Building the Tamiya M18 Hellcat | Full Step-by-Step Guide (with aftermarket upgrades)!

[@jaxsonevans6039]

My great grandfather was assigned to Company C, 3rd Platoon, 638th TD battalion during WW2 and spent a year overseas with the unit. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhine, Central Europe, and assisted in the liberation of a concentration camp. TD battalions usually had M18s, so this will be my next kit. Thanks for the video!! Super pumped!!! 🎉🎉

[@Davshady]

I’m halfway in on the build. I got the kit based on your great videos. It’s going really well and really fun! Thanks!

[@hammyhamster01]

Hey Hank, this is actually my second comment... But I just went to my local hobby store looking for a Sherman to take to my grandparents' house to build this summer when I came across a few Tamiya M-18s!!! I was definitely not expecting the store to have them, but they did, and I got one, I had to after watching this video!!! I also got the Sherman, but the M-18 got me excited and I can't wait to start it after I finish a 109 I've been working on. Awesome job Hank and thanks for the ideas.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh that's great! Have a blast - I think you'll enjoy it 👍

[@sixfivearms8896]

I like how you explained arcane tank details like the use of the torsion bar "bump stops." Tank trivia as you go makes it fun!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad to hear you enjoyed! Thanks for watching 👍

[@ThisOLmaan]

@@SpruesNBrews : did you make another video on this same Tank for the Painting?

[@PilotPhotog]

I wasn't looking for a tank kit - but after watching this video I'll have to pick up an M18. I really enjoy the Tamiya kits, another great video and thanks for posting!

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's a beauty for sure - I think you'll like it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Nowayjose-z2r]

Other companies come out with a new tooled amazing kit... then old Tamyia comes back with, "Hold my Beer"

[@frankrhemrev3572]

Haven’t restarted this hobby myself as I currently lack room to do it, but hopefully our new house comes with a spare room (man cave ;) where I can pick this up again! These videos are stimulating and motivating for sure, thanks!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And glad to hear it - hope you can get started soon enough!

[@BurningAnimations]

I'm extremely new to model kits. Just bought the m18 hellcat, you make the instructions very clear and fun with the jazz in the background 🐝

[@longlance67]

Awesome video mate! The m18 kit is a thing of beauty. I have one my stash and watching you build your little gem really makes me want to start mine too. Though I'm holding out to try get my hands on Def Models marking set as they have a Bastonge machine I want to recreate. Awesome work Hank!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks man! Really appreciate it - would love to see your take on this one for sure! Sounds like a great idea with the Bulge scheme... can't wait!

[@longlance67]

@@SpruesNBrews It would be cool to model a scene from the defense of Bastogne with a few Alpine figures thrown in. But I best not get ahead of myself lol

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oooo 😍

[@spitfire3280]

What Def models set is that?

[@stewarts8597]

Great build and those extra bags add great personality to the build

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I appreciate it 🍻

[@mikemodels928]

I can easily believe that Tamiya kits are fantastic.

[@SpruesNBrews]

They're some of my favorites 👍

[@jamesbednar8625]

Great video!!! Am currently just started building this kit and think it is light-years ahead of that Academy version that came out years ago. Have seen a few videos about building this kit and must say that you were the FIRST to point out those little notches in the road wheels in order for the tracks to fit properly (even I did not notice that while studying the direction - will have to remember that when I get to that point). Also have built the Academy version and let's just say that after all these years it is 95% complete and will remain that way. Will have to look for those resin pieces - they sure do make the vehicle look better.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! It's a lovely kit - and glad to hear it's an improvement on the Academy offering, as I haven't personally had a chance to build that one up. Enjoy & happy building!

[@hankowans7197]

I am currently building this and it is one of the easier kits I have built. Thank you for the tutorial and the aftermarket upgrades are spot on, I can't seem to find the barrel though currently sold out, I did purchase the stowage from Value Gear. Oh, and by the way, you have an awesome name.

[@scottybee33]

I haven’t built a kit in 10 years, so this was fun to watch. With the easy explanations of the “pro” techniques I’m looking at getting back into it.

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm so glad to hear! I think you'll enjoy getting back after it 👍

[@fotomakr]

Looks awesome. Like the clear explanation on building the tracks.

[@Anthony_e_photography]

I just got one of these. Tamiya really outdid themselves with this kit !

[@SpruesNBrews]

Right!? It's a beauty! Enjoy & happy building! 👍

[@Anthony_e_photography]

@@SpruesNBrews where did you get the paints for it ?

