discussion Das Werk 88 Flak on 9t Vomag truck.

[andy55]

Saw this and well, just had to get it. After building the AFV 88, seem to have gained a liking for the 88...
It's all new tooling and the moulding seems to be pretty good. Unfortunately, no ally barrel, which although I'm certain you can get AM, would have been nice if included. Maybe on the next version. Comes with a nice booklet (only with the first version) that gives background, history and the kit it's self. Although the kit part is apparently pre production so not necessarily exactly correct.
The sprue lettering is odd as it goes A to H, then hummm, something near the end of the alphabet. Attached are box art and sprue pics.

Now, where did I put that damned glue.

 

[Andy T]

Will settle in for this.

If it goes together anything like the tank transporter version I built, you're in for a treat.

 

[vizenz]

Hello Andy (I like your name!)
I'll be so bold as to sit in the front row.
It's going to be quite a blast. That thing is huge.

Best regards,
Andi

 

[andy55]

Will settle in for this.

If it goes together anything like the tank transporter version I built, you're in for a treat.

Hoping it will be a treat. Have ginger biscuits, but sorry the custard creams are mine.

Hello Andy (I like your name!)
I'll be so bold as to sit in the front row.
It's going to be quite a blast. That thing is huge.

Best regards,
Andi

Yep not a bad name. It's just over 300mm and 170mm with out riggers extended. Still deciding if to build traveling or firing position. I think probably firing.

 

[andy55]

Got on quite well this weekend, got the chassis and rear suspension done and primed. As Andy T said it went together well with no surprises. A few places it uses the 45⁰ joint, which personally I'm not keen on. That aside very well molded with parts fitting together nicely.

Now something I've found bit further on which I'm not sure about.

That seems to indicate using 3 lays of PE, there are 6 PE1 so that would fit 3 per side but the chances for lining up 3 pieces.... am I missing something...

 

[Jim R]

Looks nice Andy. That truck is so ugly but certainly has something that makes it interesting.

 

[andy55]

Looks nice Andy. That truck is so ugly but certainly has something that makes it interesting.

Ah, so true Jim, the face only a mother could love...

 

[Andy T]

Ah, so true Jim, the face only a mother could love...

Definitely function over form...

I think you're correct with the pe, but that particular part wasn't on my version. The plastic part, F4, looks like it has a rebate for the etch to sit in, so lining them up with each other might not be an issue.

 

[andy55]

Definitely function over form...

I think you're correct with the pe, but that particular part wasn't on my version. The plastic part, F4, looks like it has a rebate for the etch to sit in, so lining them up with each other might not be an issue.

Hi Andy, not sure what's happened but I did answer, unless didn't post it.
Not sure about being able to line things up, had a quick measure and there's 13 holes per cm... I also want to put some dents in the PE so would also make lining up difficult. Will have to decide when I get there.

 

[Andy T]

Ah, I didn't realise it was mesh. I can now that I've zoomed in so understand what you mean.

 

[scottie3158]

What does the heart symbol under the etch number mean it is not one I am familiar with. It may answer your question.

 

[Andy T]

What does the heart symbol under the etch number mean it is not one I am familiar with. It may answer your question.

It's used when CA glue is needed.

 

[scottie3158]

It's used when CA glue is needed.

cheers Andy I don't recall seeing that symbol before.

 

[andy55]

It's used when CA glue is needed.

Yep, through ducky fit when I first saw it. Is that difficult it'll break my heat if I get it wrong... lol.
Got some more done. Seem to have a lot on at the moment so progress is slow. Got the chassis finished and engine built up, spent a couple of evenings trying to add the injection pipes (not that the engine will be seen) in the end used solder wire. Not great but first time tried doing some like it.

 

[Allen Dewire]

Morn Andy,

Just saw this thread and it's also a kit that I've wanted since it was released. As to the etch pieces for the drops sides, you might want to try using only one piece and see how it fits in place.. Then you can bash it up a bit and if you mess it up, you have spares to use. The real prob I see is painting it, as the mesh being so fine, might clog up with paint...

I don't know if the extra book has any additional info or if the name Frank Schulz is mentioned in it. He's a German modeller and had a hand in the design/development of the kit. He built the prototype kit of it and wondered too about why they chose 3 sheets of etch mesh for the sides. He also mentioned about making the Mattress blanket to cover the windshield to protect it against the shock when the 88 was fired. Another point made was the re-enforcement ribbing to support the front fenders...

Your build is looking good and I can't wait to see how this develops. I take it you haven't decided on where or which scheme you will be finishing it in. Have fun, Sir...

Prost
Allen

 

[andy55]

Hi Allen. Yes the book does mention Frank, in fact he wrote the section on the model at the back.
There is a cross member on the chassis which is attached to the front bumper, not sure if that was what Frank referred to. It does surprise me though that there is no front shield for the gun, though I have a spare from the last '88 I built.
As for the 'mattress' for the front windscreen, was this a factory fit, or something added in the field... I think probably added in the field. Will only be using one of the PE sides, as you say trying to paint three is a non starter.
Everything so far is going together well, a few niggles regards lack of positive placements. But enjoying.
Andy

 

[Allen Dewire]

Hi again Andy,

When these vehicles went into production, they didn't have a shield on them. He noted that too in his build. The shield was added later after the vehicle was sent to the east. Here is a pic of one of the first ones built,


He also added the ribbing, connected to the chassis, on top of the fenders to improve their strength. Does the kit have these as parts or molded on?


I can't say for sure, but the 'mattress' was probably a field mod later on. In the beginning, these were used to protect Adolf on his trips to the front and I don't think they ever fired a shot in this role. Later on in their new roles, when they did fire live, the windshield probably shattered, so it was implemented. Frank used milliput to create it on the build and his looked like this,


Whether it was slipped over the windshield or just laid on top of it on the real vehicle, he didn't say...

I normally don't add pics in other peoples builds, but I thought they might be helpful. If not, then please have a Mod remove them...

Prost
Allen

 

[andy55]

Hi Allen, must of been a good do at first, following Hitler around suppling flak cover, bet they got a shock later on though... apparently the whole battery consisted of around 125 men with all the support crew, aiming and command etc.
No the extra fender support isn't on the model. Think I'll have to dig out the gun shield I have as I want to put it in Budapest in '44. Not decided about the mattress yet.

Yes it is the same photo that Frank did the pre production build on. My house will have more damage though.
No problem with adding the pics.
Andy
Edit: not going to build a wreck. The build will be a few hours BEFORE this photo was taken.

 

[andy55]

Well thought I'd give an update. Because a lot of the chassis is visible I'm building a bit then priming and base coating. So far seems to be working OK.
It really is a joy to build, everything goes where it's supposed to do and fits perfectly. I did learn very early on that that bit of flash, well it isn't flash it the location tab, a lot of the location taps are hummm, shall we say subtle. The rear armoured deck is only resting on, want to get all the doors and other bits for the truck built so I can prime all together. Used only one piece of PE for the sides, think they've turned out OK.

 

[andy55]

Another update. Got the bus/gun transport painted. Still have the detail and weathering to do on it. The base colour has turned out darker than intended. Think I may of been better using panzer grey then the camo on top, but hey, rule 7 says "my model, my colour scheme"... whilst there are colour photos, they are coloured black and white so.... Going to have a break from painting and have a look at starting the build on the 88.