Meng Models 1/35 German Vs.Kfz.617 Mine Clearing Vehicle

Post by **Coen** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 5:52 pm

That really sucks!
Well, I'm hoping that you can sort something with them.

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:22 pm

Well me old mate

A nice respectfull email went to nice Annie at Meng HK this morning offering to buy Track-Links if available.
So build is on hold now

It is a salutary lesson.
You go into shop or buy on Internet.
Spot a model in sealed box with a great reduction in price.
Not many of us would check contents, let's be honest the shop would be a bit put out for starters.
I see many on here with huge amounts of kits in stock unbuilt and sat on shelves.
Has everyone checked all bits are "Present and correct Sah"

I'm a bit down in the mouth to be honest as build was going really well and really enjoying the whole thing.
Never mind, these things are sent to test us.
Thanks to all of you who offered brilliant advice ( yourself especially) and gave encouragement.
I'll let you all know if and when or what Meng do........

Take care and hope all have a great weekend.
John

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:20 pm

Good start

& well done !

Post by **Unit53** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 8:27 am

Morning John,
Been a bit busy on the work front this week so this is the first time I've had chance to look in. Stopped dead in your tracks! (No pun intended!) That really sucks, hope you get some good news from the folk at Meng and get this situation resolved. I work in design myself and to be honest that mirror function they mentioned is only one click of a button but a odd one to do in error, really shabby work on their front. Maybe I should email Meng myself and offer my services, now that would be a cool job

. Well, fingers crossed mate that their customer service is as good as their kits appear to be and I hope it all comes together for you.

So whats the plan now my friend, are you going to move on to something else for a bit? I have a busy day today but I'm penciled in for a day at the bench tomorrow and hope to get going on the Centurion, with a bit of luck some photo's and a new build thread will appear tomorrow evening... Well, that's the plan today...

Maybe you should open up that Tamiya Chieftain with all the extra goodies, looking forward to seeing that bad boy!

Martin

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 9:36 am

Unit53 wrote:Morning John,
Been a bit busy on the work front this week so this is the first time I've had chance to look in. Stopped dead in your tracks! (No pun intended!) That really sucks, hope you get some good news from the folk at Meng and get this situation resolved. I work in design myself and to be honest that mirror function they mentioned is only one click of a button but a odd one to do in error, really shabby work on their front. Maybe I should email Meng myself and offer my services, now that would be a cool job . Well, fingers crossed mate that their customer service is as good as their kits appear to be and I hope it all comes together for you.

So whats the plan now my friend, are you going to move on to something else for a bit? I have a busy day today but I'm penciled in for a day at the bench tomorrow and hope to get going on the Centurion, with a bit of luck some photo's and a new build thread will appear tomorrow evening... Well, that's the plan today...

Maybe you should open up that Tamiya Chieftain with all the extra goodies, looking forward to seeing that bad boy!

