This is my second vBench post attempt.
I have been building the Tristar Pz IV Ausf C for the past few months. My aim was to build it as much OOTB as possible. I ony added MK tracks, some Aber PE and some styrene and brass bits.
It is ready for painting and I hope to complete it soon.
I welcome all comments. Thanks!
Some overview shots
This is the rear plate. I did not like the muffler straps and replaced them with styrene and added modelkasten bolts.
I replaced the kit fire extinguisher with one from Elefant Corp. The jack block was made from wood stock and the strap and clasps are from Aber.
Here are the spare track links. They are from Modelkasten set SK-57. This set comes with the shorter guide horns which is correct for the AUsf C. I added track pins made from brass wire. The kit tracks will be replaced by MK tracks.
My kit had a deformed front lip. To correct it, I shaved it off and replaced with styrene.
One of the side air outlet vanes was also deformed and I replaced it
The jack did not fit the brackets. I trimmed it so that it will fit.
I quite like the tool brackets and wing nuts. I used the plastic parts to see how they will turn out. Not as fine as PE but still looks good IMHO.
One of the major ommission of the Tristar kit is the lack of ribs on the mantlet. I think this is because of moulding limitation. I scribed the ribs on the sides of the external mantlet. It was quite difficult to keep a steady hand. Next time I will replace the sides. I also added the antenna deflector from brass rods. I am not sure how long it should be and kept it longer in case I need to cut it.
I drilled the drainage holes on the cupola. I still need to clean them. This is something that I notice is easily missed. All the DML and Tristar kits are missing this. I will post a photo of it soon.
Sorry for poor quality of photos.
Threaded Mode
