I try, believe me, I really try.Son of a gun-ner wrote:Slow up man, I just broke my pencil.
Now, slowly continuing with the front glacis detailing.
Heng Long missed providing the highly visible front fender's support. In 1/35 scale, we would normally just put a plasticard strip but closer analysis of the real thing shows that this part is actually made of 2 metal sheets folded at one point, joined and bolted together, and pretty crude in term of finish. In 1/16 scale, this part merits extra attention.
I therefore decided to use 6.5mm wide brass strip to repro the elements. Basic shapes are created and later refined when positioned. No need for special tools, I created the whole metal work on the M41 with a couple of hand metal files, a pair of pliers and superglue.
Left fender. I built them exactly as I saw them... no dimensions were available. They look ok. Also noticed the HL round hook that was beefed up with a couple of layers of superglue applied to them. The front fender tips were inaccurate and needed to be reshaped to be closer to reference pictures. Be aware that early M41 models had squared front fenders, and later ones had this angular type starting with tank number 2,593.
This is behind the right fender. Meng nuts are used. These are small details that are fun to add and brings a lot of value.
Front right fender
The HL horn is centrally placed behind the left headlamps, the bad hole at the back is filled.
I notice that some parts seems to have changed since the first release of the M41 by HL. For the glacis supports for the hatch when it is open, only 2 sticks are now provided, which both must be augmented with a plasticard to repro the stand on which the hatch rests at the different position.
The HL molded and very stiff shackles should be replaced by better looking M26 shackles from Tank Modellbau. On order.
But their base need to be created in plasticard in the proper shape.
Overview of the model as it stand today. Somehow, everything seems to fall into place so far. It should be a good looking and pretty accurate M41 when it is finished. I have to say that there is a lot of potential in this HL base for a good model and some variants.
I just got my Plastruct half round strips in 0.8mm, 1mm and 1.5mm wide versions. So next step will be able to select the right type to finish the embossed stiffeners on the fenders. And then I will give attention to the rear where there is still a lot to do.
Regards, Louis