Martin, its at times like this, you need someone in the same hobby that understands the frustration.
Mrs DW has been ace this week (had some time together so she has been about and its all been sweet).
I suppose plenty will have read my "threads" and thought fool or idiot for not checking.............
They are right in a way.
I am still a novice builder and learning from Masters all the time
I bought the Meng in a reputable shop in Birmingham UK and its been one on the list for sometime.
The RRP is on or about the £40 mark.
Course, saw this at £30 and thought "Bargain"
Behind a Bargain is always a hidden truth somewhere.
The box was sealed with Sellotape on its long edges as most are. Paid up, left, and placed lovingly on shelf in Man-Cave to stare at and dream of build.
Yup, I should have checked all was there ASAP but life and work caught up with me.
Time passed and then with one build down the Meng cam out and off we go with build.
Second mistake .
Check all contents before build.
No cursory glance, no quick squizz through.
A proper check and tick off all bits and sprue's.
I have contacted the shop I bought it from this morning, not to rant and rave at them (not my thing) but to point out that when selling anything, the item should be complete and "Fit for Use".
Clearly sold not Fit for Use. I took the box to the cash register and paid and did not check contents as box was sealed with Sellotape.
My thoughts are that this kit had been tampered with to remove the exact Track Links Front and Back.
Anyway, the email admitting that the CAD or design team had got the Image back to front is very, very annoying.
Accepting they know and still have products out on shelves with mistakes is a bit
I have sent a couple of emails off to Meng HK and the department has acknowledged the problem with turret (see previous jottings) and will send sprue's required to re-build. The Track thing though is unresolved at moment (I think cuz it was Friday evening in HK and everyone had gone home for weekend).
I will chase up (and chase, and chase) till all is resolved.
Your right Martin, maybe Meng do need a ace chap like you, step forward and make an offer
As to next build, Chief is on hold.
Last night, you must not let Mrs DW know....I bought a treat off www.emodels.com.
I have signed up to the Tiger Build for Coen.
Sooooooo, I bought my first Tiger 1
Its not the model I wanted originally, Dragon 1/35 PZ.KPFW.VI AUSF.E Tiger I Initial Production - 6600 as all sold out.
I have gone for the Tamiya 1/35 Tiger I Early Production - 35216 plus a set of Engine Grills.
So, when that arrives, after a very, very careful check of all contents, that will be started on.
Moral of the story, don't be downhearted, get on a build.

Martin

Post by **Unit53** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 3:41 pm

Hi John,
Tiger 1, great model and an excellent tank, will look forward to that.

Great job and carry on building...

Martin

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Sat Jun 14, 2014 4:54 pm

Thank You Martin, I shall make a thread to be proud of.....

Well at least we'll have a few giggles as I get stuck in.
Your Cent will be a awesome build and nearly joind you with a AFV Cent.
Will watch your build with growing interest.
Best regards,
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 7:08 am

Oh well,
Just an up-date on the Meng situation.
I have received this morning an email from Annie at Meng who is on my case (Quite impressed with the Customer Care at Meng, so far).
The parts of the two sprue's that I require to re-build the turret will take twenty days to arrive but at least they are sending them.
The missing Track Links (30 in all, thieving little bar steward

), have cost me £11 or 18$.
So the Meng model I bought for ten pounds or thereabout less than the RRP is now back up to its normal price.
These things are sent to try us but I really have to persevere to get this kit done.
It will be worth it, won't it......won't it

John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 6:34 am

Here we go.....

Annie at Meng has come up trumps so far and have to say Meng Customer Service not bad....obviously not got the parts yet from HK but hopefully soon,
Transcript of email sent to me last night:
Dear John,

It’s my pleasure to be in help.

Parts will reach me today from factory and I will send them out early tomorrow or late today.

I will check when will parts arrive here.

Thank you for buying MENG VsKfz 617, I hope you will enjoy building it.

And enjoy building each of MENG kit. : )

If u have any questions or need any help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
This may not be the longest build ever or the most troublesome but it has had it's moments

John

Post by **FishBowlMan** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:32 am

Good for you, John. Glad you've been able to get it sorted. Fair play to Meng for their customer service. I'm willing to bet that what little they may lost in time and money will be more than made up for by the great publicity they've had as I'm sure you and others will be more inclined to spend their hard earned cash on their products.

Post by **Sean** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:53 am

Glad to hear you`ve gotten it sorted & for gods sake don`t think you look daft for not checking.

I`ve spent a relative fortune on kits over the last two years (from zero to well over 150 kits & all the tools I can imagine, way too much money) & I`ve checked NONE of them, including the ones from auctions & shows etc, a cursory glance that everything "looks OK" and that's it so don't think that you`ve made some major faux pas, far from it.

So far I`ve been missing one manual which was from a shop bought kit - modelzone - missing its "haynes" style instruction booklet, the only reason I bought the kit in the first place

(£8 airfix, put that down to experience).

And if you ever buy from auction you may notice the lots might all be described as "appears complete & unstarted" - appears being the operative word, even the auction houses don't fully cross check sprues & loose parts against instructions and they will have guide prices in the 100s for older kits.

I think its just an unlucky occurrence, although you are lucky that you can get the replacement parts - some vintage kits are impossible to source parts for depending on the rarity. Good on Meng I say !!

