RangerNeils SU-76M

[RangerNeil]

My - first!! - choice for this build is Miniarts release of the SU-76M Self Propelled Gun.
First used in WW2 by the Red Army they were also supplied to the North Korean forces during the Korean war. They achieved a degree of (in)famy during the allied landings at Inchon when South Korean forces captured a battery of 4 SU-76M's and promptly used them against their former owners...

Now - onto the kit.
Instructions










Painting guide




Sprues








Kit tracks


The kit also came with this pack:






Next installment will be the start of the build......

[digger303]

I too have this kit and almost decided to build this, but I could not find any North Korean decals for tanks or any other land vehicle. Did you find some ? If so can you send a link please ?

[aur0ra145]

That's a lot of tracks! Looks like a fun kit.

[Stokesy44]

Nice looking kit. Have fun with the tracks!

[RangerNeil]

I too have this kit and almost decided to build this, but I could not find any North Korean decals for tanks or any other land vehicle. Did you find some ? If so can you send a link please ?

I haven't found any decal sets specific to North Korea yet Digger. However research thus far has these sites that show how North Korean vehicles were marked during that era. If you ignore the parade bull in the later ones it seems they are just numbered on the sides if, indeed, they are marked at all. They seem to be finished in an overall 4BO green as they came from the Soviets.

https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/03/a ... g.html?m=1

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 20666.html

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ca ... l_1951.png

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ca ... 501203.JPG

Units used by allied forces after capture were just marked with a white star:
https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comme ... ?rdt=51177

[Tomcat64]

Uh oh...


I don't want to pee on your strawberries mate, but I really hope this is an updated kit coz I had a nightmare with a MiniArt Su-76 a few years back here

I'll happily accept that some of it might have been down to me and while forewarned is forearmed and all that, but for the sake of your swear jar I really hope this is a different kit

[digger303]

Uh oh...


I don't want to pee on your strawberries mate, but I really hope this is an updated kit coz I had a nightmare with a MiniArt Su-76 a few years back here

I'll happily accept that some of it might have been down to me and while forewarned is forearmed and all that, but for the sake of your swear jar I really hope this is a different kit

I heard a similar report some time ago, but I have seen one built so it must be possible. Just where is the issue is it in the construction of the gun or super structure, because I couldn't work out what the problem was.

[digger303]

I too have this kit and almost decided to build this, but I could not find any North Korean decals for tanks or any other land vehicle. Did you find some ? If so can you send a link please ?

I haven't found any decal sets specific to North Korea yet Digger. However research thus far has these sites that show how North Korean vehicles were marked during that era. If you ignore the parade bull in the later ones it seems they are just numbered on the sides if, indeed, they are marked at all. They seem to be finished in an overall 4BO green as they came from the Soviets.

https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/03/a ... g.html?m=1

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/hi ... 20666.html

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ca ... l_1951.png

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ca ... 501203.JPG

Units used by allied forces after capture were just marked with a white star:
https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comme ... ?rdt=51177

I was hoping to see at least a small national marking somewhere on the machine, but alias I couldn't determine any. The only thing I could say is all the numbers are 3 digits and at least half the height of the armoured sides if not a little more.

[Tomcat64]

Uh oh...


I don't want to pee on your strawberries mate, but I really hope this is an updated kit coz I had a nightmare with a MiniArt Su-76 a few years back here

I'll happily accept that some of it might have been down to me and while forewarned is forearmed and all that, but for the sake of your swear jar I really hope this is a different kit

I heard a similar report some time ago, but I have seen one built so it must be possible. Just where is the issue is it in the construction of the gun or super structure, because I couldn't work out what the problem was.

Here's a couple of quotes from that thread link I posted earlier

...
Here are some of the rules that will be referred to for the duration of the build:

• Rule 1: There are no locating pins - everything is aligned by dead reckoning and guesswork

• Rule 2a: Anywhere where a pin is supposed to fit through a hole or loop it won't fit, likewise for barrels & tubes

• Rule 2b: If you try and drill the hole or loop the part will break or shatter

• Rule 3: Randomly even the lightest touch of a sanding stick will cause the part to break, split or bend...

• Rule 4a: Sprue gates are not sympathetic and will encroach onto parts where-ever possible

• Rule 4b: Even with absolute care, removing thin parts from the sprue frame will result in them breaking in at least one place

• Rule 5: Randomly the wrong part will be listed in the instructions

• Rule 6: Sometimes you won't be sure if the detail you're looking at is a casting defect, waste from the sprue gate or actually meant to be there

• Rule 7: The part in the instruction won't always look exactly like the part in your hand

...

