RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

This section is for builds that are not strictly Tamiya or Heng Long. For instance, replacing the electronics from a WSN or Matorro, or even a scratch-build.
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quitcherbitchen
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by quitcherbitchen »

This is a very cool build. I especially like the recoil mechanism you made. Please post youtubes once you get it finished.
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Thank you Herman, EAO and quitcherbitchen
HERMAN BIX wrote:Keeping one of these weapons in service back in the day must have been extremely difficult.
The open fighting compartment in all weathers and no doubt constant demand for availability must have tested the crews.
I can see that the fighting compartment had a tarp that covered the whole area when the crew needed it. This certainly help during bad weather.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
This post is for the frontal shield.

As seen in the few reference pictures available of the gun shield, it is even more complicated to reproduce than it looks. The shield has curves, uneven shapes and is installed at a specific angle. It is held in place with small rods linked to the gun mount. Meant to rotate, such arrangement is quite weak in 1/16 scale and in hobby material.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The Dragon 1/35 does not provide much help in figuring out and building the shield, other than some basic dimensions that somehow were not right. None of the attachment points are reproduced, shape is not good compared to ref pictures. The Bandai 1/15 kit was also of very limited help, practically no details. I can see that mainstream modeling firms had issues with it.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The Ludwig kit parts, designed for the different Nashorn shield, only provided basic material for the round shield. Whoever has build this vehicle know the complexity of dealing with the shield, especially with any plan to make it movable. Keeping the frontal armored plates evenly flush with the curved shield as it rotates will test your skills to the maximum.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Gun shield need to have its curves recreated by eyeballing references and constant dry fitting, and it somehow need to keep its shapes... Bending 1mm thick metal plates would not be easy.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Because my gun mount is fixed due to the recoil mechanism, i built a frame to which the shield is firmly resting on the hull, while also keeping it with the proper curves given to the plasticard. The frame won't show much, unless you look for it.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The curved shield is glued solidly in place, with the proper shape, with strait and horizontal lines when required, while allowing the howitzer to elevate and recoil with realistic firmness. The gun mount is very loose and weak on my Bandai Hummel, something i did not want on this model.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The frontal armor plates of the Hummel, different than the Nashorn, are scratch built in 1mm plasticard, same as the rest of the armor. This is a very risky and dusty operation to get all the plates with the various angles to join. Some compromises were needed in some of their dimensions. The building of a scratch built Hummel or Nashorn is for experienced modelers. This kit should not be your first Ludwig kit. Their M113 is a better starting level model.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu Jan 21, 2021 12:41 pm, edited 7 times in total.
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

View of the base of the gun shield on a surviving Hummel
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
View of the model with the basic armor plates in place
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The brackets on the Hummel shield were hand built, showing differences between vehicles. You can see that thin 10mm armored plating used. Having plasticard keep its shape with such thin material is an issue.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
I tried to repro what i saw the best i could. With the gun mount and shield solidly anchored to the hull, i am not worried about the brackets, they will hold. If the shield was movable and made to swivel against the frontal armored plates, these brackets would not last long.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The finished gun shield and frontal armor.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
View of my old 1/35 kit. Careful study of all the angles and dimensions is required. And the modeler cannot assume that the brand got it right. Reproducing this look and feel is more complicated than it looks.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The keen eye will notice a few mistakes or compromises here and there compared to references, but i think it is actually not less accurate than Dragon, Tamiya and Bandai who over simplified whole areas on their shield and kits, specially the interior.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu Jan 21, 2021 12:52 pm, edited 9 times in total.
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Aligning the shape of the shield on both sides, making them similar, is not easy.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Overview of the model as it stands today.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Next step, the glacis.

Regards, Louis
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by B_Man »

I find your build threads to be educational and inspirational in equal measure Louis. Thanks for taking the time to post such detailed information on your methods.
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Jimster
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by Jimster »

Your skill level is pretty much in it’s own category. I can’t even think of anything to say without sounding redundant. :clap:
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lmcq11
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Thank you B-man and Jimster. As I usually try to pick rare subjects and doing my best to make it interesting. My style is a rapid 2-3 month build with a good level of details and electronics, but avoiding complexity and pitfalls that would make me loose patience or interest.

This post is for the glacis containing the driver and radio operator compartment.

RC modelers are usually familiar with the Bandai 1/15 Hummer which represents the early version with a glacis similar to the Nashorn. The radio operator on the left is cramped into a compartment without any visor.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
View of the early version driver compartment. This vehicle has been restored with non authentic modern tread plates for the fenders.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The Late production version has a much improved larger compartment. The radio operator has more head room and can actually help the driver.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
As usual, my old Dragon Hummel that i built almost 30 years ago with a Commander series resin Late conversion kit is a good help for extrapolating dimensions and shapes.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The Ludwig part for the glacis is for the Nashorn, reflecting the early version. It contains trench like lines, deep and misplaced positioning holes that i dislike. I cannot be used. Everything will be scratch built.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
A new base plate for the glacis is created.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Work will progress in a telescopic method. The most important is to create the upper roof section with the hatches. A cutting compass bought on Amazon for a few dollars is a big help.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The hatches are made. As the plasticard is quite thick, it is actually simpler to cut the plasticard by running the compass in the other direction using the back of the blade to slowly carve into the plastic. Perfectly round hatches are made in a couple of minutes each.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
This is the top section with the hatches. Hinges from eBay Germany seller Dioramaparts were purchased for a few Euros, a big help here.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Sun Jan 24, 2021 6:39 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

The upper roof plate is glued to the base plate of the glacis, ensuring no glue is touching anything else because the base is removable in order to provide access to the electronics under. The top roof needs to be horizontal and flush with the upper hull of the chassis.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Close up of the hinges for the radio operator hatch.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
View of the frontal visor hatch. Nothing too complicated here other than the hinges, specially when the hatch is not made operable. I did not see the value of leaving it open either as the gearbox is right under it.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
A different style of hinges was purchased from Dioramaparts, but the pointed hedge needed to be made square, a conversion that takes one minute each with a metal file.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The frontal section is installed. The top section need to be horizontal.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The side sections are cut and installed. The lines on the front are carved with the back of a blade and a metal ruler.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Metal detail hooks from DIoramaparts and Mato Panzer IV parts for the glacis.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Overview of the finished Hummel Late production glacis, a rare sight in 1/16.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Continuing on following post
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by lmcq11 »

Some close ups. The viewer will notice that i use superglue as filler. This is why some of the joints seems to have gaps in them but it is actually clear superglue that was sanded smooth for a strong and perfect joint, with some remaining cut marks from my pen.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
The glacis is removable to provide access to the electronics.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Some more glacis details, such as the fragile barrel travel lock bars and the tow cables with holders will only be installed at the end of the build.
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Overview of the model as it stands today
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build
Regards, Louis
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Re: RC 1/16 Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel Late Production - Build

Post by PershingLover »

Looking solid so far. Good luck with the rest of the build!
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