Do I keep notes on all my builds?

 12 January 2023

Aside from documenting builds on here and via blogs on modelling forums, being a forgetful sort of chap I do keep records of the majority of my builds and projects. Not quite in the 'Memento' film style but still quite comprehensively to paper.  I tried doing it electronically but planned obsolesce pretty much screws that up over time. Same could be said of recording to said modelling forums as a few have lost huge chunks of data, mainly image related when sites are updated etc.

If I’m interested in a subject,  I usually start noting down a set of goals and go about sourcing material and then look at the kit options (Scalemates is great for this)

Next up is build fixes and tips. These are usually written on the instructions but occasionally I will add a page or two gained from kit reviews and blogs.  For any incomplete builds simply highlighting parts on the instruction sheet helps immensely in the extremely likely event I should ever return to it😀

I also have a few step-by-step sheets laminated for different types of builds. Building only AFV's narrows the lists down and although comprehensive, its simple to skip stages but an essential record for not missing any.

TBH, over time the most beneficial results from note taking are to educate myself on what works best, whether it be products or processes. With the added bonus of gaining a much better knowledge of the vehicles I am replicating in miniature. 

 

 

Sd.Kfz.7. Mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8t KM m11 Holzpritsche. Building the Trumpeter kit 01507

Trumpeter kit #01507

This kit depicts the very last war time Sd.Kfz.7 variant that came with the wooden cab and body. This 2009 boxing was the second in what has now become one of nine Trumpeter releases based on this widely used vehicle. As with all their 8-ton kits they do have some accuracy issues and can be particularily challenging to build in places. The good news is, if you do put the effort in you are rewarded with a great looking model. Once you build a few of these kits, you begin to realise creating alternative construction steps makes for a much more pleasureable build, ultimately resulting in a much nicer end product.

The only aftermarket addition to my build is a Quick Wheel resin front wheel set. The headlamps have been replaced with the smaller 'final' style taken from another axis softskin. The overall look of the cargo tilt has been improved with VMS paper and shaper and integrated into the kit's tilt cover moulding. It was painted with MRP & Tamiya lacquers, Tamiya and Valleo acrylics, and with AK enamels, MIG pigments,  and Abtielung oils

A step by step build log of this kit can be found here

 

 Chapter 3 - Dragon kit #6562

8-ton, Sd.Kfz.7 Step by step build of Trumpeter kit #01507. Final weathering and project completion

Previous chapter

 

With the vehicle upright and sitting on its tracks and wheels it is now time to apply some more general wear and tear!  I was after the look of a vehicle that had just entered service.

Before I started, the headlamp lenses were added, along with the Notek light and bracket that I managed to knock off earlier. Working methodically and slowly around the exterior further weathering effects were added to add to the overall appearance.  These effects were built up in layers until I was satisfied it would require no more.

I'm almost done with this project. A four-month build time is a fast one for me so I reckon I should really call this one my first completed build of 2023😃

The width indicators still need to be attached and blended in. They have already been painted but seem to have gone walkabout!  

 

I have really enjoyed this build and although these Trumpeter 8-ton kits can be quite a challenge and extremely frustrating to construct in places, I'm happy with how this one has turned out. 

Final chapter