Meng 1:35 French WW1 FT-17

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 4:24 pm

Hi guys!

After finishing the Arado seaplane, I wanted to do some small kits.
On facebook I'm building a German E-10 that's nearly finished, And now I want to build a FT-17 from WW1.
The reason I'm building small kits now, is that I'm planning to move out my apartment where I lived for almost 23 years.
I bought a house with a big garden and plenty of room for my hobby in a small village where I grew up.
If all goes well, me and Mrs flying Dutchman are moving 1st of October.

So this is the kit I'm building:

The kit is supplied with a diorama base that I find a good match for the FT-17.
I already build this base, and I must say the fit was great. Some small seam lines needed putty, and after a good Ultimate sanding and polishing, the base is done.

First step of the FT-17 is the interior.
A simple interior, so a fast build.
The parts are excellent, some pin marks, a small seam line on the handles, no flash to been seen.
A great fit as well.

And that's all I've got so far!

If i'm not packing stuff in boxes, I will go on building this great little kit!

Thanks for looking

Post by **Coen** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 4:30 pm

First... Hey !! Congrats on the house Fran's!
I can say from experience that going from apartment living to house living was like moving to a new world.
It will be awesome. All those options!!
Well done.
More room for the hobby is always a definite plus too.

Second, I've built this same little kit. It's a challenge, but in a nice way. There are tricky fits and difficult to assemble bits, but the end result is excellent.
I didn't use the dio for mine (it's still in a drawer somewhere) but the tank itself is glorious.
There are a few really nice aftermarket figures that show it off well too.

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 8:25 pm

Coen wrote:First... Hey !! Congrats on the house Fran's!
I can say from experience that going from apartment living to house living was like moving to a new world.
It will be awesome. All those options!!
Well done.
More room for the hobby is always a definite plus too.

Second, I've built this same little kit. It's a challenge, but in a nice way. There are tricky fits and difficult to assemble bits, but the end result is excellent.
I didn't use the dio for mine (it's still in a drawer somewhere) but the tank itself is glorious.
There are a few really nice aftermarket figures that show it off well too.

Thank you very much

Really happy. Another big plus: more light!
The rooms her in my apartment are very dark.. If all goes well I will have a room with a big window and lots of light!

I have seen your build, awesome little tank

Haven't found any AM figures for it yet, but I'm looking for them

Post by **MarkVerploeg** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 9:12 pm

Nice kit choise
It is a small tank indeed but it is a enjoyable kit to build
I just cleaned of the last bit of primer on mine after a spraying mistake
I haven't build the base for mine as i want to make one myself
The strange thing is that although this is a French tank the color scheme's are Chinese and American but you could even replicate the one they have at the Overloon war museum
But that was caputered on in WWII German grey
Anyway good luck with the build

Post by **rodrant** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 11:54 pm

This Meng kit's are very nice ! You will do justice to this one , that's for sure ...will follow this one that's for sure !

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 6:24 am

MarkVerploeg wrote:Nice kit choise
It is a small tank indeed but it is a enjoyable kit to build
I just cleaned of the last bit of primer on mine after a spraying mistake
I haven't build the base for mine as i want to make one myself
The strange thing is that although this is a French tank the color scheme's are Chinese and American but you could even replicate the one they have at the Overloon war museum
But that was caputered on in WWII German grey
Anyway good luck with the build

Thank you Mark, Haven't thought about a camo scheme yet...

Not reproducing the on in war museum Overloon, that's for sure.
Funny, Coen didn't made the base, and you didn't either... The base is the reason I bought this kit!
I love the combination of the tank and the base.
And I love the fact that I do not have to come up with a base myself. A lazy build this time. lol
Cheers mate

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 6:28 am

rodrant wrote:This Meng kit's are very nice ! You will do justice to this one , that's for sure ...will follow this one that's for sure !

Always glad to have you on board António

I will try to do this kit justice that it deserves!

Post by **MarkVerploeg** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:14 am

fly1ngdutchm4n wrote:
MarkVerploeg wrote:Nice kit choise
It is a small tank indeed but it is a enjoyable kit to build
I just cleaned of the last bit of primer on mine after a spraying mistake
I haven't build the base for mine as i want to make one myself
The strange thing is that although this is a French tank the color scheme's are Chinese and American but you could even replicate the one they have at the Overloon war museum
But that was caputered on in WWII German grey
Anyway good luck with the build
Thank you Mark, Haven't thought about a camo scheme yet...
Not reproducing the on in war museum Overloon, that's for sure.
Funny, Coen didn't made the base, and you didn't either... The base is the reason I bought this kit!
I love the combination of the tank and the base.
And I love the fact that I do not have to come up with a base myself. A lazy build this time. lol
Cheers mate

I actually thought of making it grey but then i thought the tri tonal camo looks nice
But i never made a trench diorama myself so that is why i din't build the base but i may keep it for some other build

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 8:44 pm

A lot of small parts this tiny kit has,
All attention is needed not to glue parts the wrong way

Left side with suspension done

Right side done

Interior done.
I decided not to close the hull just yet for it would be hard to paint the interior.

