StuG III F - DML - Finished w/ Minor Update 4/3/13

[afvfan]

Dupes and Tojo - Thanks for the comments. Yeah, this thing has kind of turned into the StuG poster child for unofficial added extras..... with a few more to come as I get closer to the finish.

[afvfan]

This is going to be the last "in progress" update. The logs have been redone, the stowage is in place, the mantlet tarp has been added, a cage has been added over the gunsite, and the vehicle numbers have been added. Except for the commander's binocular sight, the build is now complete. From here out, it's just a matter of the final dusting, some pigment additions, and a few trouble spots and touch-ups to take care of.

A semi-serious problem popped up after the pics were taken. The right track will not sit right. I normally build my track runs a link or two long so that I can add some sag in them, and do the entire run at one time. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I decided to try splitting the runs so I could paint the tracks fully off the tank. With a lack of clearance on the right side I had to leave the upper section fairly straight so I could remove and reinstall it. I figured I'd be able to add the sag after it had dried. I've found out that was easier said than done. After working with it about 90 minutes last night, I had to walk away. I'll get back on it when I finish this update.

Here's where it sits now. Excuse the overhead shot, the sun took the opportunity to mess with it by going behind a cloud.









If all goes well I'll be back with the finished photos in a few days.

[deafpanzer]

Your STuG is looking really great especially the stowage! Tarp looks pretty realistic... what did you use?

[bullardino]

I really like. All the stowage added makes it much more realistic.

[Leon]

Bob awesome job on the STuG.Really like the stowage.

[wbill76]

Nice update, looking forward to seeing the 'final' shots of this one!

[tonylee-Rest In Peace]

Me too

Tony lee

[bbd468]

She' lookin awesome Bob! Im diggin the whole thing and the stowage really takes it to another level. Very nice man!

Gary

[406 Silverado]

I'm digging that tarp as well. I sometime have issues with the tracks shrinking. Fit great before paint, but when I install the painted tracks they end up too short for some reason.

[hasenpfeffer]

Looks awesome, Bob. There is something about the StuG III F that I really love. These things are great too with all the opportunities for stowage and crew modifications. Pretty much limitless possibilities. You've taken full advantage of that and it really adds to this kit.

[bigjohn]

This makes me want to build a Stug!!!

[afvfan]

Thanks for all the kind comments guys.

Andy - High praise, indeed, from the current MoM winner!! Congrats on that. You earned it with that Tiger!!

Andy and Rob - as with my "old school" pencil chipping, I found that line of thought worked well for the tarp, too. After trying lead foil and Milliput, neither worked better than the good, old fashioned Kleenex fix. I cut the square I needed and painted one side with acrylics using some strokes straight out of the bottle and others with varied amounts of water. After giving it some drying time to where it was still flexible, but not able to transfer paint, I flipped the square over and formed it over the styrofoam pieces I had assembled to simulate cargo. The varied thinning of the paint had caused it to bleed through at different rates giving the faded look.

Rob - my problem was the track was about 3/4 of a link too long. After it sat for a couple days and fully cured the section was near impossible to form. I finally got the problem solved reasonably well last night, though it was a fight I never want to repeat!

Stowage commenters - this is one of the aforementioned areas yet to be detailed. Some of the pieces are done, but others still need their final detailing and washes before the dust coat is added.

[TRM]

Superb job on this one Bob!! Real pretty job there!!!

[deafpanzer]

Thanks for the great tip... gonna give it a try one day. Again great looking StuG! Jeez, I built two already and I am still always itchin' to build more...

[armorguy]

That's one bad a§§ mean machine ! The pic showing the sun bleached canvas cover...what a great detail !

[wbill76]

Mar 16, 2013 22:23:32 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

I'm digging that tarp as well. I sometime have issues with the tracks shrinking. Fit great before paint, but when I install the painted tracks they end up too short for some reason.

It can happen depending on the glue you're using. As it 'cures' it contracts, causing the tracks to shrink in the process. Fractions of mm per link add up!