Anyway, look forward to seeing what you do once you get sorted and re-building, you are doing a great job & I look forward to learning more from you as well as everyone else on this forum

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Wed Jun 18, 2014 6:59 am

Sean wrote:Glad to hear you`ve gotten it sorted & for gods sake don`t think you look daft for not checking.

I`ve spent a relative fortune on kits over the last two years (from zero to well over 150 kits & all the tools I can imagine, way too much money) & I`ve checked NONE of them, including the ones from auctions & shows etc, a cursory glance that everything "looks OK" and that's it so don't think that you`ve made some major faux pas, far from it.

So far I`ve been missing one manual which was from a shop bought kit - modelzone - missing its "haynes" style instruction booklet, the only reason I bought the kit in the first place (£8 airfix, put that down to experience).

And if you ever buy from auction you may notice the lots might all be described as "appears complete & unstarted" - appears being the operative word, even the auction houses don't fully cross check sprues & loose parts against instructions and they will have guide prices in the 100s for older kits.

I think its just an unlucky occurrence, although you are lucky that you can get the replacement parts - some vintage kits are impossible to source parts for depending on the rarity. Good on Meng I say !!

Anyway, look forward to seeing what you do once you get sorted and re-building, you are doing a great job & I look forward to learning more from you as well as everyone else on this forum

Sean, its at times like this my whole view on humanity lightens. Your a good bloke for saying such kind words. Thank you.

I think your absolutely right about the whole checking thing.
We buy so much now a days on trust and reputation of suppliers.
No man or woman (not that I know), sits down in shops and as you say cross checks the parts to manual.
Looking on here at the oodles and bundles of kits in stock on shelves of members, it has now lead me to think that this is not an uncommon occurrence, but as you say thank God its a "young" company with this recent release

.
I'd be up the river without the proverbial if it was a rare beast.
I was so enjoying this kit build, and despite the Chief and now the Tamiya Tiger 1 (Early) on shelf winking at me, I want to get on with this beauty (or ugly) Vs.
I sat at my desk yesterday afternoon with time on my own (apres another fun two hours with continuing Root Canal work on one molar, seriously two fillings in 48 years and now this torture

).
I was all alone with my desk, tools and all the modelling kit and in a right quandary as to what to do.
So for the first time in 30 years, I built a 1/35 figure.
Nothing much to write about

It is one of the figures from the Dragon Operation Typhoon kit.
I used my Light-Craft Desk-Top unit and scalpel and had a busy hour scraping tiny mould lines off and cleaning the unit up To be honest the mould lines were negligible under normal vision and light, but the Light-Craft does magnify

(obviously) the whole figure and shows every blemish and mark.
Wonderful bit of kit these Light-Craft

.
I finished off by drilling a hole in the bottom of the boot and mounting it on a cocktail stick.
By the time the wife came in, my jaw ached less and my mind was calmed.........

All because of a couple of pieces of plastic, glue and a scalpel blade.
Have a great day Sean, and thank you mate for kind words.
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 11:35 am

Good morning chaps,

Well a very soaked and unhappy Postie delivered the box that has been eagerly awaited from HK.
Everything there, including new turret parts and all track links.
Sent a gushing, glowing email back to the the wonderful Annie at Meng.
Customer Care at Meng 10 out of 10.
Now, let's get building again.
By the way, hope you all have a great weekend chaps

John

Post by **Coen** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 11:57 am

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 2:31 pm

Your damn right Coen, dancing Banana and everything in between.
This is my reply, sorry if gushing but Meng deserve a bit of "Gush" for outstanding work this time.
Hi Annie

Hope your well?
I have this morning in the post just received all parts requested.
Everything checks off correctly.
I cannot put into adequate words how grateful and impressed by you and your company.
The Customer Care and service and feedback by yourself has been of the highest order.
I will be posting this email and my thoughts on the International Scale Modeller website for all to see.
Thank you again Annie, may you have a wonderful weekend and again my thanks a warm wishes to you and the wonderful team at Meng.
Best Regards,
John

Now we can get on and build this little beauty.
John

Post by **FishBowlMan** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 2:32 pm

Donkeywalloper wrote:Well a very soaked and unhappy Postie delivered the box that has been eagerly awaited from HK.

