Re: RC 1/16 M3 Lee - early production tank - build
Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:09 pm
Hi,
This set of posts is for the preparation and re-sizing of the Vandra Model M3 hull in order to allow the installation of a turret of the proper size.
First thing is to add the track adjuster and the tracks.
The tracks are pretty tight and its not allowing the adjuster to be in a more raised position. I will see later is adding or removing a link makes a difference in the way the tracks are positioned in relation to the adjuster. At this point, the Vandra upper hull is about 2mm too long (with a Mato chassis at least), the back plate should be flush with the rear plate of the chassis. For now, i am moving on.
Final plans are made for the surgery. Need to extend the upper hull by at least 5mm towards the front to make room for the larger turret on top, redo the frontal plates and all features as per references.
Many modellers, having paid good money for a kit, feel somehow obligated to build the model as per instructions. Personally, i never follow instructions and i am not too worry about cracking a hull open to correct designer mistakes.
In order to maintain consistency across the tank, all the bolt heads in the areas of rework were salvaged for reuse on the upgraded hull.
The upper hull is cut open with a heavy disk blade on the Dremel. The whole operation was cutting through and burning resin with heavy fumes. All the cutting need to be done outside and in a light breeze. All the plastic and resin sanding for this work is done wearing an N95 mask, an absolute must to preserve lungs and health.
A new upper plate is created in 2mm plasticard with the optimal dimensions required. Remains to be seen how it can fit.
With the new top tentatively in place, the frontal section need to be put back... All the rework is done in a telescopic fashion, one area at a time, and cutting the plasticard slowly while positioning each touch points.
You can see where this is going. The ring for the new turret has been drawn on the upper hull, that is untouchable and must fit. But all the rest needs to be adjusted. I found that the Miniart kit is a bit longer than a regular Sherman hull and using it to extrapolate 1/16 measurements for this conversion is creating issues, parts becoming too big. For the hull dimensions, i recommend using the Tamiya kit which is a bit smaller and closer to the Mato hull when trying to replicate in 1/16. Small adjustments and cheating is required here and there to adapt to the rest of the Vandra hull, which is not perfect. In order to have a better fit and get back a few mm in length, i can see now that redoing the frontal armor as per references is essential.
The upper section of the glacis is too short. The visor is totally squeezed in and not realistic.
Continuing on following post.
This set of posts is for the preparation and re-sizing of the Vandra Model M3 hull in order to allow the installation of a turret of the proper size.
First thing is to add the track adjuster and the tracks.
The tracks are pretty tight and its not allowing the adjuster to be in a more raised position. I will see later is adding or removing a link makes a difference in the way the tracks are positioned in relation to the adjuster. At this point, the Vandra upper hull is about 2mm too long (with a Mato chassis at least), the back plate should be flush with the rear plate of the chassis. For now, i am moving on.
Final plans are made for the surgery. Need to extend the upper hull by at least 5mm towards the front to make room for the larger turret on top, redo the frontal plates and all features as per references.
Many modellers, having paid good money for a kit, feel somehow obligated to build the model as per instructions. Personally, i never follow instructions and i am not too worry about cracking a hull open to correct designer mistakes.
In order to maintain consistency across the tank, all the bolt heads in the areas of rework were salvaged for reuse on the upgraded hull.
The upper hull is cut open with a heavy disk blade on the Dremel. The whole operation was cutting through and burning resin with heavy fumes. All the cutting need to be done outside and in a light breeze. All the plastic and resin sanding for this work is done wearing an N95 mask, an absolute must to preserve lungs and health.
A new upper plate is created in 2mm plasticard with the optimal dimensions required. Remains to be seen how it can fit.
With the new top tentatively in place, the frontal section need to be put back... All the rework is done in a telescopic fashion, one area at a time, and cutting the plasticard slowly while positioning each touch points.
You can see where this is going. The ring for the new turret has been drawn on the upper hull, that is untouchable and must fit. But all the rest needs to be adjusted. I found that the Miniart kit is a bit longer than a regular Sherman hull and using it to extrapolate 1/16 measurements for this conversion is creating issues, parts becoming too big. For the hull dimensions, i recommend using the Tamiya kit which is a bit smaller and closer to the Mato hull when trying to replicate in 1/16. Small adjustments and cheating is required here and there to adapt to the rest of the Vandra hull, which is not perfect. In order to have a better fit and get back a few mm in length, i can see now that redoing the frontal armor as per references is essential.
The upper section of the glacis is too short. The visor is totally squeezed in and not realistic.
Continuing on following post.