Panzer III Cupola Woes

[Jim Fowler]

First, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Now on to the sulfur.....

This morning I sat down with all the parts for the commander's cupola and started looking at it. This is the first time I have ever really studied this sub assembly. After less than five minutes of comparing it to general references I have reached he obvious conclusion its "WAY" off in general shape (my opinion). And the vision slot/port covers are; well, not correct either (my opinion).

Now, be fore I start looking at fixing this, I want to first ask if someone has already looked at this - what is your opinions.

And, is there someone out there working on making/offering something better?

SOrry to be blunt about this - its early and I have not had enough coffee.

[Jim Fowler]

Well, I have studied the cupola a bit more; and, i have formulated a rework concept. I will give it a try.- let you know how I fare on it.

I put the turret panels together this morning; it proved to be just as moch a challange as Mark and Gill note it the instructions. But, as they sugget putting all the panels together in a loose fit and then "drawing" them down tight is the key. (I actually did it twice - first to test fit every thing; and, then again using JB Weld on all tyhe fasteners and seams.

I will put forth this tip: make sure all the counter-sink holes in the panels are deep enough - I did find a few during my test fit that need to be a bit deeper. That was an easy fix though with a hand drill and an appropriate counter-sink bit.

Now on to the filling and blocking (body-work) on the turret. I am letting my brother do that for me. He does a lot of body work and started telling me "how To" .... So I said, "You want to do it?" ....I hate that kind of work, and he seemed to want to do it.....

I guess he is going to use some high strength filler on it (AccraGlass)? All I know is its an epoxy-type body filler. I don't know it it matters as I have to tell you that with the turret panels drawn down tight - Its SOLID!

I'll keep you posted on it. And, if anyone has anything on the cupola - please let me know.

[Jim Fowler]

Well, I have studied the cupola a bit more; and, formulated a rework concept. I will give it a try later.- let you know how I fare on it.

I put the turret panels together this morning; it proved to be just as much a challange as Mark and Gill note it the instructions. But, as they suggest putting all the panels together in a loose fit and then "drawing" them down tight is the key. (I actually did it twice - first to test fit every thing; and, then again using JB Weld on all tyhe fasteners and seams. Now setting it aside for a day or two to dry.

I will put forth this tip: make sure all the counter-sink holes in the panels are deep enough - I did find a few during my test fit that need to be a bit deeper. That was an easy fix though with a hand drill and an appropriate counter-sink bit.

Next for the turret is filling and blocking (body-work). I am letting my brother do that for me. He does a lot of body work and started telling me "how To" .... So I said, "You want to do it?" ....I hate that kind of work, and he seemed to want to do it.....

I guess he is going to use some high strength filler on it (AccraGlass)? All I know is its an epoxy-type body filler. I don't know it it matters as I have to tell you that with the turret panels drawn down tight - Its SOLID! and the fill is just to get its surface appearance.

I'll keep you posted on it. And, if anyone has anything on the cupola - please let me know.