Hi all.
Only going to say a couple of things about this kit.
First do not install lower gun shield part E 21 Thanx to the guy here told me this beforehand !!! The kit instructions work fine except for this.
Most importantly make sure everything is square ! I'm not kidding, (this really applies to all kit's) I got a slight twist in the gun recoil channel. (sic) One thing led to another there... (parts E 59 E 60) Sanding the seam on the underside of this two piece part was fun, shame I got the paint on too thick... (that or just add new rivet's after sanding) End result of my not paying attention was a slight twist on the whole assembly. Damn...
There are five sink marks that can be seen well. Four are on the back of the lower hinged gun shield. Easy to deal with. Last one on inside of part E 59. don't forget to get early unlike me...
The Gun... (thats what were here for) goes together no problem. Scuff the aluminum barrel where the plastic parts attach, I used CA. Also had to use filler on the breech assembly, it came out alright. Gun cradle assembly works well too.
The gun shield bolts are no problem, they give you extras. I personally don't see the need for the aftermarket brass bolt set. You really can't see them anyway. Glue bolts to inside shield, than the outer one snaps on no glue really needed. Gluing the two sides to the center section is no problem. I used the plastic part on the lower front to join the assembly. But thats just me. I also used the plastic part instead of the PE one for the upper gun shield. Installing the gun shield is not really a problem if you have four hands. Seriously that at least went well, even tho it took a while. Be patient...
Tires... With a very sharp X Acto blade, cut the mold block off flush with tire, than cut new treads into tire where mold seam is. It took a light sanding with 320 grit sanding stick to level off/smooth tread. Than I used an X Acto to re cut the tread. Very nice tires, I like them.
I'm painting the marking posts white, and using red decal. I've been lazy about getting this done...
And then... That F$%!'ing gun sight !! Just getting parts off the sprue was an adventure. Broke D7 doing it. Still well molded parts, this should look nice. My problem, don't know if others suffered it, was that the sight was too wide to fit under the armor shield, I had to cut/shave the gun side (part D 8)to make it fit. I also installed the gun sight after installing the gun shields, it made for easier access to the shield attachment points. YMMV here.
More pic's will be up later today.
I'm actually going to make a diorama base for this, but that's a whole 'nother project.......
This was a kit I gave my best friend for a B Day present two years ago. He passed away suddenly last summer, so I got the kit back from the family and built it for him. I miss ya Bubba :(