Eric's HL M4A3/M10A1/M36/VC Firefly

[Ecam]

Should have read the rest of these before I started, used a variety of hammers (body repair) ultimately ground down a 7/16 bolt to use a punch in aluminum. Took a few tries (and cooking spray) to get it right, but heating the aluminum and pressing in the styrene gave a pretty good result. Have a bit of shaping to do on the hinge parts, but I think it'll work.

I the mean time....

[HERMAN BIX]

Jeez mate, thats a ball-tearer

[ALPHA]

I think your make shift mold worked great! ....looks like you got nice consistent parts to work with....opposite from my technique ...probably why they got stuck in the mold lol....might work a tad better with the mold being cold...and the plastic hot ....plastic is petroleum based so has a tad bit of lubricative properties...and will usually break away easy from a cold mold....that's besides the point....as you have done well.

This puts you one step up on your brother....don't think he has ever done parts in that manner ...........


ALPHA

[Ecam]

Actually, still working on the armor covers. Tried a few attempts, waiting for the glue on my third batch. But thanks for the thumbs up. Will post a picture of what I come up with.

[PainlessWolf]

Doc,
It's looking serious. You're going to have a beauty to drive around and enjoy. To help keep you happy with the work, here is an old wallpaper of mine from Panzer Elite many, many moons ago. Following along!
regards,
Painless

[ALPHA]

Actually, still working on the armor covers. Tried a few attempts, waiting for the glue on my third batch. But thanks for the thumbs up. Will post a picture of what I come up with.

That would be cool Eric....I'll try and make a couple too...Try to photograph the process lol ...and post them for you

ALPHA

[Ecam]

Actually, still working on the armor covers. Tried a few attempts, waiting for the glue on my third batch. But thanks for the thumbs up. Will post a picture of what I come up with.

That would be cool Eric....I'll try and make a couple too...Try to photograph the process lol ...and post them for you

ALPHA

Or have Mike do it for you!?!

[ALPHA]

Actually, still working on the armor covers. Tried a few attempts, waiting for the glue on my third batch. But thanks for the thumbs up. Will post a picture of what I come up with.

That would be cool Eric....I'll try and make a couple too...Try to photograph the process lol ...and post them for you

ALPHA

Or have Mike do it for you!?!

Don't think he does Sprue or that unmentionable thing done with a camera


ALPHA

[Ecam]

First one is a cover on a M4A3 we have in the Denver area. Second picture is my aluminum molds and several attempts. Granted, this is a relatively simple design, but it is kicking my rear of how to pull this off. Putty and sanding are still possible on these, but I'm not tickled with my starters.

[ALPHA]

I just copied the ones used on a Sherman...that one you are trying to copy is actually easier

Heated ...pressed into form...had to repeat the process a couple of times to get the thickness I wanted...then I had to heat the sprue area to center the shaft


Spun with a Drill...used a MILL file to get the rough shape...then chased it with an emery board



Sorry for the blur...think my batteries are getting weak lol....anyway...cut the area I wanted with an xacto saw



Again...sorry for the blur....But...with that said...Finished product utilizing more sprue and scrap plastic

EASY PEAZIE ...less than 10 mins


ALPHA