Academy 1/35 Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer (Late Version) Build Review
By Mark Karolus, IPMS/Lakes Region Scale Modelers
| Date of Review | August 2012 | Manufacturer | Academy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer (Late Version) | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 13230 | Primary Media | Styrene, photo-etch |
| Pros | Nice looking kit, simple build, nice paint mask system | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $38.99 |
Background
If you'd like to take a look at the kit as it comes out of the box, check out the in-box review
previously published here on Cybermodeler.
Construction
Upon receipt of the Academy Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer and a review of the instructions, it was time to form a plan of action to build up the model. A review of the assembly instructions found a bit of a lack of painting sequence instructions and I found the following website
to be most useful.
The assembly of the base unit after careful washing is very logical but to use the tape stencils, I bypassed all the small handrails and tiny parts that could be pulled off with the tape used.
Bypass Step 7 but Step 8 should be done but no handrails or tiny fixtures added. Do Step 10 and 11 and hold.
At this time, the unit received a base coat of black primer, including all the small pieces on the sprues. Allow at least 24 hours dry time.
Paint the first coat of Italeri Pzr Dunkelgelb 1943 4796AP, allow to dry for 24 hours before proceeding to add the first set of masking tape.
A review of the tape and the camouflage pattern tape sheet highlighted the need for hand-numbering of the FIRST set of tape patterns.
After painting with Italeri Flat Pzr Olivegrun 1943 4798AP with 20% of Italeri Flat Dark Green 4726AP added to match artwork.
Caution: leave stencils in place! Dry for 24 hours.
After 24 hour dry time, add the second series of masking stencils.
Following the application of Flat Pz Schokobraun RAL 8017 4797AP….remember…light coats to prevent stencil edge buildup. Do not touch for 24 hours.
As peeled. No paint lift! Stencil performed flawlessly.
After adding leaf pattern using a carved pencil eraser and the finished product. Tracks and MG were painted using Italeri Flat Gun Metal 4681AP with a wash of Flat Black 4768AP.
The crew was painted using Flat Pz Schwarzgrau RAL 7021, Flat Skin Tone Warm tint 4603AP highlighted with wash of Flat Black 4768AP and uniform insignia highlighted with Flat Gun Metal 4681AP
Conclusions
Many thanks goes out to MRC for this review sample.