Crusader III

[NickDonitz]

When I was 13 , many moons ago, I built the Airfix 1/32nd scale Crusader then not long after I bought the Italeri Crusader III with my pocket money. Many models have passed under the bridge since then but last year a re release of that kit appeared in my collection and sat on my bedside table for 8 months or so. In a moment of weakness I checked out Chris Ludwigs great models as they are the only realistic chance of having a British tank, however as a keen builder I couldn't resist doing it my way. Hopefully all will go well but undoubtably there will be a few slips along the way

[NickDonitz]

I'd acquired a WSN T34 at a MAD meet last year (All are welcome pop in and enjoy a meet in Manchester) So many things were in its favour as a donor chassis not least the Christie suspension so out came the saw and it got hacked

[NickDonitz]

Having glued the chassis back together it was time to start on fabricating the upper hull, this is where the WSN hull is great as the gearboxes fit very nicely low down and don't interfere with the fit (I know some don't like the gearboxes but ive run my metal tracked tiger on them for over three years with no problem. I made the engine deck with a support layer to give it extra strength and this also helped with mounting the motor for the turret ring as its nice and stiff. I love working with plastic card and its fun working out the angles so that it goes together like the real thing

[NickDonitz]

The standard HL turret ring is just the right size to fit width wise. The pic also shows some Kenny Kong Pzr IV tracks that I got for a 1/15th Pzr build the intention is to modify these later to make them more like the British tracks. There will be some major mods to the chassis eventually

[mcevoyi]

This build

Looks like it going to be fab ....I will watch and enjoy this one

[NickDonitz]

Back engine deck built up, nice and solid, all the bolt head detail is from hex styrene rod. All the detail is just careful plastic

[mcevoyi]

I amiss liking this build nick

I hope to get my hands on a hex put check and die set at the tank museum show this weekend
but HOW much !!!??

[NickDonitz]

Next up was the front deck. The build so far is breaking down into sectional areas quite naturally making it much easier to concentrate on. getting all the angles correct is fun and there are a few extra bits of plastic card in my offcuts box. Measure once measure twice then measure it again. The deck is designed to slide over the front idlers its a nice tight fit and will mean a simple catch at the back will give easy access

[wibblywobbly]

I know what you mean about working with plasticard, I find it quite therapeutic cutting and sanding the material.

Looking good Nick, great to see some British armour being done.

[NickDonitz]

I started measuring up the Cromwell for the next build last year , thats when I snapped my leg