Hobby Boss 152mm ShkH DANA SPG

[Gav0909]

Lets build another SPG! No surprises there then that I am building another self propelled gun.

This time its the Czech DANA, a 152 mm 8 wheeled self propelled howitzer system. This vehicle has also been used by Russia, Poland and other ex-soviet states.

As far as I know Hobby Boss is the only provider of this vehicle in plastic. The kit itself is nicely detailed, albeit plain in some places. So I also bought the Edaurd Big Ed set for the kit. When combined with the kit PE, that results in 10 frets of PE for the kit! I thought this would be rather daunting since I am not a huge fan of PE, but I got through the cab PE without much trouble, and the rest of the kit looks ok in terms of PE.

So onto the pics of the build so far then.

Just some of the PE bits, these make up the armoured cab visors.





The cab interior, with all its PE.



The engine, I didn't bother adding anymore detail to this as it will be hard to see when installed and under various grilles etc.



The main chassis and load bed. The 4 stowage boxes have PE covers installed now.


Front axle/suspension assembly, this took ages to build. There is a similar assembly to be made for the rear 4 wheels.



Tht's the build to date. I am currently working on the drive shaft assembly which connects the two main axle assemblies, then the 2nd axle assembly needs built.

After that it will be back to jumping between the kit and PE instructions to replace all the various parts which require replacing.

Cheers

[InitialProduction1]

I do love photo etch Gav0909, and most of the kits you see in my stash, has photo etch, BUT there is a fine line between "FUN" and insanity and I do believe you are close to the ladder, lol. Going to really like seeing this come alive,

[Gav0909]

Cheers mate. I agree there is definitely a line between adding some nice detail, and torture haha.

Yep, toeing the line of personal torture for sure. Although I was surprised at how well I managed with the interior stuff, and the rest of it doesn't look any worse. Considering I only have an old razor blade and a tile for folding the PE etc. (I use a small metal ruler to hold the part down for folding), its not bad! Although I am close to buying a proper PE bending tool.

I got the 2nd axle assembly completed last night, so next step is onto the "boxes" between the wheels which have access steps and the stabiliser legs in them.

[schweinhund227]

I salute you for adding all those details...
The kit needs it badly ! I find it over simplified in some areas...
especially the Loader and Gunner positions are basically Blanks !

Keep up the good work !
just glad mine is built and almost weathered...
but I am glad you are taking the extra steps to make your shine ! Well done.

[Gav0909]

Cheers Norm,

It would be good to see yours, do you have any pictures up of it anywhere?

[Gav0909]

I have been doing some work on this again this evening. I got one of the random "boxes" which sits under the chassis between the wheel sets built. Its still slow going, switching between the Eduard PE instructions and the kit instructions and doing the PE where needed.