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Marks zvezda MSTA-S s.p howitzer. 1/35

I built this model in September 2018 - a lot of models have gone over the bench since then, but this is still perhaps the best 1/35 model I've had the pleasure to make ( of all time ). This was what really convinced me that Zvezda had become one of the top-flight makers
Dave
 
Hi Mark
That's some kit. Looks really nice and Dave certainly sings it's praises. Detail looks so good a lot of the pe will perhaps go straight into the spares box.
Off to a fine start.
Jim
 
Thread owner
I built this model in September 2018 - a lot of models have gone over the bench since then, but this is still perhaps the best 1/35 model I've had the pleasure to make ( of all time ). This was what really convinced me that Zvezda had become one of the top-flight makers
Dave
Hi Mark
That's some kit. Looks really nice and Dave certainly sings it's praises. Detail looks so good a lot of the pe will perhaps go straight into the spares box.
Off to a fine start.
Jim
I am impressed so far I think I'll be adding some more zvezda to the stash,worth looking at reviews first because some of their early stuff leaves a bit to be desired as the IS2 I have proves! Very basic and not a great fit.
 
I am impressed so far I think I'll be adding some more zvezda to the stash,worth looking at reviews first because some of their early stuff leaves a bit to be desired as the IS2 I have proves! Very basic and not a great fit.
Mark,
yes, the early stuff wasn't brilliant, and it doesn't help when they appear in new boxes! The first 'modern' era model, I reckon was the 1/35 L4500R Maultier - a very nice model as well. Scalemates is the best way to work out what are the later productions.............
Dave
 
Thread owner
Hi all, well there's no turning back now! The saw came out and the cutting has begun :smiling6: this is so I can fit what would be the rubber skirting/apron(sure there's a technical name!) in etch.
Put some colour behind the wheels in case it's difficult to get at later.20220205_211319.jpg20220205_211340.jpg20220205_212252.jpg
 
Thread owner
All four corners now removed ready for etch, inner wheels painted and on, next will be to finish putting the tracks together then they will be painted and then fitted as one piece hopefully,some testing first as instructions say to put together the pieces on the wheels,I think my way will be easier as it means no gluing after painting them as one piece,the outer wheels will then go on and pretty much hold the tracks in place.20220205_233418.jpg20220205_233443.jpg
 
Mark,
actually, you've no need to add the top run of track - it can't be seen when the side skirts are on. I did add them, because I wasn't sure if they would be visible
track assy 01.jpg
The Zvezda way of track construction takes away any problems of fit & the tedium of assembling individual links, a pity more makers don't follow their lead!
Dave
 
I’ll second Dave’s suggestion: leave off the top run, it won’t be visible and will make it much easier to get the track on correctly, because you’ll never find yourself needing to add or remove half a link to make things fit :)
 
I’ll second Dave’s suggestion: leave off the top run, it won’t be visible and will make it much easier to get the track on correctly, because you’ll never find yourself needing to add or remove half a link to make things fit :smiling3:
Jakko,
the Zvezda tracks are so good, that I've never had to fettle, or fudge their assembly, it's just a matter of saving time on a soon to be hidden feature!
Dave
 
Thread owner
Well I managed to build the tracks off the wheels so I can paint them easily and they go on no problem.
Have made a start with the turret and all going well, this kits hasn't thrown up any problems yet!20220206_230059.jpg20220206_230309.jpg
 
This is coming along very well, and so quickly! I must say it looks a great kit :thumb2:
 
One thing about Zvezda tank kits - there's no interior, there might be details on the inside of hatches, but that's it! - either you add figures, or everything is buttoned up!
Dave
 
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