Bowcat's Tamiya 1/35 Chieftain Mk 5

[Mr Bowcat]

So I finally got started on this tonight. Got most of the lower hull together and made a start on the upper.

Obligatory box and sprue pics.
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The kit appears to have originally been motorised, there's a battery tray and some holes that needed filling.

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Luckily I had some help from my beautiful assistant.

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[Guest]

Great stuff, a future modeler in the making

[col68]

Looking good Bob I really like the chieftain I built the same kit not so long ago really enjoyed it.
Before long you won't be able to get near the bench as your assistant will beat you to it

[monica]

good start to this one,Bob,looking good,with nice progress,
do you add, ballast ,to them,

[Mr Bowcat]

Thanks Moni. I haven't added ballast, should I be doing this??

[monica]

Thanks Moni. I haven't added ballast, should I be doing this??

yes ,no harm in doing so,,as it dose help to hold them down,its a good idea,i do on some if I have some think,
to use

[Mr Bowcat]

Out of interest, what sort of things would you use?

[monica]

for the four,tarp holder,I would use wire,around 2mm should look alright,
and for the tarp,I like to use the KFC,hand washer,let them dry,and paint them up,
there just stronger an using some type of tissues,

[Mr Bowcat]

Awesome, cheers Moni.

[papa 695]

Nice start Bob

[Mr Bowcat]

Primary construction is complete. I left a few bits unattached for now to make painting easier later.

I have to say, this kit didn't go together as well as the Challenger I built. Quite a lot of cleanup required and some filling.

Now prepped and ready for undercoat.

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[col68]

It looks good Bob
I agree with your comments about the quality of the kit but bear in mind its been around for years so the moulding technology wasn't as advanced as it is now

[Guest]

Coming along nicely Bob, you're right it's not the best Chieftain kit. But i've built a few (even with workin' IR light) and it's a bit like me, we both scrub up well

Have fun, John

[Mr Bowcat]

Cheers John. I learned a lot from the Challenger build, most importantly patience.

This made me slow down with the Chieftain and pay more attention to cleaning up flash and filling ejector marks and gaps.

[Guest]

This is coming on great Bob keep up the good work.