Pz III cupola

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:53 pm

Hello all!

I thought I would share something I have worked on for the last few weeks.

Using Panzer Tracts by Jentz and Doyle and
Sd.Kfz.141 Pz Kpfw.III by Waldemar Trojca

I created this cupola for the Pz III L & N on SolidWorks.
I than had it printed out on a SLA 3D Printer.

This is 1/6 scale, modeled after the factory drawings.

I have yet to do the view port glass mounts.
The hatch will be two part, cast in Aluminum as the hinges will.

The cupola is in six basic parts: upper deck, cupola cylinder, armored ring, lower visor cover, upper visor cover, mounting flange: eighteen parts in all. Yes the visors slide up and down.

The cupola a a bit smaller than the kit cupola. The turret deck will need to be modified.

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sat Jan 22, 2011 11:13 pm

Great to see these 3D printers making parts such as these - and you've obvisouly put a lot of work into the CAD side of things.

It's interesting that you've split it down into the separate parts - is that for casting purposes ?

BTW, I've emailed a picture of the Bovington Ausf N for your perusal.

Adrian.

Stephen White · Post by **Stephen White** » Sun Jan 23, 2011 3:17 pm

Brian

As we discussed, your cupola is just fantastic. The kit cupola is about 15mm oversized in diameter and yours looks just right.

The 3D printer route is very attractive. It's interesting that you can now get a 3D printer from RapMan in the UK for about the same price as it would cost to have a set of parts for something like your cupola made by a printing agency. Amortizing the cost of a 3D printer is difficult with low volume production but it might attractive to have one available within our community which could provide a service to run off our designs. Worth looking into at any rate.

But I'm full of admiration for the way you've taken the source drawings and created a very accurate replica. Great, Brian.

All the best

Stephen

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:57 pm

Stephen,

This is the 3D printer I am lookiing at,
much higher resolution.

http://www.zcorp.com/en/Products/3D-Pri ... spage.aspx

The RapMan is tempting, but I don't think it would work.

Brian

Jim Fowler · Post by **Jim Fowler** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:43 am

Brian,

That is Fantastic work!

Best Wishes,

Jim

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 7:59 pm

Hi Everyone,

Here are some pics of the Pz III cupola as it now stands. The Glasblok covers are movable.

I simply stuck the pieces togather for the pictures, which is the reason for the rubber band.

The photos are in sequence as I assembled the cupola.

I hope you like!

As you may have noticed the mounts for the armored cover handles are molded in. I used the design drawings from Waldemar Trojca's book "Sd.Kfz.141 Pz Kpfw III" an excelent referance. I also referred to the panzer tracts Pz III books, also excellent referances.

Also, I must extend a huge Thank You to Stephen White for his help and encouragement through out the project. He is a gent!

I am now working on casting Aluminum hatch covers and hinges for the cupola.

This project has weighed on me and it feels good to finally get it out for you all to see.

I hope you have enjoyed this.

Have a nice day!

Robert E Morey · Post by **Robert E Morey** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 11:42 pm

Brian,
that coupola looks awesome! Great color (primer)? I hope you sell a bunch of them. Kind regards,
Bob

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 2:35 am

Bob,
Thanks for the complements.

The color is good old "Rustoleum".

It seems to work well and has about the "right" color.

Cheers!

Jim Fowler · Post by **Jim Fowler** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 8:22 am

I have to also say that this cupola design is FANTASIC!

I hope you sell a bunch too....(GRIN!)

Thanks for the update!

Jim

Jim Fowler · Post by **Jim Fowler** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:28 pm

Hey Brian,

Any updates on the possibility of purchasing your cupola(s)?

Jim

John Cooper · Post by **John Cooper** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:52 am

Hi Brian

Your Cupola looks great, are you going to sell them ? what price and when will they be available.

Regards

John

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:19 pm

Hi John and Jim!

Yes, I intend to sell these. I am working on a few details yet, but will have things tied up in the next week.

Having moved 1500 miles, bought a house, set up shop and working on this stuff has taken me longer than I expected. I am working on the Pz III swingarms also, as well as a few other things. I finally have most of the equiptment I need (want) and can get on with it. Finally.

Thanks for the interest.

Have a nice day,
Brian

Jim Fowler · Post by **Jim Fowler** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 12:36 pm

Brian,

I understand. I apologize, I am a bit over-anxious. Please don't be too mad with me - the cupolais a tremendous part and your efforts to provide it to us is greatly appreciated....some are just better at waiting and not being a pain than I am - I think.....

THe truth is I may be facing a similar situation and wanted to ask because I am trying to think a head a bit - maybe just not doing it well....

Anyway, thanks for the update and please don't let my impatince throw you off in anyway.