T34 with upgraded turret, 76mm gun and 3 tone summer camo.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:12 pm

The tank I'm going to attempt to build

I'll be using this Dragon OT34/76 mod.1943(factory112) kit.

I'm going to leave out most of the detailing from the kit like the PE grap rail supports, log straps etc. Even the fuel tanks wont be needed as their not in the game lol.
I'm also going to try and get the colours of the camo as close to the game as possible with the selection of tamiya greens, buff, yellows that I have and if that doesn't work I'll hopefully get a Vallejo Air Russian tank green set -which looks to have everything in it.
Only problem I can see is that the kit only has 1 tow cable and the game one has 2, which could be a pain, but hopefully ebay will provide me an option or two lol.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:12 pm

OK, getting ready to start.

I'll have to admit that being used to doing Tamiya kits in the past and never having made a Dragon before I was astounded at the sheer amount of parts in this kit. There are 21 sprues and then 9 individual parts or bags of extras. There are a lot of sprues from I think 4 different kits in this box, so loads of options for variations of vehicles to be done. the level of Detail seems very good too, haven't really noticed any flash or pin marks yet but will inspect more closely as I get each part when needed.

And the inclusion of separate track links and photo etch parts is nice and something I always used to have to buy as after market parts. So for £25 I am very, very impressed by this kit so far and I haven't even started it yet lol.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:48 pm

Looks like a nice kit, just make sure you read those instructions properly as dragon can be confusing sometimes.

DC87 · Post by **DC87** » Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:50 pm

- I have never done that with a kit before and after looking at how much stuff yours has I'm not sure I will want to in future as it highlights how much work needs to be done.

Looks like a really nice kit, have fun and take your time with the infamous Dragon instructions.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Aug 02, 2013 5:03 pm

Paul wrote:Looks like a nice kit, just make sure you read those instructions properly as dragon can be confusing sometimes.

yeah no worries, they are quite confusing compared to the Tamiya stuff I did in the past, but I think I've figured it out, just take each stage at a time and double check the parts/sprues. half the sprues only there for 1 or 2 pieces lol.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Aug 02, 2013 6:56 pm

Right 1st couple of steps done, suspension on the lower hull and wheels assembled.

Brought back some memories, and found it a lot easier and more familiar than I had expected after such a long break, I'm going to enjoy this.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 3:32 pm

Morning progress, I've put the rear section of the lower hull on and started work on the upper hull.
This is where I ran into a mini dilemma - there are optional PE mudguards to fit, but in order to do this you have to cut off the ones moulded to the upper hull.
Not having a razor saw and not really fancying hacking away at the hull with a knife I decided to modify the moulded ones.
So I just shaved and sanded them down to a better looking thickness/shape.

Hopefully this pic will do it justice, the right hand side is how they started out.

DC87 · Post by **DC87** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 3:38 pm

Good work on that mudguard, a definite improvement

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 4:55 pm

Off to a great start

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 1:56 am

That is a standard and old fashioned method to fix scale thickness McLeod.
Nicely done and well implemented!

The kit that I'm building is almost exactly the same as yours. I've already ran into a major issue with mine.
Good luck Dude!

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:00 am

What sort of issue you having with yours matey ?

I've just had to use the plastic moulded engine cover because I screwed up the PE one DOH! lol

russ2471 · Post by **russ2471** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:02 am

Omg You guys are racing off at a pace

, may have to pull the tortoise out of the stash tomorrow but then again we all know the fable

looking good though mac

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:08 am

russ2471 wrote:Omg You guys are racing off at a pace , may have to pull the tortoise out of the stash tomorrow but then again we all know the fable looking good though mac

Thanks mate, I wouldn't say racing off at a pace, just coincidence that I decided to get back into modelling after years away, joining this forum and having the idea for the world of tanks group build all happened at the same time lol.

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:22 am

Russ right now I have 4 builds on the go... I'm losing my mind keeping them all straight.
I'm trying to make at least 1 video every couple of days or so, and I spend a few hours everyday reading everyone's posts.
I also have a family that likes to see me once in a while too.

Mcleod is probably going to out pace me in leaps and strides. Haha.
There's tonnes of time still.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:31 am

Hehe, I'm deliberately trying to pace myself by only doing 1 or 2 stages a day. I wont be able to afford another kit for a while so I need to make this one last lol

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:39 am

It's a Dragon kit Mcleod.
Even when I was able to spend 5 hours a day building I would take 2 weeks to build some of those things.
I'm picky though and I'll do modifications, add PE, and aftermarket stuff too.
Without all that crap it would take 5 days working 5 hours a day.

T3hGuppy · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 11:16 am

Luckily mine hasn't arrived yet so I can get some other things squared away first.

Tiger131 · Post by **Tiger131** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 11:31 am

nice kit buddy and like the thinning down of the guards works a treat

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 6:51 pm

Right some more work done.
Got some reference material up for easy viewing, and a glass table makes for brilliant laminated logo's too lol

Done some work on the upper hull, mounted machine gun and hatch, tow hooks, engine covers (had to use the moulded one as I broke the PE one DOH), light and stowage.
Slightly altered the stowage placement and removed a lot of detail from the side of the hull to match the in game version.