As a parcel delivery driver, I can sympathise with your postie. Its days like today that I really hate my job!

Glad your items arrived from HK. Looking forward to seeing what you achieve with the rest of the build.

John.

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 2:39 pm

Yes, bless him, looked absolutely soaked through.
I felt for him, but as I to was about to cycle to work in this downpour I was not really looking forward to it either.
Yup, Managed to get a little time to check all was there and ship-shape and it is.
Can't wait to get on and do some more build.
Have a great weekend John.
John

Post by **Unit53** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 3:49 pm

This is great news John and well done with your perseverance, really glad MENG came through for you, can't beat a bit of good customer service. I have to add though good job as this hobby now isn't a post office purchase of old. Will look forward to the build commencing...

Martin

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Fri Jun 27, 2014 4:31 pm

Unit53 wrote:This is great news John and well done with your perseverance, really glad MENG came through for you, can't beat a bit of good customer service. I have to add though good job as this hobby now isn't a post office purchase of old. Will look forward to the build commencing...

Martin

Martin
You correct indeed me old mate, the millions spent on this hobby (thats just me according to my wife) is enough to justify better Customer Service and importantly after-care.
It's good news to see this care and hope that more and more manufacturers switch on to the fact soon.
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Sat Jun 28, 2014 3:25 pm

Afternoon all

Well, here are the parts that came from Meng HK the other day.

So Annie sent me all of the parts missing and required by me to complete.
So enough parts to re-build turret with MG's the right way round i.e. Large MG on left not right, and so this morning I have made up turret again

with MG's the right way round.
God what a palaver.

The correct turret is on the left (or is it on the right

makes no difference as I have a wash and a spare).

Now on to the Track Links.
20 for the Rear Large Wheels, and 10 for the Front Wheel.
I have noticed on the Perth Review (that threw up the problem with the MG's being the wrong way round), that each Track Link has a mould line running along the visible area when on vehicle.
Plus quite a sink mark in plastic that despite sanding off mould line is still visible

.

The Track Link on the right has had the mould line sanded off but the sink-hole is still apparent. May have to fill or keep sanding (plastic is very thick so may go down this way).

Another picture of kit received from Meng for £11 to complete kit.

Thanks all, back to rubbing Track Links

John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Mon Jun 30, 2014 11:56 am

Morning all

Well a weekend of time well spent with Mrs DW and little bits of bobs of sanding down the mould lines and depressions on 30 x Track links and 40 x Track Pins.

So picture below shows part A16 which is a rectangle of plastic to cover.

So its a case of marrying up the Track Links, Track Pads and Pins with a tiny spot of glue in a tiny recess so Tracks are articulated.
Not easy on some parts of the Track (the alignment is tricky) but accomplished.

A voila, the result.

The two tiny bolts cover the recess where the glue sits. Don't get glue in hole or the movement is lost.

One unit done, now the other side to complete and the smaller Rear Wheel.
As each pad has a weight in it and the end result is satisfyingly weighty unit.
No time now so will update soon.
Peace and love mates.
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Mon Jun 30, 2014 8:10 pm

Well got the "Tracks" on this afternoon (been not to good over weekend with stomach bug that has rendered me floored

.
Course in the DW style, bit of tiredness and rush, and noticed that one link was up side down

.
So stripped out pins and flipped round

With a bit of pushing and squeezing to close up last remaining clip and the last shoe attached and pins inserted and two complete "Track" units in place.
Main thing is the Shoes and Wheels are all fully moveable and articulated, and when the wheels are moved the shoes act like a Water Wheel i.e. the next Shoe falls into place as the Wheel turns.
The pictures to follow tomorrow, as I had to rush out to work and never got them downloaded in time.
The model now with correct turret and the two large Tracked Front Wheels in place looks brilliant now (Well I think so but I'm prejudiced).
Take care all,
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 12:50 pm

Good afternoon all

Well as promised me old muckas

As per previous thread here are completed Front Wheels and Track assemblies.
Rear Wheels attached (The Robin Reliant Armoured Version is born....

