M1A1 vs M1a2 cupola question

[greengiant]

The HE copula can be made to work I did it on an old one I had but the hatch hinge arms are very hard to modify into something that works. Unless you can get one for free a scratch build will probably give you a much more accurate one with less aggravation.

[Uncarina]

I'm thinking the same thing! I have a 1/35 Dragon cupola for 3-d reference to get me started. By the way, I haven't opened up the HL turret; is the kit cupola easy to remove?

Thanks, Tom

[ALPHA]

Hello Ucarina...the Hl cupola is a tad tricky to remove...you definitely have to disassemble the turret to access three pins in the inside...you can try to pry it off...but there is good chance of damage to the base ring supporting the cupola...it's recessed ...so I wouldn't recommend taking any shortcuts


ALPHA

[Uncarina]

Thanks! I'm glad I asked!

Cheers, Tom

[ALPHA]

Thanks! I'm glad I asked!

Cheers, Tom

I found two schools of removal once you open the turret up...either scrape away the glue around the holding pins...and carefully push/pull the cupola off...or just drill the pins enough to make the cupola fall off easily ...either way...once you get it off...you can glue whatever or the same cupola back in place
It is essential to do if you want to modify the gun mount or install the scope lenses

ALPHA

[Uncarina]

Alpha,

Thanks! I figured I should make the cupola scratchbuild the first major modification in the build. If I can pull this off, making the rest of the conversion should be easier I'm suspecting.

Cheers, Tom

[ALPHA]

Alpha,

Thanks! I figured I should make the cupola scratchbuild the first major modification in the build. If I can pull this off, making the rest of the conversion should be easier I'm suspecting.

Cheers, Tom

Can't wait to see it....Will be posting mine soon on that thread I told you about...it's kind of a hybrid

ALPHA

[Uncarina]

I drilled out the three holes, but it isn't budging: looks like the inner ring is glued to the turret as well. I've tried superglue debonder, but without a result. Any other suggestions?

Thanks! Tom

[ALPHA]

I drilled out the three holes, but it isn't budging: looks like the inner ring is glued to the turret as well. I've tried superglue debonder, but without a result. Any other suggestions?

Thanks! Tom

That's a tough one Tom....Mine came off pretty easy after I freed up the pins....sounds like you did more than I did...so it should have come off already...
Being that you don't really need the stock Cupola in tact...and might just be keeping it as an option....try prying from the inside "gently" lol...with a small screwdriver and see if it will start to break away....


ALPHA



PS The Heng Long Glue Monkey must have had a field day on yours lol

[Uncarina]

Will do, thanks...I will keep you posted!

Cheers, Tom