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Here's my entry for the GB - after much deliberation I settled on the "easy" option and picked the Zvezda T-26:



This kit was first released in 1997 and has since been upgraded with new tracks. It's not quite as advanced as the more recent Zvezda kits, but at least there's nothing fundamentally wrong with it. For more details take a look at this review on PMMS.


Aftermarket additions are simple, this decal sheet by AK Interactive (produced by Star Decals) and a turned barrel by RB Model. I'll also add some parts from a Hobby Boss T-26 Model 1931 to backdate a few parts that differed from the 1941 version.


I haven't picked a specific tank yet, and probably I'll do a generic build to keep things simple for once...

Aaaaanyhow....three days ago I started with the turret, and naturally, things can't just stay simple





A short list of things I had to adress:
- Gun mantlet basic shape
- Lots of missing bolts
- Missing smaller details like hooks and a grab handle
- Sink marks and antenna locators on the turret sides
- Weld seams (Milliput)
- Improved lifting eyes
- Missing periscopes on the roof
- Coaxial DT Machine gun is completely absent (spare Trumpeter part)

On to the hull, I have a feeling it won't be any better

Philipp

So much for a nice quick build!

Yeah, it just keeps getting more and more exciting

Today's results:


As you can see, I went back to the turret and sanded the gun mantlet down to represent the pressed version, which had replaced the earlier welded version by the time the tanks were sent to Spain. I should have done that right away, as it was a lot faster and easier than my previous effort

Also, Meng nuts. Lots and lots and lots because Zvezda didn't really pay attention. Oh Meng nuts, how could I ever live without you?
Easier. That's how.

The hull was okay so far, a bit tricky to get everything properly aligned, but the fit was good. Let's see how the running gear will turn out.

Philipp

That is a lot of surface detail (nuts) that Zvezda chose to ignore!

"Details? Oh yeah, just put some random bolts up there and call it a day!"

In Zvezda's defense, without cross-checking several high resolution photos on the internet I wouldn't have noticed the problem. They certainly didn't have that back in 1997

Philipp

How often do we really make things easier on ourselves? Hardly ever, at least for me. Nice start and the additional detail will definitely pay off.

Shawn

Thank you Shawn!

It seems I must have angered a vengeful modelling god, because things just won't get easier by any means. Originally I had planned to swap the "rumble seat" air intake cover with the early open version from a Hobby Boss Model 1931 tank that I was going to build as a refurbished version from 1941. Turns out the Zvezda kit is about 3mm wider overall and the transplant won't work. Oh well, at least I got to hone my scratchbuilding skills



Oh, and see all those rivets on the engine deck? I just noticed these were all bolts. More fun times ahead

Philipp

Nice building.

Looks good Philipp. Keep plugging away.

Vincent

Thanks Vincent & Milan! When this is over I'll have set a new world record for Meng nuts on a single model I'm sure....perhaps they'll give me a discount on my next order

Philipp