1/6 1943 Stuart M5

[PainlessWolf]

After the day was done, I sat down with the idler wheels and mounts and gave them a once over. The differences between static and rc versions were negligable and mainly had to do with the size of screw which mounted them. I went with the static set that Mike sent over since there was no channel in the middle of the idler itself to guide the rc version tracks. An hour of filing followed to clean up the surface of the idlers and add a bevel so as to simulate the tire. I used the Mr. Surfacer 500 to give some texture to the plastic 'tire' and am pretty satisfied with them. I do not think that I will be adding letters to these since they will see a lot more use outdoors. I'll pick some of the rest of the detailing to do to bring them a little more realism. Pics: ( Click to enlarge )

[PainlessWolf]

I carried on with the Idlers and their mounts tonight and tried out my idea for a tin base for the existing hollow piece. I cut out one and bent it to fit and looked at it one way and then another. To be honest, the effect I wanted from it ( a moving idler mount ) can be achieved with a couple of pieces of brass tubing and a some washers. ( all of which I have ) So I gave up on this tin horn idea and gathered up the excellent resin and plastic detail bits that John from East Coast Armory had sent my way. Some clean up will be needed but it would not be a model if 'flash' was not an issue at times. Pics: ( Click to enlarge )

[PainlessWolf]

Five or so hours today went into work ( fun ) with the Stuarts very basic looking idler mounts. While not the 90% scratch built masterpieces from Mr. Steinbrunn, these are very sturdy and look much more realistic than before. Pics: ( click to enlarge )

[PainlessWolf]

Another Monday. It was a relief to return to the Stuart and forget how crazy the World gets at times. Tonight saw the last of the detailing of the idler arms and the priming of the idlers and the arms. After they sit tonight, I'll get the first of several coats of Model Masters excellent Olive Drab on them tomorrow. The primer used was Tamiya for Plastic and Metal. I know people complain about the price but I just cannot fault its performance. Pics: ( click to enlarge )

[PainlessWolf]

Hello!? Who decided to make it a Monday again? At any rate, Model Masters did not let me down. Now another major component of the tank is ready for installation once the lower hull detail is finished and it is painted. Pics: ( click to enlarge )

[c.rainford73]

Mr Painless they look full size and very realistic

[sassgrunt]

No kidding. They came out GREAT considering how they started out!

[PainlessWolf]

Good morning.
Thank you my Friends. Some additional weathering once installed along with covers for the attachment points will really help as well. The big 'Trick' will be making them actually provide track tension. 21st Century does it ( or tried to do it ) by having the idler and arm move up and down along a curve ( sort of like how the front idler on a Pershing or Walker works just not as complicated_ no road wheel involved ). Their spring is way too stiff to allow this and their contact points are plastic on plastic so they lock up once tightened down. I will use some brass tubing and washers to help out the lock up problem and have to shop around locally to find a slightly less stiff spring so as to allow some movement along that curve for the idler and arm. Thanks again for looking in!
regards,
Painless

[PainlessWolf]

Enough time on this better day to clean up and install the sponson hatch and cover kit from ECA. It sure adds some needed detail right where the track run dips down. Mine are a little far forward but that is due to the stock sponson braces that I did not want to remove. Still looks good. I placed an order with ArmorPax for a set of the metal tool and equipment strap handles. Six of those go on the back of the lower. Pics: ( click to enlarge )

[sassgrunt]

I just watch and learn....I didn't even know there WAS such a thing as a sponson hatch!