Cromwell Mk IV Build

[wibblywobbly]

Amazing work going on there, just wish I had the skills and the machinery!

[enginepeter]

Thanks for the comments . Not too sure about skill though - I didn't post photos of the scrap bins!

After a bit of thought I decided to make the mudguards from 5 thou brass shim. This gave it a thickness neared the scale. Bending the edges of the centre sections proved easy , clamping the brass between 2 metal bars in the vice and bending over the lip.

The front and rear proved more interesting. For the front and the angled side skirts I printed formers the shape of them and then pressed and moulded the brass to these shapes.

The rear proved more interesting and resulted in a fair amount of cutting, filing and then soldering.

To get the ridges and upper supports for the mudguards I cheated and printed thin skins to glue on the brass. This was easier than trying to groove the brass and make a good job of it.

Fitting all the internals, smoker, speaker IBU2 etc proved a challenge and numerous attempts were made at fitting it all. The location of the servo for turret traverse gave problems. Once sorted I made the exhaust piping from brass tube and printed the speaker enclosure, switch panel and mounting for the magnets to hold the rear of the deck in place.

Other printing included drivers door, Besa and mount as well as headlamps to house small LED's

[enginepeter]

After sorting out the internals the turret was fitted and attention turned to completing external details. The Gun barrel and muzzle brake had been turned from alloy near the start of the project.

The non opening side lockers were 3D printed with brass being added to simulate the clasps. D handles were made for the top deck that was printed as a 3D skin and a piece of brass mesh cut up to cover the exhaust area.

Remaining dummy bolts were fitted (less a few that squirted across the study floor) and some wing nuts purchased for equipment clamps.

At this point the electrics were connected and some time was spent configuring the system and testing/fine tuning.

It was then time to strip it all down to basic units ready for painting.

[enginepeter]

With the tank stripped it was given a prep coat of etch primer before covering in SCC 15 mixing Vallejo Olive Grey and Russian Uniform Green. When satisfied with the coverage the whole tank was given a coat of matt varnish.

Originally I was going to paint the Cromwell to mirror the Bovington tank in Polish markings. After researching the Internet I struggled to find good photos of Polish markings until I came across reference to a book about the 10th Mounted Rifle Regiment (10 Pulk Strzelców) Reconnaissance unit. This contained several unpublished photos and despite it being entirely in Polish I ordered a copy. There were several photos of T187914 so I decided to base my tank on them.

I had some transfers in the box left over from my Sherman, but not everything I needed. Spending a bit of time with photoshop I designed the missing transfers ready to print on white transfer paper. Not being able to get a good printed colour match to the background, (SCC 15) I had to paint round the lettering and symbols when the decals had been put in place and lacquered.

[enginepeter]

Now entering the last lap the remaining fittings could be completed and the Cromwell given a bit of ageing.

Several different washes were applied to remove the clean look of the paint.

The tow cable was made from some electrical copper wire soldered to brass for the towing eyes. This was covered in silver paint before adding black and a brown wash.

The remaining tools were made from brass, wood and shackles made and glued to the hull.

Two different ammo boxes were made using 3D and added along with tarpaulins made from tissue paper, strengthened with dilute pva.

When all painting had finished the masking tape was removed from the clear plastic inserted in the periscopes.

As a matter of interest I looked up when I first ordered the motors to start this project and was surprised to see that it was July 2018. How time flies....

[Model Builder 4]

That looks excellent Pete amazing skills and workmanship to achieve a fine looking build

Cheers, Lee.

[enginepeter]

Thanks Lee. In terms of skill I just used this forum and internet of get ideas!

[c.rainford73]

This build is outstanding in every way! You have built and designed such an exceptional tank. Another example of the skilled members we are lucky enough to have on the forum! You should take a bow

[lmcq11]

An exceptional complex build, on a special heavy duty league on its own. I can only guess at the cost and number of hours put in this model. Congrats, this is a very special model.

[enginepeter]

Thanks imcq11. Time yes many hours but not too expensive apart from small items like wing nuts and the nuts and bolts! Against these the alloy was cheap!