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That's not cheating, that's the logical way to do it. I couldn't find a set for this kit of I would have done the same. The closest was for the Dragon kit.

I subscribe to both of those theories regularly.

Wow! I thought it was long gone too. Well, I'm definitely going to build it after a story like that. Edit: I forgot to say I actually checked the postmark date to see if it had been lost at the post office the whole time.

I finished applying the zimmerit to the rear hull. I've now started on the upper hull. The pic I have shows the zimmerit behind the skirt mounts but not above it where the spare tracks and tools were mounted. So it looks like there's going to be some blank areas.

Thanks Rob! The pics I've seen of 314 don't show any skirt armour. I do have a pic of a Jagdpanther from the same unit just before D-day that shows the skirts in place so I could hang them on. That being said, with the road wheels and tracks on, it won't be too obvious I think.

Ok, I picked up a couple reference books and noticed that the zimmerit is a small square pattern. The squares are smaller than what I did on the lower hull. I decided to try on the rear hull. I placed the mufflers and stowage boxes onto the rear and then traced around them with a pencil to mark their location. Next I put a layer of putty on up to those outlines and then carved the grids into them. Now to repeat until I'm done.

Thanks Martin! Thanks, it is going together nicely.

Funny, I had beer with my popcorn at the movie the other night. A good combo.

The continued efforts of Herr Clunk to convert me to a biplane fan uh, continues with my newest arrival: Thanks so much as always and I will have to get started on one of these soon. Ernie, you sir, are the bestest!!! Carl

What a beast there Rob. Glad to hear the fit has been good. Carl

Last I checked, you were building a Lanc. No trains involved so you should be good.

That's making me hungry.

That looks great Martin. I need to try a winter whitewash scheme at some point. Carl

Hers the front and rear plates dry fit into place. They lock into position nicely. Lastly, here's the zimmerit on the lower hull after a coat of paint. I think it's ok and hopefully the upper sides will improve on it.

Well, I made a bunch of progress tonight. I gave the wheels a light wash and dry brushing. Then I finished mounting the arms to the chassis. Next step in the instructions is to assemble the rear engine deck and attach it to the upper subframe. Then this is glued to the lower hull. Here it is test fit together. I felt this approach left too much risk of a misalignment so I tried a different order. I glued the side plates to the subframe first. They were a great fit. Now I can get the engine deck lined up better with the hull sides and rear.

Just catching up on this Rob. Really interesting vehicle there and a nice kit too. Carl

I keep thinking of doing the same thing with the Arrow. As for retirement, that'll happen when the boys are done school. Especially looking at the cost for tuition these days, nevermind in 10 years.

Awesome doesn't really begin to describe it but that's all I can come up with. Carl

Maybe Ernie meant mounting the Kubelwagen on the barrel like they used to do with rifled launched grenades? It would certainly fit on a Ratte though. Carl

LOL, right title, wrong movie.

Anyways, back on track. Oops, still got to get the road wheels done before the tracks. I managed to get in a quick painting session before I got my boys back from school. The wheels are all painted now. I'm off to see Akira at a local theatre tonight so more will have to wait until tomorrow.

Looking forward to how you finish the road. Carl

Very clean work there.

Ok, time to fling some paint. I painted all the road wheels with Tamiya Rubber black Once they're dry, I'll mask them using a cardboard circle template to paint the inner section. Here's my first try at the zimmerit the Jagdpanther had. Turns out it's the wrong pattern so I scrubbed it off and tried again. I think this is closer but I'll still work on it a bit. Carl

And here we go, the clear went on followed by a light mist of Tamiya Earth around the lower edges and a bit of dry brushing elsewhere. I'll try get some RFI shots shortly.