ska2d2's Panzer III Build

Post Reply
User avatar
ska2d2
Private
Posts: 81
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 12:04 pm
Location: Leeds W Yorkshire

ska2d2's Panzer III Build

Post by ska2d2 »

Hello! Here as promised are some photos of my progress so far. I hope its of some interest and help! I've started with the Aisatam/Taigen hull. Before working on the hull i spray painted it using an etch primer. This is available from any car spares shop. The paint has a small amount of acid mixed with it so that on a microscopic level it bonds with the surface its being applied to. This is especially good when spraying onto alloys.
The first thing i noticed on closer inspection of the hull are the slightly unsightly gaps at the front.Image
I filled and sanded them down with some 'super light filler'. Its the type that you mix in two parts, filler and hardener. The beauty of using this type of filler is that you only have to wait 15 minutes before sanding!
Image
As you can see its already looking better.
The next stage was to add some weld beads. In order to do this i rolled some thin lines of 'Milliput'. About 1mm to 2mm seemed about right. If you roll the 'Milliput' on some cardboard and rub talc onto your finger tips as your doing it, it stops it sticking to them. Once you have the approximate width, wet the area you intend to apply it to for adhesion. Once in position gently tamp it down with a wet paintbrush. Now for the fun bit! I used some 2mm brass tube as a home made tool to get the desired effect. You need to cut the very end of the tube down the middle and remove the top half.(see diagram).
Image
Using this tool work your way along the 'Milliput' in the desired direction. A another application of water afterwards will smooth the finish.
Image
Next the rear quarters.
Image
A little 'milliput' and two part filler once again.
Image
The next thing i tackled was the inspection plates? on the lower hull. On the 'Heng Long' model they are a little on the heavy side and in the wrong position.(see photo).
Image
I remodelled these with some plasticard. The hex bolts were made from shaped styrene rod. For positioning i used the excellent scale drawings in the 'Photosniper-Panzer III AUSF.J/L/M' Reference book.
Image
Last but not least,(for now), i added some exhaust brackets, made from a cat food tin. Washed!
Image
Right! School day tomorrow so thats all for now folks!
User avatar
evad
Recruit
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon May 23, 2011 6:30 pm
Location: North Lincolnshire,UK

Re: ska2d2's Panzer III Build

Post by evad »

Great work on the weld beads ! I might just "borrow" your idea for the tool and try it out on one of my builds. Keep up the good work !!
Everyone should believe in something,I believe I'll have another beer............
Mato Sherman
HL / Asiatam Panzer III
HL Stug III
HL KV 1
HL Jagdpanther
HL M26 Pershing
HL T-34/85
HL Panzer IV
HL M4A3 Sherman
HL King Tiger
User avatar
lister fiend
Sergeant
Posts: 565
Joined: Mon Sep 10, 2012 3:38 pm
Location: ashvale, hampshire

Re: ska2d2's Panzer III Build

Post by lister fiend »

thats a great start ska2d2.
keep it comming :thumbup:
i'm really liking your idea for a weld bead tool & some excellant bolt heads
good work fella :clap:
lister
User avatar
ska2d2
Private
Posts: 81
Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2013 12:04 pm
Location: Leeds W Yorkshire

Re: ska2d2's Panzer III Build

Post by ska2d2 »

Cheers for the feedback! Going to have a look at improving the ends of the spare track bar across the front of the hull next. I'll post again over the weekend!
Post Reply

Return to “Panzer III”