PzKpfw II Ausf L Luchs Late Production

The Border 1/35 Luchs Ausf. L, BT-018 is the best kit currently available on the market. I looked at the Academy/Asuka version of this vehicle and that Kit did not have a bathtub style hull, whereas this kit has it. I did not give this kit a five star rating as this kit no longer includes the brass barrel. At least, the one provided is a one piece slide molded part with the bore hollowed out. The same detail applies to the coaxial MG 34. This kit includes two small frets of photoetch bits to make small equipment brackets and the mesh engine grill covers. Making the mounting platforms for the rear storage boxes installed above the rear fenders was a challenge to get the angle of the leg pieces correct. When forming the star antenna I recommend skipping the installation of the PE detail parts to make the star point legs appear tapered. Some of the plastic molded pieces are so small that the builder will need a precision set of sprue cutters to remove these parts without damage. A set of precision tweezers is also necessary to manipulate these parts to ensure proper installation of these parts. Because this kit does not include polycaps for the road wheels and the tracks are link and length, I had to install these parts at the same time and paint the running gear and tracks installed on the model. As this vehicle had rubber rimmed interleaved road wheels, painting this detail on was very tedious. During the course of the build, I found that the conduit parts for the Bosch headlights were broken off and missing from the sprue. I had to fabricate a set from stretched sprue. Even though most of the upper hull parts clicked into place, I had some fit issues with installing the rear upper hull plate part. The kit has parts to fully detail the turret interior, including a radio mounted between two seats. The main gun breech parts are provided as well as the full coaxial gun assembly. This allows the builder to position the commander's hatch in the open position so that some of these details can be seen. Tools, tool clamp/clasp, and stowage box surface detail is excellent. Overall fit of these parts is precise. During construction, a few errors were found with the parts number call outs. Assembly instructions include three tri-tonal paint and marking options all printed in color. An Ammo by Mig painting guide is shown for each camouflage scheme option. Application of paint by use of an airbrush is highly recommended. Due to the complex paint schemes, promlematic road wheel/track assembly and high tiny parts count, this kit is recommended for intermediate to advanced model builders with fine airbrush painting skills.