I'm thinking I should just toss mine now and not go through the heart ache....do myself a favour

It was wayyyyy back in 2020 which surprised me as I thought it was more recent than that!

[Stokesy44]

Uh oh...


I don't want to pee on your strawberries mate, but I really hope this is an updated kit coz I had a nightmare with a MiniArt Su-76 a few years back here

I'll happily accept that some of it might have been down to me and while forewarned is forearmed and all that, but for the sake of your swear jar I really hope this is a different kit

I heard a similar report some time ago, but I have seen one built so it must be possible. Just where is the issue is it in the construction of the gun or super structure, because I couldn't work out what the problem was.

I'd bin it right now, just to be safe.

Its a lose lose, if TC's right you'll hate the kit. If it fits like a glove TC will be embarrassed and kick you off the forum!!!

[RangerNeil]

Uh oh...


I don't want to pee on your strawberries mate, but I really hope this is an updated kit coz I had a nightmare with a MiniArt Su-76 a few years back here

I'll happily accept that some of it might have been down to me and while forewarned is forearmed and all that, but for the sake of your swear jar I really hope this is a different kit

Going on the work so far I very much fear you are right.
The gun barrel is made up of 3 cylinders that slip inside each other - there are no locating pin, just butt joints so getting the two halves to line-up has to be done by feel and eye. Oh yes - and clamping the hell out of it!!!





Annoyingly the kit was in sealed bags - but one of the front brackets was broken! Luckily its shrouded when finished so won't be noticeable. Phew!!!!!

[digger303]

Going to try your patience from what you've quoted.

[RangerNeil]

Going to try your patience from what you've quoted.

Already had a "where's bin 13" moment a couple of times!!!!

[Stokesy44]

Looks like it will be a labor of love to work on but confident you will win in the end

[Tomcat64]

Uh oh...


I don't want to pee on your strawberries mate, but I really hope this is an updated kit coz I had a nightmare with a MiniArt Su-76 a few years back here

I'll happily accept that some of it might have been down to me and while forewarned is forearmed and all that, but for the sake of your swear jar I really hope this is a different kit

I heard a similar report some time ago, but I have seen one built so it must be possible. Just where is the issue is it in the construction of the gun or super structure, because I couldn't work out what the problem was.

I'd bin it right now, just to be safe.

Its a lose lose, if TC's right you'll hate the kit. If it fits like a glove TC will be embarrassed and kick you off the forum!!!

No chance of that - if he manages to end up with something even remotely the right shape I'll be the first to stand up a round of comradely applause!!!

[Tomcat64]

"Clamping the hell out of it" will again be a recurring theme!

I've not had chance to go back all the way through my thread but when you get there be careful with the suspension... the swing arms are a) handed b) fragile c) need trimming to fit d) won't fit properly even when trimmed

I also remember some issues with the superstructure.

Watching with interest

[RangerNeil]

I heard a similar report some time ago, but I have seen one built so it must be possible. Just where is the issue is it in the construction of the gun or super structure, because I couldn't work out what the problem was.

I'd bin it right now, just to be safe.

Its a lose lose, if TC's right you'll hate the kit. If it fits like a glove TC will be embarrassed and kick you off the forum!!!

No chance of that - if he manages to end up with something even remotely the right shape I'll be the first to stand up a round of comradely applause!!!

If by some miracle this comes out even remotely resembling an SU-76 then the beers are on you. And I'll probably need a fair few to recover whats left of my sanity!!!

[digger303]

I'd bin it right now, just to be safe.

Its a lose lose, if TC's right you'll hate the kit. If it fits like a glove TC will be embarrassed and kick you off the forum!!!

No chance of that - if he manages to end up with something even remotely the right shape I'll be the first to stand up a round of comradely applause!!!

If by some miracle this comes out even remotely resembling an SU-76 then the beers are on you. And I'll probably need a fair few to recover whats left of my sanity!!!

I'll look forward to both eventualities

[RangerNeil]

Sanity took another dip today......

One side of the gun is done:


And we come to the first glitch!! Looking at the build diagram and the areas circled in red:


Firstly there are two parts labelled 30 on the sprue diagram!!!


Secondly the positioning instructions for part 30 are, frankly, diabolically awful!!
Also the part labelled 36 is actually part number 136.
Anyone with this in their stash might want to make a note of this.

Next issue is the amount of flash on the minute parts.


