Abdin's build: Dragon Grille 138/1 H FINISHED 10/31/2009

This is my entry for the group build , with some aftermarket sets by eduard and lion roar

Is Dragon releasing a new version of this kit?
Panzer

Looking forward to seeing the build on this one Abdin !

Jenny

Panzer wrote:Is Dragon releasing a new version of this kit?
Panzer

Hi Panzer!!

I heard rumors about a smart kit, but not 100% sure, this one have being waiting in the stash for a long time.

Jenny you are right, I better build this one soon before dragon re-release it...

The Lionroar uppers look so cool.

Nice choice, Abdin...

Rick

Hi to all!!

It’s my first update on this build, Laura, sorry for the delay but I have being working on
3 models at the same time and its driving me crazy! I’m not doing it again as the time to work with each is so reduced that its taking forever to finish one, so I focused on the flak panzer witch is awaiting paint orders. I put the 165 panzer build on halt till I finish this one. So here is what I have done till now:

The hull with the suspension parts ready to assemble…


Here is all done…..







I have started to cut part of the hull as per the instructions and working on the Lions
Upper shields. Already started working on the photos so expect it soon. Thanks!!

Hey Abdin,

The plastic parts are nice, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the brass work on this baby.


BTW..I know what you mean about working on multiple projects...man, it can get difficult.

Rick

Propaganda

abdin started?

working on three models at the same time! you don't like it relaxed and easy, do you? well ok ... i have two on the bench and this is already too much for me!

thank you for updating and showing pics of your very clean work!

knowing of the voodoo magic of you three musketeers this will be a killer build!

Nice choice of vehicle, abdin!

There is nice detail in the fighting compartment in this one. I had one built but sadly used it to practice paint work and weathering and have always wanted to build one seriously.

I'll be watching this with interest and can't wait till you arrive for the interior detail!

Regards
Noel

I have the New Dragon Grille & I compared it to the old Kirin kit that Richie had & there is no comparison , the new kit is amazing !

Jenny

Rick...the brass is the next step and I cant wait to start working on it, the eduard set is also used in the next steps, so soon.......

Laura,I hope to keep the pase now as the flak panzer was put aside just waiting on paint but as the grille is also yellow im painting both at the same time..

Noel thanks! this is an old kit, so with the aftermarket parts I hope to take it closer to todays kits standards
lets see how this one ends. get the new one and just start building it , is a great kit..

Jenny, the new Dragon kits just get better and better every time, so I need to work hard on this one and
make it look really nice compared to the new one..

Hello, looks good so far. Will be following this build. I think I'll receive my smart kit grille H next week so will be interesting to compare these two.
Keep up the good job

Best regards
Tibor

Noel thanks! this is an old kit, so with the aftermarket parts I hope to take it closer to todays kits standards
lets see how this one ends. get the new one and just start building it , is a great kit..

I'll take your advice! It's been in the Hobbylink Japan cart for ages...... next week is pay-day.... I'll just click on that dreaded "Confirm Order" button!!

Regards
Noel

Noel, I almost fell from my chair when I saw your reply , what most killed me was the jejeje you are no match for the dark side of the force......
so you just let me know when you get the kit......

I don't know if I should tell my wife... that's why the

I really wish to buy it

Lucky models don't have it and at Hobbylink Japan it's still in stock. Somehow when some items go out-of-stock..... I never see them again!!

It's cheaper for me to by from Lucky or Hobby! They arrive to my door and I don't pay VAT or tax duty!

I'll let you know as soon as I have it Hold on tight!

Regards
Noel

Hi my friends!! Time for a small update on the grille H, this time I started with a small surgery as the sides of the hull must be cut 4.5mm on both sides…..

The side vision port has to be removed and sanded smooth….




Then the guide line is traced and the sides are cut to the new height…….




With the sides corrected I moved to cut the base of the kits side panels as these are required to install the Lions roar ones




This is how it looks when trimmed………


When both sides are cut, the bases are glued to the new PE panels……..




Next step is the replacement of the plastic barrel with an Aber aluminum one, the stock
Barrel has to be trimmed from the base……..




Here the new barrel is installed and some PE details are added from the Edward set


Now the fire wall gets the sanding treatment, all the details are removed to be replaced with PE parts………….




With the fire wall installed on the hull the floor fuel tanks get some PE anti skid plate


That’s all for the moment, already working on the rear deck and interior PE details
More soon, thanks!!!!

Nice progress But the real deal here is: What's that cool looking sanding machine you're using? I want some details

Hi Richard!!

This is my sanding machine, I love this little gadget, it has different attachments with different shapes, you just chose the grid and apply the self adhesive sandpaper to the desired sanding shape adapter.7000 strokes /minute with 2.5mm stroke. Got it from micromark.com



Here it is compared to my stug III in size



Comes with this different shapes adapters straight or angled


Abdin

Thanks for the link Abdin. That tool is going straight at the top of my "tool I must buy list"

wow abdin! major surgery! you are a brave man!

NIIIICCCCCEEEE I would have gone the easier way but doing all this is where modelling is all about !

Jenny

Nice surgery Abdin, your effort will be well worth the work.

Looking forward to see more.

\Erik

Very neat surgery! The side shields look far better than the plastic ones that look even thick.

Cool sander you've got there! Must save a lot of time in sanding!

Reagrds
Noel

Hello, looking nice so far. It is interesting to compare the two kits. Actually as I see, this older grille surprisingly has better detail on some parts of the interior floor. I think it is a challenge to improve this kit, the question is how "correct" grille are you building :-)

Keep posting

Tibor

Laura you already know how we (voodoo boys) like complicate things(kits), but thats the name of the game

Jenny you are 100% right, I like the challenge on doing this "inferior" kits as they help you keep your skills sharp
and improve in the ones that need a little more practice

Noel thanks, the Lion roar set looks nice but it has some mayor mistakes, I will explain in the next up date, about the sanding machine, just go for it, it saves you an incredible amount of time in sanding kits parts, Im addicted to it

HI Tibor, the old kit has good detail inside, the only down part is that the transmission is very simple and the steering controls are missing completely. I have the Edward kit, but Im not planning on super detailling it, just
adding the basic missing details. I already ordered the steering control set in PE and a set of brass ammo but I think thats going to be all.....I hope