SDKFZ 163 Sturmgeschulz IV

wjbrandel said:

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Got this model for my birthday a few months ago. Finally decided it's time to build it. However I decided to get some after market detail sets, zimmerit, a PE detail set and some metal tracks.

Now after seeing the tracks, I'm beginning to question my life choices with this model. What I was expecting was plastic tracks like I used on my Walker Bulldog, even though the description did indeed say metal tracks. The zimmerit PE I got was not what I expected (in hind sight I clicked on the wrong item) what I expected was a set to create zimmerit from putty. Oh well, but the tracks are what have me questioning my life choices. Regardless this is going to be a fun build for me.

If anyone has worked with this type of track before, advise is welcome.

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Pantherman said:

I built the out of box tamiya, great kit. I didn't have any after market parts so will be very interested in your build as I might give it another go with all the extras. Pantherman

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wjbrandel said:

I'll let ya know Pantherman, I'll be posting pictures of my mistakes....I mean progress here.

Life willing I'll be starting it tonight after work.

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wjbrandel said:

Thanks for the advise.

I build to relax so I try not to get stressed, but like you I've made some howlers as well and there are 3 models that I stopped and refuse to even look at because they are frustrating.

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wjbrandel said:

Started the zimmerit last night. Surprisingly easy to put on. I started the zimmerit before any assembly work because it looked like it might be easier. I wasn't able to put all the zimmerit on because some of it requires the top and bottom hulls to be assembled...so those pieces will come later.

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kevin said:

Can you tell us the brand of the P E zimmerit set? Looks good so far, even with no paint yet. I've tried using putty before and I wasn't any good at it.

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Bear43 said:

That should look really nice once it's painted. It already looks good.

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wjbrandel said:

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As you can see the zimmerit is all in place. As easy as it was I don't think I will be using the zimmerit PE again unless it looks fantastic after painting, I just don't care for the way it looks right now and the fact it does cover up some of the details on the model.

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After I joined the upper and lower hulls together, I discovered a huge hole on both sides with nothing on the sprues that would fill them in so...

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Evergreen sheets to the rescue. Cut the sheets to size and glued them in place. I don't think I will be blending them in because of the weathering I plan on doing and the place on the model.

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wjbrandel said:

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As you can see the zimmerit is all in place. As easy as it was I don't think I will be using the zimmerit PE again unless it looks fantastic after painting, I just don't care for the way it looks right now and the fact it does cover up some of the details on the model.

View attachment 115943

After I joined the upper and lower hulls together, I discovered a huge hole on both sides with nothing on the sprues that would fill them in so...

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Evergreen sheets to the rescue. Cut the sheets to size and glued them in place. I don't think I will be blending them in because of the weathering I plan on doing and the place on the model.

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Pantherman said:

I think the PE zimmerit looks great. Shame about the missing panel but great recovery. Pantherman

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wjbrandel said:

Thanks. I was a bit bummed about the missing panel. After looking at it and thinking about it the zimmerit does look good, I think the dislike of it comes from it being the first time I've built a model with zimmerit on it.

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