First milestone for STR5 - parts primed

Last night primed many parts of to be STR5 model. Run out of Tamiya grey primer, so had to try 2 other alternatives, I have. First is Plasticote, which I have to spray from the can and only onto big parts, like floor and engine cover. Another primer I have is (relatively) new Alclad grey primer/filler. I don't have much success using cans, but with Plasticote, I can put quite a bit of primer on, and it still dries relatively thin. Alclad primer is well mixed and just about perfect viscosity to use with air brush. It smells somewhat familiar. May be like Zero 2K primer I like, not sure. Both alternative primers seems to take a lot longer to dry, though. While Tamiya primer has basically cured by now, others still smell after over 12 hours in paint booth with running fan. Hopefully I will not have troubles later painting over different types of primers.

Anyway, significance of this step is that it signifies completion of surface preparation steps (which I like the least in the build) and readiness of model parts for final colours. Following steps are usually more fun for me.

Doors attached

Finally have something to show. I've completed engine door Friday night. Far from perfect, but I just couldn't make myself to spend more time on it. If there is ever 1/12 kit and I would be building it, I will do better job (promise to myself). This unblocked me to advance with further assembly though. Attached engine door and side doors. Then fixed middle part of the roof in place. Drilled holes and made side compartment covers attachable.

Resin doors are actually a big problem in this kit. I know some feel metal doors are too heavy and unnecessary. But metal doors would allow some adjustability to help fit them well in their place. Resin doors provide no way to adjust them. And kit doors do not conform to the shape of chassis well. So fit of the doors in my model is pretty poor and there nothing I could do about it now.

Last 2 photos are still a mock up of how panels attach at present.