)

See the nice weld lines around wheel housings, don't want to lose them.

..............and with the Track assemblies fitted on to Front wheels.
Upper Hull and Turret Dry fitted for effect

.

I have this morning despite only having a couple of hours sleep due to work, been starting the same assembly process for the smaller Rear Wheel (Steering).
Well chaps, thanks for watching and thanks for the support of the chaps and chapess and all of you on ISM.

John

Post by **Coen** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 3:22 pm

That's starting to look like something now John.... Damn that thing looks heavy with those tracks on it.

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 4:05 pm

Hi Michael

Despite not much sleep and tiredness a modellers worse foe, after posting photo,s I cracked on with Rear Wheel set-up. All parts cleaned up and assembled and the Rear Wheel is on.
The only things to do now are the Exhaust to attach and assemble the chains to Rear Wheel.
Think that bit of kit needs clear mind and steady hands.
The three sprues are now clear of parts, aaaah

.
Then glue on upper hull, and crack on with paint and weathering.
Your right about weight. The metal "slabs" in the pads is so clever on Mengs part. The whole unit is so heavy. It feels menacing and looks the absolute business.
All the best to you.
Johnu

http://m.youtube.com/user/MrBobsBuilds · Post by **Rob** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 4:32 pm

I have just spent an enjoyable half hour reading this through from start to finish. What a kit and what a story! Great build too. Good for Meng for sorting out your snags. Onwards and upwards!

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 5:44 pm

Rob wrote:I have just spent an enjoyable half hour reading this through from start to finish. What a kit and what a story! Great build too. Good for Meng for sorting out your snags. Onwards and upwards!

Rob
Thanks for saying an enjoyable 1/2 hour

Makes my day when it makes a fellow modeller smile and be entertained.
Appreciate the comment.
Meng were really very, very good Customer Care wise, and despite distance i.e. HK, they really seemed up to helping out in whatever way they could. If only all manufacturers were the same

.
Its a great kit and despite the problems of missing parts, I have to say I'm sold on Meng.
I am not sure what next build will be after this as I do have the Chief to get on with (Tiger 1 is on hold till SIG on 1st of January 2015).
Now its sat on desk like the freakish, colossus it is, I have not decided on paint job yet.
I think it maybe Panzer Grey and just a damn good job on weathering.
All the comments and support all the way through this build has been as usual a testament to the huge knowledge and gracious and kind persons who "hang around" this site. You chaps are fantastic

Cheers
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 5:59 pm

...and then comes another problem.

Well, this can't be me, it looks like another flaw in the design and instructions.
The last bits of construction are being completed and for that it entails the following.
The Front Wheel was steered by way of two chains either side (this model is more agricultural than fighting vehicle).
So the instructions call for some tiny brass chain (Provided) to be attached to two shackles either side of Front Steering Wheel.
Now on Box-Art the chains attach directly to the shackles.
The instructions call for a piece of brass wire (provided) to be threaded through last chain ring then twisted and the other end of the chain passed through hole in Lower Hull (already drilled previously), and that end to be secured with C/A in Hull.
This is where problems this afternoon have arose.
1. The Front Steering Wheel is fully turnable (I mean tunable, it swivels with the greatest of ease, probably to much

). So this means its hard to get a hold on to and work with this area (use of Blue-Tack to hold it in place worked).
2. The provided Brass Wire is to thick to twist into a tight knot.
3. Chain was so brittle it kept breaking so I have not enough chain now.
So tonight, I am going to order some more Brass Chain.
The Box-Art looks great, with chains attached directly into shackles either side of Steering Wheel.
The photo's of the real thing look like the Box-Art.
The instructions try to replicate the Box-Art and I suppose Meng thought this was the best way of doing it.
My line of thinking is to secure the chains in the hull with C/A.
Then Paint and Weather unit.
Then attach chains at very end of painting with a drop of C/A direct on to Steering wheel Shackles.
This is what I suppose Modelling is about though, overcome the problems with your own solutions

Love and peace,
John
PS: Sorry about shambolic chat, as on Nights with only couple of hours sleep in 48hrs.

