Hobby Boss 1/35 M4 High Speed Tractor

Post by **robwuk** » Tue Sep 01, 2020 3:39 pm

For this SIG I will be going with the Hobby Boss M4 HST (most likely in straight OD). It may eventually have something to tow (thinking a captured 88mm AA unit). I will also be loading it with stowage (mostly value gear). Looking forward to the build, nice interior & engine (mostly hidden) for me to look at painting & weatheirng nicely ( a pre-cursor to a full interior build next year)

Usual box art/sprue shot to start

Post by **aur0ra145** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 3:01 am

Nice kit! I had no idea that this vehicle even existed; but, I'm excited to see how yours turns out. Definitely an interesting subject piece.

Post by **Gary30** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:21 am

Yeah I'd never heard of this vehicle either, cool build, good luck with it, I'll be watching

Post by **Rugash** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:06 am

Will be good to see built, definitely one kit on my list to buy.

Post by **digger303** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 12:17 pm

Supposed to be a nice kit. I have the other version, but I also would like the ammo trailers these use to pull as well.Awesome pieces of rough country equipment.

Post by **SMAddict66** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:17 pm

Interesting subject, look forward to watching the build.

Post by **Quax** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:47 pm

definitely an interesting subject, good luck with the build!

Paul

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:47 pm

Cool vehicle! Funny thing though, I'd never heard of one and now the Facebook page Panzer Tracks has a video of an M4A1 high speed tractor!

https://www.facebook.com/bbbranson/vide ... 841407034/

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 2:16 am

Very cool subject! I'll definitely be watching.

Post by **bluedigger** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 2:49 am

I've got this one still in the box on the shelf myself, so I'll be following closely. Have fun!

Post by **robwuk** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 8:56 am

Not started with the plastic as yet but have done some initial research. I always try to add a little something "extra" and have found a photo with a wooden box (or perhaps tarp covered "tray") on the rear along with a spare wheel (by the looks of it from something like an M3A1 scout car. If I can source 1 wheel (building the M3A1 now but it needs all its wheels) I may do that along with the box.

Have also found reference of issues with the instructions so will make sure I double check everything (and that thread) while building and mention of serious casting marks that will need to be addressed.

Hope to get fettling over the weekend so will start posting photos.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 3:43 pm

That's definitely something a bit different - will be interested to see how this goes together - good luck with the build!

Are the figures included too or is that just artistic license on the box top?

Post by **robwuk** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 5:38 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Thu Sep 03, 2020 3:43 pm That's definitely something a bit different - will be interested to see how this goes together - good luck with the build!

Are the figures included too or is that just artistic license on the box top?

Thanks - unfortunately the figures are artistic licence (as is the Bofors in the background)...

Post by **robwuk** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:42 am

So the first cuts of plastic have happened - phase 1 are the wheels... Making good progress with the first "update" - the springs have small holes in either end (shown in the box art but not in casting). Also done some damage to the rubber wheels (actually a first for me).

Post by **robwuk** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 6:47 pm

So a good couple of sessions over the weekend. Started on the main cab units (including using silver foil to "pad" the seats). And then moved to the winch and the power unit. Like the engine and, using documentation on the engine, added a few extra pipes (not exact but add that little extra detail). and on to the extractor fan and upper framework. All the rear components are loose to allow for easier painting (even though it is predominantly green)...

For the seat,

1) cut some kitchen foil to the rough size of the part you want to cover:

2) with super glue, affix it to the main area and the smooth over the sides (if needs be, add super glue on the sides as well

3) neaten up, this should give some texture which, once painted and weathered, should add a little bit of variation to plain plastic seats

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:35 pm

Nice detail work on the engine and I like your trick for the seats.

Post by **robwuk** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:46 pm

BigWall wrote: Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:35 pm Nice detail work on the engine and I like your trick for the seats.

cheers Joe... picked up from another forum but does add a worn texture when there is none present

Post by **aur0ra145** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:55 pm

Wow, looking good so far. I'm really digging the road wheels.

