T1E2 prototype light tank - 1929

Ben M Auteur
Youtube Video

Clair Greenwood
Thats some good printing, I'll be curious to see how it assembles for you. Im sure it'll look great finished 🙂

Ben M Auteur
I note that it has the fenders of a T1E3 instead of T1E2 fenders.

Ben M Auteur
Yeah it does seem to be well printed. I'll start clipping off the zillions of supports. Right now I've got other projects ahead of it but support removal will be a good build night activity at the hobby shop (where I can't airbrush, etc.)

gorby
Looks very interesting. 🙂

Clair Greenwood
Kind of looks like they didn't wash the parts very well on my second look through your photo's. Perhaps a bath in 90% and up alcohol before finishing the hardening process is warranted Ben.

Ben M Auteur
Yeah definitely. The tracks in particular don't seem well washed. I'm wearing gloves while handling these.

Guy Rump
Looks a very interesting build, following. 👍

Djordje Nikolic
SS model? Print quality looks good

Ben M Auteur
Yes, SS model. Print quality is good. Accuracy is another thing 🙂

Djordje Nikolic
Yea I have some of their early models that were not quite as good

Ben M Auteur
Do you have any albums? I'm interested.

The mantlet on this one has sone topology problem

Djordje Nikolic
I actually never started it cause it had so many layer lined. Didn't feel like doing all the sanding.

Mark Sherwood
Topology an apt phrase, definitely will be using that in the future. Good luck on the build.

Ben M Auteur
One of my engine hatches is missing. May have to scratch them.

Ben M Auteur
I want to put in a good word here for SSMODEL. They make these short run 3D printed kits in China. I know some people have had issues with layer lines, etc. but as I also sometimes print my own kits on a consumer grade printer, I'm used to those problems. Even if they aren't as good as an injection molded kit, the printers and resin used in the SSMODEL kits result in a far superior print quality compared to what I can print myself, and I love the subjects and varieties of scales they offer.

I discovered my kit was missing one of the engine hatch doors. I didn't hold out much hope I could get a replacement, and I figured it would be easier to scratch a replacement than contact SSMODEL. I was wrong. Their customer service is absolutely superb.

I contacted them via their website, and used the chat feature to explain the situation. They asked for my order number. Oh no, I thought, I purchased on ebay so I didn't know it. I figured I'd try contacting the seller on ebay, and they were able to provide the SSMODEL order number. I provided that and my shipping information to SSMODEL and I got a replacement part delivered to my door today. Thank you SSMODEL! I am thankful for your great customer service.

Mark Sherwood
Mojoless. Yep, know that feeling. It may sound trite but carry on you'll get over the hump, fettle the problem's and produce a turned out model as you have with your other subjects that have showcased your talent. 🤟🥸🤘

Anth
I had similar experience r with customer service. They were excellent and replaced parts etc quickly. The kits are a challenging an as you say moonless. Maybe ok for complex kits an tracks but the leopard in 1/3 nearly broke me.

Robert Podkoński
Joining the party!

Ben M Auteur
I've resolved the issues with the mantlet and dealt with the ultra fragile headlights which I will break during the painting process

Ben M Auteur
I found a drawing of a T1E1, F Company, 2nd Tank Division, Fort Benning Georgia 1932. Given that this model is a composite of features of several T1 models, this is at least in the ballpark. I should be able to print on white decal paper. The insignia consists of a Mark VIII "Liberty" heavy tank superimposed over crossed rifles.