Next up-Academy Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer "Prague 1945" 1/35

[Engineman02]

So, I am moving on to my second model, pretty happy with my first (started with Tamiya Panther A). Will definitely have lessons learned carried forward. I am pretty excited for this one, as it is not a normal tank model. For some reason it caught my eye and decided I should try it out. Even though it is my second build, I will be venturing into some firsts. First non German vehicle, first PE, first individual track links (at least partial individual as there are some track sections that are not individual). Looking forward to the build and the finish. Thanks.

[trnkepfc]

looking forward ....

[Hillbilly]

Nice subject,ought to be a cool build

[AchtungPanzer]

I like all Hetzer's . Nice kit - good luck

[Engineman02]

Update:

Things are coming along pretty well for the most part. I have had to work inside lately since my workstation is in the garage, and with the cold temps lately (was in the teens in the evening, and around 17F tonight...) which is too bad because I have a nice big work bench that was donated to me by my wife. She wasn't using it anymore. Anyway, details are definitely better than the Tamiya Panther A and fit is well for the most part. PE is definitely tricky the first time around. Most important thing is to not glue pieces to myself or glue my fingers together with the superglue. I just have to remember, the tweezers are my friend. Below are some walk around pics:

Wheels are standing by for painting. Also, plan is to install tracks after painting.



Leaving the one hatch open for a figure to hang out. Hopefully I can get the figure painting down sometime soon. Thanks for looking.

[Hillbilly]

Very clean build so far I like it!

[JayCub]

I think we all have stuck parts to ourselves but that is a neat looking Hetzer, and the weather is a pain when you would rather be in the workshop, can't wait for more
Tom

[Engineman02]

I have a space heater which may help out. Probably best just to suck it up since the lighting is much better at the workstation, especially with the spiffy lamp I got that has a nice bright led light. When it comes to painting, I don't think I will have a choice. As far as the Hetzer, I a starting to really like them. They are compact and have nice clean lines like a sports car or something.

[Engineman02]

Been a little while and only made a little progress. Doesn't help that I have been traveling for work. I did manage to start another model, since I was so close to the priming painting for this one (an older Dragon Pzr III, Imperial Series). Well, this little baby is ready for some prime and paint. Overall went together really well. Also I decided to use the included figures as part of the "resistance" rather than being Germans. The kit seems to include all the parts for the normal Hetzer (including the barel which isn't used in this kit). Figured I will just change the colors and voila, you have Czechs instead of Germans. Hoping to incorporate this into a diorama. Have a good idea in my head, but will have to see if I can translate it to a model. Thanks for checking it out.

[AchtungPanzer]

Good job. Keep it up mate

[Engineman02]

All primed up, ready to get some color on and bring it to life. Planning on sticking to the colors called out in the instructions, like the box art. Maybe will throw some personal effects in there. Also, since I had the airbrush broken out and another model standing by I went ahead and primed that (Pzr III in the back). Soon enough will be finishing that up, hopefully. And the airbrush performed really well this time, making it all the wat through all the priming before getting a little dry tip (using vallejo acrylic primer).

[Engineman02]

So, I intended to start getting some color on yesterday when my compressor decided to do a Peter Pan off the work bench . This resulted in damage to the regulator in two places. A threaded portion holding the pressure adjuster broke off, causing the adjuster and internal spring to go flying. If it were just this broke, I would get a new regulator assembly and call it a day. Unfortunately, the other part that broke was the fitting holding the regulator to the compressor body. It sheared off clean, with no protrusion, so I don't have any material to grab from the outside . I tried to jam something in the middle and twist it off, but either the metal the fitting is made from is too soft (as it just gets shaved away when I twist) or the threads are bonded with something making it impossible to turn. Don't know if anyone has experience with this or tips on how to get it out. I wrote the company to see if there is anything they can assist with and hope to hear from them. I hate to have to get a whole new unit, as the compressor itself seems undamaged and still runs. I guess I will have to start a new kit while I wait to see what to do about the compressor and have a line waiting for paint.

[Engineman02]

Broken fitting removed, new regulator is in. Time to get some painting done . Think I will strap down the compressor this time.

[Nige1940]

Looking great ! a really clean build , I really like those late Hetzer's with the chunky exhaust .
Very interesting subject too being a Prague version .
looking forward to seeing more .

[KalebBeard]

Looking to be a cracking build mate, I always enjoy a good Hetzer build, my personal favorite tank destroyer, I look forward to seeing it completed

[ForbesHutton]

PM sent to OP.

[Engineman02]

Progress made. Got some color, wheels, and one side of the track on. Maybe I will be able to get more progress here soon


I always think it isn't looking too good until I start to put all the pieces together. Can't wait to get the decals and other details going to get thing thing looking even better.

[Coen]

Very cool choice of colours! That going to look a hell of a lot like the part.

[Engineman02]

Got some decals applied. Quite a few on this model so I am probably a little over halfway done with the decals.

[gustavlekstal]

Not every day that you put on such big decals on a afv. Must have been fun. Real nice work buddy!

[fly1ngdutchm4n]

Awesome! Got the same kit in my stash, looking forward to the weathering stage

[Engineman02]

Slowly but surely making some progress. Between being away from home and all the other stuff, I have to find time here and there to squeeze in some modeling time. Assembly is complete. Got chipping done. Was trying not to go too heavy on the chipping. Not sure if some areas look a little off, but I figure I am still learning. Now to get some light weathering in, hopefully soon.

[Donkeywalloper]

Nice work mate, really nice work.
John