There are quite a few of these that are going to need very careful cleaning

Lastly for step 5 two parts are short shot - the parts are laid on the diagram and its obvious where - incredibly annoying as it made getting this sub assembly to line up a nightmare.


Hopefully its right. So - close of play today we have half the gun complete, breech in progress (the moulding left the joins with rounded edges so I've had to resort to filler!! And the sliding block had a massive sink spot - also filled. The mantlet is also complete together with the frames in steps 4 & 5.

[digger303]

I can't see the pic's and I've tried reloading the page a few times. Is it a fault on my end again ?

Edit... Now I see them

[Stokesy44]

Plenty of detail but its making you work for it!

[RangerNeil]

Plenty of detail but its making you work for it!

Tell me about it!!! Gun was primed last night and had the first coat of 4BO green applied. Second coat goes on today then the mantlet can be assembled on to the barrel.



Meantime the originally planned build - the Airfix Fairey Firefly Mk5 - arrived yesterday from King Kits. Sealed box so I opened it to see what it was like - and the front canopy section (part #16) is missing!!!! Doh....

[RangerNeil]

Well - it gets better and better - he laughs cynically!!

Went to fit the shroud & mantlet over the barrel - and the hole for the barrel is too small!! Opened it up to 3.5 mm and it became a nice fit. Until it met the recuperator. The assembly is too tall to fit inside the shroud.


I reckon by at least 1 mm. Only solution I can see is to sand off the top of the recuperator cylinder the length of the shroud. Its invisible once assembled so just a total PITA.
It's kind of sapped the mojo a bit so I put the gun assembly to one side and started on the hull. I hope I've got all the upper plates right because - again - there is no positive location!! Tamiya/Airfix etc. step the top plates so they locate in the hull. Miniart - flat hull side, flat top so you have to hope and pray every thing is aligned correctly!!!
Then we come onto the suspension arms and AGAIN nothing positive to align them. As can be seen in the photos they can be positioned anywhere.... So I'm thinking some stacked lolly sticks to set the height against so they are at least all the same.




Correctly wondering whats going to go pear-shaped next!!!

[digger303]

That's a nasty surprise.
The Zvezda kit is looking like a replacement from the heavens.

[Tomcat64]

It looks like the only difference between this and the kit I had is which parts got undershot

Still here for moral support though mate - just beware more dragons on the upper deck

[RangerNeil]

It looks like the only difference between this and the kit I had is which parts got undershot

Still here for moral support though mate - just beware more dragons on the upper deck

Going to need it I think - and the beers to follow!!

So - I had a close look at the gun/shroud assembly last night. After a bit of head scratching/hair pulling I came the the conclusion the problem was two-fold. The gun was too high overall and too wide at the bottom. So after a bit of sanding/test fit/sanding again etc. I wound up with this:


Which means the shoud now fits - more or less - as intended.


Roof and sides added - going to need a bit of filling and sanding because the mantlets a different curve to the side walls:


Moving on to the hull - the lolly stick height gauge seems to have worked.


But again theres a bit of sanding after filling to do.......


But we are getting there........ I think!

[digger303]

Good catch on the gun.



Ps....don't worry about the sanding your a dab hand with a expert technique after all those old school kits...

[RangerNeil]

Good catch on the gun.



Ps....don't worry about the sanding your a dab hand with a expert technique after all those old school kits...

Thanks for the vote of confidence Digger.....

The gun is now more or less finished, just some fine detailing to do once its mounted on the hull - whenever that will be.




So we move onto the hull..... All the lower components are on, front, rear and sides. As is the way of things it seems these days it turned out I had put the rearmost upper hull plate on back to front so that had to come off, be cleaned up and turned around. Necessitating a bit more clamping - but no photos of that as I feel a big enough idiot for doing it without broadcasting it!
Work now moves onto what I assume is the engine air intake that has the exhaust muffler mounted on top. Dinner got dished up before I got onto the muffler ....
So this is the state of play tonight.....




I'm thinking as its going to be North Korean I'll go for a brush finish. Oh - and the mouting hole for the gun is too small - of course.......

[digger303]

I think you've tamed the kit now, but I'm sure it's going to get one more lick in.

[Stokesy44]

Maybe spry the base coat then add a hand painted effect? Might struggle for coverage with the plastic being so light in colour?

[RangerNeil]

Maybe spry the base coat then add a hand painted effect? Might struggle for coverage with the plastic being so light in colour?

