tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28697637166704037682024-03-05T12:47:56.475-08:00Allied ArmorEric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-78908751890798966132013-03-25T15:54:00.000-07:002013-03-25T15:57:37.485-07:00M4A3 Dry Stowage (Improvised Assault Tank)I came across these interesting photos while surfing around on the internet a couple of years ago. I always like them and thought it would be a really Kool build for a Sherman...so why Not!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHH9aB6BRTyMOBfzhJiwy20JY4mqMh4fnqT83DoLE_klRVNUIAsRrGbeT4vOwvjikhCSMFs9dBRbkyZxC3e1nmRRt7W_okAfjLi1oL4-SGoj5i0opvrNzM65rBjPdaZvjCPnD2KmoWZKE/s1600/blindes_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHH9aB6BRTyMOBfzhJiwy20JY4mqMh4fnqT83DoLE_klRVNUIAsRrGbeT4vOwvjikhCSMFs9dBRbkyZxC3e1nmRRt7W_okAfjLi1oL4-SGoj5i0opvrNzM65rBjPdaZvjCPnD2KmoWZKE/s320/blindes_12.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W-Hld7SWLM-Isa-6oaC5iq2KkWhPANXiIFDnwYdotrqOwZbflUmKfkPGFSOeub2RJuEZ4oJHbAyAfoPpvH-zxsOgCLO8zMZXKeXMdGRH1QdjtNYb7myzX_Dzg6GRDAqGN1O8E1d-lW2-/s1600/blindes_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W-Hld7SWLM-Isa-6oaC5iq2KkWhPANXiIFDnwYdotrqOwZbflUmKfkPGFSOeub2RJuEZ4oJHbAyAfoPpvH-zxsOgCLO8zMZXKeXMdGRH1QdjtNYb7myzX_Dzg6GRDAqGN1O8E1d-lW2-/s320/blindes_11.jpg" width="212" /></a> </div>
The photos appear to be an M4 Sherman that has been modified with the addition of armor plates thus making it into an Improvised Assault Tank (IAT). It is well documented that certain US Armor formation would cut up the hull plate armor of disable tanks, both American or German that could not be repaired and then weld them on serviceable tanks for add protection. The above photos shows additional armor was added to the front glacis plate and transmission cover but what makes this Sherman unique is the additional armor on the front half of the turret. It would appear that a disabled M4 turret was cut into sections then wielded on to the turret for even better protection. While there are several photographic examples of added armor to the glacis plate these are the only photos I have seen of this type of modification to the turret.<br />
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Then in August of 2012 while attending the open house at the <a href="http://www.vmmv.org/" target="_blank">VIRGINIA MUSEUM of MILITARY VEHICLES</a> I came across the museum's beautifully restored and running M4A3 dry stowage example. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBaNu-NMhA4qAoesbV_7QWniKO_Qz-HZu_AaGqxYQ-n6e26TpNMXC-G1VRWkBAsUUfzY5h3XJnQPqmatJcxuMXpSvDP8DPjmXIpZbWSMH72Sm_8KzThHph5CUc5BYvgbs1ujCWkyw33Zj/s1600/VMMVM4A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBaNu-NMhA4qAoesbV_7QWniKO_Qz-HZu_AaGqxYQ-n6e26TpNMXC-G1VRWkBAsUUfzY5h3XJnQPqmatJcxuMXpSvDP8DPjmXIpZbWSMH72Sm_8KzThHph5CUc5BYvgbs1ujCWkyw33Zj/s400/VMMVM4A3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Later that afternoon I found the long out of projection MP Models M4/M4A3 conversion kit at one of the vendor tables. For only five bucks I though it was good price and should work in providing the basic element for an early M4A3 project, so I picked one up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY567Z9fImVImeeCbkEzG07cpuQN-gn9hlTMi54R3YXp5gELTwvYBQj9IvSEZk-PmB-9Pl33orJlOAel24GRTyHhk4JxEAR06EvBmSCjasCv5MqYueKw4RX_KtND5VGlc66qXwCjh6dcCa/s1600/MPKit01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY567Z9fImVImeeCbkEzG07cpuQN-gn9hlTMi54R3YXp5gELTwvYBQj9IvSEZk-PmB-9Pl33orJlOAel24GRTyHhk4JxEAR06EvBmSCjasCv5MqYueKw4RX_KtND5VGlc66qXwCjh6dcCa/s400/MPKit01.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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The concept behind this kit was to provide the model builder the basic parts needed to convert existing kits into examples that where not available in kit form. An excellent idea that I wish current manufactures would follow. After careful inspection however I was unhappy with the level of detail provided by this kit. The detail was soft and inaccurate in places, also ejector pin markings where badly placed. Lastly the bottom edge of the rear lower hull plate with the engine access doors was angled and not rounded as is the case with the dry stowage M4A3.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8DS0_EAng890YlJTqPdqCjCOG4XFsfYj6vWnfo3bvciYZAQ6HaNQBA9-dFcwIqUpNWri6R71SYTaq5pHyHZBthYyytnUm8MPoE5V1isZs8FUGPqT-LL6xVQAmdNwbEXNANUgyu-g6ysB/s1600/RearHullPlate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8DS0_EAng890YlJTqPdqCjCOG4XFsfYj6vWnfo3bvciYZAQ6HaNQBA9-dFcwIqUpNWri6R71SYTaq5pHyHZBthYyytnUm8MPoE5V1isZs8FUGPqT-LL6xVQAmdNwbEXNANUgyu-g6ysB/s640/RearHullPlate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I chose not to use MP kit on this build and instead to add the conversion details myself. I decided to combined these two ideas into one over all model project. While this may not be totally "accurate" I figured it was an excellent way to produce an interesting subject.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before I begin any new build I like to conduct a "photo analysis" of my primary </span>reference<span style="font-family: inherit;"> images </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This method is good for identifying details that I wish to include on the finished model. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYscfjGXkiZuaYZGGx6Q3wfMsMzG7DIIkeHpaJfQ-0AD7yISHqXcYvj_vqVKYlXJ9TyzTs175Yr42FCimro_J8xh2NjCfp2SF78uHJCp2PsAHMjAL9irege8FxaUDIlG5WWwfoEyFgkg6G/s1600/M4A3DS-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYscfjGXkiZuaYZGGx6Q3wfMsMzG7DIIkeHpaJfQ-0AD7yISHqXcYvj_vqVKYlXJ9TyzTs175Yr42FCimro_J8xh2NjCfp2SF78uHJCp2PsAHMjAL9irege8FxaUDIlG5WWwfoEyFgkg6G/s640/M4A3DS-011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtnH9OHNL89qAdRRq7_Ytm0f8llzeUJp8tV_LSjLXoMqF6VRdxYpnpSsL6bGUCB8qbXXght6Li6_nmkctcvQ2tZCLy0_ZwG435kFkhj4QurMNbc4VGaGReYy8DrZdUGTrhgTACaDHjSu4/s1600/M4A3DS-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtnH9OHNL89qAdRRq7_Ytm0f8llzeUJp8tV_LSjLXoMqF6VRdxYpnpSsL6bGUCB8qbXXght6Li6_nmkctcvQ2tZCLy0_ZwG435kFkhj4QurMNbc4VGaGReYy8DrZdUGTrhgTACaDHjSu4/s640/M4A3DS-012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>For this build I will need to use a 47 Degree hull will the small driver and assistant driver hatches and an rear deck for the Ford GAA gasoline engine. After a quick search through my spare parts bend I discovered there was more then enough parts. No donor kit would be needed and all the parts for this entire build will come from my spares. An old Tamiya M4 Sherman would supply the 47 degree hull and turret while an even older Dragon Models Imperial Series M4A3E8 kit would provide the engine deck.