Time to paint the interior.
I used Vallejo acrylics, and the weathering was simply done by adding a interior wash from ak.

And the hull is closed.

And that is how far I am today!

Hope to do some more progress next weekend

Post by **Danta2er** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 9:21 pm

All the images are showing as broken links for me

Post by **Coen** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:44 pm

Damn that's pretty Fran's!!!
It's always a shame that most of that wonderful work is hidden on the final build.
Still it's excellent stuff.

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:48 pm

Danta2er wrote: All the images are showing as broken links for me

Weird. .. no problems here....

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:53 pm

Coen wrote:Damn that's pretty Fran's!!!
It's always a shame that most of that wonderful work is hidden on the final build.
Still it's excellent stuff.

Thank you

I was thinking of leaving the front hatches open so you can see a bit of the interior, but I think the real interior would have a lot more details in it. The other meng kit that comes with full interior seems to have a lot more for the drivers compartment, so I'm doubting if I should open the front hatches or not. It does look cool to leave them open imo.

Post by **Coen** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:38 am

Maybe that had a figure in mind to fill the void.
That would make the need for the detail less.
If not, you could certainly add one and then leave the hatches open.

Post by **Danta2er** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 5:14 pm

Huzzah! Pictures are now working...this looks awesome!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 8:12 pm

After fixing a crashed laptop and resting it back to factory settings, I finally managed to pull out another update.

The rear of this FT-17 does not have a engine, so I'm keeping these hatches shut.

Then it was time to build the suspension.
I must say, very complicated build this was! Got to give a compliment to MENG for the insane detailing on this one....

I think it looks awesome... even a little bling is added..

And all glued together...
The filler I used was because of my poor sanding... Could not sand those panels straight this time...lol

The dig out tail was next. No problems here, except for the metal plate on the rear. It's positioned a bit to low because I droped the plate to early and it was glued stuck instantly. So I decided to let it be and do the same at the other side as well. Only rivet counters would notice it anyway.

Turret done, also used filler here. I re-scribe the panel lines later.

All together:

And here she is primed white.
I'm leaving the front hatches and those of the turret off for now, I'm building this tank with those hatches open.
So I will paint them later on.

Next step will be pre-shading and applying the base coat.
I'm planning to do a tri-colour for camouflage.

Thanks for watching!

Post by **JediBoer** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 8:40 pm

Wow!

That interior is stunning! This going to look great!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 10:58 am

JediBoer wrote:Wow! That interior is stunning! This going to look great!

Thank you! Will do my best to make it shine! Going for a subtle weathering on the outside. Don't want to make it to muddy

Post by **wappynutter** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 1:59 pm

As always Frans, I follow in awe at your wonderful work mate.... Well done...

Every build is just getting better and better. Loved the weathering and chipped detailing on the interior.... Awesome mate!..
Good luck also with the move in October, Flow is gonna love the big garden I'm sure..... and more room for a well lit Mancave is a Bonus!

Well done again Sir, I'm sure this will be another "Fran-tastic" build...

All the best..

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Tue Jun 30, 2015 7:39 pm

wappynutter wrote:
As always Frans, I follow in awe at your wonderful work mate.... Well done...
Every build is just getting better and better. Loved the weathering and chipped detailing on the interior.... Awesome mate!..
Good luck also with the move in October, Flow is gonna love the big garden I'm sure..... and more room for a well lit Mancave is a Bonus!
Well done again Sir, I'm sure this will be another "Fran-tastic" build...
All the best..

Thank you very much Sir, glad you like it!
Indeed, Flow is going to love that big garden.... digging around, walking with muddy paws trough kitchen and living room.... lol
Just a few documents are needed, then they can give there ok for the mortgage.

They wait is killng us though...

But I still have this great hobby to take my mind of things, so let keep happy modelling!

Post by **rodrant** » Tue Jun 30, 2015 7:43 pm

Nice one Frans ! Let's see what wonders you can do with this !

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sat Jul 04, 2015 3:39 pm

Ok guys,
Small update.

I made a start at painting this FT-17.
I first primed it in Vallejo white primer, and pre-shaded it with Vallejo matt black

Then A base colour of light brown was applied. Also Vallejo

Painted the tri-colour camouflage by free handed airbrush, and painted the black lines with a hairy stick.
Covered it with Alclad aqua gloss, and slapped on the decals.
After that another round of Alclad aqua gloss was applied.
The tracks were primed brown, and painted in a rust colour for AK.
So with all base colours on now, she's ready to receive detail painting and I can begin the weathering process.

