The detail on the model is extraordinary. How difficult has the build been Gary?
Hi James - this is the first time I've tackled a large resin model like this, and also one of BJ DeBekker's "Panzer Concepts" kits. I decided to do this build as a long-term project, but it has gone rather quicker than expected (I started it last August, but had some other projects on the go). The build has been one of measuring, re-measuring, and making sure that alignment is true throughout the steps. The quality and detail of the parts is excellent. I had to repair a few of the smaller parts that were miss-cast. Some parts are in need of straightening, but hot water and careful handling have sorted that for the most part. The instructions are generally good, but some steps are missing. There were a number of large parts that were miss-cast, but BJ has been very helpful by sending replacements (and explaining some of the missing instruction steps). The rear cab side panels were all un-usable, so BJ sent me complete sides designed on one etched piece of plexiglas - except I had to transfer all of the detail from the resin parts to the plexiglass ones. I needed a good inventory of brass & styrene rod, which is not supplied with the kit. Like all projects, research is needed to build a specific subject, and I found a few discrepancies between the kit and the Amiens gun (it had no ladders on the hull sides, for example).
I'll be doing a full write-up for Model Military International magazine when I'm finished. One of the sections would deal with essential tools for a build like this, which includes a micrometer, mini-drill bits, half a pint of crazy glue, and a ton of model desk space.
Cheers,
Gary