Hi,
This post is for the gun mantlet cover. For Israelis, depending on the region, its likely more a dust cover than a rain cover.
The Centurion mantlet is typically very large and the Sho't Kal dust cover is quite rough and is always present in all the pictures I have seen. It is also quite visible and is an item that must be recreated for an accurate Centurion tank. Take note that the Sho't Kal mantlet cover is different than British Centurion. It does not cover the whole mantlet and we can see that two strings were built within the middle of the canvas. Both cover extremities are held in place with bolted attachments points over a continuous strip of some kind, with little dots on it.
![Capture1.JPG (144.03 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77635&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
View of the mantlet dust cover with the Blazer armour plates installed all around it.
![Capture2.JPG (285.81 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77636&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
View of the AFV Club 1/35 mantlet cover.
![Capture3.JPG (164.57 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77637&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
As base material for the canvas, i have determined that light rubber cleaning gloves offer a good and resistant texture. Its elastic properties also helps a lot for the fit to the hull and mantlet. I have highlighted the area of interest.
![Capture4.JPG (158.9 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77638&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
The section is cut into a single rubber ring.
![Capture5.JPG (126.28 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77639&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
The ring gets inserted around the gun barrel and installed directly on the hull and around the gun mantlet.
![Capture6.JPG (164.27 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77640&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
The extremity is folded a bit and then superglued to the hull at the right location.
![Capture7.JPG (113.22 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77641&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
Two strings in 1.5mm brass are made to simulate the effect seen on the first picture above. Without these, the cover will not look good. They will be inserted inside the ring.
![Capture8.JPG (196.74 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77642&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
After a lot of dry run positioning, adjustments and patience, the brass strings are then glued to the canvas with superglue from the inside. This is not a Porsche convertible top so nothing should be perfectly aligned and it must look rough as per reference material. This gives the builder a second chance at hiding small mistakes. After that, the other extremity is cut to the optimal length, tip folded and superglued around the mantlet.
![Capture9.JPG (101.31 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77645&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
The attachments are made with 2mm brass strips and M0.8 brass bolts.
![Capture10.JPG (296.35 KiB) Viewed 2395 times 1/16 RC Centurion tank build](./download/file.php?id=77644&t=1&sid=fc5a34df1f0ffc7d3994949a10945788)
- 1/16 RC Centurion tank build
Continuing on following post.