A repetitive but reasonably easy task today of making up the new tracks. I have only built up part runs as the side skirts hide most of the tracks. The separate track pads got beat up with a motor tool and round burr before fitting to give some wear to them. In place they look very nice indeed.
Some good progress this week with the majority of the details now added to the hull and the side skirts all sorted. I just need to add some tow ropes later as I am showing them as per my references fitted to the towing points on the hull and not on the turret. Just the job for an on exercise look.
The turret work started with the gun barrel and here I opted for the plastic option instead of the metal barrel. I chose the plastic one as it had a much better fit into the mantlet. I had a lot of trouble fitting the two turret halves together, they just did not want to fit. Lots of trimming was needed on the gun mounting brackets to get a decent fit. Even then I had to use superglue to force the lower part of the turret to mate up with the upper section. I think the lower part was slightly warped. Anyway much swearing ensued until it was all in place.
And finally my replacement tracks have arrived. From DEF Model they are just the job and even feature separate track pads so adding some wear will be easy.
Most of yesterday saw me working away on the engine deck and rear access doors. Lots of test fitting was needed for a good fit of parts. The first of the Black Ops conversion parts went on as well. I really like the rear screens which are 3D printed and super fine. The front fenders had the mud flaps removed and they were thinned down on the insides for a better scale look.
I have ordered a replacement set of tracks as I'm not a fan of the kit supplied ones. I'll sort out the running gear once they arrive. I'm still debating which infantry field phone to use on the back of the tank. Black Ops supply the old square type and the new version and both look very nice. A bit more research is needed before I make my mind up.
Construction begins with the running gear and fitting the lower and upper hull parts together. Following both the Dragon and Black Ops construction notes parts are omitted or replaced and other areas filled. Apart from the hull parts and the links on the idler stations nothing else is glued at the moment. The rear deck is made up of lots of separate parts so test fitting is needed for a good fit. The first of the resin replacement parts is used here as well.
After lots of head scratching and going through the stash over the last week I've decided it's high time I started building an Australian Abrams. To this end I have the excellent Dragon M1A2 SEP kit and the equally excellent Black Ops Models conversion set as well as a few other bits from them. Helping me out along the way is the Tankograd book and a fair few pictures and articles I've found on the internet.
The conversion is pretty straightforward so long as you follow the construction notes Black Ops provide. I may change the tracks for individual link ones and I still need to source decals but I'm confident it won't be a difficult build.
No modelling this week, I've been busy with other things. But myself and Brian have been down to the annual Poole Vikings show at the Parkstone grammar school Poole. Attending as visitors again this year we enjoyed the many interesting models on display. As usual the event was held in the large and bright sports hall with space for the competition available in a smaller adjoining room.
Inevitably we also bumped into many friends also attending the show be it displaying or like us just visiting. Also in evidence were plenty of traders ranging from secondhand kits to new releases and the essentials such as paints, glues and tools. The show always has a nice mix of clubs and to me it has a real south coast feel with many clubs from the area in attendance.
So after a good look at the displays, a very good look around the traders and chats with friends we departed the show and ended up at the Royal Oak in North Gorley for lunch and a discussion of all things modelling. A superb lunch was enjoyed and we talked about upcoming shows and did a bit of planning for Belgium. All in all a very pleasant and enjoyable day.
