M1A1HA, 9/18/23 update. Delay of Game, two week penalty!

[BarryC]

Well after a the holidays a family wedding and numerous other distractions I've finally made more progress.

I have been working patiently on one of the two Smoke Grenade Boxes. First I sanded away all molded details then replaced the side door with a styrene strip as it was ill defined.

Next up were the Latches WOW they turned out to be a real SOB to make. I wanted one to be functional so I could leave it unlatched. The other was to be fixed but required all but 4 of the 14 pieces of the functional one, with 5 of those being pivot or attachment pins. I am still not completely happy with the springs. What you see here is the 5th iteration so I may live with it. The 2 box will have both latches fixed so, a little easier.

The Hinges are from a PE set by NorthStar Models requiring only assembly, yes they are functional though not in my application. I could have made one box with opening side and upper doors but not realistic on a tank out in the field on an mission. Beside I would have has to build an interior.

To mount them I located the 4 hull attach points, drilled and inserted brass tubing and secured in place. I plugged the existing mount holes with styrene rod.









TTFN,
Barry

[Son of a gun-ner]

LOL, you do love to "punish" yourself Barry

Excellent work

And great to see you back on this

[c.rainford73]

Brilliant work Barry Nice to see this again

[BarryC]

Mick and Carl, thank you for the kind words.

It's good to be back at it, although I worked on during all the interruptions just did not make much real progress.

Barry

[BarryC]

Hi Folks,

Short update: Smoke Grenade Launchers and Antenna Mast Mount.

Here are a couple of pics of the Grenade Launchers. I had to modify the stock AFV castings by adding a buildup of epoxy putty then a little reshaping. The lower mount lug required relocating because it mounts on a longer standoff. It was cut away and a new one shaped from styrene strip.















There is no antenna mounted on the tank I am modeling but the mast is.





One more Grenade Launcher to mount then on to the Bustle Extension.

TAFN, thanks for looking in.

Barry

[Son of a gun-ner]

Fantastic craftsmanship and eye for detail as always Barry

[BarryC]

Thanks Mick,

I hope to ready for primer by end of March.

Barry

[Son of a gun-ner]

Thanks Mick,

I hope to ready for primer by end of March.

Barry

Awesome. But I won't hold you to it, you'll probably find some more detailing you'll have to do

[BarryC]

Awesome. But I won't hold you to it, you'll probably find some more detailing you'll have to do

There is that chance!

Barry

[HERMAN BIX]

May I suggest a clear primer, and a clear top coat !!
No sense ruining that detail by covering it in paint !!