[@tennesseepatriot6191]

Looks great! I usually stick to German armor, but I might have to take a step into American armor with this kit.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks - and give it a go! 👍

[@nimay13]

I’ve built Tamiya M48A1 before, granted its was an older kit but it was great.

[@derf-vr1fc]

As a patriot, I think you should!😊

[@the.just.able.biker67]

I picked this kit up today, the box art sold me on it straight away! I got a bit of a fright when I got to the checkout and the cashier said "That'll be £42.50 please" i thought it was £30, but somebody had picked it up and then put it on the wrong place on the shelf. 😡 After heading over to the shelves with the cashier to check the price she pointed out the other kits were further along, and the peice qas correct. I'm glad I did decide to buy it anyway, because when I got home and opened the box I couldn't believe how well molded everything was. I really can't wait to get stuck into it. 👍

[@davidcole333]

Hank, you did a really nice job on this kit. I just finished the kit also. I painted up the included figure, first time to try figure painting. That's more challenging than building the rest of the tank!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! And I totally hear ya - figure painting can be a challenge in itself!

[@raymondrosario9893]

I snagged two of these kits once they were off loaded. Got markings, the barrel, and awaiting the stowage gear. Looking forward to the paint video

[@SpruesNBrews]

Very nice! I think you're gonna enjoy the build - it's a great one 👍

[@derf-vr1fc]

I asked my wife to visit a model shop in the Philippines and she took photos of the display and, alas, I saw box of this and quickly asked her to buy one for me. Can't wait to get it (am working in the Gulf!)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh very nice! Enjoy - it's a great one!

[@scalemodelpursuit]

Really clean build, nice job! Looking forward to seeing it painted

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! I'll get started soon 👍

[@brianfoley4328]

Very nice, easy to follow. I'm a sailing vessel guy myself but this has motivated me to buy an armor kit and give it a shot...you made it look fun and easy...Thanks.

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's great! Give it a shot - I think you'll enjoy 👍

[@markschrade9147]

Finished this one today, beautiful kit. Thank you for the recommendation

[@SpruesNBrews]

Very nice!!

[@samirdjukic8666]

Wow... It's fantastic... Great job and beautiful model... On First it's complicated but instructions helping... Well, bro... What say except... Cheers... 🍻🍻🍻 ... 🔥🔥🔥 ... 🤘🤘🤘 ... 🖤🐺🖤

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much! I appreciate it - cheers! 🍻

[@dfens666]

Arrgghhh- my ultra top secret guitar string antennae trick has been revealed! How dare you! Great video- keep it up.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha sorry to pull back the curtain!

[@jasonrusso9808]

Tank Destroyer Battalions had the absolute best looking patches & Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia. Like the 771st TD Bn. 629th, 630th to name a few.

[@johnstimitz2629]

Well done job on the build of the M-18! Just one note: the engine exhausts are located where you mounted the stowage and tarp on the rear hull. On the real vehicle, things might have gotten real hot!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! Everybody likes a warm bedroll, right? 😅

[@thedisabledwelshman9266]

@@SpruesNBrews did u do any dry fitting before glueing?

[@scottkut6622]

Excellent build video mate! Guitar string makes a realistic antenna for sure. Although I like making my own stowage, when I have had enough Value Gear is the go-to! Bravo!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! 👍

[@raystarr4388]

Finally, a new beautiful piece

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's a great one!

[@SchmidtJim]

Another great video! Can’t wait to get started on mine - I have a half-built Academy M18 I might finish first to try out some weathering techniques- the only thing that kind of underwhelmed me with this new Tamiya kit is the marking choices - when I think of Hellcats I think of France/Germany - really wish there were some aftermarket 704th TD for Arracourt - might use the Academy decals or get some aftermarket 705th, etc - can’t wait to see the painting video!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! And that's fair on the decals - I was surprised, too. Sounds like the Hellcat really got her baptism of fire in Italy (early models with the M1A1 that's included in the kit, rather than the M1A2 with muzzle break), so I guess that's probably why Tamiya went for the ITO. Also sits nicely with some of their other ITO offerings. Thanks for watching 👍

[@DontForgetTheDroids]

I was depressed and then I watched some SpresNBrews to bring me back to life. Thank you, Hank.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Be well, my friend, and take care! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@ChristianSchroter]

U r doing a great job hosting that channel👍

[@tungsten_carbide]

Thanks for that, it was very enjoyable to watch and I'll be sure to refer back to this frequently if I ever build the kit. Finished build looks great, love all the stowage. Looking forward to the paint!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Looking forward to painting it up!

