Magach 6B Gal - MENG

[iambrb]

Well, I guess I got a bit too cocky, and made a mistake! I wanted to make the tracks and running gear removable, but had already attached the return rollers. So I figured I would just paint the lower hull and the tracks to make it easier. OOOF, not a good idea! The paint was the old Model Masters Enamel IDF Sand Grey, and upon further investigation, it appeared that this may not be the right color – ARGH! Also, as I am sure most of you know & I just learnt the hard way, painting means t you have to turn around and remove any paint on a surface you intend to have adhesive. So I spent the last 1.5 days, maube 10 hours total, fixing the issue. I also built up the tracks. The tracks are 101 links per side, and they require 5 cuts per link to remove from the sprue, so you’re looking at a handy 1002 cuts to ge them off, less any cleanup, plus the pins (see below)

Here I did not care for the little jig that Meng provides. I found it simpler to do them three at a time. Just attach the ‘nub inside that one track, rock together, and pin as shown:

[URL='https://i.imgur.com/Yt1TG5Z.jpg%5b/img']https://i.imgur.com/Yt1TG5Z.jpg[/img[/URL]]

[img][URL='https://i.imgur.com/xhTDIwf.jpg%5b/img']https://i.imgur.com/xhTDIwf.jpg[/img[/URL]]

[img][URL='https://i.imgur.com/xHpRwZn.jpg%5b/img']https://i.imgur.com/xHpRwZn.jpg[/img[/URL]]

Really built up pretty easy. Next I had to then all the mounting points for the running gear, then mount/remove as needed to determine where wheels fit on the track, then get that attached. As you can see, one side, no prob, but another fell apart when I tried to remove it for pictures, so I get the fun of that repair.

[img][URL='https://i.imgur.com/w6ZZZKB.jpg%5b/img']https://i.imgur.com/w6ZZZKB.jpg[/img[/URL]]

[img][URL='https://i.imgur.com/CiD31f5.jpg%5b/img']https://i.imgur.com/CiD31f5.jpg[/img[/URL]]

I can’t fault Meng for me being a knuckle head. And in retrospect, had I followed the instructions, I would be ready for paint, so anyone thinking of doing this kit, keep that in mind. So for the next day or so it’s all about the repair and getting the upper hull on and ready for paint. Till then!

 

[moon puppy]

All your imgur links are not working. why you using imgur when your best buddy spends his lunch money on a webserver to see your pictures??

 

[iambrb]

Well, I guess I got a bit too cocky, and made a mistake! I wanted to make the tracks and running gear removable, but had already attached the return rollers. So I figured I would just paint the lower hull and the tracks to make it easier. OOOF, not a good idea! The paint was the old Model Masters Enamel IDF Sand Grey, and upon further investigation, it appeared that this may not be the right color – ARGH! Also, as I am sure most of you know & I just learnt the hard way, painting means t you have to turn around and remove any paint on a surface you intend to have adhesive. So I spent the last 1.5 days, maube 10 hours total, fixing the issue. I also built up the tracks. The tracks are 101 links per side, and they require 5 cuts per link to remove from the sprue, so you’re looking at a handy 1002 cuts to get them off, less any cleanup, plus the pins (see below)

Here I did not care for the little jig that Meng provides. I found it simpler to do them three at a time. Just attach the ‘nub inside that one track, rock together, and pin as shown:

Really built up pretty easy. Next I had to then all the mounting points for the running gear, then mount/remove as needed to determine where wheels fit on the track, then get that attached. As you can see, one side, no prob, but another fell apart when I tried to remove it for pictures, so I get the fun of that repair.

I can’t fault Meng for me being a knuckle head. And in retrospect, had I followed the instructions, I would be ready for paint, so anyone thinking of doing this kit, keep that in mind. So for the next day or so it’s all about the repair and getting the upper hull on and ready for paint. Till then!

 

[iambrb]

I like to use imgur mostly 'cuz I find it easier to insert pictures in with the text, as opposed to simply having the pics at the bottom with text above

 

[errains]

Interesting...not sure I'm tracking all that happen/went "wrong", Frustrating either way

So as for making the track removable for painting you have to Glue ALL the links while mounted on the vehicle. let them cure a good 24hrs and then remove from the tank. That way they will not "work" and cause problems later...Dose that make any sense?

 

[iambrb]

Interesting...not sure I'm tracking all that happen/went "wrong", Frustrating either way

That way they will not "work" and cause problems later...Dose that make any sense?

it Dose!

Just frustrating. I should have stuck with the original directions. Have to praise Meng yet again for a well-engineered kit

 

[MrT]

looking outstanding!

 

[Duke Maddog]

Magnificent work Bruce! As for the Gallery, you don't have to leave the pics at the bottom of the page. Just click on the second one down to copy the link and paste it in the text box where you want it. I do that all the time.

 

[paddy]

I like to use imgur mostly 'cuz I find it easier to insert pictures in with the text, as opposed to simply having the pics at the bottom with text above

You can upload all your pictures to the site here and insert one add text, insert the next, add text and so on.
You just click inset picture once they are uploaded and you dont need to copy and paste loads of URL links.

 

[iambrb]

OK so here it is, less the headlight guards and a few little fiddly bits. Not sure on the turret positioning as you can see.
Unlike you lucky dawgs, my 'man cave' is the kitchen table, and my 'spray booth' is the porch! Of course i got this ready for paint just in tine for...cold weather!

So not sure what's next, but thankfully living in the South means it never gets truly cold. Anyhoo, here we are!

 

[moon puppy]

Looks clean.

I don't know about you but I've been freezin' my butt off last couple of days...

 

[errains]

Nah it's been nice, I'm still waring my shorts...but then again I always do year round.
Sunny and in the high 50s today so excellent weather for some front porch painting...so hop to it.

 

[iambrb]

Well I FINALLY got some paint on this! I am really trying to move over to Acrylics, and in the process have made every beginner mistake you can possibly make! am NOT a fan of Vallejo Air, but with the help of the esteemed Eric Rains, managed to get some paint on this. I did not get a pic of the girl primed in black, but using the Sotar 20/20, I slowly built the layers up for each individual bit, the idea that the huge number of crooks and crannies are left in shadow:

Still a ways to go but no looking bad!

 

[moon puppy]

Looks great Bruce, where did you get the mood lighting?

 

[iambrb]

that's my favorite blanket, thank you

Here's one comparing it's size to a Merkava I (Old Tamiya kit)

 

[Jeeves]

Sweet! I seriously love IDF stuff...need to grab another off the stash at some point

 

[iambrb]

Still a good bit to go and I managed to lose the headlight guards, but I see why Meng kits are so popular; they are a new fave

 

[moon puppy]

Bruce it's looking really good. Think you need to get those decals to flatten down over the raised details more, they seem to be floating, cut them and flood in some decal solution. Really like this

 

[iambrb]

Ok so here is where it currently sits. yes, there is yet more to still do! The articulating tracks are a pain so that is why they are at such odd angles, but the main thing I am trying to show here is the paint modulation and the pin washes. GIVE ME CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM!!!

 

[moon puppy]

You flattened those decals didn't ya?
Build days are really paying off for you, this is looking great. Press on!