Tristar PzKpfw 38t Ausf A

[lquah]

I present my latest build - backdating Tristar's PzKpfw 38t Ausf B to an Ausf A.

This is probably one of the simplest conversion and very enjoyable. Some of the things that need to be done are:
- adding a tubular battle aerial
- un-armored commander's observation periscope
- relocate front and rear fender reflectors
- MG37's with no flash hider
- shovel and pickaxe stowed across the engine access hatch on the rear
- no notek light and convoy light
- no bump stop behind first roadwheel
- no rain guard above the sight aperture
- no mounting handle on left side of turret and upper hull
- no stop for turret MG
- narrower roadwheels with thicker steel bands
- early type tracks with solid guide horns

Here are the photos:

I lost one of the armored visors. It fell onto the wooden floor and promptly disappeared Anyone got a spare?



Left side


Front


Rear. I used the shovel from Voyager and replaced the kit handle with one made from brass rod. The track tension adjuster was also drilled through and bolt details added. It needs to be flipped upside down as the instructions are incorrect.



Close-ups. I love those Tichy rivets




The rear strap for the jack is way too long and I will need to cut if off, shorten it and solder it back on.



I am not going to thin the rubber tire as I don't think it will be noticeable. I will use the Tamiya roadwheel as it has thicker rim.



I still haven't decided on what to do with the tracks. No one currently makes the early type tracks. My options are:
1 - wait for someone like MK or Fruilmodel to release a set
2 - use the kit late tracks (they were usually replaced with the late type when the originals were worn out)
3 - use Tamiya vinyl tracks
4 - use the kit's tracks and fill in the recessed guide horns with putty

All comments welcomed as always

LQ

[David Diaz]

Wow, nice work on the conversion Laz. Nice, clean build with lots of added detail; I like it.

Regarding the tracks, I think option 1 is the best. That way you can set it aside and have time to finish the Dicker Max and Marder III.

Keep up the great work.

Dave

[james84]

Nice work, Law!

[Kreighshoer]

a panzer 38(t)

brilliant work as ever lazdos

although i have loads of panzer38(t) in my stash i cannot provide you with a spare visor but maybe mr pat can help you?

regarding the tracks option one would be good but i am afraid that this will take some very long time ... enough time for you to grow a beard as long reaching the floor ... why not trying the tamiya vinyl tracks? they don't look too bad and working with vinyls isn't a big deal anyway ...

cheers

[RickLawler]

LQ, been doing more than just collecting books have we? Looks really nice.

I may be able to help you on the vision blocks....I've got a built Italeri 38t which you could take pieces from if you'd like...let me know.

...PS another thought...anyway for you to make a copy of one of yours, or is it way too late?

Rick

[mnickolson]

Nice Law

[tamigawa]

Ah cool, this is really sweet looking What are the plate PE bits on the fenders and above the engine grill?

I'd use the kit tracks, but fill in every one of the teeth.

[lquah]

Wow, nice work on the conversion Laz. Nice, clean build with lots of added detail; I like it.

Regarding the tracks, I think option 1 is the best. That way you can set it aside and have time to finish the Dicker Max and Marder III.

Keep up the great work.

Dave

Thanks Dave In terms of build, the 38t is 95% done and was a nice little diversion. I plan to restart the Marder III and Dicker Max this weekend.

regarding the tracks option one would be good but i am afraid that this will take some very long time ... enough time for you to grow a beard as long reaching the floor ... why not trying the tamiya vinyl tracks? they don't look too bad and working with vinyls isn't a big deal anyway ...

Thanks Laura I haven't used vinyl tracks for a long time and I think my only concern is how to get the proper track sag. Any suggestions?

I may be able to help you on the vision blocks....I've got a built Italeri 38t which you could take pieces from if you'd like...let me know.

...PS another thought...anyway for you to make a copy of one of yours, or is it way too late?

Thanks Rick Not sure if the Italeri part will fit though. The part breakdown will be different as well. I haven't glued the visors so that I can paint the inside. Casting is always an option but I have never done it before. As a short term solution, I could always cannibalise it from my stalled 38t Ausf E/F build but that doesn't solve the fact I will still be sort of one visor. Or maybe the missing visor will reappear Missing parts have a habit of turning up when you are not looking for it.

Ah cool, this is really sweet looking What are the plate PE bits on the fenders and above the engine grill?

I'd use the kit tracks, but fill in every one of the teeth.

Those PE plates are to display the vehicle numbers. I will post some photos of the vehicle I am depicting a bit later. Filling the guide teeth was one option which I haven't ruled out yet. Mind you, the guide horns on the early tracks was narrower and taller as well.

Thanks Giacomo and Mike as well

LQ

[tamigawa]

lol, I like your edit reason.

I bet that if the tracks are filled in, NO one would be able to notice the difference in height, etc.

[RickLawler]

I would like to see you try a casting...make it into a SBS for people to help you along if needed.... and for others like me. who have never made a casting either, to follow and learn....

....just a thought.

Rick

PS...I haven't given up hope that you will find it sooner or later, but I know how frustrating things like this can be.