Dragons Panzer IV Ausf. J Late, Stoumont 1944 - 1st Tank

[outerlimtz]

I am calling this done before I really torture it. I have finally completed my first tank kit. Three months to build it, off and on. A lot of time spent watching YouTube videos, build days Eric's place. Not to mention, waiting for supplies I don't need for auto builds! 

I ended up going with Rye Field workable link tracks since the links that came with the kit kept falling apart. To be honest, it took me 4 1/2 hours yesterday to assemble and paint them. But it was well worth the time compared to the time and lost patience of the kit tracks.

It's no show queen, but I will proudly display this one on my shelf amongst my cars.

i finished today up by adding a bit more rust effect around some edges. Took a #2 pencil and gently highlighted some areas where both the paint and primer would have been worn through to show the steel. I do need to paint the 4 pins I put into the track when I did the final assembly still. Also fixed the figures faces best I could.


EDIT:
There is a 5 part walk through?, kinda that I wrote as I was building this.

















Overall, I am happy how this turned out with it being the first of most likely many to come, if Eric has his way about it.   I do have a Stug to build as well as a Panther. Plus I am looking at possibly a half track right now.

I have been blogging my builds so I will get that written up sometime today if you interested in my process, thoughts on this.

[lyle]

That is a real looker! Love the weathering. Crew is perfect for the setting.

[jester75]

Way to get this one across the finish line dude! I know firsthand the challenges you dealt with, from the tracks disintegrating to Dragon instructions that read clear as mud. I think this is an excellent first attempt at armor which is quite a leap from what you have been building not to mention it's a 3-tone German scheme WITH schurzen to boot!!! There is no question that this is the first of many as there is no escaping the darkside once you cross over. Now get busy on the next one and post pics!  I'm thinking one controversial Stoumont Panther might be in order... 

[outerlimtz]

Mar 24, 2024 11:51:46 GMT -5 jester75 said:

There is no question that this is the first of many as there is no escaping the darkside once you cross over. 

OH how I despise you. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Think the Stugg is next. Research is done on the panther, but I need to work on weathering and chipping. 

[jester75]

Mar 24, 2024 12:15:42 GMT -5 outerlimtz said:

Mar 24, 2024 11:51:46 GMT -5 jester75 said:

There is no question that this is the first of many as there is no escaping the darkside once you cross over. 

OH how I despise you. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Think the Stugg is next. Research is done on the panther, but I need to work on weathering and chipping. 

Wait, hold up, another classic Dragon kit AND aftermarket photoetch?!?!?! I bear no responsiblity for any personal injury, harm caused to others, or utter chaos and destruction that may or may not follow!

[outerlimtz]

Mar 24, 2024 12:35:27 GMT -5 jester75 said:

Mar 24, 2024 12:15:42 GMT -5 outerlimtz said:

OH how I despise you. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Think the Stugg is next. Research is done on the panther, but I need to work on weathering and chipping. 

Wait, hold up, another classic Dragon kit AND aftermarket photoetch?!?!?! I bear no responsiblity for any personal injury, harm caused to others, or utter chaos and destruction that may or may not follow!

Might as well go big or go home!

[buddho]

Truly, a great finish and to be your first armour ups the ante quite a bit. Looking forward to more in future.

[kyledehart5]

Fantastic finish on this one!! I haven’t built a tank yet myself but if my first one were to turn out even halfway as nice as this I’d be very pleased. Awesome job!!

[deafpanzer]

It really came out as your first build and you should be pleased with the result! I really like the camo work on it. Keep building!!

[handiabled]

I agree with everyone you should definitely build more armor! The camo and weathering look wonderful

[chromdome35]

This looks great, especially for your first armor build!!

So now that you have completed your first armor build, how would you contrast the build experience vs car building?

[outerlimtz]

Mar 25, 2024 9:28:16 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

This looks great, especially for your first armor build!!

So now that you have completed your first armor build, how would you contrast the build experience vs car building?

They share their similarities in some aspects. Being the first using an old dragon kit, the instructions weren't overly clear. Kind of felt like bad AMT molds. 
Unlike the car building, with the armor, small mistakes can be covered up. The kit went together a lot more easily than most cars and the part detailing definitely is 100 times better than most cars.

That said, I think the hair raising aspect for each is the same. The paint. You never know how well the paint will act with the primer, how the clear coat will act with the paint, etc. Despite doing it 100 times.

I will say I really enjoyed the build. And I will be doing more.

[chromdome35]

Mar 25, 2024 19:27:00 GMT -5 outerlimtz said:

Mar 25, 2024 9:28:16 GMT -5 chromdome35 said:

This looks great, especially for your first armor build!!

So now that you have completed your first armor build, how would you contrast the build experience vs car building?

They share their similarities in some aspects. Being the first using an old dragon kit, the instructions weren't overly clear. Kind of felt like bad AMT molds. 
Unlike the car building, with the armor, small mistakes can be covered up. The kit went together a lot more easily than most cars and the part detailing definitely is 100 times better than most cars.

That said, I think the hair raising aspect for each is the same. The paint. You never know how well the paint will act with the primer, how the clear coat will act with the paint, etc. Despite doing it 100 times.

I will say I really enjoyed the build. And I will be doing more.

Thank you for the feedback. +1