Good point. The guns been done by hairy stick - took 3 coats, same with the road wheels, idlers, return rollers and drive sprockets etc. - but the main hull is a lot more surface area..... The superstrcture is yet to be added too.

[RangerNeil]

Hull air-brushed today and drive sprockets, road wheels, idlers and return rollers are fitted. Needless to say about half of them didn't want to go on the stub axles and had to be "persuaded" - with a pair of long nosed pliers..... Next job on the hull is the tracks and I will bet anything its going to be another "throw at wall" jobbie!!




Airbox/exhausts are painted and ready for assembly when dry.


Still need to touch-up the tyre black on the road wheels.

[digger303]

The wheels all look straight an level so that's a plus and I crossing my fingers that there's enough links.

[RangerNeil]

The wheels all look straight an level so that's a plus and I crossing my fingers that there's enough links.

That makes two of us!!!
The status at close of play today is the air box/exhausts are done and one side of the 16 track sprues. Also hoping I've got enough Dark Iron to flip them over and do the other side.....

[Quax]

I remember Neils trial with this, you're doing a great job with the aid of a whip and a chair!

Paul

[RangerNeil]

I remember Neils trial with this, you're doing a great job with the aid of a whip and a chair!

Paul

I doubt this Neils attempt will be as good as that Neils one was. But - I try!

Its an insane kit - sometimes things go so well and then just as the guard goes down it bites you in the ass!! Current pain is the tow cable. Its supposed to locate pins on the back of the eyes into holes on the glacis to hold the eyes in place - but there are no pins on the backs of the eyes.....
Anyways this is how it ended tonight. Hull is 90% complete with work about to staert on the fighting compartment. All the track links are painted and need seperating into heaps, 160 somthing links per side. And the mount for the gun has been opened out so it now fits as it should. The original hole was 0.8 mm too small in dia.

[digger303]

[Stokesy44]

I would have gone off the deep end by my now mate! Your perseverance does you great credit. Good luck with the tracks!

[RangerNeil]

I would have gone off the deep end by my now mate! Your perseverance does you great credit. Good luck with the tracks!

Made a start on them tonight. I tried using the workable links that came with it - what friggin IDIOT decided to mould them with the sprue attachments on the faces that make the joins!!!!
After a solid hour I had 5 pieces joined.....


So I had a look at the kit tracks - which had the sprue attachments where they should be - on the sides!! The same amount of time produced this:


Plan is to make the kit tracks in a number of sections that can be joined on the model after painting.

[digger303]

[Stokesy44]

Good save on the tracks. I wonder sometimes if the buyer was even considered when kits like these were designed

[Tomcat64]

If I remember right I did the tracks in four sections... bottom run, top run and the bits that run up & over the drive/idlers... I think it was ninety something links per side in total (97 comes to mind for some reason but don't bank on it).

Well done for sticking with it so far

[RangerNeil]

If I remember right I did the tracks in four sections... bottom run, top run and the bits that run up & over the drive/idlers... I think it was ninety something links per side in total (97 comes to mind for some reason but don't bank on it).

Well done for sticking with it so far

I cheated - did them in two sections, upper and lower joining halfway around the drive sprocket and idler wheel. I was amazed at how quickly the kit links went together - even allowing for old aged clumsiness because they are, after all, rather small!!
Both sides are now done......










They are also remarkably fragile- I had 3 or 4 snap in half as I cut them off the sprue - and this one snapped just from being pushed together.......

[digger303]

I'm guessing they supplied you with enough spares so not too bad a problem. The ejector marks look deepish are they on the inside of the track and sort of hidden ?

[Stokesy44]

Good result with the tracks. The pioneer tools look nicely done too

[RangerNeil]

I'm guessing they supplied you with enough spares so not too bad a problem. The ejector marks look deepish are they on the inside of the track and sort of hidden ?

On the inside - and invisible!

Good result with the tracks. The pioneer tools look nicely done too

Many thanks for the kind words I think if I'd bought those "workable links" seperately I'd be VERY upset. The kit ones worked quite well for me.

Next step - finish the exterior then start on the fighting compartment....

[RangerNeil]

The outside is now more or less finished - just needs a final coat of 4BO (which I think I'm running out of - must get some more..)










Didn't realize one of the fenders was warped till it was on:


CA is holding it down though.

[digger303]

Clamp fest is still rolling on

[RangerNeil]

Clamp fest is still rolling on

Of course....

Close of play tonight:


To note - the bulkhead part on the left required extensive sanding to fit being about 0.5mm too tall!!

[Stokesy44]

Great progress, good to see the fight continues!