[406 Silverado]

Never happens when I build wrecks tho..........LOLOLOL..........wonder why ??....LOL

[wing_nut]

I'll keep this simple... SA-WEET

[afvfan]

T - Thanks. Just think of it as the unofficial entry in Rob's and your's dual. That way neither one of you can lose!

Andy - the canvas painting is kind of a trial and error thing. Since you're actually putting the paint on what will be the back side, it's hard to judge how much is bleeding through. All you can do is check it and, if needed, add more paint. The trick is not to go too far. There's no going back.

AG and Marc - thanks for the comments.

Bill - short runs have never been a problem to me. I always plan a bit of sag in my tracks. If they shrink a little, I just get a little tighter track run ..... but thanks for bringing up the point of shrinkage. Some people may not have realized it happens at times.

MINOR UPDATE - Got the commander's scope fixed up and in place, the final dusting has been done, and I just sprayed the final dullcoat on
her. As an unusual aside for me, I've started working on a simple base for it. This one's going to the AMPS show in Atlanta next month, so a base is a necessary evil. I'll wait until it's complete before posting any more pics.

[wbill76]

Mar 20, 2013 21:43:51 GMT -5 afvfan said:

MINOR UPDATE - Got the commander's scope fixed up and in place, the final dusting has been done, and I just sprayed the final dullcoat on
her. As an unusual aside for me, I've started working on a simple base for it. This one's going to the AMPS show in Atlanta next month, so a base is a necessary evil. I'll wait until it's complete before posting any more pics.

Make sure you stop by and say hi in the vendor's area Bob, will be there in Atlanta with a table for Hobby Intel.

[afvfan]

Make sure you stop by and say hi in the vendor's area Bob, will be there in Atlanta with a table for Hobby Intel.

I'll make it a point to do so, Bill. I plan on getting down there sometime Friday. Other than doing a judging session either that afternoon, or Sat morning, I'll be free to wander.

[wbill76]

Mar 21, 2013 21:36:05 GMT -5 afvfan said:

Make sure you stop by and say hi in the vendor's area Bob, will be there in Atlanta with a table for Hobby Intel.

I'll make it a point to do so, Bill. I plan on getting down there sometime Friday. Other than doing a judging session either that afternoon, or Sat morning, I'll be free to wander.

Sounds like a good plan. I'll be there on Thursday for the set up, all day Friday, and through most of Saturday before hustling off to the airport to fly out. Look forward to seeing this one 'in the flesh'!

[afvfan]

Got the base done a couple days ago, but had to wait for Mr. Sunshine to make an appearance so I could get some photos. I kept it simple, wanting just something for the tank to be displayed on, but not cross into the realm of vignettes. All comments, especially criticisms, are appreciated. I know there's a hair too much sag in the left track. Unfortunately, without redoing the upper run, it's the best it's going to get. Here's the "finished" look:

[dupes]

Nothing wrong with the old Imperial Series kits if you treat 'em right. Great build! Gotta love a good StuG.

[Leon]

Nailed that one Bob.Nice work all around.

[tonylee-Rest In Peace]

Your base just added the cherry on top.

Real Nice
Tony lee

[wbill76]

Ditto to Uncle Tony! Came out looking good Bob.

[TRM]

Yup, the base is a treat!!! I think everything looks great as is! The sag?....I would leave it for conversation anyway! If asked tell them the adjustment for the left idler is busted! A real gem...well done!!

[multicam]

Nicely done, Bob! Great weathering and the base is cool. I really like how your eye is drawn around by all the variety of colors. Superb job:)

[afvfan]

Everyone - Thanks for all the comments. Next stop, the AMPS Nationals in Atlanta (after I go in and paint the tail light lens that I just noticed )

FYI for anyone interested - the base was made by stamping the cobblestone pattern in partially set modeling paste. After painting it, I added bits of broken and crushed concrete and brick, along with some "aged" wood for the rubble effect. Simple, yet effective.