1/35 Ryefield Model Challenger 2 TES

[Bigfoot57]

So as alluded to in my previous last post, which was the Challenger 2 Desertised version here is the next and final one in the British main battle tank from 1944 sequence this being the Ryefield model of the Challenger 2 TES
1st off the obligatory box top and sprue shots looking at the parts they are quite well detailed although I did notice that on the Turret there are no cast details as they were on the Tamiya Challenger 2 by this I mean the the foundry markings / stamp
The instructions look good with nice colour call out at the back and a weathering chart which I’ve never seen before recommending what you use to do the effect that you require very nice touch that
The main constituents of this kit looks like to be the tracks I’ve got about 200 individual links to deal with oh joy let’s hope they stay together and don’t fall apart like the ones from Meng did on the Chieftain Mk 10

[papa 695]

I’ve got this one in the stash, so looking forward to seeing you build this one.

[Bigfoot57]

Right first off you are going to need a drill and two bits .7 mm and 1.1 mm as there are holes to be drilled before you can even start building once you’ve done those you can then start assembling the bottom section which in my case would not glue using Tamiya Extra thin so I resorted to using superglue or CA as commonly known. Hopefully anyone else doing this model will not have this problem, but just in case you do, that’s how I had to glue mine together
The actual fit of the parts is in my opinion lousy with an appreciable gap on both sides hopefully this will be hidden by the running gear and the skirts but it’s not a good start let’s hope it improves otherwise this is gonna be a real pig to build

[Bigfoot57]

Unfortunately, I’ve have to abandon this project as I seem to be missing the entire upper hull of the tank. I have contacted Ryefield models in the hope of being able to receive a replacement as the kit was brought online from somebody on eBay that I can’t remember or find
if any of you have this kit, I suggest you check it and make sure you have your upper hull’s cause it seems to be a common problem

[papa 695]

I best go and open the box I’ve got.

[Steven000]

Wow that's a major manufacturing issue indeed if the upper hull is missing so often... Hope you'll get a spare part send to you. Thumbs up, cheers