Valeron's 1/35 ICM KHD S3000/SS M Maultier

[Valeron]

A bit of progress. The chassis is on its way. The engine is only dry fitted for now. The chassis seems square but time will tell I guess.

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[Ian M]

Looks good so far. Nice motor.

[Jim R]

Looking good Mike. Like many of us you have built the engine and yet it won't be seen. Often though the engine, at least the lower parts, is integral to the chassis.

[Valeron]

I've slowed down a bit on this build as I got behind on my Mossie. I should be back on this one next week.

[Mini Me]

Standing by.......

[Valeron]

I'm back on this now that my Mossie is complete.

I've made some progress on the chassis. I'll come back to weather this later but am now moving onto the cabin and wheels.

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On the topic of wheels, does anyone have tips on removing the seamlines on the rubber tyres? If it just a matter of slowly and patiently fine sanding them? As you can see on the picture below, the seamlines are quite obvious after priming.

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[Ian M]

does anyone have tips on removing the seamlines on the rubber tyres?

I have heard that popping them in the freezer overnight helps.. But have never tried it.

[Tim Marlow]

I’ve only made a few models with them, and found the only reliable way is to slice them off. A fresh number 11 scalpel blade took them off best.
I did get one set where I could sand them off using 800 grit wet and dry used dry, but another set just tore when I tried that approach. A pity really because sanding gives a great in use worn effect.

[scottie3158]

I use fresh scotchbrite scourers it also gives them a nice used look and a good key for weathering.

[Allen Dewire]

Sorry I can't help you there Mike. I really hate the rubber tires that come in most kits too. I usually end up getting a set of resin tires to replace them. Chassis looking great too Sir...

Prost
Allen

[Valeron]

Another possibly dumb question on the tyres if I may. If the tyres are already rubber colour, it is common to not actually paint them and just weather them, or always paint them? Looking at my Vallejo dark rubber model colour paint, it looks identical to the colour already on them.

[Jim R]

Looks as if you have built up the chassis all nice and square. That will pay dividends later in the build. As to whether to paint the tyres - I think I would try just weathering them. If you don't like the result you can always remove it and paint.

[Allen Dewire]

Not a dumb question at all Mike. I brush painted the rubber tires on my Takom Vidalwagen trailer 6 weeks ago and they are still tacky and sticky. First and last time I ever do that again...Pigments work decent on the plain rubber tires too. You just can't handle them a lot afterwards...

Prost
Allen

[Tim Marlow]

I’ve used water based acrylics to paint them, but I wouldn’t use volatile based acrylics such as Tamiya, or lacquers or enamels. The paint film can be quite fragile after painting though, so minimise handling afterwards.
What I would do is make sure there is a film of paint on the wheel rim so the rubber isn’t in direct contact with the plastic. Some rubber tyre material can react with the plastic and break down over time. The paint film stops that happening.

[Valeron]

Front wheels are on. I've done as well as I can on cleanup. I haven't painted then but wil weather them later.

Some other items primed. The Lower part of the cabin will need more work and re-priming.

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