Armortek

Yes, it looks that way to me also (same as Panther engine hatch hinges). I don't have any closeup photos of them on the Panther to be sure..... just plan drawings. Can anyone confirm this?
(if so, it would be more potential customers!)
Thanks

Here are some photos of how the Panther hinges looked like:





Pretty the same as on the PzIII and I would be interested in a set for my Panther for sure.

/Kent

Well if they are the same size that looks pretty close. Stephen, do you think that getting them reproduced (with you getting something for your excellent work) would be something that you would consider? ---- and is there anyone out there that would consider doing the production?

i'm sure dave (armorpax) could take this up when he gets the time looks like they are going to be a must have

Guys, I have to interject a thought/question here....

If Stephen was to agree to allowing copies (and I haven't seen Stephen say OK), how are we compensating him for his efforts?

I can easily understand how Dave Dibbs would get compensation...but not Stephen?

I too would love to have these hinges, but I think there has to be something in it for Stephen; there is a good amount of design and fabrication time and effort even in just one of those hinges....

....and it was his!

sorry if I affend anyone with this view.

colin fairweather wrote:i'm sure dave (armorpax) could take this up when he gets the time looks like they are going to be a must have

Hi Colin,

Time...................AAAAAAAAGHHHH, never enough

As to must have's? I already have a few sitting on the shelf here

The Panzer III split hatch and pistol ports are classic examples where we have sold very few sets. It can be very easy to see a demand for something after a host of posts asking for the same thing but the reality of orders often falls way short of the mark.

This does not stop me from doing a lot of these parts as this is also still my hobby and I may want them for my own models .

I do however have to balance what it will cost to produce against the reality of how many will sell at how much. Hopefully this will explain why I no longer rush to make every part asked for

Jim, very fair point and not one that anyone should take offence at, should Stephen decide to offer these for production and should I decide to do them I can confirm it is normal for me as the manufacturer to "compensate" the person offering me the parts for production.

Cheers

Dave

I understand Dave . Maybe with the 40 or 50 PZIII's in the second batch shipping when finished at Armrotek It might be a good idea to post a photo of all the PZIII parts you have in one photo all togerther . Plus if any owners have these parts on their models could they send in some photos to the forum I'm sure this will help sales !!! as we need Dave to keep on making these parts ..Dale

Thanks for your response Dave. I think I have all the Armorpax P3 parts to date, I understand about the need for us customers to put our money where our mouths are - so-to-speak

I am sort of awaiting your 75/L24 barrel kit as I stated to you before; I am interested in possible detail aspects of it - like the mantlet vision port covers and MG boss as well.

But, I figured I would let you alone for the moment as you seem to be going like gang-busters on that Quad-50 (I love it! - I just don't have US half-track to mount it in....something for down the road!).

Anyway, I promise to buy what I can; try not to annoy you too much; and encourage others in same

I'm talking to Dave about hinges.

By accident, I've discovered a technique for producing a cast metal surface. The effect below was achieved simply by applying a rotary wire brush in a dremel to the bare ally surface.



The schutzleiste or guardrail could do with being longer and a slightly different section.




Next project is the Fahrersehklappe 50 (drivers vision port). I aim to produce a working example if I can sort out in my head the compound angles and shapes.





Regards

Stephen

Amazing work Stephen .. Your hinges are the best !!!! well done .. If Dave does some ?? I'm in for a set.. I have just ordered panzer tracts 3-3 . is this where you got the plains from which you are using ??? ... Dale

Dale - thanks. Yes the Panzertracts 3-3 has plenty of plans. I've heard people being quite critical of the Jenz and Doyle plans which are said to have inaccuracies. I have to say, I haven't found any yet and I'm checking against photos or the real thing in Bovington. The Trojca book has some very good original German engineering drawings but they aren't as comprehensive as Panzertracts, although they do help understand the mechanisms, for example where the hinge points are on the hatches and covers.

All the best

Stephen

Thanks Stephen, I do hope you can work out a deal with Dave. They will enhance all of our models.

Perfect!

Well done Stephen!

regards
Tim

Hi Stephen
Wow you work fast !! I have just started to machine the
block up to make the vision port and you have nearly made yours
Is there any chance of a end on photo when to get
done to show the angles.

Thanks

Derek

This is the moving visor for the driver's vision port (Fahrersehkappe 50). Working out the angles from 2D drawings caused a few headscratching moments. It took a while to work out how to hold the work in the mill whislt tilting it in three planes. Shaping of the inside with the dremel took a while.
The inside isn't visible so finish isn't an issue.





This is what it looks like in position. The fixed portion is next - at least the shape is simpler.








Finally, for Derek, here are the angles end on.



Regards

Stephen