VsKfz 617 Minenraumer "Build as a Kid" Meng 1/35
My local IPMS chapter decided to do a "Build like you did as a kid" group build. Basic idea is to pick a kit and build it in a straight shot. Paint is optional. I thought it would be a good time and checked the stack of kits. I didn't want anything complicated but still with a bit of challenge. I spotted the Meng Minenraumer kit I picked up on sale many years ago. Upon inspection the body part count was low and I didn't have any real plans for it so why not?
First challenge is that the instructions weren't in the box. Problem solved by a check on the Scalemates site and download of a scan of the instructions. I had a day off with no commitments so Time to Build! The VsKfz 617 was a one off prototype that looks cool but didn't work well as a minesweeper. The prototype still exists at the Kubinka Tank Museum.
First up was the body top. Putting together the small hooks was a pain and I lost a couple to the carpet monster. I must say that not worrying about seam lines sped up the pace quite a bit!
Then came the tracks. They were a pain till I figured out a couple tricks in the assembly.
The tracks have metal in them to make them heavier. Pretty cool but not really needed.
Waiting for the glue to dry on the wheels:
As the build continued I decided to keep the major assemblies separate so I can give them a decent paint job in the future. Who knows when that might happen?
The assembled vehicle. It's missing a steering chain but once that's attached I'll call it good.
I did leave two fiddly parts off. Other than that its a straight from the box build. This certainly was a change of pace compared to my usual builds. A pleasant seven to eight hours or so. Fun!
Definitely a build from the past, as a kid, Derek @mcderek
I thought it was a fantasy build at first but it seemed this vehicle existed in real.
Nicely done and fun is what matters most.
Thanks John. Fun for sure!
Installed the steering chains. The Minenraumer is ready for tomorrows club meeting. I'm interested in what the other's will bring.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Sounds like fun but I can’t see the pictures.
Hmmm. Not sure why that would be.
@mcderek, @chinesegeorge, the images are a link to imgur.com, not sure if George has access to that.
Thanks, @johnb, @mcderek, I think John is correct, many western sites are not available here in China, why not post the photos directly to iModeler the same as everyone else, it’s so easy.
Good to know. I'll add the pictures to the website later today. I did add one. Can you see it George @chinesegeorge?
Yes, thanks, Derek @mcderek, I can see the one picture.