[@martysievers3855]

Looks like I need one! Fantastic build of one of my favorite TDs Thanks for the review and build!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! And I think you'll enjoy it - happy building 👍

[@jeffreyhansen2806]

This was supposed to be my Christmas present but didn't show up my local (Seattle, WA) hobby shop until last month! Started work on it immediately. A little complex because of open turret but typical near perfect Tamiya fit. By the way, those storage bins on the front of the turret are for the driver and assistant driver windshields.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh good to know - thanks!

[@paulsawyer2326]

Awesome job on build and really like your using resin aftermarket add on to give realistic look. Look forward to final presentation version.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@waynevaughan5263]

Great video. Can't find this in Canada right now. I should have bought it while it was in stock. Thanks for your great instruction. Cheers 🍻

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! That's a bummer - I hope you can find one soon! 👍

[@bjw4859]

Very nice, love the aftermarkes add on's, just subscribed also.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for your support!

[@jamestaffae5178]

Nice build, I might have to track that kit down.

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's a great one!

[@johnalecsscalemodeling]

Checking in to say love the video, liked, great video Hank.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it 👍

[@realkekec4028]

Already in my stash and ready to build.Nice review.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! Enjoy - it's a fun one!

[@ericb.davenport9762]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnMckeown-dl2cl]

Nice job on the build it looks great. I wish my weathering expertise was at your level. There are two "newer" paint products from Tamiya that I don't know if you have seen, but they would have been good to use on this model. They are XF-84 Dark Iron and XF-85 Rubber Black. They were called out on the suggested colors on the instructions for a Tamiya PKW IV Aust. G and turned out very realistic compared with the previous use of flat black. They have a more grayish tone and look more like the color of real tracks and idler wheels. Painting the tracks in the Dark Iron and then dry brushing silver over the dry paint makes a great effect. You usually use Ammo MIG, but I see you use Tamiya also. Check them out.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ah great! I'll definitely pick those up, thank you 👍

[@eclipsehorse8693]

thx for the awesome build up and review! I have a shelf of Tamiya armor kits, im taking a break and transitioning to WW2 aircraft for a bit of a rest. I'll def keep this kit in mind as everyone is raving about it! Where may I ask did you get the Tamiya cement bottle holder! so clever!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching! I hear ya - you gotta take a break sometimes for sure. And the cement pot holder is from Tankraft Supply! They make some fantastic scale modeling accessories.

[@thomasharrison4554]

Hello Hank, very glad to have discovered your very helpful channel since it coincides with my return to the hobby of plastic kit building. It’s been a very long time since I’ve delved into the satisfaction of completing a build and I’m looking forward to getting back into it again. I’ve been pleasantly impressed by the advancement of quality and detail on current kits which leads me to a suggestion, if I may, for a future video you might consider if you think it would be worthwhile. I will label myself as a “newbie” now when considering the vast quantities of kits and manufacturers to choose from : Trumpeter, Hobby Boss, Eduard, Meng, Tacoma, Ryefield, Academy, Das Werk, etc. how do I figure out how to choose? I agree with you about Tamiya so no problem with them, but how do the others stack up? Are they more detailed, more difficult to build, instructions up to par, better molding of parts, inquiring minds want to know! Maybe a similar breakdown or comparison video for all the different lines of paint for military kits ( I’m finding I like Ammo by Mig so far-Sprue Bros. for ordering and direct from Ammo too). Also, thank you for placing links in description for after market accessories, very useful.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! Glad to hear you're getting back into the hobby - and great suggestions for the channel, thank you. I do have a few videos on my kit, gear & paint recommendations for beginners if you want to check those out, but I agree that some more-thorough comparison videos would be helpful as well! Cheers & happy building 🍻

[@edhorst7212]

Hi Hank.. definitely will have a look see at our local hobby store if in stock.. remodeled entire store since damage from hurricane Ian, closed until Interior was redone, new roof.. thanks for tutorial

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh no! I hope they're able to rebuild alright - that's a shame.

[@williamkoppos7039]

It's a typical, nice Tamiya kit. And I bought one. But the kit of the year is Great Wall's Hawk 81 "Flying Tiger" P-40.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Hmm I haven't seen this one yet - I'll have to check it out!

