1/16 Heng Long Abrams Tusk II build

[IceySlush]

Not too sure on how to write this but. There’s a kit for the TUSK II I’ve really been wanting to install ever since I’ve gotten my Abrams, but I have no clue on how I’d mount it. Not to mention it comes in two materials, plastic with the desert tan paint, and metal. I’m leaning towards the metal for the added weight, and cause I think it’d “compliment” the three tone camouflage pattern my Abrams has. If anyone has tips on how I’d mount it, or which material would be better please do let me know as I’m very knew to this hobby!

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I have the same kit, IceySlush, mostly metal. And I, too, have little knowledge of what goes where. I do have some books on the Abrams, but I'd bet someone will be along soon to help us both. (Then I can do my conversion after you sweat it out.)

[IceySlush]

Ahh, it’s not so much where it’s go that I’m struggling with, more so how I’d mount it. I’ve yet to talk with someone who has this mounted, I’ve only talked to people who’ve 3d printed tusk II kits. I’m sure we’ll find a way

[Herr Dr. Professor]

If you mean what to use to affix the parts to the tank, I will likely use E6000 or JBWeld for larger parts and CA glue for small ones.

[IceySlush]

That is what I meant for the most part, I was just really unsure on what I’d use. Now all I need to figure out is what gluing techniques to use. If you have any specific ones for things like this please do share, I’d greatly appreciate it!

[tankme]

The metal kit should have screws that hold the main lower hull panels on. At least the TUSK I kit does.

[IceySlush]

That’s amazing to know, considering I may not put the turret plates on. But in all the photos I’ve seen of the tusk II kit, there’s no screws shown . I guess I’ll just have to see

[Meter rat]

Looking at the turret armour, it looks like there are pins on it which would need holes drilling in to the side. I would then use 5min epoxy to install them. The long zig-zag part in the middle looks to be the control for the 50 cal that goes on the gun barrel. Can’t be much more helpful than that.

[IceySlush]

Any help is help so thank you! I had forgotten about the pins in the turret armor but I’m honestly considering not putting them on and only putting on the windows and machine guns

[Herr Dr. Professor]

E6000 is a bit stringy when you use it and slow setting, which is a characteristic of strong bonds. However, even when dry it can be sanded and painted, so even though one likes to avoid boo boos and oozing out, these can be fixed. Tip: after using E6000, wipe off the little metal spout of the tube and put some grease (the same plastic-friendly grease you would use on model trains or RC gearboxes) on the threads before replacing the cap. The grease helps seal out air and helps the E6000 inside the tube last a long time.
JBWeld comes a regular and fast-setting. It's a two-part mix, and it will tend to dry up when opened. I have used both types in some interesting way. For example, I reconstructed a finger on a paratrooper after he lost his rifle. See: viewtopic.php?t=36255&hilit=figures&start=10