I’d love a link to that barrel you used please Mr Mcq11.
Heller of a job you’re doing
1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
-
HERMAN BIX
- Major-General
- Posts: 11489
- Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:15 am
- Location: Gold Coast,Australia
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
It’s almost odd when the mind is so used to seeing the HL version .
I’d love a link to that barrel you used please Mr Mcq11.
Heller of a job you’re doing
I’d love a link to that barrel you used please Mr Mcq11.
Heller of a job you’re doing
HL JAGDPANTHER,HL TIGER 1,HL PzIII MUNITIONSCHLEPPER, HL KT OCTOPUS,HL PANTHER ZU-FUSS,HL STuG III,HL T34/85 BEDSPRING,
HL PZIV MALTA,MATORRO JAGDTIGER,HL F05 TIGER,TAMIYA KT,HL PANTHERDOZER,HL EARLY PANTHER G,TAIGEN/RAMINATOR T34/76,
HL AN-BRI-RAM SU-85
HL PZIV MALTA,MATORRO JAGDTIGER,HL F05 TIGER,TAMIYA KT,HL PANTHERDOZER,HL EARLY PANTHER G,TAIGEN/RAMINATOR T34/76,
HL AN-BRI-RAM SU-85
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
The shape of the Heng Long turret itself is not bad, the mantlet seems low. I found it's about 2mm too high and 2mm too narrow compared to the fast measurements i took of the Heller turret. When i will have the Heller turret removed, i will make a better comparison.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 1.JPG (1.23 MiB) Viewed 120857 times
It's the Heng Long rear bin that is both ugly and oversized.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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With the Heller turret flipped on top, we can see the HL is way too wide.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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And also much too high compared to the Heller bin, which looks really good. It will be impossible for me to go back to anything else than the Heller or Takom kits after this build in regards to a Panzer III or a Stug. My Heng Long models are completely outdated.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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HERMAN BIX wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:16 pm It’s almost odd when the mind is so used to seeing the HL version .
I’d love a link to that barrel you used please Mr Mcq11.
Heller of a job you’re doing
Agree, i am re-discovering the Panzer III with this build. The shapes, the details and most of the fit are superb.
I went back to the ebay listing for the metal L60 long barrel, it's actually a Mato barrel, not a Heng Long. Any eBay link would likely not last long but here is the title of the item, it's easy to find many listings and vendors for the same barrel. I made an offer of $22 with one of the Toucanhobby store and they accepted, shipping is like $4 for 2 weeks delivery.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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Continuing with the build with the rear deck. The kit parts are fantastic, designed like the original. I am really building a Panzer III, not trying to make a toy look better.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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It's the first time i see deep wading air intakes on a Panzer III, it seems to have started with the Ausf M. I am used to put grills on them but there is none here. I needed confirmation of this and the instructions are confusing as to how to position the waterproof plate that can be lowered or raised, the mechanism for this is not detailed.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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I still have my extremely valuable Achtung Panzer Vol II on the Panzer III. Highly recommended.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The Heller kit rendition of the Panzer III ausf M air intakes are accurate, there are really no grills under the top plate, but there is a rod inside in the middle that will need to be added.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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Overview of the rear deck, minus the clamps for the tow cables.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 9.JPG (2.03 MiB) Viewed 120857 times
continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Tue Jan 02, 2024 11:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
Looking good
Notice the shape of the raised armored plates on the bottom edges. They are not flat like with the HL models.
The plastic hinges are very tight. They could be made functional with some work, if really desired but i did not feel the need myself.
It seems the air intake are missing a rod in the middle, going down. As things are, the waterproofing plate is holding in thin air. These air intake covers were not easy to build and the kit instructions were fuzzy.
The kit instructions were not providing the orientation for the engine starter crank port cover. It's the first time that i see one that is so detailed and did not want to make mistake. Thankfully, the Achtung Panzer book provided the answer.
It's looking really good.
