MT-LB Build

 

 

 

This is madness 

So I decided to switch one madness for another. Test prints. 

Test fit with the modified models.  

Assembling the first track with metal pins. 

Test fitting the first track, 107 links seems to be a bit short, will have to add a few links when actually fitting the tracks. 

 

The 3D prints did not manage to print perfectly so pretty much all of the holes in the tracks needed to be drilled for the pins to fit. Still probably better than gluing two teeth per track + cleanup. 

Both tracks finished. 

Tried my very best to find a solution with magnets, but they were simply too weak to properly snap (or rather bend) the upper hull to the lower. I would have to create at least 3-4 extra connection points per side to make the top removable and show the interior. Will just seal it all up after a basic paint job. Absolutely not worth all the hassle and delays.
Would be feasible for a kit with good fit, but not for something like this where on its own it has 1-2mm cracks at every single connection point. The only part that somewhat lines up is the top part of the rear doors, everything else needs to be forced into place. The magnets don't stick well enough and slide laterally, so even with the magnets themselves perfectly lined up, the upper hull slides back up 1-2mm because of the horrible fit. Scratch building 6 more points to connect the magnets vertically to possibly still be disappointed just isn't in the cards for me.  

It truly is amphibious. 

Wheel mask made out of 3 layers of masking tape saved a lot of time here. Will use the same method in the future for sure. 

Base coat with very slight modulation - does not come across on the photo. 

After burying the magnetized top hull idea, went for a quick and dirty interior not to waste any more time on stuff that will be sealed away forever. 

Oils for the interior. 

Oils and decals for the top hull. Messed up by leaving the decals for after the dot filter and wash. Bad idea, always apply on top of clear varnish and seal in after. I was rushing to move the project along and was not thinking. 

Oil paint invasion markings on top hull. Will probably take a week to dry. Still the result is way better than I could have ever achieved with just acrylics. 

Dry-fit hull with clear parts added (periscopes, lamps).