Post by **Rugash** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 7:24 am

Looking good, a few extra details here and there make a difference. I tend to get a bit of OCD when I do it sometimes.
Seats and engine look great

Post by **robwuk** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 10:37 am

thanks both... it has been pointed out to me that the cushions on the HST were individual not bench - so may look to see if I can remove what is there now and scratchbuild something (it does mean they can be at different angles and perhaps "plumpness" as they were stuffed with crew gear)

Post by **digger303** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 2:36 pm

Like the foil tip looks great.

Post by **robwuk** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:27 pm

digger303 wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 2:36 pm Like the foil tip looks great.

cheers digger... on another forum it was pointed out to me that the seat pads in the M4 HST were individual (bench seating was a restoration choice) made up with zipped bags filled with crew blankets/soft stowage so removed the kit provided one as started on 3 replacements. Benches in place, cushions will be made from milliput at some point. Will also look at the seat backs (plus in some photos there are pads on the side walls too)....

Post by **digger303** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 1:14 am

robwuk wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 8:27 pm
digger303 wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 2:36 pm Like the foil tip looks great.
cheers digger... on another forum it was pointed out to me that the seat pads in the M4 HST were individual (bench seating was a restoration choice) made up with zipped bags filled with crew blankets/soft stowage so removed the kit provided one as started on 3 replacements. Benches in place, cushions will be made from milliput at some point. Will also look at the seat backs (plus in some photos there are pads on the side walls too)....

Another good tip...

Post by **robwuk** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 7:55 pm

light modelling week this week as my parents are in the vicinity so will be visiting a few times. Do have a possible spare wheel incoming which will allow me to add it to the rear, then need to learn how to make wood grain in plastic of the top - by the looks of it I think they have just added extra height to the rear storage rather than a wooden "tray"

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Sep 10, 2020 3:31 pm

Nice start Rob, the nicked tyres, foil seats & extra detailing on the engine are all really nice touches

Post by **robwuk** » Sat Sep 12, 2020 3:28 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 3:31 pm Nice start Rob, the nicked tyres, foil seats & extra detailing on the engine are all really nice touches

cheers Neil, have abandoned the foil seats as really they all need to be "stuffed" so will do from miliput when I get the time (and I need to work out how the wheel is mounted on the rear without fouling the rear hatches (unless they do stop them opening).

more time today than expected (parents are visiting the area). Managed to get the cab mostly done and the roof to the engine compartment. There are a hell of a lot of sink marks on the interior which means a lot of filling or covering with thin styrene sheet. Still need to make all the seat pads out of miliput and then attack the rear storage box. Everything still placed in place

Post by **digger303** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 1:36 am

Whats the plan for the instrument panel ( dash board ) ?

Post by **SMAddict66** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 6:46 am

Nice progress and as already mentioned that dashboard is screaming out

Post by **robwuk** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 8:36 am

thanks both. most likely for the dashboard paint the dials black and leave it at that (may gloss coat them to contrast the matt cab). Will have to look at what photos I can find (there are a lot I have seen so will look) - probably should;ve left it out the cab if I was going to do much more to it, oh well....

Post by **Rugash** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 1:05 pm

Coming together nicely!

Interior and engine look well detailed, can't wait to see some colour on it

Post by **aur0ra145** » Sun Sep 13, 2020 7:17 pm

Wow, coming together really well!

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon Sep 14, 2020 10:10 am

Yep that's coming together really nicely - very chunky-looking powerplant for sure.

Post by **robwuk** » Wed Sep 16, 2020 9:29 pm

a good session today, final main component done including adding the wheel bracket for the spare halftrack front wheel (photo evidence I think is form the 155mm tractor but it looks ok). Have added it to the upper hatch at the rear which only drops to 90deg so would still open with bracket on (obviously with the wheel off

)

next up are the padded seat (miliput), "wooden" slat above the rear box (photo with the spare wheel also shows this addition - not sure if it a box or just using planks to raise up the rear - I think the latter looks more likely) and then looking at improving the canvas doors. THese are VERY thick so having them in the open position would probably cause them to stick out about 1cm (the fold together). Going to look at either .1mm plasticard (bit flat and doesn't look like canvas) or a thin frame with varnished tissue as the canvas (fiddly ) - may be plasticard with tissue glued to it to add texture....