Post by **Unit53** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 9:57 am

Hi John,
Great to see you back in the saddle with this one and a cracking job your making of it. Have you found a fix for your chain problem yet? I was having a look on the old internet and found this photo which may help. On connecting the chain to the steering roller how about wrapping some fuse wire around a clock makers screwdriver or very small copper rod and making yourself a link. It's very pliable but has enough strength to hold the chain in place. Also have you drilled (or has the kit part got one already) a hole for the chain to pass in to the main hull, this would be a great way to fix the chain from the inside (very tidy) at that end. I'm sure you have something in mind already, but, just a thought…

Keep up the great work!

Martin

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 1:36 pm

Looking uniquely and strangely good so far!

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 2:09 pm

Unit53 wrote:Hi John,
Great to see you back in the saddle with this one and a cracking job your making of it. Have you found a fix for your chain problem yet? I was having a look on the old internet and found this photo which may help. On connecting the chain to the steering roller how about wrapping some fuse wire around a clock makers screwdriver or very small copper rod and making yourself a link. It's very pliable but has enough strength to hold the chain in place. Also have you drilled (or has the kit part got one already) a hole for the chain to pass in to the main hull, this would be a great way to fix the chain from the inside (very tidy) at that end. I'm sure you have something in mind already, but, just a thought…

Keep up the great work!

Martin

As always Martin, you come up with wise words and.great feedback.
The coupling that the chain attaches to on the wheel has two holes. The chain I would suspect fit with a bolt through it.
That is where I intend to go. I have bought some plastic Nuts and Bolts and will attach chain with C/A and bolt through chain.
One hole on each side though due to thickness of plastic (wafer thin), has split.
It will be touch and go but this is the final fitting so it'll be okay.
Have a great weekend mate,
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 2:26 pm

UKguyInUSA wrote:Looking uniquely and strangely good so far!

It is neither one thing or other

It's odd, odd, odd.
Thanks for looking in, have a great weekend.
John

Post by **Tiger131** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 2:47 pm

you've been a busy boy like the look of these metal beast

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Thu Jul 03, 2014 7:14 pm

Tiger131 wrote:you've been a busy boy like the look of these metal beast

Hehehehehehe I have been a busy boy

Thanks,
John

Post by **alextheblue** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:50 am

Some great work there John - been eagerly following you're progress, but haven't got round to leaving a comment yet - apologies. Really glad that Meng stepped up to the plate and looked after you. So many companies make all the right noises about customer service, but very few actually follow through - well done Meng.

Best of luck with your chain dilemma, I know you'll get it sorted. The fuse wire suggestion is a tip I picked up from ISM and my tool kit isn't without a multi-pack of different sizes. And remember the old saying, frustration is the inspiration behind many an invention (although, I may have just made that up!!

)

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 11:50 pm

Good work ! Closer and closer to finish. Keep it up

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Sat Jul 05, 2014 4:13 pm

Thank you chaps for comments, esp you Alex. It's a great saying, even if you made it up.
Just spent an amazing morning stood in Leeds waiting for Tour de France to start. Amazing crowds of up to 2 million

Received two length of chain from Cornwall Boats Models yesterday.
Just awaiting Plastic Nuts & Bolts for final fit.
Peace and Love,
John