Completing the glacis. The hinges/locks for the plates were moved inside the hull on the ausf M.
continuing on following post
Notice the shape of the raised armored plates on the bottom edges. They are not flat like with the HL models.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The plastic hinges are very tight. They could be made functional with some work, if really desired but i did not feel the need myself.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 11a.JPG (995.87 KiB) Viewed 120856 times
It seems the air intake are missing a rod in the middle, going down. As things are, the waterproofing plate is holding in thin air. These air intake covers were not easy to build and the kit instructions were fuzzy.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 11c.JPG (1.8 MiB) Viewed 120856 times
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 12.JPG (948.89 KiB) Viewed 120856 times
The kit instructions were not providing the orientation for the engine starter crank port cover. It's the first time that i see one that is so detailed and did not want to make mistake. Thankfully, the Achtung Panzer book provided the answer.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 13.JPG (1.78 MiB) Viewed 120856 times
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 14.JPG (749.61 KiB) Viewed 120856 times
Completing the glacis. The hinges/locks for the plates were moved inside the hull on the ausf M.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Tue Jan 02, 2024 11:06 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
Some close ups, suberb detail and kit.
I did not permanently glued the frontal add-on armor plate yet. I am waiting for the bow MG34 to arrive.
Check out these bolts
The model as it stands today, next step, the fenders.
Regards, Louis
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I did not permanently glued the frontal add-on armor plate yet. I am waiting for the bow MG34 to arrive.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 19.jpg (1.86 MiB) Viewed 120855 times
Check out these bolts
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 20.jpg (910.46 KiB) Viewed 120855 times
The model as it stands today, next step, the fenders.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 21.JPG (2 MiB) Viewed 120855 times
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 23.jpg (1.68 MiB) Viewed 120855 times
Regards, Louis
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
Hello,
The following posts are for the fenders and lower hull.
The Trumpeter/Heller fenders are beautiful and built like the real thing, they can only be attached to the lower hull. This is a major difference with all the HL and equivalent RC models that have them attached to the upper hull.
All the tools and their fragile PE attachments will be added at the end of the build.
On the kit hull, there are attachment points for easy installation of the fenders. On a Taigen or HL chassis integration, there is no such thing and it complicate things a bit. Much attention to the X, Y and Z axis are required for properly mounted fenders and there are risks of having them badly installed.
The side bars that were previously installed on the top edge of the chassis must be installed correctly because the fender brackets need to be aligned with the slots on them. On an forced integration like this, it's not exactly as perfect as on the kit. The height and also the horizontal aspect need to be calculated and dry fitted with the fenders with all the brackets in place to investigate the situation during the mounting. Don't assume that the Taigen or an HL hull is strait, it's not. Each bracket needed some adjustment for a proper fender alignment and fit. After an hour of trial and error, they are finally in place.
It also became clear earlier on that the glacis needs to be glued to the chassis because the fenders are resting on it. A good bond of the fenders with the hull on the frontal areas is needed for solidity and also ensure the fenders are strait. No way around it. If you keep the fenders removable, they will fall off at the first occasion and it will likely damage or cut the headlight wires.
As access to the gearbox and torsion bars at the front will be more restricted but not eliminated, this is the right time to do the final adjustment on the torsion bars. The integration must ensure that the gearbox can be accessed or even removed even after the glacis is glued on place. Because the Taigen gearbox are directly lined up against the side of the chassis and are resting on a thick metal plate, i determined that the single M3 bolt in the middle on both is enough to keep them in place. That M3 bolt is at the edge of the glacis and can be removed. Then after disconnecting the sprocket, there is enough room to slide each gearbox out at the rear. The gearbox support plate can also be removed to access the torsion bars. Problem solved.
The gearbox are greased and the chassis is tested for a good 20 minutes without any problem. A grease cover was temporality put in. The chassis runs extremely well. It's using top notch equipment.
The kit's superbly detailed headlights are used of course.
The mount can be drilled through to allow the LED wires to be hidden.
These little LEDs and wires are resistant to superglue. The only way to fix them in place is to create a mount with a retainer in plasticard.
The wires can be totally hidden and will enter the hull from under the fenders.
continuing on following post.
The following posts are for the fenders and lower hull.
The Trumpeter/Heller fenders are beautiful and built like the real thing, they can only be attached to the lower hull. This is a major difference with all the HL and equivalent RC models that have them attached to the upper hull.
