Trumpeter 1/35 BTM-3 High Speed Trench Digger

[Dave Ward]

Dave
Just caught up on your build and pleased I did, I knew it looked familiar as there is one hiding in the stash, so will be using you as the guide for a future build, and it looks like it is behaving and going together without too many problems. Looking forward to more.
Mike.

Mike,
not a model for a beginner - it's enough of a challenge to keep you interested, but not so difficult it gets you frustrated. It helps that, apart from the chain sprockets, the fit so far is excellent
Dave

[Dave Ward]

You say the instructions look pretty clear, but I'm confused by the pics of the bucket wheel frame you've shown. Part H7 looks like it is standing vertically against the plate securing it to the frame - part H32? If that's right, the only person I can think of that could fit it the way it's shown is Mr E M Escher!

Edit: I gotta ask 'cos I got one of these in the stash.

Got to the stage where the side frame parts can be clarified! When you offer up the parts, it becomes obvious!

It's easier to add the bits individually - I can see the idea of the instructions, but only when I tried to fit the parts!
One side completed - even though they look the same, there are differences, so mixing up the parts would be disastrous

The parts fit together well, but you do need to clean them up carefully. Dry fitting is essential!
Dave

[Tim Marlow]

Looks like you are having a lot of fun with this one Dave :thumb2:

[Dave Ward]

Finished the side frames - all they need is painting! I couldn't resist a dry fitting.................

Painting is 'as you go' on this model, there are many areas which will be visible, but very difficult to paint after assembly ( like the chains ), it does mean overpainting, but better that than an unpainted patch
Dave

[Tim Marlow]

Coming on nicely Dave. Looking forward to the next bit :thumb2:

[Gern]

Great pics Dave - much clearer than those on the instructions. Thanks. I can almost feel this moving up the 'to do' list!

[Valeron]

That's looking great Dave. Lots of detail on display so quite time consuming I guess. It'll be worth it though.

Mike

[outrunner]

Looks great Dave, I have only had a quick look in the box I have and was wondering if the digging part could be made moveable between the up and down position or just fixed?

Andy

[scottie3158]

Dave that is coming on nicely.

[Dave Ward]

Looks great Dave, I have only had a quick look in the box I have and was wondering if the digging part could be made moveable between the up and down position or just fixed?

Andy

I don't think so, there's a hydraulic ram that only has two positions - up & down, and it's not clear how that affects things - I won't know until I actually assemble it. I'm sure someone with access to a 3D printer and a lot of time might be able to work something out, but I'm going to be content with what the model has ( still not decided which way, yet ).
Dave

[Jim R]

Coming on well Dave. One of those kits where forward planning is vital.

[outrunner]

Thanks for that Dave, when I get round to building mine I will have a look to see if it would be possible to build a workable ram to enable movement if not then so be it.

Andy.

[outrunner]

Thanks for that Dave, when I get round to building mine I will have a look to see if it would be possible to build a workable ram to enable movement if not then so be it.

Andy.

[outrunner]

Sorry for the double post as it seems I can't delete it.

Andy.

[adt70hk]

Dave

That is coming on very nicely indeed and very quickly too. Keep up the great work.

ATB.

Andrew