order.  The fit was almost perfect... I need to add a thin strip of styrene to cover the small gap here. 
Good news I prepared a very delicious hors d'oeuvre for you guys... wheels on the sticks! You better hurry and grab couple before our friend Leon eats them all!   Little more of building left and assembling those track links are next but I am afraid it won't be done til the July 4th weekend. |
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jun 22, 2023 8:38:26 GMT -5
I will say that RFM does have some rather unorthodox methods in their assembly patterns. Fantastic progress and great job on filling in that seam Andy.
Ahhhh everyone’s most fun part….roadwheels!!!
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Post by tcoat on Jun 22, 2023 8:52:31 GMT -5
Can that not be clamped and glued? By adding a strip you will move that beautifully molded weld oy by half a scale inch. |
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Post by tcoat on Jun 22, 2023 8:55:04 GMT -5
I will say that RFM does have some rather unorthodox methods in their assembly patterns. Fantastic progress and great job on filling in that seam Andy. Ahhhh everyone’s most fun part….roadwheels!!! After gluing approx. 100,830,268.5 fiddly little guide horns on the Meng kit tracks I am looking forward to some nice relaxing roadwheels! |
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stikpusher
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Post by stikpusher on Jun 22, 2023 9:56:24 GMT -5
Can that not be clamped and glued? By adding a strip you will move that beautifully molded weld oy by half a scale inch. I’d suggest using some stretched sprue or thin styrene rod in that gap. Douse that with some “hot” liquid cement and texture it to match the weld seam. |
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Post by Joe Rix on Jun 25, 2023 13:19:29 GMT -5
You are scooting right along there Andy. The full assembly looks smart. Looks as though folks have got your gap solution covered. And, yes Andy, your wheels look scrumptious.  |
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Post by adt70hk on Jul 2, 2023 2:40:46 GMT -5
Andy
That's coming on really nicely. Also very helpful for my JP build!
Keep up the good work.
Andrew
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Post by Leon on Jul 2, 2023 3:17:15 GMT -5
Really good progress buddy! Sorry no road wheels for me. Had my share already. |
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Post by Tojo72 on Jul 2, 2023 7:54:14 GMT -5
Your moving along nicely,the term I use is,"planting the roadwheel garden." Either way it's tedious,although the large Panther roadwheels aren't too bad to handle.
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Post by 406 Silverado on Jul 2, 2023 8:10:07 GMT -5
Your moving along nicely,the term I use is,"planting the roadwheel garden." Either way it's tedious,although the large Panther roadwheels aren't too bad to handle. This is some good progress alright. Haven't seen ol deafpanzer since last week on this one. Maybe he'll throw us an update on this. |
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