All the tools and their fragile PE attachments will be added at the end of the build.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 1.JPG (1.03 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
On the kit hull, there are attachment points for easy installation of the fenders. On a Taigen or HL chassis integration, there is no such thing and it complicate things a bit. Much attention to the X, Y and Z axis are required for properly mounted fenders and there are risks of having them badly installed.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 2.JPG (1.02 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
The side bars that were previously installed on the top edge of the chassis must be installed correctly because the fender brackets need to be aligned with the slots on them. On an forced integration like this, it's not exactly as perfect as on the kit. The height and also the horizontal aspect need to be calculated and dry fitted with the fenders with all the brackets in place to investigate the situation during the mounting. Don't assume that the Taigen or an HL hull is strait, it's not. Each bracket needed some adjustment for a proper fender alignment and fit. After an hour of trial and error, they are finally in place.
It also became clear earlier on that the glacis needs to be glued to the chassis because the fenders are resting on it. A good bond of the fenders with the hull on the frontal areas is needed for solidity and also ensure the fenders are strait. No way around it. If you keep the fenders removable, they will fall off at the first occasion and it will likely damage or cut the headlight wires.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 3.JPG (1.54 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
As access to the gearbox and torsion bars at the front will be more restricted but not eliminated, this is the right time to do the final adjustment on the torsion bars. The integration must ensure that the gearbox can be accessed or even removed even after the glacis is glued on place. Because the Taigen gearbox are directly lined up against the side of the chassis and are resting on a thick metal plate, i determined that the single M3 bolt in the middle on both is enough to keep them in place. That M3 bolt is at the edge of the glacis and can be removed. Then after disconnecting the sprocket, there is enough room to slide each gearbox out at the rear. The gearbox support plate can also be removed to access the torsion bars. Problem solved.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 4.JPG (2.04 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
The gearbox are greased and the chassis is tested for a good 20 minutes without any problem. A grease cover was temporality put in. The chassis runs extremely well. It's using top notch equipment.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 5.JPG (2.15 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
The kit's superbly detailed headlights are used of course.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 6.JPG (907.21 KiB) Viewed 120803 times
The mount can be drilled through to allow the LED wires to be hidden.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 7.JPG (824.53 KiB) Viewed 120803 times
These little LEDs and wires are resistant to superglue. The only way to fix them in place is to create a mount with a retainer in plasticard.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 8.JPG (1.5 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
The wires can be totally hidden and will enter the hull from under the fenders.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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- 10.JPG (1.45 MiB) Viewed 120803 times
continuing on following post.
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu Jan 04, 2024 10:01 pm, edited 6 times in total.
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
The glacis is lightly glued in place with a few drops of superglue. If can be snapped out if ever required. But as discussed above, the gearbox and mount plate can still be removed without the need to remove the glacis.
In order to minimize the length of LED wires running outside the hull, the wires are entering the hull right away through a small hole made on the side and below the fenders.
There are two further holes below (one cannot be seen), they come with the kit and are critical for the placement of the fenders as they connect with the 2 pins on the fenders.
The fenders are permanently installed. Notice the bracket between the fenders and the top of the glacis. It's not present on a HL model.
Being able to remove the gearbox and access the torsion bars below was important to me. This can still be achieved by removing the M3 bolts and mounting plate screws, but the access to the torsion bars will be restricted to a specific angle. Good enough.
The kit fenders are exactly like the real thing. There is a large gap running along the chassis, it's like that. We're all used to see this gap filled on the Heng Long models and that is not accurate.
The Bosch headlights are superb. The LED wires are connected.
Despite all the testing done during the build before everything is glued in place, there is always a moment of anxiety when i turn on the board to see if the LEDs still work. It's a relief to see that they work fine after all the gluing and manipulations. I do not know how many times i ended up plugging the LED and they no longer work for some reason, requiring analysis to find out whats wrong and resolve. It's very difficult to solder the tiny wires and the connections need extra attention. At least reduce the number of connections to a minimum and keep them accessible.
continuing on following post
In order to minimize the length of LED wires running outside the hull, the wires are entering the hull right away through a small hole made on the side and below the fenders.
