Almost done with the turret now after adding the side grab handles, antenna bases and plugs to the mantlet. I've just got the loaders GPMG and mount and the extra stowage rack to add and it will be done.
A small amount of work also on the hull, mostly making up new towing point pins from lead wire and etch chain. I've also added the mounts for the rear mud flaps and have started cleaning up the final parts to be added such as the side bins and side skirts.
Back working on the leopard and the main area of interest is the turret basket. You have a choice of using the kit supplied parts which have the attachment points for the extra armour as used by The German army. Or make up the rails using brass rod supplied in the conversion. I went with the latter as removing the attachment point on the kit parts was almost impossible due to the fragile nature of them.
So I first made a template using the basket floor mesh and some pins to get the correct curve. Heating the brass rod was next which takes the spring out of it and makes it much easier to bend to the correct shape. This is a fiddly operation and not something I've ever done so I took my time to get it looking right. As I'm crap at soldering I used CA glue and lots of activator to fix the parts together then carefully cleaned up each joint.
I'm very pleased with the result which is very sturdy and looks really good. That done more details have been added to the turret and the wind sensor made up from conversion set and SSR models parts.
A busy day yesterday working on the base saw me finish off the project and finish off my modelling year for 2024. First the base and again it's quite a simple base but works well in showing off the model without hiding it or all the work that's gone into it. Painting the gate & posts to resemble galvanized metal was interesting. I went for a cold grey base and added highlights and some shadows for a slightly faded look.
