Ultimate Panther/Jagdpanther Build

[michael hilton]

Thank you for your reply Simon, I have been searching your Jagdpanther build, the brackets look ok.
I fitted the skirt top plate.....and then noticed that the top plate covers one of the fixing holes locating the upper hull to the lower hull, so the top plate will have to come off. Fitting the M3 fasteners was a nightmare with my shaky fingers. .....I had more nuts on the floor...... Thanks again.

[michael hilton]

I have made a start on the upper hull welds. I did try using 'Gripfill', with mixed results. I found the 'Gripfill' to be extremely sticky, so I have gone back to using the tried and trusted method.....P38 and fine filler.

[michael hilton]

This is my paint drying area, storage for 'part completed parts', crew rest room, and spare bedroom when visitors arrive. These machines take up lots of space.......

[phil fitzpatrick]

Ban the visitors Mick,unless they can help with starting off the 3mm nuts
It will start to look big when that lot goes onto the hull.
Cheers
Phil

[Nick Farrugia]

Hi MICK
looking good ,i was building in the spare room as well moved it down stairs for the fitting of the electrics and batteries keep the pics comming its looking impresive .
all the best ,,,,,,nick

[michael hilton]

Thanks for the replies, Phil and Nick......I am filling the bolt holes with P38 and fine surface filler.....then Milliput welds. You would need very skilled and a steady pair of hands to apply the Gripfill.....I know others have used this method with great success. Anyway, I gave it a try.
I know what you mean regarding the Jagdpanther size.....I just hope I can manoeuvre it out of the bedroom.....best wishes, Mick

[michael hilton]

Made a dry fit of the upper hull......the pannier/hull locating holes lined up nicely.....so I went ahead and fitted the fasteners. Working on covering the fasteners with P38.....all is well.

Just one hiccup....I lowered the Clarke table lift platform, as a precaution.....which proved to be just as well, as the tracks on the lower hull slid off the table lift.....metal on metal. That brief, heart stopping moment sent my blood pressure sky high......we live and learn

[simon_manning]

the build takes on a whole new dimension once the tracks and tops on, looking good michael, regards simon manning.

[phil fitzpatrick]

Welldone Mick,
Your Tanks looking nice.
Good job it didnt hit the floor,a lump would have come out on
the other side of the globe
Cheers
phil

[michael hilton]

Thanks for your replies, Simon and Phil, fortunately the underside of the hull held up on the edge of the 'table', it took quite an effort on my part to hawl it back onto the lift.
I thought, this afternoon that I would see if could exit the bedroom with the Jagdpanther on the Clarke lifting table......not a cat in hells chance.....far to big.
So, when it is time to vacate the spare bedroom I plan to load the tank upright onto a 'sack truck'. I used this method.....with success......when moving the hull into the garage ready to spray paint. I know there will be a considerable weight increase, I will also use my sons help at this time.

I have purchased a few 'upgrades' from Steve Winstone. other than that, it's an out of the box build. Very pleased with this top quality kit......Mick

[John Fitzsimons]

I fitted a sturdy board to the table top full width of the Tiger. Along length of the new table top under the tracks I fitted boards just the width of the tracks. This lets me easily slide the scissor jack under the hull.

[michael hilton]

Just completed a little more building on the Jagdpanther. I removed the upper hull as I needed to make the 'hull fitting' a little easier to manage. The upper hull had been very 'tight' onto the lower hull, so I took a file to the lower front Glacis plate. It now sits down smoothly onto the lower hull.
I also replaced one of the fixing lugs....which I managed to break off.....
While the upper hull was off, I have taken the oportunity to spray the internal fighting compartment. Then completed the upper hull welds, using white Milliput.....Mick

[michael hilton]

[michael hilton]

[phil fitzpatrick]

Nice work Mick,looking nice and neat
Good idea to make things fit easier,ready for later times if neccessary.
Cheers
Phil