[@lesthiele4921]

Greetings Hank, that was a excellent build and paint job, my only issue I think is, it would have been nice to see (even) a partial drivers area, thanks for this great video, best regards from Australia.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahh yeah - I almost kept the hatches open, but it was a pretty sparse interior & a lot of light would shine in there from the open turret, so I decided against it 👍

[@graysmodels2236]

Gr8 looking build👏👏💯%, i wanted one at xmas but couldnt get them into the uk, so i opted for the airfix version going ok so far but i know it wont be anywhere as good as a tamiya 😊

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@dushanepowell3782]

I am working on the U.S. Medium Tank M4A1 Sherman mid production kit from Asuka and I am missing the quality of engineering of the Tamiya kits. Watching your build makes me want to stop working on the Asuka kit and start the Hellcat kit.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Asuka kits are definitely a lot of work, but they always look great in the end! It'll always there if you want to pause for a bit 👍

[@keithscott9571]

Outstanding work. Keep 'em coming. Really that storage sets. Also would like to get the Eduard detail set. Can't wait for the painting video. Mine is still wip. LOL.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!

[@Alfie-m1w]

Great video. Will buy one !

[@Phickic]

8:17 We're going to repeat that process for the other side of the tank as well - excuse me, tank destroyer - excuse me, gun motor carriage.

[@SpruesNBrews]

There's a lot to remember 😅

[@CrusaderAirsoft]

Did u buy the metal barrel from the def.models website

[@lagg-alot8308]

Covering the engine cooling vents with gear is not something tank crews would do because the engine would overheat without good airflow

[@closecombatthebloodyfirst8222]

No paint job with weathering?

[@henrysanchez4810]

It's a decent kit finshed it up yesterday, good for beginners, I prefer Takom or Zvezda for armor.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fair enough!

[@The12348567]

Can't wait to start building this. As a side note, do you know if Hobby Pad is still in business. I like using the product, but can't find it on the internet. Hope there still around.

[@hammyhamster01]

Dang, what a nice kit. I would get one but I already have enough kits in my stash... When I do I will definitely watch this with it. Those aftermarket parts look really nice, I built up an M10 with some Tamiya Stowage and I loved how it came out. I will definitely be getting more for other builds!! Once again great work Hank!! ;) Also, how do you paint the tracks in the end, I always assemble them and then take them off and paint them.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Yeah I also usually keep my tracks off to paint, but I couldn't figure out a good way to do it with these link & length kits. I'll be shooting a full painting video for this one though, so hopefully that'll be helpful 👍

[@hammyhamster01]

@@SpruesNBrews Awesome!! I am looking forward to it

[@Historybuffm8]

I’ve built the 1/48th M1A1 Abrams, and I hated gluing the racks in place. I feel like after market tracks would work better. But I haven’t tried that out yet, so it’s just an assumption. Either way, this is a spectacular video!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much!

[@thomasharrison4554]

How did you make the straps for the stowed gear?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Tamiya masking tape works great! I have a video on refurbishing old kits (using my Tamiya M10) where I get into it in some detail if you want to check that one out 👍

[@thomasharrison4554]

How timely, I just received my order of Tamiya masking tape yesterday. Thanks I’ll watch the video

[@ironkrieg3368]

Your "You can pick up your own M18 Hellcat kit here..." Link goes to a 'War Thunder' advertisement page, not a vendor for the kit. :(

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh no! Well that doesn't help, does it! I'll fix it now - thank you!! 👍

[@ironkrieg3368]

@@SpruesNBrews Much Better! And a great price to boot. :)

[@kieronleahy468]

Brilliant build, do you know of any good figures to go with this kit to give it extra character?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! My go-to for figures is Alpine Miniatures - I plan to add a few to this build myself. Other than that, Tamiya is supposed to be releasing a new US infantry set later this month - I've got a whole video on my channel previewing it if you'd like to check it out!

[@basicminiaturepainting]

Im afraid to say that this was so good I've just subbed I may even buy one of these kits,and I only paint 28mm Napoleonic stuff, keep up the great work.justin

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you Justin! Far too kind - but I do hope you give 1/35 a go! I think you'll enjoy 👍

[@basicminiaturepainting]

@@SpruesNBrews which website do you purchase the kit from,if I may ask

[@SpruesNBrews]

@@basicminiaturepainting of course! I usually get my stuff from SprueBrothers.com here stateside 👍

[@MrGoose2627]

Can you please give tips for painting because I painted my first battleship and it does not look great and I want to learn to shade and stuff to the tank

[@steviemccormick3762]

Awesome job !!! What kind of Glue are you using ?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement 👍 thank you!

