sdkfz 7 build log.

[simon_manning]

I have been working on the reversible seat , with help from Jeff geoff who has made this feature before, the only problem so far was making sure the cut's were as accurate as possible, i was informed that the seat reverses to allow a soldier as a look out and operate an MG 34 Anti Aircraft machine gun mounted on the rear of the halftrack, all for now, regards simon.

[Fabian Bekkers]

Hi Simon did you get my pm
Best regards Fabian

[Paul Wills]

Looking good Simon, I have been waiting to see what your solution the folding chair was.

Paul.

[simon_manning]

Progress so far, making the most of the time off, Thanks Paul for posting, Fabian i have sent you a P.M., I have been working on the driver's seat and rivet detail on the crew seats, and closing clasp's, lots of interesting little detail's, all for now simon.

[Fabian Bekkers]

Looks fabulous simon love the details

[simon_manning]

Thanks Fabian, This is a headlight lens comparison, one is glass and the other perspex, steve winstone supplied the glass ones from one of his pocher 1/8 scale mercedes car model kits, they are available from a supplier in the u.s. they are also domed in shape and the lens pattern looks good, being glass they give a nice bright appearance, a bit delicate on a running model but if you like a shelf queen a must have, all for now, regards simon.

[simon_manning]

I have started on the front grill, plenty of alteration's and detail to add, using the kit part. regards simon.

[simon_manning]

The grill alterations continue, both sides have to be slightly swept back, the front of the grill is not flat, the center bars also protrude, the top of the grill also has a visible profile and angled front, the kit part is thick enough to work with and hand file into shape, it takes some effort but is worthwhile as it is a prominent part, i have also nearly finished the" look out" rear folding seat, all for now regards simon.

[Jeffrey Goff]

Looking good Simon, a great mod on the front grill, that’s a first
Regards Jeff

[simon_manning]

Thanks jeff and for the help on the reverse look out seat, some more progress on the grill, i made a dummy radiator face for behind the slats on the grill attached to the speaker bracket, overlaying two types of mesh, it's only slightly visible but gives a more complete look, Radiator cap to make and a few small items to add, all the best regards simon.

[David Battson]

Simon,
Really superb build, going from strength to strength. The grille mods look great, adds a lot of character.
David

[Robert E Morey]

Simon,
The grille is really nice. I like the small ribs with rivet plates at bottom - really look the part. Nice mods for sure. The lamps are really excellent! Bob

[simon_manning]

Many thanks Robert and David, Last of the radiator details, raised the neck of the radiator cowling to accept the cap, the cap looks a little fat in this photo, might review this, not much progress otherwise, all for now, thanks for the nice input, regards simon.

[Chang]

Hi Simon,
I like your self-made Notek front light (on page 4) kit very much, and wonder if you have made any extra as after-market kits?
If yes, I would like to order one kit for my FAMO. There is no competitive one.

Notek-1.jpg (87.22 KiB) Viewed 2527 times

Notek-2.jpg (81.88 KiB) Viewed 2527 times

Keep up good work.

Regards,
Lerh Chang

[simon_manning]

Thanks Chang, i only built this light as a one -off, it would be good if one of the aftermarket supplier's could make an all hard metal working notek light, the same as steve winstones Bosch front headlamp, i am sure there would be a demand for it. i have only just started back on the 7, remade the electrical coupling on the rear towing panel, small but time consuming, all metal and works, regards simon.