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Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 7th, 2017, 3:34 pm
by Corricon
In response to a previous post I thought I'd add a bit more detail on how this one will be achieved. I will be employing the SandSModels conversion kit yet again, however this time it is for the Airfix kit. Initially I built the hull up as per the Airfix instructions, leaving out the sponson gun:

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Next I laid the white metal parts out roughly where they were to go on the kit:

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Next I added the hull conversion parts and also dry fitted the tracks:

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The reason for dry fitting the tracks was to see if all the added metal would be weighty enough to allow the tank to sit down onto the tracks.
Next up will be the turret and jib assembly.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 7th, 2017, 4:48 pm
by JohnRatzenberger
That's a good point on checking how the white metal parts effect the tracks, and testing that before hand.

The T-2 / M-31 is one of my favorites. I long ago started a major conversion, to include full interior, of the Tamiya Lee but set it aside. It's still boxed up. Since Academy came out with a new Lee and a couple folks have new aftermarket for the T-2 conversion and since I've learned something about making tool chests and cabinets, I keep wanting to drag it all out again. Sigh ...

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 12th, 2017, 2:26 pm
by Corricon
As I'd just put the Cromwell aside to dry that I am making via the workbench window I thought, as I was in a 'building mood', I'd tackle the crane head and turret parts for this M31 TRV:

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Next up I will need extend the rear stowage boxes to the edge of the hull before I get to add some paint to it
More updates to follow.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 12th, 2017, 6:38 pm
by gnomemeansgnome
This is a very cool conversion.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 12th, 2017, 7:54 pm
by Corricon
This afternoon, just for once, I managed to get some more done to this one. The rear stowage boxes have now been extended to the rear and to outboard of the hull:

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Hopefully it'll get some paint tomorrow.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 12th, 2017, 9:36 pm
by gnomemeansgnome
I wonder if those dummy cannon barrels ever got in the way or fooled the enemy. Interesting conceit to have them, either way.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 14th, 2017, 1:39 pm
by Corricon
This has now had it's first coat of OD:

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Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 19th, 2017, 1:01 pm
by Corricon
There has been more progress with this.
First off I fitted the tracks and completed most of the paintwork:

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Then I fitted some extra stowage:

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This was then painted and it is also kleared ready for decals:

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Updates will follow.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 19th, 2017, 9:09 pm
by Corricon
A little more progress this evening and managed to get the markings applied. It now needs flatting down, a few touch ins and some weathering and it'll be complete:

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Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 20th, 2017, 12:37 pm
by ShaunW
Nice one. The S & S parts make for a good looking conversion.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 21st, 2017, 12:19 pm
by Corricon
Had a good session this morning and the TRV is complete, with some rigging, chain and a crew member:

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Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 21st, 2017, 5:25 pm
by ShaunW
Very nicely done, Corricon.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 22nd, 2017, 1:25 am
by ntrocket88
Excellent work!

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: September 22nd, 2017, 3:07 am
by gnomemeansgnome
Nice!

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Posted: October 5th, 2017, 7:36 pm
by PTB11
Excellent work. It looks great.