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-PmeQTtROALo3ZURd4OhemeBBFNm-BB-8Eg9gqWCr12xRjkucp_H5U25F7_5XCnkqrtnZzl3u29SxAvDyuZeN7omF7_LjfY02DS0qluGC77Ki80VAOApCRYX3ZX5DEKk9DSmwAQ8N9-E/s1600/M4A3DS-000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-PmeQTtROALo3ZURd4OhemeBBFNm-BB-8Eg9gqWCr12xRjkucp_H5U25F7_5XCnkqrtnZzl3u29SxAvDyuZeN7omF7_LjfY02DS0qluGC77Ki80VAOApCRYX3ZX5DEKk9DSmwAQ8N9-E/s640/M4A3DS-000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After cutting the engine deck from the Dragon M4A3 I then fitted it to the Tamiya M4 hull. Using the engine deck and rear hull plate as one unit also helped in setting the correct angle of the rear hull plate. The angle of the rear hull plate on the M4 was at 10 degrees where the angle on the M4A3 was at 22 degrees.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tuT_vrqZf1vsLZ5uMRPBc7BMULI3Z5bkVMqCE0atcNTLJVFCHTKr1s3MVgJPRZhhgoMfJL1eGM2iR0ti67jZdBEBN-MhVKy5BXaSw4gaS5jDRgHMhuNwpVMpMpJYt6znyPZ-OqlCGLS5/s1600/M4A3DS-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tuT_vrqZf1vsLZ5uMRPBc7BMULI3Z5bkVMqCE0atcNTLJVFCHTKr1s3MVgJPRZhhgoMfJL1eGM2iR0ti67jZdBEBN-MhVKy5BXaSw4gaS5jDRgHMhuNwpVMpMpJYt6znyPZ-OqlCGLS5/s640/M4A3DS-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPiqgaJIi4aCUo2CESLgRJXOB709GQ1ONGzLx32krYclRmGYr0ALQpgn8yshf2NcL5xFmnqoO6QSOUAcR2HK8ptukcczsCdd_JRYaZR7no0UXGgcMvXagNDDIrdDLEMPq-pG5jaD4Sp91/s1600/M4A3DS-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPiqgaJIi4aCUo2CESLgRJXOB709GQ1ONGzLx32krYclRmGYr0ALQpgn8yshf2NcL5xFmnqoO6QSOUAcR2HK8ptukcczsCdd_JRYaZR7no0UXGgcMvXagNDDIrdDLEMPq-pG5jaD4Sp91/s640/M4A3DS-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's it for this installment next up I'll tackle closing off the open sponsons, building up and detailing the lower rear hull and mating the upper hull to the lower hull.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!! Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-90658431451510109612013-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:002013-01-17T16:29:00.747-08:00The BoxApparently I was a good little boy as Santa (my loving wife that is) brought me a gift I never thought I could possibly get!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y45bUsv_O0lG382iJH__oURfIMOOBT9ASVUlrg88JyLjEE2mKxh_iDVe-aLwl1VIrRp1WNrYr4ZhODlmAlKKUo7XARuenMd2Mhtwpt0dLrEt9j30SjZZq3gWXtesmmSm4onqD-MqoV4j/s1600/Box03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y45bUsv_O0lG382iJH__oURfIMOOBT9ASVUlrg88JyLjEE2mKxh_iDVe-aLwl1VIrRp1WNrYr4ZhODlmAlKKUo7XARuenMd2Mhtwpt0dLrEt9j30SjZZq3gWXtesmmSm4onqD-MqoV4j/s640/Box03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Its called the "Work Box" and is available form the <a href="http://www.theoriginalscrapbox.com/" target="_blank">The Original Scrapbox</a>. This thing is beyond <span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><i><b>A</b></i></span><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>wesomeness</i></span><b><i><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">!!</span></i></b><br />
And closes up into a rather nice looking piece of furniture when needed...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTMWEOpgw-RKIdsmcE-ulYYUlBvGRoTspvtQ506Wuwy4bPPOylRZYeuzMDgSigbkQgG46xAkaWowbPjukYPimvRDNNHXQq4DaoYUm5KfBNwPHpCszYR6Zpyc1Jp0aCuyRwFl0_Hq682tU/s1600/Box01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTMWEOpgw-RKIdsmcE-ulYYUlBvGRoTspvtQ506Wuwy4bPPOylRZYeuzMDgSigbkQgG46xAkaWowbPjukYPimvRDNNHXQq4DaoYUm5KfBNwPHpCszYR6Zpyc1Jp0aCuyRwFl0_Hq682tU/s400/Box01.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
This is great if you don't have alot room but when opened up all the way still measures around 9 feet in length. Also you will have to put it together...but really if your a model builder then that's not really a problem, is it? It even comes with a CD that shows you the entire process and took me about six hours over two nights. The only thing I added that was not included was a LCD light just above the work area (not shown). Lastly this item is not cheap so that should be considered, but I'm totally beyond happy with this Work Box.<br />
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Below are some basic stats from the <a href="http://www.theoriginalscrapbox.com/" target="_blank">The Original Scrapbox</a> web page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50mF0odaK7fATjcKkdCRHhhOaBLE44z_QZw9JTj8oaSeUX91nRPXq-LQO2EgXljJPmc43MeFreL6POoE5tRAkBsMQKY3er67jFrhNNyTYEwv1wF9TWiAcV_sbq5tBU57Ca2gMcJhvslal/s1600/Box02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50mF0odaK7fATjcKkdCRHhhOaBLE44z_QZw9JTj8oaSeUX91nRPXq-LQO2EgXljJPmc43MeFreL6POoE5tRAkBsMQKY3er67jFrhNNyTYEwv1wF9TWiAcV_sbq5tBU57Ca2gMcJhvslal/s640/Box02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Full Dimensions:</span></div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Closed - 36" W x 31" D x 72" H</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Opened - 108" W x 18" D x 72" H</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Table Top - 36" W x 24" D</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Included Canvas Tote Sizes:</span></div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(3) 6" width x 12" length x 12" high</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(16) 12.25" width x 12.25" length x 3" high</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(10) 12.25" width x 12.25" length x 5.5" high</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(30) 3" width x 12" length x 3" high</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(22) 5.5" width x 12" length x 4.5" high</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Total: 81</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Included Clear Zipper Pouch Sizes:</span></div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(2) 13" x 13" Large</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(6) 13" x 6" Medium</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
