Hi, I didn’t have much time but managed to assemble the back seat base. It consists of quite a lot pieces including metal springs for the passenger seat frame. I like that there are also optional parts - like the grab handles for the passenger. I think I’ll go for the wooden one. There are also two different types of the panniers. The metal Packtasche and leather bags. I like the leather ones because there are even the stitching lines moulded on them and the kit contains padlocks which can be assembled as locked or open. They are printed separately so will be fun to paint and weather them.

I’ve glued in the back seat base. Only the clamps holding the panniers in place are dry-fitted. Seeing the result I couldn’t resist dry-fitting the rear wheel.

Small tweaks happening on the model — added supports for the weapon mount, and I also picked up a little soldier figure to go with this armored vehicle. 🛠️🔧🪖🚙

July 21, 2026. Over the past week, I worked on the 3D-printed crew figures for my Polish K2 Black Panther build (from Glowel Miniatures). Since I primarily build tanks and aircraft, painting miniatures is a fun challenge, and I took some time to experiment with new techniques. ​For the flesh tones, I started with AK11603 Human Flesh Tone and experimented with subtle tinting using Vallejo Light Rust Wash (74.505).

I originally tried adding painted white pupils, but they looked oversized, so I removed them in favour of subtle eye-socket shading with Vallejo Saddle Brown (70.940).

After noticing the headgear was missing its headset microphone, I scratch-built one using 0.2mm lead wire, then painted the helmet in Vallejo Black Grey (70.862) and Italeri Flat Rubber (4861AP), and sealed it with AK Ultra Matte Varnish.

For the tanker suit/overall uniform, I used a zenithal shading approach airbrushing Tamiya LP-60 NATO Black followed by a white zenithal spray to establish shadows on the fabric folds. I then applied AK 11144 Emerald to match the real Polish uniform tint, mixing in white for high-point highlights and Black Grey for shadows.

​Tiny details like the Polish flag on the arm were painted using Vallejo White and Flat Red, with the rank/name patches picked out in Mr Hobby 320 Dark Green. After a pin wash using Tamiya Black Panel Line Accent Colour (cleaned up with spirit and swabs) and a coat of AK Ultra Matte, the commander figure was complete.

The commander figure is now finished and test-fitted in his hatch position behind the .50 cal mount! Work on the second crewmember is currently underway!

Begun shading the grey

***Look at those comments for a random fact!!***

The elevation arc mechanism is now taking shape, and this stage reveals just how intricate the 88’s fire‑control system really is. With the etched brass arc, adjustment wheels, and mounting hardware all brought together, the assembly finally reads like a true mechanical subsystem rather than a collection of kit parts. The brass wheels lock the geometry with a precision that feels engineered, and the arc’s fine graduations give the entire mechanism a sense of purpose and tension.

Each component was cleaned, aligned, and test‑fitted before final bonding to preserve the delicate spacing between the arc and the elevation gear. The metallic contrast between the brass and the surrounding steel structure adds a realism that plastic alone can’t achieve. Even unpainted, the mechanism already looks functional — as if the crew could step in, grab the wheel, and dial in elevation for the next shot.

This is one of those assemblies that quietly elevates the entire build. Once painted and weathered, the arc mechanism will anchor the elevation system and become a focal point for anyone studying the gun up close.

Hi everyone! Here is the ship's base. It’s not finished yet, but this is roughly what it will look like. I’m waiting for someone to make the stars as water-slide decals, since I couldn't get them all to look exactly the same. Then, a Plexiglas dome is made for it.

Next stage in the bag! Bricks, details, and highlights are added. It turned out looking great, especially considering it’s just about 8x5 cm ;-) , Base have 9x10 cm

***Random fact in the comments section!”

The elevation arc is one of those components that quietly defines the personality of the 88, and the etched replacement transforms it from a simple kit detail into a true mechanical focal point. The brass arc locks into place with a precision that feels engineered rather than molded — every graduation line is crisp, sharp, and perfectly scaled, giving the part the look of a real fire‑control instrument pulled straight from a wartime carriage.

Once mounted, the arc immediately changes how the entire elevation mechanism reads. The curvature, the fine markings, and the metallic sheen create a sense of tension and purpose, as if the crew had just finished dialing in a firing solution. Even before paint, the etched brass catches light in a way that makes the assembly feel functional, not decorative.

This is a small piece, but it’s a storytelling powerhouse — the kind of detail that convinces the viewer the gun has been adjusted, fired, and recalibrated under harsh conditions. With paint and weathering, this arc is going to anchor the whole elevation system.

***Look For today’s random fact in the comments.***

The right‑side trail leg has finally gotten the treatment it deserves — the molded kit chain is gone, replaced with a real metal N‑scale chain that instantly changes the character of the entire assembly. Once the plastic was carved away, the mounting lugs revealed just how much potential the part had. With the new chain in place, the trail leg suddenly feels alive — the links drape with actual weight, catching light in a way no molded detail ever could.

This is one of those upgrades that doesn’t just improve accuracy; it shifts the whole presence of the gun. The finer metal links introduce a sense of tension and realism, as if the crew just stepped away after securing the trail. Once weathered, this chain will read like cold steel that’s seen mud, frost, and hard service — exactly what an 88 in Kharkov should look like.

More Week 12 updates incoming as I move into the equilibrator detailing, gauge assemblies, and arc scale components — the transformation continues.

Now The Cat becomes more fierce! Closer to the finish the simple desert pink camo start to become more and more interesting. Panel line wash done! Oils and final touches next.