1/6 1943 Stuart M5

[PainlessWolf]

Got back to the Stuart tonight. The plastistruct strips I had were .040 and .044 was needed so that was a bust. I modified one of the arms from an extra bogie into a template ( after discovering that _mucho_ work was required to make the arm work as an interior mount ) and will make the rest of the detail braces out of a sheet of styrene. ( Evergreen does not make a .044 width strip or even a .50 strip ) The bolts I found work fine as removeable detail for the arms. Ditto for the ( non-removable ) castle nuts on the back. Snipped off brads stand in well for bolt ends. ;o) Pics:

[HERMAN BIX]

It looks like though the size is bigger, the details are more because at that scale you can see grease nipples and bolt heads etc !

[PainlessWolf]

Herman,
Absolutely correct, sir. While I do not plan on going crazy with this like the inestimable Mr. Steinbrunn, I do want it to look a little more realistic and detailed once complete. Somethings, like these pieces of running gear, cannot be completely duplicated in detail to function unless scratch built. There are absolutely beautiful resin sets of all of these bits and pieces, track links included _but_ they are only warrantied by the Maker for static display kits. Still, some detail pieces are available from East Coast Armory to add to the existing parts. Other things will have to be built or sourced like these particular hollow bolts on the bogies.
regards,
Painless

[PainlessWolf]

Been a few days since I have had an hour to spend with the Stuart but actual progress was made tonight. I had received a few more bits for the Dremel, some collets which will allow me to use regular small carbide bits and a plexiglass shield to keep detritus from covering me like a sheet when working with the tool. Tonight was all small file and X-acto work tho'. I wanted to make up a space saving and visual detail to add one final touch to the 21st Century stock bogies. Along with the bolt and nut detail and skids and solid road wheels, these interior road wheel arm braces I mocked up will help make these bogies look their best when painted and remounted on the tank. Pics:

[HERMAN BIX]

Jeez I bet you're glad these little Stuarts have four bogie sets !
Nice work .

[PainlessWolf]

Herman,
Indeed I am. ;o) Received a parcel from Alpha today, all the way from the Islands. This fellow must be meant for use with the Stuart but he is so nice that a couple of photos only then back in his box. The 1/35 stuff that was included is extremely cool and the research tanks I put together for the builds can always benefit from crew and an artillery assist. ;o) It is pretty rare from the age of it but the tank soldier box was open and everything is there and nicely molded to boot with yellowed but complete instructions. I'll have to ponder this question. Pics:

[Ad Lav]

Nice work painless!

This will keep you busy for a while!

[HERMAN BIX]

I think there is a message in there somewhere !
How about use them as templates for printing ? then build them.
That full size soldier is amazing.
He will indeed look the part next to your Stuart.
How is the former General mate ?

[PainlessWolf]

Herman!
Good afternoon. *chuckles* Months later, I am still waiting for permission to see if I can re-print the few old bits I have for the tank. I see what you are saying tho'. Make a copy of everything and build them vs the original kit. I am gun shy about copying anything now but since it wouldn't be for re distribution... The 1/6 soldier is pretty cool! ;o) Herman, Alpha is doing all right. Not on any boards and just following his GuP builds for the moment. Email is the best way to contact him.
regards,
Painless

[HERMAN BIX]

Yip, I have his email..................

Surely reprinting for private use would not be in foul of anything. They are like working blueprints is all.
Anyway, that Stuart is going to be a complete package the way its going.
I assume you will build your 'tank-park' big enough to cope with the upscale machine !