Hi folks!
I know in my post that I would post some pics over the weekend; well, I didn’t say what weekend! I was already to sit down Sunday and get it done but then I found “Band of Brothers” was showing on TV so I set and watched it so, NO update, and yesterday was Labor Day and I did not, labor that is!!!
First up are the modifications needed to the Mantlet. The driving force behind this modification is that the Recoil Mech. is molded as part of the Mantlet on the HL part. It should recoil with the Barrel as opposed as the Barrel recoiling “thru” it as the HL design functions.
In this pic you can see the Barrel in recoil and in the in the non-recoiled state.
Here is the modified Mantlet with the recoil portion removed. Because it and the mounting for the HL recoil assy. I could not salvage it, so I just hogged it out with the Dremel. I saved as much of the HL mounting as possible as I would need it to mount the Clark Recoil Assy. The white styrene seen in the photo is the reinforcement I added to replace all that was removed with the Recoil Mech.
Some white styrene added to the lower opening to correct shape.
I fitted the Trumpeter Recoil Mech. as it is molded as a separate piece in the Trumpeter kit. It required modification to fit the HL Barrel and Mantlet to allow proper recoil operation. It also needed some detailing up, mainly the holes that appear around the perimeter.
Next up are the changes and details needed to the HL Barrel to improve its accuracy. I used the Bore Evacuator from the Tamiya kit as its dimensions and shape are far superior to the HL piece. This led to the first modification to the HL Barrel.
Shortening the barrel to match Tamiya Bore Evacuator. Removed approx. .250” from the “center” of the HL barrel. I rejoined the two sections with a length of brass tubing using CA. Next shortening the barrel to match overall length. Removed approx. .125” from the muzzle end of the barrel.
After shortening the barrel, I used styrene strips on either side to add threaded sleeves that secured Bore Evacuator.
There are a series of small holes drilled around the perimeter of the Barrel just behind the Muzzle and in front of the Bore Evacuator.
There is a Sleeve/Wrap on the Barrel between the Bore Evacuator and the Recoil Mech. I used thin brass sheet to create the Wrap and brass Rivets to secure it to match pic of the Barrel. I also better defined the Band of 3 Rings on the HL Barrel using the Lathe and adding styrene strips.
HL Mantlet Adapter mounted to the Clark Recoil Assy. Using 0-80 Nylon Screws.
Here are pics on the Barrel showing how it looks Relaxed and in Recoil.
TTFN, Thanks for looking in!
Barry
