Thank you lain. This is a very pleasant multi-media build. Every builder uses what works for him. Plasticard handling is easy for me, fast and they make such smooth armor plates. As a scale modeler requiring precision, 3D printing works well for intricate parts or kits with best quality printing, but then it's expensive. I do not like the effect and can't stand sanding lines for hours on low quality printing. The Mexas will end up costing me about $20 in material. If ever available, I imagine someone would sell the equivalent 3D printed parts for $600 on shapeways. I will likely buy a good quality 3D printer next year after my retirement to give me more options for special parts. I realize this is where the world is going, but i won't give up my plasticard plates.mcevoyi wrote:There seems so few of us now
that actually take styrene sheet and measure cut and glue
To create a master piece
with out the aid of a 3d printer
This post is for the add-on mantlet armored module.
The Meng mantlet is studied, dimensions extrapolated, core parts are designed and cut.
As done with the Mexas, all angles are captured directly from the Meng model part by positioning it over the 1/16 joints when gluing. This is the best method of ensuring the parts will look good, and it's fast. Trying to eyeball the asymmetrical parts and their angles of assembly would certainly create questionable results when left to luck and a few fuzzy pictures.
After having reinforced the interior, a tricky step is to create the hole for the gun barrel. This needs precision and no screw ups. Done mostly with the Dremel at first and then slowly with a rounded metal hand file for the last millimeters.
Because the mount points are partially visible under the mantlet, i reused the resin mounts for the 1A5 turret kit flat armor, and positioned as shown on the Meng kit for the C2 mantlet.
And here we have the C2 mantlet Mexas armor installed, minus the finer details (mostly bolt heads...) that will be added at the end of the build.
Viewed under the mantlet at maximum elevation.
Regards, Louis