A34 COMET

[Paul Fairlamb]

Phil,

Absolutely outstanding!

One technical comment; the boxes, netting and sandbags on right mudguard rear are blocking an engine bay vent grill.

One suggestion; if you are looking for piano hinges, to be more realistic, for the mudguard front and main side boxes, look up http://www.jacksonsminiatures.com/ .

One complaint; whilst I don’t mind these builders of German armour adding a few rust streaks – it’s not very British!

Also, many thanks for an absolutely fascinating build log.

Below is a photo of mine as it nears completion, showing the long piano hinges.



Paul

[phil fitzpatrick]

Thanks Antony
The Cam Nets I used 1.5mm of something I found in a craft shop,
Its German looks like rope and the ladies use it in embroidery I
think.
I learnt the 2 knots for net making,but the mesh size was too
small for a proper net making needle,so I used what I think they
call a darning needle for woollen work.

For the scrim I used the same Knicker elastic as I used for my
webbing straps,but cut it in half down the lengths and painted
them 2 shades of green and one a dark kahki colour.
I couldnt find any think that looked like well worn Hessian and
nice and straggly looking.

I weathered some of it with a bit of very thin acrylic earth when
it was on the Tank to look like dust.
Cheers
Phil

[phil fitzpatrick]

Thanks Paul.
You are right I spent a lot of time making up my vent grills in a
frame and you dont get to see much at all.
I will check out that site for the hinges.
Cheers
Phil

[Paul Fairlamb]

Phil,

If you do decide to contact Jackson's Minatures you have to place the order by phone.

I bought the T19 size, which at 9.1/2" is just right for the side locker and one length does both mudguard sections. Ordered 16:00h Friday, arrived 09:30h the following morning!

Whilst the web page says that the 1/2" hinge can be obtained up to 72" long and without holes; the paperwork I received also stated that the 3/4" hinge was cut from longer lengths.

It is therefore well worth asking to see what you can get even if it is not on the web site.

Regards

Paul

[Phil Woollard]

Well Phil I think she's looking fantastic, the weathering is subtle and gives it depth, really well done she no longer looks like a model she now looks like the real thing, deffinitely the best Comet out there!

[robert michael hilton]

Hello Phil, a Comet to be very proud of....you have certainly invested time and effort into your build. I like the finishing touches, adds so much more interest. I hope to add a few more bits and pieces to my Comet over the Autumn/Winter months.

We have managed to attend a number of 'shows'. The Welshpool Show was a bit of a disaster, leaving early, due to illness.
Things are looking up now, so Onslow Park is next on the list, perhaps you may be able to get there.
It would be nice to see more Comet builds on the Forum...they must be out there....somewhere.

Keep building/posting Phil....regards Mick

[phil fitzpatrick]

Thanks a lot phil with all your help and guidence on a new skill for me.
I havent stopped adding tiny bits like you said and whaching I dont over do
it
Even when I look at my Comet I can see bits that I could have done
better and especially detail bits that I have missed for exsample wiring
the bolts on the lower MG mantlet.
But this is what comes of admiring Stephens fantastic Panzer build,what
perfect inspiration is that
Time to get my crew in for a photo session and lots more photo's to take
outside eventually.
Cheers
Phil

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Mick
Thanks very much
I have had a lot of pleasure taking my time with my Comet build and
using it to learn more modeling skills and still enjoying every minute of it,
including reading and learning about it.
Where and when is your Onslow show,I will see if I can surprise you
Cheers
Phil

[Dennis Jones]

Phil,

Looking good but all you need now is some real mud and dust !!

Dennis.

[Phil Woollard]

Get that tank down the bl--dy wash down! Looks good dude

[John Wiggins]

Hi Phil
Excellent work!
Now you need to add to the line up?



Regards
John

[phil fitzpatrick]

Thanks Dennis.
I agree your Comet looks well at home at Bovington and I've
followed all your Pic's from it.
Love the Mud and dust.
I will be using tha natural elements to add to my Tracks and
road wheels etc,and have loads more fun doing that.

You are right John an impresive line up and Dennis's Comet looks
a bit out numbered
Cheers
Phil

[robert michael hilton]

Hello Phil, just a question before I commence my smoker upgrade.
My original smoker/heating/fan unit will not work. So I decided to change the whole unit for the new smoker upgrade.

Is the heating element and fan protected by a fuse?

I was testing the heating element to be sure I had 'blown' it, before I change the element, when I noticed that the fan would also not run.....will the fan only operate if the element is ok?

Or, is it possible that I have blown a fuse, which I will have to replace first.

I ask the question because my PSU is located under the turret area....and obviously, I do not wish to disturb my wiring, if it is not necessary .I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.....Mick

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Mick
Yes there is a fuse for your smoker its a 5 amp in the power
supply unit.
There should be I think 5 Red Leds lit to show the fuses are ok.
You can get these from Halfords etc if not.
You can also check these type of fuses visually or with your meter.
You have a switch C which switches off the elements,the fan
will only work when the motors are turning the tracks,via the
yellow and blue cables and the little black relay.
With the smoker switch on the body of the smoker should get hot
after a short while,or slip the element out and carefully feel for
the heat,its a soldering iron element so heats up hot and fairly
quick.
Hope this helps and for deffinate the upgrade will be much better.
Let me know how you get on Mick
Cheers
Phil

[phil fitzpatrick]

Mick I forgot to tell you that the cable is B in your power supply
module to Smoker,so you can locate the fuse.
The switch C is shown in your Smoker manual.
Cheers
Phil