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French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 10:42 am
by Majic
My son bought this model tank with his pocket money. I'm trying to build it for him and he was going to paint it. To be honest I am out of my depth. Really struggling with the wheel assembly.

Would anyone know of any model makers who would continue making it, or failing that a site where I could buy a replica. I'm not someone that likes to give up easily but I am finding it just to fiddly and time consuming. I did follow a you tube video, but even then can't do it!

Any help greatly appreciated.

Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:26 am
by Rad_Schuhart
Majic wrote:My son bought this model tank with his pocket money. I'm trying to build it for him and he was going to paint it. To be honest I am out of my depth. Really struggling with the wheel assembly.

Would anyone know of any model makers who would continue making it, or failing that a site where I could buy a replica. I'm not someone that likes to give up easily but I am finding it just to fiddly and time consuming. I did follow a you tube video, but even then can't do it!

Any help greatly appreciated.
What is the problem? Pics would help. I have assembled 3 renault ft 17 but in 1/16 scale...

EDIT: WAIT, are you looking for somebody to build it? No way man, your son should do it, maybe with your assistance. Short time pain, long time gain.

If your son stares at his build, he will be proud of it. If somebody does it for him, it will gather dust and end in the bin after some time.

Just take pics of the issues and I am sure we can guide you and sort it out.

Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:26 am
by General Jumbo01
What age is your son? Does he have any mates who are into model making? Between them maybe they can do the build and learn along the way. Or how about you buy him a cheap 1/72 scale starter kit to practice on first, one with a easy build rating on the box? It would also give him the confidence to paint it and the satisfaction of knowing he did it all himself. Any one of us could probably do it but there's no fun in that, is there?

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Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:01 pm
by Majic
We've done 1 tank together, painted it everything. This one is much harder.

I agree with what you are saying.

It was for a school project as well and slowly running out of time... This is the video I have been watching (watch from 8 minutes onwards)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tci15Xi9MHM

I perhaps need some better tools as well

Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:25 pm
by RobW
Which bit is causing the problems, and what glue/tools have you got? The video is heading towards working tracks. In reality the suspension only needs to adjust until they're on: rolling wheels may not be necessary.

Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 12:32 pm
by Majic
I've got to 12.00 in the video. Attempted the 3 wheel section Since then one of the wheels has fallen out! (although I have managed to get it to pivot). Struggled with the 2 wheel section.

I only Humbrol cement and some pliers. Could do with something better I suppose

The Youtuber has his wheels moving, mine were in the 3 wheel section, but not the 2. Don't really need the tracks/wheels to move I suppose, would just like a finished model with tracks on

Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 1:30 pm
by RobW
Getting a few needle files will help: nail emery boards are a good substitute for now. Tweezers & liquid poly (in a bottle) are also useful. Is your glue in a tube?

Re: French FT 17 1/35 scale model

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 2:02 pm
by Majic
yes glue in tube