(12) 6" x 6" Small</div>
<div style="color: #1e1e1e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Total: 20</div>
Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-4731881282530488952012-10-11T17:32:00.000-07:002012-10-11T17:32:38.936-07:00A Long Time Coming and a Long Time Over Due! I have finished the ol BattleWagon. A little over 2 years in the making this project took a bit longer then originally planed. But I would not change anything as I'm satisfied with the finial results. Below are a few pictures of the ol BattleWagon. A full set of in progress and completed photographs can be seen by clicking on the BattleWagon tab above.<br />
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Thank you and I hoped you enjoyed following along. Now to finish up the M20A1!Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-69384688355620546832012-05-16T17:59:00.001-07:002012-05-16T17:59:21.597-07:00More M20(A1) 81mm Mortar Carrier (ETO)Just a quick little update on my M20 build. As you can see I finished up the major construction and put a few sandbags around the fighting compartment. I'll be warping up the small details and working up some crew kit to throw on the back to give it that will lived in effect. Soon it will be on to the painting and weathering and I'm really looking forward to that....Lots of AK and MiG in my future! <br />
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Be sure to follow the M20(A1) Photo essay tad at the top of the page for more photographs.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and as always comments are welcome.Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-78968901415414991972012-04-29T13:00:00.000-07:002012-04-29T13:13:06.985-07:00M20(A1) 81mm Mortar Carrier (ETO)<br />
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I’ve been busy over the past month working on this little
project for the <a href="http://www.scalemodeladdict.com/index.php/board,107.0.html" target="_blank">Big Spring Contest</a> over on <a href="http://www.scalemodeladdict.com/index.php" target="_blank">Scale Model Addict.</a> This is a “what if” build placing an 81mm mortar
into an American M20 armored car by Tamiya. Additionally the M20 will be towing a
liberated German Sd.Ah.52 37mm Flack Ammunition Trailer from Bronco models accompanied
by an Alpine figure. Originally these would be place on scenic base from Mini-Art but given the compressed build
time of just 90 days I’m not sure this will accomplished. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of the work thus far has gone into the interior of the
M20 converting it to house the Mortar and ammunition for it. The Tamiya kit is
rather nice and only minor work is needed to improve the exterior. Evergreen styrene tubing is the major component
used for the scratch building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be
sure to follow the M20(A1)Photo essay tab at the top of the page for more
photographs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thanks for stopping and as always comments are welcome. </span></div>
Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-75147322174386926922012-03-29T11:42:00.000-07:002012-03-29T16:03:10.834-07:00Little Sure Shot Part-1<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For this project I'll
be tackling the AFV Club M5A1 Late. This project
was originally conceived as part of an online model build. While I
will try to finish this within the allotted time my track record is...shall we say "Not the Best" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I always like the boxy little look of the Stuart
family of fighting Bang Boxes. But with its more refined lines and sloping
armor the M5s looked more interesting to me.
I knew I wanted to model a late version with the two prominent features;
the Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun shield located on the right side of the turret
and the large stowage ben situated on the rear plate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After pouring over my reference material I
came across two photos of M5s that I really liked. While accuracy is important
I’m not a slave to it and what I wanted was to build an overall representation
of an M5 in the European Theater of Operations as it would appear in the field.
So I decided to combine the two photos
into one model. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first photo is from the well-known book by
Squadron, Stuart in action.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This picture captures so much of what I
wanted for the look of an M5 operating in the field. I mean this just screams “BUILD ME!!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before I get to building I like to sit down
at the computer and preform a little photo analysis. I picking out the features
that I want to include during the build and identify any mystery items. The blow picture shows kind of how I do that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As you can see since this is from the front I’ll
use other suitable photo reference for the remaining parts of this little gal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The next photo is taken out of Concord’s U.S.
Light Tanks at War,...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> ....And the p</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">hoto analysis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Two other photos that inspired me are of an
