LATE STUG,10PzGREN DIV,MORAVIA 1945

[HERMAN BIX]

Anazing build! Well done!

Much appreciated Mr 761, still a way to go yet, but it should be ok once done .
Thanks again for looking in.

[HERMAN BIX]

On the eve of the embarkation of ANZAC troops to the beach of Gallipoli, I sit watching Moto 3 in safety & sanctity, that others have given myself and my family to enjoy, the privilege of a life that they never had..........and we here are appreciative of that.
The hobby in perspective

Tonight has been tool night.
Making the infamous "wooden paint" for the handles. and a base of gun metal for the tool heads. I plan to drybrush a field grey over them once ready to fit & paint the retaining brackets in the relevant colour to the base coat. As the extra armour has made access difficult and therefore no point in fine detail, H/L tools have been dressed up a bit and given a bit of attention without going nuts.
The rear armour sheets really impact the access to fitting the tools once the tank is painted, so there has to be a compromise in order to get them in place.
Ive changed position of a couple of pieces, and will throw the jack up on the rear deck at some point.

Once this thing has its skirt on, I will rip right into it

[PainlessWolf]

Herman!,
Those tools look great! It's shame to cover such fine paint work with add on plates but such is the path for historic Armor. ( and the StuG Life )
regards,
Painless

[HERMAN BIX]

Ha! G’mornin Mr Wolf, yes the StuG life does have its nuances
I am going to add buckles on the faux clamps but only if they can still be fitted successfully once the plates are on.
As soon as Mr Glovers bolts arrive it’s all hands to the Schurzen

[HERMAN BIX]

Now as you will all know, I’m a fan of anything in a skirt ………especially a tank
Mr Glovers 1mm bolts arrived so it’s onwards from here.
Got one fitted but one whole side is drilled ready for tonight’s play.
Tightening the tiny bolts with pliers and tweezers is tedious but necessary, super glue also used to further attach each plate .

I test fitted a spare wheel and a field mounted C-clamp which covers the awful hole in the guard left by removing the headlight.

Can’t wait to mask it all then prime the entire thing

[John Glover]

Size of bolt looks correct mate.regards John.

[HERMAN BIX]

I think so Mr Glover, works out i'd need a 3/4" ring spanner to work the head of a 5/8" bolt, so probably fair enough size wise to hold sheets this big on a tank flank.
The washers are not visible in the pictures from the time, but some practicality has to be built in, no point tearing the sheet off over the head of the bolt during use eh

Im going to stop watching 'Uncle Nightshift' on U-toobe tonight so I can get on with the skirts

[HERMAN BIX]

One side schurzen on!
Used gel super glue to secure the upper plates in position after notching around the lower bolts a bit.
Seems to be very robust with no need to complicate things with fancy soldered brackets that dont appear to be visible on the period pictures.
Hope to get onto the other side tonight.

[PainlessWolf]

Herman!
That is looking the Business! Following along!
regards,
Painless

[Jimster]

That looks super tough. I think you went about it in a smart way. No point in modeling something that won’t be visible.