VsKfz 617 Minenraumer by DerekMc - Meng - 1/35 - "Build as a Kid"

[DerekMc]

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!

[ccoyle]

1 hour ago, DerekMc said:

"Build like you did as a kid"

 

Oh, dear! 😬  Apart from my pretty sad skills when I was younger, building like a kid would require me to be able to pick up some box-scale Aurora kit from Sprouse-Reitz for a quarter!

[Egilman]

2 hours ago, ccoyle said:

...building like a kid would require me to be able to pick up some box-scale Aurora kit from Sprouse-Reitz for a quarter!

F.W. Woolworths for me... (with a stop at the fountain for an ice cream soda)

[DerekMc]

I bought my kits at KMart for the most part. Fun times!  The club meeting is tomorrow. I'm interested in what the other members built. I know several built old classic kits.  I didn't because I don't have any.  

I installed the steering chain so its set for tomorrows meeting. 

 

Edited January 21, 2024 by DerekMc