M5 restored and dressed up in Marine Corps colors. Not exactly ETO but you can
see why I like these. Unfortunately I
pulled these outstanding photos from a web site quit a long time ago and I don’t
have any information on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Next up are some more inspirational pictures
that I have collected over the years from various sources but mostly from web
sites. The focus of these is stowage, I love me some stowage, and how it is
placed on the respective vehicles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoR4LXFgXNzVxTw7bEfyPh9JII38EZ0gzgV9MgD1JnZBeEJhOaNjtf_kdzsOEjPEuMed8_z2hY1rgTKzCzPHD16L9sWytsYfKPHs2ePzAQfHfq7TlzgRMEu-BUaUAOAEWSqAgHt-tLxvE/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoR4LXFgXNzVxTw7bEfyPh9JII38EZ0gzgV9MgD1JnZBeEJhOaNjtf_kdzsOEjPEuMed8_z2hY1rgTKzCzPHD16L9sWytsYfKPHs2ePzAQfHfq7TlzgRMEu-BUaUAOAEWSqAgHt-tLxvE/s640/004.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rDGWOJX2nfUn9SiPqtKgHlIKbY4TuXcqMu78FVcBUjnl7V9JutJ6M0a4DC3H96Dfzna2nuP7tY4ysRKSybI1b_eGiQ9OLawEd_gwGU9sau2A8VQLYTrlYyCfhujT-we_plGmZimNnEkz/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rDGWOJX2nfUn9SiPqtKgHlIKbY4TuXcqMu78FVcBUjnl7V9JutJ6M0a4DC3H96Dfzna2nuP7tY4ysRKSybI1b_eGiQ9OLawEd_gwGU9sau2A8VQLYTrlYyCfhujT-we_plGmZimNnEkz/s640/003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoAfFU_kbeBePcDz3iaHr8u4hpagXSz3r368m3dU5QaCDiIa8bH1iELnQWNTisOl4vhfb0DKBl4-rwnKYrwOxPBW_zR8u6pdj-rVNgSllsDGKykg-ew2rYNAog-nPUErkWKJ1nGOO1iUE/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoAfFU_kbeBePcDz3iaHr8u4hpagXSz3r368m3dU5QaCDiIa8bH1iELnQWNTisOl4vhfb0DKBl4-rwnKYrwOxPBW_zR8u6pdj-rVNgSllsDGKykg-ew2rYNAog-nPUErkWKJ1nGOO1iUE/s640/005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBolFaPSCc0Gawuozh3I2BpOdoiyzzzAK6hPa7rt94cXP2hina-MEQ-uYFF_4HS7bAKbFc3hl1aniXi2g1_etQjv6uER0LgHpTVKtHaeNAr2DlG0S1exlAy2Phd9UB5ZizuNa6ihQMoRVp/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBolFaPSCc0Gawuozh3I2BpOdoiyzzzAK6hPa7rt94cXP2hina-MEQ-uYFF_4HS7bAKbFc3hl1aniXi2g1_etQjv6uER0LgHpTVKtHaeNAr2DlG0S1exlAy2Phd9UB5ZizuNa6ihQMoRVp/s640/006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
basis for this build is the AFV Club M5A1 Stuart Late Type, AFV35161, in 1/35 Scale. This
kit contained all the features noted above that I was looking for and is really
the only serious choice as the Tamiya M5 would be more work then I was looking for. PMMS
has a nice review of <a href="http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/afvclub/afv35161.html">AFV's M5A1 Late</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V4ks-z-rjOeFurD5mAO2V2IcuBjA-VbMqOEWH693liT232CUUETtXjntXRediOolohMgYGAeUD-trHy0F3kA_ZF8j0bGReTv5077nr4szPcbZh-W876PAoFaloQvKcUuxl1eqIADjEU4/s1600/M5-P1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V4ks-z-rjOeFurD5mAO2V2IcuBjA-VbMqOEWH693liT232CUUETtXjntXRediOolohMgYGAeUD-trHy0F3kA_ZF8j0bGReTv5077nr4szPcbZh-W876PAoFaloQvKcUuxl1eqIADjEU4/s640/M5-P1a.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The additions I planned to use for this build are
the AFV Club T16 Tracks (AF35019), Verlinden’s M5A1 Stuart Interior Update (VER
1562) and RB Models barrel replacements for the 37mm Gun and the .30 cals (35B24
and 35B82). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYU4kB-7x31vWgd06DNhJmMz-40pYTI4zKwizf88AtYiPB2Pw0XZlxwHwp1xoyvsKzr0SK23d0t9RlDNhIcXPJ2XU4WiYqcDdBJhIAJw3Zm7aepP0KCTTNbZXpH4J8wPocBBSuuLqcr7E/s1600/T16+Track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYU4kB-7x31vWgd06DNhJmMz-40pYTI4zKwizf88AtYiPB2Pw0XZlxwHwp1xoyvsKzr0SK23d0t9RlDNhIcXPJ2XU4WiYqcDdBJhIAJw3Zm7aepP0KCTTNbZXpH4J8wPocBBSuuLqcr7E/s640/T16+Track.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6U5wUfwISWCnldKcXL_PFhQ7yci21qFopqPNqxm-xNsF75IqtJUgEklzuN72W2NXMkyRzyZvEtAGjhhwDKdjNOxogNcMihYT-JzUJ8nk9NjMdvYxNaqzd3xph9YhJHRM8V7IU1a-od4E/s1600/M5-P1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6U5wUfwISWCnldKcXL_PFhQ7yci21qFopqPNqxm-xNsF75IqtJUgEklzuN72W2NXMkyRzyZvEtAGjhhwDKdjNOxogNcMihYT-JzUJ8nk9NjMdvYxNaqzd3xph9YhJHRM8V7IU1a-od4E/s640/M5-P1b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCw38kqVm8J8qEu-KPjqZJErhS8VQ03ACJ-WLasFEvqAXV09fCFiWWlvfjk2A4Xy6o3W4WJJTanUYcDyhHZ7liIJmFeNwQ0PPqLILgRKUk9nRDRk_LrldORuthNWzxEa8ePUlHVFaq0jx/s1600/M5-P1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCw38kqVm8J8qEu-KPjqZJErhS8VQ03ACJ-WLasFEvqAXV09fCFiWWlvfjk2A4Xy6o3W4WJJTanUYcDyhHZ7liIJmFeNwQ0PPqLILgRKUk9nRDRk_LrldORuthNWzxEa8ePUlHVFaq0jx/s640/M5-P1c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While the Verlinden Interior Update is not
really made for this kit I figured it would be a good place to obtain complex
shapes such as the transmission housing and the turret floor. Based on the
level of detail I wished to achieve I would assess the other Verlinden parts to
see if I would use them or scratch build new ones. However some care will be needed when using
this set to ensure parts are placed in the correct areas and that the Verlinden
items are the correct size. Either way using some or all of the Verlinden parts will
help save a little bit of time and sanity. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">RB Models make some excellent barrel
replacements and are reasonably priced but are hard to come by here in the
States.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was able to locate a supply
from our </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Canadian </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">neighbors to the north </span><a href="http://www.thebarrelstore.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Barrel Store</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…Thanks guys!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Construction of the Lower Hull, Suspension and
the T16 Tracks </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
lower hull is a multi-part affeir, not the old style tub set-up. Once the parts where removed and clean you
attach the sides. The first thing you’ll
notice is that AFV kits are NOT Tasca kits so the fit is not as good. That’s not to say it is terrible, just a
little patients will be needed. Several
