Paul Shearer
Good start 👍

Shar Dipree
Following

Mona Author
thanks mates 😉 I'm working turret and going to use the tracks that come with the kit, still much to do..an I'm slow. lol

Paul Shearer
I have 2 of these although both mine are the later premium version with an etch fret and the DS tracks. Imo it's one of the better Dragon kits from that time period. Builds into a nice representation of an M51. Just got the Tamiya version recently and haven't made a close comparison but from what I read it a nice easy build.

Mona Author
I also have the later "premium" version it still in a sealed box so .. I chose to assemble the older of the two ..not caring to fuss with photo etch

David Taylor
Following.

Mona Author
Hi 🙂 David

Paul Shearer
Yes I'm not a big fan of photo etch either. It does have uses but I think it gets over done in some sets. Most things aren't basically 2 dimensional plus I suck at both gluing and soldering it together.

The DS tracks in the premium kit are nice though. Does the older kit have individual links or soft rubber band?

Mona Author
the older kit has individual links, haven't opened those parts yet they seem to be well detailed but not the workable type...the two piece barrel was a little fussy but worked out. the older kit was an "open" box E-bay purchase ..

Villiers de Vos
Very nice progress. Did you add the texturing?

David Taylor
I got the etch set for the Academy Warrior,will probably use only about a third.

Paul Shearer
Yes some parts are ideal for etch like IDF jerry can holders, Sherman headlight guards and a lot of engine/storage basket screens. But etch gets used a lot is for things like periscope guards and tie down points which are almost always made from round stock and imo doesn't look right made from a flat piece of brass. And Eduard is ridiculous in some of the things they include in their sets. They'd have you remove plastic details just to replace with exactly the same etched detail 😂

Mona Author
@ Villiers the hull has a slight cast texture out right of the box, I painted it with a several sponges varying the shades. and Paul I agree some kits its worth the effort to go all out an use etch (example Tiger1), but the average kit some cases it really make the build pop and they look great others ..just practice 🙂

Jennifer Franklin
Late to the party but following now.

Mona Author
hi, Jennifer sorry its not much of a party, maybe bout as interesting as watching a fender rust just having some fun with a old kit. still a bit more to go wip

Villiers de Vos
The effects are very good.

Mona Author
Hi Villiers I'm hopeful it will improve a bit more still ..I'm doing the tiny easy to break off items now, then some further detailing

Paul Shearer
Ground work looks good. Indi tracks seem to have gone together well too. 👍

Mona Author
@ Paul S those track worked well required some patience but otherwise no big problem, I broke the guard for the starboard driving lamp made one out of lead free soldier, I'm presently still working on finishing the paint and decals .

David Taylor
looks good.

Mona Author
Hi, Dave I mess with it till I'm sure I've screwed it up ..then pause to figure out a solution

Paul Shearer
🤭🤭

Paul Shearer
Ground work looks great. Rocky and rough describes a lot of middle eastern terrain