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:26 pm

Good afternoon chaps

Well due to holidays and work not much time spent at bench.
Just before going off to watch the TDF in London and Yorkshire, I had a couple of chains sent to me by http://www.cornwallboats.co.uk.
Also bought some 1/35 Plusmodel 407 Bolts and Nuts 0.9mm from http://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk with a clever (misguided) view of threading bolt through chain and then through the two holes in the flanges to complete the chain steering on this armoured Del-Boy.
Well after a holiday, and lot of fun and fresh thoughts and much pouring over photos of the "Beast" on the WWW (thanks Martin for photo, it was the best thing ever).
I actually decided to go with a simpler version.
I flattened the ends of the chain and used C/A to attach the chain into the groove between flange plates.
Voila! spot on, and looks like pictures of last unit in Russia.
I have left chain unattached in hull, so Rear wheel can move and swivel with no snags.
Not that once vehicle is on base will the wheels swivel anyway.
The last job was to glue upper hull to lower hull.
No sign of a gap anywhere and the upper and lower hull effectively snapped together.
Here come the pictures (sorry not brilliant but will post more soon).
This completes the build i.e. cutting and glue.
This weekend with be out with the AB for a couple of coats of Vallejo Black Primer.
Thanks for all of your support and cannot thank you all enough.
John
PS: Of course the really fun bits now commence, with painting and weathering.

Post by **Willem** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 4:32 pm

That's looking the business mate. Looking forward to your paint updates.

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 6:20 pm

Willem wrote:That's looking the business mate. Looking forward to your paint updates.

thank you Will.
What with missing parts and MG's in wrong positions, it been "interesting" and a varied build.
It is what it is and now it's paint and weather (not to much though), for this big beastly.
John

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:41 am

As Will said, seconded!

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 6:40 am

UKguyInUSA wrote:As Will said, seconded!

Thank you kind Sir

Post by **Unit53** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 7:40 am

Great work as usual John and a very good fix, not long now till the primer. Have you decided on a scheme yet?

Very much enjoying your build here...

Martin

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:04 am

Unit53 wrote:Great work as usual John and a very good fix, not long now till the primer. Have you decided on a scheme yet?

Very much enjoying your build here...

Martin

Good morning Martin

Funny enough, you just caught me looking on www.hannants.co.uk for some generic decals for vehicle. As vehicle has no decal sheet supplied.
I'm going to go with a Panzer Grey look (yeah, it may seem a cop out as I could go with any combination of Sand, Green and Reds), but I want the vehicle to keep that low, fat squat and menacing look.
Grey and subtle modulation should bring out the menacing side of this AFV.
I am gonna go with some mud and filth around Tracks and under-surfaces though.
Have a great day whatever your doing mate.

John

Post by **Unit53** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:13 am

Morning John,
Panzer Grey is good and yes a bit of modulation will make it, looking forward to seeing the progress. Did you have any luck with Hannants? If you can't find a particular set they do nice sheets of German crosses and numbers which should cover the job. Keep up the good work...

Martin

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 9:28 am

Unit53 wrote:Morning John,
Panzer Grey is good and yes a bit of modulation will make it, looking forward to seeing the progress. Did you have any luck with Hannants? If you can't find a particular set they do nice sheets of German crosses and numbers which should cover the job. Keep up the good work...

Martin

Martin, Hannants have come up trumps.
Its kind of nice with this vehicle to not have any specific guidelines of plans at this point.
Starting to look at my Tamiya Chief now and getting ready for big unveil.

John

Post by **AchtungPanzer** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 10:35 am

Keep it up mate.

look this

Post by **GIACOMER** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 2:53 pm

Dunkelgelb with a Panzer grey turret? The turrets probably came from dismantled Panzer II so it's plausible. Obviously it's only an idea.
You're tempting me with this WIP...

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:54 pm

GIACOMER wrote:Dunkelgelb with a Panzer grey turret? The turrets probably came from dismantled Panzer II so it's plausible. Obviously it's only an idea.
You're tempting me with this WIP...

Go for it Gio

Like the idea though.
John

Post by **Unit53** » Fri Jul 18, 2014 7:16 am

Morning John,

Ah yes, the Chief... Very much looking forward to having a look at this one, the extras sound very interesting.

I'm going to the War and Peace Revival today so will keep my eyes open and see if I can't get you a couple of reference photo's! Will be seeing a whole bunch of armour today and who knows, might even be lucky enough to man the 50. Cal on the "Landie" again.

http://www.thewarandpeacerevival.co.uk/

and have a good one
Martin