Post by **robwuk** » Wed Sep 16, 2020 10:38 pm

trying to see if I can get decent strength (ie can be cut with a sharp knife) from tissue and greaseproof paper. SO we have 2 ply tissue, doubled 2 ply tissue, single shete of grease proof and double sheet of grease proof... all soaked in dilute PVA glue .... If none of these work will look at PVA and copier paper... anything else that can "Plasticise" paper (heard of VMS stuff but by the time you have the acrylic strengthener and the stuff itself it becomes expensive)

stupid photo time

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 12:49 am

It's looking great. Good luck with your experiment.

Post by **robwuk** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:29 am

BigWall wrote: Thu Sep 17, 2020 12:49 am It's looking great. Good luck with your experiment.

thanks Joe, so far either tissue option or doubled greaseproof... currently thinking the doubled tissue is probably best... what I don't know is how to get a window in afterwards....

Post by **robwuk** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 7:52 am

having put a coat of paint on (AK acrylic) it would look like the winner is doubled tissue. They all go floppy when wet so waiting to see how they dry up with colour (greaseproof may do well as tarpaulin tho).

so thought is

1) doubled tissue
2) pva glue/water mix (heavier on the glue I think)
3) paint both sides
4) cut out
5) matt varnish

may swap 4 & 5 as I Would think the matt varnish would give it more structure

so that just leaves "how the hell do I get the window panes in?. IN the canvas doors theese would flimsy clear sheet so perhaps cling flim - but how to get it to stick - think the clear plastic I have would all be thicker than the double tissue so look "odd" (but maybe not all that odd). that will be the next experiment

Post by **digger303** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 2:43 pm

Looking forward to see what the results are.
VMS paper shaper is good stuff.

Post by **robwuk** » Thu Sep 17, 2020 3:24 pm

well looks like clingfilm sandwich (clingfilm between the 2 sheets of 2-ply tissue) will work...

Post by **BigWall** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:34 am

Very interesting! I can't wait to see it on the model

Post by **robwuk** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:17 am

BigWall wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:34 am Very interesting! I can't wait to see it on the model

cheers Joe. Am going to do a further experiment using the kit door as a template and comparing clingfilm against clear freezer bag (slightly thicker material). Photos over the weekend

Post by **robwuk** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 9:41 pm

just placed on, and wood grain isn't very obvious but have added the wooden "riser" to the rear. Just the cushions to do then it can be sent to the paint shop - doors are also in progress

Post by **digger303** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 1:13 am

On the verge of great things here, I can feel it.

Post by **BigWall** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 1:52 am

It's coming along nicely!

Post by **robwuk** » Sat Sep 19, 2020 4:34 pm

BigWall wrote: Sat Sep 19, 2020 1:52 am It's coming along nicely!

cheers Joe... I really must be bonkers... well 6 doors done... and boy are they thinner than the plastic kits. I will fold them all open so should look OK... this was 2x two-ply tissue and then clear freezer bag for the windows....

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 12:47 am

Very nice. That was a great idea.

Post by **aur0ra145** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 3:03 am

Looking pretty baller. Very interested to see the final product!

Post by **robwuk** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 4:50 pm

thanks both... today's soft furnishing work was cushions. Kit ones were just boring plastic whereas in real life the seat pads were stuffed with blankets etc. This leads to a more "random" arrangement which I have tried to convey. Do need to add seatbelts as well but this now means this can go to the paintshop (might get to prime her next weekend)

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 5:52 pm

That's looking very cool.

Post by **Parker** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:33 am

great build thread!