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Encouraged by the success of my turret basket, and on something of a roll, I tried to make a flex mount for the commanders .30 Browning. Lets just say I need to continue walking a little more before I try running

I have some scrap brass but little else to show for my efforts during Saturday.

Determined to get back in the saddle, today I have had a crack at the brush guards for my 2 pairs of headlamps.

Parts "pinned" ready for soldering


Finished guards, still need cleaning up. Legs are odd lengths but these will disappear once fitted through holes in the glacis.


I still haven't worked out how to achieve the headlamps themselves, but one day I'm sure I'll think of something. Im also going to have another go at the flex mount.....

Bye for now
Kevin

Nice job Kevin

A little more progress - basket finished and ready for the turret. I forgot the mounting plates which take the searchlight mounting bolts to keep it secure in the basket, but I can add those another time





I found a UK supplier for the mesh which Stephen White sourced in the US, at4d models in the City of London. http://modelshop.co.uk/

Slightest hint of a torch flame and the mesh started to melt, so it had to epoxied on. This became a bit messy as thick application was needed in places to ensure the mesh was firmly adhered. I was disheartened after the success (for me) of soldering the frame but once painted up it all looks ok. No close scrutiny and I'll get away with it!

Headlamp brush guards are primed and awaiting top coats - still no headlamps though

Next up, the IR searchlight. There are numerous photos around on the web etc but does anyone happen to have drawing / dimensions please? I believe it to be 22 inches, but guess that's diameter? I need depth including / excluding what looks like a clip on extension piece (shield?) on the front.

Thanks for looking.

Kevin

That don't look bad from where I'm sitting

Thanks Chris, although maybe I should have photographed the outside of the basket where the mesh joins the frame. You can't see the glue from these angles, I'll post another pic once it's hung on the turret.........
Kevin

Minor progress update.........


Turret basket now fitted to the rear of turret.... looks ok I think.



Headlamp brush guards painted and fitted. The actual lights still conspicuous by their absence but one of these days I hope to have a flash of inspiration. Once the lights are done I can tidy up the guard mounting holes (and straighten the guards a bit).

Still struggling a bit with the commanders MG mount although I do believe I'm getting there.

Anyone got good info for the IR searchlight perchance?

Cheers for now
Kevin

Kevin,
Those baskets and guards are really impressive! Nice work! Best regards
Bob

Kevin

Impressive work, it is nice when you build something from scratch and then fit it to the model and it looks that good. Well done.

David

Impressive Kevin, good to see and another set of skills in the bank for next time.

I've a few bits and pieces for the IR searchlight - I'll have a look in the IPL later.



















Good luck. See you at Bovvy in Oct?

Stephen

Thank you for your kind words Gents, means a great deal to this ham-fisted non-modeler. Now that I've started to venture beyond just bolting a kit together I'm enjoying the challenges and learning new stuff every day.....often the hard way but so what?

Stephen, thanks also for the searchlight pics. I have several from the 'net but the detail in yours is great. I just need one reference measurement - was it 22 inch diameter? You'll know for sure but to me it looks like a standard white light and the (optional?) clip on shroud has a filter to cut out all but IR?

Regarding Bovvy in October, yes I sincerely hope so. I will be there in person, but I need to resolve the logistics of crossing the channel with a tank in a modest hatchback. I haven't dared try so don't know if it will fit! Assuming it's all ok, then you can expect a Mk 11, of sorts.

Regards to all
Kevin