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!