Early GPM SdKfz 251

[modelperry]

I have had to switch to Crafters Pick white glue on occasion when faced with glossy card stock. It seems to work a little better than Aleenes in that scenario.

But if all else fails, break out the superglue.....

Greg

[Amccombs3]

Originally Posted by modelperry

. . .Crafters Pick white glue . . .

Greg

I’m not familiar with that brand — looks like a trip to Hobby Lobby is imminent.

[Amccombs3]

Despite my silence, I’ve been working on this model pretty steadily. It hasn’t gone particularly well, but I have reached the milestone of getting the tracks, front wheel suspension, and tires on. No matter what I tried, the drive sprockets interfere with everything around them, and they aren’t even close to being in the position marked on the hull. I had them glued on, then had to cut them back off so I could wrap the track around them and glue the assembly on as a unit, before wrapping the track around the road wheels. The drive sprockets went on pigeon-toed, as shown in the second picture. Also, I had glued the track blocks on before getting Greg’s valuable hint about a better glue for the glossy silver paper, so track blocks have been falling off like cherry blossoms ever since. I did manage to get the guide teeth to go into the correct position relative to all the road wheels, though it was a struggle.

Once the track was in place, I put the front suspension and tires together and in place. The diagrams were confusing or possibly just plain wrong. I’m not at all sure I put it together right. I didn’t find reference photos of the underside of this vehicle, but I did find a video of the building of a recent plastic version that was immensely helpful.

At any rate, pigeon-toed-tracks notwithstanding, I’m happy to have that part behind me. All that is left now are small bits, with the most significant part being the 7.5 gun. Besides that there is the machine gun and things like the light, mirror, tow hooks, hitch, etc. They should be much more fun than the running gear.

[Erik Zwaan]

Despite the problems you described (which must be very frustrating!) you have done an excellent job

Erik

[rmks2000]

Your perseverance was worth it Ann.

[Mike1158]

You build very fine AFV's, very nice to see. Bucks my day up no end.

[modelperry]

Do I see some silk coming out of that model?

Greg

[Amccombs3]

Originally Posted by modelperry

Do I see some silk coming out of that model?

Greg

Well, it’s certainly no prizewinner otherwise.

The 75mm gun has so far been refreshingly enjoyable to build. Although it’s not finished, I can set it in place, which makes the whole model look much better. It no longer qualifies as an “Unarmed Tracked Vehicle.” Side note: that’s an inside joke. Col. Don Boose had chosen “Unarmed Tracked Vehicle” as the theme for the IMPC convention some years ago. Consequently, I started my Kettenkrad model (which was, and remains, unarmed) and didn’t come even close to finishing it on time. I think I finished it two or three years late. I hoped there would be a category for “Latest Theme Model,” but alas, that has not come to pass.

Ahem, back to the current fiasco. To make it even less unarmed, I’ve also got the tiny aft machine gun and its mount most of the way done. So, progress is being made.

There’s a small box (part 38) that goes on the back end of the 75mm gun (third photo). My best guess is that it is intended to catch spent shells. I’ve been hunting for reference photos that would show its orientation, so far fruitlessly. The diagram doesn’t show enough detail to be sure (fourth photo). Can anyone help?

Many thanks to all for the kind comments.

[modelperry]

Scalemates has AFV club Sdkfz 251/9 model info. The instructions for that kit has the basket with angled part of the top facing forward.

Greg

[Doubting Thomas]

Looks, good Ann. Finish line is probably in sight.


Jeff