[@steviemccormick3762]

@@SpruesNBrews Thank you !!!

[@Jodoropanzer]

Bro you should have a Discord server for real , many would join right away 😊

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'll have to do a little research! Thanks 👍

[@DHScaleModels]

Congrats, super video

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! 👍

[@freda8586]

Thanks for this video. I might do the same for the antennas- somebody gave me a set of D'Addario Phospor bronze strings- will that do?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Should do just fine! Just make sure to use one of the strings that has a wound outer layer 👍

[@scifi_dragon]

Hello again. Just finished building my Tamiya M18 & had to watch your video again - great job, as always. You mentioned that there's not much interior detail in the kit - well, I fixed that (check out my Killer Hellcat video). I bashed Academy, AFV, and MiniArt parts to add a driver compartment and an engine. Of course I've got a metal barrel, and a metal tow cable, and my gun even recoils. Drop me a comment and let me know what you think of my finished model, Thanks!

[@felippejonsson6078]

Looks really nice! Would you suggest this one or the tamiya challenger 1 as first build?

[@SpruesNBrews]

I haven't built the challenger 1 personally, but I would say that's a better option to start with. It's a simpler construction without any interior; the M18 is a bit tricky to paint & does have some fiddly bits during the build process. Hope that helps! 👍

[@felippejonsson6078]

@@SpruesNBrews Helps alot 😊👍 Ty for taking your time to help a noob out

[@allangarant3907]

Hi Hank i purchased this kit and have started the build, in your video when installing the track the wheels move slightly, were they not supposed to be glued to each spindle, i did and i hope it doesn't affect my assembly please advise. otherwise your video is great and the painting and weathering looks fabulous. regards.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Hey there - the tracks will not move, so you should be all set gluing everything in place. The only thing I wouldn't glue is the drive sprocket so you can adjust it accordingly to make the tracks fit. Hope that helps!

[@barryphillips1719]

Hi. Where did you get the figure from please?

[@SpruesNBrews]

It's from Alpine Miniatures!

[@TiberiusMaximus]

Martin Marauder is my favorite plane, no good kits out there featuring it. That said where did you get the portrait behind you?

[@SpruesNBrews]

It is a beauty for sure! I haven't built one personally, but I have seen that ICM has recently released a whole line of B-26 variants that you could check out. The picture I was actually lucky enough to find at an estate sale!

[@TiberiusMaximus]

@@SpruesNBrews Thats the ICM Invader my friend, I'm talking about the Martin Marauder.

[@SpruesNBrews]

@@TiberiusMaximus ahhhh yes yes! My mistake! American naming conventions don't make this easy 😅

[@malcolmmoyle8020]

hi hank, what is the purchasing address for Def Models [ metal gun] thanks Malcolm.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Hey there - I usually get mine from SprueBrothers.com, but I think a lot of model shops try to stock them 👍

[@bunnyniyori6324]

So let me get this straight. it's the best kit on the market, yet, it still needed aftermarket add-ons, for the perpetually unsatisfied. I just bought a Tamiya Stug IV kit. Nope, not new. It's been around for years. Old style tracks. Yep the ones that will go brittle in 20 years. Not that it will matter much to me, I'll be 80 then. Only cost me 30 bucks. I've built it several times. Always fun too. Oh yeah, the Hellcat. I'm sure it's a great kit. I'll likely buy one if I get a chance. If it makes it to my backwater town. Unless there all bought up by fanatics needing to purchase 10 for their stash of potential someday kits.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh it definitely doesn't need the aftermarket bits, but it's always fun to try something new! 👍

[@airyamal]

cool build!)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! 😁👍

[@CriticalMick]

Sorry for the n00b question, but what's the advantage of the metal barrel?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh no worries at all! It's really just personal preference - with some older kits, the barrel can be made of multiple parts that require a lot of sanding to make look clean & smooth, but many news kits (including this one) have beautifully slide-molded barrels that require very little cleanup at all. Hope that helps 👍

[@daveyjones5702]

suggestion: make a video about 'next step' kits. meaning: similarly well engineered but perhaps more challenging in terms of complexity. once a beginner has built a few tamiya kits and starts to wonder what else is out there, what brands should he look at first?