years ago I picked up a couple of right-angle clamps from a company here in the
states called <a href="http://www.micromark.com/">Micro-Mark</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These
clamps come in two sizes,<a href="http://www.micromark.com/original-right-clamp,8318.html">Original 'Right Clamp'</a>and <a href="http://www.micromark.com/long-right-clamp,8428.html">Long 'Right Clamp'</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I used the clamps to assist in making sure the hull sizes went on
correctly. Once the hull side where attached I then built up the rear of the
lower hull as per the instructions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GA2Cbxz5i3LVTiff3TmBXEGsrpQBckXfrpq41owK2zYHW3YpS49eKPObXbp3PpKjIqKtJPnjef4dySy2AsQfPqlAnEDTQF2FSAnz5yl8g7yAqLBYppkGJ6flx2fm1ZlRknpJ94SCfJnQ/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GA2Cbxz5i3LVTiff3TmBXEGsrpQBckXfrpq41owK2zYHW3YpS49eKPObXbp3PpKjIqKtJPnjef4dySy2AsQfPqlAnEDTQF2FSAnz5yl8g7yAqLBYppkGJ6flx2fm1ZlRknpJ94SCfJnQ/s640/007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2ensghO1bDzc-vvtp3Kg1tWC_4BjLlZUnBTYBotn-ovKbMR1uzrM6G7hl2oK1KiVQ8pNUQZsaKoKp5RIitn12hN8l7BoT9BHRnlW8KiV64HN_z0hCHtRku5WaoG3q9B4an72p7hIT3gD/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2ensghO1bDzc-vvtp3Kg1tWC_4BjLlZUnBTYBotn-ovKbMR1uzrM6G7hl2oK1KiVQ8pNUQZsaKoKp5RIitn12hN8l7BoT9BHRnlW8KiV64HN_z0hCHtRku5WaoG3q9B4an72p7hIT3gD/s640/008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUELOCEWR5i0cv5TLYMD0IyaSC3krMt_KEGe-OA6l_6EkREA7IEknGKFzPoO-v2-T36csTAwELgxqaSeGuw90zlaeIgqL_E4r9mE1N79VxsgsqDkZ7LAiONySyjh4mpqJOtdiju-mVUke/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUELOCEWR5i0cv5TLYMD0IyaSC3krMt_KEGe-OA6l_6EkREA7IEknGKFzPoO-v2-T36csTAwELgxqaSeGuw90zlaeIgqL_E4r9mE1N79VxsgsqDkZ7LAiONySyjh4mpqJOtdiju-mVUke/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The suspension was also build according to
the instructions. Only some minor bolt head details were add to the road
wheels. On the right side I used the early pattern idler wheel and an open
spoke road wheel with the opening on both plated over.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The idea here is to display them as field repair
replacements using early parts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YDB-RuwDJjS0fjDY8QZ21XqGbJT5t8nWqqq16Y_uo8b-7WBJLO4bUAsKsz1ediIxQNr9KBKL8vusNo1-zmWvFEDl2kkFd2PvqBDqlG67NOBema9Lsfa5DeYIgfAt6rPl28-hpi0m-5LV/s1600/M5-0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YDB-RuwDJjS0fjDY8QZ21XqGbJT5t8nWqqq16Y_uo8b-7WBJLO4bUAsKsz1ediIxQNr9KBKL8vusNo1-zmWvFEDl2kkFd2PvqBDqlG67NOBema9Lsfa5DeYIgfAt6rPl28-hpi0m-5LV/s640/M5-0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The AFV T16 tracks are nicely detailed and go
together rather easily despite their rather small size. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To help the process and making sure the tracks
stay somewhat straight I built a simple jig. I was fortunate to locate some
pre-cut bass wood that was the same width as the track pad allowing the end
connectors to be fitted. I work in groups of three track links and then made up
the track runs as needed. Once the tracks were fitted the extended end
connectors (EEC) (duckbills) are attached. According to the reference photos
being used for this build the EEC were attach to every-other end connector. This
adds a great little detail to the overall model.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One last detail item that was added was the
texturing of the track faces to show some ware-n-tear. This was done using a
dermal tool with a cutting bit. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With the
tracks installed that wraps up the major construction for the lower hull, only
a few odds-n-end remained.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is sneak peek of the next phase of this
build…The interior!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wQ4xN3q3oTxB4fZC0UoxalkabMeVvDGntcSBc_DA48mGdtx3H0dMx6cMLBJQeSkAG4SENl9hDFTDornyueesVW-xavaJt1GrL_kACbv8ChXwlaIw8y_b2MkyqbEF0n-kHMnW0WWNJn7J/s1600/M5-0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wQ4xN3q3oTxB4fZC0UoxalkabMeVvDGntcSBc_DA48mGdtx3H0dMx6cMLBJQeSkAG4SENl9hDFTDornyueesVW-xavaJt1GrL_kACbv8ChXwlaIw8y_b2MkyqbEF0n-kHMnW0WWNJn7J/s640/M5-0096.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be sure to checkout more photos of this build under the "Little Sure Shot" tab at the top of this page.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed
your stay. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Please feel free to leave any
comments and or questions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-61104981269552853252012-03-14T17:49:00.001-07:002012-03-14T17:49:29.162-07:00Restart...Yep it has been way to long. I've been a bit side tracked with home and at work thingys but mostly just dragging my feet trying to figure out how and what I wanted to post here. The bottom-line is I think I got it worked out and ready to restart.<br />
<br />
But before I get to rolling here I wanted give you all a little peek into where I do my building and painting of the Allied Armor...and other "stuff" you'll see here.<br />
<br />
I actually have separate work areas, a building area and a painting area. As I like spending time with my wife I fixed up an old computer armoire she was no longer using and put it next to our TV. This way she can read, watch TV, even take a nap while I work on my latest project. It may look a bit cramped but it really works out nicely.<br />
