SPA Modeler

I have found myself (and my multiple internal friends) acquiring several AFV kits. I like simple. These ain't simple. . . well, maybe Sheldon or Calvin would find them so, but alas, not I.

But, they can be learning tools, right? A way to slow down, take the time needed, and study the instructions. Right? Actually, I have been getting a bit more patient at the bench. I was planning on having 4-6 done by now. Ha!



I didn't have an artillery piece. I found this one. As I said earlier, I am not really familiar with AFV at all. Looking at some instructions online, they seemed to be very detailed and could be seen as fiddly in a lot of ways. Yet, here we are.



As I am wont to do, I opened the box, rummaged around, pulled out the instructions and crapped myself on the first step. Okay, that had nothing to do with this, but ....I closed the box up and added it to the pile of armor that is growing in the stack...somewhere around 15-16 kits, mostly Tamiya.

The more I am putzing around with the M116, Panther, amphib 4x4 truck, this gun kept gnawing at me. Something about that first step.

So, I dug it out, planning on tackling the first portion of step 1 ONLY just to see if I can manage it.



Nine parts, including two tiny injection molded springs - never seen that before. I triumphed in getting all the parts separated from the sprue trees and broke nary a one. Didn't/haven't lost any yet. Took a while to get the three rods (D7) attached to A42 and get A40 lined up....But, we made it.




What I have been doing is simply backing away when tired or frustrated and then returning in a bit. That seems to be working for the most part. I don't think I'll keep after this kit after completing this piece of step 1, but who knows. It may be a good "breather" kit.

No, see, you're already on your way here. Keep at it and add that bad boy to your finished builds, Lyle. I like this new approach of yours!

Somehow, I have got to get motivated and finish some stalled planes and tackle another tank. You really are inspiring me, my friend and I need all of that I can muster!

Keep us posted on step number 2!

now I am blushing. But, Thank you so much, Gary. My other and perhaps larger issue is that the longer a build takes, the more it gets handled (naturally) and thus the more it is handled, the more "stuff" falls off, leading to Calvin-like tantrums, lost and broken parts, etc.

Gary, you need to get back at it, now! You are to talented to not be building something.

Impressive stuff!

- Kari

Thank you!

You ain’t seen nothing yet!

I never done an AFV kit either but I do like a challenge. Sometime I think they over engineer their kits but it’s worth it in the end. I think one armor kit in my shopping cart is and AFV kit but haven’t made a final decision to buy it yet.

You’re getting there, Lyle. You’re doing good. Go slow. Quit while you’re ahead if you think it’s time to stop for the day or a few hours. I tend to go slow building armor kit. I find it even finishing step one is an accomplishment and move on to the next step the next day. Keeps my mojo going.

Taking it one step at a time - that's a good plan for a lot of things Lyle. Looking forward to seeing where this goes - no matter how slowly.

Yeah they have become my least favorite company to build kits from. Not because they are crappy kits though...Some have been quite good kits- their Churchills are some of the best builds around...but it was a journey to get them completed. Gotta take them one bite at a time like you're doing...these builds are definitely not races, but marathons.

I have also had, or still have, one kit from AFV Club, the M16 MGMC Meat Chopper. Very challenging kit and indeed, as Jeeves so greatly express, it’s a marathon to build it…

- Kari

Thank you sincerely, Lyle!