[@scifi_dragon]

Ugh! I have to stop watching your videos - I have more kits than I know what to do with, I don't need any more and I just started work on converting an Academy M18 into a Super Hellcat. But you made this Tamiya kit (I love Tamiya) look so good I had to buy one. Nice tracks, nice detailing (but where's the driver's compartment - Academy provides a full drivers' area + a transmission assembly). The Tamiya turret does look better engineered than Academy's though.

[@multipl3]

My next model :D

[@SpruesNBrews]

Niiice!

[@ratskigoblinski4963]

back in the Day, I would melt sprue and stretch them to make Antenna. a bit cheaper :P

[@SpruesNBrews]

The stretched sprue technique is a classic! And a must-have in your scale modeling toolkit. I've got a quick video tutorial on here for it as well 👍

[@adamg7984]

Why the hell didn't I think to make tie down straps with masking tape? That's a brilliant idea that I'm 100% gonna use. I was fiddling around with wires trying to make them which would have looked okay but was a lot more work trying to bend them into shape and having to glue them on. Not only does that seems far easier but probably looks a lot more realistic in most cases.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Go for it! I can't remember who I saw do it for the first time, but it's a real game changer 👍

[@adamg7984]

@@SpruesNBrews It's an ingenious idea, thank you for sharing it.

[@simonleach6632]

that is a very nice looking kit, I'm interested to see what you do with the painting! quick question though, don't tamiya usually provide poly caps for the road wheels so you can build up the running gear separately and just pop it on and off that model to paint separately? if they're not included here, that feels like a step down from their older offerings. Also, if you're after quality armour kits, miniart are probably the best for detail, more complicated than tamiya, but the details are amazing, especially on their full interior kits, I have a full interior M3 Grant in the stash that I want to build as Montgomery's command tank from the North African campaign but it's a little daunting at the minute! 😅

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! And yes - there's only a poly-cap for the drive sprocket on this one. You're right that usually they engineer these so that you can pop the whole running gear off & paint it separately, but I couldn't figure out a good approach for that with this particular kit. That might be the only tricky part here, so we'll see when I get started on the painting. And good recommendation with he MiniArt kits - I've heard great things! 👍

[@alanpines4632]

Whats the best online store to buy model kits that ship to every country

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm not sure if there's a single best option for every country, but I could offer a suggestion perhaps - where are you looking to ship?

[@alanpines4632]

@@SpruesNBrews im from srilanka and i try local stores but most of them dont have that much kits and sites like amazon and ebay either dont ship or shipping pricess are so high its unaffordable sometimes

[@DarksouIjah]

Awesome video and kit! Unrelated question that hopefully you know....what company or kit in your opinion is the best for an old school pickup truck? I'm looking in doing one with a diorama of it in a garage with all of the tools and what not. thanks!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Hmm... I'm not sure, I'm not too well versed in auto models. I've seen a lot of Revell ones around, but honestly I can't speak to the quality - sorry!

[@DarksouIjah]

@@SpruesNBrews No need to apologize. Thanks for your response and videos.

[@paintnamer6403]

The AMT 1953 Ford pickup truck has tools and oxy acetylene tanks that are great for dioramas. Also a cool DeSoto Firedome hemi as a hot rod option.

[@DarksouIjah]

@@paintnamer6403 Awesome. Much appreciated

[@sferguson1130]

If you’re looking for militarized old school pickups, Meng makes a couple really nice ones. If you’re just looking for old school American trucks, you’re looking at Revell, AMT, Moebius. Mega hobby has a bunch of trucks to choose from, but I can’t speak on the Moebius brand.

[@alejandroguerra6755]

Fire 🔥great work ! Does anyone know of any company that makes 1/18 scale scifi tanks/armor ?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Not sure on the 1/18 scale question... but hopefully somebody does!

[@oxi8403]

Kitty of the year

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh?

[@oxi8403]

​@@SpruesNBrews The thumbnail says 'Kit of the year' and its a Hellcat (Hellkitty)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahhhh I'm on board now! 👍

[@Jan-6360]

I was wondering, why the model kit manufacturer do not build the 1/32 scale. Its bigger and better to hold to

[@SpruesNBrews]

Some folks do! The price just goes up quite a bit with all that plastic 👍

[@lagoonlane]

Seems like the rubber band tracks were better. No?