Here's how far I am today, will try to make some more progress this weekend, but as it is 34 Celsius outsite, the paint is behaving strange from the hot and damp weather . Besides, we Dutch are starting to melt at temperatures above 30 degrees.... lol

Hope to see you soon for another update!
Happy modelling guys!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sat Jul 04, 2015 7:34 pm

rodrant wrote:Nice one Frans ! Let's see what wonders you can do with this !

Thank you kindly sir!

Post by **Coen** » Sun Jul 05, 2015 12:27 pm

AHHHHH!!!!

THAT'S AWESOME!!!!!

Post by **MarkVerploeg** » Sun Jul 05, 2015 12:54 pm

Very nice work so far
And a great looking camoscheme
Keep up the good work

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 05, 2015 1:43 pm

Coen wrote:AHHHHH!!!!

THAT'S AWESOME!!!!!

Thank you sir

I ordered 2 nice British figures to go with it.
I know this tank is in US camo scheme, but as it would look like it's abandoned, these British guys would look awesome next to it.

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 05, 2015 1:44 pm

MarkVerploeg wrote:Very nice work so far
And a great looking camoscheme
Keep up the good work

Thanks Mark

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Tue Jul 07, 2015 6:05 am

Just a quick update for now,

Made a start at weathering the FT-17.
Toned down the colours by fading them and blended the camouflage with oils. Added a tow chain and opened up the hatches. Give it a brown filter, and a panel wash from AK. Panted the tracks brown and added a Rust pigment to it. Finished them of by rubbing dark steel pigment on them. Next up: Chipping the paint, Highlights and some detail painting. Maybe get cracking at the base as well.

So far so good

Next update will be properly of the finished model, and a beginning at the base. Thanks for watching guys!

Post by **gustavlekstal** » Tue Jul 07, 2015 7:56 pm

Fricking love the camo and paintwork!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Wed Jul 08, 2015 9:09 am

gustavlekstal wrote:Fricking love the camo and paintwork!

Thank you very much Gustav!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 12, 2015 7:41 pm

Small update on the FT-17
I almost finished the base for the Renault FT-17.
Just some more detailing is needed on the sandbags.
The ground cover was a bit to much one color, so with earth pigments I gave it a bit more variety.
The FT-17 Is almost done.
Light chipping and a dirt wash is applied.
Just need to apply some rain streaks and it will be finished after that.
I did ordered two figures to go with this diorama, however, it's going to be crowded if I would put those two or even one figure in.
So maybe I will save those figures for a WW1 trench vignette.

Post by **Coen** » Sun Jul 12, 2015 9:54 pm

Beautiful work Fran's!!!! Wow dude!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Mon Jul 13, 2015 11:50 am

Coen wrote:Beautiful work Fran's!!!! Wow dude!

Thank you very much!
It's almost finished now.
Waiting for my figures to arrive, maybe I can squeeze in at least one figure

And I'm not happy with those sandbags. To smooth, no structure. Maybe cover them with puty and press some cotton structure in.

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 4:56 pm

Hi guys!
Time to finish this small diorama.
I Painted the WWI Sarge figure and Put him on the dio.
I had two figures in mind, but decided to put the Sarge in.
Haven't got the space for two anyway.

This figure is m=not on of the most detailed figures out there, but I like him!

And here is the completed diorama.

And that wraps up this build!
Had a lot of fun building it, it's a great little kit from MENG.
Only had to pay attention to the suspension because that was complicated.
Thank you for dropping by, and hope to see you all a next time.
Happy modelling guys!

Post by **rwsmith14** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 6:38 pm

Neat !! looks like a great kit !!

Post by **rwsmith14** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 6:39 pm

didn't realize it was completed !! Well Done !! Looks amazing in all respects

!!

Post by **Danta2er** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:01 pm

Everything is so well done...bravo!!

Post by **Coen** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:12 pm

Superior work Fran's. The figure makes all the difference eh?
I think that I'll hunt around for one now to add to my dio.
I couldn't decide before, but you've certainly up done the Justice.
That's beautiful work bud!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:35 pm

rwsmith14 wrote:didn't realize it was completed !! Well Done !! Looks amazing in all respects !!

rwsmith14 wrote: Neat !! looks like a great kit !!

Lol! Thanks mate!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:36 pm

Danta2er wrote:Everything is so well done...bravo!!

Thank you very much!

Post by **fly1ngdutchm4n** » Sun Jul 19, 2015 11:43 pm

Coen wrote:Superior work Fran's. The figure makes all the difference eh?
I think that I'll hunt around for one now to add to my dio.
I couldn't decide before, but you've certainly up done the Justice.
That's beautiful work bud!

Thank you very much mate, glad you like it.
It's my very first great war model, intended to do more now

Them figures from "D-Day miniatures studio" are great! Not the highest in details, but they are awesome.
I can recommend them.

Wanted to left out figures this time, but I had to agree with Mark, they do show scale to the vehicle.
Cheers!