Mirror Models Bulldozer.

[outrunner]

Just waiting for a JCB or equivalent backhoe in 1/35th. Not holding my breath though.

Hasegawa make a 360 degree excavator in 1/35 but it seems no one in the UK has one in stock at the moment.

Andy.

[Gern]

Hasegawa make a 360 degree excavator in 1/35 but it seems no one in the UK has one in stock at the moment.

Andy.

Don't they make two versions, one on wheels the other on tracks? I'm keeping my eyes open for both. Like I said, if no-one buys this type of kit, they'll stop making them.

[Lee Drennen]

Andy. Nice progress so far keep up the good work

[Gern]

Yyyyeeesss!!!

Just checked out those Hasegawa excavators and found that Panda models have released a 1/35 JCB type machine. It's a military version labelled
HMEE-1 - High Mobility Engineer Excavator - their model no PH35041.

It's an armoured military type machine, but at least it's a step in the right direction. I'm off to order one.

Poop! Cheapest is from DawnGrocerystore in China. I've dealt with them before and had no problems but he's away until mid July

[Gern]

Found this review for the HMEE. Looks like there are a few issues but nothing I would call a deal breaker

https://web.ipmsusa3.org/content/hmee-1-high-mobility-engineer-excavator

[outrunner]

Found this review for the HMEE. Looks like there are a few issues but nothing I would call a deal breaker

A while ago I looked at a build video on youtube and though..............no, I will not bother with that!

Andy.

[outrunner]

Not been doing much these last few days as it has been that warm that working in the loft was not possible so I spent long days on the bike instead and even then it was warm inside all that protective gear.
There are quite a lot of small parts to make up one track frame.


With a bit of fettling and sanding it goes together well.


Only one more to do, seems a bit strange that they call the tracks workable when the drive sprockets and front idlers are fixed, only the bottom rollers move. If you do the model with the covers over the track mechanisms then some parts are not needed as they will be unseen. I notice looking at the picture I need to do a bit of sanding on that front cover

Andy.

[Gern]

I thought that! Moveable track and fixed wheels? What's the point?

[outrunner]

I thought that! Moveable track and fixed wheels? What's the point?

Yes, it's like having a highly detailed engine with all the panels/bonnet glued shut, but at least it means the tracks will be easier to do if you do not have to worry about all the links being movable. :smiling:

Andy.

[JR]

Andy looking good mate. I found with the Stalin version lots of very small parts that when fitted would never be seen !

[Jim R]

Hi Andy
Off to a nice, neat start. I reckon the secret to these kits is to take things slow and steady as you're doing.
Jim

[Guest]

I missed this thread until now, but as I’ve got the armoured version of this, I’ll keep an eye on it so I know what to watch out for. Though I think I should finish painting the Resicast one I built years ago before starting on the Mirror Models one

[yak face]

Looking good andy , like dave im surprised at the lack of construction vehicles available. Ive got a childs toy JCB Loadall telehandler thats quite accurate and not too toy like that i intend detailing up and repainting .

[outrunner]

Thanks for all the positive comments guys. There are a lot of small parts to this model so slow and steady is best. I am trying to build as many sub-assemblies as possible because this will need to be painted as the build gets done as there is no way to paint it properly, well, as properly as I can paint it anyway when it's built up.

Andy.

[outrunner]

A bit wet out today so some time spent at the bench. Tried a bit of track to make sure it fitted the sprockets/idlers just to be sure.
[ATTACH]391014[/ATTACH]
Then I gave a load of bits a coat of dark, rusty colour.
[ATTACH]391015[/ATTACH]
I do hope my chipping method works or the whole thing will be clean Cat yellow. :smiling5:


Andy.