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Here it is all closed up for when we have guests over, or something like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPlQApW7c4Lh_BLBQljs147YbL7viF3H332pG_nfKs7-PTBBMp7kjCca0smu5VnJEeATFeaK9NehSYAkgaLh1BLMOO-fQSXxXCpH69oEJT8VrOvZEKPL-iUx6CZfAt-LDQy1yFFf9VFch/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPlQApW7c4Lh_BLBQljs147YbL7viF3H332pG_nfKs7-PTBBMp7kjCca0smu5VnJEeATFeaK9NehSYAkgaLh1BLMOO-fQSXxXCpH69oEJT8VrOvZEKPL-iUx6CZfAt-LDQy1yFFf9VFch/s640/003.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">...And here it is as it normally looks most of the time...in use</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob_QNsdk9kB0tMMsdRhj9cyB_Qc-ucU832n8_2i_SgkkP8fmMj8IO6SkDrLKbBGSyAdOJI_uoV2HPMfTE9co2H3654M3NEkNvG5_knJCQK18BNWQM5lVawirmOF-dLon3FoErf23a1FjG/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjob_QNsdk9kB0tMMsdRhj9cyB_Qc-ucU832n8_2i_SgkkP8fmMj8IO6SkDrLKbBGSyAdOJI_uoV2HPMfTE9co2H3654M3NEkNvG5_knJCQK18BNWQM5lVawirmOF-dLon3FoErf23a1FjG/s640/009.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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The other area is located in my basement and of course that where all the smelly stuff happens, Also the "stash" is kept here. As you see I have two work areas here which is nice for keeping things separate while I work on different projects.<br />
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The airbrushing area with paint booth...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Nx0EjVxZN5RsuOUGhCQCwZCRQHhRRIZ-Bd1X63P8aYAelX02PVY4qAImczwbGEZzBpE-ZdytSFeJmfQpB9ccAIZZzh2irbnZy3n7rtMh7OfgBJXSAY3lOw2zZXZxyMTLcSt1l4XzHjHZ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Nx0EjVxZN5RsuOUGhCQCwZCRQHhRRIZ-Bd1X63P8aYAelX02PVY4qAImczwbGEZzBpE-ZdytSFeJmfQpB9ccAIZZzh2irbnZy3n7rtMh7OfgBJXSAY3lOw2zZXZxyMTLcSt1l4XzHjHZ/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...And other area for detail finishing, weathering and building up the bases for each model.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRIDGA4lrD4RgotDZ0JLdunuycL-al1s0RuevptijOuD-N96ekLRFQ-xVCvIDiM9kthFVMa5J_pIXblG7xHOLbfQWuYTuoes_hsY-r12ntrA-AD187T2jLI_TzOSfRpQpxPLEUvmA3IOz/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRIDGA4lrD4RgotDZ0JLdunuycL-al1s0RuevptijOuD-N96ekLRFQ-xVCvIDiM9kthFVMa5J_pIXblG7xHOLbfQWuYTuoes_hsY-r12ntrA-AD187T2jLI_TzOSfRpQpxPLEUvmA3IOz/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and finally the "stash"...not overly large but should keep me busy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yamfbrjezsxVeWkmwEEqUEkSwdQ3FEzElcOIKlj3Z1Ku5MB9RGTsG_HjL4P_XD-Kgrr2WJPw4Z2ZqVi3alDP82iHhp08v3bCxunV7qV1oQ3xKzCTMotAad7Mp3z5Sa-HEBfEhvlGLNNn/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yamfbrjezsxVeWkmwEEqUEkSwdQ3FEzElcOIKlj3Z1Ku5MB9RGTsG_HjL4P_XD-Kgrr2WJPw4Z2ZqVi3alDP82iHhp08v3bCxunV7qV1oQ3xKzCTMotAad7Mp3z5Sa-HEBfEhvlGLNNn/s640/020.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Ok that's it for now but check back soon....no really!!....I promise I'm already working on my next post.</div>
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See you then! </div>
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<br />Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-56251016330936864062011-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:002012-01-01T09:33:58.271-08:00Panavise Review and Use<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> One of the primary tools that I use is a Panavise. This highly adaptive tool performs it
intended function flawlessly. The size
and ease of operation, its quality and high level of accuracy plus wide range
of accessories allows the user to configure the vice to their specific needs
making this an excellent choice for any model builder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I use my Panavice to hold the primary sub-assemblies (hull,
turret, etc), allowing me to utilize both hands as required, especially when
attaching small parts. Additionally the
vice is utilized during the painting and fishing process as well. Since the vice is designed to rotate through nearly
360 degrees of multiple axis allowing you to position your model in almost any
angle that is needed. When mounted onto
the five pound (2.3kg) base you are assured that your model will not move on
you while working on it but is not permanently mounting it to your work surface,
allowing you set it aside when not in use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Panavice offers a
wide range of sub-assemblies thus allowing you to build your vice in any
configuration that best suitable for your building and finishing style.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The vice is comprised of two required
components; the head and the base.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Optionally you can also use a base mount, which I did. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">For my configuration I chose the follow items
to make-up my vice</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=24" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Model: 203 PV Jr. Head</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=12" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Model: 305 Low-Profile Base</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and finally the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> <a href="http://www.panavise.com/index.html?pageID=1&page=full&--eqskudatarq=13">Model: 308 Weighted Base Mount</a>.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Vice come in three boxes and goes together quite easily
and in a matter of minutes.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cws1T0veFGYoV5fKsjo8GkjIyekyjZSkt0JZsuW7gJn_qotarZNVz2krY6a4VaiEaVxQtBeJRBFgOAFplH8euDpKLt7pEJiri9sip2Isqi-0Q7VKjKBm23QxaclxQ8sA6b6yLHQuCk9Z/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cws1T0veFGYoV5fKsjo8GkjIyekyjZSkt0JZsuW7gJn_qotarZNVz2krY6a4VaiEaVxQtBeJRBFgOAFplH8euDpKLt7pEJiri9sip2Isqi-0Q7VKjKBm23QxaclxQ8sA6b6yLHQuCk9Z/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The photographs below give the general dimensions of the
