discussion Andy's 1/72 Revell Topol

[Andy T]

For this GB I'm building the Revell boxing of the RT-2PM Topol (SS-25 Sickle), to give it its full, Sunday name, in 1/72.

Originally by Zvezda I thought this version would have more legible instructions, and it also includes the 3 tone camo scheme I'm probably going to finish it in.




There are 309 parts in the box (apparently) but a lot are duplicates for the very detailed suspension system, depending on whether I pose it in launch or transport mode









I'd prefer to build it in launch mode, but given the size of the missile I'll struggle to find shelf space, so we'll see. I'll have to decide early in the build though


See you at the start. Not long now

 

[Lee Drennen]

Nice one Andy lots of little parts but I know you can handle it NP. Thanks for joining us.

 

[Jim R]

Nice choice Andy. As Lee noticed there are a lot of fiddly, fragile looking parts.

 

[Andy T]

Yes, I can see me needing my strongest glasses (and a lot of patience) for cleaning them all up.

Most parts seem intact at the moment, with just the missile nose cone having broken free from the sprue.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Looks like a great kit Andy. Good luck with the build.

 

[Si Benson]

That’s a lot of plastic….should make for a nicely detailed build

 

[Andy T]

Thanks guys.

I have made a start on this, honest guv, but I still haven't got the basic chassis together and I'm already 41 fiddly parts deep! I've built full kits with less than that

Due to the small size I'm going to follow the instructions lead and paint inside the chassis before assembly. I doubt I'd manage it later, short of dunking it in a pot of paint.



I have to add - it's showing it's origins as a Zvezda rebox, with incredible detail & fit, but silly errors in the instructions.

 

[papa 695]

Looks like a nice kit Andy, and a nice tentative start.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Some lovely detail going on there Andy. Great start.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks guys.

I've painted & assembled the chassis now. With so many different parts to line up it was a bit of a wrestle but I can now move on to the suspension assemblies while it dries.

 

[Si Benson]

looking good Andy

Doing a chassis myself at the mo which has plenty of bits…..

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Si.

I've started assembling the suspension & drive train. Turns out it's a 14x12, with the middle axle steerable, but not driven.

With so many almost identical parts I've sorted out a filing system. This all still needs some cleanup but I prefer to do the seams, sprue nubs and glue joints at the same time where I can

 

[Jim R]

You look to have made good progress, well organised. Seams on rounded parts are always time consuming and awkward.

 

[minitnkr]

That's a lot of wheels. Like doing a tank only no tracks. Looks a fine model though.

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Great work Andy. With all those small bits lying around I would try not to sneeze until they are attached.

 

[scottie3158]

Andy,
I will follow along.

 

[Ernie]

You are off to a good start. I like your parts organization solution, I can see where that would be beneficial when there are a lot of multi-part assemblies to build.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks all, and great to have you along for the ride Paul.

 

[Andy T]

My wife was away for the weekend at a friend's 50th bash, so I've been cracking on with this.

I jumped ahead and started on the missile as I knew there was a very noticeable joint down it. Treating it similar to a fuselage I used copious amounts of glue and held it together tightly, which squeezed out a little bead of plastic that I could later sand smooth


A quick coat of paint verified it had worked well enough.


There's no interior to the tiny cabs but I painted them white as instructed. The funny rod assemblies are to line the various parts up and they do the job very well:



I've also been adding lots of parts to the chassis. I'm not certain I've got all 14 wheels lined up perfectly. With 4 parts to each assembly there's a lot of margin for error, even if the tolerances are very tight.

Lots of boxes and brackets have been added too. I've pre-painted everything in 4B0 as access later will be tricky.



And with the iconic split cab dry fitted



A shot showing the amount of detail at 1/72. I'll have to be careful not to bury it with paint, hence me not using primer on this model, just basecoating everything in the main camo colour

 

[Richard48]

Wow thats pretty impressive.Excellent job.
Richard