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At first glance this kit looks crude
and rough, especially around the lower hull and running gear.
The first thing I noticed about the kit was the nine step
instructions. They're very straightforward and include exploded
views of all subassemblies (external fuel tanks, hatches, gun
and mantlet assembly, and the DshK anti-aircraft gun). The model
is molded in soft dark gray plastic, and is very easy to work
with. The only problem is the sprue attachments. They're heavy
but with a little TLC they can be removed without a trace. The
plastic reacts well with Ambroid Pro-Weld and it builds up
surprisingly fast. The only real problem I ran into during
construction was that I had a few parts that were warped. This
included both lower hull sides, parts 3a and 2a. A little
Zap-A-Gap and some accelerator proved a quick fix though.
Since there's no interior I built
the crew entry hatches closed and added styrene plugs to the
upper hull to keep it from being a "see through"
model. The "see through" aspect and the four piece
vinyl tracks are the only really bad parts of the kit. The
tracks are well detailed but fragile. I tried to connect them
with super glue and accelerator but some things aren't meant to
be.
Once the lower and upper hulls
are joined, this thing really looks like a brute. After the
assemblies dried I added thinned Testors Red filler putty to the
lower front and rear armor plates to replicate a rough rolled
armor texture. Thinned a little more, I used the putty to
remodel the weld seams on the entire model. I gave parts 2c and
3c, (the gun mantlet and mount) the same treatment, this makes a
great looking cast armor appearance. Painting the model is
pretty straightforward, one option DARK GREEN. The same goes for
the marking options, one choice.
I give this model an average
rating, its ease of construction and good detail overshadow the
"see through" aspect and the less than perfect tracks.
Once completed the model really takes on a squat brutish
appearance. I recommend it to any body who is interested in
trying out a 1/35th scale model. |