vice in its full extended and lowered positions. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdPtqIekt39wPJajFAjflCYZRj9EX-iRgQw1yHPHsdS1kmfkl-2_xteCCBIoI1SBwjXs994PsXLZHSJCosQuhKUjwES12A6EP_Qod7qUl3n8BPck6AiAQS2fqLqAjIMElRsAXm8ywl-_6/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdPtqIekt39wPJajFAjflCYZRj9EX-iRgQw1yHPHsdS1kmfkl-2_xteCCBIoI1SBwjXs994PsXLZHSJCosQuhKUjwES12A6EP_Qod7qUl3n8BPck6AiAQS2fqLqAjIMElRsAXm8ywl-_6/s640/003.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynEsX4yotYOyn_VF3I_iwuumq7nAlWIx3xhEWDIw0S8o9zbmZtfgUCym1jLAoqRVs3LDSxOf2zi4MmBpI57atsFG4YFmm6viyJ3EEFYSJU9bJGdRMjXCHlf0SdzvWYLiRnGiRPsKOYhQ0/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynEsX4yotYOyn_VF3I_iwuumq7nAlWIx3xhEWDIw0S8o9zbmZtfgUCym1jLAoqRVs3LDSxOf2zi4MmBpI57atsFG4YFmm6viyJ3EEFYSJU9bJGdRMjXCHlf0SdzvWYLiRnGiRPsKOYhQ0/s640/004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After
a short time of using the vice I discovered that if I wished to hold a turret
from the inside by the turret ring the jaws of the vice would need to be
modified a little.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfrirKsnQJ3M5D_qDlxrjGw8bjMHjIu-az3RrnKzP-9Zi9p5iwkgTw65JaZj1EZWU3T38d6-PHPr6giEupOlK-6Au9JajVlxpbcLK7UMAfS08osk6p9pbTJgSbyqSsys1-oBihCVRwG_l/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfrirKsnQJ3M5D_qDlxrjGw8bjMHjIu-az3RrnKzP-9Zi9p5iwkgTw65JaZj1EZWU3T38d6-PHPr6giEupOlK-6Au9JajVlxpbcLK7UMAfS08osk6p9pbTJgSbyqSsys1-oBihCVRwG_l/s640/005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next few photos show how I use the vice to hold the
major assemblies of the lower hull and turret. For the lower hull using the
modified jaws allows you to utilize an inside grip and the groves allow for an outside
grip. And once more the turret held from
the inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b><u>WARNING</u></b></span>: When using this method apply only the enough
pressure to hold the item.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN AS THIS WILL DEFORM AND/OR WARP
THE PLASTIC PART</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrbapdwE25sEOoui7hjGDUJZfSnkuBGIqPbGa3ofL4TaohuOJeGSxfQ3u2UalkqBLnEo9UIlBdYQVNQYZHomLq19m8qchnbKu2OTjYWvS_NLkCPOPAVFU1ezZvx4k1dcpMHBgzNO9SiXV/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrbapdwE25sEOoui7hjGDUJZfSnkuBGIqPbGa3ofL4TaohuOJeGSxfQ3u2UalkqBLnEo9UIlBdYQVNQYZHomLq19m8qchnbKu2OTjYWvS_NLkCPOPAVFU1ezZvx4k1dcpMHBgzNO9SiXV/s640/008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_YlSmuu1rgk1fDmGAlCv-2NwPjcgovzXWDTiUIjDvgag_rsssYf3GuAf5P3wa7bFXOYjeMjFra2rn4qXXGpTL9xz5RFy_Htnv_D_bloN_Zy2pJTUTPjMaaoNVYSRk_J80reuwGkEGFZa/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_YlSmuu1rgk1fDmGAlCv-2NwPjcgovzXWDTiUIjDvgag_rsssYf3GuAf5P3wa7bFXOYjeMjFra2rn4qXXGpTL9xz5RFy_Htnv_D_bloN_Zy2pJTUTPjMaaoNVYSRk_J80reuwGkEGFZa/s640/009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5mUWUu60JrFOWoVfljEKfJTML0clkcUAsp7IufWJPhYf-O1jpOlKLoCy0Whd1m1-zZxijqvqsJjC9phMXFlW_GRL5lCi2ydR1i5_5Z8lOdl8XFpreuQcnxrwQOc7D-L9qYSX1Ss9jxut/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5mUWUu60JrFOWoVfljEKfJTML0clkcUAsp7IufWJPhYf-O1jpOlKLoCy0Whd1m1-zZxijqvqsJjC9phMXFlW_GRL5lCi2ydR1i5_5Z8lOdl8XFpreuQcnxrwQOc7D-L9qYSX1Ss9jxut/s640/010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>WARNING:</u> </b><b style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN AS THIS WILL DEFORM AND/OR WARP THE PLASTIC PART</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a previous build I used a plastic cylinder fitted with
shims to attach to the bottom of the turret.
I then placed the cylinder into the vice and tightened just enough to
firmly hold it. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBpL2Q7LiqWX9F-liQncxvHX2VhL5lS28iVVh4XBn9KQ49KZ6AZyeNc0fonXrOdi0RuskXBjGLLCY_IiDI9Bqqh2DWxwzNEqGIpRa3zMtL2lS_W5oI4ppvuOyJwu2DCs6o7281FpKQnv4/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBpL2Q7LiqWX9F-liQncxvHX2VhL5lS28iVVh4XBn9KQ49KZ6AZyeNc0fonXrOdi0RuskXBjGLLCY_IiDI9Bqqh2DWxwzNEqGIpRa3zMtL2lS_W5oI4ppvuOyJwu2DCs6o7281FpKQnv4/s640/016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My preferred method of holding the model in the vice is to
attach the lower hull to a block of wood. This prevents any possible deformation/warping
of the parts. However there are some draw backs. A hole is drilled through the bottom of the
hull so that an attachment screw can be used to fix the build to the block. And
if you are planning to do an interior with complicates the building process. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following photos show how I use this block method.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBmaxFiLQ7LI6333618_TFTtthYVQ4P2F7VnF-vS5UYZwejYwQEHKa_4q1gGm67CiHoHDUek41RR-fi_u4rCzaHPToIADcZgfOmgHRTrwAgatouXcJrUY4uCtSNc5gV8DvEbVsBWiufLf/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBmaxFiLQ7LI6333618_TFTtthYVQ4P2F7VnF-vS5UYZwejYwQEHKa_4q1gGm67CiHoHDUek41RR-fi_u4rCzaHPToIADcZgfOmgHRTrwAgatouXcJrUY4uCtSNc5gV8DvEbVsBWiufLf/s640/006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSDMJ7-X3-SRkCNxFFbRy8s8386qQjthGrbXFOGlyIwuNwnJ8zvqXsulmovoqeOg86z_vuMWvQ7uSbpU-mH8GBMMzmZNKsO4Vg-FCjqGAEehtp3xn0EfA7C-1SpTdR3ema1GEFJT37QIh/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSDMJ7-X3-SRkCNxFFbRy8s8386qQjthGrbXFOGlyIwuNwnJ8zvqXsulmovoqeOg86z_vuMWvQ7uSbpU-mH8GBMMzmZNKsO4Vg-FCjqGAEehtp3xn0EfA7C-1SpTdR3ema1GEFJT37QIh/s640/007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvpbrkzhVwkzVzG4g1wbnP464_8ga1Qae8YDDUgwrl4KMVy9ZAtWV4IDL9FWvHPA9aYz5lnwmCRUR2h_9zmtudNuKNOAXbRAcG2Dr8MnY7GZncbhoahsquQYyz3GAYeWfb4U9dOq55kIS/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvpbrkzhVwkzVzG4g1wbnP464_8ga1Qae8YDDUgwrl4KMVy9ZAtWV4IDL9FWvHPA9aYz5lnwmCRUR2h_9zmtudNuKNOAXbRAcG2Dr8MnY7GZncbhoahsquQYyz3GAYeWfb4U9dOq55kIS/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgkzM8QdH_QL-70kWQk1hXDexEK-LZ2SahgNhPtsBwWeulO8FhCZerycKLCvomNlo30fjBKwnxhHDmB2gHRdMvpmCZbhlG6jn0OF1nzHI_-kHKzfEGUaJfIXhn9ROI9ZEx4ETanoVzNqq/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgkzM8QdH_QL-70kWQk1hXDexEK-LZ2SahgNhPtsBwWeulO8FhCZerycKLCvomNlo30fjBKwnxhHDmB2gHRdMvpmCZbhlG6jn0OF1nzHI_-kHKzfEGUaJfIXhn9ROI9ZEx4ETanoVzNqq/s640/012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hope is that you have found this informative and has
provided ideas on the use of a vice in your own model building. There are many other types of vices and brands
that can be used besides the Panavice and I suggest that they should also be
