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Thanks guys, I think a nice neat interior with the correct size of cable and every thing methodically laid out is very important, this build is off to Europe in October so I want this build to be A1 as it will carry my name as well as Armorteks.
The switch is to isolate the right hand track motor so that you can rev the engine with proportionate smoke effect while the Panther sits there motionless. It's really for me and my filming techniques and has not been specified by the owner, but can be removed easily, or converted to an rx switcher for remote operation if required ( whilst showing you could pull up and switch the motor off and produce sound and smoke to your hearts content if you wish).
I will use this function to record some gear changes for future video editing.
cheers Phil.

Smoker built installed and working. A tip; just watch the smoker element insulation against the brass heat tube, you may need to apply a little more insulation around the soldered joints just to make sure it's 100% covered, but no big deal.

That's all the internals now done, I am just waiting for some M5x60cap for the motor fixings as I don't think the M5x50cap are quite long enough, I shall cut to suit (belt and braces).

Then bolt the top deck down and apply the welds.

Then detail the quad and mount, paint and weather.

Top coat and tri colour camo to the whole vehicle and some mild weathering.

To finish, prove the running gear, sort any teething troubles, shoot some promotional video and Bobs your uncle she's all done!

Just one more addition to the set up, a battery charge state meter, essential for managing those batteries before a show (and whilst out and about), no more embarrassing breakdowns.
You soon get to know the run time that's available expressed as a % and the number of bars remaining, simple inexpensive and convenient, I use one of these on the Jaguar at events as I am constantly being asked to start the engine (you can't beat that 5ltr supercharged/V8 howl) well maybe you can with a 23ltr V12 Maybach

The finishing begins with the top coat, some initial shading and gentle weathering to the areas that are subjected to the elements and general wear from the crew, this process will take quite a while, the shading/dry brushing is built up and removed until it looks correct, washes are applied and the camouflage pattern all done over maybe two to three weeks. The customer does not want any heavy weathering so I will have to hold back a tad.

Made a start on the colour, contrast is the word that springs to mind

Some more pics, as I said I'm not keen on this type of camouflage but it has worked out just fine and will certainly stand out from the crowd.

Hi Phil,

Its looking really good, you have done a good job on the zim and camouflage. It is so different to everything else out there.

Paul.

looks interesting, a lot of effort to this stage, as paul said something different, regards simon manning.

Thanks for the kind words Paul and Simon, you guys know just how much work is involved and you both know how to give us something different to , with the Sturmtiger and that highly detailed Tiger 1, I love our little community, it keeps me focused , I can't wait to read the new posts , it's alway very entertaining regards Phil.

Progress, some subtle weathering and fitting of the guns.

A few more which I may edit further and post in real or fake.

Hello Phil, I follow your builds and weathering. Like Stephens 'Cent' they are in a class of their own and way beyond my efforts. I appreciate the fine detail and build quality. I entered the world of Armortek tanks rather late in life so, an out of the box build is the best I can manage. These kits make suburb models and I enjoy every moment in the workshop .....Mick

Thanks Mick, maybe we could have a thread relating to weathering techniques, I could learn a lot.
Your building is of a high standard, and I love to see what you are up to .
Iv'e not been in the workshop lately as im very busy with the extension and farming and car shows and horse shows and bike shows...... but now back fiddling around sheltering from the rain.
We must be bonkers but we all love it! Keep up the good work, kind regards Phil.

A few stills from a recent video shoot.The sound is awesome but you will have to wait to hear it until I have time to edit the video and upload to "magpiespyro"
The weathering is now complete and gives that fairly new but used look that I was after.

A couple more pics of the finished Flakpanther from the rear.