Model Kit Builder » Tanks

Waiting for paint: Sd.Kfz. 167 “Sturmgeschütz IV”

Klaus Weitzel — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:38:03 +0000

The pre-assembly of the model is finished, no it is waiting for a decent paint job.

Left side of the tank

front view

There are a couple of issues with the kit which, if it’s supposed to be a realistic model, need to be “covered up”. As example top hatch for the machine gun position. The opening would need to be turned by 90 degrees for this model or covered up.

right side view

and rear view

Sd.Kfz. 167 “Sturmgeschütz IV” in 1:72 by Trumpeter

Klaus Weitzel — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:09:31 +0000

You have seen the box art already in my previous post, here you’ll find just a little round up of the different part sprues. For ease of production it seems that Trumpeter is giving you more parts than needed, see for example the wheels. During the build you need 18 but 24 are supplied. Additionally you’ll find that there are a couple of parts defined as “unused parts” by Trumpeter already in the instructions.

All the parts together on one pile

The loose parts

In general the parts are grouped together in a way that you only need to open 1 bag of parts to complete the different assemblies like chassis, hull or drive train. Consider the additional parts as goodies for your parts box or to decorate a little diorama.

Main traction wheel parts, twice the same

loads of wheels ... more than you need

In general the quality of the kit and the parts seem much better the the Revell / Matchbox T-80 B kit that I have started but more on that once I started building (which I did already …).

Upper hull assembly

Turet and guns

Now to me there is only one question left … build it completely like the T-80 and then paint it or paint the parts first and then assemble it.

New Aquisitions – Trumpeter Triplets in 1:72

Klaus Weitzel — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:01:55 +0000

When I saw the prices of these three 1:72 scale Trumpeter kits I just had to get them. That’s why I call them the “Trumpeter Triplets”. As first one I have a M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, then a Sd.Kfz. 182 “King Tiger” with Porsche Turret and a Sd.Kfz. 167 “Sturmgeschütz IV”

All 3 of the Trumpeter Triplets

M2A2 "Bradley" IFV

The Bradley was the one I initially wanted because I read a review in a German modeller magazine called “Modell Fan” which unfortunately is going to stop going into print. I’ll have to find a different one I guess. What I liked about it is that it had “no restrictions about scale or topic” (you know that line, don’t you?). The other 2 I got because with the price it wasn’t worth paying the shipping for a single model. At the end, after having seen them, I don’t regret having bought them!

Sd.Kfz. 182 "King Tiger" with Porsche Turret

Sd.Kfz. 167 "Sturmgeschütz IV"

Assembly finished for now on the T-80 B

Klaus Weitzel — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:12:39 +0000

But the main parts (chassis, body, turret and then some) are not fixed together. Just one remark for now … enjoy the images. Painting will commence at a later stage when I have the compressor for the airbrushes and some decent colours … maybe you would like to suggest some?

The main components have been assembled ...

... and are now erady for painting.

The turret must be the part where I had to ...

... invest most time into ...

... to get it sort of decent.

But I have to admit: The chains of the T-80 B ...

... have been the most horrible of jobs ...

... at least it currently looks like.

First steps on the T-80 B

Klaus Weitzel — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:22:43 +0000

Like I promised, here are the first of the construction images of the T-80 B. I started with the assembly and mock up of the turret and turret details. As you can see already, the fit of the parts is not the best. This continues around the front (gun) and rear as well. There is going to be quite a lot of filling sanding involved in this model.

Detail of seams on turret mockup ...

... and the same area after sanding.

I omitted pictures of the rear area because, you guessed it already, it just shows more of the same … the ill-fitting turret assembly. Once I had the front gun into the proper position it did show quite a big gap as well. More on that one later as well.

The other side before ...

... and after sanding

I will continue with the chassis and the chain assembly … let’s have a look how this one comes out.

T-80 B Soviet Main Battle Tank in 1:72

Klaus Weitzel — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:28:01 +0000

OK, here it is … I bought a tank kit during the car boot sales. I just couldn’t pass by a kit for 0,50€ … could you? The Kit is sold by Matchbox in 1:72 scale. The actual manufacturer of this kit is Revell.

Original box art

1 of 3 Parts Sprues

I am not entirely sure if I like the chains supplied with the kit, but I couldn’t yet find a replacement for them … Also 1 thing I do not like about this kit is the randomness in which the parts are distributed among the sprue, but most probably that is just “space saving” which I can understand as a rational thinking human …

2 of 3 Parts Sprues

3 of 3 Parts Sprues

Since I started building the kit you won’t have to wait for an update on this one for long.