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Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:21 am
by c.rainford73
This is so cool Louis. I'm glad you've brought this up as it will directly effect my decisions with my M-3 buildImage

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:26 am
by c.rainford73
Now the more I study the real thing I applaud your decision to mount the Mato ones. I will need to get some of them for my build. So much more detailed. Once weathered and painted they will look excellent my friend

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:32 am
by lmcq11
Thanks Carl,

Yeah, looking at these real T-48, the Mato tracks do not seem oversized.

Louis

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 2:43 am
by lmcq11
Oh, but these cheap Mato plastic T-48 are difficult to find. An alternative is to get the metal T-74 but they are more expensive and are difficult to play with.

Louis

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:02 am
by c.rainford73
lmcq11 wrote:Thanks Carl,

Yeah, looking at these real T-48, the Mato tracks do not seem oversized.

Louis
Yes Louis once I found that photo it was clearly evident that the Mato ones look the partImage

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:10 am
by PainlessWolf
Evening all!
The MATO tracks, whether plastic or metal are definitely the better choice. They are solid, not hollow like the HL version and are correctly cast so as to have two pins, not one per track link. They may be a bit chunky but I definitely prefer them on my Shermans and variants. Louis, your Builds are superlative and only shine more from your attention to all details like the right sort of tracks.
regards,
Painless

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:03 pm
by lmcq11
Hi, thank you, I appreciate the feedback. I just ordered a Mato Sherman Idler adjustable tensioner. That will help with the integration.

thanks, Louis

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 7:01 pm
by c.rainford73
Louis I've located the Mato plastic tracks on Ali Express. $29.00 us free shipping. They are also offering a $4.00 coupon code so $25.00 US. Not a bad deal

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 11:30 pm
by lmcq11
Hi,

Here is the rear deck with the tools, mixtures of items from the spare box. I tried to repro what I saw on pictures.

I have a bunch of parts on order to finish the model. I will take it slow from here until the parts arrive and have fun putting small things here and there until there is no longer one bolt missing... It will give me a chance to spend some more time with my wife which started to indicate I have been neglecting her lately, mentioning words like "addiction" among others. I keep tell her it is a therapy for my crazy IT workplace, but she might be right.
M7 Priest rear deck
M7 Priest rear deck
M7 Priest rear deck
M7 Priest rear deck
regards, Louis

Re: Vandra M7 Priest SP Howitzer conversion build

Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:11 am
by c.rainford73
Beautiful work where did you source the tools from? The brackets are quite nice. Ah therapy... I might have to try that one! It is very therapeutic for sure.