Armortek

Wow Stephen great job on the fenders. They look like the real tank. Fantastic work on the tiny latches - beautiful. I'm enjoying following your progress. -Bob

Hi Stephen

I can only echo everyone's comments. Incredible work as always!

Kind regards
Tim

Tim

Thanks as ever for your interest and kind comments.

This week, it's the rear mudguards and supports. There is a lot of detail at the back to add to the kit to get it looking like this (the Bovington Ausf L, which has suffered some damage):



Firstly, the inner flanges are added to the kit mudguards using some 010" brass, including the small lip on which the mudguard rests in the lowered position:



Next the bracket which supports the mudguard, including the small bar which engages with the locking strut:




I've just done a rough fit before removing and priming and finally mounting the locking strut:




Regards

Stephen

Stephen,

That is really beautiful work.

Brian

In between trips overseas, I've finished the rear mudguards with their restraining hooks:



Then got started on the domed cover and tow hook on the rear hull panel. These were fitted from July 1941onwards with the intention of giving the Pz III the ability to tow a fuel trailer. What the crews thought about dragging around a potential fire bomb isn't recorded.

The dome gave me the opportunity to use a new radius turning tool from Proxxon:







Finished article. The M3 nuts are a temporary fix pending the arrival of Steve Winstone's castellated nuts:





Regards

Stephen

very nice! that radius tool is a good idea,superb build stephen,regards simon manning.

I've just received Steve Winstone's castellated nuts and tow rope brackets and I'm seriously happy with the quality. The castellated nuts transform the hull sides, I was really surprised at the difference they make. Here is a comparison of two of the return roller and shock absorber mountings:






And here, the rear fan belt cover and tow hook:



Thanks Steve

Regards

Stephen

Hi Stephen

OK, I better add some more to my already, large order with Steve.

Nice before and after comparison photos.

They really do add an instant "1:1 scale" look. They go perfect with all the other superb details you have done. Your fender retaining hooks are just perfect!!!

Keep the photos coming please.
Kind regards
Tim

another nice addition to the panzer build, makes the differance, regards simon manning.

Of course, it would be too easy just to replace the M3 nuts with Steve's castellated nuts.........

While the bump stops were off, I decided to make new ones to the correct size - they should be somewhat larger than the kit ones and positioned further away from the shocks than the kit location. So I made one off - and am now struggling with some out of date latex mould making material, in the hope of fabricating some resin ones. I can't face making three more on the mill.

Here is a comparison with the kit bump stops, which I'd already modified:





If they work, I'd be happy to let someone have the master with a view to casting some.

All the best.

Stephen

Stephen,

I would to do this for you.

You are one of the craftsmen.

It would consider it an honor to be of help.

I have sent a pm,

Brian

I, for one, would be interested in purchasing these castings should they be produced.

So would I.

David

Me Three

Adrian.

Chaps

I find myself embarassed with interest. Just before Brian's kind offer arrived, I'd had anoher from one of our great craftsmen. I've sent both gentlemen a pm.

I'll have a go at resin moulding this weekend for the practice and will get the master in the post.

Thanks for the interest, especially Brian.

Regards

Stephen