BERLIN BUSTER T34/85 'BEDSPRING'

[HERMAN BIX]

I decided to fit the running gear as I cant see a need to really do the MIG modulation on either hull sponsons or wheels.
The metal suspension & roadwheels(with bearings) fitted up well. I added a drop of heavy oil into the hubs so the bearings would stay lubed.
Not concerned with any leaking oil , this will add to the realism !
What took me by surprise was that the roadwheel center line was a fair way out in relation to the drive and idler centres.

Im not sure which is out-the roadwheels or the drive/idlers, but its much simpler to space the drive/idlers.
The prospect of having track issues on such a simple suspension is a bit of an concern

Took the time to space them out. Cut a quadrant off H/L washers that used to hold the drive/idler wheels on, and got some 5mm washers from the local engineers supplies place on the way to the school run-just in case.
The cut H/L washers fitted into the drive wheels against the gearbox shafts with the flat section on them. This is why the quadrant had to be cut off.
The 5mm washers were handy in the end to space the idlers out to match the centre line track of the roadwheels.

[HERMAN BIX]

Another thing to pass on is the requirement to stiffen the springs on the rear two road wheels each side.
Std H/L springs in the clocked position allow full return of the hull after max depression .
This still allows compliance over obsticals when pushed manually over them.

[HERMAN BIX]

I used what was in the house, V05 extra hold !
I've used it on my Tiger, and munition schlepper to good effect.
From what I learned trick is not to use to much water when chipping or it reactivates the spray .

[Ad Lav]

Just checked in again, looks very smart

[Markocaster]

It's coming along nicely Herman

[HERMAN BIX]

Thanks lads, much appreciated.
I've just got home after an 8 hour drive
The "tank-pixie" has not come along while I was away to carry on, so I guess its me

Just by the nature of having the screens to fit once all paint and weathering is done puts pressure on getting the progress happening in the short time I have.
Its flogging with rain here right now, not good for painting.
I also need to learn up on how to work the MIG 4BO paint kit I have so as not to blow it

Sure takes getting used to seeing a Russian tank, but its grey, not green !!

[HERMAN BIX]

Gave the front plate a wizz with the power tool to blend in the fillers for the plastic spare tracks. Bunged a quick cover of plasticote over top & sanded flat-ish.
Added beads of super glue to some metal track links and pressed them onto the glacis until tacky(I use slow cure gel for impact) then pulled them off.
Left a good rough impression so I can rust up the spots where the tracks are missing from.

Also took the chance to get a start on the MIG modulated 4BO paint system.
Each colour went on real easy, in fact I got carried away with the mixed volume for each in the airbrush.
The stuff goes a long way & I ended up tipping half a brush pot out for each colour.
This is how it sits after colour #4 Light Base.
Highlight & shine still to do but the rains come again.

[Ecam]

Looking good!

[HERMAN BIX]

Thanks Mr Ecam.
This 4BO modulation thingo is harder than it is made to look by many like Mr Hugill !

Got the final two colours on, not really sure its right.
Also got the white band on around the turret and a Russian word for 'vengeance' under it.

Dont know about this lot...................could be the first tank I repaint.

[Ad Lav]

Looks fine as it is, maybe a bit pale?

I like the slogan and numbers, looks good!