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 9:26 pm

Too bad about that PE getting broken McLeod.
Those things are so fiddly.
Hopefully I won't break mine.
You're coming along like a house on fire Dude.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 9:41 pm

yeah it was the frame that goes over the engine grill, got stuck in the wrong position and I broke it try to correct it, needed 3 hands I think lol

spruecutter · Post by **spruecutter** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 6:13 pm

Seeing as I'm being really imaginative with my comments on these threads (not), I just had to say:

Looking good.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:57 pm

Sorted out some more of the upper hull, more stowage, removed a lot of unwanted detail, added rear plate and mounted it to the lower hull. Dry fitted wheels to make sure it all sits level. A bit scruffy in a couple of places but seeing as its my 1st go in a long time I'm not beating myself up about it lol.

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:04 pm

Looks fine to me McLeod.
You're way ahead of me Dude.

T3hGuppy · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:21 pm

Great job dude. I'm starting to feel like the German army in 1945 with all this Russian armour lol

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 5:53 pm

Turret done.

Mould mark on rear of the turret has since been removed, didn't really notice it until I took the photo lol.

Only a few grab rails and a couple of bits of detail to add then she'll be ready to paint, painting always makes me both excited and nervous lol.

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 6:00 pm

Wow... you're really knocking this into shape Dude.
Waste not time.
Painting is always a weird bit of any build. It can go so right (most cases) or totally pear shaped (not so often).
But it's almost always fun.
Just take your time.

NovYank · Post by **NovYank** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 6:57 pm

Great work man!!

Really can't wait to see more

Tiger131 · Post by **Tiger131** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 7:23 pm

talk about quick building..love what you've done buddy look forward to the next stage

spruecutter · Post by **spruecutter** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 11:25 pm

That's a fine looking model, good progress

T3hGuppy · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Tue Aug 06, 2013 11:27 pm

Coming along nicely.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:11 pm

Did some more today, finalising the detail on the hull and turret.

Put the grab handles on the sides of the hull and rear hatch.
Put makeshift hooks on the rear of the hull for the tow cables.
Added the lifting lugs/eyelets to the turret.
Added the weird fixing points (not sure what they are but they are on the game one) to the left of the hull under the grab handles.

All I have to do now is add the ice cleats to the hull when they arrive, make the tow cables up and do the tracks, fill the holes on the turret originally for the lifting lugs then she's ready for painting.

Tiger131 · Post by **Tiger131** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:38 pm

looking sharp looking forward to the fun part

russ2471 · Post by **russ2471** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 6:14 pm

Looking good buddy, I think we've all been quite active lately, I blame coens build videos

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 7:58 pm

What??

Why me?

What did I do?
You guys were all ahead of me until the other day.
My kids just left me alone long enough to get something done is all.
Sheesh.

Just blame it all on the bald guy... I get it.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Tue Aug 20, 2013 8:27 pm

We're all too busy watching your vids to get anything done

I'm actually glad though, some of your vids highlighted things for me that I hadn't done or got wrong, so thanks for that

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 6:33 pm

Started the tracks today, first time I've ever done Dragon's Magic Track indy link system, have to say I found it pretty straight forward and all went smoothly, impressed.
Done one side, will do the others tomorrow.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 6:43 pm

Looking great

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 7:00 pm

Lickity split Dude.
They look perfect. Great job!!

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:00 pm

Thanks guys, hopefully I will be able to do the other side just as well to match

wappynutter · Post by **wappynutter** » Thu Aug 22, 2013 10:56 pm

Nice looking build Ken.....

Those tracks are excellent. Dragon do supply a good kit...... just muddled instructions...

Well done mate keep it up..

Tiger131 · Post by **Tiger131** » Fri Aug 30, 2013 10:33 pm

the magic tracks are so easy and on Russian Armour because of there wide track links there even better..loving your work so far buddy

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:23 am

Right after a while of battle with some PE strips and super glueing a cocktail stick to my finger lol, the ice cleats are on, next step priming

I'm a relative newby when it comes to PE and I think it clearly shows in this pic, but hey ho its all practise and besides the Ruskies tanks were nevr that well engineered anyway lol

alextheblue · Post by **alextheblue** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:40 am

Liking that McLeod, great progress and the PE's looking good.

Let's face it, who hasn't super-glued something to themselves or themselves to something at one time or another.

alextheblue · Post by **alextheblue** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:43 am

Oh, and good luck with the new compressor and airbrush. Always a bit daunting when using a bit of new kit for the first time, but you'll be fine!

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:51 am

Thanks Alex, just having a cuppa then going to get stuck in

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 2:45 pm

She looks great buddy, so what if it's not perfect, nothing ever is. You're little girl here looks just fine to me.
I just noticed from yours that I've missed something on my own. So there you go.
There's a shot deflector/step under the driver's hatch that I missed. Now I have to try and attach one after I'm almost done the painting haha.
You Da'Man!

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 3:00 pm

Right here she is all primed in a lovely coat of Vallejo 609 Russian Green 4BO Surface Primer. I like this primer, goes on so smooth and even, considering it was a first time with the primer, airbrush and compressor it all went really well.

There's a couple of shiny bits in the pics that look as though I missed a bit, but there just wet parts that caught the flash.

I'll be giving the wheels a base coat of flat black for more depth/shading and also the tow cables and tracks - and the spare tracks for the front of the tank.

Thanks Michael

- you mentioning the front of yours made me realise I'd forgotten the spare links lol. So handy when someone else is doing the same tank lol

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 4:04 pm

Haha... I didn't even notice that. I noticed that you had the shot deflector/step plate though... weird.
How did I not see that?
I must have just thought you were painting it separately... hey that's what you can tell folks.

McLeod · Post by **McLeod** » Fri Sep 06, 2013 9:52 pm

hehe

well I am now

Gonna have to redo the primer on the lower front hull too, forgot to sand the filler I put on there lol