considered as possible options. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These last photos show the vice in use. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFoXgU6UlKPEl-IbkfcsqvF8A3bAxKu9p_4euPqWRfGj7hC5d0Jz4xK4f6e_m9LT4Eezv6x0pJ_4riCz_lRsJsCmNI4XB4ps-ZdMLbO2pc_E-whD1udZOlTVFrgiOIEfpSrTWZhqZ0jM7/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFoXgU6UlKPEl-IbkfcsqvF8A3bAxKu9p_4euPqWRfGj7hC5d0Jz4xK4f6e_m9LT4Eezv6x0pJ_4riCz_lRsJsCmNI4XB4ps-ZdMLbO2pc_E-whD1udZOlTVFrgiOIEfpSrTWZhqZ0jM7/s640/013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRZrtL_CuR-gWIwvETPWxBEgL5ZeQsqTOVo3TGEoqNuPKWTjAnNQE1vdtpTfG6Ik2L0MEQRxjDUAWtD_gl8pIdeWtbEZ5kcOIHJmmpI2r8yqn1XLN2oBfu5J7tXEb2XvPdgEAzDAWtOcP/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRZrtL_CuR-gWIwvETPWxBEgL5ZeQsqTOVo3TGEoqNuPKWTjAnNQE1vdtpTfG6Ik2L0MEQRxjDUAWtD_gl8pIdeWtbEZ5kcOIHJmmpI2r8yqn1XLN2oBfu5J7tXEb2XvPdgEAzDAWtOcP/s640/014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSGNcZJp2BWuzTbdKA0gwdjt9uw0R0OvrGBOJLhFMY4KU1beZPpOFNrDzpmXnAqhYiOs6m6B3yBiFLvtzrtBvvHbz3wI6I__qrejSnwcjfQqgQFxFij-xNcqjZHU0k0gR5sISdmwmNepF/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSGNcZJp2BWuzTbdKA0gwdjt9uw0R0OvrGBOJLhFMY4KU1beZPpOFNrDzpmXnAqhYiOs6m6B3yBiFLvtzrtBvvHbz3wI6I__qrejSnwcjfQqgQFxFij-xNcqjZHU0k0gR5sISdmwmNepF/s640/018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have any
comments and/or question please feel free to leave a comment</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy and Happy Modeling</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2869763716670403768.post-49677563495543527952011-12-12T17:02:00.000-08:002011-12-17T15:51:50.045-08:00The Beginning…First Post<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">For me the journey of plastic modeling started back on Christmas day 1980, I believe it was. My sister and husband, then boyfriend, presented me with my first 1/35</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">th</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"> scale plastic model. The Tamiya Tiger I, TM30611. But not only did they give just the model but also one of the early Squadron in action photo books, “Tiger I in Action” which I still own to this day. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaNcjQrYiHaS3jnMCqGGu2fYkf_myofm4UiZ3HKrvZaUdn1A0e6gXjuKNeWhjFaSX4ortp5SY6RaEOeXUxqnogGjplSg_03ZdXB_4cb73JPhE6LlVJK4YoZI_hqPvJGMvyLTNccKkrZ93/s1600/Tiger+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaNcjQrYiHaS3jnMCqGGu2fYkf_myofm4UiZ3HKrvZaUdn1A0e6gXjuKNeWhjFaSX4ortp5SY6RaEOeXUxqnogGjplSg_03ZdXB_4cb73JPhE6LlVJK4YoZI_hqPvJGMvyLTNccKkrZ93/s1600/Tiger+1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Iaq8rS1ePuCipN6QWqCCGWJwBpbisDgdjl84E47QtLZZMxQEjhekZ2x3SV1rOv6wGU3p-DYe3hKkZ6U00XQUO8Hp9v8SCGUSoZ1c5-ZL1XwrUWAUrP4uSZS6RYIZDaZOf2Ui_A2gG3em/s1600/TigerIn+Action.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Iaq8rS1ePuCipN6QWqCCGWJwBpbisDgdjl84E47QtLZZMxQEjhekZ2x3SV1rOv6wGU3p-DYe3hKkZ6U00XQUO8Hp9v8SCGUSoZ1c5-ZL1XwrUWAUrP4uSZS6RYIZDaZOf2Ui_A2gG3em/s1600/TigerIn+Action.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> I was bit by the bug, and there was no cure. Over the course of the next few years I continued to build and became a member of the local IPMS chapter and participated in several shows and contests. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYEPbtaht_WmLklUOCeaeS4t43bLYnSV1qw38c_2iXnVYbseXaHhDZIa6M-2omcjHl1ER8UpJ2aadQJou7P9v8KOIABBgKPxRbMFsYygdHoZp3mYlH5EnKwvhZZ00HT02UT0Ve9xZPWOG/s1600/MA2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYEPbtaht_WmLklUOCeaeS4t43bLYnSV1qw38c_2iXnVYbseXaHhDZIa6M-2omcjHl1ER8UpJ2aadQJou7P9v8KOIABBgKPxRbMFsYygdHoZp3mYlH5EnKwvhZZ00HT02UT0Ve9xZPWOG/s400/MA2b.jpg" width="302" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr-mi30XSrf_GD4noAWCN9jQ3WrK-LqH4ogCTUfqSFMdkYgxGet3nXR3dGvaKS8Gm-d02KWxoZfrlt4pNu3CMFWTS_RmU1Pt3BZZuuHQg6gHV-4Z765FcGmCk8E_70NV6RIjIxA78MnoN/s1600/MA1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr-mi30XSrf_GD4noAWCN9jQ3WrK-LqH4ogCTUfqSFMdkYgxGet3nXR3dGvaKS8Gm-d02KWxoZfrlt4pNu3CMFWTS_RmU1Pt3BZZuuHQg6gHV-4Z765FcGmCk8E_70NV6RIjIxA78MnoN/s400/MA1b.jpg" width="264" /></a><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">But like most young people, high school and “distractions” pulled my attention away from building models, but not totally away. I continued to buy the magazines and books and every once in a while would actually dabble in a little building. My love of the hobby ensured that I never totally left it. Even after high school I kept involved just a little so that I could keep up with what was happing with in the hobby. As it turned out I ended up committing twenty-one and half years to the U.S. Air Force. With the duty requirements, extensive deployments and meeting my loving wife it became increasingly hard to provide any time to the hobby, but I managed to when I could. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the closing years of my military career I made a conscious decision that once I retired I would reenter the hobby. I began to read everything I could find on the latest model building techniques and newest painting and finishing trends. It was during these last couple of years that I gravitated toward Allied Armor subjects, notably the gallant and often out classed M4 Sherman Medium Tank. And this is where I find myself today. With the advent of the internet I felt that it would be a good venue to share this experience with my fellow model builders and anyone who was interested. So join me in my little corner of modeling heaven, as it were, and share with me the joy that we find by gluing increasingly smaller, and fuzzier, bits of plastic together to form what we feel is a respectful representation of these ingenious machines and the noble men and women from the past, present and future, who employed them. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for stopping by and WELCOME to ALLIED AROMR a modelers blog. <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div>Eric Rainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14835018538256401708noreply@blogger.com2