SPA Modeler

So. Cal. AMPS is doing a 12 hour online build challenge. It’s not so crazy as it sounds- build a model over the course of three four hour build sessions during zoom meetings, one session per month. Previously we had done four hour build challenges, but that limited the choices of kits one could reasonably take on to complete within a four hour window.
So for my build I chose the ESCI 1/35 Leopard 2 kit,



I will be doing mine as a Dutch Leopard 2, since they had a nice overall Gelboliv scheme



Trying to cram a complete build into 3 four hour sessions meant no time to stop and take photos during the first session this past Saturday, so I took the photos this morning due to a busy weekend.

I was able to complete the suspension, one side of the link and length tracks, and most of the second side’s tracks



I added most of the major add ons to the upper hull, just left off a few bits that would easily be broken during assembly handling...



And the turret is about 95% complete. I was not happy with the bore of the main gun tube, so I replaced it with some appropriately sized tube styrene.



And here it all is fitted together... looking like a Leopard 2 to me for the most part




Not bad for four hours work. Next progress update will be after the February session. We are on the honor system not to work on our projects during the intervening weeks between sessions.

Time’s a wast in’! Quick yak kin’ get building!

Looks great.

That rocks Carlos! I tried to log into the AMPS Zoom meeting this past Saturday but I never got the approval to join. Maybe my time was off or something.

I'll have to choose something for February and make it an 8-hour build....

Can you slow it down to twelve hours?

Mark, the meeting started at 1pm PST. I know that there was some kind of good up on times with some reminder that was sent out. It’ll be for the same time next month and March as well.

Lyle, I was hungry, thirsty, and had to use the restroom. But like the first general order says, “I will quit my post only when properly relieved.”

LyleW wrote: Can you slow it down to twelve hours?

Nope. The build is only during the AMPS Zoom meeting which goes for four hours each over the course of three months. Since I missed the first four hours, I've got no choice. Hey, you know me: I can do this!

Mark you only have eight hours, and I have no doubt you can do this. I’ve seen your four hour work. But the gauntlet has been thrown down - Sean Fallesen is building two 1/35 Tamiya Matildas in 12 hours...

Sounds like a great idea Carlos and that Leopard looks great - what a superb looking tank!

Thank you Stuart. It’s not the best kit, but it works for the purpose of this challenge.

Stikpusher wrote:Mark you only have eight hours, and I have no doubt you can do this. I’ve seen your four hour work. But the gauntlet has been thrown down - Sean Fallesen is building two 1/35 Tamiya Matildas in 12 hours...

Well, I guess I'd better get on it now. Time to scour the stash for something. I did find the "mystery" egg plane that came with my Tiger Models M-1A2SEP TUSK II model, so maybe I can crack that open as one of them.