9K37M1 BUK (SA-11 Gadfly) Mobile SAM - Finland

[helios]

Finland 2004

Kit : 1/35 Meng
Paints : Testors MM / Tamiya
Decals : Kit

Stepping out of my comfort zone again. You never get better if you don't, right? Haha. Not only a tracked ground unit, but it's also a bit more modern than the Cold War era I typically like to build from. I'm hoping this will give me the motivation to start picking away on the DAK half-track again.



One of the bits I found annoying/demoralizing with the Dragon half-track I had started was the use of multiple parts for a single track link. Very fiddly & time consuming. While still time consuming (what individual link track isn't), I very much prefer Meng's approach. I think I was maybe about 2.5 to 3 hours to fully assemble both tracks with 113 links per track.



Full tracks and road wheels assembled. Also got a start on the lower hull.



I didn't take any pictures last night, but I did get a bit further w/ the lower hull assembly. The top of the lower hull is attached now along w/ most of the hatches.

 

[jknaus]

This is a good start. Looking forward to more I really enjoyed building this one and have even thought of getting another. I think you'll enjoy it.
James

 

[Iron Mike]

Looking good.

 

[Swordsman]

Interesting Kit ... nice start ...

 

[MrT]

 

[helios]

More of the lower hull fitted. Couldn't help but "test" the suspension. :laugh:

 

[Skinny_Mike]

Nice progress Chris!

 

[moon puppy]

Yeah Active suspension is always cool feature.

 

[helios]

Making some time at the bench this weekend.

 

[moon puppy]

You go

 

[jknaus]

Looking good
James

 

[helios]

Home stretch. Shooting for primer tonight.

 

[moon puppy]

Yeah man!!

 

[errains]

Great Looking Build!!
How is the fit and engineering and fit on this kit?

 

[helios]

Got the assembly finished last night. I did break a bit that I'm not going to be able to repair due to the location unfortunately. It'll be alright though, just an extra bit i need to be mindful of if I'm adjusting position of the launcher. Might swap out the front lock bar though...





Priming/pre-shade scheduled for tonight after work.

 

[helios]

Great Looking Build!!
How is the fit and engineering and fit on this kit?

It's a really nice bit of kit. A LOT of small pieces, but manageable. Fit in general is really good. Very little filler was required. Minimal flash.

I can't speak to accuracy, as I'm not an armor guy, but from a general modeling mindset I'm really happy with it.

 

[MrT]

 

[helios]

In primer.

 

[moon puppy]

That had to be tough.

 

[helios]

Not happy with the dark green, too grey. Going to try something different tomorrow, thinking maybe Euro1 Dark Green. And now I've found some better pics...and it looks like the boundaries should be hard lines, not soft. Back to the drawing board for a little rework.

This is just a big experiment for me, so it's all good. Should look ok when it's done. Certainly no show stopper, but ought to be a good 10 footer.