1:72 E-75 s.Pz.Jg Ausf.M 10,5cm L/62
Comments
Tom B.Another Simon-build? I´m in! The suspension on those Modelcollect E-50/75 kits is kind of fiddling intensive, at least when I remember building an E-50 years ago (albeit with quite a lack in modelling-experience)...
Simon NagorsnikHi Tom! For sure, you`re welcome too 😁
I have already read a lot about the lack of engineering performance of the Modelcollect kits in terms of accuracy of fit and executability and the E-series confirms this. Caution is advised!
But in my case, the E-Series projects are just a good way to try out and refine techniques ans skills- only "semi-serious" projects 😏
Simon NagorsnikMy E-series will be further expanded... 😁
You´re welcome and thanks a lot Zsolt!!
And thanks for the likes too!
Bruce HuxtableFigure painting at 1:72? Amazing! Really liking the end results overall too . Inspiring work, Simon 🙂
Album info
E-75 variant as heavy tank destroyer.
I derived "Ausf.M" from the Marder III Ausf.M, which indicates a design with a centrally mounted engine.
The E-Tank series is quite popular with me, because I find the design with the many armor plates arranged at strong angles very appealing.
Likewise, the relatively large areas offer a good space to try out painting techniques and to gain experience.
For this reason, this vehicle is excellent;)
The other reason is that boxart has captivated me for a long time, so I was very happy when I discovered the kit (Modelcollect UA72054) while browsing at the Moson Modelshow 2024.
Until I started assembling, I never thought about how the layout of the kit was designed and never researched it until then.
Very quickly, the typical "model collect inconsistencies" became apparent, which led to some reconstructions.
The main problem was that there was no space for the driver, that was the first and most important point to work on.
After some thought and planning, I decided on a solution similar to the StuG.IV and extended the casemate with a bulge for the driver next to the gun.
However, this solution required a little more space in the area of the engine compartment cover.
I removed the entire engine hatches and fan area panels and used a new, revised leftover part from another Modelcollect kit.
I have also adapted this part so that the fuel filler ports are now in the rear area.
Due to this design, two of the fan units are lost, but at first glance it should look plausible.
The inner area around the gun collar, or behind the gun mantlet, is poorly constructed and has larger holes through which you can see inside.
I solved this with scratch built elements and a canvas cover.
Many separation joints between the armor plates were poorly depicted or missing at all, which I also corrected.
I re-engraved these, added flame cut marks on the edges and added welds.
Removed the unnecessary maintenance hatches, at the back in the lower area of the tank hull, because the engine was moved to the middle of the vehicle which are therefore no longer needed.
The exhaust remained in place, but the original parts were replaced by those from Panther G, which were a bit smaller and better suited for my purposes.
In order to lose as little space as possible in the combat compartment, I let the exhaust pipes run away from the middle of the vehicle, along the outside to the rear to be able to connect them to the end pots also from the outside.
This was the end of the biggest construction sites at kit.
To get an even better overall impression, a gun barrel from Aber (72L72), remnants of a PE detail set from Hauler (HLH72132), OKB Grigorov commander cupola (S72442) and further schratch built and left over PE and plastic parts were used.
The running gear is always its own trigger for frustration, no matter how many of them I've already built...
To gain more stability when mounting the tracks, I added additional wheels this time.
Tank guy is 3d printed and comes from Peddinghaus Decals (72F068).
The quality is a bit lacking, but exactly the pose I need for my idea.
I replaced the head with a better one of GeBo Figuren.
Only the cap required a small repair.
