My Panzerhaubitze 2000

[Ian M]

Looking good keep it up!

So shall we start writing to Tamiya and suggest it as their next Radio controlled tank in 1/16 ! Dude that would be huge!!!

[Guest]

Me again!!!

Thought i'd try out the new camera, and give you an update on the PzH 2000.

The turret is/was virtually finished, but i noticed on a few pictures that the front mesh

step has some webbing on. So i made some mounting points from fine gauge wire, and fitted them into holes that i had driled. Then the webbing was made from doubled up masking tape, and held in place with pva. I just need to paint them now.

The camouflage on the body is pretty much done, and then i can detail the rest. But so many distraction this week. Getting the kit for the group build, sorting the airbrush, working on the Big Foot, and a series of interviews for a new job (last one today i hope). Oh, and rehearsing with the band this evening.

Busy busy!!!

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[Guest]

Thought i'd wait a little longer before starting on the group build. As i'm just putting the final finish to a couple of kits, i thought i'd make a start on the Staghound.

The kit looks fairly straightforward, and so far has fitted together relatively well. Included in the kit are 4 sprues, a PE sheet, a turned aluminium gun barrel, a choice of decals, a clear plastic flexi sheet, and a piece of thick cotton. Also, as this is a special edition (the PE kit) it also includes a nice walkround booklet, and a copy of the box graphic on thick card (for framing). If anybody wants the piccy, PM me and its yours!!

This is me first attempt at PE. so i thought i'd get to grips with it before tackling the Eduard Fw190.

The first couple of bits are totally straightforward, and i fixed them with PVA. Hopefully it'll all be as simple, but somehow i doubt it!!!

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[Guest]

Nice one Dave. Just take your time with the PE and when you cut it, keep it flat. Once it bends, it can be very tricky to get flat again. If you have to bend anything that feels a bit 'tough' just heat to red and let it air cool. Takes seconds so be careful or it could melt/distort. This will anneal it and make it easier to bend. To get the strength back if needed, re heat the bent/folded piece to bright red and quench by dipping into water. This will re harden the piece so if it is in a situation where it could get accidentally bent or pushed in, it will help hod the shape.

[Guest]

The house was quiet today, so managed to watch the Grand Prix and assemble the Staghound. Had a few minor hiccups with the photoetch, decided that i'd try superglue, and then almost stuck a pair of tweezers to my fingers, not to mention a machine gun to my ear (don't ask!!). I was a bit worried about having to bend and fold the parts, but once i'd gathered together a few more tools and templates, it was ok.

I'm totally converted to photo etch. and now am really looking forward to the Eduard for the group build.

Everything is primered now, and ready for paint. I've decided to finish the Staghound in British Army Green. The Staghound was used at Caen in 1944, so i have some infantry, brick walling etc, for my first diorama.

This realy is a nice kit, with lots of good detail. There is interior detail for the turret, which is hardly visible through the hatches, but easy to assemble, and worth the extra effort.

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[Guest]

To mix things up a bit for a few members ( I`m with you Patrick ) I thought I would add a few photo`s of some stuff I`m building for a future dio , 1st time doing everything here boys so a big learning curve , one thing with tyres (on the quad) I`ve done them in vallejo german grey then dry brush them in a lighter grey and must say they have come out the nuts , also doing the chassis it looked ok then covered it with dry mud and light dust MIG pigments , not going mad with the cab - coat of Klear then decals and a light mig wash then another klear , then a coat of vallejo matt and a bit of dry brushing with pigments,

with the matilda being a MK2 - colour scheme is basic so hope to follow the Qaud colour and weathering system apart from the tracks , its had a primer and 2 light coats of vallejo air sand yellow , never made a Tank before so wish me luck

any advice is much appreciated

Richy

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[Guest]

The Quad looks good Richy & you do have the tyres looking just right-I'm glad you didn't try to paint them black! I know I tried that once & it was horrible!

The Matilda looks a nice clean build so I'm sure that will turn out well. Maybe we'll see both of them in a little dio?? ;-)

Keep up the good work sir!

Patrick

[Guest]

That's a lovely little kit Dave & full marks for going after something different. You've got the hang of the PE thing & I once spent 20 minutes looking for a missing part only to find it under my wrist-damn superglue!

Patrick

[Centurion3RTR]

Can't wait to the Quad done Richy, got the makings of a great dio mate.

Have fun, John

[spanner570]

Richy, first I want to apologies for missing your F1 and bike, I simply didn't see it, sorry.

With so many posts being on the 190 build at the minute, it's hard to spot anything else that creeps in!!lol

Patrick makes a good point re. tyres, never black!

I look forward to the next installment, I won't miss it, honest....

Ron

[Ian M]

Yep those tyres are looking good. I have a quad in the stash, so I will be watching this one for tips!

Matilda II... So no camo masking night mares for you then!!! Nice little tank though in it!

Ian M

[Ian M]

Nice build!

Was close to buying one my self, but brought the Sherman insted. Is it me or has Tamiya also released the staghound? swear I saw on on e-models t'other day.

Ian M

[yak face]

Fab looking build dave, cant wait to see it in the camo. The photo etch really makes a difference, although as patrick says its easy to lose bits, i once spent ages looking for a tiny piece only to find it a day later stuck to my jumper!! cheers tony

[spanner570]

What a cracking little build Dave, the vast amount of detail is amazing for a relatively small kit and a good job you have done on it too.

I doubt you will, but If you need any advise / help with the diorama, shout up. As you know, there are loads of people on here who will give you all the help and encouragement you need.

Good luck with it and keep us posted.

Ron

[Guest]

I may well do that Ron. Thanks.

The plan is to have the Staghound on a dirt track besides a damaged wall, with the Infantry around it. I have the wall, bricks and some propaganda posters, but might need some more inspriation. Apparently the Staghound was a little to big for small streets in the operation in Caen, so i'm keeping it a bit more rural.

I'm sure it'll develop itself as it goes.

Dave