I thought I would have a go with an OUT OF THE BOX JOB - but of course just had to do a few mods !! Started with the MinArt WW2 Cat
Always been a great follower of MiniArt but can not say I have ever completed a kit I find and this is "just my opinion" the location points appear to me very small and can be mixed up up with excess plastic - the plastic used seems to be thin and easily distorted and were a part could be cast in 1 or 2 components they use 5 or more - eg the tracks are to me a "nightmare" to many fiddly components and on and on I go - So I ended up with the Thunder models of the US Crawler version - excellent location points and fewer components - For the tracks I used TAKOM workable track links - just snap together no fuzz and perfect realism.
I have done a few mods eg - early steering system and gear change - small seat not the bench seat as per the kit added a big tool / battery box and slight mods to the idler carriage - Im waiting for some Evergreen strips and rod for the modifications to the engine the type used for Petrol starting and Kerosine running So its so far so good !
Barney
Some shots of progress
That will end up a gorgeous model. The cast parts are first rate and your additions enhance them perfectly. -- Russ
You're just a perfectionist!
Bernhard
Bit more done - engine detailed and back dated - logging truck trial assembly
All ready for final assembly - top coat done and ready for a bit of weathering
Barney
Here comes the fun part. -- Russ
Good job !
That's great. I like it.
Hi Barney.
How are you?
Yes, I agree, great fan of Mini Art, but I have never finished a kit,
I use them for bits and pieces like tools.
Great progress, it is looking great.
Cheers
Hi Kim
I am beginning to wonder what MiniArt are up to and the 4 parts instead of 2 Parts is getting worse and why do they go for such odd prototypes ! I think I can say more on this subject but I will leave it for a bit
Barney
NEARLY FINISHED !!! A few shots of the Cat on a temporally base
Barney
A few more
and one lost one
Inspirational and most adequate. -- Russ
Looks great!
Impressive.
Stuart
Impressive work indeed! And this sounds somewhat familiar to me.
But can we really go with an «out oft he box» kit anymore? :'(
One might not be too surprised that this CAT now resides at a new home .
I forgot to tell you its a 3D print and I had another 23 of them under the table !
Barney
Quote from: Barney on November 02, 2025, 01:46:45 PMI forgot to tell you its a 3D print and I had another 23 of them under the table !
Barney
That doesn't surprise me as the modelling does look a bit ruff !
See I told you 3D printing will never catch on !
Barney