SPA Modeler

I thought it was a good way of countering the natural 'bounce' of the rubber tracks. That looks a goodly amount of weight Brucr, that should definitely help the sit of the model.

Stuart,

Thanks for your thoughts!!!!!

The other way of looking at this is the kit was designed to accommodate the weight of a motor and two batteries, so the stance reflects these additions. I’m doing some further detailing that I will document later tonight.

Happy Friday the 13th!

Oh just epoxy some D or C cell batteries into the hull
They still make those, right?

Hahaha; indeed. Good point. I thought about it, but batteries degrade over time, so balls it was

TGIF

I used thin plasticard to skin over the interior fenders (photos) I also carved out the driver opening (photo of actual tank below). I have some heavy plans for modifications to the spare drive wheel. Tamiya’s version of a spare did not work for me, so I am giving it an upgrade. I am enjoying what I do.

Before - why spend time filling holes? Because it is more realistic.



What it looks like halfway skinned. Much more realistic; even has stress areas like the actual ones.



Driver’s view slot

Where the sun won't shine.

Greetings, Master.

I glued the top deck to the hull last night, good solid connection using thin CA for maximum hold with little to no expansion. I noted that the upper deck rear tab (removed by me) left the upper deck slightly bent or twisted upward. I used my steamer to re-torque the deck to fit the hull better. Now I plan to fill the open seams between my “skin job” and the hull itself with Milliput before I move to the color coat. I usually wait at least a day with any major step of gluing before proceeding. I hope by tonight I will be able to add the putty.

A couple of interesting notes: I never tried sharpening X-Acto blades before, but I did so last night in with an old, well-used, ready to be trashed one and I brought that back from the beyond. Nice to not have to toss it. I also figured out if I roll or twist putty into narrow tubes it is far easier to use.

Keep this great work up Bruce! I want to see this one go all the way!