There are two further holes below (one cannot be seen), they come with the kit and are critical for the placement of the fenders as they connect with the 2 pins on the fenders.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The fenders are permanently installed. Notice the bracket between the fenders and the top of the glacis. It's not present on a HL model.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 12.JPG (1.59 MiB) Viewed 120798 times
Being able to remove the gearbox and access the torsion bars below was important to me. This can still be achieved by removing the M3 bolts and mounting plate screws, but the access to the torsion bars will be restricted to a specific angle. Good enough.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The kit fenders are exactly like the real thing. There is a large gap running along the chassis, it's like that. We're all used to see this gap filled on the Heng Long models and that is not accurate.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 16.JPG (1.69 MiB) Viewed 120798 times
The Bosch headlights are superb. The LED wires are connected.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 17.JPG (883.69 KiB) Viewed 120798 times
Despite all the testing done during the build before everything is glued in place, there is always a moment of anxiety when i turn on the board to see if the LEDs still work. It's a relief to see that they work fine after all the gluing and manipulations. I do not know how many times i ended up plugging the LED and they no longer work for some reason, requiring analysis to find out whats wrong and resolve. It's very difficult to solder the tiny wires and the connections need extra attention. At least reduce the number of connections to a minimum and keep them accessible.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu Jan 04, 2024 10:21 pm, edited 5 times in total.
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
Right side headlight
View with the upper hull in place.
Amazing kit details all around. Realistic tread plate, mounting brrackets, etc. I am discovering the Panzer III as it should be.
See this on a Heng Long tank.
This is the same area on the Trumpeter/Heller kit.
Good fit with the air intakes.
The last fender bracket is installed.
continuing on following post
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View with the upper hull in place.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 22.JPG (1.81 MiB) Viewed 120795 times
Amazing kit details all around. Realistic tread plate, mounting brrackets, etc. I am discovering the Panzer III as it should be.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 23.JPG (1.12 MiB) Viewed 120795 times
See this on a Heng Long tank.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 24.JPG (1.4 MiB) Viewed 120795 times
This is the same area on the Trumpeter/Heller kit.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 25.JPG (1.08 MiB) Viewed 120795 times
Good fit with the air intakes.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The last fender bracket is installed.
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- 29a.JPG (1.23 MiB) Viewed 120795 times
continuing on following post
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
Nice conversion again Louis.
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The undersides are detailed as well.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 29d.JPG (702.06 KiB) Viewed 120791 times
Because the Schurzen main upper brackets are attached to the upper hull and the lower support brackets are attached to the fenders, this is a potential situation that will have to be resolved when i am at that point. It should be easy to remove the upper hull to access the electronics without having to remove each schurzens all the time...
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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The Trumpeter/Heller ausf M kit next to a Heng Long ausf L model. Notice the differences... i am not talking about the headlights.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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I earlier aligned the suspension of the Taigen chassis with the Heng Long. I am happy to see that the fenders are at the same level. It's important because i have at least 8 panzer III chassis (with the Stugs) so it's good that all of them are at least similar in chassis height.
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The HL upper hull is about 1mm higher than the Trumpeter. It's the frontal armored plate that is way too high in comparison.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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When we reach the top of the mantlet, now we have a whopping 6mm difference in height. Kaczor was right, that HL turret is oversized as the rest is quite similar.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
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And at the highest point of the turret roof, it's almost 7mm.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 34.JPG (2.74 MiB) Viewed 120791 times
continuing on following post
Last edited by lmcq11 on Thu Jan 04, 2024 10:16 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
Heng Long fenders are attached to the upper hull, with molded on tools. Notice how the gap is filled between the fender and the hull.
Same area on both side.
The model as it stands today.
Regards, Louis
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Same area on both side.
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- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 37.JPG (1.19 MiB) Viewed 120789 times
The model as it stands today.
- 1/16 PzKpfw III Ausf M - Trumpeter/Heller kit with Taigen hull integration - Build
- 38.JPG (1.34 MiB) Viewed 120789 times
Regards, Louis
