Build Time! M1a2 Sep V3 AUS

[11C]

Another Relaxing day of measurements and Modeling. Taking a small break on the turret as I wait for parts to arrive. I decided to work on some details around the APU to start with. Next will be the junction box for the forward section of the hull and then the I will attempt the Tow hooks for the front around the lights and lower glacis plate.
Of course I still have to print the test parts for fitment however I am quite optimistic that they will be damn near on the dot with the first try.

[11C]

Great progress made on the Deck Panels. Test fitment and a few adjustments made here and there for details, overall I am quite happy with how it turned out.

APU Deck Panels.jpg (908.06 KiB) Viewed 190 times

It did take a bit of cutting and sanding to get the surfaces prepped, the deck have a fuel cap that has to be removed for the v3's.
Once the fuel cap was removed I added 2 part epoxy putty to seal the hole made from removal.

APU Deck adjustments and sanding.jpg (1.04 MiB) Viewed 190 times

After a few hours I got to sanding out the high parts of the putty surface and began the first test print.

Deck panel Test Fitment.jpg (891.76 KiB) Viewed 190 times

Now to finish the last panel and move to the front tow hooks and junction box

[11C]

quick update,
Parts have arrived! new Gunner's sight, CITV, turret ring, spare road wheels and new sprockets, and the first coat of primer has been laid!

Metal Turret Ring.jpg (951.77 KiB) Viewed 31 times

New Gunners Sight.jpg (1.02 MiB) Viewed 31 times

New CITV.jpg (1.3 MiB) Viewed 31 times

Turret Primed .jpg (903.35 KiB) Viewed 31 times

The install for the gunner's sight was relatively simple. few snips from below on the existing mounts and a light pry from a common screwdriver and the old sight was free. Then some liquid Tamiya putty with sanding to smooth the surface out. My only grip with the new sight is the gap left behind after installing on the inside. its not super noticeable with the primer added but it could have been built a bit chunkier to fill the gap.

Gunner Sight removal and install.jpg (770.99 KiB) Viewed 31 times

On top of this I have directed my attention at the commander's hatch, and remodeling it to the SEP V3 variant instead of using the pre existing one (I'm a sucker for punishment).

Commanders Coupla.png (462.64 KiB) Viewed 31 times

Printer test cmd coupla.jpg (1.01 MiB) Viewed 31 times

Various test parts.jpg (1.21 MiB) Viewed 31 times

Those pesky parts for the front have not been forgotten, once this is completed and I like the fitment i'll be redirecting my effort to finishing them.
More to follow!