[@SpruesNBrews]

All up to user preference! I liked these 👍

[@robertcolbourne386]

I'll take the Academy kit , here in Canada the Academy kit is 36.00 and is a good kit , not great but a damn good. The Tamiya kit cost 75.00 and still has issues with accuracy (so I've read) so why would I pay 75 when 36 will me a good kit.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Whatever works for you! 👍

[@woodybear8298]

Why does Tamiya do that with the tracks? Rubberized is so much better, and easier to install.

[@Emtbtoday]

Big claim! I loved AFV club's all that it needed was metal track because hellcats tracks are the coolest ever in metal links! I don't as well as a few from our club don't like the rear engine grill the way it's done on the Tamiya kit could have been PE

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha I know, but it's a beauty for sure! And I agree, some metal tracks for this one would be awesome 👍

[@Emtbtoday]

@@SpruesNBrews the grill could have been PE atleast I stole one of the radios out the New afv club m16 meat chopper when it came out I built them both at same time they just gave the same no detail radio closed woth the handles! So because it was seen alot I changed it for a full faced one! I love the hellcat academy's was also nice! Only thing bad about avf clubs was no mantlet canvas and had to cut your own fenders if wanted them the short one's the cool one's lol but lots of lovely driving compartment and fighting compartment detail! But think it's an EX Ding Ho kit afv took over from but more or less the same way it's done for the wheels n idler with lighting hole's! I'm trying to find out if the British actually re painted there firefly or not? Maybe on this 1C I'm building with them having it a while it could have been done but I know VC fresh replacements etc weren't need ask Mike lol

[@StephaneP-p8h]

Afv club m18 is better. You have the complete interior... and build like a charm

[@tinman3586]

It's missing the muzzle break.

[@SpruesNBrews]

This Hellcat is fitted with an M1A1 76mm main gun rather than the later M1A2 with the muzzle break. You can see the vehicle with this layout in several photos from the period 👍

[@alanevans-s6q]

The only thing I didn't like about this is the number of crew even so great kit

[@danstamper746]

3:44

[@danstamper746]

Great job0

[@nathanprentice7230]

Tamiya better than dragon, or ryefield, or takom? Doubt. But now I'll watch and see why you think so.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Just one man's opinion! But I think this is a contender 👍

[@egyeneskifli7808]

As you rotated the hull assembly more than one place light shine through the joining lines. For example every single one of the torsion bar fittings have this in your video. Just like between the tow pintle and the rear plate of the hull (this one looks excessive). Really clever engineering for those drive sprocets? You mean what every single one of the manufacturers do for 5-6 decades now? Using positioning tabs are so basic thing in (armor) model kits, nobody even mention it ever. (Italeri Sherman from 1977 has this too. Maybe it is new to Tamiya, but not to anybody else.) By the way: if the kit is so perfect, why you nned to use a 3rd party gun barrel? (I know, Tamiya still haven't figured out how to mould an at least proper (not even decent) gun barrel. Most of the time their kit barrels have size and shape problems. (For example the 2 pdr barrel of their Valentine is utterly trash. And that is a small single piece, absolutely simple barrel. And Tamiya was still able to fuck it up. Not a single dimension of that barrel is near to the correct value. And that is a kit from 2017...) The whole turned metal barrel business born to give modelers usable barrels instead of the crap Tamiya models include. The interior looks very rudimentary. Even the Academy M36 has much more detailed fighting compartment. I don't see any "crazy level of detail" anywhere on this kit. Just the typical Tamiya mediocrity. (Other manufacturers can make single piece lower hulls more detailed, than Tamiya the multipiece hulls. The multipiece approach from Tamiya is serves only one purpose: cost saving.) It can't be the best if you need to use 3rd patry pieces. And as I know Tamiya, the 3rd party turned barrel is a must have.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Just one man's opinion, mate 👍

[@egyeneskifli7808]

Maybe. An opinion not made by a fanboy. When I see a model kit review, especially a build review where everything is fine and good, I automatically disqualifying that review. There is not a single model kit that has no issues. Every kit has some! Yes, even Tamiya kits (some of them have fucking huge issue lists in reality). Just look at the Tamiya F-4B reviews. All of them drooping with saliva and other body fluids. And watch Matt's build serias about tha same kit. Well, he is not the one who lie about a kit. And you can see how many issues that "perfect" kit has. I really want to see an in depth review of this Hellcat too. This is not one of those, just a quick build. (Quick build reviews are the most unreliable ones.)